Disclaimer: I do not own anything from Harry Potter. All credit goes to J.K. Rowling for the characters/storyline.
Author's Note: Okay! This is my first real fanfic. I've only had experience role-playing on a Harry Potter site, and that's different in the sense that I don't really control all the characters. However, here I do, and I apologize in advance if it's not well done. This is the first chapter, and I hope to have more chapters up soon. However, I will be beginning my second semester of college as a freshman on the 11th, so I may not be able to get chapters up quickly. Reviews would be appreciated.
Rated T for some language and minor adult situations.
A clanging sound echoed through the hallways of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, jolting Hermione Weasley, new 5th-7th year Muggle Studies professor, from her deep slumber. Though she didn't have any morning classes, she immediately got out of bed to prepare for the day. "Calm down. Relax and don't be nervous!" Hermione told herself, smiling reassuringly at her reflection in the mirror as she headed to the closet to pull on an outfit similar to what she had worn as a Hogwarts student herself, just without the typical Gryffindor patch and tie. Running a brush through her hair, she pulled it back out of her face into an professional-looking bun, which she hoped would add to her professionalism.
By the time she had dressed, it was nearing eight o'clock, and she headed down the familiar path to the Great Hall for breakfast. This time, Hermione was a professor rather than a student. She arrived early enough to see that the hall was filling quickly with students. She took her seat next to Professor McGonagall, who was now headmistress since Professor Dumbledore had died. Smiling brightly, she looked over at her former Transfiguration professor and said, "It feels odd not to be sitting at the Gryffindor table, with you handing out our schedules. I mean, I did that with Harry and Ron for six years, always badgering them about studying and working for classes, and now...."
Minerva smiled at her. "I agree. It makes me feel older now, when I see former students becoming my colleagues. It doesn't seem like you should be sitting here now, despite the fact that you were one of the brightest students that Hogwarts has ever seen. I know that you've become accustomed to calling me 'Professor', but since you're not a student anymore, you may address me as Minerva."
Hermione gave a nervous laugh and flushed. "Well, thanks. But that's a habit that unfortunately is hard to break." She looked out across the House tables, which were now full of students waiting for lessons to begin. At first glance, she didn't see who she was searching for, so she looked a little more closely and could spot the faces of Rose, Hugo, Lily, and James sitting together at the Gryffindor table. A slight tug of pity pulled at her heart as she saw Albus sitting with Scorpius Malfoy. The pity wasn't for Albus as much as for Harry, although both seemed to cope well with the situation. Albus caught her eye and gave her a small smile. Hermione was certain that Harry didn't exactly like the fact that his youngest son had befriended Draco Malfoy's, but he hid his emotions from his son.
Hermione sighed sadly, thinking of Harry, whom she hadn't seen for a few months, but returned Albus's smile. She watched as the students left in droves. Only now did she register the fact that the bell was toiling to signal the first class of the day. Hermione gave Minerva a small smile as she headed to her office while Minerva headed to her first class of the day. Well, it's three hours from my first class, and I have to be ready! She arrived at her office, sat down at her desk, and began muttering about changes that she knew would have to be made to keep the students interested in Muggle Studies.
Hermione suddenly decided to make some changes to her plan—not only for today's classes, but for the rest of the year! "My students are going to be completely surprised when they walk into what they think is Muggle Studies, but is actually "How to Catch the Right Person"!" Giggling at the thoughts of her students' faces when they entered her classes, Hermione bent over her parchment and began scribbling out new plans for the year...
Author's Note: I hope this first chapter was okay. Reviews would be appreciated. Thanks for reading!
