Chapter re-vamped 2/3/2015
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Disclaimer: None of the characters or the world created by JK Rowling belongs to me nor do I make any money off this story.
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The morning of September first, the trio arrived early to King's Cross Station, hoping to avoid a crowd. They were also hoping to meet up with any others who had decided to come back. Not many had chosen to come back for any number of reasons and instead were doing home study and taking ministry administered tests.
They climbed onto the train, trunks shrunken into Hermione's purse and Ron carrying Crookshanks's cage as he slumbered within. Ignoring the stares and the whispers, they trudged to the back of the train, intent on finding an isolated compartment. Curious first years stared as they passed, their noses practically glued to the glass, breath fogging up the compartment panes. As they settled into a compartment, Hermione reached for Crookshank's cage, opening the door and pulling him onto her lap. His rumbling purr vibrated through her abdomen as he settled down again.
"Hermione, could you get our chess set?"
Hermione nodded, digging around in her purse. After undoing the shrinking charm, she handed it over, before unshrinking one of her new books. So engrossed was she in her book that the compartment door opening didn't register. Hermione had grown used to blocking out the shouting and sound effects that usually came from the boys, a compartment door was nothing.
"Bloody hell Ginny, careful!"
Hermione looked up and saw Ron levitating the chess board that had nearly toppled over as Ginny tried crawling under it. Harry was shaking his head ruefully as Ginny giggled. She settled herself next to Hermione a bright smile plastered on her face.
"Morning Hermione! Buried in a book already?"
A snort came from their left as Harry commented, "She's been buried in the library all summer."
Hermione swatted at him playfully as she put her book away. Ginny settled herself across from Hermione and dug through her purse, pulling out a mirror.
"Did you hear?"
Artfully the petite redhead played with her bangs, trying to cover the thin white scar at her temple. Ginny had been hit with a cutting curse during the battle of Hogwarts and because the wound was magical it had scarred; Ginny hated that scar. Personally Hermione didn't see anything wrong with it; the scar was a battle wound and there was hardly a person who participated that didn't have one.
Hermione waited until the redhead slipped the mirror back into her purse before asking, "Hear what?"
"Padma has been made Head Girl in your place."
Hermione's heart clenched for just a moment. She had wanted to be Head Girl so badly but it just wasn't in the cards. The bookworm nodded.
"The Headmistress told me the other day. If you want big news guess what has been added to the dorms. To accommodate the returning seventh years they've been given a dorm with individual rooms."
Ginny got an envious look on her face as she pouted. "No fair."
Ron looked up from his game and grimaced. Ginny was pouting. Great. "It's perfectly fair Ginny. Considering there will be at the most ten of us and not enough room for everyone in the regular seventh year dorms."
Harry nodded and holding up his hand he counted off those he knew were returning for sure.
"Other than us three, there's Dean, Seamus and Neville. Lavender is coming back but not sure about Pavarti. So that right there is seven. I think we definitely deserve our own rooms."
The pout on Ginny's face remained where it was as she protested, "What about the rest of us? Those who stayed behind? I mean we did as much as you."
Hermione shook her head. "You may have, but your final year of school wasn't ruined. You have time to fix the damage to your education. Don't forget the fact that the Headmistress was there and shielded you as much as she could. Professor Snape protected you as well, despite how it looks."
A disgusted look crossed the younger girl's face at the mention of the former Headmaster and current Potions Professor. Ginny didn't care what anyone said, Severus Snape had been as bad as the Carrow siblings and Fenrir Greyback. Ron rolled his eyes and grabbing Harry's attention they went back to their game. Hermione slid her book open once again as Ginny began to ramble on, her voice slowly becoming drowned out.
As the train began its journey Hermione found herself grimacing from the rocking motion. So far she had been lucky and not experienced the curse of morning sickness. Within minutes the dim grey sky opened up and rain began falling on everything in sight. Eventually the queasy feeling in Hermione's stomach lessened and she returned to reading her book.
When the compartment door opened again sometime later, Hermione raised her head, expecting a lost first year or the snack trolley. Instead she saw Neville's smiling face. Instantly she noticed the changes in him. Longer, shaggier hair, a thinner face and a few inches added to his height.
"Neville! Good to see you mate."
Harry and Ron had abandoned their game, in favor of jumping all over the newest addition to their compartment. Neville laughed as he shoved them off himself and scrambled over to Hermione. Hermione smiled before enveloping him into a hug.
"How are you Hermione? Still alive after spending the summer with these two I see."
A laugh escaped Hermione once again and her body seemed to sag into Neville's touch. It was so nice to be around others again. She loved Harry and Ron but some days they were too much for her. A sad thought flicked through her mind. Soon she wouldn't be able to hug anyone, if she wanted to keep her secret. With one final squeeze, she released Neville and leaned back, Crookshanks wiggling in her lap. He didn't like being squished if the noises he was making were anything to go by.
Hermione began petting him, trying to settle the disgruntled cat. "Neville, did you see anybody else?"
Neville nodded.
"Yeah. I saw Dean and Seamus on my way back here. Lavender was there too, with Padma and Pavarti. I heard they made Padma Head Girl. I know how much you wanted it."
Hermione shrugged, trying to keep her face empty. She would get over it, eventually.
"They made Blaise Zabini Head Boy and they let Malfoy come back too."
Hermione nodded in acknowledgement.
"We were at his trial. They went easy on him due to coercion or something of the like. He's under house arrest, and wears something close to a muggle ankle bracelet. His father and mother got the same. They were heavily fined and there are wards keeping them on the Mansion grounds. Malfoy will have been transported to Hogwarts by Aurors, probably yesterday. His visits to Hogsmeade will be monitored, restricted and revocable at a moment's notice."
It was quiet in the car for a few moments before Hermione continued. "I suppose he's paying his dues. Not really our business to be honest."
Suddenly Ginny stood and brushed out her skirt. "Well if you guys are going to get all depressing, I'm leaving."
Harry levitated the chess board as she passed. Throwing a stunning smile over her shoulder, Ginny simpered, "Later Harry."
As the door shut behind her, Harry shook his head, sending Ron a look that screamed 'I told you so'.
"I don't think she's getting it Ron." Ron shrugged halfheartedly. "What do you want me to do about it mate?"
"Have you heard from Luna?"
Neville nodded.
"I got a few letters over the summer. Talk of hunting for Everhares and Juniper Pigs. It sounds like she's doing alright. She should have arrived at Hogwarts already and her dad is getting better I think."
When Luna had been kidnapped the year before, the stress and worry had given her father a stroke. He had been found a day or so later, in terrible condition. His magical core had forced his body into stasis, but it could not have saved him for long. He could not speak anymore and had been unable to perform the simplest of motor functions. It had been a long three and a half months but Xenophilius Lovegood had been slowly regaining his ability to walk, feed himself and many other tasks that most take for granted, though his speech was still impaired. St. Mungos was giving him weekly therapy but there had been no improvement.
Mr. Lovegood was doing well for himself and Luna was diligently running the Quibbler in his place. For his own good Mr. Lovegood had moved in with the Weasely's for the term as Luna was unwilling to leave him on his own. Xenophiliushad made one thing clear despite his lack of speech, his daughter was too finish school.
A sudden and sharp beeping interrupted the silence as Hermione's watch went off. Swiftly she shut the noise off, hoping to keep Crookshanks from waking. He hated the carrier and it was easier to load him when he was asleep.
"Time to get our things together and our uniforms on I suppose."
Carefully she gathered Crookshanks into her hands, and slid him back into the carrier, closing the door before he could figure out what had happened. Standing she stretched, raising her hands above her head and wiggling her feet. Grabbing her purse she headed toward the compartment door.
"I'll leave you three to change. Don't forget to lock the door. We don't need a riot."
Hermione dived out the door as her comment hit home and all three boys shouted in indignation.
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Heading toward the communal girls loo at the front of the train, Hermione took her time to look around. Things almost seemed normal. The compartments were full, with excited first years, wearing their simple black robes. Every once in a while she received a wave from an older student, and returned the gesture.
Her eyes locked onto a compartment of Slytherins. Inside resided Blaise Zabini, Daphne Greengrass, her younger sister Astoria and a few sixth years Hermione couldn't quite name. The rumor was Pansy Parkinson had been kept at home, her parents afraid of bringing more shame to the family name. Crabbe had perished in the room of requirement while Goyle had been arrested and tried for the torture of several muggles. He and his father now shared a cell in Azkaban.
Upon entering the loo, Hermione almost ran smack dab into Hannah Abbot. Hermione laughed at the near collision as they both endeavored to regain their composure.
"Hello Hannah. Good to see you back. How are you?"
Hannah's smile was strained but genuine. "I'm alright. Susan has come back as well. Her aunt is healing up nicely."
Madame Bone's home had come under attack not long after Christmas of the year before. She had fought off several Death Eaters, managing to escape to a safe house. Her wounds had been numerous but none worse than the claw marks down the right side of her neck and shoulder. They had bled profusely and led healers to believe Greyback's claws had been coated in a coagulant. Madame Bone's health had been touch and go for a few days but in the end she pulled through. She had also lost a few fingers on her left hand and was blind in her right eye.
Despite her injuries, Madame Bones took up her position as Head of DMLE once again after the war. She was truly a strong woman who could not be kept down. Since the war, she had become instrumental in rounding up Death Eaters. She was not only awed, but feared these days. There was even the odd rumor that Minister Shacklebolt was going to hand things over to her in a year or so.
"Did any of the others decide to return?"
Hannah shook her head.
"Justin decided not to come back, Anthony too. Ernie has though if you'd like to say hello. Michael Corner and Terry boot have come back as well. There aren't many of us left, is there?"
Sadly Hermione shook her head. "I suppose we're all going our own ways. Well I need to change. See you at the feast?"
Hannah nodded once again, before waving and slipping past Hermione and back out into the corridor. Throwing her purse into a stall, Hermione turned and locked the door. Quickly she used the loo, not wanting to leave the feast to relive herself. Lately her bladder had begun to feel smaller though the loo was not yet an hourly need.
Swiftly Hermione discarded her jeans and sweater, before slipping into one of her new skirts and crisp white tops. Rolling on her silk socks, she stepped into her black low heeled pumps and threw on her outer robes. Gryffindor red ribbon edged the material, declaring her house loud and proud. Pinning her hair up, Hermione finally put her wrist hoslter on and replaced her wand firmly against her skin. Stuffing her clothes into her purse she unlocked the stall and stepped out, catching her reflection in the mirror.
Where was that "glow" every pregnant woman supposedly carried? Hermione's appearance looked the same to her. Maybe the bags under her eyes were a little darker and her hair a bit more wild but it was nothing life changing. A bright blink caught her eyes and she noticed the amulet Ron had given her was dangling free. Catching the gemstone between her fingers, Hermione kissed it before tucking it into her shirt.
Pulling a tie from her skirt pocket, it was deftly done up in seconds, years of practice turning Hermione into an old hand at said maneuver. After loosening the tie a fraction, Hermione deemed her appearance acceptable and left the loo, well aware of the train's close quarters to the station in Hogsmeade.
Neville and Ron were tying their shoes when Hermione got back to the compartment. Harry however, looked to be waging a battle with his tie, and losing terribly. Setting her purse down, Hermione batted his hands away from the garment and began undoing the knot he had created.
"Thanks Hermione."
"Harry, you've been doing this for close to eight years now. I think you're officially helpless."
Harry ran a hand through his hair and laughed.
"Well Hermione I've got a secret. Every year you would do my tie and every year I would never officially undo the knot. I just loosened it."
Hermione smacked his should lightly as she finished playing with the silk material.
"You know, you're not going to be able to rely on me forever."
Harry gave her a roguish smile before pulling her into a hug.
"Yes I will Hermione. Your marrying me remember? You can do up my tie for the rest of eternity."
Hermione began laughing, her whole body shaking as she hugged him back.
"We'll see Mr. Potter. We'll see."
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Slowly the Hogwarts Express pulled up to the platform, smoke billowing into the sky. When the train came to a complete stop minutes later, the conductor gave the all clear and students began disembarking.
Ron jumped onto the platform and offered his hand to Hermione. Catching her easily he set her down.
"Harry, you coming mate?"
Harry huffed in indignation.
"Aren't you going to help me down? Where are your manners?"
Flashing a smile, he jumped down as Ron turned away. Neville hopped down after him, laughing. Together they headed toward the carriages after dropping Crookshanks off with the other pets and their trunks on top of the growing pile.
Upon reaching the carriages, Hermione stopped a few feet from one of the Thestrals. It was so odd seeing them. Knowing about them was one thing but to actually see their dark, skeletal bodies and bright intelligent eyes was another. Slowly she broke away from the group and walked toward the creature, reaching a hand out to its nose. Carefully she petted it and when the Thestral leaned into her touch she grew bolder.
Hermione laughed when the Thestral snuffled her shoulder and cheek almost lovingly. Swiftly it changed direction and she found the horse like creature sniffing at her stomach in almost a confused manner. It looked up at her, eyes full of knowledge. As it raised its head, Hermione whispered, "Shh. It's a secret."
The Thestral let out a whinny and threw its head back, exposing a set of unnaturally sharp and distinctly un-horselike teeth. Hermione liked to think the creature was agreeing to keep her secret.
"Alright horse whisperer, you ready?" Harry's voice was sarcastic and edged with laughter.
Hermione patted the Thestral on the nose once more before walking toward Harry, who was hanging out of the carriage door. He grabbed her hand and pulled her in. The carriage ride seemed to go by swiftly and before they knew it, the small group was traversing the huge pond of students headed toward the great hall.
Walking through the Great Hall doors, Hermione stopped in her tracks and Neville almost ran right into her. The hall looked like it had never sustained any damage. The ceiling was sparkling with stars, light clouds covering certain areas and a moon so bright it almost hurt to look at. From the far wall hung the Hogwarts crest and banners for each house. The tables were surprisingly full, many more students had come back than she had anticipated; especially after the devastation and torment of last year. Candles floated above the tables and ghosts floated through the hall. Hogwarts was once again a home.
The greetings and exclamations from their fellow Gryffindors were practically overwhelming as they sat down. The table was ecstatic to see them but Hermione figured they were happier to see more living and breathing students than anything. After twenty minutes or so, the table began to settle down and just in time for the sorting.
Headmistress McGonagall tapped her wand against the wooden stand at the head of the hall, sparks flying from the end. Silence quickly overcame them, every student's attention on her.
"Professor Flitwick, if you please."
Once again the great hall doors opened. Filius Flitwick walked down the aisle, leading close to fifty new first years. It was an astounding number that almost took Hermione's breath away. Considering the war, she hadn't thought there would be so many. Hogwarts however was once again the safest place in wizarding Britain. There had never been so many first years before. In their first year, there had been about thirty new students in all.
One by one the nervous preteens sat upon the spindly stool and let the Sorting Hat be placed upon their heads. The hat was relatively quick about its decision, aside from two or three students. By the end, the group was almost evenly split between all four houses, Hufflepuff and Gryffindor getting a few more than others.
After Professor Flitwick removed the stool, he settled himself down and Headmistress McGonagall once again held everyone's attention.
"Welcome back to another year at Hogwarts. It is wonderful to see so many of you returning. Before we eat I would like to make a few announcements. As many of you know, the Forbidden Forest is just that, forbidden. If you are caught going in or coming out, you will be severely punished, and your guardians will be notified. Secondly, the list of prohibited items has once again grown. The prohibited items list has reached an all-time high, the number being 683, and this is to include all current and future Weasley Wizard Wheezes. No magic is to be performed in the corridors at any time. You are free to roam the castle and grounds until classes on Monday. Do not cause too much mischief or you will lose house points before you gain any."
She cleared her throat and continued. "I would also like to introduce you to your Defense Against the Dark Arts Professor and former Auror, Lycus Savage."
Hermione vaguely recognized the brown haired man who rose from his seat at the head table. His hair was cropped short, the left side of his face covered in thin scars. His face was a mask of indifference when he nodded toward the crowd of students. As he lowered himself back into his chair, Hermione noticed the tension with which he did it, the strain. He was hurting, most likely war wounds refusing to heal.
Headmistress McGonagall nodded at the man before turning back to the students.
"Last but not least I would like to extend a special welcome to those of last year's graduating class, who decided to return. I suggest you younger students look to them, if you have any issues. They are a wealth of knowledge. Now dig in."
As she clapped her hands together food appeared on the tables in front of them, just like always. Food was passed from hand to hand at the Gryffindor table. The conversation was ridiculous, raucous and happy. Hermione ate silently, watching Harry, Ron, Neville and Dean gang up on Seamus. It was a pretty brutal argument about quidditch and Hermione did not want to involve herself.
Turning in her seat, Hermione surveyed the Ravenclaw table, looking for Luna. Without warning the girl she was looking for, slid onto the bench beside her.
"Hello Hermione."
Hermione jumped, turning to the lithe blonde.
"Luna, don't do that."
The blonde just smiled serenely and said, "You're too stressed Hermione. It's why you scare so easy. "
Hermione looked at her quizzically. She could swear Luna was psychic. Before she could stop herself, Hermione glanced up to the head table, her eyes zeroing in on Severus Snape. He looked normal. He was talking quietly with Headmistress McGonagall, his head bowed low. Thick black locks fell in front of his face and for a minute, Hermione could feel the strands between her fingers once more. Unconsciously she lay a hand on her stomach as she watched the man, wondering what to say to him when the time came.
"It'll be alright Hermione, he'll come around."
Snapping her head around at the blonde's comment, Hermione said quietly, "I don't know what you're talking about."
Luna shrugged, holding some mixed berry cobbler out to Hermione.
"Cobbler?"
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The trio walked arm in arm up to Gryffindor tower. It was truly wonderful to be back. It was like the damage had never been done. All the paintings were in their rightful place, and everyone was there. The stairs still moved with ease and it did indeed smell like home.
Reaching the tower they were happy to see The Fat Lady standing guard once more, her garish pink dress clashing with her background. "Password?"
"Starbright."
As the Fat lady swung open and the trio stepped through, the feeling of contentment that washed through Hermione was wondrous. Fascinated first years browsed the common room in small groups and people were already rough housing and gathering before the fire.
Harry's awed voice pulled Ron and Hermione in his direction as he said "Our chairs are still here. Ink stains and all." Indeed they were, stuffed into a corner just across from the fire. Harry threw himself into a chair as Ron did the same, pulling Hermione onto his lap.
"It feels like old times doesn't it?"
Hermione wiggled, settling herself in and squeezing between Ron and the arm of the chair, before throwing her legs across his knees. Together they sat there, talking quietly, watching the others in their house reunite.
When Hermione yawned for the fourth time Ron put his figurative foot down. "Alright, time for bed."
Hermione shook her head. "Ronald, I want to stay up a little longer."
Harry rose form his chair and held his hands out to her, wiggling his fingers expectantly. With a defeated sigh, she gripped his hands and he pulled her from the chair. As Ron stood, he stumbled, then began rubbing his left thigh.
"You know Hermione, I'm not trying to call you fat, but my leg is half asleep."
He managed to fall out of the way, as Hermione reached out to swat him. Harry pulled her along, trying not to laugh. "Alright children. Don't make me break you up."
Passing the boys and girls staircases, they soon found another brand new, made of a dark marble. Slowly they climbed the winding staircase, coming out onto a landing that overlooked the common room. In front of them was a hall, with doors on each side. Girls on one wall, boys on the other, names carved into gold plates on the doors.
Hermione ran her fingers over her name as the boys went down the hall a bit to their own. Looking back at them, she smiled and said, "Goodnight."
Without waiting for a reply, she entered and closed the door behind her, falling back against the hard wood. She was so tired, but didn't want to give Ron the satisfaction of being right. It looked like she was going to be getting tired faster and faster. Rubbing her eyes, she walked toward the large four poster, its red velvet blankets calling to her like a siren.
Her trunk was already at the foot of the bed, a large oak dresser next to a window that overlooked the courtyard. A small writing desk was on the wall opposite the bed, a large plush chair in front of it.
Practically on autopilot, Hermione started stripping, her clothes falling to the floor. Her purse landed in the plush chair. Naked, she crawled into bed, running into Crookshanks under the velvety covers. He let out a rumbling whine.
"Oh hush, you big baby."
Snuggling up to his warm fur, Hermione sighed, her face burying into the feather pillows. Crookshanks was purring, the vibration running through her stomach and thighs as he crawled closer. Within minutes, she was out like a light.
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