After the Battle

Chapter 10

Knock , Knock, Knock.

'Come in', she said.

Hermione took a deep breath, hestitated and then opened the door in the exact same fashion as she did each time she was nervous, 'Proffesor McGonagall, we were wondering if we would be able to have a quick word?'

'Of course, of course. How are you all? Thank you Hagrid, I can take it from here.'

'Pleasure, proffesor', said Hagrid, standing taller. He then turned to exit, giving me a wink as he ascended the staircase.

'So, what may I help you with?' she asked inquisitively.

'Harry and I were wondering, proffesor, if we would be able to return to Hogwarts next year in order to complete our studies.'

'Of course, of course. In fact I have formatted a scheme that allows anyone who should have completed years 4-7 last year to return and either recomplete the year that they lost due to incompetent teaching or simply to continue with their education despite their lack of a year. However, the achievements of the two of you do seem to make returning seem incredibly unnecessary.'

'We just feel that we want to be on a level playing field with everybody else, professor', I said.

'Very well, I do understand where you are coming from. I will be sending out owls to all students alerting them of these possibilities and I will the classes accordingly. Is anything else that I would be able to help you with, Mr Weasley, Miss Weasley?'

'I'm was just here to ask whether I would be able to retake sixth year and continue into my seventh year but it seems that you have already answered my question.'

'Yes, of course. That would be fine', she answered. 'Anything I can do for you, Mr Weasley?' McGonagall inquired.

'No', muttered Ron, 'I'm just the tag along really.'

'I see. Do you mind if I enquire over your plans for the future? Purely out of curiousity.'

'No not at all', he replied, more cheerily now, 'I'm going to be working in the shop with George, taking over Fred's role. I'm gunna have 50% shares in it and everything.'

'Oh, well that does sound wonderful!'

'Mum's not gunna be happy', he said, 'She'll spew some sloppy stuff about how she always had high hopes for me and that I could do so well. It wont change my mind, just make me feel guilty.'

Professor McGonagall chuckled. 'Would you mind if I have a quick word with Harry?'

Ginny, Hermione and Ron left the office silently. I was suddenly rather uncomfortable.

'Harry, as you may be aware I am rather short staffed at the moment. I am going to continue teaching Transfiguration, Pomona will continue Herbology, Flitwick Charms, Slughorn Potions but I am a little stuck for a DADA proffesor. Kingsley Shacklebolt has kindly offered to take seventh year classes but that still does leave me stuck for a teacher of years 1-6 and I was wondering if you would do it, just whilst you are still here at Hogwarts, alongside your other subjects including DADA. I presume you still wish to become an Auror and will continue to study DADA, Charms, Potions, Herbology and Transfiguration?'

'Yes Proffesor and thank you so much! It all sounds brilliant.'

'It will of course give you access to the staff room and equal rights to Prefects. I was also hoping that you would be Head of Gryffindor for me, something I can no longer do as Headmistress and Flitwick will become my Deputy. As head of Gryffindor you are also at liberty to choose Prefects and a quidditch captain but I would advise that you remain Captain. I have already chosen Head Boy and Head Girl to be Miss Granger and Mr Longbottom, but you can finalise Prefects. However, I would advise Miss Weasley, Mr Creevey, Mr Peakes and Miss Jones to be excellent candidates.'

'Yes, Ginny, Colin Jimmy and Emma all sound brilliant.'

'Thank you so much Mr Potter. I don't know how I'd manage without you. There will be a staff meeting at some point before the start of term but I will alert you of that in a letter containing information of the books that you will need and other materials.'

'Thanks again Proffesor!'

'Goodbye Mr Potter. I'll be seeing you shortly!'

'Goodbye Proffesor.'