Chapter One
Returning to Hogwarts
Hermione Granger sighed, staring at her reflection in the mirror. She looked the same as ever; the only difference being that she had let her hair grow out. It was now down to the middle of her back and curly. The hours she had spent in the summer sun with her boyfriend, Ron, and best friend, Harry, had both lightened her brown hair and darkened her skin. It has also made the small, faint freckles across her nose more noticeable, much to her annoyance.
The scar Bellatrix Lestrange had left on her arm was now thin and white. Other scars left over from the Battle of Hogwarts were finally fading into pale pink—soon to be white as well. Though these scars provided Hermione with painful memories, she told herself they were not created in vain. Voldemort had finally been destroyed and his followers were either in Azkaban, dead, or on the run. Peace (for the most part) had finally been restored in the Wizarding World.
"Hermione, you ready to go?" Ron Weasley appeared at her bedroom door. Seeing his warm, familiar face made her smile. She stood on her tiptoes and kissed him gently. "You do know Harry and I think you're mad, right? Going back to school when you could easily get any job you wanted." Ron spoke with a smile and kissed her again.
"I know. I just want to actually complete my education. I miss school. We didn't get to complete our seventh and final year—the most important! I've already got to start studying for my NEWTS! I'm so behind. I don't know what I was thinking having a ball all summer with you and not so much as cracking open my books…" She rambled on while double-checking her packing list. She made sure to grab her Head Girl badge. Professor McGonagall sent her a letter of the summer with the badge, explaining why she was chosen. She was extremely grateful, if not feeling a little guilty since she was technically on year 8. Hermione flashed Ron a big smile. "I'm ready! Let's go!"
"Are you sure I can't convince you and Harry to come back to finish with me?" Hermione asked Ron, even though she already knew the answer. Harry and Ron were top notch Aurors now.
"Nope, not a chance," Ron answered, smiling. "Sorry, but I'm kind of happy to be done with school. You enjoy yourself though, and we'll write to each other often, sound good?"
"I suppose it will have to do! I've got to board, see you at Christmas?" Hermione started to gather her things on Platform 9 3/4.
"See you at Christmas." Ron kissed her goodbye and watched her board the Hogwarts Express.
Hermione felt strange being back on the train alone. At least she still had Ginny to sit with (she chose to forego the Head compartment, as she wanted to be with friends and unfortunately her circle of those was a lot smaller post-war), who was now entering her seventh and final year at Hogwarts.
After changing into her school robes (they were getting close to Hogwarts), Hermione started heading back to the compartment she shared with Ginny. Just as she approached the compartment, she froze. Facing her, down the hall, was none other than Draco Malfoy. She could recognize that bleach blond head of hair anywhere. She was immediately brought back to Malfoy Manor, and Lestrange was carving into her arm. She started to panic, her breath quickening. Hermione lay flat against the wall of the train with her eyes closed. She grabbed her scarred arm with her other hand. Images of the Battle of Hogwarts flew through her mind, her friends dying around her, Death Eaters everywhere. "You're okay," she whispered to herself, breathing long, deep breaths. When she felt her heart rate start to normalize again, she opened her eyes. She peeked down the hallway to see if he was still there. He was gone. Apparently she wasn't the only one who returned to finish her education.
The feast that was usually such a joyous, happy occasion was tainted by the aftermath of war this year. Of course, there were first years who hadn't been in school last year so this was all brand new to them, and Hermione smiled at their excitement, because there had been a time when that was her. But the majority of the students (and staff) in the Great Hall at that moment were returning to the first year of school post-war, and things were different. Though Filch and the professors worked hard all summer to restore the castle, some of the damage couldn't be undone. Bits of the castle had been utterly destroyed, some of the walls stained with black burn marks, the huge bridge completely and irrevocably obliterated.
Hermione was lost in her thoughts when Professor McGonagall, the new Headmaster, stood to speak. She tapped on her glass and the conversation around her started to die down. All eyes were on Professor McGonagall. Hermione thought she looked tired.
"Welcome to another year at Hogwarts! Welcome to our first years, who are about to embark on the magical journey of a lifetime, and welcome back to our returning students to what I'm sure will be an interesting year. There are a few students who, due to the battle that took place last year, were unable to complete their education and have chosen to return to finish the year. Darkness is gone, we finally have peace in our world, but let us not forget those who died protecting us and this castle," McGonagall paused to collect her thoughts.
Hermione looked down at her plate and thought of so many faces. Her friends, her classmates, her teachers. Fred, Lupin, Tonks, Professor Snape, Professor Dumbledore, and so many more.
"Their memories shall live on through us. Now, we do have a few reminders from Mr. Filch, our caretaker, who has asked us …" Professor McGonagall continued on and Hermione felt a squeeze on her hand. She smiled at Ginny, and squeezed back in return, thanking her for the comfort.
When dinner was over and Professor McGonagall dismissed everyone, Hermione set out to help some first years find their way to their House Prefects. She then went to meet Professor McGonagall in her office as instructed in her letter.
The decoration in the Headmaster's office was very similar to how Professor Dumbledore had it. She felt perhaps Professor McGonagall left it like that purposefully. It was very comforting. Hermione was not alone for long and the comforting feeling disappeared quickly when Draco Malfoy walked in. She halted, unsure what to do or say. He froze when he saw her, then recovered quickly and sat in a seat opposite the Headmaster's desk.
Oh no, Hermione had a bad feeling in the pit of her stomach. Her palms started to sweat and her hand immediately went to her scars.
Thankfully, they weren't alone for long. Professor McGonagall walked in seconds later and went right to her desk.
"Good evening, Miss Granger, Mr. Malfoy," she greeted them.
"Hello, Professor," Hermione replied, while Draco merely waited for her to continue. Hermione stole a glance at him. He didn't appear as cool and collected as he once was. He was leaning forward in the chair, elbows on his knees, and his left heel was tapping the floor. He did not meet her eyes.
"As you both know, you are Head Boy and Girl," McGonagall continued. Hermione swallowed hard and put her best smile on. "I realize circumstances are quite different this year, being as you both should have graduated last year. I am very pleased you both have decided to finish your education, despite everything that has happened in the past. I think this will be a good experience, for both of you." Professor McGonagall eyed Draco carefully when she said this. "Now, as stated in the letters you both received this summer, you will have a schedule to follow as you patrol the grounds this year. It is up to you two to decide how you want to split that. We just want to make sure students are in bed when they need to be and keep an eye out, just as a precaution. You two will share the tower dedicated to Head Boy and Girl. There are separate bedrooms, and one bathroom. I suggest you two work out a system to share it. Follow me, and I will show you the way." With that, Professor McGonagall eyed the both of they carefully and led the way.
Ron and Harry are going to lose their minds, Hermione thought as she followed McGonagall quickly, determined to put as much space between her and Draco as possible.