An Outdated Map

Saturday Afternoon

A/N: Another week, another chapter! R&R, lemme know what you think. I have to admit, this chapter and next week's chapter made me cry while writing.

Playlist: An Outdated Map on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/1v0sepRQZF6r8M8T5Cxtru?si=-JbqIkrtRCKrXhjDrBCEoQ

Disclaimer: I don't own HP

"There's a time that I remember when I did not know no pain
When I believed in forever, and everything would stay the same
Now my heart feels like December when somebody say your name'
Cause I can't reach out to call you, but I know I will one day, yeah"
Memories – Maroon 5

Together, she and Harry appeared in the portkey alcove of Hogsmeade, just outside the train station. She braced for the onslaught of emotions but was surprised when she didn't buckle. Instead, a wave of nostalgia washed over her. In her mind's eye, she pictured several years of boarding the train. Smiles, tears, laughter and cheer. It all rose in her ears, and she felt the prickle of happy tears touch the corners of her eyes. All her years at Hogwarts rushing forward and bringing with them the memories of those who weren't here today. A frog grew in her throat while a small drop of anxiety pooled in her stomach. Fortunately, her emotions didn't have the chance to overwhelm her for Harry's hand curled around hers and squeezed.

She exhaled audibly, blinked a few times and glanced over at her friend. He offered her a crooked and subdued smile. His similar discomfort relieving her. She wasn't the only one suffering. She nodded at him and attempted a smile back. It was sad, but they both understood the sentiment. Hermione let go of Harry's hand and lifted her bent arm, waiting for him to take it. Once they were arm in arm, they walked on. Keeping each other up and grounded.

They reached the carriages, and both of them paused to take in the terrifying beauty of the Thestrals. She almost forgot about them. They were extravagant and wild. Their hooves kicking at the ground, gravel and dirt shooting up in their wake. Hermione inhaled, clutching Harry closer and admiring the creatures from a distance.

"Stunning, aren't they?" A deep cadence sounded from behind them.

Hermione startled, and Harry patted her arm tenderly. They turned to find Kingsley standing off to the left. His gaze roamed slowly from the Thestral over to the two heroes. He gave them an affectionate nod. Hermione almost let the tears fall at that moment. Even with how much had changed, Kings was still the same. Stoic and reserved. Every word he didn't speak coming through in his body language. Disentangling herself from Harry, she broached the new Minister gingerly, but he welcomed her with a warm smile. No reservations at her advance. She sighed as she embraced him—the familiarity of a friend bringing her more ease.

Their reunion was called to end by another person approaching them. This time when Hermione registered the voice, she did let a few tears fall.

"Hermione," Ginny outstretched her arms, standing in the middle of the laneway, uncaring to everyone else around them trying to get around.

Hermione didn't even bother to hideaway. She pulled back from Kingsley and moved directly into Ginny's open arms. Together they buried their heads into each other's necks, holding on dearly. Hermione had forgotten how warm Ginny was. Part of it her fiery personality, part of it being her larger than life heart. She breathed in, revelling in the comfort she found in Ginny, a woman she considered close enough to be a sister.

"Hey Gin," She whispered to her friend.

Ginny squeezed her, letting out a small sniff and laughing at her show of emotion. Neither of them able to keep their eyes dry. They pulled apart but stayed close, holding on to each other's upper arms. Ginny cocked her head to the left, taking the time to just be in her presence. Hermione it her bottom lip, a watery smile growing. Lifting one hand away from the ginger, Hermione wiped at her cheek and caught a few stray tears.