Chapter 20
Hermione slowly became conscious of her surroundings and blinked her eyes open.
She smiled when she found herself staring into Harry's sleeping face. He looked relaxed and peaceful. And the fact that the two of them still had each other wrapped up in a hug made it all the better.
As much as she didn't want to move even a centimeter, she did need to check the time. Slowly lifting her head to look up at Harry's clock, she saw that it was about five minutes until five.
She chuckled in her mind. Yes indeed, her inner clock certainly kept to a schedule while at Hogwarts.
Feeling movement beside her, Hermione laid her head back down on the pillow and watched as Harry's face twitched for a second before his eyes gradually opened. As soon as he gazed upon her, she was tickled to see a tender smile appear on his face.
"Hey," he said.
"Hey to you, too," she lightly replied. She then added more seriously, "Did I wake you up? More importantly, did you ever have any nightmares?"
He shrugged his left shoulder. "Maybe I felt you stir a little, but it's OK, I don't mind."
Harry then pulled his arms away and started lifting up to look at his clock. As Hermione let go of him and rose into a sitting position, he chuckled upon seeing the time before turning off the alarm and then joining her in sitting up.
"Almost five o'clock," he said. "I guess you weren't kidding about that inner clock of yours."
She wanted to laugh with him, but her nerves about how well he slept were too powerful.
It seemed that Harry could see the anxiety in her eyes, as his expression then became filled with love before he responded, "And no, Hermione. Not one nightmare after we fell asleep together."
She couldn't help giving him a relieved smile. "I'm glad to hear that." She turned serious again, though. "And really, tell me anytime you have a nightmare and need help to move past it. I know you've said there were nights where you were able to get back to sleep quickly enough even after having one, so I won't force you to tell me every single one. But if you have any more terrible ones, don't hesitate to come to me, and I'll stay with you again for a night."
He smiled a bit reluctantly. "You know, I really should probably keep this as just a one-time deal, but… I think I'm too selfish to say anything except yes. So, I will, Hermione. I'll tell you."
She was glad that he truly would take her up on the offer. Then, hoping to ease his worries, she leaned in so that her mouth was at his left ear before whispering, "What makes you think that I'm not being a bit selfish myself by wanting to stay with you, even if I truly do hope to help you?"
His voice sounded both tempted and timid when he replied in a low tone, "Well, you are the one helping me by being near."
She hummed first before saying more sensually, "And you think you don't help me at the same time?"
Before he could respond again, she added, "I had a dream that first night myself, and was in that dream before I suddenly awakened at three thirty. It was just you and me, lying in bed together, our arms around each other. Quite like how we were when I woke up a couple of minutes ago. And as soon as I went to bed the previous night, I was already thinking of my plan to use Disillusionment Charms to sneak up here. I just told myself that I couldn't be selfish unless you would have nightmares again and were unable to handle them."
She finally leaned back to look into his eyes again, smirking a bit when she could see temptation filling them. "So, I get something out of this arrangement, too."
The desire never left his eyes, as he smirked right back and then said with a tease in his voice, "Hmm, so you just need to use me for my body, then?"
Playing along, she placed a hand over her heart and exaggeratedly answered, "Oh, you've found me out! I must confess, it's true!"
He chuckled before reaching out and pulling her into a hug. As she immediately circled her arms around him in turn, he said, "Don't worry, your secret is safe with me."
She merely giggled in response. The two remained in the hug for about ten seconds before Hermione was struck with a bolt of fear upon realizing something.
"Hey," she quickly said. "Are your silencing spells still active? I only just now realized how loudly we were talking."
"We're safe," Harry replied. "As long as I haven't manually cancelled them, they'll stay up. I found that out in the summer when I didn't immediately cancel them after waking up one morning, but instead I went to find Professor McGonagall to see if she would be willing to test things so that I could find out if the spells were still holding. And indeed, when I was on my bed or in any spot a few feet away from it, she couldn't hear me at all. And if the other guys didn't stir at all the other night even with as loudly as I screamed, then there shouldn't be any need for concern about us talking right now."
She pulled away to look at him in relief. "OK, I couldn't help but worry. While I don't care about the consequences for myself if we're caught together, that still doesn't mean I actually want to get caught by anyone."
"No, I understand, Hermione. It's OK."
A nod was her only response. The two of them silently gazed at each other for a few seconds. Then, Hermione gave a sad sigh.
"I better go back to my own dormitory now so I can get cleaned and dressed," she reluctantly said.
Harry looked at her with sadness and merely said, "Yeah, I guess so."
At that point, she couldn't resist taking his hands into hers and giving them a squeeze. Then, she replied, "Don't forget what I said. If any more nightmares hurt you, tell me the next morning, and I'll come running and be there for you that night."
Resolution flashed in his eyes for a second as he quietly said, "I'll tell you, Hermione. I promise."
She simply gave him a smile and another squeeze of his hands. After that, she let go and started pulling her hands back, but Harry then quickly grabbed them before she could make it very far. She was confused about what was going on, but the greatly serious look in his expression kept her from saying anything.
He looked down at their hands for a second and then said, "Before you go, will you let me do one thing first? It would involve me shifting your shirt, for the record."
Her confusion deepened and was clear in her voice. "Harry, you've seen me completely naked, and we've had sex multiple times already. You can do whatever you want."
A sheepish smile graced his face. "Well, I always want to be sure that you're OK with things."
Immediately afterwards, though, he turned serious again before gently pulling her forward a bit, and she gave him no resistance. When he stopped, he then used his right hand to lightly pull her shirt collar down over her shoulder, exposing the top part of her scar.
Then, he leaned over and gently kissed the scar twice, instantly filling her with desire. But he didn't stop there. After letting go of her shirt, he then took her lips with his own in a deep kiss. Her response was instant, and their tongues danced with each other as the kiss continued for ten seconds.
At that point, Harry finally and gradually pulled away. Hermione's breath hitched at the overwhelming tenderness she could see in him.
Then, he quietly said, "Even though I know we'll see each other soon after this, I just have to say again… thank you, Hermione. And I love you."
She affectionately smiled at him before whispering, "You're welcome, Harry. And I love you, too."
She finally pulled out her wand from underneath the pillow. Before she could do any more, though, Harry said, "I'll probably sit here for at least ten minutes after you leave before I start getting ready. That way, you'll have time to get back to your own dormitory and start preparing. So, if you beat me downstairs again this morning, that's why."
She tilted her head to the side a bit as she responded, "Are you sure you don't just want to sleep in a bit since this is our last day with no classes? You don't have to get up just because I'm going to stay up."
"I'm sure, Hermione," he replied. "I don't mind."
With one last smile, she said, "Alright. I'll see you downstairs soon, then."
And after that, she cast the Disillusionment Charm on herself, getting confirmation from Harry that she was invisible, and then slowly slipped out of his bed.
Everyone in both Harry's dormitory and her own was still asleep, with their bed curtains closed, as she slowly made her way back to her bed. Standing there and looking around first to make certain that she wouldn't be seen, she finally ended the charm with a wordless and wandless Finite. With that, she picked out her clothes for the day and went to the bathroom.
Forty-five minutes later, Hermione was walking down the steps to the common room. She was surprised, however, to see Harry walking down at the same time from the boys' stairs, and she could see that same surprise in his own expression before he just smiled at her. She responded with a silent smile of her own as they both walked over to the sofa and sat down together.
She laid her head on his right shoulder, which caused him to wrap his arm around her lower back. The two of them simply sat there, watching the fire and enjoying the peace for a few minutes.
Harry was the first to speak. "So, the last day of the holiday break. Anything specific you'd like to do before we get back to classes and N.E.W.T. revisions tomorrow?"
Hermione kept her head on his shoulder as she thought back on all they'd done over the break. The past week had been all about their magic practice, which was something that she had highly wanted to do. For today, maybe they could do something that he enjoyed. And in fact, she already had an idea of what that something could be. Something that he had completely avoided for the entire school year.
Thus, she lifted her head to lock her gaze with his before saying, "Do you still have your Firebolt with you?"
His head tilted in confusion. "Well yeah, it's shrunken and in my trunk. Why?"
The left side of her mouth twitched upward for an instant. "After breakfast, let's come back here to get dressed for a walk outside, and you make certain to also bring your Firebolt with you. Just stick its shrunken form in your mokeskin pouch if you don't want to physically carry it. And once we're outside, why don't we walk to the Quidditch pitch for at least one flight?"
His eyes widened a bit as he quietly replied, "You mean, go flying together? On the same broom?"
She nodded her head before placing her left hand on his cheek. Then, she whispered, "Even if you truly don't care about playing Quidditch now, you always enjoyed flying in earlier years. It saddens me how you've given up something that you liked. And you've done so much with me that I enjoy over this holiday break. Now, I want to share one of your hobbies with you."
Harry's expression began to soften, but a slight shyness was still in his voice. "Are you really sure you would want to fly together on a single broomstick? While you're by no means a terrible flyer on a broom, considering you helped out so that I could catch that winged key when we were tackling Professor Flitwick's trial during the path to the Philosopher's Stone in first year, you've also never exactly been confident in the air, either."
With a tender smile, she said, "No, you're right that I'm not very confident when it comes to flying, and that's a large part as to why I was so dreadful when I played Quidditch with you against Ron and Ginny in the summer before sixth year. But you'll be right there with me, too. And I know that you would never let anything happen to me, just like you didn't when I was frightened about riding on Buckbeak."
Her final statement seemed to wash away whatever hesitance remained, as she could now see nothing but love and affection on his face. She couldn't resist caressing his cheek for a second before finally pulling her hand away. A smile graced his face in turn at her action.
After a couple of seconds passed, Harry quietly said, "OK then. After breakfast, we'll go for a flight."
He then glanced at the clock in the common room for a second. "Of course, seeing that it's only six o'clock and still too early for breakfast, is there anything you want to do until then?"
Becoming thoughtful again, an idea quickly formed in Hermione's mind. Regardless of whether either of them seriously entertained the idea of trying to become a professor at Hogwarts after graduating, that didn't mean they couldn't at least find out what it would take to earn such a position.
Thus, she pulled out of Harry's arm and stood from the sofa. He looked puzzled when she turned around and held out her left hand to him, but he took it and stood with her.
As he let go of her hand, she then replied, "Why don't we go see Professor McGonagall in her office, since she's mentioned to us before about always starting her day early, and ask her about the kinds of requirements it takes to become a professor here? As the Head students, we have more leeway about being out before breakfast, and I don't believe that she would mind us coming to her about an academic-related matter."
Harry's eyes widened a bit as he glanced away, seemingly in thought. When his gaze returned, he said, "So, is this the path that you've completely decided to pursue?"
"Not necessarily yet," she responded. "Maybe we can talk more together when we're alone later at the Quidditch pitch. But regardless of whether either of us does decide to follow this career pathway, we can at least find out what it would take while our options are still open, don't you think?"
That caused him to give a tiny half-smile for an instant. "Yeah, you're not wrong there." He then turned serious. "Alright, let's go."
With that, they walked out of the portrait door, with the Fat Lady stopping her initial protests about students being out early when she saw who was leaving. A few minutes later, after having given the password to the gargoyle guardian and then walking up the stairs beyond it, they were standing at the closed door to the Headmistress' Office.
Hermione knocked three times. About five seconds later, the door opened to reveal Professor McGonagall with a stern look on her face. Her expression softened a bit once she saw who was there.
"Ah, Miss Granger, Mr. Potter," the Scottish woman said. "I was quite curious as to who might be coming to my office so early in the day, but I suppose you do have the right to be out this early with your positions. Do you need assistance with something?"
"Well Professor," Hermione answered, "we were hoping to get some possible career pathway advice, if you wouldn't mind."
The headmistress just gave a small hum before saying, "I suppose I wouldn't. Come on in, then."
She turned from the door to let the two students walk in. She took her seat behind the desk, while Harry and Hermione sat down in the two chairs in front of her, shifting the chairs to be close to one another. Once they were all seated, Professor McGonagall clasped her hands, with her fingers laced together, on her desk before speaking again.
"Now, what sort of questions do you have or specific details are you looking for? There is not much I can do before knowing that first."
Hermione responded, "Well, the main question is… what requirements does it take for one to become a professor at Hogwarts?"
McGonagall's eyebrows raised ever so slightly at the question. She silently glanced to Harry and Hermione for a couple of seconds each.
Then, the old woman said, "Well, this is a bit unexpected. But now, if I may ask, is this question applicable for just one of you, or both?"
Hermione couldn't help glancing at Harry, who then did the same to her a moment later. She quietly said to him, "Whatever you want is fine with me. Even with what we just talked about in the common room, I won't force you into anything."
Her statement caused a tiny smile to grace his face. Then, after a few seconds of silence, Harry finally turned his head back to the headmistress and spoke.
"Both, Professor," he replied. Then, he added to Hermione, "Like you said, it's good to have options."
She couldn't help giving him a large smile in return. They turned back again, though, when they were interrupted by a few quiet laughs from Professor McGonagall.
"Unexpected happenings, indeed," she replied.
She then looked directly to Harry. "In fact, Mr. Potter, I was under the assumption that, going off your career talk session in your fifth year, you would be going into the Aurors. Which is why I was initially surprised that you decided to return for a final year rather than immediately joining the Auror training program using the Ministry's offer to those of age that fought in the Battle of Hogwarts. Though I must also say that I've certainly been pleased with your results in my class as well as with what your other professors have said about their classes."
Harry responded, "I haven't yet completely decided on what to actually do after leaving Hogwarts, Professor. Teaching here is one option, just like other roles at the Ministry of Magic could be. But frankly, I no longer want to go into the Aurors because I've done enough fighting in my life already to last for my entire lifetime."
The old woman's expression became a bit sympathetic for a second, but rather than directly responding to his statement, she took a deep breath to seemingly compose herself before then speaking.
"Well, as far as teaching here, it truly does simply come down to the discretion of the Head of the school. The one consistent requirement is for a person to have achieved an 'Outstanding' N.E.W.T. in their subject. Now, while this is not an actual rule, a person must also typically have spent at least a few years out of school before being considered. A way to be certain that an applicant would have life experience somewhat, especially if their work was relevant to the course for which they are applying."
Her mouth, however, then curled up slightly for just an instant. "Of course, the fact that a person with not even any O.W.L.s is teaching shows that things can be overlooked if the Head so chooses. Granted, Hagrid coming on as the Care of Magical Creatures professor is also the only example in the history of the school I know of since the implementation of N.E.W.T.s where that happened, but it is a precedent."
She then said to Harry, "Now, am I correct in assuming that you would try for a Defense Against the Dark Arts teaching position if you did decide to follow this path, Mr. Potter?"
"Yes, Professor," he replied.
The headmistress nodded before then shifting to look at Hermione. "And you, Miss Granger. Are there any subjects in particular that you are considering?"
Though keeping her gaze forward, Hermione could see in her peripheral vision that Harry had turned to look at her. She was certain that the same question was running through his mind, since they had never discussed what subjects that she might want if either of them took this path. For the moment, though, she just focused on replying to Professor McGonagall.
"Well Professor, I must admit that the two subjects I would consider most are Charms and Transfiguration. And while I haven't made a full decision as to even whether I am fully committing to this career pathway yet, much less deciding between the two classes, I lean a bit towards Charms right now because…"
She trailed off for a moment as a faint blush began to rise in her cheeks. "Well, it's a personal reason for such a preference, really. And perhaps that preference could change towards Transfiguration after some more serious pondering. But yes, if I committed to this career, those are definitely the two classes from which I would like to choose."
Harry got her attention when he immediately responded, "It wouldn't surprise me if you could handle both subjects all on your own."
Her blush deepened as she lightly scolded him. "Oh Harry, don't exaggerate."
He gave her a small grin. "Who said I was? I absolutely believe that you could successfully do it, as long as you didn't hate the huge number of essays that you would have to grade."
She couldn't resist grinning and shaking her head in amusement at him. That caused his own grin to widen in turn.
Neither of them witnessed McGonagall raise one of her eyebrows for a moment at the interaction. The headmistress was well aware of how utterly serious Harry had become since the end of the war, as well as knowing of the prickly reputation that the young man had developed this year regarding questions on non-academic matters. Thus, her curiosity was slightly piqued at seeing him being somewhat playful with one of his best friends, and she couldn't help but ponder what may have happened to cause such a change. She remained silent, however, and kept her expression neutral since it wasn't really any of her business.
Meanwhile, Hermione turned back to McGonagall and said more seriously, "Back on topic, though. From what you said, Professor, it would therefore still be at least a few years after we graduated before any consideration would be given for a possible teaching position, and Harry and I should still consider something else for a job right out of school?"
She was slightly puzzled to see the old Scottish woman smile at her before then responding, "I also said, Miss Granger, that the Head can overlook certain aspects if they so desire and believe it best."
Hermione and Harry turned to each other for a second, in surprise and confusion, as McGonagall became somewhat stern again and continued. "Now, can I trust you both to keep a secret if I tell you some information about the staff that will not be made public yet for a bit of time this year?"
"Yes, Professor," the two students decisively said.
She glanced at them both for a moment before speaking again. "Now, as you both know, Hestia Jones joined the staff this year to teach Defense Against the Dark Arts. However, she made it clear to me from the beginning that she would only like to stay for a single year. And while I also have the name of another Auror who was willing and able to teach next year, he also only wishes to do so for one year. Thus, I am technically still in a search for a more permanent Defense professor."
Turning to Harry directly, she responded, "Now you, Mr. Potter, do technically already have some teaching experience with what you did teaching the members of the Dumbledore's Army group in your fifth year. That is certainly a plus if you would wish to apply for the Defense position."
She then shifted her gaze to Hermione. "And you, Miss Granger, are by far the person I would trust the most to take over a class even before you've actually taken and received your N.E.W.T. scores. And while there are no other positions besides Defense that have an imperative need for a new person, I'm also certain that any member of this staff would be glad to have you eventually take over for them."
McGonagall then glanced at each of them again and said, "So, to that end, I have a possible compromise to get around needing years out of school. And I also believe that this would squash most, if not all, of the possible rumors that you both would only be coasting off the fame of the war, or also the long-held fame of Mr. Potter's name, if you would join the staff at such young ages. Would you be willing to hear it?"
Facing each other, Hermione couldn't resist reaching with her left hand to take hold of Harry's right one. Both of them missed McGonagall's eyebrows raising much higher this time, as Harry looked first at their joined hands and then back up to Hermione.
"It's up to you," she quietly said. "There's still time in the year to hear things out later, if you think this may be too much too fast right now. Not to mention, there's that other question about whether you would have to give something up if you wanted to teach."
He looked down to their hands again before a small smile graced his face. Then, he said to her, "No, let's go ahead and hear it. That way, we'll have more information when it comes to making and committing to a final decision. My other question can wait until we've heard this possible plan."
She replied, "Are you sure?"
His smile widened a bit before he silently nodded. She gave him a smile and nod in return. As she turned to face Professor McGonagall, however, she steeled herself in her mind and decided to keep hold of Harry's hand to see what may happen. She was inwardly delighted that he also wasn't moving to let go of her, regardless of whether he was doing so consciously or unconsciously.
Then, Hermione said, "Alright then, Professor. Let's hear this compromise."
The headmistress nodded for a moment and then spoke. "Well, the idea is as such. If either or both of you decide to commit to teaching a subject here, my suggestion is to take time in the next year after you graduate to study anything related to that subject that you can. It also would not matter to me whether you stayed here to do so or studied elsewhere.
"Then, perhaps I could get something set up for you to take one final test at the Ministry. A full testing of your mastery of the subject essentially, where the test would theoretically be harder than the N.E.W.T., or at the very least longer to test as full a breadth of knowledge as possible. I could try to set that up whenever is convenient for you. You could even take it earlier than waiting a full year if you think you could be ready or would just rather take it more quickly. I only say take the next year because we will be covered with the Defense position for that time, and I will repeat that there is not a burning need for a replacement quite yet in Charms or Transfiguration, even considering that it has been a bit more of a challenge for me to teach alongside being Headmistress. And I only bring mention to that last point so that you don't feel forced to take Transfiguration if you would rather teach Charms, Miss Granger."
McGonagall stopped for a couple of seconds to take a longer breath. Then, she added, "I also believe that taking and passing such a test would be more than enough proof to quell anyone that would try to claim favoritism, if you two were to join us."
Hermione and Harry started to look at each other in thought, but they stopped when the headmistress quickly replied, "Now, I'm sure you would want time to think over everything that I just told you. But if you don't mind, I would like to know what other question you may have, Mr. Potter."
Hermione turned to see Harry with a more hesitant expression on his face. Giving his hand another quick squeeze to get his attention, and missing how McGonagall gave a warm smile at the action, she whispered, "You don't have to say anything right now that you don't want to, if you may not feel completely ready to bring up that matter to anyone besides me."
Much of his hesitance washed away and was replaced with affection as he stared at her. His lips then twitched upward before he responded, "No, it's probably best to rip that bandage off while we're here. But thank you for the support."
She just nodded, and he then looked at the headmistress. He said, "Yes, I do have one more question, Professor. And maybe this is going to be a presumptuous question to ask at the moment, but still…"
He trailed off and took a deep breath for a couple of seconds before speaking again. "How would teaching here get in the way of having a family? Hogwarts is a boarding school, where the teachers seem to live here along with students during the school year. And in all the time that I've been here, I've also never heard any mentions at all about even one of the professors having a spouse or children of their own. Is it impossible for someone to have their own family if they join the teaching staff?"
Hermione was concentrated on Harry and couldn't help tightening her hold on his hand, trying to comfort him. He glanced at her for a second and gave her the tiniest of nods before focusing forward again. Because of her concentration, she also didn't see Professor McGonagall giving Harry a sympathetic expression of her own.
She did turn back when the headmistress said, somewhat wistfully, "I suppose many of us on the staff, men and women alike, really are a large bunch of spinsters. Some current staff members that I know of who have never married at all are Filius, Hagrid, Pomona Sprout, Septima Vector, and Horace Slughorn. I know that Sybill Trelawney only ever had a single marriage, which quickly ended in divorce, and I – "
McGonagall stopped and, to Hermione's surprise, became quite sad before she continued. "I was once married, even after I started teaching here in 1956. We even had a little cottage in Hogsmeade so that I could easily travel here to the school for my duties. But when my husband died in early 1981 during the first war, I could never find it in my heart to take another, and so I focused all my efforts onto teaching."
At that point, Harry quickly said, "I'm sorry, Professor. I wasn't trying to get into something that may be so personal for you."
The headmistress unclasped her hands as she waved off his concerns. "No harm done, Mr. Potter. You couldn't have known beforehand."
But then, Hermione saw the old woman's expression change to one that was mostly serious but with almost a bit of a twinkle in the eyes, as though having knowledge of a secret. The reasoning behind that twinkle was very quickly clarified in the next words.
"Now, I do have to ask once again," McGonagall said. "Is this a question strictly for you, Mr. Potter?"
She then gestured with her right hand to where Harry and Hermione were very clearly still holding hands. "Or is it applicable to both of you?"
Well, that didn't last long, Hermione thought. Still, before anything else could be said or done by the other two, she instantly and firmly said, "Both of us, Professor."
The headmistress' eyes widened, but a smile also appeared on her face, which was a bit surprising to Hermione but also seemed like a good sign. Turning to Harry, she found him looking at her in astonishment, his mouth hanging open a bit as though he didn't know what to say. Well, she could help with that.
Hermione raised their joined hands into the air for a second, before she said, "We're not exactly being subtle by continuing to hold hands after I grabbed yours."
That caused him to give an amused snort before closing his eyes and silently laughing for a couple of seconds. When he opened his eyes, he shrugged and gave her a sheepish smile. She couldn't help giving him a grin in return at how he was at least taking this somewhat in stride.
Quickly, however, she sobered up and then added, "And while I know we haven't had much of a greater discussion on what you told me that night…"
She trailed off for a moment, knowing that Professor McGonagall would be able to hear every word of this no matter how quietly she spoke, but her resolve returned due to wanting to reassure Harry. "Well, keeping open the option of having a family is something I want, as well. So, if that will help with whatever decision you want to make after this, then please keep it in mind."
Her initial statements caused tenderness and affection to fill his eyes. Before he could say anything, she added one more thing. "For now, though, how about we just get as much information as we can before we have that larger talk?"
He gave a slight smirk for a moment and then replied, "You're the smart one here. I'll follow your lead."
She smirked in response before they both turned their heads back to the front again, neither of them moving to let go of the other's hand. And while Professor McGonagall's expression appeared to be much more knowing at this point, Hermione still couldn't help saying, "And yes, Professor, Harry and I are together. Perhaps that was unnecessary to say out loud, but I want to make sure that everything is clear here."
From her peripheral vision, she could see Harry give his own confirmation with a silent nod.
The headmistress chuckled for a second and responded, "As you said earlier, your action of holding hands was not quite what one would call subtle, especially when combined with your expressions."
Her expression then became somewhat thoughtful. "Now I will say, Miss Granger, I and a few others on the staff couldn't help being curious whether one of your friendships with Mr. Potter here and Ronald Weasley would ever change, as the three of you grew older."
Hermione couldn't help letting out a scoff, but also feeling a wave of sadness within her, as her mind was flooded with the memories of how she had initially tried to deepen her relationship with Ron. The change in expression also caused McGonagall to blink for a second in a bit of surprise.
Hermione looked to Harry again when she felt him give her hand a quick squeeze. The sympathy in his eyes, telling her that he knew what must have been on her mind, quickly washed away her momentary lapse into those memories. She silently gave him a tender smile and a responding squeeze of her own to convey her thanks at his act of comfort, and she was happy to see a tiny smile of his own appear.
A quick cough made them slightly jolt and then turn their heads to face forward again. They found McGonagall looking upon them with a warm smile.
Then, the old woman said, "Well, it is apparent from Miss Granger's reaction to my last statement that something must have happened within your trio. But, as it is also none of my business, I will merely say that I'm glad that you two seem to have found happiness with one another after all that happened in the war."
Harry quietly replied, "So are we, Professor."
McGonagall nodded for a second. Then, her expression became more serious before she clasped her hands together again and said, "Now, back to the actual topic at hand. What are all the concerns you have about what you think teaching may prevent you from doing outside of the school, Mr. Potter?"
He took a long, slow breath before diving into the details. "Look, Professor, I'll be as frank as I can. If things get to the point that I would have children of my own, I want to be able to be with them like how working parents in the Muggle world would. To be with my kids every day as they grow throughout their childhoods. To see them at least every morning and evening when they aren't in school, once they reach the age for primary schooling but still aren't yet old enough to come to Hogwarts. To be able to live away from Hogwarts and simply Apparate to Hogsmeade and then travel here to the castle each morning, rather than having to be tied down to staying in the castle at all times during the school year."
He shook his head for a moment before continuing. "I know this is a lot to ask for, Professor, especially when you don't even have a guarantee yet about us wanting to teach. But if there was no guarantee that I would be able to do those things, then I'm not going to consider teaching."
Hermione decided to jump in at that point. She determinedly said, "That all goes for me as well, Professor. So you may as well tell us right now if that's something you would be willing to consider at all. Otherwise, there's no point in continuing this conversation."
At first, McGonagall just remained silent, glancing at the two of them with her serious expression. Though Hermione kept her own gaze on the headmistress, she gave Harry another squeeze of his hand, wanting to show her solidarity with him. She was glad to receive one in response, showing that they were on the same page no matter what happened in this moment.
After about ten seconds, however, she was a bit confused when she saw McGonagall's mouth curl slightly upward for an instant.
Then, the headmistress finally responded. "If this were anyone besides you two, negotiations would probably end just on the sheer principle of someone making such demands without even having fully committed to teaching."
That specific wording caused Hermione to blink in surprise for a second, along with Harry widening his eyes beside her. There was only one thought in her mind at the moment… was an exception actually about to be made for the two of them?
McGonagall obviously must have noticed their slight astonishment, as she smiled again for a second. "It seems my wording wasn't lost on the two of you, but I will still be clearer all the same, since you also seem to have forgotten me mentioning how I lived away from the castle during my marriage."
She then leaned forward in her chair just a bit. "Yes, if you two decide that you are willing to commit to teaching here, then I will be willing to work with you on an arrangement of hours that would be agreeable for all of us as well as give you that time for a family."
Hermione and Harry turned to each other, eyes huge and mouths open in complete shock. Neither could say a word for a couple of seconds.
Then, Hermione was the first to recover and looked back to the headmistress. She said in awe, "You would really be willing to give us such leeway, Professor? Even with the knowledge that we still haven't actually made a final decision?"
The old Scot replied, "Oh, don't think that I don't also have my own reason for wanting to do so, Miss Granger. Especially considering that Kingsley has asked me before about whether the two of you have decided on careers after graduating."
Hermione couldn't help interjecting, "The Minister is actually keeping tabs on Harry and me?"
"Indeed, he is," McGonagall said. "And in fact, something else I'll tell you is that Kingsley and I meet with each other once a week, whether in person or just by speaking through the Floo Network. With all of the Death Eaters and so much of the old pureblood regime gone thanks to the war and its aftermath, the two of us have been working together to do all we can to try and push magical society in Britain forward from those old views of the pureblood supremacists. He would attempt to do so legally in the Ministry, while I would do my part here at Hogwarts with teaching the children. That is actually one reason as to why I hired Penelope Clearwater in the summer to take over the Muggle Studies position, since she is not only Muggleborn but also told me in our interview that she stayed in touch with that side of herself even after starting here at Hogwarts, which gave her a greater perspective to teach about the Muggle world compared to anyone else to which I spoke. But I digress, however."
The headmistress glanced back and forth between the two students for a couple of seconds before continuing. "Kingsley has asked me about your progress in school this year because he is hoping that the two of you may think about joining the Ministry, in whatever capacity you may wish, to help in those efforts once you graduate from Hogwarts. And that is why I am willing to be so accommodating to the two of you regarding teaching. Because it means I have a chance of you staying to help in the efforts to reform things here at Hogwarts."
It was then that Harry finally spoke, with a somewhat tense and reserved tone. "This isn't just about getting the fame and recognition that comes from my name, is it?"
McGonagall's expression turned a bit more sympathetic. After a couple of seconds, she then said, "You're not wrong, Mr. Potter, that your name carries an even greater influence since the Battle of Hogwarts, and that name would be a large help in trying to make this society more open or modern. However, please do not forget why I brought up the idea of you and Miss Granger taking an additional mastery test after you graduate, so that you would have proof that you were not hired on that name alone if you were to join us on the Hogwarts staff. And I can also tell you that Kingsley is keeping up with your academic progress this year so that he would know all the jobs for which you would best and truly qualify at the Ministry. He has also still left open that initial offer of joining the Auror training program by virtue of being of age and having fought in and survived the final battle, but I assume you will not be considering that, going by your earlier words."
A tiny smile rose on her lips before she added, "I assure the both of you that being hired either here or for a career at the Ministry would be based on your merits and accomplishments."
As the headmistress went silent, Hermione shifted her gaze back to Harry and gave his hand a squeeze. When he turned to her, she quietly said, "If nothing else, we'll just work as hard as we can to prove to the rest of the world that you are and always have been more than just a name of legend, whatever we decide to do."
Harry let out an amused scoff but then gave her a loving smile. Then, his smile dropped with a bit of seriousness before he asked her, "Is there anything else you may need to ask?"
She shook her head. "I don't if you don't, Harry."
He nodded before turning back to McGonagall. He then replied, "I think we have all the information we need, Professor. At this point, Hermione and I probably need to have one large discussion just between ourselves before we say anything more for certain."
Hermione added at that point, "But we are hugely appreciative that you would not only consider us to join the staff but also that you would possibly make concessions so that teaching would not impede our personal lives."
Harry nodded his head. "Yes, thank you so much for that, Professor."
Professor McGonagall smiled and nodded at the two. Then, she looked towards her clock for a moment before then standing from her chair. Harry and Hermione let go of each other's hands before following the cue.
The headmistress then said, "Well, it's seven o'clock. I'm sure you two would probably like to eat, since the Great Hall will now be open for breakfast. I would walk down there as well, but I actually have a Floo call with Kingsley in fifteen minutes."
Hermione quickly responded, "Oh, I hope we didn't interrupt any preparations you needed to make, Professor."
"Oh no, Miss Granger," McGonagall replied. "You didn't interrupt anything. I don't mind helping you out with issues you may have, even if I am no longer your actual Head of House."
Her eyebrows then raised a hair. "And in fact, mentioning my upcoming Floo call has reminded me of something else of which I could make the two of you aware, though I must also ask that you keep this strictly to yourselves as well."
Harry and Hermione glanced at one another with slight puzzlement for a second but then nodded their heads and said together, "Yes, Professor."
The old woman surprisingly smirked for a second before revealing whatever secret she had. "In our last meeting, Kingsley told me that he would be floating the idea to the others at the Ministry about holding a formal ball here on the night of the anniversary of the Battle of Hogwarts. Something to celebrate our victory over He-Who – "
She stopped for a second and shook her head. "Forgive me, long-held habits are quite hard to break, but I'm trying. Something to celebrate our victory over Voldemort, as well as a general remembrance of those that were lost in the war efforts. Now, I will only make an announcement to the entire school in the Great Hall if or when I know it is officially stamped to hold. Until then, I trust that you both will keep this a secret."
Hermione asked, "As the Head students, will you need help from Harry and myself with any of the setup as the date of the ball approaches?"
The headmistress became quite serious before saying, "No, I received Kingsley's agreement that, if this ball did happen, the work involved with the setup would be done strictly by Ministry officials and the Hogwarts staff so as to not distract any students with additional work. You two already have enough on your plates with your N.E.W.T. studies and Head student duties as it is, so simply keep focusing on those as well as deciding on your career path."
"Yes, Professor," the two students both replied.
Professor McGonagall nodded before a twinkle seemed to appear in her eye. "And now, one final thing which I actually wanted to end with, before that reminder hit me."
Harry and Hermione both became confused as the headmistress glanced between them for a second before locking her gaze onto Harry.
Then, she said with a smile and almost a bit of reverence, "Your parents, Mr. Potter. In the last few months of their time at Hogwarts, I recall getting to see them perform a few times the same kind of nonverbal communication that you and Miss Granger did here in this office. And with the way you have also become much more studious this year, I see a piece of your father in you with how he matured in his sixth year to stop pulling pranks and focused much more heavily on his academics, which is what led to your parents slowly becoming close friends throughout their sixth year and then becoming a couple at the beginning of their seventh."
She then looked to Hermione. "Not to mention, Miss Granger, how you possess the same Muggleborn background, brilliant mind, and steadfast determination towards whatever you put your mind to that Lily had."
The headmistress let out a small sigh before adding, "I digress a bit, though. My point is, I won't speak much on the relationship between you two, but I like to think that having some similarities to those memories bodes good tidings for the both of you. And I also hope that my little remembrance can also give you something happy to think about regarding your parents, Mr. Potter."
Harry had a look of happiness and awe on his face as he quietly said, "It does. Thank you so much for that, Professor."
Though he wasn't looking at her, Hermione couldn't help giving him a slightly tearful yet completely tender smile. Yes, Harry getting a small but happy story about his parents was no doubt a wonderful thing.
At that point, Professor McGonagall gave a bit of a huff and then said, "Alright, I've taken enough of your time. Feel free to stop by again if you make a decision or simply need more information. But for now, why don't the two of you go enjoy breakfast?"
Hermione was the one to reply. "Alright then, Professor. But thank you again for all that you've done for us this morning."
Harry just gave a silent nod. And with that, the two students exited the office.
They were halfway down the long set of stairs to the gargoyle entrance before Hermione stopped Harry. As he looked at her in puzzlement, she quietly asked, "First, how do you feel about the possibility of this ball? With it being a remembrance of Riddle's defeat, a lot of attention may get placed on you that night, or even in the leadup to it."
His eyes glanced away as he let out a long sigh. Then, he replied, "Frankly, I would much rather not have any sort of attention like that, since that night should only be about celebrating the new future that Britain can have, as well as giving thanks to those who died to make this chance possible."
She saw a momentary flash of pain in his eyes and knew that his guilt was rising over everyone that died over the last few years. However, she didn't get a chance to do or say anything, as he continued speaking. "Still, considering my usual luck, my expectations are low enough that I frankly wouldn't be surprised if some part of the ball became about me and the credit given to me for killing Riddle."
A few seconds of silence held after that. But then, when he looked into her eyes again, he gave a small smile and added, "On the positive side, though, if the ball does actually take place, it would give me a chance to make up for what happened to you at the Yule Ball. I could dance with you as often as I need to so that you would have a good time."
She couldn't help smiling at him again as his words caused the memory of their dance on Christmas morning to flow through her mind. With that, she also couldn't resist teasing him a bit by saying, "So, you won't mind making yourself look like a fool that night just to see me smile?"
He immediately realized what her words were referring to, and a large smile rose on his lips before he replied, "No, I won't. I'll hold to the words that I told you on Christmas."
She giggled for a couple of seconds at his own playfulness. Then, she became a bit more serious, though without losing the smile on her face, when she said, "The little recollections from Professor McGonagall about your parents. Those were certainly a pleasant surprise to receive."
His smile became much more tender before he whispered, "Yeah, they were. And the way they give me a better picture of how my mum and dad could have gotten together…"
Harry trailed off, his expression becoming wistful and longing for a few seconds, before he focused back on her and continued. "There's something I'd like to tell you that relates to my parents. But maybe only sometime later when we're alone."
He then grew somewhat more serious. "And speaking of later, we really do need to go ahead and have that larger talk about our careers, too. Try to take as much time as we can or need today while we still don't have any classes, and discuss with one another whether either of us really wants to commit to teaching."
Hermione glanced down for a few moments. When she looked back up, confusion rose in Harry's face when she gave him a small smirk. Her words quickly clarified why, though.
"Yes, we can have those talks later. But for now, I want to eat breakfast, and then I want to go flying with you. Serious discussions can come afterwards."
His eyes widened slightly before he gave a tiny smirk of his own. "Are you sure about that? It's not like you to put fun before work, Miss Granger."
She playfully replied without missing a beat, "Well, Mr. Potter, you should recall that I told you and my parents that I can be quite capable of knowing when to put down the books. This is one such time. But when we go outside later, perhaps I need to pelt you with more snowballs to remind you of that. I'll have plenty of ammunition from the snow that fell during that storm two nights ago."
He quietly laughed at that for two seconds before he said, "If you recall, I was the one who ended that fight. But since we also probably hit each other about the same number of times, perhaps I won't say no to a rematch."
Her smirk grew for a moment. "I may have to keep that in mind, then."
Then, it turned into a warm smile. "Now, what would you say about walking to the Great Hall for breakfast? And…"
She became much more hesitant before then gently taking his right hand into her left. "And would it be alright if I held your hand on the way?"
He glanced at their hands for a few seconds before looking back up to her with the same smile. And with a squeeze of the hand, he said, "Yeah, let's go."
Her smile grew much larger, but she simply remained silent and squeezed his hand in response. And with that, they finally walked out of the gargoyle entrance and began making their way towards the Great Hall.
As they journeyed, the smile never left Hermione's face. Yes, the serious discussions could certainly wait until later today. For now, she simply wanted to be with the man she loved, and do something together with him that would make him happy.
A/N: A bit more of a somewhat chill chapter this time, at least in comparison to the last few. And this one actually went through basically one full rewrite when I worked on it. What I was using in my first draft ended up not really working for me once the chapter was finished, so I had to start all over from the point where Harry and Hermione enter the Gryffindor common room. So hopefully, what's here in the finished product is enjoyable.
Thank you to everyone that has continued to follow the story, as well as to all who have reacted, whether positive or negative. And for those who have made it this far, I hope you stay tuned for more!
