Chapter 3 – Returning to Hogwarts

Minerva paced back and forth the main entrance of the castle, nervously wringing her hands together. She was waiting for the new Potions professor to arrive so she could welcome him properly and she was not happy about it. Albus was usually the one to welcome new staff to Hogwarts, but as always, the Minister of Magic needed his advice about something or another. The new Potions professor, Severus Snape, was expected to arrive nearly an hour ago; however, he still hadn't showed up.

Minerva sighed in frustration as she thought of how difficult her life had become in the past few days. Albus, Headmaster of Hogwarts and her best friend, had unknowingly complicated her life by one decision. He had invited the one man she had successfully avoided for the past year to join the teaching staff of Hogwarts. The man she had tried hard not to think about, dream about, however tedious it seemed.

The large oak doors slamming shut startled Minerva from her musings. Quickly she looked towards the front entrance and saw Severus Snape. Dressed in all black, hair messy and greased, he nodded politely to Minerva. She eyed him closely and inwardly sighed in relief when she noticed his body language. He was calm, collective, obviously not uncomfortable or uneasy with her. He didn't remember their affair, he had been too drunk she thought as she gained a bit of confidence and officially welcomed him to Hogwarts.

Later that night, Severus sat in his new parlor at Hogwarts Castle reflecting on the events of the past few hours. He had been forced to meet his fellow coworkers even though he had been taught by most of them. Albus did have an annoying sense of humor at times Severus thought grumpily. A smirk graced his face as he thought of Minerva McGonagall. He had stood outside the gates for nearly an hour and a half deciding whether or not to play dumb with Minerva. In the end, he had decided to and was now glad that he did. She had been tense and nervous when he first arrived; however, once she thought he did not remember their night of passion, she had visibly relaxed. If only she knew the truth!

Severus stood up from his comfortable green armchair and walked to his window. He glanced at the barely visible Forbidden Forest and replayed memories of his affair with Minerva McGonagall. He remembered the softness of her luscious lips, the gentleness of her touch, and the feel of her flawless skin pressed against his quite well. After he had remained the forgotten memories, he often wondered how he could have forgotten such a passionate night. Minerva was an incredibly passionate and thoughtful lover. It had surprised Severus immensely considering Minerva was usually strict and stern. Sighing, he moved away from the window and prepared for bed, another night filled with dreams about Minerva.

Minerva sat in front of her fireplace looking at her cherished photo album with teary eyes. Imagines of her wee babe filled all of her pages, some with her as well. Her little one was nearly four months old and she hadn't laid eyes on her since she had left her with the Grangers. Her heart ached for her baby girl; however, her desire to protect her trumped her own selfish wants.

Now she was even more determined to protect her baby girl, now that Severus had come back to Hogwarts. She had been terrified when Albus had first informed her of Severus' becoming a fixture of Hogwarts teaching staff; however, when she realized he had no recollection of their night together she had regained her confidence. She knew she had to keep her distance from him in order to keep her secret safe and she was going to try her damnedest.

Sighing, she rose from her spot on the floor and carefully placed the treasured photo album in its designated place, ensconced in the safety of the wooden chest her father had made for her in her younger days. She stored all of her prized possessions in that chest and magically secured it so no one but she or Hermione would ever be able to open it. Photo albums, money, keys to her vaults, jewels, and a letter to Hermione lay nestled in the chest. She was convinced that she would die before ever revealing the truth to her daughter so she had taken precautions to ensure Hermione's future. Her will had been created to explain Minerva's decisions to Hermione and beg for her forgiveness. Minerva was smart enough to realize Hermione would be an inquisitive soul; after all, both she and Severus had a need to learn. Hermione had to inherit something.