Intro
It is after the war, Hermione, Ron and Harry return to Hogwarts. There is a new acting headmaster, Professor Snape. It is clear to all that the war has changed people, some more than others. Headmaster Snape has a lot to contend with, including one troublesome Granger.

This was it, they were back. It all looked the same, except it wasn't. Dumbleton had died, Snape had survived.

Hermione was waiting in the great Hall for the start the sorting process. So far she had managed to avoid the teacher's table, but when she glanced up, there he was looking smugger than ever. Hermione couldn't help but let out a groan. Despite what had happened in the war, the shrieking shack, and what they knew about him now she knew Snape as a headmaster was not going to be easy.

"What?" Said Harry. "Him, look at him. I know he's a good professor but he really isn't headmaster material" said a rather indignant and flustered Hermione. Harry shrugged, and before he could reply, Snape stood up and called the room to attention. Harry gave a muted smile to Hermione, who replied with rolling her eyes so hard in the direction of Snape, Harry was convinced they were going to fall into the back of her head. If Harry wasn't mistaken, he'd been sure Snape had seen her do it, as Snape cocked his head ever so slightly and marginally raised his left eyebrow in her direction.

It was over, they had caught up with friends, feasted on a wonderful banquet and witnessed the next generation be sorted in to Gryffindor, Slytherin, Hufflepuff and Ravenclaw.

As the hall slowly emptied, Severus felt he could finally relax and breathe. His first day as headmaster hadn't gone too bad, but he could sense it wasn't always going to be like this. Particularly when he spotted an over opinionated Gryffindor giving it what for. The hall was deserted now, he stood up and strided out through the heavy wooden doors, instinctively he headed towards the dungeons stopping abruptly at the top of the stairs. Letting out a small chuckle he turned on his heel and headed for the headmaster's office, he wondered would he ever get used to being head of Hogwarts. As he passed two straggling senior Ravenclaw's who should have been in their common room long ago, he couldn't help but pause. He whipped his head in their direction, in the still of the corridor he heard the girl gasp. Before he could say a word they scuttled off.

Yes, yes he probably could get used to this.

**a short first chapter but necessary, more to come**