A/N: Okay, so to start off, this story is a collaboration between myself and Blackwolf-20. It also serves as a sequel to Blackwolf's "The Mishaps of the Mini Ministry." Neither of these stories are particularly complicated, but it would still do you good to read "Mishaps" if you haven't already. It would give you a clearer sense of the background of this story, especially seeing as how I make references to it here and there in this chapter.

Now, onto my next note. Any of you familiar with some of my work know that I'm a big fan of the prank story when it comes to the comedy genre. And I think it's safe to say that "The Chaos of the Kinder Class" is the biggest, most ambitious prank story I've worked on yet. I feel I must compliment my amazing co-author, Blackwolf, for some of this. Because the stuff we've come up with is going to be absolutely insane.

Trust me, the M rating will come into play later.

I warn you now: Blackwolf and I just decided to go all-out with these pranks. They may start simple enough, but they'll keep getting bigger and more diabolical, maybe even cruel. So, we ask that as you read, please keep in mind that while these pranks progressively get worse, our intention is nothing more than just giving this story the biggest comedic punch we can. These kids are kindergarteners, so a certain level of immaturity IS to be expected.

We DON'T hate Hermione. Okay, that's on the record.

So, Blackwolf-20 and I proudly present "The Chaos of the Kinder Class."

Chapter 1

Day One: Commence the Chaos

Hermione was still surprised that she had consented to this agreement, given past events earlier in the summer. Considering said events, specifically those mishaps of the Mini Ministry day care, such a thing like temporarily becoming a teacher for a Wizarding kindergarten class would seem like a bad idea.

Indeed, Hermione was mentally kicking herself for saying yes as she sat in the Principal's Office, waiting for her meeting to begin. Then again, from the tone of voice of the Ministry official who had contacted her about the job over the weekend, Hermione had gotten the impression that if she had said no, she'd probably have been put in Azkaban until Hogwarts was back in session four weeks from now. Apparently, the Ministry of Magic took the education of young witches and wizards a bit more seriously than she initially thought.

This "grade school" of sorts for young witches and wizards was a newly created establishment. Apparently, the new Minister, Rufus Scrimgeour, had deemed it necessary for magical kids in the six to ten age range to receive at least a basic understanding of magic before entering Hogwarts. Admittedly, Hermione thought that was a good idea, but given her most recent experience with young kids, did she really have to be involved in it?

She got her answer a few minutes later.

By then, the Principal, Mrs. Fogg had entered the office and took the seat at her desk. She was accompanied by another, older woman; one whom Hermione recognized: Ms. Stats, the woman who had helped integrate Hermione into the Mini Ministry earlier that summer. Hermione was surprised, yet curious, that she was here, too.

"Thank you for coming in this morning, Ms. Granger," said Mrs. Fogg, who spoke in a voice that sounded like a middle ground between Professor McGonagall and Hermione herself. "No doubt you're wondering why you're here."

"Yes, Ma'am."

"Well, to be perfectly honest," continued Mrs. Fogg, "we require your services here. As a temporary teacher."

Hermione feared this had been coming. She shifted nervously in her seat and cleared her throat before answering. "Ah … excuse me, Mrs. Fogg, but do you mind if I ask why?"

"I understand your hesitation," Mrs. Fogg nodded, "given your recent … entanglement with children. In fact, that's part of the reason why we want you, apart from our officially designated teacher being on three weeks of bedrest in St. Mungo's after an unfortunate run-in with Devil's Snare."

Hermione looked, and was, puzzled. "I'm sorry?"

It was then that Ms. Stats stepped forward, producing a copy of the Daily Prophet from her bag. When the paper was plopped down onto Mrs. Fogg's desk, Hermione could see that it was a copy of the issue which had come out the day after she'd quit at the Mini Ministry. The main picture showed her in front of the day care house, completely naked, getting covered in blue paint that had glitter mixed into it. Hermione gazed down at her feet in shame and embarrassment. She recalled the letters she'd gotten shortly after from Harry and Ron expressing their … concern.

"Your brief stint at the Mini Ministry was obviously ill-received," explained Ms. Stats in a stern voice. "Not only did it cast our whole magical education and children care system in a bad light, it also created doubt about the Ministry's ability to recruit adequate care-givers and teachers."

Hermione quickly caught on to the implication. "So you wanted me back, this time teaching a kindergarten class, to prove that the Ministry is capable of doing that."

"I'm aware that last time, you were assured the children would be well-behaved," said Mrs. Fogg as she leaned forward, giving Ms. Stats a questionable look, which Ms. Stats responded to in kind by giving Mrs. Fogg an icy stare. "But this time, you can put more stock into such a statement."

Before Hermione could reply, Ms. Stats pulled out something else from her bag: a single piece of parchment, which she deposited on top of the Daily Prophet. "Since this three-week job begins today," the old woman said, "time is of the essence. We have no other candidates in mind for the job, and the class can't spend their first day of school without a teacher. Once you sign this contract and set foot in the classroom in the capacity of a teacher, there is absolutely no backing out."

Hermione had to ask the obvious question: "And, what if I say no?"

Ms. Stats huffed, reaffirming to Hermione the fact that she resembled Umbridge. "If you say no, then the contract states that you must pay a fine to the Ministry and the parents of the children who were previously in your care. And I assure you, Ms. Granger, it's considerably higher than the price of school books."

So, the Ministry was blackmailing her, in a way. Lovely.

A quill appeared in Hermione's hand. But she didn't immediately sign. Through her head ran the bad memories of the Mini Ministry. From having beetles put in her hair, to getting spun in the air like a Spinning Top and finally to having her bare butt paddled, she was in no hurry to be alone with kids again. However, if she could fix her public image after that whole fiasco, then that was more important.

"Yes, consider it a favor." It seemed Ms. Stats was a skilled Legilimens.

So, Hermione sighed and signed her name on the contract. It vanished into thin air immediately after.

There was no turning back now.

From there, everything happened so fast. Ms. Stats left their company and Mrs. Fogg navigated Hermione out of the office and through a sea of fresh-faced students until they reached the door of Hermione's assigned classroom. The room took a while to reach, as it seemed to be a bit more far-removed from the majority of other classrooms.

"Here is your room," said Mrs. Fogg. She peeked in through the window. "Every room is soundproof, to prevent the noises of other classes being a distraction and vice versa. Anyway, the children are all in there, waiting for you." She handed Hermione a folder. "Here is the class roster, along with a basic list of activities. Magic should only be used if the lesson dictates it. It's 8:29 now, the day begins in one minute. So, just go in, introduce yourself, take attendance and get the day going. I'm confident you'll do well."

And with that, Mrs. Fogg went back the way they came, leaving Hermione alone in the hallway, gathering herself.

"Relax," she said out loud. "This isn't the Mini Ministry. Just assert yourself, and you'll do fine."

Hermione breathed in and out once and grabbed the doorknob. But before she entered, she took a moment to gaze through the door and observe the layout of the classroom.

The group of seven children sat on a multicolored rug, on which was the alphabet, in front of the blackboard. Hermione's desk sat directly to the left of the blackboard. On the left wall were mini-closets which were connected until they stopped, where the cubby holes were. The right side of the room was divided into two sections: the first being a play area with shelves of toys and other fun items, some of which were whirring and even making bubbles. Hermione darkly recalled a situation with green bubbles all those weeks ago.

The second half of the right side had an assortment of small tables meant for various work-fueled activities, as well as snack time. The room's windows were behind them. Speaking of food, though, there was another area in the back of the room that seemed to function as a mini-kitchen. There was a wall-length counter, complete with cabinets, sink and paper towel roll.

To the right of that was an open door, which provided access to a bathroom.

All in all, every necessity was pretty much at arm's length.

Hermione cleared her throat, straightened out her pink top that went with her jeans, and finally stepped over the threshold.

"Good morning, class!" Hermione greeted in a bright tone.

She made her way to the blackboard, not facing the children yet. "My name is Hermione Granger, and I'll be your teacher until your previous instructor returns in a few weeks. To make things easy for you, you can just call me Hermione. Now, then." She opened the folder and found the attendance sheet. "When I call your name, please say "Here. Tony Jenkins!"

Hermione glanced up as a black-haired boy with a toothy grin cried "Here!"

"Alice Langstrom!"

She was a brown-haired girl with bright blue eyes.

"Bruno Peckham!"

"Here!" shouted a black boy who had a wild, energetic look about him.

Just before Hermione could call out the next name, she felt her stomach drop. The next name, Lori Becker, was very familiar, as were the six names following it: Miles Jinks, Barrin Jones, Torics Melver, Aggy Neimer, Sammy Stephens and Benjamin Thomas.

In other words, they were the mini Ministry kids. As Hermione lowered the folder to get her first look at them in weeks, she could confirm that they all were indeed "Here."

The principal forgot to mention THEY were in this class! Hermione thought angrily. Of course, it was too late to leave now. She rubbed her eyes and groaned.

All of the kids in question were currently staring at Hermione in evil anticipation. Then, each of them traded amused looks.

These looks clearly said: this is too good to be true!

"Time to play!" Aggy whispered to Lori, while giggling madly.