Details/Notes: I actually wrote this a bit ago, and have just forgotten to upload it here until now. A stream of consciousness from Hermione's POV after the end of the war, because I need to practice writing her character. All comments and/or criticisms you may have are welcome and appreciated, and as this hasn't been beta'd all mistakes remaining are mine.
Rebuilding:
A Hermione Granger Introspective
It has been three months since Voldemort's defeat, but it's easy to forget. Hermione can see quite plainly that the world is still in shambles, no matter how blinding the force of the celebrations can be.
Harry has spent most of his time shrugging off the well wishes of various wizards who may have had power in the old government, and trying to stop them from putting him on an even greater pedestal than they tried to before the war.
Her and Ron barely see him, these days, but neither of them are worried for their friendship. It's survived much greater things.
They are still at Hogwarts, because it's safe, and a variable hub of important activity, and a hundred other excuses that aren't the real reason: none of them ever want to leave.
Ron asks her when she's going to find her parents, and Hermione's heart can't help but leap a bit into her throat. Thinking about them makes her stomach churn.
Part of her doesn't want to bring them back.
"It's not right. There are still too many loose ends," she replies over piles of books on law, customs, and Ministry procedures. Never again will she let this world fall due to the mismanagement of government officials.
When the new Minister is declared, she is going to be there to see it.
Harry doesn't want to use his newfound power to influence; doesn't want to fall into that habit which so easily leads to greater, more terrible, things, but Hermione isn't afraid to push a bit if the result is a better world for her children.
"I want to keep our family small, though. No more than three." Her hands work quickly to rearrange stacks of paperwork that have nothing to do with what's she's looking for, but could prove useful later.
Ron hands her another stack of books, and grins sheepishly. "I think two's a good number."
Hermione looks up, and can't help smiling.
"We could, erm -- take a walk?"
She stares down at her desk overflowing with books and dust, and barely repressed grief in a form she's always been able to handle, and slowly nods.
She wants to live happily.
They have that chance now.
Her and Ron walk for hours, until the sun is sinking low in the sky, and it's cold enough that she can curl into his shoulder and not feel like the silly teenager she might have been, had things been different.
It shouldn't do to feel this old when in some parts of the world she'd still be considered a child.
Harry is down by the lake, where they used to do their homework on sunny days in school, but now he's being guided into a dance by Ginny, who's expression is all shrewd determination. She feels more than sees Ron's slight grimace, and with a sigh, takes him firmly in her arms, and kisses him.
It's not the happiest ending, but it's more than Hermione hoped for this time last year.
End.
End Notes: I hope everyone reading enjoyed, and would like to ask you all once again to review. It makes me happy and keeps me writing.