Dread.
That was the only thing Hermione was capable of feeling leading up to the morning of September 1st. She had even waited until yesterday evening to go get her supplies at Diagon Alley. As she suspected, she hadn't ran into any one that she knew aside from Ollivander when she went to buy a new wand.
Hermione hadn't really had the need for a new wand in the muggle world. She found this new wand would suit her well. It contained a dragon heart string core like her old wand. Hermione used her new wand to magically pack her trunk. Once everything that she needed was accounted for, she shrunk her trunk down to fit in her pocket, grabbed Crookshanks and walked into her fireplace.
Hermione grabbed a handful of floo powder, looked at her cat and said, "well here goes nothing."
"Headmistress's office Hogwarts Castle." Hermione said clearly as she threw the floo powder down.
A green light sparked and when Hermione opened her eyes, she was standing in what used to be Dumbledore's old office.
"Hermione, you made it. I'm so glad you accepted my proposal and returned. The students will be lucky to have you." McGonagall said with a smile.
"It's strange to be back but I'm sure this will be a very rewarding experience."
"Come, let me show you and Crookshanks to your new quarters so you can get settled and have a look around before the students arrive. Mr. Longbottom is already around here somewhere." Minerva said ushering Hermione out of her office.
Hermione was shocked while walking through the castle. It was immaculate. There was no indication that a battle was won here.
"The castle looks amazing. It's truly marvelous." Hermione spoke quietly.
"Yes, we had an amazing team who worked hard for two years to get this place student ready"
Hermione remained quiet for the rest of the walk to her quarters in the dungeons near the kitchen.
"I do apologize that your quarters are down here. Mr. Longbottom requested the room nearest the Gryffindor common room."
"It's no problem at all," said Hermione while she walked past Minerva into her living area.
The living area had a sofa, a fireplace, a coffee table and a desk off to the one side wall. To the left of the couch, there was a small kitchen table and a small eat in kitchen. Hermione noted this must have been put in specifically for her as the elves provided all eating needs at the castle. Hermione smiled at the gesture knowing she wouldn't have to rely on the elves for everything. The door off the kitchen lead to the bedroom and connected full bath. Hermione would explore that area later.
"If these accommodations seem fit for you Hermione, I shall leave you to get settle in. If anything you need is missing, you can let me or one of the elves know."
"It's lovely Minerva, thank you."
"I'll see you in the Great Hall. 7pm sharp."
Hermione waved goodbye as Minerva saw herself out. She then removed her trunk from her pocket and returned it to its normal size. She cast a quick rearrangement spell and her belongings rose from the trunk and put themselves away.
Hermione sat on the couch with her copy of advanced potions to reacquaint herself with the contents. Crookshanks sat at her feet as she tucked into the book.
—
Hermione opened her eyes unaware that she had fallen asleep on her couch. She was woken up by a gentle knock at her door. She looked at her watch.
6:30pm
"Just a minute," she called to the person on the other side of the door.
Hermione quickly scrambled to change into a pair of black muggle dress pants and a red button down blouse. She cast a quick tidy up charm on her hair and makeup. "This will do for tonight." She thought aloud was putting on her new black professor robes when she answered the door.
"Sorry to keep you waiting," she said opening the door finding Neville on the other side.
"Hey Hermione! It's so nice to see you. We've all missing you so much." Neville said pulling Hermione into an awkward yet not unwanted hug.
"Oh Neville. I've missing you all too." Hermione honestly responded. "Congratulations are in order. Herbology always was your specialty."
"It really is a dream to come back here and to be able to teach what I love. Walk with me to the Great Hall?" Neville asked extending his arm for Hermione to take.
"Of course," she said while closing her door and taking his arm without hesitation.
"Ginny and Luna are so thrilled you came back."
"I'm sure Ginny will just be happy to have my lesson notes to copy." Hermione joked with an eye roll. "I am excited to try my hand at teaching. I can't say I've ever thought about teaching."
"You are going to be amazing!" Neville said matter of factly.
"So, how are things between you and Luna? Wedding bells in your future?" Hermione inquired changing the subject.
"She's unlike anyone I've ever met before. I love her with my whole heart but we both agreed to wait until she's finished her NEWTS and began her career to talk about marriage."
Hermione just smiled at him and gave a nod of approval.
When they got to the Great Hall, the returning students were already sitting at their respective house tables. Ginny spotted Hermione waving her over indicating that she saved her a seat. Hermione waved, gave her a sheepish smile then shook her head no as she continued up to the Professor's table with Neville.
"I guess McGonagall didn't tell Ginny about my half professor/half student status." Hermione whispered to Neville as they took their seats next to each other.
Noticing Ginny's jaw practically on the floor, Neville responded" No, it would appear not."
Minerva entered the Great Hall followed by all the eager first years. The sorting ceremony was just as loud and magical as Hermione remembered. The headmistress took to the podium and addressed the students to start the welcoming feast. Hermione was looking around the Great Hall and noticed a fair number of familiar faces of students she fought along side at the battle. She couldn't help feel a little sad looking out and remembering those who didn't survive. Hermione was ripped from her internal dialogue when she heard Minerva say her name.
"It is my great honor to welcome our newest Professors. Neville Longbottom will be your knew Herbology professor. He is eager to get started and can't wait to pass all his knowledge to you about obscure plants." Minerva pointed for Neville to stand and he did and gave a little wave as the students all clapped for him.
"By the surprise look on some of our returning student's faces, I'm not sure they were expecting to see our new Muggle Studies professor up here tonight. Ms. Hermione Granger has agreed to come to teach Muggle Studies on a temporary basis while she completes her needed course work to obtain her NEWTS. I couldn't be more excited to have her both as a student again and to have her on my teaching staff. Her dedication, bravery and wealth of knowledge will be an asset to everybody in the room. Please everyone make Hermione feel welcomed here as a student and teacher."
A small blush formed on Hermione's cheeks as she stood and everyone clapped and cheered for her. Ginny gave her a big smile as she met eyes with her. When the clapping started to die down, there was a bang in the corner of the room behind the Professor's table.
Minerva turned to see what the noise was and then turned back around to address the students. "It would appear that our new Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher has finally made it. Everyone who has spent time around Hogwarts or in the Wizarding World the past two years has hopefully gotten to meet her. She is working here in an agreement with the Ministry and I'm lucky to have her as part of our team."
As McGongall was talking, Hermione felt the chair next to her pull out and someone sat down next to her.
"Please everybody, take a moment to welcome your new DADA professor…"
Hermione looked over and she found herself face to face with the one person she never thought she would encounter again.
"… Professor Bellatrix Black."
