Moving In

Hermione had talked to the Weasley's and Harry that evening when she got back from talking with Minerva and Professor Dumbledore. Molly was not happy that Hermione wasn't going to stay at the Burrow but finally agreed that if that's what Hermione wanted she couldn't stop her.

Wednesday morning found Hermione shrinking her trunk and making arrangements for Harry and Ron to bring Crookshanks to her by broom. Crookshanks hated apparating and Hermione knew the boys would love to get away from Molly for a day. Hermione said goodbye to all of the Weasley's and walked out to the apparition point outside the Burrow.

Once again she found herself outside the gates of Hogwarts waiting for the Auror's Patronus to tell them to let her in. To her surprise she saw Professor Snape coming down the path with his robes billowing.

Hermione was surprised when Professor Snape told the Auror that Hermione was to be added to the staff list as someone always allowed in. She was even more surprised that he was fairly nice to her as they walked up the path to the school.

"Miss Granger I understand that you are back for the summer to help with the rebuilding."

"Yes, Professor Snape I have been staying with the Weasley's since my home was destroyed; I felt I could be of more help by coming here and working then taking up room in the already crowded Burrow."

"We have much to do to get ready for the school year, I was among the lucky Professor's the dungeon didn't have as much damage as other areas of the school. Professor Dumbledore and I have been working on the ceiling of the great hall all morning. We hope that Minerva can start transfiguring tables and chairs this afternoon. I'm sure you will be helpful with that."

"Yes, sir I'm sure I can help with much of the transfiguration and hopefully in other ways."

'Well yes, Minerva is in Gryffindor tower I'm sure she will need your help, do you have baggage?"

"Just my trunk I've got it shrunk in my pocket it can remain there till evening."

Hermione went to Gryffindor tower to see what Minerva was up to, she found her working on replacing windows and refurnishing the tower that had been partially destroyed. Hermione started right in with helping by noon she was filthy dirty and extremely tired.

Minerva and Hermione went to the kitchen for their lunch where they met with rest of the staff. Everyone greeted Hermione and welcomed her back to the school. Minerva explained to the staff that Hermione was still waiting for her parents estate to be settled; since she didn't want to be a burden on the Weasley's and the school needed help, she had asked to come and help.

While they are eating Dumbledore explained that Hermione wanted to do an apprenticeship after graduation. This caused several of the Professors to ask what Hermione wanted to do her Apprenticeship in.

Hermione blushed and looked down at her plate, "I would really like to do it in Potions but with only 6 masters in Great Britain I will probably have to do it in Charms."

Professor Flitwick was thrilled that she was thinking of charms, while Professor Snape glared. All the while professor Dumbledore was twinkling from his place at the head of the table.

After lunch they all returned to their work by 6:00 that evening between Minerva and Hermione the Gryffindor tower was back to its original condition. Before they went to dinner Minerva showed Hermione to a set of rooms near her office and rooms. It was a teacher's set of rooms with a sitting room, bedroom, bath and small kitchen.

Hermione was thrilled with her room and Minerva told her to decorate it how ever she wanted. She was so amazed Hermione had thought she would be staying in the tower.

Minerva suggested that Hermione bath and come down to the teacher's common room for dinner by 6:30.

Hermione quickly showered and did a quick drying spell on her hair. She found a nice pair of slacks and a nice jumper and hurried to the teacher's common room. When she arrived she found Professor Snape, Sirus Black and Remus Lupin in the room. Soon the other professor's joined them and a buffet was set out on a table.

As the evening wore on more and more of the Professors were asking Hermione to call them by their given name and Hermione felt like she was settling in. Minerva was telling them all that the Gryffindor tower was ready for students and that she couldn't have done it without Hermione.

As the evening wore down they all discussed where they needed to work the next day. It was decided that Hermione and Minerva needed to get the great hall ready while Professor Flitwick and Snape finished charming the ceiling. Professor Snape reminded Dumbledore that he needed to work on some potions for Poppy along with St. Mungo's.

Dumbledore asked, "What potions do you need to brew this week Severus."

"I need blood replenishing, skello grow, headache and pepper up potion."

"Miss Granger I believe you know how to brew many of these do you not?"

"Yes sir, I have but I'm sure professor Snape ummm would prefer to not have my help."

"Nonsense, Severus after lunch tomorrow take Hermione with you and let her help you get your potions finished. That way we can have you to help us on Friday to work on the Quidditch field."

Hermione snuck a look at the professor if looks could kill Professor Dumbledore would be dead she was sure.

"Very well Albus, Miss Granger I expect you in the lab at 1:00 on the morrow. Good night."

And with that Professor Snape stalked out of the common room.

Hermione looked around at the other Professors; she quietly excused herself and went to her room.

After Hermione left Albus and Minerva shared a smile.