The castle was just as big as she remembered .It could be seen from miles away .The Gryffindor tower could be easily spotted as they approached the gates .She could still hear her fellow colleagues laughing around the fireplace at a joke Ron said .
Shaking her head , trying to get rid of the nasty feeling that was crawling up her throat ,she stepped out of the carriage .
Looking at the bony creatures one last time before passing through, she let the words fly out her mouth .
'Thestrals' she silently said . Finally understanding what Harry was talking about all those years , she wished she hadn't found out .
'Isn't that Hermione Granger ?' a petite girl whispered .
She couldn't help but sigh . The train trip had been awfully quiet , she got there earlier than she had hoped to , but doing so she managed to get a full compartment for herself which allowed her to avoid the unnerving stares she was bound to receive .
Knowing she would only bring attention to herself if she were to be found , she locked the door , leaving only after the train came to a stop.
She looked around hoping to see the friendly giant as they were approaching the big doors but he was nowhere to be seen .
'He must be still out with the first years ' she thought.
'Miss Granger ?' she looked the person in the eye and nodded in respect.
'Headmistress McGonagall ' she lightly smiled ' It's good to see you again .'
Her former teacher looked at her with an understanding look and smiled .
'Come , Hermione , we can talk later about your return ' she said with a knowing face ' the feast is going to start soon , I need to be there for the sorting ceremony '.
'Of course .' answered the girl , her voice cracking at the end.
She followed the witch through the doors that lead to the great hall . There were some moments when she worried about McGonagall's reaction about what happened but they were brushed aside when she saw her motherly smile. She was one of the figures she used to look up to when she was younger . She was probably the only one that she still hold her respect for .
Seeing some familiar faces sitting at the Gryffindor table she started moving towards the opposite end , skeptical of meeting any of her acquaintances .
Only two steps in her direction when a hand had been placed on her shoulder , stopping her .
She glanced up and saw a frown upon the elder witch's face . Her lips began to move but she couldn't comprehend what she had just said .
'You will be sitting at the teacher's table .'
'Up there ?' Hermione questioned.
Her former teacher gave her only a nod before continuing to walk up the podium , Hermione quick on her tail .
She refused to look elsewhere besides the woman's frame as she began hearing her name among the students.
As they reached the table she was instructed to take a seat next to Professor Trelawney. Her golden locks were as matted as ever but what got her attention was not the drastic change of eyewear, her thick round glasses being replaced by what appeared to be contact lenses , it was the persona that she displayed . With a cocky brow raised , Miss Sybill pushed the empty chair gently towards her , giving a cunning smirk as she sat down .
'Good to see you again , Miss.. '
She couldn't believe the repellent attitude the professor carried herself with .
'Surely that's not how things were when she left' the young girl grimaced .
'Granger' .
She didn't spare any more words for her that night , she couldn't be bothered to deal with whatever hatred was being spit her way .
Looking around the room , she noticed the things that changed.Many walls had been rebuilt , the architecture looked similar but she could still tell the difference .
The ceiling was the clear blue night sky she dreamed of every time she closed her eyes .
