Unmasked

Chapter One: Hogwarts is home

Sitting by the clearing was Hermione Granger, she was reading what seems like a letter. She let out a sigh which was heard by someone approaching her.

 "You alright, 'Mione?" 

Hermione turned swiftly to see Harry. Harry took a spot to sit next to her and motioned for the letter in her hands.

"It's from Hogwarts, Professor McGonagall wanted me to return and re-do our final year and complete what we left before hunting those Horcuxes. I believe you and Ronald received them as well, Harry", Hermione said.

"It arrived moments ago. Do you want to go back with all that has happened?" Harry asked.

"Yes. No. I don't know, Harry. I mean, I wanted to complete my studies to get a career at St. Mungo's but I'm not sure since a lot have happened these past months when we where at Hogwarts and Malfoy Manor. The memories are just too painful to bear," Hermione replied with hints of grieve, pain and sadness in her voice. Harry reached out his arm to pull her closer and hug his dilemma friend.

"You won't be alone, 'Mione. Ron, Harry and I will be there with you. Every step of the way," a female voiced out from behind the pair. Both Hermione and Harry turn to see two red-head siblings with freckles on their face smiling faintly at them. Ginny took a spot next to Harry and hold his hand while Ron took the spot next to Hermione and put and arm on her shoulder to reassure her. 

Their romance did blossom in midst war, but they soon realised that they weren't meant for each other. Although their relationship coming to an end have left Molly sadden. However, she was glad to hear that Hermione doesn't want to lose any sort of connections with her family. Hermione have always been the second daughter she never had.

"'Mione, if it weren't for you, none of us would made it out alive from those hunt. You're Hermione Granger for Godric's sake. You're the brightest witch after Rowena Ravenclaw. Even her daughter cannot outsmart you, 'Mione," Ronald said passionately.

"He is right, you know," Harry said.

"I know," Hermione retorted.

"We can be your guards 'Mione, that bloody Bouncing Ferret won't be anywhere near you,"Ron said reassuringly. Laughter burst as soon as Ron finished his sentence. The scene where Mad-Eye Moody turned Draco Malfoy into a ferret in 4th year was a sight to behold.

"We'll be there with you," Harry said when their laughter died down as a promise and gave her a smile. She hugged Harry in return. Harry has always been a brother to her. 

"What do you think Professor McGonagall store for you lots?" Ginny questioned.

"She'll probably warned us not to find another trouble," Harry said jokingly and another burst of laughter exploded between these teenagers.

"Don't worry too much, 'Mione. Hogwarts is home after all," Ron.

"Yes, Hogwarts is home," Hermione said while staring into the horizon, wondering what adventure stored for them in Hogwarts.

"Children! It's time for dinner! Come inside before the food gets cold!" the group hears Molly shouting the top of her lungs to notify them about dinner time.

"Come on, before she yells again," Ron stood up and walked back towards the Burrow.

"Ronald and food, nothing stops that chemistry does it?" Hermione said jokingly.

"You don't want to interfere that relationship, Hermione," Ginny joked. The trio laughed while heading back to the Burrow with Mrs. Weasley waving at them by the window.