The First Meeting

Hermione walked through the hallways at Severus Snape's side, trying her best to keep pace with his long strides. They'd had a brief meeting about the potion that they'd be working on and were now going to meet with the DA for the first time. "I hope they are not all as idiotic as I remember them," Snape muttered.

"My thoughts exactly," Hermione responded with a small smile. When she saw Snape glance at her in question she went on. "Some of them were a bit ridiculous in school. They came through in a pinch, but I would really prefer not to risk it. We really can't afford any mistakes this time."

Snape snorted derisively. "We couldn't afford mistakes last time," he reminded her.

"Yes well, I was off with Harry and Ron for several months before that battle," she said. "We were so busy that we didn't really have time to consider the fact that we were completely off our heads to be in the middle of that fight."

"Indeed," Snape agreed.

"Really, it's no wonder that Mrs. Weasley was a nervous wreck," Hermione went on. "I can't imagine being a parent with a child involved in a war."

"Imagine being a teacher trying to keep his dunderhead students alive when they're determined to be involved in said war," Snape retorted.

Hermione giggled softly. "You're my hero Professor Snape," she replied with a playful grin.

Snape eyed her for a moment and then said "It hardly seems fair for you to continue to call me 'Professor' when you have demanded for me to use your given name."

Hermione looked up in surprise. "I demanded nothing," she retorted. "It was a request. And I just thought you would not appreciate my use of your first name. But, I have no problem with calling you Severus."

At that moment, they reached the doors leading to the Great Hall. They could hear a great deal of noise coming from inside. "That doesn't sound very promising," Hermione said anxiously, hearing several raised voices.

Severus pulled his wand out of his robes and nodded for Hermione to do the same. He pushed the doors open and led the way inside, holding his wand free arm out to keep Hermione behind him. Once inside he halted and stared at the scene before him. Hermione looked over his shoulder and she gasped at the sight. Caroline and Jenna Freeman had a firm grip on Samantha, apparently preventing her from attacking Seamus Finnegan. Hermione heard Seamus say something about Americans and she was certain that is wasn't a compliment, judging by the expression on his face and the reactions of the Freemans. Caroline and Jenna glared at Seamus and then exchanged a mischievous look. At the same time, they released Sam and watched her launch herself at Seamus and knock him to the floor.

Hermione's mouth fell open with shock and Snape snorted in amusement. She whirled around to face him, saying "What do we do?"

"It looks as if she has a handle on it," he replied, gesturing to where Sam was grappling with Seamus while other people were shouting and arguing around them.

Hermione rolled her eyes impatiently. "We can't just let them fight it out Severus," she snapped.

"Fine," he said in a bored tone. Turning to face the crowd he shouted "Enough!" Everyone froze and looked over at Snape and Hermione. Sam rose and took a step away from Seamus, looking completely unapologetic. Seamus shot to his feet and glared at her, but didn't dare to interrupt Snape. "Stop this childish behavior right now. What is the meaning of this?" He glared furiously at the crowd as they shifted uncomfortably.

"Most of them feel that I shouldn't be here," Draco drawled irritably. "They called me a traitor."

Hermione frowned. "That doesn't explain why these two were rolling about on the floor," she said, gesturing to Sam and Seamus. Sam smirked but didn't comment."

"The Freemans defended me," Draco responded with a shrug. "In fact, these stupid Gryffindors became even more upset when they found out that Snape will be involved in this as well."

"Well, I daresay that they will detest training under me," the potions master sneered.

"He's in charge?" someone demanded angrily.

"Not entirely," Professor McGonagall said, striding forward with a disapproving expression. "Though I will expect all of you to show Professor Snape the proper respect, I will allow Professor Potter to reclaim his position as the leader of the DA. It seemed only fitting."

"Harry Potter would never ask us to work with that traitor!" a voice shouted, stirring others to loudly voice their agreement.

A loud, shrill whistle silenced everyone and they turned to see Harry gripping his old whistle tightly in his hand. He'd kept it over the years and had thought that it may be useful at this DA reunion. He was right; Everyone turned their attention to him. "Professor Snape is not a traitor," he said firmly. "He was a spy for the Order of the Phoenix and he saved me more times than I can count."

"Is there any proof?" Dean Thomas asked coolly.

"There's a great deal of proof," Harry said slowly. "Enough for the ministry to clear him of all charges."

"Well, what is it?" Seamus asked impatiently. "You obviously know what it is."

"That information is classified," Harry replied evenly, trying not to shout.

"What's that supposed to mean?" Seamus demanded.

"It means that it's none of your damn business," Sam snapped. Before Seamus could respond, Hermione interrupted them.

"It is not necessary to share Professor Snape's information," she said sternly. "What matters is that he was found innocent by the ministry and has worked hard to protect Harry and several others, including myself. We will respect his privacy. If you have a problem with it, then leave. This is too important for us to argue over matters that have already been resolved." She folded her arms over her chest, her wand held tightly in one hand.

"Those of you who choose to leave, may do so now," McGonagall said stiffly. No one moved. Looking a bit relieved, McGonagall continued. "Very well. There is much to do, so I suggest that you set aside your differences and allow us to get to work." She turned to Harry expectantly, giving him an encouraging nod.

Harry cleared his throat, drawing attention back to himself. "We have a lot of work to do," he said folding his arms in front of his chest. "We'll review old spells as well as experimenting with new ones. Professor Snape and I have also agreed that it would be best to do a bit of physical training as well."

"Like some muggle army?" someone asked in a tone of surprise.

"It would be best to be in top form when faced with such an enemy," Snape replied, his dark eyes scanning the crowd for the person who spoke. "You must be faster, stronger and more clever than your opponent. We wish to prepare in every way possible."

"We will be splitting into teams in the near future," Harry added. "You will learn to work with your teammates in case there is ever a need for us to go on smaller missions. Any questions?"

Everyone looked around at each other uneasily until Ron rubbed his hands together briskly and said "When do we start?"

Harry and Hermione exchanged grins. "Right now," Harry said firmly. "Everyone pair off!" His command was followed immediately. Everyone scrambled to grab a partner, with the exception of Hermione who seemed a bit reluctant to pair herself with Ron. Coming to her rescue Harry said "Ron, go help Neville. I have something else for Hermione to do." Ron gave them a thumbs up and jogged toward Neville.

"Thanks Harry," Hermione murmured gratefully.

"How about a demonstration first?" Dean suggested, looking from Harry to Severus expectantly.

Harry hesitated, casting an anxious look at Severus. "I don't think it would be wise for me to duel with Professor Snape," he muttered. Severus smirked in response.

"I'll do it," Hermione said. Harry whirled around to face her with a surprised look. Severus was eyeing her with an unreadable expression.

"Are you sure?" Harry asked her.

"Yes," Hermione said steadily, looking over at Snape calmly. She turned back to Harry with a small smile. "Don't worry. I'll be fine."

Harry nodded in approval and then gestured toward Severus as if to say "Well, get on with it." Hermione moved to stand in front of Severus, meeting his gaze steadily. Without a word, they got into position and everyone else backed away, forming a circle around the pair. Minerva quickly used her wand to create a barrier around Hermione and Severus to protect the onlookers from stray hexes.

Hermione and Severus slowly circled one another, their wands held in front of themselves. They looked as if they were sizing each other up. Hermione cast the first spell, which was easily side-stepped by Severus. He returned fire, but her shield charm forced him to dodge his own spell again. Spells flew back and forth rapidly, creating a dazzling display of color and lights for the observers.

After several minutes, Severus was able to hit Hermione with a spell. She fell back into the barrier and nearly fell over, but quickly regained her balance. She fired her own spell and managed to throw Severus into the barrier as well. He looked quite stunned to suddenly have his back against an invisible wall. Then, he smirked in amusement, surprising everyone and causing Hermione to grin in return.

Hermione waved her wand in the air and the protective barrier dissipated. Minerva crowed in delight, startling several of her ex-students. "My dear I have never seen someone hold their own against Severus Snape like that," she told Hermione. "Well, done. And Severus, you are as impressive as ever. The DA should be thankful to have you."

"We are," Hermione said firmly, glaring at the people around her as if daring them to contradict her. "Anything you can teach us will be greatly appreciated," she added, looking back at Severus. Severus nodded, but didn't speak. He just continued to watch Hermione with a thoughtful frown.

"Alright, Neville," Harry said loudly. "Come over here with Ron and we'll see what you can do and what we need to improve."

As Neville and Ron came forward, Severus groaned. "This is going to take a while," he muttered.


And the fun begins... Tell me what you think.