A/N: I do not own any character references by JK Rowling in the Harry Potter series. This story is a product of my pure imagination.

We can plant a memory garden
Say a solemn prayer
Place a poppy in my hair
There's no morning glory
It was war, it wasn't fair
And we will never go back to that

~ The Great War by Taylor Swift

*~*~* May 2, 1998 *~*~*

"I'm putting the Elder Wand," Harry told Dumbledore, watching him with enormous affection and admiration, "Back where it came from. It can stay there. If I die a natural death like Ignotus, its power will be broken, won't it? The previous master will never have been defeated. That'll be the end of it."

Hermione watched Dumbledore nod as Harry, and he smiled at each other.

"Are you sure?" said Ron in disbelief as he looked longingly at the Elder Wand.

"I think Harry's right," Hermione said quietly.

"That wand's more trouble than it's worth," Harry stated, "And quite honestly," he turned away from the painted portraits, "I've had enough trouble for a lifetime. I think we all have. All I want to do is go up to the tower, curl under the covers in my old bed, and sleep until I can't sleep anymore." *Deathly Hallows by JK Rowling

Ron swallowed hard, "I'm going to find Mum and Dad."

"Go, you'll know where to find us," Hermione said as she hugged him.

Ron swallowed and held onto her, then left the headmaster's office.

Harry looked at Hermione, "One last trip through the school under the cloak? For old times' sake? We are going to put it back where it belongs."

"Let's go before it gets too light out," Hermione said as he took it from his bag and put it over them.

"Wait, I wonder if when the protective enchantments fell, if they all did?" Harry wondered aloud as he put his arm around her, and they suddenly were at Dumbledore's tomb. It was obvious that Harry was exhausted as a loud crack echoed as they appeared.

Hermione squeezed his hand as he stepped onto the tomb's base and hoisted himself up, laying the Elder Wand back into its rightful resting place. Jumping down together, he and Hermione floated the heavy stone back into place to cover his body.

"I'm not sure how to seal it," Harry admitted, his shoulder bumping into her own.

Hermione held up her wand, "Strictas Clausium."

With a grinding of the stone, the stone sealed for hopefully the last time. As the last of the echo through the air ended, Harry stumbled.

Hermione grabbed his arm, "Harry, are you okay?"

"I'm just ready to take a long rest," Harry mumbled as Hermione watched his eyes roll into the back of his head as she tried to catch him before he hit the ground.

"Harry!" Hermione gasped as she fell to the ground and laid his head in her lap. Feeling for a pulse, it was racing under her fingers, "Harry! Please wake up."

"Myee," Harry slurred, "Tired."

Hermione held onto him and apparated directly into the Great Hall, still acting as triage, "Madam Pomfrey! Someone! Help!"

A healer ran forward from a victim and gasped when they saw who was in her arms.

"Harry!" Ron yelled as he ran forward to her.

"Step aside, Mr. Weasley," Madam Pomfrey stated as she held him back and walked over to Hermione, casting a spell over Harry, "His magical core is exhausted and unstable. Miss Granger, you must come with us," Madam Pomfrey said as she conjured a stretcher and floated him onto it, "His magic is reaching out to yours, and your core is keeping him stable."

"Of course," Hermione said as Ron followed them as Pomfrey floated Harry to the Hospital Wing.

*~*~* May 4, 1998 *~*~*

Hermione blinked away the heavy, weights holding down her eyelids and tried not to groan out loud as all the aches and pains hit her fully.

"Miss Granger, you are awake. I'm Healer Nelson. I have some pain relieving potions for you," The healer, barely older than herself, said as she held out a vial for Hermione.

Hermione groaned as she sat up against the bed's headboard, "Where is everyone?" Hermione asked as she took the vial, shuttering as she downed it, looking around to see Harry in the bed next to her, and Ron was in a chair on the other side of Harry's bed, fast asleep. Other than the privacy screen beside her bed, no one else appeared in the Hospital Wing.

"We transferred everyone else to St. Mungos, or they were released. You and Mr. Potter have been out for two days," Healer Nelson told her as Madam Pomfrey exited her office.

"At least you are awake. How are you feeling, Miss Granger?" Madam Pomfrey asked as she took her wrist to check her pulse.

"Like I could sleep more. I was out for two days?" Hermione asked.

"You brought Mr. Potter here to the Hospital Wing, and as soon as you let go of his hand, you passed out due to sheer exhaustion and malnutrition. I'm not sure what you all have been up to this year, but it took a toll on both your bodies," Pomfrey told her.

Hermione looked over at Harry, "Has he woken up?"

"Briefly in a nightmare. It took Mr. Weasley and myself to settle him down to believe whatever he saw was unreal. We had to force-feed him a dreamless sleep potion. He needs rest," Madam Pomfrey explained, "If you need me, I'll be in my office inventorying."

Hermione closed her eyes and tried to shake off the exhaustion when she heard Harry's breath catch. Opening her eyes, she looked over, and their eyes met. Throwing her covers from her body, she jumped out of bed despite her body's protest and threw her arms around him.

"Oh, Harry!" Hermione said as his arms went around her.

"Are you okay? Why are we in the hospital wing?" Harry asked, smoothing down her hair.

"Between being on the run and the battle, you hit magical and physical exhaustion. Somehow, your magic reached out to mine, and after I helped you up here, I passed out myself," Hermione told him as there were footsteps in the hallway, and they both looked up to see Ginny in the doorway.

"Ginny, how are you?" Hermione asked as Harry let her go, and she sat up.

"Bloody hell, you two are awake," Ron said as he sat up and swore as his back cracked.

Ginny walked over to them and sat at the end of Harry's bed at his feet, "We were so worried. I'm sorry I wasn't here too when you woke up, but Mum," Ginny trailed off.

Hermione touched her hand, "How is your Mum?"

"About how you would expect. I'm more worried about George, honestly," Ginny confessed.

Ron leaned forward on Harry's bed, and Hermione moved to stand beside him, "Did he come home last night?"

Ginny said, "No, I went to his and Fred's apartment too. He wasn't there. I don't know where he stayed. The clock says traveling. Hopefully, he comes home soon and doesn't do anything rash."

Ron scoffed, "It's George. He will be fine."

Hermione sat down and set her hand on Ron's as it rested on Harry's bed, "Ron, it's his twin. His identical counterpart. He never will be okay. He never will move on from it."

"None of us will be able to," Ginny said sadly.

Harry held out his arms, and Ginny lay beside him on his chest.

Hermione swallowed hard as a wave of sadness swept over her, and Ron ran his thumb over the back of her hand as he looked up at her.

*~*~* May 22, 1998 *~*~*

Hermione was sitting on her old bed in the Gryffindor common room, reading a book she found in the library after they had repaired it. Within it, it held spells that could help improve a house and common household spells that could be useful in the future. After spending the last few weeks repairing the castle's surrounding buildings and attending multiple funerals for those lost in the final battle, Hermione was physically and mentally exhausted.

The door to the girl's dormitory flew open, hitting the wall behind it with a loud bang, and Hermione sat up, wand at the ready, curse on her lips before she saw it was Harry.

"Bloody Hell, Harry. I nearly cursed you," Hermione stated as she set her wand down and tried to calm her racing heart.

"Sorry, I just had to get away, and I knew they wouldn't find me here," Harry said as he threw himself on one of the extra beds after shutting the door behind her.

Hermione's eyes narrowed at him, "How did you get up the stairs?"

"Ginny and I discovered the enchantment must have been broken in battle," Harry told her as he fluffed the pillow under his head.

Hermione blushed, "I don't want to know why you came up here with Ginny."

Harry groaned, "Nothing like that. She was upset after Fred's funeral and cried herself to sleep on my shoulder. I started walking her up the stairs before I realized it, and it didn't turn into a slide. Have you brought Ron up here?"

Hermione sighed as she returned to her book, "It's not like that… yet. There is just so much pain there still. It feels wrong to start up a relationship right away. Fred, Remus, Tonks… they are barely cold in the dirt, but we are expected to move on like nothing happened?"

Harry bit his lip, looking up towards the ceiling, "Ginny is the opposite," Harry admitted, "She is trying to take everything too fast. I'm not… I'm not ready for that. I close my eyes and still see the spell coming at me. In a way, I still feel the ache in my chest where he killed me. She wants to snog and forget about everything, but how can we?"

Hermione closed her book and sat up. She walked over to Lavender's former bed and sat on it, crossing her legs, "We all need to heal in our own way. She is my friend, but don't let her tell you how you need to heal. Be there for her in a way you find appropriate for you."

Harry sat up and rested his elbows on his folded legs, "Hermione, what are you going to do for the future?"

Hermione bit her lip, "I'm not sure, honestly. I have been in contact with Kingsley when he could talk to me. First, I need to go to Australia and find my parents. While not every Death Eater was caught, most have been either killed or captured. Kingsley said most of the ones who haven't, are giving lists of those still out there. While the threat is not completely gone, I think I should give them the chance to come home or stay there. Kingsley said he will get me an international portkey when I'm ready if I want it."

Harry frowned as he came over to sit beside her, "You would portkey to Australia? I could only imagine how horrid that would be."

Hermione took his hand and sighed, "It wouldn't be one portkey, but multiple. England to Rome, Rome to Egypt, Egypt to Pakistan, Pakistan to Bangladesh, Bangladesh to Malaysia, Malaysia to Darwin, Australia, which is their customs, then I'd be able to enter the capitol of Australia, Canberra."

"Why couldn't you just go by plane?" Harry asked, nudging her shoulder, "You have a passport, right?"

"Of course, but that is a long flight on my own. I called Heathrow when I went into Hogsmeade the other day, and it would be over $800 and over a day of travel," Hermione told him, "Heathrow to Germany, Germany to Singapore, then Singapore to Sydney. The Ministry of Magic is in Canberra, the capital, so I have to fly into Canberra. At least with Portkey travel, it will only be a few hours of traveling time. I'll have to fly if I can talk my parents into returning home."

Harry looked at her, surprised, "Hogsmeade has a telephone?"

"It is inside Hog's Head. Alberforth, I'd assume, fashioned it," Hermione said, returning to her bed and book, and Harry laid back down.

"Oye! Hermione, are you up there?"

Hermione sighed as she set her book down, and Harry sat up, groaning, "I'm never going to finish this chapter."

"McGonagall is down here wanting to talk!" Ron yelled.

Harry moved over to her bed and laid across the foot of it, "Think if we are quiet enough, no one will know we are here?"

"But I will, Mr. Potter."

Harry jumped up, "Professor McGonagall! I can explain why I'm up here."

McGonagall smiled, "Mr. Potter, you are currently not a student, and it is technically summer holiday. The stairs are not enchanted during the summer."

"Oh," Harry said, looking at Hermione, who was grinning, "Let me guess, it's in Hogwarts: A History?"

"Actually, it is," Hermione said as she looked at McGonagall, "Yes, Professor, what do you need?"

"Could you both please join me downstairs in the common room?" McGonagall asked.

Hermione followed McGonagall and Harry down the stairs, only to meet Ron at the bottom of them.

"Bloody Hell, Harry. How were you up there with Hermione?" Ron asked.

Harry shrugged, "The slide is disabled in the summer."

"WHY were you up there with Hermione?" Ron asked suspiciously.

"Because it's the only bloody place I have found some peace!" Harry said, clenching his jaw.

Ginny got off the couch, walked over to him, and put her arms around his waist, "It's okay, Harry. It's just us here."

Hermione tried not to glare at her, knowing she was part of the reason.

McGonagall cleared her throat, "No matter, I wish to converse with all of you. Could you please have a seat?"

The four of them settled onto the couch, and the portrait opened as Kingsley climbed through, "Good, you found him," Kingsley's deep voice said, sending chills down Hermione's spine.

Hermione felt Harry stiffen beside her, and she moved her hand so that her pinky was touching his hand, and he took her pinky in his own.

Kingsley looked at the four of them sitting on the couch, "You all look like I'm about to tell you that I'm sending you all to Azkaban. Relax."

Hermione swallowed, "Kingsley, what is it?"

"I just wanted to discuss your options for the future," Kingsley told them, "I want you to know you have options. Ginny, I know you were here this last year."

"We have canceled exams, and no students need to worry about the results," McGonagall informed them as she sat in one of the armchairs.

"The Ministry of Magic is offering to those who fought in the final battle a direct route into the ministry," Kingsley explained, nodding to them, "Ron, Harry, you both, and Neville have been offered a spot in the Auror's academy."

"What?!" Ron said in disbelief, "We don't have to take our 7th year after all?"

Kingsley looked straight at her, "Hermione, you as well. We will find a spot for you in the ministry," Kingsley informed her, "Whatever field you choose."

Hermione swallowed hard, "Actually, I was thinking of returning in September if Hogwarts reopens."

"Oh, we will reopen," McGonagall told her, smiling, "Hogwarts will be here for those who want to learn."

Ginny looked across from Harry to Hermione, "We will be roommates just like at home!"

Kingsley started talking about the Auror academy and what it entailed, such as pay and hours, but Hermione could only feel how stiff Harry was next to her.

Hermione turned and looked at Harry, "Harry, are you okay?"

Everyone looked at Harry, who looked as if he was about to get sick, "I don't want to be an Auror yet," Harry confessed.

Ron looked at him as his eyes widened, "What do you mean you don't want to be an Auror? We just spent the last year on the run basically being Aurors, avoiding the bad guys so that we could get the bad guys."

"Ron, that is exactly why I need a break!" Harry said as he jumped up, "Think about it. We battled a troll and Voldemort the first year. The second year, Voldemort and the Chamber of Secrets. The third year was the most normal year of schooling, and I thought Sirius was trying to murder me the whole time! Remember you broke your bloody leg!" Harry yelled.

"Harry-" Ron started as Harry cut him off as he started pacing, "Fourth year, Voldemort again, as I tried to stay alive in the Triwizard tournament, and wouldn't you know, I was tortured to bring him back to fucking life in from of my eyes by the bastard my parents called a best friend. If that wasn't enough damage, in the fifth year, what do you know, Voldemort again, and Sirius died when I finally thought I'd be done with the Dursleys!"

Ginny looked at Hermione wide-eyed in disbelief as Hermione sat back to let Harry finally get all his built-up feelings off his chest.

Harry threw his arms up, "Then Voldemort was gaining strength last year. I was being mind raped all year by Voldemort and Snape," Harry explained as McGonagall gasped, "Dumbledore died in front of me, then the battle of Hogwarts happened. This year, we were running for our lives trying to find the damn Horcruxes, and then to top it all off, I fucking died! I fucking died and came back to life only to have to murder him in the end, just like was prophesied since I was a damn baby. So yes, I'm not at the present wanting to go straight into the Auror academy," Harry said as he folded his arms over his chest.

"Well, Potter, what do you want to do?" McGonagall asked after a few minutes of silence, and Harry finally sat back down on the couch.

"I don't know," Harry admitted as Hermione squeezed his hand, "It's morbid to say, but I guess I didn't honestly expect to live long enough to have to make this choice."

"Oh, Harry," Ginny said sadly.

Hermione turned and hugged him, trying not to cry herself.

*~*~* June 2, 1998 *~*~*

After searching the entire castle for Harry, Hermione couldn't find any trace of him. So she did something she had never done before: she broke into the boys' dormitory. The room lit itself as she entered, and she sighed as she saw his things sitting on his bed with his trunk at the end. No Neville, Ron, Seamus, or Dean to reside here with him. She shook her head and broke into Harry's trunk with an easy alohomora. Finding the Marauder's Map, she quickly located him after folding out a couple of portions since they were the only people left in the castle besides the handful of professors. Tucking everything back properly, she closed his trunk and left his room.

A quick lumos and she was quickly walking down the corridor and took the shortcut behind the portrait of Burford the Great. Racing down it with a sick feeling in her stomach, she broke out into a run as she pushed open a portrait on the other side. The person within the painting yelled at her as she rushed to the door to the Astronomy tower. Wrenching it open, she rushed up the remaining three flights, and the door splintered as it hit the tower wall.

Hermione's heart dropped into her stomach as she saw Harry standing at the tower's edge, looking down at the ground below, "Harry, no!"

Harry looked back as Hermione grabbed and pulled him onto the tower floor.

"Bloody hell, Hermione! What was that?" Harry asked as his back hit the ground, and she groaned, grabbing her head as her own bounced off the tower floor.

"I just saw you standing there, and I thought you were trying to jump," Hermione told him as she looked at her hand, "Oh God, I'm bleeding."

Harry scrambled to his knees and looked at the blood on her hand, then put his own to the curls on the back of her head. He felt wetness, and her curls were growing more wet and covered in blood, "We need to get you to Pomfrey now."

Harry picked her up and apparated her directly into the hospital wing, causing Pompfrey to scream at their sudden appearance as she grabbed her chest.

"Potter! What are you… Miss Granger, what happened to her? Put her over here," Madam Pomfrey told him, directing him to a bed.

"She fell and hit her head hard," Harry explained as he gently laid her on the bed and ran his hand over the back of her head again, coming away with more blood on his hand.

"I think I'm going to be sick," Hermione mumbled as she turned and threw up.

"Out! Out!" Pomfrey yelled at Harry as she rushed him out, and her assistants came running as she barked orders.

Numbly, Harry stumbled out of the hospital wing and collapsed on the floor next to the door as they shut behind him. Putting his head in his hands, he cried for the first time since he and Hermione were at Godric's Hallow. Rapid footsteps made him raise his head as McGonagall appeared.

"Potter! Do you know who apparated into... is that blood on you?" McGonagall asked in disbelief.

"Hermione," Harry stated, his heart pounding as McGonagall entered the hospital wing.

A few minutes later, more steps echoed as someone approached slower, but Harry didn't look up from the floor.

"Bloody hell, is that blood?"

Harry looked up at Ron with tears still on his face, "Hermione is hurt, Ron."

Ron rushed into the hospital wing and was immediately sent back out, "Merlin's beard, Harry, what happened?"

"She thought… I was up on the Astronomy tower to think, and she thought I was jumping, so she pulled me off the railing and, damn her, didn't even try to prevent herself from getting hurt as we fell. She was bleeding so bad, Ron," Harry said in disbelief as he looked at his blood-crusting hands.

Ron knelt before Harry, "Harry, we need to get you cleaned up."

"What if she dies, Ron?" Harry asked, staring at the wall past Ron, "We can't live without her."

"It's Hermione. She isn't going to die. She will make a new Hallows and tell Death to kick it to the curb before that happens. Harry, you are scaring me, mate. Let's go get you cleaned up," Ron said slowly.

Harry stumbled to his feet, and Ron had to support him as he led Harry to the boy's bathroom. As if he were a child, Ron had to walk him through washing his hands, and it took two scourgify spells before Harry's hands were red and spotless.

"It was so much blood," Harry gasped.

"Come on, I'm sure Pomfrey has her all fixed up now," Ron said as he walked Harry out of the bathroom back down to the Hospital Wing. Along the way, Harry tripped over his feet twice and acted as if he was not controlling his body.

As they reached the doors to the Hospital Wing, they opened, and McGonagall emerged, "I was just about to come to find you both. She is asking for you."

Ron walked ahead of Harry and leaned over, kissing Hermione's forehead, "Hey there. How are you feeling?"

Hermione looked around him, "I'm alright. I'm more concerned about Harry. Come here, please," Hermione said, reaching for him.

Harry came to the foot of her bed and frowned, "I'm so sorry, it's all my fault."

"No, it's not your fault. It's mine. All you were doing was minding your business, and I overreacted," Hermione told him, her hands folding in her lap as he came no closer, "So I am sorry."

Ron sat down on Hermione's bed and took her hand in his. Hermione almost pulled her hand away in haste but tried to relax. His hands were not rough like Harry's, who held years of calluses and scars on his hands. She had never held a boy's hand before Harry and Ron other than Victor Krum at the Yule Ball. Harry's hands reminded her of Victor's. Roughened through labor and Quidditch. Ron's hands felt foreign in her touch. Foreign but new.

"Are you sure you're okay?" Harry asked.

Hermione nodded, trying not to show the dizziness it brought on, "Go, I know you have a date with Ginny today."

Ron looked at Harry with narrowed eyes, "A date with Ginny? Where?"

Harry blushed, "It's not exactly a date. She is coming here, and we are going to the Three Broomsticks, that is all. Are you sure you are okay?" Harry asked Hermione, concerned.

"I'll be fine. I'm already almost better," Hermione told him with a smile.

"Okay, but send me a patronus, Ron, if you need me," Harry told them as he looked at his watch and swore when he saw he was late, "Bye."

Ron looked at Hermione after Harry left, "So, who do you think will get married first? Them or us?"

Hermione choked on her spit, coughing as she sputtered, "Ron, it's a little premature to think of marriage!"

"I'm just joking. Merlin's saggy balls, Hermione, calm down," Ron said as she closed her eyes, trying to get her heart to stop racing, "You are probably tired. I'll leave and let you get some rest. Do you think Pomfrey will release you soon?"

"The usual is overnight," Hermione told him as she opened her eyes.

Ron leaned over her and kissed her forehead, "Get some rest. I'm going home to check on Mom. Are you sure you don't need me?"

"Get out of here," Hermione said as she closed her eyes, "I'm just going to sleep anyway."

The next time Hermione opened her eyes, the door was shutting to the hospital wing after Ron had slipped out of it. Sighing, she rolled over onto her side.

*~*~* June 3, 1998 *~*~*

The doors to the hospital wing opened as gentle morning light filtered through the windows onto the white linens that covered the rest of the beds. Wincing at the light as it hit her eyes as the door creaked, Hermione saw Ron enter the hospital wing with a bouquet of wildflowers. Hermione couldn't help but smile as she saw a few roots and dirt clumps hanging from them, which would get Ron thrown out of the sterile environment if Madam Pomfrey saw them.

"Hey," Ron said as he met her eyes and walked over to her.

Hermione smiled back with slightly squinted eyes, "Hi, Ron."

He approached her bed and held out the bouquet of wildflowers, "Umm, I picked these for you at home."

Hermione reached over and grabbed a quill. Picking up her wand, she transfigured it into a vase. With a quick aquamenti, she filled the vase and took the flowers from him, placing them in the vase, "Thank you, Ron. They are beautiful."

Ron scratched the back of his head, and there was a moment of slightly uncomfortable silence, "Hermione… I was really worried."

Hermione smiled, "I know, Ron. I just overreacted about Harry. With everything we have gone through, I am waiting for the shoe to drop."

"Why would the shoes drop?" Ron asked, confused.

Hermione sighed, "Muggle saying. Does the wizarding world have therapists?"

Ron looked at her, "Since I have no clue what that is, no."

"There are no healers that deal with mental help?" Hermione asked, surprised.

"Mind healers deal with cruciatus curse and obliviation. I mean, we saw Neville's parents and Lockhart," Ron told her with a frown, "Why, what about the muggle world?"

"There is something called post-traumatic stress disorder that they treat with drugs and talk therapy," Hermione told him.

"It's amazing how different our worlds are," Ron said as Hermione frowned.

"Our worlds? As in your world compared to mine?" Hermione asked, stunned.

Ron looked at her surprised, "No, I mean the magic world from the muggle. Are you being released?"

Heels clicked on the floor behind them as Madam Pomfrey appeared from her office, "Yes, Mr. Weasley, under explicit instructions to take it easy and to let everyone else worry about the castle for a few days. Now, Mr. Weasley, go take Miss Granger to the Great Hall for breakfast and make sure that she relaxes today," Madam Pomfrey instructed, "If you have any major dizziness or fainting, please let me know."

"Thank you, Madam Pomfrey," Hermione said as Madam Pomfrey left, and Hermione looked down at her nightgown with her dressing gown over the top, "I need to go change. My clothes have blood all over them, which isn't suitable for the Great Hall."

"Hermione, it will just be me, Ginny, and Harry. No one is going to care," Ron said as he offered her a hand, and she took it standing up.

Hermione looked herself over and was thankful that the dressing gown was at least tasteful and her nightgown was the same pattern as her school skirts. After so many years of wearing the same outfit, it was hard to break the habit.

"Fine, just take it easy," Hermione said as she took his arm, "I didn't want to say it, but I'm a little dizzy sometimes. I'll be fine," She defended when she saw his face, "I just don't want to lie around in here when I can be in the common room lying around. The less I am in here after the basilisk and the cat incident, the better."

Slowly, Ron led Hermione down the stairs and into the Great Hall, where only two tables were set up. The Head table was still in the same place for the staff, and one small table sat in the large Great Hall for them. The whole room was bathed in soft light as the morning sun came through the stained glass windows that could be seen without the ceiling's enchantment. After the Great Hall had been repaired, the battle had still left its mark as the bare ceiling and rafters could be seen. Ron pulled her chair out, and Hermione sat down as Ginny and Harry appeared holding hands, walking into the Great Hall.

"Hey! Hands off my sister!" Ron joked.

Hermione held her ears as his voice echoed through her head, causing her headache to return, "Ron, volume."

Harry pulled Ginny's chair out and sat next to Hermione, setting his hand on her shoulder, causing her to jump as a spark flew into her shoulder, "How are you feeling?"

Reaching for the goblet in front of her after it had magically filled, she took a sip, "Just a slight headache. I'll be fine. No worse for the wear considering the past few months."

Hermione swallowed hard, cursing her awakening hormones as Harry ran his fingers down her shoulder and arm before taking her hand to squeeze it. She prayed he couldn't feel her heartbeat through her skin as it increased.

"If you need anything, please let me know," Harry told her, looking at her with his kind green eyes.

Hermione smiled, "Don't feel guilty, Harry, I'm fine."

In front of them, the platter was suddenly covered with crepes, waffles, sausages, bacon, and eggs. Ron and Ginny dug in quickly as Harry stared at her, "Honestly, Harry, I am fine. Slight headache from Ron yelling and Madam Pomfrey telling me to take it easy for the next few days. Other than that, I've been through worse. WE have been through worse than a little bump on the head," Hermione assured him.

Harry let go of her hand and swallowed as he reached for bacon to put it onto his plate, "It was more than a little bump on the head, Hermione."

"Fine, but I am fine," Hermione said as Harry fixed his plate, and she took another drink of her pumpkin juice. After setting her glass down, she reached for the serving spoon when Harry traded their plates, "What are you doing?"

"I filled your plate," Harry stated as he gave her a look, "I'm the man who conquered. You can't argue with me."

Ginny snorted, then coughed at her tea, "Is that what the Daily Prophet is calling you now?"

"Bloody annoying," Harry said as he loaded the other plate.

"Man who conquered just isn't as good as Boy Who Lived," Ron said, spitting some eggs out as he spoke.

"Disgusting, you'd think you would learn to eat better after all these years, Ronald," Hermione said, a little revolted.

"She's better!" Ron grinned, "She's calling me Ronald and is disgusted by me. She's back."

Ginny laughed as she looked at her brother, "But that means she came to her senses about kissing you and is completely revolted by it. All it took was a bump on the head," Ginny said, grinning.

Ron looked at Hermione wide-eyed, "Are you?"

"Honestly, no," Hermione sighed, "Ginny is just trying to get your knickers in a twist."

"I don't wear knickers. I wear briefs. Want to go see?" Ron asked with a grin.

"Ron! Enough!" Harry said, horrified, "We are in the Great Hall eating breakfast, and just a month ago, this place was filled with our dead families. Grow the fuck up!"

Ron looked at Harry as if he had slapped him, and Hermione's heart skipped a beat at the look in Harry's eyes. Hermione made a fist as her skin tingled like static electricity was coming off Harry's body and washing over her own.

Swallowing hard as the ghosts of the past few months returned and struck her. She could still see Fred laughing, and if she thought about it hard enough, she could hear him laugh just before the bridge exploded. Touching the rim of her goblet, she stared off at the stained glass windows, trying to blink back the tears, "I still can't believe that they're all gone," She whispered, her throat tight.

Ron put his arm around her and pulled her close to his side, "I know, Hermione. It's still… hard to process. I figure Fred would want me telling jokes."

Hermione watched as Harry took Ginny's hand, and Ginny laid her head on Harry's shoulder, "We won. That's what we set out to do. Voldemort is gone. We lost a lot, but they knew it was possible," Ginny stated.

Harry looked over at the wall. Hermione knew that when it was rebuilt, Harry had carved every name of the fallen onto the memorial, "It's hard to celebrate and be happy when we've lost so much," Hermione said sadly.

*~*~* June 4, 1998 *~*~*

Hermione sat beside the Black Lake, a large pile of brush in front of her lit with flames crackling, in front of her.

"Figured you were done with campfires by now," Harry stated as she looked up to see him and Ginny walking over to her with Ron behind them.

They all sat down around the fire, and Hermione looked over at them as the warm glow from the fire cast onto their faces. Sighing, she stated, "I am tired of camping. More tired of the mushrooms and lack of food, but I find the fire comforting."

Harry sat down, pulled his knees up to his chest, and looked up at the sky, "If it were in better circumstances, it would have been fun."

"What happened when you guys were out there?" Ginny asked.

Ron scoffed, "A whole lot of nothing. Just sitting around, Hermione and Harry pouring over books for clues. Me listening to the wireless. You didn't miss much. Just us starving and having to break into places to get food when we could."

"You stole?!" Ginny asked, surprised.

"No, it was usually me, under the cloak, and I always put money near the register for whatever I took," Hermione explained, "And it was only when we were so hungry and couldn't find anything else."

"Rabbits, fish, lots of mushrooms and berries," Ron told her as Hermione gave him a look, "We did our best with what we had, though."

"Now we are back here," Ginny said, looking up at the castle, still dark in most areas.

"We have to rebuild, you know," Ron said, poking at the fire with a stick. "Hogwarts, the wizarding world... it's all up to us now. So many people died."

Hermione nodded, her expression determined as she thought about her plans for the future, "And we will. It won't be easy, but we've faced worse."

Ginny leaned against Harry, her fingers intertwined with his, "We'll honor their memories by making the world a better place for our families and theirs."

Hermione stared at the stars above reflecting in the water. Harry spoke softly, "We've been through so much together."

Ginny nestled closer, resting her head on his shoulder, "And we'll get through this, too. Hermione and I are going back to school. Ron and you are starting the Auror program."

"Gin," Harry said in a warning tone.

Ron wrapped an arm around Hermione, his voice filled with conviction, "Together, like always."

Hermione leaned against Ron, her fingers entwining with his, "We're survivors. And we're not alone."

Hermione swallowed hard as she looked at Harry's face as her eyes met hers, the moon reflecting in his glasses.

"I decided what I want to do," Harry said quietly as he closed his eyes, "I am going back for my 7th year."

Hermione looked at him, surprised, "Really?"

Harry opened his eyes and looked at her, "It will be nice to hopefully have a year where I can just study and play Quidditch. Maybe I will learn something that will help me in the future. The other day, when I went into Hogsmeade, the press swarmed me, including Rita and her insects. Maybe if I give it a year, things will cool down," Harry told them.

"So you are coming back with me and Hermione?" Ginny said with a huge smile.

"Yeah," Harry said as he leaned over and kissed her.

"Eww, I'm the odd man out again," Ron said bitterly.

"Ron enough. Neville got enough NEWTs. He is graduating and not returning next year. He is starting the Aurors academy with you," Hermione explained, "So you won't be alone."

"That makes me feel a little better," Ron said, pulling her to him again and kissing her cheek.

*~*~* June 7, 1998 *~*~*

Hermione took all her outfits out of her suitcase to triple-check her list.

"Nervous?"

Hermione finished putting her trousers in her suitcase and turned to see Ginny, "Yeah, I'm afraid, honestly. What will I find when I get there, and will I even be able to find them? If I can find them, can I take the spell off?"

Harry walked into the dorm, "You are the smartest witch ever."

Hermione scoffed, and Harry looked at her, "You are. You kept Ron and me alive, so in a way, you were more powerful than Voldemort," Harry told her with a smile, "You are more powerful than you know."

"When does your portkey leave?" Ginny asked as she sat at the end of Hermione's bed.

Hermione swallowed as she put her shirts in the suitcase, "Two hours. I leave at 12. I need to leave in the next hour just to be safe."

"Are you taking your undetectable extension charm bag?" Harry asked, leaning against the post on her bed.

"Yeah, I'm taking the tent. Not that I want to, but just in case," Hermione told them as she zipped up her suitcase.

"How are you getting there?" Harry asked.

"Walking to Hogsmeade and apparating to the airport," Hermione told him as she put her suitcase on the floor, "I'm going to go find Ron, and then I'll head out."

Harry grabbed her arm as she walked past him, taking her suitcase, "Are you sure you are going to be okay?"

Hermione swallowed hard, then closed her eyes to collect herself before slowly looking into his green eyes, "As long as I find them safe and healthy, I'll be okay."

Harry nodded and followed behind her as she descended the stairs.

After finding Ron in the kitchens, they all left the grounds together, walking the familiar path to Hogsmeade. Once out of the apparition restriction zone, Hermione took her bag from Harry and turned to them, "I'll be okay."

Ron pulled her into a hug, "Of course you will. Send an owl if you need us."

Hermione rolled her eyes, "I'd be back before the owl got here. International owls-"

"I get it, I get it," Ron said as he kissed her quickly, "Just be careful."

Ginny pushed her brother out of the way, "Try to do something fun while you are away," Ginny said as she hugged Hermione.

Hermione nodded as she stepped back from her and looked at Harry, "You aren't going to cry, are you?"

Harry laughed, "No, of course not. It's not like you are leaving forever. It's only for a few weeks, but constant vigilance. We don't know where those missing Death Eaters went."

Hermione threw her arms around him and sighed as he hugged her back.

"Please come back," He whispered to her, "I can't lose anyone else."

Hermione stepped back, "You can't get rid of me that easy, Harry James. Don't you know that's part of the conditions for saving someone from a troll? Forever a thorn in your side."

Ginny grabbed Harry's hand and smiled at Hermione, "We will see you soon."

Hermione nodded as she held her bag tight and closed her eyes, thinking of Heathrow.

As soon as her feet hit the ground, she took in the difference between the magical side of Heathrow and the muggle side that she had always gone through when flying with her parents. The magical side was much quieter and less busy as families and travelers quietly walked with many carrying shrunken luggage and trunks.

"Darling, are you looking for arrivals or departures?"

Hermione looked down to see an elf dressed in a tiny suit, "Oh, hello, departures, I'd assume. I have a noon departure to Rome through international portkey."

"You want to go through customs first," The elf said, pointing in the direction she needed to go.

"Thank you," Hermione said as she walked towards customs and entered the short line. After a few minutes of waiting, it was finally her turn, and she set her suitcase and bag on the table as instructed.

"Any beasts, potions, or otherwise illegal belongings?" The agent asked as he scanned her bags with his wand.

"No, nothing other than Dittany," Hermione told him as he held out his hand, and she handed over her passport.

"All seems in order," He said as he waved her through, "Rome is gate four."

"Thank you," Hermione said as she grabbed her suitcase and walked down the hallway to gate four. Sitting in the seating area next to the gate, she glanced at the clock to see it was 11:45 AM.

"Hello, name?" A witch said as she walked over to Hermione carrying a clipboard.

"Hermione Granger," She stated as she stood up.

"Yes, ma'am. It's an honor you are registered for the noon portkey to Rome. Your journey will take you four minutes, and here is your portkey," The witch stated as she handed her a baseball bat.

"Thank you," Hermione said as she took it and sat back down as the witch went to the next person to appear in the room that she was in. Reaching into her bag, she summoned her book on Sydney that she had ordered through Owl Post and started reading through it.

"Hello, name?" She heard the witch ask, "Oh, Merlin!"

Hermione looked up as she saw Harry walking towards her, "Harry? What are you doing here?" She asked in disbelief as he walked over, and she hugged him.

"I couldn't let you do this alone," Harry told her, hugging her back.

Hermione held onto his shoulders and sobbed, "Thank you."

Harry released a shaky breath as he buried his face in her hair, "I thought about it, you know?"

Hermione looked up at him with tears hanging from her eyelashes to see tears in his eyes, "Thought about what?"

"Jumping," Harry said sadly as he swallowed hard, "On the Astronomy tower, I thought about it," He whispered, looking down at his feet, "I wasn't going to do it, but…" He trailed off as Hermione took his chin and made him look at her.

"You have had a hard life, Harry. You have had the cards stacked against you since before you were born. You've pushed through it and haven't let it stop you. Between the Dursleys and the magical world, you are still here," Hermione told him, "Despite all the evil that was put upon you."

Harry swallowed hard, "I would never be here without you. So this time, I'm here for you. Let's go find your parents."

Hermione looked at the clock as it rolled to 11:59, "What if we can't?" Hermione asked, tensing as her eyes opened wide in fear, "What if they are gone? What if they are dead? What-"

Harry took her hand, "They are going to be fine. We will stay there until we find them. Just breathe."

Harry wrapped her hands around the baseball bat and grabbed her suitcase. Wrapping his other hand around the bat, he looked at her, "Close your eyes. It will be easier."

The clock clicked to noon, and suddenly, the feeling of a hook grabbed at her navel. After what seemed like forever of her and Harry knocking into each other, they fell to the floor.

"Arrivo alle 13:04 da Londra, Inghilterra, appena arrivato al gate 12! 1:04 pm arrival from London, England, just arrived at gate 12!"

"Ow, you elbowed me in the face," Hermione groaned, holding her nose.

"Nope, it was the bat," Harry said, curling up into a ball, "It got me too."

"13:04 from London group. Are you alright?" A wizard asked, walking over to them.

"Give me a second," Harry gasped as Hermione episkeyed her nose back, "This is going to be a fun trip."

"I have your next portkey to Egypt. It leaves in five minutes," The wizard informed them.

"Please tell me it's a pillow," Harry groaned sitting up as he saw it was a golf club, "Of course."

A/n: Merry Christmas Eve! Here in America, it is at least. So any British/American word confusion, I apologize ahead time. I wasn't going to post this chapter yet, but there was some confusion about the time of the story. The prologue was in 2007, the rest of the story will be from the final battle and making it to 2007 where we discover who the father is and the choices she makes along the way. I am hoping to post a chapter every two weeks. I am a teacher though so it depends on time, also my master's classes start in January so that is another factor. Anyway, enjoy the ride!