Professor Granger

Chapter One

It was an early June morning when Hermione received an eighth letter from Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. The sun was just peeking over the horizon, casting its golden rays over the grassy fields surrounding the Burrow. The young woman sat perched on the front steps of the grand magical home, a steaming cup of tea gracing her lips as she skimmed through her well-loved copy of Important Modern Magical Discoveries.

After monetarily thanking the delivery owl, Hermione eyed the unexpected letter with great confusion before pealing back its wax seal. Although she never officially completed her education at Hogwarts, she hadn't expected to be reenrolled following the events of the Second Wizarding War. Three years had passed since the battle had left Lord Voldemort and unfortunately, her beloved school, utterly destroyed. Professor McGonagall, now headmistress of the institution, had announced a temporary closure of Hogwarts for reconstruction. Despite having magic as an aid, restoration of the school to its previous glory had taken far longer than expected.

An involuntary grin pulled at Hermione's lips as she gazed upon the familiar curly font. She had loved her time as a student at Hogwarts and would be lying if she said she didn't often wish to return. The abrupt ending to her studenthood was certainly disappointing. Hell, she didn't even get to take her N.E.W.T.s! Perhaps Hogwarts was offering a redo year to those who wished to forego such an opportunity.

Dear Ms. Granger,

We are pleased to offer you an interview for a staff position at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Please respond in a timely manner informing us of your interest and availability.

Yours sincerely,

Minerva McGonagall

Headmistress

Hermione was completely dumbfounded by the two mindblowing sentences. Never in her wildest dreams had she imagined such an invitation. Minerva McGonagall, one of the most powerful and revered witches alive to date, considered her to be qualified for a position at Hogwarts! Or for an interview, at least. She had always been confident in her academic and magical abilities, but to receive an interview felt too good to be true. She had to respond immediately!

Jumping up from the front steps with newfound energy, Hermione burst through the front door in search of some parchment. "Stay there," she called after the owl, not wanting to wait until the following morning to send her response letter. "I'll be right back!"

After quickly locating her stash of writing essentials, Hermione started her letter off with a passionate and quite longwinded page of thanksgiving, wanting to ensure that McGonagall was aware of her deep appreciation. She then went on to express her enthusiasm for the interview and her desire to fulfill the attributes looked for in an employee of Hogwarts. Following those paragraphs, she began detailing her availability down to the minute, sure to include evening and night hours to provide plenty of flexibility. It was at this point in the letter that a half-asleep Ron Weasley stumbled down the stairs in search of the noisy evildoer who woke him.

"Bloody Hell, Hermione! It's so early."

"Sorry," Hermione mumbled, entirely preoccupied with her urgency to respond to the headmistress.

"What's that?" Ron asked, taking note of Hermione's letter that was beginning to resemble an essay. "Feel bad for the bloke getting that in the mail!"

Usually, Hermione would be quick to construct a witty clap back, but her spark of enthusiasm could not be extinguished, even by Ron's grouchy sarcasm. "You'll be happy to know that I'm writing to Professor McGonagall. She has offered me an interview for a position at Hogwarts!"