A golden stream of light danced through the room, waking Hermione. The curtains drawn, bathroom light on. Ron was up.

"Morning Mione," said a cheerful Ron exiting the bathroom. He kissed his girlfriend passionately on the lips taking Hermione by surprise. She let out a chuckle at Ron's enthusiasm, ever since owning the shop with George he had become much more of a morning person. Hermione embraced Ron, wrapping her arms around his broad shoulders.

"Good luck today," encouraged Ron, still with Hermione attached to him, "your brilliant don't forget that." Ron could obviously sense Hermione's nervousness.

She had tried to forget. Today was her first day back at work. A day of catching up. Well more like a week. She had missed several arrests, hundreds of trials and not to mention the number of OWLS she had probably received sat waiting on her desk. Hermione had missed it though, maybe this was the distraction she needed, even if Kingsley was dubious about her return.

Blazer and skirt on, she sprung into the kitchen. The aroma of sizzling eggs filled the room. Ron had plated up scrambled egg on toast for the both of them. Hermione smiled gratefully. Quite possibly the orangest eggs she'd ever seen.

Checking her watch, she jolted slightly. Didn't want to be late on her first day back. Hermione grabbed her bag and kissed Ron on the cheek. He blew a kiss almost sarcastically back at her, making Hermione giggle. "Love you." She replied, looking the happiest she'd been in a while. "Always." Ron stated smiling.

The ministry of magic. What a desolate place. Well that's how Hermione remembered it anyways, as if she'd been away for years, that's how long it had felt. The place had now rather become more relaxed as if the relief from post war had washed all darkness away. Getting rid of the muggle statues was a start, Hermione's first job as Magical Law Enforcement Deputy in fact. Blood status was no long an issue in the wizarding world anymore, for those in power that is. Hermione was extremely well respected in her position. She acknowledged this by the number of times people had gawped at her presence already this morning, as if she had just killed Voldemort all over again.

"Ah Miss Granger, good day." Said a ministry worker passing by, he lifted and dropped his hat in her direction. Hermione smiled back at him.

She made her way to the elevator and down the numerous floors until Department Of Magical Law Enforcement signalled through the room in the most irritating voice imaginable. She was back again.

Her office much brighter than most. To any normal person it would appear Hermione had a rather odd obsession over pot plants. The truth however, she used them as an excuse to get up and move around, ensuring they had been well kept and watered, like her own personal distraction. Hermione knew it was sad to have plants as company but visitors were rare. Ron thought it was cute.

Much to her surprise, no paper work or piles of demanding letters. No forms or documents waiting to be signed.

"Hermione, good to see you." Said a voice from behind. Kingsley Shacklebolt had made his way into Hermione's office as he sat down opposite her, taking the witch by surprise as this was not usually his style.

"Forgive me Minister," stated Hermione apologetically, "I was about to come and meet you at your office."

"No need Miss Granger, I am here on my own behalf as a welcome back if you will," replied Kingsley, "I'm sure you are curious at the empty desk in-front of us" He waits for Hermione to nod back at him, she returns a rather perplexed look.

"Of course we've had numerous arrests and investigations which I'm more than sure you're adapt to deal with, and yet it is believe your specialty's lie somewhere else." He continues.

"I'm getting the sack?" Asked Hermione rather shocked at how calm the Minister for Magic appears in front of her.

"Not at all, in fact I'd almost see it as a promotion," Kingsley reassured the young witch, "You will still remain in the position as Deputy for Magical Law Enforcements but you've been selected for a new programme, only available to certain witches and wizards of the highest remark."

"Selected?" Asked Hermione, still very confused.

"Indeed, it appears your talents are desirable in this regard, of course I don't doubt you're a brilliant witch with heaps of potential but what with your current state and the past mem-"

"I can handle myself." Stated Hermione bluntly, interrupting Kingsley, she had heard it a million times.

"Of course," said Kingsley obviously not believing her, "I don't wish for you to absconder from your post here in the office but your daily routines will be shared with a class also."

"A class?" Replies an unimpressed Hermione, "Like Hogwarts?"

"No, no a highly developed and well respected class," stated Kingsley, "Secretive I may add. You and numerous others with similar very capable ability have been selected to become a Keeper here at the Ministry. An extreme privilege that must not be taken for granted. Only the best are chosen for the course."

"And you chose me?" Questions Hermione shooting a confused expression at the Minister, she knew that Kingsley had always lacked confidence in her ever since the war, seeing Hermione in multiple panic attacks and flashbacks didn't help her cause.

"Not quite, I have mentioned before my doubts and praises of you Hermione but this time you seemed coveted by a certain new Witch, the leader of the programme, employed for her excellence in combat and overall performance enhancement."

Hermione looks at Kingsley as he falls silent waiting for him to continue, she is intrigued. Why me? Her mind kept asking the same question.

"Esme Fowler." Said Kingsley, "Pureblood, quite the fierce competitor and a great teacher. I'm sure you'll learn a lot from her, you all will."

Hermione had never heard of her, but Kingsleys praises were convincing. Although, Hermione is the type of witch to make her own opinions.

Hermione had not replied, Kingsley wasn't surprised, the witch had a lot to process.

"You start in 20 minutes, down two floors first room in front of you, can't miss it." Kingsley continued, "I'd advise getting there early however, I think Esme was very keen to meet you." He doesn't wait for a response and simply makes his way to the door.

"Good to have you back Hermione, I hope this new opportunity with give you something to focus on." He said, almost degrading Hermione, "And remember, don't linger in the past, the present is your future." With that the Minister turns the door handle and shuts the door behind him. Hermione was mind boggled.

So much was whirling through her head she couldn't focus on just one thing. Don't linger in the past. She kept telling herself, no surprise that Kingsley said this, he still didn't think she was capable. As if he viewed her as a damaged bird far from her nest. She'll show him, all of them, eventually.

Off she went. Down two floors, first door in front. She twisted the golden handle and pushed the heavy door open, revealing a humongous room.

Decorated with silver and gold patterns all over the floor and across the walls. Statures stood tall and proud in each corner of the room, training dummies also displayed over the sides. Huge banners draped from the ceiling. Leaving a huge space in the middle, like a circle engraved on the smooth stone ground. Hermione's eyes danced across the room, she couldn't help the gasp she made upon first glance. The sight was truly magnificent.

"I don't believe it," said a figure revealing herself to the witch, "Hermione Granger."

"Miss Fowler I presume?" Asked Hermione rather politely.

"Please, call me Esme." She reached out a hand towards Hermione.

Esme Fowler. A tall and quite beautiful witch. Long blonde hair curling slightly at the ends, emerald green eyes and the brightest smile Hermione had ever seen. Not much older than herself either. She wore an outfit that could only be described as the purest of attire, something Hermione would never dream of wearing.

Hermione connected their hands together in a formal shake. Quite a powerful one too, both witches could feel it, like a bolt of electricity shared between them. Was that normal? Hermione asked herself.

"I can't believe I'm finally meeting you," said Esme interrupting Hermione from her thoughts, "Kingsley took some convincing but I'm very glad he agreed to having you." Hermione was still unsure as to why she was so eager, no one had ever been like that with her before, even after being a hero at the war.

"Yeah well Kingsley hasn't thought very highly of me since my time off," Hermione outlined, "I sort of agree with him at times. I am a muggle born if you're not aware."

"Oh i'm aware of your whole life story Hermione, as for blood status, you of all people should know of your talents. Muggle born or not you have heaps of potential," continued Esme leaving no gaps, "I believe your triumph over Voldemort and his death eaters are a perfect example of who I want on my team of Keepers. Don't degrade yourself to the likes of Kingsley, he may be our Minister but he's only interested in protecting himself."

Aware of my whole story? Everything? Hermione didn't even think she knew everything about herself. And as for Kingsley, what could he possibly need protecting from?

"I had good friends." Hermione says bluntly, she never like taking the credit for Voldemort's downfall because after all it was a team effort on everyone's behalf.

"Don't we all Miss Granger," replied Esme. With that the door to the room swung open once more, the heavy squeaking noise was all too familiar.

What was familiar also was the numerous faces appearing before Hermione's very eyes.

A tall boy, brown slicked back hair with a troubled stare. Followed by a blonde curly haired girl rather skinny and boldly dressed, as usual.

"Luna, Neville, it's good to see you!" Hermione said in surprise, practically running over to the pair. Luna embraced Hermione in a warm hug.

"Hermione! How are you? How's Harry and Ron?" Neville's face lit up at the young witch, he hadn't seen her, or Harry and Ron for that matter, in at least a year.

"As well as we can be, much better for seeing you of course!" Said Hermione, truly ecstatic at the arrival of her old friends.

Many other witches and wizards, whom most Hermione didn't recognise, filtered into the room causing a muttering of chatter.

"Welcome all!" Exclaimed Esme, announcing her voice so that all attention was on her, "I am pleased to inform you of your success into our training programme towards the life of a Keeper. This journey will not only take skill, buts requires hard work and courage, characteristics I believe you all possess-"

Squeak

The ever so familiar squeaking of the door. Again.

Blonde. Almost silver. Reflecting the light as his cold face came into view. Pale and sad.

"It can't be." Hermione muttered quietly to herself, conflicted by different emotions all in the space of a second.

All eyes landed on the new boy. Well, new wasn't the word that first entered Hermione Grangers mind.

"Ah yes, Draco," said Esme as if she hadn't even been interrupted by him, "I began to wonder where you had gotten to, come, join us."

Hermione's eyes never left those of the boys. The same couldn't be said for Draco, as if he was purposefully avoiding the witch. Standing on opposite sides of the gathering.

She hadn't seen him in what felt like forever. Since the day of Voldemorts downfall. Part of her almost wanted to thank him for not revealing their identities to a blood thirsty Bellatrix at Malfoy Manor, and yet the searing scar on her arm told her not to. Of course it was his mum they should all thank, if it weren't for her, Harry wouldn't be here and Voldemort would most likely still be alive. It's a shame the post war life hadn't been so thankful for them, what with Lucius being a death eater and all that! He deserves his punishment of course, Hermione did not work at the ministry at that time so was unaware of his current situation. But the desolate look on Dracos face was easy to read, just like the last time his father left.

"Today we will begin our first lesson," continued Esme, pacing around the group, "Now most, if not all of you attended Hogwarts school for Witchcraft and Wizardry and so therefore will be perfectly adapted to my style of teaching as well as the numerous tests you will face."

She made her way over to a large box in the corner of the room and effortlessly levitated it into the centre.

"Now, can anyone tell me what this may be?" Asked Esme.

"A...Bogart." This was not exactly what Hermione had in mind. She always did reply first, even if it was rather quietly this time.

Quiet with fear more than anything.

"But this is a 3rd year skill," said another person, breaking the silence, "We could do this in our sleep."

Esme's mouth curved into a smirk. "Ah but you see, this is not true," she said almost with a chuckle, "Of course you are correct, this is a skill you are taught early on in your education. But no one, and I repeat no one, is capable of overcoming their Bogart, it is why it is present in front of you at your most vulnerable, it is why it develops as you grow older. I can teach you, however, to diminish your fears making them seem insignificant to the world around you, that's how you prove your worth as a person of magic."

Hermione was always so interested in learning, always was at Hogwarts, top of the class. But this was different. She wasn't in denial about already completing Bogart lessons, only someone stupid would believe this, she was in denial at the thought of battling whatever is in that box.

"But my Bogart was spiders, and I can look at a spider without being scared anymore you see I-" said the same person as before.

"Wrong again Mr Finch," interrupted Esme shaking her head, "As I'm sure many of you are aware, your Bogart changes depending on your current fears. I mean it would be no test if it was something you are no longer frightened of." She couldn't help but laugh at that last bit.

Hermione could've sworn Esme gave her a slight look after saying this. How odd.

What wasn't odd of course was that Hermione already knew this. She knew that Bogarts develop due to the persons changing fears through their whole life. That's why she hadn't even dared to look at one since the end of the war.

If one thing was for certain, Hermione knew what was in that box.

She knew who she fears the most.


Any guesses?? I think it's pretty obvious but I do love a cliff hanger hahaha !!

Please reply too I need to know some opinions on this so I know what or even if I should bother with carrying on writing.

I'm loving this so far so I hope you guys are too ! :)

And yes we will see Hermione's Bogart in the next chapter, in fact the whole room will see it !!