A/N: Forgive me for taking so long to update. Like I said on my profile and on AAO, I have family visiting so my updating for the next couple of weeks will be slower than I would like. :( Buuuttttt anyway, here is chapter six. I hope you like it.
Chapter Six
Back to Hogwarts
Hermione Weasley flooed into Minerva McGonagall's office, her hair wild from the trip, her cloak in disarray. Patting the soot off of her robes feverishly, she ran her fingers through her hair and looked up.
"Good afternoon, Hermione," Minerva greeted warmly, coming over to hug the witch. "Thank you so much for coming on such short notice."
Hermione smiled at the witch, the floo behind her glowing bright again.
"It's not a problem, Minerva," Hermione said, stepping aside as the first of seven children began to fall out onto the Headmistresses office floor. "It only made sense to return to Hogwarts when the children did."`
"Well, of course," Minerva said. "You make it sound as if moving yourself and eight children is simple."
Hermione laughed, helping up a fallen Albus. "I think Severus would take offense to being called a child."
"It's okay to agree, dear," Minerva replied, hugging a ruffled looking Rose. "I dealt with the man on a daily basis for almost twenty years, I assure you, I understand."
"He's not that bad," Hermione said playfully. "Perhaps his mood swings leave something to be desired."
"You mean they resemble that of a toddler?"
Hermione and Minerva laughed, looking on as the man in question stepped out of the grate. He looked between them curiously, raising an eyebrow and they only laughed harder.
"I seem to have missed the joke," he said lightly. "I'm glad to have amused you two in some capacity."
"Oh, Severus," Hermione said, patting him on the arm as Minerva swept him and the girls in a hug. "We were only teasing." She turned to the rest of the group, ignoring his quizzical glare. "Did everyone make it alright?"
There was a murmur of assent and annoyance as the children took turns being patted down by Hermione. There was a knock at the door and Neville walked in, smiling happily.
"Hello, Hermione," he welcomed happily. "How are you?"
"I'm fine, Neville, how are you?" Hermione said, giving him a squeeze on the shoulder as she turned to the next child.
"I'm great, thanks. Luna sends her love."
"Well, tell her to owl me. We should all get together soon. It has been to long."
"Of course. I'll mention it to her," he replied. "And it will be much easier to get together now that we will be working together, as well."
"I look forward to it," Hermione said smiling at him, turning to him as she finished off with James, who had tried to escape her, but failed. "If you don't mind me asking, what are you up to here, Neville?"
"Oh, I'm just here to collect James, Rose, Albus and Scorpius and take them to their dorms," Neville said, smiling to each student in turn. "The last class of the day is about to end, and I'm sure they would like to run off and see their friends."
"Yes, please!"
"Thanks, Uncle Neville!"
"Come on, let's go!"
"Hey, wait a moment," Hermione cried over the noise. "Come say good-bye. We probably won't properly see one another again until the weekend."
The four students hurriedly hugged Hermione, Severus and the other children good-bye before running out the door excitedly. It didn't escape Hermione's notice that Rose only hovered by Severus and squeaked out a farewell before zipping out the door to follow Neville. She watched his response at the corner of her eye. He didn't seem to mind at all, only nodding to her and telling her good-bye as well.
He seems alright with her behavior well enough. Understands it, I suppose. I sure hope she comes around soon. It has to bother him, even if he refuses to show it.
After Neville had taken the older children and left, Minerva turned to Severus and Hermione, a smile brightening her face.
"Well, since we have a few more hours until dinner, would you like to see your quarters?"
Hermione and Severus nodded.
"That would be nice, thank you, Minerva," Hermione said, smiling back and taking Hugo's hand.
"Oh, no! Thank you, dears," Minerva said, heading to the door. "You are saving me from the Board of Governor's. They have been hounding me for months about getting full time professors."
"Are they aware of whom they are employing?" Severus asked, ushering Lily and Lucia out of the door.
"Ah, well," Minerva faltered. "Not precisely. All they know is your credentials, not your names. They seemed content enough. I believe they are just happy that I found someone and they won't have to be paying four separate people to do two jobs."
"I'm sure Sinistra and Neville are relieved as well," Hermione said as they exited her office and began to descend the stairs.
"Relieved doesn't begin to cover it, I don't think," Minerva said, laughing. "Severus, would you be a dear and put on your mask? That is if you want the whole student body to know who you are by dinner."
Severus inclined his head, fishing his mask out of his robes as they made it to the bottom of the stairs. He placed it firmly on his face, and Minerva stepped out into the corridor ahead.
It was madness. Students running this way and that, giggling happily. Hugo clutched onto Hermione's hand tightly, eyes wide as he surveyed the hubbub. Hermione smiled. She hadn't been much different her first day. Hermione turned to look for the girls. They gripped the back of Severus's robes, as though if they let go the mob of students would take them away. Their eyes were wide and fearful, but also full of wonder. Hermione caught Severus murmuring something to them and they relaxed slightly, still not relinquishing his robes. Hermione caught his eyes, or thought she did anyway due to the mask, and smiled before turning back to find Minerva already wading through the sea of students.
"Come on," Hermione said, following Minerva, pulling Hugo along.
After many corridors and a flight of stairs later, Minerva led them to a quiet end of the castle on the first floor. At the end of one of the corridors, Minerva came to a stop in front of a marvelous painting. The backdrop was a beautiful forest scenery, and in the center in lounging in the sun was a sleeping lion. He was a magnificent creature, with rippling muscles and a golden mane, and in his mane was an emerald colored garden snake. The snake coiled in the in the golden locks, his scales shinning brightly in the warm sun. The two looked to be in complete harmony. It was beautiful.
"Don't you think it's fitting?" Minerva asked waving to the painting. "I thought it would do splendidly for your quarters."
Hermione and Severus exchanged a glance.
"Our quarters, Minerva?" Severus asked.
"Yes, yours and the childrens, of course," Minerva said before turning back to face the painting. "Concordia."
The lion and snake opened their eyes before nodding sleepily. With a flick of the lion's tail the portrait swung open and revealing the portrait hole into their quarters.
Hermione and Severus and the children stared.
"Well, don't just stand there, go in," Minerva told them, shooing them inside.
Hermione stepped through first, with Hugo in tow. Her mouth fell open.
Before her was a glorious living area. The dark blue walls were lined with bookshelves packed with books. On one end was a massive fireplace with two dark grey couches and a love seat, as well as and black coffee table. The other side had several desks to allow them to work or study. At the back wall of the living room the walls opened up to reveal a roomy kitchen that was decorated in the same dark blue, black and grey. It held a kitchen table that was big enough for the family and then some. Next to the kitchen was a small hall way that Hermione guessed led to the bedrooms and bathrooms.
Hermione turned to Minerva who was smiling.
"Minerva, it's beautiful, but I thought-"
"We would have separate quarters," Severus finished for her as he removed his mask and looked to the Headmistress as the children began to run around and explore.
"Well, you see I had thought of that," Minerva replied, eyes twinkling. "But I ultimately thought it was easier for the both of you to be closer to the children this way."
"Minerva, we need our own space. I'm certain that Severus doesn't want me underfoot for the rest of our godchildrens childhoods," Hermione said, not meeting Severus in the eyes.
"I thought of that as well."
Minerva walked over to one side of the living room. "Anguem," she said, stepping back as the bookcase swung open to reveal a doorway. "These are your quarters, Severus. And these-" Minerva crossed to the opposite side of the room to another bookcase. "Leaena," the book case swung forward revealing another hole. "Are Hermione's. Both contain your own bedroom, washroom, as well as another room that you are allowed to do whatever you wish too. The floo in each room is connected to your individual office and classroom as well as my own. While the one here is only strictly connected to mine and the Hospital Wings."
Minerva turned to them with a raised eyebrow. "Is that to your liking?" Minerva asked.
Hermione brightened. "Oh, thank you Minerva," she said, hugging the witch and kissing her on the cheek. "You a wonderful."
"Yes, I know, dear," Minerva replied coyly. "Now go and see if the rest is to your liking."
Severus and Hermione followed the children down the hall where they were squealing with delight. Minerva had given the three children their own rooms. Hugo's was orange with Chudley Cannons paraphernalia strewn about the room. Lily's was a lilac, and was decorated with fairy lights. While Lucia's was a light green and was decorated like a forest scenery. All of their posessions had already been put into place by the house elves, and the children began to race around, finding new treasures and old. The three also shared a spacious bathroom with black and white tiles and an enormous claw footed tub. It was beyond Hermione's wildest dreams. Their quarters were gorgeous.
"Very impressive, Minerva," Severus said as they made their way back to the living area. "You have out done yourself."
"Yes, Minerva, it's beautiful."
"Hush. I don't need thanking. You are practically my family, and I wanted to make sure that you had everything you needed," Minerva replied dismissively. "Now, I have also put alarms about the rooms for if the two of you are sleeping or away and the children need you," Minerva said. "I have also warded your quarters to the Orders specification, although, I'm sure that the two of you will want to use your own wards, of course. Oh! That reminds me. Attie!"
There was a tiny pop and a house elf with eyes the color of crystal materialized before them. Hermione, Severus and the children eyed the creature before turning to Minerva with questioning gazes.
"This will be your nanny," Minerva said fondly. "She is one of the best, and has offered to care for the children while you are away, as well as help with anything else that needs doing."
"Thank you, Mistress Head," Attie said bowing.
"Attie," Minerva said, introducing them. "This is Severus Snape, Hermione Weasley and their goddaughters Lucia and Lily. And then there is Hugo, he is Hermione's son."
Attie bowed to each in turn, her ears flapping happily.
"An honor it is to serve," Attie said squeakily. "Attie will do her best. Attie will care for little master and misses very well she will."
Hermione looked painfully down at the elf. Her feelings on house elf enslavement remained the same after all of these years, but Hermione had come to realize that they were an intricate part of wizarding society, and loved to serve. It unnerved her and she had dropped the cause after a time. That didn't mean she was particularly comfortable with having an elf serve her now, however. Not that she had much of a choice now. Minerva had the final say, and this had been the witches solution. Hermione would have to live with it.
"They are Hugo, Lily and Lucia, Attie," Severus spoke up, inclining his head to the elf. "And I am Severus, and this is Hermione. Please, use our names from now on, as we would use yours."
I never knew Severus was so polite to elves.
Attie looked slightly confused. "Yes, sir, S-Severus, sir," Attie bowed again. "Anything you wishes, sir."
"It's very nice to meet you, Attie," Hermione greeted, holding her hand out to shake the elf's.
Attie nodded, patting the afford hand politely. "Yes, miss, it's very nice to meet you, miss."
"Thank you, Attie," Minerva said. "You may go. Severus and Hermione will call you when they need you."
And with that the elf popped out of sight.
"Well, I will allow you all to get comfortable." Minerva said, turning back to the group. "Your schedule's are in your rooms, and dinner will be at six. I will see you then, shall I?"
Hermione had only enough time to change the children into some respectable robes, before having to go get herself changed for dinner. It was only then that she was able to see her own rooms.
Hermione walked in, eyes wide at the beauty. The first room was her own private study and potions lab. There were all matter of potions equipment and books on the subject on the walls, as well as a work bench and a desk in the corner where she could work and grade. It reminded her of the dungeons in a way, but it wasn't cool nor unwelcome. The floor was made of stone, as were the walls, but instead of being plain they bore intricate Celtic carvings, as well as ancient runes. The desk and work bench were made of solid oak that also bore similar markings, and there was a window that let in the warm autumn sun. It was more than Hermione could have ever dreamed.
When she walked into the adjoining room she found her bedroom. It's walls were a light lime green, with an ebony slay bed and dressers. The duvet was a light grey, and the pillows and sheets were the same color as the walls. Along the walls were the same Celtic knots, boarding the walls in a dark grey. It felt warm and homey, and Hermione loved it.
The bathroom was just as magnificent, tiled in blue granite, with gold faucets. She also now possessed a claw foot tub and a massive stand in shower that was lined in glass. It was all so beautiful it took her breath away. Minerva truly had outdone herself.
I wonder what Severus's rooms look like?
Checking her watch hastily, and realizing she was running behind Hermione hurriedly got dressed. After several minutes of digging into her new wardrobe of teachers robes that she had bought the previous day, Hermione decided on her black crushed velvet under robes with her dark purple cloak, with silver clasps at her throat. They were elegant, with just the right amount of intimidation. They were perfect for the first day the students would see her.
Yes. They are quite teacherly.
After she finished freshening up, Hermione exited her rooms quickly, and met the oddest sight she had ever seen. Severus stood in all his glory in the middle of their living room, his teachers robes donned, buttoned from head to toe in black. He looked exactly like the Potions Master she remembered, intimidating and powerful. Except there was one slight deference. Severus Snape was smiling.
The three children had apparently found his robes very interesting, because they were twirling around him looking at him in awe.
"You look almost scary, sir," Hugo blurted, but by the boys face you could tell he was impressed.
"That's not nice, Hugo," Lily said bossily.
"I think you look nice, sir," Lucia piped up.
Hermione couldn't help but giggle, causing the man to look up as well as the children.
"I see you have finally seen Severus in his teachers robes," Hermione said, crossing the floor to meet them. "Honestly, Severus, can you not find another color that suits you? Must it always be black?"
Severus smirked at her. "Black suits me."
"Yes, well, it appears that you haven't changed a day in those robes. I feel like a little first year again just looking at you."
"Oh, mum, you look great!" Hugo interrupted, looking to his mother. "Are those your teachers robes?"
"One of several, Hugo," she said smiling. "Do I look presentable?"
"You look beautiful, Auntie," Lily cried happily.
"Yes, very beautiful, ma'am," Lucia replied with earnest, looking at Hermione in wonder.
Hermione turned her eyes to Severus and raised a quizzical eyebrow. He hadn't said anything about her robes.
"They'll do, I suppose," Severus said after a moment. Hermione noticed the corners of his mouth quirk upward.
"You're no help, Severus," Hermione huffed, striding past him and beckoning the children to follow her.
"Am I ever?" he asked.
Hermione turned back to reply to him, but he had already placed his mask firmly on his face. She shot him a coltish look before swinging the portrait open and heading to the Great Hall.
Hermione and the others made it to the teachers entrance to Great Hall with only a couple of odd looks and whispers. They looked mostly at Hermione, who they all knew was a decorated war hero, and they watched her with eyes wide in wonder and awe. It was the formidable presence of Severus that scared away any questions, however, as he glared at any student who hovered for to long.
Hermione reached for Severus's arm and squeezed lightly. As they stood in front of the door. The door that would change everything.
"Are you sure about this?" Hermione asked quietly so the children couldn't hear. "Is this what you want? You won't be able to back out after this."
Severus removed his mask with a flourish, replacing it inside his robes.
"I have hidden in some capacity for my entire life, Hermione," he said, his velvety tones soothing her worry for him. "I assure you, I'm ready. Minerva and Kingsley have assured me that my return will only hype up the public and the media and nothing more. I will face nothing legally by returning. I will be fine."
Hermione smiled at him. The man could put all of Gryffindor to shame with his bravery. Hermione couldn't believe she had a man like him on her side.
"Alright," Hermione said, hearing the hum of the entire school beyond the door. "Let's go."
Hermione went first, standing tall, ushering the children behind her, Severus closely behind them. They made their way to their places at the head table, nodding in welcome to the other professors who were smiling warmly. It wasn't until they had gotten the children seated between them than the students began to notice something was different.
The whispering of hundreds of children filled the hall as they began to eat, the teachers completely ignoring the state of shock and awe in their students. Minerva and Severus talked comfortably while they ate, Hermione turning their attention to Neville who was to her right. It was a hearty meal, and Hermione hadn't realized until now how much she had missed Hogwarts' food. It was delicious, and the children seemed to think so as well. They were nervous at first but once Hermione had filled their plates they dug in, the students all but forgotten. The hissing of the whispers increased, getting louder and louder, but the Head table refused to take notice. It wasn't until Minerva had completely finished her meal that she looked up at the students and stood, raising a steady hand.
The Hall immediately went silent. All eyes fixed on the Headmistress, waiting. Was it true? Was the dead man sitting at the table real?
"As I am sure you have realized," Minerva began, her voice ringing out clearly within the Hall. "We have gained a few new members at our table tonight. I am sure you will all be glad to know that I have filled the positions of Defense and Potions, and they will now be taught be these very talented professors."
Minerva waved a hand to indicate Hermione.
"Firstly we have Professor Hermione Weasley, who will be taking up the post of Potions and Head of Gryffindor House. You all may know her as the war hero that was best friends to Harry Potter. We are honored having you stay with us, Professor Weasley."
Hermione stood and bowed to the students who applauded with gusto. Hermione was even certain there was some cheering. She eyed Rose and James from the Gryffindor table and the Albus and Scorpius from the Slytherin table and gave them a friendly wink. Yes. It was good to be back.
Minerva waved again and the applause died down.
"We also have another addition to the staff," Minerva went on. "He will be taking over the Defense Against the Dark Arts post, as well as Head of Slytherin. As a former colleague of mine, I am personally appreciative that he has decided to return to the school after all of this time. You will know him best as the former Headmaster of Hogwarts that gave his life to protect Harry Potter and was instrumental in the fall of You-Know-Who. I introduce you to Professor Severus Snape."
The silence that followed was deafening. Hermione winced, looking to Severus, wanting to comfort the man. He stood and bowed his welcome, and returned to his seat, as if nothing was happening.
Hermione waved under the table at the children. They had begun to fidget at the awkwardness, looking to Hermione and Severus to explain. They had no answers for them this time, however.
"You all have heard the stories of Severus Snape," Minerva continued, clearing her throat. "You are probably asking why a dead man is sitting with us tonight. His story is not mine to tell, but I will tell you this:
"Severus survived the night of the Battle of Hogwarts, he decided then to go into hiding and fake his death because he had given so much of himself for our cause and he needed to get away from the world. He has only returned due his responsibilities to the Potter and Malfoy children.
"As you all are aware, the Potter's and the Malfoy's died in tragic accidents several weeks ago. Professor Snape has returned to see that they are cared for and has been kind enough to let me talk him into taking the Defense Against the Dark Arts post. These are his godchildren, Lucia Malfoy and Lily Potter, as well as Professor Weasley's son, Hugo.
"I ask that all of you respect both of your new professors privacy and as well as their families. They are the reason we are free now, and I expect the utmost respect from all of you."
Silence rang in the hall again as Minerva finished her speech and sat down. No one moved. No one spoke. Hermione bit her lip in anxiety. This was not a good start to things.
Then there was a single clap. Hermione's head shot up, her eyes connecting with a dark haired boy that was now standing at the Slytherin table. He had green eyes. Then there was another, from the Slytherin table as well, this time it was a blond haired boy. Albus and Scorpius stood up before the whole school, clapping for their godfather. After that it began to spread. James and Rose followed suit, and with that the students were on their feet. The noise was unbelievable. The students clapped and cheered for Severus, getting to their feet. Minerva followed, along with Neville and the rest of the professors and the children. Hermione herself got to her feet, looking to Severus with sparkling eyes.
I will not cry.
Severus's face was priceless. He stared at them all as if they were all insane, his eyebrows furrowed, his lips slightly parted in his daze. He just sat there, completely bewildered, Hermione could only smile.
It was then that the lights flickered out. Suddenly the cheering had turned into screaming. Hermione's heart jumped in her chest, fear gripping all of her insides. Something was wrong. Terribly wrong. Before Hermione knew what to think or feel she tried to light her wand, but it wouldn't light. Frantic, she reached the children, who were crying, terrified.
"Severus?" Hermione hissed, fearfully. "Severus, what's happening?"
"Attie!" Severus spoke harshly, his fingers brushing over Hermione's as he felt around in the dark. There was a pop and Hermione knew the elf was there. Completely blind, she had to trust that.
"Attie, take the children somewhere safe. Take them somewhere no one can get to them. Hurry!" Severus spat, trying to move away from the group and towards the students.
"Severus, wait!" Hermione cried after him, only barely making out his silhouette. Once she knew the children were gone, Hermione took off after him, following him around the Head table and toward the students. The screaming was getting louder. Someone had said they couldn't get out.
It was then that the lights suddenly came back on, and Hermione ran straight into Severus, having to grab onto the mans robes to keep from falling. Everyone went suddenly silent, and once Hermione peered over his shoulder she realized why.
Lord Voldemort stood directly in between the students and the rest of the teachers, right in front of Severus, watching him with a sneer on his snake like face. Hermione's heart clenched in fear, gripping Severus in her terror.
"What do you want, Tom?" Severus growled poisonously, his wand pointed at Voldemort's heart.
The laugh of Voldemort echoed in the silent Hall. No one moved. No one spoke. No one even dared breathe.
"I have told you what I want, Severus," Voldemort hissed. "I told you I would tell them. That they had to know sooner or later why you really came back. It wasn't because of your new brats. No. It was because of me!" His voice boomed around the Hall, everyone listening with bated breath. "I have returned! I was the one that killed the traitorous Malfoy's! I was the one that killed Harry Potter's wife and best friend. I was the one that killed Harry Potter himself!" Voldemort laughed again, meeting the furious eyes of Severus boldly. "You see, students, the Ministry doesn't want you to know that I am back because they believe that I am an impostor. A fraud. Could a fraud have killed Harry Potter, Severus? I think not."
Hermione grip on the back of Severus's robes tightened, her fingers aching painfully, feeling his body tense beneath her. She only just noticed that he had thrown an arm out to prevent her from moving out from behind him. Voldemort nor Severus moved, only staring at each other, only blinking.
"I assure you, from now on I will not be ignored. I am LORD VOLDEMORT and I will come down on the heads of this Ministry and Order and the traitors and the mudbloods and I will have order. I will have immortality! I will bring you all down, and you," he raised a spider like hand to point at Severus. "You, get to watch, Severus. You get to watch the world you fought so hard to protect burn away. Mark my words, I will come after you. I will kill you and your family. You are mine, and always have been, Severus, and will be to the very end."
Voldemort went to turn away, but thought better of it, turning his red eyes back on Severus.
"This is my last warning. The war is upon us. Tread carefully."
There was a flash of light, and it was then that Hermione realized Severus had struck Voldemort with a curse. Instead of defending himself, Voldemort only laughed again, and melted away.
"An astral projection," Severus murmured, staring at the spot Voldemort had just vacated. "He hadn't truly been here at all."
Hermione sighed, pressing her forehead into his shoulder.
"How could he have been capable? It doesn't make sense. He would have needed to be on the grounds to accomplish something like that," Hermione said lowly, looking to Severus. "The wards would have prevented him from doing that if he was outside of the school."
Severus blinked at her and shook his head.
"I don't know, Hermione," he said, his voice deeper than usual with concern. "I don't know."
The Ministry had shown up shortly after Voldemort's projection had left. The professor's had then focused on the students and kept them in the Great Hall, while the Ministry's Auror's combed the school for any evidence of Voldemort. Of course, they found none. Hermione and Severus had insisted that James, Rose, Scorpius and Albus return to their quarters for safety reason, much to the students displeasure. If Voldemort was here then they would need to be somewhere safe. Their dorms weren't going to be enough for Hermione and Severus.
After several hours of finding nothing Minerva finally decided to send the children to bed, with explicate instructions to stay in their dormitories that night. They might not have found Voldemort, but he most certainly might still be lurking about, and Minerva wasn't going to take any chances.
After escorting the children to their respectful dorms, the professors decided to have an emergency Order meeting in Minerva's office.
"We are having way to many of these meetings for my liking," Minerva grumbled, pushing up her glasses. "Well? What do we know? What happened?"
"I just received word, Minerva," Kingsley said, his voice low with anger. "Azkaban has had a breakout."
"What?" Severus snapped, turning his eyes to meet the Ministers.
"All of the Death Eaters being held there have escaped. Every last one of them."
Hermione moaned, biting her lip, while Severus pinched the bridge of his nose. Just when you thought nothing could get worse, it did.
"Four of my Auror's died trying to keep them from leaving, another twelve are seriously wounded," Kingsley said gravely. "We aren't sure how they accomplished it yet. We are still working on it."
"Work harder, the faster you find out how they broke out the faster we can protect ourselves against it," Severus said hotly.
"I am doing my best, Severus," Kingsley shot back. "I have every man available either here or there. I don't see you helping the cause in any way."
Severus stood straight up from where he had been previously been leaning on the wall of Minerva's office, his wand hand twitching.
"Enough!" Minerva snapped, pounding her hand on her desk to get the wizards attention. "Squabbling like hippogriffs won't fix the fact that we have just had a break out and Azkaban and a projection of You-Know-Who here at Hogwarts and have no idea why or how it happened."
"Well, Severus is so sure that You-Know-Who is an imposter, perhaps he has more answers for us," Kingsley grumbled.
Hermione watched Severus clench his fists to his side.
"Except for the break out at Azkaban everything that the Dark Lord has done shows me exactly why he isn't the actual Dark Lord, Shacklebolt," Severus hissed through clenched teeth, his eyes murderous. "I have been face to face with the Dark Lord, and I can tell you that is not the same wizard. The Dark Lord was never about parlor tricks. He would have come himself tonight to threaten us, or he wouldn't have done it at all."
"Well, explain to me, Snape," Kingsley continued, his rudeness beginning to get under Hermione's skin. She pressed her lips together, eyes narrowed at the Minister before her. She would trust Severus with her life. She didn't understand why Kingsley was questioning him so. "How the only wizard to ever break into Azkaban, is the one that you say is dead?"
"You have seen my Mark," Severus spat, reaching for his wand. "What, do you have sudden trust issues, Shacklebolt?"
"Maybe I do."
"Stop it!" Hermione cried, putting herself between the two men. "What are you doing? This isn't the time for this." The men looked at her in surprise. "This is ridiculous. We are all on the same side. Now, if Severus says he thinks that Voldemort is is an impostor, than that's exactly what he is. Why do you stand there and judge him so, Kingsley? You know as well as I that if anyone knows anything about Voldemort it's Severus."
Kingsley only sighed, wilting in front of Hermione. The man looked exhausted.
"Forgive me, Severus," Kingsley apologized. "Hermione is right. I should trust your judgment."
Severus only nodded, tightening his lips in a line. Hermione gently pushed him back to where he was, where Hermione could have sworn he had mumbled a curse at the other wizard.
"Alright, now that we all have grown up and are not acting like children anymore," Minerva said with annoyance lining her voice, looking pointedly between the Minister and Severus. "Perhaps we can come up with a plan of action?"
It wasn't until well after one in the morning before Severus and Hermione had finally been able to return to their rooms. The walk back was unnecessary since they could have taken the floo, but the walked soothed their nerves, and allowed them a little peace before having to go to bed and start classes the next morning.
The Order had decided that they would put all of their man power at the Ministry into finding Voldemort and his followers for now. They couldn't do much else without knowing where their enemy was, let alone how many of them there were. The Order itself would focus on the defensive here at Hogwarts. Strengthening wards, combing the castle for spies, or other such things. Hogwarts was their number one priority, especially since they knew that it would be a target due to Severus and Hermione's presence. There wasn't much else they could do, and it was driving Severus and Hermione mad.
They walked in silence for a long while, the only sound they made was the swish of their cloaks on the stone floor.
"Thank you," Severus said suddenly as they rounded a corner.
"For what?"
"For standing up to the Minister."
Hermione smiled at him tiredly. "It's what friends are for. I wasn't just going to sit there and let him talk to you like that," she said protectively.
"I assure you I was quite capable-"
"I'm sure you were, Severus," Hermione said, cutting him off. "But let a friend be a friend once in a while and let me help you."
"I wasn't aware that we were friends," he said, his tone serious.
Hermione stopped him in front of their portrait, eying him uncertainly.
"What do you think we are?" she asked, perplexedly.
"I couldn't say," he responded, his eyes boring into hers.
It was then Hermione realized how fragile Severus Snape was. The man before her was brave, prideful, protective and so much more. But when it came to his heart, Severus guarded it fiercely and rarely let anyone in. His failed friendship with Lily Evans Potter could be thanked for that. Hermione shook her head inwardly.
How could she have been so hateful to him? I have only been his friend for a couple of weeks and I can see how truly vulnerable he is.
It might be cliché, but Hermione had finally realized that Severus just wanted someone to care for that cared for him in return. Was that so much to ask? Yes, the man could be spiteful and even cruel at times, but when he cared for someone, he would do anything for them.
Was Hermione ready for that kind of friendship with him? A friendship with Severus was for life. Once he cared for someone, he never stopped caring, no matter the reason. Was she ready to have that kind of friendship with anyone again, after just loosing Harry and Ginny, who had been her friends for decades, and then Ron.
Hermione smiled, and then wrapped her arms around Severus's neck, having to stand on her tip-toes to do so. He stiffened beneath her, but allowed her to hug him, even putting an arm around her shoulders.
"Yes, I would like to say we are friends, wouldn't you?" Hermione asked, pulling away.
Severus paused before answering, but there was a quirk to his lips as he responded. "Yes. Friends."
"Concordia," Hermione said to the portrait, stepping aside to allow it to swing open.
Severus motioned for her to go ahead, and Hermione went through the portrait hole. The sight that met her eyes was one of the sweetest Hermione had ever seen.
The children had apparently refused to go to bed, much to Attie's chagrin. So, to try to sway them into sleep, the little elf had made them all a pallet to sleep on before the fire. All seven children laid sprawled, dead asleep and lightly snoring.
"The little masters and misses were waiting for the parents to get home, they was," Attie's tiny voice whispered at Hermione's elbow after a moment of Severus and Hermione surveying the children. "Attie told them to go to bed, she did, but theys wouldn't listens. So, Attie, made a pallet, and they sleeps."
Hermione turned to Severus, who gave her a genuine smile before turning to Attie.
"Thank you, Attie," Severus said. "You have done a wonderful job with them. You may go now."
Attie bowed, and with a flap of her ears and a pop, she was gone.
Hermione moved over to kiss the children goodnight, bending over in weird ways, but she managed. Severus went around and made sure each child was covered with their blanket, tucking them in soundly. Hermione sat tiredly on one of the couches, looking over her little family.
"They all did very well today," Severus muttered lowly so as not to wake them.
"Yes, I'm very proud of them," Hermione responded. "They were all so brave. Just like their godfather."
Hermione could have sworn, but it might have been a trick of the light, that Severus's cheeks turned pink. Hermione only smiled, sinking into the couch, inch by inch. It was so warm, so safe and comfortable. The reassuring sounds of her children sleeping and the crackling of the flames filled her to the brim. It was like heaven.
Before Hermione knew it she was speeding off into oblivion.
A/N: We're getting closer. Yes, baby steps, but I think it's coming along quite nicely. Don't you think?
Don't forget to review!