Waiting and Hoping
Chapter 13
The first day of term at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry had approached. Ron and Hermione were apparating together to Hogsmeade before walking up to the castle and getting settled in, the children weren't due to arrive until later in the evening.
As Hermione walked up the cobbled drive, Ron by her side, she couldn't help but feel incredibly excited, and slightly nervous. She had always wanted to be a teacher and couldn't wait to get started. When they arrived in the front entrance hall they were greeted by Neville, who had become Herbology Professor after the death of Professor Sprout during the war.
"Ron, Hermione I'm so glad you're here!" he exclaimed shutting the doors behind them
"It's great to see you Neville, how are you?"
"I'm wonderful, just wonderful thank you, and yourselves?"
"We're great" said Ron answering for both of them
"Well if you'll come this way I'll show you your rooms so you can settle in"
He led them along the corridors and Hermione was pleased to see that not much had changed.
"This is you room Hermione" he said indicating at a portrait on their left, "Password's password, you can change it when you want, and your room Ron is just there" he continued pointing at the portrait opposite. Ron was pleased that their rooms were so close together, he had grown even more protective of Hermione during the past few months.
They settled themselves into their respective rooms and spent the afternoon getting reacquainted with the castle before heading to the Welcome feast.
After the students had been sorted Professor McGonagall got to her feet,
"Welcome to another year at Hogwarts, please eat I will give the notices later", Ron's stomach rumbled loudly and he was glad that he could tuck in. After they had filled themselves fit to burst (well Ron at least) Professor McGonagall stood again.
"I have a few notices to announce, first years (and other years too) please note that the Dark Forest is strictly forbidden and anyone caught entering it without permission will be punished, so no excuses. Also no magic is allowed in the corridors least we have any accidents and also many items are banned, the list will be displayed in your house common rooms, now to staff changes; Mister Weasley will be your new flying instructor" she paused as she allowed the students to settle, after all Ron's performance as a professional Keeper had earned him a number of fans, especially girls, " and also Professor Granger will be taking Transfiguration as well as becoming the Head of Gryffindor house" Hermione started and looked at Professor McGonagall, who gave her the merest hint of a smile before dismissing the students. Hermione waited until the students had starting talking again before rounding on her former Professor,
"Professor Mc…" she began
"Really Hermione, we are colleagues now please call me Minerva"
"Ok, Minerva, since when did I say I would become Head of Gryffindor!"
"Do you not want the job?" she asked with a slight smirk
"Yes, no…that's not the point; you put me on the spot!"
"Albus did the exact same thing to me when I joined the school, so I thought I should carry on the tradition, you will be a great Head of House Hermione don't you worry" and with that, she left the hall, leaving Hermione slightly mollified
Ron turned to Hermione,
"Don't worry Mione, you'll be a great Head of Gryffindor" he said soothingly as they walked to their rooms, Hermione smiled at her nickname, trust Ron to make her smile after she had just been thrust into a highly respected job
"Well, why didn't you get the job, or Neville, why me?"
"Me" said Ron with a laugh, "clearly you've forgotten how disorganised I am, and Neville had the job last year but hated it, he couldn't cope with that and the greenhouses, he said he admires Sprout for doing both jobs but it wasn't for him"
They had reached their rooms,
"Well night then" said Ron giving her a peck on the cheek
"Ron" said Hermione grabbing his arm "Thanks, for everything, you've been amazing"
"No problems Mione" he said smiling at her "You'd do anything for the person you love" he gave Hermione another peck and went into his room, leaving her logical mind shocked.
A/N The romance is starting to unfold! Thanks again to my brilliant reviewers! Please keep reviewing! 5 days to go!
Love you all
Laura
xxx