A/N: I am once again sorry for the short chapter. I as away for a while and I developed writer's block in the extreme. I am currently trying to figure out how I want this story to go. All reviews help me determine the plot, so I am thankful if you do review. Thanks for sticking with the story and giving me helping advice!

SEVEN

Aidan arrived in Hermione's chambers fuming. He attempted to slip past her without her noticing his return. No such luck.

She had just come out of her kitchenette. "Hey! Whoa! Boy Wonder! What's wrong with you?" She knew Harry was usually known as Boy Wonder, but her brother was pretty wonderful, too in her opinion.

"Nothing. I just don't agree with what Mom and Dad said about Professor Snape and I said as much when you left."

Hermione sighed and sat on her couch, putting her head in her hands. "You shouldn't have done that…"

"Did you know they tried to crush the magic out of me? They think we're freaks, Mione! They said the evacuation was the only reason they allowed me to come here!"

The brunette tensed and the air around her crackled with suppressed anger. She looked up sharply when an alarm went off. Flicking her wand, the shrill sound disappeared and she stood. "You best get back to Gryffindor Tower, Aidan. I have a staff meeting to attend."

"Will you be okay?" He knew she was physically alright, but her emotions were on the fritz and he knew it.

"Eventually. Come on, I can't be late."

They walked arm in arm to Gryffindor Tower and when she was satisfied he was inside the Common Room, she made her way down to the staff room.

"Ah, Professor Granger, you made it! There's a seat left next to Sybil."

Hermione ignored Albus, but took the seat next to the aloof Divination professor anyway. She hated her almost as much as Severus did and she adopted the facial expressions to prove it.

"Now that everyone is here, I wish to inform everyone there will be a Valentine's Day Ball in two months. Minerva has agreed to head this project, but she will need assistance. I was hoping you and Hermione may help, Filius." Albus said turning to the tiny man.

"I don't speak for Hermione, but I'd be happy to help." Flitwick squeaked.

Albus looked at Hermione. "Professor Granger?"

"I don't suppose I have a choice if you have already said I would. Just get on with it, Headmaster."

"Miss Granger, how are your wedding plans going?"

The entire room froze. Most were shocked that the new professor had even been outside the castle enough to get engaged, let alone meet someone.

A low snarl made its way through Hermione's teeth. "Nowhere, thanks to you. Is there anything else I need to be present for, because if not, I have much work to do and little time to do it." She stood and went to the door. Just before she could walk out, Albus spoke again.

"You will fill his shoes well, Professor."

She half-turned to face him and spoke quietly. "You have made a very big mistake, Headmaster. You may have gotten rid of him, but you forget we worked closely together. You are now dealing with someone with a lioness's roar and a snake's bite. Good luck." Slamming the door behind her, she raced to the dungeons and to Severus's quarters.

Inside she threw open his closet doors. Picking out two sets of teaching robes, she tossed Floo powder into the fireplace. "Diagon Alley!"

Fill his shoes? The old man doesn't know what he just did…