Disclaimer: The characters belong to J. K. Rowling.

A/N: Took place three years after the final battle (not much 'action' here: not too good at it so I won't even try).

Chapter1

No other option

When the battle was finally over, Hermione had decided to stay away from the wizarding world temporarily despite Professor Dumbledore's and Professor McGonagall's persistence that she should pursue being an Auror. They said she had the courage and brilliance the Ministry needed to completely obliterate the Death Eaters.

No ordinary teenager she was, three years ago already a full-fledged member of the Order. Chasing evil wizards and working for the Order would have been great to satisfy her thirst for adventure but her priorities were pointing her to spend time with her parents. She wanted to make up for the times she missed for almost seven years.

Hermione had never been more secretive as she had been during the later years of her studies. Her parents didn't know neither about the battle nor Voldemort's threat to the muggleborn witches and the wizarding community as a whole. The last thing she wanted to happen was to be forbidden to finish her studies, to be forbidden to ever return to Hogwarts after sixth year.

What the battle left in her was a scar on her left shoulder. It was a three-inch long scar caused by a shattered glass that flew while red and green beam of lights blinded her eyesight. If her parents learned her secret, she will never ever be allowed to return and there was no way they would let her go back there.

The only indication that she was not far moved from the world she love was her wand, safely hidden under her mountain of clothes in the mahogany closet and her owl named Snow. The owl gave a startled hooting after she slammed the door so hard, it was a miracle it didn't broke down.

They can't force me to marry now. Not now when I thought of going back to work for the Order. This was Hermione's sentiment as she locked herself in her room, pacing up and down on her red carpeted floor, feeling defeated. The gloomy atmosphere in the room added to her hopeless state. Hysterical that was what she felt. Their reason: To secure her future, which she found to be ridiculous no matter how noble their intentions may have been; it is still simply unacceptable. If they want to secure my future, they better let me be, let me do what I want. And what I want now? I don't want to get married.

The room seemed to be getting smaller to contain her anger and apprehension. A loud thud echoed in the room as she opened the sliding door which led to the balcony. The cold night breeze and the darkness of the night loomed before her. It was a very beautiful evening, with a full moon and countless stars scattered in the sky as though thousands of diamonds were sprinkled on black velvet cloth. But no matter how beautiful the evening was, she could not appreciate the sight. The wind blew once more and it brought chills all over her body that was only covered by an oversized t-shirt and sweatpants. It was piercingly cold but she must have gone numb after hearing her parents' plans for her life.

Hermione hugged herself, in an attempt to protect her bare arms from the chilly wind. She had never felt this helpless before. She gazed at the thousand lights of the houses below; she was apparently still in shock from what her parents told her at dinner earlier that evening. Two weeks from now, she will be married to a stranger. They didn't even tell her who he was or where he was from and to think, she will be spending the rest of her life with him. The idea of it sent a bitter taste to her mouth. What if she could not bring herself to like him?

At the age of twenty, she could say she had physically changed, but remained to be the bushy-haired girl she was back in her Hogwarts days. The only time she remembered having a good hair-day was at the Yule Ball in her fourth year. After using liberal amounts of Sleekeazy's Hair Potion, she got a lot of compliments which she knew were not all sincere. Someone even suggested she use the potion every day, but then she said 'it is way too much trouble to do every day.'

As the wind blew her hair which had become less frizzy over the years, she gripped the railings tightly and looked beyond the lights below. Her head ached for trying to come up with a solution to her present predicament. There must be a way out of this. Or maybe there just isn't. Maybe I should just jump off the balcony. Hermione thought bitterly, her eyes narrowed, making out what loomed down the dark abyss. It was more or less forty feet below. Without a doubt, she would die instantly and she would never have to marry the stranger. She could do herself a favor and solve the problem in a blink of an eye. But it would also mean she could never experience the excitement and thrill of being out there in the wizarding world again, chasing evil wizards if ever she got the chance to return there at all. It was something she wouldn't want to miss.

Realizing she's too young to die yet, she brushed away the nasty thought. She always dreamed of falling in love; to find that one person who is meant for her; to have her own family. A small smile formed on her lips at the instance the thought came to her bewildered mind. She found it slightly funny to be thinking of such matters at a time like this, when all hope seemed to be gone.

"How can they do this?" said Hermione, barely above a whisper, in a tone of disbelief. Tears of frustration flowed down her cheeks. She had been restraining herself to cry during her heated conversation with her parents earlier over dinner. The last thing she wanted to happen was to show weakness in front of them. The argument started from her parents' reminders that they let her do what she wanted which was to study in Hogwarts and it was only fair that she obey them now. They said it was for her benefit. As the argument replayed itself in her mind, it suddenly made sense why they became too strict on her. The row ended when Hermione ran upstairs to her room. It was only later that she realized that she gave them the victory by simply running off like that. They were so firm on their decision, as though nothing could change their minds about that despicable marriage.

When the coldness was piercing her to the bone, she went inside the comforts of her room, feeling its warm atmosphere wash over her. But her thoughts were still troubled. She took some parchment and quill from her desk drawer and without wasting much time, scribbled busily, her brows creased in concentration. The content was about the marriage and how absurd it was and so on. She was going to ask for advice, though she wasn't expecting to get a decent one. What do they know anyway? Harry had his own problems to think about and Ron's sense of humor makes him somewhat incapable to give advice, especially concerning marriage. There was nothing else to do but to let them know at least.

Hermione finally admitted to herself that this time, she didn't know what to do. It scared her to think that she could not get out of this mess. Writing to her two best friends about her present situation somehow gave her a feeling of security. She could definitely use all the help she can get. If she was able to help in defeating Voldemort, then she could get away from this. The final battle was more difficult to deal with than an arranged marriage.

She moved towards her white-feathered owl Snow, who looked just like Hedwig but when one would look closely, the difference could be spotted. Snow's eyes were smaller than Hedwig's and she has one black feather on her tail. It was a gift from Harry and Ron just before she left for home. All this time of being apart for almost three years, Snow's all she got to send letters to her friends. They do sometimes get together but sometimes is an understatement.

Her occasional get together with her friend, from at least twice a month had been reduced to once every two months. They were afraid she might one day decide to return to the wizarding world. It just showed they were not really concerned about her future because they were more concerned with themselves. Their fear of her leaving one of these days was resurfacing, getting clearer as she thought of it. She never thought of leaving them any time soon but what they were doing might just push her over the edge.

After making sure that the rolled parchments were tied securely on Snow's leg, she went to the balcony. The icy wind pierced her body like a thousand knives. "Snow, deliver this letter to Harry and Ron." The owl rubbed its head on her palm before leaving. She watched Snow sped into the night. When all she could see was a speck of what was left of the owl, she went inside the room and sat on her comfortable bed, a bit relieved and worried. Well, it's worth the try.

The urge to hold her wand just like old times came over her. She opened her closet and took her wand, in a grip like she used to. After the battle, a lot had changed. The Death Eaters who were captured were sent to Azkaban, where they would be staying for good, unless the laws have changed regarding the penalty for Voldemort's supporters. As for the others who were still at large, the Ministry of Magic was still doing its best to make sure no wizards and witches, most of all, muggles will be put to danger by the Death Eaters who were wandering freely.

As far as she was concerned, she didn't know what happened to the others, to those who joined or were forced to participate in the final battle. Ron once mentioned in his letter, the very first letter he sent her after she left that Malfoy was working in the Ministry as an Auror. Up until now, she still could not believe that Malfoy came to the right side. She had no idea what happened to him during those several months he and Snape were gone while she and the others believed Dumbledore to be dead. She and the other students were trained as members of the Order during seventh year. Hogwarts was not officially open for a school year but it was a training ground for them and sometimes, a safe place for witches and wizards whose life was threatened.

Maybe they used Veritaserum on Malfoy. That was the only logical explanation for the acceptance of his application as an Auror. But according to Harry, it was Dumbledore who recommended Malfoy. If that was the case, maybe Malfoy did deserve the job just like anybody else. After all, he helped in defeating Voldemort; him and Snape, they who were not really her most favorite people in the world. It all the more proved that he had in fact been sincere in joining their side.

She was also proud of Harry, who became an Auror after the battle while Ron worked in the Ministry of Magic, as his Dad's apprentice. He was studying a lot of things about muggles. He seemed into it so very much and sounded happy in the letters he sent her. She hoped that if ever she got the chance to pay them a visit at the Ministry, Malfoy's path and hers won't cross. It had never for once and she felt lucky for that.

To see him again was not in her 'most wanted' list of activities. She didn't want to see him. She did not want to acknowledge the fact that she felt pity for him after all that he had done, torturing her emotionally for six years. He looked miserable the last time she saw him and she can not help but wonder why. Then again, if she would see him, she hoped he wouldn't look as miserable as the last time. She did not want to waste her time wondering why he looked like hell. What he did to her was not yet forgotten; the insults and everything that came with it. But half year after her seventh year, when she saw him again looking like he had not had any peace of mind at all. It was enough to make her forgive him for what he's done. It had been almost three years of a Malfoy-free life. She had been lucky, so much lucky not to bump into him whenever she went to the Ministry of Magic. It was one of the benefits of being away for awhile from the wizarding world.

..o-.-.o.-.-o..

Hermione didn't pretend that everything was fine. Her parents may have thought of her as being childish but she can't act as if they didn't deserve the cold treatment she'd been giving them. Lately, there's only one option to consider: to run away, get as far away as she could from manipulation and future misery. She would only show up after the wedding or weeks after it, when her parents would finally realize what they're trying to do. They were assuring themselves that she won't leave just because she will be married to a muggle, maybe.

Her room had been her sanctuary for the past few days. She'd been waiting for Harry's and Ron's replies. Finally one evening while she was reading one of her favorite magical books, a week after her letters were sent to them, letters arrived delivered by Snow. To her disappointment, they were not that much of help as she hoped them to be. All they could offer her was sympathy and some words of encouragement such as: they wish they could be there for her but unfortunately they were both busy with their work, and knowing her, she will be able to solve it. They had too much confidence in her compared to what confidence she had in herself.

Only minutes after receiving letters from her best friends, another one came, this time from an owl she didn't recognize. She took the parchment and was stunned midway to opening it when she read who it was from: Dumbledore. She read the letter, and then she read it again. It was easy to understand but she had to read it twice to make sure she wasn't imagining things.

Professor Dumbledore wanted her to return. He said he'd be giving her two weeks to decide. She was not sure if she was ready even though she did want to come back. She had many things on her mind that she thought it would be best to answer Professor Dumbledore's letter without giving an answer but an assurance that she would think about it. She almost said yes, that she'll be there but restrained herself. If she did, there would be no turning back. First things first and Professor Dumbledore will have to wait. The sooner she got the marriage out of the way, the better it'll be.

Days had quickly gone by, during which she had many sleepless nights. To make things worst, there had been a change of plans. Instead of having to meet her 'future husband' on the day of the wedding itself, she would meet him a week before the big day or rather her doom day. It was for some sort of enough time, as her parents put it, to get to know him. It gave her all the right to panic. It seemed her parents were confident that she won't do anything stupid. Just because she hadn't brought up her disagreement with regard the 'marriage' doesn't mean she's going to do as they say, that she would wait around till that day comes. They had no idea she was up to something. She may be a goody-two-shoe but there were always instances when she had to stray away from the well-trodden path. They'll be disappointed in her.

There had, again, been another change of plans: the groom will show up on the wedding day itself. It seemed like she was not the only one who had objections about the marriage. She could feel her husband-to-be may possibly be against it as well. At least he was smart enough to disagree to the dreadful marriage. It was a good sign because she wasn't interested at all in meeting him.

Two days before the weeding date, Hermione sent a letter to Harry, telling him about her plans of running away and that she would tell him as soon as possible what has happened either personally or in a letter, she was not sure. She noted in the letter that for the moment she would put Snow in his custody with a reminder to keep the 'marriage problem' a secret as much as possible and to send her regards to Ron as well, and to the others.

It was almost tempting to give in to Professor Dumbledore's wishes but again, it took all her logical thinking to block it out. She can't just leave and go straight to Hogwarts. She needed to deal first with getting the message across to her parents. The message which said she won't be getting married the day after tomorrow.

Just before the sun's rays peeked from the horizon, a day before the dreaded event, Hermione cautiously moved about her room. She took her luggage from her closet and silently cast the Reducio spell on it. As far a she knew, it wasn't illegal.

The living room was dark but she has known exactly where she's headed: to the front door. She wrote a note for her parents explaining she was off to see her friends to tell them about the big event. By the time they realize that it had been taking her too long to come back, she would be miles away. Having her wand safely tucked in the pocket of her black overcoat, she felt secure and almost safe and free. It was all she needed to get the courage to even step out the front door and get a cab, not knowing where she's going.

Minutes later, she decided to check-in in a hotel. She chose one of the most expensive hotels in town. Her parents would not have the slightest idea she would do so. By the end of the day, for sure they will be searching for her.

Once in her room, she spent the day thinking of her next possible plan. Her savings were not enough to pay for an extended accommodation. She would rather prefer to stay there for one night only. Besides, she had to find a place far away from home before they would catch up with her.

..o-.-.o.-.-..o

At lunch, after waking from a long slumber and having room service, she felt almost as if she had not done anything wrong, like it was any other ordinary day. She scanned the job section of the newspaper hoping she could find a job and a place to stay if that was even possible these days. She can't stay in the hotel for long. Her eyes lit up instantly when she saw an ad. A job could be waiting for her in the outskirts of London. The house was rather big and was situated by the ocean, a hundred miles away from her home. If she got lucky, she'll be as far away from her parents as she wanted to be.

The owner was in need of a housemaid, a physically unattractive housemaid, it said. She frowned at the emphasis. Why would he want an unattractive housemaid? This Mr. Banks is weird.

She took a sip from her glass of orange juice. Maybe he's unattractive, thought Hermione as she further scanned the requirements after putting the glass down on the table and taking a bite of her sandwich. The monthly salary was fair enough. There was free food and lodging. It was the answer to her exact prayers. Despite the strange preference of the owner, she decided she'll give it a try. She would go there tomorrow with the perfect look of her own concept of 'unattractive.'

An idea, though pathetic, was brewing in her mind. She had something important to do. She took a quick shower and put on a faded jeans and black fitting shirt. After blow-drying her hair, she tied it in a ponytail and put on a cap and shades. She wanted to look as unfamiliar as possible if she was to walk on the streets. With her wand safely tucked in her pocket, she went outside and discovered the hallway was deserted. Once in the elevator, she was mentally making a list of the things she needed to buy. She didn't notice that someone got in the elevator, who gave her a rather momentary up and down glance in a manner that if Hermione were aware, she would have felt offended and irritated. It was as though the 'someone' was sizing her up by the clothes that she wore. It was a prestigious hotel so what were the likes of her doing there wearing somewhat tattered clothes.

T B C

A/N: That's just the beginning, nothing much in there but it's a start. Review because it helps a lot and thank you for reading this piece.