Author's Note: So, it's only been a few hours since I posted the first (very short) chapter, and I already had this one planned out in my head. I got bored, sat at my computer and this is what came out. I know it's still pretty short, but I'm working on it! I'm new to this so be gentle haha!
"This is preposterous Albus and I won't allow it! The girl is simply too young to be able to properly teach students not even four years younger!!"
Albus Dumbledore sat back and watched his potions master rant on, all the while, his blue eyes twinkling.
"Severus calm down, Miss Granger is no longer a girl and will be here shortly. May I remind you that she does not yet know of the post that I am asking her to fill, so kindly do not badger her!"
Severus glared at the Headmaster, but stopped pacing and resolved to slump down in an armchair instead; his thoughts turning to events past.
Professor Severus Snape survived the battle. Barely.
When Death eaters attacked Hogwarts that January, he managed to almost play his part perfectly. Halfway through the battle though, Lucius Malfoy caught him throwing well disguised curses at Death eaters backs. Enraged, he sought to take revenge on Snape, throwing a well aimed Cruciatus curse to him.
After suffering through round after painful round of the curse Severus wished death upon himself. When Lucius saw Severus giving up he aimed his wand to cast the Killing Curse, as he opened his mouth to speak, he pitched forward, eyes suddenly glassy and vacant. When he fell Severus saw Draco Malfoy standing there behind his father, wand in the spot that Lucius' back had just vacated.
As Severus finished his thoughts, a loud knocking at the Headmaster's door began. She was here.
At the Headmasters bidding, Hermione entered the room and bid her old Headmaster hello. Upon seeing Severus though, she hesitated.
"Hello Professor Snape."
"Miss Granger" Severus managed to growl.
Dumbledore offered a seat, conveniently next to Snapes, and began to explain.
"Miss Granger, I'm sure you're wondering what this is about!"
"Well sir, yes, I was a bit worried when it was something you simply couldn't put with the note."
"Not to worry, Miss Granger, not to worry!" Dumbledore smiled, his blue eyes twinkling even brighter.
"Now, I have called you here because I have a proposition for you. Professor McGonagall is retiring this year, and she expressed her wishes be that you take her spot as Transfiguration teacher and Head of Gryffindor House. She will still be at the school to tend as Deputy Headmistress, but does not feel up to having class's everyday."
"Headmaster....I..."Hermione hesitated. She didn't have any experience teaching, how could she possibly take over for such a grand woman?
"...I would be honoured...but...I'm afraid I don't have any background in teaching! I loved Transfiguration when I was in school, and I did dabble in research for awhile...."
"No worries dear girl. If you choose to accept, Minerva will mentor and apprentice you for a few weeks until you get the hang of it. I Dare say it shan't take you long!"
"Well...sir....I would love to!" Hermione replied whole heartedly. The Headmaster clapped his hands.
"Then it's settled! Now seeing as the term in starts in a few months I shall like you to move in to the castle as soon as possible to acclimate yourself to your new role. Minerva will be there to help you of course!"
"Headmaster, I.." Hermione started before he cut her off mid sentence.
"Please! I would be honoured if you would call me Albus now, we're colleagues, are we not?!"
"Well then, Albus, sir, I'll need a few weeks to give notice at the Ministry, but I will be here as soon as I can!"
Feeling forgotten Severus sat a little straighter and cleared his throat.
"Seeing as how my assistance is not needed, I will be taking my leave now."
Hermione flushed as he rose from his chair, his robes brushed against her legs.
"Goodbye Professor, I shall see you soon?"
"Miss Granger, I have no doubt of that." Severus drawled as opened the door to let himself out.
When Severus left the room Hermione visibly relaxed her shoulders; a move that did not escape the ever watchful eyes of Albus Dumbledore.
"Well Miss Granger, I'll let you be going now, but hopefully I shall see you rather soon"
"You will sir, thank you." And with that Hermione left his office and the castle, apparating back her empty flat.
Once Hermione left his office, Albus sighed and waited for Minerva to return from her trip to London. At that exact thought, she walked through the door.
"Albus! Did you meet with Miss Granger?"
"Yes, she is overjoyed to be teaching here next year. Though I think she has doubts about being in the castle again."
"Why would she? She loved Hogwarts Albus!"
"Yes but the apprehensiveness in her eyes when she saw Severus...well it was disconcerting at best."
"Ahh, I've long wondered when we would have to face this. I noticed long ago that Severus himself had eyes for the girl. At the graduation ceremony he didn't stop watching her the entire time, and I could have sworn when she reached for her diploma, I saw a smile on his face, albeit a small one."
"His scathing remarks do nothing to help him Minerva. After what he said to her at last years Victory Ball, it's a wonder she even spoke to him today."
"Albus, I see that twinkle in your eye that means you have a plan"
"My dear Minerva, how could you possibly assume that?" Dumbledore said with a grin on his face and blue eyes twinkling fiercely.
At that moment, Hermione was in her apartment think of the moment at last years Victory Ball that was just spoken of.
"Oh Crookshanks....How can I go back there and face him after what he's said to me?"
Crookshanks mewed and rubbed up against Hermione, begging to be pet.
flashback
Hermione watched from her table as Severus stood next to the bar, drinking a glass of champagne. She knew that if she wanted to do this, she needed to do it now, while she had enough alcohol in her system to make herself as courageable as possible. She had had a crush on Severus Snape since fifth year. It's unexplainable. The way his fingers are so slender and graceful as he chops up potions ingredients.....Snapping back to the future, she gazed at him one last time, set her drink down and got up. Walking over to Snape she took a deep breath....Once she got there he just scowled at her like a petulant child.
"Yes Miss Granger? Is there a reason you feel the urge to stand and gawk like someone has petrified you?"
"Erm...no sir, actually I was wondering Professor....If you would like to dance?" Her cheeks flushed a deep crimson and she looked down at her shoes as he just stood there and stared at her.
"Miss Granger, " He started, his voice loud enough for the couple of people standing around to turn and look, "I would not dance with you if I was under the Imperius Spell. For you a nothing but a child and I refuse to put myself in harms way of that big bushy mane of yours. Furthermore, I don't think I could stand a whole songs worth of your know it all attitude."
With that he had turned and walked away as nothing had ever happened. Hermione's eyes filled with tears, and seeing all the people that had turned to watch their spat, she did not want those tears to fall. She turned on her heel and raced out of the Great Hall as fast as she could with out drawing even more attention to herself.
end flashback
Hermione winced at the memory. Everyone had seen. Harry, Dumbledore, Kingsley, a majority of the Weasleys and Hogwarts professors. She thought she would die from embarassment.
Nevertheless the resolved to be a strong person and go to Hogwarts and try her hardest to stay away from the git.
She rolled her eyes at herself even as the thought was going across her mind.
There is no way that I can stay away from Severus Snape.
