September 3rd, Post-War | Year One
It’s only been three days back at Hogwarts, and already the castle feels like it’s both a tomb and a heartbeat.
Sometimes, when I walk the halls, I swear I can still hear the echoes boots pounding on stone, spells ricocheting, screams. It’s quieter now. But the kind of quiet that comes after something has been broken. Like holding your breath after a scream.
They rebuilt the Astronomy Tower. I sat there tonight under the stars my favorite place in the whole school. It's strange, being back there, knowing I once cast a Shield Charm so desperately my hands bled. The tower was my battlefield. But also my sanctuary.
Ginny found me up there. She doesn’t say much, but when she looks at you, it’s like she sees straight through. She handed me a chocolate frog and said, “It’s easier when you don’t try to pretend it didn’t happen.” Then she sat beside me in silence for twenty minutes, and I think that said more than anything.
I like her. She’s fire and sharp edges, but not unkind. Just... scorched a little.
Hermione's back, too of course. Always the brightest in the room. She’s already organizing the study schedule for everyone in the dorm. Parvati thinks it’s excessive, but she does it anyway. There’s comfort in structure, I guess. I’m trying to learn how to feel safe again.
The Gryffindor common room still smells like smoke and old velvet. There’s laughter now more than I expected. It’s like everyone’s trying to remember how to be kids. We play Exploding Snap. Someone started knitting a new House banner. The fire crackles like it’s telling stories.
And for once… I think maybe I belong here.
I’m not loud like Ginny or bold like Parvati. I don’t quote rules like Hermione. But tonight, when I looked around that room, I realized: I’m still here. And maybe that means something.
I fought for this place. I survived.
And I want to learn how to live again. Not just exist.
Tomorrow, I’ll write a letter to Mum. Tell her I’m okay. Tell her the stars are still shining.
They always are.
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Gryffindor Girls
FanfictionSetting: Hogwarts, Seventh Year, post-Battle of Hogwarts rebuilding era. Characters: Ginny Weasley, Hermione Granger, Parvati Patil, and an original character (OC), Lyra Moore. 🔮🔮🔮🔮🔮🔮🔮🔮🔮🔮🔮🔮🔮🔮🔮🔮🔮🔮🔮🔮🔮🔮 The Gryffindor common room...
