Chapter Text
It was finally here: the return to Hogwarts. Hermione never saw this day actually coming to fruition, but here it was. A few months ago, she didn’t even see this as possible. Now, she was an hour early to Platform 9 & 3/4 waiting for the Hogwarts Express. Only a few people were there so far; she could see Pansy Parkinson a short distance away, huddled with her family who were waiting to see her off. She wore powder blue, form-fitting robes that looked very expensive and reminding Hermione vaguely of Beauxbatons. Pansy was beautiful and naturally despised Hermione due to her blood status. She doubted that had changed since the war.
The empty platform allowed Hermione to get lost in her thoughts, and she pondered what life has been like since the end of the Second Wizarding War.
She thought of freedom and how complicated that word has become. Being a muggle born, she still didn’t feel completely free in the wizarding world, and had always overcompensated for that by exceeding expectations in all things magic. Freedom to her meant being accepted, which she feared would never happen due to her blood status. Freedom meant not looking at the constant reminder of the mostly healed, silvery and painful hatred towards her that was carved into her arm months ago by Bellatrix Lestrange. The pain and trauma from the war left marks on not only Hermione’s arm, but her soul.
For the first time in forever, regardless of not embracing the word “freedom,” she did feel peace, along with hope. Those two words meant everything to her. Regardless of the past, she believed the future was something to look forward to: a new life she could create that is powerful and united, without the threat of Voldemort against muggle-borns.
But something didn’t sit right, and she couldn’t figure out why. She assumed overthinking was the cause, as always. It felt like her brain could never shut off.
A loud screech coming from what looked like a couple of fourth years pulled her out of her head. Letting out a defeated sigh, she walked over to the display that held the Daily Prophet.
It didn’t help her mental health that almost every front page of the paper since the war broadcasted a big picture of Lucius Malfoy’s face, as it was believed that he was still on the run. She couldn’t help but pick up the fresh parchment to read what Skeeter had to yammer on about now.
DAILY PROPHET
LUCIUS MALFOY IS A DANGER TO ALL, NOT JUST MUGGLE BORNS
By Rita Skeeter
Lucius Malfoy was last seen at the battle of Hogwarts, and the ministry believes Lucius to still be on the run with other Death Eaters that have not yet been accounted for. Wife of Lucius, Narcissa Malfoy, and his only son Draco Malfoy, who is the sole heir to the Malfoy riches, both refused to comment at this time. This leads to more suspicion on our end. Are they hiding Lucius? Are they still working with the loyal death eaters left to honor He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named? The Malfoy name is a threat to our society. Who knows when they will turn on us, especially since Draco Malfoy was inner circle with the Dark Lord himself? He is expected to return to Hogwarts to complete his 8th year, however the parents of muggle-borns have expressed their utmost concern and have submitted complaints to the ministry, the Daily Prophet, and Hogwarts staff. It is a great disservice to allow such criminals to walk freely and furthermore wander the halls of Hogwarts amongst innocent children. When will the Ministry listen to the people? When will we finally find our peace in this looming darkness? When will these war criminals be punished properly and receive their rightful dementor’s kiss? We are not safe, and the Malfoy’s are the leading example in our unjust system.
Damn that Rita Skeeter. Hermione wished she could have just crushed her little bug self when she had the chance. Skeeter always did more harm to this world than good, and was only reporting 1/4 of the truth anyway, further contributing to the division among wizarding society.
The Hogwarts Express arrived 30 minutes before it’s due to leave. Hermione began shuffling around the platform, trying to breathe and balance the wandering thoughts in her mind.
After Voldemort’s demise, Lucius made his escape, and Narcissa and Draco were tried under the Wizengamot while under the influence of veritaserum. It was believed, well… assumed, that they were aware of Lucius’s whereabouts, or helped him escape, but it turned out that they had absolutely no idea where the Death Eater has gone. Narcissa said she was grieving, as she believed her husband to have died. Draco made it very clear that he didn’t care what fate his father had, but begged for his mother to be forgiven, even if it meant himself being sentenced to Azkaban. Being that he was underage and Draco hadn’t used the killing curse on anyone, he was not sentenced to Azkaban, however, his wand was to be monitored for 1 year and all spells used would be reported to the ministry. It was also made mandatory he attend his 8th year at Hogwarts and attend Muggle Studies with the newly announced Hogwarts professor, Andromeda Tonks. Narcissa Malfoy was also placed on a temporary wand monitoring under the Ministry of Magic for 5 years, since she didn’t use the killing curse on any witch or wizard during the war either. Instead she was sent to St. Mungo’s for a new reforming and mind healing program they offered. The duration of the program would be 1 year inpatient, 4 years outpatient. It also helped that Harry testified for her at her trial, insisting that she saved his life during the war by not telling Voldemort he remained alive after being hit with the killing curse. He did the same with Draco.
Andromeda decided that after the murder of her husband by snatchers, and her daughter and son-in-law perishing in the battle of Hogwarts, she needed a change; a fresh start. She was the only blood relative that Teddy Lupin, her grandson, had left (besides the estranged Malfoys), and Harry Potter himself was made Teddy’s godfather before Tonks and Lupin’s passing. She wanted to make a difference in his life, and made that very clear to Minerva McGonagall who was now headmistress of Hogwarts. Teddy was welcomed into the castle as the house elves were eager to help take care of the little one while Andromeda was busy with her classes, and Harry was insistent he be involved in Teddy’s growth as well.
The horn sounded, signaling that there were only 15 minutes before the train left the platform. Taking in her surroundings, she still didn’t see the messy black hair or wispy ginger hair of her two best friends.
Where the hell were Harry and Ron?
The platform was filling up with students now, old and new, their families saying their last goodbyes and escorting them onto the Hogwarts Express.
Hermione thought back to second year when she had to ride the train alone because of Harry and Ron’s tardiness. Granted, that had actually been Dobby’s doing, but still. She remembered when they flew that enchanted muggle car into the whomping willow and how much trouble Ron had gotten into by Molly. That howler….
Hermione let out a giggle.
“HERMIONE! We made it! We’re here! Sorry for running behind. Mum wanted to make sure she said a proper goodbye…10 times. Bloody hell.” Said Ron sarcastically as he ran up to Hermione and lifted her into a tight embrace.
“We nearly missed the entrance to the platform again. I thought it was going to be like second year all over.” Harry grinned as he caught up to them and joined the hug.
There was a flash of long, red hair beside Harry and a dazzling smile beamed at Hermione before Ginny Weasley was also grabbing her and enveloping her in a hug.
“Ginny, you look wonderful.” Hermione said, admiring how grown up Ginny looked. She always thought of her as a strong woman, but after the war, it seemed Ginny filled out in many different areas of her body as well as grew out her long, vibrant, red hair.
“Thank you, Hermione! I’ve missed you so so so much. I’ll be inside, I have to find Neville. I came up with a tracking enchantment so he can’t lose that damn toad again. I’m sick of almost stepping on the little bugger every year. Excuse me.” She leaned in to kiss Harry on the cheek and swiftly left the three of them with a laugh.
The golden trio was together again, and this was the last year to be in the place that created their special bond.
“I can’t believe it… This - this is really happening. This is the last time we’re taking the train to our home of 8 years…” Hermione said through teary eyes.
“Don’t get all sappy on us now, Hermione. It’s just a train ride. I’d rather apparate honestly. It would save so much time. I don’t get why they wouldn’t take down the wards around Hogwarts… it’s not like Voldemort is going to attack the castle again.” Ron said, throwing his hands around in displeasure.
Some younger witches and wizards, likely first years, scuttle away from Ron as quickly as possible, gasping and looking horrified at hearing Voldemort’s name.
Hermione rolled her eyes and lightly smacked Ron on the arm with her now rolled up Daily Prophet. “Ronald Weasley, you are a complete arse. Don’t say…You-Know-Who’s name so loudly. Some people are still sensitive to it! Be a little more considerate.”
“Yeah yeah, but he’s gone. Dead. And fear of the name only increases-“
“Please Ron, just… be mindful. I get it, but not everyone does. Some of these first years were supposed to be here last year, but were placed in hiding instead because of You-Know-Who. So I can imagine they fear the name and are not used to it being said so… so boldly. Besides, they can’t remove the wards. That would be illogical. There’s still many death eaters at large and the muggle borns need the protection. Come along now, we need to find an empty cabin. We’ll be lucky to find a seat at this point.” She grabbed her trunk and motioned towards the train.
Harry and Ron exchanged looks and grinned. Harry shrugged and they both grabbed their trunks and made to follow. Hermione swore she heard Ron mutter under his breath “Ok mum” and “she seem a little bossy today, huh mate?” but she chose to ignore it.
Idiot.
This was one of the many reasons her and Ron just didn’t work out romantically. When the dust started to settle after the final battle, both literally and figuratively, they gave it a try. But it seemed to Hermione that they had a much more successful relationship being completely platonic. She was his best friend, as he was hers, and the dynamic just seemed… off. There were missing pieces in the puzzle and she couldn’t quite get the remaining pieces to fit. It was ultimately her decision to end things with Ron before returning to Hogwarts and before the progression of their relationship got too serious, but he seemed to think this was just a “break to focus on their education.” She didn’t want to lead him on, but also didn’t want to break his heart. So, she didn’t necessarily tell him it wasn’t a break. Hopefully, during the school year, Ron would find someone to snog to keep his mind off of her. Maybe he’d even fall in love with someone else. Maybe… Hopefully.
The three made their way onto the train and were almost trampled by a couple of second years chasing after what appeared to be a horrifyingly bright green bug with bulging red eyes, that was placed under an engorgement charm and trying to make its escape. They ducked out of the way and made their way down the hall, passing occupied cabins when they heard a familiar voice.
“Hiya, Hermione! Luna and I saved you all seats! Ginny was just here. She taught me a charm for Trevor here.” Neville motioned to his slimy toad who every year seemed to pull a disappearing act. “No chance of him getting lost this year.”
Hermione chuckled as she entered the cabin and took her seat next to Luna. Ron’s face looked like he smelled a pile of dung looking at Trevor.
“Ron, be thankful it’s not a baby Acromantula.” Harry said as he took a seat next to Neville, putting a barrier between the toad and a clearly disturbed Ron.
“Thank Godric it’s not a bloody spider. It doesn’t make that - that thing any less revolting though. It has warts.” Ron eyed the unbothered toad and took his seat next to Harry.
Good thing Neville didn’t care about the opinions of others. Since the war, Neville had been quite peaceful and calm. It might have to do with the fact he was the one who killed Nagini, and felt the relief of being a key piece into bringing about the death of Voldemort, but Hermione assumed it could also be the new romance going on between him and Luna. She always thought they would make a nice couple.
“Hi Ron, Hermione, Harry! It’s nice to see you all on a positive occasion. The war was just dreadful. It’s quite nice to be alive this year.” Luna said in her breathy tone. “Harry, are the wrackspurts making your brain still fuzzy? I left my glasses at home, so I unfortunately can’t see if there’s a swarm.”
“Hi Luna, nice to see you as well. I am fine and my brain is clear, no wrackspurts today.” Harry replied comically.
Luna nodded in response with a smile and placed her hand on Neville’s knee.
Ginny joined them again and took a seat next to Hermione, leaning her head on Hermione’s shoulder.
“Hermione… will you share a cauldron cake with me? I want one so bad when the trolley comes by, but I can’t stomach a whole one right now and Harry refuses to share.” She shot a narrow eyed stare at Harry, and stuck her tongue out in annoyance.
Harry rolled his eyes.
“Sure.” Hermione giggled out.
It was so nice to see everyone together. Hermione felt complete with all of her friends around her, but something still felt empty. Something in her was missing, especially after the war. It felt like this wholeness might never come back.
But she was determined to make this year count at Hogwarts so that she could achieve a high score on her N.E.W.T.S and hopefully earn a place of importance in the Ministry of Magic. She also hoped to try and heal whatever this empty, hollowness was that lingered and haunted her.
The horn sounded, and the train jolted into motion.
“8th and final year, here we come.” Said Harry. They all stared out the window and waved their last goodbye to platform 9 & 3/4 as the station quickly disappeared behind them.