Disclaimer: The characters in this story were borrowed for my own story plot.
Chapter 3
May turned to June and all of the Hogwarts students were heading home for the summer break.
"Finally freedom!", Ron Weasley exclaimed.
"Honestly Ron.", Hermione said shaking her head while stepping through the gates of Hogwarts toward the carriages.
"Oh come on Hermione! The sun is shining and the summer awaits! Harry I can't wait until we get together this summer. We can play Quidditch, get our apparition licenses and finally do magic outside of Hogwarts. Fred and George better watch out.", he said excitedly.
The other two laughed at his excitement. As they were nearing the carriages Professor McGonagall came rushing out of the gates towards the trio.
"Miss Granger! Miss Granger!", she called.
Hermione stopped as her name was called and turned towards the transfiguration teacher, watching her deep green robes swirl out behind her.
"I'll just be a minute guys.", Hermione said quickly making her way towards the professor. Harry and Ron both looked questioningly at the two.
"What do you think they are talking about?", Ron asked nosily.
"No idea, but it doesn't look good.", Harry replied watching Hermione explain something with her hands and the professor shaking her head frowning. Than to both the boys surprise McGonagall hugged Hermione.
Harry watched his head of house hug his best friend and wondered what was going on. He for one never saw McGonagall get close to any student let alone show any kind of affections. He watched as they pulled a part and as Hermione made her way back towards them.
In the carriages the boys pestered her until she finally told them what the little conversation was about.
"Honestly you guys, she just wanted to tell me to owl her if I needed anything this summer.", Hermione said with a roll of her eyes.
"Than why did she hug you?", Harry asked suspiciously.
"Yeah Hermione why did she hug you?", Ron asked mimicking Harry's suspicion.
"Oh fine! I wanted to keep it a secret but I think I've decided what I'm going to do with my future…", she trailed off adding suspense.
"Well?", Harry asked.
"I think I want to be a teacher. A transfiguration teacher and well I asked her if she would be interested in letting me apprentice for her. She was happy about it and said she'd be delighted to be my mentor. She got a little emotional.", Hermione said with a light blush on her cheeks while looking down wringing her hands.
"That's it? No Ministry? No research? Just a teacher?", Ron asked shocked.
"Well… yes. I love learning and helping others with the their schoolwork, so why not become a teacher Ronald?", Hermione asked heatedly.
""Uh…um…", Ron said nervously looking anywhere but at Hermione.
"What Ron is trying to say Hermione is that he's happy with whatever you decide… right Ron?", Harry said quickly trying to diffuse an argument before it started.
"Um… yeah. You would be a brilliant teacher Hermione. I just thought you wanted something bigger.", Ron said sheepishly.
"Well I don't. I think teaching is something I'd be happy doing. Spreading knowledge with unlimited access to books not to mention I can still do research just on my own terms. No hassles that way and I will have a place to live and meals included. I think it would be wonderful.", Hermione said with a smile.
"Sounds like your kind of thing Hermione.", Harry said returning the smile.
The carriage stopped and they quickly boarded the Hogwarts Express and found a compartment with Neville, Luna and Ginny.
"Hey guys mind if we share?", Harry asked.
"Not at all Harry! You don't even have to ask.", Ginny said with a blush to her cheeks.
"Um…thanks.", Harry said slightly blushing as well and took a seat next to Neville opposite of her and Luna. Ron and Hermione piled in behind him, with Ron sitting on his other side and Hermione starting a conversation with Ginny. Luna was reading her copy of the Quibbler, and the boys started a game of exploding snap. The train ride home was pleasant.
When the train neared the station Harry sighed.
"Harry what's the matter?", Hermione asked looking worriedly at him.
"I'm fine Hermione. Really. It's just I don't want to go back to the Dursley's.", he said sighing again.
"Don't worry Harry, in a few weeks you will be seventeen and be done with them. We will pick you up on your birthday and bring you right to Grimmauld Place.", Ron said patting his back in encouragement.
They all left the train and began saying their good-byes.
"Alright now you two stay out of trouble! If you need anything you owl me immediately! Understood?", Hermione said looking sternly at them.
"Yes Hermione.", the boys replied with rolls of their eyes.
"Oh come here you two. Now no adventures! Promise me!", Hermione said while squeezing them both tight to her.
"We promise Hermione!", Harry said pulling away to breathe with a laugh.
"Yeah Hermione. Don't worry so much.", Ron said rubbing the back of his neck.
" Alright, well I better get going. Be safe you guys.", Hermione said with a worried smile before turning her back and walking away getting lost in the crowd. Ron stood there a minute watching her go.
"Hey you alright mate?", Harry asked.
"Huh? Yeah. Just thinking.", he mumbled quietly.
"Still like her huh?", Harry said teasingly.
"Actually… not really. I've done a lot of thinking and lately she hasn't been around because of school and all and Harry… I think I'm over her…", Ron said thoughtfully.
"Hm… Well maybe its for the best… she is our best friend and all.", Harry said pointedly.
"Yeah." Ron sighed as the two made their way through the wall at nine and three quarters.
"Ronald Bilius Weasley!" a voice shouted.
"I'm coming mum!", he yelled back feeling his cheeks turn hot.
"I better go Harry. I'll talk to you later and see you on your birthday. Remember quidditch, magic and apparition!" Ron said with a smile.
"Definitely. I'll see you soon Ron." Harry replied watching the red head catch up with his mum and sister.
"Let's go Potter!" Harry heard behind him.
"Is it my birthday yet", Harry mumbled pushing his cart towards his uncle's car.