A Professor of Magic at Hogwarts-Chapter 734: Side Story - Granger

As we moved into late June, the sweltering heat could be felt even in the underground confines of the British Ministry of Magic.

Hermione pretended that her recent bad mood was due to the upcoming match. News related to the floating island surged, with Mafalda Prewett, editor of the Hogwarts newspaper "The Quibbler," commenting on the phenomenon, "At any given time, you can see at least one person riding a public broomstick, camera in hand, circling the island. Needless to say, those are my lovely colleagues."

Rita Skeeter, known for her biting satire, nearly became the news herself after reporting on 'smuggling families hiding dirt' and 'outstanding zoologists or terrible fashion designers.' This time, she turned her focus to the island's visitors. She hinted at having bribed island staff for an early copy of a celebrity list, which included some members of the Order of the Phoenix, the Frontline Lookout, and the Serpent's Tail Club, as well as politicians, piano poets, and last year's world's second-ranked tennis player. But most importantly, she speculated on the "power shifts behind the World Cup" and the ensuing "public panic," delighting in the chaos.

Foreign journalists were no less relentless, seemingly confirming Mafalda's point, "There are more reporters on the island than tourists." This was, of course, an exaggeration, but as the Senior Undersecretary, Hermione knew all too well. She was currently approving new island access applications.

"This morning alone saw 120 applications, and if we include the information synced from the Muggle government, that number jumps to... two thousand. And that's just for one morning!" Hermione massaged her forehead, "There aren't enough Portkeys, and the Floo network has a limited capacity, which must remain clear for emergencies... Didn't we retrofit a cruise ship for the British government?"

"The Prime Minister intends to use that ship for the Queen and her officials," someone from the Magical Transportation Department answered.

Hermione opened her mouth as if to scoff, but said nothing.

"I can only offer twenty temporary Floos, located on an island 30 miles from the floating island. If they agree, we'll arrange for transportation; otherwise, they'll have to find their own way." She penned her suggestions and signed her name at the bottom of the document, "Send this to Kingsley." The office fell silent.

Glancing at the clock, which seemed to have stopped at four, Hermione reviewed her desk's paperwork: new regulations, potion inventory checks, private flying broom licenses, the opening date for wizarding villages, and the draft of the "Anti-Space Smuggling Act"... After ensuring everything was addressed, she found herself staring at a photo on her desk of her and Felix on Mars, sitting on reddish-brown rocks against a backdrop of desolate dunes and a looming sandstorm, with an oasis behind them. Valen, under a Bubble-Head Charm, hopped around with keen interest.

A smile of reminiscence appeared on her face as she gently touched the frame, her years of experience flashing by:

As an assistant to the former Minister for Magic, Mrs. Bones, Hermione's entry into the Ministry was notable. The Minister's Assistant Office served the Minister with a staff varying from one to a dozen, acting as aides and occasionally, placeholders doing little work.

But Hermione was thoroughly tested here.

Initially responsible for reporting Muggle affairs, she gradually delved into the intricacies of the Pan-Magical Alliance and the logistics of various magical species. Her political aptitude shone through. Three years later, Hermione became an observer for the International Pan-Magical Alliance, traveling the world and writing reports that offered meticulous analyses for the Alliance's headquarters.

Upon her return to the British Ministry at 24, her experience far surpassed her peers. After an amiable interview, she became the head of the Minister's Assistant Office. Technically, she could have commanded Felix, who was still figuring out the office hierarchy.

Following a conventional path, she could have climbed the political ladder, potentially becoming Minister for Magic. However, she would have faced limitations in her magical path. Unlike Harry's smooth journey, Hermione encountered her boundaries early on. Despite her exceptional abilities, she realized she might never become a great witch, a realization that blocked many talented wizards.

It was the trip to Mars that brought unexpected changes to Hermione. As she later summarized, "A wizard's magical transformation is inseparable from a profound spiritual shock. For me, it was that month on Mars. Freed from earthly concerns, I felt insignificant against the vast universe yet overwhelmingly moved when lighting a small corner of the starry sky. It felt like my previous understanding of magic was completely overturned."

Returning from Mars, she wrote several papers on the essence of magic, mostly speculative but enough to demonstrate her newfound understanding of magic. Felix selected one for publication, regarded as

a perfect demonstration of "magic's adaptability under extreme conditions."

In her office, Hermione mused, "That feeling was truly remarkable."

"What's 'truly remarkable'?" a voice interjected. Looking up, Hermione caught Harry's awkward expression and teased, "The moment you performed the Wronski Feint in front of everyone at your wedding."

Harry coughed awkwardly, caught up in the excitement of his first wedding and the public vows under the sky. After the vows, Fred and George's shout turned the event into a broomstick dive with lively guests.

"By the way, what brings you here?" Hermione shifted the conversation, "I thought you'd be too busy to step out."

"Pretty much," Harry muttered, "I've missed at least three family gatherings, even little Albus is upset with me. There's too much to handle; it's a city of a million, with most of the world's countries and factions. Honestly, I'm struggling."

"Maybe you could try Felix's approach?" Hermione suggested.

"Good idea," Harry replied, "Delegate tasks, solve a couple of problems when appearing, and send troublemakers away... I've seriously considered it, but it's not my style."

Hermione raised an eyebrow.

"Are you here for comfort or to complain?"

"Neither," Harry said seriously, "It's about something else."

Hermione looked across the desk at him.

"The Ministry found a Time-Turner at the Nott's, right?"

"How did you—"

"You tell me first," Harry said.

Hermione thought for a moment. "Yes, the Ministry has been systematically reclaiming Time-Turners lost over centuries, regardless of their condition. This has been ongoing since Mrs. Bones's tenure because... well, you know why."

"Oh, I see..." Harry said slowly. One of them had experienced time travel, far beyond what the Ministry allowed, indirectly leading to the break-in at the Department of Mysteries, the theft of vast amounts of temporal energy, and Time-Turner hourglasses; they both knew who was responsible.

"Mrs. Bones felt it necessary to conceal the existence of Time-Turners, especially during a period of opening up the magical world," Hermione explained. "It was Dumbledore who initially requested them from the Ministry. Now, with his departure, that policy has ended. Time-Turners will no longer be available in schools or to the public, a stance Kingsley and I agree with."

Harry pondered Dumbledore's attitude towards Time-Turners, the silver instruments always on the long desk, then took out a small golden Time-Turner from his pocket and placed it on the table.

Hermione's eyes widened, then her expression of surprise slowly turned contemplative.

"That can't be yours," she said.

"It's from the Malfoys," Harry confessed. "Draco intended to give it to Professor Harp but wasn't sure about his thoughts, so he asked me to deliver it to you as a compromise. He said, uh," Harry scratched his head, "Astoria is well now, fully capable of attending the World Cup opening."

"That's good news," Hermione smiled.

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