Disclaimer: If only my name was J.K.Rowling and I was older.

Chapter Three: Professor Granger

Hermione spent the last few weeks of summer enjoying herself, greatly. Thanks to Dumbledore, who had kindly provided her with plenty of gallons, she was able to buy a new wardrobe full robes and muggle clothes. Just the week before she had taken her N.E.W.T.S. and was still unfortunately awaiting her scores. Ah, well I can worry about that later. Right now I have a diner to get to.

Hermione stood staring at her reflection in the mirror. It was the first time she had since the night in the bathroom when she saw her scared face. Now staring at her impressive looks she didn't really mind. In truth she had gotten used to it and the young professor Sprout (now another close friend) had said that the scars made her look older, more serious and impressive. Professor Slughorn had agreed. He's even more cunning then he was in the future. She had to be careful, he had been trying to find out all about her and if she was to follow Dumbledore's plan, she would have to keep a lot of information to herself.

I was home schooled and am Dumbledore's goddaughter. My parents, one a muggle, were killed earlier this year and I got a job here as a professor. I grew up isolated in woods and forests because father was an environmentalist and did his studying there, we also moved around a lot. Hermione sighed, took one last look at her appearance, shook out her midnight blue robes and walked over to the portal door.

She had ten minutes to get to the great hall and be ready for the students and she was extremely nervous. You can do this. She repeated over and over to herself, as she walked down the staircases. Walking into the great hall, she was greeted by a familiar sight. A fine night sky covered the high ceiling and the four house tables were set and ready for the students. There were a few different paintings and statues along the wall but overall the great hall looked the same.

At the head table waited most of the other teachers, Dumbledore in the center. He gave her a small smile and a nod when she entered, filling Hermione with a calm. Knots she didn't know she had came undone and she breathed in a sigh of relief. Taking her seat beside Poppy, she waited.


"Oh Prongs, how was the perfect meeting?" Sirius Black, all time women's man said as his best buddy walked into their compartment.

"She didn't yell at me," James Potter said staring off into space, "In fact she hardly said anything to me at all but still she didn't yell at me." James ran hand through his messy hair and grinned at Sirius and the other two boys who sat in the compartment.

"Ya, you got the silent treatment, Prongs," Remus Lupin, the quiet brown haired friend of theirs said smiling.

"Shut up Moony," James and Sirius said together.

"Don't worry mate, you're making progress, she'll be yours in no time. Don't you agree Wormtail?" Sirius asked their last friend Peter Pettigrew.

The short mousy boy looked up from the chocolate frog in his hand and nodded his head frantically. "Of course, Padfoot, of course."

"See all good." Sirius flicked his shoulder length hair out of his face and gave Remus a cheeky grin.

Remus ignored him, content reading one of his many books. Sighing, Sirius and James started talking about pranks they could pull, Peter agreeing with every word James said.

When the train stopped they got out, all dressed in robes, together they got a carriage and to Sirius's delight shared it with three giggling fourth year girls.

"Who do you think the new Defense professor will be?" Peter asked during the ride to the castle.

"I hope it's a younger man like last year. Professor Forden was sooo cute," One of the girls, blonde, sighed, her eyes misting over.

The Sirius and James shared a look. Crazy it said. They had hated Professor Forden with a passion, the big fluff head had been the center of many of their pranks.

"I don't care who it is as long as he can teach," Remus said.

"Moony, is that all you care about, knowledge?" Sirius liked teasing Remus about her love for knowledge. "I mean loosen up get a girl." He wiggled his eyebrows at the girl, a brunette, who was sitting next to him. She blushed at his wink and slow sexy smile he gave her.

"There is nothing wrong with studying, Padfoot." Remus look affronted but the twinkle in his amber eyes gave away his amusement.

They reached the castle and the boys quickly got out. Sirius, being ever so gentlemanly helped the girls down, giving the brunette, Hanna, a kiss on her hand before letting her go.

"Trying to be a gentleman, Padfoot?" James grinned.

"Just practicing, you never know when it will come in handy." Sirius grinned back.

"Come on, I'm hungry," Peters squeaky voice gained their attention and at the word food the four boys rushed to the great hall.

"Looks the same," Remus observed, scanning the high table as he let his friends lead him to a bench and push him in it. "Look at the lady sitting next to Madam Pompfrey, she's new. I wonder what she teaches."

The other three boys followed Remus's gaze.

"Probably here to teach some other dumb elective class," James shrugged. He looked at the doors and smiled. "Hey, Evans! I saved you a seat."

The girl in question just sighed and walked to a different seat, further down and away from the boys.

"Why doesn't she like me? I've changed a lot, all for her," James face fell.

"I know Prongs, we'll just have to show her," Sirius said.

"Just don't do anything dumb," Remus said, ever the careful one. "What are you looking at?"

Peter jumped. "Nothing," he squeaked quickly looking away from the Slytherin table.

"Those gits, Sirius said looking at the Slytherins. "We'll get them good this year. Make them remember us."

"Of course," Peter said.

The great hall quieted as the doors opened, revealing the new batch of first years. Professor McGonagall led them to the high table. Everyone listened as she said her quick instructions and the old hat sang it's customary song. Sirius grinned as he listened to the names being called.

"Gorden, Levy."

"He's kind of fat," Sirius whispered to James, who's answer was drowned out when the hat yelled, "RAVENCLAW."

The two continued to comment on the new students until Dumbledore stood up.

"Welcome to another year at Hogwarts," he said. "I hope you enjoyed your summer and I know how hungry you all must be so let us eat." He clapped his hands together and food appeared all along the tables.

"Yes, I missed all this," Sirius said grabbing a chicken leg. "Not saying your mom is a bad cook or anything Prongs, but nothing compares to Hogwarts food."

"I agree Padfoot, it is good," James was filling his plate full also.

Peter nodded his head in agreement. Copying James by grabbing the same food. They at and talked with those around them, one a fellow year mate Frank Longbottom.

Finally after everyone had eaten and the last pastry had disappeared, Dumbledore stood up to talk again. "I have a few reminders, first Filch would like me to remind you that anything bought in Zonks is banned from school. Secondly, the Forbidden Forest is still forbidden and that means you are not to go in there. Last, I would like to introduce our Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher, Professor Granger." The young lady stood up, as the students applauded. Many students murmured to one another, Sirius one of them.

"A female teacher?" he said.

"Well she must be okay if Dumbledore hired her," James said back uncertainly.

"Come on," Remus stood up. "unless you want to talk to him or her," he said looking at Sirius grinning.

"Please Padfoot, you insult me," Sirius grinned slyly. "I have all year to greet my new professor." He took off towards the dorms, James and Peter following him. Sighing Remus did the same.


Hermione stood up when Dumbledore said her name but quickly sat down. She didn't like others staring at her, never had. Looking over at the Gryfindor table, for the hundredth time, she located the marauders.

Sirius and James seemed to be whispering together and, she smiled, there was Remus butting in. Probably to tell them that everyone is leaving.

Sure enough they all left, Remus a little behind them. Hermione also stood and followed Poppy out into the hallway. She said goodnight and walked back to her rooms.

"Fiddlesticks," she said to the portrait, an old woman sitting in a rocking chair, knitting. The portrait opened revealing her sitting room. There were two armchairs in front of the fireplace on her left. A couch sat not far from them and on her right bookshelves lined the wall. There was a table in the middle of the room with four comfortable chairs around. On the far wall was a door, leading to her bedroom and bathroom.

Hermione walked into the bedroom and ignoring the wardrobe went straight to the four poster bed. Grabbing her pajamas she went to the bathroom and got ready for bed She had her first class with, and she couldn't believe it, the Slytherin and Grifindor seventh years and felt that she needed all the sleep she could get. They'll tear me up and leave me for the hounds, was her last thought before falling asleep.


Hermione woke up to the alarm clock hitting it harder then was needed. She opened her sleep laden eyes and groaned. She didn't want to get up and face the marauders, not yet. Unfortunately she had to.

Hermione got up and made her bed. She may have given up on S.P.E.W. but that didn't mean she liked to make them work. Smiling she remembered when she got rid of S.P.E.W. and how Harry looked so sorry and nervous when he told her, that the house elves thought it was an insult

Going over to the wardrobe she picked out her clothes, jeans and a red blouse with a black robe over it. She didn't put makeup on but did put her hair in a ponytail. While she did want to impress the students she didn't want any chasing after her. Besides if the students see my scars it will make them think me older. Or so she hoped.

Instead of eating in the great hall and seeing them, as in the marauders, she decided to get some food from the kitchens and go straight to her classroom. She needed to go over her plans for class, even though they had been ready for a week now.

You need to calm down, she thought sitting at her desk in front of the classroom. Clam down, calm down, calm down.

The time seemed to fly and before she knew it, Hermione's students started arriving. They took their seats, Slytherins on the left and Gryfindors on the right. Hermione watched them all come, Lucius Malfoy, Severous Snape, James Potter, Remus Lupin,Peter Pettigrew and Sirius Black included.

Once everyone was seated they all watched her, most curiously. Taking a deep breath, Hermione stood up and said, "Welcome I am your new professor."


A/N: Sorry cliffhanger. I'll try not to do that again but I give you no promises. I have to work weekends now, that's why it took me a while to upload, sorry.

Review please.