Three months have gone by since the battle, Hermione thought to herself. The thought of going back to 'normal' can be so depressing. Nothing will ever be normal again. So many of them were killed; how could any of them be left? Still, life will go on, and she would return to Hogwarts for her final year with her head held high. Ron would have wanted that. He would have been proud.
She shrugged the thought away and wiped the tear from her face. Hermione got out of bed and smiled at the picture of Ron, Harry and her at Bill's wedding. She would miss her red-headed friend. It had hurt more then she ever thought originally. He wasn't the only loss, there had been others. But his had been the one she couldn't get over.
She had finished dressing and had put the last few things in her trunk. There was a tap at her window and she smiled. Hedwig tipped her snow head at her. "Hey there, Hedwig." Hedwig flew in and perched on her dresser. "What do you have for me today?" She untied the letter from Hedwig's leg and gave her a treat. She opened the letter quickly and read:
Dear Hermione,
I hope this letter finds you well. I hate to say it, but we must return to Hogwarts. There's no doubt in my mind that someone will eventually take Lord Voldemort's place now that he's gone. We must show everyone that it is possible to go on. Even with a great loss as ours.
Hermione, thank you for always standing by my side. We need each other more than ever now that Ron's gone. The train does not leave for a couple days yet. The offer still stands for a room here. Everyone wants to see you, especially Ginny. Send Hedwig and let us know if you're coming.
Love,
Harry
P.S. Professor McGonagall asked me to send the enclosed letter to you.
She nodded. She wanted more then anything to be there. She wanted - no, she needed to be with her family again. She went to her desk and wrote:
Dear Harry,
I will arrive tonight after dinner. It is too hard to be away from you all right now, but I needed to spend some time with my parents too. I can't wait to see you all again. Tell Ginny to have my room ready for me.
All my love,
Hermione
She folded and tied the letter, giving it to Hedwig. "Take this back to Harry. I'll see you soon." She sent Hedwig off and went to close her trunk. When she was finished, she made her way downstairs to join her parents for dinner. She told them she would be leaving and they nodded. She was so thankful that they understood about her need to be with her friends.
After saying her goodbyes she went back to her room and put all of her things in the middle. "Well, here goes nothing." She somehow managed to touch everything at once. In the second she turned her foot, she was standing in front of the burrow. She sighed. "Welcome home, Hermione."