"And that concludes our agenda for this afternoon," Professor McGonagall finished. "I wish you all the very best for the upcoming year." Hermione's eyes were fixed on the headmistress, the younger witch rapt with attention and still – at least partially – unable to believe that she was a part of this meeting. Her nerves had calmed a lot since she'd first taken her seat at the table, but she was sure they'd flare up again right before her first class. Even so, she reasoned, I've faced a lot worse – I can handle a bunch of teenagers.

Neville sat to Hermione's left, next to his mentor, Professor Sprout. On Hermione's other side sat Gemma Farley, the young woman Professor McGonagall had chosen to co-teach the new culture class. Hermione didn't know much about her other than that she'd been a Slytherin prefect the year Hermione had started at Hogwarts.

"So, I suppose we're going to be working together, then," Gemma said, rousing Hermione from her thoughts. The other teachers were beginning to depart.

"Um…yes, I suppose we are," Hermione replied, not really sure how to continue with the conversation. For all her intelligence, Hermione had never been great at communicating with other people – it was one of the reasons why she had such a small friend group.

"No need to look worried, Granger," Gemma said amusedly. "I haven't any plans to hex you or anything – Merlin knows you'd best me in seconds if I was stupid enough to do that." She held out her hand. "Name's Gemma, Gemma Farley."

"Hermione Granger." Feeling a little more at ease after Gemma's introduction, Hermione shook the offered hand, studying her new co-worker as she did so. Gemma had an intelligent look about her, with ash blonde hair tied back in a neat ponytail and dark brown eyes framed by stylish black glasses.

"Well, yes, I know who you are – but a pleasure all the same." Gemma paused for a moment, then added, "Fancy having a look at our classroom? We can decide if we need anything and talk about our first lessons." Hermione acquiesced, and the two young women gathered up their things, bid farewell to the few teachers still milling about, and set off.

The Culture Studies classroom was a large room on the first floor, just down the hall from the grand staircase, with plenty of windows and an impressive stone fireplace to keep them warm during the frigid Scottish winters. The desks were standard Hogwarts fare and stacked to one side, waiting for the room's new occupants to arrange them to their liking, and an enormous teacher's desk sat at the front of the room.

"I think this will do very nicely," Hermione commented, nodding approvingly as she waved her wand to remove any last traces of dust. Filch, who was still around but getting on in years, had more than enough to worry about without adding basic classroom maintenance to his list, not when Hermione had magic at her disposal and could therefore accomplish the task in seconds.

"Agreed," Gemma said as she set her folder of notes from the meeting on the teacher's desk. "Have you given any thought as to how you'd like to arrange the desks?"

"Not really," Hermione said with a shrug. "Any number of arrangements would work, I think, but perhaps we might just put them in rows for now?"

"Fine by me." Gemma flicked her wand and the desks sprang to life, hurrying themselves into neat rows as per Hermione's suggestion.

"So, what got you interested in this position, anyway?" Hermione asked as she looked for the best place to store her things. "And what were you doing before you came here?"

"I was working as a file clerk in the Department of Education," Gemma said, choosing to answer the second question first. "Hardly the most interesting of jobs, but I'd always wanted to reconnect with Hogwarts in some way, and I thought that department might be the way to do it. Your petition – which, of course, my whole department heard about quite early on – intrigued me, and when I attended the board meetings, I liked what you had to say. I thought this position would be a good way to get myself into actual teaching while also getting myself involved with your work. Obviously you know I'm not a Muggle-born – Professor McGonagall made it clear in her advertisement that she needed a Wizarding applicant – but my mum's one, and my parents raised my brothers and I to understand both worlds."

"Kind of like families who celebrate two different sets of religious holidays," Hermione said.

"Exactly – rather than choose one or the other, my parents embraced both, honoring the way each of them had grown up. My Wizarding heritage meant I could jump right in when I started Hogwarts – which, as a Slytherin, was especially important – but I also have no problem being in the Muggle world."

"It sounds like Professor McGonagall chose well," Hermione said. "We both have an understanding of both worlds, but you have the more intimate knowledge of a Wizarding home that I lack."

"We'll make a good team," Gemma agreed with a grin. She cocked her head thoughtfully and added, "D'you think the headmistress chose a Gryffindor-Slytherin duo on purpose? It certainly makes a statement, doesn't it?"

"It does," Hermione acknowledged, "but I doubt house affiliation is her first priority when hiring staff. Even so, it'll definitely say something if we manage to pull this off."

"I'm working with the 'Brightest Witch of the Age' – I think we'll be fine," Gemma said with a wink. "And I suppose I can't forget you're making a statement all on your own already, what with rewriting the curriculum, integrating Hogwarts…and of course everybody knows you've made some Snake friends of your own." She raised her eyebrows suggestively, and Hermione rolled her eyes good-naturedly. Wizarding Britain did indeed know about her relationship with Draco – they'd decided it was better to release a small statement on their own terms instead of having people see them out and about together and draw their own ridiculous conclusions. Of course, some people didn't believe them and still made comments under their breath about how Hermione must've been Imperiused or how Draco was only using her to elevate his status, but most people knew better and left well enough alone. Hermione and Draco, for their part, went about their business like any normal couple, as they had every right to do, and Hermione's strict agreement with reporters meant that there were no unwanted flashbulbs or nosy journalists interrupting their time if they did go out together in the Wizarding public.

"Yes, I'm dating Draco Malfoy, Slytherin alum and former poster boy for all things pureblood," Hermione said, her tone suggesting she'd said this exact phrase a thousand times before. "Cue shock, surprise, and any number of other unexpected emotions." She snorted a little and shook her head, a self-deprecating smile creeping onto her face.

"It's surprising, yeah, but I also think it's a really good thing," Gemma said. "No, listen – I remember Draco from when he was at school, and if you'll forgive me for saying so, he was an absolute prat."

"No forgiveness needed," Hermione said with a slight laugh.

"Right, then. He was, as you said, the poster child for pureblood supremacy, spouting off slurs and throwing his name around like it was worth his weight in gold – which, at the time, it unfortunately was. Our time at Hogwarts only overlapped by three years, so I can't speak for anything he did after that, but I've heard the stories about what happened during the war." Hermione nodded – who hadn't heard about the Malfoys' fall from grace? It was common knowledge after the family's trials had been front-page news for weeks the summer after the Battle of Hogwarts.

"I also, as I already told you, attended the board meetings in which you presented your proposal, and as such, I heard Draco's testimony about your program. The Draco I knew from school never would've said such things, not even as part of an elaborate lie, because to him, you wouldn't have been worth the effort. And yet he spoke so passionately, so genuinely about the benefits of your lessons, that I knew without a doubt he'd changed, and in a big way. If you're responsible for any part of that change, then I'd say you seeing one another is a good thing – and even if you're not, you two together still speaks volumes."

"I…thank you," Hermione stammered. Gemma's insights were right on the money, and knowing that a fellow former Slytherin saw how much good the post-war world had done Draco meant a lot.

"I'll stop badgering you about your love life," Gemma promised. "For now, anyway." She grinned in a way that suggested Hermione should expect some bonding time in the future, once they'd gotten to know each other a little better. In spite of her tendency to shy away from all things girl talk, the thought made her happy.

"Another day, then," she said. "Now, what do you say we do a little decorating?"


As students weren't due to arrive until the following night, Hogwarts' staff were free to do as they pleased in the remaining interim. Hermione and Gemma spent a further hour getting their classroom ready and double-checking their lesson plans for the first few days before bidding each other goodbye and going their separate ways. Hermione was contemplating a walk around the grounds, perhaps with a stop by Hagrid's to say hello, when Neville stopped her on the stairs.

"Hi, Hermione. Everything all ready for your first day of classes?" he asked as he fell into step beside her.

"As ready as it can be, I suppose," she said. "How are the greenhouses?"

"Very well, thanks – the Venomous Tentacula is being a little difficult, but that's nothing new." Hermione laughed a little and nodded her agreement – Venomous Tentaculas were always a bit temperamental.

"Hey, listen – do you fancy a drink down in the village?" Neville asked then. "Obviously we're not required to take all of our meals in the Great Hall, feasts excepted, of course, but we don't get much chance to head into Hogsmeade once term starts." He had a point – the staff had too many other responsibilities to head down to the village more than just once in a while.

"Sure, that sounds great," Hermione agreed at once. "I could definitely go for a butterbeer. Let me just change into something a little more comfortable?" She'd dressed professionally for the meeting, her shoes definitely weren't the type she'd want to walk to Hogsmeade in, and she couldn't be sure they'd have access to the thestral-drawn carriages when said carriages would be in heavy use the very next night.

"Not a problem," Neville said. "Where are your quarters, anyway?" The staff's private quarters were scattered all throughout the castle, usually somewhere close to either their classrooms or, in the case of the Heads of House, the house common rooms.

"Third floor, and there's a shortcut nearby," Hermione told him. While she missed the familiarity of Gryffindor Tower, Hermione was glad that she wouldn't have to walk quite so far to get where she needed to be.

"How fitting," Neville said with a teasing grin. Hermione didn't have to ask him to explain, for she knew exactly what he meant – her quarters were indeed quite close to the library. After a quick shortcut behind a tapestry of unicorn foals, Hermione stopped in front of a large gilded mirror and raised her wand. One non-verbal later, the mirror swung forward to reveal a short passage, flaming torches sending shadows across the stone. At the end of this passage was an exquisite painting of the night sky, the inky canvas smooth as velvet and the stars so realistic they seemed to twinkle.

"Apparently it changes to reflect the current season," Hermione said. "So the constellations I see now will change as we get closer to winter."

"It's beautiful," Neville said truthfully. Hermione spoke her chosen password – 'Crookshanks', in honor of her beloved cat who'd died during curriculum development and whom she missed terribly – and the portrait opened to admit them both.

"Now I can break into your rooms and mess with your stuff," Neville teased as he followed Hermione into her sitting room. Her suite was decorated in soothing shades of blue and brown, the arrangement giving off a welcoming air.

"You'll do no such thing, Neville Longbottom," Hermione scolded lightly, spelling her things away and inviting her friend to sit. "Besides, you don't know the password for the mirror."

"Fine, fine." Neville gave in and sank back into the cushions, nodding approvingly at their comfort level. "I'll just have to find some other way to keep you on your toes, then."

"I'm sure our students will do more than enough of that," Hermione said. "Besides, since when do you channel your inner Weasley twin?" The expression pained her a little, but once Angelina and Lee had set him to rights, George had insisted that none of them tiptoe around when it came to Fred – he'd much rather honor his lost twin's memory by attributing all things prankster to the two of them, especially when it came to Hogwarts. After all, it wasn't just George who had a bit of Everlasting Swamp dedicated to him near the Charms corridor.

"Since I'm a Gryffindor and have to be bold and daring sometimes," Neville joked. "Haven't had any terrifying snakes to decapitate recently."

"You're ridiculous," Hermione said, fondly shaking her head. "I'm going to go change." She retreated to her bedroom and selected her favorite pair of jeans and much more comfortable shoes, redid the braid that had come loose while decorating her classroom, and grabbed a light jacket. Deeming herself satisfied, she rejoined Neville, and the two former Gryffindors began the trek into Hogsmeade, laughing and reminiscing as certain spots triggered memories of their time as students.

"It's good to be back," Hermione said as they exited the main gates of Hogwarts and started down the path to the village. It was a bit of a long walk, but neither minded – it would soon be far too cold to walk, and so they took advantage of the nice weather while they could. In what seemed like no time at all, they were approaching the village of Hogsmeade.

"Three Broomsticks?" Hermione asked, nodding towards the highly popular pub. Neville shook his head.

"I thought we'd go somewhere else," he told her. "There's a great little café around the corner that opened up a year or so ago – don't worry, you'll still get your butterbeer." Hermione nodded her agreement, willing to trust Neville's judgement. It never hurt to try something new, and she wasn't much in the mood for pub fare anyway.

The building Neville escorted her to was a charming little establishment called 'The Dragon and the Unicorn', the restaurant's name spelled out in swirling letters above the awning currently shading a set of outdoor tables. Hermione didn't get much of a chance to examine the rest of it, however, as her keen eyes quickly spotted three people she definitely hadn't been expecting to see.

"Harry!" she cried, hurrying towards the far table and throwing her arms around her best friend. "Draco, Tori! What are you three doing here?" She spoke very fast in her excitement, eliciting a chuckle from Harry.

"We thought we'd celebrate your upcoming first day as a Hogwarts professor," he told her. "Neville here was more than happy to help."

"You knew they were going to be here, didn't you?" Hermione asked, turning to the aforementioned young man. Neville nodded, grinning broadly.

"Course I did," he said. "Couldn't go spoiling the surprise, though, could I?"

"You're too sweet, all of you," Hermione said, smiling warmly as she settled herself into an empty chair next to Draco. The blond scoffed.

"I am not 'sweet', Granger," he said, "and I resent the implication."

"Oh, stop it," Hermione told him. "You know what I meant." She leaned closer and dropped a quick kiss on his cheek. "It's good to see you," she said, more softly this time. Draco allowed a small smile, the kind he reserved only for those he loved most, to grace his features.

"It's good to see you, too."

"And Tori, it's so good to see you as well!" Hermione continued, turning toward the petite witch seated on Draco's other side. Astoria Greengrass smiled widely, revealing sparkly white teeth that would've made Hermione's parents proud.

"Likewise," she said. She crossed her legs and tossed a lock of hair out of her eyes. "Draco insisted on reinforcements against 'all the Gryffindor-ness', and I've got the day off, so I was glad to come."

"Do you have to be so annoying, Tori?" Draco asked with a huff. Astoria grinned.

"Oh, you know you love me, Draco," she replied.

"Hmm."

"So, tell us about your day, Hermione," Harry said. "I'm sure you've got everything set up to perfection. And who's your co-teacher again?"

"I'll tell you all about it," Hermione promised. "But first, I'd like to order some food." She picked up the menus situated in the middle of the table and passed them around. "Any recommendations, Neville?"


Dinner was a highly enjoyable affair, the group remaining at the little café for well over an hour. As Neville had promised, the food was delicious, and the atmosphere was warm and very conducive to partaking in a last bit of late summer sun. Hermione did miss seeing Ginny, though – her best girlfriend was in training for a series of upcoming matches and unfortunately hadn't been able to get away. She was sure that Ginny would make up for it soon, as the redhead never passed up a chance for some girl time, but it would've been nice to see her all the same before Hermione's school schedule set in.

Finally, however, the friends conceded that it was time to go.

"I'm on the early shift tomorrow," Astoria said, referring to her work as a Healer at St. Mungo's. "Have to try and get some sleep before then." The tiny witch pushed herself up on her toes to give Hermione a hug. "Lovely to see you as always, Hermione. Do keep us posted on how your first week goes!"

"Thanks, Tori," Hermione said warmly. "I will."

"Knock their socks off, Hermione," Harry said as he stepped up for his own hug. Hermione squeezed him tightly, beyond thrilled that she'd been able to spend this unexpected extra time with her best friend.

"I'll do my best," Hermione promised.

"Which will be more than enough," Harry reassured her, pressing a quick kiss to her cheek. "You'll be fantastic and everyone will love you."

"Don't," Hermione whined, though she smiled in spite of it. "You'll jinx it!"

"And what if I prefer a hex?" Harry's cheeky retort earned him a swat to the arm as he laughed loudly.

"Prat."

"Ah, but you love me for it." Hermione's expression softened.

"I do." With one last round of farewells, Hermione waved as Harry and Astoria turned on the spot and Disapparated.

"I trust you can make it back to Hogwarts alright?" Neville asked. He wouldn't outright say so, of course – Malfoy might've warmed up a bit since school, but he was still a prideful young man – but Neville suspected the couple might appreciate some alone time before Draco returned to Wiltshire.

"I'll be back soon," Hermione replied. "Thanks again for organizing this, Neville. You're the best."

"I dunno about that," Neville said with a laugh, "but you're very welcome, Hermione. The occasion was warranted." He hugged Hermione briefly, nodded to Draco, and vanished, his destination the gates of Hogwarts. Hermione turned to Draco.

"Hey."

"Hey, yourself," he replied. "So, you're all ready to make your debut tomorrow?"

"Not in the slightest," Hermione laughed. "I'm so nervous!"

"As odd as it sounds coming from me, Potter's right." Draco made a face of mock disgust, causing Hermione to laugh again. "You'll outshine them all just by virtue of being you." He offered one of his endearing half-smiles that Hermione loved so much and continued, "May I escort my lady back to her castle?"

"You may, kind sir," Hermione replied, accepting Draco's proffered hand. He lazily laced their fingers together, and the two began the walk back to Hogwarts, taking their time as they looked at the inviting window displays and simply enjoyed one another's company.

Draco grew quiet as the gates of Hogwarts appeared, the school itself rising up beyond.

"You know, for all I complained about this place as a kid, it really is wonderful," he said as he gazed thoughtfully up at the ancient school. Beside him, Hermione nodded.

"It really is. It was so strange being on the staff side of things today, but being back at Hogwarts…"

"It's like coming home," Draco finished. Hermione couldn't have said it any better herself. She scooted closer to Draco and rested her head against his shoulder while he wrapped his arm around her, the two of them quiet for a moment as they looked up at the castle, its enormous façade just as awe inspiring now as it had been when they'd taken that very first trip across the lake. Its many towers and turrets were streaked pink and orange by the last of the setting sun.

"How's Posey?" Hermione asked, referring to Draco's house elf.

"Knitting up a storm, as usual," Draco chuckled. "She wanted me to ask you if 'Miss Hermione is needing anything for her new rooms'."

"I don't think so," Hermione said, smiling warmly at the thought of the darling little elf. "But if I suddenly do, she'll be the first to know."

"I'm sure she'll have a whole arsenal of blankets and such for you at Christmas, whether you want them or not." Draco was probably right – Posey loved to knit, and as Draco didn't have all that much for her to do by way of chores, she spent a large portion of her time with needles and yarn in hand. Hermione already had a gorgeous fluffy white blanket on her bed, a gift from Posey the first Christmas they'd known one another. The blanket was warm and almost sinfully soft, and Hermione certainly wasn't going to complain if Posey wanted to make more.

"I should probably head back soon," she said, sighing quietly. "Big day tomorrow." Draco turned to face her and chucked her chin upwards so their eyes met.

"You were meant to do this, Hermione," he said quietly. "You've already proven you can change lives with these lessons, and now it's time for you to change the world." A sheen of tears filled Hermione's eyes at the praise – it meant so much coming from Draco, the one whose life she'd already changed. She smiled and nodded, her confidence boosted ten times over, and Draco returned the gesture before he ducked his head and kissed her. Hermione's eyes fluttered shut and a contented little noise escaped her throat as their lips connected, one hand coming up to rest against the side of Draco's neck. For a long moment, there was nothing but the two of them, nothing but the feel of their lips moving in tandem and their bodies pressed together as they embraced under the darkening summer sky. Slowly, gently, so as not to ruin the moment, they broke apart.

"Go get 'em, Granger," Draco said.

"I'll let you know how everything went as soon as I can," Hermione promised.

"I'd expect nothing less. Now, get back up to the school before the doors lock – I doubt Filch lets even the faculty get away with snogging after hours." Hermione burst into laughter.

"I doubt it," she said once she'd regained her composure, though she was still giggling. "He's far more respectful towards the staff, to be sure, but that doesn't mean he still isn't his grumpy old self." She couldn't even imagine such a scolding with a straight face and laughed again. Deciding she might as well take advantage of her so-called 'excuse', Hermione pulled Draco close and kissed him once more, then waved her wand in the intricate pattern required to unlock the front gate.

"I'll see you soon," Draco promised, giving her one last quick kiss.

"Soon," Hermione echoed. She stepped through the gate and locked it, turning back to blow Draco a kiss. Once he'd Disapparated, she turned and hurried up the lawn to Hogwarts. Tomorrow, her new adventure would begin.


A/N: Nice long chapter for you! I made up Gemma Farley's backstory - she was indeed a Slytherin prefect (she gives the Slytherin welcome message on Pottermore), but that's all we know about her. Returning readers might recognize The Dragon and the Unicorn from my twisted canon series.

Thank you to everyone who has already jumped on board with this story through follows, faves, & reviews! I hope you enjoy it as much as its predecessor.

JKR owns all things Potter, I just play. Please R&R, & enjoy! :)