This is my first attempt at a Harry Potter fanfic. I've never written anything like this before, I'm more accustomed to writing research papers. I haven't done any creative writing since grade school as a result my writing may come off as a bit dry. Be patient and provide me with helpful critiques and I will try to oblige.

I've developed a full plot for this story, so updates will be occurring. I'm just not sure of the frequency. I do most of my writing as a result of my insomnia. If you're interested, check back frequently.

If you're a fan of Draco Malfoy as a hero, prepare to be disappointed. He plays a large part in this fic and it's not exactly pleasant. Also if you're into canon Harry Potter, avert thine eyes for this is blasphemy.

All characters, places, spells etc related specifically to Harry Potter are the property of J.K. Rowling. I'm not profiting from this endeavor, merely exercising my stifled creative side.

The context in which these characters appear is of my own design. Enjoy.

It is femme-slash. You've been forewarned

Waylaid Witches

Unexpected Opportunities

Hermione hastily threw her clothing into her trunk, covering the massive quantity of books, quills, and parchment in the process.

"Ron this is going to happen whether you like it or not," Hermione shouted from the loft of their modest apartment.

"Oh yeah? Well I'm not bloody moving until you tell me what this is really about Hermione," Ron yelled, barring the entryway of their home in an attempt to prevent her form leaving.

"Ronald are you daft? I can just disapparate," Hermione retorted rolling her eyes at his vain attempt to stop her.

The aforementioned scene was the explosive climax caused by five years of tension. After school Ron failed the extensive tests required to become an auror. He became dejected and depressed by his lack of direction in life. In his desperation for a job he accepted a position in the Misuse of Muggle Artifacts Office offered to him by his father. His failure to achieve his dream of becoming an auror, as well as, his dissatisfaction with his job strained his relationship with Hermione. Ron could not reconcile the idea of taking a back seat to his brilliant girlfriend. He always envisioned them as partners, equals sharing in each other's achievements. Now he was forced to watch Hermione's meteoric rise in the realm of magical education.

At twenty-two, Hermione was the youngest witch ever to teach at Hogwarts. Bathesheda Babbling, the Ancient Runes instructor, grew tired of the excitement of Hogwarts and retired shortly after the final battle with Voldemort. Hermione was approached by Headmistress McGonagall to fill the vacant position, and to her delight, she loved teaching. She believed she was involved in the noblest profession. To shape young witches' and wizards' minds in the hopes of creating a better future, Hermione couldn't imagine doing anything else.

Her happiness and Ron's apparent lack of support caused friction in their relationship. They often argued for no other reason than that Ron was jealous of her success. It began to wear on Hermione. As much as she loved Ron, she was beginning to believe she could no longer make him happy. The petty arguments over self-importance irked her. She found herself wondering why he couldn't just be happy for her. Someone who loved her should share in her happiness instead of wallowing in his own failures. That is why Hermione neglected to tell him of the exciting news she received a month ago.

It happened on a warm June night; Hermione lay on her bed perusing the newest edition of Hogwarts: A History. She was particularly interested in the newest issue because it included the battle with Voldemort that took place in her seventh year. Fully engrossed in the book, she experienced a shock when an owl soared through her slightly open window. It landed on the bed next to her and proffered an envelope, inside was a detailed letter from Headmistress McGonagall.

Professor Granger,

You've been chosen for a prestigious exchange program between Darcantel School of Witchcraft and Wizardry and Hogwarts. This opportunity has been a long time in the making and Ministries of Magic from twenty-four different countries have been working together to ensure the program succeeds. The war with Voldemort has taught that interconnectivity can prevent such disasters from occurring again. The Department for Magical Education believes forming mutually beneficial ties by exchanging professors to be an effective way to facilitate cooperation between nations.

The school is located in New Orleans, Louisiana and will require you to travel abroad for a year. Should you accept this offer you will leave within a month. Headmistress Benoit believes a month to acclimate yourself to the city is prudent and is providing a room at a local wizard friendly hotel. The Minister of Magic has arranged for a fireplace at the ministry to be connected to Madame Benoit's fireplace in her study at Darcantel. You will arrive at the ministry for 3:00 p.m. on July 28th and travel by floo powder to Louisiana for 9:00 a.m. From that point on you will be in the capable hands of Madame Benoit. She will further instruct you on the courses you will be required to teach upon your arrival.

Granger, I hope I needn't remind you of the importance of this position to Hogwarts. You will be working as an ambassador not only for Britain but also for this school. It will require you to be on your best behavior and I have no doubt that you will impress. After all you are the smartest witch of your generation.

Sincerely,

Headmistress Minerva McGonagall

Hermione put the letter down on the bed and pulled her knees up to her chest. She had been waiting for an opportunity like this her entire life. Her natural curiosity demanded that she accept the position. The chance to teach at a school in America and learn about their culture was a dream come true. She reached for a pen and parchment to write McGonagall a response when Ron's face materialized in her head. She had a life in London. A life with a man she loved, or at least used to love. This decision was not one to be taken lightly, so instead of scribbling a hurried response to McGonagall she wrote her best friend Ginny Weasley.

Ginny,

I have big news. Can you meet me at the Leaky Cauldron this Friday at 4:00 p.m.?

-Hermione

She rolled the parchment up and gave it to the barn owl, trusting he could locate Ginny.

Friday couldn't come soon enough; Hermione was inwardly writhing from withholding a secret of this magnitude. She spent most of her time at home over the summer break, usually cleaning up the mess Ron neglected during the year. The last two days had been devoted entirely to cleaning their dusty apartment. Even the monotonous act of cleaning had not prevented her from thinking of her meeting with Ginny. When troubled, Hermione preferred to clean the muggle way. She gathered her cleaning supplies: a feather duster, mop, broom, buckets, and chemicals. She then set to work. While furiously vacuuming the floor, she failed to notice the door to her quaint apartment open.

Ginny grinned as she watched her best friend vacuuming. Clearly the news was big if Hermione had resorted to muggle-cleaning, Ginny thought to herself. Ginny had inherited the wild streak that possessed Fred and George and she quite enjoyed a good laugh. Instead of immediately notifying Hermione of her presence, Ginny snuck up behind her friend and wrapped her arms around her.

Hermione nearly jumped out of her skin when she felt arms encircle her. It couldn't be Ron; he was at work until at least 5:00 p.m. She tensed against the embrace and slowly turned around to meet her intruder. As she met Ginny's gaze she frowned. Ginny seemed to revel in spontaneity, a feeling that made Hermione terribly uncomfortable.

She punched Ginny lightly on the arm and queried, "So the big news got you so interested you couldn't wait until 4:00?"

Ginny smirked sheepishly, "Ah, Hermione you know me all too well. I've never been good with waiting. It is good news, I hope?"

Hermione wrinkled her nose, as Ginny was still far too near her and had just arrived from what she presumed was Quidditch practice, "Ugh, Ginny you reek. Couldn't have had a shower before you turned up? Not to mention you've muddied my freshly vacuumed floor."

Ginny laughed, "Hermione you're a witch, a little mud is no difficult task." She waved her wand and the mud disappeared.

"Nonetheless Ginny, I'd prefer if you didn't stink up the rest of my home. Take a shower and then we'll discuss my news," Hermione said rolling her eyes at her friend's previous remark.

Fifteen minutes later Ginny was freshly showered and wearing a borrowed set of clothes. After making tea, the two women sat down at Hermione's mahogany kitchen table. Finding the removal of the stench vastly increased her willingness to talk, Hermione launched into the story of the letter from McGonagall. Hermione noticed that Ginny's expression had changed drastically from excitement to concern as the story unfolded. She was certain it was concern for the welfare of her tenuous relationship with Ron. After she finished she looked expectantly at Ginny.

"Well, that's great Hermione. I mean I know it's a wonderful opportunity for you but what about your life here?" Ginny asked slightly disconcerted by the news.

"That's the precise reason I wanted to talk to you. I'm torn about the move. It'd only be for a year but it would cost so much." Hermione said desperately conveying that she had not already made a decision. "You know things with Ron and I are already on tenterhooks. I'm not sure our relationship can withstand a move across the world and I'm not sure I want it to last much longer."

Ginny shook her head, "I'm not surprised it has come to this, Ron's been a real git since he failed that auror exam. However, he is my brother and I know he loves you very much. You at least need to try and talk it out with him. Maybe he'll understand it's something you need to do."

Hermione grimaced, "Yeah. Any mention of my job turns into an argument. He can't handle that I love what I'm doing. He's so bloody miserable working with your Dad. His heart just isn't in it. I'm sure he'll feign happiness at my opportunity, but I never feel he's truly supportive of me."

"You have to do what is best for yourself. If Ron loves you he will understand and he'll wait. I'll miss you if you decide to go. Maybe I can take some time off and visit. I couldn't miss a chance to see America with my best friend," Ginny said with a small smile at Hermione. Ginny turned to Hermione for everything. They had been thick as thieves since graduating from Hogwarts, and she would miss her more than she could ever put into words.

After making idle chat for another hour, Ginny excused herself because she had to meet Harry for dinner. She embraced her friend and gave her a reassuring smile, "It'll be ok. You're stuck with me, even if my stupid brother doesn't know how to hang on to a good woman. One day he'll learn, or he'll end up living alone with pygmy puffs as his only companions." Hermione mumbled her thanks and waved goodbye to the person she'd probably miss the most. Ginny was her rock, a constant comfort, a shoulder to cry on, and basically her other half. The exuberant redhead complimented the bookish, shy Hermione perfectly. The older girl always believed it was the reason they became fast friends. A balance existed between them.

Her chat with Ginny helped Hermione make her final decision. She had to take the job. Later that evening she penned a letter to McGonagall telling her how delighted she was to receive such an important task. She resolved to discuss the matter with Ron later in the week, however; she found she lacked a backbone when it came to the man she loved. She didn't want to hurt him. They'd been so close for so long and she knew this newest achievement would cut through him like a knife. His pride was his biggest weakness. So she postponed telling him and time wore on.

July 27th crept up on Hermione and as she scrambled to pack she frantically wondered how time had passed so quickly. She never mustered the courage to tell Ron of her new job. She'd have to force the confrontation tonight. Part of her wondered at her own motives. Maybe she left off discussing it with him so it would be easier to leave. An argument was an easy thing to run away from while all the complicated emotions like love, trust, and loyalty made it very difficult. She knew she'd never have the stomach to leave if they had a lengthy discussion. He'd plead and profess his love. He might also withdraw and become dejected at the news of her continued success. She had to tell him tonight.

Ron came home at 5:00 p.m. as was his usual routine. He apparated directly into their flat, only to find Hermione sitting on the couch wringing her hands. He observed the worried expression on her face and was crestfallen. Surely nothing good could come of this conversation. He'd been sensing Hermione pulling away more lately but he thought a grand gesture on his part could right the situation. He let the flowers fall at his side as he stared into her frightened eyes. What could have her so out-of-sorts, Ron wondered. Before he could gather his thoughts she opened her mouth.

"Ron, I have something really important to tell you. This isn't the way I intended the conversation to happen but I've been a bit cowardly," Hermione started. She then explained in a hurry about the letter and the job she accepted nearly a month ago. Ron's mouth fell open in shock.

He felt heat rushing to his cheeks. He was angry and hurt. How could she not tell him about moving across the world! He knew his faults and understood why she was afraid to tell him. Even so, he would have liked the chance to understand. She was practically forcing this decision upon him. He had no choice in the matter. "Hermione," he bellowed "I…I can't believe what you're telling me. You've kept this from me for an entire month! You know I love you and you know I'd be supportive."

"You'd pretend to be supportive!" Hermione squeaked and turned from his anger. She knew all along this was how it would end.

With that Ron lost all pretense of remaining calm. He chucked the flowers at his girlfriend. "Fine. Do whatever you want but don't expect me to be here when you get back from your little adventure," he said with as much acid as he could force into his words. Her eyes immediately teared. Ron's resolve faltered instantly, "Hermione! I didn't mean it. We can work this out. You know I just get angry," he called as she retreated upstairs. He made to follow her but she pointed her wand at him.

"Ronald if you take one more step, I'll hex your ears off. I know what I did was wrong but that doesn't excuse your behavior," she yelled from the loft as she began frantically packing her trunk. This was what she had anticipated. His rage was the only thing that could give her the courage to leave.

Ron begged and pleaded for another hour. He even resorted to threatening to bar the door but he knew he couldn't truly stop her from leaving. With the words, Ronald are you daft? I can just disapparate, still ringing in his ears he slumped onto the couch as he heard the faint pop that signaled she was gone.

Hermione was tired of his blustering and his threats. As soon as she had finished packing she made up her mind to spend the night at Ginny's. At least there she could get some sleep before her trip tomorrow. She disapparated with her trunk onto Ginny's doorstep, praying her friend would accommodate her for the evening.