Everything you recognise belongs to J.K. Rowling
Professor Snape was pacing around his office aimlessly. This potion he was about to start brewing needed a lot of concentration and he didn't seem to posses any amount of it at the moment.
There had been an explosion during his first year Potions class. The students had been working in pairs. He had divided them himself linking together the best with the hopeless hoping that the latter would seize the opportunity to learn something about the methodical potion brewing. One of the pairs consisted of the promising Miss Swan of Gryffindor and the not so promising Mr. Underhill of Hufflepuff. What he unfortunately hadn't known was that these two were far more interested in each other than in the brewing procedure. They were mixing the ingredients lost in each other's eyes. It took only two extra drops of dragon blood and chaos was reigning his class instead of him.
"It's not a surprise that Mr. Underhill was involved in this newest act of anarchy but I was expecting much more consideration from you Miss Swan.", he had snarled in a low, angry yet silky voice. The girl had looked thoroughly terrified.
Miss Swan was the best student in her house and one of the best in her year, but it would take much more than that to even be considered a competition to the best witch heever taught. She had graduated six years ago. She had been awarded the decoration of the Order of Merlin for her contribution to the war against the dark forces and she had been the first muggle- born witch to have been accepted in the Stonehenge University of Magic in 30 years. She was an exceptional girl,he thought with a smirk. He had been hearing of her every now and then. She had graduated from university first in her year as it had always been her habit and got a scholarship for a Master's Degree in Potions in the Universitad de Magia in Salamanca two years ago. The choice of her Master's got his attention. He wondered if he could possibly flatter himself that he was the reason behind it. He shook his head to clear this thought away. It was her own personality that was making her keen to the gentle art (and not only science) of Potion brewing. She was intelligent, careful, analytical, reasonable, devoted, caring…
She was caring. Her courage during the infernal days of war was extraordinary. She was terrified of course, she must have been, but she didn't show that emotion. He brought back to his memory the last moments before it all began, the great battle of Hogwards. They were all there, all the members of the Order. He could sense her staring at him from across the Great Hall with sadness in her eyes. He looked back and saw her drawing a deep breath. She walked straight at him with determination, she stopped an inch away from him and tilted back her head to look in his eyes. She gently touched his arm.
"When all this is over", she said to him in a voice intended to be strong but came out as a whisper. She momentarily stopped talking fighting back the tears, she took a big breath, "When all this is over", she said again in a stronger voice, "Promise you will come looking for me". He looked back at her unable to understand what he wanted from him, what she was pleading him to do.
"Good luck Miss Granger", was all he was able to offer. She threw her arms around him and hold him for a second. He was suddenly aware that this could be the first and last time they touched.
"Good luck Professor. I will be waiting" She dropped her hands off him and moved towards Harry Potter without looking back.
He never got around understanding her words and the intimacy of her actions. There was nothing in their acquaintance to justify either of them. He was determined to consider them the result of the dreadful situation they were all in.
A knock at his door brought him back to the present reality.
"Enter" ,he barked to whomever dared to intrude his privacy although he had to admit that interrupting these particular thoughts was very welcome. He had to concentrate in creating an excellent potion and not to an excellent former student. Because this is all she had ever been.
"Good evening Severus!" Professor Lupin greeted with a smirk. "I hope I am not interrupting anything of terrible importance".
"As a matter of fact Lupin I was making a Mandrake Draught" Snape answered striving to sound terribly busy.
Lupin took a peek at the perfectly clear stool and as he was about to raise an eyebrow…
"..about to start making, that is" Snape explained knowing he was already defeated.
"Well since you haven't even started yet, what would you say to say to a stroll with me to the lake? It is five days to full moon so five days I can enjoy night without disastrous consequences."
"I'm afraid I will disappoint you Lupin. I have to finish this draught tonight since we are completely out of it".
"But my dear old friend, who and why would petrify somebody? The Dark Times are gone, perhaps forever. We all had our share in that." Lupin said with a genuine smile.
"But accidents do happen my friend. Don't you have any first years?"
Lupin seemed to reconsider. "Well, some of them are dangerously absentminded, I give you that."
"Absentminded? Miss Newman of Gryffindor is a menace! I haven't seen anything like it since Neville Longbottom. Imagine her and Mr. Bosky of Slytherin casting spells together."
You better get back to work Snape", Lupin laughed, "You are right. These kids' carelessness can be more dangerous than the cunningness of a Death Eater. Goodnight Snape. Maybe tomorrow"
"Maybe" Snape said. A few moments later his mind was still all over the place. He had noticed before that it was much more difficult for him to concentrate since his life was not in any immediate danger. All these years of spying, of pretending he was a Death Eater, his life was always in question. He was always concentrated. He had to be, because even the smallest thing could lead to his demise. But now everything was different. His mind could wonder without severe consequences.
"Without?", he thought to himself. What if he started thinking about the past 25 years when he first entered the Dark Sidewhere he didn't truly belong or when he turned a spy for the good side where he would never be accepted anyway. What if he started thinking about having to keep every thought to himself because anything personal could claim his life. What if he started realizing that for the past 25 years he hadn't trusted a single soul (except Dumbledore of course by that was different, he had been under the power of an oath). Being a spy was all he was, all he knew how to be. Now that this was over, what was the meaning of his existence?
He took a deep breath trying to clear out all this venom inside his head. He was a Potions Master in Hogwards and that would have to do…for now.
The next day during breakfast Professor Dumbledore asked for the students' and staffs' attention.
"I would like to make a hasty announcement. After serious consideration and long discussions with the Ministry of Magic, our School will be the first to participate in a new educational program called "Contributory Tuition". This program is aimed to raise the teaching standards of Wizardry Schools around the country. It will take place outside the school timetable and participation is completely voluntary. However, I would like to draw your attention to some very important facts concerning this program. There will be seven different subjects taught by seven different teachers or should I better say teaching assistants. There all are ex students of our fine Institution that have, since they were last accommodated here, excelled each in his own trade. They all have fought in the Great War and made important contributions leading to our success. They will bring with them new teaching trends, magic innovations and foreign magic discoveries in order to enhance your magic efficiency. These…teaching assistants are : Mr. Harry Potter for Defense Against the Dark Arts , Mr. Ron Weasley for Broom Aviation, Miss Hermione Granger for Magic Potions, Miss Luna Lovegood for Magical Creatures, Mr. Neville Longbottom for Herbology, Mr. Draco Malfoy for Muggle Studies and Miss Ginny Weasley- Malfoy for Healing. Starting on Monday, each subject will be taught two hours weekly for the rest of the semester. I ask all the students to take advantage of this opportunity and cooperate for the best possible results."Complete silence. "Oh, and there will be a welcoming party tomorrow when we expect the new members of Hogwardsteaching staff to arrive."
Cheerful students and smiling teachers burst out clapping at the happy news. The new change seemed to be particularly welcome to the students that have heard the names of the teaching assistants before only they were referred to as war heroes. Teachers were happy for the new material that their students would have the opportunity to be taught. They all seemed content. All but one.
"What on Earth was that Dumbledore?" Snape snaped clearly irritated. "Why wasn't I asked beforehand?"
"My dear boy, I assure you that Miss Granger will not interfere at all in your class."
"What are you talking about old man? She will be teaching the same subject as mine."
"Yes", Dumbledore answered calmly, "But her contribution will havenothing to do with what you are teaching. She will be focused on new Spanish Potion Discoveries. She will be teaching outside your timetable, you will not even see her if you don't want to. Although I can't understand why wouldn't you. She has evolved in a wonderful young woman. I'm sure you will enjoy your time with her…if you want of course." Dumbledore walked away. Snape had the faintest impression that the Headmaster winked at him which caused him even more irritation.
The day went by very hard since all the students were far more interested in the famous new assistants than in their current professors and whatever they had to say.
In the evening Snape received Lupin at his quarters once more.
"What would you say to a glass of firewisky Snape?"
"I wouldn't say no Lupin. Do you have any?"
"Well not really, but I'm sure that the Three Brooms in Hogsmeade has some." Lupin answered smirking.
"You want to go all the way to Hogsmeade at this time?" Snape asked astonished.
"First of all it's only two km away and we can take a carriage anyway. Secondly it's not even eight. Any other objections?"
"Well not really.", he admitted. "I had a truly bad day and I am going to have a particularly tiresome semester for that matter. I could reallyuse a glass of firewhisky."
They took a Thestral- drawn carriage and reached their destination in less than 15'. The pub was full. They sat at a table near the entrance. Mrs. Rosmerta greeted them cheerfully.
"It's been a while since a Hogwards staff member visited my pub! But having so many of them, all in one evening, is a really happy coincidence!"
"Two professors are hardly considered many Mrs. Rosmerta.", Snape replied indifferently.
"Well you are not the only ones here tonight Professor. Your new "assistants" are consuming big amounts of butterbeer." She pointed at a big table in the other side of the room.
They were all there talking, teasing, laughing, seeming completely undaunted by the dreads of war. A woman stood up with a smile and headed to the bar. Her curls were almost reaching her slender waist creating a chocolate fountain around her face. Snape knew immediately who see was, eventhough the adolescence roundness of her face was replaced by fine feminine lines and high cheek-bones. She was dressed simply in black. A pair of tight black jeans, a black sweater and black sneakers. Her walking seemed as flowing. She leaned over to the bar placing her hands under her chin and immediately all male eyes were on her, including her ex Professor's ones. She looked around while waiting for her order. Her eyes stopped at the table near the entrance. Her face lit up and a blush emerged on her otherwise pale cheeks. She walked towards them calculating her every step, making sure she was held up.
"Professors!", she gasped.
"Hermione! What a wonderful surprise! I haven't heard from you for years!", Lupin exclaimed smiling broadly. Hermione's smiled back unable to give an explanation to him for her absence. Not at least while, Professor Snape was in such a short distance causing her body to quiver.
"I…", she started but a familiar voice interrupted her…thank God!
"Mione, what's the deal with these butterbeers", said a young man with unmistakable red hair.
Snape looked at him in deprecation. That one hadn't changed much: same hair, same imbecility. He noticed that the girl looked relieved by this man's presence causing him a small discomfort. His eyes swifted back at her and she blushed even more deeply looking away.
"Why Professors! Long time no see! We were gathering up strength to face you tomorrow!", he said quite earnestly. "Hey guys look who's here!", he called at the rest of the group and in no time the new assistants rounded the professor's table causing a generally pleasant fuss.
"I mean we don't really have any teaching experience.", Harry said.
"I'm sure that will not be a problem. You fought in the Great War and have mastered your sciences through University Studies. You will do just fine.", Professor Lupin said.
"Professor Snape, I am really looking forward working with you. Antidotes are very important in the Defense Against the Dark Arts class.", he smiled.
"I am sure your collegue Miss Granger will be more than happy to contribute.", he said.
"Not without your help and supervision sir.", Hermione managed to gain her voice back. She still couldn't look at his eyes though.
"Well I'm sure you will do just great as long as you keep your new Spanish Trends in Potion brewing out of my class and yourself out of my way.", he snapped. Only his offence was not received as intended.
"You know I've been in Spain", she breathed content.
"We really have to get going though and leave you in peace.", Ginny said. "After all, we have to be in Hogwards tomorrow first thing in the morning and looking our best."
"Right as always, my dear", Draco said looking at his wife with love.
"Goodnight Professors!"
"Good luck!", Lupin said and nodded.
Hermione was the last to exit, looking back over her shoulder at Snape she closed the door.
Lupin took a moment to process the scene whereSnape looked pretty much dazzled and Hermione was basically pleading for his attention.
"That's interesting!", he finally said out loud.
Snape cleared this throat. "I have to admit they all looked less troublesome than they used to. And they seemed in no interest to conquer Hogwards. "
"Well, some looked more conquering than others and more eager to please as well.", Lupin grinned.
"What are you talking about?", Snape demanded.
"Oh nothing in particular. Just that it appears that this will be a rather interesting semester."
Later than night in the privacy of his quarters Professor Snape allowed himself to bring back to this thought the slender form of the new Potions teaching assistant. She must have been an excellent witch, she always had been, and a remarkably beautiful woman.
"Get a grip old man", he ordered himself. With the help of Dreamless Potion he lay down in his bed and slept.
At the same time in a HogsmeadeInn, Hermione was looking at the glorious castle outside her window.
She heard a knock at her door and Ginny entered.
"How was it?", she asked with concern.
"Worse than I thought.", she breathed a sigh. "I was surprised to have been able to form a whole sentence. And one sentence was all I managed to do.", she laughed bitterly.
"It's not just a crush Ginny, not after all these years."
"No, it's not.", the redhead agreed. "But you stand on equal grounds now Mione. He's no longer your teacher."
"He's just as intimidating though."
"That was not a problem when you first fell in love with him. It won't be a problem now."
"He knew I've been to Spain.", she smiled. She shook her head coming back to reality. "This, what I'm hoping for is impossible. He will never see me other than an insufferable know-it-all."
"Nothing is impossible love. Look at me and Draco. He is a man Hermione and a man that couldn't stop himself from looking at you tonight. And plus he wasn't as articulate as usual. I think you have a chance."
Hermione sighed, grasping some hope from her friend's words. This semester, this opportunity was her chance, her only chance.
All reviews are very very welcome. I am not a native English speaker (I guess you got that by now though ;p).