CHAPTER FOUR—CONVERSATIONS WITH OLD...ENEMIES
They continued on in silence until they got to Hermione's classroom. She was now on the desk, as she had told Severus she wanted to do. Instead of energetically working as she had been before, she was arguing with someone.
"Mistress must not do such things!" A squeaky voice said. "Winky will clean desk. Mistress eat dinner."
The two men skirted the desks in the room enough to see a small House-elf in a cute blue dress looking up appealingly at Hermione, who had once again discarded her robe and shoes.
"Winky, I'm fine!" Hermione said, not seeing the men. "I really am. I want to make sure I'm not forgetting anything that the last teacher who used this room might have. I just want everything organized."
"Winky will organize." The little elf protested. "Winky knows how Mistress organizes! Mistress uses the same organization everywhere."
Hermione moaned. "Look, I told you that you could do the dusting and repairing." She said. "Isn't that enough! I just don't want anything messed up!"
Winky gasped. "Winky would never mess up Mistress's stuff. Never!"
She burst out crying and Hermione winced. "No, no, don't cry, please." Hermione begged. "Please. You can finish, I promise. I trust you, Winky, honest. I do."
Winky stopped crying, wiping away tears. "Winky will do great job for Mistress."
"I know you will." Hermione said, dredging up a smile. "You're the best, Winky."
"Now Mistress eat!" Winky said, snapping her fingers. A plate of food appeared on the first student desk. "Go, eat!"
With a sigh, Hermione stood. As she turned, she finally caught sight of the two men watching her with interest.
"Professors!" She exclaimed, blushing. "Um, hello. How are you?"
"Ms. Granger, I just warned you!" Severus exclaimed.
She winced again. Damn. She hadn't really thought he'd come back. "Sorry, Professor." She said, quickly grabbing the robe again and sliding on her shoes. "Uh, can I help the two of you?" She asked, watching helplessly as Winky went through the desk with devastating efficiency.
"Hermione, my darling girl, I have to speak to you." Albus said, watching her and trying not to smile. "Why don't you dismiss your elf so that we can have some privacy."
Winky looked up. "If Headmaster Dumbledore wants Winky to leave, Winky will leave." She squeaked. "Mistress, Winky will be back later!"
With that, she snapped away.
Hermione sighed, shaking her head. She had to convince Harry to take Winky too, there was nothing else she could do. "How may I help you, Headmaster?" She asked, forcing a smile on her face.
"Hermione, we missed you very much at dinner, tonight." Albus said, smiling. The poor thing, she looked so frustrated. "I was very disappointed."
"Oh, I'm sorry, Headmaster." Hermione said. "But as I explained to Professor Snape, I have so much to do, I couldn't take the time out."
Oh, dear, Albus suddenly thought, seeing her chin come up defensively in a move that he had often seen on young Harry Potter. One of them had influenced the other, and either way, he knew exactly what that meant—pure stubbornness.
"My dear, I don't think you understand what working at Hogwarts means yet." Albus said. "I handpick my staff and have very exact rules for them to follow. And one of those rules is that I expect every staff member to come to the Great Hall at least twice a day. And at least one of those meals is to be dinner. I only ever seem to have problems convincing Potions professors of this rule, but that does not mean you are exempt from it."
Now came a look Severus was familiar with. She didn't like the information she had so far and was going to pick it to death.
"But, Headmaster, you cannot be serious." She said, frowning. "I am twenty-one years old. I am adult, quite capable of deciding exactly when I am ready to eat."
"You do not think that Professors should be on sight to influence the behavior of the students?" Albus asked, more than willing to help her struggle for understanding. It was a look he had seen on Severus's face most often.
"Well, sure." She said, thinking about it. "But really, if you and Professor McGonagall are there, no one thinks about any mischief. If Professor Snape is there either." She said, so lost in thought that she missed Severus's sudden glare. "I mean, I guess the Heads should go to every meal, but otherwise, I don't it's really that important. And," she suddenly grinned triumphantly. "Professor Trelawney never came to meals twice a day."
Severus snorted. "Yes, and we are all thankful for that."
"Sybil claims being around so many un-Seeing hurts her inner eye." Albus said. "As I have never been adept at Divination, I cannot refute that argument. You have no such argument. Dinner is no longer than an hour and a half, which anyone should be able to spare. It allows you to take a breather, to interact with your colleagues."
"Yes." Hermione said, nodding. "I've been thinking about that too. I think that's going to be a very uncomfortable situation and I'm not keen on initiating it any time soon. I was doing homework for them just three years ago. I just served detentions for them a few years ago. It's an extremely awkward situation and I think that it would just be better if I..." She shrugged awkwardly. "Stayed down here for a few years."
Severus coughed into his hand to hide his smile, Albus didn't even bother. "A few years? Hermione, it isn't really that big of an issue."
"Yes, yes, I think it is." She said. "I mean, I was just worrying about grades in their classes. How can I just sit beside them now and casually chat? I don't what I was thinking, taking this job. I can't do this, Professor. I can't teach! I never tried it before. And it's gonna be hard enough convincing the students that I'm not totally out of my league. I certainly can't convince my former professors of the same thing! Especially if I don't believe it myself!"
She stared at them, eyes wide, suddenly breathing really hard. "I-I-I can't, Headmaster. I just can't!"
Abruptly, she turned and dashed away, through the door that led to her own quarters, looking positively green.
Albus turned to Severus, who seemed to be lost in memories. "You still don't think you can give her any advice?" He asked dryly.
Severus flushed, looking down. He had had many of the same problems when he began. "I don't." He said. "Tell her to conjure a bucket for her classroom and suck up the rest of her problems. She knows where the kitchens are, I'm sure. Potter and Weasley used to sneak down there all the time. If she doesn't want to go to the Great Hall, that's her other option."
"She knows." Albus said, grinning fondly. "Don't you remember? She tried to get all of the House Elves to quit that time during her Fourth year."
"Oh." Severus groaned. "I do remember that. Those elves were scared for ages. They started refusing to let me in the kitchens, in case she snuck in with me."
The two quickly hid their grins as she reemerged, looking paler than ever.
"Excuse me, Professors." She said, smiling weakly. "As I said, I'm really not sure still why I took this position. I suppose it was to get some time away from Harry and Ron, but I don't think this is a good idea, every time I actually think about it. I don't think I can teach. And what if I go up to the Great Hall and see that in Professor Flitwick's eyes?"
"Hermione, I would never have brought you here if I had even the slightest doubt about your abilities." Albus said. "And while I do understand your concern it seems that hiding down here is making you more nervous than anything else would. I must insist that you begin coming to meals. I'm afraid I must insist. You are worrying everyone. The other professors cannot wait to see you again, especially Filius and Minerva. And Irma."
"Who's Irma?" Hermione said, frowning. "Oh! Madame Pince. Oh, it would be lovely to see her again." She said, grinning fondly. "I missed that library while I was gone."
Her grin faded again. "But Professor, I have the same problem I did as a student. I'm horrible with time. At least up in Gryffindor Tower I could see the sun. Now I'm underground, I'll never make it in time for dinner."
Oh no. Severus stiffened, realizing suddenly what was coming.
"That, my girl, is why you have a mentor. Until you get your schedule effectively mapped out, Severus will be there to help you." Albus said, winking at her. He suddenly frowned, obviously feigning anger or chastisement. "Now I'm afraid I'm going to have to be stern with you. If Severus comes to get you, you must go with him, as he will be there on my orders. And, you must stop calling me professor. We are colleagues now, Hermione."
"Ah, yes, Professor." She said, unable to help herself. "I'm sorry, but that might be more than I can bear. And I don't want to waste Professor Snape's time either. I really think it would just be best if you let me hide down here."
Hmm. Maybe it was time for a little threat. Albus reached into his pocket, pulling out two envelopes. "I have here, young lady, two letters from three young men who are more than a little worried about you." The man warned. "If you think I am just going to let you hide down in these dungeons, you have another thing coming."
She snatched the letters away, looking at the handwriting and then moaned. Harry and Ron and Marcus. "What, Viktor hasn't written yet?" She asked sourly, shaking her head. Since they had split up, he had taken a very annoying, very familiar, big-brother tone in her life.
"I actually spoke to Mr. Krum through Floo the other day." Albus said. "And while Marcus might not be able to visit, I was warned by Misters Potter and Weasley that if I allowed you to retreat into what Mister Weasley refers to as 'bookworm mode', that they would be forced to contact the Weasley twins for help in kidnapping you."
She moaned, knowing damned well that they would have no problems attempting it. And Fred and George would gleefully help. "But Professor Dumbledore, I-"
"I'm afraid you are running out of limbs to stand on." Albus said, grinning. The girl looked more flustered now than ever. "They also said to remind you that they'll be waiting on Friday."
"Oh no." She moaned, quickly conjuring her datebook. Damn, it was their week to go out. "Oh, I have so much to do. I should never have given back that Time-Turner." She said ruefully. "Well, in that case Professors, I should show you out so that I can get back to work."
Before either man could say another word, they found themselves at her doorway. She left them there, kicking her shoes off absently as she went back to the desk and began working again.
"You gave her a Time-Turner." Severus said, scarcely able to believe it. As if that much frightening efficiency needed the ability to multiply herself.
"In her third year." Albus said, nodding.
He couldn't hold back a small wince as Severus's face abruptly darkened. "That's how they saved Black." The younger man stated, scowling.
"Yes, that is how they helped save an innocent man." Albus agreed. "Now Severus, I really do expect you to help her. She did miss quite a few meals when she was a student, something we cannot allow to continue. Students expect to see their professors at meals with them. I would like it if you would try to get her to a few extra meals, but she must get used to being at two meals a day. Additionally, I would like you to check on her from time to time. You know what she is going through- you went through it yourself when you began here. I know I can trust you, my boy."
Albus patted the man on the back and strolled away.
Damn, how on earth had he been roped in again? Severus wondered, staring at his bottle of firewhiskey. He hadn't drank from it yet, but wasn't sure if he wanted to start. It was early in the evening. He still had time for two or three bottles after that one if he started now.
And he really needed all of his wits about him. How had he been trapped in this?
It was preposterous. Absolutely preposterous. He and Hermione Granger had nothing in common. He was a bitter, pessimistic, and sarcastic man and she was a ridiculously naïve and beautiful young lady.
He had no advice for her and that was it.
Dammit, he shouldn't be feeling sympathy for her. She should be sympathizing him. She had stolen everything from him. His position in the Potions community as the youngest Potions Master, his position at Hogwarts- even if he hadn't particularly wanted said position-, his mentor- as apparently Albus now had two lost causes to choose between.
Was nothing sacred? She'd be after the DADA position next. Well too bad. She couldn't have it. He'd wanted it for years. He was going to have it and keep it- until he DIED. And he was going to be buried in the classroom. And...and...and come back as a ghost and teach DADA still like Binns did.
Okay, so maybe he'd started on that bottle already. In fact, the bottle was empty. And he had known Albus had been in his rooms the other day, but hadn't been able to figure out why. He knew why now though- the barmy old coot had stolen all of his liquor.
Honestly! Like he couldn't control himself.
He stood abruptly and began to pace the room. What on earth was he going to do? He knew firsthand her stubborn streak- even if she was nervous now, she'd never really quit. She couldn't live with herself if she did. So it didn't really matter how sarcastic or rude he was, it wouldn't affect her.
Hell, she hadn't been affected by it for the seven years he taught her. Why on earth would it make a difference now? He could never be so lucky.
So what was he going to do!
He abruptly stood. He knew one thing he was going to do. If he couldn't drink here, he would just have to head on down to the Three Broomsticks and drink there.
He quickly made his way into Hogsmeade and was set up at a corner table by Rosmerta, bless her.
She also quickly brought him a bottle of firewhiskey, ignoring the glass that should have accompanied it. Good girl.
He sat there comfortably, drinking steadily, when who would sit down next to him but Potter and Weasley.
They didn't notice him, so he ignored them, savoring his drink until he suddenly heard, "Maybe we should try Charlie again."
"What are you talking about?" Weasley said, sounding as confused as ever. "I told you, Charlie doesn't want to marry. What if she does and he hurts her? Then we'd have to kill him and then Mum would kill us for killing one of my brothers."
"But Hermione needs someone, Ron." The Savior of the Wizarding world spoke. "And maybe she just isn't ready for marriage yet. But she'd respect Charlie and he might get her to loosen up. And who knows." He offered, shrugging. "Maybe he'll meet his match and fall in love with her."
"Obviously she needs someone." He went on, when Ron didn't answer. "We have to try every possibility."
"In that case, what about Remus?" Ron shot back, obviously wanting to get off the subject of his brother. "He was the smartest of the Marauders. We know she likes him."
"Yeah, but he's old enough to be her father." Harry said, wrinkling his nose. "Do you think she could think of him like that?"
Oh, this was getting worse and worse, Severus thought. He was the same age as Lupin.
But it just kept getting worse. Why couldn't those foolish Gryffindors stop talking? Silencio, Silencio, Silencio, he chanted in his head. He didn't dare take out his wand and actually try to cast the spell and anyways, that would be entirely too conspicuous.
He would just leave instead.
He tried to rise gracefully, but stumbled into the table- why was it moving anyways?- interrupting Weasley's defense of Lupin, as both of the young men stared at him in alarm.
Potter, ever the do-gooder, asked, "Professor Snape, are you alright? Do you need help?"
"I do not ever need your help, Potter." Severus sneered, carefully enunciating. He wasn't drunk, he wasn't. "I am perfectly fine. Though I do fear for your health if ever your Ms. Granger does hear how you talk about her when she is not around. Mayhap I should seek her out."
And with that he swept out, happy to have gotten the last word against Potter for once.