Does Love Really Conquer All?
First written 7/5/05 rewritten 9/24/08
Disclaimer: I do not, not have I ever, owned, thought I owned, or giving any thought to trying to own and part of J.K.R.'s canon. I am simply a fan who gets great pleasure out of creating stories with my favorite characters.
This story was originally written before Order of the Phoenix, but I will be adding aspects that include Half Blood Prince, and maybe some of the canon from Deathly Hallows.
Chapter 1: The Home Coming
Hermione Granger stepped off the steaming scarlet Hogwarts Express steam engine and took a deep breath of the fragrant air outside of Hogsmeade station, near Hogwarts school.
Wow, it's great to be back, Hermione thought as she smiled at the horseless carriage waiting for her patiently.
It has been too long. Hermione could see the many towers and turrets of the castle that he been her home for so many years. It had been nearly 11 years since Hermione had graduated from Hogwarts, as Head Girl and Valedictorian. Almost 11 years since Hermione had fled from the only life she had ever known. Hermione frowned at the memory that had floated though her thoughts for so many years. The memory of the night she had confided in Dumbledore that she was in danger and needed to escape. That had been the morning before she was supposed to marry her one and only true love. But instead of celebrating their engagement, and all too imminent marriage, she had nearly been killed by her beloved's crazed father.
Hermione had fled. Scared and confused, to America. She had stayed in a safe house in Michigan, arranged by the kind-hearted professor Dumbledore. Forcing all her family and friends to accept the story that she and Dumbledore had agreed on. The Muggles had been told that Hermione had died in a car accident, the wizards, a potion explosion. Through letters to Dumbledore, she had been informed that the man she had almost married had nearly died from grief, but had ultimately been forced to move on with his life.
But all that was in the past. Hermione was tired of dwelling on a love that she had painfully given up on years ago. She was going to be starting over again. No more wanting what she could no longer have. Would never have. He had moved on and so had she.
"This is a new beginning" Hermione declared aloud to the empty carriage, which was now rumbling up the long drive to the castle's doors. In the distance they were visible, Hermione smiled and felt butterflies in her stomach and waited the eternity as the carriage came to a stop. The door popped open and Hermione stepped out onto the stone stairs.
The place hasn't changed one bit! Hermione grinned she walked up the stone steps and right into the warm embrace of the spacious entrance hall. Minerva McGonagall stood smiling benignly just inside the doors, clearly waiting for Hermione's arrival.
"Hermione! Hermione, it's so wonderful to have you here. Alive and well. Oh, so wonderful." Minerva said as she crushed Hermione in a motherly embrace.
"It is so good to be back." Hermione smiled, hugging her old professor warmly.
"You can imagine our shock when Albus told me you were returning. I thought you were dead. I cannot believe that you did not tell me you were alive. And, speaking of that devilish man, Albus wants to see you." Minerva scolded, squeezed Hermione's hand and led the way to the spiral staircase to Professor Albus Dumbledore's office.
Hermione had always feels a giddy sense of dread and anticipation whenever she ascended these stairs and today was no exception. She hurried through the door and rushed into the fatherly embrace of the headmaster.
"Professor." Hermione smiled warmly as she stepped away from the aging man.
"Hermione, how wonderful it is to have you back." Dumbledore said, his eyes twinkling with pleasure as Fawkes landed on Hermione's shoulder.
"Hello, Fawkes." Hermione stroked the bird's scarlet and gold plumage.
"Did you have any troubles on the trip from America?" Dumbledore asked. He was the only one who knew exactly where she had been.
"No, it was perfect, thanks to you. I owe you so much." Hermione said, smiling at the bird that had flown back to its perch near Dumbledore's desk.
"Yes, you're welcome. But it's too bad that the ministry thinks your dead still. You award for helping defeat Voldemort is awarded to the deceased Hermione Granger. But no worries, we'll get it figured out soon." Dumbledore smiled reassuringly.
"Albus, I can imagine that Ms. Granger is tired from her long trip. I think that it would be best if we showed her to her chambers." Minerva said from the doorway, where she had watched the familiar exchange between the two.
"Yes. That would be wonderful. I am sort of tired." Hermione admitted, her jet lag catching up with her excitement to be home.
"Yes, follow me, Ms. Granger." Dumbledore said as he moved to the door and offered her his arm, smiling as she took it. "You are going to want your rest. I am sure tomorrow will be a very shocking day for you."
Hermione didn't see the twinkle in his eyes or pick up on the not so subtle hint. She had also been feeling a queer sense of déjà vu coming over her as she walked through the once very familiar corridors of her home from age 11 to 17. But at the same time she also felt serenely happy.