Disclaimer: I don't own Harry Potter & co. - just write what could have been. Thank you to those who did review - I am so happy you're enjoying thus far! But please continue to do so :) Reviews - thoughts, comments, etc., are always welcomed! Please review!

Chapter Sixteen

"I-I what?"

Hermione blanched at Harry's sudden question. She hadn't expected Harry to ask her anything regarding the university, especially since he wasn't the one who found the application. She had expected his anxiety stemming from something else – his job, his godson – anything else but her. Soon she felt her blood boiling within her, anger surging through her as a newly established energy source. Hermione quickly pieced the puzzle together. She knew she shouldn't have gotten out of bed this morning, but with the pending blond in her living room, she had to. However, instead of tracking him down and demanding what gave him the right to read her personal belongings after realizing what he had done, she hesitated. I should have known better. I should have tracked that ferrety arsehole and demanded what the hell he was doing in my things. And he had the audacity to go blabbing to Harry! Hermione internally seethed. Had she known that Malfoy would go running to Harry, a scenario she had least expected, she would have gone after him the moment she realized. Hermione began chewing on the inside of her cheek. Harry sighing on the other end of the mobile commanded her attention to him rather than an insufferable blond.

"Maybe we should talk face-to-face. I can go over. Or, or you can come here."

He said slowly.

"I'll go over right now. I'll be there soon."

She replied swiftly. There was no use pushing back the inevitable – Harry deserved answers despite how he got the information. Despite at the fury she felt for her former classmate.

"Alright. I'll be here."

Harry said, his tone breaming with sadness. Hermione's heart twinged at her best friend's tone, almost drawing blood as she continued to bite the inside of her cheek. She was going to tell Harry – and a few others – if she did get accepted and decided to move; it's not like she was going to disappear in the middle of the night, but now with the truth coming to light, it made her feel guilty. Hearing Harry's tone, all she felt was guilt, washing away the anger she had previously felt. Harry's my brother, how did I not tell him sooner? She thought to herself. They were all they had, both being only children and no longer having a relationship with their muggle families. While they both had close relationships with the Weasleys, she knew Harry found familiarity with her when it came to families as they technically didn't have any. Hermione's parents were lost to her and Harry's aunt and uncle were prejudiced muggle that made Harry's childhood a living hell. If by some chance they did break ties with the Weasley clan – their individual breakups causing more harm than good – they would still have each other. Hermione didn't get a chance to answer when the end tone signaled Harry ended the call. Hermione finally inhaled deeply, closing her eyes, as she let her emotions ride out within herself. She still felt guilty for keeping a secret such as this from Harry, but their impending conversation would soon elevate her from this feeling. She hoped he'd understand why she hadn't told anyone yet. Soon, anger was still one emotion she couldn't reign in and came tumbling back. She clenched the mobile in one hand and her fist in her free one. How fucking dare he? He had no right! Hermione screamed within herself. She hadn't felt this angry in such a long time and Hermione hated it. All she wanted to do was explain to Harry why she hadn't first told him and hex Malfoy for being an invasive prat. However, first thing first, she needed to speak to Harry. Opening her eyes and opting to bite her lower lip hard to stop herself from crying tears of frustration, Hermione took one more deep breath before returning to the small, usually welcoming Weasley dining room. She walked back inside to announce her departure. The cool, but rough wood underneath her free hand opening the door, the soft steps she took, grounded Hermione; she needed to keep it together long enough to leave.

"Sorry everyone, I have to go see Harry."

She said as soon as all eyes were on her. Both Ginny and Ron motioned to stand up but Hermione shook her head.

"He's alright, we just forgot we had an impending project for the auror department and mine."

The lie easily slipped out. Hermione quickly made her way to say goodbye to the Weasley patriarch and matriarch before leaving out the front door.

"Thank you for dinner."

Hermione finally said before disappearing from the front door, once again relieved that she was out of sight. However, she didn't get far when she heard the door opening behind her.

"Ginny, I'm okay, really. Harry – "

She started saying but stopped when she turned back around to face Ron. Standing in front of his front door, she could see the height difference between him and the wooden panel. He was out of his auror uniform, into a more lax, pullover and trousers. His ears were still pink, his ginger head slightly ruffled as if someone had gently touched it before he came looking for her, his blue eyes filled with worry, and he kept his hands inside his pants. In another life, he would be yours, the thought whispered to Hermione like an intoxicating siren sound. She mentally shook it out her head, reminding herself that he wasn't and it wasn't another life – it was hers.

"Hermione I'm sorry you had to find out like that."

He said, motioning to make his way towards her but he stopped before he could lift his foot fully. Involuntarily, Hermione took a step back. She sighed, shaking her head as she focused on his brown sneakers instead of his familiar face.

"It's okay, Ron. I knew you were bound to have someone new sooner or later."

She said. Instead of suffering for longer than needed, Hermione didn't waste any more time before turning back around.

"You make a nice couple."

She voiced her previous thought before walking away once more. Hermione held it together for as long as she could. She couldn't stop the tears from escaping as the empty feeling that encompassed her when she first saw the new couple together, resurfacing and growing tremendously. While Hermione was honest, about Ron finding someone else and how they made a picturesque couple, part of her wanted to ask for him back. She wanted the familiarity and the comfort that Ron had provided so many times before. She didn't act on her lonely thoughts, she wouldn't – she knew better. Ron deserved someone that fit his needs as she did deserved someone who fit hers. Hermione was walking away from him, his family, his comfort. But at least she was the one leaving this time. Disapparating, she left a very relieved, but guilt-ridden Ronald Weasley standing in front of his childhood home.

[-]

The entire day, Harry Potter was stressed. Despite spending the day with his godson, who usually cheered him up and wiped his stressful thoughts about work or his busy schedule, he couldn't stop thinking about Hermione leaving. While she hadn't decided if she was going to leave for North America or not, the possibility of her leaving had Harry in a tizzy to say the least. If Andromeda had noticed, she didn't say anything, and sooner than later, it was evening. Andromeda had invited Harry to dinner but Harry politely declined and the Black sister didn't probe. Now, alone in the kitchen where he first received the anxiety-induced news, Harry leaned against the kitchen table, nursing a firewhiskey. He knew Hermione hated the limelight like he did, he knew she didn't take the break-up well, she knew she had the tendency in retreating within herself, but she didn't think she'd leave. He thought he knew her better than that. Apparently not, Harry bitterly thought. Taking a heavy sip, Harry finished his drink and decided to wait for Hermione in the unused dining room. There was a long, dark wooden table with at least ten chairs around it. Narcissa had told him this is where the family had dinner, not the kitchen, but Harry didn't think he needed such a large space. Any large assembly he attended wasn't hosted by him nor did anyone think Grimmauld Place, but Narcissa told him to better be prepared than not. He let Narcissa and the interior designer do what they pleased with the dining room. They had only kept the table, everything else was new. The wallpaper encompassing the room was a dark blue with the Black family crest embedded in it like tiny stamps littered around the room. Harry had told Narcissa that the family crest could be present but the motto was to not be, Toujours Pur, and Narcissa agreed – to Harry's surprise. There was a small, metal bar cart on the far end of the room where it homed multiple liquors and wines that Harry rarely tried – he thought they were all for show. Underneath the giant table was a silver rug that complimented the dark colors of the room. All in all, Harry had liked the work that the Malfoy matriarch and interior designer had put into remodeling his home. She was one of the reasons Harry started being in the company of Draco and Theo and Blaise by association. While the matriarch had never pushed Harry for friendship with her son, Harry could tell she was pleased they were friendly acquaintances at least. Harry sighed before pulling out the heavy, wooden seat and sitting down at the head of the table, an involuntary decision. Not long, he heard the tell-tale crack of an apparation and the wards tingling within him.

"In here."

He bellowed so Hermione knew where to look. The house echoed his words, a handy charm Narcissa had told Harry about when he became owner of the Black family property. He had tried to give it to Andromeda and then her, as they were the last Blacks in England, but they both declined. Andromeda stated she wouldn't leave the home she and Ted had shared after she left her family and Narcissa stated the same about Malfoy Manor; both witches had pointed out that Sirius, rightful Black heir, had left it to him in his will. It didn't take long for Hermione to find him and suddenly his best friend was in front of him, tears in her eyes; Harry instantaneously felt awful. Hermione wasn't the first to let out tears when things got tough so seeing his best friend in such a state was alarming.

"Hermione?"

He asked, standing up quickly and she didn't hesitate to crash into him. He automatically wrapped his arms around her as the smaller framed witch clung to him.

"Harry, I'm so sorry!"

She said. Her arms wrapped around his middle and her curly head tickled his chin.

"I was going to tell you if I got accepted! I-I wasn't going to leave without telling you if I even did."

She continued, her cries continuing. Harry tightened his hold on her at her words and cries before replying.

"'Mione, shhh, calm down."

He immediately started soothing her, rubbing her back. While he had been upset that she kept her possible move from her – in fear of losing another person, not because she wasn't entitled to her own life – that feeling quickly dissipated seeing how distress she was. Hermione burrowed her head against his chest as he continued his administrations.

"'Mione I'm not mad at you. I… I was just worried."

Harry said after a few more moments of her crying. Hermione looked up at him, stepping back slightly but not entirely out of his embrace.

"Worried?"

She whispered. Her brown eyes were red rimmed, her nose and cheeks were a darker shade than her normal, brown, and she wouldn't stop biting the bottom of her lip. Harry nodded slowly, letting one arm fall from her but kept the right arm hanging onto her.

"I don't want to lose my sister."

He said. This only caused fresh tears to sprout from Hermione's eyes and she quickly hugged him again.

"You could never lose me, Harry."

She whispered. Harry nodded, closing his eyes and letting his head rest on top of her soft head at her reassurance. After a few more moments, Hermione stopped openly crying and starting regaining composure. Harry's heart thudded loudly against him as he asked his next question – the real source of his building anxiety.

"Are you going to go?"

He asked softly. Another few moments passed, every second dredging longer than the previous. Finally, Hermione detangled herself from his arms, but still kept her arms on his own, peering up at him as he looked down at.

"I don't know."

She answered honestly, biting the inside of her cheek despite it hurting already from previous abuse. Harry nodded once, allowing a slight smile to form on his lips.

"You'll be brilliant anywhere."

He said causing Hermione to smile back at him. She laughed softly before letting her arms fall as Harry did the same. Now that the topic was out in the open to her closest friend, she couldn't help but want to discuss with him.

"There's actually another school I was looking into, but it isn't muggle."

She confessed. This piqued the black-headed wizard's interest and he offered her a chair. Hermione sat down in the first chair in front of her and Harry sat next to her. Staring at her lap for brief second, holding her hands together, before vocalizing her inner struggle, Hermione said softly,

"It's a magical school in the Auvergne mountains called La Guerison Souvenir. It's a French healing academy specializing in memories."

[-]

All hell broke loose as soon as Ron stepped back into the Weasley home; Ginny and Molly watched Hermione disapparate away, knowing whatever conversation that took place with her and Ron was between them. Ginny wasted no time in expressing herself as she quickly stood up from her chair and threw her cloth napkin at her brother's head; it caught him as soon as he sat down and his face flamed in embarrassment. Molly glared at her only daughter while Arthur offered a smile to Padma's shocked expression. George started laughing loudly despite the glares of his mother, and weary look of his father, and Percy continued eating as if nothing was happening.

"I'm finished."

Was all Ginny said before smoothly turning around, attempting to storm off but her mother's quick thinking stopped her. Molly froze her into place with a quiet Immobulus.

"Oi! That was uncalled for!"

Ron yelled as he threw the napkin off himself. George was snickering into his water cup and Percy shook his head at his siblings' antics, placing his fork down. They all knew the youngest were the most dramatic, most hot-headed of the clan, but Molly assumed they would have some sense of decency in the presence of, if not, Hermione, at least Padma. While George seemed the only one to make light of the situation – how couldn't he? – the older Weasleys knew what was coming. Molly Weasley hated for her dinner to be interrupted, especially if one of her own caused it.

"Padma, dear, can you please help Percy and George set a table outside for dessert and drinks? Thank you."

Molly said sweetly, looking at the slightly confused, slightly hesitant younger witch. She offered no room for a decline and Padma wasn't going to give one either. She nodded eagerly, giving Ron a sympathetic look before standing up to leave with George and Percy. Both boys waited for her at the door before they disappeared into the fresh air. As soon as they were outside, Arthur cast a nonverbal Silencio and Molly stood up.

"Finite incantatem."

She said, pointing her cedar wand at Ginny to release her from her previous charm. Before the youngest could also leave, Molly snapped.

"Have you two no decency?! Ginevra Weasley how dare you erupt in the middle of dinner! Did you see the look of mortification on poor Hermione's face?! And this is your best impression on Ron's new girlfriend?!"

Molly yelled at her youngest and Ginny stared at her mother in defiance. Ginny opened her mouth to retort that while she had in hindsight didn't think of Hermione's feelings, she didn't give one rat's arse about Ron's new girlfriend's impression on her. However, she quickly swallowed her retort and closed her moth at her mother's glacial stare. Ron couldn't help but smirking at the scene before him but it quickly left when Molly turned to him.

"And you, Ronald Weasley! Your sister wouldn't have acted the way she did if not for your prodding! Not only did you bring your new girlfriend to dinner with your ex one currently still here, but you also made them both uncomfortable and I'd be thoroughly surprised if they come back at all!"

Molly yelled at him and Ron physically deflated at his mother's words. Ginny crossed her arms over her chest, her defiance leaving at her mother's accurate words. She avoided looking at either family member as she felt guilt slowly creeping up on her. She hated being scolded, even if she was wrong.

"Oh nothing to say now?"

Molly asked rhetorically. After a few more uncomfortable moments, Arthur inhaled deeply, standing up, and placed a calming hand on his wife's shoulder. The war hadn't changed Arthur Weasley much, but instead of leaving the scolding to his wife as he had previous years, he started to back her up. Time was precious and while Arthur didn't like the taste of reprimanding his grown children, he also wanted to see them grow and become proper adults.

"Your mother is right, children. Ginny, go apologize to Padma. Ron, get the dessert from the table and butterbeers as well."

The looks from both parents offered no room for more argument and both Weasley children did as they were told. Ron slowly grabbed the lemon cake his mother made and a quiet hoovering charm let the butterbeers flow behind him while Ginny quickly left to do what she as told – mostly to be out of sight. Molly sighed deeply when Ron left outside, the last butterbeer floating behind him.

"Did you see her face, Arthur?"

She asked quietly to her ever-comforting husband. He squeezed her shoulder lightly before taking her hand, leading them both outside.

"She's a strong one, Molly."