Hermione woke slowly, eyes opening and taking in her unfamiliar surroundings with methodical patience as her mind began incorporating the visual information around her.
Blue light from high windows behind her bed filtered in on a diagonal angle, bathing the tidy space in a cool glow. Hermione sat up carefully, feeling a dull pulse at her temples and a heaviness spread throughout her limbs.
Holding out a hand, she waited… and a dark purple bottle zoomed over quietly and slid into her palm with easy familiarity. Squinting at it for a moment, Hermione popped the cork and sniffed it out of habit before knocking it back in a smooth motion as she would a shot of Arak.
The potion's familiar tingle began to spread throughout her system and a moment later, she inhaled and felt herself brighten in earnest.
Flicking her fingers, the silvery glow of a tempus appeared before her. 5:04.
Hermione paused another moment on the edge of her bed, bare feet dangling in the cool air, as she waited for the surreal mix of confusion, happiness, and apprehension to pass through her.
She was at Hogwarts. She had done it - she was actually here.
Amber eyes once again scanned the room and took in the many tells that served to reassure that she was indeed awake and not dreaming. Crimson hangings surrounded her bed, edged in thin gold brocade that spoke to her House loyalty. The same colors surrounded the wall of windows on the far side of the curved room, and the well-worn stone floor was covered in a rich carpet that was clearly intended to keep out the biting cold of the Scottish weather.
She smiled.
Her room smelled of woodsmoke, parchment, and a faint sweetness that might have been vanilla. There was also an underlying spice and warmth to the smell that was specific to Gryffindor Tower, and a pervasive age beneath everything that belied the entire castle's venerable history.
Her school books were stacked neatly on the desk beneath the windows, titles betraying the array of classes ahead of her. A thrill of anticipation flooded through her stomach and despite her fatigue and trepidation regarding the day ahead, Hermione's lips again curved into a smile.
She shook her head slightly, mussed curls falling across one cheek as she allowed herself a moment of giddy excitement and joy at having returned to Hogwarts.
You're home.
The thought was quick and brief and Hermione was surprised by the wave of emotion that suddenly coursed through her. Despite the pressure and uncertainty that had brought her back to Great Britain, her feelings about Hogwarts were genuine and honest. In many ways... despite the new life that she had built for herself abroad, the castle would always remain her home.
A moment later she sighed softly, eyes falling upon a tall cherry wood bookshelf that housed all of her other books and materials. While Hermione was not ashamed of the past four years, (on the contrary - they had healed her in a completely unexpected and exhilarating manner), seeing evidence of that time juxtaposed to the neat and tidy surroundings of the castle reminded her how very challenging her transition would be.
Sniffing wryly to herself, Hermione skimmed through her memories of the day previous and recalled the interesting development of that particular shelf.
While there were those who doubted the intelligence and sentience of Hogwarts itself, Hermione was not among them.
She had arrived to the castle the previous afternoon, much later than anticipated, though still well before the Hogwarts Express had been due to arrive.
Professor Flitwick had met her at the gates, welcoming her with a warm hug and subtle twinkle in his eye before showing her to her rooms. If Flitwick had been curious as to her lack of belongings, he had made no mention. The small wizard had quickly explained that the Head Girl rooms possessed a second password which she could change if she wished, before reminding her that the schedule of Start-of-Term Feast and Sorting Ceremony would begin promptly at seven.
As if she could forget.
To Hermione's surprise and delight, she soon discovered that she had been given the entire top floor of Gryffindor Tower all to herself. While the Headmistress had indicated the rooms were to be saved for her, Hermione hadn't imagined them to be quite so large and luxurious. She had experienced a brief moment of disbelief and awe at their opulence… having become used to residing in rather simple, humble quarters with little need for luxury.
As soon as the Professor had departed, Hermione had reached into her small leather satchel and begun unfurling the rather complicated set of organizational charms within that soon had her school supplies, wardrobe, personal items, and books flying about the space at dizzying speeds. The Undetectable Extension Charm she had utilized throughout her final years in Great Britain still served her needs, however Hermione had learned a great deal more since that time that had improved upon her ability to conceal a large amount of materials in a small space. In this instance, she had undoubtedly put those skills to good use.
A brief jaunt into the large personal bath had been enough time for some adjustments upon the castle's part, and Hermione had been surprised to return to her main room and discover that one blank wall to the left of tall windows had transformed itself into a large cherry bookshelf to contain her small personal library, ingredients stores, and even a small selection of books dedicated to Magical Law.
Hogwarts had seemed to understand and approve of her need for discretion… for Hermione had quickly discovered that the wall could be charmed into secrecy - returning to a blank wall covered by a lovely tapestry if she simply waved a hand.
The discovery had quickly brought a smile to her face and Hermione had whispered a fervent "thank you" to the empty room, hoping that Hogwarts understood the true depth of her gratitude.
Its perceived acceptance of her past experiences and rather unorthodox plan meant a great deal, and it had been reassuring to know that at least someone was on her side regarding the Ministry's new propaganda-laced initiative. It promised to be an uphill battle, but the small token of Hogwarts' esteem had given her the necessary drive to get through those first few disconcerting hours.
As she had readjusted to her surroundings and settled into her new quarters, Hermione had been pleased to have avoided running into the Headmistress. While she had been anxious to reconnect with the witch, she had wanted it to be on her terms... with enough time to make an accurate assessment of the woman's reaction to her return.
At the reminder of the Headmistress herself, Hermione's thoughts wandered through the memories of the previous night, smiling distantly as she thought of the enigmatic witch in question.
Her heart had leapt upon entering the Great Hall (perfectly late, as she had intended)... and after having made the impression she had desired, Hermione had been rather pleased with her show of restraint; finally allowing her gaze to settle on Minerva McGonagall shortly after the Sorting Ceremony had started in earnest.
Her eyes had traced the unforgettable and timeless features with care and discretion... taking note of the subtle changes to the witch's style that managed to further her formidable mystique and draw attention to her beauty. The woman's unflappable posture and expression remained the same - difficult to read, reserved, and effortlessly poised, though Hermione had imagined that perhaps her carefully spun entrance had thrown the witch's control slightly, in the structured manner she had intended.
She wanted the witch to recognize the simple fact that she both was and was not the same young woman who had departed Great Britain without so much as a good-bye. Her strategy of sending a letter with Harry had been cowardly, she knew... and while Hermione desperately hoped the Headmistress would be amenable to her protest against the Ministry, she also desperately hoped that she hadn't erased her opportunity to reconnect with the witch on a deeper level.
Hermione kicked the edge of her bed lightly as her thoughts turned to the end of the previous evening. All of her careful planning had evaporated in those first few moments in the Headmistress' office. There was a brief pulse of embarrassment as she quickly recalled her reaction to the Headmistress's - Minerva's - stolid and reassuring presence at the end of the evening. She gave a mirthless chuckle, one hand fluttering up to pinch the bridge of her nose before quickly tucking her embarrassment away.
Nothing to be done, Hermione thought tiredly. Her reaction had been honest and she hoped the witch had understood her wave of emotion, to some degree... even if there had been little more elaboration upon her part.
The rest of their evening discussion had been smoother, and Hermione had managed to reign in the unexpected spiral of guilt and worry in order to carry on in a much more subdued manner. They had talked until the hour grew late and Minerva had walked her back to her rooms in an unhurried manner that felt nice - as though they had somehow managed to reconnect and pick up where they had left off.
The majority of their time had been spent talking about neutral topics - Hogwarts, of course, and mutual friends (Minerva had seemed surprised to learn how well-informed she had remained despite her absence); politics and a recently passed Ministry referendum in the realm of educational policy, though Hermione had consistently steered the conversation away from the Ministry's current agenda and any topics that would have revealed her precarious situation.
She had been pleased to discover that the Headmistress seemed to be just as incensed by the Wizengamot's rulings, however briefly they had touched upon matters... and Hermione harbored a thin burst of hope that perhaps her plan would come to fruition. She had also been bolstered by the notable lack of a wedding band. While she admittedly didn't know a great deal about the witch's past history, she knew enough to surmise that perhaps she wasn't the only one holding out against the Wizengamot.
There had been no talk of her decision to leave Great Britain, nor much concerning her new life and whereabouts in the last four years. Minerva had been careful not to press and Hermione had answered many things in a roundabout way - providing answers without divulging details.
While part of her felt guilty for prolonging the mystery for the witch, Hermione had an agenda… and in order for it to work, she wanted her actions to speak louder than her words.
Besides... there were a number of things she still needed to unravel about those first few moments. While Hermione had surprised herself with her rather forceful reaction, she had been even more surprised by Minerva's swift and instinctual response. Like the way that she kissed you…
Frowning at herself, Hermione sighed, deliberately setting aside the butterflies that fluttered at memory of being held by those warm, elegant arms.
You're reading into things too much… she admonished herself. This thing must take its course.
Rising swiftly, Hermione shivered briefly while crossing the plush Persian carpet floor to peer out the windows.
A sheen of dew twinkled on the grounds far below and the first brightening of the sky indicated a clear, cloudless morning.
A good morning for a run, she thought with a hint of reticence. Despite the Brightening Potion she had just taken, Hermione still felt her body protest the time difference and she pulled a hand through her hair with a sigh.
Unexpectedly, the Headmistress' password from the previous night sprang unbidden into her thoughts. Amat victoria curam.
"Victory loves diligence," she whispered.
Suddenly feeling more inspired, Hermione turned away from the window and set off for her private bath.
It was the first day of classes, and the day was still ripe for seizing.
Minerva sat at her desk, eyes carefully reading through the castle's maintenance reports when abruptly the flames in the hearth turned green and a moment later, the rich blue robes of her Deputy came striding through.
"Well, how did it go?" her colleague asked brightly, his blue eyes betraying a mischievous twinkle.
Minerva blinked.
"Pardon?"
Filius swept to one side of her desk, resting a hip against its oak wood to look up at her with a small smile.
"Your meeting with Miss Granger last night," he stated, in a tone indicating that the topic should have been obvious. "How did it go?"
Minerva's eyes narrowed.
"I seem to recall having expressly indicated my desire for an early evening before departing the Great Hall," she replied calmly, even as her thoughts warmed at the memory of Hermi - Miss Granger's presence.
Surprisingly, Filius rolled his eyes.
"Oh codswallop, Minerva. You've been dancing around her as a subject since we learned of her return. It's clear that she still values your opinion highly and that she's searching to reconnect with you. The rest of us are merely hoping that we can survive our classes with her," he said swiftly, crossing his arms.
Minerva frowned.
"How do you mean?"
"Minerva, it is clear that the young witch has returned a changed woman. One does not just obtain a Mastery in Potions without picking up relevant information along the way. This year is going to be more than a breeze for her. I scarcely understand why she's decided to take her seventh year classes at all. Why not just test her N.E.W.T.s and be done with it?" Filius said, his shoulders giving a disbelieving shrug.
Minerva remained silent, unwilling to discuss Miss Granger's unexpected appearance without further information. Undoubtedly Miss Granger has her reasoning... for now, she is simply a student intent on fulfilling her education.
A moment later however, her friend's eyes softened and he gave her a beseeching look.
"If anyone will manage to unravel her mysteries, it's going to be you," he said softly.
Deciding that she had heard enough on the subject, Minerva sighed and pinched the bridge of her nose. Classes hadn't even started and already her professors were despairing. This didn't bode well for general morale.
"I have seen little to indicate that Miss Granger has returned simply to waste everyone's time. I have no doubt she will conduct herself with the respect and decorum befitting of any intelligent witch, however should you or any of your colleagues find difficulty with her, do not hesitate to notify me. I do believe that everyone is overreacting," she said with a huff, her lips thinning in a manner that would close the conversation.
"Very well, Minerva. However do not be surprised if the witch turns out to demand more of your time than you anticipate," Filius said mysteriously, giving her a cheeky smile. Unable to help it, Minerva rolled her eyes.
"Don't you have things to do?" she asked exasperatedly.
"Indeed I do. Deputy things." Filius replied cheerfully. "Away I go…"
The small wizard was already turning and heading toward the fireplace with a swirl of blue fabric, his bobbing gait even more chipper than usual. Minerva sniffed and moved to turn back to her reports, still shaking her head at her colleague's meddling words. Of all the ridiculous things...
She was adjusting her spectacles when Filius' bright tones rang out again.
"I s'pose I should let you know that one of the upperclassmen left the castle rather early this morning. Around five thirty to be precise," her Deputy called, one hand already charming the Floo powder to lower itself from the fireplace mantle.
"Five thirty? Whatever for?" Minerva asked, surprised. While the castle doors unlocked themselves at five and it wasn't expressly forbidden, it seemed a rather strange hour to go for a walk before the first day of classes. Odd.
"She went for a rather long run, I believe," Filius replied evenly, watching as the Floo container floated back up to the hearth. "And then a swim in the lake."
"What?! But it must be freezing!"
"Well, some people enjoy that sort of thing, you know." Filius responded good-naturedly, giving a her a small shrug.
"Who was it?" Minerva asked suspiciously, watching even as the flames turned a brilliant green. Filius looked over his shoulder before stepping into them.
"Who do you think?" he replied with a smile.
A moment later, he was gone.