Disclaimer: I don't own anything (not even my stupid five month-old puppy
that would rather be made into one of Snape's potions ingredients than
listen to my commands). So in case you want to sue me, all you'll get is
the above mentioned mutt. Harry Potter and co. are properties of J K
Rowling and the respective book publishers (while the mongrel belongs to my
mum).
If you recognize any fragment's as yours, I'm sorry, sometimes I lack inspiration and also memory. I try not to do this but some scenes are so good that I can't not put them in my work. Still I try not to do it to often but once in a chapter there might be. Don't get upset, it's a strange way to eulogize your work and this is my first fanfic anyway. My English sucks I know. It's my second language and unlike others I'm not a genius, but I try my best. And there's only this much word's synonyms can do.
CHAPTER I The Hogwarts Express
A girl-well better said-a young woman, was standing on the platform between 9 and 10. She had bushy brown hair, and was dressed in a blue robe and had strange luggage with her; complete with a big red cat lying on top of some old books. The young woman searched in her pocket for a moment before taking out an envelope. She read on the envelope, written in green ink:
TO: Miss Hermione Granger
Nr. Twelve
Grimmauld Place
London She opened the already torn envelope, and read it again in a soft voice; it was an invitation coming from Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, for her to be the new teacher of Transfiguration.
And it informed her to be present for the post the first of September-the first day of school.
It was the1st of September and she was going there; it was the only option she had in which she could escape her problems, worries, and angst, and do something useful in the mean time. Plus, she believed she couldn't disappoint Dumbledore, who trusted her, and had given her shelter, when the only place where she was expected was Azkaban.
She looked at her watch. It was almost 11 o'clock, so she had to hurry or would miss the Hogwarts Express, the only way to go there, since it was impossible to Apparate at Hogwarts. And she didn't think it smart to use a flying car, as Harry and Ron had done in their second year as students there. It always amazed her how the years had passed. It felt like only yesterday she had stepped first on the Hogwarts express, yet there had already passed seven years since she had finished her schooling.
She took a long look at the people in the station. Since no one was looking at her, she passed through the barrier to the platform 9 and3/4. There was a red steam engine full of witches and wizards saying goodbye to their children going to school, the best school for a young witch or wizard, it was said.
She got on the train and sat in a compartment that was still empty. All the things that had happened to her the last few weeks had worn her out-all she wanted now was a little rest. Thinking she could have a rest she closed her eyes and sat as comfortably as she could.
"You don't mean he did that, I mean...You can't be serious," came the first voice.
"I tell you he did that, I couldn't believe it myself," Replied the second.
"Girls, look, we can stay here. It's empty," came a third.
Four girls entered the compartment. One of them was blond with green eyes and an evil grin. The other two were twins and had dark hair, the last girl that entered had black long hair pulled in a pony tail. They all had school robes, and you could see their house crests. They were Slytherin.
Not the best company, Hermione thought as she was looking at them with her eyes slightly open, though still hidden under the bushy hair that had fallen on her face during her failed attempt to get a little bit of sleep. This way they couldn't see she was watching them. I can't believe I'm doing this, she scolded herself. I mean I'm no longer in school ,she thought, but didn't do a thing to reveal the fact that she was awake.
"Now truly, who is the one sitting by the window? I thought only students can use the train." said the first one again, slouching on the couch opposing to her.
'She might be a new teacher. There is need for some teachers since McGonagall, Beastel, and that centaur left.' whispered the one with the black pony tail.
"O thank god that monster left, I always dreaded those classes. Maybe she's the new teacher for the Care of Magical Creatures," said one of the twins.
"What is it, Naja? Why are you laughing?" asked the other one.
"Just look at her, do you actually think she could stand up to one of those beasts?" asked the blond, in a mocking tone, that got to Hermione's nerves.
"Then I'm really scared. Who knows who will Dumbledore appoint for that position; we might get...who-knows-what?" the second twin snickered.
"Didn't you know? I must have forgotten to tell you. My uncle, Draco Malfoy, is going to be High Inquisitor, at our school," said the blond girl. "So he'll take care that we're in no real danger."
Hermione almost fell of her seat at this news, but managed to dissimulate it. So that was what Dumbledore meant when he sad she would not be the only one returning to school. Draco, as High Inquisitor, she could never imagine that, it would be as having a second Umbridge, as if the first time around wasn't enough.
"Wow! Why didn't you tell us this earlier? I mean, it's the best thing that happened this year! I'm sure he'll let us cheat," said the first twin.
"But Fad, he can't do that, and besides, you have to study, or there's no point going to school," whispered the quiet girl that had taken a sit in the corner and had an enormous book planted in front of her. Hermione was beginning to like this girl.
"O shut up Jinx! You shouldn't have been sorted into Slytherin-you would be better in Ravenclaw.or no.Gryffindor!' And all of them started laughing at what Naja had said.
Hermione could no longer stand the humiliation directed at her person and her house; she had to do something, but she realized that it would be stupid of her to do or say anything against these girls. Still, she had to do something, they were laughing at Gryffindor and that was her house (since McGonagall had left, it was decided that she would be best as head of Gryffindor).
"By the way, do you have any idea about who that is?" asked Fad, indicating Hermione.
"Well, her name is Hermione Granger.' Said Jinx from the corner, where she was again reading her monstrous book.
"Since when do you have psychic powers, library worm?"
"It's not psychic powers, it's just that, what do you know, I learned to read lately. Is that too hard for you Naja? Look at her luggage, it's written on it." Jinx shot back.
"I've heard that name somewhere, but I can't place it" said the blond, not responding to the others' remarks.
"She might be an ex-student at Hogwarts."
"Wow, that was so smart coming from you, Fad. Oh well, I'll ask my uncle, he must know."
At that moment, a dark-haired boy opened the door and entered the compartment, followed closely by two girls that seemed to be at least a year or two older. His black eyes stopped on Hermione.
"Who's that?"
"More quietly please, you might wake her!" the boy was scolded.
"If your laughter didn't wake her up, then nothing can." He said in a mocking tone. "May I sit with you girls?"
"Of course my dear, we were just talking about what idiots the teachers are and how school sucks."
"Oh so wise words coming from someone so young; I think you have to thank the heavens for such depths in thinking, our wise Naja"
"Who's that bush there?" said one of the older girls, motioning her head towards the corner where Hermione was slouched.
"A Granger something, why? Do you know her, Katy?"
"Don't think so, just that her hairstyle horrifies me. Look, Dan," the girl continued, "we'll just leave you here, as you seem to be in the best company." Katy replied, a look of disgust on her face at Hermione's hairstyle.
"Yes, Katy, just go see your boyfriends. I won't get lost." Then he turned to the blond girl. "Gods, father told my cousins to baby-sit me, as if I were a bloody first year. Can you believe it? All summer I had to stand the two of them. Couldn't wait for today." He admitted.
"I don't even want to think about today; maybe that ragged old hat will place yet another mud-blood in our house." shuddered Naja.
"Naja, you know it's not right to think like that, and you know Dumbledore is right to accept all witches and wizards, regardless of their parents, to study at Hogwarts. They are just as good at magic, even if their parents aren't magical people; and many times they are even better than the ones with so called 'pure-blood'." said the girl in the corner, visibly affected
about the direction their discussion was heading.
"Very funny. I have nothing more to say; but you'll see--that that old wreck Dumbledore will be removed and all mud-bloods will be gone from the school." Naja said, her voice dripping with arrogance.
This was too much for Hermione to take; it was the only thing she couldn't swallow. Judging the people by their parents, as she had been during school- -something had to be done, to straighten things up. She could stand it no more.
It was about 1 o'clock in the afternoon, and time for the cart lady. In the corridor she could hear something, a moment later a woman came and asked in their compartment if they weren't hungry for something off the trolley
Hermione jumped of her seat as if it were burning. By doing this she wasn't only hoping to end their discussion, but she was also very hungry, since she hadn't eaten anything since yesterday.
Everyone in the compartment stared in shock at her. After paying for the tons of chocolate and pies she had grabbed, she asked them politely while opening a chocolate frog, if they didn't want some. She knew the expression on her face was great, knowing she had wiped the smiles of the faces of those Slytherins.
For almost half an hour, the only noise was Crookshanks snoring. No one was able to say anything, nobody wanted to say anything; they were only staring at her-hoping she hadn't been awake, and if she had been-that she's for sure heard more than enough to get them in trouble. The silence was finally broke by the girl with the book, still speaking from her corner.
"Er...Mrs. Granger.Hermione?" asked the girl lowering the book from her face.
"Yes, what is it?' asked Hermione, looking at her in a strange way, not being used to such a polite addressing (too polite, and not quite right, still a Miss), wondering what the girl was going to ask.
"If you don't mind my asking, what are you going to teach?"
"Oh, I'll be your new teacher of Transfiguration." With this, Hermione went out into the corridor, feeling the tension to be too great in the compartment. That, and she wanted to know exactly where they were, and how much longer until they reached Hogwarts.
At last they reached Hogwarts, Hermione stepped into the first carriage, with some older students that had already filed off the train. Thank the gods from Gryffindor. This time she could actually see the animals that were pulling the carriages.
Hermione settled in a seat, while the students around her wouldn't stop talking about charms. They even asked her for tips about some spells they were having problems with-she was finding this enjoyable to do.
When she got of the carriage, she was pushed forward from the crush of students unloading. Without seeing were she was going, she ended up bumping into someone. She raised her eyes to see that the person that she had run into was the last person she wanted to see at this moment.
"Professor Snape!" she exclaimed.
"Miss Granger, late as always." he said looking at her with a sneer, smoothing his robes.
She barely contained herself from barking back an answer to his remark. She had never been late and he knew that. But Hermione decided she didn't want problems with him. Especially after having that talk with Dumbledore, before deciding to come to Hogwarts. She knew she couldn't afford having Snape as an enemy; she would simply have to tolerate his (permanent) bad mood.
Realizing she wasn't going to say anything back, Snape continued, "The Headmaster is waiting for you. I am waiting for the first years, so move along." He said, before swooping away, preparing to descend upon the first years.
She didn't need to be told again. It wasn't that she was scared of him, Hermione told herself as she bounded up the front stairs, because she had never been-not even when she had been his pupil,-it was just that she didn't want to have anything to do with him when not necessary. She got to the top of the stairs and passed through the gigantic oak doors to the entrance of The Main Hall. It was lit by numerous huge torches, at the end of it was the imposing stone stairs.
On the right, the doors to the Great Hall were opened. She looked up at the ceiling, remembering that the sky outside had been a little cloudy, but surprisingly, the ceiling wasn't. The weather must have changed quickly. The stars were sparkling on it; it made her feel a lot better. Looking at the four tables, over which candles floated, students were filling in the spaces, greeting each other fondly. Hermione felt the urge to go to the one covered in red and gold, her table, the Gryffindor table. Fighting that urge, she paced her stride as slowly as she could to the teachers table at the far end of the room which was slightly longer than the rest. In the middle was an old man with silver hair, which glowed almost like the ghosts that were now floating over the tables, Dumbledore. To his right was an empty chair, she could only guess that it must be Snape's, seeing as had McGonagall left, and all other professors were in their usual seats.
This detail brought a thought to Hermione, 'great, that makes Snape the Deputy Headmaster'.
Next to Professor Sprout, who was sitting to the left of Dumbledore were her friends Molly Weasley, who had been the teacher of Muggle Studies since her sixth year, and Remus Lupin, who had returned to teach at Hogwarts after her last year. She turned her gaze to the rest of the professors. Most of the professors were there, but the truth was, the ones most dear to her had left. McGonagall, Hagrid, who had left after their last year.
Hagrid had married Madame Maxine several years ago. The last time Hermione had visited them, last summer, they already had a pair of twin girls that were five years, and five feet tall, and a little boy of four months, that looked of four years.
Continuing her perusal of the teacher's table, she saw that Binns wasn't there, but then, he hadn't normally sat at the table, being a ghost. She wasn't sad about him leaving, but the fact that Draco Malfoy had replaced him was terrible. Near Trelawney (the teacher that she most hated; even what she felt for Snape was almost like love compared to what she was feeling for that oversized-bug) was a new teacher about her age. Hermione didn't get to see her face, as she was turned towards Professor Vector-the two were in a very passionate debate over who-knows-what.
Before she could think more about the strange professor, she heard someone call her name.
"Hermione, come over!" called Remus, while magically bringing another chair and placing it between his seat and Molly.
"I thought you weren't going to show up. I was getting worried; you hadn't owled us since last week. What happened? Why didn't you give us any sign?"
"Molly, stop it. I'm sure she had her reasons, and she must be tired." said Lupin, with an almost accusative look towards Molly. Hermione was truly grateful to not have to respond to all those questions. The truth was, she had asked herself the same questions and hadn't found the right answers.
Before she could say anything, the great doors opened, and Professor Snape came in, followed by the first year students, looking terrified. They all formed a line in front of the teacher's table. Professor Snape placed the ragged old Sorting Hat atop a stool in front of the whole great hall. All the first years were looking devastated. The mere thought of how he must have treated them to get them in such a state, made Hermione hate him more (well, not more than the old divination bug, Hermione amended).
There was silence for a moment, but than the hat begun to sing its song; to Hermione's surprise, it was the same song the hat had sung at her sorting. She saw a smile on Lupin's face.
"This is the same song that I heard when I was sorted," she whispered in Remus's ear.
He looked at her with a strange expression; then whispered back to her that it was the same as when he had been sorted, before adding with a grin, "Take care of yourself Hermione; it usually sings this one when it feels the kids are special. For the teachers that means a headache to last seven extremely long years."
Snape stepped beck a little and unrolled the scroll with the children's names. He called the first name, "Andrus, Julia." A little girl, with tears running down her cheeks, was paralyzed. He motioned towards the stool and the little girl walked to it; tripping over her robe she fell exactly in front of him. She got up her face even redder and finally got to the stool and placed the hat on. The hat didn't even think over it and yelled "HUFFLEPUFF!".
After the first one, the others seemed a little bit more confident, if that was the right word; at least no more tripped again. The whole Hall would erupt in cheering, not as loud as it had been before, Hermione noted, every time a new student was placed in a House. When there were only few left, she saw that Molly was looking almost tense, before she noticed a little boy with red hair was next in line to be sorted.
"Weasley, William." Snape intoned.
The boy stepped towards the stool, placed the hat on his head. Before he even took his hands of it, it yelled "GRYFFINDOR!". The entire Gryffindor table erupted in cheers, Mrs. Weasley was almost crying as her grandchild, Charlie's son, had been placed in the best house at Hogwarts, as had all the Weasley family.
After the last student had been sorted, "Zavata, Iuny", Snape returned to the teachers' table, earning himself a reproachful glance from Dumbledore, which, in Hermione's opinion, wasn't enough of a reprimand. Everybody was silenced when the Headmaster rose to give his annual speech.
"Welcome to another year at Hogwarts. Of course, The Forbidden Forest is forbidden for a reason--to all students.. As well as Hogsmead, to all below the third year, and any above who didn't turn in permission slips,' He waved his hand out. 'So, now that this old windbag has had his say, eat!" Dumbledore sat down again, his eyes twinkling as always.
Hermione was very satisfied to see the plates now filled with all sorts of food; she hadn't seen such a meal since she had left Hogwarts seven years ago. She was hungry and didn't waste time on thinking how much will she gain after having a few of each, and there were all sorts of dishes, so a few, meant a lot. After the last piece of pumpkin pie, she felt like she was going to explode; looking around, Hermione could tell so did everybody else.
Dumbledore stood again at the end of the meal and raised his hands for everyone's attention, "Now that we have all filled our tummies, I have some announcements to make. I would like all of us to give a warm welcome to the new teachers joining us this year. Let us start with the ladies. Since professor Beast has left us last year, following an unfortunate event with some Horklumps, there is a new teacher for the Care of Magical Creatures-- Professor Bendis Sânziana." Dumbledore motioned to the woman Hermione had not recognized earlier, "she is a highly qualified beastkeeper, so I do not think she will have any problems with her classes.
"Next is Professor Hermione Granger, who will replace our former teacher of transfiguration Professor McGonagall. She will also be the new head of Gryffindor house." Said Dumbledore, motioning in Hermione's direction.
"And last but not least, Professor Draco Malfoy, who will take Professor Binns's duties, as Professor Binns has decided since he was a ghost, it was high time he go to haunt some other places. Professor Malfoy will also have the position of High Inquisitor at Hogwarts."
"You should also know the try-outs for the Quidditch teams will start on Friday; all concerned can address Madame Hooch. Now it's late, and I know how important a good night sleep is since tomorrow is the first day of school. So off to bed everyone and pleasant dreams." The Headmaster dismissed everyone.
Hermione stayed until the Great Hall was almost empty, chatting a little with all her friends and fellow teachers. When Molly asked her to come for a cup of tea with her before turning in, she politely refused the invitation. She was very tired, forgetting Dumbledore wanted to speak with her (ah well, if it was truly important, he'd come and find her), so she went up the stairs to her rooms on the first level. The room was large, more so as she didn't have much furniture. A large bed was on one side, a study on the other, facing out the window, which was framed with red and gold hangings, her trunk near the bed, a big mirror, a wardrobe, and some book shelves with fairly interesting books were all that she had. In truth, it was more than she had ever had since she left Hogwarts.
On the bed, Crookshanks was laid out, having a cat nap; now that he was old it was pretty much all he did. Her things were still in her trunk. She opened it and with some spells made all the things fly around the room to their places. This, in turn, woke Crookshanks, when a Teddy bear fell on him.
"Oh, I accidentally took Mel's toy. And she truly liked this one. Oh well, this means that a have to keep my promise and visit Harry just so I can return this to his little girl." She remained a little time thinking of her friend and of Mariel, her god daughter, while she held the little bear. Crookshanks's meowing woke her from her reverie, "You're right, you old flea bag, I haven't fed you since last night. You must be starving." After feeding the cat she took off her robe and entered the bathroom.
The bathroom was very calming--the walls were blue and white. There was a large mirror over the sink, and in the corner a shell-shaped bathtub. Leaving the water with bubbles running, she took off her clothes and got in the water. It was perfect, not too hot, not too cold, just perfect. It was very relaxing to just sit in the pink and blue bubbles. Her mind drifted away at the things that had culminated in her ending up a teacher at Hogwarts.
All in all this had been one of the best days in years. After about an hour of just sitting in the tub, she got out, and put an extra-extra-large blue t-shirt then got into bed. In less than a minute she was of to dream world.
A.N.: Hope you liked it, not that there's much too like. Don't expect the next chapter too soon. I don't have internet at home, so I'm posting these during my informatics class. I have already written about half of this story and it's going to be a long one but the internet here works like hell.
If you recognize any fragment's as yours, I'm sorry, sometimes I lack inspiration and also memory. I try not to do this but some scenes are so good that I can't not put them in my work. Still I try not to do it to often but once in a chapter there might be. Don't get upset, it's a strange way to eulogize your work and this is my first fanfic anyway. My English sucks I know. It's my second language and unlike others I'm not a genius, but I try my best. And there's only this much word's synonyms can do.
CHAPTER I The Hogwarts Express
A girl-well better said-a young woman, was standing on the platform between 9 and 10. She had bushy brown hair, and was dressed in a blue robe and had strange luggage with her; complete with a big red cat lying on top of some old books. The young woman searched in her pocket for a moment before taking out an envelope. She read on the envelope, written in green ink:
TO: Miss Hermione Granger
Nr. Twelve
Grimmauld Place
London She opened the already torn envelope, and read it again in a soft voice; it was an invitation coming from Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, for her to be the new teacher of Transfiguration.
And it informed her to be present for the post the first of September-the first day of school.
It was the1st of September and she was going there; it was the only option she had in which she could escape her problems, worries, and angst, and do something useful in the mean time. Plus, she believed she couldn't disappoint Dumbledore, who trusted her, and had given her shelter, when the only place where she was expected was Azkaban.
She looked at her watch. It was almost 11 o'clock, so she had to hurry or would miss the Hogwarts Express, the only way to go there, since it was impossible to Apparate at Hogwarts. And she didn't think it smart to use a flying car, as Harry and Ron had done in their second year as students there. It always amazed her how the years had passed. It felt like only yesterday she had stepped first on the Hogwarts express, yet there had already passed seven years since she had finished her schooling.
She took a long look at the people in the station. Since no one was looking at her, she passed through the barrier to the platform 9 and3/4. There was a red steam engine full of witches and wizards saying goodbye to their children going to school, the best school for a young witch or wizard, it was said.
She got on the train and sat in a compartment that was still empty. All the things that had happened to her the last few weeks had worn her out-all she wanted now was a little rest. Thinking she could have a rest she closed her eyes and sat as comfortably as she could.
"You don't mean he did that, I mean...You can't be serious," came the first voice.
"I tell you he did that, I couldn't believe it myself," Replied the second.
"Girls, look, we can stay here. It's empty," came a third.
Four girls entered the compartment. One of them was blond with green eyes and an evil grin. The other two were twins and had dark hair, the last girl that entered had black long hair pulled in a pony tail. They all had school robes, and you could see their house crests. They were Slytherin.
Not the best company, Hermione thought as she was looking at them with her eyes slightly open, though still hidden under the bushy hair that had fallen on her face during her failed attempt to get a little bit of sleep. This way they couldn't see she was watching them. I can't believe I'm doing this, she scolded herself. I mean I'm no longer in school ,she thought, but didn't do a thing to reveal the fact that she was awake.
"Now truly, who is the one sitting by the window? I thought only students can use the train." said the first one again, slouching on the couch opposing to her.
'She might be a new teacher. There is need for some teachers since McGonagall, Beastel, and that centaur left.' whispered the one with the black pony tail.
"O thank god that monster left, I always dreaded those classes. Maybe she's the new teacher for the Care of Magical Creatures," said one of the twins.
"What is it, Naja? Why are you laughing?" asked the other one.
"Just look at her, do you actually think she could stand up to one of those beasts?" asked the blond, in a mocking tone, that got to Hermione's nerves.
"Then I'm really scared. Who knows who will Dumbledore appoint for that position; we might get...who-knows-what?" the second twin snickered.
"Didn't you know? I must have forgotten to tell you. My uncle, Draco Malfoy, is going to be High Inquisitor, at our school," said the blond girl. "So he'll take care that we're in no real danger."
Hermione almost fell of her seat at this news, but managed to dissimulate it. So that was what Dumbledore meant when he sad she would not be the only one returning to school. Draco, as High Inquisitor, she could never imagine that, it would be as having a second Umbridge, as if the first time around wasn't enough.
"Wow! Why didn't you tell us this earlier? I mean, it's the best thing that happened this year! I'm sure he'll let us cheat," said the first twin.
"But Fad, he can't do that, and besides, you have to study, or there's no point going to school," whispered the quiet girl that had taken a sit in the corner and had an enormous book planted in front of her. Hermione was beginning to like this girl.
"O shut up Jinx! You shouldn't have been sorted into Slytherin-you would be better in Ravenclaw.or no.Gryffindor!' And all of them started laughing at what Naja had said.
Hermione could no longer stand the humiliation directed at her person and her house; she had to do something, but she realized that it would be stupid of her to do or say anything against these girls. Still, she had to do something, they were laughing at Gryffindor and that was her house (since McGonagall had left, it was decided that she would be best as head of Gryffindor).
"By the way, do you have any idea about who that is?" asked Fad, indicating Hermione.
"Well, her name is Hermione Granger.' Said Jinx from the corner, where she was again reading her monstrous book.
"Since when do you have psychic powers, library worm?"
"It's not psychic powers, it's just that, what do you know, I learned to read lately. Is that too hard for you Naja? Look at her luggage, it's written on it." Jinx shot back.
"I've heard that name somewhere, but I can't place it" said the blond, not responding to the others' remarks.
"She might be an ex-student at Hogwarts."
"Wow, that was so smart coming from you, Fad. Oh well, I'll ask my uncle, he must know."
At that moment, a dark-haired boy opened the door and entered the compartment, followed closely by two girls that seemed to be at least a year or two older. His black eyes stopped on Hermione.
"Who's that?"
"More quietly please, you might wake her!" the boy was scolded.
"If your laughter didn't wake her up, then nothing can." He said in a mocking tone. "May I sit with you girls?"
"Of course my dear, we were just talking about what idiots the teachers are and how school sucks."
"Oh so wise words coming from someone so young; I think you have to thank the heavens for such depths in thinking, our wise Naja"
"Who's that bush there?" said one of the older girls, motioning her head towards the corner where Hermione was slouched.
"A Granger something, why? Do you know her, Katy?"
"Don't think so, just that her hairstyle horrifies me. Look, Dan," the girl continued, "we'll just leave you here, as you seem to be in the best company." Katy replied, a look of disgust on her face at Hermione's hairstyle.
"Yes, Katy, just go see your boyfriends. I won't get lost." Then he turned to the blond girl. "Gods, father told my cousins to baby-sit me, as if I were a bloody first year. Can you believe it? All summer I had to stand the two of them. Couldn't wait for today." He admitted.
"I don't even want to think about today; maybe that ragged old hat will place yet another mud-blood in our house." shuddered Naja.
"Naja, you know it's not right to think like that, and you know Dumbledore is right to accept all witches and wizards, regardless of their parents, to study at Hogwarts. They are just as good at magic, even if their parents aren't magical people; and many times they are even better than the ones with so called 'pure-blood'." said the girl in the corner, visibly affected
about the direction their discussion was heading.
"Very funny. I have nothing more to say; but you'll see--that that old wreck Dumbledore will be removed and all mud-bloods will be gone from the school." Naja said, her voice dripping with arrogance.
This was too much for Hermione to take; it was the only thing she couldn't swallow. Judging the people by their parents, as she had been during school- -something had to be done, to straighten things up. She could stand it no more.
It was about 1 o'clock in the afternoon, and time for the cart lady. In the corridor she could hear something, a moment later a woman came and asked in their compartment if they weren't hungry for something off the trolley
Hermione jumped of her seat as if it were burning. By doing this she wasn't only hoping to end their discussion, but she was also very hungry, since she hadn't eaten anything since yesterday.
Everyone in the compartment stared in shock at her. After paying for the tons of chocolate and pies she had grabbed, she asked them politely while opening a chocolate frog, if they didn't want some. She knew the expression on her face was great, knowing she had wiped the smiles of the faces of those Slytherins.
For almost half an hour, the only noise was Crookshanks snoring. No one was able to say anything, nobody wanted to say anything; they were only staring at her-hoping she hadn't been awake, and if she had been-that she's for sure heard more than enough to get them in trouble. The silence was finally broke by the girl with the book, still speaking from her corner.
"Er...Mrs. Granger.Hermione?" asked the girl lowering the book from her face.
"Yes, what is it?' asked Hermione, looking at her in a strange way, not being used to such a polite addressing (too polite, and not quite right, still a Miss), wondering what the girl was going to ask.
"If you don't mind my asking, what are you going to teach?"
"Oh, I'll be your new teacher of Transfiguration." With this, Hermione went out into the corridor, feeling the tension to be too great in the compartment. That, and she wanted to know exactly where they were, and how much longer until they reached Hogwarts.
At last they reached Hogwarts, Hermione stepped into the first carriage, with some older students that had already filed off the train. Thank the gods from Gryffindor. This time she could actually see the animals that were pulling the carriages.
Hermione settled in a seat, while the students around her wouldn't stop talking about charms. They even asked her for tips about some spells they were having problems with-she was finding this enjoyable to do.
When she got of the carriage, she was pushed forward from the crush of students unloading. Without seeing were she was going, she ended up bumping into someone. She raised her eyes to see that the person that she had run into was the last person she wanted to see at this moment.
"Professor Snape!" she exclaimed.
"Miss Granger, late as always." he said looking at her with a sneer, smoothing his robes.
She barely contained herself from barking back an answer to his remark. She had never been late and he knew that. But Hermione decided she didn't want problems with him. Especially after having that talk with Dumbledore, before deciding to come to Hogwarts. She knew she couldn't afford having Snape as an enemy; she would simply have to tolerate his (permanent) bad mood.
Realizing she wasn't going to say anything back, Snape continued, "The Headmaster is waiting for you. I am waiting for the first years, so move along." He said, before swooping away, preparing to descend upon the first years.
She didn't need to be told again. It wasn't that she was scared of him, Hermione told herself as she bounded up the front stairs, because she had never been-not even when she had been his pupil,-it was just that she didn't want to have anything to do with him when not necessary. She got to the top of the stairs and passed through the gigantic oak doors to the entrance of The Main Hall. It was lit by numerous huge torches, at the end of it was the imposing stone stairs.
On the right, the doors to the Great Hall were opened. She looked up at the ceiling, remembering that the sky outside had been a little cloudy, but surprisingly, the ceiling wasn't. The weather must have changed quickly. The stars were sparkling on it; it made her feel a lot better. Looking at the four tables, over which candles floated, students were filling in the spaces, greeting each other fondly. Hermione felt the urge to go to the one covered in red and gold, her table, the Gryffindor table. Fighting that urge, she paced her stride as slowly as she could to the teachers table at the far end of the room which was slightly longer than the rest. In the middle was an old man with silver hair, which glowed almost like the ghosts that were now floating over the tables, Dumbledore. To his right was an empty chair, she could only guess that it must be Snape's, seeing as had McGonagall left, and all other professors were in their usual seats.
This detail brought a thought to Hermione, 'great, that makes Snape the Deputy Headmaster'.
Next to Professor Sprout, who was sitting to the left of Dumbledore were her friends Molly Weasley, who had been the teacher of Muggle Studies since her sixth year, and Remus Lupin, who had returned to teach at Hogwarts after her last year. She turned her gaze to the rest of the professors. Most of the professors were there, but the truth was, the ones most dear to her had left. McGonagall, Hagrid, who had left after their last year.
Hagrid had married Madame Maxine several years ago. The last time Hermione had visited them, last summer, they already had a pair of twin girls that were five years, and five feet tall, and a little boy of four months, that looked of four years.
Continuing her perusal of the teacher's table, she saw that Binns wasn't there, but then, he hadn't normally sat at the table, being a ghost. She wasn't sad about him leaving, but the fact that Draco Malfoy had replaced him was terrible. Near Trelawney (the teacher that she most hated; even what she felt for Snape was almost like love compared to what she was feeling for that oversized-bug) was a new teacher about her age. Hermione didn't get to see her face, as she was turned towards Professor Vector-the two were in a very passionate debate over who-knows-what.
Before she could think more about the strange professor, she heard someone call her name.
"Hermione, come over!" called Remus, while magically bringing another chair and placing it between his seat and Molly.
"I thought you weren't going to show up. I was getting worried; you hadn't owled us since last week. What happened? Why didn't you give us any sign?"
"Molly, stop it. I'm sure she had her reasons, and she must be tired." said Lupin, with an almost accusative look towards Molly. Hermione was truly grateful to not have to respond to all those questions. The truth was, she had asked herself the same questions and hadn't found the right answers.
Before she could say anything, the great doors opened, and Professor Snape came in, followed by the first year students, looking terrified. They all formed a line in front of the teacher's table. Professor Snape placed the ragged old Sorting Hat atop a stool in front of the whole great hall. All the first years were looking devastated. The mere thought of how he must have treated them to get them in such a state, made Hermione hate him more (well, not more than the old divination bug, Hermione amended).
There was silence for a moment, but than the hat begun to sing its song; to Hermione's surprise, it was the same song the hat had sung at her sorting. She saw a smile on Lupin's face.
"This is the same song that I heard when I was sorted," she whispered in Remus's ear.
He looked at her with a strange expression; then whispered back to her that it was the same as when he had been sorted, before adding with a grin, "Take care of yourself Hermione; it usually sings this one when it feels the kids are special. For the teachers that means a headache to last seven extremely long years."
Snape stepped beck a little and unrolled the scroll with the children's names. He called the first name, "Andrus, Julia." A little girl, with tears running down her cheeks, was paralyzed. He motioned towards the stool and the little girl walked to it; tripping over her robe she fell exactly in front of him. She got up her face even redder and finally got to the stool and placed the hat on. The hat didn't even think over it and yelled "HUFFLEPUFF!".
After the first one, the others seemed a little bit more confident, if that was the right word; at least no more tripped again. The whole Hall would erupt in cheering, not as loud as it had been before, Hermione noted, every time a new student was placed in a House. When there were only few left, she saw that Molly was looking almost tense, before she noticed a little boy with red hair was next in line to be sorted.
"Weasley, William." Snape intoned.
The boy stepped towards the stool, placed the hat on his head. Before he even took his hands of it, it yelled "GRYFFINDOR!". The entire Gryffindor table erupted in cheers, Mrs. Weasley was almost crying as her grandchild, Charlie's son, had been placed in the best house at Hogwarts, as had all the Weasley family.
After the last student had been sorted, "Zavata, Iuny", Snape returned to the teachers' table, earning himself a reproachful glance from Dumbledore, which, in Hermione's opinion, wasn't enough of a reprimand. Everybody was silenced when the Headmaster rose to give his annual speech.
"Welcome to another year at Hogwarts. Of course, The Forbidden Forest is forbidden for a reason--to all students.. As well as Hogsmead, to all below the third year, and any above who didn't turn in permission slips,' He waved his hand out. 'So, now that this old windbag has had his say, eat!" Dumbledore sat down again, his eyes twinkling as always.
Hermione was very satisfied to see the plates now filled with all sorts of food; she hadn't seen such a meal since she had left Hogwarts seven years ago. She was hungry and didn't waste time on thinking how much will she gain after having a few of each, and there were all sorts of dishes, so a few, meant a lot. After the last piece of pumpkin pie, she felt like she was going to explode; looking around, Hermione could tell so did everybody else.
Dumbledore stood again at the end of the meal and raised his hands for everyone's attention, "Now that we have all filled our tummies, I have some announcements to make. I would like all of us to give a warm welcome to the new teachers joining us this year. Let us start with the ladies. Since professor Beast has left us last year, following an unfortunate event with some Horklumps, there is a new teacher for the Care of Magical Creatures-- Professor Bendis Sânziana." Dumbledore motioned to the woman Hermione had not recognized earlier, "she is a highly qualified beastkeeper, so I do not think she will have any problems with her classes.
"Next is Professor Hermione Granger, who will replace our former teacher of transfiguration Professor McGonagall. She will also be the new head of Gryffindor house." Said Dumbledore, motioning in Hermione's direction.
"And last but not least, Professor Draco Malfoy, who will take Professor Binns's duties, as Professor Binns has decided since he was a ghost, it was high time he go to haunt some other places. Professor Malfoy will also have the position of High Inquisitor at Hogwarts."
"You should also know the try-outs for the Quidditch teams will start on Friday; all concerned can address Madame Hooch. Now it's late, and I know how important a good night sleep is since tomorrow is the first day of school. So off to bed everyone and pleasant dreams." The Headmaster dismissed everyone.
Hermione stayed until the Great Hall was almost empty, chatting a little with all her friends and fellow teachers. When Molly asked her to come for a cup of tea with her before turning in, she politely refused the invitation. She was very tired, forgetting Dumbledore wanted to speak with her (ah well, if it was truly important, he'd come and find her), so she went up the stairs to her rooms on the first level. The room was large, more so as she didn't have much furniture. A large bed was on one side, a study on the other, facing out the window, which was framed with red and gold hangings, her trunk near the bed, a big mirror, a wardrobe, and some book shelves with fairly interesting books were all that she had. In truth, it was more than she had ever had since she left Hogwarts.
On the bed, Crookshanks was laid out, having a cat nap; now that he was old it was pretty much all he did. Her things were still in her trunk. She opened it and with some spells made all the things fly around the room to their places. This, in turn, woke Crookshanks, when a Teddy bear fell on him.
"Oh, I accidentally took Mel's toy. And she truly liked this one. Oh well, this means that a have to keep my promise and visit Harry just so I can return this to his little girl." She remained a little time thinking of her friend and of Mariel, her god daughter, while she held the little bear. Crookshanks's meowing woke her from her reverie, "You're right, you old flea bag, I haven't fed you since last night. You must be starving." After feeding the cat she took off her robe and entered the bathroom.
The bathroom was very calming--the walls were blue and white. There was a large mirror over the sink, and in the corner a shell-shaped bathtub. Leaving the water with bubbles running, she took off her clothes and got in the water. It was perfect, not too hot, not too cold, just perfect. It was very relaxing to just sit in the pink and blue bubbles. Her mind drifted away at the things that had culminated in her ending up a teacher at Hogwarts.
All in all this had been one of the best days in years. After about an hour of just sitting in the tub, she got out, and put an extra-extra-large blue t-shirt then got into bed. In less than a minute she was of to dream world.
A.N.: Hope you liked it, not that there's much too like. Don't expect the next chapter too soon. I don't have internet at home, so I'm posting these during my informatics class. I have already written about half of this story and it's going to be a long one but the internet here works like hell.