I am reposting this story. I started working on it years ago, then lost my log in information. I rate this using the strongest warnings possible. It isn't for the weak of stomach and might be triggering. Character death, eating disorders, the whole nine yards… Enjoy.

Inside the Great Hall a low hum could be heard. Friends reunited quietly and paid respects to those who had lost family over the break. With death being spewed all over the front page of every newspaper, hope and happiness seemed bleak.

Hermione took her seat next to Harry, while Ron and Ginny continued their conversation a few seats down the table. Being in their 7th year the trio had seemed to have grown apart. A pang of sadness swelled up in Hermione as she remembered their unofficial parting. While Ron was concerned with food and Quidich, Harry and Hermione focused their attention on the war. It seemed that Ron just couldn't grow up.

The doors of the great hall pulled her from her depressing thoughts with a sight that was sure to shock and awe. In place of excited first years, Severus Snape stood at the entrance. His hair was cut short. A white knitted cap fitted snuggly over his black locks. A simple white thobe matched with a pair of expensive looking brown shoes. That alone had one sixth year falling of his seat in shock. Severus Snape did not wear anything but black. But the thing that stopped Hermione's heart was the smile that was spread across his face. A spark in Hermione shot up her spine. "Wow."

Severus made his way to the platform to greet an equally happy headmaster.

"Severus, my boy! Salam Alaykum! " he called out, embracing Severus in a hug.

"Wa Alaykum Salam Headmaster, it's great to see you again." He replied in kind greeting. "We just portkeyed in an hour ago, Noora is setting up the nursery and getting settled."

"Excellent! I hope she can join us latter." Albus gestured to the seat on his left for Severus to take before turning his attention to the students. Dead quiet greeted him. Shocked faces, many with mouths hung wide in disbelief were everywhere. Hermione was torn between smacking herself awake or checking herself into St. Mongo's. That didn't stop the headmaster from starting his welcome speech after the 1st years had been sorted.

"I'm pleased to announce that our very own Severus Snape will be teaching a class on world religion and study this year. His wife will be teaching an electives class for the young ladies who wish to learn more about the culture of the Middle East. Potions will now be taught by Professor Slughorn and Professor Lupin has returned to teach DADA. I hope you all have a wonderful year. Now tuck in and be sure to try the pudding."

Try the pudding, Hermione smiled at that. She was half tempted by it until she looked up at Pansy Parkinson, flipping her hair over her slender shoulder. She would not eat the pudding. She would not.

Back in the common room many students were just starting to get over the shock. Neville came over to sit next to Harry and Hermione on one of the great couches. "What do you think happened to Snape?"

"Professor Snape," Hermione corrected. "And it would seem he's spent time in the east."

"Maybe he got sun poising" Harry snorted.

"I can't believe he has a wife. Who would marry that bat?" Neville said. That was something that was even

"I kind of wish I was a girl, just so I could take her class." Harry paused turning to face Hermione. "Hey Mione, you're a girl!"

"That is so nice of you to notice Harry." It took a few seconds to realize where Harry was going with his outburst. "No. It's my NEWT year, I need to focus."

"Hermione Granger passing up knowledge? The world must be ending!" Neville look scandalized.

"Please Mione! You can take it and tell us all about her." Harry begged. The look in his eyes made her uncomfortable.

"I'll think about it." She responded with a glance across the room at Ron. He currently had Lavender straddling his lap. Pain and regret flourished in her chest mixing with the nagging voice in her head. "I still don't know."

Now Hermione was nothing if not well versed in many cultures. She understood many aspects of the Middle East. But when Professor McGonagall came around to make her times table Harry gave her a pleading look.

"Mss. Granger, it seems you will have to either take Professor and Mrs. Snape's classes or Divination levels one and two." McGonagall said looking down at her notes.

"My I ask why?" Hermione countered with a repulsed look on her face. She couldn't think of anything worse than wasting her time on Snape's class other than two classes on divination.

"Your time turner use has left you without classes to take. You have too many open time slots." She said in a low voice and glanced again at the notes in her hand. "You can take NEWT level Charms, Potions, and Transfigurations. You must have five classes your 7th year."

Grumbling Hermione took her schedule and stared down at her plate. Silence fell between the two friends as Ron sat down a few people away from them.