A/N: So I've been rather motivated this evening and got another chapter out. It's a little difficult at the moment, because I'm at a point in the story where I edited things so much and started from scratch at bits that these last two chapters are one's I rewrote completely. It'll be easier when I've caught up to myself again. At the moment it's a just a big ball of 'wibbly-wobbly timey-wimey' stuff at the moment.
Disclaimer: I don't own anything in the Harry Potter Universe.
I hope you enjoy!
"Albus dear, is Severus here yet," Septima asked as she walked into the headmaster's office. Albus had been standing at the window looking out over the Black Lake contemplating his plans for one Hermione Granger for this upcoming school year. At Septima's voice he chuckled and turned around to look at her. "Why no dear, he isn't here yet," Albus said calmly. He'd come to get used to Septima, her personality and the sudden declarations that she had. While Albus himself had a sixth sense about some things, he knew Septima was beyond even him. Her mind was a true gift to her field and he knew he was lucky to have her at Hogwarts. "Well, listen when he does come here's my apprenticeship contract, and it's already signed by myself. It was fairly easy since I know I won't be the primary master that she studies under. Just have Severus give it to her to sign yeah? Oh I also stopped by the Infirmary on the way here and had Poppy think about drawing something up for Hermione as well," Septima said excitedly!
Albus' eyes twinkled as he chuckled "indeed Poppy will love having a witch to train, especially Miss Granger." Septima nodded "she seemed quite taken on the idea when I popped in and mentioned your intentions for her this upcoming year." Albus nodded "You caught me at the right time Septima, I'd just been thinking about it, but of course I'm sure you probably knew that already, which is why you came and talked to me today with a contract ready." Septima put the contract she'd drawn up on the headmaster's desk. "Well Albus, as much as I'd like to stick around Aurora is going to be up soon," Septima smiled mischievously. A blush rose to Albus' cheeks "yes, well thank you Septima we'll talk again soon I'm sure." Septima nodded and stepped out of the room.
Albus walked over to his desk and sat down to browse through the contract that Septima had written up for Hermione. 'She won't be the primary master she studies under. I guess things must be going better than I'd hoped they would this summer…' Just as Albus had begun to ponder the implications of Septima's words Severus Snape strode through the door looking rather cautious and put out. "Albus care to explain to me why you didn't tell me all you knew about Granger," Severus said quite calmly. "Hmmm to what are you referring dear boy," Albus replied with just as much calm. Albus watched as Severus went a bit rigid in the seat in front of him. "Severus dear boy think about it for a moment, if I had come to you with all I had suspected of Miss Granger's abilities, would you have believed me," Albus asked calmly? Severus' shoulders relaxed a bit "Albus you could have at least told me she'd been coming here on occasion this bloody summer. I've already told you countless times that I'd lost her at certain points. I didn't know she'd been bloody well disapparating off the property of Grimmauld. I just thought the little swot had found a nice quiet corner to bury herself away in during the mornings at first," Severus snapped. Albus just chuckled to himself "I assume you've seen her then," Albus asked?
Severus ground his teeth 'just what didn't the old bloody codger know?' Severus knew Albus had been right about not believing all that Granger was capable of, but he was still irritated with the old man in front of him. "Albus you have a habit of keeping things to yourself even when you don't bloody well need to. Do you know everything already? Is there even a point to my reporting, or was this just for kicks," Severus snapped. Albus sighed "Severus, this was to bring you up to speed on Miss Granger, she's been quite busy the last few years and she's most certainly no longer a traditional student, as I'm sure you've noticed." Severus nodded in agreement with that statement. "Severus, I'd like Miss Granger to take her NEWTS early and apprentice under masters this year for her education. Septima already brought a contract that she'd signed and hinted to Poppy drawing one up as well." Severus nodded in agreement to Albus' statements'. 'She certainly isn't a traditional student anymore, by any means. Granger will be nervous about taking her NEWTS this early mind you. However, I believe she can be persuaded. Studying under Septima and Pomphrey, that's certainly not surprising. Granger has always had a knack for Arithmancy and she's expressed interest in healing potions.'
"I'll talk to Granger about her NEWTS and apprenticing, as for the trace Albus is that part of her abilities," Severus asked. Dumbledore shook his head "ah that, do you remember Miss Granger's third year Severus," Albus asked. "Obviously" Severus said dragging out the syllables, as he'd been annoyed with such an obvious question. Albus chuckled, "ah yes, well Miss Granger couldn't decide on what electives to take at the end of her second year. So Minerva and I asked for a favor from some friends at the DOM so that Miss Granger wouldn't have to choose." Severus thought over the implications of his statement. 'Well obviously she wouldn't normally be able to take all of the electives, unless she can be in two places at once, which of course no one but…' Severus went rigid "at thirteen Albus, really? You gave a thirteen year old a bloody time-turner! You know that time travel is addicting, and Granger has a bloody never ending thirst for knowledge not to mention a penchant for rule breaking thanks to Potter! How old Albus?" Albus chuckled slightly "she'll be twenty soon according to Poppy. Unless of course she's used it during her stay at Grimmauld, in which case I don't know."
"Twenty! Merlin Albus they're supposed to be bloody sixteen this year! What have you done? Why, why have you let this go on," Severus shouted becoming frustrated with the man in front of him. To Severus it seemed that he was constantly hiding and manipulating things/him. Albus sighed "Severus my boy think about what you know of Tom, and now what you've learned and know about Miss Granger. Can you honestly tell me that things haven't worked out for the best? Miss Granger has never been a traditional student, she's exceptionally smart, brave beyond our comprehension, dastardly cunning and fiercely loyal. She's never been the average student Severus and she's certainly not the average woman. Things have happened this way for a reason. Miss Granger is a muggle born, she was a hat stall and she became friends with Mr. Potter and has become fiercely protective of that young man, which makes your job easier. If ever there was a student who could handle the use of a time-turner and it be in our favor, it's her." Severus shook his head and rolled his eyes at the old man in front of him. 'You're right on some accounts old man, but she was still a student under your care. She's probably become addicted to time travel now. All just so you could have someone with the capability to protect your protect your precious Potter.'
Severus and Albus argued back and forth for a little while, and exchanged information regarding Hermione Granger. Eventually both were tired and conceded that things were progressing fine and that Severus should get back to Grimmauld place soon, as the sky was getting dark. "Molly asks that you stay for dinner on the day of the next meeting," Severus said. Albus nodded "I think I'm going to organize one for tomorrow. It's probably best that everyone is at least aware of Miss Granger coming of age," Albus said calmly. "Please let her know that if she's open to it; I'd like her to join The Order." Severus felt a strong surge of protection roll through him. "She's still a student at this school Albus. She's a nineteen year old muggle born for Merlin's sake!" Albus' eyes twinkled "she won't be a traditional student at this school this year, she will be an apprentice. That makes her a member of staff. If you feel so uncomfortable with it my boy, you can be her sponsor. I'm sure once you tell her though, she'll want to join." Suddenly Severus tensed up as his left forearm went ablaze. The Dark Lord was calling, which couldn't mean anything good. His next report wasn't due for another week. "You told me you weren't due to report to Tom for another week," Albus said. Severus paled and tensed slightly "I wasn't due to report until next week." Albus' eyes lost their twinkle and he became slightly more rigid in his posture. "Well, go my boy you don't want to keep him waiting if this isn't a planned meeting. Report to me this evening, it can't be good if he's calling you now," Albus said gently.
Severus nodded stiffly, stood and swept from the room. Albus stood and walked over to the window. He waited and watched for Severus to leave the grounds in his Death Eater garb. Just as Severus left the grounds in his Death Eater garb a patronus arrived. "Albus I assume Severus has left for the evening, which means he's been summoned. He will not report to you tonight, and it will be a bad one. However, tonight will be the last night that he spends tending to his own wounds, and he'll be stronger for it. Severus will be Hermione's primary master, she will study Potions. He will also train her in DADA. Do not worry, he will come home broken, but he will heal and you will be filled in on the meeting tomorrow evening." Albus watched as the leopardess with Septima's voice faded from view. Albus sighed and smiled 'finally Severus you've met your match. Now hopefully it doesn't all go tits up.'