Chapter 1
Hermione quickly kissed Ron, Harry, Mrs. Weasley, and Ginny goodbye before climbing aboard the Hogwarts Express. Crookshanks deftly jumped in behind her and wound in and out of her ankles, purring for attention. The train shuddered and started to move. "Stop it, Crookshanks," Hermione laughed. "Let's sit down first."
She stumbled along, dragging her luggage, pausing to look for familiar faces in the cabins. Not many people had decided to come back for an extra "eighth year" of schooling. None of the Slytherins were there, and there were few Gryffindors.
Of course, many had died. Lavender, and Collin, and Fred...images of the Battle and its aftermath flashed in Hermione's head. She heard terrorized screams that turned into sobs, and saw the faces of those who were tortured.
Tears swam in her eyes, threatening to overflow. She gasped. This would not do. After all that trying to be happy, spending time with Ron...but then again, he had turned out to be an idiot. He was fine, and held her hand, and comforted her...until the press came. He then began clamoring for attention, answering all their questions, and didn't let anyone else get a word in edgewise, regardless of whether or not his answers were wrong.
Someone put a hand on Hermione's shoulder. She jumped. Was it a Death Eater?
"Wrakspurt got you?" Luna asked, sympathetically. "It's alright, really. Happens to me all the time." She beamed, and Hermione smiled back. She had learned to accept Luna, and had grown to respect her, after learning about the Deathly Hallows and paintings on her bedroom ceiling.
"How are you, Luna? And how's your father?" she asked.
"Oh, Daddy's fine now. He was a little depressed when he found out Lady Ravenclaw's diadem had been destroyed, though." Luna sighed. "But anyways. Care to join us?"
Hermione was surprised. "Us? Who else is there?"
"I'm sitting with Neville." Luna smiled, dreamily. "We were talking about things, and then I saw you. By the way, congratulations on your appointment as Head Girl." She gestured towards the badge on Hermione's cloak.
"Thanks," she grinned, "I can sit with you two for a while, but then I have to report for Head Duties. Do you know who the Head Boy is?"
"Oh yes," said Luna serenely. "I saw him a few minutes ago. It's that sad one, Draco Malfoy."