This Time, Together (A Dramione Story)

1.) This Heart Still Holds On To You

Hermione's POV:

"So, you're going on leave? I thought that was just a rumor." Hermione Granger's good friend Ginny Weasley said as the redhead walked over from the living room to the kitchen, helping herself to Ginny's delicious omelet. Molly Weasley taught her children to cook well.

"I had this all planned out since last year, Gin. I just didn't have a specific date in mind yet." Hermione explained in between bites. "I'm on leave as we speak." She added.

"So, what's your plan, then? Where are you off to?"

"Muggle London. I'll be catching up with my parents, too. I will reconnect with my muggle self."

"More like a vacation, you mean?"

"Yes. A vacation." She answered as she placed the dishes in the sink and washed it clean, muggle style. When she finished, she found Ginny staring thoughtfully at her.

"What is it, Ginny?" Her heart was beating relatively fast at the thought that maybe her friend had read through her and had seen her true intention about the sudden vacation leave from work.

"Something feels off, 'Mione. It's not like you to just leave for vacation in such haste as if—" Ginny trailed off, and her eyes grew wide as understanding dawned on her. She engulfed Hermione in a fierce hug. She knew.

"Oh, 'Mione. It's still him, after all this time?"

The brunette nodded through their embrace. Honestly, nothing escapes Ginny Weasley.

"Don't tell Harry, though. I don't want him to be torn between his two best friends."

The fierce redhead nodded with a look of pure understanding with a smile. Harry Potter is so lucky to have Ginny Weasley as a girlfriend.

"Besides, it's rather pathetic acting this way. This is how I should have been feeling 2 years ago." Hermione said, embarrassed.

She and Ronald Weasley, Ginny's older brother, had been in a relationship for almost 2 years after the war. But 2 years ago, Ron broke up with her because he realized he only loved her as a sister.

Hermione drowned herself at work after that. It gave everyone the impression that she was okay with the breakup issue. She was even convinced that she was okay.

So she eventually started hanging out with Ron and Harry as they used to during their school days. She never expected it would hurt her to know that Ron was getting married to Lavender Brown. Her redhead best friend announced at their get-together dinner at 12 Grimmauld Place 2 days ago. He proposed to Lavender. They set their wedding in a few months from now.

Hermione reluctantly congratulated the couple, as she never expected to feel hurt after hearing such good news.

"I won't tell anyone, 'Mione said. Would you like to hear less of us for the time being? Her friend asked gently. She felt horrible as she nodded, with tears threatening to fall from her eyes. Ginny hugged her once more.

"Don't feel bad about it, silly. Take all the time you need. We're just an owl away." Ginny said with laughter that Hermione took no offense as she knew she meant well. Harry and the Weasleys are superb and understanding people.

Before Ginny disapparated from her flat, she reminded her to owl everyone that she'll be on vacation so they don't have to worry about her.

She spent the next hour writing letters to everyone and sending it to them before noon.

She was looking forward to a grand vacation.