Disclaimer: I don't own anything.
The next chapter will not be Hermione's time at Hogwarts, don't worry! It'll be Christmas at the Burrow :) I hope you enjoy this chapter!
A few tears found their way out of Hermione's eyes as Ron encased her in a very tight hug.
"Please write," he said quietly, pulling away and stroking Hermione's brown hair, which, to Ron's surprise, had gotten less bushier throughout the years. He could barely make out the frizz.
"I promise," Hermione whispered, her arms still around his neck.
"Hermione," Ron said, patting her clumsily on the shoulder as she started to cry quietly on Ron's shoulder. "please don't cry."
Hermione pulled away and wiped some of her tears on her already-wet sleeve. She had already done most of her crying in one of the ministry cars Mr. Weasley had borrowed, all the time tearing as Ron held her hand. Of course, Hermione had saved her and Ron's goodbye for last, although she couldn't help but not pay much attention as she hugged the rest of the Weasleys and Harry. This was the moment she was anticipating.
"Honestly, Ron," Hermione said, a small watery grin spreading across her face. "how can I not? I'm leaving you for nine months, Ron."
Ron closed his eyes and sighed. "Well, this is it then."
The scarlet Hogwarts express began to emit steam, leaving Hermione only a couple more minutes to board it.
"Ron," Hermione said, throwing her arms around his neck once more and kissing him lightly on the mouth. Ron reacted instantly. The two stayed together for a few seconds, until Harry yelled, "Hermione!"
Hermione pulled away and grinned up at Ron, who was smiling back. "I'll see you soon."
"Wait!" Ron said, as Hermione began to walk towards the train.
"Can I even?" she asked anxiously, wringing her hands and facing Ron. "What?"
"You're coming to stay for the Christmas holidays and Easter!" Ron yelled, as Hermione looked gently at him. "It's not nine months after all!"
Hermione grinned and entered through the doors of the Hogwarts express, immediately grabbing the first compartment she could find, as to talk some more with Ron. She threw up the window and Ron smiled at her.
"Write!" he yelled, as the train began to gather speed.
Ron waved until the Hogwarts express rounded a corner, and Hermione could see no more.
"Hello," someone said dreamily.
Hermione whipped around and wiped her eyes on her sleeve again, for she had been secretly tearing without even realizing it. Her eyes focused on a pretty blonde, who had definitely grown a lot over the summer.
"Luna!" Hermione said, grinning up at her. She stood up and gave her a small hug.
Luna, though her eyes were looking someplace else, pulled away and smiled absentmindedly back at Hermione.
"So I take it you wanted to come back to Hogwarts, did you?" she asked, taking a seat across Hermione's spot.
"Yes, of course," Hermione replied, sitting back down and looking out the window.
"Harry and Ron didn't want to come?"
Hermione shook her head.
"Why not?" Luna asked, looking concerned and leaning forward.
"Erm... Ron said something about 'not really caring about magical education', while Harry has already applied for Auror post at the Ministry of Magic," Hermione recited, her eyes traveling to look into Luna's blue ones.
"Oh," Luna said. "Ron's probably got a Wrackspurt in his brain." She leaned forward and added in a dramatic whisper, "I hear from Ginny he gets those all the time."
Hermione let out a laugh and the two began to discuss Ron, without even mentioning anything about Harry Potter.