Disclaimer:- My plot is mine, however, I neither own nor earn anything from this story. Harry Potter and his world are the intellectual property of J.K. Rowling and her affiliates.

oOo

A/N:- Thank you all for your response to the first chapter of this story, I appreciate your interest very much. So, here is the next offering, I hope you enjoy it… If you remember from last time, Hermione has just arrived at Hogwarts and after an unexpected encounter with Severus she has made it as far as the castle.

Many thanks to Golden Asp for the betaing this chapter.

Chapter Two – Questions

Hermione paused in the entrance hall, soaking in the familiar smells and atmosphere. Off to her left the Great Hall was silent and dark, but in her mind she could still see them all as clear as day, coming in to be sorted that very first evening. They had all been so innocent, she shivered, and the question begged in her mind, would she have stayed if she'd known then what she would feel now?

She shivered, and forcing her mind to focus again on matters at hand, turned towards the stairs. She was still confused as to why it was Professor McGonagall she needed to see, and shrugging she decided to follow Snape's instructions, and therefore turned towards her former head of house's rooms. If it was indeed a mistake the professor would soon tell her.

"Miss Granger," the portrait guardian offered as she approached. "You are expected, just a moment, please," and the witch in the tartan evening gown with the thick white sash disappeared. After a few seconds the portrait swung open allowing Hermione entrance, she stepped through with Crookshanks still being levitated in his carrier behind her.

The professor glanced up from her work. "Miss Granger, I was starting to become concerned, dear." However, when Minerva raised her head and met Hermione's gaze, she was momentarily shocked by her former student's hollow eyes and pale complexion. "Oh dear," she gushed without thinking, "you do look tired," and she indicated for Hermione to sit on the lounge by the fire.

"Hello Professor, it's nothing really, I'm fine." This was Hermione's stock reply to that sentence. She heard it often and was used to brushing concern aside.

"Have you eaten?" McGonagall watched as Hermione shook her head and her lips tightened.

Hermione knew that displeased expression and was wondering if she was about to get a lecture on taking care proper of herself.

However, her former head of house remained silent and her elf. "Tinky." A house elf appeared and bowed low. "Some sandwiches and tea."

The elf bowed again. "Tinky is being pleased to serve, Head of Gryffindor," and she was gone again. Almost immediately she returned with a tray laden with tea and a plate of sandwiches, which she placed carefully down between them.

McGonagall indicated with her hand for Hermione to start eating, and turned back to her elf. "Take Miss Granger's luggage to her room." Here McGonagall nodded towards the rooms within her own quarters allocated to each professor for the housing of an apprentice.

The elf bowed low and turned expectant eyes onto Hermione. After a moment of confusion the young woman duly produced her trunk from her pocket and enlarged it. The elf smiled and both Crookshanks in his carrier and her trunk disappeared along with the elf.

McGonagall then turned to the door, and raising her wand her Patronus cat started circling around her legs. "Albus, Miss Granger has arrived," and the wispy cat bounded off through the door to deliver her message.

It only seemed a moment later and Albus Dumbledore strode through the door, resplendent in plum robes with tiny twinkling stars around the hem. "Ah, Miss Granger, I felt you enter the castle wards, welcome back." His blue eyes sparkled at her and he plonked himself down on the lounge as though it was the most natural thing in the world to do, taking the cup of tea McGonagall offered him with a smile.

Hermione watched the two older Gryffindors and even through her tiredness she was becoming more and more concerned by their exchanged looks. This coupled with the absence of Professor Vector told her that something was amiss, and it was making her frayed nerves pulse cruelly.

Eventually she could stand it no longer and cleared her throat to fill the silence; thereby also gaining their attention as she rubbed her forehead.

"Will Professor Vector be joining us?" Hermione inquired with as much patience as she could muster.

"Ah, no," Dumbledore replied.

Hermione could have sworn he sounded evasive, so she ventured another question.

"Why was I directed here and not to Professor Vector's rooms?"

There it was again, they were giving one another significant looks and she had no idea why. Quickly becoming very irritable, she sighed in frustration.

"Okay, who's going to tell me what's going on?" There was very little respect left in her voice, and when they both turned to her, appearing shocked. She quickly added, "Please."

Hermione watched as Dumbledore appeared to take a deep cleansing breath before continuing. So much for Gryffindor courage, he looks like his has abruptly fled from him. She glanced at Minerva. Indeed even the tough Minerva McGonagall looks strained, Hermione thought.

Dumbledore cleared his throat.

"Miss Granger," he started, "I'm afraid there has been a change in circumstances."

Hermione wondered what the undefined note in his voice was, but Dumbledore continued before she could question him.

"Professor Vector did not return this term as she had planned to."

A sharp, "Oh," was all Hermione could manage, and even that just sounded like her breath escaping her. She looked up to see two pairs of concerned eyes watching her and she instantly knew it wasn't good.

"Why?" she ventured timidly, even as her thoughts swirled. I've come all this way, what do you mean, didn't come back. Surely she was expecting me?

Professor McGonagall was the one who answered, she had come to sit on the lounge Dumbledore was occupying and placed her hand lightly on his knee.

Hermione couldn't help thinking how much like an old married couple they looked.

"There was an accident while Septima was holidaying with her sister in Surrey. The day before yesterday they were experimenting, her sister Rosalind worked at St Mungos, she was a brewer there. She had been working on some potion, and well something went wrong and there was a mix of toxic gases and an explosion." McGonagall watched Hermione for her reaction; she was surprised to see her simply sitting there merely listening, blinking yes, but no more.

After a moment Hermione opened her mouth to speak. "Are they... from the way you were talking…" but she couldn't bring herself to finish the sentence.

Dumbledore nodded sadly.

"Rosalind is… the funeral is on Friday," McGonagall added.

"Our dear Arithmancy professor is currently in St Mungo's but there has been no further news, and I'm afraid the prognosis isn't hopeful," Dumbledore told her.

Hermione opened her mouth again. She wanted to know what would happen to her now, why after she had finally come back this had to happen. She wanted to know what had gone wrong, but she felt so selfish asking. Here was Professor Vector in St Mungo's and her sister dead, and all she could think of was how it affected her. Then she realised that really all she felt she wanted to do at this very moment was scream very loudly. She had only been back about an hour and already she was scrambling to force herself to stay.

Dumbledore seemed to notice this and cut her off at the pass.

"Miss Granger, do not be alarmed, I do have a plan in mind that will see you staying with us. Perhaps you would be good enough to come to my office at eight thirty tomorrow morning."

Hermione was sure he flinched just a tiny bit, but then after a moment she thought his lip curled up under his beard into a mischievous smile, and his eyes were definitely twinkling when he continued, looking at Professor McGonagall.

"That should give me the amount of time I need to secure agreement from the other party involved."

Dumbledore watched her for a moment while Hermione contemplated who the other party may be, but as she opened her mouth to inquire she saw a look of intense scrutiny on Dumbledore's face and an unspoken question hanging on his lips.

Eventually he seemed to give in and he asked, "May I inquire, Miss Granger, what made you choose Arithmancy over Potions? You received an outstanding for both in your NEWT examinations. However, both Professor McGonagall and I," and his hand patted McGonagall's where it still rested on his knee, "feel you have a greater love for Potions." His mouth turned up into a smile. "In fact, you are the only student I have ever heard Professor Snape praise for their ability."

Hermione's mouth dropped open. "Professor Snape… what?" she exclaimed, and then muttered more to herself than anyone, "Well he had a funny way of showing it."

Dumbledore chuckled at her comment, and then added, "Of course, he didn't admit it directly, more under sufferance, but he did say it."

Hermione gave him a 'sure he did' look and then refocused onto his question. What the heck, she thought, I've got nothing to lose by telling him. In fact, she already knew what to say, having thought about it in great depth herself, even if she didn't wish to divulge all her reasons. Like for one, the fact that the Potions master made her brain confused every time she was with him. She took a deep breath, placed her cup on the side table, and folding her hands together in her lap, she finally spoke.

"Sir, I have always liked Arithmancy, but it is true, I have more of a passion for Potions." She shrugged, taking another deep breath, and continued quickly before she lost her nerve. "However, when it came down to it, Professor Vector offered me a place that I knew I could never attain with Professor Snape." She exhaled loudly, and then looked at her two elders. "I had already decided that if I couldn't study Potions with Professor Snape, I did not want to study Potions. I have a huge respect for the man's mind; he is brilliant." Even if he is a complete arse, she thought. "And not trying to sound arrogant, but I want to learn from the best, sir."

Dumbledore fixed her with a steady gaze which after her statement, she had trouble maintaining, especially when he said, "Did you ever even ask Professor Snape about studying with him?" and then seeing the look of sheer horror on her face he chuckled. "Really Miss Granger, you're a Gryffindor."

Hermione drew herself up straight and stuck her chin out resolutely, and finally mumbled something Dumbledore didn't catch all of, but it sounded very much like she said, she didn't have a death wish, but she refused to comment further.

He nodded, and then had the unmitigated cheek to laugh at her. "Good... actually very good." He seemed to have reached some conclusion, and looking at Professor McGonagall he smiled, and for all the world he resembled an excited little boy with a grand plan.

The lady in question gave him an almost disapproving look that even to Hermione in her confused state screamed, 'I know what you're up to and I don't agree'. Dumbledore looked away from her steady gaze and cleared his throat before rising.

"Very well, sleep well, Miss Granger. Good night, Minerva dear," and he kissed Minerva's cheek.

Both women wished the headmaster a good night, and when he had left McGonagall turned to Hermione.

"You look like you could use a good night's sleep, my dear. You will occupy my spare rooms for the time being, as I have no apprentice at present."

Hermione was deep in thought as she watched the headmaster leave, then realising McGonagall had spoken, she vaguely turned, and after it registered what she had said she replied distractedly, "Oh... err thank you, Professor, good night," and she moved towards the door Minerva had indicated. However, as her hand rested on the door knob Hermione's curiosity got the better of her, and she looked back at the older woman. "Professor?"

"Yes, Miss Granger," the tone was constricted and Hermione felt she was being warned to stop before she ventured any further with her questions. The young woman tensed, she had learnt the hard way about heeding unspoken warnings. Instead, changing tack she said, "Thank you for allowing me to stay here, Professor," and she held her tongue on other matters.

"You're very welcome, my dear," and the Professor's mouth relaxed into a smile. "Good night."

"Good night," Hermione sighed and shut the door.

xox

Crookshanks had already made himself comfortable on her bed and Tinky had provided him with food and water. The elf had unpacked Hermione's trunk and neatly stored everything away. She located her nightie, and once found she placed the item on her bed and moved absently to the window. Pulling herself up into the wide sill, she drew her legs up and wrapped her arms around her knees.

After she had been sitting there for a while contemplating the interview she had just had, a sudden movement near the edge of the Forbidden Forest grabbed her attention, and she saw a distinctive black cloaked figure emerging. He appeared to be carrying something about the size of a small child, then she saw something larger running up behind him. Hermione looked on in shock as she thought the larger figure seemed about to attack him. Then as she watched him, still bearing his load, as he turned and shifted what she now realised was a baby Thestral into one arm, putting out his hand he placated what was obviously a very concerned mother Thestral.

Hermione was enthralled by his actions; he was being so gentle with them. There was not even a hint of the over-bearing, ill-tempered Potions master in his manner, and she watched mesmerised as he encouraged the mother to follow him towards Hagrid's hut.

Even after Hagrid had taken the baby into his care, Professor Snape remained to assist the half-giant, using his wand to erect a privacy scene so the shy creatures would feel safe. If Hermione hadn't seen it with her own eyes she would never have believed it, but eventually as tiredness over took her she headed for the shower, still completely enthralled by what she had seen.

As she stood under the refreshing hot water, another thought entered her head. She had never seen a real Thestral before, only drawings in her Care of Magical Creatures text book. This saddened her, knowing it was because she had seen so many people die in the war that she was now able to see these retiring creatures. The knowledge seemed to sap the last fragments of her strength and she slid down the wall of the shower cubical and sat on the tiled floor hugging herself tightly around the knees as unwelcome visions of Remus, Tonks, Seamus, Lavender and Colin, cold and bloodied swam in her head.

Her chest constricted and a painful lump in her throat throbbed and steadfastly refused to be dislodged. She somehow knew if she could cry about it that would help, but no matter what she did it was like her heart had turned to stone. Eventually stumbling to her feet and sighing heavily, she turned off the water. Stepping out of the shower she dried herself and her hair and carelessly inserted herself into her nightie. She tiredly pulled the covers up around her, ignoring Crookshanks protests about being disturbed, and after a muttered, "Nox," she placed her wand on her bedside table, before trying to sleep.

xox

Hermione did actually manage to sleep that night, even if it was restlessly, but she had the strangest dreams. Dreams that upon blinking away sleep the next morning had her lying there sifting through them. After the usual visions of the war that seemed to be glued onto the screen of her mind by a permanent sticking charm, she had dreamt about locked gates, and for some reason trains. However, it was the sudden realisation of what had happened on the train that was unexpected, and she instantly found herself completely flustered, as blushing furiously she recalled being held in strong supportive arms. The longed for touch of long elegant fingers tenderly stroking her hair and his silky rich voice assuring her that she was perfectly safe, and he would not let any harm come to her.

The Gryffindor witch sat bolt upright, her heart pounding as the image totally took her breath away. Try as she might her mind went blank, and stubbornly kept wandering back to his elegant hands giving her comfort. After what seemed like an age she finally forced her brain to dissect the event logically, and eventually reasoned that she had only dreamt that because she had seen him with the baby thestral the night before.

Hermione refused to accept what her mutinous brain suddenly told her, or to recognise the reason her heart was pounding so hard. This was not even mentioning the quiver in the pit of her stomach every time she thought about it. No, she told herself, she had to continue remembering that he was the evil Potions master who hated… no, not hated… loathed her.

Having made this resolve, she got up, happy for once she hadn't had the dream that made her scream. Her flinched as she remembered the number of times she had woken, drenched in sweat and not sure if she had screamed out loud or not; it was downright embarrassing. No, the visions last night had certainly not been of the variety that made her scream, but her right hand unconsciously moved to cover her left forearm and rub gently regardless.

As Hermione was dressing, she decided bravely that she would put the dream out of her mind completely. It was not like she would be having very much to do with him while she was here anyway, and she shifted her thoughts quietly to how strange it felt to be at Hogwarts and not dressing in a uniform.

Looking in the mirror, she knew that her plain robes did nothing for her, but she shrugged, no one ever noticed her anyway. She twisted her now wavy, not bushy, waist length hair up into a tight bun at her neck. Finally, she cleaned her teeth, and feeling strangely quite relieved to be finally able to be seen in robes every day again, she headed out into the Transfiguration professor's sitting room.

Her Head of House was just organising herself for the day.

"Ah, Miss Granger. I'm glad to see you are up before I leave." She looked up approvingly of Hermione being so organised.

"Help yourself to tea or coffee; the pot will know what you want and how you like it."

Hermione headed over to the table, as Minerva continued thoughtfully.

"Perhaps it would be wise for you to have breakfast here this morning, have Tinky bring you something; you will know your appropriate place after your meeting with Albus this morning."

Hermione was uncertain of what this meant, but nodded and took a sip of her tea as she watched McGonagall. However, her mind was running a million miles per hour. Appropriate place, what the hell does that mean? She saw McGonagall purse her lips but keep organising the lesson plans and the scrolls of homework she had already accumulated from holiday assignments. Why does Professor McGonagall seem to disapprove of what the Headmaster has in mind? This morning had seen some of Hermione's vigour return, and her curiosity was awakened again. Unable to hold it in this morning, Hermione took a deep breath.

"Do you know what the headmaster is going to talk to me about?"

McGonagall studied her for a moment. "Yes," she finally conceded.

"Then I wish you would tell me, Professor," Hermione replied, with a sigh, and when this had no effect she tried. "I really don't want too many err… unexpected surprises."

"Oh no... It won't be placed on my shoulders to tell you." She gave Hermione an appraising glance. "Let me just say that I know what the meddling old fool has done, and I can't necessarily say I agree with him." After a moment she added, "I am certain it would have been better to leave well enough alone, but I dare say that is now a moot point." She rearranged some more of her papers. As she obviously thought, and then sighed. "Mind you, if he can pull it off, it will be an interesting experiment in tolerance, not to mention inter-house unity," she conceded tersely, and then abruptly chuckled. "Yes a very interesting experiment," she nodded, "I'll give Albus credit he's got guts to even be suggesting it."

What did that all mean, she's really not told me anything, Hermione realised with a stab of frustration.

McGonagall straightened her face and continued. "In all seriousness, Miss Granger, his plan could prove to be inspired." She came over and put a hand on Hermione's shoulder, "And I'm sure if Albus is still in one piece when you get to his office, he will explain it all to you." Minerva registered Hermione's confused expression and smiling said, "I have no class second lesson if you wish to have an ear to bend. I will see you in my office." She was about to turn away when she added, "Please try to see the benefits of such an arrangement and not just the negatives, and don't say no too quickly." She thought for a moment longer, before adding, "I for one would be pleased to see you stay here."

Hermione was starting to regret asking the professor, but nevertheless she promised to be open minded as she watched Minerva leave. She then looked to the toast she'd asked Tinky for, and in the interests of eating something that might settle her now churning stomach, she ate half a piece before she headed for the Headmasters office.

oOo

Notes:- I know, I know, I've done it to you all again (Mah ha ha), but this really is the best place to end the chapter. What do you think will happen in Albus' office? Ah yes, we all know it will be something involving the lovely Potions master of Hogwarts, don't we? See you all soon.