Hermione stepped off the train for her final year at Hogwarts. She was more than excited to get back to being a student she was before the horrors of the War. After the year she had on the run, and a few months recuperating, she was glad to finally be home. With her Head Girl badge pinned proudly on her uniform and Crookshanks tucked under her arm she made the short walk to the Threstel led carriages.

Hermione hopped on to the back of the carriage and was quickly joined by one Ginny Weasley. "Hey, I didn't see you on the train."

"Oh, I'm sorry Ginny, I was busy reviewing the Prefects schedule and scolding a few Third year Slytherins for setting off a couple of dungbombs in the Conductors compartment.

"I had to cast a bubblehead charm on the conductor and myself to keep from passing out."

"Term doesn't start until tomorrow and you're already in 'Mommy Mode'." Ginny laughed.

"You know for someone who wants to take advantage of my private quarters this year, you sure are digging a hole for yourself." Hermione grinned.

"You know I'm only having fun." Ginny rolled her eyes.

The carriage jerked forward towards the magnificent castle in the background. "It's a shame Harry and Ron won't be here. It just won't be the same without them." sighed Hermione. Harry decided to attend a Muggle private academy to get away from the fame and recharge. Ron went on to help George at the joke shop after the War. Hermione decided to return to Hogwarts as it was the only one she had left. Her parents' memories were too far gone for too long and they would be unable to ever get them back.

"Have you heard from Harry lately?" she asked Ginny.

"He met me at the Leaky Cauldron last week." she down casted her eyes and started fidgeting with the hem of her skirt. "He wants to cut ties with the Wizarding World completely for now and he doesn't know when he will be back."

Hermione didn't hear anything she didn't already know. Harry had confided his feelings to her right after the War. She had helped him get set up with a flat, a job at a cafe, and a tutor to help him with his school work since all he has ever known for the past 7 years is potions and spells. Hermione felt bad for Ginny but Harry needed to get away for his mental health. She had hoped one day he would come back.

The carriage jerked to a stop and the girls jumped out and made their way to the great hall for the opening feast. Hermione took a deep breath and closed her eyes. When she opened them, she took in the magnificence of the hall, the star filled ceiling, the floating candles, and the sweet smell of fresh baked rolls. 'I missed this place more than I thought.' she said to herself.

Ginny tugged on her arm and made their way to the Gryffindor table. They chatted about odds and ends while noticing the lack of older students who had returned especially in the Slytherin house. But what surprised Hermione the most were the First years who walked in. Instead of the usual 20-30 students, there were close to 70 students. Obviously, some of them were supposed to have already been here for a year, but with the very selective admissions last year, most didn't get a chance. Or their parents felt it was too dangerous. Hermione was also surprised to see someone else walk in behind the students, someone who she thought would have for sure skipped Hogwarts and moved on with his life.

Neville Longbottom walked in covered with dirt and holding a very odd looking plant. He spotted Hermione and Ginny and hurried over to them almost tripping several times before plopping down opposite the 2 girls. "Hermione Ginerva have a good holiday?"

"Oh Neville, do I still have to ask you to call me Ginny. You know how much I hate being called Ginerva" Ginny said rolling her eyes.

"Sorry." he mumbled turning bright red

"Don't pay attention to Ginerva. Yes Neville, I had a very relaxing holiday. What about you?" The brown-haired boy smiled a toothy grin.

"I had a wonderful time. Thank You, Hermione." Hermione gasped

"Neville! They look amazing!" he blushed an even deeper shade of crimson and thanked her quietly.

"What?" inquired Ginny

"Neville here just became the most attractive Wizard in Hogwarts." Hermione winked at Neville and shushed Ginny as Headmistress McGonagall started her speech.

"I want to welcome all of you to a new year at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. I know this is going to be an interesting year for everyone and I want to wish the Fifth and Seventh Years Good Luck on their OWLs and NEWTs. I have high expectations for you." she glanced in Hermione's direction "I know the past year has been hard on all of you, but we are ushering in a new dawn of the Magical world. As such we have expectations. No longer will the vial word Mudblood be uttered in this school. Immediate expulsion will result if you do. Any negative talk of blood purity will be handled on an individual basis; however, I must stress that I will not go easy on anyone!" This statement she directed to the Slytherin table. "Now as a reminder the Forbidden Forest is just that forbidden. And I have an updated list of banned items posted in each common room." she sighed and removed her spectacles. "Now on to much happier business. I want to congratulate our new Head Boy and Girl. Please stand Hermione Granger and Neville Longbottom.

Neville and Hermione stood to a loud roar of clapping and cheering. The Professors even stood to honor them. "Now as our dearly departed Headmaster Albus Dumbledore would say Tuck in!"

Neville looked as though he was about to pass out. Hermione noticed and reached across the table patted his hand. "Don't worry Neville, you killed a giant man-eating snake. You can take on anything." He smiled a shy smile and began to dig in, Hermione followed.

Bellies were full and eyes were getting heavy. Headmistress McGonagall dismissed everyone to their dorms, save the Heads who needed to be moved because of all the new First years in Gryffindor. The Headmistress guided the pair to a secluded tower near the Astronomy classroom and stopped in front of a very large portrait of Apollo and Aphrodite the Greek gods of the moon cycles and love and beauty.

"I hope you don't mind the portrait. We felt it was the best choice." she turned to Neville. "Apollo slayed a python the bringer of darkness and winter. So naturally we thought of you."

"Thank you, Headmistress, it's beautiful." Neville replied.

Hermione glanced at the portrait. 'Aphrodite, hmm' she thought 'I wonder why they would pick her?' she mused.

"Well now it's time for you to pick your password." The Headmistress cleared her throat at the 2 scantily clad gods in the painting. "This is the Head boy and Girl, Neville Longbottom and Hermione Granger. They will be living here for the next year." she turned to the students and said, "Now pick your password and have a good night." The woman turned around and walked briskly from where they came.

"Well Neville, what would you like our password to be?"

"I'm not sure to be honest."

"How about the name of that plant you've got there in your hand?"

"Oh, this plant doesn't have a name yet, it's a brand new species similar to the Venus Flytrap, only its very interesting really, it secretes a toxin similar to the effects of the Marijuana plant. You know the one that Muggles like to ingest." she nodded in understanding. "Professor Sprout discovered it while in the Amazon looking for an ingredient for Professor Slughorn. So, as I am her apprentice, I get to take care of it for the time being."

"Very cool Neville."

"Thanks."

"How about Trevor then?"

"Why Trevor?"

"I know how hard it was on you when he passed. I thought it would be a good remembrance."

Neville smiled at her. "Yes, it would be."

They walked into their common room and were not at all disappointed to see a plush red velvet sofa and 2 deep chocolate brown club chairs in front of a very large fire. "Neville." she turned to him and smiled. "I'm glad it was you who was chosen for Head Boy. I don't think they could have picked a better person." He blushed and gripped his plant tighter.

"I really don't know what the Headmistress was thinking appointing me. I'm not all that special. I just like plants and keep to myself." he shrugged.

"You really don't give yourself enough credit." she stepped closer to him and put her hand on his shoulder. "You are one of the bravest men I know. You are fiercely loyal, and sweet and kind. " she dropped her hand. "And you deserve it more than anyone." his face burned from the sweet things she was saying to him even though he felt none of it was true. "Now let's go find our rooms. We've got a big day tomorrow."

She bounded down the hallway into the first door on the left and opened it. "That one is yours." she then made her way to the right. "This one is mine." She shut the door behind her and took in the sight of her room. It was just like any other room, four poster bed, a desk, dresser, and a very large bookshelf. She found her trunk and pulled out her sleep wear to change into. Hearing Neville across the hall yell goodnight, Hermione fell almost instantly asleep