Family Matters
by Aurora_n_Severus
Hermione Granger stood uncomfortably in front of the gargoyle at Dumbledore's office vainly trying to figure out the password. Mentally she corrected herself. It was Minerva's office now. It had been for almost 6 years. She had almost given up when a familiar voice shook her attention and caused her to gasp and almost spin around.
"Well, if it isn't Hermione Granger. Welcome back from the dead."he spoke seriously in a monotone before brushing past her and muttering "lions", entering the office.
Hermione stared after him for a moment before following behind.
"Hello Severus. What brings you- Oh! By the heavens, Miss Granger....Hermione!"exclaimed McGonagall as she looked past Snape to see the not so young girl.
"Hello Professor mcGonagall." she whispered.
Minerva walked to her and enveloped her in a fierce hug.
"Oh come now. You aren't a student. Call me Minerva!" she said before hugging her again, her breath hitching in her throat.
"We thought you dead child."she whispered.
Hermione shook her head into her former professor's shoulder.
"Not physically."
"Poor child. Here, sit." she motioned for her to sit in a chair.
Hermione glanced around for Snape and saw him gazing into the fireplace.
"What happened Hermione? Where have you been?"
Hermione took in a deep breath and began the speech she had been preparing for 6 years, ever since the defeat of Voldemort and the death of Harry and Ron.
"After Harry hit the ground, I looked over and saw Ron fall after Malfoy's killing curse. Ron had jumped in the way to save me. After the commotion died down I scanned the area for survivors. Gathering who I could we tracked back to the castle, only for me to double over in pain. I had been sick for a few months off and on. I hadn't thought anything of it, with the war and all. Well right there in the middle of the forbidden forest I had a miscarriage of a baby I hadn't even known I was carrying. The only time it was possible I had used protection, but I guess something went wrong with the potion. Must have been old glindy wings. No matter, there would have been a child. A way for Harry to live on, but....."she stopped for a moment to calm herself and control the dams that threatened to break.
"Right there something in me snapped. This beautiful thing died. Had no chance. If I hadn't been a witch in the first place this all would have never happened. And this innocent thing wouldn't have died for no reason either. I got angry, I got sad, I got confused. So, I left. Instead of returning to the castle I ran. I ran away to the muggle world. Changed my name. Hid away. 6 years I wasted my life. But then a few months ago I was searching through the attic when I found my wand and all of my Hogwarts things. I sifted through them and realized this was all I had left. No family, thanks to Voldemort, no friends, thanks to Voldemort, and no life thanks to me. So I decided to take a chance and come here. Hoping for anything."
Silent tears fell from her eyes then and McGonagall hugged her again.
"My sweet Hermione. Hope can make mountains crumble. Its all you need. I actually have an open transfigurations spot. Has been open for years. I've been doing to double duty you could say."
"Thank you. So much."
"You are welcome my dear. Now, if you will excuse me I do have some preparations for the school year to attend to." Then she turned to Snape.
"Im sorry Severus. Can we talk later?"
"Of course Minerva."
"Good. And will you show Hermione to the Head of Gryffindor house's chambers? They are hers anyway."
"Of course."
She nodded and left the room.
Hermione dried her eyes and looked at her old potions professor. He seemed lost in thought for the moment.
"The years have been good to you Professor."
He looked at her then.
"Its Severus, and I could say the same to you."
He had changed liked everyone else. To what extent she wasn't sure, but his edge just wasn't so sharp.
"If we are done moping now Miss Granger, I believe your quarters are this way."
"Its Hermione, and lead the way Severus."
When they reached her rooms he stopped her for a moment.
"Don't forget to pick a password for the year. Just tell the portrait and she'll put it into effect. Dinner is at 7. Do be there. Im sure the others would enjoy seeing you."
"The others?"she inquired.
"Yes. Professors Lupin, Black, Flitwick, Trelawny, and Madame Pomfrey. The other professors are new."
Her eyes lit up at the list of names.
"You're going to have to convince them you aren't a ghost."
At this her eyes grew sad.
Letting his hard mask of indifference drop for a moment he lifted her drooping chin.
"Welcome home girl. We are family of acquaintance, but family nonetheless."
He let his hand fall away from her and turned and walked away, briefly seeing her smile, but hiding his.
As he walked away she put her hand where his had been and decided this had been a good idea and couldn't wait to see what this evening, and even more so tomorrow, would bring.
