PART ONE

Dietro L'incanto

(Behind the Magic)

A/N: This story will switch back and forth between Hermione's POV and Severus' POV, but all will be written in the 3rd person POV except for their inner thoughts which will usually be written in italics. Since Hermione was born on September 19th, 1979, she will soon be 19 years old when this story takes place, so she is both of-age in the wizarding world as we all the muggle world. While most of this story is canon-compliant, a few key elements aren't, most importantly that Severus Snape survived Nagini's attack. I hope you enjoy and as this is my first fanfic, any criticism and advice would be well appreciated.

Chapter 1

Hogwarts Di Nuovo

(Hogwarts Again)

She still couldn't quite believe that she was going back. How could anyone go back after all they had been through? How could she truly be standing there, looking at the Hall Class steam locomotive that had taken the witch to one of her favorite places every year for the past seven years? Well, not including last year. Last year she had lost out on her education and had been on the run. But that's exactly why she was standing where she was now. At almost 19 years old, she was returning to the place she had almost lost forever; a place that had lost so many itself, if a place could experience loss…and, she told herself as she stood admiring the train, if any place could feel loss, Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry surely could.

After the Battle of Hogwarts, which had only been barely four months ago, the Wizarding world had moved on and rebuilt itself amazingly well. She knew she shouldn't be surprised—magic truly was an amazing thing—but she still had to shake her head and pinch her arm to believe that the school was already starting a new term. It was Kingsley Shacklebolt, now officially Minister for Magic, and Headmistress Minerva McGonagall, who had insisted that the school should reopen as it normally would. With incredible effort from the Ministry, Hogwarts past and present students, their families, and volunteers from all over the world—including Madame Olympe Maxime, and many famous Quidditch players including Viktor Krum and Gwenog Jones—the school was rebuilt and ready for the students to return.

It would be Hermione's 7th year at the school, although she and a few other students were, technically, "eighth year students" which meant that they would have their own special section of the school as the common rooms didn't have enough space for a set of eighth year students, no matter how few. Hermione would've thought that, during the reconstruction of the school, they would have found a way around this, but, as explained to her in a letter from the headmistress, apparently, magical wards were on every common room and they would not allow for any additional rooms to be made. Hermione was a bit shocked at having never known about the wards and McGonagall herself admitted of not knowing of the incredibly powerful magic either. Hermione would never underestimate the surprises, and power, of the ancient school.

The whistle from the train let out its sharp shriek and Hermione glanced at her watch, a gift from her mother and father on her 16th birthday. It was a minute to 11 o'clock. Grabbing her luggage and hurrying onto the train's platform, she began making her way towards the back of the section she had boarded. She peered into the last compartment and a small smile lit up her face. Neville, Ginny and Luna all sat together, talking and laughing. But a sick feeling formed in Hermione's stomach as she reached for the compartment's door handle. Harry and Ron were missing. This would be the first year she'd be at Hogwarts without them. She couldn't help but feel a twinge of remorse and discomfort. She found herself meeting Ginny's eyes and took a deep, calming breath as her friend's hazel brown eyes met hers with warmth. As she pulled open the door she pushed away her sadness—it could wait.

"Hermione!" Neville jumped up and wrapped his arms around her. She couldn't help but notice that he really had matured nicely over the past year. He was muscular and held himself with more confidence.

They broke apart and Ginny's wild red hair flew as she too hugged Hermione. Luna just smiled serenely and waved the hand that wasn't holding onto a tiny white kitten. Seeing the kitten made Hermione's stomach cramp with unexpected sorrow, but she forced herself to return the golden-haired girl's smile.

"I'm so glad you and Neville decided to come back," Ginny admitted. "It just wouldn't be the same with all of you gone."

Hermione sensed Ginny's unspoken words and gazed at her knowingly. Ginny, too, would be missing Harry and Ron. Hermione suspected that the young girl was disappointed that her boyfriend and brother had not elected to return like Hermione and Neville had.

"Yes," added Luna. "Neville and I weren't sure you'd be back, because Harry and Ron wouldn't be and the three of you were all quite attached, but it's very nice that you are." As always, she spoke her mind, no matter how uncomfortable it could potentially cause everyone else to feel.

Neville sat back down next to Luna and grabbed the hand that wasn't holding the kitten. Ginny patted the space next to her on the cushion, inviting her frizzy-haired friend to sit down. Hermione sighed, suddenly finding herself feeling relieved. She had Ginny, and Neville, and even Luna. She wouldn't be alone.

The train ride was different from any other. She remembered her first year, when she had been trying to make friends, and her second year when she felt hurt and confused and worried when Harry and Ron hadn't shown up. But all the years after that she had experienced the same feelings: excitement, nervousness, anxiety, but overall hopefulness and optimism as well. Because she always, always, had Harry and Ron, and she was so focused on them, or her Prefect duties, that she had been pleasantly preoccupied. This time, though, she couldn't help but miss hearing Ron's snorting laugh, Harry's complaints about his aunt and uncle and cousin, Hedwig and Pig ruffling their feathers in their cages, and Crookshanks purring… Hermione never was able to find Crookshanks. After the Death Eaters had ambushed Ron's home, the ginger cat had gone missing.

"Would you like to hold her?"

Hermione snapped out of her reminiscing in time to see Luna holding up the white kitten, both animal and witch gazing at Hermione with wide eyes. She vaguely remembered her own eyes having rolled in the kitten's direction as she thought of Crookshanks and now regretted it.

"Oh, um…" but before Hermione could decline, Luna had dropped the small kitten directly onto Hermione's lap. The kitten, who had large blue eyes, stared up at Hermione and immediately began to purr.

"Her name is Pandora Twinkle-Toes Lovegood, but you can just call her Pandora, or Dora, or Twinkle, or Toes, or Twinkle-Toes."

Hermione couldn't help but smile down at the kitten and begin petting her behind the ears. "She's adorable, Luna. Where did you get her?"

"My father gave her to me as a Christmas gift. Since the Crumple-Horned Snorkack's horn never reformed, he promised to get me another one, but I really just wanted a pet to take to my last year at Hogwarts."

Refraining from reminding Luna that what she and her father had thought was the horn of a Crumple-Horned Snorkack was actually the horn of an Erumpent, she just smiled back at the serene girl instead and continued to stroke Twinkle's ears. "Well, she really is cute. How old is she?"

"Only five months. I'm sure she'll have so much fun growing up in the castle. I plan on introducing her to the Thestrals and am hoping they become great friends."

"Be careful, Luna," Ginny spoke up. "Thestrals are gentle, but they are also carnivorous. You have to make sure they know that Twinkle isn't food."

Hermione gave a sigh of relief, glad that someone had spoken up about the potentially disastrous Thestral-Kitten friendship.

Luna nodded. "Oh, yes, I'll be sure they realize she isn't for eating. Capricus and Millie should understand, and I'm sure they'd relay the message to the rest of the herd."

Hermione could only assume that "Capricus" and "Millie" were some of the names that Luna had christened two of the school's resident Thestrals. Suddenly, she gasped, realizing she would actually be able to see the creatures this year as they pulled the carriages.

Ginny must've realized the same thing that moment as well because her eyes widened and she exclaimed softly, "Oh, wow. Just think of how many seventh-year students will be able to see the Thestrals…"

They all fell into a silence, not wanting to say anything more about it.

.Beat.

"Severus, thank you for coming." Headmistress of Hogwarts Minerva McGonagall welcomed newly re-appointed Potions Professor Severus Snape into her office with a casual wave of her hand.

"Of course, Minerva," the potions master replied. While he had been called to the headmistress's office before, this time he felt somewhat unnerved, as if he could sense something ominous awakening. He walked calmly up to the desk where she sat, his favorite black robes billowing behind him. The war, nor his time spent in St. Mungo's, had changed much about his choice in attire, however it had changed much about his overall appearance. Where he had been thin and sallow, he had put on much needed weight and muscle and his pale skin seemed a healthier complexion than before. His hair was no longer as greasy or oily looking and instead of clinging tightly to the sides of his face it was thicker and healthier, giving it a more cared for look, even though it was simply healing potions and the lack of stress that was improving it.

"Have a seat, please." Minerva indicated to one of the mahogany chairs in front of her desk.

Severus sat, rather awkwardly as he preferred to stand when having a discussion he wasn't prepared for.

"I have granted you the renewal of the potions master position at your request, but I have decided on a few terms I will need you to comply with if you do wish to continue teaching here."

As Severus had no other option available to him, he felt he had little choice but to continue teaching at Hogwarts—something he was both comfortable with and good at. He nodded curtly but didn't speak.

"To be plain, I will not tolerate any blatant cruelty towards your students. It is unprofessional to call them names and intentionally refuse to answer questions, neglect calling on students who would like to answer a query, or prevent other students from helping their classmates. Also, any student who requests additional help or practice with your class needs to be assisted. Lastly, any withdrawal of points or awarding of points must be evenly distributed throughout the different houses that you teach. In other words, you can't award only Slytherin students points. Do I make myself clear?"

One thing could be said about the headmistress…while Albus Dumbledore, one of her predecessors, had resonated power that permeated the room, Minerva McGonagall resonated power into the very heart of those who were captured within her stern gaze and crisp tone. Severus rarely ever flushed or felt ashamed, but as she stood there, bluntly laying down new rules for him as if he were her own pupil, he couldn't help but feel both flushed and ashamed.

However, he held her gaze when he replied, "I understand, Minerva."

"As I understand that most of your petulant and patronizing behavior was supported by Dumbledore to affirm your role of a Death Eater if Voldemort were ever to return, it is no longer called for, nor appropriate. Strictness is understandable, as no one would dare utter that I myself am not a strict teacher, but fairness and the occasional kindness is also crucial. In short, you no longer have any excuse for acting like a git, Severus, so I expect you to preform your teaching duties in a way that is acceptable to my terms." She held his gaze steadily, but still he did not reply. "Voldemort is gone, you are free of that burden." She said this kindly, but firmly.

When Severus continued to bite back a retort and instead turned to stare at the portrait of a snoozing Dumbledore, the new headmistress gave him a small smile and said, "I'm very sorry I ever called you a coward. Please forgive me."

Her apology was unexpected, but he forced himself to meet her eyes and say, "There is nothing to forgive." Not waiting for her to argue, and sensing that this would be the best chance for him to depart, he stood abruptly and glided out of the office.

He understood Minerva's expectations. But Minerva did not understand that he was not free. And he doubted anyone would ever understand.

.Beat.

Hermione's first evening back passed quickly. Not much was different from the previous years, except to her left and right instead of Harry and Ron, sat Ginny and Neville, and they were receiving many whispers and stares from the majority of students in the Great Hall. She was, as if she could ever forget, a war hero; one of the key players in Voldemort's downfall, and the best friend of The Boy Who Defeated The Dark Lord. Except for the stares and whispers, the new students were sorted into their Houses and headmistress Minerva McGonagall gave a short opening speech about the rebuilding of the castle and the expectations of the students as further repairs underwent to the Forbidden Forest and Quidditch Pitch.

As Professor McGonagall began to introduce the staff, Hermione couldn't help but notice that a certain black-haired, surly man was seated at the staff table—a man who Hermione had helped restore to life. And back to life he was. Professor Severus Snape still wore all black, still had cold obsidian eyes and a scowl that seemed etched permanently into his face, but even from where she sat Hermione could see the noticeable difference in his general appearance. His skin didn't seem sickly, his hair seemed somehow…cleaner…and his overall presence seemed more relaxed. Still domineering and intimidating, but not as…angry nor formidable, somehow. He even seemed younger. Minerva McGonagall introduced him as renewing his profession of the school's potion's master, and while many whispers whirled throughout the Great Hall, the headmistress proceeded as if nothing was the matter.

She introduced Molly Weasley as the new Defence Against The Dark Arts professor, which Hermione had already known about since both Mrs. Weasley and Ron had owled her with the exciting news before the start of term. The headmistress went on to introduce Matilda Murphy as the new Muggles Studies professor followed by Hestia Jones as the new Transfiguration professor who Hermione recognized as being a member of the Order of the Phoenix. The headmistress concluded introductions by informing the student body that the centaur Firenze had been reestablished back into his colony and that professor Trelawny would take over all Divination lessons.

In a letter Hermione had received before the start of term she had learned that she and a handful of other students would be required to stay behind after the feast so Mr. Filch could show them to their own personal rooms as new ones had to be built for those returning students who wished to complete their seventh year. Hermione and Neville stood together and waved goodbye to Ginny, who was proudly displaying her Head Girl badge, and Luna, who had her arm looped through Ginny's. As the students filed out of the Great Hall, Hermione noticed that Ernie Macmillan, Hannah Abbott, Terry Boot, and, shockingly, Blaise Zabini, had returned to retake their seventh year. Ernie, Hannah and Terry greeted Neville and Hermione with smiles, while Blaise stood off away from them and stared resolutely towards the approaching, and obviously limping, Mr. Filch.

Moments later the grizzled care-taker was leading the students up to the seventh floor and down a corridor that Hermione had never seen before, while explaining that their curfew was midnight, giving them special privilege as returning seventh year students. He clearly didn't sound pleased. The next hallway they turned down, Hermione soon realized, were their own personal dorms. They each had a private room, including one for Blaise, who Hermione was still puzzled as to why he was there. Surely, being a pure-blood, he hadn't suffered much during his seventh year, and had been safe with those who sympathized with the Death Eaters during the Battle of Hogwarts. However, she didn't have long to attempt to analyze this as, one by one, her fellows were directed to their own rooms and given a password that would allow them to enter. Ernie and Terry were first, both rooms across from one another, followed by Hannah and Neville, and, to Hermione's displeasure, she and Blaise were across from each other at the end. Filch pressed a small piece of parchment into her hands with a grunt, did the same to Blaise, and then growled an unnecessary "Go to bed" before he turned and limped back down the hallway and into the adjacent corridor.

"Goodnight, Hermione."

She nearly jumped out of her skin as she spun to see Blaise looking right at her. There was no sign of a smirk on his pointed face, no hint of sarcasm in his tone, just a small smile at the edges of his lips and deep hazel green eyes staring into hers. She was too surprised to answer, but he didn't give her much time as he uttered a word she couldn't hear and stepped into his private room.

Staring at the door as it closed, Hermione shook her head, as if trying to clear it. "I feel like there are Wrackspurts in my brain," she whispered to herself.

Finally recovering from her shock at Blaise's behavior, she looked down at the small piece of paper Filch had given her. The word "insufferable" had been scribbled on the piece of parchment in the neatest penmanship she had ever seen.

But she had seen it before.