ONE

Hermione Granger had just graduated from Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry and given the position of Potions Apprentice under Professor and Potions Master Severus Snape.

The War with Voldemort was far from over… in fact, it was just reaching its peak. Because of this, she was instructed to sit her N.E.W.T.s early while Harry and Ron were to remain students. Hermione's parents were moved to Hogsmeade and her brother, fifteen years old and a wizard, was enrolled in the school.

The new school year, Harry and Ron's seventh year, was just starting when it was circulated… the Draft. It was secret, but those in the Order or had family in it knew about the Draft. Any eligible person's name drawn must go to Headquarters and then on to their specific station. No one of age was safe.

Hermione and her brother, Aidan, were sitting on the couch in their parents' house having their evening tea with them. The topic had just switched from Aidan's studies to Hermione's Apprenticing work, when the fire glowed green.

"Miss Granger?"

Hermione leapt up and knelt in front of the fireplace. "I'm right here, sir. How can I help you?"

Even in the green glow of the fire, Severus looked quite frightening. "I require you in my office immediately. Something has come up and I wish to speak to you."

"Of course, Professor. May I have five minutes?"

"Indeed. Five minutes." He disappeared and the fire went back to red.

Hermione hugged her parents. "I'm sorry, but it seems urgent. He usually doesn't do that."

"It's fine, sweetie. We know you're busy." Her mother, Jean, said, hugging back. She stepped back so her husband, Frank, could give her a hug as well.

Finally, Hermione hugged her brother. "Make sure you're back to Gryffindor Tower before my rounds, please. I don't want to take points." She said, winking.

"I will, Mione. Promise." He laughed.

"See you guys tomorrow!" Two seconds later, Hermione vanished in the fire. Another two seconds later, she stepped out of the fireplace in Severus's office. She could tell he had been pacing. "Sir? Is everything alright?"

He sat in his desk chair and folded his hands. "Not this time, Miss Granger. I assume you've heard about the Draft?"

Several thoughts ran through her head at that moment. Aidan? Harry? Ron? Shit… ME? "Y-yes, sir, I have."

"The Headmaster has seen that he needs a Potions Master at one of the stations in the North. He has decided on me to go and wants you to take over my duties here at the school." He saw her open her mouth to speak, but continued. "As much as I would rather he get someone else, he was adamant about it being me. I requested that I be the one to tell you." He paused. "I'm sorry, Hermione."

By this time, her eyes were wide with fear and tears were running down her face. This couldn't be happening! Not now, not ever! "NO!"

"Hermione, wait!" But his call fell on deaf ears- she was already out of the office and halfway to the Headmaster's office.

"Chocolate frogs!"

The gargoyle didn't obey.

"Treacle tarts!"

Nothing.

"Blood Pops! Fizzing Whizbees! Bertie Botts Every Flavor Beans!"

Still nothing.

Finally, she took out her wand and pointed it at the stone. "Open up before I blow you up!"

"No need to be so rude." The gargoyle muttered.

"Just let me in you useless piece of rubble!"

It stepped aside and allowed her in. Racing up the stairs, she pounded on the door to the office. "Dumbledore!"

"Enter, Miss Granger." Came the call from inside.

She pushed open the door, not even flinching as it hit the wall behind it. "You- you old, meddling, conniving, bastard! Why not me? Why him?!"

"It needed to be him, Miss Granger. Surely you understand with your logical mind."

"Don't you 'Miss Granger' me! And flattery is only digging you a deeper hole! Switch his name with mine! NOW!"

"I can't do that, Hermione. The list has already been sent in. He leaves in three days, no more, no less."

Once again, Hermione pointed her wand, but this time she cast a Stunner. She screamed when it missed its mark and arms wound themselves around her. "GET OFF ME!"

"Hermione, stop this! It isn't good for either of us!"

At the voice of Severus in her ear, she collapsed onto the floor, sobbing. "This isn't fair! How am I supposed to-"

Severus put a hand over her mouth, ignoring the tears that flowed over his fingers. "You're strong and you beat all previous test score records on your N.E.W.T.s. I know you can do this!"

"But, you promised!"

"And I'm not breaking the promise, am I? I'll come back, Hermione."

"You don't know that… He's vicious and you were spying against him! If you get caught, you're dead before you hit the ground! Don't go, Severus, please!"

Albus cut in. "He has no choice. And nor do you. You're like my daughter, Miss Granger, but this is where I will not compromise."

Hermione pushed Severus off of her and stood in front of Albus. "You will be nothing like my father. I hate you and everything you do! You destroy everything you touch!" She spat on his desk and stormed out of the office.

With a final glare at Albus, Severus followed her.