The low heels of Hermione's sensible boots echoed down the deserted hallways of Hogwarts as she walked closely behind Cho. Lit by the dim candlelight, their shadows followed silently. They had arrived late in the day; both Cho and Hermione agreed it would be better for her to get settled in after dinner without the onslaught she would surely face from her friends and fellow students. She would wait until tomorrow for that.

Hermione couldn't help but admire the great stone hallways she had missed so. It did feel like home. It felt familiar; the one familiar thing to her perhaps. Rose made a groaning noise and shifted slightly in Hermione's arms; reminding her how different her circumstances truly were.

Professor McGonagall seemed to appear from nowhere; a wonderful smile lighting up her face as Cho and Hermione approached.

"We are so very glad to have you back safe and sound," she said to Hermione. She turned to Cho and offered her thanks.

"How is the baby?," she asked, excitedly.

Hermione shifted Rose in her arms. "She is sleeping, but would you like to see her,?" she said, not waiting for a response, turning her body so the Professor could see Rose's face.

"She is simply beautiful!"

Cho spoke up. "Is it possible to get something to eat? I know we've missed dinner, but we are both a little hungry."

Professor McGonagall's smiled remained as she turned towards Cho.

"Of course. I believe there is already something waiting for you both in Miss Granger's quarters. Let me show you."

Several moments later, Professor McGonagall had led them to a small recessed door at the far wing of the castle.

"You're a little farther away from the other professors, but we thought you might prefer that as you won't have to worry about the baby crying here."

She waved her wand and the door opened. Hermione stepped inside followed by Cho and the Professor.

Hermione nearly gasped. It was a beautiful, cosy flat. The rugs were in navy and red lined with gold, there was a large fireplace with a roaring fire and a four poster bed with a red and navy canopy. A bassinet sat next to the bed and there was a sitting area in front of the fireplace, along with a table and chairs near one of the windows to the left of the bed. Several covered dinner items sat on the table. At the far left of the room, another door stood, Hermione guessed to the loo.

As she walked through the room silently, Cho and Professor McGonagall exchanged glances. Hermione turned before either of them could speak, tears in her eyes and simply said, "Thank you."

"You are very welcome, Miss Granger," Professor McGonagall spoke, looking at both girls. "Well, I will leave you to it."

She walked back towards the door as Hermione laid Rose in the bassinet. Professor McGonagall turned when she reached the door. "Welcome home, Miss Granger."

Hermione smiled at her as she exited. She reached back down into the bassinet, making sure to tuck Rose in and then looked at Cho.

"I don't know about you, but I'm starving!,"

Cho nodded excitedly and the two girls sat.

There was roast chicken and vegetables, two beautiful potatoes, and rolls and butter. They dug in excitedly.

"Have you thought about tomorrow?," Cho asked Hermione, as she ate a roasted carrot.

"If I'm being honest I've thought about tomorrow for awhile now," Hermione answered thoughtfully, chewing a juicy piece of chicken breast.

"How do you want to do this?"

Hermione looked at Cho as she spoke, "I thought I would perhaps join for breakfast, not draw too much attention…it's better than just appearing in classes…what do you think?"

Cho nodded as she ate. "I think that's a good plan. You'll do well."

Hermione's breath left her in a whoosh. "Well, one can hope!"

Cho smiled at her as she noticed Hermione's face get serious and tighter all of a sudden.

"Is it odd being back at Hogwarts?"

Hermione seemed to consider this for a moment. "Actually…yes. When I left I was…a completely different person. Now I have Rose…and…," her voice trailed off as her face fell.

Cho was quiet for a moment before asking softly, "Is it him?"

Hermione was pulled out of her reverie, and looked away, almost embarrassed. "It's a little complicated…"

"You don't have to tell me anything you don't want to."

She smiled at Cho. "It's actually quite the opposite…I do want to talk about him but I feel so awkward because of…well…everything…,"

"Oh, Hermione. None of it is your fault. And if you have feelings for him, I'd say much stranger things have happened. It's only natural after all this time to feel something for him."

Hermione looked down as she felt herself blush.

Cho continued. "All I'm saying is…don't blame yourself if you do."

Hermione sighed. "Thanks. It's really nice to not feel so judged for a change." She took another bite, and a drink of water before she continued. "It was very kind of you to come for me and help me get settled in. I appreciate your help. And…thanks for talking. I haven't had anyone to talk to who's not…well, him…for awhile…"

Cho smiled as she ate a piece of potato. "Of course! Tomorrow we can have breakfast together if you want. After you drop off baby Rose with Madam Pomfrey."

Hermione smiled at her. "Thanks, Cho. I'd like that."

They resumed eating as Hermione's gaze drifted towards the window, to outside. There were a few stars in the sky. She wondered where Scabior was and how he was feeling. If he was seeing the same stars, or if he was thinking about her or Rose. What, if anything, she could do to help him. Then she wondered how tomorrow was going to be. In fact, she very nearly dreaded it.