Chapter 12

September 1st, 1998

Hermione woke up with her mum at their usual time of 6am. They went through their normal routine of feeding the horses, then had an early breakfast at 6:45am. Once breakfast was over Hermione went up to her room to double check her Hogwarts trunk, and get ready for the day.

Satisfied with everything she had packed, she made her way into the shower. Not feeling like dealing with her hair getting frizzy, she coated Sleek Easy Hair Potion on her hair, and pulled it into a tight low bun.

She threw on a navy, and white gingham shift dress with a navy cardigan and sandals. Her outfit was planned as it would be easy to change out of on the train. Taking one last look in the mirror, she was happy with what she saw. She threw a feather light charm on her trunk, shrunk it, and threw it in her handbag.

Looking at her watch, she made her way to meet her parents downstairs. They had a 8:30am private flight into London City Airport. The one hour flight was much better than the nearly 4 hour drive. Her parents were ready to leave when she got downstairs at 8:05am.

"Are we headed right onto the tarmac again?" She asked her dad.

"We should be." Dad replied. "Once we're loaded up we will go straight to line up for take off. I told the pilot we needed to land at London City Airport, no later than 10am."

"Perfect, thank you for organizing everything Dad."

They arrived at the airport, and were on their plane with the door up before 8:30am. As her father said, they immediately taxied to the departure line, and were up in the air by 8:35am. Their flight was quick, they landed at 9:45, and their SUV was waiting for them on the tarmac. The black SUV took them from London City Airport to Kings Cross, where they arrived at 10:30.

Hermione, and her parents made the quick walk through Kings Cross to platform 9 ¾. They went through the barrier without any issue, then started to say their goodbyes.

"Alright sweetie, it's your last first day of school. Thank you for bringing us. I know you could've just apparated here."

"I'm happy you guys are here." Hermione gave her parents a big hug. " I'll see you guys soon."

"Bye sweetie. Love you and see you soon!" After one last goodbye her parents headed back through the barrier.

10:45

Hermione looked around the platform, but didn't see any of her friends. She entered the train near the front, and walked around looking for her friends. The first carriage she walked through held most of the returning upper year Slytherins. She held her head high, and walked through like she owned the place. The Slytherins let her pass without any trouble.

She moved on to the next carriage which seemed to be full of younger students. The younger students started whispering as she walked through. Again, she held her head high, and continued with her mission. Now in the third carriage she immediately had better luck. In the first compartment she checked, she found Neville.

"Neville!"

"Hermione! It's so good to see you." He gave her a huge hug. "You look amazing." He gave her a little spin as he said it.

"So do you! Good summer?"

"Great actually, well until they announced we all had to come back."

"Right. I'm glad to not be the only one annoyed. I received a letter that the new Studies of the Non-Magical World class would be going on field trips to visit muggle born students' homes. They wanted to know if I would open up my home for a class trip." Hermione rolled her eyes as she finished her statement.

As her statement finished, Ginny entered the compartment. "Good Morning." She said.

Hermione and Neville responded in kind.

"Ginny, have you heard, the Studies of the Non-Magical World class will take us on field trips to muggle born homes. Meaning, we get to go to Hermione's house."

"Ooh, I've never been into a muggle home before."

"Me either." Neville added.

"I'm sure it will be an enlightening experience for you both then." Hermione added.

"Mione, just so you know. Ron, and Harry found Dean and Seamus and sat down with them."

"No worries, I'm good here with you and Neville. Has anyone seen Luna?"

"Well you should be seeing me now, as I'm right here." Luna joined Ginny, Hermione, and Neville in the compartment.

"How are you feeling about this year?" Neville asked Luna.

"Well, if I can make it through this year without getting crucio'd or kidnapped, then I think it will be an okay year." The group laughed.

"Last year really did leave all of us with really low standards." Ginny said, and Neville agreed.

"I'm sorry we left all of you last year. I hope you know we didn't want to abandon you."

"Hermione, it wouldn't have been safe for you." Ginny said.

"Don't apologize. You, Harry, and Ron were on a completely different mission." Neville added.

"I'm just thankful we're all here together." Luna joined in.

"Me too Luna, me too." Hermione said, giving Luna a hug.

At 11:00 am, the train pulled out of Kings Cross to start the journey to Hogwarts. The group of four settled into their compartment and filled their time with familiar conversation. Before long, it was time for Neville, who was head boy, to head to the Prefect meeting.

"Are you coming, Hermione?"

"No, I'm not a prefect this year."

Neville looked at her astounded. "What?"

"I told Professor McGonagall I wanted a quiet year without having to be responsible for others. She understood."

"Oh wow. Okay then. I'll see you all after the meeting."

10:50 The Slytherin Carriage

"Holy shit. Who the hell was that? She's hot!" Blaise Zabini asked his group of friends.

"I've never seen her before in my life." Theodore Nott added.

"Who is that? Does anyone know of any transfers this year? She looks our age. I really want to know where she got her dress, and her purse." Pansy was still in awe of the girl that just walked through.

"Guys, she looks just like my mystery girl from the Order of Merlin Ceremony." Draco added.

"Did you ever figure out who she was?" Theo asked.

Draco took a deep breath before responding. "It was Hermione Granger."

"Haven't you had a crush on Granger since she punched you in the face in third year?" Pansy smirked, and Draco glared in response.

"Damn, if that's Granger then summer sure as hell was good to her." Blais whistled.

"You're not wrong Blaise." Theo added.

"Where the hell has that version of Granger been?" Pansy asked. "Prim, proper, and polished. I thought she was a pureblood transfer from somewhere. If she had been that put together in first year, she could've had everyone thinking she was a pureblood, especially with her grades."

At 11 o'clock, the train started pulling out of the station. Draco used the time before everyone got comfortable to have the informal Slytherin upper years meeting.

"Oy fuckers." Draco said, gaining everyone's attention. "The last year of school was awful for everyone regardless of house. The ministry could have thrown most of us in prison for our actions last year alone, but they didn't. We're being given a chance to grow, change, and be the example for the younger years."

"Here, here." He heard someone shout.

"Let's try our best to use this year to learn and grow. Maybe we can even get rid of our own prejudices, and make new friends. Let's show the other students, who expect us to show hate, the good side of Slytherin. Who's with me?"

Draco was surprised to hear a resounding chorus of excitement from those in the Slytherin Carriage. He was hopeful this year would lead to a lot of growth for everyone, including himself. Azkaban had already started that transformation

3pm - Neville, Luna, Ginny, and Hermione

"How did the prefect meeting go, Neville?"

"It went well. Everyone's a little nervous, and I can't believe I'm saying this but I kinda feel bad for the Slytherins."

"Why's that?

"Their prefects were terrified to be in the room. I can't imagine how the rest of their house is feeling."

"Oh wow. They must be in a really difficult position this year. Facing years of brainwashing by their parents, now coming into a year they know is going to be about relearning."

"I think you're right Hermione. That was one thing the Slytherin prefects asked to say to the group off the bat. They wanted everyone there to know that Slytherin house upper years have already discussed a zero tolerance policy for prejudice or bigotry, and they would do their best to be open minded and try their best to grow and learn. They just asked us to share the information with our houses so people would give them a chance."

Hermione, Luna, and Ginny all looked at one another, impressed by the symbolic gesture. "How did the other prefects feel about that?"

"Some were immediately on board, others were more hesitant. Honestly, I can't blame the hesitant ones after what we all experienced last year. Susan Bones, the Head Girl, expressed that we can request for everyone to keep an open mind, but she expected their treatment to be based fully upon their actions."

"That's wise and very fair. I'm happy to hear Susan is Head Girl."

"Hermione, a few years ago I think we all would have expected you to be throwing a fit if you weren't head girl or a prefect." Neville chuckled.

"Growth is important." Hermione laughed. "I hope everyone is open minded about how much I've grown, and changed over the last year. I hope the Slytherins will be given the same opportunity to grow and change like I've been given."

There was a consensus among the four of them that they would lead by example with giving the Slytherins a chance. Hermione decided to walk the train, visit some of her other friends, and grab some snacks off the trolley.

She first stopped by the compartment where Harry, and Ron were sitting with Seamus and Dean. "Hey guys."

"Uh, who are you?" Dean asked.

Harry, and Ron Laughed and said, "Hi Hermione."

"Hermione, it's good to see you. Bloody hell, you look fantastic." Seamus said.

"Thank you. I just wanted to let everyone know that the Slytherins have already expressed interest in being given an opportunity to grow and learn this year. Susan Bones, has just asked all of us upper years to remain open minded." Hermione said.

Ron rolled his eyes, and scoffed. Harry nodded solemnly. Seamus and Dean just looked at one another before Dean responded. "Actions speak louder than words. They will be judged on their actions moving forward, but they can't expect us to just forget all the shit they put us through."

"I agree with you." Hermione added. "I won't keep you from your conversation. I was just hoping we could be a united front for Gryffindor." She finished and started walking the train.

She stopped again when she saw the Patil Twins in a compartment by themselves looking forlorn. "Padma, Parvati. It's good to see you." She said softly.

The twins looked at her for a moment, confused by who was talking to them. "Oh my god. Hermione, is that you?" Parvati asked. Hermione nodded her head.

"You look amazing, and look at you, you're wearing makeup, and your hair is not frizzy."

Hermione laughed. "Shhh, don't give away my secrets. How are you two?"

"I'm alright." Padma said. "I just want to get through this year and move on with life."

"I feel the same way. What about you Padma?"

"It's been rough. Things were alright for a while, but when they announced the requirement to return to Hogwarts, I kind of lost it. It feels like the ministry didn't even take into consideration that many of us lost people we care about here." Parvati said, getting tears in her eyes.

Parvati continued. "For those of us who fought, and were there, how could they not think about the fact that we will look around and see the places where our friends died. Lavender hasn't even been buried for four months and we are just being shoved back into the school."

"Can I give you a hug?" Hermione asked Parvati, who nodded in response. She gave her friend a hug, and let her know she wasn't alone in her frustration. She gave Padma a hug as well, and let her know where she was sitting in case they needed her.

5:00 pm

Hermione kept walking the train, looking for the trolley. She kept missing the trolley, and had finally decided she would just walk into the Slytherin carriage and stop by the cafe. Before she made her way into the carriage, she came across a crying little girl, who looked like a new first year student.

"Hi there. I'm Hermione, what's your name?" She asked the first year. Who looked terrified.

"I'm Winnifred, Winnifred Yaxley, but my friends call me Winnie."

"Are you alright Winnie?" The first year was teary eyed and looked like she was unsure of what to do.

"I'm scared." The little girl responded.

"Why are you scared?"

"My whole family has been in Slytherin. What if I end up in Slytherin too?" Winnie just cried harder as she said this.

"There's nothing wrong with being in Slytherin Winnie."

"But I overheard some other kids saying that all Slytherin's are bad and should be in Azkaban." The little girl looked up at her with big doe eyes.

Hermione shook her head. "Not every Slytherin is bad. Just like not every Gryffindor is good, and not every Ravenclaw is crazy smart. It's' all about the choices that you make along the way."

"Do you know the name Severus Snape?" Hermione asked, and Winnie shook her head yes. "He was a Slytherin, and without him helping us fight, we never could have won the war. Do you know the Black Family?" Winnie shook her head yes again.

"Like your family, the whole Black family was in Slytherin. Until Sirius Black came along, he ended up in Gryffindor. His brother, who was in Slytherin, also ended up helping the war effort."

Winnie had finally stopped crying and looked up at Hermione with admiration. "There are plenty of Slytherin's throughout history who were not bad. So don't be sad if you end up in Slytherin. Be proud, and stand up for what you believe a Slytherin should be, not what other people think a Slytherin is."

"I can do that." Winnie said confidently.

"Now would you like to meet some Slytherins? That way you know people in case you are sorted into Slytherin." Winnie nodded her head excitedly. Hermione offered the young girl her hand, leading her into the Slytherin Carriage.

Hermione entered the carriage with her head held high, holding Winnie's hand. Everyone in the carriage went silent as she walked through the carriage with Winnie, and walked right up to the Slytherin 7th years.

"Draco, Pansy." Hermione used first names as an olive branch. "I hope I'm not interrupting anything. Do you have a moment?"

"Hermione." The pair said cordially in unison. "Do you need us to come with you, or are we okay to talk here?"

"Talking here is fine. This is my friend Winnifred Yaxley. She comes from a family that has a trend of being in Slytherin. After the war, she's afraid about ending up in Slytherin."

Pansy, and Draco looked at one another. This is what they were worried about. Kids with a Slytherin lineage, who were now afraid. They let Hermione continue before saying anything.

"I reminded Winnie that there are plenty of good people who came out of Slytherin, and told her that if she did get sorted into Slytherin she should be proud, and stand up for what she believes a Slytherin should be, rather than what others think. I was hoping you all would be able to tell her more about the history of Slytherin, and introduce her to some people?"

"Of course we can." Pansy said. "Hi Winnie. I'm Pansy Parkinson. I'd love to expand on what Hermione has told you about Slytherin."

Winnie looked at Hermione, unsure if she should trust Pansy. Hermione reassured her. "It's okay. You can trust Pansy, she's a prefect, so you can always turn to her when you need help. Are you going to be okay?"

"I think so." Winnie whispered. "Hermione."

"Yes, Winnie."

"Thank you." She said, giving Hermione a huge hug.

"Pansy, Draco, thank you. If you need me, I'm in the third carriage back with Neville, Ginny, and Luna."

Hermione walked towards the cafe at the front of the carriage and finally ordered her tea, and dinner. Then she made her way back to her compartment.

6pm Slytherin Compartment

Pansy, Draco, and the rest of the Slytherins told Winnie everything they could about their house. After an hour Winnie had calmed down, and they were able to introduce her to some of the repeat 1st years in their house who helped her settle in nicely.

"Are we going to talk about the last hour?" Theo asked.

"We should, because what the hell just happened?" Blaise whispered.

"One, we confirmed the person we saw earlier was definitely Hermione Granger. Two, I think she just extended a metaphorical olive branch by bringing Winnie to us. Three, when did she get so hot, confident, and well spoken?" Pansy asked.

"I'm so confused." Draco added, his friends laughed at him. "She walked in here, commanded the attention of the whole room. Soothed a Yaxley. Called Pansy, and I by our first names, and then walked right out. Did I get that right?"

"Sounds about right based on what I witnessed." Theo assured him.

"I never had Granger down as the one who would make the first move to extend an olive branch, but she really wasted no time. I like this new version of Granger." Pansy said with a laugh. "This is going to be an interesting year.

6:10 pm

Hermione made her way back to her compartment. Where she shared her dinner with her friends, and drank her tea. She looked at her watch and noticed the time. The train should arrive around 8pm. She decided to take this time to change into her uniform.

"Should we all get changed into our robes?"

"It's about that time isn't it?" Ginny asked.

"Let me just grab mine. I'll go change in the loo so you three can use the compartment."

Once Neville left, the girls quickly changed into their robes. Hermione was thankful she splurged on the luxury material, it definitely felt nicer than her old cloak, and was far more comfortable. When she, Ginny, and Luna were all changed they opened the door, and shades letting Neville know he could come back in.

The next few hours passed in a slow, comfortable rhythm of conversation, and games. That was until they heard the conductor make the 15 minutes until the arrival announcement. The train got eerily quiet, as though all of the passengers had just realized that this was real. They were going back to Hogwarts, as students, for the first time since the Battle of Hogwarts.

Notes:

Thank you for joining us for this chapter! Kudos, and comments are always appreciated!

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Harry, and Ron walked with Hermione, and Ginny over to the carriages where everyone had stopped. Noone was boarding the carriages. It hit Hermione in that instant. So many people who started school in the previous year couldn't see the thestrals. Now nearly all of them could. She heard whispers of "What are they?" and "I thought the carriages pulled themselves." That's when she said something to Harry.

"Harry, they're all seeing the thestrals for the first time."

"Oh shit." He responded.