Disclaimer: None of these wonderful characters is mine; they are J.K. Rowling's.
Summary: Hermione graduated from Hogwarts 2 years ago and is now twenty. War rages on and she builds barriers around her heart.
Genre: Angst/Romance Rating: Mature/Lemon Warnings: This is very OOC. If you want the characters just the way they are in the book, stop now and click on the back button. This is also AU. If you do not like it, do not read it! Now for those who want to, enjoy!
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I Don't Believe In Love
Chapter one: Oh, this is going to be an interesting year.
Hermione was throwing anything and everything into her trunk. A letter lay open on her desk, together with her scattered books and some parchments.
Dear Ms. Granger,
I have written to you in these times to ask you if you would like to teach as the Defense Against the Dark arts professor in Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. I believe that your work as an Auror and the record-breaking scores you achieved will ensure that the subject shall be taught as the way it should have been. Please send your reply with the owl that sent you this letter. Thank you.
Albus Dumbledore Headmaster
P.S. How are Harry and Ron by the way? Could you bring me some of those Nerds candies?
It was already 10:00 and she did not want to miss the train. She was no longer the know-it-all girl she was in her school days. She possesses a keen intellect and no longer wishes to show everyone of her knowledge. Her short hair was wet, and her wet, locked bangs were hanging in front of her eyes as she bended over the desk, and stopped.
Her opening door produced a creaking sound. She could hear footsteps coming closer. She pretended to fix her things on the desk.
The person was behind her. Just one more step...
She turned around and pointed her wand, an inch away from the man's neck.
"Whoa, Hermione it's just me. Honestly, one of these days, you would kill me by mistake." Harry Potter stood in front of her, ready to accompany her to Hogwarts.
"If you would just learn to knock Harry." Amusement was clear in her voice.
"Harry, after all these years you still haven't learned to not cross her. What did you do now?" Ronald Weasley was leaning on the door, a smirk playing on his lips.
"Would you guys mind? I would like to get dressed first." Clad in just a towel, Hermione was packing while Ron was speaking.
"No we don't mind. Go right ahead." Harry was looking at her with mock seriousness.
"Suit yourselves." She said nonchalantly.
"Just joking. C'mon Harry let's give the girl some privacy" Ron's amusement was tangible.
"How gentlemanly of you Ron." Sarcasm dripping off her voice.
Harry and Ron went out the door as Hermione dressed.
She put on black slacks and black shoes. She grabbed a plain white shirt and put it on. She went to the bathroom and got her matching Hematite necklace and earrings. She used the drying charm on her hair and combed it. It was easy since it was now short. The curls framed her face. She grabbed a clip and clipped her hair.
"You can come in now." She called out.
"Ready to go?" Harry asked from the doorway.
"Yes c'mon it's quarter to 11"
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They got to the train about 5 minutes before 11. "Let's go get a compartment." Suggested Harry as many people were starting to stare at them.
After a few uncomfortable stares and gawks later, they finally found a compartment.
"I really hate it when I see people drooling and staring at me." Harry was a bit frustrated again.
"We know--" Ron started. Harry was giving him a hard glare but was saved when he continued. "You can't blame them Harry, you're known as "The Savior"."
"I know, but still--"
"Harry, aren't you used to it by now?" Hermione wasn't really interested, but she didn't want to hear Harry's whining right now.
"No, I'll never get used to it." He said stubbornly.
"If you say so." She pulled out her book on defensive potions and started reading when the trolley came by.
"Anything off the trolley dears?" The woman was gesturing to the trolley.
"We'll take the lot." Harry pulled out some galleons.
"Oh how I missed these." Ron's eyes were shining with happiness as he reached out for the Bertie Bott's box.
Hermione took a licorice wand and started eating while reading the book.
The next few hours were spent eating and talking--in Hermione's case, reading. And only got interrupted when they changed from muggle clothes to robes.
"I can see Hogwarts now." Hermione looked out the window. "Magnificent as ever."
Harry and Ron looked at each other and rolled their eyes.
"You can never really see its beauty when you're used to seeing it." Hermione said serenely. A calm expression set on her face.
"I suppose." Harry said in a no-matter voice.
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A few minutes later, they were out of the train and riding a thestral-drawn carriage. Hermione continued reading the book while Ron and Harry discussed Quidditch.
They stopped in front of Hogwarts and went straight to the great hall were the only occupants were the teachers.
"Ah, Hermione, Harry, Ronald. Pleasant ride I hope." Albus and his ever-twinkling eyes were even twinklier now.
"Yes Professor, everything went smoothly." Hermione greeted Dumbledore.
"You have to call me Albus now." Albus was smiling at her ever-professional manner.
"And the resident know-it-all has come back. Welcome." A sarcastic drawl was issued behind the trio.
Harry and Ron were seething again but Hermione got to Snape first.
"Good evening professor Snape. I have to admit, you haven't lost your touch." Hermione smiled in that calm manner while using a challenge laced voice.
"One does have a reputation to uphold." Snape drawled back.
"Certainly. We wouldn't want your reputation tarnished do we?" Hermione was clearly enjoying the challenge of trying to anger Snape.
However, apparently it took more than that to unmask the potions master.
"No we don't." He simply said.
Ron and Harry's eyes were burning holes at the spy's back as he strode towards the staff table.
The rest of the staff watched them. Snape sat himself. Hermione raised an eyebrow at him and he smirked back. 'Oh, this is going to be an interesting year.'
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Ok, I'm trying to make a long fic or at least more than 5 chappies...I hope...Review. Please. Thanks for reading. - Darque
