Chapter Text
Hermione Granger had been working as the Head of the Education and Recruitment Division with the Department of Magical Law Enforcement for the last year. Specifically, she was responsible for supervising the enlisting and training of new Aurors as well as overseeing the OWL and NEWT testing of DADA students at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Appointing the DADA Professor at the school was under the supervision of the School’s Board of Directors and Headmaster or Headmistress; but the school did consult with the DoMLE, and specifically Hermione’s division, when it came to curriculum updates, specialized practical experiences for the students, guest lecturers, or temporary staff replacements.
She loved her job. It was fast paced and predictable, but most importantly it was devoid of evil megalomaniacs. Sure, it lacked the wide sweeping change that both her work on house elf rights while assigned to the Department for the Regulation and Control of Magical Creatures and her early work with the DoMLE in eradicating pro-pureblood laws; but after 7 years of fighting a war, an additional year to finish her NEWTS, a year of interning at the Ministry of Magic, and ten years in law reform, Hermione had been ready for the mundane. Besides, it’s not like she wasn’t making an impact on wizarding society. She was helping to uphold the reforms the Ministry had made so far by finding upstanding and hardworking new Aurors and she was certainly helping to shape the student experiences at Hogwarts. Yes, her work was less visible, but no less fulfilling.
Recruiting for the next Auror cohort was finished. The current cohort was entering their final month of training and would be in the field until a few days before Christmas. And since end of the year testing still 6 months away, all was quiet on the Hogwarts front. When it came to the school, no news was good news. So it was with calm confidence that Hermione flooed into the Ministry of Magic on the morning of Monday November 30th at promptly 7:50 am as usual. She strode through the atrium in her favorite red wrap sweater dress and matching cloak with a white poinsettia under her arm, a rather cliché peppermint hot chocolate in hand, and a broad smile.
Hermione greeted her fellow Ministry workers as she made her way to the lifts and up to level 2 where the DoMLE was headquartered. The Auror bullpen was relatively quiet, not unusual for a Monday morning, but there were a few support staff members milling about getting their days started. She was greeted halfway to her office by a department secretary with a notebook and pen in hand.
“Good morning Miss Granger. Here, let me take your poinsettia”, the secretary tucked her notebook under her arm and reached for the flower.
“Thank you, Alys, and good morning to you too!”
The two ladies entered the office and Alys sat the potted flower on a bookshelf while Hermione hung her cloak by the door and made her way to her seat. She sorted her purse and drink while Alys perched herself on one of the guest chairs with notebook ready. Hermione began a rundown of things that needed to be done.
“Ok Alys, we will need to touch base with the team to make sure they have everything they need for a month of field work with the trainees: tents, provisions, medical kids, etc. I’m sure they do, but it never hurts to double check. Acceptance letters should go out this week for our next Auror cohort. Harry has agreed to participate in this month’s dueling exhibit at Hogwarts –“
“OH!” Alys jolted upright from being hunched over her notebook taking notes and pulled an envelope from the back cover, “This arrived from Hogwarts this morning addressed to you.” She handed the letter over to Hermione.
“It’s probably just Minerva asking me to drop by for tea” Hermione smiled at the letter and put it aside without opening it. There was a swell of noise from the bullpen as the nightshift Aurors filtered in from their assignments that diverted the attention of both women for a moment. Harry was among them and started to make his way over to Hermione’s office. Hermione dismissed Alys, “I think that’s about it for this morning, thank you Alys.”
“Mr. Potter” Alys nodded as she left the office
“Alys” Harry replied in greeting. He casually sat down in the chair Alys had just vacated and rubbed his hands over his face.
“You look a little rough Harry; I didn’t think you were working nightshift anymore since Lilly’s birth.” Hermione inquired.
Harry leaned forward in the chair and placed his elbows on his knees, “Yeah well, Snape alerted us about some rare Doxy eyes that had gone missing from the Hogwarts potions ingredients order a few months ago. He thought that perhaps a student had swiped them by accident on a dare thinking they were eggs; you remember how McLaggen was dared to eat a bunch when we were kids, so he set the whole school assignments on the difference between rare eyes and regular eggs. He re-ordered them thinking that was the end of it, but they went missing again, twice. So he notified us and we started to do some preliminary research into Rare Doxy Eye activity outside Hogwarts. The issue got the DADA Professor Williamson’s attention and as a retired Auror he just couldn’t give up the chance at solving another case. Apparently Snape wanted to stretch his spying legs too, so the TWO of them worked up some sort of plan to catch the student in question to include a stakeout, a few tricky jinxes on the potions supplies order, and some dummy Doxy Eyes. Well, turns out they were right, someone WAS pilfering the eyes, but it wasn’t a student. Professor Amadee, the visiting Alchemy professor from Beauxbatons was swiping the eyes.”
“No!” Hermione gasped
“Yes. So Williamson contacted the Aurors last night and because it was Hogwarts I got volunteered to go in and investigate. Turns out that Professor Amadee ALSO ordered Rare Doxy Eyes from the Apothecary and requested that they be sent to the school. But the shop clerk misunderstood and sent her order to Bauxbatons rather than Hogwarts. So all this time she was taking them from the Hogwarts Order before Snape could put it away not realizing that they weren’t HER Doxy eyes to take” Harry hung his head and shook it in disbelief.
Hermione groaned in support, “Oh no! All that work for a misunderstanding” she chuckled, “I suppose that’s Professor Snape for you, once a spy always a spy. Maybe his spying is getting a bit dodgy these days?”
Harry looked up at her, “But that’s not the worst of it. Turns out the Doxy Eyes were for the creation of a new Philosopher’s stone.”
“WHAT!?” cried Hermione
Harry grinned, “yeah, but again, it’s not what you think. Amadee wasn’t trying to do anything nefarious; she was trying to create a Christmas gift,” He paused for effect, “for her lover, Williamson”
Hermione made a squeaking noise and her eyes went wide. She swallowed the sip of hot chocolate she had just taken quickly, “Wait, what?!”
“You heard correctly, lovers.”
“But he’s 70 years old and Professor Amadee is OUR AGE!”
Harry laughed incredulously “I know it, but it’s true. Apparently love knows no age bounds and Amadee was trying to ensure that their age difference wouldn’t be an issue once they got older. She apologized profusely for the mix up and offered to have her Doxy Eyes sent to Snape, which he was amiable to of course.”
“I’m glad it all worked out. Hopefully Ginny won’t be too mad about you having to work a night shift with a story like that.” Hermione took a moment to shift her attention the paperwork on her desk.
“Weeelllll” Harry hesitated, “Actually, Williamson and Amadee were both so overcome by the experience they decided to BOTH go back to France last night. Amadee was at the end of her contract with Hogwarts anyway but Williamson’s …early retirement… leaves Hogwarts without a DADA teacher.”
“OH shoot!” Hermione cried and started to frantically shift papers looking for the letter she had received earlier, “A letter arrived from Minerva before I got here but I didn’t think it was anything urgent so I hadn’t looked it!” She located the letter and ripped it open.
Dear Hermione,
I hope this letter finds you well. I’m sure Harry has filled you in on the details, but Professor Williamson has taken a rather unexpected but immediate retirement. We are in need of a replacement DADA instructor to finish out the term. Currently none of our other staff members can properly cover due to revision schedules for midterms. I was hoping you could suggest a temporary replacement while we search for a more permanent solution. I can meet with you this morning at 9am to discuss your recommendations. I’ve left the floo open for you.
With Thanks,
Minerva McGonagall
Headmistress
Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry
Hermione looked at her watch, “Well I guess I have a meeting with Minerva in a few minutes” she and Harry both stood in a flurry. He retrieved her cloak and Hermione pulled a file out of drawer in her desk and grabbed her purse, “are you going to go home and get some rest?”
“That’s the plan” Harry said as he helped her into her cloak. They exited the office where Alys was waiting for them.
“I’ve set Alys up to check that the training group is ready for their month in the field. Can I have her follow up with you if there are any issues before you leave?” Hermione directed at Harry.
“Sure thing”
“Thanks Harry, Alys we can work on those letters this afternoon” Hermione shot over her shoulder as she made her way swiftly out of the office.
“Yes ma’am” Alys called after her.
._.-~*~-._.-~*~-._.
Hermione made her way back down to the Atrium to the bank of floos. She grabbed a handful of floo powder and called out her destination, “Headmistress’ office, Hogwarts”
She was immediately deposited onto Minerva’s hearth and took a moment to center herself. She wandlessly did a little flick to rid herself of ash and spotted the headmistress standing at her desk reviewing some paperwork.
“Hermione, I’m glad you could make it on such short notice!” Minerva greeted as she made her way over to the fireplace and gave Hermione a brief hug.
“Anything for you, Minerva” Hermione said kindly while removing her cloak and placing it on a hook by the fireplace.
The Headmistress motioned for Hermione to have a seat on the sofa by the fire where a tea service was already set. “I know it’s still early,” Minerva noted, “but it’s never too early for tea, please help yourself”
“Harry told me what happened last night. I must say I was a little surprised to hear of the love affair!” Hermione started as the ladies began to prepare their tea.
Minerva smiled over her teacup, “We were all quite taken aback. Their age difference was quite large, even for wizarding culture, but I supposed they’ve found a way to overcome it. But now we are left with a hole in our faculty. I hope you have a good recommendation.”
“Oh, I think we should be able to sort something out. Let’s look and see who is available.” Hermione set her teacup down and reached for the file she had brought with her. In it were profiles of retired Aurors, former instructors, and leading DADA specialist that could be called upon to teach if need be.
The most notable part of this file though was the charmed index that let Hermione know the availability status of the substitutes enclosed. Hermione scanned the list:
M. Berrycloth, Auror Instructor – In the field, Unavailable
N. Longbottom, Retired Auror – Hogwarts Instructor, Unavailable
E. Macmillan, Curse Breaker – Gringott’s Contract, Unavailable
H. Potter, Head Auror – Otherwise Assigned, Unavailable
R. Proudfoot, Retired Auror - Traveling, Unavailable
C. Savage, Retired Auror – Otherwise Employed, Unavailable
S. Snape, Former DADA Instructor – Hogwarts Instructor, Unavailable
R. Weasley, Retired Auror – Otherwise Employed, Unavailable
W. Weasley, Curse Breaker – Paternity Leave, Unavailable
She frowned and scanned the list again to confirm she was seeing correctly, all their usual temporary instructors were unavailable. “Oh dear” Hermione looked up at Minerva, “It seems as though everyone is, ah, unavailable”
“Oh dear indeed” Minerva replied with an unreadable expression on her face.
Hermione flipped through the pages of the file to confirm that they were synced with the index properly, “Though this says that Harry is ‘otherwise assigned’, I’m not even sure what that means or what he is assigned to other than the case that directly relates to our problem. I’ll just have to speak with him when I return to the office. What is happening with the students today?”
“They have been instructed to continue on with their syllabus readings and assignments since practical instruction is done at the end of the week. Available staff members and older prefects are sitting with the younger classes to help monitor their work.”
“Well, let me go back to the Ministry and I’ll speak with Harry and Department Head Robards and see if we can come up with a solution.” Hermione tidied her folder, stood to put her cloak back on, and prepared to leave, “I’ll let you know what we come up with.”
Minerva smiled and replied knowingly, “I’m sure you will come up with a suitable solution. Thank you, Hermione.”
Hermione gave her a tight smile and a small nod and stepped into the acid green flames to return to the Ministry.
._.-~*~-._.-~*~-._.
Alys greeted Hermione at the entrance to the DoMLE and debriefed Hermione as they walked back to her office, “The training group left this morning right after you did fully stocked with no issues. The acceptance letters are on your desk ready for signature, I can post them once you are done.”
“Wonderful, thank you Alys; I need to speak with Robards this morning, and if Harry is still around he should probably be included as well.” Hermione hung her cloak on the back of the door once again.
Alys looked across the bullpen at Robards assistant, Rose, and gave her a nod. Rose consulted a planner on her desk and nodded back.
“Robards is available now” Alys let Hermione know.
“Excellent, I’ll get these letters signed after I meet with Robards. Could you see if Harry is still here?”
“Certainly, I will send him right in” Alys replied.
“Thank you, Alys” Said Hermione as she made her way over to Robards office with charmed file in hand.
As she approached Rose got up and escorted her in, “Miss Granger for you Mr. Robards”
Robards had been leaning far back in his chair looking quite relaxed for the head of the department and adjusted quickly at the sight of the two women.
“Oh! Thank you Rose! Have a seat Granger, what can I do for you?”
Hermione was all business, “You are aware of the Doxy Eye mix up at Hogwarts that came to a head last night”
“Yes, Yes” Robards replied, “Potter updated me this morning – Speak of the devil!”
Harry entered the office at that moment, closed the door behind him, and sat in the guest chair by Hermione. He was equally as causal as Robards had been.
“How did your meeting with Minerva go, Hermione” Harry punctuated his question with a yawn.
Hermione nervously tapped her folder “Minerva was oddly relaxed about the whole thing. I’m a little concerned though because we don’t seem to have any replacement teachers available. All the other Hogwarts instructors that could cover are wrapped up in midterm revisions, our retired Aurors are either employed or out of the country, and even our curse breakers are off on assignment. Berrycloth just left for the field this morning with our current cohort of Auror trainees.”
“Well that sounds like a conundrum” Roberts stated obviously and leaned his chair back with a large creak.
“Indeed” Hermione tittered nervously; “In fact the only person on the list who seems to have a vague status is Harry who is…” she checked the index and looked pointedly at the Auror in question, “Otherwise Assigned.”
Robards knowingly chuckled and Harry had the good sense to look sheepish and scratched the back of his head, “Weeelll, I promised Ginny that I wouldn’t take on any extra duties outside the office this Christmas. I don’t mind visiting the school for special demonstrations but after last night I’m on strict order to keep it 9-5 only. This replacement instructor would be living at Hogwarts for the next month.”
Hermione gave a small huff, “Maybe we can work something out with Minerva that would allow you to floo in and out every day and shift other staff duties amongst the other faculty.”
Robards was the one to speak up, “That might work but I think there is someone you haven’t considered”
“I’m not sure what you mean Director, are you volunteering for the position?” Hermione asked pointedly.
Harry smirked and Robards barked a laugh, “Good heavens Granger, no not me. I’d be a shite teacher. I’m talking about you!”
“ME?!” Hermione cried.
“Sure! Why not? You received outstanding on your OWL and NEWT assessments. You know how to run a classroom from your work with the Auror Recruits, no one else is as familiar with the curriculum at Hogwarts as you are and it would be good for you to check the progress of the students.”
“But sir”
Harry chimed in, “It makes sense to me, Hermione, and you were made to teach. Kinda surprised you never considered it back when you graduated.”
“Well sure I considered it years ago but…” she began to see her relaxed holiday season slip between her fingers and started to grasp for straws, “But as you know we have a new cohort starting in January and with Berrycloth in the field I really should be here to prepare - ”
“Nonsense” Robards cut her off, “We can just shift things around a bit. Harry and Alys can handle anything that come up between now and the first of the year. That will keep Harry in the office as promised and free you up to help out at Hogwarts.”
“See, it’s a perfect plan!” Harry agreed.
“I agree” declared Robards, “Why don’t you wrap up whatever you need to with Alys and head on home to pack your bags.”
Hermione gave a bit of an impatient huff as Robard and Harry stood to usher her out of the office. Alys was waiting for her by Rose’s desk.
“Alright, Potter, you go on home for the day and rest, we will see you tomorrow. Rose, do you have those duty reports from last night?” he shifted his attention back to Hermione, “Happy teaching, Granger, See you in January!” Robards then turned and went back into his office, and quickly shut the door.
She turned to plead her case with Harry only to see the back of his form as he exited the department and Rose had slipped away as well. Alys stood expectantly.
Hermione got the distinct feeling that she had been had.
The two witches quickly wrapped up the acceptance letters for the new cohort of Aurors and Hermione penned a quick letter to Minerva letting her know that Hermione herself would be filling in as the DADA instructor and to expect her at noon.
Once finished she sent Alys off to post the missives. “Thank you Alys, business as usual while I’m gone. I appreciate all your help this morning. If I don’t see you before January, I hope you have a wonderful Yuletide Season.”
Alys smiled kindly, “My pleasure Miss Granger. Good luck with the students. I’m sure everything will be just fine,” and the secretary took her leave.
Hermione took a moment to chuck the cold remainder of her hot chocolate in the bin and gave her new poinsettia a slightly forlorn look. This was not at all how she anticipated her December was going to go.
._.-~*~-._.-~*~-._.
Packing was a quick affair and Hermione found herself at the front gates of Hogwarts at quarter to noon. Hagrid was waiting for her with a warm greeting, “‘Ermione! Et’s good to see ya! Welcome back ta Hogwarts.”
Hermione gave Hagrid a large grin as she walked onto the grounds, “Thank you Hagrid, this certainly wasn’t the original plan but it seems to be the best solution. You know I’m always willing to help when needed.”
The half giant closed and locked the gates behind them, “Well come on then, ‘most time for lunch and Headmistress is ‘specting you.”
Hagrid and Hermione crossed the grounds with easy conversation. She shared the happenings of the Potter/Weasley family and confirmed that there were still no special wizards in her life. Hagrid was excited to tell her all about the yearling Unicorn foals that had been born that spring. The Scottish mid-day was clear, though a bit chilly, and the ground was frozen solid.
“We’ve still not ‘ad the first snow jus’ yet” commented Hagrid, “Professor Snape and Neville are both in a dither over it as there are some potions ingredients tha’ can’t be ‘arvested till the first snow falls.” He took a large cleansing breath, “But I say snow could ‘appen any day – ‘ey, maybe you’ll bring the snow with your arrival!”
Hermione laughed at his suggestion, “Maybe!”
The two arrived at the front doors and Hagrid offered to take her trunk so the house elves could get her things to her room. Minerva was waiting for them on the other side of the entrance by the Great Hall.
“Thank you Hagrid, Winky has offered to see to Hermione’s needs while she is here.” The Headmistress turned her attention to her new instructor as Hagrid excused himself to the kitchens with a promise to see them both at lunch.
Hermione spoke next with a soft smile, “Well this certainly isn’t how I thought today would go.”
“Indeed, but I think you will find that your time here will be good for all parties.” Minerva said with a hint of twinkle that reminded Hermione of Dumbledore. “Well, the staff and students are eager to meet our newest instructor so I suggest we make our way in”
Hermione nodded and followed the older witch into the Great Hall. The meal had not started yet and there was the usual din of conversation. A few heads turned as Hermione and the Headmistress made their way to the front of the Great Hall and she took a moment to look at the staff table. Many of her own instructors were still there, Sinstra, Flitwick, Hooch, Neville, Binns, Vector, Babbling, and numerous others who had joined the staff in the interim years. They all greeted her with warm smiles and small waves, eager to have their prized student back after so many years. There were noticeable empty chairs, Hagrid’s on the far right end near Gryffindor’s table, a spot a few in from his where she assumed Professor Amadee had sat, and the golden head chair for McGonagall.
Her attention was drawn to Professor Snape seated on the other side of the head chair in the Deputy position. Still favoring all black he was a dark spot in the brightly lit room amongst the colorful robes of his colleagues. Snape’s face was neutral but his gaze was fixed on Hermione. She held his stare for a moment before he slowly blinked and nodded his head in greeting.
The seat between Severus and Filius was vacant.
The Headmistress drew her attention, “Good afternoon all! Last night, Professors Amadee and Williamson departed together for Bauxbatons. We wish the very best of luck in all their endeavors.” There were smatterings of giggles from the students at this, “Where as the seventh years completed their Alchemy instruction with Professor Amadee, we were left without a Defense Against the Dark Arts Professor. Miss Hermione Granger with the Department of Magical Law Enforcement has generously agreed to fill the position for the remainder of the term while a more permanent professor is found.” Again whispers rippled through the Great Hall. Minerva swept the room with a sharp eye and silence resumed, “I trust that you all will give Professor Granger your upmost respect and patience as she works diligently to ensure your education is not disrupted. Defense classes will continue this afternoon under proctors and regular instruction will resume tomorrow.” With the conclusion of her speech the Headmistress spread her arms wide, food appeared on the tables and lunch commenced.
Minerva turned her attention back towards Hermione, “Professor Williamson was always keen to sit next to Severus as other DADA professors have sat next to the Deputy, you may take his place if you like. Of course there is also Professor Amadee’s available spot.”
Hermione’s eyes flitted to Snape who had yet to start eating, then to the spot farther down the table and back to the empty seat by the Deputy. She smiled mildly at the Headmistress, “No no, Williamson’s spot is fine, who am I to balk tradition?”
And with that the two ladies made their way to their seats.
._.-~*~-.-~*~-._.
Hermione sat in her intended chair and greeted the two gentlemen on either side of her, “Good afternoon Professors”
Feltwick squeaked, “Hermione, it’s so great to have you back! I’m proctoring the second years just after lunch today and I believe that Severus is lecturing during the 5th year double block this afternoon.”
“I hope you don’t mind Professor Granger. The syllabus indicated they were starting their unit on snakes and it happens to coincide with my unit on reptilian potion ingredients. Not to mention my… personal… knowledge with which I believe I can be considered an expert resource.” Snape didn’t take his attention away from his meal as he addressed Hermione and she found herself looking at his sharp profile, made all the more prominent by the fact that his hair was tied back at the nape of his neck.
She returned her attention back to filling her own plate, “Not at all” she replied, “In fact, that sounds like an excellent lecture, I’d like to sit in and observe if you are not opposed.”
“That would be permissible” he said without pause.
After that Hermione’s attention was drawn by Filius and when she looked back towards her left some time later, Snape had already left the table.
The bell tower announced the end of lunch, students began to shuffle to the first of their afternoon classes and Filius excused himself to the DADA classroom. Minerva caught Hermione’s attention, “Come dear; let me take you to your rooms so you can get settled.”
The Headmistress showed Hermione through the staff door at the back of the Great Hall. This room had a fireplace and was plainly furnished with various seating areas throughout. In left most corner was a curved staircase down to the dungeons and in the right corner it curved upwards. Minerva led Hermione up the right stair case and until they reached the third floor where the staircase opened up to a long hallway with windows on their right facing the east with a breathtaking view of the Black Lake. The corridor opened up to the Trophy Room, the Armor Gallery, and a set of restrooms. Past these they turned left and the hallway opened up into the Serpentine Corridor that curved right, where the DADA classroom and Hermione’s office would be located. They walked past the classroom, Hermione knew that if they turned left there would be a staff room at the end of the hall. Minerva directed them to the right where there was a short corridor with mirroring non-descript doors on the left and right and a window at the end of the hallway that had another striking view of the Black Lake.
Hermione eyes were drawn to a silver name plate on the door to her left:
Severus Snape
Master of Potions
Deputy Head
“Here we are,” Minerva directed Hermione’s attention to the door on the right where she noticed a gold placard:
Hermione Granger, Professor
Defense Against the Dark Arts
McGonagall made a delighted noise, “Oh look at that! The castle has already recognized you as a staff member. Here the door will only open for you this first time until we can re-key the wards. Go ahead and try it.”
The headmistress stood back and Hermione approached the door. She placed her hand on the door knob and commanded, “Alohomora”.