Chapter One: The Wager

The staff room had become filled with restless noise as the monthly meeting seemed to drag on. The headmistress was just informing them of the schedule changes. Despite the fact that it didn't actually pertain to Hermione's classes, she still made the notation. Her neighbor, noticing her note taking, and chuckled. She looked up from her ledger and glared at him. "And what do you find so amusing, Longbottom?" She said quietly, slightly annoyed.

"You, I find you amusing. You do realize that you aren't a student anymore, right?" He whispered, suppressing his laughter.

"I do, but as head of house it would behoove me to know where my students are going to be."

~Soar~

Hermione excitedly returned to the halls of her beloved school. Her joyous return marked a completion of a life goal to return and teach. Sure she had other loves, like her advocacy for magical creature rights, but returning to Hogwarts was a dream she had held dearly. She made her way to the headmistress office. Said the password and walked up.

Sitting at the familiar desk, was the warm and generous woman whom she felt akin to, she smiled and indicated for her to take a seat. "Welcome, Hermione. Please sit." She paused and called for a house elf to come and bring them some tea. "I cannot begin to tell you how excited we are to have you here. Ancient Runes is going to be such a great fit for you."

"Thank you profess…" the elder witch interrupted Hermione

"Please, dear. We are colleagues now, call me Minerva." Hermione blushed at the thought of being more familiar with her former head of house. But nodded in acceptance.

"Oh, yes. Well then, Minerva. I'm exceedingly excited to be back. I've been wanting to be here for some time. All my letters from Neville and his excitement has made me feel as if I was missing out."she paused and looked down. "I know it's been rough with all the recent vacant positions."

"It has. I'm actually more surprised we made it this long before many of the staff decided to move on or pass away." Minerva looked a little down, but cleared her throat and continued "I'm just thrilled to have a couple of my beloved cubs back under my wing." She pulled something out her desk drawer and slide it toward Hermione. It was a folder, a rather thick one at that. "Here is your schedule of classes. A copy of the previous professor's syllabus, you are more than welcomed to alter it as you see fit. And the complete catalog of texts available for appropriate years." Hermione started looking through the packet, seeing all the items. Then she started to see additional lists for Gryffindor specific information. She pulled out a prefect list.

"Wait pro… Minerva. I think there has been a bit of a mistake. I'm seeing some other things in here." She finally looked up at the elder witch, whom was smiling.

"No, dear. There is no mistake. I was very much hoping you would do me the honor of taking over in running our house."

"But there has to be someone more qualified. I mean I don't even…" The headmistress raises her hand to signal Hermione to stop talking.

"There maybe people under my employ that may want or think they are more suitable. But I guarantee, you are the best choice. It's not really all that much more responsibility. Just a weekly meeting with the head girl and boy and prefects. And chats with the Quidditch captain. Once you get into a routine it will be easily maintainable." Hermione's face paled. She felt honored that her former head of house wanted her to take over. But she hadn't even started her tenure and she was given so much responsibility. It was hard for her to turn down the woman she felt was something like a close relative to her. "And with taking the position, you'll be housed in a larger apartment than a regular professor suite. Might I add the bathroom is much more luxurious." She added with a wink, then she reached across the desk and places her hand on top of Hermione's. "I know it seems like a lot, and I promise I will help you until you get on your feet. I just want the very best running our house. And I know it's you." The elder witch's eyes gleamed with warmth and honesty and Hermione felt herself nod and accept the position.

~Soar~

"I can tell we are getting restless, so I will end the meeting after this next announcement." There was a slight collective groan, but the headmistress ignored it and continued. "We have a very rare opportunity. We have been challenged to a Quidditch match against Durmstrang." She paused as the faculty started to murmur. "We will assemble a team of all our best players and then by year's end, chaperones will accompany the team to Durmstrang to compete." The room filled with an excited buzz.

"And what has brought on this challenge?" The DADA professor asked, with a knowing smirk. As most of the faculty started to smirk or chuckle. It was a very well known fact that Minerva had a bit of a competitive/ gambling streak.

"There may have been a bit of boisterous talk among myself and the headmaster that may have lead to this. But never you mind. Let's just assemble one hell of a team and show those smug Bulgarians what Hogwarts is made of." The ruckus began immediately. Everyone shouting out which team members from what house would be best. Hermione still had no affinity to the game. But knew the strengths and weaknesses of her house. That's when Neville nudged her. "Say something, you know as well as all of them that Miss Dawson is the best keeper in the school. Hermione's eyes sparkled as she recalled Jenifer's last performance. Her gaze went to the opposite side of the room and glanced at the dark man, whom stared at her in challenge. She stood up.

"I believe Miss Dawson would be the best choice for keeper. Especially in light of her recent success." The room, minus one, approved. Without glancing up from his hand, which he seemed to be inspecting at great length. Severus's voice boomed over the growing ruckus.

"You all think it is wise to trust our hoops to a fourth year? Mister Bower is far more seasoned and much more adequate choice." Hermione could feel he was baiting her, as he always seemed to do in these type of situations.

"I do believe my fourth year managed to keep your team from only scoring 10 points in the afore mentioned game, Severus." His only response was to wave his hand dismissing her. And for some reason it was enough to send her off. Hermione almost leapt across the table that divided them. Only to be held back by Neville.

"Calm down, 'Mione. That's exactly what he wants." Neville said quietly. She knew he was right, especially when she heard Severus chuckle and say something under his breath about insufferable Gryffindors.

"I do believe we will decide this the fair way with try outs. I will be announcing this at dinner this evening." The staff agreed and Minerva dismissed the lot. "Professor Granger, may I have you stay a moment." Hermione, whom was collecting her things, placed the pile back on the table, nodded and sat down. She noticed the smug smirk on Severus's face as he walked passed, almost like he was taunting her. She almost growled at him.

Once the room was empty, Minerva sat next the Hermione.

"I'm so sorry for the out…"

"It's quite alright." Minerva said interrupting the younger witch. "I, of all people know what he is like." She chuckled.

"Is it just our house or is it us personally?"

"I believe it is both, my dear." Minerva laughed.

"There are times when he is so considerate and then he can be so.." Hermione lets an exasperated sound.

"He's is a testament to his house, alright. But I do think you handle his barbs well, usually." She hinted to the earlier incident. "But that isn't exactly what I wished to speak to you about."

"It's not?" Hermione asked confused.

"No I was actually wondering if I could beseech upon you to ask Mr. Weasley and Mrs. Potter to come out to coach. It would be wonderful to have such talent at our disposal." Hermione's face fell. Things had been strained since she and Ron went their separate ways. "I know, there has been a bit of a falling out between you and the Weasley clan. But I was hoping that Mr. Potter could assist."

"I'm sure Ginny would love to help, since the baby she has been wanting to get back out there. I um not sure about Ronald." Hermione couldn't help but to frown.

"Whatever you can assist with would be great, Hermione." Hermione was trying to put on a brave face. But she dreaded having to get in contact with Ron. Sensing the tension of the younger witch, Minerva clears her throat. "Would you like to hear what's at stake?" Hermione perked up.

"Besides bragging rights?"Hermione asked, Minerva chuckled again.

"Those as well. But I never accept a challenge, that I walk away empty handed." The Headmistress said with a wink.

"Then what are we going to claim?" Hermione asked with a playful smirk

"A very rare bottle Ogden's finest-his to a very old book- ours."

"Well let's make sure we protect our treasure." Hermione smiled, as the two witches left the meeting room.