A/N: First Harry Potter update in a few months, I've been doing other things, including writing for Naruto. Anyway we're finally done with summer and heading back to Hogwarts for a seventh and final year…
As the Hogwarts Express traveled along it's familiar route, Harry, Hermione (having already finished duties as Head Boy and Girl), and Ginny sat alone together, their minds on their departure earlier this morning.
"You have everything Hermione, you checked your bag three times." Ron said calmly.
"I know, but you can't blame me for stalling." Hermione said defensively, her face somber.
"No, but you'll miss the train at this rate," Ron said urged.
"I'll Apparate." Hermione dismissed.
"You and Harry have to tell the perfects what to do," Ron said quickly.
"I forgot about that," Harry admitted scratching his head.
"Let's give them some privacy," Ginny said quietly.
Harry nodded, squeezing Ron's shoulder, "See you at the ceremony."
"Sure thing, mate." He nodded. He turned to Hermione again; she was biting her lip anxiously. "Right, I promised you…" He pulled his Chudley Cannons sweatshirt from his bag and gave it to Hermione. "So you can stay warm in the Winter." He said with a tender smile.
"Thank you, Ron," She held his hand for a moment as he passed her the shirt. "I know this shirt is your favourite."
"You asked for it so I didn't think twice." He shrugged.
"That's why I love you, it's the small things." There was a loud sound overhead that seemed to signal the final boarding call for the train. "This is it." She sniffed quietly.
"There's no going off to war here. We did that already. You'll see me at the ceremony later." He assured her.
Hermione nodded, retreating onto steps of the train, she saw Ron smile and nod back before he vanished, and Hermione climbed aboard…
It was the noise of their compartment door, which pulled all three from thinking about their departure.
Luna greeted them all pleasantly. "Hello, I'm glad I found you three."
"Were you looking for us?" Ginny asked worriedly.
"Oh yes, for quite a while." She sat down next to Hermione. "I should have known that you would be in the back of the train; it's usually where I am."
"What happened that stopped you." Harry asked.
"Nargles and Wrackspurts were everywhere," Luna said evenly.
"Are you okay?" Ginny asked Luna.
She nodded. "I'm just glad I found everyone, I'm going to miss Neville, though." Luna sighed. "Most people who fought with us decided not to come back or died."
"It's amazing the castle is already fixed." Hermione said with anticipation.
"I've seen an entire house fixed with a few flourishes of a wand, Hogwarts has enough people living there to get it fixed fast." Harry said thoughtfully.
"I wish I was in Gryffindor, you, the only friends I have ever had are in Gryffindor, it's nice not being alone." Luna said quite serenely.
"You can always come find us, Luna." Ginny earnestly told her best friend.
"It took a while to get used to having friends but I like it." Luna declared cheerfully.
Harry felt strange as the train continued to make it's way to Hogwarts, something about this being the last time he would take the train and the last time he would go to the school that he called home. It left him with the wish that time moved slowly all year. Yet, in no time at all the train came to a stop at the front gates of Hogwarts…
"Come on," Harry said, leading the party of four as they all left the train. "We can get a carriage to ourselves."
Stepping off the train, Harry heard the familiar call for the first-year students from Hagrid, who would escort them to the castle entrance by boat. Nostalgia hit him as he recalled seeing the castle for the first time six years previously. A shout broke him out of his reminisce.
"Harry, alright there? I didn't think yeh would come back!" Hagrid said enthusiastically.
"We can see him later." Whispered Hermione quickly. "There's too many people." She swallowed hard.
"Hermione." Harry and Ginny said together with concern.
"We need to keep moving." She urged, trying to contain her rising panic.
"Right… Make way, make way, make way people, will you..."
Many people recognized them as they pushed through the crowd and found a carriage departing for the front doors…
"Alright, Hermione?" Harry asked.
"Now, but I'm honestly not used to being confined in a crowd." She was bent forward with her hands on her knees.
"Deep breaths," Ginny placed her arm around Hermione who took them. When she looked up again, Hermione let out a rather sharp breath. "What?" Ginny asked raising her eyebrows.
"I can see them now." She answered in shock.
At first, Ginny looked confused, but then she followed Hermione's wide-eyed stare.
"Oh that, I guess we joined the 'I've seen death club." Ginny said glumly, though she didn't show the slightest surprise at seeing the thestrals now.
"It was getting lonely by myself so I'm glad all my friends can see them now, it's much easier to think about death when I'm not the only one." Luna said gently. I'm sorry you all are able to see them now of course." She truly looked it.
"Thanks," The other girls said.
Hermione struggled again as they entered the crowd of people waiting in front of the large double doors to get inside the castle.
"Harry, I- I can't move…" Hermione said anxiously.
"I know, stay close. We'll be here a few minutes." He said quietly.
Hermione attached herself to Harry, burrowing her face in his chest, at first he was caught off guard, but then he realized that she was likely trying to forget about being surrounded by people without room to move around.
Hang on, Hermione… Harry thought empathetically.
Harry heard Ginny in his head… She's not okay.
No, I'm glad we're all staying together; I don't think she'd make it without us sharing a room… It was a sad thought.
I don't think she'll make it without us sharing a bed, Harry… He heard Ginny say in his head.
Ginny heard Harry say emotionally in her head… She was there for me the whole time, Gin. We have to do the same for her now…
I know Harry, we will… Ginny assured him telepathically.
By the time the doors opened, Hermione was shaking against Harry, hugging him as though her life depended on it. Harry and Ginny shared a look before deciding for Hermione's sake to let everyone else get inside before going in themselves.
"It's just us now, Hermione," Ginny said calmly.
"I'm sorry,"
"Don't apologise. I'm still claustrophobic in small spaces." Harry insisted. "But if you're alright, we should get into the Great Hall."
"Yes," She nodded.
Hermione knew Harry did not want to be stalled by awed first year's. Together the four of them entered the castle and made their way to the Great Hall. It was packed more than Harry had ever seen, with two extra tables on either side of the room full of people, some former students, all likely for the fallen fifty ceremonies…
Harry turned to Hermione, unsure. "Will you be okay?" He whispered.
"Yes, I have space to move. I'm alright," Hermione assured.
Harry wasn't sure if he would sit at the staff table and truthfully found the idea awkward. Luckily, McGonagall's face showed no objection as Harry sat down at the Gryffindor table. Ginny and Hermione took seats on either side of him while Luna skipped off to join the Ravenclaw table. Harry found it a strange feeling that except for Hermione, his year was out of Hogwarts now.
The arrival of the newest set of youngest students snapped Harry out of his thoughts. Most of them looked just as he had six years earlier, nervous. Some, likely those from magical families, looked excited.
"I wonder what the hat will say this year?" Harry asked; Ginny and Hermione, shook their heads.
The entire hall watched the Sorting Hat be placed in front of the new students. They were confused, everyone else however was simply waiting, and quite suddenly, the old hat came alive and began to recite in a reflective speaking voice...
Welcome to this place where magic is taught.
In the next seven years, you'll learn quite a lot. The first thing comes from me I must tell you, in this place a battle was fought.
It started at midnight and ended at dawn. At which point a dark lord was finally gone.
But in between so many were lost, yes more than fifty lives was the cost.
To end a war in which we lost so many more, all across Britain, destruction was wrought by those who wanted to rule over Muggles, oh my did they cause so much trouble.
it is how we distinguish non-magic families from the rest. But I see now that was never fair, and so did anyone who opposed Slytherin's air, during what was more than twenty years of fear.
Yes, two generations suffered so much loss. Fighting this evil who many thought immortal.
Yet, he was just a foolish man, who died in this very hall where you now stand.
New students to be sorted and fed and soon let magic fill your heads.
But tonight we honor those who fought but did not survive the Battle of Hogwarts in the hopes that future students like you could live without fear and just spend your time learning magic here.
Forgive me if you expected a jolly song but I felt that would be wrong.
So I went with something poetic instead, and I'm finished, but you are just getting started. So simply put this old hat on your head because, unlike war, I'm nothing to dread.
The entire hall, apart from the first-year students, broke out into respectful applause. It was the first time in Harry's memory that the Sorting Hat did not sing when welcoming new students.
"I guess even the Sorting Hat knows what tonight means," Hermione said thoughtfully, looking emotional now.
The sorting ceremony was pretty short, with Hufflepuff getting the most new students of the four houses.
McGonagall rose from the head chair as the last rounds of applause faded from the hall; it suited her being there, thought Harry, but where Dumbledore left a whimsical, even slightly mad first impression she favoured one of seriousness.
When she spoke, however, there was a kindness in her greeting. "To returning students welcome back, to new students, seven years may seem like a long time, but it passes by quickly, I assure you all that. Now then, before anything else this evening, enjoy the feast!"
Harry was sure that this feast was bigger than any other they had been present for in all their years at Hogwarts. There was even food he'd seen growing up as a Muggle but never been it was true allowed to have.
"Pizza!" Harry and Hermione said in simultaneous surprise.
"There is Muggle food too!" She said excitedly.
"Why does the cheese look like bogies?" Ginny asked.
"Never had pizza then?" Harry asked.
"Wizards and Witches eat real food, not something that could have come out of our nose, or any of this other disgusting looking stuff." Ginny said adamantly.
"It's real food, besides not every pizza has cheese that's stringy like that." Harry said.
"But then what about this thing with a tail on the end or that big red thing that looks like something Hagrid would keep around?" Spotting more things that she thought shouldn't be food.
"That first one is shrimp and the other one is lobster. It's seafood." Hermione told her.
"Seafood is fish, Hermione." Ginny insisted, before going back to her chicken and mash potatoes.
Harry chuckled, reminded of how different every aspect of magical society was to him all those years ago and now he would be teaching his best magical subject while completing his final year at Hogwarts. These thoughts amused him as he tried more Muggle food that he never had and only when McGonagall stood up again did he stop eating.
"That was an excellent feast, and the largest ever served here at Hogwarts; thanks to triple our house elf workforce, we thank them for their hard work. Harry and Ginny spared a glance at Hermione who looked as though she had received a very expensive Christmas gift that was too good to be true.
"Now then, onto start of term notices and while these are usually routine, I must insist that all students listen carefully. Non and former students please feel free to ignore me and keep enjoying the food.
Both guest-filled tables laughed.
McGonagall waited for silence and went on, "First, Quidditch season starts the first week in October first years are not permitted to have a broom or tryout. Older students see your house Quidditch captain for info. Next, staff changes first, Our longtime caretaker, Argus Filtch retired citing that his patience with students and our poltergeist reached its limit."
The whole hall erupted in approval which McGonagall let end yet again.
"The post will be taken by Arabella Figg."
It was clear to Harry that most students didn't know who she was. However, people at the guest table, mostly order members applauded when she briefly rose from her seat.
"As for specific subjects; since I am now Headmistress I do not have the time to teach Transfiguration. I have, however, found the right person to replace me. They will be one of two student-teachers for the first time at Hogwarts. The second person will fill the post of Defence Against the Dark Arts. When they are teaching, I expect that all students treat them with the same respect as our other teachers and take their class just as seriously. You will find out who they both are once classes start tomorrow, this is to avoid gossip and chatter. Tonight is not the time for such things. There's more important matters…
A boy from the Slytherin table protested loudly "That's rubbish! How are people still going to school here qualified to teach?"
"There is always someone who cannot help themselves to answer your question; they are seventh-year students with a level of ability greater than anyone else currently attending this school," She said bluntly.
Both Harry and Hermione appreciated McGonagall's praise…
There was a little enthusiasm in her voice when she continued. "My final announcement for our school year concerns all four houses, and a change that I know, after being in the thick of war, is long overdue. From now on, all students will only be required to sit according to their house during the first and last feast of the year. You may sit where and with whom you wish during all other mealtimes."
The four houses erupted with cheers at this news. Harry, Hermione, and Ginny just smiled silently at something long overdue. It was several minutes before silence returned.
McGonagall continued bluntly. "I feel it is time for all four houses to be more friendly. That's why I've done away with such archaic seating arrangements; we did not fight a second war against Voldemort to return to old ways."
The mood in the room became somber at the first mention of the war; McGonagall transitioned delicately.
"For two years, we fought a second wizarding war that ended with a decisive and bloody battle for the school itself. You are free to come to Hogwarts thanks to the people who fought and, in numerous cases, died for the future. Now the Minister of magic wishes to reflect on the second wizard's war and remember our losses together."
Harry watched Kingsley Shacklebolt stand and thanked McGonagall, who sat down; Kingsley spoke in a deep but reflective manner.
"Thanks, Minerva; May 2nd 1998 is for much of magical and muggle society a strictly happy occasion. The end of the reign of Tom Marvolo Riddle but that wasn't without struggles, pain, and loss. Harry Potter saved us, and he will never take credit for that. He has agreed to answer some questions given his recently published interview in the Daily Prophet. He reserves the right not to talk about something—Harry."
Harry awkwardly made his way in front of the staff table. Kingsley gave a reassuring glance.
"I'll answer what I can." Harry said to the section of guests that looked like press.
Questions ranged from conspiratorial and stupid to rhetorical, asked for the sake of trying to pry information about Voldemort and his immortality Harry was not willing to make public. Ginny, Ron, and Hermione watched him field questions without any issue for a few minutes, at most mildly annoyed, until…
"How do you cope with the fact that many people, students and more died because you returned to Hogwarts?"
"Err." Harry stalled.
Kingsley and McGonagall were about to intercept the question when someone else beat them to it…
"Oh, sod off!"
Every etye in the hall looked for the source of the abrupt outburst.
Ginny Weasley was standing up, stony impatience all over her face. The fact that she was being stared at by all (the younger students and friends who clearly saw something like this coming) wasn't rattling her at all…
"It's fine Ginny— "
It's ruddy well not fine! Kingsley this is ridiculous the press shouldn't be here tonight and I'll be dammed if this turns into character assassination." Ginny said hotly.
"The press has a right to cover news they feel is important. Unfortunately, Harry is the best source of information— "
"Personal questions like that are about spinning a narrative, stick to facts or I swear every last journalist will have bat bogeys coming out of more than just their nose!" Ginny announced angrily.
"I think that concludes this Q & A." Mcgonagall stated evenly before the offender could retort. "Minister, I did not allow press here to bombard Harry Potter with guilt-inducing personal questions. Besides, there are much more important things they can cover this evening." There was finality in her tone.
"Of course, Minerva."
"You can sit down now, Miss Weasley," McGonagall said.
"I'll sit down when Harry does." It wasn't rude, just insistent.
"I would like her up here, Hermione, Ron, Neville and Luna too." Harry said calmly.
"You all know who you are." McGonagall said with a nod to Harry.
Hermione, Ron, Neville and Luna made their way up to the front, drawing curious or jealous looks from other students.
Kingsley was formal when he spoke again. "There are a few things I wish to say: First, aspiring Auror's attending Hogwarts in their sixth or seventh year, or who chose to forgo their remaining education to participate in our war efforts, will not be required to have N.E.W.T.S to take Auror training. Second, many with magic in their family know of the Sacred 28. This is being relabeled as the Ancient 28, and a sacred list more fitting of the word starts now. Twenty years of tyranny is a long time; this list is in recognition of all those who stood fought tirelessly against Voldemort. It will be made public when complete."
Harry, Ron, and Hermione knew that their names would be at the top of the list; saving the world meant that recognition would follow, and they all agreed to pick their battles, and this wasn't worth protesting. Kingsley was done and sat down again.
"Thank you, Minister." McGonagall said with a nod. Standing up once more, she was again somber. "Many of you may have noticed the large stone tablet on the back wall when entering the Great Hall this evening. That is our remembrance of the more than fifty who died defending Hogwarts." She flicked her wand, and candles lit all across the Great Hall, rising into the bewitched night sky. "A moment of silence everyone."
Harry found it difficult to silently mourn the dead, it had been hard enough to grieve in the days and months after the war.
"What?" Harry said blankly.
"If you no longer wish to speak— "
"I'll speak." Harry said quickly, realizing he must have gotten lost in his thoughts.
Harry felt every eye in the room on him as he pulled out his speech. There was silence for a moment, but after a breath, he addressed the entire Great Hall.
"I've been labeled since I was one: Harry Potter the boy who lived, the chosen one, a hero, a savior. He felt emotions rise as he continued. "I've weighted the world on my shoulders for a long time. I'm famous for stopping Voldemort, and maybe that's true in the end, but the first time that was my mother, her sacrifice protected me when Voldemort tried to kill me. Love stopped Voldemort back then and the truth is love stopped him every other time he tried to kill me. I'm famous but I wouldn't matter if it weren't for other people… The same goes for this war, the people I've never met who gave up their lives. My professors, who defended me and Hogwarts at their own risk so many times I have lost count. Five friends, who are the closest thing to family I will ever have. Dozens of schoolmates and even acquaintances I hardly knew... We all experienced the thing I hate most about evil and war, loss. More than fifty people died in this school, so many more worldwide, Muggle, Witch, Wizard, countless humans dead. I may be famous, but I have hated the recognition because I don't want it, and more than that, I don't deserve it. If you insist on thanking me, fine, but May 2nd 1998 should never be about me; it should be about everyone, whether magic, muggle or magical creature and honouring the fallen across the world and right here at Hogwarts."
There was respectful applause that followed Harry's words making him feel awkward, yet he managed a small smile.
"And with that, it is time to get to bed as I have no more announcements to bore you all with." Older students chuckled. "Do stop at this, the fallen fifty memorial wall and pay respects. We lost many brave students and teachers on May 2nd…"
Harry and the rest with him did not miss the sorrow in McGonagall's words. Older students did while younger ones left the hall to be taken to their house common rooms. Harry was thankful that most people that came up front left him alone, the memorial wall drawing their attention.
"Good job!" Ron said, clapping him on the back. Harry smiled. He turned to Hermione. I've got to go; George is already at the shop, he couldn't be here not after…"
"I'll miss you," Hermione said quietly, barely keeping herself together.
"I'll miss you too." He noticed her anxiousness, pulling her close to him. "You'll be okay, Mione. I'll be by to visit the first chance I can and Harry and Ginny are with you during term." He assured.
They embraced kissing tenderly. "Well at least the world is not busy this time. Harry said with a joking smile.
Ron shook his head after they broke apart, tuning to Harry. "Oi I'd let you say goodbye in peace."
"I remember you practically exploding my bedroom door off, Ron." Ginny reminded her youngest older brother sternly.
"Fair point." Ron admitted. "Just watch out for each other, alright." He looked seriously between Harry and Ginny, both of whom understood the greater meaning of his words.
"See you, Ron." Ginny hugged him briefly. "Keep trying to get off that bloody sleeping potion."
"I will." He assured. "Win the Quidditch cup again."
Harry and Ginny nodded, and then Hermione detached herself from Ron, and they all watched him go.
Neville said goodbye also. "I should be going too. I'm behind with studying for Auror training. Your speech was perfect, Harry."
When Neville was out of sight, Harry looked around; the Great Hall was half as full now...
"Are you okay to go?" Harry asked, turning to Hermione.
Hermione looked around, bitting her lip nervously. "I think so, but aren't we supposed to have private quarters? I want to spend as little time as possible moving through crowds." Hermione admitted anxiously.
McGonagall's voice suddenly met their ears. "I didn't forget about you three; I had to escort the Ministry party, and the press for that matter, out of the castle."
Harry saw Hermione adopt a stoic expression, undoubtedly hoping to seem put together in front of McGonagall as a part of her staff.
"We weren't in a hurry," Harry assured.
"Well, in any case..." She prompted Harry, Ginny, and Hermione to start walking with her.
"Where are we going, Professor?" Hermione asked, hoping to distract herself from any potential crowds.
"First of all, we're all well past formalities like that. You are all fully grown adults that I greatly respect and have fought alongside protecting this school. Second, since you asked, we are going to the eighth floor." She said bluntly.
"The eighth floor?" They repeated in shock.
"The staff has to sleep somewhere." She said quite rhetorically. They were led to the staff room. "Just watch."
McGonagall tapped the back wall of the staff room with her wand several times in very specific places, a lot like when Hagrid revealed Diagon Alley all those years ago. The wall parted vertically in the middle and a long row of stairs rose and set in place as the path to a large black door.
"Your room is the last door at the top of the spiral staircase; you should find everything that you need. These rooms are not generally for students. Since you are all sharing the room, you should know there's just one full-size bed. I'm trusting the three of you won't make me a fool for making an exception." She said rather seriously.
"I'm not doing well alone lately; Harry and Ginny just insist on putting up with me." Hermione said.
"PTSD was prominent after the first war too, it's nothing to be ashamed of, Hermione." She assured.
"Thank you, Minerva," Hermione said.
"Yeah, thanks." Harry and Ginny echoed.
"Of course," She acknowledged. "Now, I trust you can get settled in; I have many pressing matters on my plate now that I am head of the school."
They nodded and McGonagall left, leaving them alone in the room.
"Lets go." Harry said, Ginny and Hermione nodded, and Harry led the way onto the eighth floor, opening(the Hogwarts crest was engraved on the doorknob) the door at the top of the stairs.
"No wonder this is the eighth floor," Hermione said in awe.
Harry nodded in agreement. Of all the rooms in Hogwarts, the eighth floor most resembled a room within many rooms. The stairs rose so high you couldn't spot the ceiling, many rooms and several floors.
"Good thing we're Animagus now." Ginny said slowly.
Together they transformed and steadily ran up the long spiral staircase, passing every other door on the way up to their room.
"Do you reckon that McGonagall knows we became Animagus?" Harry said after transforming back.
"She is one herself and I suppose it takes an Animagus to spot an Animagus." Ginny shrugged. "Thanks for the spell to transfigure our clothes, Hermione, makes being animals less of a hassle." She finished gratefully.
"Not for you both." Hermione said impressed.
"We stayed outside a lot of our vacation." Ginny said with a smile.
Harry led the way into their room. It was large, more like a living quarters than just a bedroom. The walls were oak, adorned with all four house crests and colors in the form of drapes. The bed was very much Gryffindor and much larger than a dormitory bed.
"I can't believe these rooms have been here the whole time," Ginny said, looking around with her mouth open in surprise.
"Hogwarts always has secrets," Hermione said.
"I'm just glad I'll be away from the rest of school at night." Harry said, relieved.
They all collapsed onto the bed; Hermione sighed quietly. "Are you both sure you're okay with this, all of us sleeping together in the same bed?"
"There's enough bed space for all three of us," Harry said. "You didn't expect us to leave you by yourself with what you're dealing with. Honestly, Hermione, Ron would kill us."
"Yeah, and we would hate ourselves if we didn't bother to help you. We're family, Hermione, so stop asking that bloody question, please." Ginny said with exasperation.
They each squeezed her hands. "Okay!" Hermione said with an emotional smile, chuckling. "I just feel so frustrated and hopeless…" She finished sadly.
"I know…" They said delicately. Harry looked thoughtfully at her. "You've seen me at my worst, crying so hard I broke my hand. Take it one day at a time."
"Thanks for pulling him back from the brink, by the way," Ginny said appreciatively.
"I couldn't have gotten through last year or that morning without you, Hermione. I know if not for you Ron and I would be dead or a total mess."
"I can attest to that." Ginny said.
"The point is I'm damn well going to help you now." Harry insisted.
"And I would have never stopped pinning after Harry if not for you." Ginny reminded her.
"The point is you're family, not a bother. We're not going anywhere." Harry told her earnestly.
"What do you need?" Ginny asked.
"I was so busy packing this morning that I forgot to bathe, but I don't want to have another psychotic break," Hermione admitted anxiously.
"I'll stay with you," Ginny assured.
"I'm knackered, so I'll be asleep, don't worry about waking me up or anything." He added quickly, seeing the worried looks on their faces.
"I can wait right outside the door if that's more comfortable for you?" Ginny delicately said.
"I've tried that a lot all summer; it hasn't gone well at all. Hermione said anxiously.
"I'll come in then." Ginny said.
The bathroom, like the rest of the bedroom was large; the walls were stone, giving the room an ancient ascetic that was present in the sinks and bath as well.
"You shouldn't have to worry about claustrophobia in here." Ginny said, trying to offer encouragement.
Hermione was looking around anxiously. "I can't remember the last time I used a bathtub, it makes me claustrophobic."
"I think this section of the school is extremely old, Hermione, founders era—chamber of secrets old." Ginny reasoned.
"Must be, there's no shower. At least this bathtub is large, still…" Hermione bit her lip.
"I'm not going anywhere," Ginny assured. "But lemme give you some kind privacy."
Ginny took out her wand, muttered for a moment and then became her animal self, the red wolf.
Hermione bent down and scratched Ginny on top of her head. "Honestly, I know you have better things to do than be a watchdog for me, so thanks. I'll be quick, I promise." Hermione said quietly.
Hermione stood up and went to the tub's tap starting the water. In truth, this bathroom was very similar to the prefect's bathroom on the fifth floor, which she had spent plenty of time in since earning the honour. Still that felt like a lifetime ago…
You can do it, Hermione. You're a grown woman…
Even as she undressed and tried to stay calm while submerging herself in the bathwater, anxiety rose to her throat. She stretched her legs which helped for a moment until the water f filled to the brim, and her anxiety transformed into fear, and she found her body shaking all over… Just as she was about to slip into another psychotic break, she saw Ginny still as a wolf walking the rim of the tub, watching Hermione intently, as tears slid down her face.
"Not again…" Hermione said aloud, withdrawing her legs to her chest and burying her head into her shaking body.
A movement made Hermione look up; Ginny had waded into the water.
"Ginny…" Hermione said emotionally.
Ginny gave a dismissive but empathetic howl.
"I can't ask you to stay every time I need to wash Hermione said emotionally. The words barely left her mouth when Ginny leapt back onto the tub's rim and licked Hermione insistently. "Okay, okay, Hermione said hastily, acquiescing to Ginny with a chuckle.
Harry wasn't asleep yet, despite insisting that he would be, something was keeping him awake. All he knew was that it felt good to be still awake because of something else besides his scar. He eventually heard the bathroom door open, both girls emerging from it in good spirits.
"Your awake?" They said surprised.
"I guess I'm not used to my scar not hurting." Harry shrugged.
"Is that really it? Ginny asked skeptically.
He sighed. "So many students are going to ask questions about me tomorrow… I don't want it to turn into all my classes to turn into a Q & A about me."
"The third to seventh year you can probably keep on task, but first and second year you probably need to answer some questions to satisfy their innocent curiosity." Hermione said thoughtfully.
"The younger kids will be very eager. Ginny agreed, blushing slightly as she recalled her excitement.
"You just wanted to say hi, these kids will have a ton of questions." Harry said.
"The younger students aren't doing it to pry, Harry. They are probably scared Voldemort will come back; they weren't here when he died." Hermione said sympathetically."That's how it was the first time; Mum says most families never stopped thinking he would come back. They just went back to their lives." Ginny said quietly.
"You'll be alright," Hermione said gently.
"I know." He said unenthusiastically. "How are you? I didn't hear any screams."
"Better, no breaks this time, and I managed a bath like a normal person, but I still got shakes and panicked, I still can't be alone."She sighed.
"You don't have to be." They assured. "The healer wasn't completely sure when body would heal from the lingering effects of prolonged exposure to the Cruciatus Hermione." Harry reminded her.
"You have no reason to pressure yourself into faster healing." Ginny agreed.
"Let's turn in, yeah. It's going to be a long week. I'll take whatever space is left, you two pick your spots first." He insisted.
"You have the middle and we'll take either side." Ginny said automatically.
"Yes, that's best." Hermione said.
"Alright then." He agreed.
Harry watched them settle into bed on either side of him, Ginny his right Hermione his left. They both looked like they had no desire to be alone, not that he did either.
"She'll be alright, Harry." Ginny said softly over Hermione's quiet snoozes, for she had fallen asleep within just a few minutes. "I don't know when, but she will."
I hope so; she doesn't deserve what she's going through." He said.
It was the truth; Hermione had stayed with him when Ginny couldn't be there, and Ron's insecurities led him astray. If he'd been hunting Horcruxes alone, he would surely be dead or gone insane. At some point, he was pulled from his thoughts as Hermione gave a slight whimper and loosely clung to his side in her sleep. He let his arm rest loosely around Hermione's back; Ginny smiled sadly at Harry before grabbing his hand. "I'm glad you decided to come back, Harry."
"Yeah me too." He said, closing his eyes.
Harry was definitely glad to be back at Hogwarts and fell asleep hoping that his last year would be danger free.