A Different Kind Of Love

***These characters do not belong to me....but the whole storyline does. Warning- this story will contain slash in later chapters so if you aren't into that don't read! Otherwise, enjoy.

CHAPTER 1- Starting Fresh

Hermione pointed her wand at her wireless set and immediately music filled the room. She hummed and danced around as she packed her school trunk. Twirling, she waved her wand at her dresser causing socks, underwear and various other articles of clothing to fly through the air and pack themselves neatly next to books and robes. Polishing up her Head Girl badge she packed that too.

Finally she would be finishing up her final year at Hogwarts. Last year she and many of her year mates had skipped out on school. Voldemort had taken over the Ministry and Hogwarts after Dumbledore had died. Many of the seventh years had gone into hiding instead of following the new law requiring that all witches and wizards attend Hogwarts. Harry, Ron, and herself had gone on a dangerous mission to destroy Voldemort's horcruxes. Though at times it seemed hopeless, the three of them had some how been successful. The final battle took place at Hogwarts with Harry emerging as the victor.

Now that Voldemort was destroyed and the last of the death eaters were being rounded up, everything was starting to go back to normal. Ron and Harry had been sure that they would be excused from their final year at Hogwarts. Tracking down horcruxes had to be just as educational as any classes they would've taken. Alas, their dream was not to be. It seemed a complete education was required for a position at the Ministry and all three of them had been assured jobs in whichever department they wished.

Secretly Hermione was overjoyed about going back to school. She had been horrified at the thought of missing her final year. She shuddered to think of all the learning she would've missed out on. Not to mention a chance at being Head Girl. Besides, she had no idea what career she wanted to go into. This year would give her the time she needed to figure it out. She was just putting the last of her things in her trunk when there was a knock on her door.

"Come in," she called out as she shut and locked the lid.

Hermione's mother poked her head around the door. "Hi Love, you almost done packing?"

"Hey Mum. Yeah, I'm just now finished. Come on in." Hermione pointed her wand at the wireless and the volume lowered.

Hermione's mother sat on the bed watching as Hermione double checked the contents of her hand bag.

"So are you excited about school starting or is it all kind of blasé for you now with all you've been through?" She asked her daughter.

"Mum, school could never be blasé! Besides, it'll be nice to have one school year with out the threat of Voldemort hanging over everyone's head." Hermione plopped down on the bed next to her mother

"Well, your father and I will miss you terribly. Are you sure you want to go to the Burrow this year? We could take you to Diagon Alley if you'd rather not see Ron just yet,"

Hermione blushed and looked down. She had always confided in her mother particularly when it came to Ron. What started as a crush in her third year developed into a relationship last spring. After Voldemort's demise Ron and Hermione began dating. At first it was wonderful. The euphoria from the end of the war coupled with their new and exciting romance made everything seem blissful. But they couldn't stay up on a cloud forever.

Just two months into the relationship things started to go sour. They settled back into their usual bickering and arguing state. They tried to make it work but eventually realized that they were making themselves and everyone around them miserable. Particularly Harry, he tried to stay neutral between the two of them but Ron was forever harassing him to take sides. They came to a mutual agreement that they made better friends than lovers.

At first Hermione had been crushed. Not so much because she wanted to stay with Ron but more out of sadness at the ending of her first real relationship. With the exception of Victor Krum no other boy had shown any interest in Hermione. Not that she was terribly interested in any boys but still, girls were supposed to have boyfriends, right? Ginny Weasley had dated her share. More than anything Hermione felt unwanted.

She had shared all these thoughts with her mother. Hermione hadn't been to the Burrow since June. She wanted sometime away to process everything and she figured it wouldn't hurt to give Ron some space so they could both relax.

"No mum, that's okay. I really do want to see everyone before school." Hermione gave her mother a reassuring smile. "They are all my friends, even Ron."

Mrs. Granger smiled, "Alright then dear, just know we're here if you need us. If things get hard just let us know."

"Really mum, its okay. I'm over Ron and I'm just ready to have my friend back."

"Good. I'm happy for you dear." Mrs. Granger stood up to leave. "What time will you be leaving?"

"Um, in about an hour. I'll be down in a minute to say goodbye."

Hermione thought about her parents as she stacked her things together. She had missed them terribly last year. Of course they had no memory of it what so ever. Hermione had put them under enchantment so they would forget all about her and move far away. She was glad she had spent these last two months with them. Now she could concentrate on school.

Making sure everything was ready for her departure she put Crookshanks in his carrier and kissed her parents farewell. Placing all her belongings in the fireplace she stepped in as well. Turning to her parents she flashed them a winning smile as she grabbed a handful of floo powder.

"See you at Christmas!" she called before dropping her floo powder and shouting, "The Burrow!"

*** This is my first fan fic so please review. I'm very interested in feedback. Thanks