Title: Defense Against the Dark Arts
Author: SelenityK
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.
Rating: PG-13, may be R in later chapters
Disclaimer: The characters are not mine: They belong to JK Rowling.
Pairings: Slight Trio, HG/RL, will eventually become HG/SS
Chapter Two
As Hermione walked in the class, she noticed Professor Lupin staring at her, a mixture of curiosity, amusement and puzzlement crossing his face. Hermione's eyebrows rose ever so slightly and she took her seat. As usual, Ron and Harry entered the class a few seconds behind Hermione. Ron took one look at Hermione and sat directly behind her. Harry took his seat on the left of Hermione.
Hermione did not understand for the life of her why Ron steadily avoided her. Yes, he was so close to her physically, only one seat behind her, but Ron was far away from her. His eyes saw, but they did not see her. Hermione wanted to talk to Ron, to explain her choice, but would he listen to her? Even for a minute?
Defense Against the Dark Arts class passed almost without incident. Hermione could feel Ron's breath tingling the back of her neck, but Hermione did not mind. She missed being close to Ron. At the end of the period, Professor Lupin asked to speak with Hermione for a few moments.
The students filed out of the room, leaving Remus Lupin and Hermione Granger alone in the class. Remus averted his eyes for a moment and then returned his focus to Hermione.
"Dumbledore told me…that you might be taking over the DADA position while I'm away on…business next year."
Was this the only matter that Lupin wanted to talk about? "I haven't told Dumbledore my decision yet, but...yes. If all goes well." Hermione responded.
Remus' pale lips formed a line and he stared intensely at Hermione. "Are you sure about this, Hermione. The position, although it seems entirely harmless, is the exact opposite. More often then not, you'll find yourself doing…other projects outside of school". He said this with a slight touch of bitterness.
Hermione frowned. She hoped that Remus was not angry with her for filling his DADA position for a year. Hermione was inexperienced, but she knew enough about Defense Against the Dark Arts that she could handle her own in a class.
Hermione paused, trying to form an answer. "Yes. I've been friends with Harry and Ron for a long time. I can handle almost anything at this point, Professor."
Remus' voice reverted to its tired calmness. "I trust you, Hermione. I just wanted to make sure that you knew everything that you might face as DADA teacher, in case Dumbledore did not tell you everything. Not that he would do something that serious, but Dumbledore is aging."
"As we all are," Hermione said, looking him in the eye. Remus looked away.
"Dismissed," Remus returned to his desk.
Hermione left the classroom, leaving Remus to sit in his chair, deep in thought. Hermione checked her pocket watch. Eleven o'clock. Harry and Ron would be in the Great Hall for early lunch. Hermione hoped that she would be able to talk with Ron about their disagreement. Hermione saw Harry and Ron seated at the Gryffindor table. Ron, as always, devoured his food as if it were his last meal on earth. Harry was engaged in a conversation with Luna Lovegood. When Harry saw Hermione, he gave her a long look which said, "we need to talk". Ron looked up from his food, but continued to chow down while talking to Neville. Hermione quietly poked around with her food and managed to land a few bites in her mouth before she gave up. Pushing her plate back, Hermione walked away from the Gryffindor table, anger present in her steps.
Hermione went to Gryffindor tower to get the books for her next four classes: Ancient Runes, History of Magic, Arithmancy and Muggle Studies. On her bed, she espied a cream colored letter tied with a red and gold ribbon. For a moment, Hermione wondered how a letter managed to place itself on her bed, but Hermione remembered that she had given Harry and Ron the password to her room. Hermione sat in the bed and opened the letter.
Hermione,
I am sorry for everything that has happened between us during the last couple of days. I can understand why you would want to take the DADA job, and for that I applaud you. If Dumbledore had asked me, I too might have accepted his offer. I believe that you will do very well at being DADA teacher. The position may or may not be cursed, but you will perform so well at the position that whatever curses and hexes that may be in place will not have any affect on you. I say this, not to flatter you, but because you are a strong person and one of my best friends.
Hermione, I don't want our friendship to fall to pieces. We've invested too many years in each other to allow that to happen. I'm trying to talk to Ron, trying to get him to understand your decision, but you know how pigheaded Ron can be at times (don't ever tell him I said that!). Ron thinks that you will grow distant from us, which I've assured him that you will not leave us (will you?). Anyhow, Ron seems to be slowly coming around and I would not be surprised if he speaks with you today. I will see you at Lunch or later this evening.
Love,
Harry.
Hermione smiled. The letter that she received from Harry made her feel loads better, but hearing from Ron would have been extra special. However, it pleased Hermione to know that Harry understood her and that he still wanted to retain their friendship. Hermione folded the letter and placed it in the top drawer of her bureau, where her secret treasures were stored. She locked the drawer, gathered the books for her afternoon classes and headed to Ancient Runes, a smile covering her face
* * *
After Hermione returned from her last class of the day, Muggle Studies, she climbed the stairs to Gryffindor tower, opened the door to the room that she still shared with Lavender Brown and Parvati Patil. How surprised Hermione was when she discovered Harry and Ron asleep on her bed. Hermione scrambled atop her bed and playfully bounced on it until two friends were roused. Harry sat up, his black hair a crumpled mess while Ron reawakened slowly, rubbing his eyes and yawning. They must have occupied her room for a while before falling asleep.
Hermione looked at her two best friends and suddenly enclosed them in a tight bear hug. She never wanted to let them go, ever.
"I'm so glad to see both of you," Hermione said. Tears were burning behind her eyes and threatened to be release, but Hermione held herself in check.
"Why, we're glad to see you also, Hermione," Harry remarked.
"Are you going to accept the position?" Ron had hit straight at the heart of their argument. It was now; there was no time for never.
"Yes, Ron," Hermione answered, gazing intensely at her friend. "I hope that you will support me, even if you cannot accept my decision."
"I accept and support you, Hermione," Ron said. He knelt on the floor and clasped Hermione's hands in his. "Bugger, we've been friends for nearly seven years. I was unsure about the DADA job, to be honest, 'Mione, and I've most certainly had my reservations, but do you think I'd abandon our friendship for something like that?"
Hermione could not control her tears any longer. They spilled forth like the floodgates of heaven. All the pent up emotions that Hermione experienced over the last two days were released. Harry and Ron held her during this time. At the end, Hermione felt the emptiness that one feels after one is finished crying.
Ron walked over to Hermione's bureau and pulled out a handkerchief. Ron took the kerchief and gently removed the remaining tears from Hermione's face. Ron caressed Hermione's face with such care that Hermione felt an outpouring of love for him at that moment.
"Do you want to go to dinner, love?" Harry asked Hermione after she calmed down. Hermione nodded yes. Harry and Ron each wrapped an arm around Hermione's waist. Hermione rested her arms on their shoulders and the three friends waked down to the Great Hall together.
* * *
After telling Ron and Harry about her eventual choice, Hermione still had some contemplation to do, mostly about what Remus had told her after DADA class. Hermione had been so excited about her prospects that she had not taken into consideration the more difficult aspect of the job. Hermione knew that Remus was leaving for year on official "school business" but she suspected that it was Order related. What if Dumbledore wanted Hermione to do something dangerous outside of school? She would not be able to refuse Dumbledore's request.
Other issues on Hermione's mind dealt with how the students would perceive her. Hermione loved to learn, but she had never considered teaching. Hermione wanted to do something research-oriented; a job that would allow her to have some alone time. Hermione was friends with Harry and Ron, that much was true, but she did not have many significant friendships outside of her relationship with Harry and Ron, save Ginny, and only because Ginny was Ron's younger sister. Hermione had had always seen Ginny as a younger sister and she loved being around her. Everyone student that Hermione had associated with over the years were simply that: associates. Hermione did not feel the particular need for a large social group. She was more comfortable working alone or with a small group of people.
Hermione knew that she was smart and could spit out any bit of information that anyone could ask, but would she be comfortable imparting this knowledge to others. For one, it would be a learning experience and Hermione enjoyed new experiences. Harry's and Ron's escapades throughout their years at Hogwarts had indeed grown on her. Although she enjoyed their adventuring sometimes, Hermione was still a cautious person by nature. Hermione would take things as they came and deal with them piece by piece.
Hermione decided to inform Dumbledore of her decision early Wednesday morning. She supposed that Dumbledore would already know, his senses were so uncanny. Hermione wrote a quick note to her parents.
Mum and Dad
I have decided to accept Dumbledore's offer after all. I am going to talk with him on Wednesday (tomorrow).
With Love
Hermione
Hermione sealed the letter with a wax stamp. She checked her clock. Nine o'clock. Another hour until curfew, Hermione noted. She did NOT want to get caught wandering the halls by Filch. Hermione wrapped her cloak over her shoulders, took her letter and a cookie for one of the owls. She headed to the owlery, placed the letter in the owl's talons and a piece of cookie in his beak. The owl soared into the air, its wings spread across the night sky. The moon was half full and the sky free of clouds that night. So beautiful, Hermione mused.
She walked back to her room. Parvati and Lavender were sleeping peacefully in their beds. I'd better do the same, Hermione thought. A yawn escaped her lips. Hermione's cloak and shoes were removed. Hermione slid into bed and fell into a dreamless sleep.
End Chapter Two
AN: Don't forget to review, as always