Hermione had woken early and now was feeling the effects. She had been yawing constantly for the past half hour.
It was only mid afternoon and she had a feeling tonight was going to be a long one.
The other students of Hogwarts would be arriving in a couple of hours and then the feast will begin. Tomorrow term would officially commence.
Her meeting with Professor McGonagall this morning had not gone as well as she had hoped.
Hermione had expected to just be able to tell her Professor what subjects she wanted to continue with but this was not the case.
She had chosen her subjects after much debate with her headmistress.
Hermione had wanted to continue with all of the subjects on offer but professor McGonagall just did not think she would have the time.
In then end they had settled on Transfiguration, Charms, Defence Against the Dark Arts and Potions.
Her schedule had now been etched on to her blackboard.
The Headmistress had informed her sat Professor Slughorn had asked for her personally to assist with his class. Hermione had said she would think about it. She only had a few hours to mull it over however as she had to let her Professors know either way by the end of tonight.
There was an internal battle going on inside of her, deep down, ever since she knew her days were free, Hermione had planned to travel to the burrow a few days a week to spend time with her parents. But she thought the job would look very good on her resume and just lately her thoughts never drifted far from what was to come next. She had no idea what she wanted to do with her life.
Hermione's life up until last year had always been so structured with school and homework. And even on the hunt they had made plans, when they went wrong they just made another. But now, when Hermione looked toward the future she had no plan. She just could not formulate one in her mind.
Hermione did not know what she wanted to do next and inside it was killing her.
That is why she had come back, for inspiration. She hoped back here, in the place she loved so much, she would truly find what she was passionate about.
The students sat in their common room relaxing, knowing they would not have much time to do so after today
There was a good atmosphere amongst the group despite this being their first real day together. Even Draco had joined them and seemed in good spirits.
The conversation flowed easily, chatting about everything from their new schedules and jobs to the coming feast tonight and the new influx of students.
Hermione had learned she would be sharing her transfiguration class with Susan and Anthony, her Charms class with Susan and Megan, her DADA class with Dean, Fay and Lisa and her Potions class with just Draco.
That was the one she was dreading the most now. Hermione had noticed that Dracos attitude fluctuated constantly. Now he was happy, laughing and joking just as he was at the feast.
But last night he had been sullen, withdrawn. She had greeted him at breakfast this morning, they would be living in close proximity for the next year she wanted to remain at least cordial, but he had just glared at her and stalked off back towards his room.
She had thought after everything that had happened something may have changed Draco but sadly she was beginning to think that this was not the case.
He still seemed to be sneering at her when ever she glanced at him. His thoughts of her would never change, she reflected sadly. To him she would always be scum, a mud blood. She could see it deep in his grey eyes, when he glared at her.
All of the other students, Hermione had learned, had accepted the offer of employment at the castle, this did not help Hermione make up her mind however.
Hermione had already been informed by Professor McGonagall that most of the previous years students would be returning to the school.
Hermione was pleased at that now that the war had ended she saw a hope for better in people that had been extinct for so long.
Excitement crackled when Hermione announced to the group that Professor McGonagall would be unveiling a surprise tonight, they had harassed her for half of the morning for more information but she did not have any.
Slowly the students dwindled from their common room, retreating to their dormitories to get ready for tonights feast.
Attendance was mandatory but Hermione would not have missed it for the world. It was her favorite time of year at Hogwarts, with the exception of Hallowe'en. They were due in the Great Hall at 5:15pm, thirty minutes before the expected arrival of the students.
There was just over an hour to go, Hermione did not need any more than five minutes to get ready, having showered earlier today. She instead decided to spend her time writing a letter to The Burrow.
She addressed it to her Parents but wrote for all of the occupants.
Hello Everyone,
I'm missing you all already. I have a little spare time at the moment so I just wanted to check in.
The castle is wonderful, definitely back to its former glory.
I'm feeling quite nervous about term starting now. There are only a few of us so its all going to be rather different.
I met with Professor McGonagall this morning and chose my subjects. I am doing transfiguration, charms, potions and defense against the dark arts.
Which brings me to some good news!
My classes are taking place on the evenings, and as we may leave castle grounds in those times, I can visit you quite often during the day.
I miss The Burrow so much, your cooking Mrs Wesley, the twins pranks, my three best friends and you mom and dad.
I'm feeling more homesick than ever before, maybe because I feel all alone here this time. The others are nice but I have no real friends here.
Dean says hello to you Harry and Ron by the way.
The feast is due to start soon so I should get ready.
Please give my love to everyone.
I miss you.
Hermione
Hermione hoped that now she was gone, Harry and Ron had thawed towards her. That is why she hasn't really included much detail about Hogwarts, she did not want to upset them both all over again.
Looking at the clock she noted the time was still only four pm
Hermione set off to the owlery, meandering through the castles many corridors.
A great tawny owl flew down to her from its perch high up, ready and willing to accept his assignment.
She tied the letter around its leg and told him his destination.
As he went, Hermione looked to the sky and watched the owl fly of into the distance, in awe of the elegant creature.
After a few minutes of peace and solitude, Hermione turned back in the direction of her room.
