A/N: For those who have been reading this story for the last couple of weeks, you may notice some changes. I've edited and revised the first few chapters and combined most of them, making the longer.

This chapter includes what used to be Chapter 7 and about half-way through starts the newest addition to the story.

Sorry for any confusion, hope you continue to enjoy.

xxxxx

Chapter 5

Helping Hands

The gates of the castle came into view as they rounded the corner. They headed through the grounds with the sun at their backs. It was now shining high above the Forbidden Forest and reflecting off the lake with a brightness that hurt Hermione's eyes. She had all of her stuff (shrunken) in a single box, which Neville had insisted on carrying. It was very kind of him to help her, but Hermione could have easily handled it herself. His presence was more for emotional support, though that kind of scared Hermione. While she knew she was blessed to have such wonderful friends, she also preferred being independent when it came to career-oriented endeavors. And after her discussion with Ginny the other day, allowing Neville to be her support beam could potentially be detrimental to their relationship in the long run. Hermione didn't want to lead him on.

They reached the castle steps and pushed through the great oak doors into the Entrance Hall. There were only three people in the hall, and they all turned to greet the new arrivals as they entered. Professor McGonagall stood tallest, with Professors Sprout and Babbling before her.

Hermione greeted each of her former teachers happily. Neville, never having taken Ancient Ruins, smiled tentatively at Professor Babbling, then nodded sheepishly at Professor McGonagall, still unnerved by her stern, harsh presence. Hermione noticed that he immediately gravitated to Professor Sprout, the one professor he felt comfortable with.

Professor McGonagall showed Hermione up to her new office and quarters, recently vacated by McGonagall herself. Neville followed close behind, slightly awkward, still carrying the box even though Hermione had offered to take it from him countless times. The room was guarded by a tall tapestry depicting a regal man with dark hair and olive skin that peered down at them quizzically. "Haven't seen you in awhile," he murmured to McGonagall who nodded cordially. The tapestry swept upwards revealing a door. The Headmistress explained that there was no need for a password; the guardian, Falco Aesalon, knew Hermione was the occupant of the room and would allow her entry, as well as anyone she personally specified to him that should be permitted to enter. The door opened directly into Hermione's new office, which had a door on the far side leading into the bedroom. After showing her around the room and office, McGonagall left them to unpack, but mentioned to Hermione that she'd like to see her in the Headmistress' Office that night after dinner. Hermione consented and closed the door softly behind her as the witch exited, sweeping the tapestry gently aside.

"So this is it, huh?" Neville said, finally opening up once they were alone. Hermione knew that Neville had matured a lot since school. He grew physically and had also gained a lot more confidence, especially around their friends. But it seemed that he was still intimidated by his old superiors, though Hermione wondered why this hadn't improved considering how much time he spent on Hogwarts grounds.

"I think my flat could fit comfortably into the combined space of the classroom, office, and bedroom," Hermione said. "I don't even know what to do with all of this space."

The room was much cozier than Hermione's old dormitory and it allowed much more room for a personal flair. Conveniently, as Professor McGonagall had been a Gryffindor, the bedroom was already draped in red and gold décor, which suited Hermione's tastes fine. There was a large canopy bed in the center of the far wall and a bureau to the left of it. The adjoining bathroom wasn't anything incredibly elaborate, but it had all the necessities and plenty of space. A nice, plush sofa by the fireplace in the corner with a coffee table and bookshelf completed the room and made Hermione feel truly at home. She noticed the soft carpeting beneath her feet and the way it contrasted with the smooth, warm-colored wood panel walls.

They began unpacking her things and arranging them around the bedroom and office. The office naturally had a less comfortable feel than the bedroom, but it was practical and Hermione loved it. It was spacious, unlike her office at the Ministry, with plenty of storage units and opportunities for neat organization. By the time they had finished setting up, there was only an hour until dinner. Professor McGonagall had been kind enough to invite Neville to stay but he politely declined. Hermione knew it was because he'd feel out of place. She was sorry he felt that way, and wished he would stay to make her feel a little bit more comfortable, but knew it would be asking too much. And she didn't want to give him any incorrect impressions.

In the interim until dinner and Neville's departure, they decided to take a look at the Transfiguration classroom. Before they left her quarters, Neville waited in the office while Hermione changed into her robes in the bedroom. She emerged with her pointed hat in hand. It was proper for the faculty to wear their hats around the building, though it was not a strict rule. Teachers wore them in their own classrooms by their own discretion, and most donned them at mealtimes. They left the room (giving a quick nod of thanks to Aesalon who gave them a curt bow in return) and headed to the classroom, which was just around the corner, very convenient for Hermione. In fact, she had one of the most strategically located offices in the castle. While most faculty quarters were either adjoining or very nearby to the classrooms they taught in, that wasn't always true. For example, Professor Sprout conducted her classes outside in the greenhouses, but her quarters were located on the third floor. Similarly, Professor Sinistra taught at the top of the Astronomy Tower, but her quarters were on the fourth floor. It just happened to work out that way. But not only were Hermione's quarters close to her classroom, they were also on the first floor, a short walk from the main staircase leading down into the Entrance Hall.

Her classroom was wider than most, but also shallower. A low stage, only a foot or so off the ground, was situated at the front of the room that allowed for demonstrations of all types. A table could easily be set up there, and there was a desk identical to the one in her office in the far left corner. The writing board, which could be made to float anywhere on the stage, was currently pushed to the right. There were tables with stools set up in a semi-circular fashion facing the stage and counters lining the walls. Underneath the counters on the left side of the room (which was also lined with windows) were bookshelves filled with various textbooks for different levels of study. The counters on the other side had built-in cabinets with all sorts of materials stored within. This was all familiar to Hermione, though she had yet to see it from a teacher's perspective. She walked up to the stage and turned around, surveying the room from this new angle. It was strange, but a surge of excitement sent a thrill down her spine. Neville smiled at her encouragingly. She suddenly couldn't wait to start the school year, though that was no different than her days as a student.

They headed down to the Entrance Hall then, even though it was a bit early. Standing beside the doors to the Great Hall, Hermione hugged Neville goodbye. Stepping away, he smiled at her, and she felt a tad awkward and felt a certain warmth gripping at the roots of her hair and seeping down her face. When he turned and left, she couldn't help but feel slightly relieved. She noticed the House hourglasses beside the front doors, each one empty on the bottom half but full on top. She stared hard at the Gryffindor rubies and hoped they would pull through this year. She, of course, would not play favorites with any students, but she would certainly cheer on her old House in points and Quidditch.

She spun on her heel and pushed open the doors to the Great Hall. Once again, Professor McGonagall and Professor Sprout were already there, this time talking quietly in front of the head table with Professor Flitwick. She also noticed a man she didn't recognize conversing with Professor Vector by the Gryffindor table on the right. She caught Professor Vector's eye and the witch greeted her happily, waving her over. As Hermione passed the High Table, McGonagall, Flitwick, and Sprout seemed to cease their conversation. She didn't think much of it, and walked over to the two other professors, shaking both of their hands. Professor Vector was the teacher of Hermione's favorite subject, Arithmancy.

"This is the new Defense Against the Dark Arts professor, Quentin Trimble," Vector said.

They exchanged greetings. Hermione noticed that the man seemed a bit out of sorts. She was vaguely reminded of Professor Quirrell, the evil Defense Against the Dark Arts professor from her first year, but quickly brushed the notion aside.

"You may recognize his name," Vector continued, "I believe you've used his book in your studies, The Dark Forces: A Guide to Self-Protection."

"Yes, I do," Hermione said, remembering the text from her school days. "It's a pleasure to meet you."

Faculty members filed into the Great Hall little by little and mingled light-heartedly. Hermione greeted her old professors and also met the new Muggle Studies teacher, Wilhelm Wigworthy, another author (Home Life and Social Habits of British Muggles). This was not his first year teaching, as he had taken the post after what would have been Hermione's seventh year.

Just as McGonagall was about to get everyone's attention, Hermione noticed Draco Malfoy slip into the hall and make his way up to where they were all assembled. He noticed her watching him and narrowed his eyes before breaking the contact and recognizing the Headmistress at the front of the group.

"Welcome back!" McGonagall announced, and there was a smattering of applause. There were 18 witches and wizards present, including Filch, Madam Pomfrey, and Madam Pince, plus Professor Binns. There were a few other ghosts milling about but they didn't seem interested in what was going on. Hermione had always been impressed with how smoothly Hogwarts managed to run on so few staff members, but she always recognized that much of the credit should go to the house-elves.

"A couple of announcements," she continued after the noise had subsided. "First, I would like to welcome our two newest professors, Quentin Trimble for Defense Against the Dark Arts and Hermione Granger for Transfiguration!" More applause.

"You will all be having personal meetings with me tomorrow afternoon, but I will be seeing a couple of you tonight," McGonagall stated, locking eyes with Hermione and someone else, though she couldn't be sure who. "That's pretty much the agenda for tomorrow. When you're not meeting with me, you are free to do as you please. You can leave the grounds or stay here and start your preparations, which is what I would suggest.

"I don't want to bore you with more announcements tonight, so I will take care of the rest at dinner tomorrow. For now, enjoy the meal."

They all walked around the High Table and took their seats. Hermione found herself seated between Hagrid on her right and Professor Vector on her left. The house-elves were already hard at work and the food was great as usual. She ate mostly in silence, feeling a bit awkward. She tried to talk to Hagrid, but he seemed to be in a sour mood. Professor Vector was friendly enough, but she seemed to be reserving most of her conversation for Professor Sinistra, who was sitting on her other side. By the time the meal was over, Hermione was sure she was sufficiently flushed and hoped to find a couple of minutes to rinse her face before meeting with the Headmistress.

"Hermione, if you'd meet me in my office in twenty minutes or so," McGonagall said to her. She exchanged nods and brief words with a few others before leaving the Great Hall. As the rest of the faculty began to leave, Hermione followed suit, rushing to her quarters to splash some water on her face. She wasn't sure why she felt so out of place. Was it her age? She wasn't sure. Perhaps it's simply because they used to be my superiors, she considered, and it's strange that we are equals now.

xxxxx

"Thank you both for coming," McGonagall said.

Hermione had reached the Headmistress' Office only to find that they were "waiting on Mister Malfoy, he should only be a couple more minutes." He arrived with his usual sneer, shooting Hermione a quick glare before sitting in the seat beside her, which was unfortunately the only other chair in the room.

"I hope you don't mind that I'm combining your meetings into one," the Headmistress cautioned, knowing that the two of them did not exactly get along. "I just have a similar request of both of you and thought it would be convenient to have you both here together.

"First, Hermione, I have a specific favor to ask of you," she paused thoughtfully for a moment. "I have considered for awhile what would make Hogwarts a better place. Thought the war is over, and Voldemort is no longer a threat, there are still many factors that can make the transition into the Wizarding World a big challenge for muggleborns. I know you would agree." Hermione nodded. "I felt it might be a good idea if we set up a counseling program for muggleborn students so they have someone who they can go to if they have questions without feeling embarrassed."

Hermione nodded. She would have loved having a resource like that when she first came to school. From the corner of her eye, she thought she saw Malfoy roll his eyes. She just ignored him.

"I would ask Professor Wigworthy, but he's half-blood, and I feel that having a muggleborn head the program would be more appropriate. You are also close in age to the students, so they will probably feel more comfortable coming to you," Professor McGonagall explained. "Of course, this will require more work on your part, but with more work comes more rewards. The Board of Governors has agreed to raise the salary of the faculty member who takes on this responsibility, much like they do for the Heads of House."

Hermione considered this. It was a great idea and she'd love to help out, plus she'd be getting a bonus. "I'd love to, Professor," Hermione said immediately.

"Well, I wasn't expecting such a speedy response," the Headmistress smiled, "But I'm glad you're so eager. Thank you. Now onto a matter that concerns both of you. This is going to be a request that has never before been bestowed on faculty members as new to Hogwarts, but I've discussed it with the Board of Governors as well as Pomona and Filius and we feel that the two of you are capable. We would like to extend to you the offer to become the new Heads of Gryffindor and Slytherin."

Hermione was dumbfounded, and looking at Malfoy, she was sure she looked as surprised as he did. He mouth had fallen open. Head status was usually only granted to the oldest, most respected professors.

"As for Gryffindor, Madam Hooch and Hagrid were both considered, but we felt neither of them would be quite suited to the job. I know asking you to do this as well as the muggleborn program may be asking too much of you, Hermione, and if you decline this offer, we will have one of them take the job after all. But again, this would be yet another cushion for your salary."

Not knowing how to respond, Hermione just gaped at the Headmistress.

"There are, of course, other Slytherins on staff, but Aurora declined, and Sybill… well, I think you both know how I feel about her," McGonagall gave them a half smile. "You've proven yourself as a great wizard, Draco, and also as a great Potions Master. I know the students look up to you and I think you would be a great inspiration as Head of Slytherin."

She surveyed them both. Draco had recovered his composure and nodded politely, but Hermione still seemed mystified.

"I don't need an answer from either of you right now, but I certainly will need one by dinner tomorrow in order to make other arrangements," McGonagall said. She seemed slightly uneasy about the possibility that they would say no.

"I would be delighted, Minerva," Malfoy said with a polite smile. As he turned to cast it on Hermione, she detected the subtlest shadow of that old smirk and it made her blood boil. She felt like he was trying to one-up her, and she simply could not allow that. "As would I," Hermione blurted, though hesitating at the end. She almost tagged "Minerva" to the end as he had, but she was not yet comfortable using McGonagall's first name.

"Well, that's a relief," the Headmistress admitted. "I'm impressed with both of you. Thank you for your help. We will have a meeting tomorrow night after dinner with Pomona and Filius to discuss all of your responsibilities and what's in store for this year."

With that dismissal, both rose from their chairs and left the office, Malfoy politely allowing Hermione to walk through the door first. She rolled her eyes. What an act. Once out in the corridor, they walked in separate directions, speaking not a word to one another.

Once back in her bedroom, Hermione rested her head on her pillow, staring up at the canopy above her bed. Once she had gotten over the fact that she was now Head of Gryffindor, she pondered the fact that Malfoy was now Head of Slytherin. First of all, it meant that they would probably be working closely together this year and coming years, and she was definitely not looking forward to that. She also couldn't fathom what made McGonagall trust him. She supposed she was desperate. It had only been about three years ago that Malfoy had attempted to kill Dumbledore and fought on the side of the Death Eaters. She knew he'd been brainwashed and had redeemed himself (under Veritaserum) in the eyes of the Ministry, but Hermione had a hard time accepting it all. He was still a generally mean person; he had tormented her throughout their years in school together. It was hard for her to imagine him as a teacher, let alone counseling young, impressionable witches and wizards. Perhaps he had proven himself as a professor last year in ways only the rest of the faculty knew, but it was still difficult for Hermione to grasp. Then again, Snape hadn't been the nicest person either, but he was relatively successful as Slytherin's Head of House. She supposed Slytherin had a different set of standards.

xxxxx

After breakfast the next morning, Hermione went back to her office to write an owl to Neville telling him the good news. He had been so kind helping her out yesterday so she figured he should be the first to know. She had considered going into Hogsmeade for lunch, but decided it would be best to give him some space. Spending too much time with him might send false messages. Casually, she asked Neville to mention her "promotion" to Ron; he deserved to know, even though they weren't getting along at the moment. She was planning on returning to Grimmauld Place for the three-day weekend before September first and would tell Harry and Ginny in person.

As the dutiful person she was, Hermione went straight to work planning lessons and concentrations for her classes. McGonagall had sent home the booklists already and had told the students to pick up the same Transfiguration textbooks she used to assign, which was fine by Hermione. So she flipped through some of them and got an idea of the level of magic each year should be capable of. She tried to remember back to her own school years but, particularly when she was younger, she had a good handle of the magic and always seemed to be a step ahead. She wasn't entirely sure exactly what the average student should be able to master.

She recalled the usual first year lessons: Switching Spells with inanimate objects such as transfiguring a match into a needle. More difficult exercises that she remembered were beetles into buttons and mice into snuffboxes, which had been the final exam for her first year, if she remembered correctly.

Hermione believed that understanding the underlying magic to a spell was key to mastering it in practice. She had always found spells to be within her grasp after studying them in books and fully understanding how they should work. She knew many students skipped the reading, believing they could handle the spells without studying, but they hadn't done as well as she had which entirely proved her point and made up her mind. She would be assigning reading and writing outside the classroom, and devoting class time to practical magic. If they didn't do the required homework, tough. And best of luck to them!

O.W.L. classes would study Vanishing and Conjuring spells, while the N.E.W.T. classes would study human transfiguration. Hermione was capable of the magic but she would certainly need to prepare herself in order to teach and demonstrate it properly. And she would have to read up on animagi. This was a seventh year subject and she had not been in school for her seventh year so she had never truly studied it, though she remembered spending countless hours in the library researching the limitations of animagus transfiguration when she was looking to kidnap Rita Skeeter. However, she had never really needed to know how one became an animagus in the first place, so she would have to catch up on that.

This was how she spent much of her day. Lunch was sparsely attended. Many of the professors had opted to leave Hogwarts for the day when they did not have their meetings with McGonagall and as a result, only seven people were at lunch: Hermione, McGonagall, Hagrid, Filch, Pomfrey, Wigworthy, and Trelawney. After lunch, Hermione continued planning her curriculum. She set up a week-to-week plan much like the study schedules she used to make for Harry and Ron.

That night at dinner, Professor McGonagall got right down to business.

"I trust you all had a good day," she began. "First, I'd like to congratulate our new Heads of Slytherin and Gryffindor House, Draco and Hermione."

There was clapping, but a few professors looked skeptical. Hermione felt herself turning red. Hagrid clapped her on the back a little too heavily and shouted, "Well, wha'd'yeh know?"

"We also have a couple of new programs running this year," the Headmistress continued. "Rolanda will be conducting a Defensive Flying course for the first and second years. This will promote a less reckless generation of flyers and, perhaps, Quidditch players." A couple of good-natured chuckles. "Also, Hermione will be heading a new program that I, personally, am very excited about. It will be a muggleborn integration program that will hopefully make the transition to Hogwarts more comfortable and give them someone to talk to that knows how it feels to be in that situation." There was applause and murmurings of approval. "Finally, I'd like to congratulate Wilhemina, who will now be taking over as a full-time teacher here." Hermione glanced up at Hagrid, concerned. The smile on his face certainly looked grim. "She will be conducting the lower level Care of Magical Creatures classes, while Hagrid will be teaching the N.E.W.T. level classes."

Hermione hoped Hagrid wasn't too upset by this. He had plastered a cheery smile on his face, and while she knew it wasn't entirely sincere, it didn't seem like he was too heartbroken. At least he was teaching the older students who could handle more intense lessons, though his penchant for dangerous creatures had never stopped him from using them in classes with younger students, anyway. Professor Grubbly-Plank seemed pleased, at least.

After dinner, Hermione followed McGonagall up to the Headmistress' office with Malfoy, Flitwick, and Sprout. They all sat around her desk and she handed them each a thick, busting folder in their house colors labeled "Schedules." They were to give these out after the Welcoming Feast.

"Now, as you know, we have decided to wait until tomorrow to choose the Head Boy, Head Girl, and prefects, so we'll have a general meeting tomorrow with everyone to make recommendations and take our picks. They will be announced at the Welcoming Feast. I think that will be a nice honor for them," McGonagall said. Hermione had not known this and thought it rather odd that the students would not know if they were Heads or Prefects before school began. "I'd also like to discuss your responsibilities for this year."

McGonagall went on to describe what would be expected of them as Heads of House. Hermione realized then that the witch was taking a very hands-on approach to her job and was giving Hogwarts a much denser curriculum. They would be expected to hold House meetings in their common rooms once a month as well as attend any meetings set up by the Head Boy and Girl with the prefects. McGonagall also explained that the four of them would be her top consultants on how student life is progressing throughout the year. Hermione figured that she and Draco, with less seniority, would be lower ranked than Sprout, and Flitwick, as Deputy Headmaster, would be McGonagall's right-hand man.

McGonagall asked Hermione to remain after the meeting. "I'd like you to hold a meeting with all the muggleborns, all ages, after dinner on the first day of classes. I want you to explain to them why this program has been set in motion and answer any questions they have. Then you can proceed as you see fit, but I was thinking you might want to set up a buddy system with the older and younger students. Something to make them feel more welcome here, you know?"

"I think that's a great idea," Hermione replied. "How often would you like me to hold these meetings?"

"As often as you see fit. You'll get an idea of their progress as you go, I'd assume," McGonagall explained. "I think for the first month or so, you should meet with the younger students at least once a week, and then maybe less often after that. If you do decide to pair them with an upperclassman mentor, they could meet with their buddies as often as they'd like."

Agreeing that this would be the best way to begin the program, the meeting came to an end and Hermione returned to her quarters. She realized that it was still early and the sun was just about to set, so she went to sit by the lake and watch it go down. It felt right to be back at Hogwarts. She knew she had a lot on her plate, but when had her time spent at Hogwarts been any different? At least this year she wouldn't be using a time turner.

xxxxx

The rest of the week passed by rather quickly. Hermione was a bit overwhelmed, but she got the sense that the rest of the faculty were as well. McGonagall was a witch on a mission: to make Hogwarts an institution where students thrived beyond all previous imaginings. She was handing out new responsibilities left and right, making the professors feel important but also more stressed. The work ethic seemed to jump through the roof. Everyone seemed frantic.

The Headmistress invited the faculty to bring up new ideas for extracurricular activities. "After all," she joked, "Quidditch isn't everyone's cup of tea." While most were stumped, Flitwick and Trelawney agreed to collaborate in establishing a choir group. McGonagall was positively delighted. "Involvement is crucial to inter-house unity," she said seriously, "and activities outside the class will allow students of different ages and from different houses to get to know one another. This can only be beneficial to them."

As she had said at the Heads of House meeting, the prefects and Head Boy and Girl were chosen the very next day. Names were suggested and the professors each made their recommendations or stated their reservations. Hermione did not participate, but she observed the process, and even recognized the names of students she remembered from her own days at Hogwarts. She also heard a couple of surnames that were familiar, probably younger siblings of her former peers.

Finally, on Friday, the last day of preparations before the school year began, McGonagall brought up the idea of hosting school-wide events in the Great Hall at different times throughout the year to boost morale. On top of the feasts at each holiday, they could perhaps invite the older students to balls in the Great Hall. "Like the Yule Ball," Professor Flitwick explained, as McGonagall had relinquished the floor to him, "which was a grand old time, in my opinion."

At the close of the week, all of the important issues had been settled. They were aware of their duties and prepared for the coming term. Hermione was excited and nervous, and she definitely wasn't sure she was quite ready to begin, but knew she would have to dive into everything head-first.

The next morning, she walked across Hogwarts grounds, and once she had entered Hogsmeade, apparated directly onto the stoop of 12 Grimmauld Place. It was still early. Knocking softly, she waited almost a full minute before a bleary-eyed Winky answered the door and almost shouted in delight, but Hermione put a finger to her lips. The house-elf opened the door silently. They went into the kitchen together to prepare breakfast for Harry and Ginny before they woke up.

Her friends were surprised and pleased that she had arrived so early. She was bursting to tell them the news, but as usual, Hermione was excited to hold back the information for as long as possible in order to really blow them away. She told of all the events being planned, she explained the muggleborn program, and unfortunately told them about Hagrid now sharing his position with Professor Grubbly-Plank.

"Never liked her," Harry stated firmly.

"Well, it's not necessarily her fault, no need to blame her," Hermione reasoned.

"I thought her lesson with the unicorns was rather wonderful," added Ginny, smiling wistfully.

"Well, you would," Harry said, "but she wouldn't let any of the boys near them."

The topic moved on to the other professors, new and old, and eventually landed on Draco Malfoy.

"I bet he abuses his power just like Snape did," Harry growled. Ginny agreed.

"Well, from what I've heard, and this isn't to say that I believe it's true," she assured them, "is that he was a decent professor last year. Apparently, the students really like him and they did really well in his class. Besides, if he weren't any good, McGonagall wouldn't have trusted him as Head of Slytherin-"

"WHAT?" Harry had stood up abruptly, gripping the table for support, "He's a Head of House? That's insane! He can't possibly be any good, and he's way too young-"

"I think I'm in shock," Ginny stated simply. "For McGonagall of all people… to choose him… And Harry's right! He's too young!"

"Yeah, you're right," Hermione agreed, sucking in a deep breath, "She shouldn't have named me as Head of Gryffindor, either."

"WHAT?" this time, Harry jumped a full foot into the air, and Ginny screamed in shocked excitement. "Are you serious? That's… that's fantastic! Excellent!"

Hermione laughed as they both hugged her tightly. They both seemed very excited, but at the same time, a bit dumfounded.

Hermione thoroughly enjoyed her weekend of relaxation, knowing that the following few months would be full of moments when she would feel stressed, tired, and exasperated.

That evening, as they tucked into dinner, Harry suddenly put down his fork with surprising force and turned to Ginny in haste. "I just had an idea!" he announced. "I've told you basically everything about the current Ministry case. Hopkirk said that I couldn't tell Hermione about it, but I bet you could!"

Hermione felt her heart beat increase; she had all but forgotten the case and had not expected to hear any of it, or at least not so soon.

Ginny was excited to help, and immediately began talking, "Well, the zzziigrr is still ghhaaaabiit, but the mugggwurrs were actually reeeeshojenn-"

"Ginny, I don't understand," Hermione frowned, having misheard almost half of what Ginny had said.

"It's pretty straightforward, Hermione," Harry said, as if what Ginny had been saying was clear as day.

"I said, the flaaaaberggob is still flaankershpitt, but the hoggledokrr were all gribbbzeed and could have groobo-"

"I don't think Ginny can tell me about the case, Harry," Hermione said, feeling the heavy weight of disappointment descend upon her. "I guess nobody can. Everything she was saying sounded like gibberish."

Harry's excitement immediately deflated and Ginny apologized, though Hermione assured her that it was not her fault. Clearly, Hopkirk had gone to all lengths to make sure Hermione never heard a word of the case until it was released to the general public.

"Well, maybe I can tell you this, at least," Harry attempted, "The Daily Prophet is releasing a story detailing the basic outline of the case. Should be out Monday or Tuesday, I think. Maybe that'll help?"

Hermione smiled and hoped that it seemed her mood had brightened, "Great, I'm definitely looking forward to that."

Though Harry and Ginny seemed to feel a bit awkward for a while afterwards, the feeling quickly dissipated and they enjoyed the rest of the night as well as the next day.

Sunday night, Hermione and Harry sat together in his study, enjoying their last moment together for what they figured would be quite a while. He knew she wouldn't be able to visit as much as she usually did, and she was suddenly feeling a bit saddened by the future months of isolation from her friends. She'd have Hagrid on the grounds, and Neville (and, perhaps, Ron, if they ever made up) on weekends, but she suddenly realized that her time in the castle may end up being much lonelier than they had ever been during her days as a student.

When Hermione announced that she was ready for bed and reached over to hug him one last time, Harry asked her to sit for one moment more. "I want to give you something," he said, moving to the opposite side of a room where there was a tall cupboard. "It will be of much more use to you than it is to me now."

He reached up to the top shelf and pulled down a box which he opened to reveal a most unremarkable-looking sheet of blank parchment.

"Harry, no-" Hermione tried to say, but he cut her off.

"I know you probably know most of the ways around the castle, but you never know when it might come in handy," Harry insisted, pushing the Marauders' Map into her hands.

"But… it's yours and I couldn't possibly take it," Hermione argued, tears forming in her eyes. "Your father, Sirius…"

"I want you to have it," he said firmly. She stared into his eyes and knew there was no convincing him otherwise, standing up, she gave him the biggest, tightest hug she could manage to give. "Fine," she gave in after releasing him, "but I'm returning it to you when I'm finished with Hogwarts."

"Good enough for me," Harry smiled, and walked her to her bedroom.

The next morning, Hermione woke up early and prepared for the big day. Checking to make sure she had everything she needed, she apparated to Hogsmeade and set out on the road to the great oak front doors.