When the Hogwarts Express pulled into the Hogsmeade Station I couldn't help but steel myself for the upcoming evening. It would be odd, seeing him, and being with them. Honestly, although they knew nothing, I still could feel everything changing. With an uneasy, and shaky feeling I stepped off the train and headed toward the Thestrals.
Crookshanks had been collected in his travel cage and would be in my quarters by the end of the feasts. Now, more than ever, I wished I could take him to meals with me.
The boys chatted incessantly on the carriage ride toward the castle. I knew Ginny was apprehensive about my silence during the train ride, but I couldn't bring myself to relax and discuss Quidditch with them, granted I did not necessarily want to either.
"Hermione, how are you parents?" Ginny asked softly, letting the boys argue about the last Cannon's game. "I know it must have been difficult to leave them after just getting them back."
It was sweet of her, so I reached over and took her hand. "They are good. And, honestly, I am fine. Knowing that they are safe now is enough for me. I love them dearly, but being away from all of you was more difficult than I had anticipated." I explained and smiled at her. "Besides, my mum can't braid my hair nearly as good as you." At that she laughed softly and let the issue slide, I knew she wanted answers, but she would have to wait.
When we approached the castle, we all quieted down. Hogwarts had been repaired over the summer and it was the most welcoming, healing, and encouraging sightseeing the castle in all her glory. "It's good to be home." Harry sighed contentedly. I couldn't help but reach for him and Ron, tightening my fingers around their hands. We would be tackling this year together, just like old times, and that was really all I could ask for.
We all headed up the castle steps, staying as close to each other as possible. Fortified. Neville, Dean, Seamus, and Luna joined as we neared the large doors of the Great Hall. We greeted each other with hugs and sat down together, waving goodbye to Luna as she sat at the Ravenclaw table. The students were loudly catching up but I could barely hear them. I was so focused on not looking at him. I stared at the table, or my friends, trying desperately not to look at the head table. The ceiling was lightly raining, as the weather had been less-than clear when we came into the castle. The soft pattering of enchanted rain drops helped me stay calm, even though this entire situation was shredding my nerves.
Headmaster Snape sat in the middle of the head table, Professor McGonagall on his right and Professor Flitwick on his left. He was leaning to his side, his fingers propping his face up and massaging his temple at the same time.
When Headmaster Dumbledore was killed by Voldemort at the Department of ministries, Professor Snape was appointed Headmaster by Voldemort himself. He had taken the position in stride, becoming the silent protector of the school while continuing to spy for the order. He had rescued many students being tortured by the Carrow's and somehow kept up the pretense that he was truly aligned with Voldemort. Because of his actions and dedication to the school, the new Minister of Magic, Amelia Bones, decided with the Board of Governors and Hogwarts faculty that he should continue in his role of Headmaster. Much to his chagrin, however.
He stood briefly after the first years were settled and prattled out a few rules of the school, banned products, the Forbidden Forest being, in fact, forbidden, and so forth. And then promptly sat down and summoned the feast.
Though his management style was far different than Headmaster Dumbledore, and he was far less welcoming and cheerful, Hogwarts was safe with him. That fact alone made the castle seem immensely warm and comforting, despite the loss of many students' hero.
"It's nice to know some things will never change." Ron chuckled as he reached for chicken and potatoes at the same time. "Snape will always be Snape." I had the urge to defend the headmaster, but I bit back my immediate response and let him make his slightly derogatory comment.
"I, for one, appreciate that Snape is Headmaster. With him we know we will always be safe. So he can keep his snarkiness if the students of Hogwarts are safe." Ginny snapped at her brother. I couldn't help but beam at her, it was nice to not be the only one defending the man for a change.
Ron rolled his eyes and replied, mouth full of food, "that's what I was saying, Gin."
"Honestly, Ronald." Ginny and I huffed out at the same time, causing our group to laugh.
We enjoyed the Welcoming Feast like old times, everyone feeling a bit lighter and a bit safer than we had felt in a long time.
"Prefects will escort first years to their respective dorms. I expect all of you to be at breakfast tomorrow to receive your time tables for the year. I implore you to not do anything foolish tonight, points will be taken for any rule-breaking." Headmaster Snape drawled out after everyone had finished eating, and then promptly turned and exited the hall, his robes billowing behind him as always.
We stood and exited the hall together, but I stopped as the Gryffindor's headed to the Gryffindor common room. "I'll see you tomorrow." I smiled and kissed Ginny's cheek and waving at the boys.
"What d'you mean?" Ron called.
"Head Girl, I don't room in Gryffindor this year." I answered curtly, it was true-enough. I didn't bother waiting for their response as I headed up the stone staircase to my quarters.
I tried not to think about the coming morning when the announcement would be made. It was cause quite the stir and I honestly did not have the will to deal with it. But whether I liked it or not, I would have to. Hopefully I would have the support of everyone important in my life. If not, this year would be trying in a whole new way.