Unofficial Portkey Archive

Harry Potter and the Gilded Portrait - Part Three

A.N. There is a significance to the number used for the decree issued by the Ministry in this chapter. If anyone can guess what that number represents or what it was taken from then they are, in my estimation "The World's Greatest Harry Potter Fan!" I will give you one clue…Books! You can put your answers or guesses in your reviews and if someone gets it I will post the winner(s) on the review board. If no-one guesses by the end of the story I will post the answer then. Good Luck! And as always thank you for reading! DarkWizardKiller

Standard Disclaimers Apply…

Chapter Twenty-Six - Return to Hogwarts

It was a day Hermione had both looked forward to with a touch of excitement and almost dreaded with vehement trepidation.

Standing on Platform 9 3/4 at King's Cross Station was an almost surreal experience…almost. Looking at the shiny, steaming locomotive of the Hogwarts Express brought on a sudden bout of melancholy that she could not quite dismiss.

Her now repaired and fully recovered parents had come to see her off to Hogwarts for what would certainly be the last time. She kept telling herself since she had decided to accept Headmistress McGonagall's rather insistent invitation to complete her N.E.W.T. level courses she had made the right decision.

The enticement of Head Girl and the promise of a 100% elective course schedule were just too good to pass up. Hermione was well aware she was quite capable of passing all her N.E.W.T. level finals if she never cracked another book in her life but much to her chagrin, she knew the old Headmistress was right when she reminded Hermione how important it was to actually graduate!

It would have been such a waste of all her hard work in the past to leave this chapter of her life incomplete…and Hermione Jean Granger did not like leaving things incomplete.

But walking away from Harry was almost impossible this time. The memory of seeing him standing in her parent's driveway as they drove away was one of the hardest things she had ever done in her life.

Their (all too brief) vacation had brought to the surface many latent feelings and emotions she had been harboring for what she now realized was years and the thought of being without him now was almost debilitating…but Hermione was nothing if not resilient. She recalled what Harry had said…

`It's not like we're saying goodbye forever Hermione…"

Even though he only said that to try and assuage her sorrow and fear those words had sunk in - and she was going to cling to them like a life preserver.

After all…He's going where you can't follow this time Granger so deal with it!

Standing there watching what she could only surmise as first, second and maybe third year students running around the platform with excited glee she suddenly felt much too old for all this.

Merlin's beard…Where we ever that young and…small?

She knew the answer to that question, of course but she just wasn't sure if she was prepared to accept it as fact yet. She was well aware it wasn't the years that aged her, it was the experiences and there had been many bad ones. She had no intention of dwelling on them now. It was time to move forward.

Even with the promise of seemingly unlimited time in the Hogwarts Library and invariable free reign of the school she knew it wasn't going to be the same.

There were two very important things she knew were missing this term even if she was dreadfully annoyed with one and desperately in love with the other.

The absence of Harry and Ron would be glaring.

Even though, she was determined to make the best of it.

Kingsley Shacklebolt had assured her they would provide the necessary security to keep the wizard press and other rabid well-wishers from disrupting the school for the duration. That only made Hermione feel slightly better but after the last few months it would be a welcome respite from the constant attention and spot light on the Golden Trio.

The publication of Ron's ridiculous tell-all book written with Rita Skeeter and his antics in public had the entire wizard world in a constant buzz.

Hermione realized if she ever got close enough…she would simply have to kill him.

With warm embraces and kisses from her mother and father she bid them farewell and began making her way toward the train. She couldn't help but watch them over her shoulder as she moved down the platform. It just felt so good to have them back to normal once again.

But the memory of how happy, relaxed and content Wendell and Monica Wilkins had looked that day in Perth, Australia would haunt her subconscious mind from time to time. It was impossible not to feel a touch of guilt for everything she had put them through.

It was as if a dark veil had been removed from her existence since they had been brought back. The only bright spot in the last four dreadful months had been the discovery of her true feelings for a certain messy-haired, bespectacled boy she had known now for 8 years.

She wasn't quite sure how she felt about Harry's decision to join Kingsley's new and improved Auror's department. On one hand it was just as he had said…

"I mean really Hermione. I've been doing the job of an Auror half my life. At least this way I'll get paid for it."

When Harry had first said that it was in jest but after she had thought about it for a while she knew he was right.

On the other hand, he would at least be getting proper training and not just running around in a panic or in constant fear for his life. He could at least assuage his saving people thing with proper back up.

She missed him though…she missed Harry terribly already.

As Hermione pushed her cart toward one of the porters she began seeing faces she recognized.

She passed Cho Chang in a tight group of girls. One of which was Marietta Edgecombe. Cho was even more strikingly beautiful, if that were possible and Marietta…

"Hello Cho…Marietta," Hermione said with a slight smile as she passed the group, "Complexion's looking much better."

Marietta seemed a bit shocked at first but then a slight scowl crossed her rather pock-marked features. The rest of the girls seemed reluctant to say anything as Hermione strolled past sporting her Head Girl badge proudly.

Some things never change.

She sighed as she continued on.

A bit further on she spied Neville Longbottom and Luna Lovegood coming out of the mist that surrounded the old steam engine. Much to Hermione's surprise they were walking hand-in-hand.

When Neville spotted Hermione his face split in his familiar huge toothy smile. He towed Luna toward where Hermione was assisting the porter with her things.

"Hello Hermione!" Neville said with such enthusiasm it made her chuckle. He let go of Luna's hand and his cart and folded her in a tight embrace, "It's really great to see you again!"

Hermione noticed out of the corner of her eye that Luna didn't look quite as enthusiastic.

"It's great to see you too Neville," Hermione replied with her own smile, "Luna, how are you?"

Hermione stepped forward and embraced Luna, who accepted it rather stiffly.

"I didn't know you were coming back this year?" Neville said. She couldn't help but notice the Head Boy badge on the lapel of his Hogwarts robe.

Luna saw what Hermione was looking at and moved forward to take Neville's arm rather possessively.

"The Headmistress rewarded Neville for his courage and bravery and chose him for Head Boy this year." Luna said in her ever-present dreamy voice, "He's a hero you know."

Hermione smiled at them warmly. Neville's face looked like it was about to burst into flames.

"Yes Luna," Hermione said, "He most certainly is. The Headmistress could not have chosen anyone better."

Luna beamed at Hermione and seemed to relax after that. Neville looked as if he was about to faint.

"Does this mean Harry and Ron are coming back as well?" Neville asked expectantly.

She tried desperately to keep the look of sadness off her face but wasn't sure if she managed it.

"No, Neville. I'm certain Harry's not coming back this year and quite frankly, I'm not certain about Ron."

A quizzical looked passed over Neville's face but thankfully he didn't press her for more details. Luna, however, was unabashed.

"Seems Ronald is having great fun these days," Luna mused, "The Daily Prophet follows him everywhere he goes."

Leave it to Luna to expose all ones bleeding wounds.

Thankfully, Neville seemed to recognize the subtle but sudden shift in Hermione's features.

"Well, we best be going Luna," he began tugging her on down the platform, "See you in the Head Boy and Girl compartment later Hermione. It's really good to know you'll be here this year. Quite frankly, I'm not even sure what I'm supposed to be doing as Head Boy yet."

Hermione looked at Neville with surprise.

"Didn't you read the Head Duties manual sent with your badge? It details our duties quite clearly."

"No time," he shouted as they moved off, "I took several horticulture classes at a Muggle university this summer and worked with Professor Sprout for several weeks."

"Not to worry," Hermione said loudly, "I'll help get you up to speed during the trip."

"Thanks Hermione. You're the best!"

As she stood there watching them go she noticed most of the other younger students were eyeing her with great interest. It made her feel a bit self-conscious so she gathered her back pack and boarded the train.

A few minutes later she had stowed her grip in the Head compartment and began her duties as Head Girl.

She heard the conductor shout "All aboard! Last call for the Hogwarts Express!" so she made her way back out to the platform to make sure any stragglers were ushered onto the train. It pleased her to see Neville doing the same on the other end. Neville gave her a wave to let her know all was clear.

When the few students who were getting last minute hugs and kisses from parents were aboard, Hermione gave the conductor a wave and hopped on herself.

Just as the footman was raising the steps of her car she heard someone rushing down the platform yelling at the train.

"Oy…Hold the train! Hold the bloody train!"

There was no mistaking that voice.

Her first reaction was to tell the footman to pull the stairs and slam the door quickly but with a heavy sigh she looked at the older man with a grimace.

"Best wait."

The footman only nodded and patiently stood by the door waiting.

As the straggler approached pushing a cart laden with a trunk, bags and an owl cage Hermione turned and made her way off down the corridors without a backward glance. She had no desire to see that particular person aboard. He could very well fend for himself.

The thought of Ron Weasley returning to Hogwarts this year was as much of a shock as it was unexpected. The animosity, hurt and anger she felt toward him these days was almost palpable.

She thought she had seen Ginny get on the train with Dean Thomas and a few others but made no attempt to approach the youngest Weasley yet. It wasn't that she didn't want to talk to Ginny, it was more about getting on with her Head Girl duties than anything else…or at least that's what she was telling herself.

As far as Ron was concerned, she had no desire for that confrontation yet. She knew she would have to be in the proper frame of mind and with absolutely no access to a wand. It would be all too easy to simply curse his bullocks off and be done with it.

She went back to the Head compartment and found Neville and Luna had already arrived and settled in. Neville was deeply engrossed with the Head duties manual and Luna was hidden behind a recent copy of The Quibbler.

As Hermione sat down she glanced at the cover of the magazine and noticed a rather grainy wizard photograph of what she recognized immediately as the giant three-headed dog Hagrid used their first year to guard the Sorcerer's Stone. The headline blared;

MYSTERIOUS GIANT KANIS-SCHNUSER SPOTTED IN WILDERNESS AREA NEAR HOGWARTS!!!

Apparently Luna noticed Hermione gaping at the cover. Her eyes peeked over the edge of the book.

"Quite frightening-looking isn't it?"

Hermione was gawking at Luna pointing at the photograph. Neville kept his attention fixed quite studiously to his manual ignoring the conversation and everything else around him.

"But that's not a Kanis-Schnuser Luna! Why that's…that's Fluf…", she spluttered but then stopped. Hermione wasn't sure how many people were aware of the vicious giant three-headed dog but she was certain very few students had ever seen it.

Luna looked completely unaffected by Hermione's shocked expression.

"Most wizards think the Kanis-Schnuser is a horrible creature but father says they are quite mild tempered and can be domesticated and kept as pets. We're going to try and catch it." She paused looking thoughtful. "We're not quite sure what they eat yet though."

I think you can safely add nosy and disobedient first year students to the menu!

"Erm…Yes, well," Hermione felt as if she had been stupefied. She couldn't believe what Luna was saying but she knew that to try and contradict the spacey girl would simply fall on deaf ears, "Please do me a favor Luna?"

"Certainly," Luna grinned.

"If you ever actually see that…erm…creature, please approach it with caution, ok?"

"But why," Luna looked quite bewildered, "They're not dangerous. Have you ever seen one?"

"I'm not sure," Hermione blanched, "May have…once."

"Well see," Luna looked appeased, "You're still here aren't you?"

"Quite," was all Hermione could say with a grimace.

She was certain one day she would pick up a copy of the Daily Prophet and read a story detailing the demise of her lovable, flighty friend and her hapless father after being squashed, trampled, gored, eaten or blown up by one of their bizarre eccentricities. She decided to change the subject.

"Did you manage to get your house back in order alright Luna?"

"Oh yes," Luna beamed, "Thank you. We're still looking for another Snorkack horn though. They're terribly rare."

Hermione stifled a roll of her eyes with monumental effort.

Why do I even bother…

She glanced at Neville, "How's it coming?"

He looked up a bit alarmed.

"I never realized how much we were responsible for. There's so much to remember."

Hermione sighed.

"Would you like me to take first rounds so you can have more time to study?"

"Would you, Hermione?" Neville grimaced, "That would be ever so kind of you. I'll make it up…I promise."

"Gladly," Hermione muttered as she rose and headed for the compartment door, "but there's no need for all that. I don't mind."

Part of her was glad to be away from Luna's nonsense. As she made her way through the train her thoughts went to how she was going to handle Ron. She didn't want there to be animosity or conflict between them. That would be an unwelcome distraction. She wanted to focus on getting her studies done so she could graduate and get on with her life.

She knew a confrontation was inevitable but she didn't think she was emotionally capable right now. She thought of Harry and wondered where he was and when she would get to see him again.

The time they had spent together had awakened something within her that she never even knew existed. It was completely different then what happened between her and Viktor. The feelings of longing and an undeniable physical desire were so strong between her and Harry she still wasn't sure how to categorize those in her well-organized mind quite yet.

She knew she loved Harry. That was certain. She was certain he loved her in return but it was all so strange. She felt incomplete when he wasn't around and she wasn't sure how she liked that. She wasn't the type of person to ever be dependant on another to provide a sense of fulfillment for her but as she walked along the corridors she was well aware of the empty place inside her that she was certain only Harry could fill. It made her feel both warm and anxious at the same time. Two emotions that were ill suited to one-another.

As she made her way down one corridor she saw ahead of her three young boys spill out into to hallway tittering and laughing in what could only be described as a devious manner. Hermione was instantly suspicious. She could hear snippets of their hushed but excited conversation. They were so engrossed with what they had in their hands they didn't notice her approaching.

"No…no let me have a go," One lad said.

"You already got to try that one. It's my turn," said another.

"Hey, you think she'll be alright," asked the third.

"Yah, she'll be fine! Directions say the effect only lasts for a bit," The first answered.

"I dunno Payton," the third one said glancing back into the compartment window, "she's starting to look a bit pale."

Hermione's internal alarm went off instantly.

This can't be good!

She knew by the unmistakable banter she was dealing with the subsequent purchase and subversive application of some form of Weasley's Wizard Wheezes interminable and devious Skiving Snack Boxes on some unsuspecting victim.

It's going to be a long year…

"Just what are your three up to and why are you out of your compartment?" Hermione said in her bossiest tone as she came up behind them completely unnoticed.

All three boys almost jumped out of their shoes, stiffened and turned to see her with looks of sheer terror on their faces.

"Um…nothing," the apparent leader practically shouted as he grinned nervously, trying to hide his contraband behind his back. His nervous eyes kept darting toward the compartment door.

The other two just looked up at Hermione with sappy faces like they had suddenly encountered a Veela.

"Y…you're Hermione Granger!" One of the boys said dreamily.

"Yaahh," gushed the other. They were smitten almost instantly.

Hermione rolled her eyes and sighed.

"Nothing egh?" With a flick of her wand all the items they were holding and the contents of their pockets flew out and landed in a pile at Hermione's feet, "Oh yes. I see the nothing now," Hermione glared at them dangerously.

The boy called Payton shrugged slightly and giggled nervously.

She suddenly heard quiet whimpering coming from the compartment and looked in the window. She saw a tiny girl perched on the edge of the bench. Her nose was bleeding profusely. She was trying to keep the blood from getting on her Hogwarts robe while she sobbed pitifully. There were several other first-year girls sitting with her but they were on the other side of the compartment trying not to get any blood on them

"Now see here! What have you three done!" Hermione bellowed as she threw open the compartment door. With another expert flick of her wand the three boys were jerked ramrod straight and pinned against the train car wall as if by invisible hands. They couldn't so much as move a finger as Hermione went in and sat next to the crying little girl.

Most of the other girls were looking at Hermione with open-mouthed fascination. One of them scowled hatefully at the boys.

"Told you - you better not do it! Stupid boys!" She sat back with her arms folded tightly in front of her with a huff then looked at Hermione with awed fascination.

One of the other little girls looked sadly at Hermione.

"We wanted to help her. We were looking in our book for a spell but we were afraid to try anything. We didn't want to make it worse."

Hermione glanced at the girl's worried look.

"It's alright," she replied reassuringly, "You did the right thing by not trying to help at this point. Best wait till you've got a bit more experience.

"Hmm," Hermione sighed, "Nosebleed nougat. Not to worry."

With another swish and flick the young girl's nose instantly stopped gushing and the rest of the blood disappeared. She looked down at the little girl with a smile, "That better?"

The little girl nodded. All the other girls just gaped.

"What's your name," Hermione asked.

"Tabitha Birchmyre."

"Did those boys convince you to eat that piece of candy?"

Tabitha glanced at the three trussed up youths then back at Hermione's stern gaze. She hesitated to answer. Hermione understood immediately. She didn't want to be labeled a snitch.

With a wave of her wand the three boys were released from captivity.

"You three," she growled, "Front and center," pointing to the floor in front of her.

All three rushed to stand in front of Hermione with terrified looks on their faces.

One of the boys looked as if he was about to start crying. He glanced at the other two.

"It was all Payton's idea!"

Hermione's deadly slit-eyed gaze landed on the boy who spoke. He paled three shades whiter.

"Irregardless," she said in a deceptively calm voice, "none of you did anything to prevent it, did you SO," Hermione stood up so quick all three boys flinched back, "You'll all three loose five house points from whatever houses you'll be sorted into, you'll all three receive one weeks detention and you'll throw away ALL of your little Skiving Snack Boxes. Do I make myself perfectly clear?"

She didn't wait for a response but their heads were bobbing up and down frantically. Her eyes narrowed at them dangerously again.

"Believe me, I'll know if you keep even one single piece of that stuff so don't-even-think-about it, GOT ME?"

All three jumped again.

"Now off with you. Throw that refuse away in the trash bin at the end of the corridor, find yourselves another compartment and do not so much as put a TOE outside the door until we reach Hogwarts, is that understood?"

All three nodded and took off as if shot out of a cannon.

"Serves them right," one of the other girls said.

Hermione sat back down wearily next to the little girl again. She eyed the tiny first year sadly.

"Boys are so mean aren't they," Tabitha said sniffling.

That simple statement opened up a rush of first year memories in Hermione's mind. She recalled how everyone considered her that bossy little know-it-all nightmare. It was horrible to recall. It seemed the only one who never considered her that way was one boy-who-lived...twice!

She looked past the little girl and saw a bright new copy of Hogwarts, A History lying on the bench beside them. She gently reached around the girl and picked up the book. It was like holding an old friend. She couldn't help but smile.

"You're the famous Hermione Granger, aren't you?" one of the other girls asked shyly.

"Not sure about the famous part," she sighed glancing toward the other girl, "but yes. I am."

"My mum says you're the most brilliant Muggle-born witch ever!" One of the other young girl's eyes flashed brightly at Hermione, "I'm Muggle-born as well. She said if I study hard and learn all I can, I could be…" She stopped abruptly blushing bright red to the roots of her curly red hair.

"You could be what?" Hermione asked gently.

"I…I could be just like you." The girl looked at her hands embarrassed.

Hermione smiled warmly at the little first year.

"Oh I'm certain you could be much brighter than me if you choose. All of you," Hermione said, "but your mother is right. It takes hard work and a lot of study to be really good at magic. Don't ever let anyone tell you that you can't be whatever you choose. But using that same logic you get out of something exactly what you put into it. Keep that in mind won't you."

Tabitha's smile was so bright and alive with curiosity Hermione felt her heart pinch slightly.

"Do you really kn…know," Tabitha put her hand up to her mouth to cover it and whispered, "Harry Potter?" Her look was nervous and expectant.

She looked down at the little witch with a grin.

"Yes Tabitha," Hermione whispered leaning close to the little girl, "He's my best friend."

Tabitha smiled widely.

"He's so dreamy," one of the other girls swooned.

"Yes he is," she smiled, then added quietly, "and he's a great kisser too."

The young girls squealed loudly laughing and putting their hands over their faces.

Hermione found herself envying these first year girls. This was something she had completely missed most all her life, this easy camaraderie of friends…real friends. It illustrated just how difficult it had been for her to open up to those around her. Sitting there watching the ease in which these little first-year girls interacted with one another left her with that seemingly ever present feeling of utter self-imposed isolation and she could not for the life of her figure out why.

The importance of such relationships seemed less so now but it didn't help to realize it was she that, intentionally or not, walled herself off from those around her. As those revelations came to her they only served to make her depressed. Shaking off those unpleasant memories she told herself there was no use in beating herself up about it any longer.

Hermione got up and was about to resume her rounds when an idea struck her quite out of the blue. She glanced back over her shoulder at the girls all eyeing her with amazement.

She turned back around and grinned at them sheepishly.

"Want me to teach you a great charm to keep the boys from pestering you?"

They all clapped and agreed excitedly.

"All right then," Hermione turned quickly back to the door, opened it and glanced both ways down the corridor, then turned back closing and locking the door. She reached up and lowered the blind. "You mustn't tell anyone how you learned this and you mustn't use it unless absolutely necessary, agreed?"

All the girls nodded tittering like pixies.

About a half hour later Hermione emerged from the girl's compartment. Behind her there were small flocks of twittering little bright yellow canaries fluttering all about the heads of the four young female students.

"Now remember. Not a word about this to anyone agreed? Better send them away for now."

With well practiced swishes of several wands the birds disappeared in a blink.

"Thanks Hermione," one of the girls said. As she was closing the compartment door she heard them whispering.

"She's amazing!"

"Yah!"

"I heard they never could have finished off `you-know-who' without her!"

"Do you think she and Harry Potter are…you know…together?"

"Well you heard what she said. He's tops at kissing!"

Snickering laughter…

"Oh, I hope not. I'm going to marry him someday."

Hermione could only laugh and shake her head.

I guess I better watch my step. I've got some stiff competition.

The rest of her rounds went mostly without incident. She saw many familiar faces but decided not to stop and talk with any of them quite yet.

She knew that being Head Girl was going to put a further strain on many of her limited relationships with most of her fellow students. She understood all to well her position of authority and for the first time understood what Ron's brother Percy had gone through. She had already made up her mind to adhere to Hogwarts rules and regulations irregardless of who she was dealing with. Hermione knew that made her Enemy #2, second only to the entire staff but she would need to be consistent.

She knew she had to put her days of flaunting the rules for the greater good behind her or else her authority would be completely ineffective. Well…for the most part anyway. Being in charge did, after all, have some privileges. The thought of the Marauder's Map tucked safely in the bottom of her trunk made her smirk.

Harry had given it to her as a going away present the night before she was to return to Hogwarts. They both knew the map would go a long way in making her life as Head Girl much easier and she was grateful for his kindness. She had showed him just how grateful for the rest of that evening.

The memory of it sent shivers up her spine.

As she made her way into the very last car on the back of the train she noticed who she immediately recognized as Pansy Parkinson exiting the very last compartment.

The Slytherin girl looked much different then Hermione remembered. She was a bit taller and had much longer hair. She was actually rather pretty.

As Pansy made her way toward her Hermione realized the girl was crying.

Pansy was so lost in her misery she had not noticed Hermione approaching.

"Everything alright there, Pansy?"

Pansy jolted to a stop with a hiccup startled as she gazed wide-eyed at Hermione. For a moment they both stood there looking at one-another, neither quite certain how to react to the other.

It was as if Pansy came to a silent decision standing there facing someone she had despised in the past. Her demeanor relaxed slightly as she wiped tears from her eyes.

"Nothing you need to be concerned with," Pansy replied. Hermione could tell the girl was attempting to keep her attitude neutral. She wasn't hateful but she wasn't being very cordial either. "Not surprised you made Head Girl," Pansy said glancing at the badge.

"Yes, well," Hermione replied evenly, "I don't think it has to do with a glowing assessment as much as it does with the fact that no one else really wanted the job."

Much to Hermione's amazement the corner of Pansy's mouth turned up into a slight smile.

"You're probably spot on about that," Pansy replied.

"You sure you're…" Hermione began to ask but Pansy held up a hand to stop her.

"I'll be alright. There are just some things I'm going to have to come to terms with I suppose, whether I want to or not."

Hermione nodded. She didn't push.

"See you around Granger," Pansy said as she moved off down the corridor. Hermione watched her enter a compartment a few down from where she was standing.

She then slowly made her way to the last compartment and peered around the edge of the door so she could peek inside. She saw Draco Malfoy sitting facing the window outside watching the Scottish countryside flash by in a green blur.

He looked thin and gaunt. He even looked a bit disheveled and that was most unusual for Draco. He was usually the picture of perfect personal hygiene.

Hermione recalled he had spent three months in Azkaban for his roll in allowing Death Eaters into Hogwarts. It must have had a substantial effect on him.

As she watched Draco picked up his wand and held it in his hand. He then flicked it at his trunk sitting on the bench on the other side of the compartment. The wand did nothing more than emit some weak sparks from the tip. The trunk remained exactly as it was.

Hermione thought that very strange. She began wondering if Azkaban had done something to affect Draco's ability to perform magic when she watched him pull another wand from his robe.

She thought she recognized the second wand as the one his mother once carried. She had seen it a few times.

With a flick of the second wand his trunk levitated about two feet in the air then sat gently back down on the bench.

Hermione thought it curious why his own wand didn't work for him as she turned to make her way on to complete her rounds.

She was back toward the front of the train when she realized she didn't remember seeing Ron in any of the compartments she had past. It was probably just as well.

She was about to make a pit stop to the loo when a she heard a commotion toward the back of the train. She could see someone rushing toward the front. When the girl threw open the door that separated the train cars she was winded with a terrified look on her face.

Hermione recognized the girl as a Slytherin named Tracey Davis. When Tracey caught sight of Hermione and the Head badge on her robe she started screaming.

"Fight! There's a fight in the last car…HURRY! I think they're trying to kill each other…"

Hermione didn't need any more details. She was off like a bolt of lightning. She decided to follow Tracey instead of trying to apparate.

That could be very difficult and tricky to do while in a moving vehicle. Even if you had pin point accuracy in your mind as to your destination, you could end up missing it completely because apparition was not instantaneous. She would probably end up sitting on her bum on the tracks as the train moved right out from under her during the transition. Hermione was a very skilled witch…but not quite that skilled…yet.

As she made her way to the last train car she could see through the window. Red and green jets of curses were flying in two directions.

Without regard to her own safety she flung the door open casting a quick shield charm. She instantly recognized Ron, who had his back to her, was locked in a heated duel with Draco who was on the far end of the car. Ron was shouting all manor of ugly diatribe at Draco while he threw curse after curse at the Slytherin student. Draco was busy deflecting while still managing to send his own curse or two at Ron.

Hermione angrily brandished her own wand.

"IMMOBULOUS!"

A pulse of powerful magic coursed through the train car from one end to the other and everything came to a halt.

Both Ron and Draco were frozen instantly. Their respective curses dying at the tips of their wands as everything stopped.

Hermione stomped to the middle of the corridor and glared at both of them. Her initial assessment of the situation was that Ron had come across Draco in his compartment. They probably had words then a fight ensued but at the moment she didn't care how it all got started. She needed to keep her wits about her and get control of the situation before someone got hurt but…she was livid and she wasn't about to take any crap from either one of them.

"Now I don't know what's going on and quite frankly I don't care. I WILL NOT have students dueling on this train or anywhere else under my jurisdiction! Now I'm going to release both of you and YOU WILL put your wands on the floor. IS THAT CLEAR?"

With an expert flick she removed the spell. Draco complied with her order at once. When Ron did not act quick enough she flicked her wand and Ron's zipped from his grasp to Hermione's outstretched hand.

"Hey," Ron bellowed, "Give that…"

"SILENCE!" Hermione screamed.

Ron glared at her but said nothing else.

A few students had poked their heads out of a few of the other compartments and a small crowd had gathered at the entrance to the car. Hermione whipped her head in their direction.

"The rest of you return to your compartments IMMEDIATELY!"

Most of the onlookers vaporized. Hermione could see Neville making his way toward them wand at the ready. He came through the door with a determined set to his features. As he saw the tableau before him he pulled up short.

"What's going on Hermione? I came as soon as I heard."

"I've got things in hand here for the moment," she replied without taking her eyes off Ron and Draco, "Best see to the rest of the students. Make sure everyone stays inside their compartments for the time being."

Neville nodded and with a surprised look toward the other two he turned and went about his assigned task without comment or protest. "Move along, back to your compartments. You heard the Head Girl…" The rest of the observers dispersed.

Ron turned to her with a sneer.

"Since when does Hogwarts allow known Death Eaters to attend?"

"While I make no pretense to assume Mr. Malfoy's employment status at present that has NOTHING to do with this situation now does it Mr. Weasley?" She glared darkly at him daring him to say something else.

"He started it," they heard a voice say.

Hermione turned and saw Pansy leaning out of her compartment door sneering at Ron with a hateful look.

"I appreciate your assessment Pansy but I'm not concerned at the moment with who started what. Please go back inside."

Pansy ducked back into her compartment with a huff and slid the door closed.

"Now I am warning you both. I WILL NOT have any more fighting or inappropriate behavior, DO I MAKE MYSELF CLEAR? If I have any more trouble from either of you I will have you BOTH removed from this train and inform the Headmistress you are to be expelled from Hogwarts."

"You can't do that," Ron said.

Hermione stalked right up and got into Ron's scowling face.

"Would you like to find out EXACTLY what I can do Mr. Weasley?" Hermione asked him in a dangerously calm voice. It was a challenge and she knew he didn't have the stones to rise to it.

He backed off a step.

That's what I thought.

She turned to face Draco. She could tell there was something very wrong with the Slytherin student. He looked almost ill with heavy dark circles under his eyes and his almost emasculated appearance.

"Mr. Malfoy I will ask that you return to your cabin and remain there until this train stops at Hogsmead Station, understood?"

Draco cast her a rather weary look. He bent to pick up his discarded wand.

"And you, Mr. Weasley," she said turning to face Ron, "You will return to wherever it is you came from and likewise remain there until we get to Hogwarts."

Ron glared at her for a moment unmoving.

"Is there something else you'd like to say Mr. Weasley?"

Ron said nothing but held out his hand. Hermione reluctantly returned his wand. When Ron's hand touched it the wand crackled and sparked slightly. He looked at it for a moment then his eyes found Hermione's again.

"I never thought I'd see the day when you would stand up for a Slytherin and a Death Eater to boot against your own mates."

White hot rage flashed across Hermione's brain searing her with vicious heat but before she could respond Ron turned on a heel and pushed his way roughly out of the train car.

Bloody coward!

Hermione turned back to Draco who was going back into his compartment.

"Did Ron attack you Draco?"

He stopped and peered unseeing through the window of his compartment door for a moment.

"Does it matter?" He asked.

"The truth always matters Draco," she replied.

He simply shrugged his shoulder and went through the door without looking back.

Hermione stood there and marveled at the changes in Draco. He was definitely not the same Draco Malfoy they had come to know and dislike. It was almost as if he were…were…broken. The thought made her shiver.

She looked up and saw Pansy peering at Draco through the glass of her compartment door. The Slytherin girl closed her eyes as tears slid down her cheeks. She turned away when Draco closed his compartment door.

I know how you feel Pansy…even if it isn't for the same reasons.

Hermione suddenly felt very tired. For the first time since the suggestion was made to her to return to Hogwarts she was beginning to feel like it had been an enormous mistake.

I miss you Harry.

With a heavy sigh she turned and went to find Ron. She might as well get it over with.

She found him wedged in a corner of a compartment full of rambunctious second year Gryffindor boys, arms folded tightly looking mutinous. A few of the boys were playing exploding snaps.

As Hermione wrenched the compartment door open all frivolity and joy came to a screeching halt.

Ron snarled and rose to leave. Hermione pointed at his long nose.

"You…sit!" She turned to the small group of boys, "You three…two compartments down. Go there and stay until I tell you to return!"

They spied the Head Girl badge and without another sound they fled for their lives. One boy cast a pitiful glance at Ron as he hastily exited.

Ron bridled, "Look I have no desire to sit through another of your…"

Before he could finish his remark Hermione had cast a silencing spell on the compartment then whirled on him.

"HAVE YOU LOST YOUR BLOODY MIND?" She hollered, "What the hell were you playing at attacking Malfoy unprovoked? And just for your information you moron, I was not taking up for a Slytherin or a Death Eater or anyone else…not even you! I was breaking up a stupid, pointless altercation! That's my job Ron! I'm Head Girl! That's what I'm supposed to do!"

He bristled, "I didn't…" Hermione cut across him.

"Don't you realize doing something that stupid can not only get you thrown out of Hogwarts but can get your arse chucked right into Azkaban!"

"You can't throw me out of Hogwarts Hermione," Ron growled.

"OH YES I BLOODY WELL…" She was about to blow up but Ron unwittingly pulled the fuse from the bomb.

"Look, I'm not saying that to be smart," Ron eyed her purple face wearily, "I'm saying you can't toss me out of Hogwarts…no-one can!"

He reached in his pocket and produced a crumpled piece of parchment and held it out to her.

With a puzzled look on her face Hermione deflated slightly as she snatched the piece of parchment from his hand.

It was an official looking document. She sat down on the seat across from him and read it.

Ministry Decree #759

It is here-by recorded and duly noted that

Ronald Bilius Weasley

has been sequestered by this decree to complete

his 7th and final term at Hogwarts School of

Witchcraft and Wizardry and must do so with

acceptable marks on his final examinations.

He will also, by the limits of this Decree be

confined to the grounds of Hogwarts extending

only as far as the town limits of Hogsmead for the

duration of said term. Any deviation from this Decree

will result in immediate arrest and detention of said

Person(s) named above.

This Decree is legal and binding by law and shall not

Be rescinded unless adjudicated by the Ministry

Signed; Minister for Magic: Arthur Weasley

Attested and witnessed; Percy Weasley U.S.T.M.

Undersigned by Defendant; Ronald B. Weasley

The decree carried the official Ministry seal and all. She gaped at it in disbelief.

"Oh Ronald," Hermione stared at him wide-eyed for a moment, "What in Merlin's name did you do?"

Ron looked as if he were going to be ill.

"It's mum," he cried, jumping up and pacing the compartment, "She went completely off her nut when those bloody Prophet pictures came out. I mean I was only having a bit of fun that's all. You'd think I was trying to assassinate the bloody Muggle Prime Minister or something. I'll never criticize Fudge for abusing his power ever again! I wasn't doing anything wrong!"

Hermione pursed her lips and folded her arms around herself. A look of dark anger clouded her eyes.

"Well apparently someone thought otherwise didn't they?" She muttered looking out the compartment window.

It was then Ron seemed to realize who he was ranting to. He sat back down and eyed Hermione carefully.

"Look Hermione," Ron began, "I never meant to…," but Hermione just held up her hand to stop him.

"Ronald you don't owe me an explanation and to be perfectly honest I'm not sure I care to hear it. You're eighteen now and able to make your own decisions and choices. I'm not going to pass judgment on you because I feel I have no right but I simply will not tolerate…"

It was Ron's turn to interrupt her.

"Why did you have to go with him, Hermione," He asked like it caused him physical pain, "You were supposed to be with me…and my family. I needed you to be with me but it was more important to you to be with him…"

And there it was. Just like that the ugly two hundred pound gorilla materialized in the room between them. All her self-effacing sense of justice and righteous indignation evaporated in a puff of smoke.

She thought she had prepared herself for just such a moment but as she sat there looking at him her resolve crumbled. She looked at her hands lying in her lap. She wanted to jump up and scream at him he had no right to judge her because of the way he left them during the hunt for the Horcruxes and all the other terrible things he had done and said to her over the years but she knew opening up a bunch of old wounds would solve nothing.

They needed to move past all that…but she also realized she owed him some sort of explanation.

"Believe it or not Ron I thought it was the right thing to do at the time. I'm sorry if I hurt you but as things turned out it was probably the right decision. I know that's the last thing you want to hear but I don't know what else to say."

Ron looked skeptical but then she explained McGonagall's reaction to seeing Dumbledore's wand and how they ended up having to explain the entire last six years to her because she knew very little of it.

Ron already knew that from his conversation with Harry but hearing her say it made it only slightly easier to understand.

"I didn't tell you that to make excuses. Maybe Harry could have handled it all but…" She fell silent; knowing Harry had been exhausted and not thinking clearly. She had no problem admitting she had been rash but she wasn't going to accept all the blame for Ron's stupidity.

"Be that as it may Ron," she added, "I'm not going to sit here and believe my going with Harry caused you to go running off into the night with that…that…"

"No Hermione, it didn't," Ron admitted with a sigh.

He recounted what went on at St. Mungo's that night and how he somehow felt his whole world falling apart around him. He had panicked and had no idea how to handle it.

"Look here Hermione," Ron said, "I think it's safe to say we've both made…decisions that have made us go one way or the other. I'm not saying it was right or wrong I'm just saying…it is what it is."

Hermione thought about what he said for a moment and reluctantly found herself agreeing with him for the most part. The reasons for making those decisions had come from completely different directions but he was right. They were neither right nor wrong.

"Wow," Hermione grinned, "Tea spoon Ron has some emotional range after all!"

"Ha bloody ha Hermione," Ron sneered, "Just think in a few more years I might even develop into a shovel!"

"We can only hope," She sniggered, "So tell me something Ron? Why did Ginny get back together with Dean then? I thought she was completely gone on Harry?"

Ron looked at her pointedly, "You mean Harry didn't tell you?"

"Let's just say he's a bit reluctant to talk about it."

"Well," Ron muttered, "Then maybe I shouldn't say anything…"

"It's no big deal," Hermione said, "I just think he's really embarrassed about it that's all."

"Embarrassed," Ron gawked, "He's got nothing to be embarrassed about for Merlin's sake."

As Ron launched into what he and Harry talked about at #12 a few days before Hermione couldn't help but smirk to herself inside.

Ronald Weasley, you're so bloody easy to manipulate it's scary. Couldn't keep a secret even if you were confunded and wrapped in a Fidelius charm.

Hermione nodded when he was finished finally understanding things from Ginny's perspective. She worried that Ginny harbored ill feeling towards her and wondered if she should be on her guard.

"Do you think Ginny hates me Ron?" Hermione asked tentatively.

Ron considered that for a moment.

"No, I don't think so," he replied, "I'm sure she was plenty miffed at all of us back then but I don't think you'll be dodging any bat-bogeys if that's what worries you. Besides, you can just give her detention or something."

"I would rather avoid that if I could thank you very much," she grimaced.

"What?" Ron's eyebrows rose, "You were ready to throw me off the bloody train for Merlin's sake!"

"You were trying to off Malfoy Ronald," Hermione said incredulously, "I think that's a little bit different don't you?"

"Yah…well," Ron leaned back.

"Promise me this instant that I'm not going to have to continually step between you two all bloody year!" She requested with all her conviction, "Ministry Decree aside I'm not going to put up with it! I'll appeal to the Headmistress or write to your father and ask you be transferred to Durmstrang or something if I must, I swear I will."

"Alright…alright Hermione! Don't get your knickers in a bloody twist!" Ron bellowed, "I promise I won't go looking for trouble…there…happy?"

Hermione looked only slightly mollified.

"But I'm not going to back down if he starts something," Ron added.

Hermione bristled slightly but then remembered how bad Draco looked.

"I don't know Ron," she said, "Something tells me that's not going to be much of a problem. I think his little vacation in Azkaban didn't set well with his delicate constitution. He looked positively ill."

"Yah," Ron agreed, "I noticed that."

"So tell me Mr. Weasley," Hermione asked with a blazing look of disapproval, "What's with you and the old bat Rita Skeeter? Put out a `Life and Lies of Harry Potter' book? I'm sure it's just brimming with ridiculously entertaining tripe."

"Not even," Ron replied bristling himself, "I made sure the contract stated that she could put nothing but the truth in the book. I'll admit she was a bit miffed about that. Her Quick-Quotes quill burst into flames when she signed it but I didn't really care. I swear Hermione…nothing but the facts as I remember them."

"Well," Hermione said amused at envisioning the hag's quill exploding in her face, "that's something I suppose."

"Why don't you try actually reading the book before you trash it?" Ron added with a huff.

They sat for a while in what Hermione could only describe as a strained silence until Ron finally looked up watching her for a moment.

"So what's with you and the Golden Boy?"

She knew they would get there eventually. Hermione tried desperately to keep herself in check but could feel her cheeks grow hot all the same.

"Look Ron…" She began but Ron held up both hands in surrender.

"I know it's probably none of my business and to be honest…well, I'm not really all that surprised."

That shocked her and she sat there suddenly feeling as if she just took a bludger to the side of the head.

"Come on Hermione. I saw you two at Fred's service. You were clinging to him like you might float away or something. It didn't take a bloody genius to figure it out. Hell, I was completely waxed and still could tell you two were together." He was chuckling.

"It wasn't like it was something that was planned ok," she blushed, "It just sort of…happened."

"Well," Ron said looking at her sideways, "All I can say is that it's about bloody time you admitted it."

"What? It wasn't like that!" Hermione was getting flustered. Not just because he had known but it was partly due to the fact that she had finally realized she had been in love with Harry all along.

"What ever," Ron tossed a hand at her, "I mean, you've been orbiting around the bloke like a planet since our first week at Hogwarts. I mean even the Daily Prophet pegged you two as an item back then," he laughed, " `course they also pegged you as a scarlet woman too but still." He was enjoying watching Hermione squirm immensely.

Her eyes narrowed dangerously.

"You'd know all about scarlet women now wouldn't you Ronald," she said in a quiet deadly tone.

"Low blow Granger," Ron said sourly, "No fair hitting below the belt."

"If the shoe fits," she replied haughtily.

Ron only sighed but then his demeanor turned serious as he looked at her.

"Lay off the pathetic state of my love life, hmm kay? Really Hermione," Ron sighed again, "It's not that big of a stretch to see this happening between you and Harry is all I'm saying. I mean look at the bloke…he's lost everyone who's ever meant anything to him because they've either died or they've tossed him aside like he wasn't all that important. I can't imagine what that must have felt like. I know how hard it was just to loose Fred and live with what happened to Bill and George."

"But then I look at you and it's easy to see. No one knows Harry better than you do, know what I mean? Not me, not Ginny, not even his barmy Aunt or Uncle. He's got no-one else to turn to but you. Do you realize you are the only person in his life that has never left him? I can't even make that claim and I'm his best mate! Makes me feel down right ashamed of myself."

"You've though a lot about this haven't you Ron?" She asked on the verge of tears.

"I suppose," He said sadly, "I've thought about a whole mess of things lately, kind of easy to do when you're under house arrest. Scary isn't it?" He smiled.

In a split second Hermione's whole attitude and opinion of Ronald Bilius Weasley completely changed. Gone was the seemingly constant irritation she felt for him most of the time. Gone was her anger at him for years of bickering and arguments and fights. She couldn't help but have a new-found respect for her red-haired best friend. No more teaspoons for Ron Weasley.

But there was one thing she wanted to know…

"Does that mean you never really felt anything for me then?" As soon as the words left her mouth she regretted saying it.

The look that crossed Ron's face was enough to make Hermione stab herself through her own heart.

"Is that what you think Hermione?" He said in an almost inaudible whisper.

"N…No of course not…I'm sorry," she said in a quivering voice full of shame, "That was a completely horrible and insensitive thing for me to say." She put a shaking hand over her eyes.

"I think," Ron said quietly, "there are just some people who rub each other the wrong way, you know? It's not something intentional it's just the way it is. There are just some things that aren't supposed to go together and as much as I hate to admit it…I think that's you and I. I mean, don't get me wrong, we get along brilliant when we're not trying to get along if that makes any sense."

She nodded. In some convoluted way it did make sense.

"But don't ever think I never cared about you Hermione. I know I didn't always do a very good job of showing it…well…actually I did a fairly horrid job of showing it but…I mean after all, what can you expect from a bloody teaspoon!"

"Oh Ronald," Hermione burst into tears. She lunged across the compartment and flung her arms around his neck hugging him tightly, "I'm sorry things didn't turn out like they were supposed to."

Ron smiled widely as he patted her on top of her head.

"Well, it's nice to know even the little miss know-it-all can get it wrong now and then."

She pulled back to look at him questioningly. "What's that supposed to mean?"

"It means, I think things turned out exactly the way they were supposed to."

She beamed at him for a moment then settled on the bench beside him taking his hand in hers and lacing their fingers together.

Her mind wandered over all the things they had been through over the past seven years. All the adventures, pain and struggles - but even with the knowledge Voldemort and the Death Eaters were vanquished she couldn't find the sense of peace and contentment

she had anticipated. It was almost as if she were still not quite ready to exhale after holding her breath in fear over the last several years.

All their lives had changed and seemed to do so daily. It was as if they were hurling toward the future at the speed of light and no-one seemed to be at the controls. Even with the constant fear of possible impending doom they had a purpose then - a clear common goal. Now, for the first time in her life, it seemed, there was no clear destination laid out before her and until that moment she didn't realize how utterly frightening an unknown future really was. It was a complete contradiction to her aversion to all things Divination.

Hermione's ambitions and goals had always been clear to her even when she was much younger. First it was to be brilliant in her Muggle Academies, then it was to be the best Muggle-born witch there was and when trouble started she was determined to fight and win, dragging with her as many as her knowledge and cleverness would allow her to save. She had succeeded. They had succeeded. They had persevered even in the face of possible death and insurmountable loss but this…

For some strange reason she thought of Professor Trelawney. She thought about how a seemingly barmy old fraud could spit out a bunch of mumbled phrases that would turn the entire Wizard world on its collective ear. It grated against Hermione's intellect but she could not deny it had happened and people with much more intelligence and wisdom than her had taken it seriously. That, in itself amazed and alarmed her.

The power of words is almost as devastating as the power of fear, pain and death!

She also thought about how the fear of nothing more than someone's name had gripped her world for over a decade.

The realization of this made her shiver inside.

"What are you thinking about?" Ron asked. He was looking at her with a puzzled expression. "You looked like you were a million miles away there for a moment."

Hermione looked at Ron for a long moment before she answered.

"What does the future hold for us now?" She whispered. She remembered thinking that very same thing the night she spent in the girl's dorm in the Gryffindor tower the day before she left for Australia. It bothered her as much now as it did then.

Ron simply shrugged his shoulders.

"Don't have a clue Hermione but I think that's the point isn't it? We're supposed to figure that out for ourselves. All I know is that I've got to pass all my classes this term or I won't have a bloody future."

"Well, I'm not going to carry you like I've done in the past," Hermione said seriously lifting her chin, "It's time for you to stand on your own two feet Ron! I'm going to have way too much to do with being Head Girl and…"

Ron interrupted her.

"Oh put a stopper in it Hermione," Ron frowned, "I don't expect you to alright? Besides," he smirked looking at her smugly, "I suspect there will plenty of birds tripping over one-another to help out one of the Golden Trio."

"OH!" Hermione huffed jumping to her feet, "YOU…YOU…" She couldn't seem to think of an insult strong enough. She stormed out of the compartment without a glance backward.

Ron sat chuckling to himself. He could still drive the girl bonkers without breaking a sweat…

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