Disclaimer: I do not own the Harry Potter universe, J.K. Rowling does, and I worship her! I only borrow the characters and settings for entertainment purposes!
Author's Note: So, I tried to stick to the Canon story as closely as possible, besides of course my whole entire plot, haha. That's why I'm dubbing this an AU story, because as long as I have been a Harry Potter fan, I'm sure I could still mess something up. Plus, I really had to work around my plot to make it work somehow. I promise I'm researching things as best as I can. Feel free to let me know if there are any huge errors, but I strictly adhere to creative licensure as well : ) Reviews are greatly appreciated. I hope you enjoy this first chapter. Lastly, the title may change in the future, in which I will give you all a heads up. Thanks in advance.
Extra Note: I originally had Hermione as the new Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher, mainly because I wanted her to be head of Gryffindor house and I figured she'd have to take one of the main classes to be that as well. I struggled with where to put her and ended up choosing that class. I'm abruptly changing this over a review I got a few minutes ago from a guest (NotEnoughRsrch4u) -clearly I didn't do my research lol and they were very adamant about the fact that Hermione had gotten all O's on her OWLS except for DADA (which I don't even mention the OWLS, I mentioned the NEWTS, stating she got top marks in all subjects) and that my story is very unbelievable mostly because of this. Well, I'm a people pleaser, and even though I believe I could make it work with her as the new DADA teacher, (think about it, she could teach about boggarts and the patronus charm) I'm editing this now before it gets too far and changing her to the new History of Magic professor, and we all know how much Hermione loves Hogwarts: A History and all that so perhaps that will be easier to write about than if she was the DADA Professor. Maybe she will have to stand in as DADA professor for a class or two and I'll show you what that girl can do! Also, the original HOM professor was Cuthbert Binns, who is actually a ghost and doesn't really even know he's dead, so it should be interesting to see how I'll play that out. Despite it being believable or not, I'm still going to make her the Head of Gryffindor house because McGonagall is Headmistress and whoever I decide is the actual DADA professor will not be wanted as the Head of the house. Any thoughts or questions, please let me know. Also, I reiterate, CREATIVE LICENSURE. Thanks.
Teacher's Pet
Chapter One
The wedding had been beautiful from start to finish, the steady feelings of serenity and peace enveloping them unlike any time before. They could all enjoy themselves without the heightened sense of fear and danger rippling in the back of their minds like it always had been in past years. Harry and Ginny's union took place at the Burrow, mirroring Bill and Fleur's wedding, but unlike then, there was no frightening interruptions, no great war looming in the distance. The future was as hopeful and normal as it should be.
Delightful melodies of music resonated throughout the candle-lit yard, the stars brightly shimmered above in what seemed like approval, the warmth of the air was only dashed by a light breeze, and the favorited Ogden's Old Firewhiskey poured freely into the glasses of this close-knit group of wizards and witches.
Hermione Granger was brimming with joy for her dear companions that she had known for so very long. When Ginevra had glided down the aisle in a long, fitted and lacy pearl-colored gown, and Harry was intently awaiting his soon to be wife with a beaming smile, Hermione had just lost it. She hadn't meant to sob so profusely, she really didn't. It had been quite embarrassing as she attempted to keep herself together. Considering Ginny and Harry opted to not have bridesmaids or groomsmen so as to keep it simple, Hermione sat beside Ronald. It was a bit awkward when Hermione instinctively leaned into him and clutched his arm for comfort as she wept because only a few months before she had abruptly ended her relationship with him. After the initial surprise of her sudden affection, Ron covered her hand with his and gave her a warm smile, seemingly unaffected by the gesture.
The break-up hadn't been easy. She knew that Ron was still hurt. It was after their first year of dating that Hermione realized she no longer felt the passion she had always assumed she felt for him. In fact, during school, her heart had always longed for him, believing that they would be the perfect couple, seeing as how they were best friends. She figured she could eventually get over his annoying little habits; like speaking with his mouth full, chewing with it open, always putting food and Quidditch before anything else, berating her for being a "nag", among others. She longed for a more intellectual partner. Yes, Ron was a war-hero, and it's not that he wasn't smart. It just seemed that whenever she wanted to discuss something that she found to be incredibly fascinating he seemed to tune her out and complain how she was blabbering again. Hermione needed someone who would listen to her, who appreciated her thirst for knowledge and challenged her mentally. Unfortunately, Ronald could not be those things.
She had chopped up the reason for her almost uncontrollable crying to the feeling of final relief washing over her since the war had ended. It had been built up the last almost two years, from the grieving of losing so many people, to the realization she was not in love with Ron, and then to see the outcome of Harry and Ginny's wedding, it had all hit her so fast. Tension she had felt in her neck and shoulders seemed to melt away as her tears soon ceased to fall and the bride and groom said their vows, a love that had truly prevailed after all of the heartache and loss of the war.
After dinner, many toasts were made, not only congratulating the newly-weds, but also a remembrance of how much they were glad the war had been over, and how it had changed them all. Hermione had wanted to make an announcement of her own but noticed how everyone seemed restless as the speeches drew on and on, so she gave only a few polite words of happiness and encouragement and everyone was ready for mingling and dancing.
Hermione took a seat as she watched the friends she could call family cheerfully parade around, striking up conversations with each other, glasses of alcohol in tow. Neville Longbottom was patting Harry on the back as the "boy who lived" took his hand in a vigorous shake. Ginny was giving hugs to Molly and Arthur who were so proud to call her their daughter. George was chatting quietly but pleasantly with Bill and Fleur. He hadn't been the same since the war, and rightfully so. She smiled as she saw him empty his firewhiskey onto the grass, understanding that he was pouring one out for Fred. Hermione observed Percy excuse himself from a conversation with Michael Corner and head back towards the house. 'Merlin knows what he would be doing.' Dean Thomas was already giving it all he had on the dance floor along-side Charlie Weasley, Hannah Abbot, Oliver Wood, Susan Bones and Ernie Macmillan. Even Parvati and Padma Patil were invited and were happily fawning over everyone's choice of outfits. Hagrid was having a grand time watching everything in jovial amusement. He nudged Seamus Finnigan, almost knocking him over, and asked the Irish-man to fill up his glass, seeing as how Seamus was holding a bottle.
Then she heard a fluttering of laughter and turned her head to see Luna Lovegood in giggles over something Ron had said, and he seemed to be enjoying her reaction very much. She had a light flush on her cheeks and looked incredibly pretty in her deep purple dress. When did Luna become so smitten with Ron? Hermione had never noticed before, but she didn't mind, just curious. She was under the impression that Neville had the hots for her, but perhaps it never worked out between the two. She saw Ron offer the blonde witch his arm and she accepted it as they walked to the dance floor. Hermione mentally fist pumped. It appeared that maybe they had a connection? 'Go you, Ronald. You deserve to be happy.' She poignantly thought to herself. Just then Harry and Ginny approached her. Hermione absentmindedly took a sip from her glass as they sat next to her on each side.
"You know, 'Mione," Ginny began. "We can tell when something is off about you."
"Yes, what is it that you're hiding from us?" Harry persisted with a lazy grin. 'Well, they certainly got right to the point.'
"Merlin, am I really that transparent?" Hermione whined in response.
"Just a bit," the red-head chuckled and softly grabbed her hand in reassurance. "Now tell us, what's going on? Is it about Ron?" she whispered. Hermione grimaced at the mention of her ex-boyfriend but only sighed in exasperation.
"No, it's not about Ron." She paused and they both looked at her expectantly. She gritted her teeth. "Okay, okay, I'll tell you, just don't make a huge scene or anything, alright? I don't want to cause a stir or take away the lime-light from both of you." Harry and Ginny looked at each other and back to her.
"Agreed, obviously," said Harry.
Hermione took a deep breath and straightened in her seat. "Right then, well, I was offered a position for a job and I've already accepted."
"That's great 'Mione!" Ginny exclaimed. "What is it?" They were very curious because since the war ended and then after her graduation from Hogwarts before that summer, Hermione could not decide on a full-time career and had been very indecisive about every idea she had come up with and the jobs she had been offered. She had outstanding marks on her N.E.W.T.S in every subject meaning she could have her pick of the litter.
"I exchanged letters recently with Headmistress McGonagall, and she has reached out to me with a wondrous invitation: to go to Hogwarts to become the new History of Magic professor and be the official Head of Gryffindor house." She gaged their reaction as they silently looked at each other in awe. When the shock of her confession subsided Ginny squealed out in excitement and Harry let out a huge "HAHA, NO WAY!" People looked over and began to stare at the source of the outburst. At this point, Percy happened to return and swiftly walked passed them with raised eyebrows.
"Hermione Granger that is the best news I've heard all day! Besides of course, being told I'm the wife to Harry Potter. I'm so blimey happy for you!" her claret-haired friend proclaimed as she threw her arms around her in a big hug.
"Oh, yes 'Mione, this is amazing news." Harry said. "Why did you want to keep it a secret? We should tell everyone!" He stood up and strutted away to the front of the dining area before Hermione had a chance to react and he jumped up on a table. "Excuse me, everyone, listen up! We have a great announcement!" he bellowed. Everyone stopped what they were doing and turned to the groom in anticipation. Hermione whacked her hand against her forehead, awaiting the now inevitable. They had agreed they wouldn't make a huge deal out of it! "Oh, for Merlin's sake…" she mumbled under her breath.
"C'mon!" Ginny said, ignoring her obvious discomfort and took her arm, leading her to where Harry was.
"My best friend and dearest companion of these last nine years, whom I wouldn't have known what to do without, who is the smartest woman, no, person I've ever met," he was rambling now and slurring a little, definitely buzzed from the booze. "Hermione Granger," he hiccupped in the middle of her first name, how endearing. "…Has accepted the teacher's position for History of Magic at Hogwarts!" Hermione sheepishly smiled but rolled her eyes and peered down at the floor as the crowd of guests erupted in a roar of applause and cheer. "Oh ho, not only that, but she's going to be the Head of Gryffindor!" The applause and rambunctious cheering grew louder if possible, and Hermione shuffled her feet awkwardly. She wasn't exactly used to being the center of attention unless it was her duty to be, and she blushed in modesty as many of the others rushed over to her and offered her their congratulations. Even Ron came up to give her a hug, Luna right behind him to do the same.
Ginny was the one to exclaim loudly now as she lifted her glass, "A toast, to Hermione!" And everyone lifted up their glasses.
"Hermione!" they roared in unison, and she deliberately decided to drink a little bit too much after that to calm her nerves.
The rest of the evening was a blur but she remembered feeling very happy and at peace for once in her life.
A week later and Hermione was once again in route to the ancient school, the place she had always felt was truly her home in her heart. This time she would be returning not as a student, but part of the well-respected faculty! She felt extremely gleeful, excitement and nervous jitters taking over, yet she remained calm and collected on the outside. She was arriving via Hogwarts Express, but a day before the students would be arriving, so she figured she was alone. No one had come to greet her yet, and McGonagall had owled her yesterday, stating she would meet with her upon arrival to go over plans and regulations, all that. She had also owled with the letter a debriefing of her duties as well as a list of everything she'd need to pack. There was a p.s. note on the personal part of the letter as well that said there was something of slight importance she had forgot to mention, but she didn't want to say it over a letter thinking it would be rude and that she would find out soon enough. That alone was enough to make a girl woe with ponder.
Ginny could have been attending her seventh year to finish her schooling, but had opted to take after her twin brothers, as well as Ron and Harry, and drop out early. Hermione wished slightly that her best girlfriend could be here with her like last year, so she would at least have someone familiar to go back to Hogwarts with and someone to confide in all year long, but she pushed the thought away for she was happy for her friends. Harry had been pursuing a career as an Auror, which was expected, and Ron long ago decided to join his brother George as co-owner of Weasley's Wizard Wheezes. Ginny had not yet chosen a career path, but Hermione guessed that the youngest Weasley would be just fine with staying home for now and rooting for her husband. She smiled at the thought of the two conceiving children, and that perhaps it would happen sooner than later.
She was alone in a compartment, switching back and forth from scanning a book she'd brought along, to peering out through the window and watching the lush, green scenery pass quickly by her. It was a bright and sunny day, mimicking how she felt on the inside. She had just turned to the next page of her novel when a subtle knock sounded at the compartment door. Surprised, she glanced over and saw a tall silhouette behind the translucent glass, patiently awaiting an answer. With hesitation, she set her book down, walked to the door, and opened it. To her utter shock, the familiar smirk of none-other than Draco Malfoy greeted her from the train corridor. His forearm rested upon the door-frame, lazily leaning against it. His stone-grey eyes were lit up with amusement at her obvious astonishment. Before she could even try to make out a coherent word, he spoke with his usual icy drawl, cooling her bones to the core.
"Greetings, Granger," he began. "You'd think I'd have cast a Full-Body Bind on you with how stunned you look right now." She indeed felt as if she'd been rendered paralyzed by the Petrificus Totalus spell.
"Malfoy, wh-what are you doing here?" she managed to croak out, her throat suddenly closing up and her mouth dry as a desert.
"You mean, on the Hogwarts Express?" he said sarcastically, pointing down to the floor. He just loved toying with her. It was strange this time, because yes naturally, in the past he always got a good laugh at making her squirm, finding ways to make her cringe or feel uncomfortable, and flat out insulting her, but he was different all last year after the end of the war. He too had also returned to Hogwarts for his seventh year, yet he had been extremely closed off, choosing to finish his school work quietly and not socializing much, as Hermione had perceived. He had no further radical behavior or ideals with being a pure-blood elitist, which she had been more than a bit impressed about, but he clearly had no desire to make new friends or to associate with anyone else besides his closest Slytherin pals, respectively Blaise Zabini, Theodore Nott, and Pansy Parkinson who had all returned as well.
These Slytherin's had been cleared of their charges since they had reformed and switched sides, albeit at the last minute, therefore only served a light probation and most likely community service or something of the like, although Hermione had never heard anything of it. In fact, rather than quenching her curiosity as she usually might, she let them be and for the most part ignored them all for the whole year, sensing their very-much wanted isolation rather quickly. She hadn't wanted to push anyone's issues, or upset them, so she observed little by little from afar, keeping small tabs for her own knowledge. She had gathered that Malfoy had done extremely well on his N.E.W.T.S and despite his criminal record and past follies, would probably be able to get a great job at the Ministry. So, why on earth was he here, on the way back to Hogwarts? And behaving like his normal self, no doubt.
Hermione, finally gaining her composure, habitually placed her hands on her hips in annoyance at his snarky nature. "Why, yes Malfoy, where else would I be referring to?" She wasn't sure why she played into his games. He didn't answer at first, looking into her eyes for a couple seconds before shrugging and taking a seat on the bench across from the one she had been sitting on moments ago.
"Humor me with a guess," He said. He seemed down-right jolly and it truly bothered her. What did he know that she didn't? Reluctantly she sat back down on her own bench, crossing her arms and gave her best educated answer without thinking it through, exactly.
"You're on official business for the Ministry, heading to Hogwarts for a meeting with Headmistress McGonagall." She stated it in a very matter-of-fact tone, but it was more of a question, obviously. Draco actually laughed out loud. This appalled her deeply.
"What makes you think I work for the Ministry of Magic?" He asked thoughtfully.
"Well, I assumed-"
"You assumed?" he cut her off and his usual, more familiar sneer graced his pale features. He seemed insulted. "Tsk-tsk," he wagged his long finger at her in disapproval. "Granger, brightest witch of her age they say, yet she can't help assuming that she understands everything," his glaring eyes sent shivers down her spine. "Ever the know-it-all." He said icily, and at these words Hermione visibly cringed. She absolutely loathed when people called her that. She wanted to lash out at him, but these days she knew better. She sighed.
"Look, Malfoy," she couldn't believe she was about to apologize. "I didn't mean to assume, I just… I'm very sorry, okay?" she finished, peering up at him hopefully. His gaze immediately softened but he still made her feel extremely vulnerable, naked even. She took this time to get a good look at him as he mulled over her words.
His silvery blonde hair had grown quite a bit, skimming his shoulders. It was a bit unkempt, so unlike how he had worn it years ago. It was, dare she say, a more charming look? He still had his trade-mark Malfoy pale skin, but it wasn't pasty like it used to be, it actually suited him now. He was taller, way taller than Harry or Ron, and lean as ever yet had built up years of muscle, most likely from all of that Quidditch playing. She could make out his toned body through his slightly fitted, grey long-sleeved shirt which complimented his eyes. Truthfully, she had always agreed that he was a good-looking person, but had immediately dismissed any of these thoughts based on his indifferent, ignorant personality, which had been the number one turn-off.
Draco hadn't missed the way her eyes flickered as they swept from his hair down to his upper body. He let his smirk return on his mouth as he too gave her a good look up and down, inwardly wanting to give her a taste of her own medicine, so to speak. The first thing he dwelled on was her caramel colored hair, which he had observed last year, quietly and at a distance. It was much longer now, reaching down to her waist, and tame as it had ever been. It fell gracefully in smooth, thick curls. He stole a glance at her figure, which he had never truly got to survey, being as she was always covered in unflattering black robes in his presence. She was sporting a very casual look, like he was. Muggle-denim "jeans" adorned her bottom half, and since it was such a warm day she had on a simple white t-shirt which hugged her in all the right places. He unconsciously licked his lips and his gaze traveled up to her neck and face, which he noticed for the first time in his life, was sprinkled with a fair amount of freckles. A light dusting coated her nose and cheeks and dotted around her collar-bone like grated chocolate. Their eyes locked together again and they both wondered how long they had been sitting there in silence which suddenly seemed so deafening.
Clearing his throat, he said, "Well, if we're done checking each other out," and Hermione's face flushed with embarrassment. He sighed. "I accept your apology, if that's what we're calling that." He wasn't sure why he couldn't think of something wittier to say.
"That's great," she huffed. "Now, please, tell me why you are coming to Hogwarts." She made sure he heard her "please" loud and clear. She wasn't about to pathetically beg, especially not to Draco Malfoy.
He decided he would give her what she wanted this time, but Merlin, it was fun to play with her. "I was offered the position for Potions Master, since Slughorn resigned." Hermione's mouth gaped open in shock. She wasn't shocked at the nature of the position, for she knew Malfoy had excellent, if not the best grades in that class, and not even just because of Snape favoring him. He excelled because of his natural talent. No, she was more shocked that they would be work-related companions, that they'd be spending a great deal of time together, that they'd be living in the same castle indefinitely, and more importantly, she was upset that McGonagall hadn't told her! This must have been what she was warning her about in the letter she received.
All she could muster for now was, "When did you accept the position?"
"I applied for it right after graduation, when Slughorn made his announcement to retire. They offered it to me a few weeks later." He told her. Then, Hermione realized something that irked her even further.
"Um, why aren't you more surprised to see me?" she asked but answered for him, sort of. "You knew already, then? And you came to my compartment to discuss things." He nodded.
"Well, yeah. To be fair, I thought you knew as much as I did."
"Ah, I see."
He gave her a look of suspicion. "You're not actually mad about this, are you, Granger?"
"Uh, no." she responded, sensing his supposition. "Just blind-sided, honestly." He regarded her words and seemed to approve of her answer. "It had just never occurred to me that you'd probably be the perfect person for the job, so I congratulate you. That's great news." He looked at her in disbelief.
"Wow, Granger, I'm shook." He clutched at his chest and hissed, wincing as if he were in pain. "That might be the first compliment you've ever given me, let alone a congratulations." She gave him a small grin at his reaction, surprisingly finding him humorous for once. "Perhaps there is hope for you yet." He smiled a real smile.
"Don't get used to it." She said but her eyes were glinting playfully. This was so strange. Never in her life could she have imagined she'd be sitting across from Draco Malfoy, having a civil conversation with him, on their way to shared employment together. If you had told her this would happen years ago she'd have laughed in your face and called you crazy. Now, she felt crazy. He was having similar thoughts on his end. Before it got any more awkward, Draco got up from the bench and made his way to the door.
"We should be arriving very shortly. I need to go collect my things." He said and opened the door. Hermione only nodded and picked up her abandoned book, ready to skim another page or two, when he turned around and said, "And congratulations to you as well. You… you deserve it." And ending on that note he quickly exited the compartment, leaving her astounded at his words.
Hermione almost gasped, and pinched her arm to see if she was dreaming. Finding that she was wide-awake and this happened to be real life, she realized at that moment, that this was a fresh, new start for both of them, and that it was only the beginning. She also reasoned that she was going to give the Headmistress a piece of her mind... in a very non-hostile way.
Draco sat down and thought over the event that had just taken place. He scratched his chin in contemplation; how she was so shocked to see him, to have to work with him; the way she smiled as she relaxed and her playful eyes; the fact that he could make out what was going on underneath her clothes and found that he had liked it. Then, the unwanted and unfamiliar flutter of butterflies in his abdomen pulled him out of his stupor. If he hadn't been by himself surely someone would have noticed the blush forming on his cheeks. He shook his head to bring himself back to reality. 'This could get interesting.' He thought, and ruminated all of the different scenarios that might take place in working with Granger. He had realized long before today that he had to tone himself down a bit, that no one would want to be near or talk to a self-righteous, obnoxious git like he used to be, especially with his history. Sure, he was still Draco Malfoy, but dare he say, new and improved? Yes, indeed. This would be a fresh-start for him to make a new name for himself. Perhaps he would even enjoy working with the know-it-all. He noticed how upset she looked when he said that, and decided to reserve that statement for times when she was really getting on his nerves.
Somewhere deep in the recesses of his mind was the inkling of the idea that maybe he had always jabbed fun at her because a part of him admired her, perhaps even went as far as to say he liked her all those years, but couldn't express it because of his upbringing. Noticing the castle over yonder through the window, he gathered all of his items and headed down the corridor back to Granger's compartment. They might as well walk together, right?
AN: Okay, wow, first chapter finished. I got a little bit tired at the end, considering I stayed up all night to write this haha. Please, let me know what you think!