A/N: I forgot to add a disclaimer to the first chapter, so here it is. I am in no way J.K. Rowling, I never will be and I am merely borrowing her characters for my own fun. Please enjoy this non-profitable story!
At 1pm sharp, Hermione took a portkey into Hogsmeade, still not wishing to risk apparating. Stumbling in the snow as she arrived, she smiled at the village and all the occupants as they bustled about their lives, free from threat of the war and just happy to be alive. The joy of the end of the war had not dissipated yet and she noticed that, as she began the trek up to her old school, she was receiving many awed stares from the local villagers and their visitors.
Arriving at the entrance to Hogwarts, Hermione was delighted to see Hagrid waiting for her.
"Hagrid", Hermione cried joyously, running to her friend.
"Why 'ello there 'Ermione! 'Ow are you?" Hagrid beamed at her, pulling her into a hug so tight she felt her ribs strain under the pressure.
"I'm wonderful thank you! It's been far too long, Hagrid! We must meet up again, the four of us! You, Harry, Ron and me!"
"That's a wonderful idea" Hagrid replied, the joy evident in his voice. " I could make us some of my famous rockcakes!
Hermione laughed. "That sounds great."
"Well then, 'Ermione, I best be taking you up to the castle. The 'Eadmistress is desparate to see you."
"Of course" Hermione responded and walked happily with Hagrid up to the castle from the gates.
"Where is everyone?" Hermione said, noticing a distinct lack of students.
Hagrid laughed. "Why 'Ermione", he chuckled, it's the Christmas holidays o'course! Very few students have stayed. Mr Goldstein, Mr Boot, Miss Yellowwater, Miss Lovegood, both the Patil twins and of course young Mr Malfoy. Oh and there are a few first and second years too."
"Wait", Hermione said stopping in her tracks. "MALFOY came back to Hogwarts?"
"Oh yeah", replied Hagrid, "One of the only two Slytherins in his year. 'Im and Mr Nott were the only two t'return."
"Wow, I can't believe it" said Hermione, shaking her head as she resumed walking with Hagrid.
They turned a corner and reached the entrance to the Great Hall. Hermione blinked in surprise. The doors had been destroyed during the battle and she approached the repaired doors in wonder. There were no signs of the battle remaining. The clean up team had done a fantastic job over the summer. Glancing over her shoulder to say something to Hagrid who stood behind her, Hermione started. In the centre of the courtyard stood a massive statue in the shape of a lightening bolt and every inch of the statue was engraved. Hermione approached the statue in curiosity and choked back a sob as she realised that the engravings were names. Each name on the statue was the name of all the innocents who had fallen in the war, regardless of whether they were Hogwarts students or not. Hermione traced her fingers of the engravings of "Remus Lupin", "Fred Weasley", "Dobby the Free Elf" and "Tonks Lupin". Hermione smiled as her fingers reached Tonks' name, glad that they hadn't put Nymphadora as she was sure that that would make Tonks very happy.
"I miss you all." Hermione murmered, aware of Hagrid approaching from behind her.
"Beau'iful isn't it?" Hagrid said softly. " Took 'em all of summer to complete and when the engraver were done he wouldn't take a penny for it. Di'nt even initial his own sign onto it anywhere to take credit. Said he was just glad to do his bit to honour 'em. Best work he's done to date in my opinion."
Hermione took a moment to compose herself. "Well", she said, standing up straight, "I suppose I should go see the Headmistress now.
"O'course" said Hagrid.
Hermione walked through the doors to the Great Hall, once again marvelling at the lack of signs of the battle. The 4 house tables were no longer in place, having been replaced by smaller round tables for the Christmas holidays. 6 grand Christmas trees stood at the edges of the hall, covered in snow, icicles and real live fairies who danced around them, giddy with delight. Tinsel hung from tree to tree and for a moment Hermione felt truly happy to be back at Hogwarts, before remembering once more the terror that had occurred here and she felt the panic begin to rise inside of her.
"I gotta get back to my duties now, 'Ermione" Hagrid said smiling, unaware of the emotions Hermione was feeling. "You still know the way don' ya?"
Hermione nodded mutely and watched as Hagrid left the building, leaving her alone in the empty room. Turning swiftly on her heel, Hermione walked through the Great Hall and up many flights of stairs, keeping her head down as she approached the Headmistress' office. She avoided the trick step on the third staircase and greeted Nearly Headless Nick as he glided past. Soon she was outside the stone gargoyles.
"Um", Hermione began, realising she was unaware of the password.
"Name?" The gargoyle said, sounding bored.
"Hermione Granger" came the prompt reply.
"I've been told to grant you access", the gargoyle said, sounding pleased at the chance to stretch his legs. "I'll move and open the door for you".
As the gargoyle moved to reveal the circular staircase, Hermione stepped towards him. She climbed up the staircase and paused for a moment to compose herself completely before knocking on the oak door.
"Enter" came the reply.
Hermione opened the door to see the office had changed little since Albus Dumbledore had occupied it. There were flowers on the desk and a new rug on the floor but the only other difference noticeable to Hermione was the two new portraits hanging in pride of place. Severus Snape scowled at her from his portrait whilst Dumbledore beamed. "Good to see you again, my dear" he said. "It's been too long."
"Hello, Professor Dumbledore", Hermione smiled.
Professor McGonagall rose from the desk to Hermione's left and smiled proudly at the young witch. "Hermione!" she exclaimed.
"Hello Headmistress", Hermione replied happily, all horrible thoughts of the war leaving as she looked over at the ex-transfiguration professor.
"Please, Hermione" McGonagall said, shaking her head, "you know by now to call me Minerva."
Hermione laughed. "Sorry, Minerva. How have you been, anyway? It's wonderful to see you again."
"It's been a long time hasn't it? I'm well thank you and yourself?"
"Oh, I'm doing fine. Working in the Ministry is much better than expected."
"Indeed", McGonagall sniffed. "I take it you haven't decided to reconsider my offer? It's not too late to catch up with your studies. A few months here and you could complete your education?"
"I-", Hermione started, "no, I'm better off where I am." She smiled at her old professor. "That's why you wouldn't give the time turner to Blackburn isn't it? You wanted to make me an offer again?"
McGonagall looked over at the bright witch disapprovingly. "Always the bright one, child. Yes that's why I wanted to see you. But I'm being rude. I invited you for lunch. Tinky!"
A house elf apparated into the Headmistress's office. "Tinky is here to serve you, Headmistress!" the young elf squeaked. Tinky suddenly saw Hermione stood next to the Headmistress.
"Miss Granger!" the small elf said delighted. "An honour, miss, an honour!"
"Hello, Tinky" Hermione said warmly.
"Miss greeted Tinky" the elf said, happiness evident in her voice. "The great house elf helper greeted Tinky. Tinky is delighted, honoured! Can Tinky help Miss? Or the Headmistress? Anything for Tinky's heroes! Anything!"
Hermione smiled, realising that this house elf was one of the few that appreciated her efforts in SPEW.
"We would like to have a small lunch, please", McGonagall said to the elf.
"Of course, Headmistress, right away Headmistress!" Tinky disapparated and reapparated within the minute bringing with her a tray of egg mayonnaise sandwiches and a pot of tea for two.
"Thank you, Tinky, that will be all", McGonagall said, dismissing the house elf.
Tinky bowed down low before disapparating once more with a loud pop. McGonagall and Hermione helped themselves to sandwiches, enjoying eating together and catching up on what they had both been up to in the past few months. Once they had finished, Hermione decided it was time to speak about the time turner.
"So, Minerva", Hermione began, "I'm afraid I have to ask you something..."
"The time turner?" McGonagall questioned, "It's one of my prized possessions. I've had it since I was 24. You were lucky that the Ministry gave me permission to lend it to you, Hermione."
"Yes", said Hermione, "but -"
"But nothing", said the Headmistress, "it is yours. I wish you to keep it once you have done. An old lady gave it to me, it's only fitting that I, as an old lady, pass it on when it's time."
McGonagall stood up from the small table the two of them were sat and walked to her desk. She pulled open the top draw and removed the golden chain that held the time turner. She walked to Hermione and beckoned her to lift up her hair. McGonagall placed the time turner around Hermione's neck.
"There you go, child" McGonagall said, "I'm afraid I must ask you to leave now, but do stop by again soon. It's been a pleasure."
"Thank you, Minerva" said Hermione, rising from her chair and exiting the Headmistress's office.