Harry Potter belongs to JKR.

Beta by FedererRex

Chapter 2

Fifteen weeks later…

Hermione blinked in the early morning sunshine as she apparated just outside the village of Hogsmeade with a soft pop. She blearily looked up at the overcast sky. It wasn't raining yet, but it might before lunch. Pulling her jacket about her a bit tighter, she checked her beaded bag and stowed her wand, then began the walk into the village proper, tan coloured boots clicking on the cobblestones. The early morning air was cooler here than London, despite it being the end of summer. A light morning breeze carried just a hint of autumn, less than a month away. Even in this early hour, some of the villagers were already out and about. It took less than three minutes for her to notice the stares, and the whispers. She thought she might have heard 'Golden Girl' more than once on her short walk. Having lived amongst muggles for the better part of the last two months, she'd almost forgotten what it was to be a celebrity. She smiled politely at anyone daring enough to make eye contact with her, but she didn't break stride. Before long, she'd reached the decorative stone arch at the entrance of the Three Broomsticks and stepped through the heavy wooden door beneath, into the dimly lit interior.

Most of the sturdy chairs were still stacked on top of tables, but there were a few near the front windows which were prepared and ready for patrons. The blonde and still attractive middle-aged proprietor paused in her morning routine near the bar when Hermione stepped in. Rosmerta smiled with one hand propped on her hip.

"Well, if it isn't Hermione Granger," she said.

"Hello Madam Rosmerta," Hermione replied, "table for two?"

"Take any one you like," Rosmerta replied, motioning to the empty establishment.

Hermione sat down heavily at one of the tables near the front. The room spun slightly and she felt a bit outside of herself, no doubt a side effect of traveling nearly half-way across the world just a day and a half prior. She'd woken up at 2am and was unable to fall back to sleep, tossing and turning until 4am at which point she gave up on further slumber as a lost cause and switched on the television until the sun came up.

"What can I get you, dear?" Rosmerta asked as she approached Hermione's table.

"Coffee, please," Hermione said, feeling she needed the boost to avoid making a fool of herself, "and a pot of tea, earl grey."

Rosmerta nodded.

"Anything to eat?" she asked.

Hermione shook her head.

"Perhaps later," she replied.

Hermione ran her hands through her bushy mane and took a steadying breath. The front door opened again and familiar witch entered, getting on in years but unbowed by the trials of her life. Hermione couldn't help but smile as she saw her.

"Hello Headmistress," she said in greeting.

"Miss Granger," McGonagall said, a tight smile gracing her own lips as she smoothed out her traditional witches' robes and sat down opposite Hermione. The older witch was healthier than when Hermione had seen her last, less stressed and perhaps better rested, but there were more worry lines around her mouth and deeper crow's feet at the creases of her eyes.

She removed her favourite pointed hat and placed on the empty table to their side as she sat.

"It's good to see you again," McGonagall said.

"It's good to see you too, Professor, it's been a long few months," Hermione said.

Rosmerta arrived, a series of saucers, pots, and cups floating in her wake.

"Would you like anything to eat, Minerva?" she asked.

"No, thank you Rosmerta," McGonagall replied.

The blonde nodded and stepped back behind the bar to give them some privacy, while the plates, cups, honey, sugar, milk, lemon, and pots arranged themselves neatly on the table with a series of clinking and clunking sounds.

"How are the repairs progressing?" Hermione asked, taking a sip of coffee once it had settled. It was still a bit too hot, but the shock of almost scalding her tongue helped snap her out of the daze she was in.

"Proceeding apace," McGonagall replied as she poured herself a steaming cup of earl grey, "we should be ready to re-open on September the first, as per the usual schedule."

"I'm sorry I wasn't able to help much with the repairs," Hermione said.

McGonagall pursed her lips in a smile that could have passed for a grimace.

"You were where you needed to be," McGonagall replied.

The older witch paused as if to consider her next words.

"I must admit I was quite sorry to hear your efforts in Australia were unsuccessful," she added, "memory charms can be exceedingly complex."

Hermione sighed and looked down into her cup, willing her tears to not fall. She'd been in Sydney for two months, watching her parents, trying repeated and increasingly more complicated efforts to undo the obliviation, memory, and compulsion charms she'd placed on them at the start of what would have been her seventh year. She'd made them forget about her and fly halfway around the world; undoing that had proven impossible during her two-month excursion. Somewhere around week six, the full realization of what she'd done had hit her, and the truth that she might never get her parents back caused her to hole up in her hotel room for a full twenty-four hours. That crushing sense of despair was more of a dull ache now, but still very much present.

"Actually Professor, I… I think I may have found a way," Hermione said, "possibly."

"A very, very remote possibility," Hermione thought.

"I'll admit it's, well, it would be difficult," Hermione said, "mostly because I would… I would have to invent it."

McGonagall leaned back in her seat and slowly took another sip of tea.

"Spell creation is difficult and dangerous, Miss Granger, even for experienced witches and wizards," McGonagall said.

"The charm itself is actually relatively simple, it's the… potion which would be difficult," Hermione said, the second half of her sentence spoken into her coffee cup.

"You wish to create a potion to be used in conjunction with a… what, a renewal charm, to undo the memory charms you placed on your parents?" McGonagall said, eyebrows narrowed in thought.

"Yes, more or less. The main problem is I don't have a lab to develop the potion," Hermione said, "I hate ask this of you Professor, but I don't have any gold left, and a Gringotts loan is obviously out of the question."

"Obviously," McGonagall said.

"Potions labs are expensive, and besides, I'd rather any money the Ministry has available be spent rebuilding and helping those who aren't able to care for themselves," she said, 'I'm sure I could make enough after graduation, I mean, Golden Girl, right?"

Hermione let out a self-deprecating chuckle and took another sip of coffee.

"But the longer it goes…" she started.

"The more likely memory alterations or loss become permanent," McGonagall finished for her, "so what is it you wish of me, Miss Granger?"

Hermione took a deep breath.

"I'd like full access to the library to research the creation of the potion, and to the potions lab at Hogwarts, to test the new brew, once I'm ready to begin testing, I mean," Hermione asked, absently winding a finger through a lock of her unruly hair, "Most of the ingredients I'll either have to find or… figure out some way to get them, but.."

"Of course, Miss Granger," McGonagall interrupted, "I'll speak to Professor Slughorn today and ensure he arranges time for you to use the spare potion lab. Perhaps we could allow for some use of the school ingredients as well."

Hermione breathed a sigh of relief.

"Thank you Professor, I promise I'll use it responsibly," Hermione said.

"Miss Granger," McGonagall replied, her Scottish brogue becoming more pronounced as she took on a slightly sterner tone, "after all you've done, after all you've been through, it's the least we could do. Tell me you didn't make the journey all the way up here just to make this request in person?"

Hermione smiled.
"Well, perhaps I just wanted to see my favourite professor before the new term started," she said.

"Flattery will get you nowhere, Miss Granger," McGonagall replied, smirking into her cup, "though it will be good to see you back at Hogwarts, few enough students are returning this year as it is."

They sat in companionable silence for a moment, enjoying their morning beverages.

"Professor, I did have one question," Hermione said, "my invitation letter..."

McGonagall nodded.

"Were it any normal year, I've no doubt you would have been selected Head Girl," McGonagall said, "but the staff felt it was unfair to deny the students of the class behind you their chance at being Head Girl or prefect because of the.. unusual circumstances, and I agreed."

"I understand," Hermione said, taking another sip to hide her disappointment, "Might I ask who…"

"Daisy Vane," McGonagall replied.

"Ah," Hermione said. She recalled the blonde Hufflepuff, quite pretty and popular from what she remembered. Not a bad choice for Head Girl, perhaps not who she would have chosen but-

"Miss Granger, if I could offer some unsolicited advice?" McGonagall asked, interrupting Hermione's train of thought.

"Of course," Hermione replied.

"Aside from your special potions project, it might be good to take advantage of the opportunity to experience Hogwarts as a normal student for once, without the added responsibility of prefect duties, or saving the world," McGonagall said with a small smile.

Hermione nodded.

"It's just… I don't really feel it's right, to try to be normal when so many people… just won't get the chance," Hermione said, "as if we're disrespecting them somehow."

McGonagall set her cup and saucer on the table.

"On the contrary, the freedom to live a normal life is what we were all fighting for," the Headmistress replied, pausing for a moment before reaching out and touching Hermione's hand in a sympathetic gesture.

"I'll try," Hermione replied quietly, dropping her gaze to the table.

"My door is always open to you," McGonagall said, "if you wish to talk."

"Thank you Professor," Hermione said, looking back up again with a wan smile.

They sat and exchanged pleasantries for a few more minutes, before McGonagall excused herself, affixed her hat, and departed for the castle, but not before paying for their drinks.

A few days later, school supplies purchased with her rapidly dwindling supply of galleons, Hermione entered Kings Cross station. The weight of her trunk pulled heavily on her arm as she dragged it behind her, weaving between muggle businessmen and train station staff alike. Having lived among muggles for the past two months, she'd forgotten to use a featherweight charm and now it was easier to pull it the rest of the way than to find a hidden spot she could safely cast. Finally, she arrived at platform 10 and made her way to the wall which hid the entrance to the wizarding world, looked around to ensure nobody was staring directly at her, then stepped backwards and onto platform 9 ¾. The familiar sight of the bright red Hogwarts Express greeted her, steam already pouring from the locomotive. Dozens of children and parents buzzed about the platform in various stages of saying goodbye. More subdued than the start of sixth year, the mood seemed pensive, almost as if everyone feared making a commotion. Looking around at the faces, however, she sensed a renewal of hope, like the first shoots of a tree growing light green leaves at the start of spring after a long cold winter. A smile tugged at the corner of her lips as she looked around for anyone she knew, and she broke into a full grin as she spotted Ron's distinctively ginger hair above the others. She felt her steps quicken as she made her way over to him, dodging parents and excited children, almost trotting by the time she reached him. He spotted her when she was just a few feet away.

"Hermione!" he said, wrapping her in a tight hug as she buried her face in his chest.

She pulled back long enough to meet his lips in a kiss that was only slightly more than chaste, about as much as they could get away with on the very public train platform.

"Sorry I didn't stop by yesterday," she said, "I went straight to bed as soon as I arrived home. Thank you for seeing me off."

"Of course," he said, taking her trunk off her hands.

"I'm technically here to see Ginny off as well, but…" he said, motioning to one side where Harry and Ginny stood a short distance away, fervently embracing each other, Ginny's trunk forgotten next to them.

Hermione smirked, then blinked as a flash went off. Her amused smirk turned into a frown as she glared, seeking the source of the intrusion.

"Ah, young love," a grating feminine voice said.

"Skeeter," Hermione growled under her breath.

Hermione could only see the back of the reporter as she slid to a stop in front of Harry and Ginny, their moment shattered.

"Ginny… may I call you Ginny? You're going to be away from your boyfriend, Harry Potter, the hero of the wizarding world and most eligible bachelor of a generation, for a full four months, are you concerned at all anyone might try to steal him away?" Skeeter asked, Quick-Quotes Quill already scribbling down notes as it hovered over her shoulder. Her photographer took another picture.

"No comment," Ginny replied testily.

Hermione stalked over and grabbed the quill. Astonishingly, it'd already written three inches worth of interview notes.

"Can't you go annoy someone else?" Hermione asked.

Rita turned and gasped, putting a hand to her chest, eyes fluttering behind her dark rimmed glasses.

"Well if it isn't the entire Golden Trio," she said, "the heroes of Wizarding Britain, back together again!"

"Our readers are dying to know where you've been these last few months Miss Granger," Rita said, not missing a beat. The Quick-Quotes Quill vibrated impotently in Hermione's grasp.

"Why don't you just buzz off Skeeter." Hermione said quietly, not wanting give her up her blackmail material by announcing the illegal animagus to the gathering crowd. Rita's eyes widened behind her horn-rimmed glasses and she pouted. Taking a half-step backwards, she almost turned away when someone started clapping, and suddenly half the platform was giving them an ovation. Harry, Hermione, and Ron were all but forced to stand in front of the Hogwarts Express and smile for the cameras, though Harry stubbornly held Ginny next to him, in between himself and Ron.

As the flashes continued, Hermione felt her smile become strained. She blinked to try and clear her head but the flashes kept coming. The next thing she knew, she was climbing aboard the train, Harry pulling her up the steps by the hand and Ron right behind her with her trunk, and Ginny pulling up the rear with her own trunk.

"Hermione are you okay?" Ron asked.

She got the feeling it wasn't the first time he'd asked.

"I'm fine, why?" she replied.

"You nearly broke my hand," he said, hefting her trunk behind him and flexing said limb.

"Just a little nervous with all the attention," she said, "I'd gotten used to being anonymous again."

There was silence as they got the trunks settled into an empty compartment.

"It's the flashes, isn't it?" Harry asked quietly.

Hermione pursed her lips.

"The same thing happened to me for a while," he added when she didn't reply, "it gets better, slowly."

Hermione nodded, not really agreeing but not wanting to be rude.

The whistle sounded for the five-minute warning.

Hermione moved forward and embraced Harry tightly, wrapping her arms under his, while Ginny and Ron engaged in a much quicker hug.

"I'm going to miss you," she said, "be careful."

"I'll miss you too," Harry replied, "be sure to write."

"Every week," Hermione said.

Hermione switched places with Ginny and hugged Ron tightly enough she could feel his heart beat strongly through his shirt, a reassuring rhythm.

"Are you sure I can't persuade you to complete your academic career?" Hermione asked quietly, "you know how important it is."

"Merlin, I really want to, if only just to see you every day," Ron replied, "but I know me well enough. I'm not exactly a big fan of studying and tests, and well, someone's got to keep an eye on Harry."

He smirked, but there was sadness in his eyes.

"I'm going to miss you," Hermione said, looking up at him.

"Me too," Ron replied, "I love you."

"I love you too," she whispered, and closed her eyes as Ron kissed her.

She came up for air when the whistle for the one-minute warning came, only to look over at Harry and Ginny to see them similarly engaged.

"Oi," Ron said, but they didn't break apart completely; Harry and Ginny still touched foreheads, eyes almost closed, murmuring to each other and smiling.

"Harry, come on," Ron said, grabbing Harry by the arm and pulling him away from his sister.

"Make sure you win the cup for Gryffindor this year," Harry said.

"I will," Ginny replied, "I love you."

"I love you too," Harry replied.

Then the boys were gone, hustling off the train before the doors closed. Hermione and Ginny sat on opposite sides of the compartment, leaning forward to look out the window. They waved goodbye at the nearly full platform, but Hermione only had eyes for Harry and Ron, staring until they were out of sight.

Hermione smiled at Ginny.

"Sorry to hear about your parents," Ginny said, "Harry told me last night."

"There's still a chance yet," Hermione said, "I'm hoping to research something this year."
Ginny nodded as she set her wand on her lap.

"Don't tell Ron I told you, but he was practically going spare all summer," the redhead, "every other day he swore he was going to leave for Australia to help you."

"Help distract me more likely," Hermione said with a snort.

"That's probably what he had in mind as well," Ginny said with a mischievous grin.

There was a lull in the conversation when all they could hear was the train accelerating along the tracks, turning north, towards Scotland.

"How's your mum, and George?" Hermione asked.

Ginny sighed through her nose.

"Coping," she said, "some days are worse than others, but overall it's getting better. It helped that Percy and Ron were around most of the time at the start of the summer. Truth be told it's probably a good thing George is at the Burrow, otherwise mum would be all alone during the day."

Hermione nodded, noting how Ginny's teeth had started worrying her lower lip.

She reached out and placed her hand on the redhead's.

"They'll be okay," she said.

Ginny looked up at her and smiled, giving her hand a squeeze.

They spoke more on their plans for the year, Ginny talked a little bit about Quidditch but not overly much as she knew Hermione was not really interested. Before long they were changing into robes and boarding the thestral drawn carriages. Hermione and Ginny had a carriage to themselves; it appeared there really were less students this year. From the outside, Hogwarts looked the same as it always had, almost as if there hadn't been a battle fought four months earlier. Hermione had expected to feel something more when she saw the familiar areas, saw where friends had died, but what struck her most was how normal everything was. Almost in a daze, she made her way to the Gryffindor table. Along the way she mumbled greetings to a few familiar faces, Dean Thomas, Neville, Parvati, and noted the gaping lack of some people, Lavender for one. She looked around the Great Hall, noting that there were perhaps only three quarters of the number of students as in her sixth year. The sounds of children reuniting with old friends filled the air, and Hermione couldn't help but feel a twinge of envy towards anyone who could still feel merry in this place. Her gaze passed over the head table where the professors were seated. There was Slughorn, Sinistra, Vector, Hagrid (impossible to miss), McGonagall seated in Dumbledore's old throne, and a young man and woman she didn't recognize.

"Probably Defence Against the Dark Arts and Transfiguration Professors," she thought to herself.

She figured she'd know soon enough; the Sorting was about to begin...