Authors Note: So it's been a while since I've written… but again I will start with the whole spiel of these characters don't belong to be, I'm making no profit, etc. etc. That being said, this doesn't fit into any of the books and Snape doesn't die so yeah =) Enjoy!

Chapter 1

"Miss Granger, there is no such thing as post graduate studies here at Hogwarts. We are the finest teaching institution in the entire wizarding world. If you wish to further your knowledge, limit your field of interest to a subject such as muggle studies, potions, or herbology, and further your knowledge in that subject through other means than Hogwarts. You cannot stay for an eighth year I'm sorry."

Minerva McGonagall rubbed her temples and paced around Dumbledore's desk. It had been two years since he'd passed away, and a year after the war. Professor McGonagall was still sorting through all of Dumbledore's things and did not need Hermione Granger at her throat wanting to stay another year.

"But Professor, I haven't learned all that I can. I request to stay another year please!"

Professor McGonagall sighed. "We both know that's a lie dear. You scored the top marks on all of your OWLS and NEWTS, received remarkable recommendations from all of your professors to study to become an auror, and the ministry of magic has already offered you 2 internships and 4 permanent positions. That is quite the honor, and proves that you have reached your potential at this school. The most I can compromise with you is a teacher intern position as the transfiguration teacher as I Iam now headmaster."

Hermione started to pace around, shuffling her feet as she moved about. Fawkes the phoenix eyed her with confusion and cawed at her as she was making him dizzy. The paintings around the walls were shouting to her 'become on auror!' 'Go to the ministry and straighten things out!' 'You're a bright young lady why would you stay here?'. They kept shouting at her until Professor McGonagall shouted at them all.

"Oh how I wish Albus was here.' McGonagall whispered to herself through sighs as Hermione still paced around.

"If I may ask Miss Granger, why do you want to stay here?"

Hermione stopped. She hadn't really thought about that, partially because she knew she'd always be at Hogwarts. But she really didn't need to think about it.

"My parents both live in the muggle world, I'd never fit in there. As for the wizarding world… I don't fit in here either. I've been offered a lot of jobs that are quite the honor, but I belong here, at Hogwarts. I've never felt such an attachment in my life. After the war, I knew I had to stay for many reasons."

"Such as Miss Granger?"

Such as Severus Snape, Hermione thought to herself. When she saw him lying on the ground helpless, she couldn't help but think if they survived it she would finally let him know of her feelings and hope for the best.

"Such as teaching young minds about the war. I lived it! I could write a book and it could become a textbook for history of magic! Professor, I'd like to take your offer to become the transfiguration professor."

McGonagall looked at her dumbfounded. She chose Hogwarts over the ministry? Being an auror?

"Very well then Miss Granger. Since you show such passion, I'd also like you to teach first and second years defense against the dark arts, because, after all, you were a large part of the war."

Hermione's face erupted out into a smile as she ran over to hug professor McGonagall. She couldn't contain her excitement. Maybe things will work out! As she rushed out of the office to tell Ron and Harry who were waiting for her in the Great Hall a thought occurred to her. Snape had wanted the position she had just received. She didn't know how to go about that. Should she still tell him of her feelings? Or would he dismiss her before she said a word because of her positions now? She shrugged it off and ran into the Great hall to share the great news.

"Transfigurations and Defense against the Dark Arts." She said proudly.

"Were those your best marks? Blimey Hermione, no one could have beaten you on any of those tests!"

"No you fool, I've been hired to teach here!"

Ron's cheeks turned red in embarrassment and his smile faded into sadness. He really did like Hermione, and couldn't stand that they'd be apart. Ron had been accepted to a training camp for the Chuddley Canons as a keeper. He'd be moving at once.

"That's great Hermione." Harry said, getting up and going to give her a hug. Harry wouldn't be staying around either. He and Ginny were moving into a house in London where no muggle would recognize him. They both had received jobs at the ministry and would commute there through hidden passages the ministry had set up.

"Thank you Harry. I guess this means goodbye to both of you then… we had a good run didn't we?" Hermione said through a broken smile. Tears welled up in her eyes, of both sadness and happiness. The life she dreamt of was about to begin but the life she knew was about to end.

"Don't think of it like that 'mione. We'll keep in touch and see each other again, really soon. I promise." Ron said, taking her hands and taking her into an embrace. Hermione sobbed a bit but let go of the hug, rubbed the tears off her face and smiled as much of a smile she could manage.

Ron and Harry made their way to the front to say their good byes to one another as Hermione went back to Professor McGonagall's office to get more information. As she said the password and went through the wall, she hid behind the wall because she heard two voices arguing.

"Minerva! You knew I wanted this job all along and you said that I could have this position as soon as the school year was over!"

"Severus, you should be fully aware that since Albus was killed that I have been hesitant ever since. I said you could have the position unless someone else came along and they did. I do not want a former death eater to be teaching the children self-defense!"

'Oh no…' Hermione thought to herself. She walked into the office and half smiled at the two professors. Severus growled a bit and Minerva was relieved that she didn't have to argue anymore.

"Won't this year be splendid?" Severus said with a snarl and a hint of sarcasm in his voice. He stormed out the room with his cape trailing behind him. Hermione sighed.