Chapter 2 – Like Coming Home

There was a picture of Ron in The Daily Prophet. He seemed to do well as keeper for The Chudley Cannons. They had just won another match, this time against The Heidelberg Harries.

Hermione sighed she missed him. Harry was gone and Ron was busy playing quidditch. She herself was on her way to Hogwarts, to teach in Defence Against the Dark Arts.

Voldemort and Harry destroyed each other during the wizard war, but someday there would be a new threat. She had to teach the young wizards and witches to defend themselves. Nobody knew what would come next. The only thing she knew was that you can't defeat evil, but you can fight back by being prepared.

Still she was looking forward to teach, that was what she had always dream about. Hopefully she would get along with her former teachers. Especially with McGonagall. She blushed a bit. Why was it especially McGonagall? She shook her head and looked back at The Daily Prophet.

The feast had been just as lovely as every other year. Though her eyes kept falling on one person, she managed to eat. It was good to be back. The students had welcomed her and the food had been delicious, as always.

A well known voice pulled her back to reality "Hermione, would you mind to discuss a few things about the schedule?" she looked at the witch standing in front of her. Her former mentor looked like she did the day Hermione left.

What was she saying? Minervas lips were forming words, but Hermione didn't hear what she was saying… Oh yeah… Schedules, that was what Minerva was talking about. Come on answer her for god's sake "Oh… Umm… sure professor" she finally stammered. Bloody hell, how intelligent can you be. Was that all you could say. She mentally kicked herself. How could she be so stupid?

Minerva smiled "you don't have to call me professor, I'm not your teacher anymore" She said. She couldn't help it, but the look on Hermiones face, made her smile grow even wider. She was glad Hermione was back.

They went to Minervas office. Hermione couldn't help it and let out a small gasp of surprise. Right there on the wall was a painting of one of the Former Headmasters. But not just somebody this was Dumbledore, and he smiled knowingly and winked.

Hermione felt her cheeks turning red. Oh stupid girl, he's a painting. But that smile, maybe he… oh no that was impossible. He can't read your mind girl.

She realized that Minerva was staring at her. That made her blush even deeper. "I… I'm so sorry Prof… oh sorry again… Minerva. It is just it… umm it surprised me." She tried to smile but only managed an embarrassed grimace.

Minerva just smiled "It's ok Hermione. Takes time to get used to him. Right?" She asked looking at Dumbledore. But he just smiled.