The humid air filled Hermione's lungs as she took a deep breath before Apparating. She braced herself, and one crushing, disorienting moment later, she strode down Hogsmeade's Main Street, her head filled with swirling thoughts.
Signs called at her, promising "Better bargains!" and "Buy two, get 10 knuts off!" However none of these start of term deals, nor the bustle all around her, roused her from her reverie. Confusion dimmed the usual excitement that attended a new school year. Since she had already finished her time at Hogwarts, she was at a loss to understand why Professor McGonagall had wanted to meet with her so urgently. She had readily agreed, however, as she was eager to see her favorite professor again. Post-war cleanup and rebuilding had kept them both in a whirlwind until today.
Hermione shook her head as if to clear away the thoughts cluttered there. She quickened her stride and left behind Hogsmeade's crowded street. She held her breath as Hogwarts' towering spires came into view. The familiar feeling of home settled upon Hermione, and she smiled.