Alright, so a few things before I start, while this is mostly an EWE story there were a few things I changed in the past so it's slight AU as well. The Malfoy's change in allegiance wasn't enough to keep them out of Azkaban. Blaise Zabini's parents were death eaters, though he didn't live with them, he's also bad at potions. Professor McGonagall now works closely with the ministry to avoid any more unfortunate events. I can't say anymore about my other changes as they're to be figured out during the plot.

Enjoy.

Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter. If I did, Draco would've saved the day and Hermione would of fallen madly in love with him and they'd have 42 beautiful babies.

Her Lucky Break

The Potions Problem

Hermione Granger would have never thought she would be this happy. The war is over and there will never again be the threat looming over them as it had every year since she was included in the world of wizardry. Yet here she was at the Burrow, only a couple of months later with her best friends Ron Weasley and Harry Potter. Even though none of them actually finished school, two of the three wizards got jobs already. Harry got his dream of being an auror and Ron was going designated as the keeper for a new quidditch team. Hermione was still waiting back on an owl from Hogwarts with its reply about if she could finish her schooling. She'd never dream on missing out her education and had sent an owl out to the new headmaster, or headmistress in this case, McGonagall just a week after things died down. She had yet to get a reply. She'd been offered a job by the Ministry of Magic but turned it down for the time being, never one to be satisfied with office work.

"Hey 'Mione, Harry wants to go meet my new team before the game. Would you like to come?" Ron asked her.

"No, thanks. I think I'll head over later with Ginny."

"Alright." he said placing a chaste kiss on his girlfriend's mouth.

They'd been riding solid on the dating train during the two months since the battle at Hogwarts. With him travelling all over the place they'd came to the solution that they'd write to each other every week, even when they were both in the same place. Ron was trying to keep this relationship going no matter what and that made Hermione happier than she could ever imagine.

She watched as they left for the stadium and turned around to find Ginny standing there.

"I'm jealous."

"What?" Hermione said in confusion. What did the young redhead have to be jealous of?

"Harry didn't try to find me or invite me. Ron just treats you so well. I know Harry is just excited over getting to meet Ron's new team since they've flown through the ranks and are quickly going to the top but still. I wish he'd find me and kiss me goodbye. I can't really blame him though... I'd probably run off just as fast and without a word if I hadn't already met the team on multiple occasions."

Hermione could hear her laughing tone but knew it still hurt Ginny slightly that he was so easily distracted by the sport.

"Well, at least he's devoted to you and not out there playing the sport and disappearing for weeks at a time. However this arrangement actually works for us since I'm hoping to go off to school with you when the year finally starts. I'm worried since I haven't gotten my letter yet though. Didn't they arrive by this time last year?"

Ginny laughed. "Don't worry Hermione. I still haven't gotten mine and I'm supposed to be attending without any special circumstances."

"I know, I just can't help it."

The two laughed again.

"Ugh, we better get going. Last time I was late to one of Ron's games he fussed about it for a week." So the two girlfriends left to go support their boys.

"That was amazing!" Harry exclaimed, his excitement bouncing off of the walls at an almost annoying rate.

He was right though. Ron's team had demolished the other's. Not one point had been scored on them and Ron's seeker had the game finished before you could say quidditch. They kept the game going fast enough that they don't tire; it was over too soon for that; and the golden snitch is caught for the other team to catch up. With this strategy they're guaranteed to win every match.

They had all just made it back to the Burrow when Molly Weasley rushed towards them holding a single letter in one hand and had a package under her other arm. Hermione noticed that the letter had the seal for Hogwarts on it and her heart fell a bit. That single letter was destined for the red-haired girl standing beside her.

"Oh Ginny, honey, here's your letter!" Molly exclaimed handing her only daughter the small envelope. "And Hermione dear, this package came for you."

Hermione took it but tore in with much less enthusiasm than her friend. The minute she got it open though a letter fell into her hands. Hermione stared at the small mark at the bottom of the page. It was from Hogwarts; but why the package? Couldn't a letter have been enough? Excitement coursed through her veins as she started to read aloud.

"We regret to inform you that there is no more spots for students wishing to return and redo their final year of Hogwarts." Ron shot her a sympathetic look but she didn't notice and just continued to read, her good mood disappearing.

"Instead, due to your success in previous years of schooling, we have contacted you in hopes that you would be willing to take up a teaching position at Hogwarts this year. We have been talking and have decided to bring back four students to fill the roles of missing teachers and you have been chosen as one of the select roles.

"You of course have the last say in if you'd like to attend and teach "Transfiguration" in the upcoming year. All of the required paperwork is included for you in the package as well as a list of supplies and the location of your rooms if you choose to join us. We would love to hear back from you as soon as possible. Headmaster McGonagall."

They sat in silence for a moment as everything set in.

"Is she serious? Hermione a teacher?" Ron exclaimed.

"It's not far-fetched. She had at one point dreamed of teaching others the wonder of magic. There was no doubt that McGonagall chose her specifically to be her successor to teach transfiguration. I think it's awesome!" Ginny chirped in.

"As do I." said Hermione.

"So you're going to take the job 'Mione?"

The young woman nodded, searching her bag for a pen.

She grabbed up her package and retired to her room. Tomorrow she'd need to go shopping and get everything to teach her bright new minds. Tonight she had tons of paperwork to fill out so she could send out and owl returning everything first thing in the morning. She was ecstatic. To be so honoured as to take up the new Headmaster's old place! It was like she was her prodigy. As she filled out the paperwork she thought carefully. Who were the other new teachers?

Luna perhaps? If Trelawney decided she needed a break Luna could probably take over for the year. Somehow she couldn't see it happening though.

What teachers aren't there? They'd need a potions teacher and a Defence Against the Dark Arts teacher as well. Was that all besides her new job for teachers who she knew had left? So where would this fourth teacher go? Did somebody retire due to the stress?

Hermione couldn't guess who would be taking over.

"Oh well," she said to herself, "I'll find out soon enough."

With that the girl repacked all the finished paperwork, keeping out only a list of things she'd need, and went to sleep. After all, there was a lot to be done tomorrow. All of that dreadful shopping.

"Are you sure you don't want us to come with you?" Ron asked yet again.

"It's alright. Hermione and I could use a girls day and shopping is just the girly activity to do." Ginny said putting her arm through Hermione's. "Besides, don't you have quidditch practice today?"

"I can miss one for my girlfriend. I mean, she's going to disappear for the next ten months!"

Hermione laughed, "Than write to me silly. I'll make sure to visit as often as I can and I'll watch every one of your games. Besides, you'll be travelling so much you'll barely notice I'm gone and before you know it we'll be spending the summer together."

"Fine."

Hermione hugged her boyfriend while Ginny and Harry were off in their own little world with just each other.

"Dude, don't snog her in front of me! She's my sister!"

They said goodbye once more and used the floo powder to Diagon Alley. Hermione could never get over the weird weightless feeling but at least she stopped stumbling after every usage.

"So, what do you still need to get Ginny?"

"Just my robe and a few more books. You however need everything! This must be so exciting for you. I would love to teach at Hogwarts!"

"Yeah, it is really cool. I only wish I could figure out who in the world my new coworkers are going to be. I mean, it's one thing to be working with teachers you already know... but there's three other ones who are former students."

"Do you even know what classes they'll be teaching?"

"Well, potions and DADA are both open, that I know, but unless a teacher retired or is on leave I can't think of what the last one will be teaching." Hermione said, still perplexed about it.

"Perhaps there will be a new class!" Ginny said excitedly.

"Maybe.."

"Hey, a robe store!"

They spent hours getting things for Hermione. She needed new robes, all the up to date books on transfiguration, as well as other books for complex spells that she was absent to learn the previous year. She needed things that she didn't as a student. Since she had her own living quarters she would need to buy her own decor. This shopping she did in the muggle world. Pillows for couches, throw blankets, new bedding, picture frames. She got everything she would've needed for the apartment she was planning on one day renting with Ron.

By the time the two girls had finally stopped shopping, stores were closing all around them.

"Tea back at the Burrow?"

"Tea back at the Burrow."

So with that the girls returned to home, all too happy to see a teapot already on and dinner ready for them. Stuffing their faces with more fervour than Ron the girls finished. Noticing a strange quietness the girls looked around.

"Mum, where's Ron and Harry gone?"

"Oh, they're just running a little late at practice." she said not worried in the slightest, it wasn't like it was an uncommon thing to happen. The team adored Harry and often asked him to practice with them and then they'd play a game by splitting the team in half as much as possible.

"So Hermione, when do you leave for your new job?"

"I'm not quite sure. I'm waiting on an owl with the details I guess. I might be leaving at the same time as you, I really have no idea." She replied sipping from her tea.

"Or maybe there's a luxury train for teachers! Or maybe you can apparate in! That would be so cool."

"Sheesh Gin, you seem more excited about this than Hermione herself!" her boyfriend grinned walking in and planting a kiss on her forehead before taking a seat beside her.

"Well, I'll get to see her everyday! That's something worth being happy about."

"And she'll be writing to me all the time!" Ron said.

Hermione and Harry laughed as the youngest Weasley siblings fought over who Hermione loved more. She decided she'd miss this. There is nothing like the feeling of love in this room at this moment. Everyone is just so happy and full of smiles. It is truly wonderful. It will be a long time before they all get to hang out like this; just having fun all together once again. Soon Harry would leave to go to work, Ron would be travelling across the world, and Ginny and her were returning to Hogwarts as a student and as a teacher.

Her eyes watered slightly and a huge grin spread across her face.

"I'll really miss this." she said with just a twinge of sadness.

"Don't worry 'Mione, it's not like any of us are going anywhere. We just wont be right beside each other." Harry comforted, "But you better write to me the most."

They stayed up late just laughing and talking until Hermione and Ginny almost passed out from their busy day. Practically crawling their way up to their rooms they crawled into bed. Hermione doesn't think she's ever slept so well.

Hermione woke up the minute the sun did. She had no idea why there was a permanent smile resting upon her lips. All morning long she just couldn't shake it off, not that she particularly wanted to. Today just felt... magical. Nothing else could describe it. The sun was shining, birds were singing, it was like a fairy tale. She really felt content.

Molly wasn't even awake yet so Hermione ventured down to the kitchen, happily sorting through the fridge to find all the things necessary for a large breakfast. Cooking was something she used to do with her mom all the time and now that she had moved in here until she got her own place she rarely had a chance to practice her skills. Today everyone would taste the best food they'd ever had!

Ginny and Molly were just stumbling into the kitchen when Hermione put the last platter down. Molly upon seeing the food turned around and yelled up the stairs for everyone to get their lazy asses out of bed and down to the kitchen where Hermione, "the very nice young lady", had made them food. That was all it took and the kitchen was just packed with people stuffing their faces and giving compliments to the chef just to watch her blush.

They were just starting to collect the dishes when an owl came through the window bearing a letter in response to Hermione's forms and questions.

"Oh, what's it say 'Mione?" Ron asked trying to read over her shoulder.

"Well, it says that they would like me there as soon as possible. As in, today if I could."

"What?! But school doesn't start for another week!"

"Well, I have to set up my classroom, learn the curriculum, and let's not forget decorate my new space. I also have to get acquainted with any new members who aren't students. Or talk to teachers I haven't talked to in a while. I do have a bit that I need to do."

"Bloody hell, Hermione. You've really thought this through, haven't you?"

"Well, everything except for how in the world I'm supposed to get there. She says I can apparate but I can't stand the feeling."

"Ron, why don't you tell her what I recently rebuilt after you and Harry's incident a few years back?"

"Oh yeah! Dad fixed the flying car! The three of us can drop you off on our way to my next game! Then we won't have to say goodbye for at least a few hours."

"Oh, Ron!" Hermione said throwing her arms around his neck. The ginger man blushed.

"Are you sure about this Mr Weasely?" asked Harry Potter, the ever so polite boy. "I mean, we did fly it into the womping willow.."

"So long as you don't do that again, I see no reason not. Besides, you guys are now legal wizards and are allowed to use magic. Just remember to avoid muggles. I really don't need to be hearing about that or I'll never let you use it again." he warned.

"Deal!" Ron said now free from Hermione's smothering hug.

"Oh! I have to pack!" Hermione said rushing from the table and sprinting up the stairs so fast that she was a blur.

"That girl really is something. Being excited to go back to school." Ron mumbled, "She's absolutely crazy!"

Upstairs Hermione was dashing around her room shoving everything she needed into the trunk. Everything she came here with and everything she bought just the day before were flung in haphazardly. After all, she just wanted to get going already. It's not like they'd be in her trunk for longer than it took for her to arrive at Hogwarts. She was getting her own living quarters, and she was going to be a teacher! It's like it was all finally setting in as she packed. She was really doing this.

For once she was happy that she turned down the job the ministry had offered her. Who needed office work when you could mold young minds?

Rushing back down the stairs trunk in tow she spotted her boyfriend and two best friends standing at the door waiting on her. She was ready.

The car ride had been anything but silent. Harry drove while Ron cried that he was going to miss her and if she missed writing to him for just one week he'd come to Hogwarts and drag her out so that she could never leave him again. Ginny was complaining about how much she wishes that she could come with her a week early but also about how she was going to miss her brother and her boyfriend. Harry just reassured everyone that they'd always be in contact.

When she got to the school her three closest people just didn't want to let her go. They hugged her until she couldn't breath and were waving from the car windows the whole time they spent flying away until they were just a speck in the sky.

Turning around she grabbed her trunk and started into her new/old home.

To her surprise she was greeted by Professor McGonagall the second she walked in. The woman muttered a charm and Hermione's trunk disappeared down a hall.

"Now come along, we were waiting on you and one other. He happens to be running late but I have a few guesses about why. Now, say hello to your fellow teachers Professor Granger."

Hermione was too busy studying the faces to notice her new title otherwise she probably would've blushed. As it was, she was scanning to see what teachers were there. Trelawney was there, as was Flitwick and Binns. She didn't see Professor Sprout but the minute she saw Neville she understood that he was the new herbology teacher. He did have a gift with plants after all. What surprised her most of all though was a Slytherin sitting in the far corner. She remembered him, Blaise Zabini. She remembered and article saying he had been cleared even though his parents were charged as he was living with an aunt and had no knowledge. This calmed her nerves a bit.

She didn't see Professor Slughorn anywhere. Perhaps Blaise was the new potions teacher? No, that didn't make sense. He wasn't very good at the subject when attending school here.

"Well, we won't wait any longer for our last guest. If you would please listen up I'll tell you who is new to our staff and then I'd like to see them after so they can create passwords for their new places of residence.

"In transfiguration we have Professor Granger. In herbology we have Professor Longbottom. In defence against the dark arts we have Professor Zabini," well, that made sense, "and in potions we have Professor-"

She was cut off as the door flung open. Hermione's eyes might as well of popped from her head. The man standing in the doorway had white blond hair and silver eyes that felt like they could pierce through your soul and take it away. The new potions teacher.

Standing in the doorway was Draco Malfoy.

"Sorry I'm late."

And there we have it! Chapter One is all done and I'm feeling pretty proud. Chapters will be updated every Friday! Feel free to review/favourite/follow! Things you like, things you don't, grammar/spelling errors as even though I proofread, some things do pass by.

~Aerivia