Five Days In November
Ch. 1
Chapter 1
June 1998
Hermione Granger had never felt so alone. Everyone she knew was immersed in their own feelings, just trying to make sense of their losses. While the future was safer for most, it was also filled with unknowns.
She’d gone to Australia to lift the memory charm she had done on her parents and found she was unable to reverse it. Hermione was consoled by the fact that her parents lived in a cottage near the beach. Her father was tan and smiling, his white teeth contrasting with his darkened skin. Her mother’s traditional bob haircut had grown to her shoulders during the past year. Her parents looked younger and happier than Hermione had ever seen them.
By contrast, Hermione looked thin and worn. At the age of 18, she sported an assortment of scars from her battles with Death Eaters. Her hair had grown almost to her waist. She scarcely thought about her appearance and didn’t look in the mirror often. Her scarred arm made her self-conscious. She wore long sleeves despite the summer’s heat.
Hermione returned to England and stayed with the Weasleys. They were mourning the loss of Fred. The Weasleys, ever the tight family, grieved together. Ron gently told Hermione that Mrs. Weasley needed to be with her children and husband during this time. Hermione understood. She went to the Ministry of Magic to obtain a portkey to the United States.
Hermione had read an article in a potion’s journal about a wizarding village in the mountains of New Mexico where native plants were used in healing potions. She thought she might get an apprenticeship with a potion’s master. The Ministry had granted Ron, Harry and Hermione N.E.W.T.s in subjects they had shown aptitude in. She knew Professor McGonagall would write her a letter of recommendation if she needed one.
Hermione went to Gringotts to transfer galleons into dollars. She was grateful for the reward money granted to her after the battle. She had enough money to last her several years, if she was careful.
Harry and Ron joined Hermione at the Ministry of Magic for her departure. The press hounded them as the trio stood in line waiting for Hermione’s turn. Hermione felt numb with all the attention. She would never get used to being an object of interest in wizarding England. The press and public were not kind to Hermione, often focusing on her appearance or (non-existent) relationships with Ron or Harry.
August 1998
A few weeks after Hermione’s departure, the Malfoys stood trial for their part in the war. Harry spoke for Narcissa and Draco. They were pardoned, but were forced to pay most of the Malfoy fortune in restitution. Lucius Malfoy was sentenced to life in Azkaban for his part in the war.
Draco had been prepared to spend time in Azkaban, as had Narcissa. They were eternally grateful to have been spared that fate. But, Draco was worried about his mother. She was so quiet, most of the time Draco felt that he was by himself at the manor.
Though Narcissa was clearly unhappy, she encouraged Draco to do something for himself. She understood that so many decisions had been made for him, often with dire consequences, that he needed to choose his own path in order to become a better man. Draco was reluctant to leave his mother, but she told him that if she knew he was happier, it would help her, too. Draco’s mother had always put him ahead of herself, so he knew she would not be happy to see him languishing his days away in the dark manor.
Draco had always been curious about the United States. He loved the idea of being unknown. His family’s wealth and fame had not served to make his life easier. When he went to Diagon Alley to pick up a few supplies for his travels, reporters followed him. People sneered at him. A man shoved him into a wall as he walked by Flourish and Blotts. In some ways, Draco felt he deserved people’s scorn. He acknowledged that the Malfoys were an easy target for angry people. He knew he needed to leave England.
Author's Note: This story is complete. I will post a new chapter every day, or every other day.