I'm coming home
I'm coming home
Tell the world I'm coming home
Let the rain wash away all the pain of yesterday
I know my kingdom awaits and they've forgiven my mistakes
- Coming Home, Skylar Grey

My Ancient Runes essay got the only Outstanding, I've been given the first letter of recommendation to send to future employers by Headmistress McGonagall, and I was commended by Professor Slughorn for making a brilliant argument on my Potions test about Murtlap Essence.

So why aren't I ecstatic?

Of course I was extremely pleased when I was initially told, but the education high I normally achieve from performing well at school has disappeared. I can't even pay attention in Transfiguration, where I currently am, and it's one of my favourite subjects. What is wrong with me?

It's probably because of this impending doom everyone keeps suggesting I'll have on the spring break. After Harry and Ron found out about the collaboration between Malfoy and I last week, they've been clinging to me like irate grindylows to an intruder in their midst. I've grudgingly allowed Ron to talk to me; but on the condition that if it's only something relevant like school work, and not about the 'look' some poor bloke wasn't giving me across the hall. Honestly, you give boys an inch and they want a mile.

Anyways, after everybody saw how upset Ron had been coming back from that horrific encounter outside the library, they put two and two together and assumed correctly that I was in fact paired with our resident Slytherin. I overheard Lavender speaking to Fay about how unfair it was that I got so much male attention from the 'hot guys', and why couldn't Ron have at least joined music so she could make me jealous.

Furthermore, I've had Dean, Seamus, and basically all the old D.A. members come up to me individually, saying that if I needed any emergency help, to send out a signal via our old Protean charmed coins. I'm not even quite sure where my master copy is anymore, I think Neville has it. Don't get me wrong, I appreciate their concern over my safety. It just feels like they don't think I can manage it. I mean, it's just Malfoy.

Okay, well it's a boy who I'm attracted to. But, he's one who I loathe all the same. And in any case, I'm going to be more concerned with the outcome of our assignment than what the outcome of our bizarre relationship is. I know we're both bossy control-freaks, but he's just going to have to fit it through his skull that I'm the leader. He gets to pick who we are discussing, so I get to pick how we go about discussing them. My revision and composition practices have yet to fail me (I got an Acceptable once in Divination, admittedly. Cried myself to sleep for a week). Mostly though, I receive top notch grades, and I expect the same effort put in to this assignment on both sides, or else I'll have to let McGonagall know that he didn't. And while I like answering questions in class, I do not like tattling.

I figure that we, as partners, can simply confer about what we would like to write about (meticulously following the essay guide of course), painfully go out in public if necessary to retrieve books should we need them, and then work hard indoors. If he does his part well, maybe I'll even let him go home so he can write it unsupervised. The less I see of him, the better.

So in perspective, it really isn't all that bad unless he gives me an attitude.
Of course he's going to give me attitude; I'm sure he wants to work on this with me as much as I want to with him. Despite all these 'glares' he's apparently giving me. They're probably out of spite, not of sexual yearning. Or he's just putting everybody on.

The chair in front of me roars like a beast and I snap to attention, jumping slightly. I forgot I was standing up; I probably looked a right dimbo just staring into thought space.

Neville has managed to transfigure his desk into half a lion. It's sprouted a red mane out the top, a tail swinging violently out the back, and the legs are now paws. A small mouth is protruding from the flat wooden surface, and angry roars emit from it. We were supposed to be turning our textbooks into parrots that could recite the page we were on (I haven't successfully made a transformation yet); I guess Neville misaimed. I can't help but giggle, Harry and Ron are almost in a fit. It is quite the ridiculous sight. Though, the horrified expression on Neville's face is far more hilarious than of his actual mess-up. At least the transformation wasn't complete.

McGonagall gives him a dispraising look from her seat, but simply rolls her eyes.

"Sorry professor," Neville grumbles.

"It's alright Longbottom, just leave it so I can take care of it after." She stands up. "Class, we are done for the day." Excited whispers cascade through the big room. "Enjoy your break, students, and all of my music pupils; make sure you give your best effort into that assignment. I look forward to the presentations."

McGonagall smiles in her tight-lipped way at all of us and proceeds to shoo us away. "Now off you go, the train will be leaving in less than 2 hours!"

Everyone packs up quickly, and walks out just as fast, waving and calling good byes to our professor. I purposely lag behind, taking my time. Harry distracts Ron into conversation, driving him out the room. I informed him earlier that I needed to speak with Malfoy for a moment so he graciously told me he'll prevent Ron from noticing by discussing Quidditch teams. By the animated arm-movements on Ron's part, it appears to be working.

"Goodbye, Professor," I say brightly, who in return gives a pleasant nod. "And thank you for the recommendation, it really means a lot." I don't know how else to express my gratitude, but I figure telling her repeatedly might help.

She simply smiles again. "Make sure you don't miss the train, Miss Granger!"

Breathing deep, I reach into my bag and fish out my photo self-consciously. Then I track down Malfoy, who luckily was one of the last to leave the room. I see his leather bag swiftly turn around the entrance of the class and quicken my pace so as not to miss him. I need to pack too.

"Malfoy," I call in a polite voice, though internally my stomach is clenching. Last time we talked was last week, and he was most definitely not a happy camper when he left.

He stops mid-stride and swivels around smirking, almost like he was expecting me to say something to him today.

He puts on an obviously fake exterior and says happily, 'Yes, Granger?", then continues to frown.

I swallow. "I…You're apparating to my house Friday."

"I know," he replies like I'm an idiot.

"Er, I was just thinking yesterday that it would be awfully difficult for you to locate it, seeing as you've never been there. So I got the idea that maybe a visual aid would help you."

He looks puzzled for a moment, his mouth stretching into an almost amused half-sneer. "Visual aid?" he repeats, raising an eyebrow.

"Yes. Well, that is to say, a picture of my home. I know it's a Muggle picture, but it's all I've got, unfortunately. On such short notice, I couldn't exactly send for a new one; this is the picture I glance at when I find myself missing my family." I admit slightly embarrassed.

He seems at a loss for words.

"You want to give me a picture. So I won't get lost..?" he clarifies.

"Of course," I repeat, not understanding why that's such a complicated concept. "I wouldn't expect you to simply know what to do and where to go."

His confused face returns, looking at me as if thoughtfulness is a foreign notion, though now that I think of his past endeavours and comrades, maybe it is. As much as I can become upset at someone, I won't hold such malicious intent towards him especially when his future concerns and affects me.

I tenderly clutch the picture I'm holding, looking at it tentatively before handing it out to him. He leans away from me for a moment, awkward at my sudden kindness I'm guessing. Or maybe because my 'Mudblood' hands are near him, I don't know. But then he grabs it and immediately stares at it. I glance away, not wanting to see his reaction to it as he's probably scrutinizing the size and quality of it. His home is magnificent, but that's to be expected from his family. Compared to his mansion, my house looks like a shack.

"Have you decided on who you'd like to research?" I ask, finally returning my gaze to the blondie in front of me. He looks up from the photo, expressionless, smacking it back and forth continually over his palm. He shakes his head, smirking again.

I sigh. "Really? Because I wanted to get a head start on it. Nobody at all in mind?" I press, knowing I sound like a swot, but annoyed that he can't think of anyone, seeing as I gave him the choice.

"How about you pick a few people you like, I'll pick a few I like, and we compare the music when I see you." he says diplomatically. Draco Malfoy, diplomatic? "Then we can possibly come to a decision together. If not, then we pick my favourite."

He must see the look of utter disbelief on my face as he drawls in a way impeccably like his father: "I can be considerate you know. Just because I have the choice, doesn't mean I won't give other ones a chance." I just continue to stare at him.

"See ya on the weekend, Granger," he says still smirking, with a weird hint of something imprinted in his normally lifeless eyes, turning away to go pack.

I just shake my head and turn around in the opposite direction. Bollocks, I didn't tell him what time to come over! Oh well, he probably doesn't get up till noon, so I'll have time to prepare.

I close my mind up, realizing that the train leaves at 5, it is now 3:47, and I've yet to pack a thing! Beginning to sprint along the corridors, I rush past all the younger students, wanting to get to the tower ASAP; getting Crookshanks to sit in her travel cage properly is always a nightmare.

{}

"Hermioneeee, we're almost in Lon-don."

I open my eyes slowly to see a smiling Ginny appear in my vision, hand on my shoulder.

"How long have I been out for?" I inquire yawning and stretching, Crookshanks dozing on my lap.

"Oh, since about an hour or so into the ride," she giggles. I groan, but grin blushingly.

"I'm sorry, hopefully I didn't snore or anything," I reply embarrassed, remembering a time last year when Ron complained I didn't stop wheezing one evening so he couldn't get any sleep; if I remember correctly, he had on Regulus's locket. I glance around the compartment, surprised only Ginny is here.

"No, no, you were silent. Don't worry, Hermione, Ron was positively talking your ear off about some mundane sport in North America, Quodpot if I recall. Don't blame you for wanting to get away from it. You seemed lost in your own little world anyhow, but pretended to keep interest until you nodded off."

That's right; I was preoccupied about how I would go about informing Mum and Dad about our visitor for the next 2 weeks. I honestly hadn't thought of how crowded the house might be since we'll have more family guests coming in for a few days for Easter; I think Gran is coming, Uncle Bertrand, Aunt Lisa, Little Connor and Abbey, then Aunt Julia with Andrea who will no doubt have more clothes for me from Vogue. She never fails. This Malfoy business roaming back and forth in my head has kept me from actually being excited that I get to have a reunion; I haven't seen my relatives in such a long time.

"What are you so happy about?" Ginny asks amused. I touch my face, noticing my grin is wider than usual.

"I just can't wait to see my family," I say, and she smiles.

"Yeah, me neither. As much as Mum drives me round the bend half the time, I can't imagine not having her around. Who else would I get to act out as a surly, misunderstood teenager to then?" We both laugh.

In this instance, I realize Malfoy is just another blip in the radar. I'm doing great in school, I've got good friends and I'm going home!

Remembering Ron abruptly, I ask, "Is Ron okay? I mean, was he miffed or angry when I fell asleep?"

She rolls her eyes. "You worry too much about that git, love. He didn't even realize you had been napping until he saw you start to breathe heavily and noticeably. I think he took it to heart though, he went off dragging Harry along to go find Neville to see his opinion on the game." She tells me all this in a bored voice and I can't help but chuckle again.

"Oh, I feel awful, were you sitting here by yourself long?" I ask, suddenly realizing she must've been lonely when Ron and Harry left.

"Luna came in here earlier, so no." she says pleasantly. "I didn't want to leave you, knew Ron would have a fit if I left you 'unattended' from outsiders. So I just had a go at your Ancient Runes book," she points to the open text lying next to me. "Awfully boring," she concludes, and I shake my head smiling. I adore that book.

"Then Luna came in for a visit after I gave up trying to decipher what 6 triangles and a square meant. We talked about what we were going to do on holiday, and then she went on about something to do with how you were probably in a Dwarf-induced Dream because they enjoy train rides and the visions only happen on Thursdays." She wiggles her eyebrows up at me and stifles a laugh.

I like Luna, but I've never found her views amusing like everyone else has. I simply don't understand how she can really believe such nonsensical things. She's a very good person though. Her uncanny knack for understanding humans is baffling, and she's been awfully nice to me considering I accidently insulted her Father the first day we met.

"So now here we are." Ginny proclaims, waving her hands up in the air. "I hope Harry comes back soon though; I need to tell him what he should watch out for when Mum's present. He has this tendency to act awkward and say stupid things around her because now we're dating, you see," she gestures. "Dad loves the idea of us, I can tell, as does Mum, though she hides it. Good thing I have an amazing taste in men, huh?" she winks.

Well, that is certainly true.

"I just wished he'd act like he normally does," she continues. "I mean, Mum and Dad already love him like he's family. I don't understand her concern for me, hasn't he proved his worth tenfold? It isn't as if they can stop us dating, kissing or sleeping in the same bed, either."

"Excuse me?" I ask, all other thoughts escaping my mind like a vacuum in space. "You two are sleeping together?" I whisper, trying to have more tact.

"Well, yeah." She says easily. "Mum got really angry at the end of the summer when we started doing it, but I told her that he's an adult now and I'm damn near one, so it isn't any of her business what we do in close quarters. Wouldn't speak to me for weeks actually, but she finally came to when Harry explained to Dad who explained to Mum that he is in love with me wholly and truly, and that anything going on in there isn't out of simple hormones. He likes protecting me and being with me at night," she says unpretentiously. "I think Ron would prefer to be alone anyways to sleep."

"That seems excessively difficult just to be able to have sex."

She looks completely dumbfounded for a moment and then bursts into hysterics.

What have I …?
Oh god, realization hits me and I feel a right idiot.
She wasn't talking about sex. Or at least, just about sex. I blush fiercely at my blunder, and Ron picks this inopportune moment to barge in, Ginny clutching her sides from giggling too hard and me sitting here feeling foolish.

"Hey, Hermione you're…..awake?" He finishes midsentence awkwardly, staring at us. Ginny looks like she's having a fit, her face matching the shade of her hair.

"W-what's so funny?" he asks, looking panicked.

"S-s-s-s-s," Ginny hisses, but can't get the word out because the laughter is so hard, and her attempt to stop it is cutting at her vocal chords. I'm just frozen, hoping she won't actually say it.

"Well spit it out!"

"SEX!" Ginny shrieks, and at her brother's reaction (eyes wide, face rouged) she begins to giggle uncontrollably again. Ron spins around and exits the car, pushing away a confused Harry by the shoulders. He only got dip his head in to check on his girlfriend before he was pulled back out, no time to open his mouth.

"In all seriousness though," I start, starting to get slightly peeved at her finding this so comedic. It's not my fault I've never experienced love the way she has. "Are you two having regular intercourse?"

She snorts when I say intercourse, but takes deep breaths in order to stop the small titters still emitting from her mouth.

"Sorry, sorry. I just thought of what I had said to you and didn't grasp the fact that it did sound a lot like I was talking about just fucking."

I cringe when she swears. I hate when people say it like that; making love sounds so much lovelier and gentler. Fucking sounds so impersonal to me.

"Oh come on, it was funny, don't be a stick in the mud," she says in response to my expression, coming to sit next to me.

She then puts a hand of my wrist and looks into my eyes earnestly. "Hermione, yes, we have sex. I thought it was obvious the way we act around each other."

Of course's she's right. I don't know why, but I just can't see Harry in a sexual relationship, it isn't right because I view him like I would a brother. Ginny, yes I could see, she's so carefree and confident. But my best friend? He's so awkward.
A slight grin falls on my face thinking about it, actually. How embarrassed he'd be asking to do anything, and she'd just roll her eyes and be ready.

"The first time was at the end of my fifth year, before school ended if you wanted to know." I find myself a little shocked, fifteen seems too young.

When I say nothing out loud, she continues. "He took me for a walk one weekend; we neared the forest and found a beautiful view of the Black Lake. It was very beautiful….and private. We kissed, we touched, one thing led to another and…well, you know."
No, sadly I don't know.

"But you have to know that it means more to us than just carnal need. I mean, I'll admit that once you have it once, you beg for more," she grins impishly. "But I love him. If we honestly wanted to just 'do it', there are so many places we could go; Mum has no idea. There have been several times where we said we were visiting George at his house, but instead we went to a Muggle inn." She blushes slightly and adds, "But please don't tell anyone I've said that, Harry is still paranoid someone's going to find out." I give her a disproving look.

I'm not upset at her for defying her parents, maybe a little shocked. I'm more surprised Harry would risk such lengths just to be with her like that. I feel so envious.

"I've loved him for a long time, as you know very well," she smiles. "While the sex is amazing, I have to tell you it's far more special an experience for me to just lay there with him in the aftermath, just cuddling. It's indescribable, 'Mione. When he's holding me, it is as if we're the only two people in the world, all my fears and problems just melt. I feel very safe and appreciated. Loved. I feel like he only has eyes for me. And to wake up in the arms of somebody who's saved you plenty of times, who you never thought you'd have a chance with it's just….Oh, I'm sorry I didn't mean to go on about it…" she finishes dreamily. I soften my expression, understanding finally how much she cares for him, to describe her intimacy like that.

Ok, now I'm really jealous. Ginny is not usually one to have emotional conversations, even to her greatest of friends; this must really be special for her to get lost in the feeling of something like that. She's so lucky, does deserve it though.

Her experiences are something I've near come close to, but stopped in the middle. The niggling thing in the back of my head comes to the forefront, and I don't know if I should dare ask, but I do.

"Ron knows about the nature of Harry and your relationship, doesn't he." She looks at me, almost sadly, and nods. "Do you think that's why he…?" I can't complete the question.

"Hermione," she sighs. "My brother has always been the bitter type. He hates that a lot of people have material things he doesn't, and he is ashamed that we don't have more money." She looks at the floor, and I put a comforting hand on her shoulder. When she lifts her head back up, her eyes are fiery. "So when I or his friends find ourselves having sex, love, or just fun with someone special, a thing that doesn't necessarily need money to be achieved, he sees green. He craves the attention from the opposite sex not just because of the natural urge, but because all the rest of his siblings can do it with ease. But he lacks the comprehension and sensibleness to be a decent boyfriend, not to mention the brains to pick out a decent girlfriend," she adds, hopefully thinking of Lavender. "I know after last year his personality has improved, he finally acts like an adult now….but only sometimes. I'm quite sure that he knows what Harry and I get up to when we're alone, and he wanted that with you. The problem is that I doubt Harry talks about what we do in detail, so Ron has no idea that the reason we're so happy, well most of the time," she adds as an afterthought, "is because of everything we do together, not just the sexual aspect."

"So basically he rushes it?" I ask.

"Yes. I think he really did and does love you, Hermione," she says seriously. "That's the thing that's frustrating, I think he does. But because he doesn't know what proper love is, he acts like he did with Lavender, which was to just snog 24/7 instead of talking; she chewed on every word he said, and you don't because you're far more interesting and don't pretend to be fascinated with things you're not."

"I never saw it that way," I admit. After I moment I ask, "Should I feel bad that I don't want to give him a second chance then?"

"No, love," she says kindly. "I like you 2 together, but Ron's been acting like an idiot ever since you broke up. He probably reckons that if you had just had sex you would feel the way Harry and I do, which is not true. And since you left him hanging, essentially, with no space to apologize, he's still hung up on it all. It's been ages, honestly, he need to understand that you need to be ready for these things; He should know you by now. You'll be level-headed about any decision concerning something important, but he insisted on being hasty before talking it out. It's on you whether or not you want to see his gitty face again," she adds sticking her tongue out.

It amazes me the way people can be so wise beyond their years about the things you're confused about the most.

"Thanks, Ginny," I say heartily, hugging her. She squeezes me back and gives me the usual, 'No problem, it's what I'm here for!"

"Out of curiosity, do you want me to get back with him?" I ask cautiously.

"Not really now. Honestly, you left and he didn't properly apologize for months. He's been so rude to you, just because you kissed Dean he started a national emergency for goodness sakes. You're 18! He should leave you be to explore your options." My mind shifts to an image of a smiling Malfoy, the smile he had during his audition that made my heart jump. I shake it away. "The concept that perhaps you'll realize that he's better for you than others once you go out with them is lost on him. I won't be that upset if you don't get back with him, I just hope you can find a viable replacement for yours and my sake. I'm so sorry about Dean by the way, he's usually a nice guy."

"He is…he just has the alpha male gene, doesn't he? Has to respond to goading. Can't ignore it. If somebody got mad at him for kissing you he'd have done the same. Guess it's the same routine when he was with you. He always tried to do things for you even though you told him to stop. And honestly, a fight on our first date? How ludicrous."

"I know…Ron must've been saying things when we weren't around, yeah? I just hope your next date is better. If you go out with a tosser in his eyes, he'll just constantly rub it in our face that he was better for you. I doubt anyone won't be a tosser to him though…"

I look at her cheeky face and chuckle. I ask, still thinking of Malfoy, "You don't think he hates me after all I've put him through in the summer, and this year, and now the whole Malfoy thing?"

"Hermione, are you serious? What you've put him through?" She rolls her eyes. "He can't give you breathing space for 2 seconds; I mean okay, he may 'love you', but if he did love you the way he says he does, he wouldn't have gotten so cross last summer. He uses the word like it trumps everything else anyone has to say; he devalues it. Couples break up and get back together all the time, but he took you so seriously that he wouldn't even speak to you, what a class A jerk. It's such low self-esteem. I don't blame you for it either. I've had plenty of boys date me, only to want to get in my pants, and I'm sure that's what it felt like to you. Just because he knows you well does not mean there isn't any more to learn." Exactly how I feel! "And as for Malfoy, he just has to get over it. This is school work, and if he knows you at all he'll know you're going to suffer through it for an Outstanding, you're a fighter. Though if something happens because of him, you let me know and I'll be on my way with a Bat Bogey Hex ready to fire," she says maliciously.

I open my mouth momentarily, but close it just to smile. I just can't confide in Ginny how I've been feeling about my partner as of late. She doesn't know that I've seen him naked, or that I've had so many strange run-ins with him; some I've found as pleasant as the bad ones have been difficult. She doesn't know because I'm chicken. If I told her, she'd probably get angry. She can be understanding, but she also hates Malfoy's guts; he's always been rude to her and her family. And he doesn't deserve her kindness. Her boyfriend has been the victim of his insults forever, and all these things should make me hate him, but I don't. It's driving me insane.

"You okay?" she asks. "Not worried about Malfoy are you?" Yes, but not for the same reasons you think I am.

"A tiny bit, but more about how he'll react around my family than anything," I lie, though that is a valid concern. Ugh, I hate this predicament.

"Well, you always have your friends," she grins. "Revenge is my specialty."

"I'll keep that in mind." I smile. The door slides open and both of us girls look at the intruder startled. I sigh when it's just Harry; for some reason I thought it'd be Malfoy. I need to relax.

"What was all that nonsense about earlier?" he asks, perturbed.

"Oh, sex," Ginny says crudely. He flushes and tugs at his collar.

"Well nothing about me right?" he gulps.

"Why?"

"Ron saw you laughing, Gin, and Hermione blushing. He thought maybe you were talking about him, and er his, um, you know…Performance ." He says strained. "He thought Hermione had given some sort of inside info about him and Ginny was laughing at it."

A shaky grin forms on Ginny's lips, but she holds in a laugh.

"That definitely was not out topic of conversation," I clarify, my mind flashing to Ron naked, and then to Malfoy.

All this talk of sex is getting to me. He has definite sex appeal, but still.

"So you were talking about me?"

"Maybe a bit," I join. My mind won't rest, but I quite enjoy Harry's facial expressions.

"Nothing bad…or graphic I hope."

"Nope," I say, looking at Ginny.

"Good," he sighs. "You're not, er, mad, Hermione?"

My turn to look worried. "No, why would I be?"

"I just…thought you may disapprove of our uh, decisions." He mumbles. Ginny shakes her head, weary of his tactlessness.

"No, not at all. It's your life, and Ginny's been mature about it." I nod in her direction, and she crosses her arms then nods satisfied.

"Okay, good," he says relieved, though I'm insulted he'd think I'd lecture him on proper behaviour…okay I have in the past, but not for his romantic life; he doesn't need to be scolded for that, he's a wonderful boyfriend.

"Anyways, since we're about 5 seconds away from King's Cross, I decided to come back; Ron refused to and stayed with Neville and Luna." I click my tongue and sigh.

Ron, seriously needs to step up the game if he wants to prove he loves me. He keeps stating how he feels, publicly ugh, but nothing he's done so far has proven that he can wait for me; I dislike overprotective, and I need someone grown-up enough to appreciate that personal space is a blessing. Immaturity is a turn off.

To clear my head I look out the window to see the city nearing us. It's stunning. The night sky is bright with the skyscrapers and hustle and bustle alighting the downtown haze. The stars are just visible above the clouds.

As much as I love the country taste of Hogwarts, I'll never be able to give up the urban jungle of the Muggle world. I love it. I love walking around it, seeing new people and places every day; walking down streets I've never heard of. Discovery is a beautiful thing. Sitting in the park reading is not as special when you're at Hogwarts because grass is available everywhere; Hyde Park, one of my absolute favourite places in the world is like heaven in the middle of a metropolis. I've found myself escaping there in past summers just to relax and get outside.

Ginny nudges me and gestures to the luggage above our heads. I snap out of my daze as Harry and Ginny start grabbing their belongings. Once the Hogwarts Express starts seeping underground from Muggle view, I decide to tidy up. The train comes to a screeching halt as I finish scooping up Crookshanks into her carrier.

In the single file line to escape the train, I spot Mum and Dad outside the window, though they can't see me. My heart flutters with excitement and I have the desire to just cast a petrificus totalis spell on everyone so I can get out.

"Make sure you write," Harry smiles as we finally reach the platform. I turn my gaze from my paents, who're waving, to my best friend and give his lovely self a hug. He's startled by the sudden emotion from at first but returns it.

"Bye Gin," I say as she shuffles away from a happy Luna to me, and switch bodies to embrace.

"Bye, Hermione! I'll miss you even if it's just for a few weeks. Come over if you can! Fill me in on what happened, won't you?"

"Of course," I nod and wave to Mr and Mrs. Weasley. "I'll try not to leave a thing out."

"Good trip, Hermione?" Mrs. Weasley calls as Ginny smiles at me and we walk over with Harry to see them.

'Yes, thanks! And how are you doing, Molly?" I really am blessed that they still treat me well after having broken up with Ron; Mrs. Weasley blames Ron for it like she normally does, but I'm grateful for that, I really do like them a lot. They even asked me to use their first names because I 'treat them with respect and we're all adults'.

"Oh, been busy looking after little Teddy, he's growing up so fast!" she proclaims delightfully. She must be happy her maternal instincts are being used once again after almost a decade. "Talking nonstop, walking, and quite eager to try out a broom, but I thought maybe his godfather would want to show him that," she says, eyes sparkling at Harry who just beams as if it were his own child.

"Yes, he's really brightened the household, hasn't he?" Mr. Weasley adds in. "Makes life quite a bit less lonely when you folks are away."

I just smile at them all, and feel a bump behind me. Looking backwards, I spot some red hair. I move over so he can receive a hug from his Mum. Ron after being released from his squeeze looks down at me hesitantly, as if he wants to say something.

I'm in such a pleasant mood that I don't even have the urge to be distant and aloof my instincts tell me.
"I'll see you in a few weeks, Ron," I say lightly. He looks taken aback when I hug him close, but regains his sense and envelops me back tightly. He hangs on for a bit longer than he should, but I don't say anything. I don't have to anyways, Mr. Weasley clears his throat and Ron jumps slightly, moving away from me sheepishly.

"Shall we?" he asks.

"My parents are waiting over there, I must be going. See you later!" I say. Everyone calls out goodbyes, Ron ecstatic somewhat to my dismay, as I turn to my parents behind me.

Hurrying to their smiling faces, I rush into my Dad's open arms. "Hello, love," he says warmly.

"Hi Dad…Mum."

It's so good to be home.