=== May 25, 1998 ===
The seventh-year transfiguration class is all seated when Cheshire walks in. "Good morning class."
"Good morning, Cheshire!" The class responds.
"Today I have an announcement to make." Cheshire says. "To those of you who are unaware, in two weeks time you will begin taking the Nastily Exhausting Wizarding Tests. We will be spending the next two weeks going over some of the spells that you could be asked to perform. I have a list of all the spells that they could possibly ask you to perform, along with a few that might impress the testers. I would highly suggest everyone take one of these lists and go over the fundamentals for all the spells. Any questions?"
Hermione raises her hand. "Will you be available to help if we have any questions on specific spells?"
"If you have specific questions about spells we aren't going to cover in the class, which are marked on the list. Then come to me either before or after class, if I can't answer then I'll arrange a time to answer your questions." Cheshire answers. "I ask that you do not come to my quarters for questions unless it's an emergency. Understand?"
"Yes, Ma'am!" The class says.
"Very good." Cheshire says. "Today we will go review the most likely thing they will expect from you: human transfiguration."
#####
As the class ends the students begin to leave. "Harry, Hermione, can you stay behind for just a moment please?" Cheshire asks.
Harry and Hermione nod, clean up and wait for the others to leave. Then they approach Cheshire. "Is everything okay?" Hermione asks.
"Of course, I wanted to let you know that the testers are aware of all of your advantages and aren't going to take any of them away." Cheshire explains.
Hermione's eyes go wide as she asks. "They're going to let me test with the diadem and grimoire?"
"I imagine they would be more impressed if you didn't pull the grimoire out." Cheshire explains.
Hermione nods. "Understood."
"What about our bond?" Harry asks.
"They didn't mention that, so they may require you to wear the bracelets again." Cheshire answers.
"That would be best." Hermione says. "Otherwise we may pull magic from each other making the others' testing harder."
"Also unlike the others you two are welcome to come to our quarters if you have specific questions." Cheshire says.
"We'll try not to abuse that." Harry says.
Hermione nods. "Though we appreciate it."
"Good, now you two had better get going if you're not going to be late for your next class." Cheshire says.
"Oh, that's no problem." Hermione says as she takes Harry's hand and they silently vanish.
#####
As soon as Harry and Hermione sit down at the table for lunch Ron speaks. "So are you doing the study group for the Newts?"
"Hello to you too, Ron." Harry says.
"Come on, I'm serious." Ron says.
"Yes, we're doing the study group." Hermione says. "Though from what I hear the Newts focus more on the practical side."
"Really?" Ron asks.
"Yes, though I imagine they'll be asking to do rather advanced magic." Hermione says.
"So how do we prepare?" Ron asks.
"Practice the most advanced spells from each class." Hermione says. "That's what we've been doing."
"That makes sense." Ron says, then pauses as he eats. "What about potions?"
"I'd say practice brewing some of the harder potions, like veritaserum or draught of the living dead." Hermione answers.
"Some of us have gone the extra mile and started brewing potions that take longer than a few hours." Harry says.
"Like what?" Ron asks.
"I personally have been working on a batch of polyjuice potion.' Harry answers.
"And I've been brewing Felix Felicis since before winter break." Hermione says.
"How?" Lavender asks. "You went home for winter break."
"I used our floo to come here and then apparated to the room I have it set up in." Hermione answers.
"How are you going to prove you made it?" Ron asks.
"Each of us set up our own area in one of the abandoned classrooms. Then used runes and charms to create a ward that ensures nobody could go in but each of us." Hermione answers.
"We had one of the professors watch us set it up so we have proof we set them up." Harry explains. "We've also asked to have our runes and charms finals before potions so that our wards can count towards our Newts."
"Why would it matter what order you have the Newts in?" Ron asks.
"We'll have to disable the wards so that the testers can check the potion." Hermione responds.
"Couldn't you put them back up?" Ron asks.
"Yes, but there's a reason these tests are called exhausting. It would be better if we could save our energy." Hermione reasons.
"Do they normally listen to requests?" Lavender asks.
"McGonagall says they try." Hermione answers.
"Would you be willing to help set up some wards for us?" Lavender requests. "If we start now, and have potions last we might be able to finish the polyjuice potion."
"We'd be more than happy to help with that." Harry replies.
=== June 6, 1998 ===
Iris and Rose wake up to once again find a present on each of their beds. "Looks like we're celebrating our birthday early again." Rose says as she opens her box to find a yellow dress.
"Mum and Dad are starting their Newts Monday, so I'm not surprised." Iris replies as she pulls a teal dress out of her present.
A bit later, Iris and Rose come out of their room dressed in their new dresses. "Thank you for the dresses." They say getting their parents' attention.
"You are both very welcome." Hermione says.
"Are we celebrating our birthday early again?" Iris asks.
"If you two are okay with that." Harry answers.
They both nod. "Where are the triplets? Rose asks.
"Ron and Lavender are watching them today so we can focus on you two." Harry answers.
"Can we go to Hogsmeade?" Iris asks.
"If that's what you two want." Hermione answers.
#####
The four of them walk the streets of Hogsmeade, Iris and Rose leading the way straight to Honeydukes. They enter the candy store and see the proprietor. "Hello,
Mister Lore!" They shout.
Lore smiles as he sees them. "Rose and Iris, is that you?"
"Yes, sir!" They respond.
"You two have grown so much!" Lore exclaims.
"Thank you." They reply.
"It's been about a year hasn't it?" Lore asks and they nod. "So you're here to celebrate your birthday again?"
"We are." Iris answers.
"What can I get you then?" Lore asks. "I'm sure you found favorites from the bags last year."
"Actually we both liked everything." Iris says.
"We were hoping we could get bigger versions of the bags from last year." Rose says.
Lore nods. "Sure, I can do that." He makes up the bags. "Here you girls go."
They each reach out and grab a bag. "Thank you!" They say in unison.
The girls run to their parents and show off their candy. Harry steps forward and places some money on the counter. "For the candy."
"You don't have to do that." Lore says. "You only bring them once a year."
Harry nods. "Then keep it for some unfortunate that can't afford candy."
"I can do that." Lore says as he takes the money.
=== June 8, 1998 ===
Hermione enters the transfiguration classroom, the room his empty except for a table where three people sit. Cheshire sits in between a man and a woman, neither of which Hermione recognizes. "Good afternoon, Missus Potter." Cheshire says.
"Good afternoon, Professor." Hermione responds.
"This is Miss Sterns and Mister Foster." Cheshire explains.
Hermione nods. "Is there any particular spell you want to see?"
"We find most students have something in mind when they come in, so please show us what you think we want to see." Mister Foster explains.
Hermione nods as she conjures a large enough aquarium that a small whale could fit into it. The aquarium is conjured completely full with a set of steps beside it.
Hermione removes her robe, leaving herself in a dark blue dress. She climbs the steps, then jumps into the water. The second she touches the water she transfigures herself into a mermaid. She turns to the side so they can all see the gills on her throat. Then snaps her fingers and it all vanishes, she stands there, human again, and completely dry.
"Impressive, all of that silently and without a wand." Mister Foster says.
"I'm wearing the diadem of Ravenclaw." Hermione admits. "It acts like a focus and an enhancer."
"Yes, we're aware you have the diadem." Miss Sterns says. "As we are aware you have the grimoire."
Hermione nods. "I have decided to not use the grimoire unless specifically asked."
"Then I would very much like to see what you are capable of with the grimoire." Miss Sterns says.
Hermione summons the grimoire, it appears already turned to the desired page. Suddenly a book sits where Miss Sterns was. "What did you do with Miss Sterns?" Mister Foster asks.
"Look and see." Hermione answers.
Mister Foster sees the book and touches it only for the book to speak in Miss Sterns' voice. "Don't touch me!"
Mister Foster jumps back. "Miss Sterns?"
"Why can't I move?" Miss Sterns asks.
"You're a book." Mister Foster answers.
"Your life story, to be exact." Hermione adds.
"Please return her to normal." Cheshire pleads.
Hermione nods and the book vanishes, Miss Sterns sits back in her place. "Anything else?" Hermione asks.
"No, that will be quite enough." Miss Sterns says.
#####
Ron flops onto a couch next to Lavender. "Is everyday going to be like this?" He asks.
"I imagine so." Hermione answers.
Lavender and Ron groan. "Seriously?"
"You'll feel better after a good night's sleep." Hermione says.
=== June 9, 1998 ===
Harry and Hermione are already eating breakfast in the Great Hall when Lavender and Ron come and sit down across from them.
"Morning," Lavender says.
"Morning," Harry says.
"How are you two feeling this morning?" Hermione asks.
"Actually, I feel better than I expected." Lavender answers.
"Just as I told you.* Hermione says.
"How did you know?" Ron asks.
"They put restorative draught in our drinks." Hermione answers.
"Makes sense, otherwise we'd be too exhausted to do this every day." Harry says.
"Restorative draught is colorless, odorless and tasteless." Lavender says. "How could you know it was in our drinks?"
"I cast a spell on every bit of food and drink we don't personally make to detect anything foreign." Hermione answers.
"Why?" Ron asks.
"Habit from the war." Hermione admits.
"It's been over for over a year." Lavender says.
"Some things you just find hard to stop doing." Hermione answers, silencing further questions.
#####
Hermione walks into the room, Flitwick sits between Miss Sterns and Mister Foster. "Today we will be testing you for charms." Miss Foster says.
"Are you two going to be doing all of our testing?" Hermione asks.
"Yes," Mister Foster answers. "We are fully qualified to test in all subjects."
"Oh, that makes things a little easier." Hermione says.
"Why do you say that?" Miss Sterns asks.
"We don't need to wait on whomever is testing Ancient Runes for me to show you the runed wards I set up." Hermione answers.
"I've already taken the liberty of showing them the runes." Flitwick says.
"And we noted down all necessary details so we can judge them." Miss Sterns says. "Is there anything else you would like to show us?"
"Seriously?" Hermione asks as her eyes glow blue. "I erected runed blood wards!" A faint crackle is heard as her magic forms and a blue aura forms around as she levitates off the ground, the stones under her crumbling as she does. "And you ask if I have something else to show you?"
Miss Sterns and Mister Foster tremble in their seats. "Missus Potter, I think you have shown them enough." Flitwick says.
Suddenly the enraged Hermione vanishes and the floor is undamaged. "That was an illusion?" Miss Sterns asks, surprised.
Hermione nods. "After yesterday I figured I should have something significant planned."
"What made you think of…that?" Mister Foster asks.
"A friend of ours took a picture of me when I was enraged during the triwizard tournament." Hermione explains. "I wanted to see if I could accomplish the appearance with charms."
=== June 19, 1998 ===
Hermione appears in the dungeons, wand drawn, Hugin and Mugin floating in the air by her sides. She walks down the hall and turns the corner to see Miss Sterns, Mister Foster and Andromeda standing outside one of the rooms. She sighs, allowing the daggers to vanish as she walks up to them and waves her wand freeing them from the temporary paralysis.
"Are you okay?" Hermione asks.
"What exactly happened?" Mister Foster asks.
"You tried to take down my wards without me." Hermione answers.
"I'm a curse breaker." Miss Sterns says. "I tear down wards for a living, and I've never been hit by something like that."
"No, I don't imagine you have." Hermione says. "Few people have the resources I do." She holds up the grimoire to emphasize the point.
"Would you be willing to let me see that?" Miss Sterns asks.
Hermione nods as she removes the ward to the room. "Examine my potion first."
"Afraid it might affect your grade?" Miss Sterns asks as she walks into the room that has a cauldron on a table and nothing else in the room.
"I'm afraid of what might happen to you." Hermione answers as places the grimoire on the table next to the cauldron. "To the best of my knowledge nobody outside of the Ravenclaw line has ever touched this book. I won't stop you from touching it, but I will not be held responsible if anything happens to you either."
"Mister Foster is the potion expert." Miss Sterns says as Mister Foster comes in to examine the potion. "So, if you're sure." She reaches out and places her hand on the grimoire. When nothing happens she opens the grimoire and sighs. "Somehow I'm not surprised."
"What is it?" Hermione asks.
"It's blank." Miss Sterns says handing it back to Hermione.
"I can't say I'm surprised." Hermione says as she takes the book back. "I've tried to write down what stuff from the grimoire, but even with the diadem I can't write any of it down."
"What about your daughters?" Miss Sterns asks.
"Now that I know I can let someone else touch the grimoire I'll see if they can read it." Hermione answers.
"If you two are done I need to speak with Missus Potter." Mister Foster asks causing Miss Sterns to nod and step to the side.
"What can I do for you, sir?" Hermione asks.
"I wanted to congratulate you, this batch of Felix Felicis is perfect." Mister Foster responds.
"Thank you." Hermione replies.
"Do you have your paperwork granting you permission to brew the potion?" Mister Foster asks.
Hermione hands him the paperwork. "I apologize, I was under the impression that they would send you a copy."
Mister Foster looks at the paperwork. "They do, but they sent you a form I need to sign verifying that you can correctly brew the potion." He signs the paperwork and hands it back to her.
"Thank you." Hermione says.
"You're very welcome." Mister Foster says. "Now, I believe our work here is done."
####
Later that night Harry and Hermione walk into McGonagall's office. "You wanted to see us, Headmistress?" Harry asks.
"Please sit down." McGonagall motions to a pair of comfortable chairs and they sit in them. "The professors and test administrators told me they were very impressed with your performance over these last two weeks. The world is wide open to both of you, but I was hoping I might convince at least one of you to stay here at Hogwarts as a junior professor."
"What's a junior professor?" Hermione asks.
"As a junior professor you work directly under the professor so that in a few years you can take over their job." McGonagall says. "Harry, I would offer you the position of Junior Defense Against the Dark Arts professor."
"What about Professor Lupin?" Harry asks.
"I have already talked to her, she wants to return to auror work, so she would be happy to step down once she thinks you are ready." McGonagall explains.
"And me?" Hermione asks.
"Professor Flitwick was hoping you would be willing to become the Junior Charms professor." McGonagall answers. "I don't expect answers right away mind you, but I did want to put the opportunity out there for you."
They both nod. "We'll contact you once we've made our decisions." Harry says.
####
Once they return to their room they sit. "I already know you're going to accept." Hermione says. "You always said you either wanted to be a healer or a teacher."
Harry nods. "And it would be good for the kids, they would still have access to the Hogwarts daycare."
Hermione nods. "Would you be mad at me if I declined?"
"Of course not!" Harry says. "I know you have your own ambitions, so if you want to chase them go do that. With our bond we're never truly apart."
"True," Hermione says. "Give me some time to think it over."
"Take all the time you need." Harry says.