Returning
I do NOT own Harry Potter unfortunately. All characters, locations, etc recognised belong to J. .
Standing in front of my mirror I looked at my reflection. I can do this. I know I can. I have been through worse than this. I made it through that, I can make it through this. Sighing, I grabbed my trunk and headed for the door. Time to face my demons, I thought. I was headed back to Hogwarts.
I arrived at Platform 9 3/4 early. Trying to miss the crowd. I wanted a compartment to myself. I didn't feel much like socializing. A few looked into my compartment, then backed away without coming in. Yeah that's just fine with me, I thought as a few first years retreated in haste. I knew I didn't present the most approachable figure. But as I didn't really want to talk to anyone anyways, I didn't mind.
I knew very few older students were returning to finish their final year uninterrupted this time. There was only 1 I really cared was there. I knew she was coming back. I needed to apologize to her. And while that seemed to go against the very essence of who I am, I needed to. I had changed. I wasn't the same person anymore. And even if she rejected my apology, because let's face it, I would. I still needed to give it. When I had found out she was returning without the wonder duo I knew I had to go back. I was going to make this a peaceful year for her. If that meant making sure she had quiet time in the library, or even the stray hex to the still angry death eaters child. I was going to give Hermione Granger a peaceful year.
Getting off the train, I headed toward the carriages. I got into the last remaining empty carriage. I was staring at the window when the door opened. "I am terribly sorry to intrude but everywhere else was full, and I..." the voice trailed off. Turning my head I saw her. I saw the uncertainty in her eyes. "It's ok Granger." I watched as she debated before entering.
We rode towards the castle in silence. The tension rose as Hogwarts came into sight. Inside i was panicking. I couldn't do this. Everywhere i looked, there were reminders of death and destruction. I shut my eyes to block out it all out. It wasn't real. Hogwarts had been rebuilt. I felt a hand grab mine. And suddenly the dark thoughts shifted and I felt ok again. As if that touch was anchoring me in the here and now. Opening my eyes, i saw she was in much the same position. Compassionate as always, she turned to me and said, "It's ok. I know what you are going through. I can still see it all too."
As the carriage stopped in the drive in front of the castle, I forced myself to move. I opened the carriage door and waiting for Granger. She stood stooped in the doorway as if frozen. I held out my hand and said "Come on Granger, I got you. We can do this together." She shakingly took my hand and exited the carriage. I held her hand as she got herself together. When I let go, I was surprised when she snatched my hand back. "Please don't let go. I don't think I can do this on my own Draco." And so I squeezed her hand gently as I looked into her eyes and said, "I am here as long as you need Granger. Hermione."