Hermione had successfully completed her lesson plans using Professor
Vector's old notes. Looking up newly published books and articles for any
additional information that the students may be able to learn and use, she
submitted them to Severus for his approval. True to her old form, she was
early and thorough. As she handed it to him, he motioned for her to sit.
"And how are you this morning, Hermione?" He asked, getting a house elf to bring them some tea.
"I'm fine, Severus. And you?"
"Stressed. Although, I've successfully finished the interviews for the remaining positions." He replied. "I've actually hired someone for potions who I'm sure you'll be familiar with."
Hermione picked up her tea that the house elf had brought. "Who?" She asked.
"You heard of Korun Tensil?" Severus asked, raising an eyebrow. Hermione sputtered on her tea, he noticed with amusement.
"You've got to be kidding me." She said when she regained herself. He gave her a look that said, 'do I kid?' "Korun Tensil? He was the creator and lead researcher of the cure for hex induced blindness. How the hell did you get ahold of him?"
He was a bit hesitant in answering. "He actually owed me a favour." He said.
Hermione noticed his hesitance, than remembered where else she had heard that name. "He was suspected of being a Death Eater too." She said. Severus nodded.
"Actually, he was a spy alongside myself. But since he was suspected, he hasn't been able to find a place where he could work with his accustomed privacy. I can understand some of the paranoia. I am on the receiving end of it as well." Severus said, a bit resentfully.
Hermione looked back up at him. "I'm sorry, Severus. I didn't mean to make it sound so negative. I appreciate all that you have done for me." She replied guiltily.
"Hermione, I'm not angry with you, nor am I offended. After seeing Mr Longbottom turn, as I said, I can understand some of the paranoia." He said softly. "I must admit that my past is hard to swallow, even now. Sometimes I even think that I haven't changed all these years. It worries me."
After a few moments of silence, a hand rested on his own. He looked up at Hermione. "Severus. I don't know what kind of person you were before you turned to our side, but I know the person you are now. If you ever need me, I'm there."
He stared up into her face. "Since when did the roles switch here? I was comforting you not 24 hours ago." He said with a grin.
"Well, you need someone too." She replied with a smile. "I don't think I'd be much of a friend if I wasn't there when you needed me."
He smiled back at her. "I'll be sure to introduce you two when he gets here. I know I'm looking forward to seeing him again. And with a third educated mind of potions there, I'm sure our debates will be even more interesting than they were before."
"What do you mean?" Hermione asked.
"We used to fight back and forth about theories and whatnot. It was the method we employed during any revels we attended when we were able to avoid participation." Severus replied. "Although, some of the ideas to hold Voldemort off bay came from some of those arguments. We both found it somewhat amusing that he didn't seem to suspect a thing."
"Ah. I see. Who else did you get?" Hermione asked, curious as to who else she may be working with.
"Well, for Transfiguration, a young woman, a bit older than yourself actually. Her name is Robin Una. After the interview, I swear, it was Minerva all over again." He said with a bittersweet smile. "It was hard to see anyone else in that position."
"I remember Robin." Hermione said. "She was in the year ahead of me, in Ravenclaw. We used to pair up when studying Arithmancy all the time."
"Glad to hear that she'll have someone who knows her when she arrives. I've also asked Remus Lupin back to teach Defense Against the Dark Arts." He smirked slightly at Hemrione's surprise.
"You're bringing back Professor Lupin?" She asked. "I thought you hated him."
"I did." Severus replied. "But you learn over time and especially during times of war, it's a waste of energy to hold a grudge. Besides," Severus leaned closer, despite the fact they were alone, "I've loved throwing jabs at him about his lycanthropy for years. Pisses him off. And it's my bit of revenge. So we call it even." Hermione smiled. Severus leaned back in his chair. "I need to ask you to help me out with Hagrid, Hermione."
"How come? I thought he was doing better since the end of the war." Hermione asked.
"Come on, Hermione. You were in his classes. I need help in getting him to tone it down a bit." He said. Hermione smiled, remembering the Skrewts. "He's been trying to convince me for months that it would be a good idea to have an Australian Sankerlot."
"What the hell is an Australian Sankerlot?" Hermione asked.
"A regular sankerlot is a creature similar to that of a large rat. Usually, they are tame enough to keep as pets. In fact, my parents used to have one. Quite harmless really." Severus said. "The Australian Sankerlots, however, are about as cuddly as a porcupine and as friendly as Filch was."
Hermione started to giggle, to which Severus smiled. "Severus?"
"Yes?"
"Say cuddly again." She said, almost incoherently, as she was still giggling. He scowled half-heartedly at her. "I'm sorry. It was too good. I never thought I'd hear that come out of your mouth." She said, calming the giggles down.
"Well, if you're done your little laughing fit, I can tell you that they are all expected to arrive tomorrow after lunch. I'm sure you would like to meet with both Korun and Robin. Remus would probably enjoy a bit of a catch up with you as well." Severus said.
"Thank you. I'm taking lunch in my quarters so I can look at some course outlines for a few correspondence courses." He narrowed his eyes at her. "Don't worry. I'll be there for dinner. You won't have to drag me kicking and screaming."
"You know I would." Severus replied. She nodded, than made her way out of the office.
~@~
An hour after finishing lunch in the Great Hall, Robin, Remus, and Korun entered the castle. They were greeted at the doorway by Severus, Hermione, Flitwick, and Sprout. It had been decided that Remus would become the new head of Gryffindor, and Korun would become the new Head of Slytherin. Professor Flitwick was to become the new deputy headmaster.
"Hermione, my dear." Remus said, approaching her, arms open for a hug. "How have you been?"
"I've been good, Remus." Hermione said, embracing him in return.
"You're looking better too." He replied. He than glanced at Severus. "I didn't doubt for a minute that Snape would get you up and about again." He said smiling. Severus scowled at him.
"Severus, old friend. How have you been?" Korun asked, walking to the headmaster.
"Korun. I've been busy. Trying to get this school back on its feet is hard work." Severus replied. "And you?"
"Well, I've got a bit of a conundrum that I wish to speak with you about. I'm hoping you can help." Korun said.
"If there's time. However, there is another scientific mind that can also add some insight." Severus replied. He ushered Korun and Robin to Hermione. "Korun, I'd like you to meet Hermione Granger. Hermione, Korun."
Hermoine held out her hand, but Korun hesitated a moment, looking at her. He regained himself, and took her hand, shaking it. "Miss Granger." He said, than turning back to Severus while Hermione and Robin hugged their hellos. "Potter's muggleborn friend, Severus?" Korun asked, voice lowered so that Hermione would not hear.
"Yes. Brilliant witch. She'll be teaching Arithmancy." Severus replied. He noticed Korun look over at Hermione than back at the headmaster. "Problem Korun?" He asked.
"No. None at all. I guess I'm still slightly affected by the 'good ole' years." Korun said. "I think some of that brain washing crap that monster gave us got to me a bit."
"Understandable. I was less affected by it, considering the time I had to spend around muggleborns while teaching here. It will take time to adjust." Severus said. "You should speak with her about your theories. You may be surprised, and it will help to eliminate some of that brain washing."
"Of course." Korun said, smiling. He turned to look at Hermione again who was talking animatedly with Robin. All in attendance missed the hate filled gleam that crossed the ex-deatheater's eyes.
~@~
Hermione and Robin were in Robin's new office as she was getting settled in. "Do you really think so?" Hermione asked.
"Trust me on this. I spent many years with guys as my closest friends. If you take the time out, you can read them like an open book. I'm surprised you haven't noticed it considering who your best friends were." Robin replied, missing the saddened look in Hermione's eyes. She masked it before Robin could notice.
"I honestly never really thought about it." Hermione replied.
"Come on, Hermione. It's obvious that there's something there. I mean, he spent all those months helping you. And he gives you this job. Not that I think you're not qualified." Robin said. "He may not realize it, you may not realize it, but I can tell. He's protective of you."
"And he likes to piss me off." She replied. "I don't know. I don't think I should really let myself think about it. I mean, I don't want to become awkward around him."
"Not that you'd mind it if anything happened because of this." Robin replied. "After all, everyone else I know would be repulsed with the idea. You obviously are not."
"I could never be repulsed with Severus." Hermione said. "He's done so much for me. More than I thought I deserved."
"Hermione. How can you think that you don't deserve help? I mean, you helped kill you know who!" Robin exclaimed. "I'm surprised you haven't had to beat men off with a stick. . .unless Snape has been doing that for you without you knowing."
"Stop it. You're a worse gossip than Lavender was sometimes." Hermione replied.
A knock on the door interrupted them. "Come in."
Severus entered the room. "Professor Una." He nodded, than looked at Hermione. "Hermione."
"Severus."
"There will be a staff meeting tomorrow morning after breakfast. I expect you both to attend and be on time."
"Sleep in and be late. No problem Headmaster." Robin said. Hermione giggled slightly. Severus gave Robin a strange look.
"Why I ever thought that another Minerva type would be the best, I'll never know." He said. "Hermione. Would I be able to speak with you after dinner?" He asked.
"Sure Severus. Anything wrong?"
"Nothing. I wish to discuss your desire to take the university courses." Severus replied. "Ladies." And he turned and walked down the corridor.
"Sure. Courses." Robin said once he was out of earshot. "He wants to talk about your desire alright."
"Robin!" Hermione exclaimed.
"Hermione!" Robin mimicked. "Maybe he wants to get a little studying of his own going."
"Robin!" Hermione warned.
"A little 'Hermione 101' followed by a review of some anatomy."
"You're horrible."
"I know."
~@~
"Severus."
"What? I've told you everything, Korun." Severus replied. "For the thousandth time, Hermione and I are not involved. If you're interested, you're free to make a move."
"Ha!" Korun laughed.
"What?"
"You may say that, Severus, but you know you cannot lie to me. It's almost imperceptible, but you almost convinced yourself there."
"I am not lying." Severus said. "And this isn't exactly the way to remain on your employers good side."
Shaking his head, Korun replied. "You may not be lying about being involved, but I am not free to make a move. Anyone who would look at her wrong, I bet you'd be ready to rip their throats out."
Severus scowled. "Since when did we get on this topic in the first place?"
"Since I figured that considering you were in Voldemort's ranks much longer than I had been, and you show virtually no effect of it in her presence." Korun replied.
"Your logic is flawed, Korun. We have been friends and nothing more." Severus said. "Now, if you'll excuse me, I've got a few things to do, and I still need your lesson plan."
"Of course, of course. But I find it odd that you would spend so much time helping her. There were others effected just as much as she was, yet you put so much effort into her."
When no response seemed forthcoming, Korun got up from his seat, and made his way out of the office.
A/N:
I apologize for how long it's been since I've been updating this story. School will be over in a few weeks, and I can put more effort into many of the stories that I have begun and haven't been able to work on in the past few months. Thank you to those who reviewed.
"And how are you this morning, Hermione?" He asked, getting a house elf to bring them some tea.
"I'm fine, Severus. And you?"
"Stressed. Although, I've successfully finished the interviews for the remaining positions." He replied. "I've actually hired someone for potions who I'm sure you'll be familiar with."
Hermione picked up her tea that the house elf had brought. "Who?" She asked.
"You heard of Korun Tensil?" Severus asked, raising an eyebrow. Hermione sputtered on her tea, he noticed with amusement.
"You've got to be kidding me." She said when she regained herself. He gave her a look that said, 'do I kid?' "Korun Tensil? He was the creator and lead researcher of the cure for hex induced blindness. How the hell did you get ahold of him?"
He was a bit hesitant in answering. "He actually owed me a favour." He said.
Hermione noticed his hesitance, than remembered where else she had heard that name. "He was suspected of being a Death Eater too." She said. Severus nodded.
"Actually, he was a spy alongside myself. But since he was suspected, he hasn't been able to find a place where he could work with his accustomed privacy. I can understand some of the paranoia. I am on the receiving end of it as well." Severus said, a bit resentfully.
Hermione looked back up at him. "I'm sorry, Severus. I didn't mean to make it sound so negative. I appreciate all that you have done for me." She replied guiltily.
"Hermione, I'm not angry with you, nor am I offended. After seeing Mr Longbottom turn, as I said, I can understand some of the paranoia." He said softly. "I must admit that my past is hard to swallow, even now. Sometimes I even think that I haven't changed all these years. It worries me."
After a few moments of silence, a hand rested on his own. He looked up at Hermione. "Severus. I don't know what kind of person you were before you turned to our side, but I know the person you are now. If you ever need me, I'm there."
He stared up into her face. "Since when did the roles switch here? I was comforting you not 24 hours ago." He said with a grin.
"Well, you need someone too." She replied with a smile. "I don't think I'd be much of a friend if I wasn't there when you needed me."
He smiled back at her. "I'll be sure to introduce you two when he gets here. I know I'm looking forward to seeing him again. And with a third educated mind of potions there, I'm sure our debates will be even more interesting than they were before."
"What do you mean?" Hermione asked.
"We used to fight back and forth about theories and whatnot. It was the method we employed during any revels we attended when we were able to avoid participation." Severus replied. "Although, some of the ideas to hold Voldemort off bay came from some of those arguments. We both found it somewhat amusing that he didn't seem to suspect a thing."
"Ah. I see. Who else did you get?" Hermione asked, curious as to who else she may be working with.
"Well, for Transfiguration, a young woman, a bit older than yourself actually. Her name is Robin Una. After the interview, I swear, it was Minerva all over again." He said with a bittersweet smile. "It was hard to see anyone else in that position."
"I remember Robin." Hermione said. "She was in the year ahead of me, in Ravenclaw. We used to pair up when studying Arithmancy all the time."
"Glad to hear that she'll have someone who knows her when she arrives. I've also asked Remus Lupin back to teach Defense Against the Dark Arts." He smirked slightly at Hemrione's surprise.
"You're bringing back Professor Lupin?" She asked. "I thought you hated him."
"I did." Severus replied. "But you learn over time and especially during times of war, it's a waste of energy to hold a grudge. Besides," Severus leaned closer, despite the fact they were alone, "I've loved throwing jabs at him about his lycanthropy for years. Pisses him off. And it's my bit of revenge. So we call it even." Hermione smiled. Severus leaned back in his chair. "I need to ask you to help me out with Hagrid, Hermione."
"How come? I thought he was doing better since the end of the war." Hermione asked.
"Come on, Hermione. You were in his classes. I need help in getting him to tone it down a bit." He said. Hermione smiled, remembering the Skrewts. "He's been trying to convince me for months that it would be a good idea to have an Australian Sankerlot."
"What the hell is an Australian Sankerlot?" Hermione asked.
"A regular sankerlot is a creature similar to that of a large rat. Usually, they are tame enough to keep as pets. In fact, my parents used to have one. Quite harmless really." Severus said. "The Australian Sankerlots, however, are about as cuddly as a porcupine and as friendly as Filch was."
Hermione started to giggle, to which Severus smiled. "Severus?"
"Yes?"
"Say cuddly again." She said, almost incoherently, as she was still giggling. He scowled half-heartedly at her. "I'm sorry. It was too good. I never thought I'd hear that come out of your mouth." She said, calming the giggles down.
"Well, if you're done your little laughing fit, I can tell you that they are all expected to arrive tomorrow after lunch. I'm sure you would like to meet with both Korun and Robin. Remus would probably enjoy a bit of a catch up with you as well." Severus said.
"Thank you. I'm taking lunch in my quarters so I can look at some course outlines for a few correspondence courses." He narrowed his eyes at her. "Don't worry. I'll be there for dinner. You won't have to drag me kicking and screaming."
"You know I would." Severus replied. She nodded, than made her way out of the office.
~@~
An hour after finishing lunch in the Great Hall, Robin, Remus, and Korun entered the castle. They were greeted at the doorway by Severus, Hermione, Flitwick, and Sprout. It had been decided that Remus would become the new head of Gryffindor, and Korun would become the new Head of Slytherin. Professor Flitwick was to become the new deputy headmaster.
"Hermione, my dear." Remus said, approaching her, arms open for a hug. "How have you been?"
"I've been good, Remus." Hermione said, embracing him in return.
"You're looking better too." He replied. He than glanced at Severus. "I didn't doubt for a minute that Snape would get you up and about again." He said smiling. Severus scowled at him.
"Severus, old friend. How have you been?" Korun asked, walking to the headmaster.
"Korun. I've been busy. Trying to get this school back on its feet is hard work." Severus replied. "And you?"
"Well, I've got a bit of a conundrum that I wish to speak with you about. I'm hoping you can help." Korun said.
"If there's time. However, there is another scientific mind that can also add some insight." Severus replied. He ushered Korun and Robin to Hermione. "Korun, I'd like you to meet Hermione Granger. Hermione, Korun."
Hermoine held out her hand, but Korun hesitated a moment, looking at her. He regained himself, and took her hand, shaking it. "Miss Granger." He said, than turning back to Severus while Hermione and Robin hugged their hellos. "Potter's muggleborn friend, Severus?" Korun asked, voice lowered so that Hermione would not hear.
"Yes. Brilliant witch. She'll be teaching Arithmancy." Severus replied. He noticed Korun look over at Hermione than back at the headmaster. "Problem Korun?" He asked.
"No. None at all. I guess I'm still slightly affected by the 'good ole' years." Korun said. "I think some of that brain washing crap that monster gave us got to me a bit."
"Understandable. I was less affected by it, considering the time I had to spend around muggleborns while teaching here. It will take time to adjust." Severus said. "You should speak with her about your theories. You may be surprised, and it will help to eliminate some of that brain washing."
"Of course." Korun said, smiling. He turned to look at Hermione again who was talking animatedly with Robin. All in attendance missed the hate filled gleam that crossed the ex-deatheater's eyes.
~@~
Hermione and Robin were in Robin's new office as she was getting settled in. "Do you really think so?" Hermione asked.
"Trust me on this. I spent many years with guys as my closest friends. If you take the time out, you can read them like an open book. I'm surprised you haven't noticed it considering who your best friends were." Robin replied, missing the saddened look in Hermione's eyes. She masked it before Robin could notice.
"I honestly never really thought about it." Hermione replied.
"Come on, Hermione. It's obvious that there's something there. I mean, he spent all those months helping you. And he gives you this job. Not that I think you're not qualified." Robin said. "He may not realize it, you may not realize it, but I can tell. He's protective of you."
"And he likes to piss me off." She replied. "I don't know. I don't think I should really let myself think about it. I mean, I don't want to become awkward around him."
"Not that you'd mind it if anything happened because of this." Robin replied. "After all, everyone else I know would be repulsed with the idea. You obviously are not."
"I could never be repulsed with Severus." Hermione said. "He's done so much for me. More than I thought I deserved."
"Hermione. How can you think that you don't deserve help? I mean, you helped kill you know who!" Robin exclaimed. "I'm surprised you haven't had to beat men off with a stick. . .unless Snape has been doing that for you without you knowing."
"Stop it. You're a worse gossip than Lavender was sometimes." Hermione replied.
A knock on the door interrupted them. "Come in."
Severus entered the room. "Professor Una." He nodded, than looked at Hermione. "Hermione."
"Severus."
"There will be a staff meeting tomorrow morning after breakfast. I expect you both to attend and be on time."
"Sleep in and be late. No problem Headmaster." Robin said. Hermione giggled slightly. Severus gave Robin a strange look.
"Why I ever thought that another Minerva type would be the best, I'll never know." He said. "Hermione. Would I be able to speak with you after dinner?" He asked.
"Sure Severus. Anything wrong?"
"Nothing. I wish to discuss your desire to take the university courses." Severus replied. "Ladies." And he turned and walked down the corridor.
"Sure. Courses." Robin said once he was out of earshot. "He wants to talk about your desire alright."
"Robin!" Hermione exclaimed.
"Hermione!" Robin mimicked. "Maybe he wants to get a little studying of his own going."
"Robin!" Hermione warned.
"A little 'Hermione 101' followed by a review of some anatomy."
"You're horrible."
"I know."
~@~
"Severus."
"What? I've told you everything, Korun." Severus replied. "For the thousandth time, Hermione and I are not involved. If you're interested, you're free to make a move."
"Ha!" Korun laughed.
"What?"
"You may say that, Severus, but you know you cannot lie to me. It's almost imperceptible, but you almost convinced yourself there."
"I am not lying." Severus said. "And this isn't exactly the way to remain on your employers good side."
Shaking his head, Korun replied. "You may not be lying about being involved, but I am not free to make a move. Anyone who would look at her wrong, I bet you'd be ready to rip their throats out."
Severus scowled. "Since when did we get on this topic in the first place?"
"Since I figured that considering you were in Voldemort's ranks much longer than I had been, and you show virtually no effect of it in her presence." Korun replied.
"Your logic is flawed, Korun. We have been friends and nothing more." Severus said. "Now, if you'll excuse me, I've got a few things to do, and I still need your lesson plan."
"Of course, of course. But I find it odd that you would spend so much time helping her. There were others effected just as much as she was, yet you put so much effort into her."
When no response seemed forthcoming, Korun got up from his seat, and made his way out of the office.
A/N:
I apologize for how long it's been since I've been updating this story. School will be over in a few weeks, and I can put more effort into many of the stories that I have begun and haven't been able to work on in the past few months. Thank you to those who reviewed.