Chapter Seven
The rest of August passed rather quickly. Hermione had begun to teach herself Occlumency; a necessity, not only to keep her nightmares at bay, but also to keep Walburga out. The fact that neither Narcissa nor Andromeda had warned Hermione about it had her assuming that they didn't realise Lady Black was an accomplished Legilimens.
Hermione swallowed her nervousness as she sat at the kitchen table in the quiet basement of Grimmauld Place in the early morning of the first of September. Today was the day that she would return to Hogwarts and meet the witches and wizards she'd only heard stories about from the original Order members when they spoke of the First Wizarding War.
Both the heroes and the villains.
She looked up from her half-eaten plate of eggs and toast and met Sirius' worried gaze.
"Alright there, Hermione?" he asked her with concern as he reached for his glass of pumpkin juice.
Hermione gave him a jerky nod of her head. "I'm just a little nervous. I always am before heading back to school."
"If anyone at Hogwarts asks, you can attribute your nervousness to being in a new environment," Walburga suggested. "The same can be said once you are sorted into Slytherin. You are unfamiliar with a number of wizarding families in Britain due to your parents' insistence that you were homeschooled."
Hermione smirked. "I am familiar with a number of families though… that's what makes me so nervous."
"Surely they aren't all troublesome," Orion said in disbelief.
Hermione raised a brow. "Are you saying that Avery, Mulciber and Wilkes are all good blokes?"
Sirius barked with laughter. "She's got a point, father."
Orion peered knowingly at Hermione, ignoring his eldest's comment. "You are betrothed to the Noble and Most Ancient House of Black. Those families will not risk displeasing this house by attacking you." He gestured to Regulus. "If you are at all uncertain or uncomfortable around them, just stick closely to Regulus. If anything, Slytherin sticks to hierarchies and the Black family remains at the top." He paused. "I suggest you use that to your advantage. It is what a Slytherin would do."
Hermione nodded, but remained silent.
"I would, however, remain cautious once you are sorted," Walburga warned her. "You will be in a dormitory with a number of girls your age. You should try to come across as being friendly with them while not giving too much away."
"Who are the girls that I'll be sharing a dorm with?" Hermione looked to Regulus for the answer.
"Tófa Rowle, Alecto Carrow, Cera Greengrass and Ella Brocklehurst." Regulus frowned. "Alecto has a twin brother also in Slytherin. Cera and Tófa both have brothers a year older. Ella is a half-blood."
"There were two Greengrass sisters in Slytherin during my time at Hogwarts," Hermione informed the table. "One my age and the other two years younger."
Walburga nodded slowly. "They are a neutral family and one that you should get to know a bit better." She waved a hand, as if bored. "Carrow is someone you should be cautious around. That entire family is full of supporters of the Dark Lord." She jabbed a finger at Hermione. "Focus on your friendships with Rowle and Greengrass. Both families will be invited to our Christmas gathering this year."
"Cera is quite kind," Sirius informed Hermione. "She's a clever witch and a good friend to have. Tófa is also very kind… but her older brother is a bit of a shithead."
"Sirius," Orion reprimanded. "Have some class."
"My sincerest apologies, Miss Granger," Sirius drawled. "Tófa's eldest brother is known to have his head a fair distance up Mulciber's plump behind."
Hermione pressed her lips together to prevent herself from snickering. She tried to remember what Mad-Eye Moody had told her the summer before her fifth year about the various Death Eaters that he had a hand in capturing during the First Wizarding War. "Thorfinn Rowle?"
Sirius smirked at her. "The one and only. He graduates this year."
...
...
The group quickly made their way into a crowded King's Cross Station, weaving between Muggles and Wizarding families alike as they walked towards the entrance to platform nine and three quarters. Sirius was regulated with pushing the trolley carrying all three trunks and owl cage.
Hermione had to stifle her grin at the reaction they were all receiving from the many Muggles, given that they were all wearing wizarding attire rather than something that could be passed off as Muggle clothing.
She had made the mistake of mentioning the rules while they were leaving Grimmauld Place, earning her a huff of disgust from both Walburga and Orion before being informed that that particular rule didn't apply to such an ancient house.
"Muggles are everywhere," Walburga hissed under her breath and peered down at Hermione as if it was her fault. "We stop for no one."
Hermione frowned, wondering what Walburga meant, when she watched the witch a step or two ahead of her stroll proudly through the wall separating the platform that housed the Hogwarts Express from the Muggle world.
Hermione blinked, hesitating slightly before following Lady Black through the wall. She could no longer keep the grin from her face as she took in her surroundings.
It was identical to the feeling she'd had the first time she'd arrived on platform nine and three-quarters. The Hogwarts Express was there, waiting for young witches and wizards to board. Parents were saying their last goodbyes to their children before helping them on the train.
She came to a stop facing Walburga and Orion. Sirius stepped next to her after parking the trolley and took her hand in his, giving it a comforting squeeze.
Walburga peered down her nose at the three teenagers and pursed her lips. "We expect perfect grades from the lot of you. Anything lower than an Exceeds Expectations will be met with strict discipline." She straightened out Regulus' tie and gave him the barest hint of a smile. "Regulus, my son, you must look after Miss Granger and listen to her. She is here to protect you… remember that," she reminded him quietly, making certain that no one nearby could overhear.
Regulus nodded solemnly. "Of course, mother."
The woman focused her attention on her eldest son who was already raising a brow at her in silent challenge. "For once in your life, Sirius, behave like the heir of the Noble and Most Ancient House of Black." She held up a hand as Sirius opened his mouth to argue. "Just listen to me!" she snapped, drawing attention from nearby families. "Your behaviour prior to this summer has been reproachable at best. You are lucky that your father and I were able to step in when we did." She peered down her nose at Sirius. "Do not forget it."
Sirius dropped his chin down and nodded as he ruffled his hair. "I understand."
"You will treat Miss Granger with respect," Orion began to lecture to him, his voice carrying across the platform. "She is not one of your… conquests, she is your betrothed. Treat her as such."
Sirius nodded once more but remained silent as he squeezed Hermione's hand.
"Finally, Miss Granger," Walburga sighed. She had a wry grin on her face at the attention they were now harbouring from the families already on the platform. "It is an honour for us that you have agreed that our heir is a suitable match for you and your family. I look forward to watching your relationship with the House of Black bloom into something extraordinary."
"I look forward to our developing relationship as well, Lady Black," Hermione replied softly as she gave Walburga a slight bow of her head.
"We should board," Sirius muttered to the group. "Goodbye mother. Father." He tugged Hermione's hand and steered the trolley closer to the waiting train.
The trunks were loaded onto the Express. Hermione, Sirius and Regulus all waved their goodbyes to Walburga and Orion just as the Potter family arrived on the platform.
"Prongs!" Sirius yelled out, drawing the other Marauder's attention.
"I've got to drop off my trunk with some Sytherins before I head to the prefect compartment," Regulus informed Hermione quietly.
"Of course," Hermione murmured to him with a grin. "Good luck with your train patrols."
Regulus scrunched his nose at her comment. "They're a bit silly aren't they?" he asked her.
Hermione shrugged. "Perhaps," she admitted. She liked the responsibility herself, but knew that she was in the minority.
"This way," Sirius informed her after Regulus had left them. "We've got a compartment that's unofficially our own. Everyone else is too afraid to sit in it."
Hermione huffed quietly at the revelation and followed Sirius towards the opposite end of the train from where Regulus had wandered off.
"Just here," Sirius muttered as he yanked open the door to the compartment. "Do you want anything from your trunk?" he asked as he lifted his own on top of the rack above the window. There was already an older trunk with the initials R.J.L. on the rack.
"Yeah… I'll grab a book to read along the way." Hermione popped open her trunk and reached in to grab Hogwarts: A History.
"Surely you must've read that already," Sirius teased her.
Hermione blushed. "It's a tradition for me." She grinned at him as he lifted her trunk onto the rack to join the others.
"What in Godric's name?" Sirius muttered as he plopped down on the bench seat and peered out the window. "Mother and father are conversing with the Potters." He pointed an accusatory finger at Hermione. "That's your doing."
Frowning, Hermione shook her head as she sat next to him on the bench seat. "It isn't, I swear." She cleared her throat. "They mentioned that they should probably attempt to make amends considering… everything."
Just then the compartment door was pulled open. James had a wide grin on his face as he and Peter joined Sirius and Hermione.
It was a few minutes before everyone got settled.
"I spotted Remus making his way towards the Prefects compartment when I boarded," Peter informed the compartment. "Do you think he'll join us at all?"
James shrugged as he plopped down across from Hermione and Sirius after he had placed his and Peter's trunks on the rack with the others. "He's got to do patrols, Pete. You know that." He grinned at Hermione and Sirius. "I'm certain he'll make time if he can."
"I was only curious," Peter insisted as he joined James on the bench seat after shrugging off his coat. He gave Hermione a shy grin, which she returned.
"Your parents came to speak with mine," James said to Sirius, changing the topic. "Have they been polyjuiced?"
Hermione pressed her lips together tightly as Sirius chuckled with quiet laughter.
"We… uh…" Sirius cleared his throat. "A lot happened this summer with Hermione arriving and… everything else." He bashfully rubbed his face with his hand, giving himself time to come up with an excuse. "They mentioned that they wanted to invite your parents to the Christmas gathering that they're hosting this year. They're probably seeing if your parents are at all interested."
Hermione clutched her book in her lap tightly and peered kindly at James. "My parents kept to themselves quite a bit before they passed on. I'd mentioned to Sirius' mother and father that I would love to meet as many families as possible that I haven't had the chance to before."
"Oh," James said pleasantly as he grinned at Hermione. "Alright then. I'm sure mum and dad will owl me about it later on."
Before long the train began to pull out of the station and Hermione began her reread of Hogwarts: A History.
...
...
"There he is!" Sirius pointed out his younger brother to Hermione as they stood in wait at Hogsmeade Station. They both watched as Regulus and the other Slytherin fifth year prefect exited the Hogwarts Express behind a group of younger students.
James, Peter and Remus had already grabbed a horseless-carriage for themselves, leaving them behind after being informed that Hermione needed to be sorted in the privacy of the headmaster's office with Regulus and Sirius present.
"The little shits were attempting to hide on the train," Regulus complained to them once the students were ushered into two waiting carriages by the other prefect.
"Amateurs," Sirius shook his head in mock disappointment. "Hogwarts is a chance to get away from familial expectations."
Hermione snorted. "Says the heir to the Noble and Most Ancient House of Black who is now betrothed to me."
Regulus chortled as they reached the last carriage. "She's got a point, you know." He gestured for Hermione to step into the carriage before them.
Hermione smiled as she took note of a girl with a short pixie-cut already sitting in the carriage with another curly-haired witch. "Oh, hello!" she said as she plopped down on the bench facing the girls. "I'm Hermione Granger."
The witch with the pixie-cut smiled warmly at Hermione. "Mary MacDonald." Her eyes darted between Sirius and Regulus who were stepping up into the carriage, before narrowing at Hermione. "I don't believe we've met before."
Hermione shook her head.
Sirius cleared his throat as he took his spot next to Hermione and slunk his arm over her shoulders. "Hermione's my betrothed. She's been homeschooled until now."
"I'm Marlene McKinnon," the curly-haired witch introduced herself with a smirk. "It's a pleasure to meet you, Hermione."
Hermione gave the witch a small smile. "You as well." She remembered the Sirius of her time telling her that the entire McKinnon family had been killed by Death Eaters shortly after Marlene had graduated.
Regulus sat down on the other side of Hermione and gave the two Gryffindor girls a nod of his head in greeting just as the carriage began moving towards the castle.
"Why were you homeschooled?" Mary asked Hermione after a moment.
Hermione blinked, pondering her answer for a second. "My parents wanted to travel so they hired private tutors to educate me." She looked between the two Gryffindors facing her. "They thankfully preferred the Hogwarts curriculum, allowing me to enroll here after they passed away."
"I'm so sorry to hear that," Mary grimaced sheepishly at the news of her parent's deaths. "I never realised that one could be tutored in private."
"Reggie and I were both tutored when we were younger," Sirius informed her. "It's rare to see the tutoring continue once the witch or wizard reaches school age."
Mary looked like she wanted to comment on that fact, but instead kept silent.
"I'm also sorry for your loss, Hermione," Marlene said softly.
"Thank you both." Hermione gave both witches a tight smile.
"Do you know which house you'll be sorted into?" Marlene asked her after a moment.
Hermione shrugged. "Probably Slytherin, possibly Gryffindor." She stole a glance at Sirius before focusing on Marlene once again. "Lord and Lady Black said that they'd be pleased with either house, although they had a preference for Slytherin."
Walburga and Orion had stated to Hermione the night before that if she couldn't get the sorting hat to place her in Slytherin to suggest Gryffindor instead.
They soon reached the Hogwarts grounds and began the trek up the pathway with the other students towards the castle.
Hermione held her breath as she stepped into the Entrance Hall, instantly spotting Professor Dumbledore in his garish wizarding robes of blue, purple and gold, standing in wait for her arrival at the foot of the grand staircase. His blue eyes twinkled behind his gold spectacles as Hermione, Regulus and Sirius made their way over to him.
"You must be Miss Granger," Dumbledore greeted her kindly as he gestured for her to follow him up the stairs. "I have the sorting hat in my office ready for your private sorting. There is time for that before the sorting of the first years. If you'd follow me. Sirius and Regulus are not needed. I can escort you back to the Great Hall myself."
Hermione chuckled pleasantly at his blatant attempt to get her alone and slipped her hand in Sirius' offered elbow. "Headmaster Dumbledore, Lord and Lady Black insisted that their sons not let me out of their sight during my sorting."
Manipulative old coot. She wasn't going to let him exploit her during this time. It was something that she, Remus, Bill, Narcissa and Andromeda had all agreed on. The headmaster could not be trusted with the information that she brought with her to the past. His disdain for the House of Black and inaction towards Sirius' unlawful imprisonment, as well as Harry's placement with his abusive relatives reinforced that.
It was something that Wizarding Britain couldn't afford to risk letting happen once again.
"Lead the way, Headmaster," Regulus said with a smirk.
Dumbledore hesitated for only a moment before giving them a curt nod of his head. Together the group made their way up the grand staircase towards the tower which housed his quarters.
"Chocolate frogs," the headmaster said to the gargoyle guarding the entrance into his quarters.
The gargoyle sprung to life, leaping aside to reveal a spiral staircase.
Hermione followed Dumbledore up the stairs, through the oak door and into his office.
She watched as Dumbledore gestured towards a chair before reaching for the sorting hat which was lying in wait on his desk.
"Can I interest you in a lemon drop?" the headmaster asked her as she sat down.
Hermione grinned. "No thank you, sir. I'd hate to spoil my dinner." She met Sirius' amused gaze from across the room and blushed when he gave her a wink.
She hummed quietly as the headmaster placed the sorting hat on her head.
Greetings Miss Hermione Granger, the hat murmured quietly in her head. Such a brilliant mind and a time traveller, too. I see from your memories that I sort you the future, dear. I'm sure it will be a pleasure to sort you twice.
The pleasure is all mine, Hermione responded in kind.
You were sorted into Gryffindor the first time around. The hat wiggled on her head. I understand that you've been sent back in time to make some drastic changes. Is there a house that you'd prefer over the others?
Even though I'm Muggle-born, I must be sorted into Slytherin, Hermione silently informed the hat. I need to save Regulus.
Along with so many others who lost their lives during such a terrible war. How very ambitious of you, dear.
I'd say quite cunning, too. Hermione couldn't help but smirk.
Cunning indeed, the hat chuckled knowingly. Good luck, Miss Granger. I look forward to seeing what you can do. "SLYTHERIN!" the hat bellowed to those with her in the headmaster's office.
Dumbledore smiled tightly at her as he tugged the hat off of her head. "Congratulations, Miss Granger."
"Thank you, sir." Hermione grinned in relief at both Sirius and Regulus before peering down at her school uniform as it changed to the Slytherin green and silver. "Your parents will be so pleased," she told the young men standing before her.
Sirius grinned at her as he offered his elbow once again. "I'm sure Reggie will let them know."
Regulus nodded as he followed the headmaster out of the office. "Of course. I'll send word with Leo after dinner."
The group quickly made their way back down the stairs towards the Entrance Hall that was beginning to fill up with first years waiting to be sorted.
Remembering her nervousness during her first year, Hermione gave them what she hoped to be a kind smile as she weaved through the crowd behind Dumbledore, who was clutching the Sorting Hat in his hands, and made her way into the Great Hall.
Sirius cleared his throat as he escorted her over to the table on the far left side of the hall. "Stay alert," he muttered under his breath. "Don't accept any food or drink from anyone until I give you your ring."
"Of course," Hermione murmured. She could feel hundreds of eyes on her, those of professors and students alike, watching her with the utmost curiosity.
They came to a stop near an empty spot at the Slytherin table and waited until Regulus sat down. "I'll meet you tomorrow morning outside the Great Hall," Sirius informed her before giving her a chaste kiss on her cheek.
"Thank you," Hermione quietly responded as Sirius helped her into her seat.
"I'd like to introduce Miss Hermione Granger to everyone," Regulus said quietly as Sirius hurried over to the Gryffindor table just as the doors to the Great Hall opened, allowing the first year students entry. "Hermione is a sixth year student and my brother's betrothed. She's considered to be a part of the House of Black." He stared, almost boredly, at those near enough to hear him speak.
His unsaid warning was obvious to all who listened and was quickly passed down the table. Hermione was protected by the Noble and Most Ancient House of Black.
"It's an honour to meet you, Hermione," a witch with light brown hair said from the other side of the table. "I'm Cera Greengrass, also a sixth year student."
Hermione smiled at the witch. "It's a pleasure to meet you, Cera. I assume we'll be sharing a dorm?"
Cera nodded excitedly and gestured to the other girls sitting next to her. "Absolutely. This here is Tófa Rowle," she gestured to a tall, blonde girl with bright blue eyes who gave Hermione a wave and a smirk. "Next to Tófa are Alecto Carrow and Ella Brocklehurst. We all share a dorm."
Alecto made a point of checking Hermione out and raised an eyebrow at whatever it was that she had seen, obviously unimpressed. "Granger," she muttered, tapping her chin thoughtfully. "Is that still a pure-blood family?"
"Are you suggesting that the House of Black would have a betrothal arrangement with a family that isn't pure-blood?" Regulus questioned before Hermione had the chance.
"I—"
"GRYFFINDOR!" the sorting hat roared, interrupting Alecto's response.
Hermione huffed quietly as a young boy made his way over to the cheering table on the far side of the Great Hall. "We've missed the sorting hat's welcoming song," she pouted to the table. "I was looking forward to hearing what it had to say."
"It was probably just the usual rubbish," Regulus said to her with amusement. "Something along the lines of the houses needing to unite to fight against Dark Magic. It's been almost the exact same message every year since I started here."
Three more students were sorted in rapid succession to Hufflepuff, Ravenclaw and Slytherin respectively.
Hermione joined the others at the table as they clapped politely at their new arrival.
Before long the sorting was finished. Slytherin had gotten five new students this year, Gryffindor seven, while Hufflepuff and Ravenclaw had each received ten students.
"Welcome!" Dumbledore said with his arms opened wide as he stood behind his gold lectern. "Welcome to another year at Hogwarts! I have a few words to say to each of you before we enjoy our welcoming feast. This year we have a new Defence Against the Dark Arts teacher. Please join me in giving Professor Gideon Prewett, on loan to us from the Department of Magical Law Enforcement, Auror Division, a warm welcome."
Hermione sat up straighter in her seat as the students clapped at his introduction. She took in the redhead wizard, who was giving a casual wave and a smirk to the students welcoming him.
Bill had practically begged her to at least try to save his uncles from their horrific deaths at the hands of Death Eaters.
She never realised that Gideon had been a professor.
"Do you know him?" Regulus murmured in her ear as the introductions continued.
Hermione shot him a look and shook her head. "We've never met, actually."
"But…"
She met his gaze and swallowed. "I know of him." She hesitated. "I knew his older sister," she whispered in his ear.
A look of understanding passed across Regulus' face. "Molly?"
Hermione nodded.
Regulus frowned for a moment. "We'll talk later."
They both refocused their attention to the head table.
"The Forbidden Forest remains out of bounds for all students." Dumbledore continued his welcoming speech and made a point of peering at the Gryffindor table. "I also must remind all students here that the Whomping Willow is dangerous. Any student attempting to touch it will be met with grievous injuries followed by detention."
Hermione shook her head at Dumbledore's bluntness. He may as well have put flashing neon lights on both Severus, who was glaring up at the headmaster a few spots from her, and Remus, who looked like he wanted the floor to swallow him whole.
"Hexing students in the corridors is against the rules and will be met with punishment," Dumbledore continued. "Argus Filch, our caretaker, has specifically asked me to remind our students that setting dungbombs off in the many bathrooms of the castle is strictly forbidden. A complete list of rules is posted on his office door for anyone to familiarise themselves with."
The Gryffindor table snickered loudly, drawing Hermione's attention. She met Sirius' amused gaze and shook her head in mock disappointment. Boys.
"On that note," the Headmaster said with a twinkle in his eyes. "Nitwit! Blubber! Oddment! Tweak!"
Hermione couldn't help her grin as the table filled with a delicious-looking feast. The house-elves had outdone themselves.
She scooped some mashed potatoes onto her plate as Regulus poured her a glass of pumpkin juice.
"Penny and I are tasked with corralling the first years when we head to the common room," said Regulus. He narrowed his eyes as he took in the four sixth year girls facing him and Hermione. "Cera, would you be able to show Hermione the way?"
Hermione quirked her head at the Greengrass witch whose smile grew on her face at being chosen. "Of course, Regulus. I'll make certain she's all sorted."
The group tucked into their meal and made small talk about what everyone had gotten up to over the summer.
"Regulus, your mother and father are hosting the Christmas gathering this year," Cera said as she cut into her piece of chicken. "Will we be meeting Hermione's own parents during that time?" She gave Hermione a polite smile as she waited for Regulus to respond.
Regulus cleared his throat and shook his head. "Actually, no. Hermione's parents have passed away recently."
"Oh!" The girls gasped as one in shock at the news.
"I'm so terribly sorry to hear that, Hermione." Cera frowned. "I do hope you'll forgive my intrusion of your privacy in what is undoubtedly a very difficult time for you."
Hermione gave the witch an understanding shake of her head. "There's no need to apologise, Cera. You didn't know." She peered at the nearby students who were all obviously listening in on the conversation. "Both my mother and father succumbed to a severe case of Cerebrumous. There was nothing that worked in regards to treatment."
"When did they pass?" Tófa questioned her after a moment.
"The end of April," Hermione responded quietly. It was when Dumbledore had been killed by Harry atop of the Astronomy Tower. Walburga's suggestion of half-truths was something that she was using in order to keep track of the story she was selling. "I took some time to grieve their deaths before going through their belongings and finding a betrothal arrangement between myself and the House of Black." She cleared her throat. "I met the Black family in person in the middle of July."
"Yes. Your arrival was quite the surprise," Regulus joined in with a smirk. "I hadn't realised mother and father had made such an arrangement with Sirius. It must've been when we were both very young."
"Where did you go to school before?" Ella asked her with curiosity.
"I was privately tutored, actually." Hermione focused on the half-blood witch. "My parents enjoyed travelling immensely, so they hired various tutors to teach me." She made a point of looking around the Great Hall. "I'm not used to being surrounded by so many students. It's all a bit intimidating."
"You'll get used to it," Tófa reassured her. "And you've got us to help you find your way around the castle."
"What courses will you be taking then?" Alecto chimed in as she bit into her chicken thigh.
Hermione hummed thoughtfully as she chewed her food before swallowing. "I'll be taking Charms, Defense, Potions, Transfiguration, History of Magic, Herbology, Astronomy, Ancient Runes and Arithmancy."
"We'll have most of our courses together," Cera informed her. "I'm not taking Astronomy any longer. Or History of Magic." She grimaced dramatically. "We've got a ghost that teaches us that subject. It's dreadfully boring. I had to beg my father to allow me to drop the subject."
"Oh," Hermione blinked, pretending to be shocked at the news. "Do you have any advice for succeeding in that course?"
"Read the textbook in your own time," Alecto offered with a shrug of her shoulders. "It's the only thing that saved me for our O.W.L.s."
...
...
The rest of the feast passed in a blur and Hermione found herself sitting in the moody, emerald-coloured Slytherin common room listening to their Head of House's own private welcome.
"I wish to offer each and every one of our newcomers, and returning students, a warm welcome," Professor Slughorn said as he gave the room a grin. He began a slow inspection of all the students in green and silver staring back at him. "I'm certain that our older students would agree when I tell you that Slytherin looks after their own. If any student is having difficulty in their lessons, or perhaps difficulty making friends, please don't hesitate to reach out to anyone in this House for support."
Slughorn paused for a moment. "Tomorrow I will meet with each sixth year student to determine the appropriate scheduling for you in light of your O.W.L. scores. Everyone else will obtain their schedules during breakfast tomorrow morning."
His gaze zeroed in on Hermione. "Given that we have such a small group of new Slytherin students this year, perhaps we can start with introductions." He paused. "Starting with our oldest students first, shall we?" He gestured for her to respond.
Hermione cleared her throat. "I'm Hermione Granger, sixth year."
"Welcome, Miss Granger," Professor Slughorn greeted her. "The Headmaster informed the Heads of Houses that you would be joining us this year for the remainder of your education and I must admit that I've heard through the grapevine of a betrothal with the House of Black. Is this correct?" He made a point of peering kindly at Regulus who was seated next to Hermione.
Hermione nodded. "Yes, sir. Sirius Black."
"Oh? Well isn't that interesting." He took a moment to hide his surprise and quickly moved their conversation along. "I have to say that your O.W.L. equivalency scores were extraordinary, Miss Granger. I believe you are one of the top students in your year with nine Outstandings. I very much look forward to seeing your talent in Potions. A skill that you undoubtedly picked up from your family?"
His comment caused Snape to focus intently on Hermione.
Hermione smiled warmly at the professor's not-so-subtle question about her blood status and took note that he kindly ignored mentioning her Exceeds Expectations in Defence. "I had exceptional tutors through my first five years of education in all of my chosen subjects." She raised a questioning brow at Severus. "Although my Potions tutor had a slight prickly demeanor that left much to be desired."
Slughorn laughed boisterously, clutching his round stomach. "Perhaps I've heard of this potioneer, it is a relatively difficult subject to obtain a mastery in, you know."
Hermione blinked, almost boredly, and focused once again on Slughorn. "I doubt it, sir. He wasn't one to socialise much with his peers." Crisp and blunt, just like Walburga taught her.
Their back and forth was finished as far as she was concerned.