Harry Potter sat lazily beside the lake, finishing the last of his Potions essay. His best friend, Ron Weasley sat next to him, yawning. He could be heard muttering "Hermione taking our freedom of Quidditch away" under his breath. Ginny, who was sitting beside Harry, turned around and glared at Ron. "Seriously, I don't know how Hermione puts up with you. All you do is complain, and you're already 18! And besides, Hermione finished all of her work."

Harry grinned. A lot had happened—he, Ron, and Hermione had just come back to Hogwarts to finish their 7th year, and as a result, Ginny was in all of the same classes. The new school year had just started. Professor McGonagall was now headmistress, and the four of them were not surprised to know that she ruled with an iron fist. McGonagall may be older, but she had not lost any of her discipline. The remaining teachers were the same, but the Transfiguration and DADA teacher spots were empty.

Stretching, Harry stood up, only to find himself face to face with McGonagall. "A word with you, Potter." McGonagall said crisply.

"Sure, Professor," Harry said, wondering what this was about. Hermione was standing next to McGonagall and was beaming at him.

McGonagall led them past the grounds, into the castle, and then into the Headmistress Office. Harry had not been here yet, and he was eager to see what McGonagall had done to it. Surprisingly, she left everything the way it was, just adding many bookshelves, quills, and a cat.

"Ms. Granger, Mr. Potter, I assume you know why you are here." Hermione jumped up and down eagerly, and Harry glanced at her. She, however, did not indicate any clues to him.

"Er, no, Professor, actually…"

She raised an eyebrow at him. "Of course this is a big favor, Potter, and I won't force you to accept it, but…"

"Oh Harry," Hermione squeaked, "Don't tell me you're as thick as Ron!"

Harry gaped at her. "But I haven't done anything…"

"On the contrary, Potter, you have done many things." Professor McGonagall cut in. "Well, let's officially do it to Ms. Granger to give you a hint, Potter." She took her wand out and tapped it on Hermione's head.

"Ms. Hermione Granger, do you swear to try to be fair and knowledgeable with all students, use your responsibility as a teacher to distribute house points, and give detentions, and use your luxuries carefully?"

"I do!"

"Will you take the post of Transfiguration teacher?"

"Yes!" Hermione sounded ecstatic. Well, she was the youngest teacher for more than a century. He felt elated for her. But what did he have to do with this? No, it couldn't be. It was too sudden.

"Mr. Harry Potter, do you swear to try to be fair and knowledgeable with all students, use your responsibility as a teacher to distribute house points, and give detentions, and use your luxuries carefully?"

"Umm…" Harry could not believe this. He would be the new DADA teacher. Did he really want this? Didn't he want to be an Auror?

"This is just temporarily." McGonagall said, as if reading his thoughts. "The rest of the Wizarding World is far too busy celebrating. She sniffed.

"Er, sure…" Harry was speechless. He had never expected this. But he remember all the DA lessons, how he had loved it.

"Professor? How will we keep up with our work?" Hermione suddenly asked.

Professor McGonagall smiled. "You have done more than enough. You do not need to pass your NEWTS, but if you still want to have the work, I have plenty to give. Though you are a teacher, you should still finish your studies." Then she turned to Harry.

"Will you take the post of Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher?"

Harry's heart pounded. He saw Dumbledore's twinkling eyes behind McGonagall's head, and he nodded. "Yes."

Hermione fainted next to him. Then, for one strange moment, he wondered what Ron would think.