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Hermione had been staring, and she really should stop, she thought. Sitting at the far end of the staff table at Hogwarts were the two new Defence Against the Dark Arts Teachers. They were called “hunters” in the States, and that apparently gave them credibility. To Hermione, they looked like bedraggled cowboys lept from the pages of her most private fantasies. One was slightly shorter, with bright green eyes that almost reminded her of Harry’s, but more feral, with short brown hair and just the right amount of stubble. The other was tall, tall for any man, with long sandy brown hair that brushed his massive shoulders, and he had kinder, gentler hazel eyes. He, like Hermione, usually was reading or had a book in his possession. She had seen him several times in the staff room, staring at the small bookcase in awe, and she remembered that nostalgic feeling of seeing the Hogwarts library for the first time; she’d have to show him that. 

The Headmistress cleared her throat, pulling Hermione out of her revelry, as she snapped to attention. The shorter one seemed to notice her sudden movement and smirked in her direction. Feeling the flush creep up her neck, Hermione turned towards Minerva with rapt attention. 

“Good afternoon, staff! I want to welcome you all back to the castle for the start of the new school year. Students will be arriving tomorrow as usual.  As always, we have some staffing changes and additions. This year, Miss Hermione Granger is no longer a potions apprentice but a Potions Mistress and will be taking over Severus’s full teaching load as he finally retires in peace.” There were claps and congratulations all around the table as her favorite professors accepted her as one of their own. She felt the eyes from the other end of the table, and her hackles raised slightly, not giving in and turning in their direction.

“Finally, for the first time in our history, we have two almost Muggle Teachers teaching Defence against the Dark Arts. Please welcome Dean and Sam Winchester.” There was clapping and a lot of curious looks at the seasoned men. The staff seemed overwhelmingly welcoming of the two of them. 

So they were brothers… interesting, thought Hermione. 

A soft, airy voice piped up at the end of the table, “Excuse me, Headmistress…. If they are Muggles, how will they teach the magical aspects of Defence Against the Dark Arts? They won’t be able to produce magic with a wand; won’t that limit the students’ education?” 

Hermione internally rolled her eyes. Prudence Flint was a seemingly smart and kind addition to the staff. She taught Divination and was as willowly as her brother was brutish. She had long dark hair that hung lank and thin, and a pale face with large dark eyes. She was quite the recluse most of the time and only came down from her tower for mandatory staff events. It was like a prettier Trelawney, according to Hermione. 

“Thank you for your concern, Prudence. Sam has been studying wand movements to keep current and will help the students with indications, pronunciation, and wand patterns. I, and a rotation of volunteering staff, will check on the student's magical output of the spells once every two weeks, but the boys will have this well in hand with some dedicated teaching and studying.” Minerva said a little too sharply. Her tight smile did not quite reach her eyes.

She turned to Hermione and, very business-like, instructed her.  

“Hermione? Since their quarters are not far from yours, and you're one of the youngest on staff, I was hoping you wouldn’t mind showing them around the castle a bit to get them acquainted?” 

Hermione stifled a groan and just smiled at having to spend more time in their glorious presence, but responded: “Of course, Headmistress, it’d be my pleasure.” She could smack herself in the face right now. She glanced at the men at the end of the table and noticed the shorter one smirking again, much like an annoying blond Slytherin she knew, and the tall one gave her a goofy, lopsided smile and a small wave. She raised her hand in a wave and smiled, as well. Merlin, above, this was going to be interesting. 

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When lunch was over and the staff was mingling about, Minerva walked Hermione over to the brothers. 

“Hello, dear boys, this is Miss Hermione Granger, our Potions Mistress, and she’ll be showing you around a bit if you don’t mind.” The boys both nodded and smiled at her. 

Merlin, they were tall... Even with her heeled boots on, she felt dwarfed. They also seemed to have the uncanny ability to unnerve her in a way she couldn't place her finger on. 

“Hermione, these young men are Dean and Sam Winchester, my brother Bobby, who is a squib, practically raised them; they’re honorable and fine young gentlemen. I’m glad to have them here; please help them find whatever it is they need.” 

“No worries, Auntie Minnie, we’ll be good, promise.” Said the one she now knew was Dean, as he made a gesture crossing his heart while he winked at her. 

The gall, she thought! In front of his Aunt! This one was trouble, for sure. She wasn’t exactly sure how to feel about it. It made her simultaneously annoyed and warm inside. 

Hermione shook their hands, and they exchanged pleasantries while Minerva walked away to take care of other staff arrangements. She was leaving the three of them standing awkwardly in a strange silence. 

Finally, the tall one, Sam, spoke up. “So you got to go here for school? And now you teach here; that’s pretty cool, huh?” 

Relieved that the silence had broken, Hermione answered rather enthusiastically. “Yes, I attended for 7, well, almost 7 years, and then had my apprenticeship, and now I’m taking over teaching Potions full time. It’s quite a considerable achievement that you two should be professors, as muggles, it’s unheard of, but Minerva said you were knowledgeable in many magical creatures and defense areas. That’s quite fascinating, really.” As she rambled, she remembered to get to the point of their conversation, finally. “So why don’t I show you, gentlemen, where your quarters are? Then, I can show you the library and kitchens and how to at least get back to the great hall before dinner tonight when students arrive. It’s quite a production, and staff are obligated to attend.” 

Both boys followed her out of the Great Hall, Sam more at her side and keeping pace, while Dean lingered just slightly behind. 

Hrmm, covering each other’s sixes... That’s a familiar stance... They must’ve seen combat at one point. 

Hermione’s hand twitched towards her side, where her wand was stowed in her holster. Because it was a casual lunch back with staff, Hermione was in muggle clothes, wearing jeans, knee-high boots, and a thin cobalt sweater with the sleeves pulled just a bit up. She glamoured her scars during the day, even though it was a magical strain to keep them up. At least, at first. She found as the school year went on, she could often go without in the presence of staff and the upper-level students, but didn’t want to shock the new staff right away. 

“Don’t worry, we ain’t going to attack you, sweetheart…, but good reflexes.” Said Dean from behind her. She was mortified that he’d noticed and that he was commenting on it. She spun her head around and frowned at him as he gave her another adorable smile that belied a much more perceptive eye than he let on. 

Damn Americans...

Hermione kept walking towards the dungeon area, and as the air grew cooler, she began to feel more at home. They stopped beside a portrait of Dr. Tilden Toots, a famous Potions Mistress herself. Hermione tapped the portrait, and it swung open, revealing a small sitting room. Without stepping inside, she gestured to the boys as an example. 

“This is my quarters here, I have a small sitting room, as you can see, and the rooms extend beyond that for other purposes. It also connects to my lab, and potions classroom, on the opposite side of my rooms. Yours will be similar in that it will connect to your classroom.” 

Both boys nodded and continued to follow Hermione, now keeping pace with her, Sam next to her and Dean on Sam’s other side. 

“So Hermione, what's the library like here, I’ve heard amazing things from Aunt Minnie, but she never let us borrow anything, just sent Bobby stuff every once in a while.” Hermione turned to smile genuinely at Sam. 

“The library is magnificent. I spent a lot of my time there as a student, and even now, it has the best references for any subject. I’ve picked up my fair share of rare editions that the library doesn’t have, but I keep those in my private study. It sounds like your Bobby did the same.” 

Sam gave out a deep, rough chuckle that sent chills through Hermione, warming her belly. 

Merlin, it’s been too long… that’s why I’m reacting like this. Cooldown Hermione.. Cool. Down. 

“Yeah, definitely sounds like Bobby, and yes, I can’t get enough of good reference books.” 

Dean snorted and shook his head. “Great, there’s two of ‘em….”  

Hermione shot Sam a confused look, and Sam just shrugged his wide shoulders, causing Hermione to smile lightly at him. 

They arrived at Sir Cadogan’s portrait, about 200 meters from Hermione’s door, in the same hallway. And Hermione tapped the portrait, and it swung open. 

“Now, since you both don’t have wands, you’ll just ask Sir Cadogan to set a password, and only the two of you will be able to get in with it. Go right on in, and I’ll show you about.” 

Sam looked at Hermione with a sideways glance, as if about to say something, and then proceeded inside. They all stepped into the room, which looked like a rather large sitting area with a comfy couch, chair, and coffee table around a fireplace. Behind it was a small kitchen with the necessities and a round table. On either side of the kitchen were two doors, clearly marked with a D and an S as their bedrooms. There was a third door that led into a small hallway that connected them to their classroom and offices. 

“So this is obviously your living area; the bedrooms are marked.” She swallowed as she thought of the two of them, half-naked, getting into bed. Did they have to be so handsome? “In each of your bedrooms, there is an en-suite bath, and this far door leads to your classroom. In the classroom, each of you has an office and a small shared library and sitting area as well.” 

They each took a look around and went to their respective doors, opening them up and dropping their bags inside. They also had items of luggage that seemed to have been brought up ahead of time, probably by the elves. Dean whistled from his room... “Sammy, did you get a look at the bathroom!? There’s a shower and a tub… I could get used to this.” 

Sam had dropped his things and was already back in the sitting room with Hermione, waiting for Dean. He was asking her questions about the library again, and Dean rolled his eyes. 

“If you two are all set, we can make our way to the library, and I’ll show you the kitchens and back to the Great Hall, finally. Sound good?”

“Yes, lead the way!” said Sam enthusiastically. Hermione laughed because she understood the sentiment all too well. The warm feeling in her belly was growing and spreading. She glanced a look at his large hands before he shoved them in the pockets of his perfectly fitted jeans and wondered how much of her he’d be able to grab onto at once with those mitts. Shaking her head slightly, she climbed out of the room and thanked Sir Cadogan for his service, to which he preened, and they were on their way. 

Hermione could not stop stealing glances Sam’s way and hurried her walking, not that it slowed the behemoth men down as their strides were far longer than hers. 

I wonder if he could lift me? He looks strong and fit with those damn shoulders... I bet he’s great in bed… I’d kill to feel those hands stroking me... Sweet Gods, I’ve got to get it together… 

They arrived at the library in record time, and Hermione quickly escaped inside her safe haven, trying furiously to fight the flush on her face and neck. As they entered, it seemed the library was trying to impress them. The sun shone through the windows and onto the stacks just perfectly. The swirling clouds of book dust, dancing on the rays. The smell was wafting up enticingly into their noses, and the books all looked freshly organized and put away. Hermione breathed a sigh of relief and watched Sam do the same. So he must love books as much as she did. 

“So this is home.. Or the Library, whichever.” Hermione joked. “Here are some basic school books on this shelf, ones that the students use or need regularly or need for classes, and there are tables and study nooks all within the stacks and in the front and rear of the library. There is also the restricted section in the back there, and you’ll need a key from Madam Pince; she’s quite stern about her books, and still holds a grudge that she never caught me stealing from there during school.” As Hermione rolled her eyes a bit. 

Sam’s head whipped around to look at Hermione, wide-eyed. “You stole books while at school?! Why?” 

“I needed the information to fight a great evil.” She said shortly, before realizing that they had no knowledge of her war or experiences. 

“I’m sorry about that. Is there a book you could recommend so we get caught up with wizarding history and maybe the school and the war Bobby told us about?” 

Hermione nodded and went to pick up Hogwarts: A History from the nearest shelf. 

“This is the latest edition, and it includes everything you need to know, up to and including the war and directly after. Take it with a grain of salt, though; they over-exaggerate my part in it all.” 

“Wait, you’re in it!?” said Sam, amazed, even as Hermione cringed a bit. Dean looked over at her, eyebrows raised. 

Hermione looked down and took a small breath before holding her head back up. “Yes, my very best friend Harry, my little brother, if you will, was the key component to the war, so I was… involved, you could say.” 

“Don’t worry, Miss, and we understand war and trauma better than most. Sorry, you do too.” Dean said as he broke his silence, his gentle and fierce green eyes seemingly trying to translate that message directly to her soul 

“Well, thank you. I’m going to head back to my rooms, but do you think you two can find your way back to your quarters on your own? I’m sure Sam wants more books to check out!” Trying to lighten the mood back up. 

“Yeah, no problem at all, we can find our way back. Will you come to get us before dinner?” Asked Sam sheepishly, like he wasn’t sure she would agree. 

“Yes, yes, of course.” Responded Hermione, looking up into those large, sweet, hazel eyes, and finally tearing herself away, she made for the hall. 

When Hermione was out of earshot, Dean slapped Sam on the back hard. “Way to go Champ, you’re not getting in those panties now!” 

Sam scowled at his brother, feeling awful for bringing up something she obviously didn’t want to talk about. He did intend to read up on all of it, though, so he’d be better prepared next time he talked to her. There was something wild and fascinating about Hermione, and he couldn’t quite place it. He also felt stirrings of energy around him, which made him nervous, very unlike, but not completely unlike, when he had his demon-blood power-ups. Something was making his brain itch here. Hogwarts was going to be interesting. 

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When she was finally back in her quarters, Hermione couldn’t bring her heart to stop beating wildly. She didn't know if it was Sam’s incredible physique or his questions about her part in the war, or Dean’s acceptance and shared trauma.  Either way, she needed to cool herself down quickly. 

She discarded her clothes and walked into her bathroom, and turned on the shower, not waiting for it to warm up, she stepped in, her skin immediately goosing. She shivered as she felt herself relaxing as the water warmed. Her hair was sticking to her back as she tilted her face towards the stream and let it wash away her thoughts. She tried taking deep breaths, but nothing was working. Realizing finally that only one thing would work, Hermione snaked her hand down between her legs and flicked herself. She felt her whole body become taut and warm. She imagined it was Sam’s hands touching her. Those large, rough, manly hands were grabbing her tits and twisting her nipples, while the other rubbed her furiously. What would it be like if it were both of them? Oh, Merlin and Morgana, now she was losing it. 

Hermione began to moan as she threw her head back against the shower wall, arching her back, and feeling the water pelt down on her nipples as if somebody were touching them. She stroked her clit with her fingers and imagined it was Sam doing it. Maybe with his tongue… gods, she wanted him badly. Imagining him on his knees in the shower, with her knee over his broad shoulder, licking her and touching her and finger fucking her until she finally explodes. The fantasy was too real, and Hermione finally felt herself reach her peak as she bit her lip to keep from screaming out loud, and rode the wave up and over until it finally crested and waned. 

As she got out of her shower, her knees felt weak and her hands shaky, but she slowly towel’d off the cooling water. Barely able to savor the feeling of the soft fabric against her skin. Hermione stood in her bedroom, breathing evenly, arms akimbo, staring at her dark navy teaching robes for that evening. This was going to be a long school year with them working here, looking like that. 

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Chapter Text

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The Sorting was well underway, and the atmosphere was cheery. The candles shone a little brighter, and the children talked more, and the magic of the castle was happy. 

Minerva was surveying the newest lot of Firsties. This class was significantly bigger than the previous years. Thankfully, the population had caught up as people became less afraid to have children after the Second War was over.  She spied Hermione and her nephews chatting it up at the far end of the table. She smiled to herself, chin tilted down. Hermione would be the perfect person to help them get acclimated. She had been working herself to the bone and needed a sense of joy in her life. What else did Minerva have to do than meddle? It was practically in the job description. 

Bobby had mentioned that the boys needed a fresh start, and they had experience to boot. She sensed there was something Bobby was leaving out, and judging by the looks Sam kept giving everyone, her money was on him. Time would tell. 

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Hermione was thoroughly enjoying herself at the feast. After her brief episode in the shower, she got dressed in her professional robes and took slightly more time on her hair and makeup. Time away from her disastrous teen years had given her the tools necessary to learn how to tame her hair just enough that the wild curls were defined and not frizzy. She applied basic blush, lip gloss, and mascara. To make myself feel better, yeah, definitely that. I am a Professor, I just want to make a good first impression… I’m definitely not trying to impress anybody else. 

She had collected the boys from their rooms, and they were looking even better this evening than this afternoon. Both of them dressed in dark colors, black boots, Dean with a dark green button-up with the top two buttons undone. I wonder what it would be like to kiss just there? Oh, Seven hells, calm down, girl.  Sam was dressed similarly but with a dark blue shirt, an actual tie, and a dark gray jacket. They both looked professional, rugged, muggle as hell, and hot as balls. Would this school year ever cease torturing her? She knew it had been a while, but it’s not even that she was all that excited for sex before. 

After the war, she and Cormac had a brief, if tumultuous, relationship. The passion after the war was over was quickly replaced by Hermione’s very real goals and changes that she wanted to make. She sought education and wanted to receive several Masteries, to further her career.  Cormac enjoyed the attention that came from dating a war hero and the Brightest Witch of her Age. One night, after a couple of weeks of arguments and cold silences, they had a very tear-filled (Hermione), vicious (Cormac) conversation about what they needed and wanted. Hermione finally found out that he had been “talking to” several women while they were together. And promptly banished his ass from her apartment, and they were no more. There were some less-than-savory articles in The Prophet about it, but it died down eventually. 

Ron was dating a lovely Jr Auror named Gemma. She was from the States and came here to make changes as a muggleborn. She wanted a big family and was a loud, expressive woman herself. She and Ron were very happy together, and Hermione was so happy for them, and a bit relieved. 

Then there was the whole thing during fifth and sixth year with Fred... but that was too painful to even think about. She needed to rid herself of the guilt and sadness of his death, but it was oppressive at times. 

Harry, in a fit of pique and honesty, announced that he was gay because he didn't want to hide anymore. It was no shock to Hermione at all; he told her that he was after Draco Malfoy like a man on a mission. The Weasleys were all shocked by Harry’s announcement. All except for Ginny, who had already known forever. She steadfastly cheered on his goals to make Malfoy his man. As for Hermione, it was brilliant watching Harry get to be who and what he wanted after so long in a role that he was forced to fill. It made Hermione’s heart happy that her best friend was so himself. He regularly came to the castle to have lunch with her and catch her up on all the drama in the Auror department. He would also complain that Hermione wasn’t at the Ministry like everyone had assumed she would be. But she wanted more. Hermione wanted knowledge and to be fulfilled; something about Hogwarts called to her, and she knew her path would start here. 

“Wait, so you’re telling me that this Harry guy was the ‘Chosen One’ and had to save the world? Geez, sound familiar, Sammy?” Dean’s rough laugh and question drew Hermione out of her mind and back to the present. 

Sam rolled his eyes at Dean’s antics as Sam continued to attempt to explain the Second Wizarding War to Dean. 

“So, Sam, you read the last couple of chapters of the book I gave you already? Did you find it helpful?” questioned Hermione. 

Sam reached for the scruff of his neck, and then stopped, pulling his hand back down... “Well, I kinda read the whole thing already. We had a couple of hours, and it was so good! There’s so much history to this place. We never even knew it existed until Bobby told us his sister was in charge of a magic school full of good witches. Seemed insane.” He was rambling, but Hermione just smiled at him, knowingly.  “So yeah, I kinda just kept reading, it was way more interesting than the usual reference or history books I'm used to. But, anyways.. The ending was… informative and interesting... And I’d say anybody involved was incredibly brave.” Sam was staring at Hermione, watching for her reaction. He didn't want to make her uncomfortable again, but wanted to let her know that he thought she was kind of amazing. 

Hermione glanced around and finally met his eyes. She was almost taken aback at their intensity. She shrugged her shoulders slightly. “They embellished a bit, but it’s over, and Harry, Ron, and I are alive, while others are not. It was… difficult…” before she could continue, a large yell erupted from the Gryffindor table, as one of the students’ hair sprouted into antlers with tiny birds that sang the Hogwarts School Song. 

Hermione sighed… and glanced at her Headmistress... “Goddamn Weasleys….” muttered Hermione. Dean and Sam were looking at the student with wide-eyed fascination, laughing with near tears in their eyes. Minerva glanced over to them with stern eyes, and they immediately tightened up. 

“Sorry Auntie Min! But come on… that kid has antlers, that’s awesome!” proclaimed Dean

Minerva very nearly rolled her eyes and then faced Hermione. “Hermione, could you be a dear and fix what I am sure is another Weasley product?” 

With a mirthful smile, Hermione went down to the Gryffindor table and gently spoke with the student. Sam and Dean watched her the whole time. They wanted to see magic at work, and for whatever reason, they wanted to see Hermione wield her wand like the badass the book described her as. Sam smiled to himself as she gently reminded the third-year student not to eat anything from unmarked packages and took out her wand so she could attempt to reverse the spell. She remembered from the fireworks incident that perhaps vanishing wouldn’t be the best idea. When she went to reverse it, the antlers and birds disappeared in a cloud of glitter that quite literally yelled out “Congrats, Professor Granger! We love you!” in George, Ron, and Ginny’s voices. The students at the Gryffindor table cheered for her as she attempted to shake loose the red and gold confetti bomb from her person. 

All the students in the Great Hall were laughing, and Hermione looked at Minerva, throwing her hands up in exasperation, laughing. Sam and Dean looked wildly entertained. When Hermione made her way back to the head table, they both gave her appreciative glances at all the glitter. 

“See, now the glitter reminds me of home, just like the str….” WHACK! Sam had smacked Dean right in the gut before he could finish his sentence. Thankfully, it was discreet enough that the students didn’t notice, but Hermione did and laughed at both of them. 

This was definitely going to be interesting. And why did it have to be glitter?

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 “Nooooooo RUN Hermione! Get out of here, please love!” She felt the hands push against her chest as she was flung backwards by magic and force. She watched the wall come down on him, her eyes locked on his the entire time. Bright blue, scared, angry, full of love. Her fall was cushioned by another invisible force of magic, as she witnessed the man she loved, die. The dirt caked on her face was being wiped clean by tears, and the awful smell of sulfur in the air hung around her. She could feel the magic of the castle mourning; it was like a suffocating blanket of grief. She couldn’t pull herself out of that moment. It was slow motion watching the rubble bury her beloved alive, losing the bright blue of his eyes. 

She could faintly hear Ron screaming, “‘Mione, we have to go NOW…. get up! We need to get to Harry! Let’s gooooo!” His voice urgent and painful. 

She could only grasp at her chest, where she still felt a whisper of Fred’s hands as he pushed her away, barely able to take a breath. How had she been so helpless? 

Hermione awoke with a start. Covered in cold sweats, shaking, and grasping at her chest. Bright blue swimming behind her eyelids as she blinked away the horror of the nightmare. It had been two years since the war ended, and she still saw him in her nightmares. They had started to become less and less frequent, but since being back at Hogwarts, the nightmares now came with a steady schedule of at least every couple of nights. 

Hermione peeled the sheets off her sticky body and proceeded on shaky legs to the bathroom. Her light pink sports bra and sleep shorts were cold and damp from her night terror. She stood staring at herself in the mirror, touching her chest. If she closed her eyes, she could almost feel the faint whisper of his hands, pushing her away. She sighed, opening her eyes, then bent over, splashing cool water on her face. As she rose back up, she was startled by what appeared to be a face in the mirror just over her shoulder, behind her. She shivered and whipped her head around, catching nothing but air. Breathing heavy, she wandlessly cast a homenim revelio that predictably showed nobody in the bathroom except her. She stared into the empty space and waited for her heart to slow down a bit. 

Get it together, Hermione, it was just a nightmare, you’re fine… remember your counting… 1,2,3,4 In. 1,2,3,4 hold 1,2,3,4 out, 1,2,3,4 In. 1,2,3,4 hold 1,2,3,4 out…

Her eyes closed shut, and she steadied her breathing and made her way back to bed. She remembered teaching Fred the Muggle meditations that she had learned as a kid. 

She threw her head back and laughed, “No, Fred, slooowly breathe in and THEN hold it, and then slooowly blow it out..” instructed Hermione. 

He gave her a heated gaze as he pursed his lips, “You mean like this…” As he drew in air and moved closer to her, he gently touched his lips over hers and then exhaled through his nose. She felt his cool, minty breath on her face. 

“Hmm, actually that was very good, despite your attempt to distract me.” She smiled and looked at him. They were tucked away at a nearly hidden table, their table, in the Restricted Section. Nobody ever came back here to look at the Magical Law and Theory and History of Wizengamot Hearings books, except Hermione, and then Fred. 

She found him back there one day researching laws that affected independent businesses and the age of their owners. Hermione was impressed. They often sat together working quietly, and Hermione was unaware that the pranking twin could be so serious and studious. During one particularly rowdy conversation about product testing, both of them were standing up and gesturing wildly to make their points. Hermione accidentally smacked him in the face while trying to make a point about not testing on 1st and 2nd years, and Fred started laughing wildly, then demanded she kiss it better. Not one to back down, she kissed his cheek gingerly, and he turned his head at the last minute to capture her lips. After several heated, deep kisses, Fred pulled away, “I’ve been wanting to do that for months… “ 

They spent the remainder of Hermione’s Fifth year either planning, studying, snogging, or shagging. Fred helped her plan for DA, and Hemione helped with products, formulas, and Arithmancy. At the end of that year, Hermione knew that the twins were no longer going to be at school, and she begged them to wait until exams were over before setting the school practically on fire. 

When the DA escaped to the Ministry, and Hermione was hurt, Fred was panicked. He snuck into the Hospital Wing, and sat with her every night. That summer, he helped her recuperate at home, and they spent most of their days together, as Fred could now apparate to her, at least when he wasn’t at the shop, and most of their nights. They told nobody, not their friends, not their parents. They each knew what their roles would be in the oncoming war, and both of them were scared to vocalize what might happen afterwards. 

They learned each other's bodies, what they liked, how they liked it. Hermione felt desired, passionate, and sexy in his arms, and Fred made the weight of the war lighter. They found comfort where most had found fear. 

Shaking the last remnants of the nightmare off of her, Hermione made her way back to bed, trying to remember all the things she wanted to cover on the first day with her students tomorrow. As she lay back down, the last thing she saw was a pair of deep, crystal blue eyes that sent a pang to her heart. She slept the rest of the evening soundly.

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Sam had woken up in the middle of the night, shaking and sweating for no reason. The curtains around his impressive king-sized bed were all open and flowing in the wind…. He could’ve sworn he closed the windows before bed... Actually, he knew he did, because he was thinking about Hermione and how she looked in her jeans.  He had felt a pull in the center of his chest, tingling down his arms, and slightly dizzy. He did a perimeter check of his room and the sitting room, and realizing nothing was amiss, he went back to sleep. 

He couldn’t explain the feeling to Dean the following morning. 

“I don’t know, Dean, it just felt…. Weird! My chest felt sore, but like good? And my arms were tingling, and my brain was a little fuzzy, but I couldn’t place it. It felt like I should know what it was... Maybe this school is just fucking with me…” 

“I dunno, Sammy. You sure you don’t feel any of that leftover hunger from the demon blood?” Dean put his hands up in defence... “I’m not saying it to be a bitch, just ya know….” Gesturing around him. 

Sammy ran his hand through his sandy hair and huffed loudly... 

“Honestly, Dean… this feels.. Good? Like it’s right? The.. blood… ugh, I knew that was wrong, it didn’t feel good or right, and never settled with me. But this feeling was different.” Clearly still struggling with the feelings, Dean came to his little brother's rescue. 

“It’s ok, we got a whole bunch of mini-hunters to teach today! Or mages, warlocks, and Glendas… whatever the hell they call themselves.” Sam just rolled his eyes... 

“It’s wizards and witches, or wix for the non-binary kids…and come on, the kids we have today are fourth and fifth years apparently, and in the Ravenclaw and Hufflepuff houses. So should be a great first day of teaching!”  

Dean sighed and went along with his brother through the “magic” hallway to their classroom. Why did he agree to this again? Damn, Bobby! 

                                     ~~~~~~~~~~~☪︎︎︎~~~~~~~~☼︎︎~~~~~~~~~~ ✏︎~~~~~~~~~~~

Minerva had watched all her younglings and staff at breakfast. The children seemed to be in a happy and excited mood this morning. Her Heads of Houses all passed out the schedules to the students. The staff had filled out this year as well. Neville was back as Pomona’s apprentice and arrived late last night. He seemed to be catching up with Hermione while her nephews looked on with an odd mix of emotions. Dean always looked suspicious and wary, Sam looked amused, curious, and a bit jealous of the casual touches between Hermione and the now very attractive man that Neville had grown into. Well, that wouldn’t do….. Time to meddle. The magic of the castle damn near agreed with her, startling the Headmistress! Hrmmm, she was still getting used to all of the castle's quirks. 

                                         ~~~~~~~~~~~☪︎︎︎~~~~~~~~☼︎︎~~~~~~~~~~ ✏︎~~~~~~~~~~~

“Neville, I’m delighted, as is Pomona, that you’re here with us this year to finish your apprenticeship. How did you find your room last night? We hooked up the floo already to the Three Broomsticks, so you won’t have to be away from Susan for too long… ahhh, young love.”  Minerva was channeling her inner Dumbledore, perhaps a bit too much, but this old woman needed some fun!

She watched as both of the boys' demeanors changed slightly, relieved as Hermione asked:

“Oh yes, Neville, how is Susan? I wrote her back a few weeks ago about lunch and Hogsmeade visits. I can’t wait to see her!” 

Neville sheepishly blushed and looked down, never quite losing the inner awkward chubby boy he was at 11. 

“She’s bril ‘Mione…” Sam and Dean glanced at each other over the nickname… Dean smirking. “She’s just the best, and I don’t know how I got so lucky. Plus, she’s an amazing cook, and everything at the Broomsticks is booming.” Neville looked wistful as he spoke of her, and Hermione couldn’t help but be happy for her friend. 

“OH Nev, you deserve the best, after everything we did… I’m so glad you’re happy, and you get to be here with us all year! This must be the youngest staff since Severus started.” 

“Oye, ‘Mione, why do you have to mention the bat.. He still terrifies me.” 

Dean looked confused and spoke up... “Ummm, is there a dude who’s a bat?” 

Hermione sat with her back straight and got her lecturing look on her face. 

“Now you listen here, Neville Longbottom, that man saved our lives, multiple times!” She turned her attentions to Dean... “And no, he’s not a bat, he’s a very nice gentleman who was the Potions Professor before me, he taught me a great deal and nearly died in the war defending the light.”

She whipped her head back to Neville... “...and just because you exploded cauldron’s left…”

“Alright, Mione! Merlin… I get it… He’s a good guy; he still terrifies me and makes me feel like I’m a child. But I’ll stop, I swear!” 

Dean was staring at Hermione with a grin on his face, like the cat who got the cream… He hadn’t seen a verbal dressing down like that since Ellen, and it was … well… it was hot when Hermione did it…. Her hair literally crackled with magic, and she got all flushed in the face… He wondered what he’d have to do to make her all flush... Or get her to yell at HIM like that… Shit... he wondered if Sammy could tell he was checking her out. One look to his left told him that his little brother was just as enthralled with the tiny angry witch as he was... 

Hermione was fuming after Neville's comment about Severus. She still felt the strong need to defend him after all he’d done for them. But Neville wasn’t nearly as bad about it as Ron. Who still didn’t understand that she and Severus were friends. He accused her of sleeping with him during her apprenticeship... Ron had a black eye for a week from her right hook, and everybody refused to heal it. 

During Hermione’s apprenticeship with the man, she and Severus had discovered that they were very much alike. Both studious, quiet, lonely, misunderstood, and underestimated. 

They had gotten in several famous rows, especially when Hemione defended his character in court, and he was cleared of all charges. She claimed it was so that the best could be her Apprentice Master, and it was entirely self-serving, but the sneaky Slytherin knew better. 

After that, they began to confide in each other about the things they’d done during the war, the years leading up to it. The idiocy that was Dumbledore’s decision-making. There were never any romantic feelings between though, Severus realizing that a solitary life was what he always wanted, and Hermione still grieving a certain redhead. They bonded over that too… Now her weekly correspondence with him kept her cackling. Severus’s sharp wit always made her laugh, and she kept him informed of what was happening in the castle. He had sold and destroyed his old family home and lived in a small cottage not far outside Hogsmeade that Dumbledore had left him. Growing herbs, making potions for an apothecary’s under a pseudonym. He was happy, finally, having a true friend in Hermione and Minerva and being free from any Masters. 

Once Breakfast was over, everybody fled to their classrooms for their first day of classes. Hermione had a free period first, and because she had written her whole curriculum for her courses and made adjustments over the summer, she found herself curious as to how the boys were going to teach DADA without magic. 

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Chapter Text

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Chapter Four: 

Hermione brushed her already frizzy hair out of her face… the sixth-year Gryffindor/Slytherin class had almost done her in. She completely understood why Severus always had “greasy” hair. Standing over a hot, humid cauldron, and it was all she could do to try to keep her hair in tight braids off her face. One wrong move and a student could blow up her classroom. 

She was gaining a reputation already as a slightly severe teacher, but considering her hero status and the volatile nature of the course, Hermione didn’t mind it. Let them believe what they wanted. She smirked to herself and cleared the air of its mildly metallic smell. 

The students had been making amorentia as the start to their NEWTS curriculum, and it was a smell that Hermione always associated with it. Parchment, peppermint, smoky cloves, and something vaguely metallic. She shook off the memories of lingering peppermint and Fred before sending the rest of the supplies to the closet. As she finished up her first day, she reminisced about watching the DADA class, and how... different...it had been....

Each of the brothers took one end of the classroom. Sam was in front, and Dean was towards the back. They already put the students on edge as they shuffled in and sat down. Sam started class by introducing both himself and his brother, asking the students to call them Professors Sam and Dean, instead of both Winchester. 

Hermione stood with a Notice-Me-Not on her by the door, so as not to distract the students... “Right, yeah, that’s why…” supplied her brain...” not because you wanna watch these badass hotties teaching and imagining them teaching you a thing or two…” 

Dean asked the students to clear their desks and move them over to the walls so they had a large area in the middle. He was commanding, and the students responded quickly. 

Sam and Dean were standing in the middle of the circle of students in the middle of the room. 

“If you were to lose your wand and were being attacked, what would be your first priority?” asked Professor Sam

A kind-faced Hufflepuff girl in the back raised her hand, and Sam gestured towards her. 

“Ummm, getting your wand back?” She answered shyly. 

Sam smiled at her, “While, yes, for most of you, your wand is the most important weapon, your first priority is to stay alive… Regardless of what you’re fighting or facing, you want to make it out of there in one piece… I’ve read that regrowing bones is no fun.” 

Several students giggled at that and nodded along if they knew the pain of skele-grow. Hermione herself was no stranger. Ouch…

With no preamble at all, Dean came around behind Sam and jumped and started choking him out. The students gasped and moved back away from the two of them, while Dean instructed... 

“If you get the element of surprise on an opponent that’s bigger than you, you have the advantaaaaaa…”

Sam easily flipped Dean over his shoulders and onto the ground with a soft thud. Dean made a grunting sound as he got himself up off the floor… The students cheered for them both. 

While Dean was instructing them to go off in pairs and give each other piggyback rides around the classroom, Sam glanced over in Hermione’s direction with a puzzled look on his face. Hermione breathed in quickly. There was no way he should be able to see through her spell. Must be those finely honed “hunter” skills of theirs. She retreated quickly after that… 

At dinner, all any of the students could talk about was how fun DADA had been and how their muggle professors were going to teach them to defend themselves…..

~~~~~~~~~~~☪︎︎︎~~~~~~~~☼︎︎~~~~~~~~~~ ✏︎~~~~~~~~~~~

In a dark corner of the dungeon, far away from the shadows of the New Moon, deep in a secret underground tunnel, a cloaked figure was whispering a chant over an old stone in the corner of the castle.  The air felt electric and hummed with power; it stank like sulfur and death and rotting. Blood slowly poured from the figure's arm. Rivulets running from their fingers onto the stone. The chanting got louder, and the figure seemed to vibrate and shake. With a final loud chant, dark, blood red runes appeared around the stone on the ground in a flash. The figure gripping their arm in pain before stumbling backwards and disappearing into the shadows. 

~~~~~~~~~~~☪︎︎︎~~~~~~~~☼︎︎~~~~~~~~~~ ✏︎~~~~~~~~~~~

Hermione woke up again, covered in sweat… this time from a nightmare she couldn’t quite recall. She was sure it had to do with the war… It always was…

This time, though, she felt the rumble of hunger in her belly and decided to go visit the kitchens. She had gone and visited the house elves before the year started, but it still hurt to look at them, and see Winky happy, and not miss Dobby. His death was still one of the worst she had to witness. Hermione’s heart ached for the ones she’d lost. Dobby had hurt. Lupin and Tonks took her breath away, but still nothing held a candle to Fred’s death. Some days she didn’t know if she’d ever get over it, maybe because nearly nobody else knew. She shared her pain with Severus, but he was still mourning Lily after so many years. She hoped that wasn’t the case for her. Hermione wanted to move on. She wanted to find love again, but now, for reasons completely unknown, she wouldn’t mind getting laid…. 

She threw on a short pink fuzzy robe that Harry had given her as a joke, over her sports bra and bike shorts, tonight’s were pale blue, and slipped her well-loved and worn dragonhide boots on over her striped socks. 

Sweet Merlin, I hope I don’t encounter a student out of bed in this get-up. That’s all I need. 

She slipped outside of her portrait and made her way silently down the dark hallways, making sure to dim the light from her wand and casting her blue bell flames softly in front of her. She had mastered the art of throwing them from her to light a path, and it made her happy how it lit up the floor, but didn’t disturb the portraits. As she made her way past Sam and Dean’s door, she listened for any activity, but it was just past midnight, so she assumed everybody was asleep. All was quiet on the home front. 

Hermione was not even a minute away from Sam and Dean’s door when a voice behind her made her jump. 

“Now that’s not a regulation teacher robe, Professor Granger……Whoooaaaa, lady.” Dean was blasted back on his ass as Hermione had whipped around and fired off a disarming spell before she could even think… 

“Oh dear Morgana, I’m so so sorry…” Hermione ran over to where Dean was awake, but slumped against the wall. “Ouch, lady.. That’s the fourth time I’ve been put on my ass today...” Dean rubbed his head as he tried to shuffle into more of a sitting position. 

“Dean… I’m so sorry, but you can’t sneak up on me like that!” Hermione started getting loud and huffy...”I just…. It’s a surprise… and I.. I can’t…” Her hands were gesturing wildly around her, and her long, loose curls had started to lift and spark... Dean was completely transfixed until he realized that Hermione was freaking out. 

He reached out and put both hands up in defence… “Hey… hey.. I’m sorry, you’re right. I’ve read about what you’ve been through. I get it. I didn’t mean to freak you out; that wand of yours packs one hell of a punch."

Hermione immediately deflated and nearly collapsed. Dean reached out and grabbed her upper arms and sat her down on the floor next to him. Her breathing was still rapid, and she looked like she had been sweating… He finally took stock of what the hell she had on. The robe had gotten a bit loose during her tirade, and he could see her light blue sports bra poking out, most of her legs... Jesus, they were nice… He couldn’t help but appreciate her more for her struggles and what she’d been through, and a sense of respect started to form. Hermione must’ve noticed him noticing, as she adjusted her robe and tried to tame her hair… 

She looked down sheepishly. She looked like she was going to open her mouth to say something, but just that moment….

“Hey, you guys alright? What happened out here?” Sam Winchester was standing like a tall knight in the hallway before them, with suspicious eyes that were taking in every detail. Hermione watched him clock her state of undress, and noticed the slight widening of his eyes, but mostly he focused on her face, her shaking hands, and her disheveled hair. 

“Yeah, we’re fine, Sammy. Glinda here got a little startled, and I deserved the ass-whooping she handed me… Right, Glinda?” Dean looked at Hermione like he was giving her an out, and she happily took it. 

“Yes, yes, I was a bit startled and just on my way to the kitchens, so I won’t bother you, gentlemen, any longer…” She went to get up, and Dean jumped up with a small wince and pulled her up with him. Hermione couldn’t help but notice the rough callouses on his hands, or how soft his eyes looked, like he could empathize with a trauma response borne of war. 

“Well, I’ll just be on my way to the kitchens now. You should really try and rest while you can, the school year can really get away from you, and rest becomes a commodity…” She joked, trying to lighten the mood. 

The brothers share a look, quick but full of information between them. 

“We wouldn’t mind a bite, actually, if you’ll have us?” Sam looked down at her with his gentle eyes and disarming half smile. 

That’s really going to become a problem… 

“Sure, of course, just follow me this way, and we’ll tickle the pear.” Hermione was proud of herself for making a fun quip while her heart was still racing in her chest, and the adrenaline was starting to ebb. 

The brothers followed after her with a confused look on their faces. 

“Listen, I haven’t tickled the pear in a while, but I doubt I want to in the school's kitchen….oooof, hey!” Sam thwacked Dean upside the head again. 

“Hermione, is that code for something, or do we really need pears to get into the kitchen?” Sam asked kindly, and pointedly looked at Dean, who was suppressing a chuckle. 

Hermione took them as they walked and talked and felt almost like it was a secret to see them this way with each other, like they were all carrying on a secret or an inside joke. The shock of guilt and pain that erupted in her gut at the thought that it was like with Harry and Ron, and she hadn’t felt like part of the group in a while. It was a warm feeling coupled with guilt and the growing pains of becoming adults. 

As they approached the large painting of the fruit bowl, Hermione gestured toward the pear…

“Go ahead, boys, tickle the pears…” Hermione said with her eyebrow raised in a way that would make Severus proud. 

They glanced at each other and then raced to put their fingers on the painting, while they tickled the pear… Hermione laughed at their antics, and about 3 seconds after the tickling, the portrait swung open to reveal the vast kitchens of Hogwarts. Two pairs of yellow and green eyes turned to look at them as they were drying dishes. 

“Miss Hermione is back!!!! We is missing missus in the kitchen!” said a short, tawny elf with a pink bow around her ears and a very nice and clean Hogwarts uniform on. 

Hermione pushed the boys inside as they looked at everything in confusion and wonder and walked in behind them. 

“Hello Winky, it’s a pleasure to see you again, and doing so well. This is Sam and Dean Winchester, they are new Professors this year. Do you think we could bother you for a snack?” 

Winky looked beside herself, nearly exploding with glee. “Missy Hermione does me an honor! Of course, I will gather snacks for youse friends.” 

“Is there pie?” Asked Dean, hesitating, not sure what to make of the little elf.  

“For Mister Dean Winchester, Hunter of North America, there is always pie!” 

Dean smiled triumphantly as Winky popped off and about 15 seconds later popped back with some fruit, cheese, biscuits, tea, and a whole cherry pie for Dean. She placed it on the small table in the kitchen and then pushed them to go sit down. 

Winky shoved Hermione and Dean towards their seats, even if Dean was almost there anyway, as he was enticed by pie. 

As Winky went to grab Sam, she made contact with his arm, and her eyes glazed over. In a strange voice, much deeper and older-sounding than her own, Winky said:

“There is more than one thing waking up in the castle this moon cycle… Wake up, Sam Winchester, WAKE UP!” 

As they both collapsed on the ground in a heap, unconscious. 

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