Hello, dear readers! I've had the beginning of this story sitting on my computer forever and never knew exactly what to do with it. It didn't have a lot of conflict or bad guys and I worried it was a little too mild and *gasp* boring. HOWEVER, life has been pretty stressful for the last couple of years and I decided I wanted to write a soft story about friendship and love and people just doing the best they can. It's a little self-indulgent but it made me feel much lighter writing it. There's some humor here too (I hope) but more than anything, I hope it puts a smile on your face.
The air was still warm when Hermione stepped out of the Burrow. A soft breeze carried the sounds of summer insects in the rustling fields nearby.
She walked down the pathway to the edge of the Burrow's garden and stopped, gazing up at the darkening sky. There was a crunch of gravel behind her then Harry was beside her.
"Still feels like summer," he said. "I can't believe Hogwarts starts tomorrow."
Hermione stared at the setting sun, her heart heavy—it usually was after a day with the Weasleys.
She glanced up at him. "You know, it's not too late. You can still come with me. Ginny will be there..." She gave him what she hoped was an encouraging smile.
He smiled back but didn't answer.
"Hermione, you really think you can entice Harry away from auror training?"
Hermione turned and saw Ron strolling down the pathway toward them. Ron stopped in front of her, grinning though his eyes looked distant.
"It's all he's been bloody talking about for ages," he said.
"What about you, Ronald?" she said, giving him a stern look. "Not too late for you to join me,"
Ron raised his hands in surrender. "I'm done with school. It's time for me to move on from Hogwarts. Besides, George needs help with the shop and my folks need me around..." His voice trailed off.
Hermione swallowed hard and nodded.
Harry's eyes darted between them, then he cleared his throat. "I should go see if Molly needs help with anything." He stepped in front of her and pulled her into a bear hug, lifting her off her feet. "I'm going to miss you!" he said, his voice cracking.
Hermione hugged him back. Her eyes burned. She was avoiding this moment—avoiding the reality of returning to Hogwarts without her two best friends.
Harry set her down. His green eyes glistened.
"What am I going to without you both?" she whispered, her eyes burning.
"I reckon you will have a ton of free time now that you don't have to save our sorry arses every five minutes," Harry said, rubbing her arms. He bent down and kissed her on the forehead. "I'll see you at King's Cross in the morning, yeah."
He gave her arms one more squeeze and turned back to the house. Hermione watched him, her chest tight. He turned one last time, meeting her eyes and smiled before disappearing into the house.
Hermione sniffled loudly, wiping her nose on her sleeve—disgusting, she knew, but she didn't care.
"He's right, you know, about the free time." Ron said quietly. "Really, sometimes I wondered if we—if I was holding you back from your full potential."
Hermione stared up at him. "What?"
Ron shrugged. "Now we'll see what you can do without me weighing you down."
"Are you bloody serious?" she snapped. "Weighing me down? What utter rubbish, Ronald!
"I'm sorry, but that's...sometimes I felt that way," he said sheepishly.
"I should hex you for saying something so...so stupid and untrue! Without you and Harry..." Her voice wobbled, another round of tears filled her eyes. She rubbed her face roughly with her hands, knowing she probably looked frightful.
"I'll be at King's Cross as well. To say goodbye," Ron said.
"Don't try and change the subject! You and Harry—you helped me more than you could ever know." She took a deep breath and turned to him. "I'm going to miss you. I'm going to miss you terribly."
"I'm going to miss you too," he said, then he gave her a look. "Though I'm not going to miss you dragging me to the library every bloody day."
"Rude," she said. "Don't pretend you didn't like it a little bit."
He groaned. "Hermione, you dragged me to the library on Sunday mornings. That's just cruel."
"I think your O.W.L. scores suggest otherwise," she huffed. "You're welcome, by the way."
He smiled, then his face turned serious."Are we...are we okay?"
Hermione shifted uneasily. "Yes, Ron, we're okay," she said quietly.
"We tried. Didn't we? Tried to see if we could..." His words died in his throat as he stared at the ground.
"Be together," she finished for him. "We did try."
He looked at her finally and his face was so hopeful it almost hurt to look at. Gently, he took her hand.
"Still friends?" he asked softly.
She gave his fingers a squeeze and smiled up at him, her heart full.
"Best friends."
The goodbyes at King's Cross were as tearful as Hermione thought they would be.
Her parents were having the hardest time of it. It had hardly been two months since Hermione restored their memories and they had been distraught when they learned their only daughter fought in a war. Her mother would often hug her randomly throughout the day, weeping in Hermione's arms.
Even without their memories, her father had told her they often felt a steady, heavy sadness. And the grief still lingered. It was awful to watch. But what choice did Hermione have? They needed to be safe and she did what she had to do to keep them that way. Still though, she wondered how long it would take for them to fully recover.
After saying goodbye to the Weasleys and then hugging her parents a final time, Hermione boarded the train. She was already exhausted—already worn down. Thankfully, she had found an empty compartment. Throwing her bag on the seat, she sat down heavily, leaning her forehead against the cool glass of the window.
Outside, Harry and all the Weasleys were congregated around Ginny. Ron was smiling down at Ginny, tugging on her braid like he used when they were little. He flicked her shiny, prefect badge and Hermione could almost hear him teasing Ginny about it.
Suddenly, he glanced up and met Hermione's eyes, then nudged Harry. They both smiled at her and she returned it with her own wobbly one. Her eyes burned. It was a wonder she had any tears left after the last few days but apparently there was no shortage because her eyes had no problem filling up again.
Bloody hell, she was technically an adult now, not a nervous first year who was leaving home for the first time. She needed to pull herself together! She looked away from her friends and took a deep breath. It was then she realized someone was standing outside the compartment door.
The white blonde hair and sharp features were unmistakable.
Draco Malfoy.
He was looking at her through the compartment window. Blinking, she hastily wiped her eyes, waiting for his customary sneer. It didn't come. Instead, he just stood there, watching her, his face unreadable.
She scowled at him and before she could tell him to shove off, he turned away and left.
That was weird.
The last time she saw him was after the battle, clinging to his mother, looking wary and scared. And the time before that...
She rubbed her forearm. The scar had faded but was still clear. She clenched her hand into a fist and took a shaky breath. She could still see the chandelier in her mind's eye—massive yet delicate, shivering above her. She swallowed hard and forced the thought away.
A sharp tap on the door startled her. She glanced up, half expecting to see Malfoy there again but instead, it was Ginny, Neville and Luna. She broke out into a relieved smile and waved them in. The small compartment was suddenly filled with people and excited greetings and Hermione's heart lightened a little.
"Neville, I wasn't sure if I would see you this year," Hermione said, smiling up at him.
Neville shrugged, looking self-conscious. "My gran told me I had no say in the matter so here I am."
"Well, I'm glad she did," she said warmly.
He nodded, smiling softly. "Me too."
It took a few minutes for everyone to stash their things and settle in. Soon, the train whistle rang. Steam billowed outside their window. There was a familiar flutter of excitement in Hermione's belly. She was going back. She was going back to her beloved castle and teachers and—oh, Merlin—the library!
Turning toward the window, she saw Harry, Ron and the rest of the Weaselys waving at them. She pressed a hand to the window and smiled—a genuine one this time.
Off to the side, were her parents, both looking worried and miserable. Her heart twisted. She mouthed I love you and her mother looked like she might cry again.
No, that wouldn't do. She made a promise to herself that she would write to her parents several times a week, at the very least. They needed her more than ever now.
Then, Hermione looked across the compartment at Ginny—Ginny, who had buried a beloved brother only months ago—would need her too. No one was spared when it came to heartbreak after the war and some were hurting more than others. She needed to remember that.
A few moments later, the Hogwarts Express lurched forward. There was another round of waving and then the train was out of the station. Hermione sat back and took a deep breath as the train chugged through London. Gradually, the buildings and houses of the city disappeared and the landscape shifted into green rolling hills underneath an overcast sky.
The conversation in the compartment stayed trivial, mostly gossip and rumors about the reconstruction of Hogwarts castle. Were the towers repaired? Were the stone knights back to where they belong? Were the knargles all but extinct? The snack cart had come and gone and everyone was stuffed. Hermione pulled out a muggle gossip magazine out of her bag and passed it to Ginny.
"So, what's the deal with the eighth years?" Ginny asked, flipping through the magazine. "Is it true you'll be assisting the teachers?"
Hermione nodded excitedly. "They'll need extra help with their workload..." She saw the puzzled look on Luna's face. "As you know in Hogwarts: A History, the castle is able to regenerate and transform to the students needs but there was so much damage the castle still needs a little help. Most of the professors have a specific expertise—a skill set—to help rebuild parts of the castle. For instance, Professor Flitwick is brilliant at repairing tapestries. Some of those them date back to the 10th century."
"And Professor Sprout is busy regrowing the landscape," Neville added. "So much damage to the old trees."
Hermione made a humming sound. "And since the professors will be busy with the rebuilding, they'll need help with their regular duties. It's wonderful opportunity."
"Oh, that sounds horrible, helping the professors," Ginny teased . "How will you survive, Hermione?"
"I don't know but I'll do my best," Hermione said, grinning.
She glanced out the window. It was now dark out, the landscape wilder. Squinting in the darkness, she recognized the sloping bend. "We're past the borders. We should see the castle soon."
Then, as if on cue, Hogwarts castle suddenly appeared. They all crowded around the window to gaze up at the looming castle.
Squinting, Hermione stared up at the majestic, glittering spires. "It looks...normal."
Ginny bumped her hip. "Don't sound so surprised," she said, teasing. "Remember Hogwarts: A History."
"It looks lovely," Luna said airily.
They all hummed in agreement.
The train rounded a corner and the castle disappeared behind a clump of trees and the train station came into view.
Off to the side, Hermione caught sight of the giant silhouette of Hagrid lumbering on the platform. She grinned at him and looked over her shoulder, expecting to see Ron and Harry there. Her heart hitched. It was a reflex. She was so used to them being by her side.
She shook her head and pushed the feeling aside. It would take a bit of getting used is all.
The train lurched to a stop. Then, it was a whirlwind of trunks and cages and excited students. Hermione grabbed her bag, following her friends out into the train's crowded corridor.
It was a struggle not to step on any first years as she climbed off the train.
Merlin, was she ever this small?
The fresh air was sharp and cool on her face, the briny smell of the Black Lake drifting delicately in the breeze.
She looked over at the lake. Hagrid was busy ushering the first years onto the boats. He met her eyes and smiled so big it look like his face might crack in half.
Hermione smiled back and waved. Turning to her friends, she told them to go on without her, then she made her way over to Hagrid. She was just about to call out to him when someone roughly bumped into her. Her bag fell to the ground—books, quills and rolls of parchment spilling everywhere. She cursed and dropped to her knees, quickly scooping up all her things before they got trampled.
A pair of black, polished shoes came into view. Slowly, she looked up and blinked.
It was Malfoy.
He was standing there, gazing down at her as people jostled around him. A hot, angry feeling swelled in her chest. She was just about to tell him to sod off when he crouched next to her and gathered up her rolls of parchment and quills. Her mouth fell open as she stared at him. His face was expressionless as he focused carefully arranging her things in his arms. Then, he stood up.
Shocked, Hermione almost choked then she scrambled about for the rest of her things, shoving them into her bag and beyond grateful nothing embarrassing like tampons had fallen out. She stood up and watched him warily.
He was quiet for a moment then he sighed, "Come on, Granger. The carriages won't wait forever." He turned and walked up the path...with her things!
Hermione had no choice but to follow after him.
What?
The Malfoy she knew would've called her a mudblood before trampling on her stuff. It had to be a trick. Maybe he was trying to get her guard down then he would hit her with an insult or a hex when she least expected it.
She took a mental note of where her wand was and continued to trail after him, his hair bright like a beacon in the darkness.
They arrived in the line for the carriages. Of course, they were the last ones. The other students glanced at Malfoy nervously, shuffling away from him. She would've too if he wasn't holding onto her things. How bloody awkward! Where was she supposed to stand? Next to him? Behind him?
UGH!
She opted to stand next to him but several feet away. She risked a peek at him. He was gazing ahead, his face neutral as he held onto her things.
It was obvious they would be sharing a carriage to the castle but as Hermione watched Professor Flitwick assign the students ahead of them into carriages, she realized that she and Malfoy would be sharing a carriage...alone.
Bloody fantastic.
Of course, the entire process was dragging on. The line. The carriages. Finally, it was their turn. A row of thestrals pulled up in front of them and Hermione gazed at the empty carriage. Even with Professor Flitwick there, she was reluctant to turn her back to Malfoy.
"After you, Malfoy," she said stiffly.
"Ladies first." His voice was soft but chilly. "I insist."
She stared at him hard before clambering up into the carriage. She took her seat and rearranged her bag, careful to keep an eye on him the entire time. Her neck began to sweat. The scar on her arm itched. Malfoy took his seat and gazed thoughtfully at the thestrals.
Finally, the carriage started moving. She cleared her throat. "I can take those now."
She held out her hands and he passed her things. The cuff of his robes hiked up and Hermione saw the briefest glimpse of his dark mark. Hastily, she averted her eyes, her hands shaking as she collected her things from him—her fingertips just grazing the inside of his wrist. They both jumped from the contact.
"Sorry," she mumbled.
He nodded once and stared at the path in front of them.
The carriage moved at a glacial pace. Of all the times Hermione had ridden the carriages to the castle, she never remembered it being this bloody slow!
She hugged her bag to her chest and took a deep breath. Any moment now, he would turn to her and insult her. She had to be ready with a witty retort—something about his pointy, ferrety face, though if she were being honest with herself, his face didn't look that ferrety anymore which was very unfortunate.
Where Hermione fidgeted, Malfoy was still like a marble statue. It only irritated her more. Her knees jiggled and she had to fight the urge to jump off the carriage and walk the rest of the way to castle. Finally, she saw the entrance to Hogwarts.
Thank sweet Merlin!
The thestrals pulled up to the grand doors and Hermione leapt to her feet. Of course, the carriage hadn't stopped moving yet and she pitched backwards and, for a horrifying moment, she thought she might tumble straight off the carriage.
A hand gripped her elbow, steadying her. Hermione's eyes darted to the hand on her arm, then to Malfoy's face. He was looking at her like she had gone absolutely mad. Her cheeks flushed with heat. She mumbled something unintelligible and she clambered off the carriage as fast as she could, her heart racing.
She didn't dare look back as she entered the massive front doors. She still didn't look back when she squeezed through the doors of the Great Hall and speed-walked to the Gryffindor table, wedging herself between Ginny and Neville and thanking Merlin that her back was facing the Slytherin table.
"Where's Luna?" she asked, hoping to appear as nonchalant.
Ginny gave her a curious look. "She's over at the Ravenclaw table. They'll be doing the sorting soon."
"Oh, yes, of course."
"Are you okay?" Ginny asked.
"Yes, yes! I'm just...em, breathless from my walk, is all."
"Breathless from walking the distance from the carriages to the Great Hall?"
Hermione paused. "Yes..." She cleared her throat. "I'm in horrendous shape, you know."
Ginny stared at her, her eyebrow furrowing. "Wait a minute, that's not true—" Ginny started to say but just then the sorting hat was brought out and a silence descended throughout the hall.
The doors swung open and the first years were marched in—all looking frightened. Hermione's heart clenched. They all looked so young and small. Minutes later, the sorting hat was finishing it's song and students were being called on to be sorted. The entire mood of the Great Hall changed immediately. The atmosphere was lighter, more hopeful—like each new student sorted into a house was a healing balm from the last terrible year.
Hermione smiled to herself. There was something wonderful hearing the sorting hat bellow: GRYFFINDOR!
A young, hesitant boy with dark hair and big, brown eyes approached the sorting hat. The hat was quiet for several long moments until it loudly declared: SLYTHERIN!
Hermione risked a glance at the Slytherin table. The boy was welcomed with cheers from his new housemates. Malfoy was smiling and clapping. Hermione studied him. His hair was shorter and looser, ruffled but in a good way. He still had the expensive robes, the same aristocratic bearing but something was different about him, something off.
Suddenly, he glanced her way and caught her staring at him. She snapped her head forward, her heart thumping in her chest. She could've slapped herself for getting caught. It's not like she enjoyed looking at him!
She could feel him watching her. Or maybe it was just her imagination because there was no way she was going to look over at him again to find out.
It was then when Headmistress McGonagall approached the podium and began her welcoming speech. The speech was lovely, Hermione was sure it, if she had paid any attention to it. Instead, Hermione replayed the moment she had locked eyes with Malfoy on the train up to the point she ran away from him at the carriage.
She would never have had batted an eyelash if he was his usual rude self but this was...different. And after a challenging, terrifying year Hermione did not appreciate different.
McGonagall finished her speech to a respectful round of applause. Then she waved a hand and their tables filled with roasted turkeys and ham, mounds of savory vegetables, platters of every type of cooked potatoes imaginable.
Hermione's stomach rumbled. This feast wasn't different. This feast was as familiar as the first spell she had ever cast. Excitedly, she filled her plate and ate with relish. A year of eating on the run had made her thinner than she liked and she still struggled with gaining the weight she lost. Well, a few dinners like this and she would be back to her old self in no time at all.
"You know, you can chew your food," Ginny teased.
Hermione snorted a laugh. "Someone has to channel Ron's eating habits since he's not here."
"You can try." Ginny laughed. "But, trust me, you won't even come close."
Hermione smiled fondly. "That's true."
Soon, dessert followed and Hermione was officially filled to the brim. Merlin, it was a mistake eating so much; she was in so much pain. She shifted in her seat, wishing the waistband of her skirt had more give.
"I ate too much," Ginny moaned.
"Tell me about it. That last bite of treacle tart was a huge mistake," Hermione said, shifting again. "I think I'm going to die."
"Before you do, can you help me usher the first years up to the dorms?" Ginny asked, batting her eyelashes.
Hermione would've sighed if it didn't hurt so bad. "Fine, I'll die after."
Ginny stood up. "Great!"
Somehow, Hermione managed to stand up too, careful to avoid looking at Malfoy. She sidled up to Ginny as Ginny explained to the first years that they were heading off to their common room and to be careful of moving staircases, poltergeists and, of course, the Whomping Willow and under no circumstances were you to go into the Forbidden Forest!
Sweet Merlin, how did she not realize how bloody dangerous this school was?
Then, Ginny was introducing Hermione to the children and they all stared up at her with big, round eyes. She did her best not to fidget under their scrutiny, but she smiled when Ginny used her prefect voice to lead the first years out of the Great Hall.
Several yards in front of her, Hermione could see Malfoy's blond head towering over the sea of students. He turned his head to talk to someone next to him and Hermione looked away quickly. It would be much too embarrassing to be caught looking at him more than once in one night.
Eventually, students from each house diverged in the main corridor and the Gryffindors began their climb up to their tower. They passed through familiar corridors and up the staircases. Everything looked the same with the exception of a few missing paintings. When they reached the portrait of the Fat Lady, Ginny told them all the password and the importance of remembering it.
The portrait swung open and Hermione entered with the children. Her eyes swept the common room, her eyes automatically searching for Harry and Ron. She swallowed hard, her throat tight. Of course, they weren't there. Then Ginny bumped into her lightly, smiling as she passed by.
Hermione took a deep breath.
This wouldn't do. She would have to forge new friendships and work on deepening the ones she already had. She needed to be useful to her teachers and help with the younger students. She needed to continue her goal to be the top of her class and finally put to rest the absurd belief that muggle-borns were inferior to other witches and wizards.
Then, unbidden, Malfoy popped into her thoughts. She groaned to herself. She didn't want to think about him anymore. She pushed him out of her mind and took a seat next to Ginny by the fire, proceeding to do what she had already decided she would.