"It's a bit strange," Hermione said, closing the door of the train. "Ron says that his mum was planning on coming to Hogwarts in November."
Harry looked up from his book. "What do you mean, coming to Hogwarts? What is she going to teach, Home Economics?" For a moment, Harry realized that the only person who would get that joke was standing before him. They both laughed out loud. As Hermione sat before him, he put his book away and decided to probe her for more information. "What is she coming up for?"
"Oh. He said it was at McGonagall's request." She sighed and looked out the window, hugging the textbook to her stomach.
"I'm sorry, Hermione. I really am."Harry put his hand on her knee, attempting to comfort her.
Hermione met his gaze. She half-heartedly smiled and placed her hand on his. "It's okay, we'll get through this, like we always do."
Harry smiled back. "Ron will come around. He always does. I think his mother being at Hogwarts might help, in some weird way." They both looked at each other before laughing heartily. "Okay, so maybe not. But, still! He can't stay angry forever."
"I think you underestimate the determination of the Weasleys."
Ron walked by their compartment. He glanced through the window calmly, but refused to look at Hermione. He angrily continued down to his compartment with Seamus and Dean.
"I think you're right." Harry said, grinning.
Hermione subconsciously scratched at her stomach. "Hermione, stop it!" Harry said. Shocked, Hermione took her hand away and sat on it to prevent from scratching. "It's not going to heal if you keep scratching at it." Tears welled up in Hermione's eyes. Harry grabbed her and pulled her into a hug. He moved to the same seat a she began to cry into his shoulder.
It took about twenty minutes for the sobs to die down before there was a knock on the glass of the compartment. It was Ginny. She mouthed, "Can I come in?" Harry nodded. As Ginny entered the compartment, she quickly sat next to Hermione, putting her arms around her. "It's going to be okay. I promise. It will be." Ginny pulled her away from Harry, allowing him to leave.
Harry stood. "I'm going to go grab her some water," he whispered into Ginny's ear. She nodded. As he left the compartment, he ran into the George. "Fred! Sorry!"
"George," the ginger twin replied. "Hey, how's Hermione? She didn't look good when we boarded the train."
"She's down there with Ginny. I wouldn't go in though."
"She's still upset, isn't she?" George said, looking down the corridor.
"Yeah, but I wouldn't tell Fred. It'll only upset him more. And Ron's childish behavior is getting old, quick. It really hurts her to see him be so cold."
"I bet. When she needs her best friends most, one of them ditches her. What kind of friend is that?"
Harry shrugged. "I don't know."
"Is Ron angry with you, too?"
"Probably. But, she needs me. I can't believe he'd leave his best friend because of…" his voice trailed off as Ginny opened the compartment door. "George, I think you'd better send Fred in there. See if he can calm her down." George nodded and went back down the opposite way.
"Any luck?" Harry said, hopefully.
Ginny shook her head. "It's best not to talk about it. She won't be over it for a long time. A very long time. That's why Mum's coming up to Hogwarts in November. To keep an eye on her. The only school official who knows is McGonagall." She sighed. "She didn't tell her parents."
"Why not?" Harry almost yelled.
"Because, do you think they'd let her come back? Harry, she's so fragile, the last thing she needs is to be ripped away from people who love her. Seriously. Just be careful what you say to her, Harry."
Leaving the platform, Harry and Hermione approached the carriages. Hermione had more than managed to pull herself together, and almost looked completely normal. Ron was ahead of them, ushering Dean and Seamus to walk faster as to not meet up with the pair. Harry sighed and grabbed Hermione's arm. Neville walked up behind them. "Those three, it's odd. Seamus wouldn't even talk to Ron this summer, and now they're inseparable. You fighting or something?" Of course, Neville didn't care to take sides. He was friends with everyone who would give him a chance.
Harry sighed. "Somewhat. It's best not to worry about it." The approached the carriage, and Harry was struck by the sight he beheld. "What is it?"
"What is what, Harry?" Hermione said, tentatively. She worried about Harry, more than she used to. She worried about his dreams and his actual grasp on sanity.
"You aren't going mad. I can see them too," a perky, young voice came from the carriage. Startled, Harry looked up to meet a blonde girl, holding a magazine upside down, smiling down at him. "I can see them too. You're just as sane as I am." She pulled the magazine up to cover her face. Smiling to himself, Harry felt reassured that really wasn't losing his mind. The three boarded the carriage.
"Harry, Neville, this is Luna." Hermione motioned to the girl holding the magazine.
Luna pulled the magazine down from her face and smiled at Harry, then Neville. "Hello!" she said, clearly happy to make their new acquaintances.
"Hello!" Harry replied, matching the chipper tone of her voice. Hermione chuckled to herself, surprised at Harry's interest in Luna.
Neville managed a quick "Hi," before the carriage jerked and began to pull away. He flushed a crimson shade of red.
Hermione laughed. "How was your summer, Luna?"
Luna folded her magazine. "It was a lot of fun. Dad and I went down to the coast for a bit, just to get some fresh air. It was wonderful fun. How about yourself, Hermione?"
Hermione sighed, but smirked. She glanced at Harry before she said, "It could have been better. A lot of things have changed."
Luna smiled. "I would be delighted to hear about it, but I have a feeling you don't want to talk about it in mixed company."
Relieved, Hermione answered, "Would you like to have lunch tomorrow, Luna?" She smiled hugely, and actually felt happy.
"I'd love to."
The carriage came to a halt. Harry jumped down first and offered a hand to Hermione, who accepted. He then offered his hand to Luna. She smiled broadly and took his hand, stepping down from the carriage like a princess. Harry stared at her in awe.
Neville looked at the ground, wearily. Harry offered his shoulder and Neville jumped down, trying to fall over. As Neville stood up, Harry patted him on the back. "How about we sit together tonight?"
Neville happily accepted as the four of them walked toward the castle.
The Great Hall was crowded as usual. Harry and Hermione strutted in with Neville on their tail. Harry liked Neville a lot. It was nice to have a friend who was just, as odd as it sounded, friendly. He never was angry or upset, but gave good advice and was there when you needed him.
The three sat at the opposite end of the hall from where the staff sat. Fred and George came behind Hermione, along with Lee Jordan, Alicia Spinnet, Katie Bell, and Angelina Johnson. Fred sat next to Hermione, and grabbed her hand under the table. He squeezed it, and they made eye contact, smiling broadly at each other. They turned to look at Dumbledore, who was making the beginning of school announcements.
"That crazy woman is going to be the death of us, Georgie," Fred said, walking out of the Great Hall. He still held onto Hermione's hand tightly as they all walked back to the Common Room.
"Likely she'll have the whole school gone mad by Christmas!" George said, leading the group away.
"Hermione," Fred said, softly. She gazed into his eyes, tears welling up. He put his hand on her cheek. "Sleep well, love. Tomorrow is a new day." He smiled at her, and she instantly flung her arms around him. He was careful not to put pressure on her injuries. She soon began to cry harder, and he put his arms under her legs and gently lifted her, carrying her back to the Common Room. "It will get better. You'll see. I promise."