Harry Potter and the Cursed Child (MOD Novelization)

4

The steam from the recently departed Hogwarts Express had begun to dissipate, revealing Platform Nine and Three-Quarters adorned with festive garlands and wreaths. The air was crisp, filled with the mingled scents of pine and hot cocoa, and the platform buzzed with the excited chatter of young parents eagerly awaiting the return of their children for the Christmas holidays.

At the center of the platform stood Harry Potter, his hands shoved deep into the pockets of his coat. He appeared restless, his hair more disheveled than usual, and dark shadows rimmed his eyes. Nearby, Ginny and Hermione watched as George, now in his late thirties but with the same mischievous twinkle in his eye, entertained Lily and Hugo. The children giggled as they waved their hands in front of enchanted posters of Pariah Prince—the latest dark figure to trouble the wizarding world—causing the images to scowl and mutter indignantly.

"He's so good with them," Ginny remarked, a soft smile tugging at her lips as she observed her brother's antics.

"Uncle George," Hermione agreed, nodding. "Ron used to be like that."

Ginny's smile faded slightly. "He's not coming to pick up Rose?"

Hermione glanced briefly at Harry's distant figure. "Not if you-know-who is here." Realizing her choice of words, Hermione's cheeks flushed. "I'm so sorry, Ginny. I — it's your brother's way of talking about Harry in code when the kids are around. They don't associate it with Voldemort, I swear. What am I saying, that's no excuse?"

"Don't apologize, Hermione," Ginny sighed. 

"It must be difficult for you to be in the middle of it all."

Ginny looked down, her brow furrowing. "My brother is at war with my husband. I know I'm supposed to side with Harry, but I can't. And now Ron has..."

"...gone total Ron," Hermione finished wryly.

"Precisely," Ginny admitted. "I understand that Percy was pressuring him to make an example out of Ron so no one would think the Ministry was lenient on friends and relatives... but I can't defend Harry for doing what he did. Especially the way he did it."

"He couldn't have known it would make the front page of the Daily Prophet. And that photograph of them arguing..." Hermione's voice trailed off. "I can't unsee it."

"I don't understand why we cannot get past this as a family," Ginny said softly. "It's breaking my mother's heart."

"Ron feels betrayed as a friend." 

"Merlin knows, my brother can make foolish mistakes, but he deserved another chance."

"Frankly, he's humiliated," Hermione said. "Having to work in the Misuse of Muggle Artifacts office? It's the only place that would take him in."

"My father thinks it's brilliant," Ginny replied with a faint smile.

"Don't tell Ron I said this," Hermione confided, "but I think I prefer him there as well. We were all about saving the world until the kids were born. I like knowing the worst thing that can happen to him is being attacked by a walking refrigerator."

They shared a quiet laugh.

"Honestly," she continued, "it hurts more knowing that Harry gave the job away to a recent Hogwarts graduate."

"That's not entirely accurate," Ginny said. "Someone else was promoted to Ron's job. She's just... more of an assistant for the time being."

"Well, it doesn't feel that way to Ron," Hermione sighed. 

"They're just being stubborn. And it's not fair to us. Or the children. They pick up on everything, just like we did. James knows, I'm certain of it."

"Rose could sense something after you left Hugo's birthday party," Hermione admitted. "I mean, it's Ron we're talking about. Even the barman at the local pub knows about his row with Harry. My husband has never been one to keep his feelings to himself."