Hermione sat at the dining table, unable to eat or drink, her eyes fixated on a three separate envelopes she had received that morning. She could differentiate which was sent by whom without reading the names; she knew the handwritings all too well to require anymore confirmation. Her eyes skimmed over the names once more, Ron's, Harry's and Ginny's, all scribbled in thick ink over the thin pieces of parchments. Hermione wondered why all three of them had decided to write all at once, she wondered if they were okay and if all was well. Her mind was so wrecked with worry and panic, only thinking of the worst that she couldn't bring herself to open the envelopes. Instead, she looked around and tried keeping her eyes from landing on the envelopes sitting beside her breakfast plate, that too untouched.

As her eyes watched over all the new faces that surrounded her, she was briefly distracted by the hustle and bustle around her. She saw tiny eleven year old heads bent over their books and homework, swiftly stuffing food in their mouths so they wouldn't be late for classes. She saw year four and five students ogling a young boy whom they thought was very handsome and a complete catch, she could see so many groups of friends just laughing really loudly and joking around one another, and for a brief moment, she could make herself believe that all was alright. That the past year and a half hadn't happened at all, that it was all just a terrible nightmare shed had, and if she closed her eyes she and concentrated very hard on the laughter and vibrancy around her, she could almost, almost imagine she was here with Ron and harry, and all those familiar faces she knew could never see again were still here with her having a laugh. But just like that, the spell was broken, and she could no longer hear the laughter anymore; instead her mind replayed again and again the monsters she had to face, the demons crawled out and shut the blinds, and once more her mind was a deep sea of dark thoughts, thoughts that would drive her to insanity if she didn't block them out...

"Miss Granger, are you alright?" Hermione was shaken out of her thoughts with the all too familiar voice of her the Headmistress, her slender fingers resting on Hermione's shoulder, her grim warm and welcoming. Hermione pushed her thoughts away and tried to put up a smile for her favourite Professor.

"Yes, yes Professor, how could you ever think otherwise?" she smiled wide as she looked into the warm, kind eyes of the old Professor. She knew she couldn't hide her thoughts from her, Professor knew her all too well. Professor McGonagall faltered for a bit, but then returned the smile. That smile was enough to make Hermione feel better, or she knew the professor understood her perfectly, and she was one whose loss was far greater than hers; for she had lost more young pupils and colleagues than she had lost friends and companions.

"I would never, Miss Granger. You seemed a bit down, I was only here to check on you. If you ever need me, you know where to find me," she smiled with her knowing eyes, though for the briefest of moments she felt them shift slightly towards the bandage on her left hand. "I'm proud of you, young lady, be strong," she said and left with a pat on her back.

Hermione smiled, and tried not to think of her shifty eyes, because she realized no matter how much she had lost, no matter how hard her mind tried to convince her that all was not well and the damage could not be fixed, a distant and lost part of her heart knew she was wrong, and that she was never quite alone. She had friends who had written to her, she had such loving and caring professors, the only issue was herself. Somewhere, somehow, sometime during and after the war, she had lost her sense of purpose, her sense of morality and ethics, and somewhere deep in her heart, buried underneath all the fear and turmoil was the bravery for which she was recognized. If only, she could reach into herself and bring it back once more, all the turmoil will be over and shed be free of the unyielding chains of her past. If only it were that easy, if only. But after one glance at Professor McGonagall, she knew it was not impossible. She knew she could make through and she knew she was not alone. For the first time in what seemed like forever, she knew she was capable of freedom. Though currently far from it, Hermione saw clearly in her head the path in her head, the road down recovery, and she smiled. She knew she could accomplish it.

And with that newfound purpose and hope, Hermione stuffed the envelopes in her bag as the first period bell rang and ran to the doors of the Great Hall with a swing in her steps.

  •••  

After a long and tiresome day of studies, Hermione sat late at night at the table in the dormitory, her books and parchment spread out before her, her mind roaming the streets of The History of Magic, recalling all the important facts and figures. As her eyes skimmed over the fine text of the thick book, her eyes caught the presence of a different piece of paper. Perplexed, she reached over to the edge of the book and pulled it out, gasping as she pulled out one of the three letters she had received that morning. Torn over the fact that she had absolutely forgotten she had received them and not at all thought of reading them throughout the day, she quickly reached over her stationary and grabbed a ruler.

She paused before tearing the seal open, thinking of might the folded parchment contain, and thought she might as well get over with it quickly rather than delaying the dread. The only voice in the quiet dorm was of her ruler tearing against the parchment, and to her, the violent beating of her heart against her chest. She took out the triple folded letter and was immediately faced with Ron's messy scrawl. She took a deep breath and prepared herself for the worst.

•••

Dearest Hermione,

I'm sorry I didn't owl you earlier, I was so loaded with work and so much has been going around in the house I honestly couldn't find the time. I hope you're well, you have no idea how much everyone around the house has missed you these past few weeks, especially Ginny, bloody hell she never shuts up. Harry, he's best as ever. Really working hard in the auror department. He misses you loads too, and we actually wanted to come see you and say all of this to you in person, but everything happened so quickly and the house and everyone is such a mess that we never found the time. You have no idea how many times I've written this and rewritten this, it's been... it's been real difficult. Ginny and Harry, they're going to write to you too. We all have something to say, and it's difficult for all three of us. Try and understand, alright?

Training as aurors, is not what we made it out to be. I mean, its real amazing and real fun, and we finally feel like we're doing the right thing. But, it requires a lot more traveling than we thought it would. Right now, I'm writing this from a small old hotel room somewhere in Scotland (you know my geography is rubbish, I don't know where the hell we are), while Harry's on the bed writing his own letter to you. Turns out, we need to be able to face any and every situation, at any place and any time and it can get real hard sometimes. Right next month we're leaving he country to who knows where! I have to say I'm kind of excited. Well, that's first of a few things I needed to tell you.

Second, dad's got a promotion! Everyone's thrilled back at the Burrow, and we wanted to throw a big celebration and call you here, but then came the other news. Dad's job wants him to travel to the other side of the country, and Hermione I'm really bummed to say this but, we're going to have to leave the Burrow.

I know, I know it's a shock. It was for all of us too. George still isn't done with his sarcastic comebacks, Ginny's pretty bummed as well and she doesn't stop slamming doors even though we've told her a million times to stop and that it won't do her any good. Me, I'm not home much so it technically doesn't matter to me, but I did argue a ton with Mum and Dad about it for a long time. Whatever happened, I never wanted to leave the Burrow, never ever. It was our home for as long as we could remember, all our memories good and bad, all were all made here. We couldn't possibly bring ourselves to leave this place, but Dad was bent up on his decision, and no one could make him change his mind. He said not only was it good for the family economically, but that he'd be working real close to the muggles. That made me shut up a little, but when he said the family needed a change of scenery, no one argued after that, because no matter how much we try to fool ourselves, we knew it was true. You know how after the war everyone's been dealing with Fred, George doesn't show it but he still can't make jokes like he used to. He still hasn't set foot into their shop, and Mum, Mum's still not over it. She still cries when she rounds the corner and goes to their room, she- she's not okay Hermione, and you've seen that. You saw it before you went away and I know you'll understand that it's for her we all want to leave. She doesn't leave the house much. She only makes Fred's favourite meal, with all the pictures in our house, it's impossible not to think of something sad even though a bunch of us are there to make her happy. She's a mother, Hermione, and she can't possibly ever forget her loss, more so than us too even though we lost a brother as well. I know you love her and would want the best of her, so I know you'd see that leaving the Burrow may be the best decision Dad could make. Plus, Dad's always loved muggles, and it's been his dream to know more of them since I don't even know when, probably since he was a kid. How can I take this from him Hermione? He's always given us the best that he could, and now when he's so close to what he wants, I can't possibly take that away from him. I can't do that to him, take another one of the things he loves.

But, there's not all bad news, Bill and Fleur decided they'd move into the Burrow, after all Bill doesn't want to see it barren, and with his baby coming along, they needed a bigger house. That's what made the rest of us feel better about it, knowing that the Burrow won't be empty of any Weasleys. And I swear Hermione once I'm done with the training I'm going straight back, it's been my home for ages and I can't imagine life without it. I'd move back in with Bill and his family, but for the time being it's just him and Fleur and the little baby. But for the rest of us, our fate lies somewhere else.

And that Hermione brings me to the last thing that I wanted to tell you. I know I promised to be there for you always, and I will be I swear you owl me once and I'll apparate right back to you if you want, no matter if I'm underwater or in America. I'll do it for you. But, there's always a "but" isn't there? Always ruining wonderful things, I didn't think I'd hate a three letter word as much as this. Anyway, back to the point. The thing is, you know my family needs me right now. And with all the auror training and the shifting and everything, I know I won't be able to give my best to you. I'm sorry, and I know you would object but you know it's true. I know you're thinking that even if I don't give my best at least I'd still be there for you, but know that whatever it is between us, I will always, always, be there for you no matter what. But understand that now is not the right time, it rarely ever is. And I don't want to say this, trust me its killing me but I know my family needs me now more than ever, and right now I know I won't be able to keep you happy like you deserve to be. But understand that it is not possible just yet, you need to work on your studies, because let's be honest you'll be the most successful out of all of us, and the last thing I want is my problems to keep you from more important things. And I know if you were here you'd smack me right across the head and tell me not to be ridiculous, but it's true. I don't know when I'll be back in the country, I don't know where I'm going next, I don't know how long this would last and I don't know when I'd be able to write to you again. I don't want to leave you hanging, and I don't want you to wait, for anything. I don't want to hold you back. If fate is kind, and the stars want it, we'll make it back to each other someday, find what we lost. I'm so, so, so sorry Hermione, I really can't convey this to you. I know you'll be angry and you'll yell and shout, but I also know you'll understand me later. Because you're the best out of us Hermione, you're the one who'll always be there even if we aren't. You'll always follow us even if it meant leaving everything you own. You'll always do what's best for us, and try to understand that right now I'm trying to do what's best for you, and my family. I know it won't be easy, I know none of our old friends are there with you right now, but also know that we are just a call away. Owl Ginny anytime and she'll show up, Harry would literally cross oceans if it meant comforting you. You know you can always visit the Burrow, Bill would be happy to have you, and once the family shifts I'll send you the address. You will always be welcome, and you know that.

I know I may seem like a big douche right now, but it will all make sense later. You're the smartest, most caring wonderful witch of our age Hermione, and it pains me know that I'm hurting you. But the war has damaged everyone, and we all need some time to heal. If you ever feel alone, know that where ever we are we are thinking of you, and talking of you and that you'll never leave our minds. Not ever. And even if this isn't the right time for us, I'm still am and forever will be your best friend. Never hesitate to owl us, for now that well always be waiting on the other side. I'm sorry I am doing this to you, it brings me no pleasure but I am, truly am sorry. I will still love you, for years to come.

One last thing before I say goodbye, is that Harry's getting his old home in Godric's Hollow rebuilt. It's pretty damaged and broken and everything, but the process will be complete sometime after Christmas or New Year's. He plans on us all living together once were all done with our busy lives, just like we wanted it to be. Harry, you and me, the golden trio reunited. Even though we won't be there for a long time to come, Harry's gonna send you a key. Whenever you feel down or want to go somewhere, you're welcome anytime.

With that last thought, I hope you achieve what you want to. I hope you understand that we all love you, and that no matter where we are we're thinking of you, and wishing for your best. I wish we could do more to be supportive and show that were here, but as I said, the time isn't right. We'll make it right, we promise. No distance will ever make us forget you. I don't know when we'll see each other again, but we hope it's soon and in the best of health. For now, it's a see you later. We'll see each other soon Hermione, don't worry and always, always stay happy.

Always thinking of you,

Ron.

•••

By the time she read the last words, the tears were spilling down her cheeks. Her blurry vision not allowing her to see, she sat back in the chair and hugged herself, the letter falling to the ground. She cried as she recalled that Ron and Harry were leaving her without knowledge of their return, and that the people she loved most were moving away. Ron had asked her to understand, and she did she did, she really did, which had made it all the more harder. She understood perfectly why the Weasleys had to move, she understood perfectly why they couldn't stop thinking of Fred. She understood that Ron and Harry had to leave, and she understood why Ron had broken up with her and left her once more with a broken heart.

She remembered it all too well the previous times Ron had hurt her, but she knew that this time he had a valid reason and she could do nothing more than respect his decision. Even though it hurt she knew he was right, she might have given up on him if he had disappeared without a trace without knowing if his return, it would have been more difficult waiting. Waiting was one of the most dreadful things on the planet, and Ron had only saved her from being on the receiving end. But it hurt nonetheless because she felt alone once more, no matter how many times Ron had told her she shouldn't, she still felt alone. Everyone all around her were leaving her to fight her battles by herself. She knew it was her decision to come back, and she had known at the time how difficult it would be, but knowing doesn't make the pain go away, it doesn't lessen the loneliness when no one is there to hear you cry or offer a shoulder of support.

Once again, fueled by woe she ran out of the dorm and once more into the dark staircases of the giant castle. She cried as her feet led her somewhere far, deep into the labyrinth of the hallways.

Once more, years after, she found herself crying beneath a familiar set of stairs, both times because of Ron. However last time, it was Harry who had found her and had offered a shoulder to cry on. Right then, she had no one and it almost drove her insane.

Hermione let the tears fall as she thought about life, if one day it'll be fair to her and she would finally be free of her grief, and wondered when she would reunite with her friends. The same day she thought she was making progress with her grief, Ron had decided to write that blasted letter. No matter how much she wanted to though, she couldn't bring herself to blame Ron. It was his life and his family, and he was right to do what he did, but it did not make it any easier to endure the pain that had consumed her.

Her thoughts roaming, she thought about her parents too, who were lost and didn't even remember who she was. She hadn't been able to find them, the past six months, and all of these thoughts combined made her cry even harder. Her friends had moved on with their lives, her parents were nowhere to be found and the grief of the war had broken her to a great degree, some damage she had found herself unable to recover from.

Although, the young witch was not as alone as she thought herself to be. Amidst her crying, Hermione did not notice a looming figure at the top of the stairs. She did not know then, that the figure had seen her crying and running quite a few hallways beyond and had decided to follow. She did not hear, or see, as the figure walked down stairs, pausing for a brief second on the last step and finally sat down beside her.

Hermione flinched as someone sat beside her. Stunned, she wiped her eyes to be able to see clearly, but it did her no good to find out that the person sitting beside her was an all too familiar face. A face she had always associated with the enemy, a face that had proven her assumptions wrong quite recently, and a face she had not thought about since their encounter a few nights ago.

Hermione's sobs stopped for a brief moment as she registered the fact that Draco Malfoy was sitting beside her, vision fixed ahead, turning his wand in hands. He did not look at her, did not say a single word, just sat there with an expression of understanding. For the first time since year one, she found the features of the blonde prodigy soft, and warm, towards her. She felt as if it were a dream; all since the letter and now there, under the stairs. But she understood what he was trying to offer. Companionship, something she had lacked since the moment she set foot in the castle weeks ago. She smiled as a few lone tears fell once more, smiled at fate, at karma and all that had led her to that moment. She thanked the stars for listening to the plea of her broken heart, and silently as she pushed her way closer to Draco, their shoulders touching, she thanked the Malfoy for being there, for his silent presence acting as beacon for her to hold on to, helping her escape from the dark abyss of her mind.

No one quite remembers how long they had sat there, for Hermione had fallen asleep against his shoulder and only woke up when the rays of sunlight peeked from behind the pillars, and found herself poised against the stone wall, an all too familiar obsidian jacket draped over her. For the first time in a long, long time, Hermione allowed herself a smile. A genuine, heart warming smile.

Little did she know, the best was yet to come.

•••