So…I had a bit of an unexpected hiatus. I had an opportunity to visit my family for the first time since the Thanksgiving before the pandemic. So of course, I jumped at it. I'd missed my parents and sisters so much. It was great to finally see them again. As always, I so appreciate your patience and support.
Life settled quickly once the aurors had packed up and left the castle. Well, all of the aurors except for Shacklebolt and Tonks. They were left to provide additional security. The students, of course, grumbled at the canceled Hogsmead weekends, but enjoyed having their favorite new teachers available all week. With little to do, the duo would frequently give impromptu lessons when asked, and the children asked often.
All too soon the winter hols were upon them. Severus leisurely perused Hermione's thoughts as they seemed to dart and weave around him. It looked like a mind frantically trying to hide something and failing miserably. He pulled out of her mind with ease. "Good work, Miss Granger," he said, and the girl smiled brightly at him.
"So, you didn't see anything?" she asked.
"I saw nothing of today's defense class," he responded. "If I may be so bold, Miss Granger," he continued. "Adolescent males are fools. Try not to take what they say in anger to heart." The witch blushed, knowing he'd seen her recent troubles with Ron. "And if McLaggen ever gets handsy with you again, you have my permission to hex his bollox off. Just be sure to send him my way afterwards for detention."
Hermione burst out laughing, and he chuckled along with her. "I'll definitely do that, Sir," she agreed enthusiastically.
"So, more ski slopes for the holidays?" Snape asked. "No, forgive me, I meant warm fireplaces, hot chocolate and a good book" he corrected.
"No, this year it we're going to the French Rivera. We decided to trade the slopes for beaches," she said.
"Ah, a good choice. Will you also trade your book for a snorkel and hot chocolate for…what?"
"An Italian soda, blood orange to be exact," she said primly. "And nothing can replace a book. Beaches are lovely places to read."
"I quite agree." Snape summoned a small package into his waiting hands. "Here, to continue your tradition of reading in comfort with a good beverage. Go ahead and open it," he said as he handed her the small gift.
"Oh, sir, you shouldn't have," Hermione exclaimed as she unwrapped the parcel to find a book.
"Nonsense, it's an autobiography that I thought you'd find interesting. It was written by a Muggleborn witch in the 1700s. It details her life and transition from the Muggle to the wizarding world," he explained.
"Thank you, professor. I can't wait to start it. Oh!" she exclaimed as she reached into her book bag. "Here," she said as she handed him a small gift in return. "Now it's a tradition."
Severus took the package, and knew full well what it was. He smiled at the thoughtfulness of it. "Thank you, Miss Granger."
"I do hope you like them," she said. "I never asked."
"Yes, I do. Cornish Fairings were a favorite Christmas treat when I was young. They were quite the treat last year," he assured the girl.
Hermione looked relieved momentarily then frowned. "Sir, may I ask you a question?"
"You just did, Miss Granger," he replied. The witch rolled her eyes and gave him a pointed look. Severus sighed and motioned for her to continue.
"Is Malfoy okay?" she asked.
"Draco?" he responded and the girl nodded. "Whyever would you ask that or care for that matter?"
Hermione shrugged. "I don't know. He just seems…different. Worried, sad. I don't know," she trailed off. Severus was about to assure her that there was nothing for her to be concerned about, when she continued. "Harry's always following him around. I'd hate for Malfoy to be going through something personal and have to deal with Harry stalking him."
Snape was stunned silent. This was a complication that he didn't need, and certainly a complication that Draco couldn't afford. Of all the stupid, he thought. Of course, Potter could find a way to make the situation worse. Didn't he always? He had to think quick. "Draco's mother is unwell, and with his father in Azkaban, he's worried for her." A version of the truth seemed the safest approach.
The girl's eyes filled with sympathy. "Is it serious? Will she be ok?"
"I'm afraid her condition is quite grave. It remains to be seen as to whether she will survive her affliction," he responded.
Hermione gasped and brought her hand up to cover her mouth. "I had no idea," she said. "That's terrible. No wonder he's been out of sorts. Is there anything I can do?"
"Just keep Potter from bothering him. He has enough to worry about already," Snape replied.
"Of course! Can I tell Harry what's going on?" she asked.
"I would appreciate it if you didn't. It's a private matter. Draco hasn't even shared that information with his housemate," the wizard said.
"I understand. I'll see what I can do about Harry. I guess I could just volunteer to follow him around myself and…not do it," the girl frowned. "I do hate lying to Harry though," she admitted.
"Anything you could do would be appreciated," he said solemnly. He hated lying to her, but it really seemed like the best option. Still, it's not like it was a complete lie. Narcissa was in a precarious position, and she could very easily not survive the school year.
"I'm sure he'll be happy to see her over break," the girl mused.
"I'm sure he will as well." Snape looked over to the mantel clock. "Well, unless you have anything else to discuss, it is time for you to return to your dorm."
Hermione rose from her chair. "Happy Christmas, professor."
The wizard smiled, "Happy Christmas to you as well, Miss Granger. Please send my regards to your parents."
"I will. Goodnight," she called and was out the door.
Severus closed and warded the door. Fuck! He thought. He would have to talk to Draco again. The boy was becoming somewhat despondent of late and was still refusing to confide in him. He had to let him know of Potter's little crusade.
*S*S*S*S*S*S*S*S*S*S*
As expected, Draco had not been amused to hear of Potter's new hobby. Unfortunately, there was little he could do for the boy aside from telling him to be careful. Again, he pleaded with the stubborn git to accept his help, and again he declined. So, Severus impressed on him the importance of not attracting attention to himself, especially with aurors now assigned to the school. There could be no more half concocted plans. He could only hope that the boy heeded his warnings.
*S*S*S*S*S*S*S*S*S*S*
The semester wound to a close and all too soon the students were being herded to train station to make their way back to London. The Ministry sent a dozen aurors to watch over the preceding. They stood amongst the crowd of children with watchful eyes and wands in hand. Severus could hardly blame them after the incident with Miss Bell.
He scanned the crowd himself. He'd not been told of any planned attacks on the train, but he wasn't told of every action his master made. Also, that didn't take into consideration a random attack by an unstable death eater looking to stir up trouble. The mental stability amongst his brethren was less than stellar.
He watched Hermione herd the first and second years onto the train like a little mother hen. He'd have smiled at the sight if he didn't have a dour reputation to maintain. Soon the children were sufficiently corralled and the train was off with a contingent of aurors to ensure their safety on the trip.
The wizard was making his way back to the castle when he was accosted by a pink haired auror. "Wotcher, Snape!" she called out. Severus was tempted to ignore her, but figured the klutz would just keep following him if he didn't answer.
He stopped and turned to face the woman. "Miss Tonks," he greeted.
"What a semester, huh? I didn't realize that school could be this fun," she mused. "I didn't expect this much excitement when you asked for our help."
"Neither did I," he responded. "Perhaps you are a bad influence," he drawled.
"Oh, I am. But I wasn't the life of this particular party," the auror laughed, and then got serious. "You were right. These kids don't have much time before they are going to be thrown head first into this war," she sighed. "Kings and I were assigned to the castle once classes resume. I think we should start some informal strength and endurance training. We could use some equipment though and perhaps somewhere to set up a makeshift gym. So…you know how we can go about doing that?"
Severus wanted to be irritated by the enthusiastic woman for interrupting his walk, but her idea really was rather good. He sighed, "I'll bring your idea up with Albus and Minerva. We'll see what we can arrange."
"Great!" the witch exclaimed. "Well, I've got to be off. Promised Remus I'd meet up with him tonight. Wish me luck," she said with a wink and a smirk and headed back towards Hogsmead.
The woman really was insufferable. Her idea was sound though. The children had become more active since the aurors had come along. Such physical training would be of great benefit for both dueling and hand to hand combat. One couldn't assume that a wand will always be available in a fight. Perhaps Shacklebolt and Tonks could teach some hand-to-hand combat in the next semester. He needed to give his students every advantage that he could manage before he killed Albus.