Chapter I - Bright future ahead
It was the last day of classes, she had a smile on her face as she passed out her summer assignment, then dismissed class. This fourth-year class entered that part of history when America decided to win its independence, and the french Revolution took place. She traced parallels between muggle and wizard history, showing them the impact muggles (unknowingly) had on their society, and how. She assigned them with light research, a parchment with a couple of succint questions, hoping that - by the time they entered fifth year - the overal ideal of the age of reason would make more sense for those young minds.
To deconstruct a highly prejudiced society was hard-work, especially when its very foundation is based on segregation. Was it built for self defense? Yes. But still, now that both worlds were slowly coming together, due to the inevitable increase of muggleborn population, it was necessary to change the way things were run in the Ministry. A complete overhaul is long overdue, but they cannot start by breaking everything that is familiar to these clueless wizards. They should get acquainted to change. Start slow, so they'll get the hang of it naturally.
That's what she worked for, and it felt like it would slowly pay off. The books she wrote to add to Hogwart's curriculum about the most recent war were selling very well. Even abroad, many discussions were raised based on her work. In it, she touched not only the historical standpoint, but also the social aspects of what happened ten years ago, and the things that came before, building up to that point.
She explained the mentality behind the blood-purity factions, while historicaly pointing out tension points that fed the sentiment. She traced back from the early days of hiding, when muggles used to be neighbours, friends, and even extended family; to recent days, when many years apart created the illusion of blood purity, when resentment over the fact that wizards had to be the ones hiding became loathing. Muggles became a bunch of strangers who limited their freedom.
Wizarding society never did go through the same phases that muggle society went, but they could always learn from it. If the wizards from her generation, and the one before, learned about the world war two enough to recognize Voldemort's patern as he rose to power, they would see the startling similarities between him and Hittler. They would be able look at history and see themselves reflected on it. A cautionary tale. Maybe they'd find value in questioning unproven afirmations. Such as "muggles steal magic from real wizards".
Or maybe not. She knew. Ignorant people chose to put a veil in front of their eyes, and cover their ears with cotton.
Her thesis, based on muggle biology, coupled with magical experiments, showed that there's no diference in potency from mudblood to pureblood. A simple experiment proved that there's no way for a person to steal something inate. Not even blood transfusion, from a 'pure-blood' wizard to a muggle, can make them capable of performing magic. To add salt to injury, Blood-Rituals performed by a 'pure-blooded' wizard, and repeated by a muggleborn, bore no difference in results.
The concept of Blood-Purity was just that: A concept. A false one at that, built upon years of isolation from the muggle world.
No one knew where magic came from, but blood wasn't the origin. It was just another way to fuel magic- or ingredient in some cases. Still, even with her experiments proving her theory right, over and over, repeated by different people, there were still some blood purists left, battling every day to resist the inevitability of muggleborns changing their 'sacred society'.
If not even a war destroyed the way things worked inside the ministry, it wasn't her open critiscism that would. She was patiently waiting for people to open their eyes, and doing her part to point out their most obvious shortcomings.
The blood-purist faction insisted on making their opinions on muggleborn segregation known in the wizengamot. When were they ever reasonable? They were fuelled by pure, deep hatred of all things muggle. Their argument lost validation, but even with nothing to back them up, their right to keep chairs on the wizengamot and pass down like noble lines was still a danger. Her hope was that, little by little, the ones that learned muggle history with her would change this scenario for the better.
Thankfully, the prejudiced minority didn't stop some of the great advances pushed by the majority composed of two thirds. Those who fought Voldemort, tooth and nail, were open to some changes. Unfortunately, even them were fond of the aristocratic way their society worked. Descending hereditary rights, nepotism instead of competence. The list of what was wrong went on. But small progress was progress nonetheless.
Muggle engineers were welcome to work with the unspeakable department to create magical artifacts that resembled the digital muggle devices. More research into how to incorporate some of the muggle technologies through magic appeared, they managed to create thought projectors, Magical Television, dvd's, even hoverboards! Yes, back to the future style! Of course, the muggles had their memories altered after the projects were completed, but they were always well rewarded.
Safe to say that Hermione felt lucky to be a part of history, to see these changes with her own eyes. To see her students opening their eyes, to hear - through the halls - debates about the necessity of opening seats on the wizengamot for popular vote. It gave her hope that this aristocratic society had its days counted.
Hopefully muggle-like universities would be avaiable in the future to capacitate them in other carreers, beyond what's conected to magic, in other ways that mattered. What's the point of being powerful, if they're going to be stuck with such an archaic views of the world? What's the use of having magic to heal the body, but no psychiatrist to take care of a broken mind? There are plenty of wizards suffering from trauma caused by the war still, something had to be done about that!
Hermione strongly believed that education was the solution to most of society's woes. That's why she's passionate about teaching. She felt like she was trully preparing a generation for the bright future that was ahead of them. That is why, in the end, she turned her back on a carrer at the ministery of magic (which was like dry cement, stuck in old ways), to focus on sharing her knowledge at Hogwarts. And, of course, to continue to learn from the best. Between Fillius, Minerva, the library, and the room of requirements, there was no shortage of knowledge for Hermione to pursue.
Now, as head of the house of Gryffindor, Hermione Granger couldn't say that she regret her choice in this particular matter at all. There was never a doubt in her mind that this is what she was meant to be doing.
She closed the door to her classroom with a sigh, siting at her table, and accio-ing that wretched invitation. It flew from her purse, left on the ground beside her desk, into her hands. But this...
Ron and Lizzy had the kind of relationship she wished for herself. What they shared was genuine, true love. They were devoted to one another, and it showed in ther inner jokes, loving smiles, matching future plans. Hermione had reflected enough to recognize that it wasn't just Ron that she missed, it was the possibility of having someone who matched her so perfectly.
She and Ron were pollar oposites. Ones that attracted, but didn't belong together. Still, no one besides him knew her so well, nor they ever cared to. And it hurt her to have lost the only person she could imagine having a future with.
A knock on her door startled her, and she guiltly hid the invitation amongst tests. As if she was caught in the act. Funny that she felt the need to hide it as though she was doing something wrong...Well, I kind of am second guessing myself here.
"I'm here!" Hermione called out, organizing quickly her papers into stacks, and magically sending them to her home, where she would grade them later.
Minerva's face appeared, just as she was shoving the invitation into her purse. Her mentor's eyes followed the motion. Hermione blushed, and did her best to hide that fact by allowing her short hair to cascade over her face. "Are you ready for this summer's project, dear?" Her clear excitement was enough to make Hermione smile, and recompose.
She straightened herself to her full height, and quickly walked out to join Minerva on the corridor. "Of course!" It was time to unjinx the D.A.D.A. position. "Is Fillius already there?"
Their pace was brisk, not because they were in a rush, but because they couldn't wait to get started.
"He started up, actually. I think that when you arrive, the runes might be halfway ready"
Years. She and Fillius worked years on runes, and incantations for this. They had tried to understand how exactly Voldemort jinxed the position. They couldn't figure out, in the end, so they couldn't break the spell. Without the how, there's no counter. BUT, the castle had its own sentiency, and it wanted to be rid of this curse as much as the staff. So, they found a way around it. If they couldn't break the curse, they could alter it. Confound it. Trade bad omens, with good luck. Using the same intention behind the curse, for a good outcome.
It was what they hoped to acomplish at least.
When they entered the D.A.D.A. classroom, sure enough, professor Flitwick was nearly done drawing the runes. "Ah, Hermione! Good to see you're ready. Want to start emptying the classroom? I think we will need the space." He asked, then turned back to draw the outlines, letters, and numbers into the rune. Chalk working on the empty space where the teacher's desk was supposed to be.
With a quick wand movement, she vanished the chairs, tables, and loose knick knacks into another room she was sure it was empty. No incantation was needed.
A low whistle left Flitwick's mouth when he looked up and saw that she had not broken a sweat. "Impressive, kid."
Hermione rolled her eyes, and smiled fondly at him. She was thirty-three, but sure, call her kid. "I did learn from the best."
He smiled up at her, as if she was his star student still. Yes, she was McGonnagal's apprentice in transfiguration, but he kind of made her his honorary pupil too, even if it wasn't official. She was dedicated, and learned easily. Their mock duels whipped her into perfect shape, and kept him from getting rusty as well. They often worked on invention, and debated the intricacy of many complicated spells. They were true scholars, and their passion for learning made them bond over knowledge. He was not only her professor, he was a friend. As much as Minerva.
Hermione could never regret returning to Hogwart's halls of learning. She felt in her core, this is where she belongs. This castle was home. And it was time to help it get rid of a terrible curse.
She helped him revise the details of the runes. Some arithmancy confirmed that everything was as it should be. They dabbed a bit into the dark arts, because blood would be needed in order to draw energy and not exaust their magical core, but it was far from dangerous. The worst that could happen was that the ritual would fail, and they would have to work again on another solution. Positive thoughts, Hermione. Positive thoughts.
Her blood went to the runes on the ground, Fillius levitated his own to the ceiling. Minerva watched everything with elation, long over the fact that her coleagues were using 'Dark Magic'. There were two brilliant minds at work, and how she loved that!
Soon, it was time for the ritual proper. Nothing could go wrong. So, naturally, both of them downed their liquid luck potion. Luck was on their side, and soon it would be on any who accepted the job.
"Ready?" He asked her, poiting his wand up, and extending his left hand for her to grasp.
They were facing oposite directions, so Hermione used her left hand to grasp his, and point her wand down. "Ready." She answered, smiling brightly. Feeling that surge of confidence, result of the potion they drank.
They focused their intent on conecting with Hogwart's magic. Soon, the air was agressively crackling with magical energy. Now. She thought, and started the incantation, almost as the same time as Fillius, falling into a rhythm easily after. "Evil unbound, be restrained. All those worthy and well intended shall be rewarded. Restore Sanctum."
"Restore Sanctum"
They repeated it, over and over, until the crackle of magic got softer, and softer. Until the red, glowing lights of the runes turned purple, then blue, then faded into the ground and the ceiling. As if absorbed by the castle. Until they felt, through their conection with Hogwart's magic, that it was over.
They didn't know if it was the potion, or the overal reaction of their magic that gave them the impression of success. Maybe both. But soon they were cheering. Fillius floated to give Hermione a celebratory hug, at the same time Minerva rushed into the classroom and hugged them both. Minerva started jumping in place, and despite being a bit tired, Hermione laughed and followed suit. Soon, even Flitwick's amused laugh ringed on her ear.
We did it! Hermione thought, elated, letting go of her friends so Fillius could return to the ground. "I'm sure whoever accepts the position will be pleased with our work"
"Here's to hoping" Flitwick said. He didn't sound anxious, but it did look like he was silently praying. What, with his hands clasped in front of his chest, and his head bowed.
Minerva was still smiling "It worked. Between the two of you, there's no chance of mistake."
"Don't say that, Minerva!" He complained, jumping a few times on one leg, and rotating on the spot, as if to send away Minerva's 'jinx'.
His actions made both witches laugh. To Hermione, that was new. She had no idea Flitwick was superstitious. Minerva was laughing simply because she expected the reaction. It was amusing to see him rattled even under the effect of a luck potion.
"Well... That's done. Will you two be leaving tomorrow?" Fillius stored his wand in his holster, and looked at the witchers interchangeably.
They started making their way towards the headmaster's office, where they would debrief, and fill a paperwork explaining what was done, so it would be safe in Hogwarts archives.
"I still have some paperwork to attend to. Nothing I can actually take home, and I suspect it will take more than a day." Minerva sighed "Then there's the matter of searching someone to hire for the D.A.D.A. position."
"Didn't anyone apply for the job yet?" Hermione asked with a frown, shoving her wand inside one of the robe's pockets. Her fingers brushed the marauder's map, and a treasured picture she never took away. "That's weird. Even with all the casualties, the spot never failed to have aplicants"
"And nothing extraordinary happened this year" Flitwick said "Professor Humell was just too old to keep teaching."
"I'm affraid that the widespred news of the jinx is to blame. People suspected, but since no one ever confirmed, and there was no proof of it, they ignored it. Until now."
When they began researching about a way to break the curse, their findings and calculations were leaked to the daily prophet. They had no idea who did it, or why; but it was a true confirmation to people in general that the position was cursed. After that, the professor anounced that he would retire after the end of the year, and apparently, no one wanted the position anymore. It was nothing short of luck, that their paper was leaked before they started dabbing on blood magic. She didn't want to imagine the scandal, then.
"We have to find out who let the information out." Flitwick said seriously "It was a blatant attempt at sabotage. Remember how they pressured us to simply stop teaching the matter, and create another course to take its place?"
They eventually reached the gargoyle, where Minerva said "Turnips" and they were allowed in. Flitwick and Herminone sat side by side, in front of the headmistress desk, while she took her position on the other side. "Yes, and I have an inklin to who could have been. We can look into it."
"Not now, I hope?" Hermione asked, playfuly, albeit really hoping she could have some time to rest. If they used all their summer to go into this, she wouldn't have time to recover from the emotional toll Ron's wedding was taking on her. It was going to happen this july.
"No," Minerva agreed, with a smile of her own "Not now. We have many things to focus on. That can wait until next term."
"Perfect. If you wish, I can check with Harry if he knows any retiring auror who would like to teach defense against the dark arts here. He must know someone; at least."
"That is a good idea, Hermione. Please, do that."
"Our boy would be perfect for the position, wouldn't he?" Fillius said, absentmindedly, while he wrote down the whole process of what was done.
Hermione actually loved the idea of working with her best friend. She imagined Harry being blessed by good luck, as he took the position. It would be long overdue, condering everything he went through at Hogwarts. She smiled to herself at the image of her friend teaching a full class of admired, impressionable kids, and being rewarded for it, somehow. It was still unknow how the luck would manifest itself, they would figure it out soon enough. At least, they knew that no harm would come to the professors, for sure. "Ah... Too bad he loves training bright eyed, fresh auror recruits." They all laughed, knowing well the terror Harry makes the iniciants go through, to instil the seriousness of their position. "He puts Moody's constant vigilance motto to good use."
"That he does." Minerva agreed.
They worked in silence, after that. Fillius quickly finished his relatory, Hermione signed her participation in it, and Minerva used a secret spell to open Hogwarts archives and store their paper in there. With another wave of her wand, the hundreds of files that appeared on the wall, vanished again as if they were never there. "I still want to know what spell that is" Hermione said, earning an amused glance from Minerva, and an appreciative one from Fillius.
"You and me both, Hermione."
"Well, whoever becomes Hedmaster, or Headmistress, first, will learn it." Minerva joked.
The next day was quiet. Hogwarts halls, usually so lively with voices of excited children, now held only the silent, soft magical energy that Hermione began associating with home. She wished she could stay for the summer, really. But, alas, no one but the headmistress had permission for that. "Turnips" She whispered to the gargoyle, receiving access to the very office she hoped to occupy one day.
"Hermione! Ready to leave, dear?" Minerva asked, raising her head from the paperwork littering her desk.
She smiled at her mentor, and nodded "I was hoping to use your floo network conection, so I won't have to go to hogsmead for that?"
"Of course, feel free to it." Then she turned back to her work. But before Hermione could step through the fireplace, she called out "Wait, Fillius asked me to give you this."
When she looked back, a floating flask of liquid luck reached her. She extended her hand, and grabed the small vial with a small frown of confusion. Her face said it all Why is this here? "Fillius got some extra, in case things went awry. He asked me to give it to you before he left, he'd forgotten to do it yesterday."
She smiled to herself "Why didn't he keep it?"
With a soft smile, Minerva expression was also telling We know what you're going through. "We thought you could do with a bit of extra luck."
Hermione sighed "Am I really that obvious?" She went back to sit in front of Minerva, not in a rush to leave anymore. Maybe she could do with a talk before facing what was to come. Instead, she grabed one of the papers, and realized that they were lists of names. And by the looks of it, the numbers of muggleborn students would increase next term. Predictable.
"Not at all, but we know you. And we know that all the excuses you made this year to avoid having to see Ronald and his Fiancée said it all." Minerva pat her hand, with an understanding expression "Don't worry dear, I know well the feeling."
"Do you ever regret it?" Hermine asked directly, knowing that she wouldn't need to explain herself, Minerva understood what she was talking about.
"No. Once upon a time, maybe, I ligered on what might have beens... But everytime I saw my students reaching a certain level of accomplishment, and knowing that I had a part to play in that, even if in small ways... It sent away any shadow of doubt I might have had about my decision. Why? Do you regret it?"
Hermione didn't hesitate, she knew the answer as well. The ceremony for the latest graduated students was still fresh on her mind. "No. It's not that I regret, but... Certainly I didn't have to give up Ron for this, did I? Maybe if I explained where I stood, why I wasn't ready..."
"Perhaps" She agreed amicably "But can you say for certain that you would be happy in a relationship where more was expected of you? More than what you could give? We talked about this before, and from what you told me, the kind of life Ronald wanted for him wasn't the one you particularly wanted for yourself. Maybe he could accept at first, but in the future he could resent you. The same could be said for you. You say you could see yourself as a mother, but how much of that is what you want, and how much is what you were willing to compromise for him?"
And that was the crux of the matter. "I do want to be a mother... someday. It's just that... I want to get over my incessant thirst for knowledge first, which is far from sated!" Minerva smiled at her, knowing well that her pupil really had the heart of a lion, but the spirit of a raven. Fillius still claimed that the sorting hat sabotaged him. "I already see my students as my own kids. Besides, if I ever get too old to have one, I can always adopt. I don't see the need of having my own."
"But that wasn't an option to Ronald, was it?"
No, it wasn't. "You're right. Ron and I... we weren't meant to be. But I don't think I ever met anyone who respects me as much as he does. He listened, even if he didn't understand a word of what I was saying. Even if it was like playing a match of ping pong against a wall. He smiled at me encouragingly, and..." Tears filled her eyes, as she remembered how tender, and kind he could be. "Everyone else I met just seems to want a piece of the golden trio. Not because of who I am, it's more about what I represent. He knows me. He loved me. Now I don't see a chance of finding anyone who would be willing to spend a lazy afternoon listening to muggle music in silence, while I just write more thesis. Someone who knows when I'm being stubborn and pushing myself way past my limits, and knowing how to convince me to relax. Someone who knows how to push my buttons, but also get me to calm as fast as they can annoy me."
Fact is, Hermione never met anyone who understood her. And Ron was as close as she could get to that, even when he didn't really get her sometimes. "You're young, Hermione. You will find your one, someday."
She seriously doubted it, she long gave up even in the muggle world, because there was no easy way to explain why there was no way to contact her most of the time. Unless her one came to find her at Hogwarts... There was no hope for her. She sighed... "At least I have you guys." Hermione said with a small, sad smile. That should be enough.
"That you do. But, honestly, don't give up hope. You have all summer! And many years to come. Go out, have fun. Do the things you love doing. Just don't linger on what if's, that's poison for your present happiness." Then Minerva pointed at the liquid luck on Hermione's hands "Try it out."
Maybe I will. Hermione thought, but had enough of talking about herself. With a teasing tone of voice, she asked instead "What about you? All powerful headmistress of the greatest school of wizards in great britain. Why did you give up? Don't tell me you don't have time. I know you have some time."
It was true, Minerva didn't have all the titles Albus had to keep him busy. If she wanted to, she could pursue a relationship. But, at this point, it seemed like Minerva didn't seem interested in romance at all. Despite loving her fantasy, romance novels.
Minerva's amused laughter was enough to put a more genuine smile on Hermione's face. "Oh, dear. I don't have the patience for the whole courting process anymore. I will not go through the anxious stress of wondering 'is he flirting back?' 'Do I look good?' 'is this a good time to make a move?' everything is just so tiresome! No, no. I'm very well, and happy, with my single status."
"What if someone made a blatant move on you?" Hermione wiggled her eyebrows.
Minerva's side smile made her fast comeback even funnier "Then I shall evaluate their effort. It must Exceed Expectations at the very least."
Hermione laughed out loud at that. Oh my god, that's a good one. It properly took her out of her funk. "I pity the soul who tries it, then. Your expectations are very high!" Her joking tone made Minerva laugh again.
They spend a few moments in a fit of giggles, until Minerva remembered that she still had much to do, and if she wanted to have vacation as well, she'd better take care of everything soon. "I must get to this. Just remember, Hermione. You don't need someone else to complete you. You make your own happiness."
Ain't that the truth? Hermione smiled, willing herself to focus on that. One day she would get over this emptiness. Nodding her head to acknowledge that affirmation, she said "See you soon." Getting up, and walking towards the fireplace which had returned to its orange flames.
Ok, time to go. Floo powder, a burst of green, then she was finally home.