Dramione - Fire and Ice

Chapter 1 (Hermione)

Hermione Granger looked at the column that stood between Platforms 9 and 10. She knew once they appeared on the other side, her solitude would end.

She gave a reassuring smile towards her two best friends holding her hands on either side. Harry Potter with his untamable black hair looked anxious to be back at King's Cross Station and she knew there were several reasons for this. He told them about the dream he had had with Dumbledore when struck by the Killing Curse, and the dream took the shape of the same station they now stood in. The other reason was similar to hers - loss of peace and quiet.

She squeezed his hand and he squeezed back, pushing his glasses up on the bridge of his nose, his green eyes taking in their surroundings in case any dark wizards popped out behind a trolley.

Ron's hands were clammy in hers, but he was less anxious than Hermione and Harry. He was excited for the prospect at being the center of attention again. Hermione didn't hold this against him, he deserved the recognition after what they all did to save the Wizarding World.

He looked down at Hermione with a nervous smile and she quickly returned it. She was happy they were back to being only friends despite how close they had grown last year on the run. He wasn't happy at first when she broached the subject, but he understood their friendship was more important than a silly crush.

The three of them were briefed earlier by McGonagall and Kingsley on what awaited them on the other side, and it was for this reason they would enter the Hogwarts platform together - separate from Ginny and their friends. Aurors were already on the other side, prepared to protect them from any onslaught - whether admirers or dark wizards.

"Ready?" said Harry, looking determined.

"It shouldn't be too awful..." said Hermione, eyeing the bricks apprehensively.

"We've been avoiding the Prophet for two months now," said Ron, his nervousness turning into excitement. "Best prepare yourself."

And with that the trio stepped through the barrier onto the platform of nine-and-three-quarters.

A roaring applause greeted them on the other side which had Hermione tempted to turn the other way, but she plastered a soft smile on her face at the large crowd being pushed back by four Aurors stationed for their protection. Flashes from cameras and the shouts of their names was a surreal experience, but she was glad to have her two best friends on either side of her.

Harry was smiling shyly and squeezing her hand rather tight, whereas Ron was beaming at the crowd and cracking jokes. She shook her head in bemusement at their differences.

"Alright, alright, that's enough," said Robert impatiently, one of the Aurors assigned to them. He and another by the name of Rosa rallied the press away impatiently, wands aloft in warning.

The remaining two, Tinsel and Harold, urged the crowd to disperse and let them pass. With their luggage already on the the train, Hermione pulled Ron and Harry to follow the Aurors further on the platform to board.

"We'll be stationed on the outskirts of the castle," said Harold, his deep voice reassuring. "If you are having any trouble, let us know."

"And we could always grab a pint in Hogsmede and - what?" Tinsel rolled her eyes at her mentor, Harold, his face disapproving. "Nevermind him, if you ever need a chat, let us know!"

She reminded Hermione painfully of Tonks.

The trio nodded and shook their hands before boarding the train. They walked down the aisle of the train, excited shouts and whispers following them as they searched for a particular compartment. At last, they found where Ginny, Luna, and Neville resided and opened the door.