Authors Note: I don't own any thing that looks familiar, else I'd be filthy rich and living in England right now.

Second Chance Saviour

"A friend told me once of a student that came to his school in her 13th year. He said she was ostracized by muggles for being a witch, but never accepted by our kind because she wasn't. It seemed that her ability was only there when she truly needed. If someone was hurt, or there was an accident of some kind – she was able to fix it with a thought – but they never found a wand she could work or a broom she could fly. She also had a tendency to wards sudden departures, only to come back –sometimes days later, saying she was needed elsewhere – and no more. Six months into term she told him she didn't belong there, and despite efforts to find her, he has not seen her since."

A quiet smile played momentarily across her lips. "Your friend sounds like a kind man, I truly hope he is well," she replied. The twinkle in Albus Dumbledore's eyes brightened a moment – betraying his thoughts to the stranger. What would Jeremy say when he was told that his long lost student had resurfaced at Hogwarts?

"So Andraste," Albus continued, "What brings you to England?"

"I only wish I knew, sir."

"Albus" he corrected.

"Albus... but as usual I can only say that I'm needed."

"How do we know she's not a spy?" demanded the man that had been glaring at Andraste since her arrival. At that Fawkes let out a shrill screech and flew to her side, resting her head in her hand. "Ahhh, I believe you have your answer, Severus." Andraste picked up where Dumbledore left off. "Besides, I suspect Hogwarts already has all the spy it can handle." His glare deepened at her comment – wondering if she meant that as an accusation. Dumbledore suppressed a chuckle at this, thinking that Severus Snape may have finally met his match in sarcasm and wit. What was not funny however, was her apparent knowledge of the professors' status.

Minerva, who had been quietly watching the exchange before her finally spoke. "If she's going to here she might as well be of help. Tell me, Andraste, what are your best subjects?" All eyes lay upon her, as she stole a hesitant look at the man who had apparently deemed himself her judge, jury, and executioner. She definitely did not like where this was heading. "Well," she began, "as you may have gathered my abilities are not... normal. While they've advanced greatly since my days at school, I am still of no use with a wand."

"What good could you possibly be then, if you're not magic?" Severus interrupted briskly. Dumbledore opened his mouth to reprimand Snape for his outburst, but before he got the chance Andraste continued. "I didn't say I couldn't do magic Professor, I said I'm useless with a wand. Nor did I ever bother to learn spells I have no need for them. But like I was saying – this somewhat limited my advancement in school. There was only one subject I excelled in – although I do seem to have quite a knack for it." She stopped there – trying to postpone the inevitable.

"Well?" Severus demanded.

Albus' smile got even brighter. "Isn't it obvious," he said, "she's best at potions."

Andraste nodded her head slightly, and Severus stood up, almost knocking his chair over in the process.

"Sit." Albus said quietly. Snape wanted to outrage at the path this conversation was taking, but he knew better than to cross the headmaster when he used that tone. "It's all settled then. Andraste, tomorrow you will begin assisting Professor Snape in his classes. At breakfast we will inform the school of our new Professor." Albus wanted to laugh, but resisted the urge and continued. "Remus, If you would be so kind as to show Andraste to her room, I believe it is time we all got a good nights rest. " Remus smiled broadly and headed towards the door, the rest of the professors following. "And dear, if you find yourself needing anything, you know where to find me. Severus, another moment please." Severus wanted nothing more than to ignore Albus and storm back to his quarters, but stayed behind – hoping he would be able to get out of this ridiculous situation.

"Severus, you of all people should know better than to judge someone so rashly."

"I don't trust her."

"Why?"

"How could I? She tromps in here, totally unannounced- Seemingly unfazed by all of the protection spells we have around Hogwarts – and waltzes into your office – without a password, mind you, and acts as though she's been here forever. How does that not concern you?"

"I have my reasons, Severus, but since you have so many, shall we say, reservations, about Andraste – it is most certainly for the best that you will have the opportunity to watch her closely."

"Albus," Severus began, his voice as close to pleading as it ever got.

"My decision is made Professor Snape, now if you'll excuse me; I think I could do with a nap."

Severus was out the door before the sentence was finished. He stormed back to the dungeons, turning the last corning and seeing Andraste standing outside the guest room talking to Professor Lupin. "The first class begins promptly at 8:30, Miss..." Severus paused, realizing he had no idea how to continue that thought. "What is you last name?" he demanded.

"I don't have one. Miss Andraste will be fine – my friends call me Andi anyway."

"Fine, Miss Andraste – we will speak after breakfast tomorrow," Severus said, putting a particularly nasty emphasis on her name. At that he spun around, walked the short distance to his office, and slammed the door behind him.

"Have a good night!" Remus called out, not even attempting to disguise the laughter.

"Is he always that pleasant?" Andraste questioned.

"No, you should see him on a bad day."

Andraste shuddered, wondering how much truth was in that statement. "I'm going to bed, Remus. I suspect I'll need all the energy I can get tomorrow."

"Sleep well." Lupin started to walk away and then turned back momentarily. "By the way, Andi, I'm glad you'll be staying with us for awhile – I suspect things are going to get even more interesting that usual."

Andraste managed a half-hearted smile and went inside. With a wave of her hand she changed her clothes and flopped down on her bed – wondering what she had just gotten herself into.

Albus stood from his desk where he had been enjoying the quiet that returned to his office. Grabbing a small pinch of floo powder, he leaned into the fireplace. "Jeremy Montgomery." After a few moments a face appeared in the flames. "Sorry to disturb you, old friend, but I believe we need to talk."