Going Back- Hermione, Ginny and the Marauders

Chapter 14- The Awkwardness

Ginny's POV:

I didn't know how to explain it. I didn't really know what I wanted to say. Sitting right next to her was driving me crazy, because I was embarrassed. She probably felt really weird. My heart and head were pounding in my ears. I was having an internal debate. I need to say something- no I just won't say anything. I can- but no! She will be thinking into this way more than me- shit did our legs bump? AHOHFOAHGNKJSGISHGJG-

"I'm going to get changed. Hermione, come with me?" I said, trying to shut up all of my internal conflicts that were driving me insane.

The walk to the bathroom was insanely quiet. I could feel a lump in my throat forming. It was too quiet, all I could hear was the swift movement of our feet.

Hopefully Hermione knows what to say, otherwise I have ten seconds to come up with something I can do...

I walked into the bathroom, praying to Merlin some words would come to me as I closed the door. I looked at her. Apparently her thoughts were mirroring mine. I could see it on her face.

I sucked in as much air as I could, hoping it would be enough to form a coherent phrase. "Hermione," I breathed out.

She was looking me dead in the eyes. How does she do that? I would feel so uncomfortable... "We obviously need to talk about what happened, because I cannot bare another minute of not being able to talk normally."

She nodded in agreement, "Yeah, you're right."

I looked at her, with all of the seriousness in the world, "What do you think we should do?"

She looked a little taken aback that I was letting her take control of the situation, but her face immediately regained the expression it held before. "I don't know..."

"You don't need to worry about what I might think. I will be okay with whatever you choose to do," I told her. In all seriousness, I just wanted my best friend back. I didn't care about whatever happened, but I just needed to have her in my life without feeling awkward about it.

"Honestly, Gin," She started, "I think we should just move on."

I breathed out a sign of relief. "Me too," I said.

"If you look at it- logically- we were both just so upset about all of the shit we have gone through, and I think we both just needed somebody to comfort us, and we only have each other." She said.

I had a feeling in my chest. It laid on the fine line between relief and longing. But it wasn't romantic... it was strange. Suddenly, a wave of emotions hit me. I thought of Harry, Mum, Dad, my family... the world and the people I would be leaving behind.

There were so many things that I wanted to say. So many people who I wanted to say goodbye to. Mum, George, Harry, Ron. But I couldn't. Hermione was the only thing from my home that I had left.

She was it. The only thing that reminded me that this wasn't a nightmare, and I was okay with that. 

I hugged Hermione and cried into her shoulder. She hugged me back, and as she did, I felt a sense of comfort come over me. At least I still have Hermione.

After I was drained of tears, I dried my eyes with some of the toilet tissue. 

"C'mon, Gin, let's head back now," Hermione said, splashing her face with some cool water, and patting it dry with her shirt sleeve.

I nodded, but as I was about to open the door, I said, "Wait! Our robes! we need to get changed!"

"Ohhh, right!" Hermione said, laughing. It felt nice to be able to talk to a friend again. It was something that I was worried I would lose, and it was back. 

We quickly got changed and headed back to the compartment. 

"It's crazy, I thought we were nearly done at Hogwarts, but here we are, back in our 5th year," Hermione chuckled.

"What?! Hermione Granger isn't jumping for joy because she can now study for another one more year?" I said in mock surprise.

Hermione punched my arm, and I laughed because it hurt a lot more than I expected. Probably from the war... No, now is not the time to think about the war. 

I know it sounds awful, but I was finally in a world where the second wizarding war wasn't a problem. Yes, technically I was dropped right into the first wizarding war, but now is a time for me to be with my best friend and my other best friends' parents.

We opened the compartment door to James and Sirius arguing over the flavor of a singular Bertie's Botts Bean. 

"Sirius, I swear it's earwax!" James yelled.

"No, James. You're wrong. This is distinctly a three week old acid pop dipped in pickle juice and dusted with turmeric!" Sirius retorted.

I looked to Remus. James and Sirius concern me. Remus just shrugged, and went back to looking out of the window. 

Hermione spoke up, "You know you probably shouldn't be sharing one singular bean. It's quite repulsive," She looked between James and Sirius.

They stopped shouting at one another, finally.

Sirius smirked and leaned back, while James on the other hand crossed his arms.

"Sorry, Mother," James rolled his eyes. Hermione chuckled and sat next to Sirius, across from Lily, "What're you reading?"

Lily showed Hermione the cover, which read "We Were Liars by E. Lockhart".

Hermione shrieked, "I LOVE that book!" 

Lily, who usually was easily annoyed while reading smiled at Hermione, "Well I just started, so no spoilers."

Hermione nodded, "I would never dare."

I looked at Remus, "What's got you looking so solemn?"

"It's... my mother," he put emphasis on mother, letting me know it was just nearing a full moon, "she's ill."

Lily looked up from her book to search Remus' face. Based off of everything future Remus told me, Lily already knew. She's a very bright witch, after all. "I hope your mother gets well soon."

"So do I," He looked back outside the window. 

So I have some explaining to do- End of 2020 I was dealing with a relationship that was suffocating me. I dated this kid for 1 1/6 years and I felt really guilty breaking up with him so I put it off for so long, but I broke up with him at the tail end of last year. I have been doing a lot of self improvements and I finally feel good about writing this. I'm sorry it took awhile.

And I'm sorry if one of my previous authors notes made it sound like I don't like being corrected because believe me I DO!! If there's something wrong call me out because, even though I won't change it, I would still like to know. (i.e Florean and Fortescue's is in diagon alley, but I put it in hogsmeade).

Also a couple of important things, if there are factually inaccurate things, just roll with it. Hermione and Ginny have sort of reverse-aged to their late sixteens, they are in their now seventh year, I'm sorry if there are some inconsistencies, just roll with it. Here is the update you've waited for. I hope I didn't lose my readers, because I love you guys and seeing you read my work and comment makes my day! 

Lots of love!!