I have to give a huge thank you to Amanda who's betaing this for me!
We get to see some more interaction in this chapter, but as it stands now, chapter 5 will be quite short... however, chapter 6 will be worth your wait!
Enjoy!
Chapter 4 - Home at Last
As the train pulled up to the platform, Hermione became slightly antsy. She found herself tapping her fingers nervously on the table in front of her, until finally, Minerva rose and the rest followed suit. With a slight nudge from McGonagall, Hermione scooted out around the booth and walked out of the compartment; followed by the rest of her colleagues.
"Alright," Minerva said, "Let's go on in and take a quick peak into the staff room so everyone can formally greet our new addition."
Stopping to consider that, Hermione was surprised. She didn't realize they had enough time before having to go to the Great Hall for the sorting and feast. Although, she guessed it really didn't take much time to change into their robes, chat a little, and make their way to the castle.
She followed her colleagues past the docks and on towards the carriages that were pulled by the ghastly looking thestrals. Of course after the final battle, Hermione could now see the thestrals, and if she hadn't seen one last year on a trip to Hogsmeade, they probably would've scared her.
A man Hermione couldn't recognize was standing at the door of one carriage which was larger than the rest. He offered his hand to help the ladies inside.
Almost immediately, the carriage took off with surprising speed. If there were any conversations going on during that short ride, Hermione was completely unaware. She was lost in thought about getting to see him again.
That thought just made her even antsier as they exited the carriages and made their way towards the staff room. Instead of just tapping her fingers, this time her reaction was internal. It felt as if she had eaten one hundred butterflies that were now fluttering around in her stomach like crazy.
Pull yourself together Hermione! Just act as if he's not the only thing that you've thought about for the past week. She thought to herself. Just remain calm.
They turned a corner and Minerva opened the only visible door. Almost immediately "hellos" and "welcomes" were shouted out from all around. The first to truly approach and greet Hermione was Hagrid who had her in an embrace so tight she thought her collar bone would snap from the pressure.
"'Mione," Hagrid exclaimed. She didn't neglect to take notice of the tears that were welling up in his eyes. "I've missed you so much!"
"I've missed you too, Hagrid!" She sputtered as tears overcame her own eyes when she returned his hug.
When he finally released her, she saw that the room wasn't occupied by many others. In fact, other than those who just came in, the only other occupants were Madam Pince, Pomfry, Sprout, and Professor Trelawney. This disappointed her because yet again, he was absent.
Minerva insisted on reintroducing Hermione as if they didn't already know her. "Miss Hermione Granger is now our new Transfiguration Professor. On that note, you are no longer on anything but a first name basis with all of us now. So this is Irma, Poppy, Pomera, and Sybill... wait, where is Severus?"
"Had I known that my presence was required then I would've come sooner." There he was standing in the doorway. Severus.
Hermione felt her heart stop as his gaze met hers. "I'm very sorry I missed your welcoming Miss Granger, though I offer you my full congratulations and welcome back to Hogwarts."
"No, no, we will have no more of that 'Miss. Granger' nonsense. Everything is first name based only." Minerva cut in.
"Thank you S-Severus. Believe me it's an honor." Hermione stammered.
He nodded his head once more in understanding.
Then Minerva started talking about something Hermione honestly wasn't listening to. Instead she was glancing around at anything she could to divert her attention from him. Talk about impossible! Knowing he was there was enough to have Hermione allowing herself a glance or two in his direction only to find he was looking at her as well. Their eyes met and remained that way for what seemed like an eternity until Minerva interjected, "Alright, time to make our way down to the Great Hall!"
Severus' gaze moved over on Minerva who was walking towards the doorway followed by the rest.
Gesturing with one hand for Hermione to go next, she walked past him and as she did, she felt his hand on the small of her back for the briefest of moments.
It was an action that was almost unconsciously done by most men, however considering how heightened her senses were around him, a little touch like that sent waves through her body.
She found herself aware of his every move as they continued to follow the others to the Great Hall.
I'm loving the reviews so far, it's so motivational! Send more? I'd really appreciate it! Thanks!
Ashley
