Disclaimer: The world of Harry Potter was created and is owned by JK Rowling. No money is or will be received for this fanfiction.

Chapter 1

Severus Snape sat silent as the Headmistress's office was slowly invaded by ex-members of the Order of the Phoenix, Dumbledore's Army and the Death Eaters. Well, 'ex' might not be quite the right word, as two very distinct groups were being formed: the Potters, the Weasleys and the likes of Dean Thomas and Luna Lovegood; opposite were the Malfoys, Fenrir Greyback, Rodolphus Lestrange and a few more.

Severus politely acknowledged the nods of Harry Potter and Draco Malfoy, not surprised to be greeted only by these two. Next to him, Flitwick, and Slughorn were talking quietly to each others, probably already planning how they would spend the rest of their life now that they were retiring, Slughorn for the second time.

As the office door closed slowly behind the last of the guests, Severus turned to look at the Headmistress. Minerva was talking to a figure wearing a long black cloak with a deep hood. The discussion was only murmured but Severus could tell that it was turning into an argument. Finally, Minerva shook her head with a small smile and firmly pointed to a chair on the other side of the Headmistress's desk, opposite from Severus. The figure stalked to where it had been banished, re-arranging its cowl so that nothing could be seen of the face beneath it. It decided to stand against the wall rather than sit down.

"Now,' Minerva said to the rest of the room, "I've gathered you here today for two reasons. First, as you well know, Professor Flitwick and Slughorn have decided to retire this year. And I find that I can no longer teach Transfiguration on top of my duties as Headmistress, consequently Hogwarts as three posts to fill.

"After much cajoling on my part, and because there is no one else qualified, Professor Snape has agreed to switch back from Defence Against the Dark Arts to Potions. Which means that I need someone for Transfiguration, Charms and Defence Against the Dark Arts."

As the room grew ever more silent, the others probably realising what was about to happen, Minerva smiled.

"I would like Harry to join us as Charms teacher and Draco to become our new Tranfiguration teacher."

Severus winced at the shouts that erupted even before Minerva finished her words. Obviously, the 'fighters for the Light' disagreed with another ex-Death Eater on the staff list of Hogwarts. And all were shouting for the Defence Against the Dark Arts job. Minerva waved her wand and all fell silent.

"My decision is final, unless Harry and Draco decided that they do not want to teach. The post of Defence Against the Dark Arts has already been filled."

"By whom?" Lucius Malfoy asked slowly in the silence that followed.

Severus leaned forward slightly, as did Flitwick and Slughorn. Minerva had already discussed the appointments with them, but had refused to tell them who would take over the DADA job. And now, she only pointed at the figure in black that stood against the wall.

"Before you ask, she is more than qualified, although like Harry and Draco she does not have any diploma. But, to come to the second reason of this gathering, she brought some very disturbing news.

"As I have been suspecting for a while, the attack that Hogwarts have been suffering for the last few years have little or nothing to do with 'dissatisfied non-humans'. I believe that Hogwarts is about to be attacked in force and it is my job to protect the student body. Consequently, I would like to ask each and everyone of you if you would be willing to spend the school year here."

Discussions started in the room, but Severus had eyes only for the woman in black. As if sensing his gaze, she raised her head slightly and their eyes connected. Severus narrowed his own slightly but his Legilimens probe was stopped by a powerful set of Occlumens shields. The woman smirked slightly. Instead, Severus studied what he could see of her face: brown cold eyes, a black tattoo of tribal design snaking up from her neck to her left cheekbone, long brown hair from a couple of strands that had escaped her hood.

Severus started as he realised he was looking at Hermione Granger. The young woman raised an eyebrow at him, then slightly dipped her head to him. Beside him, Flitwick and Slughorn gasped as they too recognised their former student.

*-*-*-*

Hermione smiled slightly as her ex-teachers finally recognised her. She admitted that she had changed quite a lot in the space of ten years. Then again, that's what people did given time... She looked over at her old friends, who still didn't realised she was standing less than 10 feet away. She had cut all links with the Wizarding World nearly seven years ago, and she wondered how they would react when they finally saw her.

Discussions turned once more to arguments as the Headmistress's guests realised that she was expecting them to live and work together for the next ten months or so. Lucius Malfoy had his eyes fixed on her, obviously wondering about her. She would not reveal herself to him as she had to her teachers. Memories of being tortured at his estates flashed in her mid.

A psychic call had her turn her back to those assembled. Celia was approaching, flying back from her recon mission. Hermione opened the window with a thought and her black phoenix flew in, to settle on her outstretched arm.

Campfires in the Forest, many of them. Men. Armed. Dangerous. Fighters. Magicians.

The images flashed in Hermione's mind as Celia gave her report. This might be more difficult that she had expected. And Minerva had insisted on her not using the darkest of her magics in front of the students. Stupidly, Hermione had given her word. And now, she would live to regret it once more...

"I want to know who she is!"

Hermione smiled as she recognised Molly Weasley's voice. The over-protective matriarch had probably realised that the person in front of them was no good. Hermione straightened and glanced at Minerva. The Headmistress only shrugged. She had already made clear that Hermione could reveal her identity now or later, so long as she stayed.

Hermione shook her head slightly, then pulled back her hood and turned to face her friends and enemies.

"Hermione!"

Harry and Ron launched themselves at her, but struck her shields before they got anywhere near her. Their disbelieving faces pulled at her heartstrings a bit, but she did not lower her guard.

"I think you should return to your places, Harry, Ron."

Minerva's voice cracked slightly as she said the words. She was the only one who had an inkling of what Hermione had been up to theses past years. And Hermione now realised the Headmistress had been hoping that this reunion would turn her back to the 'fighter for the greater good' Hermione had once been.

"You should have known better," Hermione said to Minerva with a smirk. And the Headmistress shook her head slowly.

"There is always hope."

"Not for me. Not anymore. And may I suggest that you explain that to them," Hermione added with pointed look at the confused people standing behind her. "Now if you don't mind, you're paying me to work."

With this, Hermione gave a silent command to Celia, and the phoenix took them away in a flash of black fire.

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Author's note:

Please, tell me what you think of this beginning. Reviews, good and bad, are welcome to help this story get better.