Family Matters Ch 2



Hermione sat in a chair in her empty quarters staring into space. After going back and retrieving her trunk she had left in front of Minerva's office, she had come back to unpack. Only then did she realize how little she really had. A photo album, some textbooks, her wand, some old papers, her Gringotts key, and a couple of robes she hardly fit in anymore. She breathed in heavily and swore she could smell the magic in the air. How could she possibly have almost lost this place forever to herself of all things? Not to Voldemort, not to deatheaters, but herself. This thought constantly berated her. Its what bothered her the most.

Minerva she had definitely missed. And she was excited at the prospect of meeting Sirus and Remus again. Even Poppy and Flitwick brought warmth to her heart. And then there was Snape, who had been somewhat less than charming when he first discovered her there but by the time they reached her door he had become....pleasant? True she did remember when they had at a time fought side by side for a good duration of the war. They had saved each other many a time. Back then she had begun to realize Snape the person and not Snape the git. She had even admired him at a time for his knowledge and skill as a potions master.

She shook her head to clear her thoughts and sighed. Time for dinner. She looked over at her robes from earlier. She walked towards them.

*This wont do*.

Taking out her wand she concentrated.

After a few minutes and a few incantations she had a nice flowing crimson dress with a low cut back and front. It was long and had one slit on the left side.

*Not bad for my first spell in 6 years.*she thought.

She pulled off her pants and shirt and slipped the dress on. Then she said a few light hair spells to tame her long hair down and even put a slight curl at the ends. Then a slight makeup charm and she was ready.


She stood in front of the doors to the Great Hall trying to calm herself. She didn't want to come across as a nervous first year. She was Head of Gryffindor house after all. After a few moments more she pushed the door open and walked inside. The teachers were too busy chattering with each other to notice her entrance. But as the door slammed shut Remus Lupin looked in that direction. He squinted for a moment before jumping out of his seat and walking around the high table and down to her. The others teachers stared after him.

"By Merlin Hermione, is that you?"he asked while putting his arm out to touch her, as if he was testing she was real.

She nodded.

The other teachers gasped and began to get out of their seats and coming to stand before her.

Soon she was in a huge group hug that started with Remus and went to Sirus, poppy, Flitwick, and Minerva.

There were many "I missed you"s and "Where have you been"s and "Im so glad you're ok"s.

Soon they all sat back at the table, and Hermione sat next to where a certain potions master had remained the entire time.

Hermione retold her story and Minerva explained why she was there. After the commotion died down they ate and chatted about the new school year.

Snape whispered to her.

"I told you they would think you a ghost."

Before she could reply, Minerva nudged her.

"You look wonderful tonight, my dear. Is this new?"

"Well, I transfigured my robes from earlier honestly. I don't have anything else to wear."

"Well then, a trip to Diagon Alley is in order. You'll need robes and a familiar."

Hermione flinched at the mention of a familiar. Crookshanks had died in her Sixth year.

"And maybe some books and other things."she said as well.

"Definitely Minerva."

"You can just fly there tomorrow and..."

"Actually I was never any good at flying."

"Well you could apparate."

"Could I Floo maybe? I haven't apparated in such a long time that Im afraid I might not get there."

"Hm well. I suppose you could floo, though That's still dangerous enough if you havent been in practice." Minerva looked lost in thought for a moment before beaming.

"Well then. I suppose Severus can take you tomorrow. He needs to go and get some ingredients anyway. Im sure he wouldn't mind, would you Severus?"

He simply glared at her.

"I suppose. Be at the dungeons at 9 o clock Hermione. Im sure we need to visit Gringotts, correct?"

She nodded.

"Very well then. Until tomorrow then. Good evening."

Hermione stared after him as he left.

*A whole day with Snape. Just like the good old days with double potions. Marvelous. *


As she drifted off into sleep later that evening, her last thoughts were maybe it wouldn't be so bad. It might be a good chance to see what he's been up to all this time. He's been nice enough so far, she might be able to push him a bit more.


*Snape's POV*


The chatter of the teachers was deafening to his ears. He sat in silence sipping his soup and gazing at the door, waiting for her entrance. Of course, none of the others saw her slip in at first, for they were entangled in their petty conversations. She looked so small in that timid moment when she poked her head through the door. But then she looked even more grown than he had ever seen her as she came all the way through, revealing her long crimson dress. He had to admit she was beautiful. Perhaps a bit too skinny, but he was sure that would change now that she was amongst friends and family. He smirked as Remus took notice of her and barely touched her as if she would shatter away at his touch. He began to think back to the war and remember when he first heard the news of her disappearance. What had he felt then? It wasn't hard to remember. Loss, anguish, guilt. He should have been there, fought beside her. But no, he was forced to separate from her and look what happened. She was gone. It had bothered him. Very much so. But why? They had come to an understanding, he supposed, but what exactly would you call it? It was a friendship, but it was closer than that at times. He had been unable to come up with a good answer for himself, so he soon had just shrugged it off. But then when he saw her in front of Minerva's office he didn't know what to think or feel. He was shocked and overjoyed even, but settled for a neutral approach.

"Welcome back from the dead..."he had spoke coldly even to his ears.

He made no eye contact with her the entire time. Just listened to her story, mixed emotions flowing through him. Anger, regret, sadness, sorrow, pity, warmth, happiness. In the end the warmer side won out and he found himself being impeccably nice to her. Soothing her fears, reassuring her.

"We are family of acquaintance, but family nonetheless." he had told her, her smile warming something within him.


Now here she was, sitting next to him. Something was out of place still. Something wasn't right, his brain told him. He felt confused as his conscious thoughts raced trying to make sense of all of the emotions from the day.

Great. And now he was responsible for taking her to Diagon Alley. Maybe it would be a blessing in disguise. Maybe he could ask her some things, clear his head a bit.


That night he didn't sleep. He hadnt slept much since the war. The nightmares made sure of that.