The Boy Who Fought: OC X Hermione

New DADA Teacher

Once the two had caught up to Harry and Ron, they arrived at a carriage, to see weird bony winged horses.

"Are those new? I thought the carts pushed themselves?" Carson asked, Harry nodding in confusion.

"Love, what are you talking about? There's nothing there? Are you feeling alright? Here, let me feel your forehead, you might be burning up. We can take you to Madam Pomfrey if we need to." Hermione asked concerned.

"I see them too Hermione."

"Harry...there's nothing there mate. You might be going crazy, like Carson is." Ron commented, Hermione smacking him on the shoulder with her book.

"I see them too Harry, Carson." A girl with silvery blonde hair and Ravenclaw robes said, everyone turning to face her.

"Er...and you are?"

"Luna. Luna Lovegood. Nice to meet you Harry, you too Carson."

"Well, thanks Luna. Good to know!" Carson stated to the girl, as they got on the carriage together.

The carriage ride was nice, everyone talking to each other like friends. Carson and Hermione both held hands the entire ride.

"I like your matching necklaces, Carson, Hermione. Did you make them?" Luna asked, Hermione shaking her head.

"Carson bought them in Hogsmeade on one of our dates in third year." Hermione explained, Ron grumbling as she did so, earning a confused look from Carson.

"Guys, Hagrid's cabin looks deserted." Harry commented, everyone looking at the dark cabin.

"Maybe he's still on his...trip." Carson mumbled, Hermione nodding her head.

"Yeah. That's probably it. Good thinking love."

Just then, the carriage came to a halt and everyone got out and made their way to the great hall. When they arrived, they took their seats and waited for the sorting.

"I beg a few moments of your attention, as I have a few start of term announcements. Right off, our caretaker Mr. Filch, for what he says is the four hundred and sixty second time, that he has annually updated the list of various banned items, usually introduced by our humor experts Fred and George Weasley..." Dumbledore started, as Fred and George stood up and took a bow, resulting in cheering from all houses, and Carson. Hermione gave him a quick glare and he stopped right away.

"Which are posted in an extensive list on the door to Mr. Filch's quarters. Also, we have two new staffing changes this year. Professor Grubbly-Plank will be taking the post of care of magical creatures Professor, as Mr. Hagrid is on...extended leave. Additionally, we have Professor Umbridge, who has kindly agreed to fulfill the post of defense against the dark arts..." As Dumbledore talked, Umbridge, who was in an all-pink outfit, stood up and made her way over to where Dumbledore was.

"He, Hem, headmaster, if I could address the school?" She chimed, in a high-pitched voice that was way too high to be natural. Dumbledore is taken aback, and Professor McGonagall is glaring daggers at the pink toad.

"Thank you, headmaster. Now, how are we all doing tonight? I hope we all can be friends this year. I thought I thought I would just say a few words. I am here at the ministry of magics bequest, under educational degree twenty- two, which states, that if the headmaster of Hogwarts is unable to fill any teaching post, the ministry shall select one for the position." She started, as Hermione listened intently, and Carson muttered to Harry and Ron.

"I'll be her friend as long as I don't have to wear matching outfits." Hermione slapped his arm and turned him, so he was paying attention, without looking away from the professor.

"The ministry has always considered the magical education of our children to be of vital importance, and the passing down of the ancient and noble art must be given to the next generation, lest it be lost forever. Without progress, stagnation. But progress for progress's sake is to be discouraged, for our art requires no tinkering. A balance must be attained, the new and the old, permanence and change, tradition and innovation, order, and chaos. There are large changes coming, soon, changes walking the fine line between order and chaos. Know only that these changes are for the best, and to prevent the destruction of out civilization from its own decay. Thank you."

"Well that was...illuminating." Hermione stated, Carson looking at her weirdly.

"Really? No it wasn't."

"I said illuminating, not enjoyable. Take notes love."

"What does that even mean? Hermione?" Harry asked, thoroughly confused.

"It means the ministry is interfering at Hogwarts."