Disclaimer: All characters and places that are from the "Harry Potter" series belong to J.K. Rowling. I hold no ownership or rights to these ideas (only the situations they are in).

Author's Note: Thank you to the few that have already taken the time to review and encourage me in this new attempt of mine. I hope to have a few tricks up my sleeve in terms of the plot (although it seems that it's like all the others). Bear with me while I continue to set things up for the story to take place.I promise that things will get angst-y in the near future. But I don't want to let the people to get too out of character.

Chapter Three - Hogwarts Revisited

Professor Severus Snape

I would like to accept your offer to work together in the near future. I have a few loose ends that need to be attended to at the Ministry, and will be unable to visit Hogwarts until next week. Please inform Professor Dumbledore of my arrival. I have no problems rooming with the current Gryffindors in Gryffindor tower. Hopefully the new ideas presented at the latest seminar will be of great help, and we will be able to find a cure expediently.

Hermione Granger Potions Mistress

Severus rolled the parchment up and placed it within the inner confines of his dark robes. It would be an annoyance having that Know-it-All Gryffindor around again. If it weren't for the absolute necessity to find a cure in the near future, he never would have agreed to work with her. Albus was certain that the two of them would make a good team, and had been trying to get Hermione to come back to Hogwarts since she was awarded her new title. Severus knew that the old man had some trick up his sleeve; otherwise he would not be so insistent.

Severus gathered up the old books he had been reading over when he was so rudely interrupted by the giddy owl announcing Miss Granger's coming arrival. He meticulously placed them back on the overfilled bookshelves and turned to head out of his quarters. Storming the halls of Hogwarts, he barely noticed the frightened children that stood aside, hoping to stay out of the path of Snape.

He was about to turn towards the Headmaster's office, when he came face to face with a smiling Dumbledore.

"Severus, old boy, I was expecting you. It seems that we are going to have a visitor soon."

"As usual, you already know what I was coming to tell you. I do not know why I even bother."

"Well, I hope that you can be a little more enthusiastic about our successful alum coming back to the halls of Hogwarts. Miss Granger will be a great asset to everyone here," he nudged Severus in the side with a playful gesture, "including you." There was the usual twinkle in Dumbledore's eyes as he merrily started down the corridors to the great hall; gesturing for Severus to follow.

"Her letter informed me that she would be here next week. Also, that she would like to stay in Gryffindor tower." Severus stated the information with as little interest as possible.

"I would like her to stay in the adjoining rooms next to your quarters in the dungeons. If you two are to work closely together, she needs access to your private labs and office. Besides, I know Miss Granger has an affinity for working late into the night. I would hate to have her wandering the halls at such hours."

Severus scowled towards Albus, as they made the last turn to the Great Hall. "I think that arrangement would simply be intolerable for me, and unusually cruel for her. She would be more suited staying with Minerva."

"That may be, but my decision is made. You'll see, it will be better for all concerned." Albus left Severus behind as he walked into the great hall for dinner. Severus growled under his breath as Sirius passed by him unnoticed.

"Well, aren't we in a mood tonight?" Sirius smiled as he poked fun at Severus's usual bad temper.

"Do not start with me, Black. I do not have the patience to deal with one as intellectually inept as you tonight." Severus never looked in Sirius's direction as he swirled around to exit. He would take his meal in his quarters this evening. He most certainly did not feel up to acting grudgingly polite to the staff.

Since he had the evening to himself, he decided to catch up on the research that he started before all the bad news. He perused his multitude of books and found the one he was looking for, Potions for the Nervous System in the Pureblood. Although it concerned only the pureblood wizards and witches, Severus felt that he could use the concepts outlined in these potions to come up with a new brewing technique. He was so close to finding the cure needed for the after effects. If only Miss Granger doesn't screw up all of his hard work.

Things are going to get interesting when she arrives.

*******

"Be sure to report to back to the Ministry on a regular basis. We want to keep up to date on all of the progress you and Professor Snape are making." Hermione sighed as she got a rundown of all her responsibilities while she was away. "Remember, the only reason we are allowing you to work outside of the Ministry Laboratories is because of Professor Snape's status as a Potions Master. We feel that the two of you could bring about great success for the ministry."

"And help all of the people that are suffering from the effects of the curse." Hermione added that little remark as a side note, almost under her breath.

"Well, yes, that too. We are all concerned for those suffering."

Hermione picked up her bag and shrank it to be placed in her robe pocket. "I will keep you informed on a weekly basis. Hopefully things will progress quickly." Taking the time to shake hands with a few of the ministry officials that were around was the last thing she did before she headed out.

The trip to Hogwarts was a simple and quick trip to take. It brought back memories of times past, and a few fears of how she would feel coming back as an adult and equal to the professors. As she walked up to the main gate, she clutched the letter she received yesterday from Professor Dumbledore. He had welcomed her with great enthusiasm and hoped to have her stay a long time. He hinted at a job opening that he would create for her, if she should choose to stay. It was all a little overwhelming, but Hermione decided to take things one step at a time.

"Hermione! You're a sight for sore eyes." Hermione turned around to be confronted with the giant arms of Hagrid as he scooped her up into a big hug. "I heard a rumor that you were coming to Hogwarts. It's great to have you back where you belong."

Hermione straightened her robes with her free hand as she smiled up at the loveable giant. "I am back for a short while. But I think Professor Snape would have a different opinion about whether I belong at Hogwarts."

"Aww, we all loves ya here. You fit right in."

"It is good to know that some people are excited to see me." Hermione looked back at the gate to the school and asked about the new students while Hagrid escorted her in. "Is Professor Dumbledore around? I am supposed to check in with him first to get my room arrangements."

"Yeah, he's in his office. I'll take ya there."

Hermione grabbed hold of Hagrid's arm and walked with him through the familiar halls of Hogwarts. She kept looking around like a new student, trying to grasp the beauty and wonder of the old school. She couldn't help but feel like she was coming home after a long journey; but was afraid to step forward to the next challenge.facing Snape as an equal.

TBC

Spaz141: Thank for the correction in your review. I might have a few mistakes throughout because of my newness to the stories. I haven't finished reading all of the books in the Series, and have only recently been introduced to the movies. I was enamored with the story and creativeness of the whole Harry Potter world instantly. .(To all concerned, Correction - The meeting between Harry and Hermione in the first chapter should take place at the Three Broomsticks, not the Leaky Cauldron, my bad. -).