AN: Thanks for all the great reviews everyone. I'm loving the response to this story so far.
Chapter 4
Hermione Granger was walking back to her flat from packing up things in her office. She had left Lil under the care of Harry and Ron because it made the little girl sad to go back to the orphanage with no one there. It was somewhat amazing to Hermione that she had managed to empty an orphanage while still keeping it a place that the children didn't mind being.
She was grateful for magical powers given the amount of stuff she had packed and moved in the last two days. She boxed up all the toys and sent them to Wizarding charities. She organized every file and had them sent to the Ministry to become part of population record. She emptied dormitories of cribs and bunk beds. What she carried with her were personal possessions- trinkets from her desk and the photo album with a picture of each child and his or her new adoptive family. Some of the faces she hadn't known that well, but towards the end of the book she knew each child intimately. Thanks to magical powers, it didn't appear to anyone else walking through Muggle London that she was carrying any more than a messenger bag. She climbed the stairs to her second story flat and opened the door, wary of what sort of mischief had transpired in her absence.
The living room looked like a war zone. All of Lil's art supplies were out in the kitchen. An entire corner of the study was littered with children's books, with very few books left on the shelf. She straightened everything quickly with a wave of her wand and followed the shrieks and giggles to Lil's room. When she opened the door, Lil was riding on Ron's back while Harry followed them, shooting tickling charms at the little girl. Lil turned to see Hermione standing in the doorway.
"Mummy!" she cheered. Harry and Ron stopped suddenly and looked sheepish.
"Hi Hermione." Harry said.
"We were going to clean everything up, honest." Ron pleaded.
"It's alright. I've come to expect disorder when you two are in charge." she smiled, receiving a hug from her daughter.
"Did you have a good day, sweetie?" she asked.
"Sure did! We had so much fun! I love it when Harry and Ron come to play!" she cheered.
"Well I'm glad. Why don't you work on cleaning up this room while I have a chat with Ron and Harry." Hermione said.
"Okay Mum." Lil said, turning away and picking up an armload of stuffed animals. She walked back out of the room, Harry and Ron following.
"So what are you going to do now, Hermione?" Harry asked as they sat down around the kitchen table.
"I don't know. I don't have a job anymore, but I've managed to save up enough money to support Lil and myself for up to 4 months if we're careful." she said.
"Do you have any leads on a new job yet?" Ron asked.
"Not yet."
"Well I'm sure there's something open in the Ministry. They kind of owe it to you, since they gave you a temporary job." Harry added.
"I know, but I can't really picture myself being another Ministry clone. I need something with a little more freedom." she replied. She spoke while opening the kitchen window to let in an owl. She got very little owl post, as a single adult living in Muggle London with an active Floo connection.
She took the letter and fetched a couple of owl treats for the bird. She then opened the letter and skimmed through it once before her eyes floated back to the top to read it through again.
"This is perfect!" she said excitedly.
"What? What's perfect?" Ron asked. He and Harry rose from their chairs and moved to stand closer to her.
"It's from Headmaster Dumbledore. He's asked me to come to Hogwarts. Apparently they are in dire need of a Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher, and they'd like for me to take the position!" she said excitedly.
"That's perfect!" Harry cheered.
"What's perfect?" Lil asked, walking into the kitchen.
"Lil, I got a new job. We're moving!" Hermione said.
"To where?" Lil asked.
"To Hogwarts! Oh you'll love it there! It's the most wonderful place in the whole world!" she said excitedly, squatting down in front of Lil.
"But what if Zo comes back to visit? How will she know where to find us?" Lil asked, concerned.
"Sweetheart, that's where Zo lives." Hermione replied. "You'll be able to see her every day!" Lil smiled and hugged her.
"In that case, can we move tomorrow?" Lil asked. All three adults laughed.
"Let me Floo the Headmaster, and I'll ask him." Hermione replied. Harry and Ron broke out the milk and cookies for a little celebration after Hermione accepted the position, while the witch in question went to use the living room fireplace. It was only two thirty, so the Headmaster should still be in his office.
"Good afternoon, Headmaster." Hermione said as her Floo call went through.
"Good afternoon Miss Granger. What can I help you with today?" he asked.
"Well, sir…"
"Please, call me Albus."
"Fine. Albus, I just got your owl and I wanted to accept the position if it is still open." she said resolutely.
"Well then, it is my pleasure to welcome you to Hogwarts." he said, beaming at her.
"Wait, there's something you should know before you hire me, Albus." she replied nervously.
"And what is that, Professor Granger?"
"I have a daughter. She would be coming with me to the school."
"I am aware of your situation. Rest assured your daughter is welcome here. I'm sure little Zoraida would appreciate her company as well." Albus replied.
"In that case, when can we move in?" she asked.
"Whenever you would like. Your rooms are already prepared." he said.
"Lil has requested that we move in tomorrow." Hermione said, chuckling.
"Wonderful. I'll have a carriage waiting for you at the gates tomorrow afternoon." he said, clapping his hands together once.
"Thank you sir." Hermione smiled.
"Have a wonderful evening, professor. We're all looking forward to your return." Albus said as he closed the floo connection.
Hermione stood and walked back to the kitchen where there were three faces looking at her expectantly.
"We'll have to eat quickly and start packing. Lil and I are expected at Hogwarts tomorrow afternoon!" she announced.
"Yay!!" Lil cheered as Harry poured the milk and Ron distributed cookies.
