As Hermione pulled back the drawn curtains to her bed she noticed two letters lay upon the bed linen, waiting for her.

She opened her mothers familiar scrawled envelope first.

Our Dearest Hermione

Let me tell you sweetheart, how immensely proud we are of you. Your father and I are in awe at your determination to carry on so fiercely so soon after the war.

Arthur has told us a little about the subjects you have chosen. I must say they sound fascinating, dear. Hard work though. I know your schedule has allowed for free time but I think you may find you need this for your studies. Of course, visits home are most welcomed but they may not be as frequent as you may hope for now.

This is not a bad thing darling, I fear that you are suffering a little homesickness which, of course, is unsurprising. You must think however what you stand to gain at Hogwarts. Please do not dwell on home too much, enjoy your time there at school for it shall flash by in the blink of an eye.

Your Father and I wish you nothing but happiness darling.

You are stronger than either of us could ever hope to be.

With love

Mom and Dad

Tears rolled down her cheek as she clutched her mothers words tight to her chest. They were right however, she should be enjoying her time here at school, she had one year left in the place she so loved.

Hermione decided then to accept Professor Slughorns offer, standing up from her bed Hermione went to her door to send message to Professors McGonagall and Slughorn, of her gracious acceptance.

Settling back on her bed, she lay down as if to mentally prepare herself for the next piece of post. Hermione would recognize Ron's messy handwriting anywhere.

She did not know what it would contain and didn't know if she dared look. Was he still angry with her for reasons unknown?

Taking a deep breath Hermione tore open the envelope.

It contained a long letter for Ron's standards, she laughed to herself.

Dear Hermione,

I am so sorry I know I have been a right twallop for the last couple of weeks. I was so excited for you when you said you were going back to school but then it hit me. You were leaving me and I was scared. I know we haven't really spoke about it but there is something going on between us isn't there? I mean what happened in the chamber of secrets changed it and there's been this unspoken thing between us.

But I thought that as soon as you went back to Hogwarts we'd lose it again and I couldn't face that so I pushed you away.

I'm really sorry I know I shouldn't have, it just takes me a while to adjust to things. You know me.

I want to try to start something with us properly if that's what you want? I mean if you don't I'll understand but I think you do too.

And we will make it work Hermione, I'm not really doing much except helping Fred and George on the odd days so I can come and visit you whenever you're free.

I read your letter, I knew you'd pick those classes somehow! You don't at much about Hogwarts I hope that's not mine and Harrys fault. We've both been idiots.

What's the castle like now? Have they changed it or is the same?

Who else is back with you?

Charlie told us this morning that he was going to be a professor. I can't imagine him being a teacher, he's too cool. Will he be your teacher? That would be weird!

Mom had a fit. She said he'd taken time off to spend with his family, to heal all they'd been through and now he was just swanning off. It was really funny watching her chase him around the house with the broom!

Its been ages since he got told off!

Dad was really proud though and eventually he calmed mom down by reminding her that he would be closer now for the next year. She was still angry haha. Until we took him to Kings Cross, she cried more than she ever did when us younger ones went!

I had a word with Harry today, I know he's been a prat to you Hermione but he's in a dark place at the moment so forgive him. I keep trying to get him to talk but he won't. I'm worried, we've both seen what he's like when he shuts himself off from everyone. We don't want that again.

After the war and everything, he just seems to pretend things are normal. I know were all having a hard time but I think Harry is especially. I don't know if its the people we lost or what but its affected him badly but he wont let it out. I'm scared one day hell explode. I need your help Hermione, I don't know what to do!

Ginny's not helping at all, she wants her and Harry to move into Grimmauld Place by the end of the year and i think that's shutting harry off even more. He hates that place but he just goes along with it to make her happy. I have spoken to Ginny but I think maybe you should too. She said she would calm down but I don't know if she really listened to

I get that she's excited about being engaged and that but I think that's all that is in her head at the minute and she hasn't thought about Harry.

We are all still recovering really aren't we? That's why I wanted you close, to protect you somehow. I know you don't need protecting but I want to do it and now you're the other side of the country. I miss you Hermione.

Actually I love you Hermione always have and always will. I hope what I think you feel about me is right.

Well goodnight, write back soon,

Ron

After reading the letter twice full blown sobs had taken over.

She loved Ron more than ever, she had waited for him to express his feelings for years.

Not in a state to reply, she clutched Ron's letter close through the night as she slept, happier than she'd been for a very long time.