Disclaimer: I own nothing you recognize.

Chapter four – Letters from friends

Hermione made her way to the teacher's table for lunch. Very few teachers were present, as lunch hadn't begun yet.

"Hello Remus, how was your classes?" Hermione asked, as she took a seat. Remus gave her a tired smile.

"Oh, very well. I met some 1st years who remind me quite a lot of you, Ron and Harry" He replied thoughtfully. Hermione laughed.

"Is that so? A bookworm, a lovable klutz and a trouble-magnet?" she asked, grinning. Remus grinned back.

"Oh yes. That's not all, either. They're names are quite similar, too" he said. Hermione raised an eyebrow.

"Harietta Georgenson, Harold Peters, and Russle Weston" He said, with a lopsided smile. Hermione nearly choked on her juice.

"Wow .. talk about similarities." Hermione replied, laughing. "I get 1st years after lunch. I'll keep an eye out for them"

"You won't need to. Harrietta's hand is the first one up as soon as you ask a question" Remus explained. Hermione smiled, with a far-away look on her face.

Sometimes I miss Hogwarts .. The classes, the teachers, the books, the adventures. Well, the adventures haven't stopped, for sure. I'm so glad I came to teach here.. Hermione thought, clearly in a daze.

At that moment, Sirius walked in. "Earth to 'Mione" he said with a chuckle. Hermione snapped out of her trance. "Oh hey Sirius" she responded, with a lopsided-smile.

"Hey yourself. How was class?" he asked. Hermione looked at him suspiciously. "Why? Are you planning on distrupting my class with a prank?" she asked, her eyes narrowing on the handsome man beside her. Sirius laughed.

"I'm a teacher now, Hermione. I don't play pranks anymore." He said with a wink. Hermione snorted. Remus coughed rather obviously. "Honestly, you two. Grow up! You're not in school anymore." Sirius said in a sharp tone. Hermione looked at him, unable to speak. She was speechless. Remus looked like he was going to fall over with laugher.

Unable to hold it in, Hermione and Remus burst out in silent laughter. Sirius joined them.

A couple minutes later, Blaise and Draco entered the Great Hall. Blaise took up his seat beside Hermione, and Draco took his seat beside Blaise. Hermione and Blaise started chattering animatedly about classes, while Draco looked rather bored. What happens when Draco gets bored?

He looks for trouble.

"Hey Black, what's it like to be treated like a proper human?" he asked lazily. Sirius glared at Draco.

"You wouldn't know" He replied, between mouthfuls of food. Draco scowled.

At that immediate moment, Severus swept into the Great Hall. Overhearing the conversation, Snape decided to seize the opportunity.

"Its not like you'd know, Black. Half the time you're a dog, if my memory serves me correct?" He said silkily. Sirius's expression darkened.

"At least I still retain my stunning good looks, unlike one greasy slimball I know" Sirius shot back.

Meanwhile, at the other end of the teacher's table, Minerva and Albus were in deep conversation.

"Do you think its wise to allow Sirius to teach in the same school as Severus? They have been enemies for years. Think of the trouble they could cause, Albus" Minerva commented in a worried tone.

"Have you ever found me to do anything unwise?" Albus asked, his eyes twinkling. Minerva shook her head.

"What about Miss Granger and Mr. Draco?" She asked, glancing at the two former students. They were arguing over something.

"What about them, Minerva? They are both adults now. As well, they get along fairly well." Albus replied airily. Minerva sighed. "It is not Miss Granger I am worried about.." she trailed off, as Luna Lovegood took a seat beside her.

"Hello Luna, how was Divination?" Minerva asked kindly. Luna smiled, but still retained her far-away look. "Quite well, actually. Sybil is very talented" Luna replied, as she began eating. Minerva exchanged glances with Albus. They both knew Sybil rarely predicted anything true.

The rest of classes flew by quickly. Tired, Hermione dragged herself up to the teacher's tower. She soon found out that the teacher's lounge was one of her favorite places in the entire castle.

She quickly went to her room, and changed out of her robes. She put on some yoga pants (yoga is a form of muggle aerobics) and a stretchy t-shirt. Comfy clothes. She tied her hair in a loose pony tail, with some of her honey-chocolate strands of hair gently curling around her face.

Upon entering the Teacher's Lounge, she grabbed a cup of coffee, and curled up with DADA book. She read in blissful silence, for quite awhile, before anyone entered the lounge. Soon, she heard a soft tapping noise on the window. Looking up, she seen three owls hovering at the window.

Getting up, she rushed to open the window and let the distressed owls in. They were no doubt carrying letters from Harry, Ron and Ginny.

Hey 'Mione,

Sorry this letter is so short, Ginny should be here any time now, we're going out.. Congrats on making a teacher! We always knew you'd become one. Anyhow, I was thinking along the same lines as you. How about this weekend? I thought we could perhaps meet at the Manor, and then go from there. I've invited Remus and his girl (he says no one knows about her, he'll introduce her at dinner) Ginny, Ron and Luna (another big surprise there—apparently he and Luna have dating for a month now. Don't ask me how he managed to keep that a secret) Fred and George are coming, I think they're bringing girls too, Bill, Charlie, Percy are coming together, I think they all are bring their girlfriends, but not sure. And last, but not least, You and Sirius. You guys should come together and apparate from Hogsmead.

It will be lots of fun. Don't expect to get back early. Most of the evening's events (not telling what they are) were planned by Sirius. And you know him, he's a night owl. It will be great to see everyone again. Oh, me and Ron might drop by Hogwarts some time this week, so look out for us.

Love,

Harry

Hermione smiled. She re-read the letter again. "You and Sirius"? "you guys should come together".. Is he hinting something?

Of course he isn't! He'd be absolutely appalled if I ever got together with his godfather.

Oh, but would he? And even then, does it matter? Sirius is drop-dead gorgeous.. The way he laughs is so intoxicating.. Oh, and hes sweet, and oh yes .. so rich ..

"Hermione?"

But ever so handsome .. with his suave hair, charming smile, rock-hard body.. mmm ..

"Hermione?"

I wonder what Sirius would think if he could read my mind right now ..

"Hmmm.. I know I'm handsome, but I don't think I've ever made a girl forget her surroundings" said a charming voice.

What?!

That made Hermione snap out of her trance. She looked up, and seen Sirius standing over her with a highly bemused look on his face.

"Oh hey Sirius" Hermione responded, folding up the letter.

Sirius laughed and sat down beside her. "Gee Hermione, you tend to float off in space a lot. Dreaming of the new revised addition of 'Hogwarts; A History'?" He asked, smirking. Hermione grinned.

"Too late, Sirius. It already came out" She replied smartly. Sirius rolled his eyes.

"Letters? From who?" He asked, looking at the letters on her lap. Hermione, who momentarily forgot about the letters, stared at him with a blank expression until she suddenly remembered the letters in her lap.

"Oh!" she exclaimed softly, picking the letters up.

"Ron, Harry and Ginny" she replied. He nodded.

"Are you coming to the party of the century?" he asked with a grin. Hermione rolled her eyes. "Of course. I've never been to your .. Manor.." she replied, accenting 'manor'.

Sirius's expressions darkened. "Its just a regular house, not a some fancy castle. I'm not a Malfoy" He said, with a slightly sharp tone.

"Oh, but you're related to them, Sirius. Besides, the term 'Manor' is nice. You deserve a Manor" she replied in a soft tone. Sirius's face was unreadable, so Hermione decided to change the subject.

"Harry tells me you're quite the party planner" She said with a smile. Sirius grinned instantly.

"Hell yes. Me, Moony and Prongs used to hold the best parties at Hogwarts. Unbeknown to teachers, of course" he added with a wink. Hermione laughed. Who would have ever known he would end up being at teacher? She thought amusedly.

Sirius busied himself with lesson plans while Hermione read her next letter. From Ron.

Hey 'Mione,

Great to know that you're finally getting paid to boss students around and make sure they do their homework. It was obvious to everyone that you'd become a teacher. Congratulations! Coming to Harry & Sirius's house this weekend? It should be a lot of fun. You should come, god knows you need to get away from all those books. Fred & George are planning to, ahem, test some of their latest products out at the dinner. Did I ever mention to you that I'm dating Luna? She really nice .. You remember her, right? I believe shes working with Trelawney. I'm sure you remember her. The "crackpot fool"? Hope the students aren't giving you a hard time. If Malfoy ever tries to make a move on you, let him know I'll cream him in an instant.

Gotta run, I think Harry's burning something in the kitchen.

Love,

Ron.

Hermione folded up Ron's letter and smiled. She couldn't wait until the weekend.

"What did Ron say?" Sirius asked, causing Hermione to jump. She forgot that Sirius was sitting beside her.

"Oh, nothing. Talking about the party, about how I need to get out more often, and how he'll cream Draco if he ever tries anything on me." Hermione replied with a tired smile.

"That makes two" Sirius growled. Hermione couldn't help but laugh. He returned to his book, and Hermione opened the last letter. From Ginny.

Deeeeeearest Hermy! (insert evil laugh here)

Good to hear from you. I thought you drowned in books. Either that, or you've been busy in broom closets and empty classrooms with a certain blond-haired wizard. Okay, okay, the jokes will stop here. Or else you'll probably hex me into oblivion. Anyhow, I'm surprised you want to meet me at Hogsmead. That means shopping! I was wonder how long it would take before you allowed me to take you shopping. What has it been? A couple centuries? (insert another evil laugh here) Has a charmer caught your eye? Ooooh, who is it? Blaise? Draco? Remus? Sirius? Snape? Dumbledore? Ahahaha.. I know you have a soft spot of older men (insert a wink here) Anyhow.. Coming to the party this weekend? Maybe you should take your guy with you .. hehe. We should meet up before then. How about Thursday evening, right after classes? Let me know.

Love,

Ginny

(Matchmaker extrodinaire .. hint hint)

Hermione was laughing, almost in tears, by the end of Ginny's letter. Sirius gave her a strange look. "Whats so funny?" He asked curiously. Hermione handed him the letter.

"Dumbledore? SNAPE?!" He managed to say before he nearly fell off the couch in laughter. Hermione nodded, still laughing.

"Ginny always knows how to crack me up" She said, as she folded up her letter. "And I don't?" he asked, feigning hurt. Hermione stuck her tongue out at Sirius.

At that, Sirius smirked.

"Don't stick out your tongue unless you're planning to use it" He said, smirking and grinning at the same time.

Author's note: I know, I know. I take soooo long to update. School is getting harder. Homework is getting more. I know they're not excuses, but I forwarn you—You'll notice that updates will probably come once or twice a week now. Never fear, though!

Tigersmeleth – Hehehe thanks. I wish I could go to school at Hogwarts! –pouts- hehe

Tsubaki-Sakura – Oooh, threats! –grins- hehe. I know this wasn't that long at all. I've been very busy, sorry! Oh well. I have more to write on now.. the upcoming shopping trip with Ginny and .. THE PARTY! Hehehe. I'm glad you like the story!

Roxxie-Hart – Ooh I wont, don't worry. Thanks!

Acdenerd – Hehe thanks!

Zaralya – Ooh yes. Its just another one of the fun twists that make this story fun to write hehe. I'm going to try to update at least once or twice a week .. School has suddenly taken a rather harder turn, and schoolwork comes before fanfiction, unfortunately. Never fear though! I will still update whenever I have spare time, on top of the guaranteed once or twice a week update. Hehe.

Flavagurl – Thanks! Hehehe :)

Siriuszsecretlover – Awww thanks :)

Flaignhan – Haha. I actually like Draco, but ya know, sometimes he annoys the hell out of me, hehe.

Mystery of the Night – Aww thanks! I will! :)

Elemental-Sorceror – Thanks! Its hard to imagine sometimes, eh? Adult Draco? Haha

Ineth Tinethele – Oooh, I agree sooooo much. Horny teenagers who have sex in the first chapter completely ruins the story, and takes out the mystery. I'm trying not to rush their relationship. I feel especially special that you enjoy this story, despite the fact that you don't like Sirius at all. Maybe I can change your mind ;)

Evildancer93 – Unfortuantly, that pairing wont happen in this story, sorry! But that wont stop him from flirting with her ;) If you like HG/DM, check out my other story, By the mother's request. It's a HG/DM fic. Hehehe.

Crazy-Physco – Thanks! :)

Roxie515 – Heheh thanks. I'm a big fan of SB/HG fics too. :D

Spychick989 – Awesome! Thanks! :)

SiriuslyPadfoot'sGal – Hehehehe I luff your name. I totally know what you mean. And yes, Draco has a thing for Hermione. But he's not in love with her or anything, just finds her highly attractive. And Blaise likes her, too. Its not a triangle .. it's a square! Hehehe. Hermione will definitely had some very good days to come .. :)

Thank you thank you thank you thank you ALL for reviewing! When I first started this fic, I never expected so many good reviews! Thanks soooo much, you guys! I'm gonna get started on the next chapter right away .. I'll write it in bed. –grins-