Summary:

After the war, Hermione thinks she has her life back on track. She can finally finish her schooling and be with the love of her life. Little does she know that fate has something else in mind.

Draco has spent the summer mulling over every action he has taken that has led his life to this point. What he finds is disgust and guilt that he just can't seem to shake; until he finds solace in the one person he never thought would listen.

Bonds are tested, friendships are forged, love is found, and all the while a dark threat arises from the shadows to take on the task the Dark Lord has left.

Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter. If I did I would be living on a beach somewhere drinking Pina Coladas with a sexy male model.

IMPORTANT NOTE: New readers, and old readers alike. THE PITFALL has been revised and completed. The Sequel THE UNRAVELING is up and being updated.

Summer 1998

There was one fact that was irrefutable, the Dark Lord had fallen. The Light had won the war, but their victory had come with a steep price. Many lives were lost that fateful night in May when the-boy-who-lived finally triumphed over evil for the last time. While those on the side of good breathed a sigh of relief, the remaining Death Eater's scattered, along with the rest of his dark army. Those with the means to do so disappeared. The unfortunate others were round-up by the few remaining Aurors and tried for their crimes against the Wizarding World.

Even though many of the Dark Lords followers were still on the run, The Order wasn't in a position to track them down. The Ministry was in shambles and they just didn't have the resources for that kind of manhunt. For now, they were rebuilding everything from the ground up. Kingsley Shacklebolt was named Minister of Magic and he would make sure everything went according to plan. It would be a difficult process but no one ever said the road to recovery was an easy one.

Hogwarts was still very much in mourning. The devastation of the grounds and the school itself mimicked the somber moods of those helping rebuild it. Everyone had been affected by the war and had lost someone close to them. Some took the pain of their loss in strides, some faced it head on, and others seemed to drown themselves in one way or another, be it in work or alcohol.

It would normally be a summer holiday, but many students had chosen to stay behind to help bring their school back to its former glory. There was much to be done and too fewwands to do it. In addition, many seventh years, who were supposed to have graduated, had decided to return again in the fall and repeat the year, the famous trio included. So while they all faced the darkness of the past, the students seemed to take it upon themselves to turn it around. They decided that despite the horrors they'd endured, they could celebrate their victory. And on one such occasion, Hermione Granger found herself sitting alongside one drunk, Ronald Weasley, for what seemed like the hundredth time in three months.

Friday, August 21, 1998

Hermione Granger didn't care much for the fame that came with the end of the war. 'The Golden Trio' were the center of attention just about everywhere they went. Ron and Harry seemed to adjust well, as they had grown accustomed to their names being notorious throughout their years at Hogwarts, but Hermione could do without all the fuss. She'd much rather spend the rest of her summer quietly, getting a head start on her course work and restoring the damaged school. But by the looks of things, she wasn't going to have her way. Everywhere they turned someone was asking them questions, gaping in admiration, or giving them their condolences.

Now she knew how Harry felt all this time. She was just glad Witch Weekly and The Prophet had finally stopped running the many interviews, biographies, and rumors about them. May and June had been crazy. Not only had the camera flashes gotten old, but the Death Eater Trials were emotionally and physically grueling. She and Harry had been called to witness a few times, and they'd had to be escorted out by Aurors. She'd only felt relatively normal once she got back to Hogwarts.

Even now, she was exiting the library that was her second home. She was supposed to be meeting her friends for an impromptu gathering but is was already 10 o'clock before she finally entered the room. The party was well underway and she knew Ron was probably already half gone. She decided to go check on him first. He was always the one to get a bit carried away. When she found him he was telling a group of enthusiastic fifth years about the time he opened the Chamber of Secrets. "You di'n't believe it did you? That I could speak snake?" He asked a boy who obviously thought he was barking mad. "Well, I can."

Hermione sighed. "Come on, Ron. Don't you think you should slow down?"

He shook his head and took another gulp of Knotgrass Mead. "Jus' a few more."

"You're pissed as it is." She pleaded, taking his arm and trying unsuccessfully, to pull him out of his seat and towards the door.

"No, Hermione. I'm jus' 'avin a bit of fun." He laughed, shrugging her off.

She sighed in defeat and took another look around the room. It had been a habit lately -making sure everyone was alright- that she just couldn't shake. When she found that all of her friends were accounted for she took a breath. They were all smiling, dancing, drinking, and having a time of it. This place was definitely a fitting environment for the post-war parties that tended to sprout up at a moment's notice, and mostly thanks to Seamus and Dean. Once those two got together things just seem to happen.

They were all currently camped out in the Great Common, which was a new addition to Hogwarts. Hermione quite liked it. The warm atmosphere was inviting and all houses were welcome to spend their time there. After the war, everyone was closer than they had been before. The term House Unity had even been thrown around, though most of the student body had merely given up the petty rivalries of the past. The last few years had changed what was important. It had changed everything.

That taken into account, Gryffindor, Ravenclaw, Hufflepuff, and even some Slytherin were mixed into the bunch.

One specific Slytherin caught her eye as he moved from one side of the room to the other; wine glass in hand.

Draco Malfoy.

He'd somewhat redeemed himself at the end of the war, and while his father was safely tucked away in Azkaban, he had returned to Hogwarts to help the rebuild and finish out his schooling. At first, there was a lot of controversy surrounding him and the Dark Mark. She'd originally thought Harry had been crazy to think Malfoy could be one. She didn't think he really had it in him to be that evil. Angry, petty, and mean yes, but evil? No, she hadn't believed it. She'd eventually been proven wrong, but even Harry confessed that the wizard hadn't wanted the Dark Mark. He was forced to take it on by his father and sent on a suicide mission by Voldemort. So now, three months later, he was here mingling with everyone else.

Most students were still wary of him, Hermione included, but many Slytherin's still seemed to worship the ground he walked on. She'd honestly been surprised that he hadn't received hostility from both sides. Surely some students in his house didn't like that he flaked out and ultimately failed as Death Eater? Apparently that didn't matter to them. It was probably due to his inheritance and pureblood status. She didn't really understand it, but she also didn't care enough to bother herself with it. If she looked at him too long she'd see textured ceilings and chandeliers. She'd see his face as they dragged them into the manor. She'd see his Aunt. She'd see a wand raised- no. She couldn't go down that road. She had tried to forget what had happened that night and she just wanted to leave his part in the war, and hers, in the past.

"It was huge!" A voice exclaimed, bringing her back to the present. "As big as my 'ouse I'd say."

She turned and shook her head. Ron was already back to telling a story, and he was enthusiastic about it too. Dean and Luna were seated across from him. Luna was sipping on some spiked pumpkin juice, and from the way Dean was draped across the chair, she assumed he was drinking something much more toxic.

Luna looked over at her and smiled, patting the empty seat next to her. Hermione took it and settled down for listening as Ron talked about Gringott's. The tale was going alright until Ron decided to exaggerate a few snogging sessions, which caused her face to turn bright red with embarrassment.

Their relationship hadn't exactly blossomed as she thought it would. After Fred's death and the final battle, Ron had become a bit distant. The only time he was completely carefree was at times like these, when he had a room full of ears and a drink in his hand.

She was a bit worried about it, to be honest. But she never said too much. It wasn't up to her how he chose to grieve. She'd been an only child, so she didn't quite know how he felt. She did know, however, that his fuse had shortened considerably. He was a hothead before, but now it seemed his temperament was worse. Especially when it came to war talk. At times, he reminded her of those nights on the run, when he had the damn Horcrux around his neck.

She shuddered. She hated seeing him that way. So that's why she'd grit her teeth and let him have his drink and his fun. He deserved to be happy. They all did.

But when the clock struck eleven and there was no end to his drinks in sight, she'd had just about as much as she could take and went to find Ginny. If anyone could tell Ron that enough was enough, it would be her. She found her in the corner of the room, accompanied by a rather giddy Harry Potter, who was in the process of trying to take off his shirt. "Harry? Are you drunk?" She asked.

He gave a startled jump by her sudden interruption but laughed. "Maybe…I dunno…."

Well, that was a surprise. Harry was never much of drinker. "Why are you taking off your shirt?"

"Someone spilled something on it," He replied like it was normal to take one's clothes off in the middle of a crowded room.

Ginny grinned wildly and wrapped an arm around his shoulder, kissing his cheek. Her face was rosy and her eyes shone a little too much. Apparently all her friends were hammered. "Well, I was going to have you help me with Ron, but seeing as how you're both…um…" They were already kissing now and one hand was snaking up her leg. "Occupied, I think I'll go."

Ginny broke the kiss and waved at her as she turned to leave. "Sorry. We'll talk later?"

Harry nodded. "Bye!"

She rolled her eyes. Was she the only one completely sober? Must be. Because there was still laughter all around her. She glanced to her left. Seamus was standing on top of a table dancing with a girl she recognized, but whose name she couldn't place while Neville was trying desperately to get them down. Cho Chang was playing some card game at a table full of sixth years, and Stewart was trying his best to fit into the crowd. She guessed he succeeded because some of last year's Quidditch team had patted him on the back a moment ago and he was now staggering toward the exit with them.

She felt a little out of place. She always did at these things. Why couldn't she just act like everyone else and have a good time? Throw a few back and forget that she'd just made it through a bloody war? Oh, that's right because Ron needed someone to take away the Red Currant Rum before he became belligerent.

When she got back to the group she noticed two things immediately. One, Dean was passed out on Luna's lap, and two, Ron had his arms around a pretty little Ravenclaw, whispering something in her ear and his hand dangerously close to her arse. Anger surged through her like a bolt of lightning. "Ron!"

His eyes shot up to look at her. "Oh, there you are 'Mione. I wondered where you'd run off to."

She strode toward him and grabbed his arm, yanking hard enough for him to stumble up. "I think it's time to go." She huffed, dragging him toward the door.

"Who died and made you king?"

Just ignore him. He's drunk. She thought. Keep walking.

When they were outside the room he pulled his arm out of her grip. "What are you doin?"

"Me? What am I doing?" Hermione laughed bitterly. "What are you doing?"

"Having fun. Something you wouldn't know anything about, obviously." He retorted, glaring at her.

She was slightly hurt but didn't show it. She was still far too angry about the girl he'd been cuddle up with. "Oh? You're having fun are you? Flirting with a sixth year? Well sorry for interrupting you!" She yelled, turning her back to him.

"Hermione." His voice had a slight tone to it.

"What?" She asked, turning around to look at him.

He was close now, his chest just millimeters away from hers. He moved forward backing her up into the wall. "I didn't mean anything by it."

"Well excuse me for thinking otherwise." She shifted uncomfortably under his gaze. It was heated and seemed to look through her.

"You should know better," He replied, kissing her.

At first, she kissed back as his lips formed to hers, but she stopped responding when a hand began to unzip her jacket. Normally she would be all for this but something was off. It didn't feel right. When she remained unresponsive he backed up, giving her a confused look.

"Ron, I think…I think we should leave." She pushed herself off the wall and tried to move around him, but he grabbed a hold of her shoulder.

"No. Please. Just stay. I want you."

"Ron, now is not the time or the place for this discussion," She said, nervously. "I'd rather we wait until we sober up."

"I think it's the perfect place for it." He cut her off and kissed her again, violently this time. His hands groping her as he did so. He was being rough, far too rough. His tongue invading her mouth without her consent, sending her brain into overdrive. She didn't want this. This wasn't Ron. This was someone else entirely. What the hell was happening here?

"Ron, stop." She hissed.

He paused but didn't stop. Instead, he pushed her back into the wall hard, biting her neck as he did so. "Shhh, it's alright," He said, trying to placate her.

"Get off!" She urged, more loudly this time. "It's not alright!" She hit him in the back with her fist before fumbling in her pocket for her wand. When it was free she shoved it under his chin. He let go of her and backed away, shock marring his features. "Ron. You. Are. Drunk. But that doesn't give you the right to….to just act like that!"

"You know you liked it."

She shook her head, frustrated. "No, I really didn't. I think my 'stop' was proof enough for that."

"Well, you liked it before." He huffed. "Why are you acting so innocent all of the sudden?"

"Innocent? I'm not being prudish for wanting privacy to do something like that. So I'm sorry that I'm not into drunk snogging in a hallway. If you want to snog someone so badly why don't you just go back to the party and take that girl back to your room?" She regretted her words the moment they came flying out of her mouth.

His mouth contorted into an ugly frown. "That's what you want is it?"

"No I.."

"It's fine," He said, his voice calm but his face still red with anger. "Really Hermione, we aren't official are we? So I guess I can snog whoever I want."

"Ron!"

"To be honest I was actually thinking about shagging that girl in there. At first, I thought it was because of the rum, but now I'm wondering 'bout that."

She didn't want to hear this. "Wha-"

"I know how much it would bother you. Seeing me looking at other girls, but I would never want to upset you because it's you I really want, Hermione." His voice was somewhat bitter. "But you won't let me near you. Every time I try to get close you just push me away. And it drives me barmy! And while we're on that subject, it also makes me crazy that you can't seem to be satisfied unless you're bossing me around and controlling everything around you. I can't even have a few bloody drinks without you yelling at me and telling me I've had enough."

"You know how you get when you're drunk." She defended. They all knew he was fond of arguing and making an arse out of himself if he had a few too many, and if he wasn't yelling, he was talking about the war. He was talking about Fred. Which brought back the anger. It was a vicious cycle that Hermione wanted no part of. "I have to stop you."

"No! No, you don't! Because you're not my boss and you're not my mum. It's not up to you." He replied leaning into her. "I'm tired of your bloody nagging. I can do whatever and really, whomever I want. Since you've decided you find it so beneath yourself to be with me…I think maybe I should look somewhere else."

He turned from her and headed back toward the laughing voices. "Ron, wait!"

"Sod off! I'm too drunk to deal with your shit right now." He hissed. "Godric, sometimes you talk too bloody much."

"Are you breaking up with me?" Her voice was barely above a whisper.

He looked over his shoulder, a strange glint in his eye. "How could I break up with you?" His face twisted into a mixture of pain and disgust. "How can we call what we've been doing a relationship? It's been more of a war at best. I'm always at war with you." He sighed, looking very much defeated.

"I didn't know-"

"It doesn't really matter. Hermione. It is what it is." He turned his back to her. "Besides, we never made it official. I'd hardly call a few snogs worthy of the title." He retorted over his shoulder, and then he was gone, leaving her alone in the hall with her heart beating loudly in her chest.

Did that really just happen? Did he really just say they weren't together? That their relationship was a war? How could he say that! A war? They'd had a few good rows, but she wouldn't go so far as to say they were at that level. He was drunk, she told herself. He didn't mean it. Tomorrow it would be ok. He would realize he loved her and all of this would just have been a bad dream.

His angry face flashed in her mind. But if he really did love her, why had he looked at her with such disdain? Was he really going back to the party and leave her here? He'd come back. He had always come back.

She waited a few minutes before she allowed the reality to settle in.

He wasn't coming back.

Just like the war, it was over.

Note: This chapter has been revised.

Constructive Criticism welcome. Tell me if you find a typo or misspelled word. I will fix it. :D