Saving Snape
Prologue
The Hogwarts Express, nearing its destination, slowed down considerably. A fiery, orange grow extended across the horizon, accentuating another remarkably beautiful sunset, although it seemed a pity the day ended so quickly. Snow began to fall, as would happen in a wintry December month. A majestic, grandiose castle came into view at last, through a glass window in the compartment. The only passenger on board the Hogwarts Express plastered her face to the window, surveying the familiar castle with great anticipation and a child-like interest – she was home, after all she had been through she was finally home – and with that, the train gave a final lurch and halted as the rolls of steam emanated thinned.
Hermione Granger picked up her baggage, and stepped out of the Hogwarts Express. The prospect of returning to one place she had ever considered her home – Hogwarts, that is to say – exhilarated her, and it irked her there had to be a delay in her schedule due to King's Cross Station closing down unexpectedly for an inspection (there had been rumours of a Muggle Train explosion), and when it eventually reopened, she stepped through Platform Nine-And-Three-Quarters, her face shining with indescribable delight as the Hogwarts Express materialised. Thereafter, she boarded the train, and now that she was back at Hogwarts, the elation she felt was overwhelming and incommunicable as she scrutinised the old, ancient castle. She was truly home.