Chapter 3 - The New Professor.
A loud crash brought Snape back to reality. He looked up to see someone had knocked over a cauldron. He watched as the woman knelt to retrieve it. She was wearing blood-red robes with her hair slicked back into a neat bun. He continued to watch her as she carefully placed the cauldron back on the desk. Snape could sense the woman's embarrassment, he was preparing himself to make a sarcastic remark when she turned around. He could feel the blood drain from his face, Hermione Granger stood before him.
Hermione could feel her cheeks burning. Trying her best to hide her embarrassment she slowly turned around to face him. His black eye's met her gaze. His face remained expressionless.
The tension in the room was uncomfortable.
"S-sorry Professor, I did not mean to disturb you" she said a little too timidly.
Snape continued to stare coldly back at her.
"I was just passing and well" she paused. "It has been what 4 years?"
Snape was still in disbelief that she was in his classroom. After four years had passed and he had heard nothing he assumed he would never see her again.
"Well in future Miss Granger do leave your clumsiness behind before entering my classroom"
"My apologies Professor"
It was all to clear that Snape was back to his old self. The man that she had seen on the night of the war's end was a distant memory. Silence fell between them again.
"How have you been?" she suddenly blurted out desperately wanting to break the tension, but as soon as the question left her lips she instantly regretted it.
'How have I been, How have I been' he paused 'Well Granger I was nearly killed by a bloody snake, I'm still considered a murderous death eater and I'm here teaching ignorant little kids, how do you think I've been?!'. Of course Snape said all of this in his head, he did not want to let her get the better of him. After a long pause he answered.
"Fine, now if you have done with your meaningless chit-chat Miss Granger I have more important things to be getting on with"
Snape even surprised himself at his remark. How could he be so cold towards her when she had saved his life. He just wanted her to leave him alone, solitude was his friend and seeing her reminded him of too much, made him feel again.
"Of course, apologies for the intrusion, I will see you in the Great Hall"
Hermione left the room as quickly as she had entered it. How could the man still be so cold after everything that had happened!
Snape was still confused about why she had come to see him let alone why she was back at Hogwarts. He was about to retire to his quarters when a house elf appeared.
"Master, dinner is being served shortly please go to the Great Hall"
"Very well"
Walking into the Great Hall Snape's robes billowed behind him, he noticed the students did their best not to catch his gaze as he entered. Scanning the staff table he noticed there was one extra chair. As he sat down Minerva took her place behind the podium.
"Students I need silence"
The chatter of the Great hall continued.
"I SAID SILENCE!" she shouted and at once the chatter died out. Every student had now turned to face her.
Clearing her throat she continued to speak.
"My dear students, I know you all are hungry but before we begin out delightful feast I have some news for you"
Pausing she looked round at her students.
"As many of you will know I have looked for many months to find someone to replace me teaching transfiguration because my many responsibilities as Headmistress do not allow me to give you each of you the time you deserve"
Snape peered round curiously.
"So it gives me great pleasure to welcome your new transfiguration teacher Professor Hermione Granger"
Snape watched as the doors to the Great Hall opened and in she walked. The hall erupted into applause.
Hermione was warmed by the response she had received. She carefully slipped into her seat at the staff table next to Minerva.
She watched as the headmistress raised her hands "Let the feast begin".
Instantly their golden plates filled with food. Hermione couldn't help herself, she quickly glanced over in Snape's direction.
Pushing the food around on his plate Snape was taking in the news of the new addition to the teaching staff. His mind was racing, but there was one thing he was sure about, he was going to keep his distance with Professor Granger.