Familiars

Disclaimer: I own nothing nor do I profit from this, I only play in the World which JKR created.

Summary - Wizarding Britain is in a muddle. Deaths and fights appearing everywhere. Hermione receives unwanted attention that results in chaos. Familiars, Potions, Professors, Slytherins & Gryffindors. Let the fun begin and the fur fly. (An idea inspired by Soem's story 'Kitten' which by the way is an excellent story so go read it!) An SS/HG story and Not H.B.P compliant.

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Prologue -

"Albus" Poppy Pomfrey sighed, "I don't think my stocks of potions are going to last the year. I swear there has been more mishaps this year than any other and my usual supplies can't keep up. I would ask Severus, Albus, but you know I'd never because of certain 'circumstances'." She sighed again, "I just don't know what to do this year."

Albus Dumbledore looked kindly at the old school matron, now slumped in her armchair in defeat. The second year since Voldemort's return had been havoc on the school students - their parents, supporters of the 'light' and their families had been murdered through out the year - the dark mark floating above their homes. Quite a few of the pupils from Gryffindor, Ravenclaw and Hufflepuff turned on their Slytherin classmates causing mayhem in the corridors and a few nasty accidents after classes. Sadly because of this the 'light' had lost a few potentials within Slytherin and Severus had had a handful with counseling those few within his house who were taking the aggression from the others quite badly.

Thankfully though, he managed to make his house understand the others feelings, but also within reason - he still had to keep up appearances for Tom.

Poor Poppy was becoming worn out on her feet, it was obvious she needed a hand but Albus knew she was a proud woman and left it till she, herself, decided to ask for assistance and naturally Albus had a solution.

"Not to worry Poppy, Merlin and you only know what a difficult task it is to run Hogwarts hospital wing single handily. It's a feat in itself that you have lasted this long on your own and I'm sure no one shall think any less of you for asking for an extra set of hands." Albus leaned over and gave the witches hand a pat and past her a cup of tea with the other. She took it gratefully but he could still tell she felt odd asking for help.

He improvised a bit.

"If anyone asks we can say she's learning medical potions under your expertise."

Poppy's eyes lightened up at the proposal and her look turned to curiosity, as she looked at the wizened wizard across from her, "She, Albus? You already have someone in mind?"

"That I do Poppy." He said "Hermione Granger". It was if the name quelled all arguments.

And it did. Poppy had heard the praise that Miss Granger got from her Professors at staff meetings, though Severus said nothing of the girl, he didn't argue about her intelligence and capability so Poppy saw that as a good sign.

"Miss Granger it is then." She nodded and settled down into the squishy armchair sipping the sweet tea. How Albus Dumbledore survived his sugar intake she'd never know, she thought looking fondly at the man before her.

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A.N. - Terribly sorry for the shortness but this IS just the prologue. The rest of the tale is still to come.