Post War Marriage Law - Hermione

chapter 6

As they arrived at King's Cross Station, Hermione, Ginny, Harry, and Luna made their way through the bustling crowd, dodging travelers and their luggage. The anticipation in the air was palpable as they navigated toward Platform 9¾.

"Let's find an empty compartment!" Ginny suggested, her eyes sparkling with excitement. "I want to be able to talk without the whole train overhearing us."

"Good idea," Hermione replied, her mind momentarily distracted from the weight of the upcoming year. "We can settle in and enjoy these snacks I brought."

The group moved quickly, pushing through the throngs of people until they spotted a nearly empty compartment near the end of the train. The sliding door opened with a soft whoosh, and they piled in, grateful for the privacy it provided.

"Perfect!" Luna exclaimed, settling herself against the window. "Now we can see all the landscapes zooming by."

Hermione unpacked her snacks-an assortment of pastries, biscuits, and a few chocolate frogs. "I hope you all are hungry!" she announced, handing out treats as they settled into their seats.

"Absolutely!" Harry said, grabbing a chocolate frog and tearing into it. "What do you have, Hermione?"

"Just some homemade biscuits and pastries from my mum," she said, passing a plate around. "I thought they'd make the journey more enjoyable."

"Oh, these are amazing!" Ginny said, taking a bite of a flaky pastry. "Your mum's cooking is the best!"

"Thanks! I told her we'd need fuel for our adventures this year," Hermione replied with a grin. "Especially with everything going on."

As they munched on their snacks, their conversations flowed easily. They talked about their summer adventures, catching up on each other's lives since they had last seen one another. Hermione shared her experiences in Australia, recounting her favorite moments and the breathtaking landscapes she had seen.

"Did you see any kangaroos?" Luna asked, her eyes wide with wonder.

"Of course! They were everywhere! I even learned how to feed one," Hermione replied, her voice filled with excitement. "And I've got some great stories about the coastal hikes."

"Sounds incredible! I wish I could've joined you," Ginny said, leaning in. "I just spent the summer helping out at home and practicing Quidditch. I can't believe we're going back to Hogwarts now."

"Me too," Harry added, a hint of nostalgia in his voice. "It feels like we were just here for our last year."

"But now we get to go back and finish what we started," Hermione said, a determined edge to her tone. "We'll make it through this year, I promise."

Their laughter and chatter filled the compartment as they made plans for the upcoming school year, discussing their class schedules and what they hoped to accomplish.

However, amidst the excitement, the new marriage law loomed in the back of Hermione's mind, a constant reminder of the changes they would have to navigate together. She looked around at her friends, feeling grateful for their support and camaraderie. With them by her side, she felt a renewed sense of determination to face whatever challenges lay ahead.

As the Hogwarts Express chugged along the tracks, the scenery outside shifted from the bustling cityscape of London to the idyllic countryside, a picturesque reminder of their magical world. With each passing moment, they drew closer to their beloved school, a place filled with memories, friendships, and adventures yet to unfold.

As the Hogwarts Express continued to glide through the countryside, Hermione felt a familiar discomfort nagging at her. The thought of needing to use the train's cramped restroom made her cringe, but she knew she couldn't put it off forever. With a resigned sigh, she stood up.