Chapter Text
Chapter 1: Job Offerings and Ogling
Hermione sat in her favorite armchair in the library of Number Twelve reading Advanced Transfiguration: A guide to NEWT level transfiguration. It was exactly one month since the fall of Voldemort and one week since her return from Australia. The memory charm she had used on her parents was non reversible but Hermione still went to make sure that they were doing well and happy with their new life. After she was assured they were indeed settled and happy she had returned to Number Twelve were Harry had been staying since the final battle.
Letters had arrived while she was gone inviting them to return to Hogwarts as 'eighth years' to finish their formal schooling. There was also letters that offered internship, apprenticeship, and outright job opportunities to all three of them even without their NEWTs. Harry and Ron had jumped at the chance to start Auror training without going back to Hogwarts. Hermione however decided that she wanted to get a job on her own merits and not as a result from her war-hero status.
Even though Hermione had already taught herself as much of the NEWT level work as she could while on the run she still needed to sit her NEWTs, she was still not certain what she wanted to do with her life. She figured that going back to school would give her the opportunity to figure out what direction she wanted to go in life.
As she was reading about the advanced theory behind animagus forms, movement out of the corner of her eye had her reaching for her wand and jumping from her chair, a hex at the time of her tongue before recognizing the person standing in the doorway. Minerva McGonagle raised one eye brow but refrained from commenting on Hermiones over reaction. After the war it was a common occurrence and she relaxed her own wand when she saw Hermione lower her own.
"Miss Granger, I am sorry for startling you. It was not my intention." Minerva came into the room as Hermione blushed red from embarrassment.
"I'm sorry Headmistress. Old habits and whatnot. It is a pleasure to see you. Tea?" Hermione stowed her wand and gestured to the chair across from her, offering a seat in addition to the tea.
"That would be lovely thank you. I had hoped you would be available to talk. I have a proposition for you." Minerva sat gingerly on the edge of the chair, noting that both chairs had a live of sight to the door. She frowned, saddened at the thought these young adults had been forced to grow up in an environment where such precautions were second nature. Hermione missed the look though as she called for Kreacher and asked for tea. Since Harry had earned Kreachers respect, he had started acting at least civil to Hermione and did as she asked if not with enthusiasm, at least with out insults.
"Tea should be served momentarily. What can I help you with Headmistress?" Hermione took her own seat again and looked at Minerva with interest.
"Please my dear, call me Minerva. After fighting along side someone it seems silly to use such formal honorifics." Minerva gave the girl a small smile, barely a quirk of her lips.
"Thank you Minerva, and you must call me Hermione." Hermione gave her own small smile. Just then tea arrived and Hermione served. Minerva took her cup and finally settled back into her chair a bit more.
"Well Hermione, as you know reconstruction of Hogwarts is going well and while it wont be complete until closer to the end of the year, it will be completed enough to open the school in the fall. I am however having trouble filling all of the teaching positions. I know that you were planning on returning to Hogwarts this fall to complete your formal schooling and sit your NEWTs but I was hoping you would consider a different option." Minerva saw the interest in Hermiones eyes as she listened and sipped her tea. The past Hermione would have already been on the edge of her seat with a hundred questions. This Hermione seemed to matured enough to listen fully before letting her inquisitiveness take hold of her. Minerva took a sip of her own tea before continuing.
"I would like to offer you two things in fact. Please know that the acceptance of the first does not require the acceptance of the second. If you would like to just accept the first you can decline the second but I hope that you will not." Hermione nodded her head in understanding, again waiting for Minerva to continue without interruption.
"Firstly I would like to offer you the opportunity to take your NEWTs at the end of the summer. I have already spoken to the Minister and he assured me that it would not only be possible but his great pleasure to help you do this. I am sure that you could already pass the tests with flying colors but this would give you a few months to review and I would be happy to set some time aside to help you with any questions you have as you review. As would most of the other current teachers at Hogwarts I am sure." Minerva saw the indecision in Hermiones face as she thought about the offer.
"Before I decide, what would be the other thing you are offering?" Hermione again seemed to be holding back her questions until all information was gathered.
"A teaching assistant position starting in the fall." Hermiones eyes brightened with renewed interest at this offer. "As I said, I am having difficulties finding teachers for the next school year and have a number of positions to fill. Muggle studies and Defense both of course need filled. Slughorn has absolutely refused to return so Potions and Head of Slytherin are open. Flitwick has been hinting at his desire to retire within the next few years so I will need to keep an eye out for someone for the Charms and Head of Ravenclaw positions. I myself will be unable to teach Transfiguration and fulfill all my Headmistress duties, at least not with out help. Professor Snape may come back to fill either Potions or Defense but is still in recovery and may not be able to return in time so I will need at least a substitute for now." Minerva took another sip of her now luke warm tea before setting it aside and continuing.
"Unfortunately I have been unsuccessful in finding even one guaranteed new professor. Quite a few maybe's sure but people seem to be adverse to teaching at a school where such a large part of the war took place. Minister Kingsly has offered to assign Ministry employees to qualifying positions but I would prefer to have teachers who actually want to be there as opposed to people who are forced to be." Minerva looked at Hermione expectantly.
"Minerva, while I think I can see where you are going with this I would hate to assume. Are you asking me for help finding professors, or are you asking me to become one?" Hermione looked straight into Minervas eyes, giving nothing of her own thoughts away as she asked this.
"I was hoping that after taking your NEWTs you might agree to becoming a professor yourself. We both know that without your tutoring and help Harry and Ronald would never have gotten even halfway decent grades while they were in school. You were also a prefect and would have been Head Girl if events hadn't prevented you from returning last year. I could list a hundred different reasons why I think you would make and excellent teacher. You are the brightest witch of your generation and can have your pick of subjects to teach. You are young, yes but after sitting you NEWTs you would be more than qualified. And yes I would still say all of this even if I wasn't desperate to fill positions." Minerva finished this statement with a small smirk at Hermiones disbelieving stare.
"So let me get this straight. You want me to take my NEWTs at the end of the summer after self study and private tutoring from current professors. Then as soon as the results are in start teaching classes including an eighth year class of students my own age? All without gaining a few years of experience in my chosen discipline outside of Hogwarts? Parents and even students to respect me as a teacher if the position is all but handed to me on a silver platter?" Hermione was doing her best to keep the longing from her voice and face. What Minerva was offering was like a dream come true. Hermione had always mused that eventually she would like to teach but thought she would first have to spend many years gaining experience outside of the class room to even be considered.
"Hermione, we both know that you could pass your NEWTs right now if you took them. Taking the summer to study with the help of your former teachers is so you can be confident when you do finally take the test. As for teaching students your own age, you were always one of the older students having your birthday so close to the beginning of the year. Add in the extra time you spent during third year (even after I cautioned you to over use), you are probably closer to 20 than the 19 the rest of the world thinks you are turning in a few months. If you would like I am sure there are tests that could be done to figure out your exact age and when your birthday would now fall. So you already are older than any students I would be asking you to teach, even if they were recently your peers. If you are that against teaching your year mates, I am sure we can figure something out for their class depending on what you decide to teach. The students already know and respect you so I doubt they will be too much of a problem. As for the parents, you let me worry about them. They will quickly see that you are more than qualified for the job. Also you have more real world experience from last year then most of the other candidates I have been interviewing." Minerva knew if this was the worst that Hermione could come up with than she had her. It was only a matter of which class she would be taking over for. Minerva jumped for joy on the inside knowing now only was this one less position to fill but it was going to someone who not only deserved it but would be a joy to work with. Minerva sat back to wait until Hermione came to the same conclusion.
Hermoine's brow was furrowed and she nibbled absently on her lower lip as she thought over Minervas words. She knew that her age was slightly more than even Minerva thought it might be. Between the extra classes, increased study time, and occasional spin back to get caught up on sleep in third year with the time turner, she wasn't sure she even wanted to know how old she really was now.
Also, while she was planning on taking the year to review for the NEWTs she also knew that there was very little new information to be learned from the classes and would more than likely be bored without the challenge. Mostly this next year was to figure out what she wanted to do in her life and she could think of nothing better than to pass along her knowledge and experiences to the next generations. This was an opportunity she didn't think she was able to even think about passing up. This decided she turned her thoughts to the subjects she had to choose from.
She was probably most qualified to teach Muggle Studies but the thought did not appeal to her at all. While the subject wasn't worthless it wasn't exactly useful either to anyone but purebloods anymore. She wanted to teach something useful to all. She supposed that she had to experience to teach Defense Against the Dark Arts but even Harry was better than her at the subject and she wanted Professor Snape to have his pick as well. He deserved to teach the subject he wanted so she wouldn't go for Defense or Potions. That left Transfiguration and (possibly) Charms. Choosing Charms meant that she would have at least an extra year as an assistant before she would be required to teach on her own which would come in handy. She also had a natural talent for Charms but Hermione knew her answer already. As interesting as Charms was it was Transfiguration that held her attention. Mind made up she turned to the quiet woman sitting across from her with a smile.
"Well I guess you can stop looking for a Transfiguration professor then."
"Perfect! I will let you know the exact date for your NEWT exams as soon as I can get it from Kingsly. Also, I welcome you to move into your new room early. You would have unrestricted access to the Hogwarts library to help with your self study, and be close to the rest of the teachers for any questions that pop up. You will also have your pick of any open teachers quarters, considering you would be the first one to arrive."
"I don't know how to thank you enough Minerva." Hermione sat forwards, eyes shining with unshed tears. "I would be honored to move in right away but please give me a few days to talk to the boys and pack. I will owl you as soon as I can to let you know when to expect me."
"Oh course dear girl, take your time." Minerva sat forward to pat Hermiones hand before standing up. "Now that everything is settled I really do need to be on my way. I have a Minister to contact and more teachers to find. Maybe Severus has finally decided which subject he wants as well." Minerva stood up and started moving towards the door. Hermione also stood and followed her out.
"If there is anything I can do to help, please let me know."
"Of course dear. See you soon."
~*~
Hermione sat at her desk in her new office going over Minervas old lesson plans. It was one week since her NEWT scores came in and she was officially hired as the new Transfiguration professor. All of her teachers had been extremely supportive and she had received O's on her Charms, Transfiguration, Arthmancy, and Muggle Studies NEWTs. Snape had not returned to the castle during the summer so she had only received E on Defense and Potions and she while she would have preferred O's she was happy with the results considering her lack of proper instruction.
Since her summer had been spent studying she had not had a chance yet to start on lesson plans so for the first year at least she would be working almost exclusively with Minervas old plans and she had been doing her best in the last week to go through them all and get her class room set up. It was three days until the start of the school year and Hermione was feeling more confident by the day.
Hermione glanced up at the clock at the mantle and started. It was five thirty and Minerva had called a mandatory staff dinner for six to welcome all the new teachers and give everyone a chance to get to know each other before the school year began. Hermione quickly tidied up her notes and debated if she had enough time to run to her rooms and change. She decided she would rather be a few minutes late than to show up in the loose long sleeve t-shirt and worn jeans she was currently wearing. First impressions were important when you were not only one of the new teachers but the youngest person on staff.
The halls were empty as Hermione ran down the corridor and up a flight of stairs. Her class room was on the first floor and her rooms on the third. A touch of her hand and the door unlocked, recognizing her magical signature. Hermione had made the wards such so that no student would accidentally hear her password to be let in.
She hustled through her sitting room already pulling her shirt over her head with one hand and unbuttoning her jeans with the other. She shot a quick look of longing towards the bathroom wishing she had time for a quick shower but hurried over to her wardrobe instead. This was an informal dinner so she didn't want to appear overdressed and looking like a kid playing dress up, but she did want to look professional. She quickly a pair of soft grey slacks and a purple blouse, pulling them on before grabbing a pair of black flats and pulling them on. She grabbed a hair tie off the dresser and swept her hair back into a messy bun as she headed back towards the door. Glancing at the clock she saw she had just enough time to scrub the ink off her hands and splash some water on her face to freshen up.
She took a moment to look in the mirror noticing that the purple blouse was a little lower cut then she remembered but didn't have time to change now. A quick tug to (hopefully) cover a bit more and she was on her way, hurrying across the castle to the staff room where the dinner was being held.
Hermione showed up right as 6 but was still the last one enter the room. Minerva looked up and though her eyes raised slightly at the low cut top she smiled her welcome just the same. Hermione flushed just a little and headed to the one remaining open chair at the table, not noticing the occupants to either side until she had taken her seat. To one side Septima Vector sat arguing with Sybill Trewlawney about how Arithmic predictions were not in fact Divination in another form. She glanced to the other side to see what she assumed was a new teacher deep in a hushed conversation with Filius Flitwick.
At the end of the table she spotted Hagrid who caught her eye and gave her a wave before turning back to Rolanda Hooch to continue their conversation. Hermione had just started to feel slightly left out when at the head of the table Minerva stood and called for quiet.
"Thank you all for joining me this evening. Dinner will be served shortly but before that I thought I might introduce everyone since we have so many new faces this year. Starting to my right we have Penelope Weasley nee Clearwater, Deputy Head of Ravenclaw, Assistant Charms. Irma Pince, Librarian. Aurora Sinistra, Head of Griffindor, Astronomy. Argus Filch, Caretaker. Augustus Sinclair, Head of Slytherin, Potions. Rolanda Hooch, Flying. Rubeus Hagrid, Grounds Keeper, Care of Magical Creatures. Pomona Sprout, Head of Hufflepuff, Herbology. Poppy Pomfrey, Matron and Nurse. Sybille Trelawney, Divination. Septima Vector, Arithmancy. Hermione Granger, Deputy Head of Griffindor, Transfiguration. Severus Snape, Defense Against the Dark Arts. Filius Flitwick, Deputy Headmaster, Head of Ravenclaw, and Charms. Not with us tonight is Professor Binns, ghost in charge of History of Magic, and Firenze, centaur who co-teaches Divination.
"In other news, Filius has announced that this will be his final year teaching. Penelope will be spending this year as his assistant and start as a full professor this year. After his retirement, Severus will become the new Deputy Headmaster. Aurora, while not a Griffindor with be the Head of House until Hermione feels comfortable taking over the position fully.
"There is only three days left until the new students arrive so if you have any questions or concerns before the term starts please come see me tomorrow. Tonight is about getting to know one another and welcoming the new teachers. So without further ado, lets eat."
Upon saying this food appeared on the table, much as it would during the opening feast. Unlike the opulence of the welcoming feast however, the food was standard fare for Hogwarts. Roast beef with a variety of roasted vegetables, green salads, and three different kinds of rolls. Still a feast in Hermiones mind as she reached forward to fill her plate.
Still feeling slightly embarrassed by her choice in shirt, Hermione had to stop herself from adjusting it and drawing attention to the low cut. She peeked around the table noticing all the faces both old and new as they resumed their conversations from before Minervas speech.
Her gaze landed on the new potions professor and she quickly lowered her head towards her plate so he wouldn't see her looking at him from the corner of her eye. Augustus Sinclair was a tall older man, silver hair around the sides but bald on top (a cul-du-sac was the Muggle term). He was smiling at something Hooch had said and the smile actually reached his eyes. Hermione raised a brow at that. The only other Sytherin she had seen truly smile instead of sneer or smirk, was Slughorn but even then it never reached his eyes. She was still musing on this but now gazing down at her food when the person to her left caught her eye.
She had not recognized Severus Snape when she had first sat down. He had cut his hair to brush his jaw instead of wearing long to his shoulders. He also wasn't wearing his standard billowing teachers robes but a dark green jumper over a white cotton shirt and black slacks. Now that he had turned towards her though she was able to see his distinct and familiar features. His face had filled out some, not so gaunt as before as it had been when he had been under so much pressure during the war. His nose, while still larger than most, did not seem to take over his face so much now and seemed to fit with his strong jaw and wide cheek bones. His eyes where the same dark brown, almost black and still as intense and they started straight at her... chest?
'Wait... what?!?'