One: Return To Hogwarts
Hermione
The steam from the red Hogwarts Express hit me with a full blast of air, nearly knocking me over as I waited for the train like so many other witches and wizards for their seventh year. Well, if one wanted to really get technical, it was for our eighth year. Oh well, it didn't really matter, because I was here to finish out my education with Hogwarts, and that was what I planned to do all along, even before the war began.
I decided to dress comfortably in a long sleeved shirt and a long skirt. People stared at me as I boarded the train, but I didn't care, I was tired of wearing the same witch's robes like all of them.
"Mione'?!" Ginny called. She looked me over and nearly knocked me over with her hug. "Girl, you look great! Is Luna or Neville with you?"
I shook my head. "No. But you look great, Gin. How are things with you and Harry?"
A frown flashed across her face. "Harry and I, well...we're um, taking a break from each other for a bit. He has his auror training, and didn't think it necessary that he complete his education."
I understood. I tried to emphasize the importance of education so many times to both boys, but it was like it went in through one ear and not the other. Ron was not coming back to school as well, because he decided to pursue caring for dragons with his older brother Charlie.
"Well, we have each other, don't we? Come on, let's go find a good seat," I said encouragingly.
We found an empty cabin near the Slytherin compartments, and when the trolley witch came by with her usual junk food, we bought a whole bunch of stuff. We talked about incidental stuff for a bit before we dove into quiet pursuits. I took out a potions magazine, and Ginny played with her smartphone.
I chuckled as I read an article Professor Snape wrote about the mishaps of making Felix Felicis.
"What's so funny?"
"Snape. Gods, he's funny in his own way," I chuckled. " 'The inability to follow mere instructions can lead to losing an eyebrow or a ball if one is not absolutely vigilant in preparations beforehand..' " I read aloud.
Ginny laughed. "Oh my gods, he did not write that!"
"I swear that he did."
"You like him, don't you?"
"Well, yeah, sure," I blushed. "He's brave, and honorable, and powerful. What's not to like?"
Ginny sighed in exasperation. "You don't think he's not...well, weird looking? At least Lockhart was cute in second year."
I shrugged my shoulders. "No, I don't think he's ugly. But I'm not romantically interested in him, because he's never given me any indication he likes me enough to try and pursue him."
"Oh. That makes sense."
"What are you playing?" I asked out of curiosity. I didn't really care, but it was more polite to ask than to not care.
"Candy Crush on my new Smartfellyfone."
"Oh. Cool."
"Thanks."
I left her to her game and read more about the latest potions ingredients. When it came time to put on our school robes over our outfits we did.
It was dark by the time the train pulled into Hogsmeade station, and it had that same eerie effect that it had the first year I arrived at school. I got into one of the thestral drawn carriages, and of course, now I could see the skeletal winged horses, because of the war. Ginny joined me, and she was frowning because she had to put her phone away.
The castle loomed in the distance, and I was so happy to see the place again. Sure, I was taking some courses at Luteins University, but this was Hogwarts, my second home for much of my youth, and it truly felt like I was coming home at last.
We all headed inside the grounds, and let what few first years there were, know where to go. All of us 'bigger kids,' went into the Great Hall right away so that Professor McGonagall could address the first years about the rules and school Houses. Ginny and I made a b-line to the Gryffindor table.
The hundred first years that were coming to Hogwarts for the first time, all had that wide eyed look of wonder on their faces that I had upon seeing Hogwarts for the first time. Each student was sorted into each House. They filled out the tables rather quickly. I saw all of my older teachers, save Remus Lupin, of course. Snape was in his usual spot, and he saluted me with his cup.
I saluted him back. He had no emotion on his face, but I could see a hint of a smirk curl his lips faintly before McGonagall took the stage.
"Welcome to Hogwarts, everyone," McGonagall greeted in her kind, but no nonsense voice. "For those of you who are here for the first time this year, we all welcome you. Mr. Filch, the caretaker would like to remind you that all Weasley Joke Products are banned from campus, and to not be out of your common rooms after hours. You will read your rule book for further rules, and abide by them. But I would like to remind you all that the Forbidden Forest is banned, as it is a dangerous place. Now, for the older students who are returning to us: a Ministry of Magic official will arrive tomorrow to explain the new marriage law that has recently been passed by the wizengamot. Now, with all of that being said, enjoy your feast."
She clapped her hands, and the food magically appeared before us on all of the tables. Marriage law! What the heck was this all about? I had heard about murmurs of some kind of marriage draft in The Daily Prophet, but they were keeping it very hush hush from the wizarding press, obviously.
One was for certain, though, all of us were about to find out, and I had a very bad feeling that none of us were going to like the news when we heard it...
