Title: Defense Against the Dark Arts:
Author: SelenityK
Rating: PG-13 but may be R in later chapters
Disclaimer: The characters are not mine. They belong to JK Rowling.
Summary: In her sixth year, Hermione is asked by Dumbledore to take on the position of Defense Against the Dark Arts during seventh year. A Work in Progress.
Author's Note: Luna Lovegood appears in this fic so you may consider this as an alternate universe fic. Whether you-know-who is dead remains to be seen, even by the author. Please be kind and read and review. I don't know how often I will be able to update this story. I am a college student and have tons of work to do during the weekday and weekend, so please be patient and bear with me. I will try to update as often as possible. However, I make no guarantees. That does not mean that you cannot leave a review, though :).
Chapter One
Hermione Granger said the password (gumdrop). The stone gargoyle door opened, revealing a set of stairs that lead to Dumbledore's office. It was not everyday that Dumbledore summoned a student to his office. When he did, either the student had committed an honorable act or a horrible act that could possibly earn expulsion from Hogwarts. Hermione had never been inside of Dumbledore's office, but Harry had described it to her, so Hermione knew what to expect.
Hermione entered the space and observed her surroundings. The portraits of Headmasters' past encircled the high ceiling. Bookcases containing books, both ancient and modern, and important scrolls lined the walls. Fawkes the phoenix was perched on one of the bookcases; he cooed in greeting when Hermione walked in the room. Hermione turned her heads sideways to get a better look at the unusual bird. Fawkes was red and gold; his eyes had a sleepy, yet alert look about him. He cooed again, as if saying "what are you looking at?"
Dumbledore himself sat in an overstuffed armchair next to a warm fire, a book in his head. Hermione read the title of the book, Great Expectations, by Charles Dickens, a Muggle author. The book was an interesting, but somehow fitting, read for Dumbledore. The aforementioned Headmaster looked up from his book, a kind smile on his face. His blue eyes twinkled more than ever.
"There you are, Miss Granger! I have been long expecting you. Have a seat." Dumbledore motioned towards an unoccupied chair next to his desk. Hermione sat, and her stomach tinged with worry.
"I have some news that will possibly affect the rest of your life," Dumbledore told the nervous student.
Hermione held back her forthcoming tears. "I'm not expelled am I? Are my parents alright?"
"Calm down, Miss Granger dear. It is nothing of that caliber, but what I have to tell you is important," Dumbledore said. "Miss Granger, you are on of the few people in the history of Hogwarts to achieve almost all of your OWLS with 11. Only three people in recent Hogwarts history have been able to achieve the full 12. Percy Weasley is one, and I believe you know him fairly well. The other is a former student of mine named Tom Riddle."
Hermione shuddered at the name. She remembered that Voldemort's younger self was Tom Riddle. Tom Riddle had used Ginny during her first year as an instrument to attack Hogwarts.
"Who was the third student?" Hermione asked, trying not to think of Voldemort.
A tiny smile appeared on Dumbledore's face, and he winked.
"With 11 OWLS, I am confident that you will pass all of your NEWTS, which is why I am offering you a chance to graduate early from Hogwarts at the end of your sixth year."
Hermione paused, unsure of what to say. Had Dumbledore said that she had the opportunity to graduate Hogwarts at the end of her sixth year? "G-graduate early, Professor Dumbledore?"
Dumbledore nodded, the twinkles in his eyes becoming as bright as stars. He leaned in closer and stared Hermione in the eye.
"Hermione," Dumbledore used Miss Granger's first name. "You are one of the most intelligent students that I have ever had the pleasure to teach. Even more, you are full of potential, which is why I am making another offer."
Hermione braced herself, wondering what Dumbledore would say to her.
"Remus Lupin is going on official school business next year. I will need an interim Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher. I am afraid that the past DADA teachers have proven to be...less than what I had expected. I know how well you performed in Dumbledore's Army, so I am asking if you will fill in for Remus next year?"
Hermione could barely open her mouth to form a coherent reply. Dumbledore had asked so much of her. Hermione did not know what she wanted to do.
"I know that you need time to make a decision. Feel free to talk to me anytime. However, I would prefer a reply before the winter holidays. I need to find another person who would be willing to accept the job if you refuse."
Hermione nodded her head, the shock of Dumbledore's offers surging through her mind. She formed a shaky smile and blushed.
"Th-thank you, p-professor. I hardly know what so say."
Hermione was beginning to stumble as bad as Neville Longbottom. She must control herself!
"No need, Miss Granger." Dumbledore smiled in understanding. "Mr. Potter and Mr. Weasley are waiting for you in the common room. Perhaps you would like to share your news with them?"
"Yes!" Hermione nodded happily. "Good day, Professor Dumbledore".
"Good day, Hermione", Dumbledore said. Hermione left Dumbledore's quarters and the Professor returned to his book.
* * * *
The Gryffindor common room was mostly empty. The majority of the students were heading to the Great Hall for lunch or going about their usual early afternoon activities. A few Gryffindors were sitting by the fireplace, making small talk. Harry and Ron were seated at a small table, deeply engrossed in a game of wizard's chess. Ron glanced up from the game when he heard Hermione's footfalls, thus allowing Harry's knight to place his Queen in checkmate.
"Hullo Hermione," said Ron. "Where were you? Harry and I waited here for you so we could go to lunch together.
"Professor McGonagall stopped me in the hallway while I was on my way back to the tower and told me that Dumbledore wanted to see me in his office."
Hermione clenched her fist, debating whether to tell Harry and Ron about being able to graduate early. It was wrong to keep something to herself that could eventually affect their friendship, yet Hermione did not know how to tell her friends about her news, especially Ron. Who knew how Ron would react once he heard? After debating with her inner self, Hermione decided to tell her two best friends her news. Hermione took a small breath before she began.
"Essentially, Dumbledore explained that I would be able to graduate early if I took my NEWTS at the end of next semester."
"What?!" Harry and Ron exclaimed at the same time. Ron made the first reaction to Hermione's revelation.
" 'Mione, you can't graduate early! What will Harry and I do?" Ron blurted out, his face red in anger.
Hermione stared at her friend for a long minute. Underneath the anger, a sad look could be detected in Ron's eyes, but she paid no attention to that.
"Why is it that the only person you two think about is
yourselves? Ron, I have helped you and Harry out of nearly every situation that
you have foolishly gotten yourselves into!! What about what I want to do for once? Dumbledore
offered me a temporary position as DADA teacher because-"
Ron interrupted Hermione's monologue. "DADA teacher!" The furious boy nearly shouted. A few Gryffindors turned around and stared curiously at him. "Are you daft! That position is cursed! You'll be sacked, or run out of school or-"
"I'm not listening to another word, Ronald Patroclus Weasley! I'm going to my room to think matters over. You and Harry can go to lunch alone!"
Hermione spun on her heel and walked upstairs to the sixth year dorm. The other girls were most likely at lunch, so Hermione allowed her tears to flow freely. Hermione did not imagine that making a decision would be so difficult. She wanted to graduate early and perhaps assume the Defense Against the Dark Arts position, but she also wanted Harry's and Ron's support. The three friends were inseparable and did nearly everything together. Hermione did not want her choice to split apart her friendship with Harry and Ron.
Hermione sat at her desk to compose a letter to her parents. Perhaps they would have some sound advice to offer her. The letter read:
Dear Mum and Dad,
I have some good, or maybe bad, news to tell you. As you know, I received 11 OWLS last year. This morning, Headmaster Dumbledore told me that If I take my NEWTS at the end of the summer term, I will be able to graduate. Even further, Dumbledore offered me a position as temporary Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher for the next school year. I tried to explain everything to Harry and Ron, but you know Ron's temper. Harry did not say anything for or against me, so I was not able to ascertain his feelings. I would welcome advice from both of you, if possible. Other than what I wrote about above, school is going fine.
With love,
Hermione
Hermione sealed the letter but did not mail it. She cried softly on her bed until it was time for Transfigurations.
* * *
Hermione came into the classroom and sat in her usual spot at the front of the class. Not longer after Hermione had taken her seat, Harry and Ron entered the classroom. They both looked at Hermione, Ron with a sour expression on his face and Harry with a look of confusion. Ron tore his eyes away from Hermione and practically pulled Harry to the middle of the class, a helpless Harry mouthing "I'm sorry".
If they wanted to act childish, then Hermione would allow them to act childish. She wanted Harry's and Ron's support, but this was an Opportunity, and Hermione would be damned if she did not pursue this opening. Ron ignored Hermione throughout Transfiguration, passing his time by talking with Harry and Dean Thompson. Harry had once attempted to pass a note to Hermione, but McGonagall's cat-like eyes spotted the note and it was immediately confiscated.
After Transfigurations ended for the day, McGonagall pulled Hermione aside and waited until the classroom cleared before her face collapsed into a smile. She hugged Hermione.
"My dear, I am very
proud of you. I always knew that you would turn out well."
McGonagall treated all of her students fairly, but that did not stop her for having a special fondness for Hermione. Hermione was similar to McGonagall when she attended Hogwarts. McGonagall too, had excelled at many subjects, although she hated Potions. Hermione seemed to enjoy all of her subjects, with the exception of Divination, which McGonagall could understand why. Hermione was a clever, intelligent student, an important trait in a Ravenclaw, but there was something else below Hermione's surface that had caused the Sorting Hat to place Hermione in Gryffindor—courage and bravery---important traits in a Gryffindor. The young woman had proven her abilities many times over since she set foot in Hogwarts.
"I look forward to having you teach here at Hogwarts next year—if that's the path you decide to follow. Before that we need to set up a time to discuss your time tables for the NEWTs." McGonagall said. The appointment was set for Wednesday afternoon, after Hermione's last class of the day, Charms.
"I will see you Wednesday, Professor," Hermione said. She took her leave of Professor McGonagall and went to Charms.
* * *
At supper, Ron continued to snub Hermione. Frustrated, Hermione sat next to Lavender and Parvati, who chattered the time away, but Hermione quietly ate her supper. Hermione saw Harry peek at her out of the corner of his eyes a couple of times. She glanced at Harry, hoping to catch his attention. When Harry felt Hermione's gaze upon him, a half-smile graced his face. At least Harry was still looking at her. In between eating meatballs, Hermione observed the other side of the table and noticed the Harry was missing. Ron seemed to be unconcerned; he and Dean were having a friendly argument over the Chudley Cannons and Puddlemere United. After drinking a mug of pumpkin juice, Hermione left the Great Hall and retired to the sixth year dorms.
~ ~ ~
Hermione received a response from her parents the next morning.
Dear Hermione,
We are proud that Headmaster Dumbledore has offered you the Defense Against the Dark Arts job, but are you sure that you do not want to continue your education after you graduate from Hogwarts? From what we have learned for several years, Headmaster Dumbledore may always have the DADA position open. You could defer the offer until you graduate from college.
We will not pressure you, Hermione. We know that you are probably used to making your own choices in life, but we wanted to let you know that other options are available. We trust your judgment, Hermione, which is why we will let you decide this for yourself. Whatever may happen, we hope that you will tell us what you will do after this year.
With love,
Mum
Hermione refolded the letter. At first, she had wanted to go to Merlin University after she graduated from Hogwarts, but the DADA opportunity would be a…unique experience. Hermione was a rational person and she knew that she should probably turn the DADA offer down, but parts of Harry and Ron had rubbed off on her. If Hermione did not accept the position, she might come to regret it later in life. Besides, the term was only for one year and Hermione could go directly to Merlin University after her term ended.
Hermione's face brightened slightly from her newly-made decision. She ran down to breakfast and nearly devoured her eggs. She then went to her first class of the morning, which turned out to be Defense Against the Dark Arts.
End Chapter One.
AN: As I said, I do not know how often I will be able to update, so please hang in there. Read and Review and I will give you all a Hershey's Kiss (or at least an Every Flavor Bean). J