Summer Ch. 1

"Harry and Ron have left."

Hermione repeated those words over and over in her head, as if willing them to make sense. Her best friends had left her behind to hunt for Horcruxes, embarking on a dangerous journey without her. The thought weighed heavily on her heart, a dull ache that throbbed with every pulse. She sat in her and Ginny's room at the Burrow, the familiar space now feeling foreign and cold. The walls, once adorned with the vibrant colours of friendship and laughter, seemed to close in on her as despair enveloped her.

Tears flowed freely, soaking the pillow she clutched to her chest, and hours passed in a blur of sobs and the painful realization that she felt utterly abandoned. It was as if she had been cast aside, her significance diminished in the shadow of their quest. Why did they leave without me? The thought haunted her. How could they have made such a monumental decision without her input?

With the sun setting outside, the room grew dimmer, and Hermione could hear the Weasley family downstairs—their laughter, their chatter, the warmth of their camaraderie contrasting sharply with her isolation. She felt a pang of guilt for not being able to share in their joy, but how could she? Her heart was heavy with worry and fear for Harry and Ron, who were out there risking everything in a battle that felt insurmountable.

A soft knock at the door broke her reverie, and Ginny's voice floated in. "Hermione, I think you should come out now." The gentleness in Ginny's tone was comforting, yet it felt foreign. Despite their years of friendship, Hermione still didn't feel the same closeness with Ginny as she did with Harry and Ron. How could she, when those two were her family in every way that mattered?

Hermione wiped her face and sat up on the edge of the bed, trying to compose herself. Flicking her wand, she opened the door, revealing Ginny standing there, worry etched on her features. "Thanks," Hermione muttered, her voice hoarse from crying. "I needed to get out of that room."

As they walked down the narrow hallway, Hermione felt the warmth of Ginny's presence beside her, a comfort she hadn't realized she needed. She took a deep breath, summoning the strength to face the world outside her cocoon of sorrow. When they reached the bottom of the stairs, the lively atmosphere of the Weasley household enveloped her. Mr. and Mrs. Weasley were sitting together on the couch, while Fred and George animatedly recounted a story that sent everyone into fits of laughter.

But the laughter died down as soon as Hermione stepped into the room. The silence that followed was palpable, a heavy reminder of her absence. "Hey, guys. What's going on?" she asked, forcing a smile despite the turmoil within.

Mrs. Weasley's eyes sparkled with warmth, but they held a trace of sadness that hadn't been there before. "We just received word from the Order," Mr. Weasley said, his voice steady but kind. "You and Ginny will be returning to Hogwarts."

The news hit Hermione like a jolt. Return to Hogwarts? The thought was bittersweet. Hogwarts was supposed to be their haven, a place filled with laughter and memories. But without Harry and Ron, it felt like a hollow shell. What's the point of going back? she wondered, her heart sinking.

"And" Mr. Weasley continued, "Professor McGonagall has appointed you as Head Girl."

A wave of mixed emotions washed over her. Pride flickered in her chest at the recognition of her accomplishments, yet that pride was overshadowed by a profound sense of loss. She felt like she was stepping into a role that Harry and Ron should have shared with her, that their trio should have faced together. Instead, she was left alone to navigate the challenges of senior year without her best friends.

"Can you believe it?" Ginny said, trying to inject some enthusiasm into the moment. "You'll be amazing, Hermione!"

But Hermione could only muster a weak smile, her thoughts drifting back to Harry and Ron, who were out there, fighting a war that she was not a part of. How am I supposed to do this without them? The question lingered, unanswered.

September 1st arrived too quickly, the day of departure hanging over her like a dark cloud. As the family gathered at the train station, Hermione felt a pit in her stomach. She and Ginny boarded the Hogwarts Express together, but the emptiness beside her was painfully obvious. The seat that was usually occupied by Harry or Ron felt like an abyss, a reminder of their absence.

The journey was quiet and tense. Hermione chose to sit with Ginny, Luna, and Neville, but their conversation remained strained. They exchanged polite pleasantries, but the underlying tension was suffocating. It was as if everyone was walking on eggshells, afraid to mention Harry and Ron or the circumstances that had led them to this moment.

Hermione gazed out of the window, watching the countryside blur by in a haze of green and gold. The familiar scenery brought back memories of laughter and adventure, but now it felt like a distant dream. The weight of loneliness pressed down on her chest as she yearned for the companionship of her friends. Would they be safe? Would they be together? She craved any sign that they were okay, but the silence of the train felt like a void, amplifying her anxiety.

The wasn't surprised she hadn't received any letters from either Harry or Ron, even though she hoped she would. The war made it too dangerous to send owls with frequent updates. Hermione held onto the snitch; the one Harry had given her after his first game. He had gotten it from dumbledore who had left it in his will, however he found no use or it. But as the days turned into weeks, even that small thing failed to comfort her. The silence left her feeling abandoned and isolated, her mind spiralling into dark thoughts. Do they even miss me?

She threw herself into her studies, her duties as Head Girl, and her work for the Order. But no matter how much she did, jealousy and anger festered inside her. How could they betray her like this? Why did they leave her behind? She felt helpless, like she was no longer a part of their trio but merely a spectator watching from the sidelines. The thought twisted in her gut, and every time she caught sight of Ginny laughing with Neville or Luna, it stung even more.

Hermione's absence around her friends didn't go unnoticed. The "Golden Girl," usually the life of the party, had become a shadow. Whispers followed her in the hallways, students exchanging curious glances and hushed conversations. She could hear snippets of their conversations— "Have you seen Hermione lately?" "I wonder what's wrong with her?"—and it only added to her isolation. But she couldn't bring herself to care. All that mattered was the war, the Horcruxes, and finding a way to help Harry and Ron—even if they didn't want her with them.