•─────⋅☾ ☽⋅─────•

Black. Hermione never really liked the color black. It made her feel empty and despaired. It reminded her of aggression and darkness... the torture and pain they suffered under the Death Eaters. Black symbolized death for her. Even more so today.

It had been 2 weeks since Deanna passed. Hermione didn't let anyone in for the past few weeks. She didn't open her books and work. She couldn't go back to normal when she just lost Deanna. Sure, she let them come and visit her. She still talked to them, but she didn't open her bruised heart up. It was still in too much pain for her to do that.

But she couldn't push them away today. They arranged a special funeral for Deanna, and it was happening today. It was only right they do so after everything she had done. Everyone wanted to say goodbye to her and give her the proper farewell that she deserved.

So, here was Hermione, wearing a black dress she didn't even want to wear. But she needed to because it was Deanna. No matter how difficult it was to have to say goodbye again, she would do it because it was Deanna. She let out a sigh before turning to Fawkes who was wearing a black cloak around him. Hermione may not speak phoenix, but she knew what the phoenix wanted her to do when he flew in front of her with the black cloak. He too didn't look like he wanted to, but for Deanna, he was willing to do anything. Their love for Deanna was the greatest thing they had in common.

"Ready, Fawkes?" Hermione asked, and they stared at each other for a few moments. Will they ever be ready to part with Deanna? Maybe not. But nevertheless, she smiled at the phoenix who cried in agreement before flying in front of Hermione.

Fawkes and Hermione were still getting used to each other, a phoenix didn't trust anyone easily after all. But because of their connection to Deanna, they found themselves trusting each other more and more everyday. She took the phoenix's tail and felt warmth going through her before she found herself in Hogsmeade. The village where she and Deanna had countless moments together.

She walked up the familiar path to Hogwarts and smiled bitterly when she arrived at the gates. As soon as she entered, she would see the Entrance Courtyard, the place where Deanna... No, she made a promise to herself today. She wouldn't cry at Deanna's funeral. At least not in front of the others. It was their time to grieve with Deanna, she didn't want to take away their moments with them.

Fawkes let out a cry and gave Hermione a light nudge on the shoulder. She turned to him, seeing a worried look in his eyes. Hermione shook her head and stroked Fawkes' feathers. "I'm fine, Fawkes. Don't you worry."

The phoenix stared at her before letting out another cry and moving to settle on Hermione's shoulder. Hermione's eyes softened at the thought that Fawkes was reassuring her he was there for her. She was getting better at understanding the phoenix, and the phoenix was doing his best to be there for her.

The two of them entered Hogwarts, and Hermione could only glance at the courtyard before she continued on her way to the Black Lake. Yeah, she wasn't ready for that yet. When Hermione arrived at the lake, she saw that the seats were packed with people. Everyone was there.

There were Aberforth, Harry, Ron, the students, professors, ghosts, house-elves and staff of Hogwarts, the Nosebusters, the Order of the Phoenix, Dumbledore's Army, Ministry officials, some who were hidden during the war like Scrivenshaft and Ollivander and there were the others who Hermione didn't recognize but probably knew Deanna. Even Malfoy and his mother were there. Magical creatures like the centaurs, Grawp and Buckbeak, the Merpeople were also in attendance.

That was Deanna's effect. She just gave so much love it made Hermione happy to see she was getting the same love in return. She deserved every bit of love in this world.

Fawkes let out a soft cry and looked at Hermione who nodded in response. The phoenix had his part in the ceremonies after all, and he was telling Hermione that it was time to go. "I'll see you later, Fawkes."

Fawkes nuzzled Hermione's cheek before he flew to where he needed to go. Hermione smiled at him before she continued on her way to where everyone was, beelining to Harry and Ron who were standing at the entrance, waiting for her.

"Mione." Harry and Ron said at once when they saw Hermione.

"Hey, you two." The Granger smiled and gave them a tight hug. When they pulled away, Hermione noticed their red eyes and knew they just cried. She saw how their red eyes were filled with worry and concern and offered a smile. Not her best, but it was still a smile. "Let's sit."

Harry and Ron just nodded and went to the front, sitting down with Hermione in between them. Her eyes met Aberforth's teary ones. The old man was sitting on the other aisle with the members of the Order around him. The looks in their eyes were enough to let each other know what they were both thinking.

'I'm sorry for your loss.'

It was what they both felt for each other now. They were sorry to each other for they both lost the person who mattered the most to them. Deanna who was Hermione's lover and Aberforth's only family.

Hermione looked away when Aberforth averted his gaze then she stared at the front. She, Harry and Ron spent the next moments in silence, staring at the front and deep in thought. But soon, people started coming to her to give their condolences.

Deanna's old acquaintances like Scrivenshaft, Ollivander and to her surprise, Rita Skeeter's mother. The ghosts and Peeves, professors and students. The Order and Dumbledore's Army. Ernie, Susan, Justin and Hannah. Pansy, Daphne, Theo, Blaise, Draco and Narcissa. Minerva, Pomona and Professor Slughorn. Sirius, Remus, Ria and Tonks. The Weasleys. Neville, Luna, Eleanor, Noah and Jemina.

Everyone came to her. Even the house-elves came to her. If it were any other occasion, Hermione would have been squealing in delight, but for now, she could only offer them and everyone else a thank you and a smile of gratitude. It was the only thing she could do for now.

"Everyone, please settle down. We will be starting the ceremonies." Minerva McGonagall was the ceremony official, and even with her swollen eyes and exhausted expression, she still managed to keep her voice steady and strong as everyone kept quiet and waited for the ceremony to start.

When everyone sat down, Hermione held herself back from sighing. She didn't want anyone to feel like she was going to break any moment. She felt Harry and Ron hold her hands tight and smiled, knowing they were there no matter what. But even if they were there, she was still keeping her promise. She was not going to cry in front of them.

Soon, students holding frogs came in front with Peeves, Myrtle, Sir Nicholas, the dear Friar, Rowena and Alexander floating behind them. Professor Flitwick stood in front, holding his wand. He bowed to everyone as a sign of respect before he faced the choir and raised his wand. Right then, Fawkes came flying in and he started singing a familiar melody that made Hermione smile. Deanna's favorite song.

As Fawkes arrived at his spot above the ghosts, they all started singing. The frogs croaked, the students and the ghosts and Peeves for once sang in harmony.

Should auld acquaintance be forgot
and never brought to mind?
Should auld acquaintance be forgot
and days of auld lang syne

For auld lang syne, my dear
For auld lang syne
We'll take a cup o' kindness yet
For auld lang syne

And there's a hand my trusty friend!
And give me a hand o' thine!
And we'll take a right good-will draught,
for auld lang syne.

For auld lang syne, my dear
For auld lang syne
We'll take a cup o' kindness yet
For auld lang syne

The fire of you, we'll keep alight
With hearts now intertwined
We'll live and love, remember you
For auld lang syne

The song that some might think could have been a disaster, knowing how the ghosts and Peeves sang, was beautiful. It was harmonious, symbolizing how the world had become because of Deanna. It was amazing indeed. It made Hermione smile instead of cry. That was right, it was good to remember Deanna for auld lang syne, for the good old times. She would have wanted that, and up there, Hermione knew she was grinning right now to see how loved she was.

Hermione joined in clapping after the extraordinary performance, the performers bowing and leaving while Fawkes flew straight to Hermione who hugged him with a smile. "You were amazing, Fawkes."

The phoenix's face turned into a happy expression before he snuggled against Hermione's embrace, satisfied at her warmth and compliment. Hermione glanced at the two boys beside her and saw they were in tears with everyone else. Aberforth had his head bent down to hide his tears at the song while Jemina was patting his back comfortingly from behind him.

"My apologies." Minerva cleared her throat after composing herself in the corner. "Let us continue. Hagrid."

Everyone turned around and saw Hagrid walking up the aisle while crying silently. Hermione's eyes softened when she saw the weeping Hagrid was holding up Deanna's Hufflepuff robes in his arms. They didn't have a body to burn because it was already burnt, and the ashes were long gone.

She wanted to cry and yell at the thought. They were having a funeral without Deanna's body. Could they not even give her the proper funeral she deserved? But then, she held Fawkes a little tighter and calmed herself down. It was no use lingering on that. At least, she still had a funeral. They still had her robes and a lot of things and memories to remember her by.

Hermione leaned her head on Ron's shoulder when she felt him wrap an arm around her while Harry squeezed Hermione's hand comfortingly. She knew this was also hard for them. Deanna meant a lot to them too. She was a great friend to them even after death. The three did not need to speak to let each other know they had each other. They were there for each other. Always.

Hagrid finally arrived at the front and he placed the robes on the table before he went back down the aisle. He sent Hermione a reassuring smile that Hermione reciprocated before he went back to where he was standing with Fawkes and Grawp.

"As you all know, we do not have a body to burn as Deanna's body was burnt in the war." Minerva continued with a sad smile at the robes on the table. "She burnt to save us all, and to give back even just a little for the sacrifice she made, we are carrying out the funeral she deserves... Before we proceed with the burning of the robes, Minister of Magic Kingsley Shacklebolt would like to say something. The floor is yours, Minister."

"Thank you, Minerva." Kingsley nodded to her before he faced everyone with a warm smile. He looked a lot older and more exhausted, and Hermione knew it was because of his duties as the new Minister. But even if he was extremely busy, he still found the time to come.

"It is my honor and pleasure to have known Deanna Dumbledore. I may not have interacted much with her, but I still remember the day that the battle happened at the Department of Mysteries. At her young age, when we were all at loss, she stayed calm and commanded us. She took charge and offered herself up as bait! I thought she was amazing to even suggest that. Even from the very beginning, Deanna was a leader and the most selfless person the world has ever known."

"With that said, the Wizengamot had unanimously agreed to award Deanna Dumbledore with the Order of Merlin, First Class, for she became the salvation of the Wizarding World at the cost of everything. Let us all stand and give tribute to Deanna for her outstanding acts of bravery, kindness and selflessness."

As Kingsley placed the golden medal with the green ribbon on Deanna's Hufflepuff robes, everyone rose and took our their wands, following Kingsley's lead and letting fireworks burst from the tip in tribute. Hermione had a small smile on her face, her eyes on the small medal. She could only say she was so proud of Deanna.

"Thank you." Kingsley sent them one last smile before he went down and let Minerva take the lead again.

"Thank you, Minister." Minerva nodded in his direction before she faced them all once again. She looked at everyone, her eyes stopping on Hermione who was staring back at her with a smile. She felt saddest for the Granger who seemed like she was holding everything in. She hoped Hermione could one day let all those tears go. She needed to do it at some point.

"Let me say a few words before we continue with the ceremony." Minerva smiled at the crowd before she looked back at the table where Deanna's robes and medal were. "Deanna, whether you knew her personally or now, is someone to everyone here... No, everyone in the Wizarding World. To most wizards, she is 'The Girl Who Came Back from the Dead' or 'The Salvation'. She will forever be known as the reason why we are all able to live in peace today."

"But to others, she is the embodiment of hope and happiness. She was a student, a friend, a daughter, a lover, a badger and a phoenix. Deanna Dumbledore is a lot of things, but I think the one thing we can all agree with is that Deanna Dumbledore is kindness in human form. She may be boisterous and a daredevil –"

Laughs came around at that. Even Hermione who felt like tears were coming into her eyes managed to push them back down because of that comment.

"But she had a heart of gold that would not hesitate to listen, to give second chances and to love. That is Deanna Dumbledore. She is a hero, yes, but she is also just a kind girl who chose the world over herself. For Deanna, the Wizarding World will continue living in peace and unity. For Deanna, we will continue fighting for what is right. For Deanna, the fire she ignited will continue burning. For Deanna, we shall now let the fire burn."

Minerva was crying by the time she ended, and she sat down in her seat when suddenly, the Hufflepuff robes burst into flames. Fawkes soared up into the sky at that while letting out a cry and flying above them. Everyone else was crying. Hermione felt the shaking of her best friends' bodies from beside her, and she wrapped her arms around them, trying to give comfort.

Purple socks with cookies and milk. Beauty and the Beast. Chocolate milk. Hotdogs. Phoenixes. She repeated it like a mantra in her head, remembering every happy memory with Deanna to prevent herself from crying. She reminded herself of the joy she felt then to keep herself calm. She just couldn't cry now, not when everyone else was crying. Not when she wasn't alone yet.

The bright golden flames consumed the robes and the medal and grew, forming the image of a phoenix. A shower of arrows came through the air and screeching came from the Merpeople before they dived back into the lake.

Hermione stroked Fawkes' feathers when the phoenix cried softly. Soon, the image of the phoenix disappeared, taking the fire with it as what was left was a small box and the Order of Merlin on top of it. It was a small box containing the ashes of the Hufflepuff robes, an engraving of a phoenix and the initials D.A.D on the cover.

The Boisterous Badger, the Daredevil Deanna, the Heir of the Phoenixes. It was time for her to rest. She fought amazingly, and she kept the fire burning. It was time for her to rest.

"Now, let us say our goodbyes."

But everyone was still crying, and none of them could process what Minerva just said. It just sank in. This was it, Deanna was really dead. Today, they had to do what needed to be done although they hated it: say goodbye to her.

Hermione could see that no one was willing to go to her yet for they couldn't calm themselves down so she took a deep breath and stood up with Fawkes in her arms, making everyone's eyes widen at her sudden actions. She would have to do it anyways. It was better to get it over with than prolong the inevitable goodbye. She stared straight at the box that contained the ashes of the Hufflepuff robes and smiled. This was in a way Deanna. She was the embodiment of the Hufflepuff spirit, and though they didn't have their body, they could at least still pay their respects to a part of her.

As she arrived at the front, Hermione bent down and stroked the box with a smile while Fawkes nuzzled it, knowing this represented Deanna. The Gryffindor's eyes softened, feeling a pang in her heart at the thought that this was another goodbye... yet she still wouldn't be able to move on.

Then, she spoke in a voice just as soft, containing all admiration and love for Deanna. "I love you. Goodbye."

It was simple, but all she needed to say. She feared that saying more would eventually lead to her breakdown. She kept on saying goodbye but her heart was still stuck in pain. Damn it, she said she'd be happy and Deanna would not have to worry... But she wasn't fine. Not at all. Hermione's sudden confession to herself made her feel overwhelmed. She knew it, but it was the first time she told herself that. Then, she felt the tears come in her eyes. She couldn't stay here anymore.

"Can we go, Fawkes? Please?" Hermione whispered to the phoenix who stared into Hermione's teary eyes before nodding. He knew she desperately needed to go. The Granger smiled before whispering once more. "Thank you."

Hermione heard footsteps coming from behind her and stood up with Fawkes, the two of them not meeting anyone's eyes as they went to leave. Nobody stopped them. They knew it must be difficult for the two to even be here today. A phoenix was supposed to grieve after his lament, but he came with Hermione to say goodbye once more. Hermione already said goodbye. Having to say goodbye over and over was only hurting her more. But that was just how much they loved Deanna. They were willing to put themselves in pain over and over again for the Dumbledore.

While Hermione walked away and held the phoenix in her arms, Fawkes let out a small cry while looking at something behind them that surprised Hermione. She turned back, and her eyes widened to see a tall man standing there a few meters away from them with a sad smile on his face. Who was he?

Then, the man's eyes met Hermione's... Hermione was about to ask who he was when he suddenly bowed and saluted, surprising the Granger at his actions. She was about to go towards him, but the moment she blinked, he was gone. As if he was never there. She thought she might have been dreaming, but she noticed the paper that was left as he went. He was there.

Hermione looked around in confusion one more time and let out a sigh when she realized she wasn't going to see the peculiar man again. "Do you know him, Fawkes?"

The phoenix let out a cry of agreement. Now, Hermione knew why he was there. He must've known Deanna too. The Granger went to the paper and picked it up to read its contents.

Le feu ne meurt jamais. The fire will never die. Captain Wolf.

Hermione didn't really understand what he meant or who Captain Wolf was, but her eyes softened at the sentence in the middle. The fire will never die. Yeah, it would never die. They would never let that happen. Hermione masked a smile on her face, pocketing the note before she continued on until they were out of Hogwarts, going past the Entrance Courtyard once more, and Apparated immediately back to the old Mould-on-the-Wold.

Fawkes looked at Hermione who was silently looking at the ground, and then, a sob escaped her lips and he finally saw the tears that were falling from her eyes. She was finally crying. 2 weeks since it happened, she cried again. Fawkes cried softly and wrapped his wings around Hermione who hugged him back as she sank down on the couch. She hugged Fawkes tight and cried into his feathers, the warmth of him always making her feel like Deanna was there.

Merlin, she felt like hell now that she admitted she wasn't fine. These past 2 weeks, she was like a living zombie, not talking to anyone, not eating and not sleeping well but she didn't cry at all... She was numb. She just let it be, convincing herself that everything would be alright one day. But it wasn't. It won't. Deanna was gone, and she wasn't fine at all.

"I love her, Fawkes. I love her. And I miss her so much I just want her to come back." Hermione sobbed out while holding onto Fawkes who wrapped his wings around her a little tighter. He knew she missed Deanna a lot. He did too. But Deanna wasn't coming back. She was dead, ashes in the wind. They both knew that, but still, couldn't they hope? The phoenix's tears fell for the love of Deanna and Hermione. He was going to be there for the person who loved the human bonded to him even after death.

Hermione's heart ached for she finally let it all out, everything she had been holding in since Deanna's death. No more lies, no more facades, away from everyone's eyes. Hermione cried her heart out for the pain of losing Deanna and saying goodbye once again. She hoped that Deanna would forgive her for not yet keeping her promise of living and taking care of herself... After this, after she let everything out, she would finally keep them.

The Granger promised once more to herself and Deanna that she would stop being a zombie at least and stop crying after this day. When tomorrow came, she would be ready to start again. Difficult but she made a promise to her love. She was going to keep it no matter what. For the heir of the phoenixes, Hermione was going to start living again. She was going to pick herself up and slowly heal herself with Fawkes by her side. She could do it.

For Deanna, she would do it.

•─────⋅☾ ☽⋅─────•

"Here you go, Fawkes." Hermione placed a plate of greens in front of him. The phoenix let out a happy cry to see his favorite leaves among these. He nuzzled Hermione's hand, making the Granger chuckle, before he dug in and Hermione herself started eating her meal.

It had been a month since the Battle of Hogwarts and two weeks since their special funeral for Deanna... and Hermione was not yet alright. Hermione still looked for her, longed for her and missed her so bad. She felt like wanting to go and follow Deanna to the other world at times because of how much she missed her, but she wouldn't do that. She wasn't that selfish to do that to Deanna after Deanna made that difficult choice to sacrifice herself. Living in the Mould-on-the-Wold with Fawkes and remembering the memories she and Deanna made helped. They did make her feel like Deanna was still there with them.

So, Hermione did what she said she would do. She took care of herself by eating on time and sleeping well. She took care of Fawkes and spent time with the phoenix everyday. In fact, Fawkes was the one she spent time with the most. She still talked to her friends, especially Harry and Ron, and still went to their gatherings. She continued with her work and advocacies, wanting to make change after her graduation at Hogwarts. Yes, Hermione was alive and going on with life, but she wasn't living. She wasn't fine. But were any of them fine?

All of them knew that she wasn't fine and she had not really moved on yet from Deanna's death because it was the same for them. They'd find themselves thinking of the girl frequently and crying whenever they remembered her. Deanna Dumbledore impacted all of their lives. She saved all of them, and that was why they lived their lives with her sacrifice in mind. They remembered how she told them to live and continued fighting... Deanna and her words inspired them all to live.

"What do we have for today, Fawkes?" Hermione asked while looking at the calendar on the wall. "Are we going to Hog's Head today?"

Fawkes nodded and cried in agreement, the two of them thinking about the last Dumbledore. Hog's Head has been closed for the past month, and no one has seen the Dumbledore ever since Deanna's funeral. They tried knocking on his doors and telling him they were there, but to no avail.

Hermione was going to fulfill one of her promises to Deanna today: taking care of her family. She was going to take her chances today and try talking – no, she was going to talk to Aberforth no matter what. He needed to understand that they were there for him, that Deanna wouldn't want him to be alone. Hermione was going to let him know that.

"Ready, Fawkes?" Hermione smiled when the phoenix nodded and soared up into the air, letting his tail fall near Hermione for the Muggleborn to touch. As Hermione stood up and gently touched Fawkes' tail, she felt a warmth come over her and in a moment, she was there in Hogsmeade. It made her smile reminiscently, remembering how she and Deanna had walked through these streets back in their fifth year. They immediately went to Hog's Head, and Hermione let out a sigh to see that the sign said it was still closed.

She placed her hand on the doorknob and turned it, and to her surprise, it was open. She and Fawkes shared wide-eyed glances before she took her wand out and opened the door, keeping her guard up. Voldemort and the Death Eaters were gone, but it didn't mean that there were no more bad wizards in this world. Hermione and Fawkes bated their breaths while they entered the bar. There was no one there. The two started walking towards the counter, looking around for Aberforth or Ariana's portrait when...

"What are you doing here?"

A gruff voice speaking up from behind them made Fawkes soar up in the air with a cry and Hermione jump. There was Aberforth Dumbledore, looking like he was swept up in a hurricane. His beard was longer than ever, and his hair was unkempt. His eyes were swollen as if he cried for days.

Hermione noticed the glass of firewhisky on the table and looked at the barman with a frown. "We were worried. No one has seen you in weeks."

"Why look for someone who doesn't want to be seen?" Aberforth grumbled and sat back down on his seat while Hermione moved closer to him and sat down with him, with Fawkes settling down on the table.

"You did want to be seen."

"No, I didn't!"

"Yes, you did." Hermione spoke up in a firm voice. "You wouldn't have left the door open if you didn't. You wanted someone to come, and I'm here now. I promised Deanna I'd be there for you, and no matter what you say, I will be here like she wants me to be."

Hermione hesitated before she came closer and patted the old man's shoulder comfortingly. Thankfully, Aberforth did not brush her off and just let her do it. "We are all grieving, Aberforth, in our own ways. But we all made our promises to her. We all said we'd try. We would at least try to live. It's difficult as hell, but let's just give it a try. Let's try living, and lean on each other through it all. Let's start by letting each other in."

His grip on his glass tightened, and Aberforth looked down to hide his tears. Deanna, his niece, was the only one he had left... And how was he supposed to go on now that she was gone? These days, he could only cry his heart out to Ariana who couldn't really give him the comfort he needed from her portrait. She could only be there and speak to her brother, hoping her presence would be enough to comfort him. But it wasn't. Deanna was the only one who knew just how to comfort Aberforth.

Hermione had a point. He did want someone to be there. That was why he left the door open... He wanted his niece to be there. He always left the door open just in case another miracle would happen and she would magically come back. But someone else came. It wasn't Deanna, but Hermione. He did promise his niece that he would open his heart. That he would keep his head up and smile. Hermione was right. They should at least try to live. It was the bare minimum that they could do for Deanna. Maybe, he could start with letting Hermione in.

The Dumbledore found himself nodding and smiling tearily at Hermione who smiled back at him. Aberforth hesitated before he suggested something. "I'll tell you what, let me clean myself up and bring Ariana. Then, we can talk about Deanna? I... I haven't talked about her to anyone in weeks."

Hermione's eyes softened at his suggestion and she nodded with a grin. Deanna left them with so many memories that they could lessen their pain and longing during these times. Those were their treasures, and their memories with Deanna were the ones that would bring them together and help in healing Hermione and Aberforth's broken hearts.

"I'd love to."

•─────⋅☾ ☽⋅─────•

Laughter and cries of a phoenix filled the entire bar of Hog's Head as Hermione, Aberforth, Ariana and Fawkes continued speaking about the Hufflepuff. Night soon fell without their notice for they spent the entire day, laughing and smiling as they exchanged stories about Deanna. Their hearts were still broken, the pain would never go away. But talking about Deanna made it more bearable for them.

"It's getting late, I think we should go." Hermione said when she noticed it was already 9 in the evening. She smiled at Deanna's aunt and uncle, happy that she was getting to know them better now. They should have done this earlier. "It was really a pleasure to talk to you today, Aberforth, Ariana. I hope we can have an opportunity to sit down like this again. I really enjoyed it, and... I know Deanna's probably smiling up there to see us like this."

Ariana chuckled at that and grinned back at Hermione. "Oh, she'd probably be pouting to know how we keep on laughing at her and her antics. That kid is literally a baby in a grown adult's body."

The three laughed once more at that before Aberforth smiled genuinely at Hermione. He was glad that Hermione came today. It was unexpected, but it was a welcome surprise for Aberforth got to talk with Hermione and find out what type of person she was... He found out that she was right person, the only person, who could ever give Deanna the love that she deserved. It was evident to him from how she spoke about Deanna just how much she loved his niece even if she would never be able to see Deanna again. He had no doubts that the love Hermione had for Deanna was pure and unconditional.

"Come anytime, Hermione. We'll be glad to welcome you here. Oh, and before I forget..." Aberforth spoke in a warm voice before he reached down and took something from under the counter. He smiled and handed an envelope to Hermione, the Muggleborn's eyes widening when she noticed the familiar handwriting on the envelope's back.

To the warm otter, my love, Hermione.

"This is..."

"I found it a few days ago when I went up to her room." Aberforth explained with a sad smile. "I was supposed to send out the letters to all of you by Friday, but you're here now so... I hope the letter somehow comforts you, Hermione. Mine did. It got me to leave the door open."

It was silent for a while as Hermione stared at the letter. Even after her death, Deanna was surely making her presence felt.

"It's Deanna, everything she says and does makes me feel reassurance and love. I'm sure it will." Hermione responded with a soft smile on her face, making the two Dumbledores smile back at her. "I'll see you soon then. Thank you."

"Thank you." Aberforth said with all his gratitude.

"Take care, Hermione. Come visit soon." Ariana waved at her from her portrait.

Hermione waved with a grin before she went out of the bar with Fawkes and Apparated back to the Mould-on-the-Would. As soon as they arrived, the Granger sank down on the couch while holding on tightly to the letter from Deanna. She was holding in her feelings in front of Aberforth and Ariana, but in actuality, seeing the letter shook her entire being.

"Deanna..." Hermione said softly, tears coming into her eyes as she looked at the letter in her hands. "Even when you're supposed to be up there, resting, you are still taking care of us, love. You really are too stubborn for your own good."

She let out a chuckle and wiped away her tear before she finally opened the envelope with gentleness and took out the letter with care. She handled it as if it was a human itself. This was a letter from her lover, and another treasure of hers. It was only right that she took care of it. It was the last thing she would receive from Deanna. She ran her hands over the parchment before unfolding the letter and reading it.

Dearest Hermione Granger,

Hello, love. How are you? I am hoping this letter reaches you well. If it did, it means I probably fulfilled my duty. It's sad to think I would be dying maybe today or later, but at least, I can save the world. I can be a Chupa Zero. The heroes like the Spiderguy and the Captain of the United States! Did I become a Chupa Zero like them? Are you proud of me, Mione?

"You did become a superhero." Hermione shook her head with a grin. "And yes, I am so proud of you. As proud as an entire pride of lions."

If you are, I can die happy. I am dying, but you know at least, I can be happy. But it's not that dying makes me happy, but the thought of making you proud makes me happy. You do get what I mean, right?

"I do, love, I do." Hermione giggled, imagining how flustered Deanna must have looked like while writing this, but the thought warmed her heart. Making her proud was enough to make Deanna happy even if she was dying. What good has she done in her life to have a woman like Deanna give her this love?

I know you'll be heartbroken when I die, and I'm sorry for putting you through even more pain by holding on instead of letting you go when I found out about my fate. But I held on to you in the hopes that the memories we made will give you comfort whenever you are down or whenever you miss me. Hold onto our memories, but don't hold yourself back, Hermione. Let yourself cry if you want to and laugh as if you were crazy if you want to. Give love a second chance. Reach the dreams you've dreamt of for so long, and live without regrets. Live for yourself, and find happiness. You deserve only happiness, love.

Think of me from time to time but not too often. I don't want you to be sad. This isn't the end. One day, we might be able to see each other again. Maybe, not in this lifetime but someday. I strongly believe in that. Until that time comes, live your life. Just live.

I loved you, I love you and I will love you even after death do us part. Until the day we meet again, Hermione Granger.

Love,

Deanna

Hermione's tears fell on the letter no matter how hard she tried holding them back, and she nodded through her sobs while Fawkes let out a sad cry and came closer to give Hermione a hug. Aberforth was right. Deanna's letter did comfort her. She was alive but not living.

This letter of Deanna's gave her the will to start living again. She was going to do that for her lover who continued loving her up there even after death. She was going to live so that when she and Deanna met again, they could look at each other with proud smiles and happy hearts. Until the day they met again, Hermione would live her life without regrets.

However, love? A second chance? That was something she was not certain of.

"I will, love. For you and for myself. I will love you for eternity, even now that death did part us. I promise you that." Hermione wiped her tears away and stroked Fawkes' feathers when she suddenly noticed a note at the end of the letter.

P.S. A month after I have died – just to let you know, it wasn't supposed to be because of my death. It was supposed to be a month after the war ended, but my death was the end of the war so I hope it still worked! Anyways, the statue must have burnt already. Go back home to where you and your parents lived although I have no idea where that is. Hopefully, you'll find something that would make you happy. Send my love, Granger.

She glanced at Fawkes, puzzled... It was a month past her death today. When the phoenix suddenly flew and raised his tail, she became even more puzzled. "Wait... You know about this?"

An excited cry of agreement from the phoenix.

"What does she mean go back to where me and my parents lived? They're in Australia with no knowledge that they have a daughter. What would me going back home even do?"

Fawkes just let out another cry and wagged his tail, urging Hermione to go and touch it. He and Deanna did not stay up late and work hard to do what they did, only for Hermione not to go. He had an impatient look in his eyes and let out another cry, making Hermione sigh. She got his message, "Take my tail, and I'll show you."

"Alright, alright." Hermione placed the letter back in the envelope before she stood up and touched Fawkes' tail, not knowing what to expect in her old home. A moment later, Hermione found herself standing at the doors of the Granger house, and she sighed once more when she saw all the lights were out. What was she expecting anyways?

Hermione turned around to look at the phoenix that was flying behind her and raised an eyebrow. "What is it exactly that you want to show me?"

Fawkes just let out a loud cry that made Hermione's eyes widen as she shushed the phoenix. "What are you doing, Fawkes? It's 10 in the evening! We don't want to wake up the others. You truly are just as stubborn as – "

Suddenly then, the sound of footsteps made Hermione stop speaking, and her eyes widened when she saw the lights inside her old house suddenly open behind her. Her hand made its way to where her wand was, keeping herself alert just in case it was something else. As the footsteps came closer, Hermione's heartbeat started speeding up... Is this what Deanna planned or was there a thief inside?

Finally, the doors opened, and Hermione was about to take her wand out of her pocket when she realized who was there. She froze in her position, but her mind and heart running wild for she couldn't process what was right in front of her.

"HERMIONE!" Monica gasped at the sight of her daughter. "WENDELL! Oh, darling, we missed you."

Monica's tears fell as she stepped forward and hugged her daughter who still couldn't move or speak in her shock. Was this really happening? Was this her mother who was hugging her? Did she recognize her even after Hermione erased her memories? How?

Wendell Granger suddenly came at that moment, and his eyes softened to see his wife and daughter in a tight hug. He moved towards them and wrapped his arms around them tightly. "My girls. Finally, you're back, our daughter. Our Jeanie, welcome back."

And that was what let Hermione know it was them and they really did know her. That special nickname that only her parents used... She let her tears fall and hugged them back immediately. She missed her family after being away from them for almost an entire year. She thought she could never go back to them, that they'd be too happy in Australia but here they were hugging her. The Grangers were finally together once more, and this time, there were no more threats and evil to their family's safety and happiness. They could finally be together in peace.

"Y-You were in Australia." Hermione pulled away and stuttered while looking at her mother and father. "I erased your memories. I am sure of that."

Wendell was about to answer when he suddenly saw the phoenix that was still flying behind Hermione with a smile on his face. The sight of Fawkes made Wendell grin. "You... I remember you."

The phoenix let out a cry and flew over Hermione's head and landed in front of the two Grangers who took care of them in Australia. He nuzzled the hands of Monica and Wendell, confusing Hermione once more. She was about to ask how they knew the phoenix when Wendell suddenly opened the door.

"Let's go in." Monica motioned to the house. "We'll explain inside."

Hermione agreed with a nod, reprimanding herself in her mind for not thinking about that. She went in, and her eyes softened to see that the place was the same. It didn't change at all. It was still her home. Hermione sat at the couch beside her mother and father and stared at them, waiting for an explanation because she was in extreme confusion about what was going on.

"One day, while we were in Australia, a young girl came on our doorstep. Deanna." Wendell started explaining with a smile at the memory. Hermione's eyes softened. What were the odds? Deanna also came across her parents in her journey.

"She was drenched and shivering from being caught in a wave and asked if she could stay for a few nights. We told her she could stay as long as she wanted to."

"A week later, on the day she left, she gave us a statue of a phoenix and a wrapped box." Monica chuckled when she remembered how touched they were back then. "She told us to open it when she sent a sign. At first, we were confused because of her strange request and we became more confused when a great red bird she called a tropical parrot came."

Fawkes let out a cry of protest at that, making them all laugh before Monica continued. "After she left, we kept the statue and the box in the living room, thinking for some reason that a sign could come any moment. We were surprised when it suddenly burst into flames yesterday. But we realized that was the sign she was talking about."

"We opened the present, and we were surprised when we found this." Wendell took out something from his pocket and handed it to Hermione. Her eyes softened to see it was her picture back in their fifth year. It was a picture of Hermione sitting in the courtyard, holding a book while laughing. It must be one of the pictures Colin Creevey took.

Deanna went through hoops just to make her happy. Even when they were apart, she was still doing everything for Hermione. It was always Hermione in her mind with every choice she made. And for that, Hermione just missed her a lot more.

"When we touched it, it was like we finally found something we had been missing the entire time." Monica held her daughter's hand and smiled softly at Hermione who was in tears. "We were missing you, Jeanie, and that was why your father and I could never be truly happy. So, we took the first flight back and here we are now with you, dear."

"And we are never leaving your side no matter what, Jeanie. Your mother and I promise that." Wendell wrapped his arms around the two most important people in his life as Hermione let her tears fall. She really missed her parents.

"I love you, Mum, Dad. Thank you for coming back." Hermione spoke when she pulled away and smiled weakly at them, earning her two "We love you too"'s from her parents.

"Where is Deanna by the way? I would like to express my gratitude to her." Wendell suddenly asked with a grin.

"Oh, yes, I'd like to buy her another pair of socks." Monica nodded vigorously. "Her purple ones were already fraying the last time I saw them."

That made Hermione smile sadly, reminding her once more that she had everyone and everything except the person she loved the most. She gulped the lump in her throat before she confessed the truth. "She's gone, Mum, Dad. She died... to save everyone. But she told me to send her love..."

Monica and Wendell's faces fell at that. That poor and kind girl died to save? Their hearts went out for Deanna who deserved so much better. That girl looked like she had been through hell and back, and she really did. Then, they looked at their daughter whose head was down because she wanted to hold her tears in. It sank in their heads. So that was why it felt like something was missing in Hermione. Love. Her love was gone, never to return again.

"You miss her, don't you, Jeanie?" Monica asked softly, and the tears that escaped Hermione's eyes at that let her know the answer. She hugged her daughter tight and let Hermione cry into her shoulder. It was the first time since Deanna died that she cried to another person. Only Fawkes saw her cry... But now that her parents were back, she finally had people to cry to again.

And the best thing was it was her parents she could open up to. They were the people who she knew she could lean on no matter what, the people who would understand her no matter what... And they were here to stay for her through everything.

"Deanna, she loved you as much as you loved her." Monica spoke while stroking her daughter's bushy hair. "She wouldn't have gone through all the trouble of bringing us back if she didn't."

"We loved her, Jeanie." Wendell hugged them once more and patted Hermione on the shoulder. "As your parents, we were so glad to know that the young woman we thought of as our own daughter was the woman who was loving you all along. She is a great kid... I know that even if she is in a better place now, I'm sure she's still watching over you."

"She is... she's bringing me happiness and love even now." Hermione said in a tender voice, smiling through her tears. "And she brought you back to me. I love you so much, Mum, Dad."

"We love you too, Jeanie." Wendell and Monica tightened their hug around their daughter. As Hermione's parents and for Deanna, they would take care of their daughter and try to make her happy although they knew no one could do that as well as Deanna could.

"Come here, Fawkes." Hermione beckoned the phoenix over. Fawkes let out a happy cry before settling in the middle, making the Grangers chuckle at how adorable he looked. Hermione smiled at Fawkes and stroked his feathers with one thought in mind.

'You did make me happy like you always do. I will live, don't you worry. It's no use telling you to rest so stay with me. Stay with me, Deanna, always.'

Hermione had no doubt she would do that. She would stay with Hermione always and watch over her. That stubborn phoenix would not rest as long as she knew they weren't alright. So, Hermione would do everything Deanna asked of her except for that one particular thing... she might not – she would not be able to give love a second chance.

This heart of Hermione Granger belonged to one person only.

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