Disclaimer: All recognizable characters and words belong to the brilliant J.K. Rowling and not to me.
A/N: Thanks to my wonderfully helpful beta, Moon Revel!
This story begins with some background information to explain how our characters have arrived where they are when the plot begins. I hope you enjoy!
It was mid-July, and Hermione Granger sat at a table in the Three Broomsticks with her best mates, Ron Weasley and Harry Potter. She sipped her butterbeer quietly, lost in thought. Meanwhile, Harry and Ron were enthusiastically engaged in discussing the Auror training they were beginning that day.
"It's good I actually managed to get an 'E' N.E.W.T. for Potions, or else you'd be starting that training without me, Harry," remarked Ron.
"Well, if that greasy git had been teaching me the past two years instead of Slughorn, I wouldn't have got the required grade myself," Harry said.
Hermione tutted under her breath. "What is it?" they both asked her in near unison.
Hermione smirked and said, "Oh, honestly, you are completely overlooking the fact that Professor Snape has been teaching you the past two years." They looked at her dumbfounded. She sighed and said, "The Half Blood Prince's Potions book, remember?"
Harry coughed and said, "It's not the same—"
"You even went back and retrieved the book from the Room of Requirement," Hermione continued. "You've been using the book ever since so you can continue to produce Slughorn pleasing, perfect potions."
"Yeah, so what? It's helpful, isn't it? Even if he wrote it…" Harry shrugged nonchalantly, turning back to Ron to talk about what kind of training they would probably undergo first.
Hermione snickered to herself as the conversation influenced her thoughts, and she began to think of her old Potions master, Severus Snape. While Ron and Harry were glad to be rid of that "overgrown bat," Hermione would soon be seeing quite a lot more of the man. She was waiting at the Three Broomsticks that day until it was time to go down to Hogwarts for the staff meeting.
Now, Hermione, Harry, and Ron had just finished their seventh year at school, and their N.E.W.T.s results had come back only two weeks ago. Hermione was elated to have received ten 'Outstandings.' Harry had received an 'O' in Defense Against the Dark Arts and in Potions and 'E's for the rest, while Ron managed to get an 'E' in all of his subjects. With their N.E.W.T.s up to standard, the Auror office had confirmed Harry and Ron's first day of training. And Hermione had received a letter from Professor McGonagall, Hogwarts Headmistress, along with her N.E.W.T.s results. At McGonagall's earlier, enthusiastic suggestion, Hermione had applied for a student-teacher position at Hogwarts for the new school year. The letter confirmed her acceptance…
The trio had found all of Lord Voldemort's Horcruxes last summer, destroying the very last of them in late September. Hogwarts had originally elected to close down after the tragic events of the previous year when Severus Snape had (as it had appeared then) betrayed the Order and murdered Headmaster Albus Dumbledore. The three friends made use of the time off from school, hoping to seek out and finish Voldemort once and for all.
It was the past Halloween, when Harry had learned from an informant in the Order of the Phoenix that Voldemort was out hunting him as well. He knew Harry was no longer under the protection of the home of his mother's blood and that he had no Dumbledore or Hogwarts to keep him safe. Voldemort would commence his search in Godric's Hollow where a spy of his own had seen Harry recently.
Discussing this at Headquarters, Luna Lovegood and Neville Longbottom adamantly insisted on helping the trio. Harry reluctantly agreed (not that they would have let him refuse them), and he told the Order that they would report back immediately if no one was awaiting him in Godric's Hollow—otherwise they were to follow in with as many reinforcements as possible.
Harry had been to Godric's Hollow the month before and was more than determined to have the final confrontation with Voldemort—no matter how it turned out. It was time. They Apparated there, Hermione taking Luna, and Ron taking Neville on Side-Along-Apparition, as their two friends had never been to that particular place. They arrived down the street from the remains of Harry's parents' home.
Immediately, they saw two cloaked figures stalking the entrance. Their sudden arrival did not go unnoticed, and the two figures, having heard the popping noises of the Apparitions, turned quickly, taking note of the young wizards and witches.
The two figures approached as Harry boldly stepped forward, the others warily, but courageously, following along in his wake. Igniting Harry's fury, a high, cold laughter rang out into the night when they had come close enough for Voldemort and himself to look into each other's eyes.
"Mister Potter," intoned Voldemort's companion silkily. A second surge of hatred welling up, Harry's eyes darted over and took in the countenance of Severus Snape—Dumbledore's murderer and the betrayer of Harry's parents…
Hermione took another sip of her butterbeer as she remembered the events that took place next. Death Eaters had suddenly encircled them. The five members of Dumbledore's Army had only begun dueling with Voldemort's evil minions when the Order of the Phoenix arrived on scene and eagerly joined the battle. Voldemort and Snape had simply stood aside, watching as the Order slowly gained the advantage. Curses were aimed at the pair. However, Voldemort and Snape seemed to be shielded in some kind of bubble—streaks of red light simply striking the shield, then dangerously ricocheting off.
Eventually, all the Death Eaters were on the ground, injured, except for Bellatrix Lestrange. Most of the Order members lay injured or unconscious. Bellatrix turned to face Neville, Hermione, Ron, and Harry, who were the only ones left standing from their side. Laughing maniacally, she shot the Cruciatus Curse at Neville, who shouted, "Protego!" and blocked it. Bellatrix pursued him relentlessly until she broke through Neville's defenses, and he was on the ground, writhing in pain…
Remembering what followed brought a soft smile to Hermione's face. Snape had aimed a curse out from beneath his shield. He shouted purposefully, "Petrificus Totalis!" and Bellatrix was the one to topple over, rigid as a board. The frenzy of action that followed was frenetic, but Neville had risen up amist the chaos and walked over to Bellatrix's stiff form, taking aim with his wand. Voldemort had turned on Snape, fury in his snake eyes, demanding that he explain himself. Snape had simply smirked wickedly and jumped in front of the trio, casting that mysterious, protective bubble around the four of them instead.
Neville was casting an Anti-Disapparition Jinx on Bellatrix, whom he had also bound with rope. Snape then reached over and quickly pulled Neville into the protected circle. Voldemort had rashly tried to aim an Avada Kedavra right at Snape, but it bounced off the shield, and Voldemort swiftly stepped aside as it rebounded upon him.
Then Snape snidely proclaimed his true loyalties were to Dumbledore and had always been since before Voldemort's first fall. Eyes glinting with relished maliciousness, Snape went on to describe in a savoring tone how he managed to fool Voldemort all this time, how Dumbledore had been dying already, and how they took advantage of the situation to make it look like Snape killed him out of loyalty to Voldemort. This revelation startled everyone, including the trio. All eyes were on Snape, and all jaws were hanging open in astonishment when he turned to Harry and said, "Your turn, Potter. Remember what you know."
Harry had faced Voldemort, assured by the protection Snape's spell gave him, and proceeded to tell Voldemort matter-of-factly about the destruction of his precious Horcruxes. He held Voldemort's gaze as he described how his love for his friends and family had given the strength he needed to continue forward, knowing that his own life very well might end. "Dumbledore was right, Tom," he had said. "There is no greater power than love."
Enraged, Voldemort acted capriciously, pointing his wand at Harry and aiming the deadly curse in order to finally be rid of his agonizing foe. This time, Voldemort did not react swiftly enough, and the green light of the curse struck him in the chest after rebounding off the shield. That had been the end of Voldemort. He died in Godric's Hollow on Halloween, outside the destroyed home of the Potters, where, sixteen years ago to the day, he had initiated the very events that would eventually lead him here again, to his final downfall…
Hermione reached the last swig of her butterbeer. Just then, Ron started and exclaimed, "Harry! We need to Floo into the Ministry. It's five 'till three, and we're due in!"
They both jumped up and hastily said goodbye to Hermione, Ron pressing a quick kiss against her cheek. They headed over to the pub's fireplace where they each took a pinch of Floo Powder and disappeared through the green flames.
Hermione still had another hour before the staff meeting was to begin. She pulled out her reading book, Wuthering Heights by Emily Bronte, to pass the time but instead found her mind kept returning back to its previous train of thought. Harry, Ron, and herself, along with Neville and Luna, had been given Orders of Merlin. They were highly honored wherever they went. In fact, if she hadn't cast a Do-Not-Disturb Charm around herself that day, she was sure she would be shaking hands endlessly with the pub bustling with wizards and witches as it was.
Severus Snape had been cleared of all allegations regarding serving Voldemort, and it had been made clear that he had been secretly helping the Order of the Phoenix the entire time. Harry and Ron were still shocked to learn of this twist, being certain Snape had betrayed them all. Even now, Harry still strongly resented Snape for being the one to initiate the events which led to Voldemort killing his parents in the first place. Ron agreed with Harry, but Hermione could not help feeling admiration for her old professor. How hard it must have been to have all his friends think he was the enemy just so he could deeply infiltrate the real enemy to further the cause and all the while risk being caught by friend and foe alike! The man definitely deserved the hero status the wizarding world had honored him with.
Hermione stood and smoothed down her flyaway curls and straightened her robes. She hurried out the door of the Three Broomsticks, lest anyone try to stop her. She walked more leisurely through Hogsmeade, passing away the time as she made her way up to the castle.
Hermione was very excited to be a part of the staff at Hogwarts. After they defeated Voldemort the past Halloween, the school had reopened, and the students had returned. The year had been two months shorter than usual, and the students were stressed to learn everything in less time, but no one minded too much. Everyone was in good spirits now that the wizarding world was free of Voldemort at last.
Yet, the last year at school had been just too i different /i with Albus Dumbledore gone. Despite the general feelings of happiness, many could hardly stand a Hogwarts with no Dumbledore. Many of the teachers who had dutifully returned last year would not be coming back again this year. A surprising many of them had decided it was the perfect time to retire. This was why Hermione had been accepted to a teaching position while fresh out of school herself. She would be apprenticed as she taught, and she knew there were to be other student-teachers taking over this year as well.
Hermione reached the gates of the magnificent castle, thrilled at the prospect of yet another year inside this wonderful, magical place—her home away from home. She headed up through the castle doors and along the passageways to the staff room.
When she entered, she discovered she was the first to arrive, aside from the Headmistress, who beamed at Hermione and offered her greetings. Hermione took a seat in the circle of chairs and waited. She was soon joined by Firenze, Professor Sinistra, and Professor Sprout. Next, Luna and Neville entered the room and took seats. Hermione was surprised and joyed to find that two of her good friends would be joining the Hogwarts staff along with her. Professors Grubbly-Plank and Vector came in next, followed immediately by a woman Hermione did not recognize. The room buzzed with excitement, and before Hermione could find out what her friends were going to be teaching, McGonagall shushed them all and said they would discuss everything once the meeting began. When it was one minute before four o'clock, Professor Snape skulked in and smoothly slid into the last chair, an annoyed grimace on his face. Professor McGonagall hid her smirk and nodded to him.
"Now that everyone has arrived," McGonagall said, "let's get straight to business. We have many staffing changes this year, and we will all need to work together to make things flow as smoothly as possible. Now, since Sibyll has… gone…"
Despite knowing how McGonagall and herself had both rather disliked Trelawney, the Divination professor, Hermione could understand why McGonagall had paused, her eyes becoming glassy. The night the Death Eaters broke into Hogwarts, one of them had kidnapped Trelawney. They had taken her to Voldemort where he would delve into her mind to learn, finally, the contents of the prophecy. After extracting the information from deep within her mind, she was so addled that she could no longer function. She now resided in a permanent ward at St. Mungo's, babbling inane drivel and declaring that her fellow resident, Gilderoy Lockhart, was destined for greatness.
McGonagall cleared her throat and continued, "Firenze, here, will be the school's Divination teacher." Everyone in the room nodded at the centaur, and he replied with a soft word of thanks. McGonagall turned to the unfamiliar woman and announced that she had agreed to teach Charms, as Filius Flitwick had retired. McGonagall introduced her as Matilda Fletchley, who had been Head Girl some ten years ago and had been in Hufflepuff house.
After nods and thanks were exchanged, McGonagall continued, "We welcome back Professor Sinistra who will continue teaching Astronomy and Professor Vector who will continue with Arithmancy. Professor Grubbly-Plank will continue teaching Care of Magical Creatures."
Hermione fought the tears that wanted to well up as she remembered Hagrid, who had taught the class while she had been in school and who was a dear friend to her. He had died during the War. Collecting herself with a deep breath, she focused her attention back on her Headmistress who was continuing her speech.
"Now, many of the teachers who have been with the school for awhile will take on some extra responsibility this year. In addition to your own duties, some of you may be apprenticing a student-teacher. The student-teachers themselves," she turned to look at Neville, Luna, and Hermione, "will be teaching their classes while studying their subjects more in-depth with their mentors. It will be a lot of work, but I expect everyone," and her eyes scanned each person in the room, "to step up and give their fullest efforts to their duties."
Severus Snape nodded to the Headmistress and said, "Of course, Minerva."
"Indeed," continued McGonagall. "Now Professor Sprout," she inclined her head at her, "wishes to retire, but she has agreed to remain for the first term to oversee Neville Longbottom's progress as he takes over the Herbology classes." Hermione beamed at Neville who looked positively elated.
"Now, in addition to my duties as Headmistress, I will be coaching a student teacher to take over Transfiguration lessons. That position will be fulfilled by," she paused, and Hermione sat up straighter, "Miss Luna Lovegood." Everyone nodded politely, but Hermione was confused.
"Er, Professor McGonagall?" she inquired.
"Dear, you must remember to call me Minerva, since we now work together as professional associates," McGonagall responded. Hermione nodded, and McGonagall continued, "I know we had discussed you taking the Transfiguration apprenticeship, but certain events have forced me to make even more changes. We had thought Horace would be staying on as Potions professor, but he has decided he needs to retire and spend his remaining years with as much crystallized pineapple as possible."
McGonagall's nostrils flared, and one could tell she was miffed. "So, I will have Luna teach Transfiguration, as she is quite adept with it." Luna's eyes sparkled, and McGonagall continued, "And, Hermione, I will need you to teach a different subject since you were the only available teacher who got an Outstanding N.E.W.T. in the subject."
Hermione took in this new information. She recalled that Luna, a very intelligent Ravenclaw, had joined some of the seventh year N.E.W.T. classes last year, studying hard on the weekends and taking extra classes to get caught up. She had been more advanced than her peers and had needed more challenge. Well, good for her, Hermione thought. So what will I teach? What is left to teach? Professor Snape will take over Potions again, and that leaves… Hermione spoke, "Prof—Minerva, does this mean I will be teaching Defense Against the Dark Arts?"
Before McGonagall could respond, a snide voice interjected, "Actually,I will be teaching Defense Against the Dark Arts." Snape saw Hermione's confusion and rolled his eyes.
McGonagall said, "Yes, Severus will continue to teach Defense Against the Dark Arts. It was always his preferred subject, and since he proved himself so admirably in the War," her voice trailed off as she beamed at him, "it is only fitting he should be rewarded."
Snape disliked the praise, but kept his composure calm as he said almost nonchalantly, "Minerva, that is quite unnecessary. I did what I must. It was my job. That is all."
"Hmmmph, well, it is high time you accept the fact that the wizarding world has declared you a War Hero," she retorted. "Now, back to the matters at hand—this means, Hermione, I will ask you to consent to teaching Potions, and Severus, I ask you to be her mentor."
A moment of silence lingered after Professor McGonagall's announcement. Hermione saw Snape giving her a calculating look. She revered his skill, knowing he was a genius in the art of Potion making. It could, indeed, be a very rewarding learning experience with him as her mentor. She then saw Snape glare at her and then smirk. Really, now! What does the man have to be so hateful about still? The War is over…
At McGonagall's announcement, Hermione had gasped, but Snape saw she then managed to hide her incredulity. He could see in her eyes a mixture of surprise, fear, and—excitement? He had resigned himself to mentoring somebody to be the new Potions professor when McGonagall agreed to let him continue with Defense Against The Dark Arts. Snape supposed he would rather have an overachieving perfectionist like Miss Granger than a dunderhead like Longbottom or the others. If she got too annoying, well, he knew he could easily set her in her place. Severus Snape knew he was a master at instilling fear to manipulate. He gave Miss Granger an icy stare and smirked at her startled response…
"Well?" demanded McGonagall expectantly.
Hermione jumped and looked at McGonagall. "Yes, Minerva, I will consent to stay on and teach Potions. Well, that is, if Professor Snape consents to mentoring me?"
Snape rolled his eyes and looked bored, but said, "Yes, I shall do as the Headmistress has requested."
"Quite," said McGonagall. She turned and looked at all the gathered teachers and said, "We will meet together later this summer to discuss the details of running the school and taking charge of the children. This summer I expect apprentices and mentors to get together regularly so as to be thoroughly prepared for the school year. For now, let's all go down to the Great Hall where the elves have prepared for us a celebration dinner."
The teachers filed out of the staff room, and Hermione lingered back, hoping to walk down with Snape so she could talk to him. Snape looked up and noticed her dallying, her finger twirling a curly lock of hair as she gathered her nerves. He decided to put a stop to what was certainly going to be a tirade of questions and a lot of useless babble.
"Miss Granger!" he snapped. She looked at him, and her bright brown eyes locked with his. Ignoring a strange tingle in his abdomen, he continued, "You will meet me in my office tomorrow at five o'clock in the evening so we can discuss your apprenticeship. Is that understood?"
Hermione smiled and said enthusiastically, "Oh yes, sir! That would be really excellent—"
"Then that is quite settled," Snape cut in before she finished. He swept past her through the door, hurrying in the direction of the Great Hall. His black robes fluttered slightly behind him in the wake of his swift, but graceful movements. Hermione followed several paces behind, her thoughts on how exciting this year would be.