Severus burst through the doors of the Great Hall with a rush of adrenaline, urgent to get ahead of the bewildered witch he'd left in his wake. He seethed with frustration, recognizing the coldness he'd spoken to her with as his usual defense mechanism. He was well aware of his tendency to use bitterness as a shield, yet he continued to play the part of the scary, malicious professor whenever he felt at risk of displaying emotion.
The problem Severus faced was that Hermione Granger had stirred many emotions within him that threatened to boil over whenever he faced her.
Returning to his quarters in the dungeons, Severus began changing into his nightclothes in deep thought. Did he really expect to avoid the woman for the entire school year? If he actually were to discuss the incident, what would he even say? Would he have to abandon his pride and thank her?
Severus slammed his palm into the cold wall on his quarters, immediate pain rushing up his arm at the impact. Why'd it have to be the Granger girl who saved him?
With an aggravated huff, he returned to his desk and began organizing Potions curriculum for the second night in a row, accepting that he wouldn't get an ounce of sleep even if he tried. Students would be arriving shortly, so he needed to be finishing his final preparations in the remaining hours of the Summer holiday. He couldn't help but wonder whether Hermione was ready for the chaotic onslaught of children ahead of her.
Suddenly, a firm knock at the door brought Severvus to attention. He wasn't expecting visitors. Rising from the neatly organized array of books and papers at his desk, he cautiously approached the door. "Minerva," he spoke exasperatedly.
"Good evening, Severus. May I?" the woman asked, expecting an invitation inside. Severus stepped aside, motioning for the headmistress to help herself to a seat.
"I trust you were still awake," Minerva commented, well aware of the man's poor habit of neglecting sleep.
Severus took a seat in the plush armchair across from his colleague. "Yes," he confirmed, knowing Minerva wasn't one to lecture him for the fact.
"As of recently, I haven't slept well myself," Minerva commented, her eyes darkening with sudden graveness. "Severus, I fear that peace in our world is at stake once more."
Severus knew that the headmistress hadn't visited for a light evening chat. She had come bearing news.
"The Ministry has reported a significant increase in neo-Death Eater activity. Just this evening, a Muggle-born shop owner was found dead with both of his employees left in critical condition. All of them had the Dark Mark carved into their skin."
Severus nodded, maintaining his stoic composure. Over the last several months, reports of similar crimes committed in the name of Lord Voldemort had been surfacing. Each incident involved the murder of one or more Muggle-born wizards, with anyone else "in the way" being brutally injured. The victims were all found with poor renditions of Voldemort's skull and snake insignia carved into their skin somewhere on their bodies.
"Kingsley Shacklebolt said that this attack brings the victim count to thirty-six, with nine dead."
Severus couldn't prevent his eyes from widening at the worsening reports. "What does this mean for the students?" He asked concernedly, realizing that Hogwarts would be full of children in the coming days.
Minerva stood from her seat, strong determination in her stance. "It means that whatever becomes of this movement, we protect the children at all costs. They will return to Hogwarts, attend classes per usual, and in case of emergency, benefit the protection of our excellent staff."
"Of course," Severus agreed, rising to see his visitor to the door. "And what of the students who've been inspired by these pro-pureblood crimes?"
Minerva frowned, likely having already considered the potential of a neo-Death Eater uprising at Hogwarts. "I pray our students wouldn't adopt such ideals. All we can do is deal with the problem if or when it surfaces."
Severus didn't have the same faith, for historically pureblood supremacism had been an issue at the school. If he were to have it his way, a zero-tolerance policy would be established immediately upon the arrival of students. Any sign of neo-Death Eater activity needed to be crushed before getting the chance to gain momentum. Regardless, he would respect the headmistress's plan of action.
"I will keep you informed," Minerva assured her trusted colleague, her expression grim as she exited the office. "And Severus?"
"Yes?" he asked, curious to what else the witch might have to say that night.
"Try a little harder to be kind to Ms. Granger. She did save your life, after all."
Severus opened his mouth to retort but immediately shut it, noticing the mischievous twinkle to the witch's gaze. She was baiting him.
"Good night, Minerva," Severus said with finality, reaching for the office door to emphasize his dismissal.
Minerva chuckled at the man's predictable callousness. She knew that deep down, he meant well. "Goodnight, Severus," she called behind her as she headed to exit the dungeons.
Severus let out a frustrated groan as he returned to the piles of remaining work at his desk. When he'd originally heard rumors of the second generation of Voldemort followers, he'd ignorantly dismissed the possibility of anything significant coming of it. To his dismay, the movement seemed to be amassing numbers that would continue to grow with the increase of media coverage. The Ministry, despite having undergone considerable reformation, had inarguably failed in suppressing the movement early on. They never could seem to get anything quite right.
Recognizing that there was nothing he could do to deal with the growing issue at present, Severus took to distracting himself by documenting an alphabetized list of the current potions in his storeroom. Hours later, the golden glow of the sunrise pouring through his window informed him that the task had succeeded in occupying him through the night.
Severus stood from his desk to ready himself for the day to come. Tomorrow, nearly three hundred young witches and wizards would be flooding the grounds of Hogwarts for the first time in three years. He had a lot of work to do.
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