The Trio Reunited

Chapter 3 – The Trio Reunited

Soon, it was time to return to Hogwarts. Hermione had improved slightly, for she now spoke when spoken to, but she would do no more than that. She did not chatter away as she might have done a few months ago; she had an altogether more serious, dark, and angry air about her. Her recent silence was not something the Potions master was likely to complain about, but despite his aloof appearance, he was deeply troubled by the extent of the change he perceived in Hermione.

She was seen to the Hogwarts Express by a procession of Order members. However, for the sake of her comfort and ease, the guard consisted of the same members who had rescued her earlier that summer. Hermione stepped through the barrier and was immediately accosted by several worried Weasleys and Harry.

"Hermione, dear, oh, darling, are you all right? Oh, dear, we were all so very worried. It's wonderful to have you back," Mrs. Weasley gushed as she pulled Hermione into a fierce hug.

The instant Mrs. Weasley touched Hermione, she stiffened, her arms and back ramrod straight, and for an instant a brief look of undiluted terror flitted over her features. Thankfully, no one except Harry noticed. He gave her a curious look but only received a short shake of the head as a response. In that moment, Harry knew he would have to speak with Hermione in private later.

"Well, dear, are you all right?" Mrs. Weasley pressed.

"I'm fine," Hermione responded in an emotionless voice

"Oh," she responded, shocked at Hermione's bland tone.

Harry was shocked by Hermione's cold demeanour; he had never heard her sound so harsh and detached before. It was clear to him that the time she had spent away was not enough for her to heal. "She just needs time," he told himself, "she's strong, she'll be fine," he chanted mentally, as he approached her in a calm, yet tentative manner.

"I'm glad you're back, 'Mione; I was worried sick. We all were. We'll talk later though, ok?"

"Sure, Harry, thanks," she answered, showing more feeling than she had since she was taken. For no matter what horrors Hermione had endured, she did not wish to be an additional burden for her best friend.

"Come on, let's get on the train, yeah?" Ron said as he shifted uncomfortably.

"Yeah, at least then we can talk privately," Ginny added, giving Hermione a worried look.

With that, the Order members escorted the group of Hogwarts students onto the train, all the way up to their compartment. It seemed that the Order was not going to take any chances, because when the rest of Hermione's guard left, Bill Weasley stayed behind, sitting with them in the carriage.

"Bill, what are you still doing here?" Ron asked.

"Sorry, guys, you're stuck with me for the ride. I've been instructed to escort Hermione all the way up to the castle. We're not willing to take any chances now," he replied apologetically.

"Oh, cool," Ron said and promptly turned towards Harry to strike up a conversation about Quidditch.

Harry, however, was only partially paying attention to Ron, as he was watching Hermione out of the corner of his eye. He could see plainly that she was greatly troubled, and he didn't blame her. She had just lost her mother and sister, and Harry of all people knew how painful it was to lose family. He also realized that it must be ten times worse for Hermione; for she, unlike Harry, knew what it was that she had lost. Harry had never known his parents, so in a way it was easier than if he had known them before he lost them. He realized that his pain must be nothing compared to the loss she felt, and to have seen it happen with her own eyes... that was more cruel and horrendous than even Harry could imagine.

"Hey, you okay, Hermione?" Ginny asked softly.

"Fine, Gin," Hermione replied in a blank, emotionless manner.

Ginny sighed, and left her to look out the window, realizing that it would be a while before Hermione would be willing to talk to anyone. The train ride passed normally and without any disturbances. Due to Bill's presence, the trio were not even bothered by the usual Slytherin invasion that seemed to have made a tradition of harassing them on the annual train ride to Hogwarts.

They arrived at Hogsmeade station and were accompanied by Bill to the carriages. In a reasonably short amount of time, they reached the castle, blissfully hassle-free. However, by the time they reached the Great Hall, it became clear to Hermione's friends that she was by no means recovered from the events of the summer. During the entire trip she had uttered no more than two words and did not seem further inclined to speak at all. This new silence from Hermione was unsettling for the boys, as they were so used to Hermione's constant nagging. Things were changed, and it was becoming clear that their sixth year was going to be very different from any other. The trio took their usual places at Gryffindor table, while Ginny went off to sit with her friends. They were soon joined by the rest of their friends and the usual greetings were exchanged while Hermione sat quietly, seemingly in another world altogether.

"What's up with her?" Dean whispered to Harry and Ron.

"Nothing, leave her be," Harry hissed back, shooting his friends a warning glance.

"Whatever, mate."

The sorting proceeded normally, and after Dumbledore's usual welcome speech, he announced that the new DADA professor was going to be Alastor Moody, the real one this time. It seemed that Dumbledore wanted a trustworthy Defence professor for once, and at least this time, it was clear that he wasn't an imposter. The introductions over, the feast began, and all too soon the students trudged off to bed, none too eager for the morning which would bring about the dreaded first day of classes.

*****

Time seemed to fly as they all quickly settled back into their usual patterns. Before they knew it, the first week of classes was over. However, while that first week flew by for most students, it most certainly did not for Hermione. For her, each day was a struggle. The once jovial girl who loved being surrounded by friends suddenly became secluded and seemed to resent all forms of human contact. Even those closest to her were pushed away in such a detached manner that it shocked everyone, including the few who knew of her imprisonment. It was that Friday Harry finally had the chance to talk properly to Hermione.

"Hey, 'Mione, care to go for a walk?" Harry asked. Hermione gave him a bland look as if to enquire why.

"Please, Hermione?" he pressed earnestly.

"All right, Harry," Hermione answered with a sigh.

"Great, come on."

With that the two walked out of the common room, leaving all their friends staring after them with awe. It was the first time since their return that Hermione had voluntarily agreed to spend time with anyone.

*****

Harry looped arms with Hermione and took her out for a walk around the lake, eventually settling down by a large tree so they could sit and talk. The weather was beautiful; it was slightly windy and would have been cold had they not been wearing sweaters, but the autumn air was refreshing.

"How've you been, 'Mione? Like, really been?" Harry asked softly.

"Coping," she said with a small smile.

"I thought as much... I guess I kinda know how you feel, with Sirius and all...."

"Yeah... damn war."

"Heh, yeah. You know I love you, right?" he said suddenly. "You're like the sister I never had... if I could choose anyone in the world to have as a sibling, I'd choose you without a doubt."

"I know, Harry, I know. I love you too...." Hermione replied as she gazed out over the lake. They lapsed into a comfortable silence, relishing in the silent support each offered.

"We'll get them, you know" Harry said suddenly, "Those bastards who took you... they'll pay."

"No, Harry, you won't," she replied, her voice turning cold and harsh. "I'll get them. I'll make them pay. Every. Single. One. Of those sons of bitches who stole my family, my innocence, my life. I will make them regret the day they kidnapped me and my family. Not you, but me."

"Um, Hermione... I know how you feel about revenge... really I do, but you're kinda scaring me."

"No, Harry, you don't know. You did not have to see your family tortured, mutilated and murdered before your very eyes," Hermione said in the same cold voice

"You're right, I didn't. But I do understand. I have no family left at all now that Sirius is dead. He was my last link to my parents except for Remus... please, just... please, don't do anything stupid, 'Mione," he said, looking at her closely. "You're almost the only person I have left...."

"I promise, Harry, but I will get my revenge. Not now... not while we're still in school, but soon," Hermione answered, her voice returning to its usual tone. "Come on; it's gonna get dark soon, let's head back."

"Yeah, 'Mione."

And so the two quietly walked back up to the castle and went off to bed. Harry, however, was more worried about Hermione than before, especially after hearing her vow of revenge. But he was not about to breach her trust, so instead he promised himself that he would keep a closer eye on her because she really was the sister he never had.

Thanks for reading, leave a review please!