This is my first fanfic so hope you all like it. This chapter will be an introduction to the story and my version of Hermione and sorry it's long (I got a bit carried away).

Disclaimer: Anything you recognise isn't mine (sadly)

Love through Law

Chapter 1

Life at the burrow was good. Hermione had grown accustomed to being around the Weasleys and though she missed her parents, she now thought of herself as one of the family. The war had shaken many families and so wizarding communities were now closer than ever. Soon all the known death eaters would be rounded up and life could progress as normal. Well as normal as it could be since she was a witch who fought in a war with a magic wand. Even now it seemed so surreal. Hermione had decided to go back to Hogwarts to complete her seventh year and to mainly get her life back on track. It was a day till she returned to brewing potions, learning charms and transfiguring a toad into a chair. Just one day, too long it seemed.

After Hermione repacked her bag for the seventh time that evening, she reluctantly sighed when she was called for dinner, along with Fred and George. It wasn't that she didn't enjoy Mrs Weasleys cooking but it was the fact that she was stressed that she would forget something in the morning. Hermione looked up as heavy footsteps thundered past as if an earthquake had started. By this she knew Fred and George had made their way down to dinner although she still didn't feel like joining them. Soon quiet footsteps could be heard climbing the stairs and the soft hum of Molly Weasleys voice called.

"Hermione dear, don't work yourself up about it. I know this may be your final year but it is also your final chance to relax and learn"

"I know Molly it's just this is a big thing for me. It was always a place full of happy memories and since the war I don't want anything to change. I liked things the way they were before, when I had my parent and all my friends"

"You'll lose people in life sweetheart, and all of you have been forced to grow up so fast, too fast. But this final year is a perfect opportunity to be free of all the bad and accept the new person you have become, the more mature and strong character who you now are. Now come along dinner will be getting cool."

The older woman smiled warmly and left the room, pulling the door to, softly. Molly was a great friend who had stepped up to fill a gap left by her parents and turned into a loving other during her last stay at the burrow. She was a huge influence and her welcoming and heart-warming acceptance of everyone was something that Hermione looked up to. Hermione smiled to herself and made her way downstairs to one of the most delicious meals she had ever had.

The next morning Hermione woke as the sun was rising and enjoyed the view before making sure everything was packed, changing into some comfortable clothes and making her way downstairs for an early breakfast. She enjoyed mornings like this when she was the only one up. It helped her to relax and clear her head.

It was hours before the boys awoke, Harry had arrived just after dinner but by that time Hermione was frantically unpacking and re-packing for the hundredth time. Eventually they all set off to catch the Hogwarts Express for the final time. As they settled down on the train with only herself, Ron, Harry and Ginny who was dating Harry in the compartment, Hermione relaxed due to the familiarity situation. Her relationship with Ron had been put on hold after the war as neither of the two were ready for a solid relationship.

After sleeping for most of the journey, Hermione was woken up on time to change into her robes and collect her luggage. They exited the train as a four and climbed aboard the carriages. Most students could now see the thestrals due to the war and were fascinated by them. For Hermione they just reminded her of the death and suffering that the war had caused and how many young lives were affected. Harry seemed to agree with her view on the thestrals and they both shared a sad smile to honour the dead before setting off on their final journey towards Hogwarts.

If you find any mistakes let me know. Please review ;) Questions and criticism are all welcome.