Lupin's return

The man was content. This place was making him relive all of his best memories. Hogwarts was where he became the man he was now. He met people who didn't give a damn about his condition, even became animagus to help him… so many souvenirs…

Remus Lupin saw the look on Hermione face when Headmistress McGonagall announced his return as the professor of D.A.D.A. Lupin felt a little guilty about it, but it wasn't like it was a secret, it was more like a last minute decision. He had nothing to feel ashamed of. Anyhow, he hadn't even wanted to come back here. Both Minerva and Tonk had been on his case, trying to convince him all summer long. He had conceded in the end. He guessed that Hermione would want to meet him as soon as possible, he was proved correct the next morning when he entered the Great Hall for the breakfast.

- You could have told me, reproached the girl to her professor and old friend.

- It was a very last minute decision Hermione, answer the werewolf, so, he added, how have you been lately?

- Could have been better, we trained a lot during the school break, said Hermione.

- Maybe we could meet again so we could talk about the D.A. you'd formed with Harry in your fifth year, it would be a good idea to reform.

- Yes, it would be, enigmatically respond Hermione.

- I see you already thought about it.

- Yes, but now isn't a good time to talk about it, too much ears, if you know what I mean?

- Yes I know, maybe you can pass to my office Sunday morning?

- I think it could be possible professor.

- Please, call me Lupin.

- Only when we're alone, Hermione told him back with a dentist smile on her face.

- Perfect, well Hermione, I bid you a very good day.

- The same professor.

Hermione made her way to her usual place on the Gryffindor table. She was now feeling very lonely. It was hard being here without Harry and Ron. They used to sit together. Neville and Lavender came to sit down with her, along with Ginny and Dean. Seamus wasn't coming back this year.

Anakin had met few of his Slytherin classmates during the feast. Not the more friendly lot he could now tell. The Head boy, Zabini, introduced him to his girlfriend, Pansy, and two big blokes named Crabbe and Goyle. Anakin was more intrigued by the girl. Something wasn't right with her, and he was decided to find out what it was. On the C & G subject, well, if he hadn't met them, he wouldn't have believed that this degree of stupidity could have been reached. Anakin reserved his judgement of the Head boy, for he was something else, Anakin sensed this boy had a lot of potential becoming a Jedi. He already seemed to possess and mastered some of the Jedi skills, like the blending off and the mind reading blocking technique. Anakin was pleased because he had found another disciple. He had now five young students, it was more than enough.

Hermione finished her breakfast and was met by the Headmistress who gave her the timetable of the Gryffindor students. McGonagall had a knowing smile. When she finished the distribution, she took a look of her own. She saw that since she had the highest scores from over Dumbledore time, her professors agreed to have her as an apprentice. She was ecstatic, for less of a better word. Nothing right now could have wipe the smile she was wearing. Then, she took note that a new course had been added to her schedule, Guardian of the Peace. "What the heck?" thought Hermione, "that must be the new course…I wonder what this is all about?"

- Ginny, asked Hermione to her red hair friend as she sat down next to her, are you enrolled for the new course professor McGonagall talked about yesterday?

- Now that you're talking about it, let me take a look at my schedule… Yes, I am. Mione, do you have any idea what this class is about and who'll be teaching it? Said Ginny frowning.

- I don't know Gin, sorry, I was hoping you had a clue about it.

- Anyhow, we'll know in time and place, so Mione, are you going to plan lots of balls this year?

- It's a good question, I'll ask the permission from the Headmistress…

- Great, we could have an Halloween and Christmas Ball, as well as a graduation one like the usual.

- I don't know Gin, it's take a lot of planning and I am not sure if Zabini would give me a hand.

- I'll help you, said Ginny.

- What's in it for you Gin? Asked a suspicious Hermione.

- Well, I thought I could invite Harry… Sheepishly answered her friend.

Hermione had a good laugh, so that was the real reason Ginny offered her some help. Thinking about it, it wasn't such a bad idea, it would be a perfect excuse to see her best friends back. Thinking about her friend, Hermione suddenly remembered that she had to write them a.s.a.p., if not; they would come barging into Hogwarts.

Students began to fill up the Great Hall. Anakin spotted her first. She was gorgeous, light chestnut hair, amber eyes, creamy and perfect skin, a hourglass silhouette. And like she was sensing someone was observing her, she turned around and found the culprit. Their eyes locked together. Anakin guessed she was wondering what he wanted with her. He couldn't take his eye out of hers. It was beginning to look like a staring contest, she didn't flinch at all, nor did he. He was impressed. She had a very developed sixth sense but her mind was opened for the reading, her face was too expressive. That gave away her every thoughts. That was not a default, but that could be easily fix with a good training.

Hermione felt someone watching her. She turned around and saw the new boy looking directly at her, with no discretion at all. She was wondering what's he wanted with her, it was no secret that she was best friend with the boy-who-lived, so that in itself put her in jeopardy, explaining her suspicion on anyone who wanted to get close to her. She looked back into his eyes, waiting to see what would happen. Nothing happened, he just kept staring, so did she. Few minutes later Ginny shook her by the shoulder, wanting to gain Hermione attention.

- Hermione, earth to Mione!

- Yes Gin? Asked Hermione still looking at the new student.

- What are you doing?

- Nothing Gin.

- Right, not pushing any farther.

- What time is it? Said Hermione detaching her glance from the handsome boy and finally looking at her friend.

- Almost nine, time to go to class.

- Okay, I'll see you at dinner tonight?

- Perfect, see you later Mione.

Without another word shared between the girls, they left the Great Hall. Hermione had an appointment with Flitwick first thing in the morning, right after breakfast, she didn't want to be late so she walked fast as she could.

Anakin looked at her going out of the room, never leaving her out of his sight until she turned the corner. Anakin sensed someone spying on him. He turned so fast that he caught the guilty party, Blaise Zabini. "By the Force, this boy is good, though Anakin, it took me more than two minutes to sense him…"

- Hello Solo-Skywalker, said the boy with a smirk.

- Hello to you too, and you can call me Anakin if you want.

- You're interested?

- What are you talking about? Said innocently the Jedi.

- You know perfectly well what I'm talking about…

- Her.

- Yes Her.

- She's beautiful, admitted the boy.

- That she is, but she's also untouchable…

- Why are you saying this?

- You don't know, do you?

- Don't know what? Responded an irritated Anakin.

- She is the best friend of Potter and Weasley.

Anakin remembered his lectures about recent wizard history, Harry Potter; the boy-who-lived, the one that has the power to defeat the Darkest wizard of all times. "Interesting" thought Anakin.

- So what if she is? It's not like she is their property…

- No, but you don't want to attract any trouble, do you?

- I am not afraid, answer a very determined Anakin.

- I am not saying that you are; I am merely pointing out the facts to you... Insinuated Zabini.

- Thanks for the warnings… Said Anakin standing up, readying himself to get out of the Great Hall.

The young man cleaned up his things and left the Hall. He had a potion class and was anxious to see what they could teach him here, in the magical world.