The journey to Hogwarts was uneventful. Hermione was already dressed in her school robes when the castle appeared on the horizon. "Oh I have missed this sight!" She made sure her wand was safely tucked away and watched out of the window as the train pulled in to a gloomy looking Hogsmeade station.
"Are you ready?" Ginny appeared at the Prefects carriage door. Hermione nodded at her eagerly. Despite the events of last year, and the final battle that had taken place in the grounds of the school; she had found herself actually looking forward to getting back to some sort of normal routine, whatever that was when you attended a magical school.
Making sure Crookshanks was safely secured in his basket, Hermione stepped off the train. They climbed into the nearest carriage with Ginny and smiled as they were soon joined by Luna - who proceeded in telling a lively story about her summer spent rebuilding her house with her father. The story was well animated and by the time she was done, the journey was almost over.
The carriages clattered into the castle courtyard and the friends were happy to see students milling around, chatting and laughing like they used to. The castle had been rebuilt over the summer and it felt like it was busiest than usual. Hermione pondered this; now that Voldemort was dead and the school had Professor McGonagall at the helm as Headmistress, parents must have felt happier to let their children back.
The Headmistress was waiting at the entrance to the castle as they disembarked from their carriage and she greeted Hermione with her usual curt nod. "I'm glad you decided to return to take your NEWTs. I know it's a bit unorthodox, especially given you are one year older than the other students. You will of course be aware that the Head students sleep in the private Head Pupil dormitories, but I have arranged for you to have access to the Gryffindor Common Room too. This should mean you can have some privacy, but also some company; should you wish." Professor McGonagall led Hermione into the Great Hall.
"I must hasten to add that being Head Girl does not mean you get any other privileges. Your curfew is the same as the other students unless you are on patrol duties. You will only be permitted to visit Hogsmeade on planned student weekends. Of course, if you have an emergency you can come to me and I shall help you; although hopefully there should be no misadventure with Mr. Potter and Mr. Weasley not here."
"Thanks Professor; I wish to be treated like the other students and I hope to just get through this year quietly..."
"I should hope so too. Now if you don't mind, we have a sorting ceremony to get started."
Hermione quietly took her seat next to Ginny at the Gryffindor table, frowning slightly as her appearance caused a few whispers among the students.
The sorting ceremony was a grander occasion this year. The Hat sang proudly about how the wizarding world had overcome dark times and promised better times ahead if the school stayed unified. Hermione and Ginny cheered along as the Hat slowly sorted through the new students. The conversation flowed happily as the first years filed to their house tables, the Great Hall filled with its usual warmth. Everyone was still talking when McGonagall got to her feet and it took a few hushes and stern glances from all professors to quieten down the busy hall.
"I shall not take long to kick this feast off, as I can hear your tummies grumbling. So, for now, I say - in the great words of the late Professor Dumbledore; since we didn't get a chance to remember him during last year's ceremony - 'Nitwit! Blubber! Oddment! Tweak!' Thank you." Professor McGonagall's mouth twitched in a small smile as she took her seat again.
Hermione laughed at the elderly Professor's out of character statement but was soon distracted by the plates full of delicious looking food appearing at the table. She suddenly realised how hungry she was; after only eating a bowl of cereal and the packed lunch Mrs. Weasley had given her.
When at last everybody had eaten as much as they could; Professor McGonagall stood for one last time. "I would like to welcome all staff and pupils back to Hogwarts School of Wizardry and Witchcraft. I trust that you will all have a spectacular year here. As we learn new things and meet new friends, we should always keep in mind those who have sacrificed their lives so that we can learn in peace..." She paused for a moment as the names of those who died during the past few years appeared behind the staff table in glowing gold letters. "May we never forget what they have given for us." She cleared her throat and wiped her eye, taking a further moment to compose herself.
"All students, new and old, are to be reminded that the Forbidden Forest remains out of bounds. Timetables will be provided at breakfast but for now; to bed all of you. Today has been long, and tomorrow will surely be longer!"
The students were dismissed and started to make their way to their dormitories. After helping the Gryffindor prefects escort the first years to the common room, Hermione said goodnight to Ginny and retired to her own room. She smiled as it was decorated in the usual Gryffindor colours. There was a small en suite bathroom and a sitting area for studying. The fire was already burning, and the room was warm and comfortable. Before settling down for the night, she turned her phone on and sent Ron a text.
"All okay here xxx"
She fell asleep before she could even read his reply.