It had been 5 years since the war had ended. Ron had married Lavender and Harry, Ginny, leaving Hermione alone. She still sees them occasionally, but as Aurorers with young children, neither were available to visit much. Hermione stood at the entrance to the Great Hall, remembering the close friendship they had had, realizing how much had changed since the final spell was cast and Voldemort defeated all those long years ago. Hermione walked down the narrow aisle in between the Gryffindor and Hufflepuff tables towards the Heads table, where she took her place beside the Hogwarts's Headmistress, Minerva McGonagall.
"Are you okay, Miss Granger? You don't seem like yourself. Maybe you should rest before your big class tomorrow. I wouldn't want to be disappointed the best student Hogwarts has ever seen." Her former Professor asked, grinning slightly as she added on the last part.
"It's just sad to remember what happened 5 years ago, knowing all those who died will never grow up or have families. Remus, Tonks, Fred, Colin, even Professor Snape. Honestly, I'm glad Voldemort's gone, and I truly hope no one ever rises to be like him." Hermione whispered in response, tears gathering in her eyes, barely noticing how McGonagall nodded sympathetically. Both went back to their food, occasionally looking at the new first years who were still not used to Hogwarts. Hermione smiled to think how proud her father would be if he could see her here in a hall built to match the ancient pillars of her home.
Hermione walked sadly back to her rooms in the castle, wondering how her real family was doing, far away from where she was. Her father must be worried, she thought. But as far as I know all pathways were closed. Hermione closed her eyes imagining her parent's faces when she finally crossed the threshold into her home once more. A light sleep covered her mind…..
Voldemort stood on a dark green mound, covered in blood, his pale face grinning, hands holding a disemboweled head. He was laughing softly as a figure kneeled before him, sobbing and screaming, covered in black liquid. The figure raised her head and stared at the most hated figure in the world, at least on earth.
"I wait for you young queen. Death will come to all you love as hope is lost and the Dark Lord returns! How will you find the strength to fight when your own father is dead?" The evil man said, waving his wand lazily from his other hand and tossing the head toward the girl. She flinched and shook as the head rolled to a stop, revealing a mutilated, yet nonetheless recognizable head. The girl screamed upon seeing her father cut down. Voldemort stalked forward, raising his wand, lips forming the words that she knew would end her life. Lightning flashed, lighting up the black sky, and a green light surrounded the young lady as she fell to the ground dead, like so many others who fought in this war.
"Noooo!" Hermione screamed, waking up from the dark nightmare that had plagued her for weeks. She got up and took a hot shower, washing both the sweat and fear from the dream away, relaxing her limbs in the steam. She stepped out and got dressed, mentally preparing herself for the long day ahead. Today, Hermione Granger, Professor of Defense against the Dark Arts, would be teaching the whole 6th an 7th year classes how to cast the patronus charm. She knew that more than likely Gryffindors would make fun of Slytherin competency, causing the said house to retaliate with curses and hexes. Ravenclaw would mouth off and make the matters worse before the Hufflepuffs would try to intervene, only to get hurt and end up in the Hospital Wing.
Hermione sighed, thinking of the undoubtedly troublesome chaos ahead. She went down to her classroom and began casting charms and spells to expand the room, while simultaneously summoning a house elf to bring her a breakfast. Soon, the food had been consumed and the room prepared. Hermione sat at her desk to begin grading essays as she waited for the students to arrive, marveling at how similar this was to when Harry taught Dumbledore's Army before Umbridge stopped the lesson. Slowly, students from every house began to trickle in, followed by Professors Slughorn and Longbottom, who were to assist if things got out of hand. Lastly, the Headmistress came in the room and sat down on a chair in the corner watching patiently for Hermione to get started.
"Okay class, today you will be attempting to learn the Patronus charm, which will ward away dementors." She began, slightly nervous about the crowd. "Can anyone tell me how the charm is supposed to work, and list the two types of patroni?" She asked.
"The patronus charm works by the caster summoning an immense amount of happy energy from their magic core as they whisper 'expecto patronum' which will cause one of 2 things to happen. A mist form can appear which will withstand one to four dementors and is a fairly weak shield. Or, a fully formed, or corporeal patronus will come into being as an animal, or in some rare cases a figure. Only truly powerful wizards manage to produce the patronus in its full form." Answered a small girl from the back of the room. Hermione recognized her as one of the girls who had to be told her parents had died in the final attack on Hogwarts.
"Very good, Emily." Hermione praised. "Now, I want you all to pair up and start thinking of your happiest memory. No one should be matched up with a person from the same house. If you could Professor Slughorn, walk around to make sure everyone follows instructions?" The potions master immediately followed her instructions.
"After you are paired up and have thought of something happy, cast the charm. Don't be disappointed if nothing happens right away. Keep trying. The last person who got it the first time, even though his charm was weak, was Harry Potter. Never give up." Hermione finished and began walking among the students correcting their words, or praising as a silver film poured from their wands. Soon everyone had at least a shimmering shield, although several students had managed to produce the full patronus, sending light through the room. At the request from the students, Hermione herself cast the spell, a silver otter floating through the air, emanating happiness and joy, stopping all movement as the students basked in the glow of the charm. However, the teacher's concentration was interrupted, causing the charm to fade away as the doors to the classroom burst open with a loud THUD!
Several cloaked figures ran into the room, looking around frantically for someone or something. All instructors present in the room came to the front, eying the people with caution. Hermione ran forward, stopping abruptly as she saw the insignia on the cloaks. Immediately when the strangers saw the young teacher come forward, they lowered their cloaks. Two of the party had long black hair and bright blue eyes, one was a female, the other male. The other had blonde hair and forest green eyes that sparkled in the daylight. All carried the air of royalty, grace, and wisdom beyond ages. The black haired female came to the girl who was shaking slightly in front of her and closed her arms around Hermione in an embrace, whispering something unintelligible to the students and teachers surrounding her.
Hermione broke away and kneeled to the company, shocked that they were here before her, knowing something was wrong and things were about to change. Feeling the eyes of all the room's occupants on her, she raised her fist to her heart and bowed her head.
"Mae govannen, my lords, naneth. Welcome to Hogwarts."
Hope everyone enjoys. Please review an let me know what you think. Eventual Hermione Legolas paring. More to come soon.
Mae Govannen: Welcome, and well met
Naneth: Mother