Never Easy

Disclaimer: I do not own the characters of J.K. Rowling's imagination. But, I do own the rights to my O/C's.

IMPORTANT NOTE TO FIRST TIME READER'S OF THIS STORY: This story is a sequel. It would be better to read the prequel first! : ) The prequel is entitled Hogsmeade Holiday.

Thank you to everyone who reviewed Hogsmeade Holiday.

Authors Note: ::cringes:: Sorry for the delay in this sequel.

Chapter 1 - I Quit

Hermione stood in front of a rather shocked Isadora. Hermione sighed as she turned around, her chiffon robe swaying gracefully along with her movements. “Isadora,” Hermione paused for a moment before replying, “Please do not look at me like that. It is for the best.”

“But, my dear.” Isadora's eyes welled up in tears. “You were doing so well. The muggle world was finally beginning to recognize our existence and you urged for the welfare of house elves.”

“Yes.” Hermione bitterly replied, “Where does that lead me? First, muggles only pretend to acknowledge us because they think it will do them good. The elves dislike me because for some odd reason they do not want to be free. And, I have earned the title of The Princess of London for being a good-will ambassador between muggles and wizards. Yet, I want to quit because-”

Hermione trailed off because she could not easily tell Isadora why she wanted to lead a normal life away from the press. She wanted to be away from this life of glamour. She recalled Harry's features when she had left Hogsmeade Hall the fateful afternoon. Could she not turn her mistake into her destiny? Could she not right her wrong?

The door in Hermione's room opened and in came a rather stodgy butler with a sheet of parchment paper in his hands. Hermione's eyes read each and every last word of the paper. She would not get anything if she left. But, in her heart, she knew that she would. She did not want to end up as a lonely woman that only cared for peace. In fact, she feared that the peace that she had made so recently was beginning to rip at the seams.

Hermione picked up her quill and Isadora whimpered. Hermione cast Isadora one more odd look before writing her name down upon the sheet of parchment. “Thank you, your highness.”

“No.” Hermione smiled at the butler, “You may call me Hermione Granger. After all, I am no longer The Princess of London.”

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Please R/R. No flames.