Chapter 4

Just as he suspected when he wandered into the library before Lunch the next day he found Miss Granger sitting at the table she normally occupied with her daughter. He knew it was going to be hard and he expected this to happen he would carefully wait and watch looking for his opportunity he'd find a way. He went back to his rooms and pondered how long it would take Hermione, damn it, Miss Granger to let her little girl wander about alone again. He didn't figure it would be too long if he just kept his distance.

An owl appeared at his window tapping lightly to be let in. Who in the world it would be Severus could not tell you. No one ever contacted him via owl, generally they used the floo or just came knocking on the door. He walked to the window and swept it open letting the majestic bird in to land on his side table he went back and took the letter from it. He was more shocked when it didn't fly off back through the window. He took the letter with him to the small kitchenette off to the side of his common area and got the bird a slice of ham on a plate. He tore open the seal and began to read the letter.

Professor Severus Snape,

Severus I hope this letter finds you well. To my understanding Hermione Granger is now employed at the school. I would ask a favor of you if you could because you are one of the few there I trust and the strongest I know, please look after and take care of Hermione and her daughter Rose they've been through a lot recently if you haven't found out by now. Please send a reply back with Zeus.

Sincerely,

Harry James Potter

Severus looked at the name signed across the bottom then back at the bird picking the ham slice to pieces. It figured that Potter would name his owl after the King of the Gods of Greece. He supposed he could do what was asked of him he knew what was said was true Miss Granger had been through a lot in the subsequent time before her arrival at the school. He picked up a quill and parchment and penned his reply.

Harold James Potter,

As interesting as I find the devotion of your esteem to my character it need not have been said. I am aware of Miss Granger's current plight and am in no rush to pretend otherwise. I do not agree with what Mr. Weasley the selfish and self proclaimed "hero" of a friend you have has done to his ex-wife and daughter, he has sunk far below the range of low in my books. I will though not gladly but respectfully take on the challenge you have bestowed upon me and look after the pair and protect them if need be while they reside here in the castle. I do however suggest you keep this news away from Miss Granger for she may very well take offence to the idea that you think she needs any sort of protector at the age of thirty.

You may however wish to inform Headmistress Minerva McGonagall of this new development because I will most assuredly need the help. Do not take lightly that Miss Granger would willingly spend so much time with me that I can keep a close enough watch without her daughter's dear Aunt Minnie's assistance. I won't be telling her because as you were the one who asked the favor of me it is not my place.

Severus Snape

He sealed the letter with a tap of his wand and tied the missive onto Zeus who having finished the ham looked up at the snarky Potions Master waiting for instruction. "Take this back to your master and if he attempts a reply to me feel free to pick at his hand with that sharp beak of yours. Now get on with you." If owls could smirk he thought he might've seen Zeus pull such a maneuver before he took off right back out the window he came, which Severus closed immediately after before going back to his musings. If all came down to it he may use Potter to achieve his ends with a private meeting off the school grounds. But pray Merlin it wouldn't.

Hermione stayed with her daughter throughout the day, they'd taken Lunch in their rooms with Minerva Hermione having cooked the meal herself in the kitchenette off the living area. There wasn't much small talk while Hermione discussed potential lesson plans with her former professor and closest friend. Rose sat by reading Hogwarts A History not really paying attention to the conversation. She'd be getting her lessons with the elder of the two women to prevent accusations of favoritism if she were to take the classes with her mother.

Granted the three of them knew that Hermione would treat rose the same as any other student when it came to school, parents and the other students would take up the controversial issue. It was simply better to snuff the flame before it started than to fuel the fire.

At dinner the conversation was scarce as Hermione was once more seated between Rose and Severus thus separated one more from Minerva. Snape however made no attempt at conversation with her this time around except to once ask her to pass the butter and thank her when she obliged.

"Hermione have you figured your lesson plans out yet or would you like some help?" Professor Sprout asked from Minerva's other side.

"I've got them laid out and ready I was going to have Minerva approve them after the meal. That is if you can Headmistress I could wait for tomorrow." Hermione replied finishing off the last of her plate. She hadn't eaten much her appetite had been out of sync for a few weeks now and she was waiting for it to pass, she wrote it off to the stress she'd been put through. She knew it was worrying Rose so she didn't let on about it.

"I'm quite alright with that dear I'll come to your rooms in about twenty or so minutes to go over them with you." Minnie replied sweetly looking at Hermione over Rose's head. "Plus it gives me time to spend with my favorite niece." She sent a smile to Rose who smiled back and finished the last of her plate before standing up with her mother and waving goodbye as they left the hall for their rooms.

"These are very well laid out Hermione dear, not a flaw to be found, modeled rather well after my own classes from when you were a student here with a bit of added flair. It's perfect I approve. Good job dear, now I must be off I have a meeting with Severus before I retire. Rosie sweetheart you should be off to bed yourself it's best to start preparing now for school rather than later and being late to your first lessons of the year." Minerva said after Hermione had shown her the plans for Transfiguration the next year. Rose smiled nodded and hugged Minerva before kissing her mum goodnight and heading for her room.

Hermione walked Minnie out and bid her a goodnight before returning to the fire and pouring herself a glass of firewhiskey….

A/N: Hello party people. Thank you for reading and thank you for the support I do like reviews so it would be wonderful if you just clicked that little button there at the bottom. Now I have anonymous review enabled so even if you read this and don't have an account your reviews too would be appreciated. I'll take constructive criticism but if I get flamed I will discontinue and delete this story. I don't take flames well and I'm quite sure that I never will. If you don't like it simply stop reading and go find a story more suited to your tastes.

With Love,

Your Southern Belle