"Hermione, we need to talk," Ron says to her.

"What's wrong, dear?"

"It-it's about us. I can't do this any more."

"What are you talking about?"

"I've moved on. I don't want to be in this any more."

"That's just like you—to give up when the going gets tough! If you want us to be over, then fine! We're over!" she spits in his face. Crying, Hermione runs up the stairs of the Burrow to pack her bags and leave.

"Hermione! What's wrong?" Ginny asks.

"I'm leaving. Ron and I are done." She wipes the tears from her face and angrily shoves books and clothes into her trunks.

"What did that bloody prat do?"

"He said... he'd moved on..."

"I'm going to teach that lame excuse for a human a lesson."

"No need, Ginny. I'm leaving, so he won't regret anything. Goodbye. You have been a great friend. I'll keep in touch." The two hug, and just before Hermione Apparates, Harry barges in.

"Wait. I want a goodbye too. I'm still your friend." Harry hugs Hermione quickly and she leaves without another word.

The quietness started to sink in once she realized where she was. Hermione had Apparated to a small cottage that sat by the ocean. It wasn't Shell Cottage, though. Nowhere close. The small cottage was, in fact, the one Ron had bought her for her birthday a few months earlier. A surprise to move into; it never happened. No memories to remember here. She was safe. Alone.

"Whoo!"

Hermione jumped at the sound of the brown owl. It sat upon the windowsill of the cottage. Hermione retrieved the note that clung to the owl's leg.

Hermione Jean Granger,

A teaching position at Hogwarts is open. The class you would teach is Charms. We, the staff and students of Hogwarts, would be elated if you accepted this position in our school. Please consider this opportunity and contact us soon.

Minerva McGonagall

"Charms professor. Professor Granger. That sounds about right. I think I will. It will get my mind off of that bloody git," she murmured. Hermione hurried inside and pulled out a quill and a piece of parchment and started writing her reply.

Professor McGonagall,

I will gladly accept the position of Charms professor. I will arrive at Hogwarts a week before the school year starts, if that is all right. Thank you for this opportunity.

Hermione Jean Granger

She strapped the note onto the owl's leg and sent it off. Hermione had no idea what she just started.

August flew by for Hermione as she planned lessons for her students. A week before the Hogwarts Express would leave King's Cross Station, she set of for Hogwarts. The new professor set up her classroom and office and placed her personal belongings in her room.

"There you are Miss Granger. Your presence is required in this meeting. Follow me." Hermione reluctantly followed the headmistress into a large lounge. She looked at all the witches and wizards standing and talking to one another and felt nervous."Have a seat, everyone." McGonagall told the other professors.

Hermione looked at the professors and recognized very few. Neville Longbottom, Herbology professor no doubt; Professor Trawlany, Firenze, Professor McGonagall, of course; and... Draco Malfoy? "What is Malfoy doing here?" thought Hermione.

"This is the new addition to our staff. Miss Hermione Granger is the Charms professor now." the headmistress introduced.

"A pleasure to meet you, Miss Granger. I'm Caraline Radine. I teach Arithmancy." the older woman said as she shook Hermione's hand.

"Hermione! So good to see you! How are you?" Neville asked, surprised to see her at the school.

"Great, actually! It's great to see you too, Neville." She told him, giving him a hug.

"Miss Granger! My dear, you have grown since you were last in my class!" the Divination professor exclaimed.

"Yes. I remember your class. I left around Easter of third year." Hermione said awkwardly.

"Hermione Granger. Peculiar. I never had you in any of my classes." Firenze intervened.

"I didn't take your class. I thought it was a waste of time in my third year." Hermione felt even more awkward after she had said this.

"Hello, Granger." a familiar voice whispered in her ear. She spun around quickly to see none other than Draco Malfoy,"Long time, no see."

"What are you doing here?" she spat.

"I work here, of course."

"Really? What class?"

"Defense Against the Dark Arts," he told her smiling.

"Lord have mercy on your students."

"May I ask what you are teaching?"

"Charms. Weren't you listening to what Professor McGonagall was saying?"

"I guess not."

"This should be one hell of a year..." Hermione muttered.