Full Circle

Chapter 2 - Back to Hogwarts

Mr. and Mrs. Granger reluctantly dropped Hermione off at King's Cross on the morning of September 1^st. She had been acting strangely for the last month since she had heard about her Headmaster's passing and her parents were very worried about her mental state. Though the Grangers did not understand much about the magical world their daughter excelled in, they at least comprehended the seriousness of the situation Hermione was obvious shaken for a few days after the incident, it wasn't until the last week of the summer did she begin to act very strangely. She started sleeping most of the day away and when she wasn't asleep, she hid in her bedroom using the excuse that she desperately needed to study for the N.E.W.T.'s. Her parents were almost afraid to let her go to Hogwarts, but they also realized how important it was to be back with her friends. Well, at least some of them.

Ron and Ginny, the last of the Weasley's seven children, would be waiting for Hermione at the station. Harry, on the other hand, would not. A few days after Dumbledore's death, the Order of Phoenix met and discussed some of their options concerning preventative safety measures. After much debate, they decided that since Harry was now seventeen years old, that he was old enough to become directly involved in the situation (instead of accidentally like he had over the past several years) and they enlisted him to join the Order. Harry panicked at first, because he still had another year of school to complete and did not find himself to be ready to handle such a task, but after much deliberation he realized that the Order really needed him. He reluctantly sent an owl to both Ron and Hermione explaining the situation and told him that he would write to them with news whenever possible.

Neither of them had heard from Harry in over three weeks. When Hermione spotted Ron at the train station she almost dropped Crookshanks' cat carrier in an effort to weave through the crowds to get to him.

"Oh, goodness, Ron!" she cried as she ran into his arms. Hermione was just tall enough to bury her face into Ron's shoulder. He embraced her tightly in his arms because the tears in her eyes were the ones he secretly wanted to shed. Between the death of Professor Dumbledore and the absence of his best friend, Ron was fighting to keep his emotions in check.

After her let go of Hermione, she was rushed by another series of hugs - this time from Ginny and her mother Mrs. Weasley.

"Oh, Hermione, dear. How have you been holding up?"

"It's been tough, Mrs. Weasley, but no tougher than what you and your family have been going through," she replied bravely.

"Yes," said Mrs. Weasley quietly to herself. "Mr. Weasley, Bill and Percy have been gone for almost two weeks now and Charlie is on alert in Romania. Nothing has actually happened, of course, but every one is holding their breath in case it does."

"I don't know what worse," said Ginny pensively, "trying to imagine what might happen or not knowing when or if anything will."

"Reminds me of the days before you children were born. Everyone was anxiously waiting back then." Ron started putting some of the luggage on the train. "Part of me wishes I could keep you kids here with me."

"Are you going to stay at home by yourself?" asked Hermione.

"Actually, Penelope has asked to stay with me while she finishing her medic-witch training in May. Frankly, I am relieved just to have someone around."

"Mom's even thinking about going back to work, now that Ron and I are almost done school," said Ginny as she gathered the last of her belongings to put on the train.

"It might be a good thing for you, Mrs. Weasley. It will help keep your mind off things."

"That's another reason why I'm considering it." When Ron returned, Mrs. Weasley gave each of the children a hug and a kiss. "All of you be sure to send me a post on a regular basis. I worry, you know."

They promised to keep in touch and boarded the bright red express train headed for Hogwarts. Ginny lead the group to an empty car at the end of the train, in an effort that they could be alone for the ride back to school. The atmosphere on the train was drastically different than it normally would be on the first day of school. Ordinarily there was a great deal of hubbub, students reuniting with friends and classmates that they had not seen in two months. Eager chatter about the upcoming year's classes and rumors about new Hogwarts teacher were exchanged as well as friendly bets being placed in support of various houses' Quidditch teams. But on this day, the only sound you could hear was rocking noise of the train as it glided across the tracks. Anything spoken was whispered in hushed tones by faces with pained expressions. Everyone felt the power of Dumbledore's death and almost everyone was struck with the anxiety of impending doom. Everyone, that is, with the exception of a particular trio of Slytherins making their way down the train corridor. The smaller boy in the middle with white blondish hair was none other than Draco Malfoy, who was disliked by most and despised by the Harry and his friends. Flanking him on either side where two much larger and denser looking boys, Malfoy's cohorts, Crabbe and Goyle.

"Well, if it isn't the mudblood and the remaining weasels," smirked Malfoy when he appeared in the doorway of their compartment. "Ah, but it appears someone is missing. Where's your little hero Potter?"

Ron could feel the color rise into his cheeks as he gripped his hands together in fists. Hermione stared at Malfoy coldly. "If you must know, Malfoy, Harry is involved with active measures being taken to protect Hogwarts from any possible danger."

"Oh, is that so?" replied Malfoy, curiously, as he strolled into the compartment as if he owned the place. "You seem to be particulary quiet, Miss Virginia," he said, sitting down in the empty seat next to her. "Cat caught your tongue?"

It was hard to tell who was more angry - Ron or Hermione. Ron wanted to grab Malfoy by the throat and tell him to stay away from his sister, which he could have easier done since Ron was easily a head taller than him. Instead he just growled "Malfoy, I think it is time you got out of here."

Malfoy stood up in attempt to be face to face with Ron. Well, weasel, seems you're getting a bit more confident now that your little friend is gone."

Hermione grabbed her wand and pointed it at Malfoy. "Get out of here before I do something you might regret."

"Is that a threat, mudblood? I'm hardly afraid of what a half-assed witch like you could do to me." He smiled. "Besides, Miss Virginia doesn't seem to have any objection to me being here."

Ginny stared at him wide-eyed. Just then a stunningly attractive looking young woman walked past the door and glared in with an unpleasant expression on her face.

"Is zere a problem 'ere, Monsieur Malfoy?"

The four of them turned to take in the familiar stranger. She was tall with light hair pulled back in a sophisticated French twist. The blue color of her robes brought out the amazing color of her eyes. But it was the accent that gave away her true identity.

"Fleur!" stammered Ron, caught up in beauty that only a part-veela could have.

"Actually, it iz Professor Delacouer now, Monsieur Weasley, but thank you for remembering."

"How could he forget?" thought Hermione to herself.

"What are you teaching, Professor Delacouer?" Ginny finally piped up.

"Well, now zat Professor McGonagall 'as become zee 'eadmistress, I will be taking over 'er position as your Transfiguration teacher."

Sensing that the situation had lost its fun with the arrival of Professor Delacouer, Malfoy made for a quick exit. "Well, if you'll excuse me, I have better things to go than hang out with these misfits."

"Translated into human speak it means - Let me get out of here before you kick my-"

"Ron, don't waste your time. Malfoy is never going to change. He hasn't in all the years we've known. Why bother now?" interrupted Hermione.

"Well, now zat ze situation seems to be under control..." Professor Delacoeur looked around the cabin "I'll see you guys back at 'ogwarts, ok?"

"Thank you for stopping in," said Hermione, honestly.

"Yeah, it could have gotten messy without your interruption," said Ron, angrily to himself.

The ride to Hogwarts was silent and uneventful. It was obvious that no one was in the mood for talking - particularly about the subjects that came most readily to their minds. Ginny had spread out and fallen asleep on the one seat, Hermione sat across from her reading from her copy of A Standard Book of Spells (Grade 7) and Ron sat next to Hermione, distractedly flipping through the pages of the Quidditch Tips for Captains Guide. About halfway through the trip, rain began to pelt angrily against the glass windows of the compartment. Realizing that Ron, too, had fallen asleep beside her, the book he was reading perched on his chest; Hermione was gripped with a painful sense of loneliness. It was the same numbness that had plagued her since she received the letter from Harry.

The dramatic events that occurred the day after Harry's seventeenth birthday had somehow swept away the reality of what had happened between Harry and Hermione during the previous night. The shock of Dumbledore's death had not even begun to wear off when Ron and Hermione's parents arrived to take them home. Mr. and Mrs. Weasley had stayed for awhile, discussing with Sirius their fears about the situation, but the Grangers knew nothing until Hermione explained everything after they had returned home. Harry had not even said goodbye when she left. He was still sitting on the back patio, staring out into the yard. She stood in the doorway, watching him, tears welling in her own eyes. Hermione did not realize that this was the last time she would see Harry before he left for the mission. At that moment, she was too distracted by grief to realize that there were important things the two of them needed to discuss. She picked up her overnight bag and walked back into the house without saying a word.

Later, her dreams were laced of indefinable images of the night before. In her mind she relived the heated, dizzy symptoms that had plagued them, tossing and turning until she awoke drenched in sweat. Her hand reached up to touch her throbbing forehead, tracing the tips against the now faint mark caused by the fallen box. She knew something just wasn't right, but she decided to wait until morning to send an owl to Harry. But it was Hedwig, not the sun, which woke Hermione up the next morning with Harry's note to her. It was brief and generic; no hint that this letter was any different from the one he had sent Ron. Reading it was like a punch in the stomach, knowing that her concerns would have to be silenced at least for the time being.

In a way, returning to Hogwarts was a godsend after spending three weeks alone overwhelmed by her own thoughts. Hermione had spent hour after hour holed up in her room, usually just lying on her bed and staring at the walls. She pretended to be asleep when her parents stopped in, made excuses when they questioned her strange behavior. But in reality, she had no explanations for the way she felt. All she knew that everything in her life was going to change this year - all beyond the reach of her control. It was this lack of control which scared her the most. But looking at her two red haired friends, part of her knew that returning to Hogwarts would not solve all her problems. Despite the comfort Ron and Ginny could provide, there were still some things that she would be forced to keep to herself.

They arrived at Hogwarts much like they had arrived two years earlier - drenched in rain. It felt unbelievably good to be inside the great dining hall warmed by the fireplaces and waiting patiently for the glory of the opening year banquet. For a few minutes, it almost felt like they had stepped back into a happier, more innocent time. But once Headmistress McGonagall rose before the four house tables to make the speech, a hush fell over the students as they were brought back into the current time.

"Good evening students," she said in an almost lifeless voice. "And welcome to another year at Hogwarts. Before we move onto the sorting of the first years, I'd like to make a few announcements. I'm sure all of you have heard about the tragic passing of Professor Dumbledore."

The students looked down at their plates, awkwardly. This announcement was no surprise and those who had tears to shed had already done so a few weeks back.

"Professor Dumbledore was one of the finest teachers and headmasters this school has ever had. He was always brave, wise, and kind at heart - taking chances on people that others had previously scorned. I know that I will be no proper substitute for him, but I love this school as much as he did and I will try my hardest to fill his shoes." Her last line had almost broken her forced composure.

"Since I'll be regretfully taking over duties as Headmistress, I will no longer be able to teach the Transfiguration classes. Here I'd like to introduce a young woman that some of you may remember from the Triwizard Tournament a few years back. This is Professor Fleur Delacouer, the brave champion from Beauxbatons, who enjoyed her time here so much that she wanted to return her to be a teacher. I know that we are all glad to have her here at this time."

Everyone clapped to show appreciation for Professor Delacouer. When the noise had died down, Headmistress McGonagall continued.

"Now there are a few other instructors I'd like to introduce."

Ron glanced over at Hermione with a questioning look on his face.

"As you may not know, Professor Figg had to unexpectedly leave us due to a special investigation involving the Ministry of Magic."

Hermione was disappointed. Arabella Figg had been the only Defense of the Dark Arts teacher that had taught for more than one year since they had started six years ago.

"But I'm pleased to announce our new Defense of the Dark Arts teacher - former potions instructor, Severus Snape."

Ron almost fell out of his chair. After all these years of secretly desiring the position, Snape had finally gotten it - though, Ron wasn't sure if he liked this idea very much. Potions had been his least favorite class for years mainly because of Snape's dislike for Gryffindor students made it almost unbearable to attend. While his borderline hatred had mellowed out over the last two years, no one wearing red and gold was jumping at the chance to have class with Snape.

"This, of course, leaves room for a new potions teacher - who unfortunately is a bit late due to the inclement weather, but I am sure you will all be meeting Professor Malfoy before the night is out."

"Lucius Malfoy!" Hermione gasped.

"You have got to be kidding me," said Ron in utter disbelief. "You might as well be inviting You Know Who to teach here."

Just then the back doors of the dining hall opened and a figure draped in a long hooded black cloak entered. All the students just turned and stared as the mysterious person strode up the middle of the room between the Ravenclaw and Hufflepuff tables heading straight for the staff table.

"Ah, just in time," said Headmistress McGonagall. "Students, I would like to introduce you to Professor Malfoy."

At the same moment, the figure removed the black hood to reveal the expected white blond hair, but caught everyone completely off guard when they realized that Professor Malfoy was not a man. If you could ignore the somewhat pinched expression on her face, you could not help but notice the striking beauty that was none other than Draco's mother - Narcissa Malfoy.

"Now, I've seen everything," said Ron.

"Good evening. Sorry I'm late," said Professor Malfoy, hurrying up to her place at the staff table. Everyone was silent for a moment, taking in the scene, until McGonagall announced that since everyone was present now - the sorting of the first years could begin.

Hermione and Ron barely paid attention as the newest batch of Hogwarts students were placed into their houses.

"Can you believe this?" Ron whispered. "First Snape is our new defense teacher and now Malfoy's mum is teaching potions! Hell must have frozen over."

"We knew that the day Professor Dumbledore died," said Hermione, bitterly to herself. Finally when the sorting was finished and the appropriate applause was had, a glorious feast magically appeared on the table and the students hungrily dug in. All of them except Hermione.

"Better not hesitate, Hermione! I'm hungry enough to eat both your dinner and mine!" laughed Ron.

Hermione looked away distractedly. "I guess I'm not hungry."

"Not hungry?" asked Ginny. "That's the same thing you said when we ate lunch on the train. You haven't eaten anything since this morning!"

"Well, I'd had a big breakfast at home," Hermione lied. Ron and Ginny glanced at her strangely. "Seriously, guys, I'm fine. I'm just really tired from the long trip. I think I'd rather just go upstairs and pack."

Ron surveyed her carefully. Nothing seemed out of the ordinary except that Hermione looked a little pale. He had been concerned about it all day, but had said nothing. She was probably just anxious about Harry like the rest of us - but more so, because she was Hermione and worrying was one of the many things she did best. "Maybe a good night's rest will do you some good. Now that you're here at Hogwarts..."

"Yes, I do feel better here, somehow." She stood up to excuse herself.

"If you need anything, Hermione, you know you can count on me," Ron said, sincerely. They looked into each other's eyes for a moment.

"I know," she responded, quietly. She turned to Ginny. "I'll see you guys tomorrow for breakfast, ok?"

They nodded, before Hermione walked out of the great dining hall and upstairs to the Gryffindor Tower.

After telling the Fat Lady the new password (liverlillies), Hermione walked across the Common Room to the prefects suite. The main room was a lounge that connected several small bedrooms which belonged to the Gryffindor prefects and Head boy/girl if there house was fortunate to have one. The door next to Hermione's room still had Harry's name plate on it, despite the fact that the room was empty. They'll have to remove that, thought Hermione to herself. After Harry left for the order, Professor McGonagall was forced to choose another Head Boy and now Justin Finch-Fletchy from Hufflepuff held that honor. Maybe it was better that way - Gryffindor hadn't held both head positions since Lily Evans and James Potter had in 1975.

Hermione breathed a sigh of relief as she closed her bedroom door behind her and slumped down to the floor. She rested her head on her knees and choked back a sob. Just then an orange ball of fur crawled out from under the four poster bed and rubbed against Hermione's legs for attention.

"Oh, Crookshanks! What am I going to do?" The cat purred softly as she stroked his head. "I'm afraid I'm in a bit of a situation...and there's absolutely no one I can talk to about it."

He looked up at her earnestly, almost as if he was listening. "I'm not even sure how all of this happened. Of course I understand the logistics of it, but something was just terribly wrong about what happened that night. I would talk to Harry about it, if only he was here." Hermione stood up and walked over to the mirror. She stared at her pale reflection as she pushed back her wavy brown hair. To her surprise, the mark on her forehead had completely faded by this point.

"The only thing I do know is that I'm going to have to keep this quiet for awhile - at least until I find out what's going on." She turned to her trunk that had been brought up by the house elves and began to unpack. Exhausted by the time she was finished, Hermione changed into her nightgown and curled into bed, desperately hoping that she would be able to get some sleep tonight.