Fluffystwin: Well, it certainly has been a while since I've posted anything in the Harry Potter category. It has been far too long in all actuality. Since I have arrived back here I would like to post something that I started writing in my medical anthropology class while going on a Potterhead rant with a fellow classmate. You know who you are ;) It took me a while to decide on whether or not I wanted to post this, but then I decided that my writing was so epic in this I just had to share it with my fellow Potterheads. This story focuses on Hermione, Harry, and Draco. Hermione mostly as she is the main character in my tale. I really do hope you all enjoy this.

Hermione sighed as she read another article about how the wizarding community was getting along after the war. She quietly sipped her coffee and wondered if she should have taken a different job. She was currently working in the Department of Magical Law Enforcement and helping wizards and witches that had their lives destroyed by Death Eaters. She thoroughly enjoyed her job, but there were points where all she wanted to do was stay in her flat with her boyfriend and not move. She and Ron had finally moved in together last year after celebrating their 4 year anniversary, tomorrow would make year number 5. She was beginning to wonder if he was ever going to propose to her as Molly kept slyly implying. She just chalked it up to Ron being nervous and overworked. He had been assigned to the same Auror team as Harry and recently they had been given a lot of cases as they tried to catch all the remaining Death Eaters. It had been lonely in their flat as of late, but that's where her friends came in. Ginny came around occasionally whenever she was free from her Quidditch training with the Hollyhead Harpies, though it wasn't that often. George liked to take her out for lunch once a week so they could keep in touch. She knew George needed someone to connect with and Hermione was all too happy to provide. She missed Fred just as much as George did. She was even corresponding with Charlie now. They had had a pleasant conversation during the memorial after the war and had kept in touch ever since. She had never felt more in touch with the Weasley family than she did now and to be perfectly honest, she couldn't be happier.

The door chimed as it opened and signaled a person walking in to the little café that she was sitting in. Hermione raised her gaze and smiled. She had also made new friends recently while working in the Department. Two of them happened to be standing in front of her. They were the first case that Hermione had been given when she started flying solo. Hermione stood up and gave the blonde a hug first before moving to the black haired woman. They sat their bags down before going up to order coffee and some snacks. Hermione sat back down and smiled at the two as they bickered over what to order. Saeka Adams and Zeherah Laveau had been witches that were tortured for information in the war. Hermione remembered them as soon as they stepped in her office. They had been in the group of reinforcements that Charlie had led to Hogwarts. They had been covered in lacerations and old scars from their imprisonment, but they had both been near McGonagall when the war was over.

Needless to say, when the two walked in to her office she had been surprised. When Hermione was in her first year they were in their sixth, so they weren't that much older than her. They spent all of Hermione's work day talking about everything. In the end, Hermione had made them very rich witches. Now Saeka and Zeherah worked at a small wizarding club instead of taking positions as Hogwarts professors even after McGonagall asked multiple times. Apparently they had been excellent students in school, but had preferred to not return to the place. Their own house had turned against them and they couldn't ever forget that. Both women were Slytherins.

If you had told Hermione, that five years after the war she would be best friends with two Slytherins she would have laughed. Yes, she was a friend to Draco, but that was a different topic. He was trying to cleanse his family name and Hermione appreciated it. She was working with him in a few cases where he wanted to help the families that his family had hurt. She was glad to see that the money he had given her two favorite clients was going to good use. The two women walked back towards her giggling about some thing or another.

"Hey Hermione, don't you think the muggle barista is hot?" Saeka asked with her silky smooth voice.

Hermione rolled her eyes and ignored the lure in the woman's voice. "He is cute, but remember don't speak too much around him. I've been doing some research and I found out that Muggles are more susceptible to a Siren's voice."

Saeka grinned. "Oh trust me, I know. Either way I'm only 1/3 siren so there's not much to worry about."

Zeherah snickered behind her coffee. "She had some guy begging to climb in to bed with her last night. It was hilarious."

"Oh yes Miss Laveau, let's talk about my non-existent sex life. Miss-Voodoo-heiress that barely has to sway her hips to get a man in her bed. At least Hermione has a steady man in her life. I swear I hear more footsteps in our flat at 3 in the morning than in the club at closing."

Hermione busted out laughing at the two as they continued to bicker about things. Saeka was 1/3 siren and from a wizarding family that had been killed in the two previous wars. She was the last of her line left and Hermione knew that she desperately wished for her grandmother to be alive. She had heard many stories from her, though Hermione knew she'd never be able to resist the woman's voice when she was telling a story. With Hermione and Neville's help they had been able to deduce what made her voice alluring and had been able to find a plant that she could take to soften the lure it had on people. Needless to say Saeka had made a sizeable contribution to the Herbology greenhouses at Hogwarts in thanks. Zeherah on the other hand was a very happy woman who loved to have fun, but she was from a prominent wizarding family that hailed from New Orleans. Apparently her great-great-grandmother had been the daughter of Marie Laveau; she had a natural talent for any kind of magic. She was wonderful at potions and charms; she was running a small business in the club where they worked. Her voodoo roots were coming in handy for her as she made more money on those nights than any other. Saeka ignored her roommate and pointed a silver painted fingernail at Hermione.

"So Hermione, has Ronald proposed yet?"

Hermione sighed and set her coffee cup down. "No he hasn't sadly."

"Well kick his ass then," Zeherah said. "Maybe that'll put him in gear. Oh! Are we still on for tonight?"

Hermione laughed at the blonde's exuberant nature. You would never believe they were Slytherins. "Yes we are, so what did you guys buy today?"

Saeka's face lit up as she reached for the floor and pulled up the guitar case that had been on her back. "I used the lovely money that I'd been saving up and got this." She opened the case for Hermione to see. It was a beautiful acoustic guitar with what appeared to be mother of pearl inlay.

"It's beautiful," Hermione stated.

"I keep forgetting you aren't interested in things like these," Saeka said with a laugh. "It cost me a good penny. Gibson western classic prewar 200s are not cheap, but I am so pleased with buying this."

Zeherah rolled her eyes. "The girl about had an orgasm when she saw it glinting underneath the light. She freaking rugby tackled a salesperson so she could get it. Otherwise we just got some clothes for our trip. I can't wait to go back to Nawlans."

Saeka and Hermione stared at her as the Cajun accent made an appearance. The two women stared at each other. "I think she said New Orleans," Saeka whispered. Zeherah glared at the two women before the three of them began to laugh. Hermione reveled in this time that she had with her two friends. It was nice to be around people who didn't see her as the savior of the wizarding world, but instead saw her as Hermione Granger. They spent almost an hour just chatting the day away before they had to part. Saeka and Zeherah had to drop off their new purchases before heading to the club for their last night of work. Hermione was going to be spending the night with them at the club. Harry, George, Charlie, Luna, Neville, and hopefully Blaise and Draco would be at the club tonight. Hermione had extended invitations to all of them so they could all get together and have some fun. She had sent an owl to Blaise and Draco at the last minute, but she decided it was time for all of them to get over things and finally come together. Maybe some alcohol could help patch up old wounds.

Hermione waited inside the club in a large circular booth with her first drink of the night. A jolly rancher. She was a fruity girl and liked her drinks the same way. Zeherah already had the drink made for her as soon as she walked in. She had thanked the blonde profusely before heading over to the section that had been reserved just for their group. She was really hoping they would all show up as none had taken the opportunity to respond to her letters. She relaxed considerably when she saw two heads of bright orange hair bobbing through the crowd. She smiled brightly when Charlie finally managed to make it through the crowd and easily slid in to the booth next to her. She glanced around and saw George over by the bar, probably sweet talking Zeherah for some free drinks.

"Hey 'Mione. How's it going?" Charlie asked.

Hermione smiled at her new favorite Weasley, besides her boyfriend of course. "I'm doing okay; I'm surprised you were able to get away from the Reservation for a bit."

Charlie waved her comment off. "I had to come to London anyways. They want to bring in some new dragons, but we are having legal troubles. Japan is a little stricter about allowing dragons out of their country."

Hermione nodded in understanding. "Well I hope everything gets worked out for you."

"Thanks, I'm honestly surprised that you asked me to come tonight."

She gave him a confused look. "Why would I not invite my favorite Weasley to hang out with me?"

"Don't let Ronniekins hear you say that," George said as he set a pitcher of beer on the table and a couple of glasses. "I'm so glad you are friends with the bartender, we get served first."

Hermione smacked him on the arm. "Don't be using me just for that," she laughing said.

George leaned over and kissed her on the cheek. "You know I wouldn't do that love."

They made small talk and waited for the rest to arrive. Harry, Luna, and Neville arrived together. Neville looked a little out of place, but he had been hit on a couple times as soon as he walked in the door. Hermione had to agree with the female population, he had certainly grown in to a man since the war. He was now a tall, handsome man with a secure job as a teacher now. He was a good catch for any sane woman. Hermione was about ready to give in on Draco and Blaise showing up when she saw the platinum blond hair through the crowd. She smiled brightly as she saw Draco and Blaise walking their way. Blaise already had a beer in his hand. Harry raised an eyebrow at Hermione, but she gave him a stern look to silence any comments. It was time to move on.

"Hey, Draco, Blaise, I'm glad to see you guys were able to make it," Hermione said with genuine happiness in her voice.

Blaise clapped Draco on the back. "I almost didn't get this one out of the house earlier. You would think I had said we were going to Azkaban when I mentioned coming here. Thanks for the invite Granger."

Hermione gave Draco a skeptical look. "Are you okay Draco?"

He didn't have time to reply as the lights finally dimmed and Saeka walked out on stage. Hermione had to grin; this was a perfect job for a woman with the tempting voice of a Siren. Hermione had to place a hand over her mouth when she saw Draco's reaction to Saeka's arrival. That's why he was hesitant about showing up. Saeka winked in their direction and picked up the mic. Hermione squealed in delight and shoved Charlie out of her way as Saeka began singing her favorite song. She grabbed Luna's hand on the way out and they made their way to the dance floor. Blaise waved a hand in front of Draco's face and began to laugh. Harry grinned as well. He could understand why Draco was smitten with the gorgeous singer. She was dressed a little provocatively tonight with a plaid mini-skirt, a front zip up corset that accentuated her assets, and she wore ridiculous black heels that wrapped around her ankle with a chain. George raised an eyebrow as he saw Draco's eyes darken as he continued to stare at the beautiful woman. Charlie nodded; the man was a hopeless case. Hermione ran back over to the table and grabbed Charlie's hand, pulling him out on to the floor. Luna did the same with Harry. George laughed and poured a glass of beer for Draco as the blond sat down.

"You have it bad man," George said.

Blaise snickered. "He saw her a few weeks ago for the first time and I think he about had a heart attack. Hermione introduced her to us and he was actually at a loss for words—Ouch! Prick!" Blaise rubbed his shin that Draco had swiftly kicked so as to manage to keep some dignity. George instantly perked up when he saw the buxom blonde bartender that he was beginning to adore crooking her finger at him. George hastily slipped from the booth and wrapped his arms around Zeherah's thin waist. Blaise raised his glass and he and Draco toasted to hopefully not waking up in some crazy chick's bed.

After another 40 minutes of dancing everyone finally made their way back to the two Slytherins, who were trying to drink each other under the table. Hermione and Luna stood off to the side of the stage as they waited for Saeka to finish her set. Draco took his next shot with dignity as he watched Saeka bow before heading off stage, leaving the next half hour to her partner. Charlie snickered and watched as Saeka bounded down the stairs and gave Luna a hug. Saeka was truly happy to see the crazy witch after so long. They had hit it off when Hermione had introduced them and it had been a few weeks since they had been able to spend time together. Luna had been off on an adventure to find Wrackspurts. Hermione led the black haired woman over to the table and the two Weasleys cheered for her arrival. She curtsied, revealing creamy skin that the mini skirt and black stockings attached to her garter kept hidden. She slid in next to Draco and took the shot from in front of him and slammed it back.

"So! Who's ready to party!"

Blaise jumped up and pulled the lovely woman out on to the dance floor. Charlie laughed when he saw Draco's unhappy expression and followed Hermione back out on to the floor. Hermione wrapped her arms around Charlie's broad shoulders and grinned when she saw Draco take another shot before mustering up the courage to get Blaise away from Saeka.

"I never thought I'd see the day where I'd be standing in a club dancing seductively with Hermione Granger while watching Draco Malfoy try and get a girl," Charlie whispered for her to hear.

She smacked him on the chest. "Nice try Charlie, but your brother laid claim."

Charlie waggled his eyebrows at her. "Sure you don't wanna ditch my brother for me?"

Hermione laughed as they continued with their delicate teasing. This was something she truly appreciated with Charlie. They had fallen in to a perfect synch with each other and she enjoyed spending time with him. Since she hadn't been able to spend that much time with her own boyfriend she was enjoying the time with at least one Weasley who had the time for her company. George snuck over and swapped Hermione for Zeherah and Charlie laughed at his brother. Hermione smiled at George.

"I'm really glad you could make it."

"Anything for you 'Mione, you know I enjoy flirting with our lovely bartender and of course I love flirting with you too," he said with a wink.

"What is it with you Weasley men flirting with me while I'm dating one of you?"

"What can we say? We can't deny a gorgeous woman."

Hermione laughed as he twirled her around in their own little intricate dance that didn't match the music at all. She spun back in to his chest and threw her head back in a laugh before he dipped her. Neville ran over to them suddenly, his face bright red. Hermione stopped George and placed a hand on Neville's shoulder, trying to get him to calm down. He glanced up at Hermione and grabbed her shoulder.

"Hermione, I just saw Ron here."

Hermione's face lit up. She had left a note in the flat earlier explaining where she'd be and telling him he should come. "Where?"

Neville gulped. "He left with Lavender."

Hermione's heart stopped. It felt like she had suddenly been given a cold bath. "Excuse me."

George reached out and grabbed her hand. "You're not going anywhere without us."

Saeka stopped dancing with Draco when she saw Hermione running back towards the booth as fast as she could. She quickly waved to her stage partner that she had to leave and he gave her a confused look. Their sound tech ran up on stage and bent down to listen to her. He nodded and she took Draco's hand and followed after the brunette witch. Zeherah grabbed their stuff and followed the others as well. Blaise took one last swig of his beer before following just as quickly. No one paid any attention to them as they chased after their favorite witch. Harry was the first one to catch up with Hermione as she had already ran a block before they could catch her. Saeka rounded the corner hopping on one leg as she pulled off her other heel. Draco held her steady and they jogged over to the two. Everyone finally caught up and stared at Hermione.

"What in the bloody hell are you running for?" Harry asked.

"I need to get home, immediately."

Charlie and George glanced at each other, that couldn't be good. Neville looked sheepish for having caused all of this, but he had thought it was an odd sight. Harry moved everyone in to an alley for them to all safely apparated to Hermione's flat without alerting any muggles of their presence. Harry appeared standing next to Hermione as she struggled with finding the correct key to her flat. Everyone appeared as she slid the key in to the door and walked in to her dark flat. She cast her worried eyes about across the furniture she had lovingly picked and all the pictures dotting the wall. Including one moving picture of her, Ron, and Harry in their first year at Hogwarts. She treasured everything in this flat as everything held a special memory for her. She paused when she caught sight of the line of clothing strewn across the floor, including a set of knickers that were not her's. Harry grew furious as he heard the sounds coming front the bedroom, but Charlie and George beat him to the bedroom door. Their wands were drawn as the slammed the door open to see their idiotic brother shagging Lavender. Ron abruptly sat up and stared at his brothers.

"I-it's not what you think," he called out.

Harry pushed past the brothers and stared at his so called best friend. "Then what exactly is this Ron? Cause it seems to be a very big mistake."

"Forget him," Hermione said. The boys all looked at her and her determined face. "Saeka, I hope you don't mind one extra person in your flat tonight." Without another word Hermione apparated away on the arm of Saeka. Zeherah grabbed Draco, Blaise, and Neville before apparating away with them as well. The Weasley brothers and Harry stared at Ron.

"Lavender, I would suggest grabbing your clothes and leaving," Harry growled out. Lavender scurried off the bed with the sheet clutched to her and ran past them to grab her clothes. They all heard the distinctive pop of her apparating away. "You're a fool Ron."

"Harry, mate, come on. This was nothing, 'Mione will get over it like she always does," Ron said.

George's eyebrow rose at that statement. "You've done this to her before?"

Ron grinned. "Well I need to get some somewhere, Miss Ice Queen doesn't put out."

"Incarcerous."

Ron yelped as he was suddenly bound on his bed. Charlie lowered his wand and grabbed a duffel bag from behind the door. He headed towards Hermione's dresser and began stuffing clothes in to the bag. Harry went and grabbed Hermione's toiletries as George shook his head at his brother. When the three men had gathered most of Hermione's things that she would need they took one last look at Ron, who was pleading with them to let him go before apparating to Saeka and Zeherah's flat. They didn't knock on the door and simply strolled in. Saeka put a finger to her lips when they walked in and gestured towards the guest bedroom. Harry peeked inside to see Hermione fast asleep in a pair of sweat and a tank. He looked to Saeka and she nodded. She had sung the woman to sleep and she would be out for a good nine hours. Zeherah walked in to the living room with a couple of bottles of firewhiskey that she set on the table. Harry took one last look at Hermione's tear stained cheeks before closing the bedroom door. Saeka collapsed on the couch beside Draco and pulled her feet up to rest beneath her. Harry took a deep breath and sat down on a beanbag chair that Zeherah had tossed to him. He knew somewhere deep down that he should have known about this. He should have at least seen it coming. He was best mates with the man and he hadn't seen this coming. Charlie leaned on his knee with a glass of firewhiskey in hand. He couldn't believe his brother would do something as stupid as that. He had just let the greatest woman on Earth walk out his door without batting an eyelash.

Neville dropped his head in to his hands. "I'm sorry guys. I shouldn't have said anything, but I had a bad feeling when I saw him there."

Harry shook his head. "You're not at fault Neville, Ron is. We should have known something was wrong, but Hermione never gave any signals away."

Saeka and Zeherah glanced at each other. Hermione had said a few things to them over the weeks that had began to send off warning bells in their minds. Having both gone through similar experiences they knew that something was wrong. George looked over Zeherah and saw her tense body and the hurt that flashed in her brown eyes.

"Did she say anything to you guys?" he asked softly.

Zeherah sighed and down her glass of firewhiskey. "Not outright, but we got the feeling that something was going on. She would say some things that he was doing and it just didn't set right with us. She wasn't very vocal about her relationship with him."

Luna set her drink down. "What's done is done. Now, how do we fix it?"

Hermione groaned and snuggled farther in to the covers of the spare bed. She knew where she was before she even opened her eyes. She was afraid to open her eyes. She didn't want the pain to hurt more when she realized this was in fact reality. She heard soft voices outside in the living room and knew she would eventually have to get up. She dug the palm of her hands in to her eyes and bit her bottom lip. She knew that he had cheated on her a couple of times before, but in the end she had forgiven him. Believing that he was just letting the fame go to his head. Yet, here she was with a broken heart once again, but this time knowing that he wasn't even worried about bringing her back. She sat up and threw the covers off her tired body. She bent backwards and heard her back pop, inside she was thankful that Saeka had sang her to sleep or else she never would have gone to bed. She rolled the waistband of the pants up a few times so she wouldn't be tripping on the end of them and walked to the door. She could smell the cinnamon French toast and café au lait that was being made for her in the kitchen. She could also smell bacon, ham, and sausage for the boys that she knew were still there. She took a deep breath and turned the doorknob. Silence fell over the dining room as they heard the door open. Hermione looked up and sat the boys sitting at the wooden table set off to the side that Zeherah and Saeka used as a makeshift dining room. Hermione ignored their stares and took a seat at the table. Zeherah instantly set a plate of cinnamon French toast and bacon in front of her. A cup of café au lait appeared next and the noise in the kitchen stopped as the two women sat down at the table finally.

Hermione sighed. "Can we please not discuss this?"

Harry set his silverware down and stared at her with his brilliant green eyes that she knew saw through her façade. "Hermione, we are just worried about you is all."

"I've been through it before and I'm a big girl, I can make it through it again," she said stubbornly.

George slammed his fork down in to the table and pushed his chair back. He abruptly stood up and left the table. Saeka reached over and pulled the fork out of her table. Hermione winced as she heard the door to one of the bedrooms slam shut. Charlie let out a heavy sigh and dropped his head in to his hands. His fingers weaving in to his short cropped hair as he closed his eyes. Hermione couldn't look at any of them; she didn't want them to see how much pain she was actually in. Luna placed her hand over Hermione's and felt the woman shaking beneath her touch.

"Please, can we not talk about it?" Hermione's voice began to crack as she begged them to not breech the topic.

"So, Hermione, are you all packed for our trip today?" Saeka asked. Hermione looked up at her in confusion, her eyes swimming with tears. "Did you forget about our trip to New Orleans already? Shame on you. We contacted the Minister and made sure everything was set up, our tickets are ready, our hotel reservations are booked, and we have plenty of vacation time to use up."

Hermione gave a watery smile. "Of course I'm packed."

Saeka smiled brightly at her. "Well good then. Eat your breakfast Princess and go wash your stinky ass. We need to make sure the rest of these idiots are packed." She saw Hermione's confused look. "Do you really think we would go to a foreign country without a bunch of hot guys to entertain us do you? I think not."

No one chose to say anything else on the topic. Saeka and Zeherah had informed them of what they planned to do late last night and everyone had immediately called in to work to get the next few weeks off. Everyone had been more than happy to do it. Hermione needed to be taken care of and at the moment they couldn't trust her to do it. Charlie had flooed home late last night as well to talk to his mother and father about what just happened. They had been shocked and outraged, but agreed that Hermione needed to get away for a bit. They would deal with Ron when he finally made his way to them with his tail tucked between his legs.

"So," Luna began. "Where exactly are we staying?"

Saeka winked. "Now, I can't let our little Princess know our secret now, can I?"

Zeherah laughed. "Just as long as you have some summer clothes and a swimsuit packed you should be fine."

"Alcohol! Wooo! Bourbon Street!" Saeka cheered. The table snickered at her words. Hermione smiled politely and excused herself after having finished. She walked down the hallway and knocked on one of the bedroom doors. She heard George shuffle about inside and she pushed open the door. He was lying on Zeherah's bed with his arm over his eyes. She closed the door and softly walked over to the bed. She sat down next to him and he grabbed her hand. They sat in complete silence for a minute before George moved his arm. He pushed himself up and leaned on his elbows.

"'Mione, I wish you had told us what that prat was doing."

"George—"

"No, why didn't you come to one of us?"

"I was afraid," she honestly admitted. "I didn't want to admit that I wasn't desired anymore. I wanted to keep all of you with me and I didn't want to be banished because of something Ron did."

George sat up fully and pulled her in to his arms. His hand came up to tangle in her soft hair as he dipped her head in to her neck. "We love you. You will always have us by your side." He placed his hands on her cheeks and leaned back to look in her eyes. "We will always be there for you." Hermione let the tears fall finally and held on tightly to George as she finally caved in. He wrapped his arms tightly around her and placed his chin on top of her head. He truly wished he could kill his brother for doing something this stupid. Hermione started giggling when she heard the stereo in the living room kick on. Then Zeherah and Saeka singing Bohemian Rhapsody at the top of their lungs. George couldn't hold it back anymore and he started laughing. Hermione was crying from laughing so hard by the time she heard Charlie and Blaise joining in on the singing. She knew that this was something that she needed. She needed to be away from all of her problems and start fresh. She was glad to have such a loving family looking after her needs; it made her comfortable enough to relax in front of them. Hermione pulled George out of bed and the two walked back in to the living room to see Saeka and Luna waltz right past them. Blaise was twirling Zeherah around and singing along with her. Draco was sitting on the couch smiling with a glass of firewhiskey. Harry whisked Hermione away from George and began to dance with her. The sweet sounds of laughter filled the apartment and all of their worries vanished.

Saeka bounced out of the car happily and saw Zeherah pull up in the second rental with the rest of the gang. Saeka grabbed Hermione's hand and pulled the brunette in to the lobby of the wizarding hotel that they had been lucky to find. When they had called late last night and wanted to reserve more rooms the hotel happily obliged especially when they heard that two of the Golden Trio would be staying there. Everyone followed suit and ended up gazing around the nicely decorated lobby. It was painted in a soft red color that fit with all the old accents around the room. The manager was happily smiling and talking to Saeka as he handed her the keys to their rooms. Apparently she had checked out the whole second floor for them in the small hotel. Zeherah caught her room key and led the way past the reception desk to a door that led out in to a small courtyard. Hermione gasped, it was gorgeous. A small fountain was in the middle while the whole area was covered in plants and trees. Two stair cases led up to a second floor on either side. The hotel was practically empty except for them. Saeka giggled and dashed up the stairs with surprising speed. Zeherah rolled her eyes, but happily followed her friend with the boys staring around in confusion. Zeherah leaned over the railing and dangled the keys in front of them.

"So, us girls all have an individual room, but you guys have to share. I would suggest calling dibs now. Or deal with us," she stated.

Charlie and George sprinted up the stairs and snatched two room keys from her. She laughed as they eagerly dove in to their room and she could hear the bickering over who got which bed. Neville and Harry came up at a more sedate pace while Draco and Blaise walked up with Hermione. Zeherah gave Hermione her key and pointed to the room between Saeka and Zeherah's. She leaned back over the railing and caught sight of Luna staring at the fountain.

"Oi! Come unshrink your shit and get unpacked so we can go drinking." Zeherah groaned as Saeka ran past her without her shirt on. The black haired woman leaned over the railing.

"Woman! You have my suitcases! Gimme my clothes or else I'm walking around the French Quarter starkers!"

"That'd be an interesting sight, don't you think Draco?" Blaise commented as he leaned in Charlie and George's doorway. Draco simply glared at him, but everyone caught the slight blush that darkened his pale cheeks. Luna happily jogged up the steps and dumped a couple of miniature suitcases in to Saeka's hand. The woman then began to pat around for her wand.

"Where in the bloody hell is my wand?"

Zeherah rolled her eyes and Hermione laughed at the woman. "You would lose your own god damn head if it wasn't attached," Zeherah commented. Saeka stuck her tongue out at her friend and Blaise politely expanded her luggage as the woman unceremoniously tossed it on to her bed. She unzipped the first one and squealed in delight.

"Found it! Now where's my shirt?"

Zeherah groaned but, had a smile on her face nonetheless. Hermione was for once not thinking about what had just transpired in London. Saeka reappeared with a shirt on thankfully and her wand shrunken slightly to serve as a hair pin. Luna reached behind Saeka and placed her own wand in the woman's hair and they locked arms and hopped down the steps while whistling. Harry laughed and grabbed Hermione's hand so they could follow after the crazy duo. They waved bye to the manager and strolled out in to the bright sunlight of early evening. Zeherah jogged past them and swung around the sign post stating Royal and Dumaine.

"It's good to be home!" She happily exclaimed. "So where to first? Down to Bourbon street to get totally plastered? Food down by the square? Beignets while listening to idiotic tourists? Or shall we visit my loco voodoo family? We could visit my great-great-grandmother while we are here, well I think she still haunts the cemetery," Zeherah said thoughtfully.

Everyone turned to look at Hermione. She gazed at all of them, she was confused. She didn't know where to go. "Why are you looking at me?"

"You're the one that needs a vacation, so where to Princess?" Saeka asked.

Hermione's stomach answered that question for her. Her cheeks flushed a bright red and she heard the guys snicker behind her. Zeherah smiled. "Well, to River's Edge then." Zeherah led the way for them as she pointed out various places and what significance they had to them and not to the muggles. She motioned to a few places that they should stop at while on vacation while Saeka and Luna were dancing down Royal while listening to the various natives playing music. They stopped at a certain point as Hermione watched a particular group. A woman with a beautiful voice, not as alluring as Saeka's, was singing a foreign song with a group playing simple instruments. Saeka stopped and watched the look of awe cross Hermione's face. Luna was even staring in shock as the group was well organized and all performed perfectly. Zeherah reached in to her back pocket and pulled out her wallet. She dug around and pulled out her muggle American money. She handed it to Hermione and motioned for the woman to put it in the canister they had set up. George grinned and took Hermione's hand after she had set the money in the can and twirled her around. She laughed at his sudden attention and welcomed the dance. She laughed even harder when he dipped her. He pulled her back up and spun her away from him. Charlie stood on the other side and took her hand. She spun in to him and he dipped her as well. By now, Hermione was laughing so hard she was beginning to cry. Her mind was the farthest from Ron as possible by now. They hadn't even been in the city for more than a couple of hours and already she was having the time of her life. She knew that she would forever remember these weeks that she would be here. Charlie smiled brightly at her as he spun her around, making the brunette giggle. She watched Saeka stuff a bunch of money in to their canister and the singer's eyes widened before Saeka ran over to Hermione and grabbed her hand. She pulled her away from Charlie and the women took off running, laughing the entire time.

The boys caught up easily, shocking the boys when they realized Neville could actually keep up with them. Zeherah skipped forward in to Jackson Square and spun around to smile at them. "Welcome to the famous Jackson Square. If you want you can have a psychic glance in to your future," she winked at Harry and Hermione with that statement.

Harry laughed. "I never want to listen to another prophecy again."

Hermione simply scoffed. "Divination has no use."

Zeherah held a hand over her heart and sarcastically sniffed. "That hurts; my family will be so upset to hear that." She couldn't hide the laughter behind her voice.

Saeka and Luna were already a good distance from them standing and pointing out a few paintings from the local artists before they waved the others to come join them so they could get food. The waiters pushed a couple of tables together for the large group and Saeka ordered some drinks before they even all sat down. It took Saeka and Zeherah a lot of convincing to get the others to try some new Cajun food. Hermione was watching all the interactions at the table and couldn't help the bright smile that lit up her face. Saeka was prodding Draco and Blaise to actually try something new while Neville and George were wondering if any of this food was edible. Harry and Luna were trying to decide on what would be better. Zeherah was sipping on her drink and was watching everyone with bright happy eyes. Charlie nudged her arm and smiled down at her.

"Well, I think this has been a brilliant start for a vacation. Don't you?"

Hermione grinned. "Yes, this has."

Hermione was laying out on the stone cobbles in the courtyard, staring at the full moon in the sky above her. The water from the fountain was making gentle noises that helped calm her rampaging mind. She had come out here to get rid of her disastrous thoughts pertaining to Ron. She glanced at the watch on her wrist; it was 3 in the morning. She chuckled, she had certainly lost track of time since she came here. On one side, she was happy that they had dragged her along on this trip, but the other side of her wished that her life wasn't so fucked up. Her thoughts drifted back to Ron and how they had left him tied up on the bed. She knew that the spell would lift not long afterwards, but it bothered her knowing that she had caught him red handed this time. She should never have taken him back the previous two times. Yet her heart wanted that happily ever after that she thought she could have had with him. In the end, her heart was wrong once again. It's the reason she tended to rely on her intellect and not her heart. Her heart was too badly damaged from being mishandled that it couldn't take anymore.

Soft footsteps broke Hermione out of her thoughts and she tilted her head back to see Saeka smiling down at her. Her shorts hung down to her knees and the well fitting tank top showed off a small patch of skin on her hip. Her hand reached out for Hermione and she accepted the offer. Saeka set her on her feet and wrapped an arm around her shoulder.

"How about some coffee?"

Hermione nodded. "That sounds lovely."

"I think we have some company though," Saeka said as she looked over her shoulder to see Neville and Draco looking ashamed for having been caught spying. She jerked her head towards the door and the two men followed behind them. She led the small group back towards Jackson Square and dodged her way through late night traffic to get to Café du Monde. She pulled Hermione by her hand over to a table set off to the side and swiped the powdered sugar off the top of the table. Hermione looked around with wide eyes. She remembered seeing this place earlier and the long line that they had then. Now, it was practically dead besides for what appeared to be locals. A waitress made her way over to them almost immediately and Saeka ordered four café au laits and 8 orders of beignets.

"Why did you order 8?" Neville asked as he glanced around. Saeka just grinned, but didn't say a word. She knew the beignets would speak for themselves. Neville turned back to Hermione who seemed to be lost in her own thoughts once again. "I am sorry, Hermione."

Hermione squeezed his large hand. "It's fine, I needed to come to terms with this anyways."

"Why did you even date the Weasel? He is git," Draco added.

"I thought I loved him Draco, now I can see that I don't get a happily ever after," Hermione sadly admitted.

"Just because you didn't get your happily ever after with Ron doesn't mean you don't get the Cinderella story book ending," Saeka chimed in and began reaching for her wallet as the waitress walked back over. Draco stayed her hand and paid the woman for the food. Saeka licked her lips as she stared at the beignets and slid two plates over to her. She bit in to the first one and groaned. "God, I've missed these things," she said with a mouthful of powdered sugar.

Hermione looked at the other two men and shrugged and she hesitantly bit in to one. Her eyes rolled in to the back of her head as the sugary goodness infiltrated her taste buds. She had to admit these were the most heavenly things she had ever tasted. Draco poked his beignet and gave it an odd look. Saeka rolled her eyes, took her beignet, and shoved the last bit in to Draco's mouth.

"Now chew," Saeka sarcastically said as she leaned on her hand to watch him. He chewed and Hermione giggled as she saw Draco's expression change. "Never doubt me when it comes to food. I swear, I'm surprised I'm not a whale. I'm just glad corsets make everything disappear," she said with a laugh.

Hermione rolled her eyes. "If you're fat then I'm the Eiffel Tower."

"Well we could always turn you in to the Eiffel Tower then, but it'd be a miniature one," Saeka jokingly said.

Draco gave Hermione a confused glance, but she shook her head. It wasn't her place to mention Saeka's own problems. They spent another hour sitting outside just chatting and laughing. Neville had actually opened up a bit and was more talkative than previously. He seemed to have finally grown comfortable enough to have a conversation with them. Before they left Saeka grabbed a few bags of beignets to take with them and paid for them at the take-out window. Neville linked arms with Hermione and she smiled at him. He truly had changed over the years. No longer was there a bumbling boy, but a confident handsome man. She had to wonder why his relationship with Hannah Abbott never panned out. Draco and Saeka were in front of them, leading the way with every so often Saeka smacking Draco's hands away from the bag of beignets. They creeped back in to the hotel and Saeka placed a bag of beignets in front of everyone's door and motioned for them to keep quiet. As soon as she set the bag down in front of Zeherah's door, it was thrown open. The four jumped in shock at the sudden appearance of the bushy haired blonde.

"I smell beignets."

Saeka laughed and shook her head. She picked up the bag and shoved them at Zeherah. "Go back to bed crazy woman." Zeherah reached in to the bag and put a beignet in her mouth as she kicked the door closed with her foot. "Now you three, go to bed. We have a fun day of drinking ahead of us."

Neville grabbed Hermione's hand before she could go in to her room. She looked down at his hand and then up at him. This was unusual behavior for him. She turned around so she could look at him and he took a deep breath. "I really am sorry, even though you keep telling me I have nothing to be sorry for I feel as if this is my fault. I just didn't know what to think because I knew he would hurt you. I didn't want you to be hurt."

Hermione softly smiled at him and stood up on her tiptoes and gave him a kiss on the cheek. "Thank you Neville, I'm glad someone is looking after me. Goodnight."

Neville smiled at her. "Goodnight."

Saeka and Draco looked out from the crack of her doorway to watch the sight. Saeka was happily smiling as Neville walked back to the room he was sharing with Harry. She leaned back from the door and leaned against the wall. She held up three fingers for Draco and he raised an eyebrow at her. She rolled her eyes. "Hermione has three possible suitors now. Three very good suitors who would treat her like the Queen of the world. George, Charlie, and now Neville. That woman will never have to want for anything in her life ever again. So! Who should we help her get?"

Draco ran a hand through his blonde hair. "Why are you so worried about her?" he asked softly.

Saeka patted his cheek. "Someone has to look after her heart," she said as she walked over to her bed.

"Then who's looking after your's?"

Saeka stopped and looked over her shoulder at him. "There's nothing left to look after. Go to bed Draco, we have a long day ahead of us." She turned back to the bed and heard the door close behind her. She sighed and waved her wand to disperse the glamour charms covering her skin.

"Why?" Saeka jumped and glared at Draco. "I'm sorry for whatever my father did. I really am trying to make up to the entire world, but why do you hide them?"

"I'm tired of the looks of pity whenever people see these scars. Zeherah's are easier to hide than mine are. Draco, your father didn't do anything. I was only at the mansion, but your father never contributed to these scars. Why did you give me money when we weren't charging you?"

Draco sighed. "I felt responsible even though I didn't know you. I heard the screams at night and I wish I could have done something."

"You were only a child. You're not at fault for what Bellatrix did or Alecto or what's his face…that's not the point. You were not at fault for this Draco."

Draco stepped forward and placed his hand on the side of her face. The tips of his fingers grazed over the raised scar that he knew was from his aunt. The scar stretched from behind her ear to her collarbone, barely missing her vital artery on her neck. Saeka shivered as his fingers traced the scar down to her collarbone. She had been worried about him finally trying to confront his past in front of her. She personally didn't want to revisit it, but was willing to if it would help him. "I can try and help you find a way to rid yourself of these scars," he finally said.

"I've already tried; the doctors say there's not much that can be done. Most of them were made with magic and I didn't tell them about the ones that weren't," she whispered.

Draco's eyes widened. "There's more?" Saeka reached to the bottom of her shirt and pulled the tank top over her head. His eyes hardened as he saw the damage to her skin. Some of the scars had faded on their own, but they would never go away. There was a large 'X' over where her heart was. His fingers traced the marks and she moved her arm, down her ribs was the word 'TRAITOR'.

"I spent most of my time protecting Zeherah from their wrath. I spared her most of it."

Draco couldn't believe what he was seeing. He had never bothered to ask either woman what had happened for he feared what he would hear. He looked down at her bright hazel eyes. "Just say you forgive me."

Saeka nodded. "I forgive you even though you didn't do anything wrong."

"Not yet," he said as he leaned down and captured Saeka's lips.

Blaise stretched and slowly sat up in his bed, he had the most relaxing sleep in a very long while. He rolled over to call out to Draco to see the bed was empty. He glanced at the clock, it was only 9 in the morning and his friend was already gone. He stood up and made for the door. Outside stood Zeherah getting ready to knock on the door. The two Slytherins stared at each other for a moment before she looked past him to see that Draco's bed was empty.

"Where's Malfoy?"

"I was just going to ask you the same thing."

"I don't know, but there's breakfast downstairs. The owner went out of his way and made breakfast for all of us since we are the only ones here."

Blaise nodded and grabbed his key off the desk by the door. He stepped out and closed the door behind him. He could see that the others were sitting out in the courtyard, but Saeka and Draco were missing. Zeherah smirked and waggled her eyebrows at him as they passed Saeka's room. The owner of the hotel smiled at them and his wife placed another plate of waffles on the large table that was where the fountain used to be. The owners had been happy to spend some time with everyone. It wasn't often that they didn't have that much business and have a group of famous witches and wizards in their place. They were enjoying talking to everyone and pointing out places they should go. The owner, Stephen, and his wife, Moira, were laughing along with Luna and Neville as the two recounted a story of their first party with Hermione at the club. Blaise stopped when he heard a door open and saw Draco trying to sneak out of Saeka's room with his outer shirt over his shoulder.

"Walk of shame!" he shouted. Zeherah snorted in to her orange juice and she smacked Blaise on the arm. Harry looked up and saw Draco groaning in his hand at having being caught. Saeka snickered from her doorway and jerked her head in the direction of his room. He quickly went back to his room to change leaving her to deal with the idiots. Saeka smiled at them as she sat down next to Hermione and Blaise and took the plate of waffles Zeherah shoved her way.

"My dear, what happened to your neck?" Moira asked as she stared at the scar in shock.

Saeka's eyes widened and she muttered a quick spell which concealed the scar from further scrutiny. "Nothing." Moira wisely kept her mouth shut, preferring to stay on her guest's good side. Hermione patted her hand and everyone went back to eating. Draco eventually came downstairs and gave a sheepish grin before sitting next to Blaise and Zeherah where he was subjected to endless teasing by both people. Harry and Hermione were trying not to laugh at Draco's predicament. Hermione couldn't be happier than she was at that moment. Stephen jumped as a beautiful black owl landed in the center of the table with the Daily Prophet in it's talons. Harry dug in to his pocket and gave the bird it's money. He apologized to Stephen, but he would prefer to stay in touch with magical London while they were away. As he gazed at the front page he wished he hadn't decided on that. Front and center was the headline. "Brains of Golden Trio a harlot?" inside he was fuming at this. He would have a talk with the Daily Prophet when he got back. Hermione snatched the paper and stared at it in shock. Her jaw slack as she read her former boyfriend's words. Saeka snatched it and Zeherah promptly lit it on fire with her wand. Hermione stared at the two women in shock.

"Harry, please cancel your subscription until we get back," Blaise stated as he brushed the embers off his plate.

"Gladly," Harry said through gritted teeth. "Is there a floo I could use?" he asked Stephen and the older man led him in to his house where he could use the floo.

Hermione turned on the table. "Why did you do that?"

"Do what?" Saeka looked at Zeherah and the two women shrugged.

"We didn't see a thing, 'Mione," George said.

"It's almost like you think we are up to something," Charlie finished.

"I know you guys are trying to make sure that nothing happens to me and that I don't go mental, but I can't avoid this forever," Hermione stated as she stared at each person.

Saeka fidgeted and removed her wand from the waist band of her shorts and twirled it around her fingers. Zeherah had the decency to look ashamed for a minute before she sighed. They were all trying to keep Hermione from being depressed. Harry came back in to the courtyard looking pale. Hermione stood up and rushed to his side.

"Harry? What's wrong?"

"I just had a fight with Ginny," he said.

Hermione wheeled him over to the table and made him sit down. "Weren't you supposed to contact the Daily Prophet and not our sister?" Charlie asked.

"I did and then I contacted her to let her know where we were and she began yelling and screaming at me for having vanished without telling her. Then she started saying that I needed to come back and deal with Ron who was upset because apparently he's been telling everyone you cheated on him. Ginny believes him…I broke up with her in anger. I couldn't stand her saying those things 'Mione." Harry took Hermione's hands and sighed. "I think we should go back early."

"Like hell!" George yelled. He slammed his fist on the table and Neville jumped at the sudden change in attitude. "This is the reason we left. We knew there was going to be a fallout so we are not going back until everything calms down."

Zeherah clapped her hands to get everybody's attention. "How about we go visit my great-great-grandmother?"

Zeherah skipped in to cemetery #1 without so much as a backward glance at the rest of the group. Harry and Hermione were linked arm in arm as they followed the happy blonde. Luna was glancing around at the iron gates leading in to the cemetery. Saeka grabbed the back of Luna's shirt before she could run off and pulled her to the left. They were going to get a tour here eventually, but first they had to make a pit-stop. Saeka made sure there were no muggles nearby on this particularly warm Sunday and waved her wand. The iron gates slammed shut behind them making the rest of the group raise an eyebrow. Hermione's fingers grazed across the stone tombs, feeling every score mark and groove. She couldn't believe that she was finally in this city and exploring one of the places that she had always wanted to visit. Harry tightened his grip on her arm to try and wheel her away from going off on her own like he knew she wanted to do. Saeka slipped her wand back in to the waistband of her jeans and led everyone between a set of tombs to find Zeherah talking to a ghost. She stepped aside and waved to the ghost. "Everyone, meet Marie Laveau, my great-great-grandmum."

Hermione gasped as she stared at one of the most famous voodoo priestesses and a powerful witch in her own right. To Hermione, this was one of the greatest moments of her life. She had always wanted to meet a ghost that knew more about history than she did. She was hoping that she would be able to ask the woman some questions. Marie cocked her head to the side and smiled at Hermione. "Well if it isn't Miss Granger."

"You know who I am?"

"Chérie, I know who all of you are. Anyone who survived that war has been gossip fodder for us ghosts. All passing souls talk about your exploits. I'm glad to finally meet you. It's nice to meet another powerful witch besides these two fools," she jerked a thumb towards her Zeherah and Saeka. Hermione gave the two a questioning look before deciding to ask them about that later. "So, mon petite chou, why have you visited me?" she asked Zeherah.

Zeherah laughed sheepishly and rubbed the back of her head. "Well I was kinda hoping you could give us a tour."

Marie nodded and waved her hand, they heard the main gates open once again. "Ridiculous muggles won't even notice me so just pretend I'm not here. If you leave the gates closed for long the tour guides begin to get suspicious. So, where shall we start, oh! Let's start with the old Squib caretaker. He was a delightful man, would always come in at night and take care of the place while he talked to me. I've had many interesting people come through this cemetery, a few ended up having very long conversations with me. I remember one specific time when Dumbledore visited the American Ministry and he wanted to drop by to meet me. The man spent the entire day chatting with me about this and that. I ended up taking him on a tour of the French Quarter. Charming one, him." Hermione giggled as Marie began to ramble as she floated past them. They spent the next couple of hours as Marie took them on a little tour of the cemetery and recounting different stories of the individuals or of muggles trying to gain good luck through the spirits of the voodoo priestesses. She was an interesting woman and full of different tidbits of history pertaining to New Orleans. She answered every question Hermione had patiently and didn't become upset with her with all the questions. It made Hermione happy to see that someone was willing to answer all her questions that for once she didn't know the answers to. Marie even explained the basics of voodoo and told them a perfect shop in the Vieux Carré to visit that was the perfect place to hit for a blessing. Marie stopped abruptly as she caught sight of someone staring at them between a line of tombs by the Italian Society's vault. Saeka screeched to a halt behind the ghost so as to not walk right through her, she had made that mistake once before. Marie held up a hand to stop them and floated towards the direction of the tombs and the person quickly shuffled away.

"Marie?" Hermione asked softly.

"I believe we are being followed chérie." Everyone's hand went to their wand and they glanced around, but they couldn't see anything. "Zeherah, I would suggest leaving now. Find your lovely maman and hole up in the mansion."

"Grand-mère, what's going on?" Zeherah asked.

"Listen to your Grand-mère and head to see your famille, mon petite chou. I'll find out and find you tonight. Go."

Fluffystwin: Yes, yes this is a lot, but I think you guys will like it. Each chapter will be as long which means it will take me a bit to write especially since finals are coming up soon and I have to find a job. So forgive me if I don't make it on time every week, but I will try. Thanks for reading and please review. I would like to know if I'm doing well. Thanks.