Post War Marriage Law - Hermione

chapter 12

As the days grew shorter and the air turned crisp, Hogwarts transformed into a canvas of fiery reds, deep oranges, and rich browns. The grounds buzzed with life, students rushing between classes, laughter echoing through the corridors, and the scent of fallen leaves hanging in the air. Hermione found herself relishing the energy, which seemed to invigorate her every step. She adored autumn—the colors, the quiet promise of change, and the comfort of warm scarves and cozy evenings by the fire.

Inspired, she took out her sketchbook one afternoon and made her way to a spot by the large window in the Gryffindor common room. She carefully began to draw the Forbidden Forest, focusing on the twisted branches and the golden leaves that carpeted the ground. She shaded in the mysterious, shadowed areas that hinted at creatures just out of sight, making the forest look alive and almost magical on her page.

Drawing had always been a quiet hobby of hers, one she didn’t often share. But as she added the final touches, she felt pleased with how it captured the beauty and mystery of the season. With a final smile, she held the drawing up to the autumn light, watching how it cast a soft, amber glow over the intricate lines and colors. For a brief moment, everything felt peaceful, and she was reminded just why she loved this time of year so much.

Hermione couldn’t resist the array of pumpkin dishes that the Hogwarts elves prepared for the season. Every meal seemed to offer something new: rich pumpkin soup with a hint of spice, flaky pumpkin pasties that warmed her hands as she took them out of the oven-fresh basket, and her absolute favorite—pumpkin pie with just the right amount of whipped cream.

It became her little autumn indulgence. She would often sit with her friends, savoring each bite, feeling the comforting warmth of the spices fill her with happiness. Between the cozy flavors and the crisp, colorful atmosphere, Hermione felt a deep sense of contentment. It was as if autumn itself were offering Hogwarts a little bit of peace amidst everything that lay ahead.

On afternoons when her schedule allowed, Hermione loved to take leisurely walks over the rolling hills surrounding Hogwarts. The grounds were breathtaking this time of year, with the autumn leaves casting hues of amber, scarlet, and gold across the landscape. The cool air carried the scent of woodsmoke from Hagrid’s hut, and the sight of the Black Lake shimmering in the golden light made her feel at home in a way that was almost indescribable.

She often wandered these paths alone, giving her a rare chance to enjoy the quiet and let her thoughts drift. Other times, she’d meet up with Luna or Neville, and they’d explore different trails, talking about everything from classes to their future hopes. These strolls were peaceful moments, filled with laughter and long, reflective silences, where Hogwarts’ beauty offered them all a brief reprieve from the pressures of school and the looming uncertainties of the new ministry law.

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As autumn's vibrant colors faded, a heavy blanket of snow settled over Hogwarts, transforming the grounds into a winter wonderland. While many students reveled in the first snowfall, building snowmen and engaging in snowball fights, Hermione felt a sense of melancholy creep in with the chill of the air. The bright hues of autumn had inspired her, igniting her creativity and buoying her spirits. But the starkness of winter had a different effect.

The days grew shorter, and with the early sunsets came a feeling of isolation that weighed heavily on her. In the dim light of the common room, as laughter and chatter filled the space around her, Hermione often found herself staring into the flickering flames of the fireplace, lost in thought. The darkness outside mirrored her inner struggles, making it harder to shake off the lingering worries that had begun to invade her mind.

She worried about the new law and the implications it had for her future and the futures of her friends. The idea of being paired with someone she didn’t know, let alone marrying them, felt daunting, almost suffocating. Despite her attempts to focus on her studies and maintain her friendships, the uncertainty gnawed at her.