Becoming Alone

Harry and Hermione stood together at the annual Christmas party in the Weasley home. Ron, still single and looking, stood a half-head higher than everyone else at the party. He took a quick look around at the visitors and saw the couple standing in a corner together, watching the other couples dance merrily.

Draco and Ginny Malfoy were dancing, their first official spotting together since their wedding, as Harry observed. Hermione had noticed this too, but chose not to mention it. They seemed to be having a good time, despite the fame surrounding them since the defeat of Voldemort and the stress involved with the fame. The press were always asking questions about why they didn't inform the public that Voldemort had been captured for months, or why they didn't come out about what, exactly had happened.

Harry and Hermione knew the answers to all these questions; after all, they were best friends with the couple. All the people in this room were the ones that he had grown up with and they had all matured so much since seventh year, Harry realized. It was hard to believe that he graduated only eight years ago, along with Hermione as Head Girl, and Ron as all-star Quidditch Chaser.

"Having a nice time?" asked Ron, taking another quick glance around the room, looking for his "girl". Ron had taken one extra year of Divination after his seventh year at Hogwarts. He had gained a loving to the class as he learned that it could explain his future. Hermione thought this to be futile, while Harry had seen it as more of a change in Ron, and was happy that Ron had found something to love, although it should have been a girl and a puppy in the least.

"Yeah, great party. I'm glad that we could be here tonight. Christmas is such a wonderful time of year," Hermione said, looking to Harry for a moment. "I think it would be nice to have a baby around Christmas, don't you think Harry?" Hermione softly blinked, her eyelashes seeming extra long and beautiful, making her face seem more beautiful and woman-like.

"Sure." Harry had become nervous for a moment. She had been getting these ideas of marriage and children a lot lately. Ron smiled at the two, but still gave another quick glance over the crowd.

"Crystal ball shown you something in particular tonight Ron?" Hermione asked sweetly and patiently, while teasing Ron at the same time.

"Actually, yes. She should have long brown hair with lots of curls," said Ron, stubborn while playful in the same instance.

Hermione sighed. She remembered Ron in his forth and fifth years. He was still the same, but different in the same way. His father had been killed in the end of fifth year. It was still painful to remember how drifted Ron was for the remaining few months after the news arrived. She also remembered the difficulty involved while trying to cheer him again, but by sixth year, he began to be all right again, taking a newfound interest in school.

He took up Divination, so he could know of any future attacks and protect his family and friends. Hermione had always seen Divination as a waste of magic, ever since third year, but when Ron took it up, she was glad that he had become Ron again, not some zombie that had taken up Ron's body.

Hermione looked over the crowd and spotted Ginny walking towards her.

"Excuse me, Ginny's coming. I'll be back," Hermione said, and walked towards Ginny, leaving the two males to converse together.

"Know anything else about this girl?" Harry asked.

"Not really," Ron admitted. "I just saw her outline."

"Then how do you know she has brown curly hair?"

"Well... I didn't really see much of anything, but I normally see items, not people, so tonight must be special."

"Why didn't you just tell us that you didn't really see anything?" Harry asked.

"I just didn't want Hermione to think I was practicing Divination with no effect. I know she dislikes Divination," Ron said, giving a sigh. "If only she could just try it, she would love it! So many puzzles to figure out, so many things to learn!"

"Yes," Harry smiled. "If only..."

The night consisted of reunions with old classmates and people smiling over pumpkin juice. Harry had to admit that Ron had planned a nice party and the food was wonderful. He supposed that Ginny would have been responsible for the food, as her brother wasn't an adversary to a Muggle's pet llama when it came to charms. Harry thought about asking her how she did it when he saw his watch and realized how many hours of sleep he would be getting if he didn't leave soon. He looked for Hermione and gave her the look that said 'Time to go'. Hermione said goodbye to her friends and walked towards the door, the direction Harry was going. Ron met them there and they all had a little laugh. It was always like they could read each other's minds.

"You didn't find your girl, Ron?" Hermione asked.

"No, I don't know why I saw her tonight," said Ron. Hermione smiled. "I love being right," she said, all modesty forgotton. Ron gave a chuckle as Harry and Hermione's cloaks came out of the closet near the door.

Hermione turned towards Ron as her cloak wrapped it self around her. "It's been fun, Ron."

"I'm glad you guys could come."

"Me too," Harry said, giving a cheery wave and going out the door.

"It's really amazing what he's done to the Burrow," Hermione said, once the door shut behind them.

"Yeah, I liked the whole automatic drink refilling charm. I would like that in our home," Harry said. He pulled out his wand and prepared to Apparate.

"Actually, I asked Ginny how he conjured that charm, and she said that she was the one who placed the charm," Hermione said, also getting out her wand.

"That's Ginny then isn't it?" Harry smiled. "Did you get the charm from her?" he asked.

"Yes and actually it is quite a simple charm, but things could go wrong, the drinks could always be overflowing instead of refilling if you're not careful when placing the charm."

"I guess that means that you will have to place it then. I'm not best with Charms."

"I know. Ready?" she asked.

"Yes," he replied. Suddenly there was a small pop, and the two disappeared.

***

"You know honey; I think we need a bigger house. Two stories and the master bedroom must have an enchantment so that it's like the ceiling of the Great Hall of Hogwarts. And whenever the sun rises or sets, we can see it. The foods that we like are always in the cabinet, because they magically restock every time we use something from them," Hermione said, her eyes dreamy and uncharacteristically full of sparkle. As this was a very unHermione thing for her, Harry had begun to worry about her. Everything, well not everything, because she was still as intelligent as always, seemed to be changing lately.

"Yes, a house like that would be nice," Harry said, hiding his concern. "It would also been fun to create the house together."

"Yeah," Hermione said. "That would be wonderful."

All that night, Harry tried to pry her away from the subject of a new house or children or marriage, just to get her to become normal again. It was almost like Ron in fifth year, except Hermione was changing for the better, which was not entirely better at all.

***

The next morning, Hermione left early for her work at the Department of Muggle Explanation, almost thirty minutes early, when she could have Apparated and been right on time. This was confusing for Harry, and he thought it best just to not pursue anymore of it. Harry had an interview to go to.

The press would be expecting him shortly. He had an interview to do with none other than Rita Skeeter. He had actually been looking forward to this interview, as he now knew exactly what charm to use to make that quill actually write what he was saying. Harry put on his robes and Apparated.

The quick feeling of a strong wind passed by Harry as he moved through the portal of time and place. It only took a second to move between places.

"Harry! Oh Harry! Over here!" came Rita's voice. Harry looked towards the voice.

"Ahh! Rita! Nice to see you," Harry said, pretending to be excited to see the reporter. She would soon be on retirement, and Harry used this thought as a welcome sign of peace every time he had an interview with her.

"I've arranged to have the entire restaurant you chose to ourselves so this can be a private meeting. Don't want the readers knowing too much too soon now do we?" she asked, leading him towards the diner he had chosen. Harry had chosen a Muggle place to do the interview, so Rita couldn't practice too much magic or play any tricks on him.

She was, after all, fairly well with Charms, while Harry could be left a little clueless when it came to placing a charm. They were in Muggle London and Harry loved being with Muggles, while he also deeply appreciated the ability to go into a different and magical world.

"Right. I'm glad you could have us use the entire diner. This place is one of my personal favorites when I need somewhere else to retreat," Harry said, spilling more information than necessary. As the two walked into the diner and sat down, Harry secretly touched his wand under his robes and Rita took out her quill. "Truith Hitirw," Harry whispered, and the quill gave a little shake.

"I think my quill likes you," Rita smiled. It always shakes when you are around.

Harry gave a little chuckle, but inwardly wanted to double-over. "Yes, how strange."

As they sat down, Rita placed her quill and parchment on the table. "So," she began. "Let me ask the big question. How is your relationship with Miss Hermione Granger going?"

"Well, we are simply extremely good friends," Harry responded. Rita looked to her quill to see what it had written. She frowned. It had quoted Harry exactly.

"More friendly, perhaps, than your friendship with Mr. Ron Weasley?"

"I don't know what you mean. Yes, Hermione is a closer friend because she lives with me, as she is currently finding herself a stable job and working to find a stable home."

"So your home isn't stable enough for her?" Rita asked.

"Hermione is seeking her own house, and actually, just last night she was telling me of her dream home."

"Really. Could you explain exactly, what her dream home was? Perhaps a summer beach house or a log cabin?"

"No, I'd rather not go into her business. She's still working on her plans for the future," Harry said, concluding their discussion of Hermione.

The topics changed throughout the interview, ranging from his future plans to what he was getting his friends for Christmas, which was only a few weeks away.

"Any special gifts planned for any special people?" Rita asked.

"Well, I do have a few, but I can't tell you, they might see the interview and that would just ruin Christmas wouldn't it?" Harry said, wanting to see her reply.

"Hmm..." she said, her hopes sinking. If only I could get back to Hermione, she thought. She's the item circling everyone's minds when it comes to Harry Potter.

"So," Harry began. "Anymore questions Rita?"

"Actually, yes, but-" Suddenly, Harry's pager vibrated.

"One moment please, Rita," Harry said. He stood up and took a few steps before answering his pager.

"Yes?" Harry spoke into the communication link. "Harry! You must come to the Ministry. Quickly! Tell the front office you were called here on assignment number 221. They'll show you where to go," The voice was foreign and unfamiliar.

"Why, what's going on?" Harry asked.

"Harry, just get here," the voice replied.

Harry turned back towards Rita Skeeter. She was reading the parchment with a frown and a confused look. "Miss Skeeter?"

"Oh, Harry, what was that about?"

"I'm sorry Miss Skeeter, but I've been called away to the Ministry. I'll continue this friendly conversation later. You'll have to call my planner to arrange another appointment," Harry said, gathering his wand.

"Oh, Harry, but can't you stay? You are a terribly hard person to reach."

Harry inwardly smiled. He had told his planner to tell Rita Skeeter that he was busy for the next few months.

"I know, but this seems urgent," Harry said, and had Apparated before Rita Skeeter could say another word.

"Harry Potter! We are glad to see you, as always," a front office worker said as Harry appeared. "Now, was there a message you were to give us?" another woman sitting behind the counter asked.

"Yes, something about being on assignment number 221," Harry said, giving a quick glance around.

"That's what we were looking for. Now, go down the left corridor and through the fifth door on the left," she said.

"Thanks," Harry said, and began walking down the left corridor as she had instructed. He counted the doors on the left and once he got to the fifth door, his confusion had reached a high level. Why would they want him now? What was so urgent?

"Harry!" said a soft, but excited male voice. Harry turned around. There stood Harry's old professor, Remus Lupin.

"Remus!" Harry exclaimed. Remus put his hand out and Harry took it and brought Remus into a quick hug.

"Nice to see you again, Harry! Glad you could make it in quick time." Lupin beckoned Harry into his office, which was the fourth door on the left, not the fifth. He would have to talk to that woman again for giving misleading directions. Harry sat down.

"What's going on?" Harry asked.

"Well, Harry, we aren't really sure. It seems as though Hermione has disappeared," Lupin said as he sat down. Harry took a moment for this to sink in.

"Disappeared? Wasn't she just here?" She couldn't have been missing long, Harry reasoned.

"No, she never turned up for work, even after she was paged, she didn't respond."

"Are you sure you've got the right page number? And do you have her password?" Harry was beginning to become worried.

"Harry, as Minister of Magic, I have all her passwords and pager numbers."

"What do I need to do?" Harry asked.

"We're not sure yet, but we would like you to go to her favorite places. See if you can find her."

***

Harry sat in his home. The clock struck nearly midnight. Harry was extremely tired, but not willing to give up, after a long and hard search for her all through the day. He had so many people helping to look for her, it had become chaos, and Rita Skeeter was helping much either. She had published, not only the interview, but an editorial saying that she was just trying to get attention so that Harry would want more than what had been said in the interview.

Harry's pager vibrated again and Harry answered, hoping for good news.

"Harry here."

"Harry."

"Ron, what's going on?"

"I just understood," said Ron, his voice solemn.

"Understood what? That Hermione's missing?" Harry had become irritated and he snapped. He hadn't meant to, but he felt like Voldemort had come back with all the quick and recent stress.

"No, my crystal ball. It was showing Hermione. Last night, remember?" Ron asked.

Realization came across Harry.

"What was she doing in the crystal ball?" Harry asked.

"She was walking toward me, but then I realized that I was sitting on the wrong side of the ball, and that she was actually walking away."

"Ron, I have to go. I have to try to page Hermione one more time."

"I hope she picks up. Please call me if you find her," Ron said, his voice full of worry.

"I will," Harry said, and closed the link.

Harry held the link exactly seven inches away from his face and whispered Hermione's pager number and password.

"Hermione Granger here." Her voice sounded calm and unafraid.

"Hermione! Where are you?"

"Harry?"

"Yes, I've been so worried! Are you okay?"

"Of course Harry, I just..." her voice faltered.

"You just what? Please Hermione talk to me."

"I will, but not now. Wait for me. I might be a while, but please wait for me," she said. Harry could hear her tears.

"Why Hermione?" Harry asked, his heart pounding with hope that she would come home.

"I have to. If you love me, you'll forgive me."

"Yes, I'll forgive you, please come back."

"I will, but you promise you'll forgive me, no questions asked?"

"Yes, but I don't understand."

"You will, Harry. Later, you will, but for now, I need to get away. Just wait for me."

"Get away from what Hermione? Your life is nearly perfect."

"No, it isn't. You don't understand," Hermione said, her voice falling

"I know I don't."

"I have to do this Harry."

"Do what Hermione? What are you talking about?"

"You will see later ...but for now I have to go."

"So you're doing this on purpose?" Harry asked.

"Yes, Harry. I have to. I'm not coming home," she said, and closed the link.