The end of summer was always filled with excitement. Returning to school was a joy even before Hermione got her letter to attend Hogwarts eight years prior. That would be the same, returning to Hogwarts. It was her home she returned to after the war that had changed.
The house she grew up in remained heavily disillusioned, collecting dust. Unfortunately, all attempts Hermione had made to reinstate her parent's memory of her had failed.
When Harry invited her to live with him at Grimmauld Place, she cried. Tears for how lucky she was to have a friend open his home to her so she wouldn't have to live alone, and for how happy Harry was to have someone who loved him to share with.
The Black family had several books on advanced magic that they hoarded in their cellar and Hermione had spent her evenings reading them. It was mostly in curiosity, until she came across the book Superstes Elocutionis: Aut Carentiam Eius, focusing on suppression of magic. There was a large section on obscurus that Hermione shared with the mind healers at St. Mungos immediately.
The text discovered a way to unleash magic that had been suppressed, sometimes centuries later for inherited curses. The smallest thread, if found, could unravel and release magic that someone had locked away.
Maledictus, parseltongue, metamorphmagi, and seer abilities were among those that the book suggests people may have locked away for safety. Sometimes the suppression happened naturally. According to the many ancient families, anything that deviated from a traditional witch or wizard would be inferred as impure, so they would hide them.
But all that was needed to discover them again was a thread.
All that had to remain of Hermione's parents' memories of her was a single thread, and she could have them back.
Hermione read the process several more times before she gathered the courage to test it out herself. With an affirmative nod, she summoned a book she had never read before and opened it up to a random page. Once she committed the text to memory, she closed the book and put her wand to her temple.
In her mind, she focused on the newly read passage, the message she remembered, and the memory of her reading it.
"Obliviate," said Hermione.
The passage was gone, any trace of it removed from her mind.
Hermione put her wand back to her hand and spoke again. "Legilimen Princeps."
The first word to find the magic that was hiding her memory, and the second to release it. She started wandering through her own mind as a visitor. It split her head, but she pushed through to the place where the memory of the passage should have been. Finding nothing, Hermione went deeper.
A groan escaped her as the pain started to increase but she refused to stop. Stopping meant that she would fail, and her parents would be gone forever.
Warm wetness dripped onto her upper lip, and Hermione could taste the copper of the blood as it started to run freely down her nose. Refusing to give up, she went further again. All she found was darkness.
Until.
It was nothing really, just a disturbance from the bleakness that surrounded it. She was starting to lose consciousness, but she pushed again, and then she could see it, pulsing against the barrier of her subconscious to escape and return to her. Hermione's heart started to pound, and she thought of the thread.
When it appeared, she pictured the thread wrapped around her finger and spoke out loud the incantation from the book.
"Liberario." Liberate.
Hermione was ejected from her own mind as the magic flooded her and spilled out through her fingers. She could hardly feel when she fell to the floor, convulsing as the magic washed through her again and again until it wrapped itself around every cell in her body.
When it finally stopped, Hermione rested on her as she caught her breath. If that was what restoring a single memory was like, her parents would be out of it for days if she ever managed to heal them.
Getting up quickly on unstable legs, Hermione flipped open the book again to the passage and looked it over.
She didn't remember any of it.
What had she done?
It didn't work.
Nothing would work.
"Harry!" yelled Hermione up the stairs of Grimmauld place. "For goodness sakes, we're going to be late!"
Time was running out. Hermione could feel it as she stormed into her room, ensuring everything was in the perfect spot before she left. The thought of anything being misplaced in her room was unfathomable. The desire had started off like normal, Hermione was always one to over prepare. Until a few days ago, when the sense of urgency became unbearable.
Hermione glanced at the clock and growled before stomping to the hall again.
"HARRY- oh!" Hermione yelled, bumping into him.
Harry laughed, using his hands to steady her. "Hermione, it's just school. We've faced worse."
"You don't understand. There isn't much time- it's coming and I…" Hermione stepped away from Harry.
She could practically smell his amusement as she walked down the final flight to the main floor, Harry trailing after her.
"Hermione," Harry said calmly, grabbing her hand and stopping her. She huffed but turned to look at him. "Nothing bad is coming. Not this time. Everything is going to be okay."
Hermione swallowed and nodded. He was right. There was nothing evil or horrible for them to face this year. Yet, she still felt more anxiety and anticipation then she could ever remember in her life.
Harry smiled nicely again and pulled her into a hug. With a deep breath, she wrapped her arms around him. Harry didn't smell amused anymore, but he wasn't concerned either. He was confident, content, and Hermione inhaled deeply again so that the sentiment might sink into her own being.
"Come on," Harry said, pulling her from her daze. She blinked a few times before shaking her head and met Harry with a smile of her own. "We're going to be late."
Harry apparated them to the Burrow. The doors flung open, and several competing scents crowded her senses. She had never noticed she was so sensitive to aromas. Harry led them towards the back kitchen where the entire family was gathered, and Molly started to charm the place settings to dish meals.
"This looks fantastic, Molly!" Harry complemented Molly with a kiss to her cheek.
Hermione gave quick hugs as she found herself a seat. It had been a little over a week since they'd all seen each other, but Molly wanted to be sure to see them off right for their last year of school.
"This is wonderful, Mrs. Weasley. Thank you!" Hermione beamed.
Her eyes scurried around the room. There was another scent that was demanding her attention. To her surprise, the scent didn't mix with the flavors or spices of the food, and it clashed with Harry's.
"Hey Hermione," Ron said with a quick kiss to her cheek as he passed, and she returned a smile.
"Hi Ron! I'll be right back; I've just going to…" she pointed a thumb over her shoulder and walked out of the kitchen to have a seat in the living room.
She had felt different since the night she searched her mind in the cellar. Her eyes felt heavy, so she let them close as she focused on the sounds around her. There were footsteps descending from the stairs in a hurried pace.
"Mum, what are you making?! It smells amazing," Charlie shouted as he got to the first floor. "Oh- Hermione! Nice to see you."
"You too. Any updates on the latest hatchlings?" Hermione asked lightly, even as her heart started racing.
"Dragon population is going to see a huge comeback. I guess one good thing You-Know-Who left behind. Bred as many dragons as possible but he never got to lay a hand on them," Charlie said casually, but his eyes started to drill into hers. "Are you alright?"
"I… yes?" Hermione answered.
Charlie changed direction and started walking to her. Hermione stood, feeling too wired to remain seated. When he got within a few inches, Hermione could see his chest rise as he breathed deeply, intentionally.
"You smell so… what are you wearing?" Charlie asked in a low voice. "Are you worried?"
Hermione shook her head. "No."
"You are. I can smell it," Charlie insisted, using a finger to push her hair back and then tracing it down the sensitive skin of her neck to her collar bone. "You don't need to be afraid. I can protect you."
A part of Hermione preened, but she didn't know why. The ticking that had been plaguing her mind started to cease, and for the first time in nearly a week she felt comforted.
"That's better," Charlie whispered, and Hermione closed her eyes as he continued to stroke her skin. "There's that delightful smell. Godric, never thought anything could be so divine."
Hermione hummed, taking deeper breaths herself. It was Charlie's scent that was mixing with Harry's, but his was much more desirable. Where Harry was maple and ginger Charlie was cedarwood and sage. Lighter and sharper and so-
"Ronald Weasley, you serve guests first in this home!" Mrs. Weasley shouted from the kitchen and Charlie and Hermione jumped back from each other at the same time.
"I better-"
"We should go-"
Neither of them finished their sentence as they went into the kitchen to join the others, sitting in seats as far apart as possible.
During their shopping trip, Hermione had several more run ins with wizards similarly to the one with Charlie. Sometimes stopping her in the street, and other times she would feel drawn to approach them. Every unexpected encounter included a comment on how she smelled. So right after she returned, she cast a concealment charm to hide her scent.
The next day when she went to the Weasley's she still felt drawn to Charlie, but he didn't seem as interested in her. Considering it a success, Hermione continued to cast it every morning and afternoon, just to be safe.
The day came to return to school, and Hermione took in the magic of the train station as she walked with Harry and Ron down the platform 9¾.
"Bit silly we have to take the train when we could just apparate to Hogsmeade," Ron said as they walked down the cart to find an empty compartment.
"It's tradition!" Harry responded, cheerily.
Hermione opened a compartment door. "Hi Neville!"
The group walked in, putting away their trunks and taking their seats.
"More of an inconvenience than a tradition, really," Ron complained as he leaned back.
"Better than our other traditions," Hermione jested.
"Such as?" asked Ron.
"Nearly dying every year," Neville answered for them, and Hermione was still laughing as the train pulled out of the station.
The professors were busy greeting the first years, but McGonagall made note to wave in greeting as the trio as they took their seats. Newt Scamander was announced to be their new Defense Against the Dark Arts professor. A roar of excitement carried through the halls at the idea of having such a legendary wizard as their professor.
"Why would McGonagall hire a magizoologist to teach Dark Arts?" Cormac questioned.
"That magizoologist help Dumbledore defeat Grindelwald on three separate occasions," Hermione exclaimed. The only thing more offensive than Cormac's arrogance was his newly developed strong scent of leather and tobacco.
"Why would he study animals if he could defeat evil wizards?" Cormac continued.
"Neville's preferred subject is Herbology, and he destroyed a Horcrux. What have you done McLaggen?" Ginny jibbed back.
"Fought Death Eaters in battle?!" Cormac defended himself, smiling still in good fun.
Hermione shrugged. "Who hasn't?"
"Tough crowd, this one," Cormac said, hitting Parvati Patil with his elbow.
"Destroy one evil wizard and we're all supposed to fall to our knees now?" Parvati joked back.
"Never. Proud house you have here, Granger. I'll still get on my knees for you though, if you ask nicely," Cormac said with a wink and Hermione hardly had to fake a gagging motion.
Ginny crossed her arms on the table. "What do you think of the Death Eaters coming back?"
"They're just students, Ginny," Hermione insisted.
"The ministry questioned them extensively. Only those who were proven to not be loyal followers were allowed back," Harry said in their defense and Hermione smiled. Harry was also so just and forgiving. "Can't blame them for trying to survive."
The group looked over at the Slytherin table. It wasn't nearly as full as the rest of the houses, but there were still more returning seventh- and eighth-year students than Hermione anticipated. Looking at the other tables, most were nearly full, if not completely.
"I think it's good. The more people to choose from the better," Hermione said looking back at her food. Great really. After her run in with Charlie, the feeling like she was running out of time was back ten-fold.
"Choose for what?" Ginny asked casually as others broke off their own conversations.
Hermione furrowed her brow. "I… I don't know."
"Not quidditch surely. I'm getting my old spot back no matter what. Right, Harry?" Ron said, elbowing Harry who rolled his eyes before looking at Hermione with a grin before laughing into his glass.
"So help me Hermione, I will bludger you to death with your Order of Merlin if you do not stop pacing," Parvati yelled, pulling back her curtain. "It's the middle of the night!"
"How can you sleep? There isn't much time- if I keep waiting it'll come, and I won't be ready – OUCH!" Hermione was rattling on until Parvati threw a scroll of parchment at her.
"Not this again… Granger, we have literal months before we have to take N.E.W.T.S. More importantly, you could neglect to take them altogether and still have a career of your choosing," Parvati said, annoyed.
Hermione stopped moving. Was that what she was worried about? That didn't feel right; it wasn't about school or tests. It was something more.
"Hey…" Parvati was standing right next to her, and Hermione jumped. They were the only two in their dorm this year. "He's not coming back, Hermione. You-Know-Who is gone for good."
Hermione nodded. Not wanting to keep her up any longer, she finally forced herself to lie down in bed.
Transfiguration was her first class of the day. Typically, Gryffindor had Transfiguration with Hufflepuff, however, the school decided that all eighth-year students could choose any class they wanted, so long as there was availability. Transfiguration was at the same time as Divination, so Hermione was on her own as Harry and Ron always chose the easier course.
There were only a few seats left when she arrived. Neville and Luna were already partnered up, so Hermione had her choice between Seamus and Michael Corner. To the surprise of many others in the room, Hermione opted to seat next to the latter.
"Good morning," Hermione said, unpacking her things. Michael was a Ravenclaw student that she liked well enough.
"Morning, Granger," Michael said with a smile. "Assume you already did all the readings?"
"I think back in sixth year?" she answered, slightly embarrassed.
"Very good. You sit right there for the remainder of term then," Michael said, patting the table in front of her with a huge smile.
"Thinking I'll make it easy on you?" Hermione asked.
"Thinking I won't have to charm my parchment so my partner won't cheat. Gets tiring having to guard all my hard work from Finnigan," Michael mused nodding towards Seamus. "He chose the empty table with hopes you'd sit next to him."
"House traitor!" Seamus mocked whispered from his seat with a grin that Hermione returned.
"Mind your wandering eye Seamus, it'll get you into trouble," Hermione replied.
"You still have to help with my revising," Seamus declared before turning around and McGonagall started the lesson.
"What of you, Corner? Have you a wandering eye?" Hermione asked.
She attempted to keep her breaths shallow, but with every passing moment Michael's scent was starting to undeniably reveal his bettering mood. He smelled happy and enticed, and it made her feel accomplished.
"Never. I only have eyes for what's mine," he responded quietly, in a low voice, and Hermione let her hair curtain her face to hide her blush.
There was no one of interest in Charms or Runes. Hermione spent both of those classes sitting next to Parvati instead of the available boys. Zacharias Smith was too piney, and Justin Finch-Fletchley scent was far too similar to Harry's for her to even consider him.
By the time she arrived at potions, she had passed a few seventh-year students in the hall that she planned to get to know better. All in all, the nagging presence in the back of her mind eased as it discovered she had plenty of options to choose from and, as far as she could tell, she was the only one in need.
Harry and Ron were already seated towards the back of the classroom, and Hermione took a seat at the empty table behind them.
"How's Hagrid?" asked Hermione as she readied her parchment and quill for notes.
"Brilliant! He's got a Manticore for us to meet next week," Ron answered excitedly.
"What?! But those are impossible to find, let alone capture," Hermione said, filled with jealousy.
"Should have selected Care of Magical Creatures over Runes," Harry teased with a shrug.
"If I knew Newt Scamander was joining the faculty I would have," she whined, and Harry patted her shoulder. "I thought all I would miss out on was horned-slugs."
"Can't do it all, Hermione. Besides I'm sure Hagrid will let you see after class," Ron comforted her with a smile and she nodded, feeling appeased.
Harry gave her shoulder one more squeeze before turning around. The seat next to Hermione remained vacant, which surprised her because she knew for a fact that DADA was filled to capacity. There wasn't much time to dwell on the fact though, as Professor Scamander emerged from his office to begin their lesson.
Harry and Ron headed to the quidditch pitch and Hermione made her way to the library to meet with Parvati. The two girls had always been friendly, but the days before classes started already felt more like friendship than the prior seven years. It likely had a lot to do with Parvati losing not only her best friend, but also her twin. It felt special still, that in a way Hermione had finally had a friend of her own.
Two steps into the library, Hermione stopped in her tracks. It was as if roots sprouted from the floor and strapped her feet to the ground, while at the same time she felt in danger of floating away.
"Ms. Granger?" A matronly voice sounded from beside her. "Ms. Granger, are you looking for someone?"
Yes.
"No," Hermione lied. "Sorry, just… nostalgia, I suppose."
Madam Pince nodded at her lame reply, accepting it as the truth at once. "Welcome back Ms. Granger."
Hermione looked ahead and parted her lips to breathe through her mouth.
Mint. Spearmint to be exact. And green apples; ripe and crisp. It would be too sharp, if the second notes of their scent were not laced with vitality and warmth.
The tables in the front were empty. Either Parvati had yet to arrive, or she was sitting somewhere within the library. Hermione finally gathered herself enough to walk towards the rows of books, lying to herself this time that her friend was the only person she was looking for.