Second Chance

AN:Thank you in advance for reading, please read and review. Leave love or hate, just let me know someone is reading this. Thank you again, Always Lady

November 1998- Present Day

Hermione had arrived early as usual for her appointment with Healer Bartleby Branch, one of the six Healers dedicated to the survivors of the war. Smiling briefly at Healer Branch’s secretary, Hermione moved towards her normal seat in the waiting room just outside of his office. Before sitting down she noticed a few new additions to the decorations displayed across the spare space on the office walls.

Moving towards the frames she couldn’t help the curve of her lips as a smile snuck onto her face, there in the 11 by 13 inch frame was a photograph of her healer Bartleby Branch shaking hands with The Boy Who Lived himself. Healer Branch and Harry were smiling brightly for the camera, the two men were obviously laughing at something and both would pause to wave for the flash of the camera. Directly below the animated photograph were clippings from the Daily Prophet with Harry’s signature directly below them.

May 3rd, 1998

The Chosen One defeats He Who Can Now Be Named!

Once again the survival of our Wizarding World fell on the shoulders of the Chosen One: Harry Potter. According to early reports, a final battle was waged between young Mister Potter and Lord Voldemort in the Great Hall of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Some details are still unknown but a universal fact rings aloud, Harry Potter was able to deflect the Killing Curse from himself back to Lord Voldemort. Those at the final battle are very tight lipped about the final hours leading up to the pivotal battle. The list of those unfortunate souls who did not survive is being compiled and will be published at a later date.

August 11th, 1998

Harry Potter Testifies before Wizengamot on Lucius Malfoy’s Behalf

The Boy Who Lived shows true character by putting aside petty differences and past disputes to stand before the Wizengamot on behalf of Death Eater defector Lord Lucius Malfoy. Harry Potter’s testimony was noted on record, “Mr. Malfoy did not take part in the final battle, and I have many witnesses who can attest to both Mr. and Mrs. Malfoy searching frantically for their son Draco during the final battle. All actions leading up to the final battle was a matter of survival for the wizard and his family. If he were to have fled from Lord Voldemort he would have met the same fate as many of the other Death Eaters who fled during his second rise to power. Mrs. Malfoy risked not only her life but her entire families’ life by lying to Voldemort and Mr. Malfoy and Draco assisted many of the prisoners of Voldemort by healing those who had been tortured and bringing food pain potions to help aid their survival.”

After his testimony Mr. Potter returned to his seat beside Lady Narcissa Malfoy and her Son Draco. The court will reconvene tomorrow morning after weighing the evidence and testimonies and will hand down a verdict.

September 29th, 1998

Harry Potter Accepts Position in Auror Department

To Healer Branch from The Chosen One!
Harry Potter

Hermione shook her head; she’d never taken Healer Branch to be a Professor Slughorn’s. Following in his footsteps of ‘collecting’ people but it was obvious from the number of frames gracing the waiting room walls now that it was too good an opportunity to pass up. Hermione glanced around and moved to the next frame only a few steps down the way from Harry’s. The next photograph mirrored the first except this time Minister Shacklebolt was shaking Bartleby’s hand, followed by three more clippings.

May 5th, 1998

Kingsley Shacklebolt Named Minister of Magic

After a unanimous vote: Kingsley Shacklebolt has accepted the position of Minister of Magic. Minister Shacklebolt has hit the ground running with many important actions being put into place upon being sworn into office. His first order of business was dispatching his most trusted Aurors to round up the remaining Death Eaters and loyal followers of Lord Voldemort. His second action was removing corrupt Ministry officials and beginning the rebuilding process of Hogwarts. Minister Shacklebolt stated, “I have personally taken it upon myself to turn our World around and get this society on the right track once more. With Lord Voldemort’s dark mark no longer looming above our heads, life can now move on.”

May 6th, 1998

Minister Shacklebolt Honors War Heroes

A memorial site has been constructed just outside the gates of Hogwarts for the members of the Albus Dumbledore’s Order of the Phoenix. The remaining members came to a unanimous decision that their fallen brethren deserved to be honored and buried together as a continued sign of their devotion to their cause. Minister Shacklebolt has confirmed he will be giving the eulogy during the ceremony tomorrow morning.

June 15th, 1998

War Memorial Erected at Ministry of Magic

In honor of the men, women and students who had lost their lives battling against Voldemort and his Death Eaters, Kingsley Shacklebolt’s has erected a memorial at the entrance of the Ministry of Magic. The names of all the fallen heroes have been etched in stone for all of the Wizarding World to see, a daily reminder of while all were giving some in the battle against evil: Some Gave All. A dedication ceremony will be scheduled for later this week.

Thank you for all your hard work helping our heroes,
Kingsley Shacklebolt
Minister of Magic

Hermione noticed the obvious size difference between the two men as they stood for their pictures. Kingsley had accomplished so many wonderful things in such a short time as Minister; one of those being the required six months of evaluations by a healer for all who had participated in the war. That was what found Hermione at St. Mungo’s today; Kingsley understood that the war could have different effects on different people and the loss and trauma could affect each witch and wizard differently. Those especially vulnerable were the fighters of light who had been required to resort to darker magic to combat Voldemort, his Death Eater’s and sympathizers. It reminded Hermione of a Muggle Psychiatric evaluation, but she had agreed and attended each and every lesson. Today was her last evaluation meeting to complete before she could begin her position at the Ministry.

Checking the time on her watch to make sure she still had time before her appointment Hermione moved to the next frame. This frame held a picture of Harry, Ron and Hermione from the awards ceremony held for The Order of Merlin award distribution. All three of them were smiling as they held their awards for presentation, below another article.

July 20th, 1998

The Golden Trio Speaks

After months of silence; Harry Potter, Hermione Granger and Ronald Weasley have consented to a public press conference in regards to the final battle between good and evil at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry this past May. In the following week the Daily Prophet will run exclusive stories from the mouths of the heroes themselves. Copies can be reserved now.


Hermione sighed as she turned away from this frame it all seemed like a whirlwind these last few months, and the final battle seemed to be such a distant memory anymore. Moving back to her seat she sat down slowly and checked her watch one last time. Getting comfortable to wait out the last few minutes before her appointment she pulled her research journal out of her purse to peruse her notes from the previous night. The office itself was beginning to fill with other occupants arriving for their meetings.

Not bothering to look up from her journal each time a new person entered the office Hermione was taken by surprise when a familiar wizard slipped into the seat beside her. His heavy drawl sounding loudly in her ears, “Well... well... Miss Granger…the Gryffindor Princess come to prove she’s well adjusted and prepared to step into real life.”

Sighing noticeably, Hermione continued to read her notes refusing to acknowledge Malfoy Seniors snide remarks. Lucius sat beside her with perfect posture holding his cane with both hands, looking eloquently as ever and glancing at the young woman beside him, “It is terrible manners to ignore someone who is speaking directly to you.”

Hermione’s temper was beginning to rise, quickly turning her head she glared at Lucius, “Shouldn’t you be in Azkaban?” She shot back glaring daggers at him. Although Harry had been able to work past his previous transgressions, Hermione was finding it difficult to forgive and forget. Especially after being tortured at his mansion by his insane sister-in-law and the things Draco had told her regarding his treatment of him.

Pretending to be hurt he covered his heart with his perfectly manicured hand, “That hurts…now you should know said answer Miss Granger, I have reformed. I’ve given up the Dark Arts and assisted in the capture of many of those remaining Death Eaters. Your young Mister Potter even testified to such before the Wizengamot.” He replied smugly glancing down at the journal in her lap, his brow creased instantly at the drawings and spells written on the page. Quickly his hand shot out reaching for her journal, “What is that you have there?”

Slamming the book shut she quickly moved it out of his reach, “This is none of your concern sir,” she hissed at him and roughly shoved the journal into her purse and stood as her name was called by the secretary. Lucius watched her hasty retreat into the Healer’s office, a look of shock and interest clearly etched on every line of his handsome features. “Mr. Malfoy, Healer Obethur will see you now.”

Hermione didn’t even spare a glance back in Lucius’ direction as she moved into Healer Branch’s office setting her belonging on the end table beside his sofa. The older gentleman stood in the far corner of his office finishing preparing a tray of tea and biscuits, “Good afternoon Hermione, please have a seat. Earl Grey correct?”

“Yes Sir,” Hermione replied taking a seat at the far end of the comfortable sofa, and watching the older gentleman work. Bartleby Branch was a portly man, his round belly reminiscent of a pregnant woman nearing full term. His grey hair and mustache immaculately clean cut and he was well dressed. He was a sweet man and he reminded Hermione of Albus Dumbledore at times. “I like the new frames you’ve hung in your waiting room, it was like a trip down memory lane.”

“Here you go love,” Bartleby said moving slowly over to the coffee table and setting down the tray of tea, biscuits and two fine china cups and saucers. “Thank you,” He poured both of them a cup of tea and took a seat across from her, handing her a cup. “I rather enjoyed piecing together those memories, not only to celebrate our world’s victories over the dark but also meeting such amazing celebrities. Though I’m sure living through all of that and growing up with those people it seems somewhat trivial.”

“Thank you sir,” She replied as she accepted her cup and sat back crossing her legs to get comfortable. “No sir, I have my own scrapbook of all the clippings from the newspapers and photographs. It was such a large part of my life growing up.” They had the same repertoire every meeting: greeting with an offering of tea to lighten the mood, inquiry of her activities since their last visit, steps for the future and any questions she had before leaving. It was like clockwork anymore and she was ready to be done with it.

“So Hermione, what has gone on since our last meeting? I believe you were going to sit for your NEWTS, if I’m not mistaken. I’ll assume an acceptable wasn’t…acceptable in your book.” He laughed at his own joke and she smiled. After the war, Minister Shacklebolt had instituted Educational Decree number one. All current sixth and seventh year students of Hogwarts would be grandfathered into an Acceptable on their NEWTS. It was his way of thanking the Hogwarts students who had risked life and limb to protector their fellow students and Hogwarts itself. Kingsley allowed for any student who felt that they could produce a better result to sit for their NEWTS to gain a better record. Hermione was one of the very few who actually took the NEWTS and with that received top honors.

Hermione smiled into her cup, “No sir, I have studied and worked to hard to sit by and simply accept a grade.” Taking a sip she enjoyed the warmth the tea brought to her body on the cool November day.

Nodding Bartleby sat quietly and as the moments of silence stretched on Hermione understood what he was waiting for, “Oh yes um I received Outstanding in all of my NEWTS.” She smiled at him and set her cup down on the coffee table.

Bartleby set his cup down and gave her a soft clap, praising her success, “You my dear are a very brilliant and talented witch, I am sad that this will be our last visit together. Although with a mind as bright as you I am sure I will continue to hear of the great things you have accomplished.”

Hermione couldn’t help but blush at the praise he was bestowing on her, “Thank you sir, I can’t believe it has been six months since our first session.”

“And how does your young Ronald feel of your accomplishments?” He inquired; his questions were always leading her to express herself and her current feelings. It irritated her beyond description, and now it infuriated her. Ronald Weasley was a sore subject this time around, they had tried a relationship and after only five short months of his sloppy snogging, rough groping and short ended… less than stellar shagging he had the audacity to tell her they weren’t really ‘compatible’. “Ronald and I are no longer involved.” She replied rather curtly, crossing her arms over her chest almost pouting.

Bartleby expected this reaction, just a few weeks back he’d seen an article in the Daily Prophet of trouble in paradise. He rarely believed in the gossip the paper printed by Rita Skeeter but though the woman was off on the truth her articles had some validity.

October 31st, 1998

The Golden Couple on the Outs

Famed Golden Couple and two thirds of the Golden Trio, Ronald Weasley and Hermione Granger were spotted this weekend having a very loud and public row. Sources close to the couple admit to a growing rift that must have come to a head late last night. Some overheard comments were mentioned as “old spinster and failed quidditch player”. There has been no response from either party in regards to this information at this time.

Using his considerable years he produced a confused look crossed as he took in her stiff and rigid appearance, “I was under the impression at our last meeting that things were going well and the two of you were getting quite close? Did something occur to bring about such a drastic and abysmal change?” Bartleby inquired picking up his cup and taking a generous sip.

Hermione’s nostrils flared at the memory, she had come to terms with the whole situation but hated having to relive it. Resigned to discuss the issue quickly so as to move on Hermione began to ramble, “Ronald was upset with me for taking my NEWTS and when my results came in we had a row. He told me that my studies and books where more important than him and his needs…that…that I’d spend my life hiding away in some laboratory.” Hermione pushed off the couch and began to pace, her temper flaring.

“And how did you respond to that accusation?” He inquired of her, not entirely shocked to hear that her relationship with the young red head had soured so soon after the end of the war. Bartleby had done his homework on the young Granger girl and was surprised that she had entangled herself with someone obviously her intellectual inferior.

Pausing in her pacing she took several deep breaths, “I screamed at him and threw things. I can’t help his greatest aspiration was to play quidditch and have tons of children…but that wasn’t what I wanted for my life. Down the road maybe but not right now - I have dreams that I haven’t accomplished yet. You know ’Miles to go before I sleep’.” She exclaimed quoting the Muggle Author Robert Frost. Hermione thought that she would have broken down crying again by now but the tears wouldn’t come, she was angry at him but she couldn’t cry for him anymore.

Bartleby absorbed the information Hermione was sharing, he sat there quietly for a few moments attempting to gauge how to approach this subject. “Hermione, you know these sessions are to help you and to encourage you to understand what you are feeling and what those emotions mean.” He waited for her to acknowledge his words, when she turned around he gestured back to the couch waiting for her to become comfortable before beginning again. “I want you to be totally honest with me when I ask this next question all right?” At Hermione’s silent nod he leaned forward slightly before asking, “Did you really see yourself with Ronald Weasley for the rest of your life?”

Glaring Hermione starred directly at Bartleby, “Of course I could!”

Tilting his head to the side and offered a small smile, “I didn’t ask if you ‘Could’ see yourself with Ronald, I asked if you saw yourself with him. You see I think what was really happening with Mr. Weasley is a classic case of misplaced emotions. For the past several years you have not only spent an absurd amount of time but also shared a number of emotional connections with both Ronald and Harry. It is only normal to feel almost a duty to reciprocate the feelings Ronald had for you and with you both being so young…”

“Just because of my age doesn’t make me young! I feel older than you are!” Hermione shot back, starting to fidget with the cuff of her sleeve and worrying her lower lip.

Holding up his hands in a peaceful gesture he continued, “My apologies…I only meant that you have a long life ahead of you and you have a great many dreams you wish to accomplish before tying yourself down to a house, a family and children. You shouldn’t feel the need to settle for a comfortable relationship out of propriety. I think you will find that this was probably for the best and a good way to finish getting through your stages.”

Hermione scoffed at him as she rested her elbow on the arm rest and leaned her head on her hand, “I thought I had successfully processed through all of the grieving stages. I denied…got angry um tried to bargain, became depressed then eventually accepted the inevitable.”

“My personal evaluation is that you attempted to hurry though these stages so you could begin your position at the Ministry, and I will put that into my report regarding our sessions. I honestly believe you are still stuck in between the stages of anger, bargaining and depression. And this separation from Ron will only help to exacerbate your situation.” Bartleby replied honestly, he could tell by the shocked look on her face she had not expected this from him.

“That’s unfair! I have done everything you requested of me in regards to this whole process!” she yelled back at him, extremely upset with him and his evaluation of her. A negative evaluation from him would not only delay her start at the ministry but also force her into more sessions. “I believe I’d made significant…”

Bartleby raised his hand to stop her attack, “Please, I believe that you need more than just a few months to heal from this whole debacle and that you have made significant steps towards a full recovery. I also believe that it will only help you to dive head first back into something to help continue your healing process.”

A crimson blush crept up her cheeks at the end of his comment, she had jumped the proverbial shark and she chuckled a bit. “I’m sorry…its just a little difficult imagining having to sit at home any longer. I am healing, I am moving forward. But I feel suffocated at home. One can only give so many interviews and study so many things in the privacy of their own home.”

“How are you adjusting to your new place? I know Minister Shacklebolt said you had very specific ideas for type of home you were looking for.” The ministry had gifted a house of their choosing to Harry, Ron and Hermione along with a generous pension to show their gratitude for all of their blood, sweat and tears over the years. At first the Trio had declined the offer but when trying to find lodgings without the following of the press and other ‘groupies’ became impossible, they decided to accept the Ministries offer and became Secret Keepers for their own homes. “Did you take my advice to redecorate it on your own?”

Nodding she smiled, “Yes, I re-did the entire house and purchased a whole new wardrobe like you suggested. Though I will admit I purchased primarily Muggle clothing, since I will be working part time in Muggle relations and I live in Greenwich.

Bartleby smiled at her, “See Hermione…this is why I have given you the go ahead. I have expressed my concerns in my report because it would be very unprofessional of me not to call them out. But I do not see anything that would keep you from being productive or a danger to yourself or others. But I will suggest that we have a few follow up sessions, just so I can keep an eye on your progress.”

“Thank you…I…thank you so much. I just want to move on and start living my life.” Hermione truly was grateful, Bartleby Branch had discussed things with her that even Harry and Ron weren’t privy too. The rest of her last meeting went quickly and mostly uneventful, after another hour they scheduled her next appointment for six months down the road and Hermione left to begin her new life.