The Mural
September 1, 1998
Seeing the Hogwarts express brings back memories for all of them. Hermione, Harry, Ron, and Ginny strolled through the station, finding it bustling with wizards and witches. However, this year differed significantly from the other years. As Hermione surveyed the younger children aged 11-12, she noticed that there’s only a few of them.
Hermione understood the apprehension of parents and guardians; it was daunting to send your child off to study in a place that had seen battles.
She knew that wounds are yet to heal.
For her and Ginny’s case, their boyfriends accompanied them at the station. "Best of luck, Ginny and Hermione" Harry says as he gives the both of them one of his awkward hugs. His girlfriend playfully swatted his arms in response to the endearing awkwardness.
"Are you trying to be our father?" They all shared a laugh at Ginny's retort.
"Ginny doesn't need luck. The people she meets are the ones who need it the most," Ron chimed in, still chuckling, and patted Harry's shoulder in approval of his actions.
The girl rolled her eyes in response to her brother's remark, whispering curses under her breath.
Ron then shifted his gaze to Hermione and gave her one of his warmest smiles. “Good luck, ‘Mione”
“Thanks, Ron”
She and Ron had reconciled since their last disagreement, concluding the argument and agreed to disagree. Despite her slight irritation at that compromise, she recognized Ron's grief and took it into consideration.
Harry and Ginny appeared to be saying their farewells, with Ginny playfully warning Harry about not seeing other girls while she was at Hogwarts. She was preoccupied from the two that she never saw Ron closing their gap and quickly giving her a peck.
"Ron!" Hermione exclaimed in a hushed tone, glancing around to ensure no one had witnessed their public display of affection.
“What? You’re my girlfriend” Ron says while grinning. As a reply, she pinched his arms.
“Ow, that hurts!”
“You deserve it” .
After bidding their goodbyes, Hermione and Ginny boarded the train and sought out an unoccupied compartment. Spotting one at the end, they settled in and took their seats.
“Do you really like my brother, Hermione?” Ginny suddenly asked, catching Hermione off guard.
“Why do you ask?”
“You both just appear so…awkward”
That remark left Hermione tongue tied. It was true, they did appear awkward together, but she had assumed no one would pay much attention to it. As friends, she and Ron had been inseparable, but since transitioning into a romantic relationship, she felt a shift between them.
Yet, she couldn't fathom the idea of leaving him and causing him heartache. He brought her comfort and a sense of nostalgia from their shared adventures together with Harry.
She felt that she was saved by the bell or rather people, as their compartment opened and the familiar faces of Luna Lovegood and Neville greeted them.
"Ginny, Hermione, it's good to see you!" Neville exclaimed, acknowledging both girls. He settled next to Ginny, while Luna trailed Neville and took a seat beside Hermione.
"Hello, Ginny and Hermione.” the girl next to her said, then looked at her curiously, “Hmmm your eyes seem to carry a touch of sadness, like a passing cloud over the moon," Luna whimsically remarked following an extended gaze.
Unable to say anything, she only managed to reply a hesitant, “Ummmm”
"I could brew you a potion that my father gives me when I'm feeling down,"
Appreciating the gesture, Hermione declined, "No, thank you, Luna."
The conversation drifted towards their lives after the war. Neville had garnered attention for his bravery during the final battle, with some even dubbing him the ‘snake slayer.’ His face had appeared in numerous newspapers, though not as frequently as Harry's. The boy also shared that his grandmother scolded him for taking such risks, but asked him later on what dish he wished to have.
Luna, on the other hand, had helped her father reestablish The Quibbler. She had even interviewed a few of her fellow schoolmates, including the trio. Other than that, they have also rebuilt their home like the Weasleys.
To continue the conversation, Ginny proceeded to tell stories about the time she had played quidditch alongside her brothers and Harry. "Ron even took a hit from a bludger right at his balls!" she chuckled heartily, clutching her stomach for support.
The trio winced in unison, the memory alone causing discomfort to creep over them.
"That sounds rather dreadful," Hermione remarked, her expression inscrutable.
"Absolutely dreadful. It took him a whole week to recover," Ginny added, wiping tears of laughter from her eyes.
In an effort to dispel the lingering mental image, Neville shifted his attention to Hermione. "And you, Hermione? How did you spend your break?"
"Not much, really. I've only been working on polishing S.P.E.W so I can finally submit it to the Ministry," Hermione responded.
“What’s S.P.E.W?”
Ginny interjected, as she often did when Hermione's pet project was mentioned. "S.P.E.W. stands for the Society for the Promotion of Elfish Welfare. It's been Hermione's pet project since fourth year," she explained, imitating Hermione's voice with playful accuracy.
"Thank you for the introduction, Ginny. I started S.P.E.W. after witnessing the harsh treatment of house-elves. I wanted to show them a level of freedom they didn't even realize existed,"
Suddenly she remembered their friend, Dobby. She could only thank the elf for giving her the inspiration to start her project. She saw how the elf loved the freedom he experienced, her heart aches knowing that the freedom was cut short.
“It’s very fitting for you to think of others, even other creatures, Hermione.” Luna’s voice chimed in, praising the project.
Hermione smiled at the girl. Only a few people praised her when she presented the idea. Others mostly detest it, saying the elves love to serve their masters rather than be free. She even hears a few snarky comments from her fellow Gryffindors.
As they conversed and laughed, exhaustion eventually caught up with them, and one by one, they succumbed to sleep. The train journey was still long, with time to spare before reaching Hogwarts.
Her being the last one awake, gazed out the window at her reflection. She couldn't help but recall the eager, curious girl who had once looked out of these very windows with dreams of attending a magical school.
The present Hermione had lost some of that innocence, her eyes bearing the weight of insomnia and perpetual vigilance, remnants of the post-war struggles.
How she missed everything before the war, even the bullying of a certain blonde provided nostalgia…. Nope, I do not miss it , shaking her head to dispel the thoughts, she rested her head against the windowpane.
Fatigue then overcame her, and she surrendered to the pull of slumber as everything faded to black.
.
.
When they finally arrived outside the castle, all four of them took their trunks and headed to the spot where they will ride a carriage like in fifth year. As other students walked past them, Hermione curiously eyed a certain carriage being pulled by a mysterious, dark form.
Without hearing the telltale sound of hooves approaching her, Ginny's voice reached her ears, accompanied by a pointed finger. "Hermione, look," Ginny exclaimed. Turning her head in response, Hermione was met with a shiver down her spine.
It’s a thestral!
The first time they rode these carriages, she believed that it was magic pulling them, not until Harry explained the creature to her and Ron.
Her gaze remained fixed on the thestral before her. Its presence, pure black and carried an air of eerie beauty. Its skin clung to its bones, and its wings possessed a translucence that allowed a glimpse right through. Her attention then shifted to its eyes, a striking contrast to its dark exterior. The eyes were pure white.
As her hands hovered, initial hesitation momentarily gripping her, a certain hand led her to gently pet the creature's head. The sensation was unique, a mingling of anxiety and awe. She looked at Luna who guided her, the girl then offered her a reassuring smile.
“Lovely creatures, wouldn’t you say?” her hand joining Hermione's in petting the thestral. A sense of connection seemed to radiate between Luna and the creature, an unspoken understanding of sorts.
“Eugh, it gives me the creeps” Ginny interjected, her arms rubbing themselves in a self-embrace against the goosebumps. She couldn’t blame her, this mystical horse reminded them that they all saw death.
It was haunting but still, a strangely beautiful reminder…
.
.
When they arrived inside the castle, the familiar faces of her schoolmates greeted them. Some faces were even shocked and looked at them with admiration. That eventually leads to a crowd forming around them, with some seeking autographs.
"Wow, you’re really famous, Hermione," Neville commented, taking in the growing crowd they had attracted.
"Coming from you, look at those girls," Hermione teased, nodding towards a group of girls fluttering their eyes at Neville flirtatiously. Blushing, Neville seemed torn between embarrassment and excitement, especially when the girls were focused on him.
The four of them was being engulfed at the crowd when, "Come on, students, th' sortin' is 'bout t' start, wouldn't want th' headmistress gettin' all cross, now would we?"
"Hagrid!" Hermione and Ginny exclaimed in unison, embracing the half-giant who lifted them up in a twirl.
"Blimey, it's a right treat to t' lay me eyes on yeh lot again! Good to see you all, it is!" Hagrid said, also recognizing Neville and Luna who's at the sides who greeted Hagrid with a hello. .
"We're sorry that this is how we meet again, I'll tell Harry and Ron to visit you when they have the time"
"They've become aurors!" Ginny added
"That's alright, it's good t' see all of yeh doin' well! I knew Harry and Ron would do great as aurors. Now, let's us go t' the main hall, the sortin' is about t' start!"
The group then made their way to the Great Hall. During which Hagrid told them about his recent discoveries on different creatures.
Finally, the two giant doors greeted them. Inside was a high enchanted ceiling together with its floating candles providing light for the space. Hermione's gaze then settled on the familiar tables representing their respective houses. Amidst the gazes of many, Hermione, Ginny, and Neville headed to the Gryffindor table, while Luna joined the Ravenclaw table. Hagrid took his place with the professors and the headmistress at the center.
Her focus then turned to the first-year students who were lining up and patiently awaiting the announcement of their names, eventually to be sorted into their respective houses. She reminisced about her own first time in that position, challenging the sorting hat's decision, but...
"GRYFFINDOR!!" the sorting hat's proclamation interrupted her thoughts.
The Gryffindor table erupted with applause, some even stood to welcome the new addition to their house. Hermione's lips curved into a warm smile at the sight of the young student, a new cub in their pride.
Inadvertently, her gaze shifted to the Slytherin table. The atmosphere there was subdued, with students avoiding eye contact and keeping it to themselves.
She couldn't help but find it ironic that those who had once propagated prejudice were now on the receiving end of a similar treatment. Then, her eyes locked with those of a Slytherin, a young man whose familiar blue eyes caught her attention.
What's his name again? Tri- No, Ted- No. Wait, that's it, Theodore Nott!
The young man seemed to hold no shame while staring at Hermione, she however, didn't back down on their staring contest.
He's a close friend of Malfoy, if I remember.
Eventually, it was he who relented, turning his attention back to the front as the sorting continued.
After the sorting concluded, Professor McGonagall took center stage to deliver important announcements and pay tribute to those who had fallen. Despite the absence of Dumbledore, the commanding presence of the headmistress was enough to hush the Great Hall into a respectful silence.
"Greetings, esteemed students and revered professors. Despite the recent cessation of the war, we have chosen to commence this school year. Hogwarts has faced many trials, and this shall not be the trial to deter us or hinder our commitment to providing education…Let us stand united, keeping close the memory of our fallen comrades. Their bravery shall forever remain etched in our hearts. I advise all of you to pay homage at the mural in the entrance courtyard where the final battle between good and evil has happened." McGonagall paused, her gaze sweeping across the assembly, before continuing.
"This mural embodies our triumph, a testament to our resilience. We also thank all the figures whose contributions were pivotal. Lastly, I know that I cannot fill the gap that Professor Dumbledore left, however, I will do my best to make Hogwarts still produce the best wizards and witches in the magical community. Thank you all"
Claps and cheers resounded the room as the Headmistress concluded her speech. Some students even cried remembering all those who have fallen. But amongst the colors that painted the room in celebration, no green was found.
As dinner came to an end, the students gradually dispersed throughout the hall. "Hermione, is it really okay to leave you alone?" Ginny asked, friends among her year seemed to want to hang out with her. And she knew that she didn't have the right to stop her from doing so.
"Of course, Ginny" Hermione chuckled as she didn't see the point of asking her.
Ginny embraced her briefly and expressed her gratitude before joining her circle of friends. They walked together, engaging in lively conversations.
Meanwhile, Neville appeared to be engrossed in a conversation with some girls. It seemed that Hermione would be making her way back to the tower alone this time.
Now I'm starting to miss the boys.
Exiting the Great Hall, Hermione noticed Neville looking at her, a hint of seeking assistance in his eyes. She playfully grinned and waved at him, silently encouraging him to enjoy himself.
About time for him.
Navigating the hallways of Hogwarts felt strange for her knowing that people may have died on the path she's walking.
"The Gryffindor princess walking alone?" A hoarse voice said. She turned to see the same pair of blue eyes she had encountered earlier.
"What do you want, Nott?"
"What are your thoughts on McGonagall's speech?"
"Why do you ask?"
The young man advanced slowly towards her, his eyes reflecting a blend of anger and sorrow, "I said, what does the golden girl think of that old hag's speech?" His voice with intensity.
"Don't call her that" she hissed.
"I can, and I will call her that, now answer my question!"
Hermione's heart raced as she felt the sudden intensity of the confrontation. It was her first day back at Hogwarts, and she found herself unexpectedly under a verbal attack. Drawing upon her Gryffindor courage, instead of directly answering his question, she mirrored his intense gaze, returning it with her own glare of anger.
"Fine, don't answer, you fucking witch!"
Hermione's frustration erupted in a shouted question, "What have I ever done to you?!"
He towered Hermione and locked her with his two arms, "It isn't you but the hypocrisy I have seen from you that makes me angry. You applauded and smiled during that speech from the old hag, yet you stood to defend Draco's mother in the stands?"
"What do you mean?"
"She talks of honoring the fallen, but those who made the ultimate sacrifices have been forgotten?" Nott covered his eyes, a bitter laughter escaping him.
Hermione's astonishment grew as she observed his trembling hands. "Just look at the mural, Granger," he concluded abruptly, and then he departed, leaving her alone with her thoughts.
Her legs seemed to betray her as she crumbled to the ground, taken aback by Nott's sudden outburst of anger. Baffled and shocked, she vigorously tapped her chest, struggling to catch her breath. Her hands trembled uncontrollably, and the corridors that she walked on earlier felt constricting, as if they were closing in on her.
Huddled in a curled-up position, Hermione took several minutes to regain her composure. And slowly, she rose, relying on the support of the walls to steady herself. Instead of heading towards the staircase, she veered towards the entrance courtyard.
The mural, I have to see it.
When she arrived, her gaze had been drawn inexorably to a mural adorned with names. Each one bore the weight of a life lived, and in some cases, tragically cut short. But due to the dark, she can't see anything other than those names in front of her.
Hermione raised her wand and murmured a gentle incantation, "Lumos." A soft glow emanated from the tip of her wand, casting light upon the mural. The illumination granted her a clear view of the names etched onto the wall.
Lavender Brown.
Colin Creevey.
Fred Weasley.
Remus Lupin.
Nymphadora Tonks.
Alastor Moody
Albus Dumbledore.
Her wand followed as she read, the roster continued and filled an entire wall. The longer that Hermione stood there and scanned the wall, the more her heart seemed to ache. She now understood Nott. But this ache, though poignant, didn't deter the determined witch. Instead, she conjured a piece of glass into her grasp and with resolute hands, shattered it.
Her hands trembled slightly as they carved. With each stroke of the glass, she offered her tribute, honoring their memories and sacrifices.
Finally, when she turned away from the mural, two names lingered in her thoughts. And those names, too, found their place on the solemn wall.
Severus Snape.
Draco Malfoy.
September 2, 1998
"How did you get it?!" Bellatrix's angry whisper sent shivers of fear coursing through Hermione's veins.
"What else did you and your friends take from my vault?!" The accusation echoed in Hermione's ears as she continued to struggle against the woman's grip. She pleaded with Bellatrix to release her, but the witch had different intentions.
Hermione tried to move, to escape from the nightmare unfolding before her, but her limbs felt heavy and unresponsive. Invisible chains seemed to bind her in place, leaving her defenseless against the impending danger.
"Crucio!"
...
"Crucio!"
…
Desperation tightened its grip on Hermione's chest, and she unleashed a scream—a raw symphony of terror and defiance—that pierced the nightmarish haze. Yet, her cries were engulfed by the darkness, swallowed whole by the void.
"Draco, please! Don't leave me!"
"Hermione, wake up!"
Abruptly, Hermione jolted upright in her bed, her body drenched in a cold mixture of sweat and tears. Her eyes met Padma Patil's concerned gaze as the girl shook her awake, her features marked pity.
She despised it.
“Thank you for waking me up, it’s rather an awful nightmare” Hermione mumbled, attempting to brush off the pity, her voice masking the vulnerability she felt. Without delay, Padma's hands gently covered Hermione's.
"If you ever need support, we're here for you. Everyone needs it, especially after the war."
Padma then withdrew her hands, and Hermione quickly rose to her feet, making her way to the bathroom. The girl seemed to recognize her need for space and didn't follow. She stared at her own reflection, her eyes reddened from tears, her heart still racing from the nightmare.
When does this ever stop?
Seeking comfort, she stepped into the shower, allowing the water to cleanse both her body and mind. Emerging from the shower, she noticed that Padma had returned to her slumber. Her gaze shifted to Parvati, undisturbed by the previous events, and then to the vacant bed beside Parvati's. Lavender Brown's absence in that empty bed was yet another stark reminder of the war's toll.
Glancing at the clock, she noted that it was still four in the morning. However, scared to see Bellatrix’s face again, she chose to wander down the tower and through the empty corridors of Hogwarts.
As Hermione walked, her footsteps seemed to carry her along an almost instinctual route. Unbeknownst to her, the castle appeared to adapt itself to her emotional state, responding to her unspoken needs. And then, almost as if guided by a strange magic, she found herself standing before a particular section of the seventh-floor wall. A gasp escaped her lips as a faint sense of familiarity stirred within her.
The Room of Requirement!
A space she had become acquainted with over her years at Hogwarts. It held memories of being the training ground for Dumbledore's Army, a clandestine refuge where they had honed their skills in preparation for the inevitable clash with the forces of the dark lord.
Though puzzled by why the room had chosen to reveal itself to her now, she hesitated for only a moment before entering. The last time she had been here, flames had consumed the space, leaving destruction in their wake. Yet now, the room appeared untouched, as if it had miraculously restored itself to its former state.
With a mixture of uncertainty and curiosity, Hermione stepped further into the room. Though unsure of what exactly she was seeking, she allowed her instincts to guide her. She wandered amidst the transformed interior, her eyes scanning her surroundings until something caught her attention.
An ancient-looking hourglass that had never been there before piqued her curiosity. The hourglass's body gleamed with the hue of gold, casting an alluring shimmer in the light. She approached the enigmatic object, her steps cautious and contemplative. The sand within it rested at the lower chamber, a sight that urged her to satisfy her curiosity. With a deliberate decision, she turned the hourglass over, intending to observe its reaction.
In an instant, her surroundings distorted and twisted, her body undergoing a peculiar transformation that stretched and compressed her essence simultaneously. The sensation was akin to being ensnared by an irresistible force, tugging her across space and time until the abrupt cessation left her staggering. Gritting her teeth against the dizziness that engulfed her, she placed a hand on her forehead and took in her new environment.
Gradually, the dizziness subsided, allowing her to survey her surroundings. Familiar beds adorned with hues of red and gold greeted her eyes. A sense of relief washed over her as she recognized her dormitory. Settling onto her bed, she comprehended that the ancient hourglass had been a portkey, transporting her back to her dormitory.
“Why do you look like that?” a voice interjected, cutting through her thoughts.
"Well—" she began, attempting to formulate an explanation, only to be caught off guard by the voice's familiarity. Gazing at the source of the voice, she stammered, "L-Lavender?"
“Y-yes” the girl replied mocking her stuttering voice. Dismissing the imitation, Hermione continued to regard her with disbelief.
"But you're supposed to be...you're dead!" she exclaimed.
"What?! I always knew you were jealous when Ron and I were together, but to say something like that is just despicable," Lavender retorted, her voice laced with anger and hurt.
"But...wait, what's today's date?"
"Hermione Granger, the know-it-all, doesn't even know what day it is," Lavender responded with a sigh of exasperation.
"Just tell me!"
"Ughh, it's June 30th!" Lavender replied with a hint of impatience.
"The year?"
"Mygoodness, Hermione. It's 1997"
June 30…. Lavender is still alive...1997…
June 30, 1997…
Her eyes widened at a sudden realization.
It’s the day that Dumbledore died!