A Second Channe Through Time

EPILOGUE

Page count: 15

Hogwarts – Wednesday 1st September 1982

"Now that the Sorting has been completed," Headmistress McGonagall announced, rising from her chair, "you may notice we have three empty seats at the Head Table."

A ripple of whispers passed through the Great Hall.

"I would like to introduce your new Professors of Transfiguration, Charms, and Defence Against the Dark Arts."

She flicked her wand.

The great oak doors swung open with a dramatic boom.

Gasps echoed as a stag, a brown fox, and a large black dog strutted proudly down the centre aisle. Students craned their necks, whispering frantically as the three Animagi reached the front.

They turned to face the Hall.

"Professor James Potter, Charms," McGonagall introduced.

The stag shimmered and grew into James, tall and handsome, hair as messy as ever, robes straightened as he gave the Hall a confident smile. A round of murmurs — and a few dreamy sighs — rippled through the room.

"Professor Sirius Black, Transfiguration."

Padfoot shifted smoothly into Sirius, who smirked smugly, brushed his dark hair from his eyes, and rolled his sleeves to the elbow, showing off tattoos and muscle. A wave of excited chatter swept through the students.

"And finally... Professor Mia Potter-Black, Defence Against the Dark Arts."

The fox rose onto her hind legs and transformed into Hermione — poised, elegant, robes immaculate, curls framing her like a halo of bronze. The whispers turned into cheers.

Hermione flushed, ducking her head. James and Sirius each took one of her hands, kissed the back of it, and several students groaned dramatically.

After the Final Battle, the truth had bled into the press — Voldemort had never been truly gone, and a secret order known as the White Lions had ensured he would be defeated once and for all. Hermione, the Marauders, the Malfoys, the Weasleys, and the Prewitts had become household names, celebrated as heroes.

When McGonagall accepted the role of Headmistress, she extended the offer Hermione hadn't dared hope for: the three of them teaching at Hogwarts, together, with Harry living in the castle.

It had taken Hermione one breath to accept. Her husbands took three.

Their assigned tower held a cosy living room, two bedrooms, a kitchen, a study, and private offices — not to mention classroom access, library clearance, and permission to leave the grounds at any time... especially during the full moon.

Harry was young and would be watched by Honey during lesson time, but as he aged, he'd be able to sit in. Hermione loved the idea of him growing up wandering Hogwarts halls long before his first year.

Remus had accepted a position in the Ministry as the new Head of the Department for the Control and Regulation of Magical Creatures — already drafting reforms to abolish archaic Werewolf laws. He'd moved into the flat Sirius gifted him, preparing for the family he hoped to have someday.

Moody had retired (mostly voluntarily).

Kingsley, Fabian, and Gideon earned major promotions. Snape still taught Potions and had — shockingly — achieved a wary truce with the Marauders. He even had a girlfriend, now. No one knew who. He wasn't telling.

Life... was perfect for Hermione.

"Thank you, students," McGonagall continued, the Hall buzzing. "Professors?"