The Adult World

Chapter 1: The job of a lifetime...

Hermione walked slowly down the familiar path, taking in all the sights. She hadn’t been down this path in almost five years, and the memories flooded her mind. She made it to the large gates and stood looking up at them. They were still as ominous as she remembered, and she nervously clutched the folded piece of paper in her pocket. The letter had come as a surprise. She certainly never thought that an opportunity like this would present itself, but when it did, she jumped at the offer.

Pushing the gate open, she trudged up the dirt path to Hogwarts. It was exactly the same as it was in her first year… only now there was a memorial wall built to the left of the entrance. It listed the names of all those who had died during the war. That was the last time she had been at the old school. She recalled the dedication ceremony, and stopped to look at the list of names. She reached out and ran her hand over the cool marble. So many had lost their lives. Harry had won the final battle, but some prejudices still raged on. It was a battle that would take a lot more than five years to fix. It would take a whole new generation to set things right for once. Which was one of the main reasons she had come back to Hogwarts. She wanted to make a difference.

Tearing her eyes away from the memorial she looked up to the entrance. Professor McGonagall was standing in front of the doors looking down at her. Their eyes met and they smiled at one another. It really had been too long. Hermione climbed the stairs and hugged her old professor.

“Oh Hermione, it is so good to see you again.” She said as she hugged her back. “Thank you so much for doing this on such short notice, but I knew that there was no one better for the job.”

Hermione blushed and took a step back. “Well, I’m sure that’s not entirely true. I’m just happy that you thought of me for the position. I never thought I would be back here again.” She said turning to look over the grounds.

The Headmistress turned and opened the doors. “Come with me, your things arrived earlier today, and have already been delivered to your rooms.”

Hermione followed behind her, still taking in her surroundings. Their steps echoed off the walls of the long hallway as her thoughts drifted to the day she received the letter in her pocket. She was getting ready for another tedious day at the Ministry of Magic to stare at different potions and try to figure out what to do with it all. Harry and Ron had become Aurors, and spent the majority of their time in the field, leaving Hermione to work in the labs all day. She had decided that she wanted to help the population by working with researchers in the potions department. She didn’t think it was going to be too boring… but it was. She wanted to experiment, but was instantly reprimanded for using the Ministry’s supplies. So she spent the majority of her day mixing different draughts for St. Mungo’s. As she put on her jacket, an owl had tapped on her window. After taking the letter and giving the bird a bit crust from the toast she was taking with her, she noticed the Hogwarts seal. Hermione had immediately put down her things and opened the letter. It was from Headmistress McGonagall, informing her that the position for Potions Professor was available, and asked if she would be interested. The letter required a response by the next day, as school was due to start the following week, and the position needed to be filled. She had naturally accepted, and immediately began making the appropriate arrangements.

Hermione was snapped out of her memories when they turned and made their way down the spiral stairs to the dungeons. She hadn’t thought about the fact that she would be in Professor Snape’s old classroom. The thought sent shivers down her spine. She hoped that the professor before her had made a few changes.

As if reading her thoughts Professor McGonagall said “Don’t worry, it’s a lot brighter in there now. We had considered moving the classroom to another floor, but unfortunately the smells and, well, explosions that go on in class need to be contained in the dungeon. I hope you understand.”

“Oh, of course I do. I was just thinking that it was going to be a little strange, being back in that room again. Only this time standing in front, and not sitting in a desk. Does it, uh, look like it did before?” She asked, hoping for a negative answer.

“Not exactly like before, but similar. Professor Stubs liked a lot more light and added more to make it brighter. I think it did a world of good. Makes it look nicer, cleaner.” McGonagall stated, smiling at Hermione over her shoulder. “It was unfortunate that Professor Stubs had to leave us, he was a good teacher. Family business took him back to America I’m sorry to say. But I think we’ve found a suitable replacement.”

Hermione looked back at her and smiled “I only hope I live up to all your expectations.”

“I’m sure you will, you always did. Now here we are.” She said as she opened the door and handed the key to Hermione. “You know the classroom, and there’s an office with a supply closet at the back. I’ve marked the appropriate keys for you. And you’re welcome to move things around to your liking. Next door is another class room, and it’s for the Defense Against the Dark Arts. We had to move that one to the dungeons since it was so loud. Now your room is down here on the right.”

Hermione followed behind the Headmistress carrying the set of keys in her hand. When they reached the end of the hall, McGonagall turned to look at the portrait. It was a painting of a rather pissed off looking old lady. “Yes, what do you want?” She screeched at them.

“Pandemonium.” The Headmistress stated, and the portrait swung open to reveal a large sitting room.

They both entered, and Hermione took in her surroundings. There was a large couch with two arm chairs and a coffee table positioned in front of a handsome fireplace, directly opposite the entrance. On each sides of the fireplace were bookshelves that ran from floor to ceiling. The bookcase on the left was completely full. She thought that a little odd, then notice two desks. They were on either side of the bookshelves near the corners. She raised her eyebrows and looked at the Headmistress.

McGonagall smiled when she noticed that Hermione saw the two desks. “Yes, I’m sorry to say that you have to share a common room with another Professor. Don’t worry though, you have your own bathroom, and I’m sure he will respect your privacy.”

“He?” Hermione questioned as she moved around the room, running her hand over the empty shelves on the bookcase.

“Yes, he. I know I should have mentioned it in our correspondence, but honestly, I didn’t think it would bother you to share a common room with a man. I shouldn’t have been so thoughtless. I’m terribly sorry. I understand if you want to leave.”

“Oh no. It’s fine. I’m sure it will be alright. I can get along with anybody.” Hermione said with a smile.

A grin alighted on the Professor McGonagall's face. “I am so happy to hear you say that Hermione. I knew it wasn’t a mistake to offer you this position. Now your room is off to the right, and your things are in there, as well as the entrance to your private bath. You don’t have a portrait, only a door with a lock. The key is marked.” She said gesturing to the set in Hermione’s hands.

Hermione stood in front of the door that would lead to her room about to turn the knob, when they heard a large crash and a string of curse words sound from the door across from them.

“Ah, I do believe that the other Professor is in his room. Come, we’ll say hello.“ McGonagall said with a strained smile.

Hermione took in the Headmistress's facial expression and became puzzled. What was she worried about, she wondered. The Headmistress knocked on the door and stood back. The puzzled expression vanished from Hermione’s face when the door swung open and it became clear why the Headmaster looked worried all of a sudden. They were standing face to face with none other than Draco Malfoy.


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A/N: Okay, first thing I want to say is that this is my first fic that I've posted here. I've written before, but never had the nerve to post anything. I fully intend on finishing this, as I hate it when a fic is left unfinished. Please let me know what you think (honestly), and I will be greatful. Thanks!