High

A/N: So no prologue for this one I just wanted to get right in it. So… Severus is alive, I'm not going to go into how, he just is. The Room of Requirement/ Room of Hidden Things were not destroyed. Hermione is 21 years old, going to be 22 in September. And instead of doing Parts this story is going to be an overview of what happened each month, so 5 chapters. I will post when that chapter is done instead of hanging on to all the parts until story is completed. I hope you enjoy! AU. Have fun.

August

Hermione arrived at Kings Cross Station, Platform 9- ¾'s. It had been 3 years since the Second Wizarding War, Hogwarts was finally done with the rebuild and the school would be once again open to students. After the war, Hermione Granger obtained employment with the Ministry of Magic, Ron and Harry also fulfilled their life dream of becoming Aurors. She rarely saw them, as they were gone off searching and fighting dark wizards that still lingered. Letters and correspondents still flowed between them. Hermione and Ron did enter a short lived relationship. His insecurity always caused second guessing on his part, and a little bit of criticism on hers. They departed on friendly terms but would never be the same after she gave herself fully to him. They would have never been a strong match long term. He wanted a replica of his mother and she wanted freedom to do and explore things for herself.

The years, no longer being one-third of the gang, had been extremely beneficial for Hermione. Her organization of S.P.E.W. gained recognition throughout the Wizarding World. She bought her parents home, after they moved to Australia. Although, Hermione could not reverse the Obliviate Charm she befriended them and wrote to her mother often. Since Hogwarts was under construction, Hermione worked with the professors and Ministry to allow student to house in London and come to the Ministry for schooling. The past years were a whirlwind, she was sad to see this temporary solutions end.

One day while shopping in Diagon Alley she met with Professor Minerva McGonagall for lunch. The witches talked about time change and what had been occupying their time since the war.

"I have a confession, my dear." the Professor started, "I invited you out to ask you to take a position at Hogwarts."

Hermione was intrigued, "What type of position, Minerva?" Calling her old Head of House by her first name was still a bit jarring to Hermione, but the Headmistress insisted after working together at the ministry.

"Well, I have a couple, but the one I had in mind for you; I would like you to become Hogwarts newest Charms Professor."

"Charms!" Hermione couldn't help but to allow this excitement fill her.

"Yes, Professor Flitwick has chose to stay in London. The access to culture and nightlife, he has grown quite fondly of. And, of course, when I asked who would be one person I should look into asking about the position, he mentioned your name." the witch smirked, "And I could not have agreed with him more.

"Yes. I accept!" She hugged her new Headmistress. Hermione set her affairs in order and hid her home using the Fidelius Charm.

Now she was on her way back to her favorite place, but now as a Professor. She sat in the same cabin she had before years ago with her two best friends. She wrote a letter to Harry to tell him the exciting news. Crookshanks doze happily on the seat next to her. Hermione kept her gaze out the window watching the scenes change with the light. Dusk by the time she arrived in Hogsmeade. Minerva instructions were that all staff would meet at the Three Broomsticks for a celebration of the new term. Hermione checked her appearance, she was young, but she was bright and steadfast. Her hair was smoothed into romantic curls, with the help of Sleekeazy's Hair Potion. She wore a green and black skirt that hit to her knees, and a crisp white button up. She strode off the platform and was greeted by a familiar face.

"Neville?" she asked

"Hermione, no way!" He came up to hug her. "Been a long while, yeah?"

"Yes, How are you? How is Luna?"

"We are great, Professor McGonagall actually offered me a position as Herbology Professor."

"Neville, that is fantastic. I, too, shall be joining Hogwarts staff."

They walked along together to the Three Broomsticks, when they arrived they were greeted with familiar and new faces. Professor Trelawney was sitting with Madame Pomfrey trying to foresee how many student she should expect coming to the infirmary this year. New teachers congregated together to introduce themselves and boast of their accolades. Hermione and Neville went to a small table and ordered a couple of butterbeers.

"I can't believe how many new teachers they have now!" exclaimed Neville. While,Hermione was working at the ministry, she saw the lasting effects the war had on some of her old professors and students.

"New Start, New Hogwarts." Hermione said.

"Right you are, Miss Granger." the heavy scottish voice joined. "We are new and exciting things will be happening."

The clock struck 7 o'clock. The place quieted down as Minerva took her place in front of the fireplace. "May I have everyone's attention!" she projected her voice so everyone could hear.

"I am so very happy to see you all here. Seasoned and new teachers alike. Thank you all for taking time from your vacation to come and celebrate and learn the new rules sent forth by the Minister of Magic. It has been a tiresome road but I thank you all for your support in the war and in Hogwarts, I am Minerva McGonagall, Headmistress of Hogwarts. Returning staff this year include; Rubeus Hagrid, as our Care of Magical Creatures; Madame Pomfrey, as our matron of our new Hospital wing; Sybil Trelawney, our divinations professor and finally, and after many days begging, our own Severus Snape has agreed to return to his post as Potions Professor. And of course Professor Binns to teach History of Magic" arousing applause broke out to greet the staff. Hermione looked over to Neville who look as scared as he was in school. She extended her hand out to reassure Neville.

"We are equals, now."

"I am not sure if that makes more scared or not." he answered wiping sweat from his brow. Hermione caught glimpse of Severus in the corner table, alone.

"As for our new staff, we have a couple of familiar faces as well, Wendell Corcoran, Hogwarts class of 1989 will be our new Astronomy and Musical professor…" Professor McGonagall continued. Hermione kept her attention at the back table. Severus kept his attention on Minerva, she studied his face, it almost looked content and happy.

"And young, Miss Hermione Granger.." Severus' eyes rolled over to her table, and she was caught staring. She looked over to Professor Mcgonagall and smiled trying to save little face of the incident. "Hermione will be our new Charms Professor, as well as Head of House Gryffindor!" exclaimed Minerva. Hermione was shocked, she thought that she would be a teacher not the Headmistress."What?" Hermione asked.

" Congratulations Hermione! When Professor Mcgonagall asked who she should choose, I gave all my faith to you." Neville explained.

"Wow, thank you!"

Introductions were finally done, and everyone was mingling. Hermione had just came from the loo, when she bumped into Severus.

"Just what I need to return to, the insufferable-know-it-all is now my rival's house mistress." Severus insulted Hermione.

"What's wrong Severus? Jealous that a woman is as capable as becoming a professor and Head of House before the age 22?"

"I was the youngest to be recruited by this school in centuries." he seethed trying to intimidate her.

"Well I believe that Neville holds that accolade now, he just turned 21 see?" Severus looked behind him, in the general direction of where Neville sat.

"You two have no clue what you are getting yourself into."

"Professor, why do you wish to make enemies? We can do so much better, if you submitted and became friendlier to me." Hermione coyly smiled, she saw how this affected him in his eyes.

"You are nothing more than a child." he spat.

"What do you want to do Severus? Have me stay after class? Take points? Punish me?" Hermione said a little more seductively than she intended, but kept her smile just the same. Severus looked her up and down, and smiled.

"Perhaps… but looking at the way you are dressed, being a harlot is a lot easier for you to accomplish than as a respected teacher, yes?"

Hermione looked down at her exposed knees and shins. "This is the type of dress harlots wear? You must have an upscale taste in the women you bed. No matter, I assure you my knees and shins shall be covered, as to not distract the Professor from my womanly form." she walked out of the pub and rode her way up to the castle to unpack.

A/N- Revised 7/10/18