Wand Hopping ; D.M.

𝑆𝑜𝑟𝑡𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝐶𝑒𝑟𝑒𝑚𝑜𝑛𝑦

Elsie Granger

Summertime is coming to a close and I've been preparing to be a professor at Hogwarts. It's very frightening to think about the extra responsibility that'll take but it's more exciting than anything. I miss Hogwarts and a chance to be back is incredible.

I've made enough wands to stock the shelves completely and some so I won't have to make some all day and night. I've packed a bag of things I'll need at Hogwarts and the rest of my things will stay here. I'll be home every day so I'm only bringing things like a toothbrush, clothes, extra wands, etc.

I've given Ron long lectures on how to run the shop while I'm gone.

No giving away my personal information, make sure the shop isn't a complete mess, lock the door when taking bathroom breaks, and always act friendly.

There was so much more I could tell him, but they were things he knew too well already. He was to be at the shop all weekdays from 8 am to 4 pm, taking his needed breaks. While I do admit, it's tiring to work all day long, he gets paid well.

***

I woke up bright and early today. September first. I held my bag in one hand and my wand in the other as I apparated to Hogsmeade. Hogsmeade was similar to Diagon Alley, so I visited often and knew my way around well.

Going to Hogsmeade was also an easy way of getting to Hogwarts. Some professors take the train, some fly on broomsticks, and others apparate to Hogsmeade and walk the rest of the way. I chose the last option which is a fairly popular one.

I will admit that Hogsmeade looks much better in the winter months when snow coats all the buildings and shops and brightens the place up. The walk to the castle was longer than I remembered but not long enough to be considered dreadful.

Professor McGonagall walked beside me and gave me a startle as she called my name. She was dressed in neat robes and looked as excited as she did when I first arrived at Hogwarts. Being here was nostalgic and made me feel more at home than I felt in my own flat. That's probably because Hogwarts was my home for seven years.

"I'm glad you could make it." she smiled.

"It's a pleasure to be back." I smiled back, "I hope I'm not early enough to have to set up for the sorting ceremony."

"You're right on time for that."

A few other professors were walking around us and I can't describe how I felt exactly. All of my professors and now I'm one of them.

At the castle, the doors were open and we walked inside, heading to our sleeping chambers and classrooms first to drop off our belongings. After that, we would meet in the great hall to prepare for the ceremony and the feast.

I made my way to the astronomy tower and then up the long stairs that never seem to end. From the top, I had a wide and astonishing view of the grounds and could see other professors walking the grounds. There was Hagrid and minutes later Snape made his way on broomstick. I can only imagine the reaction he'll give when he finds out I'm now a professor.

After dropping my bag in the tower, I went down the never-ending stairs and navigated my way to the great hall. There, many professors were entering and lighting the floating candles with the tap of their wands.

Professor McGonagall entered with the sorting hat from her office where it is kept every day except for the first day of the school year. Other professors set plates and silverware on the long tables and decorated them elaborately.

I entered and took in the amount of preparations that had to be done just to make the first day back feel a little bit more magical than it already was. I never appreciated it as much as I should have, but I do now.