A New Struggle

by fandomfanatic93

It has been a year and a half since the end of the Battle of Hogwarts and Hermione felt like she was finally piecing her life back together. That is until a letter from the Ministry threatens to shatter her. Rated M because I haven't quite decided where I want this to go. Disclaimer: The lovely J.K. Rowling owns Harry Potter, not I. Reviews are encouraged and appreciated.

1. Prologue

Prologue

Hermione let a small smile grace her lips; she was relieved. The battle was won and Voldemort was dead. Her smile slipped; but at what cost?

She turned her head to the left and stared at the Weasley family and sighed. Molly was laying over a body, her red hair tangling with the deceased. Arthur was kneeling beside his wife, a firm hand grasping her shoulder trying to give even the smallest gesture of comfort. Bill and Fleur were embracing each other as though they were the only ones who could hold each other up. Even with the scars and burns that adorned Charlie's body, his tear streaked face seemed to be the most noticeable feature. Ron was at the foot of the body staring with unshed tears in shock. Ginny was on the other side of the deceased, stroking her mother's hair and shaking uncontrollably.

It was the twins, though, that Hermione's gaze lingered on. Fred was crouched beside his sister, his hands in fists, and tears that continuously fell from his brown eyes. George was right behind his brother an arm wrapped around Fred's shoulders, whispering into his ear. Percy saved Fred. Percy, the man who was a nuisance to his twin brothers and vice versa. Percy who disowned his own family choosing instead to place his trust in the Ministry. Percy who saw the curse hit the wall. Percy was just close enough to his brother to push him away from the wall. Percy who died for his family.

Tears welled up in her eyes and she shook her head. She looked down at her feet trying to regain her composure. With two deep breaths, Hermione lifted her head back up, this time looking to her right. Hermione stood up, her muscles screaming in protest, and walked slowly over to where Harry sat between Remus and Tonks. She squatted behind him and mimicked Arthur's gesture, placing a hand on his shoulder. He shook his head, "They had so much to live for, so much to do" he murmured.

Hermione let out a shaking breath, "Yes, Harry, they did. That's why they gave their all; they wanted to secure a brighter future for Teddy." Harry shook under her hand, releasing all his anger and pain in the form of tears.

Hermione was relieved. The battle was won and Voldemort was dead, but so were countless others. The war was over, but another struggle arose. A struggle to heal.

The war was over; indeed, but at what cost?