"No, she is not going to be here for Christmas."

"Thank Merlin," said Ginny in a relieved voice. "Why did you invite her anyway?"

"Ginevra, one day you will have to face up to everything."

"What's that supposed to mean?"

"I mean that she is innocent. Have you forgotten about Sirius? You were able to believe he was innocent for killing your husband's parents. I'm so tired of your attitude. One day you will realize how wrong you are and you will have to face all the things that you said and did. You can't handle the truth because then you will have to experience the guilt and shame the rest of us are going through. The longer you wait to accept the truth the harder it will be on you."

"You're ridiculous mum. I'm the only one that's thinking clearly." Ginny pleaded. "If you don't like my attitude because I'm the only one that can see Hermione for what she is, why don't I just leave? Harry and I can spend our first Christmas as husband and wife in our own flat." She threatened, clearly thinking her mother was going to back down.

"You know Ginevra, Harry is disgusted by the way you're acting. I wouldn't be surprised if he decides to spend Christmas here with us even without you."

Ginny was furious. "Fine, owl me when you've come to your senses." She left with a pop.

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When Harry and I walked into the kitchen, mum was sitting at the table drinking a cup of tea with a tear stained face. She explained the latest encounter with Ginny.

"Molly, I just don't know what to do. She threatened to kick me out if I go to see Hermione or attend the ceremony. Ginny has truly lost it. I love her so much but I can't live like this."

Mum placed her hand on his arm in a motherly way. "I'm sure she'll come out of it. It's denial of some kind."

"Mum," I said "I invited 'Mione to Christmas dinner but she said she had other plans. She said she owled you back."

"Yes dear, I got it earlier. Don't worry; she's not leaving the country only going to Hogwarts for Christmas. Minerva was the only one convinced we had the wrong person."

Mum noticed the frown on my face and continued, "I know that you always loved her dear, even after you thought she was guilty and convicted. That's why you went to Healer Listener, isn't it? I could tell my son was troubled."

"Yep. I couldn't understand why I still had dreams about her and a future together. I wanted him to help me get over it so I could go out and get married like Harry and Ginny. Seems like my heart always knew she was innocent, my brain just wouldn't let me believe it."

"Dear, I'm not sure you can ever have a life together. Even if she forgives you, she won't be able to forget. Take things very slow. Harry told me that you took the job following her. That's probably doing more harm than good."

I looked at Harry. "Hey mate, I thought it a bad idea. Plus, I can't talk about things at home. I've slept on the couch since Hermione got out."

"She asked me to stop, so Tonks with be there from now on." I said definitively, however they didn't seem to believe me. Poor Harry, he sounded like he was going through hell. I had tried to talk to Ginny last night, but she refused to even see me. Christmas was only a few days away and no matter the threat, Ginny wouldn't miss it, I would do my best to speak with her then.

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Ginny sat at the kitchen table of her flat looking at old photo albums and scrapbooks. Included was a transcript of her testimony at Hermione's trial and sentencing. She read through it. Her words had been horrible to use on who was your best friend. Peppered throughout was the word mudblood. She had been brought up never to use, but for some reason at the time it seemed appropriate.

Ginny had told every one at trial of their intimate secrets but twisted them to serve her advantage. Things Hermione said about loving Ron she manipulated to make it sound like she was using him. She told bold face lies about Hermione having multiple affairs with undesirable people even though she was sure Hermione was a virgin. She played on Hermione's fear of being used and her heritage to create a motive for turning to the dark side.

Ginny had had to do something to ensure the conviction of person who set up her father's death. The evidence was so strong against her; they had letters in her handwriting and even a witness. So what if the witness was Dennis, Malfoy had surely lied about him. Dennis was dead and couldn't defend himself, a logical choice for Malfoy to point the finger at.

At the sentencing she was able to speak directly to Hermione and told her how she hated her and that no one really liked her aside from the fact they could copy her homework. That was probably the kindest thing she had said that day.

She had to be guilty, Ginny thought. I wouldn't have been able to do those things if she wasn't. My conscience wouldn't have let me, right?

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Hermione was thrilled when Friday came and eagerly packed her bags and headed to Hogwarts. The tide of her life changed after her years at Hogwarts were over so she was determined to only remember the best of times. She entered the grounds and made her way to the front doors. There was fresh snow on the ground and she could see a few remaining students skating on the lake.

When I reached the last step before the door, it swung open. I was greeted by Hagrid, who scooped me up and was giving me an array of apologies through his giant tears. At the Order meeting where the accusations were first made, I remember Hagrid telling everyone it couldn't be true. I had not seen or heard from him since, so in my mind it was nice that his first impression was that I wasn't guilty.

"Put her down Hagrid, she is a guest not a teddy bear!"

Hagrid put me down and I saw Professor McGonagall. I ran to her and she gave me a motherly hug. I looked up at her through tears. "None of that, let's go up to my chambers and have some tea and a bite. You know we pay the house elves now." She smiled knowing I was delighted at the news.

We made our way up to what used to be Professor Dumbledore's office. It had not changed at all except for his portrait hanging behind the desk. "Welcome home Miss Granger." The painted Dumbledore exclaimed.

"Thank you Professor Dumbledore. It's nice to hear your voice again."

"And yours too." He replied. Even in a portrait, the twinkle in his eye could not be missed.

McGonagall lead me out of the office and through a doorway I had never seen before, probably by design. Inside were her private chambers. It was a beautiful sitting room with what appeared to be a bedroom off to the left and an eating area and small library to the right.

"Wow, this is very impressive." We started to talk about all the things that had gone on during my imprisonment. She spoke of Harry and Ginny's lavish wedding only a few months ago and the goings on of other graduates.

"What are your plans Hermione? I'm sure you want to leave the magical world, but I'd wish you'd reconsider. Don't forget, you were the brightest witch of your age."

"I really just want to start a normal life. I don't want everyone to know where I was or what happened to me at Azkaban. I see the looks I get. Some are apologetic, some pity, while others aren't sure whether I'm safe to come near."

McGonagall smiled. "Look, I have a little proposition." I looked at her like she was probably crazy but she continued. "Professor Vector, the arithmacy professor, plans to retire after the next school year. I would love to offer that position to her upon her retirement. It would give you almost a year and a half to get your life back into some order."

I was about to speak when she continued. "In the interim, Madam Pince suffered a severe stroke last summer and we have been without a librarian this whole year. You could take that job until the other becomes vacant. I know your love of books, plus you can be as reclusive or as out in the world as you'd like. You would have a living area identical to this and a salary."

I had to admit it was tempting. I could hide myself away at Hogwarts and not really have to leave. But what would the students think? Would I be something to fear or a freak show?

Professor McGonagall could see the wheels turning in my brain and spoke up. "Now is a time to enjoy ourselves. You certainly don't need to decide today or even by the time you leave. I don't plan to fill the library position immediately, but promise me that you'll think about it."

"I will." I replied sincerely.

"Come on; allow me show you to one of the famous Hogwarts guest chambers."