Hermione woke the next morning. Around 9:30 after a nice breakfast and a
quick shower she was ready to go the Charms classroom. It was connected to
her room by a secret door. Sirius was coming to help her clean. Her and
George were going to clean up the pitch that afternoon. George was still
half asleep even though it was 9:30. Hermione laughed to herself. Sirius
arrived equipped with all the cleaning spells he could remember.
Thank Merlin Hermione was a Charms teacher and was so good at spells. They work around the clock cleaning the room for about ¾ of the morning. The other ¼ was spent working a little bit on a lesson plan. They talked and kept each other company. They caught Sirius up on things from the summer. Hermione was telling Sirius all about the ingenious plan her lovely friends had created.
"Well they locked us in a room together and wouldn't let us out. We finally confessed. I was so surprised to know George felt the same about me. I mean I never would have guessed." She smiled. "But now its true and I couldn't be happier."
When they finished a nice lunch and a little meeting with Dumbledore they went out to the pitch to clean it up. They cut the grass. Polished the Goal posts. George like Harry had a broom service kit and the school supplied one so both he and Hermione cleaned the brooms up. They sat with Sirius and talked some more. They reminisced about the days they were in Hogwarts and about when Sirius was in Hogwarts.
"Lily and James were characters. They use to hate each other. They fought and hexed each other. 'I'm going to hex you to next Friday' was Lily's favorite line. James would reply 'I'll believe it when you finally keep your promise. You say that all the time' it would go on like that for hours. Finally Remus and I got sick of it. We locked them in a broom closet. See your friends aren't the only ones who would do that. We did it back in my days to. HAHA!" Sirius laughed. " Well after about 5 hours mind you we chose a Saturday so we would have to time they confessed to being head over heels for the other and gave up the fighting and took to love. We let them out and my next poor soul was Remus. I got him with this pretty 6th year Hufflepuff. It was great. But then they got me back. That's how I met Michelle." He smiled at that.
They continued to talk till dinner. After dinner they went there separate ways. Hermione and George walked to their room while Sirius went with Dumbledore to do some work. When they got to the room they put up some more pictures and changed things. Hermione re-organized her closet and dresser draws. They sat by the fire and Hermione took out a book. It was a photo album. It was muggle pictures form her parents. They died when she was in her 6th year. He-who-must-not-be-named killed them. He killed a great deal of muggles. Her parents were among them. George knew it was still hard for her. She loved to look at pictures of her family.
He sat down next to her and put an arm around her. He kissed the top of her head and she put her head on his shoulder. They sat there for a little bit longer. It was late and they had lots of work to do the next morning. He helped her up and brought her to her room. He tucked her in and kissed her forehead.
"Sleep well my angel." He said leaving her room. He walked to his room. Sat on his bed and read a book. When he finally got to sleep it was 2:30.
When September 1st finally came the school was cleaned, the teachers had their lessons ready, and they were tired. So, there she was with George sitting next to her at the head table waiting the arrival of the new first years. Professor McGonagall walked in and placed the stool and the sorting hat down upon the stool. Behind her were many nervous first years. The looks on their faces were priceless. She leaned to George.
"We looked like that didn't we? Ron, Harry, and I?" she asked laughing a little.
"Yes you did. I was probably just he same." And then the two turned back to watch the first years be sorted. Finally when the last student was placed Dumbledore stood up and spoke.
"I have a few announcements to make. To all the forest is forbidden. That is unless you want to mean you end. Secondly at the end of the year Madame Hooch and Professor Flitwick retired from our staff. Two former students are going to replace them. A few may know the new Flying Instructor. I'm pleased to announce the new teacher is Mr. George Weasley. George was beater on the school team and great for a laugh along with his twin. And more of you will know the new Charms teacher. I'm please to further announce that Miss Hermione Granger will be teaching here. She was top student and always on top of things." They stood up and smiled then sat down. Dumbledore continued. "This year we will be holding the annual Yule ball. It is for fourth years and up unless someone else for the older grades asks anyone from first to third. There will also be a Halloween ball for every year." He smiled. Everyone began a loud chatter. "Let the feast begin."
After dinner was finished George was soon surrounded by admires. Asking him questions about his store and such. Hermione too was surround. Word got around that she was the best friend to the Harry Potter and Ron Weasley. Questions were flying left and right. Thankfully Dumbledore and Sirius shooed them away. It was late and the students need to go to sleep for classes started tomorrow. Hermione slept well. She only woke once with the worries of teaching. 'Will I be okay? Will the students like me?' she paused then laughed 'Of course I'll be okay. Dumbledore wouldn't have hired me if he didn't have faith I would do fine.'
Over in George's room he was still up. He was completely nervous. He didn't want to screw up. He was afraid a student might get hurt. He kept thinking something would go wrong and silly things like that. He tossed and turned and fidgeted with things. After awhile he gave up and looked at the clock. It had felt like hours but truthfully it was only 12:01 am. He threw his hands in the air. "Why can't I get sleep?" he mumbled to no one and no one answered.
After more tossing and turning he finally gave into sleep. When he woke up again it was 5:30 in the morning. He got out of bed and went to shower. After he showered he put on some forest green teaching robes. He checked himself in the mirror one last time. He exited the bathroom and went to the common room to sit.
"Good morning sunshine." He said when he spotted Hermione already up.
"Good morning to you too. Glad to see your done in the shower. How did you sleep last night?" she asked as she got up to go to her room to shower.
"I didn't go to sleep till at lest 1ish. I guess I'm just a bit nervous." He called to her as she left the room.
"That makes two of us." She called back "I'm going to shower now." And with that she hopped into the shower.
She did a quick drying spell on her hair and put on her light blue teaching robes. She checked her appearance. She did a straightening spell on her hair and put it in a bun. After a final glance she went out to join George. They sat down and talked. At a quarter to seven they left their rooms for the Great Hall. When they got there they noticed it was quit packed. 'Guess these students aren't morning people.' She laughed.
"Good morning Hermione dear. You nervous?" ask McGonagall.
"Yes, I had trouble getting to sleep last night." Said Hermione.
"Don't worry dear you'll do fine." Said McGonagall. The conversation went from there.
Over to her right George was talking to Sirius and Hagrid. "So George are you nervous?" asked Sirius.
"A little. I spent my night worrying." He replied.
"No need ter worry there." Said a friendly voice. (It was Hagrid)
At around 10 to 8 the teachers left for their classrooms. Hermione and George said good-bye and went their separate ways. George went to the Quidditch Pitch and Hermione back to her rooms on the third floor. She had 5th year Hufflepuffs and Ravenclaws. That was Hermione's favorite year after 7th. Of course everyone knew that 7th year was her favorite year because she was Head Girl. The only down side to that would be, which it happened, was having someone like Draco Malfoy as your Head Boy. The students filed in and then the bell rang signaling class had begun.
"Hello class. I am Professor Granger. Can anyone tell me what you have learned so far?" several hands raised. 'This is a good sign' she thought. " Yes, you. Miss Clement?" she said to a girl with black hair and soft brown eyes.
She must have had the name right because the girl went on to answer her. After that they went to the lesson Hermione had planned. They worked on it and the class seemed to like her. Over at the pitch George was teaching his first group. 1st year Slytherins and Ravenclaws would be the group.
"Good morning class. I am Professor Weasley." Began George. " I am going to start with the basics. I suspect few to none of you know how to fly. I will teach you how to fly the proper way and maybe if any of you show potential I might suggest to your house captains to keep and eye on you. But as you know the last time we had a first year on the team it was Harry Potter. So lets begin. Any questions?" he asked.
A little girl raised her hand. "I'm afraid to fly sir." She said shyly.
Someone laughed. George glared at the student. He sunk back. He gave a look that said "sorry". George walked over to the girl and told her to stay after class. She nodded and he sent her to sit in the stands.
"Step to the left of your brooms and say 'Up'." George instructed.
"up" echoed across the pitch as the students attempted to raise their brooms. To George's surprise about a handful of students were able to raise their brooms. They worked for the rest of class. When the class was over he talked to the girl. Her name was Katrina Phillips.
"Miss Phillips. I asked you to stay back because I have a friend who teaches here. She had had the same problem. Your classmates won't have to know about it." He reassured the girl.
"I would like that very much. May I ask who it is, professor?" she smiled.
"Yes. Her name is Professor Granger. Old school friend." Katrina nodded.
"I have to go to class now Professor. As a matter of fact I have to go to Charms with Professor Granger." She said gathering her things to leave.
"If you are late tell her that Professor Weasley kept you and that I need to speak to her later will you?" he asked
"Okay Professor and thank you" she squeaked.
His next class was arriving. That class went by quick because they were 7th years. Gyffindors and Hufflepuffs. Most of them knew him because he was a 6th year when they came to Hogwarts as 1st years. At lunchtime he sat between Sirius and Hermione. Her second for the morning was 1st years. She asked George about what he wanted to talk to her.
"Oh. Yes. She told me she was afraid to fly and I thought if you were okay with it and I got permission from Dumbledore or Sirius I would watch over and give pointers while you flew with her."
"Of course I'd love to help her." They finished a nice lunch.
They went to their last classes of the day. The afternoon classes went by fast. George asked Dumbledore for permission to help a student with flying and of course Dumbledore said yes. Then he met with Miss Phillips and they scheduled to meet the following night after dinner.
Weeks went by and Hermione and Katrina grew closer. She started helping her with her other classes as well. Katrina reminded George of Hermione when she was first at Hogwarts. Soon the weeks changed into months and it was before they knew it, it was December. It was about a week before break. The classes went quickly for Katrina. After a while they started to meet less.
The Saturday before they left for Christmas break it was a Hogsmeade trip. George had been working there on weekends. George went to the shop and Hermione went shopping for a little bit. After a while she decided she wanted to visit the shop and see how Fred was doing. She walked in and when the boys spotted her they threw something behind there backs and looked nervous.
"Turn around you." They said. So she did as told.
"What are you hiding?" she asked.
"None of your business." George said "But don't worry I Love you." He kissed her nose and she found what she wanted and left.
"That was too close for me." Said Fred. They went back to what they were doing only to stop when a costumer came in.
Hermione went over to Three Broomsticks where she was to meet Lavender, April, and Ginny for lunch. The girls couldn't wait for Christmas. Harry has proposed to Ginny in November. Ron had proposed to Lavender back in October. The girls were going to spend Christmas vacation working on wedding plans. They ate a small lunch and chatted about Christmas and what they had left to get.
After a while Hermione told them she had to pick some stuff up and head back to the castle. She went to the store and got what she needed and then went to the station to take a horseless carriage home. She met up with Sirius and joined him on his way back. Hermione broke the silence that had formed.
"Will you and the family be joining us for Christmas?" she asked.
"Yes, the kids can't wait to see Rachael, Megan, David, and Timmy." He smiled.
"That's wonderful." She said. They continued to talk till the reached the castle.
They arrived at the castle in good spirits. The castle was decorated so beautifully and the snow that frosted the ground made it so picturesque. There were trees all through the great hall. Everything was so beautiful. They went to their rooms and got ready for tomorrow and the ride back home. Hermione was still wondering what George and Fred where up to but she put that off. She picked up her favorite book to read at Christmas time. 'A Christmas Carol.'
Thank Merlin Hermione was a Charms teacher and was so good at spells. They work around the clock cleaning the room for about ¾ of the morning. The other ¼ was spent working a little bit on a lesson plan. They talked and kept each other company. They caught Sirius up on things from the summer. Hermione was telling Sirius all about the ingenious plan her lovely friends had created.
"Well they locked us in a room together and wouldn't let us out. We finally confessed. I was so surprised to know George felt the same about me. I mean I never would have guessed." She smiled. "But now its true and I couldn't be happier."
When they finished a nice lunch and a little meeting with Dumbledore they went out to the pitch to clean it up. They cut the grass. Polished the Goal posts. George like Harry had a broom service kit and the school supplied one so both he and Hermione cleaned the brooms up. They sat with Sirius and talked some more. They reminisced about the days they were in Hogwarts and about when Sirius was in Hogwarts.
"Lily and James were characters. They use to hate each other. They fought and hexed each other. 'I'm going to hex you to next Friday' was Lily's favorite line. James would reply 'I'll believe it when you finally keep your promise. You say that all the time' it would go on like that for hours. Finally Remus and I got sick of it. We locked them in a broom closet. See your friends aren't the only ones who would do that. We did it back in my days to. HAHA!" Sirius laughed. " Well after about 5 hours mind you we chose a Saturday so we would have to time they confessed to being head over heels for the other and gave up the fighting and took to love. We let them out and my next poor soul was Remus. I got him with this pretty 6th year Hufflepuff. It was great. But then they got me back. That's how I met Michelle." He smiled at that.
They continued to talk till dinner. After dinner they went there separate ways. Hermione and George walked to their room while Sirius went with Dumbledore to do some work. When they got to the room they put up some more pictures and changed things. Hermione re-organized her closet and dresser draws. They sat by the fire and Hermione took out a book. It was a photo album. It was muggle pictures form her parents. They died when she was in her 6th year. He-who-must-not-be-named killed them. He killed a great deal of muggles. Her parents were among them. George knew it was still hard for her. She loved to look at pictures of her family.
He sat down next to her and put an arm around her. He kissed the top of her head and she put her head on his shoulder. They sat there for a little bit longer. It was late and they had lots of work to do the next morning. He helped her up and brought her to her room. He tucked her in and kissed her forehead.
"Sleep well my angel." He said leaving her room. He walked to his room. Sat on his bed and read a book. When he finally got to sleep it was 2:30.
When September 1st finally came the school was cleaned, the teachers had their lessons ready, and they were tired. So, there she was with George sitting next to her at the head table waiting the arrival of the new first years. Professor McGonagall walked in and placed the stool and the sorting hat down upon the stool. Behind her were many nervous first years. The looks on their faces were priceless. She leaned to George.
"We looked like that didn't we? Ron, Harry, and I?" she asked laughing a little.
"Yes you did. I was probably just he same." And then the two turned back to watch the first years be sorted. Finally when the last student was placed Dumbledore stood up and spoke.
"I have a few announcements to make. To all the forest is forbidden. That is unless you want to mean you end. Secondly at the end of the year Madame Hooch and Professor Flitwick retired from our staff. Two former students are going to replace them. A few may know the new Flying Instructor. I'm pleased to announce the new teacher is Mr. George Weasley. George was beater on the school team and great for a laugh along with his twin. And more of you will know the new Charms teacher. I'm please to further announce that Miss Hermione Granger will be teaching here. She was top student and always on top of things." They stood up and smiled then sat down. Dumbledore continued. "This year we will be holding the annual Yule ball. It is for fourth years and up unless someone else for the older grades asks anyone from first to third. There will also be a Halloween ball for every year." He smiled. Everyone began a loud chatter. "Let the feast begin."
After dinner was finished George was soon surrounded by admires. Asking him questions about his store and such. Hermione too was surround. Word got around that she was the best friend to the Harry Potter and Ron Weasley. Questions were flying left and right. Thankfully Dumbledore and Sirius shooed them away. It was late and the students need to go to sleep for classes started tomorrow. Hermione slept well. She only woke once with the worries of teaching. 'Will I be okay? Will the students like me?' she paused then laughed 'Of course I'll be okay. Dumbledore wouldn't have hired me if he didn't have faith I would do fine.'
Over in George's room he was still up. He was completely nervous. He didn't want to screw up. He was afraid a student might get hurt. He kept thinking something would go wrong and silly things like that. He tossed and turned and fidgeted with things. After awhile he gave up and looked at the clock. It had felt like hours but truthfully it was only 12:01 am. He threw his hands in the air. "Why can't I get sleep?" he mumbled to no one and no one answered.
After more tossing and turning he finally gave into sleep. When he woke up again it was 5:30 in the morning. He got out of bed and went to shower. After he showered he put on some forest green teaching robes. He checked himself in the mirror one last time. He exited the bathroom and went to the common room to sit.
"Good morning sunshine." He said when he spotted Hermione already up.
"Good morning to you too. Glad to see your done in the shower. How did you sleep last night?" she asked as she got up to go to her room to shower.
"I didn't go to sleep till at lest 1ish. I guess I'm just a bit nervous." He called to her as she left the room.
"That makes two of us." She called back "I'm going to shower now." And with that she hopped into the shower.
She did a quick drying spell on her hair and put on her light blue teaching robes. She checked her appearance. She did a straightening spell on her hair and put it in a bun. After a final glance she went out to join George. They sat down and talked. At a quarter to seven they left their rooms for the Great Hall. When they got there they noticed it was quit packed. 'Guess these students aren't morning people.' She laughed.
"Good morning Hermione dear. You nervous?" ask McGonagall.
"Yes, I had trouble getting to sleep last night." Said Hermione.
"Don't worry dear you'll do fine." Said McGonagall. The conversation went from there.
Over to her right George was talking to Sirius and Hagrid. "So George are you nervous?" asked Sirius.
"A little. I spent my night worrying." He replied.
"No need ter worry there." Said a friendly voice. (It was Hagrid)
At around 10 to 8 the teachers left for their classrooms. Hermione and George said good-bye and went their separate ways. George went to the Quidditch Pitch and Hermione back to her rooms on the third floor. She had 5th year Hufflepuffs and Ravenclaws. That was Hermione's favorite year after 7th. Of course everyone knew that 7th year was her favorite year because she was Head Girl. The only down side to that would be, which it happened, was having someone like Draco Malfoy as your Head Boy. The students filed in and then the bell rang signaling class had begun.
"Hello class. I am Professor Granger. Can anyone tell me what you have learned so far?" several hands raised. 'This is a good sign' she thought. " Yes, you. Miss Clement?" she said to a girl with black hair and soft brown eyes.
She must have had the name right because the girl went on to answer her. After that they went to the lesson Hermione had planned. They worked on it and the class seemed to like her. Over at the pitch George was teaching his first group. 1st year Slytherins and Ravenclaws would be the group.
"Good morning class. I am Professor Weasley." Began George. " I am going to start with the basics. I suspect few to none of you know how to fly. I will teach you how to fly the proper way and maybe if any of you show potential I might suggest to your house captains to keep and eye on you. But as you know the last time we had a first year on the team it was Harry Potter. So lets begin. Any questions?" he asked.
A little girl raised her hand. "I'm afraid to fly sir." She said shyly.
Someone laughed. George glared at the student. He sunk back. He gave a look that said "sorry". George walked over to the girl and told her to stay after class. She nodded and he sent her to sit in the stands.
"Step to the left of your brooms and say 'Up'." George instructed.
"up" echoed across the pitch as the students attempted to raise their brooms. To George's surprise about a handful of students were able to raise their brooms. They worked for the rest of class. When the class was over he talked to the girl. Her name was Katrina Phillips.
"Miss Phillips. I asked you to stay back because I have a friend who teaches here. She had had the same problem. Your classmates won't have to know about it." He reassured the girl.
"I would like that very much. May I ask who it is, professor?" she smiled.
"Yes. Her name is Professor Granger. Old school friend." Katrina nodded.
"I have to go to class now Professor. As a matter of fact I have to go to Charms with Professor Granger." She said gathering her things to leave.
"If you are late tell her that Professor Weasley kept you and that I need to speak to her later will you?" he asked
"Okay Professor and thank you" she squeaked.
His next class was arriving. That class went by quick because they were 7th years. Gyffindors and Hufflepuffs. Most of them knew him because he was a 6th year when they came to Hogwarts as 1st years. At lunchtime he sat between Sirius and Hermione. Her second for the morning was 1st years. She asked George about what he wanted to talk to her.
"Oh. Yes. She told me she was afraid to fly and I thought if you were okay with it and I got permission from Dumbledore or Sirius I would watch over and give pointers while you flew with her."
"Of course I'd love to help her." They finished a nice lunch.
They went to their last classes of the day. The afternoon classes went by fast. George asked Dumbledore for permission to help a student with flying and of course Dumbledore said yes. Then he met with Miss Phillips and they scheduled to meet the following night after dinner.
Weeks went by and Hermione and Katrina grew closer. She started helping her with her other classes as well. Katrina reminded George of Hermione when she was first at Hogwarts. Soon the weeks changed into months and it was before they knew it, it was December. It was about a week before break. The classes went quickly for Katrina. After a while they started to meet less.
The Saturday before they left for Christmas break it was a Hogsmeade trip. George had been working there on weekends. George went to the shop and Hermione went shopping for a little bit. After a while she decided she wanted to visit the shop and see how Fred was doing. She walked in and when the boys spotted her they threw something behind there backs and looked nervous.
"Turn around you." They said. So she did as told.
"What are you hiding?" she asked.
"None of your business." George said "But don't worry I Love you." He kissed her nose and she found what she wanted and left.
"That was too close for me." Said Fred. They went back to what they were doing only to stop when a costumer came in.
Hermione went over to Three Broomsticks where she was to meet Lavender, April, and Ginny for lunch. The girls couldn't wait for Christmas. Harry has proposed to Ginny in November. Ron had proposed to Lavender back in October. The girls were going to spend Christmas vacation working on wedding plans. They ate a small lunch and chatted about Christmas and what they had left to get.
After a while Hermione told them she had to pick some stuff up and head back to the castle. She went to the store and got what she needed and then went to the station to take a horseless carriage home. She met up with Sirius and joined him on his way back. Hermione broke the silence that had formed.
"Will you and the family be joining us for Christmas?" she asked.
"Yes, the kids can't wait to see Rachael, Megan, David, and Timmy." He smiled.
"That's wonderful." She said. They continued to talk till the reached the castle.
They arrived at the castle in good spirits. The castle was decorated so beautifully and the snow that frosted the ground made it so picturesque. There were trees all through the great hall. Everything was so beautiful. They went to their rooms and got ready for tomorrow and the ride back home. Hermione was still wondering what George and Fred where up to but she put that off. She picked up her favorite book to read at Christmas time. 'A Christmas Carol.'