Hermione patiently sat at the Gryffindor table in the Great Hall with her friends. The Sorting was over with Luanna O'Hara becoming a Slytherin. Despite her anticipations, she couldn't help but wonder what seventh year with the Slytherins would be like. Professor Dumbledore had not revealed the fact that Harry was the 'other' heir of Slytherin for the boy's safety.

Professor Dumbledore stood as Luanna O'Hara sat at the Slytherin table with Draco Malfoy and his gang. His voice was feeble bit it effortlessly filled the Great Hall.

"Now that the Sorting ceremony is over," said he, "I would like to announce the arrival of a new teacher to our staff - Professor Sirius Black."

Almost everyone clapped to welcome the new teacher and Dumbledore went on. "He will be an assistant to Professor Lupin."

Only Harry, his friends and the teachers knew what that meant. Sirius would fill in for Lupin when it was 'that time of the month.'

Dumbledore continued, "I would also like to announce the introduction of a short course in Magical Fine Arts this year at Hogwarts. However this course is open to only the Sixth-years and Seventh-years and it will be taught by our very own Professor Snape."

The Slytherins cheered while Ron looked at Harry incredulously. "Snape's gonna teach Fine Arts?"

"Not just any Fine Arts," said Dumbledore, who'd heard him. "Magical Fine Arts." He changed the subject. "Now, I'm sure you'll all agree with me when I say that the war against Lord Voldemort has affected us all. It will bring about some new changes here. I must ask you all to be kinder and more considerate towards one another…"

Hermione let her eyes wander during this speech – she'd heard it personally from him before. Everyone was listening to Albus Dumbledore in rapt attention as he went on about verbal abuse towards Muggleborn witches and warlocks (Malfoy's face fell at this for some reason) and she set her gaze on the High Table. All the teachers were looking at the Headmaster, even Sirius, who was never able to pay attention to something for too long.

Except Snape.

He, like the rest of the staff, wore his best robes (black, as usual) and he seemed very agitated. Was it just her imagination or was he looking at their direction more oftener than usual? His black eyes met hers and he looked away. She frowned but she was amused at the same time. Perhaps Snape was upset about the fact that heir of Slytherin was in Gryffindor and that made her manage a little smile.

It was no secret that Snape hated all Gryffindors, especially Harry. The former took every opportunity to deduct marks from Gryffindor house and his hatred of Harry had induced him to be nasty to Ron and Hermione as well. But hopefully that would change this year. Or maybe she was being too optimistic.

Despite her dislike of Snape, she had to admit, he was a brilliant Potions master. She'd learned that during the summer vacation. Although the two of them had worked side by side, she had hardly been able to learn anything about him. He'd kept mostly to himself but had managed to snap at her when she did something wrong and help her when she needed to be helped. She'd expected him to go a bit more easier on her; he'd become harsher instead.

Perhaps some things could not be changed.

Good thing all these thoughts had managed to keep Viktor out of her head.

Dumbledore at last came to the end of his speech and he concluded by saying, "And now, let the feast begin."

The empty plates before them filled with the most delicious food. They all began to eat hungrily.

"I don't think the food has ever been better," said Ron with his mouth full of minced meat. "The house-elves must be particularly happy this year, even without sick-leaves and pensions," he added with a wink. Both he and Harry smiled, reminded of the time when Hermione had tried to stand up for house-elves' rights.

They expected Hermione to hold up her chin and say something bold. Instead, she looked down sadly and said in a tight voice, "Don't remind me – I met Viktor that year."

There was an awkward silence. Then Ron said, "I'm sorry, Hermione."

She took a deep breath and nodded, having suddenly lost her appetite. She felt an acute pain in her heart and forced herself to finish her meal, in silence. As she sipped her pumpkin juice, she had an uneasy feeling that she was being watched. Annoyed and nervous, she looked up – only to find Snape avert his gaze.

Her eyebrows knitted in disapproval. What the hell was wrong with the Potions master? It was almost as if he couldn't keep his eyes to himself.

An amusing thought.

After dinner, each perfect lead their house to their dormitories. Hermione had to admit that Ginny was doing a fine job. "Keep up, everyone," she said, her gaze lingering on Harry and they exchanged a secret, affectionate look. The two had started dating only last year but they were very close. Ron seemed to be okay with it but he'd made in clear to Harry that he wouldn't tolerate the latter disrespecting his sister – not that Harry ever would, of course.

The Gryffindors came to a halt before the Fat Lady's portrait. "Password?" she prompted.

Neville Longbottom stepped forward to hear Ginny clearly, hoping that the password wasn't very long for his sake.

"Mangy cur," said Ginny and they entered the common room after the portrait swung aside.

While Ginny spoke to the newcomers, Hermione went to girls' dormitory, instead of hanging around to chat with Ron and Harry (or Parvati and Lavender, for that matter). When asked to stay, she said she was tired – which was not entirely true.

Long after everyone had fallen asleep, she lay awake in her bed, tossing and turning restlessly, looking up at the ceiling. Her cheeks were damp with tears. Oh, Viktor, she thought as she wept to herself. Oh, Viktor, I loved you so much, how could you do this to me?