6 Weeks Earlier
"I'm sorry Professor, you want me to do what?" Hermione asked in shock.
"To teach Transfiguration," Professor McGonagall calmly repeated, as if she hadn't just said the very last thing the teenage girl in front of her could have expected.
Hermione looked at the older woman, dumbfounded. Had she really just heard what she thought she did? When the new Headmistress had requested a meeting she assumed it would be about her class load and upcoming N.E.W.T.S., never something as absurd as this.
She looked at the Headmistress, waiting for a smile or laugh to indicate what was so clearly a joke. She couldn't teach! She hadn't even graduated for crying out loud. When Professor McGonagall only continued to stare at her calmly she knew this was no practical joke.
"Surely there must be someone better qualified," Hermione sputtered.
"In fact, there are many more qualified, Miss Granger, but none willing or available," McGonagall replied. Sighing, she took off her glasses and rubbed her temples. For the first time, Hermione saw just how tired her mentor looked.
"A witch as bright as yourself must be able to recognize the precarious position we are in," McGonagall said solemnly, "this school was a battleground not six months ago. There's not much incentive for new teachers to join our staff at the moment. I would teach the classes but as headmistress I cannot do both."
"But I haven't even graduated, or passed my N.E.W.T.S's or—or anything!" Hermione argued. She understood what McGonagall meant about the position the school was in, of course she did, she had been at that very battle after all. But how could she be the best option? She was only almost 19, she didn't know how to teach. But then she thought of Harry and the Order of the Phoenix. He hadn't known how to teach either, and yet he figured it out.
"You and I both know that you could have graduated at the end of fifth year had you wished and had it been allowed, as for N.E.W.T.S if you accept the position, you will be allowed to take them at the end of the month to be graded immediately. Upon passing, the job and diploma are yours."
Hermione was still having trouble wrapping her head around the whole idea. Teaching had never been something she'd thought of doing. Her plan had been to go back to Hogwarts, enjoy a quiet year with her friends for once, pass the N.E.W.T.S., and graduate.
Though the more she thought about it, the more it appealed to her. She could help the school that she had called home all these years as well as her favorite professor. And after all, her friends would be there, she could still enjoy the year with them. She could still take her tests and graduate. It would just be the order that was different. She would have to make an intense study schedule for the next few weeks, but if she cut out socializing, slept an hour less a night, and took less time for meals she was sure she could pass.
Maybe the idea wasn't so absurd after all. What did she have to lose? If she didn't pass the N.E.W.T.S she would return as a student like she originally planned.
"I, of course, will assist with anything I can. Lesson plans and the sort," Professor McGonagall said, seeing the wheels turning in the young girls head.
Hermione chewed her lip for a moment longer, clearly thinking through every scenario she could, but then she straightened her spine and the Headmistress knew what her answer before she even opened her mouth.
"I accept," she said. It came out with less confidence than she had hoped, but the decision was made and the answer was given.
Professor McGonagall smiled more broadly than Hermione had ever seen. She smiled back. This would certainly be quite the adventure.
A few weeks later
Hermione watched as a small speck in the sky grew ever closer. Her stomach twisted itself in knots as the tawny owl approached. Somehow, she knew exactly what was in the letter between its talons. Her N.E.W.T.S. results.
The Burrow, normally filled with noise and movement, was a much quieter affair since the loss of George. The air was thick with grief and things unsaid, but as Hermione shakily removed the letter from the owl's foot, an air of excitement began to build. The whole household had been abuzz when Hermione told them of McGonagall's unusual request.
Ron, had at first been dismayed at the thought of his girlfriend being his teacher, but he quickly came around to the idea when he realized he could slack off in her class. Hermione, of course, told him in no uncertain terms that he would not be allowed to cheat, but she wasn't quite sure how much he had heard of that because she had also told him that she would get her own set of rooms in the castle.
Harry and Ginny were happy for her and excited to get inside information and gossip. Though it was mostly Ginny that was excited about gossip. Harry was just glad to go back to school without the threat of Voldemort hanging over his head. Maybe he could finally get through a school year without a big showdown at the end of the year.
Hermione opened the letter with shaking hands, but did not read it.
"I can't do it," she exclaimed, passing the letter off to Ron, "you read it."
"C'mon Hermione, we all know you passed," he said, unfolding the letter and scanning it quickly.
Hermione looked at him expectantly. He looked up at her, his expression unreadable.
"Oh, I've failed, haven't I?" She asked. She didn't study enough, she knew it. She could have survived on six hours of sleep instead of seven, and why in the name of Merlin had she allowed her boyfriend to distract her so much?
"Hermione, you got an Outstanding in every subject," Ron said, holding the letter out to her.
"I did?" she asked, snatching the letter out of his hands.
"Of course you did," Ginny said ecstatically, "you are, after all, the brightest witch of our age"
Hermione stared at the letter in shock.
Transfiguration – Outstanding
Charms – Outstanding
Potions – Outstanding
Defense Against the Dark Arts – Outstanding
Her eyes started tearing up as she read the rest of the page. Everything she had worked so hard for all of these years had finally come to pass. She had always known she was just as worthy as any other witch or wizard who went to Hogwarts, but a small voice in the back of her head had long been telling her that she was nothing but a fraud. A mudblood who didn't deserve to be a part of this world. Granted that voice was tiny but she couldn't deny that it was part of the reason why she worked so hard. And now, here she was with proof in her hands. For some reason this piece of paper proved to her even more than helping to defeat Voldemort that she belonged here. Here, where everyone took the same tests and had the same opportunities to learn. She blinked the tears away and smiled as her friends enveloped her in a big hug.
September 1st
Hermione looked at the scarlet steam engine in front of her and took in a deep breath as a sense of comort washed over her. The train station had always held such an air of excitement. Students re-connecting after a summer apart, wonder at what the year would hold, chaos as parents tried to make sure their children had everything they needed. This year was no different in that respect, but there was something else too. Something new. Grief.
Hermione watched as students ran to each other and hugged, only to cry as they talked of friends and family who had been lost. She saw parents of the new first years look more uncertain than ever as they sent their children off to the school that had witnessed such horror. She herself found herself looking for friends that she knew wouldn't be there, either because they had not survived or had opted not to return. This year would not be like the others, she knew that, but she hoped they would find a ray of brightness to begin healing.
Though she didn't quite feel like it, she smiled brightly as classmates came to greet them. She hugged everyone and laughed at their jokes. She held Ron's hand and squeezed tightly when it started to become too much. Ron, ever the extrovert, didn't notice, taking his hand from Hermione's as he gestured grandly while telling a story of their time on the run last year. Hermione still smiled and laughed along, but the brightness was gone. Looking at Harry, she noticed him doing the same.
After finally escaping to their own compartment, Hermione, along with Harry, Ron, Ginny, Neville, and Luna enjoyed a nice relaxing ride to the school they could call home for one more year. They played games, caught up, and ate snacks off the trolley. And for the first time in over a year, things felt normal. Easy, even. Hermione hoped the feeling would last.
As they exited the train they heard the familiar call of "Firs' years! Firs' years over 'ere" and grinned broadly at each other before racing over to Hagrid, leaving Ginny, Neville and Luna to follow at a more leisurely pace..
"Hagrid!" Hermione exclaimed, waving as she ran toward him.
"Ello you three!" He said warmly, clapping Harry on the back. Harry stumbled, but smiled as if he had been waiting for that.
Hermione hugged him, glad to see the gamekeeper healthy and happy.
"I 'ear we've got a new staff member," he said covertly, his eyes twinkling as he looked down at Hermione.
Hermione blushed, still getting used to the idea of being faculty rather than a student. She had been so relieved when Professor McGonagall told her she would be allowed to ride the Hogwarts Express with her friends.
"Get on up to the castle now," Hagrid said, gently shooing them away as he ushered the first years toward the lake.
As the group of six went to find a carriage, a silence befell them as the thestrals came into view. Hermione had seen depictions of the creatures in books and had of course ridden one at the end of her fifth year, but until now, she had not seen them in person. There was a certain beauty to them to be sure, but all their appearance did was remind her of the losses that were suffered.
They boarded the carriage and took off toward the castle.
As the castle came into view Hermione first felt relief, the turrets and towers a comfort no person could provide, but then the memories started flooding in and she suddenly found it hard to breathe. Mounds of grass looked like bodies, the wind turned to screams, and her heart began to beat faster. A thick silence fell over the group. Hermione felt shaky and restless, as if she would have to dodge a curse at any minute. Looking across from her she saw Ginny silently crying, no doubt thinking about Fred. Harry had a distant look on his face as his hand unconsciously reached up to his scar. Ron looked lost, while Neville and Luna scooted closer to each other. The happiness from the train quickly evaporated.
It was an oddly quiet affair as students filtered through the grand doors and into the once destroyed entrance hall. Hermione wasn't surprised to see that it had been repaired to it's former glory, but despite the repairs it didn't feel the same as before. She doubted it ever would. Ron and Ginny hesitated when they reached the doors of the great hall, no doubt remembering seeing Fred's body laid out with so many others. Steeling her nerves, Hermione crossed the threshold first. As a teacher, she could not let herself become distraught with memories. She had to be strong.
She held her hands out to Ron and Harry, and together they approached the Gryffindor table. As they neared the table, a sudden round of cheers erupted. Hermione looked around in bewilderment until she realized the cheers were for them. Unbidden, tears came to her eyes at the display. Ron was grinning wildly as Harry smiled with reddened cheeks. Her and her boys, how she loved them.
Professor McGonagall entered and the room quieted. It was at this moment that Hermione remembered she was supposed to be at the head table.
"I have to go sit with the rest of the professors, but I'll see you after the feast" she said quietly, slipping away.
As the rest of the students entered, she got some curious looks from those who knew her, but no one said anything.
Finally the doors closed and the sorting began. Though the first year class was doubled this year, only the new students had to be sorted so it went fairly quickly.
"Now that you have all been sorted and seated," Professor McGonagall began, "I would like welcome you all to Hogwarts. Our world has faced terrible loss and fear, but tonight we celebrate. We celebrate new times to come and the war that was won. We celebrate the memory of the lives lost for they would not want us to mourn on a night like this, and above all we celebrate the lives that were saved. May we move on from the past, but may we never forget the lessons that were learned."
The great hall that was usually full of chatter and laughter became solemn with McGonagall's speech, as more than a few students wiped at their eyes. After a moment of silence, she went on.
"In happier news we have a new staff member to welcome. Taking over the role of Transfiguration teacher, please allow me to introduce Professor Hermione Granger," the headmistress said, practically beaming.
Hermione started at her own name following the word 'professor'. How strange this would be. She stood up as the crowd cheered, albeit some confusedly. She was surprised to see that even many of the Slytherins were clapping along. Perhaps this would be easier than she had thought.
After the feast, McGonagall brought her to her rooms. The very rooms that the headmistress herself had occupied until recently. As the door opened, Hermione was surprised to see that it looked very much like the Gryffindor common room.
"The rooms decorate themselves to match the house of the occupant," McGonagall explained, "but you can change the décor to anything you'd like."
Hermione looked around in amazement. Part of her still couldn't believe this was real. She took in the rich reds and golds, the mahogany furniture, and the roaring fire. She might change some things to better fit her style, but for tonight, the Gryffindor common room was just what she needed.
"I'll leave you to get settled," the headmistress said, leaving out the portrait hole.
Hermione all but squealed and ran past the sitting room to her bedroom where she promptly flopped on the bed. This was more privacy than she'd ever had. She could get used to this.
The next morning, Hermione woke bright and early and full of nerves. Today was the first day of classes. Her first class? 7th years. Her former classmates. She had to admit that she had been relieved not to see any of the Slytherins from her year. Not having to face them would certainly make this easier.
She could barely eat breakfast, so consumed with nerves was she, but she forced down a couple bites and then went to her classroom. Her classroom. Such a strange thing to say.
Harry and Ron were the first to arrive, and though she had just seen them, she had to admit their presence eased her nerves. They took their seats at the front of the classroom and as she stood and talked with them, she felt more and more at ease. Ron made her laugh with his jokes about never having to do homework, and Harry boosted her confidence by telling her how great she would do.
She was laughing at one of Ron's jokes when the last face she expected to see walked right in and took a seat all the way in the back. Draco Malfoy.
She'd heard he was coming back, but after not seeing him last night she had assumed he'd changed his mind. This could complicate things, she thought, as she tried not to let it show. Something about Malfoy seemed different. Quieter, perhaps? She couldn't quite put her finger on it. She waited for the sneer and the rude remarks, but they never came. He only sat in his seat and took out his textbook.
When the last student finally entered, Hermione stood at the front of the class.
"Hello everyone," she said, "as you know from the feast last night I will be teaching Transfiguration this year."
Draco Malfoy's mouth dropped open in shock.
