Never Leave One For Dead
Chapter: 6, Teaching DADA
Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter, I am a muggle with nothing interesting to her name.
Hermione had become friends with Fred. Correction, Alex Rain had become friends with Fred. He still did not know of her true identity. Furthermore, their encounter a week prior had done nothing to change the girl's personality. Hermione was not foolish enough to let one friendship bring back the girl she had been. There were things more important than what she longed to do, more important then looking into your loved ones eyes and not seeing hatred.
Her friendship with Fred was mainly sharing stories. Her stories were considerably, and understandably, more vague. Fred talked about Hogwarts and his family and their friends but, during her time with Fred, what surprised Hermione was that he never once mentioned her name. Hermione Granger was only mentioned as 'Ron's friend' and 'that girl''.
"Rain!" Someone called from behind her. A very clumsy and loud someone. A very familiar someone.
"Yes, Ron?" She asked, carefully not using his full name. Calling him 'Ronald', would have been the same as holding up a neon sign declaring that she was Hermione Granger. Keeping her facial features and body language indifferent she continued on to her destination, the kitchen. Angered, Ron grabbed her arm and pinned her to the corridor wall. She remained calm and stared him straight in the eye, repeating her earlier statement, "Yes, Ron?".
"I don't know what game you are playing but, this is your warning. Get out, or watch yourself."
"Oh? Humor me. Do tell me what I have done to receive such a lovely treat." Hermione responded, she had been spending to much time with Severus.
"You walk in here, thinking that you are so great. You take her room and do nothing! What have you done for the Order? Where were you when people we dying on the battlefield?"
"I have done my time on the battlefield and then some." Hermione answered evenly.
"I'd know if you had." Ron answered coldly.
"Why? Where you there? I was under the impression that you were moping around this house. Wallowing in self-pity over the death of some useless mudblood!" She spat. His grip on her shoulder tighten and his nails started to bite into the muscles on her shoulder blades. Ron made to make a remark but was silenced by her next actions. She grabbed the wrist that was pinning her and twisted it effortlessly. He whimpered in pain and watched her retreating figure. She called back, not facing him , "Oh, and Ron? You don't have to worry, I won't be here for much longer."
"So Harry, how was your day dear?"
"Good"
"Minerva," Molly said, trying to find conversation elsewhere. "What brings you here? Not that we aren't happy to see you of course."
"I needed to get away from Hogwarts. None of the applicants for the defense against the dark arts position are qualified or trustworthy. Plus, the school year started in nearly two weeks. I have no idea how Albus had managed to find a professor each year." The headmistress admitted.
"What about Alexandra?" Severus Snape said. Everyone in the room went quiet. Snape talking at dinner or not trying to get the position for himself were two very rare events.
"If you can not find anyone then I will," Hermione answered not seeming surprised in the least. "Although, I'm not sure how long I will be able to stay."
"Well," Minerva started clicking back into professional mode. "What are your qualifications?"
"Seven years of traditional education and seven years of studying abroad."
"Any specification in the field?"
"My years of traveling were focused on training to battle the dark arts. I'm sure that Severus could vouch for me to spare you the details."
"If Severus thinks it best, we really don't have many options. Of course, we would need to set up a formal appointment and a wizarding contract would need to be filled out." A wizarding contract was a form that would only accept valid information.
"Why would that be necessary?" She asked, going over the best plan of action in her head.
"Why? Something to hide?" Ron barked.
"Actually, I was curious- however, I believe we all have our secrets."
"Which could not be more true." Severus said placing his napkin onto his plate. "May I propose we take this into the office. Alexandra does have papers to fill out. Correct, Minerva?"
"Yes, yes. Miss. Rain, please fallow me."
"Miss. Rain, please fill out this form and everything will be finalized." The headmistress spoke handing Hermione the forms.
Hermione took them and started to fill them out.
Name: N/A
Nickname or preferred name: Alexandra (Alex) Rain
Age: 24
Sex: Female
Height: 5'8"
Blood type: Muggleborn
Subject of Application: Defense against the dark arts
Favorite subject in school: Transfiguration
Qualifications: Seven years of traditional education with extra classes. Master of five types of muggle fighting styles and trained to fight with various weapons. One year of training with the monks of the hidden mist temple. One year of training with the demon slayers. Two years spent on the Vampire hunt during which I trained with various auroras Aurors were year working with the organization, potions against the dark arts. Trained alchemist and trained in the art of wandless magic by Albus Dumbledore.
After completing the form she passed it wordlessly to the headmistress. Watching carefully as she read it. "Miss Rain, I have never seen as many qualifications on one application form. However, I can not hire you without knowing your name." She stated sternly.
"With all do respect headmistress, seven years ago I dedicated my life to defeating Voldemort. I have done nothing since that moment but train to better myself and increase my chances of doing so. Nothing will stop me from achieving my goal, especially something as trivial as my name."
"Are you aware that there is a prophecy?"
"Headmistress, I know word for word what that prophecy states. Furthermore, I do not think that Harry Potter is the only one that can defeat Tom Riddle." He Headmistress sighed.
"If you have already detected your life to defeating he-who-must-not-be-named, then why do you wish to be a professor?"
"It was what I had always worked towards when I was a student. Plus, Voldemort wont be the last big bad. The next generation needs to be able to defend themselves properly."
"Miss Rain, if you would excuse us we need to discus your employment."
"Very well." She said leaving the room without a sound.
"I don't know if we can trust her." Minerva said slowly.
"We can." Severus spoke clearly and confidently
"But, we don't even know her name!" Minerva protested.
"You are forgetting that I have known her for over fourteen years. She is more then trustworthy Minerva."
"Severus, she has proved time and time again that she knows things that she should not. Like where the headquarters are, past order members and he-who-must-not-be-named real name. She simply knows to much. I have half a mind to Oblivate her."
"She knows what people want her to know."
"And that doesn't worry you?" She asked frazzled.
"Not in the least."
"Fine, we have no other options available to us. Inform Miss Rain." The potions master left the professor feeling very old. Minerva sat at her desk staring at the paper. The last line, a line that she had somehow over looked stood out. 'trained in the art of wandless magic by Albus Dumbledore. '
No doubt remained within the headmistress of Hogwarts school of witchcraft and wizardry.