Hermione was pacing back and forth outside of the headmaster's office. The butterflies in her stomach had been there for the last hour as she waited for her mother to emerge from Dumbledore's office. She wasn't sure why she allowed herself to become so nervous, after all she wasn't the one being evaluated. She wasn't even in trouble. Her mother had an interview you see. Dumbledore knew that Mrs. Jean Granger was a teacher in the muggle public schools. And as his attempt to educate young witches and wizards about the muggle world and how to coexist with them, he thought it wise to have a class or two taught by a muggle. And who better than ? At first, Hermione wasn't sure just how well it would work having her mother at Hogwarts, but after sometime to get used to the idea, she found herself hoping the interview went well.

"Mrs. Granger? What are you doing pacing as you are?"

At that she turned where she was to meet Professor McGonagall standing in her emerald green robes.

"Oh, Professor, uh… hello…" Hermione said a bit absent mindedly. After acknowledging her professor Hermione returned to her worrying. Professor McGonagall looked at her puzzled. As it was, Hermione didn't exactly answer her question.

"Hermione?" she pressed further.

Hermione looked up, "Oh, yes, sorry Professor, Um, just a bit nervous I guess…you see, my mother's –"

"Oh yes, that's right. Well I'm sure that he interview is more than acceptable, she is very well qualified!" Professor McGonagall said.

Hermione smiled…her hands still restless.

"And do stop fidgeting, Miss. Granger, your restlessness won't help one way or another". Professor McGonagall stated.

Just then, the door to professor Dumbledore's office opened.

"Well, Mrs. Granger, it has been lovely to get to know you." Professor Dumbledore said as he and Jean Granger stepped out of the doorway to greet Hermione- who was grinning at the happy faces.

"Well mom?" she questioned.

"Ah, Hermione my dear, your mother is the newest Hogwarts teacher!"

Smiling, Jean hugged her daughter. It was then Professor Dumbledore spotted Professor McGonagall standing with Hermione.

"Ah, Professor- good to see you. I'm sorry this interview took longer than I expected- But, you and I will get to what we must discuss shortly if you have the time" Dumbledore winked at his colleague and with a quick goodbye to the Granger ladies turned back to his office.

"Yes, Professor Dumbledore." Professor reached out a hand to lay on the older Granger's shoulder.

"Congratulations dear- Albus only ever hires the best for Hogwarts!"

As she move to enter Dumbledore's office she turned back to Hermione and paused.

"And dear" she began "Come see me after the first of term next week, we have a little to discuss, but no worries." She gave a light sigh and made her way into the headmaster's office.

The Grangers made their way down to the main entrance of the castle. Just before they left to go to Hogsmeade Mrs. Granger turned to her daughter. "Now dear, you sure you're alright with all this? I know I may be entering your space, I do hope you if you have any reservations, you come to me?"

Hermione threw her arms around her mother. "Oh mum, I couldn't be any happier for you! And it would be good for us to be together. You will be around when to know my friends!"

Knowing this was a lot for their family Jean continued with Hermione down to Hogsmeade.

"So tell me mum! What did Dumbledore say? You were in that meeting long enough." Hermione urged her mother to share with her.

"Well, you do know that we were concerned about your father- well Dumbledore said, given our situation, I can live at home with your father, instead of both of us moving into the castle. And you, well you have your choice of course. You could stay here, or move back home with us."

Knowing full well what her daughter would chose she reached out to hold Hermione's hand. Hermione looked in thought towards her mother for a second.

"Mum, you know I must stay." She smiled.

Hermione knew that her mother and father had had some difficulties a few years back, and she knew it would be good for them to be together. That thought made her happy.

They ate their meal in the Leaky Cauldron. As they finished Hermione and her mother discussed the up-coming school year which was to start in three days: Monday.

"Hey Mum, Professor McGonagall told me earlier that she wanted to discuss something with me. You have any idea what it may be about?" Hermione asked.

"well, hun, I'm not sure. I did mention to her the other day that you had a significantly busy schedule this year and she said something about someway she might be able to help you manage". Jean said.

"Well, maybe that's it." Hermione said.

After dinner they stood in Hogsmeade. They said their goodbyes and Jean Granger made her way back home, Hermione returned to the castle. Just three days away from the start of her third year at Hogwarts. She could feel that this year, things would be different. Hermione made her way to Gryfendore tower and decided on a book to read. She was one of the only students here at the castle since most students wouldn't be arriving until Sunday. She found the castle a bit lonely without everyone- all her friends. Anyway she thought. Soon enough Harry and Ron will be back and things will be back to normal. Yes soon.