Unofficial Portkey Archive

The Paths We Take by babyhalo19
EPUB MOBI HTML Text

The Paths We Take

babyhalo19

Hey guys! I hope you like this; it's my first fic. Any kind of comments are welcome, even flames. I want to know what you guys think of it honestly. There will be more chapters to this story, but that number depends on your reviews. And for all of you who think I'm trying to steal J.K. Rowlings characters and make a fortune, (although that would be great! ;p) it isn't gonna happen! I acknowledge that these are her characters and story lines, and don't belong to me. So, sit back, relax, and enjoy!

Hermione stared out at the Hogwarts grounds from her room, for what would probably be the last time. She could not believe it; she was graduating today. She could still remember walking through the Great Hall for the first time to be sorted, so scared that the hat would send her packing, saying there was some kind mistake, and that she didn't belong. As she put on her graduation robes, she laughed; she was so different then. She was a naive little girl, with bushy hair who always had her head in a book. She thought expulsion was worse than death, and would never dare miss a homework assignment. Thinking back on the books though, she decided that some things never change.

Ginny poked her head in the doorway, interrupting Hermione's thoughts, and came over to help her with the clasps on the robes.

"Your mum and dad just got here, and mum's already talking their heads off about how the years flew by, and how she can't believe her little Rony's all grown up." Ginny said with a smile. "Although I guess it's an improvement that she's talking. She's been crying for seven straight hours; bloody annoying it is."

"Has anyone ever told you how much your like Ron?" Hermione laughed. Ginny was almost a mirror image of her older brother, in looks, and in words.

"God, don't even say that. Last thing I need is to be a big as git as he is." Ginny laughed. "It is going to be hard around the house with him gone though." She admitted with a sigh. "Just me left. I can't even imagine how mum's going to handle it next year."

"Oh, she'll manage. It's not like Ron's dropping off the face of the Earth or anything. He's just going to be with Harry at Auror training. I'm so scared for them Gin. They're gonna be right there, face to face with V- Voldemort, when the final war starts. It's approaching so fast, everyone knows it. And I just can't imagine what would happen if one of them dies."

Ginny looked at her comfortingly. "It's not like they wouldn't be there anyway. Harry has to be there, it's his destiny. And you know Ron would never leave his side. Plus, it's not like your not going to be in any danger. With you off to become a nurse, they're sure to send you off to the war front to take care of all the wounded. And if I know you, you're going to be there anyway, fighting right by Harry and Ron's side."

Hermione couldn't help but smile, Ginny always told her what she meant; no beating around the bush about anything with her. And sometimes it was just what she needed.

As she stepped down the staircase ascending from the Head Girl room, she noticed the common room was empty. It felt so weird, so unnatural. There was no first or second years running around trying to finish homework, or talking secretly in the corners about the upcoming Hogesmeade weekend. They were all gone for the summer, enjoying themselves, before returning for another year. It then hit her for almost the first time, like a punch in the stomach. She wasn't coming back; there was no next year. This was it. As she gazed around one last time, memories flooded back. The endless homework her, Harry, and Ron all worked on in their favorite chairs by the fireplace. The chess games, the important discussions, the daily life that occurred in this room for the past seven years that they'd all taken for granted, were now just memories. Time had flew by, and she hadn't even realized it until now.

Ginny waited by the door for her, but she motioned her to go on. She wanted her last moments here to be private, and just hers. Ginny understood, and as she left, Hermione picked up her favorite overstuffed pillow and inhaled it's scent deeply. She would always link that scent to Hogwarts. This was her childhood. This was her home. Whenever in a dark or sad time, she would always remember that. She was now an adult and was heading out into the real world. She would have to let her safe haven go, and move on. She turned around the common room slowly, trying to sink in every detail. Tears she'd been holding back for quite some time, threatened to burst free. She wiped at her eyes; there would be a time for that later. But now she had to get down to the Great Hall and see what comes next. She took a deep breath and walked over to the common room's entrance pushing open the door.

"Well," she thought, "Here I go."

So, what do you think? Like it? Hate it? Let me know! Click on that little box that says review and drop me a line! Thanks,

Erin