Chapter one

Hermione

They say life is a combination of moments. I've had some defining moments, moments that have left me breathless, moments that filled me with happiness, moments that filled me with immense sadness, moments where I felt complete wonder. But I've never had that one moment, that moment that writers describe in romantic books, that moment where you hold your breath before he kisses you, that moment when the world seems to go still. I thought that I could have that with Ron, but things ended before it even began. I know we all suffered after the war, perhaps more so than when the war was actually happening, but I guess I thought that after everything Ron and I had been through, we would be ok in the end... Everyone was dealing with grief in their own way, but it just seems like everyone managed to come out of it by seeking comfort and solese in the ones they loved, everyone except Ron and I and I just

'Hermione! Mum says we leave in an hour" Ginny called

"Ok!" I answered hastily shoving my diary under my pillow just before she arrived

"Honestly Mione, you cant be serious"

"What?" I asked, puzzled.

"Ron is going to be at this shindig and that's what you're wearing?"

"Gin, you know Ron and I broke up three months ago right?"

"Yes, which is why I want my git of a brother to be stunnned by how gorgeous you look in you new gown"

"What new gown? And it doesn't matter how I look now, he's moved on"

"Oh give me a break, Lavender Brown?" she answered, rummaging around in my closet.

"He can date whoever he wants Gin"

"Sure he can, but that doesn't mean the git shouldn't suffer internally for breaking up with you" she said, as she continued to disorganize my closet

"He's your brother Gin and we both mutually agreed to end it" I pointed out

"Ahhh here we go" Ginny finally announced, pulling out a silky dark blue evening gown.

"When did I buy that?" eying the rich design and low cut neckline

"You didn't, I did"

"Thanks Gin, but honestly, its abit too extravagant for me" pulling my pillow closer as if it would shield me from her.

"Exactly, I want all eyes on you tonight, it's not everyday your best friend gets the order of Merlin first class bestowed upon them"

"Might I remind you that you are also receiving the order of Merlin?" I said

"Second class. Mione, you and Harry will be amongst the short list of wizards and witches to ever receive the Order of Merlin first class, this is a historic moment and you should feel proud"

"There's that word again, moment" I thought. "I do feel proud of myself Gin, I really do" I said

"Good, then put this on, I'll be back to style your hair" she said, before turning to leave.

I sighed and looked at the dress. She's right of course, it is a historic moment, but for some reason I couldn't muster any happiness. Whether it was because parents were dead or the whole situation with Ron, I couldn't be sure. I looked at the dress for afew more minutes before getting up to put it on. Of course it was a stunning fit, and the color complemented me well. I starred at my reflection and tried to forge a smile.

"You look beautiful"

I turned and smiled weakly "Thanks Harry, you don't look so bad yourself"

"Ginny picked it out" he said sheepishly. I laughed and hugged him.

"It's good to see you Harry"

"You too Mione, it's been ages"

"It's been five days" I chuckle

"I know, but you're my partner in crime, five days is like five years"

I grin and straighten his tie. "There, all set"

"Are you really not going to accept the Prime minister's offer to join the ministry of magic?"

"I see Ginny doesn't waste anytime" I answered, turning away pretending to fold my blanket.

"Why wouldn't you want to accept Mione?"

"I didn't say I wasn't going to accept, I said I needed time to think about it"

"Advisor to the minister himself is a wonderful opportunity Mione"

"I know, and I'll think about it"

"What's there to think about?"

"Harry could we please not talk about this now?" I asked softly

"I'm sorry Mione, I didn't mean to upset you, I just, I want my Mione back" he replied.

I turned to look at him and tried my best to muster some semblance of the old me, instead all I could do was feel the dark images threatening to escape the far corners of my mind. I struggled to fight them back and felt my eyes welling up.

"Hey, hey its ok Mione, I'm so sorry. I'm so stupid for saying that" Harry said, wrapping his arms around me.

"Hey Mione are you…Harry! What did you do?" Ginny asked, rushing over to check on me

"I'm Fine Gin, really" I said, wiping away the tears and finally mustering a smile "Shall we?"

"No we shant, I still need to style your hair" she said, taking out her wand.

"Save me" I whispered dramatically to Harry.

He laughed and backed away with his hands up "Sorry Mione, no battle experience can prepare you for this"

"Ha ha you two, come on Mione, or we're going too be late, you know how mum gets flustered when it comes to tardiness"

Thirty minutes later, after having to sit perfectly still for Ginny to finish applying my makeup, we finally met the others in the dinning room.

"A small toast before we leave" Mr. Weasly said, raising his glass in the air "To my children" he said, looking at all of us "I couldn't be more proud"

"To us" Harry said

I smiled and raised my glass "To us"