Twenty-Seven Names for Tears

Chapter 1

There's No Place like Home

"Heart dew, grief honey – "She always did this when her parents yelled at each other. It helped to drown out the screams.

"—HOW COULD YOU EVEN THINK THAT I – "

"...sad water, risse, eue de douleur..."

"GEEZ! I BET YOU SLEEP WITH EVERY ONE OF YOUR PATIENTS, YOU SLUT!"

Hermione winced at the last word. How could her father call her mother that? They weren't supposed to do that...they weren't supposed to fight. But then why were they? Because they were low on money? Or maybe it was because her mother was pregnant, when everyone thought her father was sterile. Maybe it was both. Or something completely different, but whatever it was, it tearing her family apart. Hermione covered her head with the pillow as the next string of words floated into her bedroom.

"THAT'S IT! I'M LEAVING AND I NEVER WANT TO SEE YOUR FACE AGAIN!"

There were heavy footsteps and the sound of the front door being jerked open and slammed shut again. A car started in the driveway and zoomed away. Her bedroom door opened slightly. "Hermione?" It was her mother. Hermione pretended to be asleep. She didn't exactly feel like raking right now. When she didn't answer, Mrs. Granger sighed and closed the door softly as she left.

"Hey, 'Mione!"

Hermione turned just as two figures hurled themselves at her.

"Harry! you please let go? I can't breathe..."

"Huh? Oh, sorry bout that." The boys let go and stepped back a foot or so.

They certainly have changed over the summer, haven't they? Hermione thought as she stared at her two best friends. Harry had grown to at least 6' and Ron...well Ron not only had grown to the height of about 6' 3", but he had also grown into it. No longer were they the little boys Hermione had known and loved. They were, there's no other word for it, men.

Hermione blushed at the thought. Wait...blushed? Why would I be blushing? They're my friends and they always will be.

"Ahem"

"Hmm?"

"Mione you've quiet a long time."

"Oh, sorry. I was just thinking about how much you two have grown." She replied with a small smile.

"Well, you've grown a lot too." Ron's' ears tinged red at this comment.

"Uh...thanks" But it was true. She had grown up. During the summer she had grown a lot. Her body had filled out nicely, and her hair was no longer the bushy mess it used to be. It now fell down her back in soft curls.

They boarded the train and made their way to a compartment in the back that was empty with the exception of Neville and his toad, Trevor.

"Hermione? Is that you?" Hermione nodded and smiled at Neville's disbelief.

I guess I really did change a lot over the summer.

The train let out a shrill whistle and lurched into motion. At first the three friends told about their summers (Charlie wanted to bring home a sick baby dragon! He's as nutty as Hagrid! And Dudley broke his arm trying to punch a wall!) Hermione smiled and listened. But soon the talk turned to, as it always does: Quidditch. Hermione took this opportunity to slip out of the conversation.

"Hermioneee...earth to Hermione!" The hand waving in front of her face shook her out of her daydreams.

"What? "

"The trolley's here. You wanna get something?"

A few minutes later, they're laps were full of Pumpkin Pasties and Caldron Cakes. Hermione was staring with increased interest at a chocolate frog box. Harry noticed.

"Mione, why are you so sad?"

"I'm not sad. I'm just thinking."

"A'out wha'?" Ron's mouth was full of Pumpkin Pasty. Hermione stared at him. "That is disgusting, Ron. You swallow your food, and then you talk." Ron swallowed. "What are you thinking about, then?" Hermione glanced out the window. Should I tell them?