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Hermione was glad to return to Hogwarts for her eighth year. As a third of the Golden Trio the spotlight shined far brighter than she was comfortable with.
She was stalked by the press trying to insert themselves into her personal life. Her brief relationship with Ron was splashed in every gossip column. She received hate mail from random women accusing her of breaking his heart.
Ron was the one to break things off between them when he realized that he wanted a housewife and not a career witch. He immediately moved on with Lavender, and Hermione was left to shoulder the fall out.
But, while Hogwarts offered her a sense of privacy it didn't stop the gossip columns' speculations.
Was she dating? Was she casually seeing someone? Was she heartbroken from Ron moving on or did she enjoy breaking his heart?
Then came the theories about her potential career. Why did she turn down the offer of a Ministry job? Was she actually attending her eighth year or did she accept an apprenticeship with one of Hogwarts' professors?
Hermione felt as if she was being portrayed in many different lights and none of them truly were her. Many of the younger students viewed her as this indestructible hero, especially among the muggleborn students.
She just wanted to finish her last year, to have a normal year of schooling. She needed to heal from the horrors the war inflicted on her.
She still found herself clutching her wand under her pillow as she slept. And most nights Bellatrix visited her dreams. Hermione was grateful that she no longer shared a room with the other Gryffindor girls as she more often than not woke herself with her own screaming.
Though she did notice that her other eighth years sported the same dark circles around their eyes. Many of them were forced to attend Hogwarts and suffered under the Carrows. Others found themselves on the run or imprisoned due to their blood status.
Hermione found comfort with Neville, the first friend she made in the magical world. She knew she could lean on him during the tough moments and she easily reciprocated the support.
So when owls flooded the Great Hall carrying the latest issue of the Daily Prophet, Hermione braced herself for the possibility that another gossip piece about her would be included.
She had canceled her subscription to the gossipy paper months previous for her own mental health but eventually the speculations would travel to her ears.
The pair of Gryffindor sixth years sitting next to her both received a copy and Hermione took note of their not so subtle glances her way.
When they placed the Prophet on the table, the front page was emblazoned with Ron and Lavender in wedding attire.
War Hero Weasley Ties the Knot
Hermione tensed and sucked in a quick breath at the article. Not only did Ron break up with her mere months prior, Lavender's skin tight dress hid little of her figure. The photo of the pair played their first kiss as a wedded couple on repeat and showcased a very obvious baby bump.
Yesterday in a quiet ceremony, War Hero Ron Weasley married Lavender Brown, his Hogwarts sweetheart. We wish to congratulate the newlyweds on their marriage. The pair are also expecting a new addition to their family this winter.
Hermione could hear Ginny's temper escalating as she caught sight of the article. In a smaller photo Hermione saw a picture of herself with another heading.
Granger: Cold and Unattentive
The article detailed allegations that Hermione's ambitions for a career over starting a family caused her to neglect Ron's needs and painted her as a frigid shrew.
A singular owl then entered the hall and dropped a letter to Hermione. She recognized Harry's messy scrawl and braced herself for what was written inside. Harry tried to straddle the lines of friendship when Ron broke up with Hermione, and had hoped the pair would rekindle their relationship.
Hermione, I'm so sorry. I had no idea about any of this or I would have given you a heads up. I also told him he was no longer welcome at Grimmauld Place, due in the winter ha. He was obviously seeing her when the two of you were together, as Ron mentioned Lavender will be having the baby early November when he came in to work this morning. If you need anything let me know Hermione.
P.S. I also sent a strongly worded letter to the Prophet to retract the article about you and demanded an apology.
Love, Harry
Hermione felt her heart lighten a bit that Harry was left in the dark as well. She also knew that Harry never truly forgave Ron for leaving them during the horcrux hunt and finding out that Ron had cheated on Hermione was the last straw in their friendship.
The Great Hall was loud with speculations as Hermione felt the weight of eyes on her.
"Forget them. At the end of the day they'll have something to say no matter what is written. Your friends know the truth and we'll provide you with the support you deserve." Neville stated as he slid into the spot next to her. "Besides, you're worth far more than their cheap opinions."
Hermione reached under the table for Neville's hand and gave it a gentle squeeze that was returned. Ginny and Luna joined them shortly after and Hermione felt her heart swell with affection for her friends. Though the confident smile Neville focused on her did make her heart melt just a touch.