First Day At Hogwarts

~*~

~o 15 o~

First Day At Hogwarts

Hermione woke up alone in the room. It was strange being in the Headmaster's suite all by herself. The tall windows were draped in dark blue, the same as the bed, and the stone walls were mostly covered with tapestries, bookshelves, the large wardrobe and a fireplace that was obviously for warmth. She found the private loo, amazed to see her bath products already on the shelves and in the cupboards. The claw-footed tub looked ordinary with a handheld wand for showering, and a water closet hidden behind a lace curtain. It was not how Hermione envisioned the loo would be, and it made her laugh, considering that it was practically feminine with its bright yellow towels and white lace curtains. The image of someone like Dumbledore taking a bubble bath in the tub wearing a shower cap hit her, making her giggle even more.

She freshened up, dressed in her school robes and tried to head out of the tower, hoping to have breakfast alone before any of the other Death Eaters were around. However, she ran into Cillian, who was dressed and waiting for her in Snape's office. "Good morning, doll. Did you sleep well?" he asked, rising as she entered the room.

"Well enough," she replied, coming to a halt next to the desk. "I was... Where is he?"

"He has a meeting with the Heads of House," Cillian said cryptically. "So where are we headed?"

Hermione practically groaned. "Breakfast," she said with a shrug.

"By all means, let's get you fed," he said with a smile. He held the door for her and followed her down the stairs.

"Is this how it's going to be every day? You showing up and walking me to breakfast?" she asked as they walked down the marble staircase.

"Yep," he replied, grinning. "Unless the ol' bat wants to do it himself."

Hermione simply shook her head, amazed that Cillian was so comfortable with Snape to be able to call him that and that Snape seemed to allow it.

The Great Hall was set up the same as the night before. There were only a few people sitting at the table eating breakfast, the professors huddled at the end of the table mostly reading the paper or eating with their heads down, and four others remembered from the night before sat at the end near the door, talking quietly. This time, as she walked by, they all looked up at her, and she got a good look at the lot. There was a surly looking massive blond wizard, and a stout wizard with a scarred, brutal-looking face in black robes, who both sat across from a dumpy, sloping-shouldered, homely looking woman and a squat, lumpy-looking wizard with a lopsided leer, big ears and a broken nose. Whoever those four were, the other teachers were trying their best to keep their distance.

Hermione sat down next to Professors Vector and Sprout, who only looked up at Cillian, made a simple nod and turned back to their own plates. Professor Sprout smiled quickly at Hermione when she asked for the juice, then lowered her head when Cillian reached for the eggs. It was obvious that the four laughing at the other end of the table were making everyone else nervous, but Hermione was surprised that her professors were so aloof towards her and so wary of Cillian. He always seemed so affable to her, it was easy to forget that he was a Death Eater too. Unless they didn't trust her now that she was married to Snape.

She tried talking to Professors Vector and Sprout, but they only made brief, polite replies, obviously uncomfortable with her and Cillian. Hermione ate her breakfast quickly and rose to leave, making Cillian grab bacon and toast in order to follow her.

Rather than let the cold reception from her favored professors bother her, she spent the rest of her morning sitting in the courtyard, reading the three books Snape had given her, under the watchful eye of her bored bodyguard. Hermione would have been laughing at all the misconceptions, outlandish lies and twisted half truths in The Truth About Muggles, except that she realized Snape had given her the book for a reason, to prepare her. For what, Hermione was apprehensive to find out, but she doubted it would be the students because only a few seemed to have such misconceptions as she recalled. After finishing Of Pride and Prejudice, the only consolation she felt was that she could at least have temperance with the authors considering the historical time frame from which it was written, but felt a deep sense of sadness that such opinions were still believed, if what Snape had said to her was true. Actually, everything she knew about the Malfoys seemed to exemplify the books point of view. By the time she finally finished the last book, Snape came to find her to join him for lunch, and she could return them to him with a sense of relief.

Cillian once again offered to discuss the opinions and facts represented in the books, but Hermione turned him down, making Snape chuckle softly. "You'll find that my wife has an astute mind and in no way misinterpreted the information," Snape told Cillian as they walked to the Great Hall.

Hermione looked at him, astounded by the compliment, and she saw his smirk before he turned back to Cillian. Affronted, she wasn't certain if he'd actually really meant the compliment or not, or if he was chiding her, and she chose to remain silent.

Draco, Crabbe, Goyle and Zabini were sitting by themselves at the Slytherin table when they entered. At the Gryffindor table, the four Death Eaters from breakfast were joined by two more wizards in black robes, one with spiky brown-grey hair around his male-patterned baldness and pale reproachful eyes, and the other a tall, thin, wiry-looking, very hairy wizard with glasses. The professors were interspaced around the Great Hall in small clusters, but oddly, the room was really quiet. Cillian and Snape led Hermione over to the Slytherin table, and Draco cordially greeted them as plates with a hot roast beef sandwiches appeared before each of them.

"So you're gonna be a Slytherin now, or what?" Crabbe asked with his mouth partially full of masticated sandwich.

"Eat with your mouth closed," Snape barked, and Crabbe closed his trap. "She's a Gryffindor, but you already know that. However, you are to show her the courtesy I'd expect you to give her as my wife. Am I clear?"

"Yes, sir," Crabbe said, swallowing his food.

There was some mumbling before Draco asked Hermione what she'd done all day. "Read," she replied. "You?"

"Flying out in the pitch. We're going to be on the team this year," Goyle said proudly.

"We already have our team selected for this year," Zabini stated with a slight curl of his lip. "Everyone who flew last year is returning, unlike the other houses."

Crabbe snickered, and Goyle looked smug. "We'll have a strong team and will be a sure in on the house cup," Crabbe said.

"I assume most of Slytherin is returning this year," Cillian stated, and Hermione looked at him curiously.

Zabini grinned. "Most all will since most of us are pureblood, and very few of us are undesirables," he said smugly. "Unlike some houses."

"So who's expected to be on the team?" Cillian asked, directing the conversation.

Thankfully, for the rest of the conversation the subject stayed on Quidditch, not that Snape participated in the discussion at all, but it allowed Hermione to be able to eat her lunch and ask to be excused. Snape rose when she did. "Hermione, I believe you need to discuss your course schedule with Professor McGonagall. I'll expect you up in our quarters when you are done," he said softly and guided Hermione over to the Gryffindor table where Professor McGonagall was eating. "Pardon, Minerva, but I believe you wanted to see Hermione today. Would now be a convenient time?"

She looked up, giving Hermione and Snape an appraising stare before nodding. "Yes, I'm nearly finished eating anyway."

"Fine. Minerva, if you will please see that finds her way back to my office unencumbered, I'd appreciate it," Snape answered.

"Certainly, Professor Snape," Professor McGonagall replied, stiffly. "Hermione, if you'd follow me." She rose and indicated for Hermione to follow. Neither spoke as they walked, and it was an uncomfortable feeling. Once they were in her office, however, Professor McGonagall pulled Hermione in for a quick hug before backing off primly. "I'm sorry, but I've... There was no word – no one knew anything about what happened to you! I was so worried – we all were. You just vanished! Then Harry told us you had been abducted and were with Severus. I've been beside myself with worry! What happened? Why did you leave Grimmauld Place? Where did you go...?"

"It was a piece of parchment," she started to try to explain, "which acted like a Portkey, I think, and I was dumped in Snape's lap, so to speak." She was worrying the hem of her sleeve a she spoke. "How much do you want to know?"

"Everything! But wait just a moment," she said cryptically. "Would you like it if I call for some tea?"

Hermione was deeply moved by the affectionate display after having been treated so coolly by her professors. "Yes, I'd really appreciate a chamomile blend if it's all right."

Professor McGonagall smiled and nodded, summoning a house-elf, watching Hermione with a teary, yet warm, expression. "So, has Severus been decent to you? I mean he hasn't..." Professor McGonagall asked, pausing when the house-elf showed up with the tea service. "I was so worried when we read... Well, you're here now and things will be better, or at least, I hope so."

Somehow her tone wasn't nearly as reassuring as Hermione thought her Head of House meant to be. "I've been warned about things."

Professor McGonagall nodded, filling Hermione's teacup. "As you know, you're still a prefect of Gryffindor, although I have tried to figure out what duties you can perform as prefect if you're not even sleeping in your house dormitory. Severus has forbidden you to do rounds, although I have you on the schedule to do so regardless. I think he is worried for your safety from those within the castle, but I cannot see what you'd have to fear since the prefects patrol in pairs. However, he knows these people better than I do. I have to tell you, Hermione, how displeased I am with Headmaster Snape regarding your sleeping arrangements, if it was my choice... but it's not."

"He's kept me with him during the whole time. I can't see that he'd be any different now. When he'd have to leave his house, he'd have Draco watching me. I realize now it was for my protection as well as to keep me locked up as his hostage," Hermione said, with a sad smile. "It's not so bad, really."

She looked up at Hermione with a sad smile. "You don't have to be brave for me; I fully understand how horrible it must have been for you – well I can imagine – the reports you see." She shook her head and handed Hermione the plate of teacakes, which Hermione declined. "It's the impression the other students will have I'm concerned about," Professor McGonagall admitted. "It's unprecedented. There have been staff members that have been married who've shared quarters of course, but we are here to serve our duty to the school, and as a boarding school, that job is round the clock. You understand, don't you?"

"Yes, I'm sure we are a handful," Hermione said, grinning.

"A thousand teenage wizards and witches only a handful?" Professor McGonagall said with a smile. "But really, to marry a student and then keep her in his rooms, well, it will cause plenty of gossip. And not the favorable kind."

"I've had to deal with gossip before. I'll be fine. Don't professors have spouses and families?" Hermione asked.

"Of course we do," Professor McGonagall said with a girlish smile. "My late husband lived in Hogsmeade until his death. I would have weekends and time off during the holiday with my family. The kids are grown now and have families of their own..." She was interrupted by a knock on the door. "Come in," Professor McGonagall called out. Professor Sprout and Professor Flitwick hurried into the room.

Professor Sprout looked at Hermione nervously for a few seconds and then pulled her into a hug, much more mothering that the reception she got at breakfast. "You're alive. Well, of course you're alive. We knew you were alive, but the things that were said – the speculation... You had us so worried. Oh, just look at you! How are you?"

"Hermione, are you all right? I was so worried for you," Professor Flitwick asked as he sat down next to her, his eyes creased with concern. "So many rumors... and the reportings in the Daily Prophet – scandalous! I didn't want to believe any of it!"

"I'm fine," Hermione said, trying to sound reassuring. "Snape has been decent to me."

Professor Sprout sat down in the other chair provided, still clasping her hand, and shifted her chair to see Hermione better. "He is a bit possessive of you," she said, worry evident in her voice.

"I hadn't noticed," Hermione replied sarcastically. "Sorry, that was uncalled for."

"It's a little understandable. All right now – start from the beginning," Professor McGonagall said. "If this is a long story would you like more tea?"

Hermione nodded and began telling her the story, giving what detail she could about her disappearance, the evening in the glade, and Snape healing her. Hermione told her about the first trip to Knockturn Alley, seeing her friends, and recounted what she vaguely remembered of the second trip, although her memory was fuzzy. She glossed over Wormtail's first attack, and hinted about the second, telling Professor McGonagall about the splinching. She wasn't surprised that Professor McGonagall had heard about it, but was surprised to learn that it had been Remus and Tonks that had saved her upper half. Professor McGonagall interjected her story with questions, and Hermione tried her best to answer her, but some of the memories were too painful. What surprised her professors the most was the way the Dark Lord had treated Hermione, and they were really stunned when Hermione showed her the bruise on her left forearm. In the end, and several tissues later, Hermione sat back in her chair, feeling drained.

"Oh, Merlin's stars!" Pomona squealed when Hermione had finished. "I had no idea! Oh, you poor thing!"

"What an outrage! Who knew that little turncoat was a lecherous satyr!" Professor Flitwick squeaked in outrage. "And he made you splinch! I couldn't believe you would have splinched unless there were extenuating circumstances... but to have been ripped in half! When I heard... but Severus healed you? I heard he had Healers where you'd Disapparated from. I didn't know there were Healers among You-Know-Who's followers."

"I don't recall meeting them, but yes, Professor Snape did tell me that Draco and Cillian went to get Healers when I'd splinched," Hermione admitted. "In fact, he took good care of me each time I was hurt."

Professor McGonagall's posture was rigid, and Hermione knew she was seething inside over her tale. "Is there anything we can do for you?" she asked, looking quite formidable when so provoked.

"Like what? We're married," Hermione stated bluntly. "I have been in his house all summer and been held for the Dark Lord's amusement. As his pawn. Things are – well, it's been a rough summer."

"So it's true then, you joined them?" Professor Sprout asked aghast.

"I am married to Professor Snape, yes," Hermione stated and then shook her head determinedly. "But I have not joined them – although I think the Dark Lord thinks I have. It's confusing. I was told that by marrying Professor Snape, I am bound by his oath, and yes, that supposedly makes me a follower... but I can't be. I still support you, the Order and Harry. But I'm trapped in this. I don't know what is expected of me except to obey and... "

"I'll bet. Alecto Carrow is none too pleased to have you here," Professor Sprout said, patting Hermione's hand and giving her a gentle squeeze.

"Who?" Hermione asked, vaguely remembering the name. "I recall something Draco said about a Professor Carrow teaching Dark Arts?"

"New teachers. Alecto and Amycus Carrow are Death Eaters, dear, appointed to the school through the Ministry," Professor McGonagall explained. "There are two more Death Eaters that have been on the grounds frequently, a Mr. MacCavish and Mr. VanHalal, but they seem to keep to themselves."

"Then there is Owain Rowle and Ivor Travers. We don't know why they have been hired, but their titles are security officers," Professor Sprout added with suppressed fury in her voice. "As if we need..."

"Careful, Pomona. Hermione, have you heard from Harry Potter or Ronald Weasley?" Professor Flitwick asked, worried.

"No, I haven't," Hermione said, shaking her head. "Not since June. Why?"

"They are missing," Professor Flitwick stated and Hermione's heart sank at the news.

"Missing means they haven't been caught yet," Professor Sprout said, gripping Hermione's hand as if to give her reassurance. Her hand was slightly sweaty nonetheless, belying her nervousness.

"Missing could be dead," Professor McGonagall said solemnly.

"No, they're not dead," Hermione said, sure of her statement. "Okay, I don't know where they are, but if they were dead, I would know. Besides, I've had a message from him, mostly just asking me to come home, but that was a while ago. If something had happened to them, it would be in all the papers, right?"

"Not necessarily. The articles in the Daily Prophet have been vague and similar to what you read your fifth year. You-Know-Who hasn't really been all that active, and there is no news about him at all. It's mostly been his followers, they are the ones doing everything, or at least as far as we hear. I'll try and update you when we have time," Professor McGonagall said, the stern pose gone and replaced with nervousness Hermione had never seen before. "Things in the castle are quite different. There will be quite a few students who are not returning because anyone with Muggle blood has been denied admittance, I'm afraid. Even the curriculum has been changed and... Well, you'll soon see. I'm afraid for you, my dear. Know that we will be watching out for you in every way we can, but our hands have been significantly tied this year. Severus will come looking for you soon. I am sorry, my dear, I really am. I tried to have you back in your own room in Gryffindor tower, but Severus wouldn't hear of it. He was right adamant..."

"It's okay, really. I'll be fine. Oh, I was to ask you about my class schedule." Professor McGonagall handed Hermione a slip of parchment, and she read over the classes listed upon it. "Transfiguration, Potions, Charms, Herbology, Arithmancy, Ancient Runes and Literature... so I am carrying all my subjects... but why Muggle Studies? And what is Dark Arts? Don't we have Defense anymore?"

"No, dear, the students will be learning the Dark Arts this year," Professor McGonagall replied.

"No!" Hermione exclaimed.

"I'm afraid so," Professor Flitwick said, nodding sadly. "It's part of the new school curriculum. Alecto Carrow will be teaching the students curses, hexes and jinxes. Amycus Carrow will be teaching every student returning Muggle Studies. I'm quite sure the context of his class will be slanted and prejudiced in the pureblood mantra."

"Why?" Hermione asked, stunned by the changes.

"New order, new Headmaster, new rules," Professor Spout stated. "I'm even to introduce more poisonous plants this year, and Professor Hagrid will be subjecting students to some very dangerous creatures. Professor Slughorn is to add poisons to his lessons. The primary goal is to bring the students up on the Dark Arts. All of them, in all subjects."

Hermione covered her mouth in shock as she heard the news. "But surely Professor Snape wouldn't...?"

"He's the one that approved the curriculum for the school," Professor McGonagall stated, sternly. "'You-Know-Who is now in control of Hogwarts,' he said. Even the school governors are afraid to challenge him, and there is little we can do."

"Except to try our darndest to protect the students in any way we can," Professor Flitwick stated assuredly.

A grey and white tabby entered the office and jumped up on the desk. Professor McGonagall and the cat looked at each other for a few seconds before the cat jumped down and curled up on the rug. "We'd better go now, dear. Tabitha tells me the Carrows have passed this corridor three times now," she said, rising from her chair. "Pomona, Filius, if you'd slip out after we do, I don't want to raise anymore suspicions than we already have. You should probably Disillusion yourselves as well."

Hermione stopped just before they reached the door and placed her hand on Professor McGonagall's sleeve. "Professor, do you know if Ginny, Neville and Luna are returning?"

"Yes, my dear, we expect them," she replied smiling, opening the door and following her out. "I suppose it will be good for you to see them."

"Yes," Hermione said, feeling a little sense of relief as they walked. "It will be great to see them."

Back in the Headmaster's tower, Hermione found Snape busy at his desk, Cillian sitting casually in the chair in front of him; Aetos was perched on the stand that Fawkes used to sit on, and Crookshanks curled up on the rug by the Floo. "Did you have a nice chat?" Snape asked as she approached the desk.

"Yes, an enlightening one," she replied. She looked down at Snape as he wrote out a letter. "You could have warned me, you know."

"I thought I had," he replied, not bothering to look up. "I have an appointment with a staff member in a few minutes, so I'd appreciate it if you'd busy yourself else where."

"Fine, I'll be in the library," she replied and turned to go. Cillian rose as she turned. "What?"

"Where you go, I go, Hermione," he replied with a smirk. "Your wizard errant at your service."

"You've got to be kidding," she said, reality of his position as bodyguard hitting her full force.

"No," Snape and Cillian replied, Snape's tone hard and final and Cillian's slightly more jovial. "Shall we go then," Cillian asked opening the door for her.

~o0o~

Severus watched them leave with a sigh of relief. His few minutes of silence was broken when Professor Trelawney knocked on the door. He rose and opened it to greet her. She was mumbling nervously. "Eight of cups – misery and repining... sacrifice, and The Moon – deception, Death... change with the Devil card – discontent, wrong use of force..."

"Professor Trelawney, come in. Please sit down," he said as nicely as he could muster. The wispy woman entered with a look of trepidation and took the seat Severus indicated with a wave of his hand.

"Sybill, lovely to see you again," Dumbledore said from his frame.

Professor Trelawney looked up at the portrait as if she'd never seen it before. "Am I in some kind of trouble, Headmaster?" she asked, her voice sounding like someone who'd been crying. "The cards tell me of deception, lies and sacrifice... but the Justice card – that justice will be done, truth prevailing... Still, the cards frighten me, Headmaster. Something is not as it seems..."

"No, Sybill, you are not in trouble – exactly," Snape replied, ignoring her ramblings. "There is some concern among our new staff regarding your appointment – the Carrows for instance are very much against your continuing here at Hogwarts and feel that your tenure here should be cancelled. They think you should be dismissed and removed, permanently. Under the new school curriculum, there is still some discussion as to whether I should allow Divination to continue. I was asked to reevaluate your status and determine if the practice has any merit.

"I have been trying to convince Severus to retain you," Dumbledore said, smiling. "You see, Sybill, I believe that the art of Divination should be continued, and that you should remain here in the castle; but I fear for your safety in these dark times."

"But Hogwarts is my home; you cannot ask me to go," Professor Trelawney pleaded, near tears.

"The question I'm to determine is if you posses any real talent, and if so, would you be an asset to the Dark Lord," Severus stated smoothly. "I have so for been indeterminate regarding your abilities, and vague regarding your – value. Nevertheless, I feel that you should stay clear of the Carrows and avoid the Death Eaters in the castle."

"But what would you have me do?" Professor Trelawney asked, twisting her shawl in her hands. "Those with talents such as I cannot truly hide that we possess the Inner Eye. My visions come as they will; I see what has been as well as what is and what will come to be, although I do try and conceal what portents my visions give me. But being All-Knowing has always had its price from those who fear those of us Seers with true talent..."

"I have been able so far to retain you, but I must warn you, the Dark Lord is looking for signs of his victory, and you, being a Seer, would be of great interest to him if any of the Death Eaters in this school were learn about your – er, talents." Severus smiled at her and leaned forward, steepling his hands in front of him. "I would ask that you keep to your tower as much as possible. I know that I'm asking a huge inconvenience of you, but it is for your own safety, after all. You don't want your true talents to fall into the wrong circles, do you?"

"Ah, no of course not! The Inner Eye becomes cloudy when I venture too long among the throng of the corridors. I avoid the mundane and the crowds. I see no reason to face... Stay in my tower? Is that all?" she asked, her eyes growing even larger behind her glasses.

"Yes. Keep to yourself," Severus said again. "Please keep away from the Carrows and the other Death Eaters who will be wandering in the corridors. If you have the need to send me massages of importance, use a house-elf. You may have your meals in your room, and students may visit you as much as you desire, but you really must keep your distance from the Carrows. Is this acceptable?" he asked.

Professor Trelawney nodded and a tear escaped from one eye. "I'm to stay locked up in my tower," she said, her voice misty and sad.

"I do not think you are understanding the situation here, and my concern, Sybill. I am not locking you up or cancelling your classes. You may have visitors, but your wards will be set by myself, and they will be strong. Only the correct passwords will allow anyone to enter your tower outside of class hours. The Dark Lord has gained power again, but Harry Potter lives. Everyone believes that Potter is the one who will vanquish the Dark Lord, and the ultimate battle is yet to be decided. If, and I mean if, the Dark Lord were to know of your talent, I truly believe he would want to abduct you – unless you wish to become his personal Seer?" Professor Trelawney became extremely pale as what Severus was saying sunk in. "I didn't think so."

"Nicely put, Severus," Dumbledore said, his smile fading somewhat. "You see, Sybill, I have convinced Severus to keep you in the castle, however, I fear for your safety. I'm not willing to risk your life and allow you to be abducted and used by Voldemort," Dumbledore said sternly from his frame.

"No, no, no, I cannot – I could not," Professor Trelawney stammered, her beads and bangles clinking as she shivered. "I will keep to my tower, and I will not wander the castle. I can do this..."

"So I can count on your discretion?" Severus asked, and Professor Trelawney nodded earnestly. He smiled at her. "That is all I ask. If you are agreeable to my terms, you may stay in the castle," he said, rising, and Professor Trelawney rose shakily from her chair as well. "May I see you out?"

As soon as the witch left, he turned to the portrait. "That was handled well, Severus," Dumbledore stated.

"I told her things I should not have! If she is caught, she could be a liability for me," Severus snarled.

Dumbledore smiled down at him. "And if you hadn't, she would not have taken it to heart. You told her what she needed to hear, and she will now hide away. It is for the best."

"I still do not see the need to keep her here," Severus responded. "She rarely makes true predictions, and when she does, she has no memory of having done so."

"Ah, yes, but in fact, she does remember, in her subconscious," Dumbledore said from his painted chair. "The mind is very complex, as well you know. I'm afraid that if Tom was to discover that Sybill was the one to have given his prophecy, he would do anything he could to extract it from her. Besides, I have learned that she does, on occasion, predict events with some accuracy with her cards. This is best."

"But that crazy woman now knows which side I'm on, Dumbledore! I've shown my hand!" Severus said, his tone sharp. "If she is caught, and if the Dark Lord probes her mind, how will I back out of what I told her? The fact that I warned her?"

"She will forget," Dumbledore said, grinning. "She remembers what she wants to remember. And if things go well, she will never fall into Tom's hands. Be sure that the Carrows think she's a 'daft twit.' That will cover you."

"If you say so," Severus grumbled.

~o0o~

Hermione kept curled up in a corner of the library all afternoon. She'd found an old tome on a top shelf and sat under a window reading. Cillian had pulled a chair into the aisle to watch her and had even begun reading out of sheer boredom. When dinnertime drew near, Hermione checked the book out and carried it down to the Headmaster's office to wait for Snape.

He entered the office from the stairs in his teaching robes and glowered at her, suggesting she hurry up and change into her school robes. They entered the Great Hall together, and Hermione sat at the end of the Gryffindor table where Snape indicated for her to sit, and then he took his place in the Headmaster's chair. The dumpy, homely looking witch and squat, lumpy-looking wizard were sitting up at the high table, both looking rather arrogant and smug. Hermione immediately assumed they were Alecto and Amycus Carrow, the new professors she'd been warned about. Professor Grubbly-Plank was sitting next to Hagrid, both acting as if they would have liked to have been invisible to Amycus Carrow, who was sitting only two chairs away. Even Professor Flitwick, sitting between Professor Carrow and Hagrid, appeared to be trying to keep himself as inconspicuous as possible.

Cillian sat across from her, trying not to look out of place. Hermione noticed that there was a Death Eater sitting in the middle of each of the house tables, including Gryffindor's, waiting for the students to file in. The massive blond wizard Hermione had seen earlier was sitting at the Hufflepuff table, the stout wizard with a scarred, brutal-looking face was sitting at the Ravenclaw table while the wizard with spiky brown-grey hair was sitting at the Gryffindor table. The tall, thin, wiry-looking wizard with glasses was sitting at the Slytherin table and was engaging Draco, Crabbe and Goyle in conversation.

"Cillian, who are they?" Hermione asked, trying not to point.

"That's MacCavish down there," Cillian indicated with a subtle jerk of his head to the Death Eater sitting at the Gryffindor table, "Owain Rowle is at the table behind you, and Ivor Travers is sitting behind me. The bloke talking to Draco, Crabbe and Goyle is VanHalal."

Hermione turned back around and looked at Cillian. "They are the Death Eaters you and Snape warned me about, aren't they?"

Cillian's eyebrow rose at her statement. "Yeah, they are."

"Why are they here? To keep the students inline, or are they here to recruit?" she asked softly.

Cillian smirked. "Both. They are security for the school, but yes, they are here to weed out those that can be brought over to the Dark Lord."

Hermione felt a chill at his words. "MacCavish won't find many Gryffindors that will turn to him. I doubt that there will be many Ravenclaws or Hufflepuffs."

"You might be surprised, Hermione," Cillian said. "Not all of the Dark Lord's followers are from Slytherin, there were two that I know that were in Gryffindor, a few from Ravenclaw, and yes, I recognized a few faces from Hufflepuff. I'm not sure about which houses the others were from, but housing the Dark Lord during the summer, I saw many that I recognized from school, although I don't know everyone who is loyal to the Dark Lord. Only he knows our true numbers."

Hermione nodded. The same could be said for the Order... "I wondered about that, but it makes sense though."

The doors opened and the tables began to fill. Hermione looked around, eagerly anticipating the arrival of Ginny and Neville. As soon as she saw Neville's face, Hermione smiled and waved at him. Neville seemed to tug on someone's arm and came down the table to sit with her, eyeing the Death Eater speculatively as he passed them. When he sat down, she saw that Ginny and Demelza Robins were coming down the other side of the table and sat next to Cillian giving him an odd stare.

"Hi," Cillian said, extending his hand to Ginny, "Cillian Gwynek."

"Ginny Weasley. This is Demelza Robins, Neville Longbottom and Seamus Finnigan," she introduced the students who sat down next to Hermione. Like her, Demelza and her friends were casually staring at the wizard who was sitting at the table and noticing the wizard at each table.

"So it's true, you're attending school?" Neville asked stunned. "Dean wasn't admitted. I was told he got an owl that said he was undesirable."

Seamus looked unhappy about it. "Yeah, I got an owl from him over the summer. He and his family, they decided... to leave the country on holiday," he stammered.

"There's not as many as I thought would be here," Hermione said as everyone settled to wait for the Sorting.

"There weren't many on the train, either," Demelza stated. "My dad insisted on Apparating me to the station, but Mum wouldn't hear of it."

Ginny shook her head. "You had to prove your worth to attend this year. If you have one or more Muggle parent or grandparent, you were deemed undesirable." Ginny scooted closer to Hermione. "Who are the wizards at the house tables?"

"Death Eaters," Hermione said as Cillian answered, "Security wizards," then scowled at her.

Hermione noted that of the four Death Eaters only one, VanHalal, at the Slytherin table was engaging the students around him in conversation. "Be careful, Gin, I've a feeling things are really different this year."

The doors opened, and the first years entered, following Professor McGonagall through the room for Sorting. The Sorting Hat sang a song praising each of the founders, telling briefly of their achievements and the virtues of their legacies before concluding with a recount of each house's attributes. It was an informative song and longer than Hermione remembered the hat being in previous years. However, the Sorting went quickly, and each new student warmly welcomed to his or her new house tables.

Snape's welcoming speech was simple and elegantly stated, and the entire hall was silent as he spoke. As soon as he concluded, the food appeared and the students dug in. The usual banter was slightly subdued, especially in the center of the tables, but the atmosphere was definitely warmer. Between her friends, conversation was kept to trivial things about occurrences and rumors that had been told to them from the papers. Hermione listened intently, thankful that neither Ginny nor Neville pressed her for information regarding her abduction. They did, however, ask about her wedding, Neville wanting to know if she had really married Snape.

At the end of dinner, Snape rose and requested that prefects take their houses to their dormitories. Hermione rose and followed the Gryffindors, carefully collecting the first years as she headed out the door.

She walked with Ginny all the way up to the seventh floor before Cillian caught up close enough to her to be heard properly. "What in blazes are you doing?" he demanded, talking over the first-years heads gathered between them, his usually warm, brown eyes flashing dangerously with anger as the Gryffindors all gathered in front of the portrait of the Fat Lady.

"Horehound blooms," Neville said, coming around the front. "Everyone inside."

Hermione was propelled with the crowd. "I'm a Gryffindor prefect," she called over her shoulder. "I'm doing what I'm supposed to do." She was one of the first to clamber in through the opening into the common room, gazing briefly at the place that wouldn't be her home this year, with a sense of sadness. "Girls' dormitories are on the right; boys' on the left," she said to the group of first years who had followed her, taking the stairs with the girls as if to assist the first years up the tower, Ginny following her closely.

"Hermione, wait," Cillian called out angrily from the common room. She and Ginny had just reached Ginny's landing when the wailing klaxon went off, and the stairs began to flatten. Ginny grabbed Hermione pulling her into her dorm room just as the stairs turned into a slide, sending girls screeching and laughing back into the common room.

"Okay, so give! What happened?" Ginny asked, pulling Hermione to her bed. "All I know is that you went shopping for supplies and books, came back to Grimmauld Place to pack and regroup, and then you vanished! Harry told me that he saw you in Diagon Alley, or Knockturn Alley, according to George, and Ron said you hugged Snape and left with him. Then weeks later, Harry, Ron and I get a message on our coins that you are with Snape, You-Know-Who saw Harry in your mind, and you were a captive – Merlin knows where, and you couldn't leave! Oh! And Tonks told us that you'd been splinched in half, and Snape came to get you to take you back, and the Daily Prophet announced yesterday that you're married – to Snape!"

"Well that pretty much sums up my summer. How was yours?" Hermione asked, pulling Ginny's wand from her hand and casting Charms around Ginny's bed to ensure their privacy. She took Ginny's hands as they sat down. "I'll tell you everything, but please, tell me news about Harry and Ron first. Are they all right? Have you spoken to them? Are they safe?"

Ginny laughed and scooted to the head of her bed, getting comfortable. "Okay, yes, they are fine. You remember your rut sack? Well, Bill gave Ron his pack, the one he used when he was in the field in Egypt. They're in hiding, but I don't know where. Lupin and Bill keep tabs, but they can't do it all the time. Harry keeps them moving around too much. We just wait until he or Ron send word or need something. As you know, Ron is supposedly sick with spattergroit, and so far, that ruse is holding up really well. The ghoul really stinks, and no one will go near his room. Also, the Order had been spreading the rumor that you ran away to Australia with your parents – but with the article in the Daily Prophet, I don't think that ruse will work anymore."

Hermione smiled and curled up crossed-legged on the foot of Ginny's bed. "So that ruse worked?"

"Well, not anymore! Everyone knows you married Snape, and by tomorrow, all the students here will have sent owls to their parents, telling them you are here. However, the rumors about Ron and Harry are sticking, or will until someone spots them. Before I left, Ron was trying to learn all the warding spells you tried to teach him and Harry. Harry is pretty good with them now. I still have my Galleon, so does Luna, Neville, Colin and Seamus. I know Fred and George have theirs. We all got your messages. I heard from Dean a while back, but I think... I hope he's okay. No one knows about the coins except DA members, so we can send brief messages. I'm supposed to find out tomorrow who in the DA has returned to school, and Neville wants to restart Dumbledore's Army." Ginny sighed. "That's all I know. Mum is volunteering at St. Mungo's, and Dad is still at the Ministry. Shacklebolt is trying to pull the Order together, and Lupin and Bill are fielding loads of responsibility. So are my parents. But there are Death Eaters now in the Ministry, and the Daily Prophet is only printing lies or what the Death Eaters want us to know. The Quibbler is still going strong and occasionally prints reports and messages in a type of code Luna figured out."

"I heard about the Ministry; Snape told me," she admitted.

"Ron told us you were abducted, and you've been held captive, then we get this," she pulled a copy of the Daily Prophet from her bag. The article was about Hermione and Snape's wedding complete with picture of them dancing together. It also stated that Snape would be Headmaster of Hogwarts and outlined the new curriculum for the school year. The article made it sound exciting and new. "So now give. Tell me what's been going on with you. Are you really married to Snape?" Ginny asked.

"Yes," Hermione admitted solemnly.

"So it's true!" Ginny gasped. "Ron was so upset, well, you know, he figured you and he would... So, tell me everything."

Hermione took a deep breath and told her everything. At some point, Ginny slipped from the bed to retrieve handkerchiefs, urging Hermione to continue. Once again, Hermione had someone to pour her heart out to, and she held nothing back. In the end, both girls were crying. "Oh, my gods," Ginny finally said. "How did you ever survive all that? And Peter Pettigrew, Harry's dad's friend, he – he tried to... Blimey, Hermione! What did Snape do?"

"The Dark Lord had me try and use the Cruciatus on him, but I couldn't do it. I had to watch as the Dark Lord tortured him. Then Snape had the Rat put back in his cage and left him on the back stoop. I have no idea what happened to him after that." Hermione drew her knees up and hugged them.

"Hardly seems like he was punished enough for what he did," Ginny said. She jumped up again. "Hey, look, I have your trunk." She looked around, then stood up, looking confused. "Or at least I did. I brought it with me. It's gone now."

"Maybe the house-elves took it up to the Headmaster's rooms," Hermione said hopefully. "Speaking of which, I really should go. Snape will be wondering where I am."

Ginny laughed. "How far can you go?"

Hermione scooted to the edge of the bed. "He's been really possessive of me. He has Cillian follow me wherever I go, and I'm also going to be followed by Draco Malfoy."

"You're kidding! Malfoy?" Ginny asked, stunned.

"Yeah," Hermione said with a sad smile. "He's actually been rather decent to me. Odd, but true. Oh, and I have a house-elf, Peren."

"I think I've met her," Ginny said, grinning. "Is she the one that came to collect Crookshanks?"

Hermione nodded. "I hope that wasn't a problem?"

"No. It was nice to know that things were such that you could have him back. That's when I really knew you were all right. I sent a message to Harry, telling him. He was relieved. So you're okay, being married to Snape and all?"

"Yes, so far," Hermione said. "I have to go. I'll see you at breakfast?"

"Sure," Ginny said, getting up to hug her. "I'll even put up with your bodyguard."

Hermione hugged Ginny and turned to go.

"What are you playing at," Cillian bellowed, looking raging mad when Hermione entered the common room.

"My prefect duties," she said calmly, showing him her prefect badge. "You do know I am a Gryffindor prefect?"

He grabbed her arm and pulled her toward the exit. "We're going to your tower, lady, and don't pull that on me again. You hear me!" he snarled, anger making his tone frightening.

"Excuse me?" Hermione asked indignantly, jerking her arm away. "Ginny is my friend! I will visit her and Neville, or Colin, Seamus, Lavender, Parvati, and anyone else who is my friend any time they want me to!"

"And I am supposed to watch you," he snarled, glowering at her, his eyes narrowing dangerously. "You are supposed to be where I can watch you."

He was nearly as accomplished with the sneering look as Snape was, but Hermione was too upset with him to care. "What was I going to do? Fly out the window? I don't even have my wand," she said angrily.

"That's not funny," he snarled, standing only inches away, glaring down at her.

"I was only in the dormitory," she answered, trying to control her temper. She turned quickly and crawled through the portrait hole, exiting into the corridor, Cillian close on her heels.

"Well, if you pull that stunt again..." he warned her, obviously furious with her.

"What stunt?" Hermione snapped back, to incensed to be afraid of him. "You knew where I was. There is only one way down." He was still glaring at her angrily, so she stopped to face him. "Ginny is my best friend. Luna Lovegood is another. In the next few days, you will be meeting my friends. I will be attending classes, and I spend a lot of time in the library. That's my life!" She turned and began walking again, still ranting. "I don't have a broom and don't like flying. I am wearing Snape's necklace, and I can't take it off, so I cannot Apparate without losing my head, and since I've already done that once, I will not be experiencing that again. So what are you afraid of? That I'll turn into a cat and give you the slip?"

"Okay fine," he said in a scathing tone. "I got mad when you left me in the Great Hall and didn't tell me where you were going. I was mad when you disappeared up the stairs, which turned into a slide when I tried to follow you, and was mauled by a hundred girls falling on top of me. Let's try to get along, okay? I'm here to protect you."

"From what?" Hermione asked, spreading her arms wide.

Cillian grabbed her arm and made her face him, his body stiff and appearing more threatening than she'd ever seen him. "The Carrows would like nothing better than to torture you simply because they hate what you are – Muggle-born. Rowle has some kind of personal vendetta he'd like to exact, and Travers hates you too. I don't know why. Even though the Dark Lord has said you are his, accidents happen. I'm to make sure those accidents don't happen; got it?" Hermione stared at him with her mouth open. "Yes, you are starting to get it. You have enemies within these walls, and Snape can't always be there to protect you, so I will be. Got it now?"

"Yes, I'm sorry," she said, feeling foolish. I should have known he'd be angry, but it was just a simple visit, in her room. Not anything dangerous.

He released her, although he still looked cross. "Good." His face relaxed and he jerked his head as he turned to go, saying, "Let's get you back to Severus. For the record, I allowed you to sit and visit with Ginny, observed. But don't expect me to cover for you all the time. I assume you wanted to tell her what happened to you over the summer."

Hermione sighed heavily and followed him. "Yes, I did. As far as she knew, I simply vanished, no word, nothing. Then Peren went to get my cat and well, you know."

"Okay, I figured." He started walking quickly, stopping half way down the stairs for her to catch up. "Don't do that again. If you want to talk to your friends, fine, in the common room and in sight. Fair?"

"Yes, fair," Hermione consented, feeling thoroughly chastised. "Cillian, may I ask you something?"

"Depends," he said casually, but he looked wary, a hard tick evident in his cheek.

"I was wondering what happened to Wormtail?" she asked. "Ginny asked me, and I told her about what happened at the Dark Lord's summoning, but she asked me what Snape did?" She bit her lip, hoping he'd be honest with her.

"Let's just say, the Rat was dealt with," Cillian said with sneer, although his eyes suggested something far more sinister.

Hermione stopped and looked at him, worried. "What did he do?" she asked, dreading the answer.

"Cursed him, what else?" Cillian asked with a condescending smirk, looking at her intently. "Why do you care?"

"I don't, well, yes, I do, but not," she stammered. "Did he kill him?"

Cillian laughed, although it sounded cold. "No, he didn't, but he wanted to. Merlin, he was angry." Hermione watched him, staring at his profile, waiting for him to continue. Finally he turned to her, his brown eyes hard and cold. "You really want to know? Okay. Severus cursed him, roughed him up a bit, and cut off his tail, then threw him out. Happy?" He stopped outside the stone gargoyle. "I would have done the same if he tried to molest my girl and got her so upset she splinched herself trying to escape him. Hades, I might have done worse."

Snape was sitting at his desk when they entered. "Where have you been?"

"She took the first years up to the Gryffindor common room and then sat with one of her friends, that Ginny girl, from dinner," Cillian answered casually.

Snape looked at Cillian suspiciously and then seemed to relax. "All right, fine. Here is her schedule," he said, handing Cillian a slip of parchment. "I'll escort her to breakfast with me, and you can meet up with us there."

Cillian nodded. Snape turned on Hermione. "Anything you care to add?"

"I'm not going to lie to you," she said warily. "I went to Gryffindor tower with the first years, then went up to Ginny's room. Cillian tried to follow and tripped the wards on the stairs. Yes, I spent some time talking to Ginny, and I may have stayed longer than I thought..."

Snape had come around the desk and cupped her face. "I'm not surprised. I don't like surprises, remember that."

"Yes, sir," she replied. "It's just I haven't seen her is so long and we... I just wanted to talk to her."

Cillian was looking at her, obviously cross. "What?" Severus asked, catching his friend's expression.

Cillian shook his head and made a sweep with his hands. "Nothing. Okay, I didn't like not being told what she was gong to do. But we talked," he said, his eyes narrowing, pointing at Hermione. "Got things settled and reached an understanding, I hope."

Hermione nodded, feeling chastised again.

Severus offered Cillian a drink, which he declined, saying he'd rather just head back to his room. Severus nodded and saw him to the door. "If you're feeling antsy, the Astronomy Tower has a nice view, or my favorite is a stroll on the sixth or seventh floor corridors on the north-east or south side of the castle. Good place to catch paramours."

"You ol' bat! Of course I remember," Cillian said, smiling. "But I'll keep that in mind if you ever put me on patrol duty."

Snape laughed. "You've patrol duty every day; just don't expect too many night rounds."

"Deal," Cillian replied. "Hermione, tomorrow then. Good night. you two."

Hermione waited until he was gone, standing at Severus desk, fingering the corner, trying to decide how best to phrase the question she wanted to ask regarding Wormtail. She didn't want to tell him what she had heard from Cillian and yet wanted to know if it was true. "Ask," he ordered sofly, crossing his arms.

"What?" she asked, not sure how to approach the subject.

"You want to ask me something," he said. "I know that pose, that look, and you're chewing up your lip. Go ahead, ask your question."

"I was wondering if you would tell me what happened to Wormtail?" she asked. There that's safe enough.

He cocked his head slightly, trying to look her in the eye. "Why?"

"I was curious. The last I knew, he was sitting on the back stoop of your house in a cage," she said, hoping to draw him out, but still studying the quill cup and inkwell in front of her. "You didn't just leave him there, did you?"

"No, I didn't. He isn't at my house any longer," he said, watching her intently. "Why? What did you want to know?"

Hermione bit her lip, releasing it slowly. "I was just wondering... if you did anything to him?"

His posture became rigid. "Hermione, you didn't honestly think I was simply going to let him get away with what he did, did you? He tried to molest you, twice, the first time hurting you severely. The second time, he made you so afraid you ran, tried to Apparate and splinched yourself in half. And that was after I warned him to leave you alone, several times. So yes, I cursed him."

She turned to look at him. "But the Dark Lord punished him – he made me punish him."

"And you chose to let him live," Snape said, although there was a hard edge to his voice. "You were to be my hand-fasted wife! He knew that, and he still lusted after you, so much so that he tried attacking you – twice!"

"What did you do?" she asked, wanting to hear him say it and not really wanting to at the same time.

"I hung him upside down and used your Freezing Curse to get my point across," he said, his dark eyes darting to the bookcase. "Then I threw him in the river."

"No!" she exclaimed, appalled. "He could have drowned."

He shifted his gaze back on her. "Yes, but unfortunately, Wormtail does know how to swim."

"Is that all?" she asked, trying not to sound suspicious.

He sighed and shook his head. "Come here," he said, holding out his hand to her. She placed her hand in his and he pulled her over to him, encouraging her to sit on his lap. "Let's just say there is a Rat out there without a tail, and I'm fairly sure that Rat will not be able to sit for several days."

"You didn't!" she gasped.

"I did." He almost looked amused, except there was a hardness to his expression.

"But..."

"I was not going to let what he did to you go unpunished," he said, his arms tightening around her. "I will not have you harmed if I can prevent it. Those who do will be dealt with. You are now my hand-fasted wife. I will protect you."

Hermione sighed and relaxed in his embrace. "I suppose I should say thank you. I don't like it, but I understand why you did."

"You are forgiving me for...?" he asked, smirking. "You amaze me. After what he did, and you'd still spare his life?"

"Yes," she said, nodding. "I don't like killing. He was punished, and he's gone, right? I don't have to worry about him anymore."

He brushed her hair from her face so he could see her better. "No, you won't have to worry about him anymore." He held her a moment before, shifting, making her sit up. "I have work to do. Go on up to bed. I'll be up late."

She leaned over and kissed his cheek, and he cupped her face to kiss her lips. "Good night then," she said, easing off his lap.

He watched her walk across the office to the stairs. "Don't wait up. Get some sleep," he said, just as she hit the first step.

Author Notes:

In regards to Hermione's nine classes mentioned, I know she received eleven O.W.L.s, which, according to HP Lexicon, included: Transfiguration, Potions, Charms, Herbology, Astronomy, Arithmancy, Ancient Runes, Care of Magical Creatures, History of Magic, Defense Against the Dark Arts, which will be Dark Arts her seventh year and (one unnamed class). As far as I can remember, she dropped Muggle Studies her third year, which she will have to carry under the new policies. I also believe that she dropped Astronomy, Care of Magical Creatures and History of Magic her sixth year so the rest are the classes I am referring to. I have since decided to make the one unnamed class Magical Literature, a study of the writing of famous wizards and not too unlike an English class.

I want to credit the women who did my beta work: I want to send a huge thank you to Southern_Witch_69 for all her help, support, encouragement and cleanup work, and for sticking with me with this story. And to Cocoachristy for her added support in catching my many typos and comma errors. Without you both, this story would never get validated, and thank you just seems so inadequate. I appreciate it more than you could possibly know.

Thank you, Sinbad, for the suggestions regarding the tarot cards.

For the cards Professor Trelawney is identifying, Sinbad and I decided on are as follows:

key 18 'The Moon' summarized as: Deception, unforeseen perils

key 13 'Death' summarized as: Change, Renewal

8 of cups summarized as: Abandoning the present situation

key 15 The Devil summarized as: Temptation, bondage to the material

The Deck Sinbad used is called the Rider Pack (or Deck). The cards noted as 'key' are major arcana cards. (Major arcana cards are when the person being read for is not in 'control', these are the cards of fate, outside influence etc.). The 8 of cups is of the minor arcana. The translation and information: A Complete Guide to the Tarot by: Eden Grey The definitions I gave you are from the Definition Summarized section on pages 172 & 173.