Chapter 4
It didn't take Hermione long to unpack her bags. She had been glad to find out her room was based near to the Gryffindor common room, a portrait of a gaggle of Welsh Green dragons hung over the entrance. Minerva had smiled as she had explained that rather then a password she would need pet the youngest dragon. Who would practice blowing flames as the door opened.
Her suite was small but functional, a small sitting room with a study leading off from it. The study had a clear view of the forest and the whomping willow which still appeared to be unimpressed with its planting. There was a large bed chamber with a small bathroom.
It was nearly 7 O'clock, the sorting ceremony was due to commence at 7:30. Not wanting to be late but worrying about what to wear, Hermione surveyed herself in the tall mirror in her bath room. All afternoon she'd be been hypnotised by her hair looking at it from different angles trying to get used to it. She'd never had it so short, all it required was a quick brush with a comb to be ready. She was wearing a wine coloured cotton dress which gathered around her waist, fell to just below her knee and had long trumpet sleeves. High necked, it was a very modest but pretty dress. She wore natural coloured stockings and caramel leather flat boots. Pulling on one of the black robes she'd bought for the classroom, she finally felt comfortable.
Walking through the corridors her hands thrust into the deep pockets of her robe giving herself a silent pep talk as she walked. Turning down the main corridor she could see Professor Dumbledore chatting with a group of people. Looking up he saw her and waved her over saying "Apprentice Ward, please join us." Walking over to them she was happy to see Poppy Pomfrey again and leaned over to kiss her cheek in welcome. Poppy gave her shoulders a quick squeeze said "Lovely to see you back on your feet." Hermione was then introduced to a younger Professor Flitwick whose hand she shook firmly, Professor Slughorn who smiled at her and finally the last woman who made up their group. "This is Madam Prewitt, Hester please let me introduce my apprentice Minnie Ward."
Hermione's eyes lit up as she saw Hester Prewitt, a short but formidable looking woman with silver hair tied firmly in a knot. "Please call me Minnie." Hester Prewitt had a firm grip, smiled as she said "As long as you call me Hester, there will be quite enough people calling me Madam Prewitt." Hermione nodded and Hester continued saying "I was so relieved when Albus told me that he had found someone to teach the younger years. I may have retired but between my grandchildren and children life doesn't seem to be any quieter." Hermione smiled and said "Thank you for giving me the opportunity to work with you, it's an honour." Hester blushed and tutted saying. "Well you're a charmer aren't you? Now come my dear, sit next to me at dinner. I fear Albus will be introducing us during the feast so sat together we can form show a more intimidating visage." Hermione laughing took Hester's arm and followed her into the great hall. They had just taken then seats when the students began to pour in.
Watching the students arrive and begin to take their seats a ball started to form in the back of her throat, looking at the Gryffindor table she felt so homesick and yet there was no one there who she recognised, no one who recognised her. Watching as the doors sprang open and Minerva led the frightened looking first years in made her think of her own sorting ceremony. Lost in thought she missed the song of the sorting hat but settled in to watch the sorting.
"Alicia Avery"
The hat seemed thought for a moment while Alicia sat nervously waiting, her blonde hair in a single braid seemed to shake as she waited. Suddenly the hat shouted out loud and clear...
"Ravenclaw!"
Taking the hat off Alicia skipped over to the Ravenclaw table which had erupted into cheers.
"Emrys Barton"
The hat barely needed to be placed on Emrys hat before it shouted
"Hufflepuff!"
"Sirius Black"
There was a muttering at the Slytherin table as they prepared themselves for the first joiner of the year. Hermione watched as Sirius breaking away from the group of first years, he looked confident as he walked up the stairs to the stage but catching his eyes Hermione could see he was nervous. She tried to smile encouragingly at him but he met her with a blank stare. Minerva placed the sorting hat on his head and took a step back. Minutes passed, whispering began amongst the older students on the Slytherin table. Hermione held her breath knowing what the outcome was going to be, more time passed before hat suddenly shouted out
"Gryffindor"
Whispers exploded across the hall as Sirius taking the hat off made his way nervously to the Gryffindor table. Next to her Hester let out a low whistle and said "I doubt we'll get a bigger shock than that today. That boy will be one to watch." Hermione nodded and said nothing. The sorting ceremony continued after Dumbledore had stood up to hush the assembly and Hermione watched with interest as the rest of the students were sorted. Meeting Remus' eyes she gave him a big grin right before he was sorted and was surprised to see him blush, he was immediately sorted into Gryffindor and took the seat next to Sirius opposite James Potter. The ceremony ended with the sorting of Alice Zinx, who became the final Hufflepuff of the year.
Putting the sorting hat away Minerva took her seat on the head table sat between Hermione and Dumbledore, who then stood to make his speech. "Welcome to all retuning and new students, it is as always a pleasure to see you all gathered together like this for the new school year. A few words of caution a new addition will be found on the south lawn at the entrance of the forest. A whomping willow, an exciting specimen to observe but dangerous to approach. Please ensure you keep your distance unless you have plans to spend the term in the hospital wing." Whispers broke out again amongst the house tables. Dumbledore continued "We are also lucky enough to have secured two new additions to our teaching staff this year. A lot of you will be familiar with Madam Prewett, elder students particularly may remember Gideon and Fabian. Madam Prewett has recently retired from the Ministry Of Magic where she has worked tirelessly for many years as an Auror. I am delighted to announce that she has agreed to work with the older school, years five to seven in teaching them Defence against the Dark Arts." Hester stood up and took a quick bow, waving at a few of the students who she recognised.
Dumbledore continued "I am also delighted to introduce Minnie Ward, a very capable witch who has been successful in applying to be my apprentice. Apprentice Ward will be teaching the lower school. Please ensure you show her the same respect as any of the other Professors."
Hermione stood up and awkwardly bowed before sitting down, her introduction had stirred a lot of interest as no one had ever heard of Dumbledore taking an apprentice before. There seemed especially to be a lot of interest from the Slytherin table where the older students watched her. Dumbledore concluded his speech saying.
"Everyone tuck in."
Food filled all of the empty platters before them, Hermione stomach rumbled as she reached out for a platter of Shepherds pie. She scooped a large portion onto her plate and added some green beans and broccoli.
The meal passed in a blur, Hermione didn't realise it was over until it was. Watching the Students being led out of the hall by the prefects, she realised suddenly that she'd never thought about what the professors had done at this point. It turned out the answer was, a planning meeting. Minerva handed out rota's for lessons and patrols. Dumbledore offered some inspirational words and they all parted cheerfully returning to their rooms to prepare for the following day.
Minerva walked Hermione to her rooms, following her in for a nightcap. Hermione poured them each a firewhiskey. Minerva took a deep drink and said "A Black in Gryffindor, it's going to be an interesting year." Smiling Hermione said "You've no idea." before taking a drink and laughing. Minerva smiled indulgently and said "Yes, well no more of that. How are you feeling about you first lesson?" Hermione pulling out her rota said "Ok I think, it Hufflepuff and Ravenclaw second years before lunch and the Gryffindor and Slytherin first years in the afternoon." Minerva smiled and said "Watch out out for Abel and Clara, in your first class, their fond of a good giggle and could distract a statue from its silence." Hermione laughing said "I will." Finishing her drink she continued "Thanks Minerva." Minerva placing her glass on the coffee table stood up and said "For what my dear?" Hermione closed the gap between them hugged her and kissed her on the cheek before saying "For looking after me." Minerva squeezed her back before saying "It's nothing." Hermione escorted her to the door and said "No its everything."
Once Minerva had left, Hermione decided there was time for one last drink, pouring herself a smaller glass of fire whiskey than the last she took a seat in an armchair, her lesson plan was on the coffee table and she picked this up to review it again. She was nervous but excited for the next day. She hadn't been sure how to begin and had reviewed the notes from the previous years instructor. Her main focus for her classes was to ensure that they would be useful and interesting. She did not want her classes to be viewed as wasted time. Stifiling a yawn as she finished her drink she decided the best course of action would be bed. While she had been out a house elf had lit the fire in her bed chamber so the room was delightfully cosy as she slid beneath the covers. In no time at all she had fallen into a deep sleep with a big smile on her face.
She woke early in the morning as was her habit, getting out of bed she looked at the clock and saw it was 5am. Walking over to her bathroom she had a basic wash beforing getting dressed. Her mother was a runner, she'd always preached the virtues of running to clear your head. Hermione had been an occasional runner, especially during times of stress. Today was likely to be a stressful day. She wanted to go for a run and clear her head before the day began.
There was a chill in the air outside as she exited the castle. Stretching by the main entrance to warm up she started at a gentle pace to run towards the great lake. she focused on her breathing and completed her circuit of the lake making her way back up to the castle as the sun had started to rise. She made her way quickly back to her quarters, conscious that breakfast would be being served shortly. She was delighted on entering her room to find a steaming teapot of fresh tea waiting for her. She made a mental note to ask Minerva for the name of the elf who serviced her room.
Showering quickly she found that she was was still entranced with new hair and how quick it was to dry and style in its new shorter style. Moving to her wardrobe she selected a midnight blue tunic, long sleeved, the fluted skirt fell to just above her knee. Pulling on a pair of black legging she surveyed herself in the mirror, the scar on her face was looking a particularly angry red colour. Going back into the bathroom she massaged some of the ointment that Poppy had given to her onto it and felt it instantly cooling her face.
Going back into her bed chamber she finised off her cup of tea before pulling a black leather belt out of the wardrobe and wrapping it around her waist. She finished off her outfit by putting on her black leather boots and her black robe.
There was a knock at her door and Minerva was waiting outside "Well, dont you look lovely?" she laughed as Hermione did a small twirl. "I hope you don't mind me calling on you, but I thought you might appreciate the company walking into breakfast?" Hermione smiled and said "Not at all, I have to admit I have been feeling quite nervous about entering the hall and heading up to the head table, I have been worried incase I joined a house table instead by accident." Minerva nodded and said "Well don't be afraid I shall ensure you make it to correct place. How was your run this morning?" Hermione linked her arms through Minerva's and said "Very good, I'd forgotten how beautiful the grounds were first thing." Minerva smiled and said "Well you just be careful and dont push yourself too hard you are still meant to be recovering." Hermioned nodded and said "I know, don't worry." They had reached the great hall and entered it, Minerva leading them up to the head table. It was still early but there were a scattering of students. Hermione poured herself and Minerva a cup of tea from the pot stood on the table, before helping herself to some toast and mushrooms.
She had just finished her breakfast as Hester appeared and poured herself a steaming cup of coffee. She smiled at Hermione and said "I've needed this since I went to bed last night, or that's what it feels like." Hermione laughed and said "Well at least now I know how to win you over." Hester let out a satisfied sigh as she drank the coffee and said "Absolutely. Black coffee no milk, no sugar and if I'm feeling fiesty a spicy gingernut biscuit." Hermione was finishing her cup of tea as Dumbledore arrived, he nodded at her and said "Apprentice Ward, Good Morning to you. I beleive your first two periods are free. Would you care to join me in my office so we can discuss our agenda for the term ahead?" Hermione quickly responded "Of Course Professor, What time should I be there?" Dumbledore smiled as he spooned porridge into a bowl and said "How about in 45 minutes time?" Hermione smiled and Said "I'll see you there." Hester who was finishing off her coffee as this had been agreed said "Would it be convenient for you to come with me to our office? We should have been able to complete the dual over our desks before you need to meet with the headmaster." Hermione burst into laughter, a sound which seemed to suprise some of the students eating breakfast at the house table who turned to look up at her. "Ok, but I warn you I'm a biter." Hester laughed and said "You dont scare me young lady." They got up and exited the hall together, walking towards the Defence against the Dark arts room, Hermione knew the office was attached to the classroom having visited Remus there.
When they entered the office, there were indeed two desks placed there facing each other at opposite ends of the room with a fire lit warming the room on the left hand side with two old squishy armchairs either side of it. The right hand side of the room was filled with shelves which were filled were books. Hermione let out a small gasp of wonder as she looked at them all. Hester smiled at her and said "It is an impressive collection isn't it." Hermione looked at her wide eyed and said "I think its wonderful." Hester laughed and said "Which desk would you prefer?" Hermione shrugged and said "Either really, whichever you would prefer." Hester nodded and said "If its ok with you then I shall take this one, she said inidicating the desk on the far side of the room, I have a slight rheumatism in my left hand side so it will help having that facing the fire." Hermione smiled and said "Perfect." Before walking over and sitting at her new desk.
"What time is your first class?" Hester asked her pulling some more books out of her bag. "11 O'clock, Its Second years Ravenclaw and Hufflepuff, How about yours?" Hester taking a seat responded "First period, 6th Years, Gryffindor and Slytherin." Hermione smiled and said "Good Luck." Hester nodded and said "I was thinking it would be a good idea for us to compare class plans If that would be agreeable to you?" Hermione nodded and Hester continued "I would also like to suggest we join up on some classes too, we have differing expereince which I feel can only be beneficial to each other, I would truely appreciate you input in some of my classes. " Hermione smiled and said "I think that is a fantastic idea, I would also greatly appreciate your guidance." Hester broke out into a grin and said "Excellent I think we are going to be a supurb team my dear. But would suggest that you should be making a move if your going to meet with Dumbledore on time."
Hermione jumped up from her chair and raced out of the office heading quickly towards Dumbledores office.