Despite her morning training and subsequent ablutions, Hermione was pleased to arrive to the Great Hall rather early.
The long tables were scattered with a few students, most of whom seemed half-asleep at best.
In contrast, Hermione felt calm and alert.
The lake had been shockingly cold as she had expected, however despite the initial discomfort as she had lowered herself into the water with a few choice swear words, Hermione had been surprised by how much she had enjoyed the invigorating experience.
Unlike the warm waters at home, the lake had been smooth, dark and wild. She had briefly been concerned that her laps would disturb the Giant Squid, but there had been no movement - not even a ripple to disturb her experience. It had been like moving through a liquid mirror.
Briefly, Hermione felt herself frown at the slip-up. This is your home, she thought firmly, even as her eyes scanned the Hall and sought a place to sit.
In the privacy of her own rooms, her path had seemed so clear. But stepping into the Great Hall amongst unfamiliar faces… some young enough to be her students, Hermione felt a flash of discomfort.
"G-good morning, Miss Granger!"
Abruptly Hermione stopped short. Her attention zeroed in on a small girl to her left, her eyes immediately taking in the bright yellow trim on the robes, carefully braided pigtails, and wide-eyed expression. The girl seemed to have shocked herself.
"Hello," she replied, surprised at being addressed. "Please, my name is Hermione. And you are?"
"Fiona Oliver," came the squeaky reply.
"A pleasure to meet you," Hermione replied swiftly, holding out a hand. The young witch's grip was feather light and Hermione found herself smiling.
"I do not mean to insult, but can I infer that you are a first-year?" she asked gently, moving backwards to sit carefully on the opposite Gryffindor bench. The girl gave her a large grin at realizing that Hermione intended to chat, swiveling her legs around so that they dangled off the bench slightly.
"Yes! I'm ever so excited! I've been counting down the days for the last month and half! I'm from London, you see. And my parents… they're um, not…" At once the bright expression turned a bit skittish and Hermione felt her heart go out to the girl.
"Your parents are Muggles?" Hermione asked helpfully. The small mouth clamped shut and Fiona nodded.
"Mine too," Hermione whispered conspiratorially. At once the brilliant grin was back and she could see the relief shining in the girl's eyes. Her heart ached.
"I remember being in your position. Terribly excited but also completely lost… I felt like there was so much of this new world that I didn't understand," Hermione said conversationally, turning slightly to grab a piece of toast. Fiona was watching her with big eyes.
"That's… exactly it. I feel like… like I'll never catch up," she whispered, her eyes suddenly despairing. Hermione reached out and put a hand on the girl's knee.
"Listen to me, Fiona. You are about to enter the world of magic and it is as delightful, terrifying, and inspiring as you currently imagine it to be. And more…" she began, giving a soft smile. "Yes, you have a lot to learn and there will be times when you'll feel overwhelmed and confused. But trust that your Muggle childhood is only going to make the experience more thrilling for you. You will see parts of this world that magical children will never understand and that is truly a gift. Don't let anyone ever tell you otherwise and never be ashamed of where you come from."
Perhaps it was a bit much, but Hermione felt a fierce sort of pride as she spoke to the small Hufflepuff before her. There had been no one there to guide her in those first terrifying and challenging months at Hogwarts; if she could improve this small witch's experience by even a fraction… it would be worth it.
"And if you need anything at any point, never hesitate to ask me," Hermione added seriously.
Fiona stared back at her for a long moment before her lips quirked into a happy smile and she nodded emphatically. She patted the girl's knee and smiled before nibbling her toast carefully.
"I've read about you, you know," Fiona whispered… and Hermione felt her thoughts turn back to her very first moments with Harry and Ron on the Hogwarts Express.
How much she thought she knew from books and how much she had left to find out...
"Only the good parts are true," Hermione replied after a moment, giving the girl a conspiratorial wink.
Fiona giggled slightly and rolled her eyes.
"Hi Hermione!" Another small voice sounded behind her and Hermione caught a flash of dark skin and red trim.
"Good morning, Emmalie," Hermione replied, craning around to see her small friend from the night previous leaning across the table with a wide smile. The girl's dark hair had been braided rather elaborately, the ends of which were boasting crimson and gold beads.
"I see you're already a lioness at heart," Hermione said with lifted eyebrows, nodding to the beads. Emmalie's dark cheeks flushed a bit and she nodded with a small giggle.
"Couldn't help myself," she replied.
Hermione moved back slightly to gesture toward Fiona who had been watching their interaction quietly.
"Here, I want to introduce you to someone. Emmalie Merritt of Gryffindor, this is Fiona Oliver of Hufflepuff."
"Hey!"
"Hi."
The two young witches smiled at each other shyly as Hermione moved and patted the bench beside her. Fiona gave her a wide-eyed look before slowly rising and coming to sit next to her on the Gryffindor bench, looking around nervously as if Helga herself was about to come down and pluck her away.
"So," Hermione continued as if she hadn't just purposefully upended the sovereignty of the House system. "Fiona is from London… I don't think I ever heard where you are from, Emmalie."
With that, the three of them launched into conversation that continued even as more sleepy figures in black robes began filtering into the Hall slowly. They received a few strange looks from some of the older students, but a few stern glances from Hermione barred any interference.
The group of first-years who had surrounded her the night before returned, greeting her excitedly and plying her with a number of questions. Everyone immediately accepted Fiona at the table without question and Hermione was pleased to see her strike up an easy conversation with Emmalie and Luz.
"Miss Granger?" A deep breathy voice behind her startled Hermione from her breakfast. The first-years around her were frozen, and she turned to absorb a rather intimidating array of colorful scarves and shawls draped around a thin, feminine form.
"Professor Trelawney, good morning," Hermione replied evenly, quickly rising to greet her Head of House. The witch in question moved back slightly as if unsure of what to make of her.
"Ahem, yes… er, good morning. Here is your timetable. Please see to the note at the bottom, mmhmm?" The Professor handed her a parchment rather quickly before moving on, calling out other last names as she moved down the table.
"Thank you, Professor," she replied absently, already taking in the schedule and the hastily written note.
I see my work has preceded me.
"Everything okay, Hermione?" Emmalie was looking up at her with a concerned expression and Hermione realized she was frowning.
"Fine," she replied breezily. The other first-years were looking up at her a bit apprehensively.
"Now... what do you all have first?" she asked with a smile.
The chatter at the table intensified and Hermione settled in to answer another round of questions with a smile.
Hermione strode purposefully toward the dungeons, her long grey skirt swishing pleasantly as she walked.
After having given the first-years careful directions toward the Transfiguration wing, she had set off - happy that Gryffindor and Hufflepuff would be sharing their first class together. Fiona seemed to be getting along with her cubs quite well… and she hoped that the fledgling friendship would continue.
Though it hadn't necessarily been on her agenda, Hermione realized that she felt strongly about doing more to dissolve the long-standing competition and rift between Houses. The magical world relied so heavily upon boundaries between people within its culture and yet… no one seemed to realize how damaging those rules and taboos could be. If she could encourage the younger generations to see past their House colors, well... Hermione was sure that there would be long-lasting benefits.
Turning a corner swiftly, her heeled boots echoed upon the stone floors and she arrived to the Potions classroom to see the heavy door ajar. Knocking carefully, Hermione stepped inside.
At once her eyes fell upon the tailored black robes of the one wizard she truly thought she would never encounter again.
"Granger," Draco Malfoy's familiar voice resounded through the empty classroom and Hermione was surprised to hear the relatively even tone. She had expected one of derision.
"Mr. Malfoy," she replied formally, dipping into a small curtsy. He is an Apprentice, after all.
Draco seemed surprised by the gesture, the ghost of a frown passing over his face. He paused in his work - he appeared to be dividing lacewings into petri dishes.
"Was there something you needed?" he asked, coming around the front desk warily. He seemed unsure of what to make of her presence.
"I received a note on my timetable indicating I was to meet Professor Slughorn here before classes," she replied. A brief expression of confusion crossed his features, but before he could reply, another voice chimed in.
"Well, well, well…" Horace Slughorn appeared at the threshold, his eyes twinkling slightly as he moved into the classroom, looking like the cat that ate the canary.
"So good of you to join us, Master Granger. And here Minerva had me worried that you would be taking seventh-year Potions. I told her it was preposterous!" He boomed, looking rather smug.
With almost comedic drama, Draco's expression slowly shifted from confusion, to surprise and then finally to horror as he glanced between the two of them in shock.
A moment later, Hermione was pleased to when the tall blonde wizard moved forward, coming around the desk and bending into a formal bow, one hand at his chest before both moved forward in a familiar gesture.
"My apologies, Master," he said swiftly.
Hermione moved forward and took his hands in hers. Kissing his fingers once, she stepped back.
"You were unaware, Mr. Malfoy. There is no harm done," she said smoothly, giving him the ghost of a smile. He nodded once, eyes seemingly unsure of where to look. This is surreal, isn't it?
"Professor, I imagine you have called me here to discuss… an alternative arrangement?" Hermione asked carefully, glancing toward the timepiece on the front desk. She still had twenty minutes before Arithmancy.
"Indeed." Professor Slughorn pinned her with a rather shrewd look.
"If you would follow me, perhaps this is a conversation best held in private," he said, gesturing toward the doorway to the right.
"Very well."
A moment later Hermione found herself sitting in a rather lovely office. Though she had only ever visited Snape in his office once, the clean, brightly lit room bore little resemblance to the one from her memories. It seemed Slughorn valued simplicity and order in his work-related life in a way that did not translate to the luxurious and overwrought quarters she recalled from that horrid Christmas party.
"Master Granger… I do hope you will forgive my presumption for having notified Minerva of your Mastery status," the portly wizard seemed genuinely apologetic and Hermione nodded. It was of little consequence.
"However, I've read your research… It seemed a remarkable waste to have a witch of your caliber sit through an entire year of essentially remedial classes? I couldn't bear the thought of such dishonor!"
While he did seem apologetic, Hermione felt that there was a distinct offer about to come her way. She smirked inwardly.
"Well, it would have been an easy 'O'," Hermione replied honestly, giving the wizard across from her a half-smile. Professor Slughorn blinked once. And then a moment later he was roaring with laughter, his large mustache quivering in mirth.
"Ah well… I can't argue that point," he managed, still wiping his eyes.
Hermione waited, face firmly etched into a pleasant expression as Slughorn abruptly sobered.
"Well, now… have you given any thought to teaching?"
Hermione's eyes narrowed.
"I mean… that is to say, a witch of your prowess could easily continue pursuing your own research interests. However, I thought that if the opportunity presented itself, you may be interested in engaging with scholars at a… higher level, let's say?" He fiddled with a trinket on one corner of his desk and Hermione knew that she had the upper hand.
"Actually, Professor. I have," she replied succinctly. Let him make his offer first.
"Ah, you have? Well - splendid! I mean… while I am sure your interests are largely academic and in the realm of Mastery work, have you given any thought to teaching at the secondary level perhaps?"
"I have," Hermione replied again, refusing to elaborate.
Slughorn's face fell slightly as he realized she was going to make him spell out his desires plainly. She fought not to sniff. Likely he thought she would jump at the opportunity. Which technically, she planned to… though he didn't need to know that.
No, no, no… anticipation is half the game.
The wizard across from her sobered and sat forward, both arms coming to rest on the desk before him in a small, but clear gesture of deference.
"Master Granger, I would ever be so appreciative if you would possibly consider taking on a few of the Hogwarts classes. With the increasing number of students, I find I am simply unable to manage the workload alongside Draco's Mastery curriculum. I requested that the school hire an additional master at the end of last year, but Minerva was unsuccessful," a pudgy hand stroked the mustache absently, "I read your paper which advocated for the earlier addition of Potions to magical elementary education curricula, and from the diligence of your notes, I hazarded a guess that you must have been engaging in a significant amount of teaching in your absence."
"A few well-placed calls confirmed my hypothesis… though I admit that the Jerusalem Preparatory Academy came as surprise," Slughorn explained, his exaggerated features betraying the truth of his words.
Hermione had to work to conceal her own surprise.
He has done his research.
"Perhaps there is a way to find an agreement that can suit us both?" Slughorn finished, looking hopeful.
"Let us dispense with the formalities for a moment," Hermione said, sitting back slightly and allowing her elbows to rest upon the chair. Slughorn seemed surprised but gave a rather blustering nod while gesturing for her to continue.
Her brow furrowed for a moment as she considered her words.
Unknowingly, the wizard had given her the exact offer she had desired from the outset, though he had hastened it a manner she hadn't foreseen. Her initial plan had been much more deliberate and slow-paced, though she wasn't opposed to spinning his proposal into one that could potentially strengthen her position against the Ministry.
Her time away from Great Britain had established her current aspiration - one that she was loathe to give up simply for the sake of a state-mandated marriage and family. Someday, Hermione knew that she wanted children… but first came the ability to continue effecting change through teaching.
Her own Mastery had gifted her with skills and a rather unique perspective that were slightly at odds with the Hogwarts curriculum, but one she felt could make a significant impact upon young minds in a way that would be both empowering and life-changing.
Unexpectedly, Slughorn had practically handed her the keys to unlocking that opportunity.
All she had to do was spin it the right way. Plans within plans...
"I would be happy to teach some of classes in the Hogwarts curriculum, provided that the Headmistress and Board of Governors provide their approval. I will not have my academic integrity questioned for the sake of taking work off of your hands, and I want it to be understood by all parties that my current studies and hypothetical teaching responsibilities are to be held as distinctly separate entities. I would also insist that Professor Malfoy continue to shadow me in an advisory capacity as it seems my schedule is already rather full," she said swiftly, pleased when Slughorn nodded quickly.
Before he could comment she held up a delicate hand.
"Now, for the implied matter of instructing Apprentice Malfoy… I have to wonder why you are intent upon pawning off the wizard on me? Surely it does not serve to ingratiate you into the Society," she said willing her eyes to bore into the wizard's with a bit of intensity. This matter had come as a surprise.
"Master Granger, let me be frank," the wizard set, his features suddenly relaxing into a tired, neutral expression. Distantly, Hermione found herself wondering just how old Slughorn was.
"Please."
"Quite simply, my dear… I am getting old. Overseeing a Mastery is challenging work as you are very well aware, and while Draco has been doing a marvelous job of his studies, I frankly no longer have the energy nor the passion that I once did. Regretfully, this is a personal matter that has made itself clear over the last year and at the moment there are no available Masters to whom I'd feel comfortable releasing him," Slughorn said, his voice heavy.
"What makes you think that I would be a good fit for your Apprentice? Surely you remember that we held little affection for one another while in school," Hermione replied curiously. The wizard sniffed lightly, a fat hand coming up to twist his mustache absently.
"Indeed, I recall it well. However… I've come to know the boy well in the last year. He is much changed, my dear, though I know you haven't been around to see it. He's had a tough run since the end of the war, I'll tell you that much. Tough run, indeed... But the boy is smart… disciplined, quick-witted. He's remarkably intuitive that belies just how much he listened to Severus growing up," Slughorn paused, his gaze falling past Hermione toward the door leading back toward the classroom.
"He deserves someone who will instruct him well and who will treat him with respect and care. Draco won't stand for half-measures. Indeed, he's relentless in his desire for knowledge and for understanding the history behind all our rules. He holds me accountable and expects me to do the same of him. He's a remarkable wizard… and, despite your differences, you strike me as a witch who might be able to give him what he needs."
Hermione was surprised by the genuine note of care she heard in Slughorn's voice and also surprised to discover that she found herself believing him.
"Have you discussed this option with Draco?" Hermione asked softly. Merlin, are you considering this? Are you actually considering this? As if you don't have enough to do!
"Not yet. Pending approval from Minerva and the Board, I would hope to allow the two of you to reacquaint yourselves as colleagues first before presenting the idea to him. I've made no secret that I wish to retire soon, though Draco doesn't realize how soon that day may come," Slughorn replied, his tone regretful.
Hermione felt a pang at the old wizard's words at seeing just how differently they perceived the experience of a Mastery curriculum. From what she understood, Draco craved the total package - like the one I had. Had Draco been her Apprentice, Hermione would have divulged all of that information to him from the start. It was her experience that a solid, well-built relationship was the foundation for trust and growth.
Perhaps… there could be hope for such an agreement...
"Very well. I will consider that option, though I admit it is not currently in my realm to accept such an offer," Hermione replied after a moment. Slughorn nodded, his bald head gleaming in the light of the candles.
"I understand, I understand," he husked, his expression turning pensive.
"Then it seems we have an accord," Hermione stated, already moving to rise. She needed to be on her way.
"Indeed, we do. Thank you for meeting with me, Master Granger. I confess it's pleasant to have a fellow colleague in these halls again… particularly one of your distinction," Slughorn said, rising and offering a firm handshake. She took it and gave a demure smile in reply.
"I will contact Minerva this afternoon and hopefully have an answer for you by the end of the week regarding a potential teaching arrangement," Slughorn said respectfully.
"I will forward her my curriculum vitae," Hermione replied, already moving to open the door to the office as Slughorn followed.
As they moved down the short hallway toward the classroom, a thought occurred to her and Hermione cursed herself for not having addressed it earlier.
"Do you believe Professor Malfoy would take issue with me stepping in to teach?" she asked softly, turning back to the wizard who was huffing and puffing behind her. Merlin, I guess he is getting old, she thought worriedly.
"Draco? No, no… he worries after his teaching abilities constantly. While he has a natural talent for it, I expect he'd be relieved to hand over the majority of his classes to you. Or share them, whatever your preference would be. Unfortunately, I've never had time to mentor him properly in that department. Too many other duties to see to between the students, being Head of House, preparing my curriculum for him, continuing to brew for a few private clients on the side," Slughorn replied, gesturing absently as he recited his many duties.
Hermione nodded, stepping into the classroom and taking a deep breath.
"That is indeed, a lot," she replied in a more normal tone, casting a subtle glance toward Draco.
The younger wizard was preparing the student workbenches with care, and she was rather pleased to see that he didn't look up as they entered. Whether it was a learned habit or not, Hermione appreciated absolute focus in the lab.
It seemed that Slughorn's words continued to resonate. One thing at a time...
"Then you understand, my dear," Slughorn said, his grey eyes crinkling into a smile. "Thank you for dropping by this morning, I know you have a busy day ahead."
She gave him a firm nod before spinning on one heel to leave, one hand offering a small wave.
"Best of luck in your first day of classes, gentleman," Hermione called, boots clicking purposefully as she strode out of the dungeons.
A quickly murmured tempus indicated that she had five minutes to ascend seven flights to get to the Arithmancy classroom. Merlin's left sock, you're going to be late to your first class back!
This would not do.
Arriving to the first staircase that was bustling with frantic figures in black robes, Hermione quickly came to a decision that she hoped would work.
Placed one hand on the polished railing, she stroked it gently for a moment, allowing her chest to fill with the genuine love and appreciation she felt for the castle and all that Hogwarts continued to represent to her.
Despite the odd looks she was receiving, Hermione paused and leaned forward, saying firmly, "I would be ever so appreciative if you and your friends would help me out this morning and give me quick passage to the seventh floor? It seems I am running a bit late."
A moment later, Hermione felt a small spark beneath her fingers that seemed to indicate an affirmative, and the entire staircase shuddered as it began to shift toward a different corridor.
"Thank you, thank you," she said quickly, lips spreading into a wide smile even as she began jogging up the moving steps.
"I promise that I will return this afternoon and play with the lot of you!"
The staircase seemed to shiver with joy and it quickly altered its path - causing a number of shrieks and indignant voices to resound as it graciously grew another flight longer to connect Hermione to its friend - the third floor staircase that was usually too busy tricking its occupants with vanishing steps.
The staircases quickly formed an alliance - eager to please the strong witchling that so clearly appreciated their tireless dedication and sense of humor - she even laughed when the fifth floor stairs' began to wink at her with its wrought iron railings!
And - she had promised to play!
So deep was she in her thoughts and relief at having found a way to save herself from embarrassment, Hermione was completely oblivious to the fact that the halls had briefly fallen silent. A number of astonished eyes watched in disbelief as she quickly ascended several staircases - jumping lightly from one to another as the castle rerouted itself to her needs.
Hermione arrived upon the seventh floor with a mere minute to spare, turning to tickle the carved wood railing of the last staircase, which creaked and groaned in its laughter. Hogwarts' charm was truly unmatched anywhere else with its endearing sense of whimsy.
Blowing the staircase a small kiss, she smoothed her robes with a careful hand and took a breath, already clearing her mind to receive new information.
She was a student again. And there were things waiting to be learned.
Elsewhere in the castle, Hermione Granger's name was quickly spreading through the school's halls like wildfire…
For once, not for her role in the War…
Nor her membership in the elusive and mysterious Golden Trio…
Not even for her beauty or intellect, (for which there were already many burgeoning whispers and crushes)...
But because Hermione Granger was the only witch aside from Headmistress McGonagall, who could command Hogwarts itself.
And had she been watching, Hermione would have noticed a rather subdued pair of eyes watching from the shadows - the emerald orbs full of pride and just a hint of amusement - before they abruptly disappeared, melting away into the mysterious fabric of the castle's walls.