Arriving at the party was refreshing, because getting the Portkey here had been intense.
After Hermione and Fred's little exchange, Ron stalked off up ahead of the group, refusing to talk to anybody. It made her heart sink a little, but what bothered her more was the fact that his hurt wasn't affecting her. His jealousy didn't make her feel guilty, not at all. And she felt like a horrible person because of that.
They were having the party in the rebuilt castle, and Hermione could already see people crowded in front of the doors, all waiting to head in. She had a feeling that the whispers would start the second Harry came into view, but she didn't care. She was certain that every person here was used to it.
She trailed along at the back of the group. People talked amongst themselves, but they all seemed to be ignoring her. She was very confused – she and Ron weren't exclusive, so why on Earth did everyone have such a problem with a little flirty conversation? Honestly.
"You're quiet, Hermione." Fred said. He'd fallen back to speak with her, and she felt relief stir inside her. Something else stirred too, but she couldn't name it. All she knew it was something strong, and it was directed at Fred Weasley.
"Just thinking." she sighed, looking up at the castle. "Will we ever be able to forget it?" she asked, looking at Fred as they walked.
He shook his head. "No. But hey...you saved my life."
Hermione shook her head in return. "I pushed you. Not exactly saving your life."
"You pushed me out of the way. I would've died if you'd been a second later, Hermione. And I don't think I've ever told you how much I appreciate it." he whispered.
Hermione looked over at him, surprised to see the genuine emotion in his eyes as he was speaking. "You don't have to." she replied, softly. "I understand. And it's okay. I'd do it a thousand times if I had to."
Fred looked faintly surprised. Then, he reached over and took her hand, giving it a squeeze. "We won't forget what happened here." he told her. "But things heal. Time heals everything."
"Not quite everything." she said, looking at Ron.
Fred followed her gaze. "So...you and him..." she could've sworn she felt him loosen his grip on her hand slightly.
Hermione shook her head. "No. Once...once upon a time there was something but I...I can't. I don't feel anything for him beyond friendship. He's my brother. He keeps wanting to be official but I've avoided the subject."
Fred smiled and his grip tightened on her hand again. "Good."
"Why's that good, exactly?" Hermione asked, tilting her head in his direction with an amused look on her features. "Hoping to make a move on me, are we?" she joked.
"I just might." Fred laughed.
They drew to a stop in front of the doors. They were standing in a queue of people, but they were passing through the doors pretty fast anyway.
Ginny turned to look at Hermione and her eyes found Fred first. Then she looked down at their linked hands before finally looking at the brunette. An eyebrow arched, and then she looked away again.
Hermione considered letting go of Fred's hands, but instead she twined their fingers together and gave a soft squeeze. It was odd...but it felt natural at the same time. She smiled over at him and he smiled back, his eyes twinkling.
"Hermione Granger!" called a voice. Hermione turned around, having to let go of Fred's hand as Lavender Brown barrelled into her, throwing her arms around the bushy haired girl in a tight hug. Hermione laughed and hugged her back. The two had been writing letters to each other and, she had to say, they'd become very close friends. Behind Lavender stood Luna Lovegood, and she looked fantastic. As did Lavender herself.
"Oh my god!" Hermione giggled like a schoolgirl, pulling Luna into a hug as soon as Lavender released her. "You two look amazing!" she complimented.
"Thank you!" Luna replied, sweetly. "So, who are you here with?"
"The Weasleys and Harry, though we're meeting up with a lot of people inside." Hermione said, gesturing vaguely. "How about you?"
"Luna came along with me and my boyfriend. You remember Seamus, right?" Lavender grinned as the boy in question stepped up beside her.
"Hey, Seamus!" Hermione gave him a brief hug before turning to Luna. "You're not here with anyone?"
The blonde shook her head. "I'm single at the moment, and most of my friends have dates, so." she shrugged.
Hermione was about to reply when Fred tugged her arm.
"Hey, Princess, we're moving." he said, as the Weasleys advanced through the entrance doors.
Princess? Her stomach fluttered slightly, but she quickly told Lavender and Luna she'd catch up with them later before following Fred through the doors.
As soon as we walked into the Great Hall, a huge sense of nostalgia hit her, and she smiled softly as she looked around the place. It was as beautiful as it always had been.
"Granger!" a voice called.
Hermione turned to see Draco Malfoy walking her way.
"Ugh." Fred muttered.
"Hush, Fred. You see, we've been talking. We work together at the ministry, and we've actually managed to become friends. He's changed, and he's honestly not a bad person deep down. In fact, we're very good friends." Hermione explained, before turning to the blonde.
"Malfoy!" she grinned, and he actually hugged her in greeting. As they parted, she tilted her head. "How's Astoria?" she asked curiously.
Draco rolled his eyes. "That ship sailed a long time ago." he paused, his eyes raking down her body almost hungrily. "Though I think there's a new one coming in right now..."
Hermione's eyebrow arched slightly, chuckling. "Oh, Draco, you wish." she grinned cheekily. "I reckon Pansy's looking for you. Why don't you go see if she's up for a shag?"
"You always know my true motives, Granger. How is that?" Draco asked, laughing.
"I'm just incredibly perceptive. Nevermind that. Go. Have a good night, Draco."
"You too, Granger." Draco's gaze settled on Fred, who suddenly had his arm around Hermione's waist almost protectively. He shot her a wink and walked away, leaving Fred fuming.
"Still don't like him." Ron muttered.
"None of you know him." Hermione said, dismissively. "People can change."
It was at this moment that Minerva McGonagall came rushing over, and Hermione's thoughts slid away, drowned out by greetings and memories from before.