The Unexpected

Chapter Nine

The door to her office burst open, Hermione didn't even look up because she knew it was Ginny. She had sent her an owl a day ever since her date with Draco and she knew she would eventually show up in person.

"Why are you ignoring me?!" She spat, her temper flaring

"I am not ignoring you Ginny. I am just busy at work" She said as she continued working, hoping it would help prove her point. She didn't really want to get into this with Ginny, she already felt bad enough.

"Come on Hermione! I know you have enough time to just owl me back!" Ginny placed her hands down on her desk and leaned on them, she wasn't about to let Hermione out of this one...

"What happened?"

Hermione sighed and looked up at the redhead in front of her.

"I don't think I am ready to begin dating, Ginny" She looked back at her desk "We had a nice night, he was an absolute gentleman. I haven't felt that happy in a long time"

"Then what makes you think you're not ready?"

"When we kissed, Ron's face appeared in my head"

Ginny sighed and sat down, she wondered if this was the reason for it. "I understand this Hermione and if you need more time I think you should take it. But please tell Draco this, he feels he did something wrong."

Hermione nodded and Ginny got up to leave, turning just as she reached the door. "Oh, and don't be a stranger! Harry and I miss you" With that, she walked out.

Hermione sighed and ran her fingers through her hair as she reread through her note to Draco over again. She knew she was losing a good friend and someone for whom she cared deeply for.

Dear Draco,

First and foremost, I wanted to apologize, this should have been sent to you a few days ago.

Nothing that happened the other night was your fault, it was all me as cliché as that sounds.

You were amazing, and I had a good time. The best I have had since Ron's passing, but that is what is stopping me. Ron and I were married for over 20 years and we had children together. I love him still to this day! It has only been 7 months since his passing, and I still miss him.

I am sure you don't want to hear all this, but I just thought deserved to know why I reacted the way I did. I am not yet ready to move and for that... I am truly sorry.

Sincerely,

Hermione Granger-Weasley

She walked over to the owl that was waiting for her, she tied the letter to the leg it extended to her and watched as it flew away.

"Good-bye Draco" She mumbled before returning to her desk to finish her work.

Hermione sat at her desk, finishing her work. She sighed as she shuffled the parchment into an organized stack to place on her desk, when she heard a tapping coming from her window. She looked back to see an owl.

"Who could be writing me this late?" She opened the window and took the letter from the owl. It flew away after getting a treat from Hermione. She sat down at her desk, opening and began to read.

Dear Hermione,

Thank you for letting me know. I think you forget a key factor about me. I know what you are going through. I lost Astoria just under our 20-year mark, I know it can take a while to heal and be able to move on. Don't feel like you must apologize for needing to take some time for yourself. Like I have said before, I am here for you if you need anything.

Don't hesitate to ask.

Sincerely,

Draco Malfoy

She folded up the letter and sat back in herchair, tears in her eyes. For once, Hermione was left speechless.