Sorry everyone, I started working last week, and it's a lot more time consuming I would have thought. I'm afraid updating will take quite long from now on, because I don't have much time to write and find inspiration. I'm not forgetting the story though, I'll do my best to find a suiting rhythm. Right now, I'm a little sleep deprived, so it's hard to concentrate on my story even when I get the time :/
Chapter 7 : Keeping up...
After Bill and Fleur's wedding, Minerva was happy that she and Hermione didn't go. She had been cautious enough to decline the invitation, she believed it too risky to bring Hermione among a crowd of wizards for several reasons. First, Hermione didn't know many of the guests, and would probably have panicked (especially since Fleur would have burdened her with the flower girl position). Then, she might have been recognized, or someone might have let her name slip, which would have been unadvisable. She hadn't even thought that much about the possibility of a Death Eater attack. Well, Death Eaters... Ministry... There was no difference anymore.
The news of Snape's return to Hogwarts as Headmaster was not completely unexpected by the staff. They knew that Voldemort was now in control of the Ministry of Magic, and that he would make sure that the education of young witches and wizards turned to his advantage. And if they set aside the fact that Snape had cruelly murdered Dumbledore, who was defenceless at the time, they had to admit that he had also done a lot for the school. He had taught there for many years, and even if his methods were disputable, he had his own efficient way of teaching. All teachers were however prepared to welcome Snape as coldly as they could, and to prevent him from harming students, if he ever had the intention to do so.
However, the appointment of the Carrows generated a lot more anger among the staff. Neither of them had teaching experience, and it was clear that their presence had no academic purposes. Defence against the Darks Arts would now become Dark Arts, and would be taught by Amycus. They couldn't deny that he would be an expert in this subject though... Unfortunately, his sister Alecto, who would be teaching Muggle Studies, seemed slightly less informed on her subject than her brother. Muggle Studies would become compulsory, and all pupils would have to learn that Muggles shouldn't be treated any better than animals... Moreover, the Carrows were also to be called for every students who lacked discipline. All teachers silently agreed that they would not report a single students, if they could avoid it. Hogwarts' new disciplinary measures were medieval, and apart from the new staff members, only Filch seemed supportive.
But what troubled Minerva more, was that with Snape and both Carrows in Hogwarts, hiding Hermione would become much harder than it used to be. The "baby-sitting" team was two members short (she would definitely not let Snape anywhere near the girl), and all teachers were going to be heavily watched. They were rather safe, since Voldemort was glad to have them give their knowledge to those who would become his servants. However, they would still be closely watched, and she couldn't have Filius and Pomona come to her office several times a day anymore. Therefore, Minerva asked a house-elf to come and take care of Hermione whenever she couldn't. The house-elves in the kitchens decided to send Winky, who was so happy to be given a true task, and a true new master that she quit Butterbeer immediately, and started spending her evenings knitting clothes for Hermione.
The little girl quickly grew attached to the elf. Winky felt like she was in charge of a new family and could not have been more delighted. She had received orders from Minerva to use elf magic if necessary to prevent any intruders from entering her quarters and harming Hermione. If needed, Twinky was to apparate Hermione away. This ought to be enough to keep her safe from Snape and his Headmaster privileges that would now allow him to get anywhere in the school.
During summer, Minerva had taken Hermione to her house, which wasn't that far from Hogwarts. It was hidden in every possible way from anyone, especially Death Eaters. Minerva decided to come back to Hogwarts alone the day before school started (which turned out to be the day Snape was appointed Headmaster). She couldn't risk bringing Hermione with her through the gates, and it turned out to be a wise decision, she though as she remembered the silky voice that welcomed her as she walked through the gates.
'Setting in later than usual Minerva ?'
Immediately, she drew her wand, and the wizard did the same not even a second later. They stood face to face, wands out, for a few moments.
'I assumed you would have been warned of my recent... nomination ?' His tone was neither friendly, nor threatening.
'I was.' Hers however was much more aggressive. 'This is exactly why I keep my precautions.'
'My, my, Minerva, if the Dark Lord wanted you dead, you would most likely have been killed already. I am merely here to welcome my staff members for this new school year.' He lowered his wand, though he smirked at her, still acting his part of the evil man.
'How thoughtful.' Minerva spat as she reluctantly lowered her own wand. 'However I am perfectly capable of reaching my chambers alone.'
She strode off, and he didn't follow. He was desperate to inquire about Hermione, but it would ruin everything. She wasn't supposed to know that he cared... He wasn't even supposed to care...
Of course Minerva didn't have a clue, and she was still slightly shocked every time Hermione asked for Sevwus in the evening. She had simply told the little girl that Severus couldn't come to visit her, but she hadn't found any explanation suitable for such a young child that wouldn't make her lie. And she couldn't lie... She couldn't make up a story and pretend Snape hadn't done what he did.
A.N. : It's very short, I'm sorry :/ With school starting again in the story, I should be able to make longer chapters ! I hope you liked this one anyway :)
