Fanfiction is a great way for people all over the world to express their creativity in a safe environment and embrace the writings of others, putting their ideas and perspectives on their favorite books/movies/etc.. That being said, the following is, obviously based on J.K. Rowling's books that will forever hold a place in my heart, but are not mine to claim.
"I'll see you at the feast then." I murmured softly at the tall figure in front of me. I had spent the summer running around Australia with him, tracking down my parents. I guess you could say that I had become attached to his stoic and ever-constant persona. Crookshanks purred around my feet and rubbed my ankles. It was time for me to go. Even my half-kneazle knew that. I would see him soon. I should not feel this uncomfortable parting with him, I tried to reason. But I knew why I was so uneasy-everything would be changing, our quiet space would no longer exist, and while my parents were in our lives, my friends, my extended family really, would soon be privy to our lives and I knew that this fact would change everything.
"Yes, have a safe trip Hermione." He replied, softer than I had ever thought he could speak before this summer. His fingers wrapped around mine, squeezing them gently before he retreated.
I took a moment to breathe before apparating to King's Cross Station. The next coming days would be difficult enough as it was without adding splinching myself to the mix.
I brandished my wand and soon felt the tightness of traveling by magic run through my body. Despite the fact that, logically, I knew taking a deep breath and holding it did nothing as my body dematerialized, I had still done so. So, when I felt myself piece back together, I let out a huff and replaced my wand in my robes. I opened my eyes, yet another illogical habit I had developed when got my Apparition License last year.
The awesome sight of the Hogwarts Express filled my vision, making me feel warm and safe being in a known place. I took a deep breath and tried to etch this image into my mind, it could very-well be the last time I stood on Platform 9 ¾.
It didn't take long for my ears to pick up the fond bickering of the Weasley family. They took up the whole side of the Platform as they walked toward me. Harry was with them, he had spent the summer with them, ecstatic that he did not have to return to the Dursley's for the first time in his life. Despite the horrors we had gone through last year, and the aftermath of the defeat of Voldemort, he was remarkably happy. Or at least he seemed to be in his letters. I couldn't blame him, with the Prophecy looming over his head and all of our other escapades, he was free for the first time and it suited him.
"Oi! It's Hermione!" I heard Ron exclaim and the Weasley's surged forward to meet me. I was quickly enveloped into several sets of arms. I took in the familiar scents of baked goods and wool as I hugged my wizarding family. Despite the necessity of my being away this summer, I struggled with not seeing them. It was hard to separate from people that you endured so much with.
One by one they each took a step back releasing me. All except Mrs. Weasley who pulled me into a tighter hug. "Oh my dear, it is good to see you. How are you feeling?" She asked softly in my ear. I tightened my arms around her, tears prickling my eyes. She was my Mum, my wizarding Mum, and I had not seen her in months. I hadn't received one of her famous hugs, I hadn't been able to ask her for advice, there was so much I had kept from her it broke me to think about trying to explain why I hadn't trusted her with what I was going through.
I sniffed and replied softly, "I am fine. It is good to be home though." At my words she squeezed me and let go, her hands coming up to my cheeks. For a few moments she searched my face, as if daring me to break. I smiled softly, assuring her that I was fine.
"It's good to have you home, dear." She said and brushed a strand of hair out of my face.
"Mum, give us a chance to say hello, would ya?" Ron whined from behind Mrs. Weasley.
She gave me a comforting smile before huffing and stepping back for Ron and Harry to approach me. They both threw their arms around me haphazardly and pulled me closer than I thought was possible. I couldn't help but let out an easy laugh and hug them back.
"Mione, you can bother us about homework as much as you want this year!" Ron exclaimed and I could feel Harry nod.
"Yeah, summer wasn't the same without you!" He sighed. "It's good to have you back. I was even disappointed that you didn't send me a book for my birthday!" I threw my head back and laughed at his commented. I guess I was even more predictable with my gift-giving than I had thought. Instead, this summer, I sent Harry and Ginny souvenirs from Australia, among other things, for their birthdays.
Ginny shoved the boys aside and pulled me to her, "he's lying, he loved not getting a book." She whispered in my ear, making me giggle and squeeze her back. If Mrs. Weasley was my second mum, Ginny was the sister my parents couldn't have and I could not have asked for another person to take on that role. "I've missed you, Mione." She said softly and kissed my cheek loudly, making me laugh some more.
It was nice laughing and relaxing with them. Despite my unexpectedly okay summer, I had missed the ease of the Weasley's. The only word to describe my summer would be intense. Being with my wizarding family meant I could relax, and I was relishing in that.
The conductor blew his whistle, startling all of us, reminding us that despite our ease and happiness, the war changed us all.
"Alright loves, best be on your way. I love you all, and I expect letters from each and every one of you by next week!" Mrs. Weasley called, pecking Ron, Harry, Ginny, and I on the cheek and stepping back in line with her husband and older sons. The whole family had come to say goodbye.
"Goodbye!" We called as we boarded, heading back to our home for our final year, well, except for Ginny.
We quickly found a compartment to ourselves, it seemed being 'war-heroes' meant not having to scramble to find good seats for the ride to Hogwarts. I was grateful for that, in some ways. It was nice to having just my friends with me. It had been too long.
We settled quickly, Harry and Ginny on one side, holding hands, and Ron and I on the other. "Can you believe it? Our final year?" Ron grinned as he sprawled out, placing his arm on the backrest behind me.
"Yeah, and it should be a boring year! What an idea!" Harry laughed and let Ginny turn to place her feet on his lap.
An uneventful year. Well, at least I could give them the rest of the day with that thought.