LIFETIME MATE

Chapter Nineteen


Finally....September first was here. Hermione and Katrina changed numerous times before finally heading to Kings Cross Station. Hermione looked around, the fond memories flooding back. They both glanced around, then slipped to platform nine and three quarters with Katrina’s trolley. Hermione helped her with her trunk and her owl.

“So Kat, you okay?” Hermione asked as she adjusted the collar of Kat’s robe.

“Yes mum.” Kat rolled her eyes. “I’ll be fine.”

“I’ll see you there, I’ll be apparating there. There’s a bit of a staff meeting before the students get there.” She kissed the top of Kat’s head. “Love you.”

“Love you too mum, now go. I’m fine.” She smirked as she pushed her mum away.

Hermione stood back watching Kat through the window as she found a seat in a compartment with a boy and a girl. She smiled and apparated to the Hogwart’s gates.

Minerva McGonagall was there to meet her at the front doors to take her to her rooms. They walked up to the sixth floor where a portrait of a very handsome knight stood by a black horse. Hermione decided her password would be ‘seduction’ and walked into her rooms. She looked around and immediately felt at home. The side held every book she could think about dealing with transfiguration and a large desk complete with quill and ink. A large red comfortable looking sofa sat in front of a large fireplace, with two equally soft looking chairs on either side of it. She opened a set of large patio type doors to a balcony that looked over the lake.

“How do you like it Hermione?” Minerva asked as she watched her walk throughout the room.

“It’s very nice. Thank you.”

“Your bedroom is up the stairs, along with your bathroom, with a fitness room off to the side of that.”

“Sounds perfect. When does the faculty meeting start?” Hermione asked.

Minerva looked to her watch. “Right about now. You can leave your robe or come back up before the feast. You will need it for that.”

“I’ll bring it with me.” She answered as she slipped the black robe off to put it over her arm, suddenly feeling very warm.

They approached the faculty room, Hermione feeling nervous. Minerva, sensing her nervousness, patted her hand and smiled reassuringly to her. When they walked in everyone was seated already. Hermione’s eyes scanned the room, looking to the professor’s she remembered, then to Harry and Severus who smiled back at her, then finally to Draco who did not smile back.

Albus came up to hug Hermione. “Welcome, Hermione. You look well. Please have a seat.” He smiled.

She slowly walked and sat between Harry and Severus, Draco watching her. She wore a slim fitting skirt that was an inch or two above the knee with a slit to the side a few inches in length. Her blouse was a deep burgundy color that clung to her curves, with the top two buttons undone. The sleeves were long and loose, buttoning at the wrists. Her hair, she let fall loose in shiny waves down her back.

She sat down quietly and crossed her legs, showing a bit more thigh. Dumbledore’s eyes twinkling, saw this and knew where Hermione’s mind was at. He went on to welcome all the new professors and went over some of the upcoming events. At the end of their small meeting the professor’s made their way to the Great Hall where students were starting to file in, talking amongst themselves.

Hermione sat between Harry and Severus again, her talking back and forth between them, as Draco’s scowl became even more so. Severus saw this and leaned in close to Hermione. “You look rather tasty Hermione.” He smirked, winking suggestively.

She leaned closer to Severus. “Why thank you Severus. I’m glad you noticed.” She smiled.

He smirked in return. “I’m not the only one that noticed.” He nodded to Draco.


“Really? Good.” She said simply, smiling mischievously.

They were interrupted by Minerva calling forth the first years. Hermione looked at the small sea of faces until her eyes rested on her daughter. Kat winked to her and smiled.

Kat had come into the Great hall, not really surprised on the room itself, for she has been here a few times in the past, but at the amount of student’s assembled together. She looked up to the head table to see the professors. Severus and Harry smiled at her as did Dumbledore. Her eyes traveled left until she came to the unmistakable blue eyes of her father. Her heart flipped, at finally being able to see him in person. She kept her eyes locked on his until McGonagall called the first name on her list of first years.

Draco had looked to the first years, really rather disinterested at first, until he found himself looking straight ianotanother pair of blue eyes. He noticed the long blonde hair and the way she looked at him.

Minerva called up next, “Katrina Granger.” Draco watched thende nde haired girl walk up to the stool and sit down. He looked to Hermione, who was watching him, then looked to the front again.

Hermione had watched the battle of wills between father and daughter and clutched her hands under the table. Harry and Severus sensing it, reached under the table to hold her hand in comfort.

The hall was silent as the old looking battered pointed hat was placed on Katrina’s head. It hummed loudly as if in thought. “Where to put you... Lets see....Your mother and father both from opposing houses, both very bright students in their day. I sense bravery and a kindness for others. Therefore it must be.....
GRYFFINDOR!”

Kat got up and happily went to the Gryffindor table, the other students welcoming her into their fold. Hermione beamed with pure ure and clapped along with the other students and professors, as Draco sat silent, his mind racing within himself.

The rest of the first years were sorted. Albus had made his announcements and introduced the new professors, then it was time for the feast. Hermione excused herself from the head table and made her way to Kat’s side. “So, Kat, are you happy with the sorting?”

“Oh yes. Very happy.” She looked to Draco who sat watching them. “He’s very handsome, isn’t he?”

Hermione knew who she was talking about and couldn’t help smiling. “Yes. Yes he his still very handsome. But, anyway, I’ll talk to you more tomorrow and show you where my rooms are.” Katrina nodded and Hermione placed her hand on her shoulder then walked up to take her seat at the head table again between Harry and Severus.

“How is she doing?” Harry asked.

“She’s fine. Says her father is good looking.” She smirked biting into her pie.

“If that’s what you’re into I guess.” Severus said smiling, overhearing the last remark from Hermione.

Hermione finished her dinner and watched the tired students file to their dormitories. When she stood up, Draco was beside her. “Granger, we need to talk.”

She glared at him. “Later, Malfoy. I’m tired and I’m off to bed. Talk to me tomorrow.” She turned her back and hurried to walk beside Harry.

She linked her arm through Harry’s elbow once she caught up with him. “Harry, I think he’s guessed. He wants to talk.” She said worriedly.

“Are you going to tell him?” Harry asked.

“Yes, but not tonight. I have to gear myself up for it.”

“Come on then, I’ll walk you to your room. Then I’m headed to the cottage. Ginny and Braeden are waiting to hear what house Kat was put it.” Harry said smiling, squeezing her hand at his w.
w.

“Thanks Harry. One of these days’ll ’ll have to sit and have a chat too.” She said determinedly.

“I’ll answer what I can Hermione, but some things you should probably hear from Malfoy himself.”

“Maybe.” They approached the knighted door to her rooms. “Goodnight Harry. Kiss the kids for me.” She kissed his cheek, then entered her rooms. She changed into her nightshirt and sat out on the balcony sipping a cup of tea, and thinking on what tomorrow will bring.