Becoming
A/N: This story was inspired by Diggly-Love between 2 girls' The Seductresses of Hogwarts. I couldn't get the idea of Hogwarts training seducers out of my head. While the basic concept is the same, the story will be much different from hers, which I encourage you all to go and read.
This story is not Half-Blood Prince or Deathly Hallows compatible.
The time after OWLS was strange in its emptiness- suddenly, there were no more tests to study for or stress out over, and Hermione Granger was spending the glorious new free time to read a few books that had caught her attention for no other reason than looking interesting. It was there that Professor McGonagall found her a few hours before the departure of the Hogwarts Express, desperately trying to finish the last few chapters of a book.
"Miss Granger," Professor McGonagall whispered. Even as a teacher, she could be slightly frightened my Madam Pince's librarian persona. "Miss Granger!" She repeated a bit louder, reaching out to touch the girl's shoulder.
Hermione finally noticed the older woman, raising her head from her book but keeping a finger on her place. "Oh, hello Professor. Can I help you with something?" The intense, worried look on McGonagall's face was worrying her- could something have gone wrong or somebody killed?
"Miss Granger, I just had to talk to you about your class schedule for next year. It is my duty to inform you that you have been invited to join a special class for your last two years, one that very few even know exists." The professor's expression had loosened a bit, but to Hermione it seemed like a bit of pity had creeped in there as well.
Pity? For being invited to a special class? How strange, Hermione thought. Trying to keep her expression and voice calm, she asked, "What is this class on, Professor McGonagall?"
"Unfortunately, I cannot tell you this until after you have either agreed to participate or declined the opportunity. I also unfortunately offer you no guidance on this matter- it must be entirely your choice."
This statement sent Hermione's head spinning- Professor McGonagall, whom she had counted on over the past five years for so much academic advice, couldn't help her on this? Well, she thought to herself, it must be a great opportunity; something so advanced it isn't open except by special invitation. Raising her eyes to meet the older woman's, she said just two words. "I accept."
Professor McGonagall gave her a strange half-smile. "Miss Granger, I hope you have chosen wisely, for there is no turning back now. So tell me, what do you know of the art of seduction?"
Seduction? What could that have to do with her great academic opportunity? Hermione experienced a moment of panic before realizing the truth. She had just agreed to be turned into a seducer, a sexual being. That's what I get for agreeing blindly to things, she thought wryly to herself. "Professor," she shyly began to ask, "is this a class on seduction?"
McGonagall slowly nodded, her eyes taking in the look of panic on the girl's face. Of course, she though, she is Muggleborn. She has no concept of seduction in the magical world. "Miss Granger, it is indeed. In the wizarding world, seduction is thought of as an art. It takes a command of your body and your magic. I understand that in the Muggle world, it is seen as a dirty thing. For us, it is completely opposite. The amount of skill and training involved garner great respect from those who are aware of all you can do. To be chosen for the seduction course is an honor, one that you are uniquely suited for."
"I don't understand," Hermione blurted out after McGonagall was finished with her explanation. "In no way am I cut out to be a seducer. Boys aren't attracted to me, I tend to scare people with my intellect, and I've never had sex. All of that should disqualify me."
Professor McGonagall smiled, a true smile this time. "Yes, all of that is true. But it is not any of that that matters. It is the way you carry yourself and can read other people. I can see you formulating plans in your head. The other skills can be taught, and will be, but your thought process can't."
Hermione, still in her state of shock, was silent. The way I think will help me become a seducer? That makes no sense at all.
McGonagall could tell that she would need more time to process the situation. "Miss Granger, all I ask of you this summer is to relax. Think more about what I've explained. I do have a book for you to read that will answer more of your questions. Above all, you must tell nobody of your new path, not even your best friends or parents. Is that understood?"
Hermione nodded mutely, accepted the book McGonagall handed to her. She watched as McGonagall rose from her seat and walked toward the library door, turning around just before exiting. "Miss Granger, I do suggest you get to your dorm and be sure you're ready to leave. Summer begins soon."
