Disclaimer: I don't own these characters, and no copyright infringement is intended; not making any money, but they are fun to play with.

A/N: The pairing might suprise some of you -well me too *lol* but I wanted to try something different and I'm doing my best to make it work. I'm no fan of bestiality in any form so anything sexuall will be with people in their human form^^

I'm trying to dig for a little depth with Hermiones character and later with Fawkes, so don't be mad that I need a little time till anything romantic between those two will happen.

This story is AU (who would have guessed...) and Dumbledore is alive (please don't ask me why, I just wanted him to have him in there. I will give you no explanation why but there are plenty -horcrux, polyjuce potion, fake death...I'm sure you all have enough fantasy to come up with a solution of your own if it is important for you)

Remus lives too and he has quite some part in this story. With all the other Marauders dead it's only fair that I try to rescue one.

Sirius, Snape, Tonks, Fred...are all dead though *at least in this story*

I really hope you might enjoy this story and give it a try. Like always I'm 'warning' you. English is not my native language so please don't be too hard when it comes to gramma.

Like any other person on this site I love reviews -good and bad (okay, okay I prefer the good ones but constructive criticism is welcome too).

So here it is...

A Phoenix from the ashes

Chapter 1:

31. August - 1. September

Hermione knew she was dreaming, but at the moment that piece of knowledge wasn't helping her in the slightest.

It was one of those irritating realistic dreams, in which you were aware of the fact that you were dreaming, but you couldn't bring yourself to wake up. Everything was happening like in a Hollywood movie and apparently she was the female star.

At first she was afraid it would be one of her typical nightmares. The ones, were she was in Malfoy Manor again and Bellatrix crazy laughs were nearly over-toning her screams of agony, while she was tortured with the Cruciatus Curse.

In her dreams she would live through the agony again and again till someone showed mercy and woke her up. Normally it was Remus, who came storming into her room, shaking her out of her dream and held her till she stopped crying and shaking.

Sometimes he would spend the night in her bed. Just holding her and whispering soothing words into her hair.

Hermione knew he did that as much for himself as for her. Maybe he hadn't been tortured as openly as she had been, but after all he had had to watch helplessly, while Tonks was being hit with the Killing Curse.

He himself had been barely able to dodge the one thrown in his direction and Hermione had heard him more than once mumble in his own restless dream, that he wished it had been him.

The only thing which kept him sane and alive was his son, Teddy. And maybe, Hermione thought, maybe she had also something to do with it.

Before the war, he had been nothing more than her professor to her. A man she respected gratefully and admired for his knowledge but nothing more. During her time with the order they had barely seen each other, apart from order meetings or holidays. But after the final battle and the defeat of Voldemort, things had changed so much and not all for the better.

The death of her parents and the loss of his wife had weld them together and now, it were the two of them looking out for each other.

Two lonely, broken souls who tried to find their way back to the living. But Hermione guessed she was the one who made the better progress after all, even with her permanent nightmares.

But this one wasn't about Bellatrix Lestrange or one of the other Death Eaters, it was totally different, yet not less frightening.

She stood in the middle of the Forbidden Forest. It was dark and colder than usual for this time of the year. Her worn out jeans and thin sweater barley protected her from the chilly night air. Shivering slightly, she put her arms around her middle and looked around.

Her breath was flat and uneven and it had nothing to do with the weather at all. The longer she stood there, the wilder her heart beat in her chest and her brain reminded her why students ought to stay away from the forest.

Ever so slowly she managed to turn around, but it was too dark to make out more than the blurry shadows of the trees.

A hoot pierced through air, followed by a hushed rustle and she whirled around with a squeak. Suddenly she remembered that she was a witch and started searching hectically for her wand.

It wasn't there.

Oh no! No! It couldn't be. It was always in her back pocket or her hand. Since their search for horcruxes preferably in the latter.

Her breath hitched in her throat and she twirled a few times around before she was finally able to compose herself.

For once she shouldn't be afraid of a lonely dark forest, after facing Voldemort and his cronies and more important: She was in a dream for Merlin's sake!

But she couldn't get rid of the nagging fear that forced her whole body to be a little straighter and stiffer than usual.

At least she managed to get her breath under control, though her heart, continued to beat faster than it should.

For a second she was tempted to just sit down on the ground and sit it out, but as if to change her mind the air seemed to get a little colder than it already was.

Great!

So no sitting down then. It was too dark to orientate herself on something. She couldn't even see the stars, so she guessed one direction was as good as any other.

Slowly, with slightly wobbling legs she started her journey -hopefully out of the forest. With one tiny step in front of the other, she was making her way forward.

Hermione wasn't sure, how much time had passed when she finally decided to take rest. Her fear had long before vanished and her heartbeat had slowed down, while her temper was rising slowly but steadily.

It was cold, dark and although she should have become accustomed to it by nowt, the never ending noises of the forest were getting on her nerves.

At first they had frightened her - now their unsteady nature only frustrated her more with every passing minute. She had never been one for camping, or long walks through the forest, even as a child. She had always preferred a good book with a nice cup of tea to any outdoor activities.

Sighing she walked slowly over to the outline of a tree and was about to lean against it, when she saw something shimmer in the distant.

A tiny golden light which was fluttering up and down in the air.

Hermione wasn't so sure what caused her to do, what she did, but one second she was staring in fascination at the golden point and the next she was running towards it.

Running as if there was no tomorrow!

She no longer cared for roots, animals or the fact, that she was only wearing a pair of loose sandals.

All she could think about was reaching the light, but the nearer she got the further away it seemed at first. It was later -a lot later if her burning lungs and wildly beating heart was anything to go for it -that it appeared somewhat nearer.

It was getting bigger and brighter, gliding through the air like a feather, but still too far away to make out its lines.

She stumbled over roots and grazed her knees, a bush full of thorns shredded a good deal of her clothes, her legs burned like hell and she was bleeding out of several smaller wounds – and yet she always got on her feet again and followed the light.

As if she had been possessed and couldn't stop her body from doing so.

Several miles later, she had problems to fill her lungs with enough air to function and she finally had to give her body a rest. Gasping for air, like a drowning man she stumbled to a halt, nearly falling over in the process.

Sweat was running down her neck and the night air appeared suddenly not cold enough, to cool herself down to a comfortable temperature.

When she finally felt strong enough, to straighten her body and regulate her breathing, she looked up.

The golden shimmer had disappeared, while the darkness around her was thicker then ever.

A wave of unbearable sadness washed over her all of a sudden and she barely could stop herself from crying.

Why she didn't know, but the feeling was powerful.

Weakened form her run and drained by her sudden sadness she staggered forward. There wasn't a will behind it any longer, but she did it anyway.

One foot in front of the other, like a machine programmed to do so.

An eternity seemed to have passed, when she reached the end of the forest quite suddenly. The trees simply stopped at one point and she was free.

For a long moment she only stood there, tears finally washing over her cheeks, while she stared at the castle in the distance.

Hogwarts.

Never before, had she been more happy to look at its towers and familiar form. It was still pitch black, but she didn't worry anymore. She knew the way.

Though she really wished to see the golden light again.

Sighing deeply she closed her eyes for a moment before she stepped out of the forest and made her way up to the castle, which had been her home for the last six years.

She couldn't have made more than five or six steps, when she suddenly heard it.

A beautiful sound, so soft and warm it made her smile and then suddenly sad and sorrowful enough, to force a new gush of tears.

A second later a composition of sounds filled the air, shaking her with its depths of emotion. Never in her life had she thought it possible to feel so many different emotions at once.

By now her feet were carrying her on their own, nearer and nearer to the source of the breathtaking music.

It was coming from the castle and she went willingly, as long as it meant she could hear more of it.

Meanwhile the melody had changed into a sinful height, full of longing and her heart reached out for it. It was downright palpable how much the singer was craving for someone.

And then suddenly, it changed into an ear-piecing peeping.

With a start Hermione woke up. Groaning she reached out for her alarm clock and was tempted to threw it against the wall.

She still could still hear the beautiful song in the back of her head, although the alarm was making it hard. Finally she decided against the kill and just turned it off.

Defeated she threw her arm over her face and lent back into her pillow. What a way to start this day, she thought. She allowed herself a minute longer to enjoy the warmth and comfort of her bed, before she finally threw the sheets aside.

Today was the first of September and she would finally finish her education at Hogwarts. Like many others from her year Hermione had decided to to go back and take her OWLS. Headmaster Dumbledore had informed them that there would be an eighth year this term.

Basically they would attend classes with the seventh year students and take their exams with them. Though they would get sort of a special treatment. They wouldn't be able to win -or loose -points for their houses but still could get detentions if a professor saw it necessary -sadly.

They were adults now, so there would be no curfew and they were allowed to Hogsmeade anytime they liked after class.

But the best part was, that all of them would get their own rooms in the castle. The only downer was that she wouldn't be head girl this year.

Of course she could understand why Dumbledore couldn't give her the bandage but still it stung. She had worked so hard and then...well, a lot had happened.

Pushing the memories aside, she started to dress herself. She had already packed two days ago and only had to put a few things together this morning.

After a quick shower, she changed into jeans and t-shirt put her hair into a bun before she made her way to the kitchen.

Remus wasn't up yet or maybe he was busy getting Teddy ready for the day. The little boy would accompany his father, who had accepted the position as DADA teacher. Hermione wasn't entirely sure if he wanted the job, but the wizard world was still recovering from the war and teachers were hard to find. She was sure, Dumbledore had used a few well placed words to coax him into teaching.

Probably it was for his best. Hermione was glad to have him with her in the castle, it would give her the opportunity to check on him and the classes would keep him busy.

Unknowingly humming the melody from her dream, she started making breakfast, the muggle way. She loved cocking but never had much time for it, or with Mrs. Weasley presence not the opportunity.

A few minutes later, the door swung open and reviled a somewhat dozy Remus, who carried a happily bubbling Teddy.

"Is that bacon I smell?" the werewolf asked, sniffing the air.

"Yes, there are also beans, eggs and sausages. I hope you have appetite." She smiled, as his face lit up at the mention of all the food.

"Mi!" Came a squeal from the toddler, as he heard her voice.

Smiling brightly she made her way over to the two and took Teddy from his arms. He was now two and a half years old and was becoming quite good at pronouncing words and even speak complete sentences. Still, her name was a hard piece of work and he kept calling her `Mi. He was the only one who could put a smile on her face, with calling her pet names.

"How is my favorite boy, this morning?"

"Good!" He grinned and turned his hair into a bright purple.

Laughing, she gave him a kiss and put him down in his chair. "Are you hungry, honey?" He nodded eagerly, which caused her another smile.

"Pee-nut buta?"he asked.

"Peanut butter," she corrected automatically. "How about half an apple and then toast with peanut butter?"

"And cocoa?"

"Of course!" Hermione nodded.

"Yay! Me get chocolate, daddy!" The toddler beamed at his father, who had watched the scene before him with an open smile.

"Of course you do, buddy!" He winked and then asked Hermione, if he could help with anything.

"You could set the table, if you like!"

"You know, one day you will be a fantastic mom." Remus told her, before he grabbed a couple of plates and cups to put them on the table, so he wasn't able to see her stiffen slightly.

Not bloody likely. Hermione thought bitterly.

"Who would want a boring little know it all, if the world is full of willing, exciting women, who don't need a book to find their way around a man's body."

She remembered Ron's words vividly. He had been drunk at the time he slurred them and the next day, it was quite obvious that he didn't remember any of it, but it still stung.

Before the war, Hermione fancied herself in love with Ron and even after everything what happened on the hunt, she still had hopes for the two of them.

Even after he had abandoned Harry and her. He came back after all, didn't he? She told herself that it was all that mattered.

Now she wasn't so sure any more. Ron certainly hadn't come back for her, not even for Harry. The reason which forced him to come back was guilt. Pure and simple.

And she had to admit, that she could have forgiven him even that. Merlin knows, she had forgiven him a lot of things and maybe she was still willing to do so.

But since the war had ended and the three of them were celebrated as war heroes, Ron had changed a lot. While Harry and she avoided the media and public as much as possible, Ronald had no such qualms. He downright sunned himself in all of the attention to his person and never missed his chance, to promote his heroic deeds.

She sighed and banished thoughts of Ronald Weasley for now. So he didn't want her, fine! There were a lot of other men out there, but deep down in her heart Hermione knew that parts of his hurtful words were true.

A few hours later the tree of them, were standing at King's Cross station, greeting the others and chatting lightly about their summer. Always prudent to avoid sour themes, such as the death of their friends and other things, which were related with to hurtful memories.

"Hi, Luna, hi Neville!" she greeted the two before she was pulled into one of Mrs. Weasley`s bone-crushing hugs.

"Hermione my dear, how are you?"

"Uh...fine, Mrs. Weasley", she lied and forced herself to smile before she greeted the rest of them.

"Where is Harry?"

Neville grinned, but Luna answered without a hint of hesitation.

"Snogging Ginny over there," she pointed near one of the wagons. "But it's okay. The pink-belled-long-snout-Grabs think they match."

Neville shared a quick look with her, but like the rest of them he knew Luna well enough to just ignore comments like that.

"Sure, if you say so!" Hermione nodded and looked over at her best friend.

He and Ginny were both too occupied in kissing each other to register their arrival, but Hermione wasn't angry about it. She was truly happy for her best friend and wasn't about to interrupt the two in their private little moment.

Ron of course wasn't able to shut his mouth for once in a while. Barking a rude comment across the place, for everyone to hear, he wasn't only embarrassing Harry and his sister, but himself as well.

Clearly startled the lovers jerked away from each other. Harry was red enough to match the hair of his girlfriend and was glaring at Ron across the station. He didn't have to worry though, as Mrs. Weasley was giving her youngest son an earful.

Sighing Hermione shook her head.

"I see my brother is making an idiot out of him self -again!" Startled she turned around, only to find George Weasley standing beside her.

There was no twinkle in his eyes, no hidden mischief. He was standing there with a blank expression, hands in his pockets and looking like a shell of his former self.

Since the death of his twin, George hadn't been the same any more. It was, as if he had lost the will to live. He had thrown himself into work, barely leaving his shop and only attending to family functions for the sake of his mother.

Biting her lip, Hermione thought about the box in her bag, which she originally had packed for Harry. It was something she had made up herself. A sort of memory box, which didn't only show memories like a pensive, but also let the reviewer live through the feelings of the respective moment.

Hermione wasn't sure if he would like it, or if it would put salt into fresh wounds, but she was willing to try it.

"George?" she asked. "Can I speak to you for a moment?"

He simply nodded and stepped to the side. Fumbling with the zipper on her bag, she finally found what she was searching for. A little hesitantly she handed him the little box.

"It's a memory box. In general it works like a pensive, but you are able to reveal emotions too. So you can not only see your first ride on a broom, or getting your letter for Hogwarts, but feel it too." For a second she wasn't sure if she should have mentioned his name. But to avoid to mention Fred was, as if she would disgrace his memory.

"I thought, maybe..." she faltered. "You know, it helped me with my mom and dad. Sometimes it hurts," she choked, but quickly put herself together. "But I thought you would like to...uhm...feel your twin again." Wincing inwardly she was about to clarify herself, but he stopped her.

"Thank you!"

For a second she could see his eye lit up, with the prospect of what she explained and she gave him a slight smile.

"You're welcome!" He nodded. "But George, please don't forget that there is more in life then just memories, will you? I'm sure Fred wouldn't like you to forget about it."

Before he got the chance to answer, she hugged him and turned quickly around, to get to the train.

"What was that about?"

Of course Ron had to choose this moment to be observant, for once in his life.

"Nothing."

"Didn't look like nothing!" he added as he entered the train beside her. "Is there something going on between you and my brother?"

Really, what was his problem? She hadn't heard from him in months. Not since the ball at the Ministry in honor of the victims of the war. Not one owl.

She didn't grace him with an answer, but obviously he wasn't waiting for one. "You know, it wouldn't be very tactful of you. He had just lost his twin and to put upon his vulne-"

"Ronald Weasley!" she snapped angrily before he could finish. "How dare you!"

"What, I only mean-"

"You know what? Forget it!" She huffed annoyed and stormed away, without giving him another glance. The nerve of that man!

She made her way through the train, searching for the others and cursing silently about the red headed idiot somewhere behind her.

She finally found the compartment where Ginny and Harry were sitting in. Unfortunately, they were still firmly locked on the lips.

"Peachy.." The curly haired with muttered. She wasn't about to spend the whole train ride watching her best friend snogging his girlfriend.

Gripping her bags tighter she made her way further through the train, looking for an empty compartment. She ignored the whispers and not so subtle pointed fingers in her direction, as best as she could. Obviously that was the price for saving the wizard world, if she liked it or not.

The forth compartment, she looked through wasn't empty, but made her sigh relieved none the less.

"Hi, Luna!" she greeted the blond girl again, after she opened the door. "Can I sit with you?"

"Of course!"

A few minutes later she had forgotten about Ron and was happily chatting with Luna. For someone who was living in her own world, most of the time, Luna was always an surprising talk partner. Her comments were intelligent, sharp-witted and her reasoning was often underlined with simply facts, which made Hermione wonder why she hadn't thought about it.

But after all there had to be a reason, why Luna Lovegood had been sorted into Ravenclaw.

It was an hour later or more, when the door to their compartment opened again and non other than the tall and pale figure of Draco Malfoy stood in the door frame.

He came to an abrupt halt, as his eyes landed on her and Hermione was preparing herself against the usual insults. But nothing ever came. Instead it seemed as if he was startled to see them here. For a second she even thought, she had seen a glint of fear in his eyes.

It quickly vanished and he was about to turn around, without a word, as Luna's voice piped up.

"Hello Draco! Do you want to sit with us?"

Hermione's head wasn't the only, which snapped around to the blond.

"Ah...uhm..." His silver eyes turned to her with a nervous glint and finally Hermione understood. He was nervous, because of what happened a few month ago in his Manor. She was surprised to notice that she didn't had any hard feelings towards him. At least not for what happened in his home. Hermione could vividly remember his face: Pale, harsh and with an expression that had made her wonder, if he was about to throw up.

At that moment he had been as much of a victim as she had been.

"Hello, Malfoy!" She acknowledged him.

"Hello Granger...Luna!" He nodded. It didn't get lost to her, that Malfoy used the given name of her friend.

Still a little hesitant Draco sat down beside the Ravenclaw, avoiding her eyes as much as possible. Hermione wasn't sure what to make out of a nervous, self-incurious Draco Malfoy, but she guessed the war had left his tracks on more than one person.

"How is your leg?" Again it was Luna who tried to make conversation and for a moment she was at a loss, what she could mean, but at Draco's mumbled fine she remembered that he had been wounded in the battle.

She wasn't sure why, but he had finally seen the error in his ways and had raised his wand against the other Death Eaters. The rumor had it, that he had saved the Patil twins from one of them and fought back to back with none other than Luna till the end.

"Did you use the ointment I send you?"

Hermione's ears picked up at that piece of information and she took a closer look at the two of them.

Luna looked carefree and dreamy as ever, but the usually unhealthy pale Malfoy had a fine rosy color on his cheeks.

Was Draco bloody Malfoy blushing?

No, it couldn't be! However, as he looked at Luna there was the strangest look in his eyes that Hermione had ever seen. She couldn't name it, cause she had never linked it with Malfoy.

"Yes, I did. It was very helpful. My mother sends you her gratitude, as well," he said a little bit stiffly but polite none the less.

"You're welcome, Dragon!" Luna smiled dreamily.

Dragon?

The remaining time to Hogwarts Hermione spent watching the two of them holding one of the most awkward conversations, she had ever seen. Luna was talking most of the time, mainly about things that didn't exist, or one of the latest articles in the Quibbler, while Draco was actually trying to answer her questions or formulate his opinion on some matters.

After a while they were so deep in conversation it seemed they had totally forgotten about her.

She was standing at the closed front doors of Hogwarts. The beautiful melody hadn't stopped, in fact it appeared to be louder than ever. Obviously the source was within the castle.

Slowly Hermione stepped forwards and as if on a silent signal, the doors swung open, without a noise.

The inside of the castle was enveloped in darkness, like everything else around her. The bright lights from the lanterns, which normally greeted her when she stepped into the school, remained dark.

But other than in the forest, she wasn't afraid. Part of the reason was, that she knew her way around the castle, but other than that it was the music.

It seemed to pervade her completely. Calming her, easing her fears and filling her with the same longing, she could hear in the singers voice.

He -and by now she was sure that it was a male who was creating the melody -seemed to call her. Wanting her to find him and ease his pain. And she wanted nothing more, than to do exactly that.

Without any more hesitation she quickened her step, till she finally was running again. Not as headless and fast than before, but a steady rhythm that brought her nearer and nearer till she was standing in front of the great hall.

The door was closed and other as before, it didn't open on its own. So she put her hands on the rough wood of the door and pushed slightly. With an unnerving slowness it swung open and revealed a golden burning light.

It got brighter and brighter with every second like the music became higher and higher, till...

"Granger!"

"Hu?" She mumbled not entirely awoake.

"Granger! Hurry up, or you have to walk to the castle!"

That did it. With a start she opened her eyes and looked closely into the silver orbs of Draco Malfoy.

Startled she jumped back.

"Sorry," he mumbled and hastily straighten up.

"It's okay." Yawning she looked around. "Where is Luna?"

"Said something about Nargles and left a few minutes ago."

The Malfoy heir seemed at a loss and Hermione couldn't help but snicker.

"Okay...what are Nargles?"

"No idea!" Hermione laughed, but suddenly stopped as it sunk in what she was doing. She was standing beside Draco bloody Malfoy, laughing carefree and suddenly felt the surrealism of the situation.

Draco seemed to sense it too. "We should go." Without another word he reached for her bag, which she had put into one of the storage areas before. Not without much trouble, she remembered.

Other than the blonde it seemed.

He was just about to hand over her belongings as the compartment door flew open revealing Harry and Ron. Both had raised their wands and threatened to hex Draco, before she could react.

"'Put that down, Malfoy!" Ron snarled.

"Are you okay, Mione? Has he threatened you?"

"Harry!" She could see all three men wince at her tone. Obviously they all knew her long enough to recognize that voice. "Put your wands down, this instant! He was simply helping me with my bags."

"But Mione-"

"No, Harry I mean it. He was just being polite!"

"Polite? Malfoy? My ass!" Ron snapped, his wand still pointed at Draco.

"I'm sure you know nothing about it Weasley, but a man usually helps a lady with her belongings." Of course Malfoy had to put oil into the fire. Apparently not everything had changed.

"Why you little-"

"Ron!" She interrupted him sternly, not the slightest bit surprised by his angry flush and barely controlled temper.

"Are you defending him, Mione?"

"There is no need to defend him, Ron. He hasn't done anything, he simply helped me with-"

"He is a Death Eater!" Ron barked. "He doesn't even deserve to be here. He should rot in Azkaban where he belongs!"

"Ronald Weasley that is enough!" Her own temper rising she put her hands on her hips and glared at him. "Put your wand down. Both of you! Do you really think I would just stand here and do nothing, if he would have threatened me in any form?"

"Of course not!" Harry assured her quickly and lowered his wand, after another quick look in Malfoy's direction. But the blonde stood there with a blank expression watching her handle her two best friends.

"We just saw him through the window and assumed that...well...old habits die hard I guess. I was just worried, Mione."

That got a smile out of her, which quickly vanished at Ron's words.

"Are you barking mad? That is Draco bloody Malfoy we are talking about. Have you forgotten what the did to you? He tortured you for years, he has no right to even breathe the same air as others."

"No, I haven't forgotten the past years, but you've obviously forgotten that he has changed. He fought with us in the last battle. He was on our side!"

"He was just saving his sorry ass!" Ron snorted. "Are you really so stupid to believe that he will ever change? It's the ferret we are talking about!"

Harry winced and even Draco was taking a step back from her.

Both boys knew that you could call Hermione Granger a lot of things -silly, crazy, scary, boring -but there was a handful of words you should avoid like a plague.

Stupid was one of these words.

Her hair started to crackle with magic – a positive sign to better hold your breath. Of course Ronald Weasley was blind to the obvious.

Fifty-seven minutes later she was listening to the last words of Albus Dumbledore's welcome speech, while she was still ignoring Ron who could be lucky to have Harry rescue him before he got more than only a silent treatment.

He had dragged the idiot out of the train, before he would dig a deeper hole than he already had. And lately the hole was gaining depth.

"...and remember -a lot of things had happen and a lot of things have changed." She heard Dumbledore say and her eyes automatically swept over to the Slytherin table, which showed a lot of empty seats.

Some because they had decided against coming back to Hogwarts, and some because the missing student would never come back at all.

Sighing she looked at the student who sat at the end of the table, on its own. Hermione tried to remember, if she had ever seen Draco Malfoy -Prince of Slytherin- sitting alone.

She couldn't.

"...has shown that as long as we stick together we can make it through everything!" This time her eyes swept over her own table and asked herself if some of them would remember Dumbledore's words, now that the war was over.

She couldn't quite lift her eyes from the redhead in front of her, who didn't even try to appear as if he was listening. Instead he was grinning at Lavender Brown, who was openly leering at him across the table.

"...lost many. And before we start into a new year let us observe a minute of silence commemoration of those who have lost their lives due to the war."

Like everyone else in the room, Hermione followed Dumbledore's request. A few minutes later food appeared on the table and with it the feast begun.

Hermione wasn't very hungry so she just picked a few things and nipped at them while she continued to look around.

She looked at the Pavarti Patil, her beautiful face was now marked with a long scar across her cheek. But like a true Gryffindor she held her head up high and ignored the stares.

Hermione noticed Susan Bones and Ernie McMillan stubbornly leaving an empty seat between them, where once Megan Jones place would have been.

There was a bunch of Ravenclaws, who had gripped each others hands in what seemed their own form of commemoration for the fallen.

She saw likewise excited as frightened first years, who were looked after by some of the older students.

Luna who was reading her Quibbler, Draco Malfoy eating his meal in isolation, Harry and Ginny kissing without caring for food, Neville blushing as a first year asked him if it was true that he single-handed killed the Dark Lords pet, Hannah Abbot who looked like a shadow of her former self and Ron, who was flirting with Lavender by telling her one of his heroic deeds.

Indeed. A lot of things had changed.

TBC