Love at first smirk (Dramione)

New Beginnings

    (This is a revision of the original version of this story. If you have already read this I suggest rereading as much of it has changed.)

Hermione Granger still faces new battles despite The war ending just about three months prior to date. While many were still recovering from the war the Weasley's, Harry Potter, and Hermione could be found at 12 Grimmauld Place.

Hermione was seated on the couch as she reread the same sentence for nearly the eighth time. "Romeo and Juliet" is a classic among not only muggles but also popular among witches and wizards alike. The tragedy of two star-crossed lovers had held Hermione's interest for many years but seemed to be her comfort in recent days. The story had distracted her from all the losses she had faced due to the war. Romance. Romance was the topic that had gnawed at the back of her mind. She wanted to ignore it because she felt it was not the time but she longed for companionship on a deeper level. A level she had not found with Ron.

Although Hermione never had been one to struggle with Shakespeare, with all the ruckus around it was nearly impossible to do even the slightest bit of reading. "It's not too late to come with us, Hermione," Ron stated hopefully, taking away her focus from the novel.

"I'll be fine here. Besides, I have my books to keep me company." Hermione replied while avoiding eye contact.

"Alright then..." Ron replied disappointed as he turned around to get his luggage together.

Things had been awkward between the two since Hermione decided that their relationship was meant to be one of friendship and not romance. Ron had not taken the news very well. Still, he had respected her choice and clung to the hope that she would eventually change her mind.

"Write to us if any news from Hogwarts appears, dear!" Molly exclaimed as she fussed with everyone's bags. "We'll send an owl when we arrive at the festival" She finished off.

"Safe travels everyone!" Hermione exclaimed in response.

The others were off to a wizarding festival in France. They were to stay two weeks and return about a week before the school year began just in case they were able to go back. The school had been closed down without any word of what was to happen. Many rumors had gone around about the school going under reparations or even being shut down for good. But of course, these were just rumors and Hermione knew better than to listen to them.

Ginny whispered something into Harry's ear causing the both of them to giggle as they descended the staircase. Each of them with rose-tinted cheeks causing Hermione to think of her lack of companionship yet again. Close behind, George followed solemnly, normally traveling in a pair but now alone. As Harry and the Weasley's gathered by the door, they said their final goodbyes. and were off to the festival leaving Hermione to her own. Although sad to see them go she felt she would get the time alone she needed.

The silence in the house was deafening. As Hermione felt she could finally focus on her book she tried to get past that one sentence that seemed to repeat on and on. In the quiet house, all she could hear was the beating of her heart and the ticking of the clock. After a few minutes of this, she sighed and put her book down in defeat.

"I feel like I'm going to go mad just sitting here" She stood up placing the book gently on the couch beside where she had sat and begun wandering around. As she explored, the more it dawned on her how lonely the place felt when it was not filled with others. With this feeling, she took her small dark green purse she recently purchased and went out the door.
-
    After some mindless wandering, walking, and apparating, to many different places Hermione found herself at the entrance of Diagon Alley. Like many times before she placed the tip of her wand against the bricks letting her memory move her hand the way she had always done. As the bricks folded over themselves creating an opening Hermione stepped through, entering the busy alleyway. The bustling streets eased some of her loneliness but not enough to rid it completely.