Written In The Body

Poetheather

A/N: So I am thinking of re-editing the first like ten chapters at some point so I can get things more in line with the rest of the book. If I do I'll let you all know so you don't miss out on any new and interesting stuff.

A/N 2: In further statements that are obvious, being a disabled Vet sucks. I am currently wearing an immobilizer, keeping my right arm from moving due to the pain. This happens from time to time. Gotta love the Army. So, fair warning, I may be a tad late posting 37. My shoulder might feel better in a day or in five, who knows but I will do my best. Love you all.

Honestly… still not JKR.

Thirty-Six

Hermione had everything packed and ready to go. They were going to be leaving on the Express in a few hours for the holiday and she wanted to make sure she had everything she wanted to take home with her all loaded up in her trunk. A lot of her heavy winter wear was going to stay here as the weather in London was quite unlike the weather in the Highlands of Scotland. It was going to be a lot milder for sure and a lot more comfortable down there and she was quite pleased about that. After all the cold and biting winds she could do with a respite. Her school clothes and robes were staying as well, because even if she had to go to Diagon Alley for something, like she had planned, she wasn't going to be wearing wizarding robes if she could at all help it and certainly not school robes at that. She only had what she needed to change into on the train ride back up to the school at the end of the holiday and that was only because Prefects and the Head Girl had to be in the school uniform when they arrived. It was one of the few school rules that annoyed her. She understood the reasoning but that didn't help matters.

Ginny was also packed and ready to go so after one last check around the room, Topsy had taken their trunks downstairs where the rest of them were stacked. Since they both knew that as Head Girl Hermione would be busy before the train left with a number of official duties, they kissed goodbye and parted ways as Hermione had to start things off that morning by meeting up with the Headmistress in reference to Simon and the new family he was getting as a holiday gift. She was a bit sad that she was not going to be taking in Simon and his sister but even she had to admit that taking care of the eleven year old Simon was one thing and taking care of both him and his six year old sister was another prospect entirely. She was unsure if she would be able to handle that much work, juggling school and childcare and with the sister only in primary school the whole mess could become a veritable nightmare in no time at all. She simply was in no position to take this task on and she knew it. While it made her sad it was for the best.

Once past the gargoyle, Hermione made her way up the stairs and into the Headmistress's office. Headmistress McGonagall had clearly finished her breakfast early and was waiting for her arrival, a contented look on her face. Hermione wanted to get this meeting over and done with so she could have her own meal before it was time to go down to the train station. Perhaps getting breakfast first might have been a bit more prudent as it would have ensured she would have gotten one but now was a bit too late to be thinking that. "Ah, good of you to arrive early Miss Granger so we can get this taken care of. Please take a seat."

"Thank you Headmistress." Hermione smiled at her favorite teacher she had ever had, sat down and waited. She knew it would not take long for this meeting to get to the point. The Headmistress was not Dumbledore after all and not given to bunny trails and digressions that might meander back to the point at some later point or perhaps allude to it vaguely. Hermione had seen it as his only real failing.

"Now you are aware that you will be escorting Mr. Cresswell from the train and to meet his new family once you arrive at King's Cross station, correct?" asked Headmistress McGonagall, peering over her glasses, making sure she was paying attention.

"Yes ma'am." Hermione knew that this was rather obvious but was not about to roll her eyes in front of McGonagall. That was a sure way to get smacked.

"Good. Now from the documents I have been provided by the Ministry, the easiest way to tell who the family is will be by the presence of his sister. If you inform Mr. Cresswell that he is to look for his sister once you walk out of the Platform and into the regular station then this should be a rather easy process. I am fairly confident that he will be able to identify his on sister or at least one hopes." She had a bit of a smirk on her face.

Hermione was very familiar with her sense of humor and knew this sort of strange manner of doing things was often the way that wizards and witches did things, much to her frustration. That was fine but some of this did seem a bit odd to her. "Okay. That should be fine I just wish there were more information about the family. I mean, this family knows about the magical world correct?"

"I have been assured that they do Miss Granger, otherwise the Ministry would not have placed Mr. Cresswell's sister with them already. That is all I know about them at this time. Apparently, due to the sensitive nature of child abuse and how some people in our society, especially those Purebloods still trying to hold onto their last vestiges of power could use an incident like this, one where muggles treating even muggleborn children in that abhorrent manner, this has been kept very quiet and very need to know. It has been so held in confidence that I was informed just this morning that the sister would be the only way to identify the new parents. I don't even know if they are his foster parents or adoptive parents at this juncture. They are really taking the security of this rather seriously. Apparently I will be given all that information after he returns from the winter holiday, so please Hermione make sure that Mr. Cresswell gets there safely and seems to mesh well with them. And maybe even check in on him from time to time over the holiday, to ensure all is fine, as a Hogwarts representative. I do not want the weight of failing another child on my shoulders. Harry is a heavy enough of a burden as is." It was clear that the Headmistress was less than pleased with the way all of this was playing out as, like herself, McGonagall preferred to know things and have facts and figures, to be much more hands on in the process. Vague facts made her uncomfortable. Hermione could feel for her for that reason and the uncertainty of this whole situation was a bit disquieting especially because it was Simon. This whole situation sounded rather frustrating and was aware that Simon didn't know anything about this at all yet. She just wondered what his response would be to finding about his new family. There was no doubt in her mind that it would be interesting.

"I think I can take care of that Headmistress. You know that I am rather protective of him and won't let anything of the kind happen to him." She smiled at her, chuckling softly. There was no way that she would let anything like what happened to her brother in all but blood while he had lived at the Dursley's happen to Simon. She would not allow it.

"That you are my young lioness. I am very proud of you Hermione. Despite all of the challenges and misadventures you have faced just this school year alone, you have done some great work. I am sure you will have no problem graduating with your usual high honors. And just let me know when you want to get together in order to discuss your future plans next term. I am rather interested in that conversation and am keen to hear what sort of things you are thinking of."

"Thank you. I will get that taken care of soon." Hermione smiled at her fondly. Having McGonagall's approval and praise meant the world to her and she was happy to have it. That she had earned it made it even better.

"Well, off you go and get yourself some breakfast. Have a good and uneventful trip Hermione." said the Headmistress.

"Thank you Headmistress. I will make sure Simon gets to his new family safely." said Hermione as she stood. "Have a good holiday Headmistress."

"You too Hermione."

Hermione headed down towards the Great Hall thinking about Harry and what she needed to in order to make sure Simon and he had time to talk. There was no doubt in her mind that having Harry talk to him would help Simon and she knew it would help Harry quiet old ghosts. Leaving Simon alone for that talk would be fun but she was well aware that Harry would take care of him and the two of them bonding would be a good thing for the boy. She really couldn't think of a better role model in the magical world for Simon than Harry. He was the perfect guy and if she were actually into guys she could imagine the two of them as a couple. But she was very happily a lesbian and he was very happily her brother which was not something she wanted to change. There had been that near moment in the tent when they had been dancing but neither of them had pressed that and instead had focused on feeling better. That had made a great deal of difference.

She walked into the Great Hall and spotted Ginny and Luna sitting together at the Gryffindor table eating as usual. It was funny that the blond almost never ate with her House mates any more. That made her feel a bit sad for Ravenclaw because it was definitely their loss. Luna was a bit hard to understand but was brilliant, brilliant and eccentric. It was sad that the House of wise had lost one with such insight by their being such short sighted jerks. Hermione strolled over, kissed her girlfriend on her cheek, and sat, reaching for the tea. She noticed someone was missing from their usual coterie and asked, "Have you seen Simon?"

Luna pointed down the table with her spoon, which she usually ate with. "He's eating with his harem. They are going to miss him over the break and are trying to get as much Simon time in as possible."

Hermione looked and saw Simon eating with all the first year girls in their House. It was nice to see him with his friends. Compared to how things were for him at the beginning of the term this was a tremendous improvement. And now he was going to be getting a new family that, if all went according to her hopes, would actually support him and his sister and not treat him as a pariah to be beaten and abused. That was so wonderful. She was so very happy for him and hoped his luck in this would continue. After hearing about what he had gone through all she wanted for Simon was nothing but good things and happiness.

As soon as she had eaten her breakfast, it was time to head down to the station after sending Perdita home, as she was supposed to monitor the loading of the train while Cameron was going to make sure people got out of the school without a fuss, because honestly who would want to leave that up to Mr. Filch? There were going to be Prefects from all houses split at both sides to make sure this whole process flowed as smoothly as possible as well since some were already on the train. Soon the exodus began and the students who were heading home over the holidays were debarking from the carriages and were getting herded onto the train. The process was not as crazy and chaotic as it usually was at the start of the school year back at Platform 9 and 3/4, as everyone was excited about going home and no one was likely to miss the school much or drag their feet nearly missing the train. This was a train that people had no problem with making. Besides, Ginny had come down to the station with her and was not left to the usual Weasley promptness.

Ginny stood there with her on the platform until Simon arrived with his gaggle and she squeezed her hand before entering the cars with him. She was going to tell him that Hermione wanted to talk to him and then they were going to find the spot that Luna had grabbed for the whole group. Once Cameron arrived in the last carriage from the school, they did their final check, and then the train took off towards London. The Prefect brief was easy and brief, as it was merely a review of what needed to be done in their patrolling of the train and the schedule for that. That meant she was walking towards the back of the train and the spot where Luna had them sitting in fairly short order which made her happy. The winter train was usually filled with well-behaved but hyper students as all they wanted to do was get home and get to their holidays. There were usually more problems on the trip back up to school post-holiday rather than before as getting in trouble on the way down meant having the Head Boy and Girl telling the parents, in detail, what they had done, and no one wanted that to happen before Christmas and so tended to behave well. She was really hoping that held true this trip as well.

Walking into the compartment after she found Ginny and Luna, she dropped heavily into the seat next to her girlfriend with a sigh. Ginny looked over at her with some pity and asked, "Tired Kitten?"

"I know it's not even ten yet but I am so done. Too many chores in too little a time. You talked to Simon, right?" asked Hermione, her eyes closed and her head rest against the back of the bench. The familiar gentle rocking motion of the train that had not been magiced away was soothing. It had always been her favorite part of any train ride and it still held true.

"Absolutely." confirmed Ginny. "So is it true? He has a family now?"

"That's what I was told. I have no idea who they are or what they are like and neither does McGonagall. Apparently, thanks to it being some sort of abuse case and the fact that there are Pureblood families looking for any traction to maintain any kind of power, they aren't giving anything away to anyone, including us. It is so damn Ministry logic that it's ridiculous. I mean, honestly, how am I supposed to confirm things? But anyway, once we get off the platform and into the station proper Simon will have to look for his sister. She will be there with the new parents and once he's settled with them at his new home I can finally go home and collapse. McGonagall wants me to make sure that he gets there safe and sound as well as to make sure that I don't get a bad vibe from them. She's worried that the Ministry might not have found them a proper home. Apparently what happened to Harry is still bothering her. So I guess that means I will be talking to you tomorrow instead of tonight." said Hermione with a slight frown.

"That's fine. You just make sure that Simon is all settled and happy with his new family, okay. Overnight is not too long and it's not like I'm not going to see or talk to you tomorrow. Oh… I don't know if I told you but I am thinking of telling my parents tonight or tomorrow about us." said Ginny, looking a bit uncomfortable over that notion.

Hermione looked both surprised and pleased with the idea. "Are you sure you don't want me there with you when you tell them Vixy? I know how hard this can be and if you need me there I can do what I can to be there to support you in this."

"You told Ron and I was not overly helpful when that happened and you were alone when you told your parents. So I'm going to pretend to be a Gryffindor and tell my parents about me and us all by myself. And you know, I think your mom is right. My parents aren't idiots and I'm sure they think, maybe even know something is going on with us. I would rather get this whole mess taken care of and be able to openly hug and kiss you when we are all together at Christmas and New Year than not. The rest of the family can simply find out that way as having to tell multiple people one at a time is not something I am looking forward to." said Ginny, making her point of view known. "I'm not sure I can handle ringing in the New Year this year without kissing you. That might honestly be more than I can bear."

Hermione leaned in and kissed Ginny sweetly. She really did love her girlfriend. Ginny was everything she had ever wanted in a partner and more, which was probably why she had been dreaming of her for years before she had realized it. It was a shame that she had misinterpreted that dream for so long but she eventually got it right. She gazed lovingly into her girlfriend's warm chocolate eyes. "I am proud of you Vixy. I'm sure you will be able to do this and don't worry, your parents love you very much. It will be fine."

Ginny let out a breath she had been holding. "I know but I'm just worried. This is really scary."

"I know. Trust me I know. I was absolutely terrified when I told my parents. I'm not happy how that turned out initially, as freaking out had not been in my plans, but at least there was a happy ending to that." They both smiled at each other with that memory, blushing a little. Waking up in Ginny's arms after that meltdown was, without a doubt, one of her best memories ever. To wake in the arms of the one you most adored… it really did make her fell loved and cared for. And then to find that Ginny felt the same, it had been a perfect and magical night. "You just need to summon up your Gryffindor bravery before you do this and just say what you have to say. Don't babble. Don't say too much. Just say what you have to say and stop. And when you're done, please let me know what happened and what they said. I will be so worried about you until I hear from you."

Ginny hugged her and kissed her. "Thank you 'mione, you are the best. I really mean it. I love you so much."

"I do wonder if it is possible to catch some sort of illness from watching the two of you?" asked Luna calmly, her head cocked to the side in thought.

"Luna!" snapped Ginny, slightly horrified at what her friend had said while Hermione only laughed.

"The amount of cute you both generate when together and interact might actually cause some people a bit of discomfort and other potential issues. There could be a number of symptoms of a greater illness that could be traced to such exposure, don't you think?" posited Luna. She was taping her lips as she watched the two of them.

Ginny's face was growing a brighter red the longer Luna continued to expound on her thesis and Hermione nodded as she followed along, still chuckling over this whole notion.

"I wonder how you could set up a proper study to observe such an effect. Would it be difficult you think? What sort of research framework would it require? Do you think that certain people have a greater tolerance for such things compared to others? That could throw off the data sets. There are a whole host of questions that such a study would need to work out before we started, don't you agree?" Her voice hadn't changed the whole time, maintaining that slightly distracted spacy quality, but her eyes were sparkling with mischief.

Hermione was nodding in agreement, having been able to limit herself to just a snicker. "You know, I think that theory and accompanying experiment plan might prove to be a great article for the Quibbler. There could be charts and graphs and everything. We could take pictures of people's reactions as well."

"You're right. That would enhance the data collection and add more veracity to my claims, especially when I took this to St. Mungo's so they would be prepared for any cases they would have to deal with. Could I use you two as my source of the discomfort given that you both are the cuteness in question?" asked Luna, clearly getting caught up in the idea.

"Wait, what? Hold on a minute." protested Ginny, eyes wide, hands out and waving, trying to slow the tide of this madness, staring at Hermione as if trying to figure out what was wrong with her as it seemed as if she were actually encouraging this insanity.

"That might be fun you know." said Hermione. "I can probably help you set up the study model you know, so we can try to eliminate as much of the potential bias as possible, so we have as accurate data as possible."

"Oh goody! This sounds like it can be an exciting Spring project." Luna clapped a little eager for this to begin.

"Wha?" Ginny sat there looking between Hermione and Luna as if trying to decide which of the two of them were the crazier, though given the looks being given she was leaning more towards Hermione for being unhinged enough to support this in the first place.

"What's the problem Ginevra? This is just a scientific study. Doesn't this sound like it could be a lot of fun?" Hermione asked innocently, doing her best to not start laughing. "We get to act cute and Luna gets to see how people react. How can that be bad?"

"I… I… would you two stop that! Honestly, you two are hopeless. Why must you two lunatics torment me like that?" complained Ginny, flailing a bit.

"Probably because you are so very cute when you are confused. You look so very much like a gricklepunk who cannot get any bacon. How could anyone resist getting you to look like that over and over?" offered Luna with a smile. "That's my reason for doing this at any rate. Hermione doesn't get nearly as confused by me anymore so it's not like I can do this to her like I used to."

"This is so unfair. I've known you and we have been friends for years and Hermione who hasn't seems to know you best. How is that fair?" Ginny was getting a touch huffy over the matter.

"We talked rather a lot while I was healing Ginny. Her and Fleur actually, as for a little bit I wasn't comfortable being around anyone else but them as they felt nothing like Bellatrix or reminded me of our mission. She also helped keep Ron away which was nice as well since he was being very pushy, hovering over me worse than I ever got with you. It was something I just couldn't take at that time and I needed their help to get away from him. I also had to have someone's help to regain some equilibrium. And after a bit Luna went from you know Luna… no offense." said Hermione with a fond smile.

"None taken. I know how most people see me." replied Luna with her usual dreamy smile.

"…to making perfect sense to me. Well, that may be overstating things a bit, but to making more sense to be sure. So, I guess that's why we seem closer than before, I guess while I was recuperating I figured out how to translate from Luna to English." Hermione snickered as Luna stuck her tongue out at her.

"So you're saying that if I hung out with Fleur and Luna for a month or more I would be able to speak Luna fluently?" asked Ginny with an eyebrow raised questioningly.

Luna shrugged and looked at Ginny. "It's entirely possible you know. There were other conditions that could have affected things with Hermione that would be terrible to set up for you to go through but it is possible. I know that you and I have not really talked like we used to in several years so that is another factor in your loss of translation ability. So… want to give the language immersion course a go?"

The three of them started giggling and then laughing, with Ginny sliding off her seat she was laughing so hard. Simon opened the door to this den of giggling and stared at the three girls in confusion, clearly unsure what to do. "Uhm… did I miss something?"

"Nothing that important Simon, just the group of us realizing we're weird." said Hermione casually.

"Oh that. You didn't know that? I thought everyone knew that?" He sounded honestly confused as if that statement she had made were the most obvious fact in the world.

This set the three of them off some more, with Ginny going so far as to pound on the seat a little. Simon sat down on the same side of the compartment as Luna and shook his head, simply waiting for them to finish, sighing a little. He rolled his eyes at them and looked between them, trying to be patient. Once the three young women eventually regained their composure, wiping tears from their eyes, he asked, "Ginny said you wanted to talk to me?"

"Yes I did. You know how you told the Headmistress about how you were treated back at home?" began Hermione, wanting to keep this whole conversation nice and casual so as not to upset him.

"Yes." Simon was clearly worried about where this was going.

"Well, the Ministry looked into that situation and discovered that in addition to all of the things you endured that your sister is also magical. Your parents were starting to treat her poorly as well, since she has started to have bouts of accidental magic that could no longer be blamed on you and so they stepped in." Simon grew really upset as this continued and Hermione moved over to sit alongside him, hugging him tight against her. "She's safe right now Simon. I have been told by the Headmistress that she's okay and that the Ministry got her out of there so your parents can't hurt her any longer. What I'm trying to tell you though Simon is that you and your sister have been removed from them. You no longer have to go home to somewhere where you have to be hurt because of who you are, to parents who don't love you for who you are. Another family, a family of a muggleborn child have arranged to take both of you in. From everything the Headmistress told me this morning, the Ministry has checked them out thoroughly and will make sure you both will be perfectly safe with them. I will also check up on you because the Headmistress asked me to and because I promised you that I would keep you safe. I am not going to let people hurt you Simon and if this new family does not meet my standards I am pulling you and taking you and your sister home with me. I will happily explain that to the Ministry if I have to. You are important to me Simon and I don't let bad things happen to my friends. Just ask Harry." Hermione hugged him again. "I just want you to be happy."

"So my sister Amy… she's okay then?" His voice shook a little as he asked that. When Simon had heard that she was magical he had been surprised and scared for her. There was no doubt that he was somewhat upset by everything but there was also some degree of hope there in his voice as well. Tears were gathering at the corners of his eyes and coloring the edges of his voice, "She's only six and they could have really hurt her."

"From everything I've heard she's fine. If anything had happened to her they would have taken her to St. Mungo's, the magical hospital, where someone like Madam Pomfrey would have patched her up so she would be as good as new. That's the good thing with having the people taking you in having already had a kid who's gone through this and being familiar with magic. They know how to deal with all of this and are familiar with who and where to go to if they need help." Hermione was keeping her voice nice and calm, trying to project an image of being a safe and protective adult who he could trust. She didn't know what the future would bring him but she was sure that she would always be there for him. There was enough about him that reminded her of Harry at that age that she was just drawn to him and the differences were interesting. He just brought out her fierce protective side. "And besides, you can always get ahold of me if you need to. I can give you one of the charmed coins I've made so if you need to you can let me know you need help. All you have to do is touch it with your wand and my coin will respond. I will modify my coin to make a noise at night so I can hear it even when I'm asleep so you can always get ahold of me, okay? I will help you even if I am out of school and we're apart, so don't worry. Okay?"

Simon nodded, comforted by her words.

Ginny smiled and added, "That goes for me as well. Hermione can charm my coin to react that way as well so I can help out as well. If I can I'll see if we can drag you and your sister to my parent's house for the holidays, so you can see what a real wizarding Christmas is like. You'll love it. I have six brothers, and with their girlfriends and families and everything it's an absolute madhouse. Harry is also going to be there which means Luna will be there as well. So do you think we should ask about that?"

At his smile and nod Luna smiled as well and said, "Well, that's good because I would hate to have to return the gift I got you."

The other three looked at her with some confusion and she said, "What? I knew he would need a gift for the party and so when I figured out what it should be I send Daddy out for it. And when I hadn't heard back from him in a while I sent Harry to retrieve it and he told me he picked it up."

"So where is your father?" asked Simon slowly, as if it might be a dangerous question.

"I have no idea honestly. He could be out running down a lead for a story or Nargles may have taken him, though if they did this would be their largest theft yet. There are simply too many options to be sure what occurred." She did not seem overly concerned about her father's safety or whereabouts.

Hermione grinned and cut her eyes over to the blond, saying, "I see. So I guess that means you will be staying with Harry until your father's whereabouts have been established?"

The blush colored Luna's cheeks nicely, standing out on her pale skin. "Harry was kind enough to offer me a place for me to stay until my father is discovered, if you must know. Granted, there is probably a note at home explaining everything but I do not know for sure. A girl can never be too careful in these troubling times you know. It is far safer to stay with an Auror in training than alone."

Ginny and Hermione shared a very wide grin and then turned it on Luna who only blushed a deeper red and looked down at the floor. She seemed unable to speak, her voice caught up in her growing embarrassment at what her friends were implying with their knowing looks. With a bit of a snicker at Luna's predicament, Hermione said rather concerned, "Oh dear, it seems as if Wrackspurts have gotten to you."

"Oh… oh… I know how to fix that." offered Ginny, trying to be helpful.

Luna's blush deepened again and she hid her face in her hands as the others laughed with her, leaning in to hug the embarrassed girl who started shaking her head and groaning.

The playful banter and lighthearted conversation continued for the rest of the train ride down to London. Hermione's patrol through the train was nice and quiet, with nobody really causing any trouble as mostly people were staying in their compartments or bugging the trolley lady for more snacks. She checked in with Cameron in the Prefect's Carriage who let her know that there had been no trouble at all the whole trip to that point, aside from a few minor scuffles that were hardly anything between a few Hufflepuffs and Ravenclaws. After the last several years, it was just a strange experience having nothing untoward happen or nobody calling her anything hateful. Honestly, Hermione was kind of at a loss for how to deal with it.

The train began to pull into the outskirts of London and everyone changed into less wizard and more muggle clothes so as to blend better. While Hermione did like looking more fashionable now than she had before, she had to admit that skirts in the winter were evil and not a lovely choice. Having ones bits frozen while going to classes was not a pleasant thing and warming charms could only do so much when cold Highland gusts went right up them and through the material of the tights. Slacks or jeans in the winter were basically a must and she hated that the school didn't take that into consideration. There was no getting around that and her bits approved the warmth they provided. Once that was taken care of, they then just had to wait for the train to finish the lovely track crossing process through the maze of twelve tracks that led them into King's Cross station, well eleven that the muggles were aware of. With so many trains coming in and out of the station fairly continuously, even with magic there was a bit of a process involved in the train pulling into the station and timing was crucial. Slowly the train slowed to a stop and they were back in London. She kissed her girlfriend, knowing it would be the last time for a while, taking her time to show her just how much she loved her and would miss her. "I'll see you on the Platform. Please don't leave without saying goodbye and Gin, watch Simon for me."

"Yes love. Don't worry about him." Ginny smiled at her, brushed her hand down Hermione's cheek and then headed out to the Platform, helping Simon with his trunk.

As Head Girl, she and the Head Boy had to ensure that the disembarking of the train went well and that people were off the train in a timely manner and with few issues. It usually did not take very long since the train was not very big. Once she was done with that part of her duty and she didn't have to worry about being Head Girl anymore until the train ride back, Hermione walked out onto the platform and spotted the people she wanted to see. She hustled over and hugged Harry, who had been standing there talking to Simon, with his arm around Luna's waist. He turned to her happily. "Hey there, how is the Hogwarts Head Girl?"

"Tired. This stuff is a lot of work but it also has a few nice perks. How's training?" she asked. She had to admit that Harry did look pretty good and was smiling more than she remembered him ever doing. This was a good thing in her book and needed encouraging.

"Going well so far. I am going to be seeing you later, right?" asked Harry, making sure that they did have plans to meet up at some point over the break.

"Of course. So you can come over for Christmas morning if you want, you and Luna or we can meet up after the Christmas party. I mean come on Harry, you're basically my brother and what would the holidays be without you, especially this one?" said Hermione with a happy smile, hugging him again.

"Yeah, and you are definitely my nagging older sis." He teased her back.

"Well if you had done your homework more often it wouldn't have been necessary." Hermione teased right back.

"I have missed you 'mione." He hugged her tight, grinning the whole time.

"Same here Harry. You need to come by my house sometime. Please think about coming by for Christmas morning. Being with family is important on that day and you are part of mine. Just let me know when you can come by otherwise."

Harry seemed a bit chocked up by that and said, "That'd be nice. Thanks."

Once she let go of him, she grinned at the Weasleys. "Mr. and Mrs. Weasley, it's so nice to see you again."

"Nice to see you too dear. Are your parents not here?" asked Mrs. Weasley politely, looking around the Platform, as if her muggle parents could somehow have gotten there on their own.

"No, the plan was for me to apparate home right after I take care of some business." said Hermione. "I'll be fine and will be home soon enough."

"Oh alright then. Are you coming by at some point over the holiday?"

"Absolutely Mrs. Weasley. I wouldn't miss the party for anything. There is no way I am going to miss one of your Christmas parties. I can bring my parents as well, as they would really enjoy it as I know my father has been asking me what a wizarding Christmas is like." said Hermione, smiling at the idea of her father talking to Mr. Weasley all night.

"That would be wonderful dear. I look forwards to having you all there. You know what I say, the more the merrier."

"Can I also bring Simon here and his sister?" asked Hermione, wanting to take this perfect moment to take care of that potential issue. There was no way she was going to leave Simon out of the good fun that was a Weasley party.

"Of course Hermione, that would be just fine. You know I prefer the Burrow to be full and happy for the holidays. That's going to be especially important this year." Mrs. Weasley smiled down at Simon who smiled back at her, happy to be included. "Well, I guess we will be seeing you all a little later then. Come along Ginny."

Hermione and Ginny shared a hand squeeze and a look before they parted. Harry and Luna hugged her and then they both took off as well. Simon stood there looking a bit anxious, shuffling his feet. Hermione noticed this and asked, "Simon, are you okay?"

"Yeah, I guess, but I'm going to be meeting my new parents soon. I'm a bit scared. I mean… do you think they'll like me?" he asked quietly, his voice trembling in spots. It was clear that now all the others were gone and the moment of truth was here his nerves were getting to him.

"Of course they'll like you Simon. How could they not? I mean, what's not to like? You are a wonderful young man Simon and anyone would be lucky to have you as their son." replied Hermione with honest emotion. She really did feel all of that as the truth.

"Then when didn't my parents want me?" There was raw pain in his voice and it hurt Hermione to hear that. He clearly felt abandoned and alone and heartbroken and Hermione so wanted to hurt his old parents some more for doing this to such a wonderful boy. Where Harry had grown hard because the abuse was not continuous he had not and so the wounds dug in and tore at him. Oh she hated those people in a way she had previously reserved for Umbridge and Death Eaters.

She crouched down a little next to him and hugged Simon comfortingly, rubbing his back a little, saying, "Simon, some people don't know what they have or they don't value it. I know I told you a little about the fact that Harry had to put up with that and so did you. You are a great kid. Never forget that. There are a lot of people who know this to be true so don't argue with them."

Simon hugged her back and said, "Thank you Hermione."

"No problem. Now, let's go meet these new parents of yours. I'm sure you want to see your sister if nothing else." said Hermione, picking up her trunk after she shrunk it and put it in her purse. She then put his trunk onto one of the carts to make it easier for them to transport.

They wheeled out of the Platform and onto the muggle side of the train station. Heading towards the main section of the station his hand found its way into hers and was holding her hand tight. Hermione wasn't even sure is Simon was aware that he had even done it. Once they turned the corner and were more properly in the main section of the station, they began looking about for Simon's sister.

They walked forward and scanned the crowds for any sign of her when Simon suddenly yelled happily and pulled away from her. Hermione let him go without any fuss, turned her head and watched as he ran up to a little girl who was squealing happily and racing towards him. It was easy to tell that they were siblings as they had the same color hair and similar facial features. Hermione had to admit that Amy was pretty cute with the bow in her hair and all. That made her smile. It was so good to see them together and that Amy was that happy spoke well for this new family that was taking in Simon. She followed the girl's path backwards, to where his new parents should be and her eyes widened in surprise, "Mum? Dad?"