Hey guys! sorry its been kind of a while since my last chapter, school started up again and I got a new job so ive been a bit busy, but here it is! I hope you guys like it! please comment any feedback I love hearing from you guys! thank you to the few of you that have commented so far, the comments have been lovely to read :)
"'Mione! Mum wanted me to tell you that we're leaving in 20 minutes!"
"I'll be right down, Ron!" Hermione called down the stairs of the burrow as she stared at her reflection in the mirror that hung on the back of Ginny's door.
Even though the war was over and the light had won, slivers of darkness had still remained, in more ways than one.
Hermione and Harry had both elected to stay at the Burrow the summer following the close of the war. After the final battle and the loss of so many friends and family, the remaining parties seemed to be filled with a new sense of purpose and closeness. Those that fought together and survived continued to rely on each other as they mourned the losses and worked to cope with the remaining trauma. As the Weasleys were the closest thing both Harry and Hermione had to a family, they found it was only natural for them to return to the burrow as well.
The entire Weasley family, including Bill, Charlie, and Percy spent the summer at the burrow as they mourned the loss of Fred. For weeks the house was quiet as George shut himself in his room and spent hours sitting outside alone. But as the summer went on the other Weasley siblings were starting to make slow progress in pulling him out of his depression. Slowly but surely George began experimenting again and cracking small jokes at the encouragement of his family. But no matter how much they wanted to help none of the Weasley's knew what to do at the look of loss that filled Georges eyes every time he passed a mirror or left a sentence unfinished, expecting his other half to pick up where he left off.
The Weasley's weren't the only ones struggling to cope with the remaining effects of the war. The Golden Trio, who had, of course, seen more destruction and pain and suffering than most had to learn to adjust from their horror filled life on the run, back into life in a civilized world where they could finally exist in peace.
Through this process the trio, as always, acted as each other's support system as they tried to overcome the effects of everything they had seen.
Ron had lost a brother. Harry was once again placing the blame of the lives lost and the whole of the war on himself. And Hermione had yet to be able to track down her parents in Australia to restore their memory. Many Aurors had gone searching for them, but Hermione had apparently done a very good job making sure they couldn't be found.
Remaining in the Burrow allowed the trio to grieve and heal together, along with the rest of the Weasley's and various order members that often made appearances. While Hermione was always excited to see familiar faces around the home, she couldn't help but feel as if it highlighted the now permanent lack of certain members.
Every time she saw George, she was reminded that he would live the rest of his life without his twin. Every time she saw Andromeda Tonks with young Teddy, she was reminded that he would grow up without parents. Without his father's kind smile and his mother's unbridled humor. Every time she saw Neville and Luna, she was reminded of Lavender and Collin and the various other Hogwarts students and DA members who hadn't been so lucky. Those who wouldn't get to live in the future they worked so hard to build.
Those who lost their lives in order to create a better world were always on Hermione's mind. She knew going into the war that there would be sacrifices, but she couldn't stop the ache in her heart as she thought about what more she could have done. Any possible way she could have stopped this destruction.
Hermione wasn't alone in this grief, however. Harry and Ron shared the same guilt. The odd feeling of knowing that it was ultimately them who figured out how to defeat Voldemort, while, simultaneously, feeling as if they were responsible for war to begin with.
As Hermione stared at herself, half undressed in the mirror, the horrors of war were once again pushed to the forefront of her mind. She had been lucky. She made it out alive. However, the war had of course left its mark on her. Her body was littered with various scars from gashes and burns she had acquired while on the run and in battle. Cursed scars were common to see on those that had survived, but the Trio had it worse than most.
As Hermione's eyes raked her body in the mirror she was overcome with a deep feeling of disgust. She was revolted when her eyes landed on the big block lettered MUDBLOOD engraved into her left forearm.
Hermione had never been one to dwell on appearances, but no matter how hard she tried that scar was something she couldn't look past. It practically burned on sight as it brought back memories of the torture she endured in Malfoy Manor.
Attempting to shrug these thoughts away, she pulled out a new roll of gauze from her small beaded bag and began to wrap it around her forearm. She wasn't embarrassed by her scar and she wasn't trying to cover up what happened. But the memories were still too fresh. The reality of what happened that night was still too much for her to bear. The scar was a continuous reminder of it, one that brought dark thoughts and horrifying nightmares Hermione couldn't stand to face.
One day, Hermione thought, when the pain had settled and she found peace, she would take it off and learn to embrace it. But today was not that day.
No. Today was going to be a good day, spent with her friends, no thoughts of fighting or war present.
So Hermione finished getting dressed and tucked her beaded bag into the waistband of her high-rise jeans. Even though there was no need for her to carry it anymore, having it provided her with a sense of comfort. After all, she did spend a year relying completely on that bag and the things it held, it had become a sort of security blanket for her.
"Hermione!" Ron yelled again and she heard him thundering up the stairs.
"Almost ready, Ron!" She shouted back just as he burst into Ginny's room.
She saw Ron give her a quick once over, eying her jeans and full sleeved shirt. Ron knew about her preference to keep her scars covered. He too felt that same insecurity at times, however, he never made the same conscious effort to hide his.
"You look lovely, 'Mione." He said with a soft smile, engulfing her into a hug which she happily returned as she relaxed into his arms.
Hermione was forever thankful for the role Ron played in her life. After the two had shared a kiss at the final battle they gave a relationship a try, but very quickly decided that it didn't sit well between them. They figured that it had simply been a hopeful dream between them both, brought to life in the passion of the moment. But once put into practicality they realized that their feelings for each other in that regard did not run deep. They had simply mistaken their deep, platonic care for each other and the tension of childlike crushes as something else.
So they decided that they should just stay friends. Besides, neither were in the right state of mind for a relationship right now. So instead they decided to simply focus on supporting each other and helping each other work through their individual battles.
While it was a tough decision to make, given that each had thought they had been in love with the other for years. They both found that the kiss they shared and the open discussion that followed it removed much of the tension in their relationship. They were now even closer than before.
Pulling away from her, Ron sat down on Ginny's bed and said, "You don't have to do this, you know. Go back to Hogwarts, I mean."
At a glance from Hermione he continued, "I'm not trying to stop you, of course. But, it might be a lot to go back, you know, to the place where it all happened…"
As Ron rubbed the back of his neck and watched Hermione, she sent him a small smile, "Oh Ron, you know I need to go back to Hogwarts, I have to finish and take my NEWTs."
"No one would hold it against you if you didn't. No one would deny you a job just because you haven't taken your NEWTs. Given everything that's happened, your experience and your OWLs would be enough for anything you want to do."
Hermione sat down next to him on Ginny's bed and covered his hand with hers.
"I know, Ron. I'm not going back for them really. I just know that I would never forgive myself if I didn't finish my education."
Ron gave a small chuckle, "Don't worry, even if you didn't finish no one could steal the title of 'Brightest Witch of the Age' from you."
When Hermione cracked a smile Ron continued, "Promise me, Hermione, that if it becomes too much for you, being there, that is, that you'll come back home." At the beginning of her look of protest, he continued, "Even if it's just to visit Harry and me for a weekend. You need to make sure to look out for yourself. Returning won't be easy. And even if Harry and I aren't there with you physically, we're still here for you."
Hermione gave him a side hug as she felt his arms wrap around her.
"I know you two are. I promise I'll take care of myself this year, I mean I'll have Ginny and Luna with me. It'll be weird going back without you guys, but it's only for one year. Besides I'm not leaving just yet, I still have a few more weeks to change my mind."
Ron chuckled, "Don't worry, this won't be the last time we have this conversation that's for sure."
"Anyways, I think my choice to go back to Hogwarts is much more mild than what you and Harry are choosing to do. Don't you two want to take some time off before you start fighting again? I'm sure the current Aurors can round up the remaining Death Eaters without you two."
As Ron stood up, he broke out into a cheeky grin, "Oh? Because they did such a great job of that before?"
Hermione gave him a light slap on the arm as she stood up and said, "I suppose you're right. And I know I don't even need to tell you two to be safe, right?"
At the stern look Hermione gave him, Ron rolled his eyes, "Don't worry 'Mione, we spent the past seven years with you, we know all about healing spells and potions."
Giving Ron another slap on the arm and crossing her arms, "I meant not needing to use the healing spells and potions in the first place, actually."
Her words were stern but her eyes were shining. Hermione loved her boys, that was for certain. And she knew that no matter how many times she chided and warned them there was bound to be trouble wherever the two went.
With a grin Ron shook his head and started walking towards the door, knowing there was no use in disagreeing with her. "Are you all set? Mum's about ready to head to Diagon Alley."
Nodding her head, Hermione stood up and let Ron lead her down the steps of the Burrow. She was excited to get her books and feel a sense of normalcy again, despite being slightly nervous. Today was the day George planned to go back to Weasleys' Wizard Wheezes. This would be his first time there, ever, without his twin.
As they stepped into the sitting room of the Burrow, Hermione's ears were filled with the light chatter of the siblings, both excited and anxious. She looked around and saw Harry standing next to Ginny looking at her adoringly as she went on about this year's Quidditch team, Bill and Charlie were sitting on the sofas, George was staring at the floo, while Mrs. Weasley was removing the floo powder from the vase above the mantle.
"Where's Mr. Weasley? I thought he planned on coming with us?" Hermione asked as she noticed the missing Weasley patriarch.
Hermione saw Harry's expression shift slightly, before Mrs. Weasley said, "Oh he did, dear, but he just got another call from the Ministry. The veil rippled again so he went in to look at it with Percy. This is the fourth time this summer."
Before Hermione could respond Mrs. Weasley began shooing her children through the floo one by one.
The veil had rippled for the first time the moment Molly killed Bellatrix Lestrange. Because of the timing, ministry officials working in the Department of Mysteries were led to believe that there was some connection from the rippling of the veil, to Bellitrix Lestranges' death, to Sirius Black.
The Department of Mysteries has categorized the space behind the Veil as another dimension that simply cannot be accessed. There is some debate as to whether it is another dimension that is another universe entirely or rather a different aspect of the same universe. But regardless of what kind of alternate dimension lies behind the veil, most officials have come to the conclusion that because it was Bellatrix who sent Sirius through the veil, her death might, in turn, alter the dimension behind it.
It has been difficult for most people to grasp this concept, but the way that Arthur explained it, is that when Sirius fell through the veil, he created a link between that dimension and this one. And once that link is created it cannot be undone and the two dimensions are now interwoven. And if Sirius is still alive in that dimension, certain events that occur in this one, can affect what happens in that one. The theories are still very loose, but it's the only explanation officials can come up with to explain the sudden rippling of the veil.
While there is still so much mystery surrounding the situation it has acted as a good distraction from the aftermath of the war and in Harry's case has given him a new sense of hope. There is the slight chance that Sirius is still alive behind the Veil, and while everyone has been telling Harry not to get his hopes up, he seems to believe that Sirius will come back.
While Hermione thinks that the odds of that are very slim, she believes that regardless of the outcome it might at least give Harry the sense of closure he was missing the last time he lost Sirius. She just prayed that he wouldn't get his hopes up too high for Sirius' return. Although she too couldn't help the knot of anticipation in her stomach every time the veil rippled. Silently praying that Harry was right and Sirius Black would return once again.
The next thing Hermione knew she was being shoved through the fireplace by an excited Ginny Weasley and landing on her feet to hear the laughing and chattering of the Leaky Cauldron.
Hermione looked around and took in the dark and slightly damp pub, pleased to see that it was able to restore itself to its pre-war state so quickly. Tom was behind the bar serving an elderly looking couple, witches and wizards were scattered around in booths and tables eating and drinking all types of various substances. Attempting to avoid the strong stares being sent their way, Hermione turned back to look at a chattering Ginny beside her.
"Alright Hermione, this is the year we're finally getting you on a broom." At Hermione's instantly shocked face she continued. "Don't even try to fight me on this one, after everything you did this past year, you have no reason to be afraid of a little broom anymore."
"Now, Ginny, don't get ahead of yourself." Mrs. Weasley chided lightly upon landing in the Leaky Cauldron. "I know you're excited but I'm sure Hermione wants to get all her books before even thinking about flying."
"Ginny is right though, Mum." Ron pitched in, sending Hermione a pointed look. "After all, we rode a dragon out of Gringotts last year, flying a broom is nothing compared to that."
Smiling and rolling her eyes, Hermione looked to Harry for help, but seeing as he clearly thought Ron and Ginny were right she settled with saying, "I'm not making any promises, but I'll consider it."
That seemed to appease the Weasley children and Harry for now, and Hermione was grateful for the change in conversation.
"I told Luna that we would meet her at Florean Fortescue's Ice Cream Parlor later on." Ginny continued as they stepped outside and Harry took hold of her hand.
The bright sunlight burnt Hermione's eyes as they struggled to adjust from the dark interior of the Leaky Cauldron to the bright, hustle and bustle of Diagon Alley. The alley had not yet recovered completely from the war, but it was certainly on its way.
Hermione looked around to see young kids, she assumed incoming first years running around looking excitedly into shop windows and onto the street. She saw Hogwarts students of all years huddled around, faces filled with the laughter that had been missing the entire year before. She saw witches and wizards of all ages, young, old, and students, looking back at her, Harry, and Ron. Most of it was in awe and respect, as a few of said witches and wizards made their way over to shake their hands and offer their praise and thanks. But Hermione noticed a few lingering stares that were filled not with joy, but of malice, and the thought made Hermione's stomach tie into a knot.
Ron's arm slipped around her shoulders, and at one glance from him she knew that he felt the same sinking in his stomach. She saw Harry looking around nervously, his hand clenched around his wand in his pocket. Six years of facing danger plus a year on the run had given the trio a pretty good sense of awareness where danger was involved. And they knew something was off…
Mrs. Weasley was happily chattering away to George when Hermione felt Ron turn to face his mother.
"Mum, I think that we should-"
A bright yellow light hit Ron's chest sending him flying backwards before he could finish that sentence. Immediately the air was filled with tension and the street darkened as cloaked figures appeared around the family. All along the street young children ran screaming while the older ones prepared to fight once again.
Hermione saw Ron rise to his feet out of the corner of her eye as she dodged a green light headed straight for her head.
The family stood together firing hex after hex at cloaked figures. Diagon Alley filled with smoke and Hermione squinted to see. She heard a cackling laugh off to her left as she felt a slicing jinx tear open her shoulder. Clutching her arm she sent curses in the direction of the sound.
The group split and Hermione expertly dodged curse after curse, rapidly firing off her own defensive spells in between dodges.
She turned to call out to Harry and Ron but they were nowhere to be seen. Off in the distance she heard Ginny and Harry shouting curses in between the screams of fear from those caught in the crossfire.
A rustling came from the mist behind her so she spun around and fired a Stupefy at the Death Eater before he could even raise his wand.
Smoke stung her eyes and she crouched closer to the ground as she attempted to decipher exactly how many they were up against and where they were, praying that the rest of the Weasleys were safe.
Without warning she felt something hard bash the side of her head above her ear and she crumpled to the ground in pain. Lying on her back she looked up into a masked face before she felt the invisible knives of a sectumsempra slicing and piercing her skin.
Ignoring the blood trickling down her head and pouring out of her body she propped herself up onto her elbows and rattled off curses as fast as she could think of them at the unknown death eater.
Once he was out of sight, Hermione stood up and looked around at the battle. Not too far off she saw flashing red and green and ran towards the duel.
Harry and George were standing back to back, holding their own in a battle against four Death Eaters.
As Hermione ran forward to help, she felt a large body slam into her side. She fell to the ground once more and looked up into the face of her attacker, surprised to see not another masked figure, but Fenrir Greyback.
As he stared down at Hermione and his amber eyes burning with hunger, Hermione was filled with anger. Anger for Lavender, for Bill, for Remus. For any and every innocent victim Greyback has ever had and before she even realized what was happening her memory unlocked all the dark curses she's read about.
She never intended to actually use them, only to learn what she was up against. But in a second's time, before she could register what she was doing, Greyback was lying on the floor dead in front of her.
As she stared into his now lifeless eyes, she expected to feel regret or pain for the first life she ever took.
But she terrified herself when she felt none of those things, instead feeling a sense of relief at knowing that his evil and the pain he was bound to cause was out of this world for good.
And so she stood there, staring down at his corpse, wondering if this relief at taking a life brought her one step closer to becoming the same monster that he was.
Any second spent standing still in battle is one second too long.
Unfortunately Hermione remembered this a second too late. As she attempted to refocus her energy on the battle at hand a violet light struck her center and sent her flying back.
Her head slammed against a wall and she saw a blinding white light flash behind her eyelids before crumpling to the ground in pain.
Determined to return to battle, she allowed herself a moment's pause before she attempted to sit up, only to feel hands pressing gently down on her shoulders. Struggling to open her eyes she saw the faint outline of Harry hovering above her.
"Harry," She managed to croak out before her vision faded black. "Hogwarts. Get the Order."