A/N: a shorter update than i had anticipated, but this is a good stopping place for now. i promise more twins, and more ron to come soon. this should satisfy you snape lovers though!! thanks for all of the hits and kind reviews, i'm a bit sad by some flames i've received. if this story isn't really pleasing, well-written, or entertaining i might have to scrap it and start over. but as long as there are readers you like it, i'll keep it going. so yeah... just review if you like it, please. it'll motivate me to write!

i'll probably not be able to update again till after the weekend, halloween parties and what-not. i hope everyone has a fun, safe weekend!! xoxox - reallyrad

disclaimer: i have no rights to the characters or the universe, they aren't mine. they belong to JK, i just apply my imagination to them!

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Chapter 4: Return to Hogwarts

"I really am pleased you accepted, Hermione. Tea?"

"Oh, yes please. It was all very rushed, and last minute, but since St. Mungo's was able to accommodate me so easily, I couldn't turn down such an excellent opportunity."

The two women sat in the Headmistress' office at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.

Hermione continued, "I mean, just to be back here at Hogwarts. Its brilliant" The young teacher accepted the cup of hot tea Professor McGonagall magically sent to her through the air.

"How were they able to let you go so easily? St. Mungo's, that is. Surely you're one of their most valuable healers?" Minerva sat behind her desk.

"Thank you Professor, I wouldn't say I'm the most valuable at all. There are brilliant witches and wizards working for them, just not loads. That's the problem. Because of the healer shortage in our society right now, they were rather keen to have me take this position, as a means of possible recruiting."

Minevera nodded in understanding. "Yes, that does make sense."

"They transferred over my patients to other healers, and they asked that I keep up the current research projects I've already begun, and continue to provide them with timely updates on any research I do."

"Well naturally, my dear, this all makes a good deal of sense. And I cannot lie, it works out rather well in the advantage of Hogwarts, and yourself."

"Yes, I am thrilled, if also a bit nervous." Hermione's unusual lack of confidence was evident in her tone, hollow and uneasy.

"You'll be just fine. You are the brightest witch of your age." Headmistress McGonagall was sincere in her statement.

Hermione looked down and blushed in silence.

"Now for some particulars. We'll have a staff meeting tomorrow at three o'clock in the afternoon. We'll go over all of the normal start-of-term issues, assign the Hogsmeade weekends for the teachers accompanying students, night patrol schedules and the sort. Until then, do you have any other questions?" The Headmistress set her empty cup on her desk.

"No, I mean, I'm sure I should, but I'll just wait until tomorrow. Thank you Headmistress," Hermione bade and she stood up to leave the office.

"Thank you Hermione. You've helped to fill an essential role, and all in this castle are fortunate to have you here. Let me know if you need any assistance moving in."

Hermione politely nodded and turned around to leave the office, feeling awkward by the excessive praise from her former professor.

As she walked past the gargoyle at the bottom of the stairs, and out into the hallway she took a deep breath. So this is it, I really am back at Hogwarts. She smiled. Since the death of her parents, Hermione hadn't been 'home' in years, and stepping foot back in the castle somehow felt like a return to the familiar, the safe. An overwhelming sense of nostalgia gripped her as she made her way towards Gryffindor tower.

Walking past familiar portraits and statues, memories of her six years at Hogwarts flooded her mind. I never did complete that seventh year because of the Horcrux hunt. She smirked, feeling guilty knowing she had been allowed to sit for her N.E.W.T.s without really taking her final year of courses. Passing a landing that had once been turned into a swamp, she remembered the awful year of Dolores Umbridge, and how the twins had gloriously fled the school amongst a show of fireworks and chaos. She had to give them credit for that one.

She began to remember being a nervous first year, who had over-studied everything in an attempt to please and fit in. She remembered nights of sitting in the Gryffindor Common room playing exploding snap, or studying while Harry and Ron played Wizard's chess. Ron. Her heart ached at the mere mention of his name. How had things gone so wrong? Pushing the thoughts of the brawny redhead to the back of her mind, she forced herself to focus on the present. Now, this is my chance now to start over fresh. I want to make the most out of my talents and skills, no need to look back now.

Her thoughts were interrupted as she reached the door to her new living quarters. Minerva had magically expanded a new section at the base of Gryffindor tower for the newest professor to take up her residence.

"Veritaserum," Hermione uttered the password and a small door materialized in a place that was formerly smooth wall. She gave the door a slight nudge and stepped into her chambers.

She was immediately surprised by her surroundings. This cannot be the right chamber, she thought, I must have somehow gone into someone else's room. The room she had stepped into didn't look anything like the room she and Ginny had been unpacking an hour prior.

"Oh, do you like it?"

Hermione jumped at the sound of Ginny's voice.

"Ginny! I thought you left the castle to go back home over an hour ago?" Hermione's voice was stern; she had never been much a rule breaker, or amender of plans.

"That's what I said, but when I saw how dreary this place was, I decided to make a few improvements. I hope you like it." Ginny Potter stood with her hands on her narrow hips, proud of what she'd done with the place.

"Its lovely. Really Gin, it's lovely." Hermione's voice cracked as she looked around. The hallway door opened into a main sitting room. Ginny had transfigured the bare, hard furniture and magically painted to create a warm, rich environment. The walls were a yellowy honey colour, with thick, brown window treatments. The brick fireplace was crackling, and a newly added mantle was mounted above it, holding some of Hermione's favorite pictures.

A tear came to the new teacher's eye as she saw her parents faces, one of Harry and Ginny holding their new baby James, and a host of snapshots from various Christmas mornings at the Burrow, and parties at the twins' flat in Diagon Alley. The couch in the room was a deep crimson color, with plush, deep cushions. The back wall behind Hermione didn't have any paint at all, as the entire space was taken up with bookshelves, in a warm brown, the same color as her new drapes.

"You really have an eye for decorating! Thank you so much, Ginny. I love every inch of it." Hermione pulled her friend into a hug.

Ginny was so relieved and happy to have done something nice. Hermione hadn't had an easy few years, and she truly believed in helping the girl who was basically her sister get a fresh start. "Wait till you see the bedroom."

Behind the couch were two doorways; one was a tiny alcove to small kitchenette, and coat rack area. There wasn't much that could be done to decorate these nooks, so Ginny had left them. The second was the entryway to Hermione's private bed and bath.

Twenty minutes and a lot of décor-related discussion later, the two women were perched on Hermione's bed (covered in a lovely white duvet, with crimson monogramming on the pillows and overlay) when the conversation naturally slowed down. They both sat quietly for a moment.

Ginny broke the silence, "Err, 'Mione, can I ask you something and expect an honest answer?"

"I always give honest answers, so yes."

"D'you think I'm a bit pathetic because I'm not working now? Its just, you've done so much with your career, and I had hardly completed Auror training when I fell pregnant with James." Ginny fidgeted nervously with her hands.

"Are you unhappy not working?" Hermione answered a question with a question.

"At first I thought I would be, or I should be. And don't get me wrong, I found the training and the work for the Auror Department to be thrilling… but no, I like being at home with James. Like doing this today, I actually rather enjoyed decorating and tidying, unpacking and arranging everything. There is something so maternal that's woken up inside of me."

Hermione smiled. "Gin, I know I've always been rather careless in saying that I don't admire homemakers. And well, that's not entirely true. I just don't fancy that sort of life for myself, at least not right now. I know that I myself, as well as Harry, and your whole family, know you're a brilliant witch. You're as fast and mean with a hex as anyone I've ever seen. You fought in V-War 2 without hesitation. And well, if being a mum makes you happy now, I say you deserve to just be happy."

Ginny's shoulders relaxed and she gave a little sigh. "Its just, I guess it goes back to our school days, but I've always admired you, and well, I just wouldn't want you to think I was underachieving."

Hermione looked thoughtful and taken aback for a moment, "Ginerva Weasley Potter. You are, without a doubt one of the best friends I have ever known. I am more than honoured to consider you family in my life, and I would never be disappointed in you. You keep a lovely home, have a beautiful family, and you help maintain my personal sanity far more often than you should have to!"

Ginny let out a small laugh at this part. "I guess its just hard being a mother so young. I wasn't really planning it, y'know?"

"I don't think any of us have really planned the way things turned out, but we keep on going. "

Ginny had been gone for a couple hours, and Hermione was settled into her new couch, nose buried in a book when she heard a tapping at her window. She got up and pulled aside the heavy curtains and saw a large black owl. She opened the window and with a rush of cool evening air the bird flew into her sitting room. She untied the letter and the owl flew away before she could offer a treat or some water.

Who would be owling me now?

She unrolled the parchment and sat back down to read the small note:

Miss Granger,

McGonogall tells me you've arrived today, and with the term starting in less than two weeks I imagine you'll need as much time as possible to attempt planning your first classes. Please come to my office in the dungeons upon receipt of this note. You may collect the lesson plans on healing potions I volunteered. With any luck your pupils will actually consider you competent based on your freshman attempt at teaching.

-S. Snape

She crumpled up the note and tossed it into the flames. Oh now that's rich. She gathered up fresh parchment, ready to not-so-politely decline his offer at giving her lesson plans. How dare he insinuate that I'm incompetent!

As she sat to write though, she wasn't really sure what she would say. She didn't necessarily have a great report with the potions teacher, but he hadn't been awful to her at the Burrow last weekend either. He actually complimented me. Twice! Somehow, her better judgment intercepted her actions and she decided against burning a bridge quite yet. She also admitted to herself, that in all honesty she really did need his lesson plans. Having never taught before, having his plans as a guideline would help greatly when she went to make her own.

She sat up from her desk and gave an exasperated sigh. She was going to go down there and accept his assistance. As she walked out the door, she braced herself for whatever humiliation the bat would try and dish her way.

"Ah, hello Miss Granger. Do sit down." The silky voice called to her from behind a large, black desk.

"Good evening Professor." Hermione's voice was subdued, and she unhappily walked to the large, straight backed chair facing his desk, and took a seat.

"So, you decided to take me up on my offer?" He didn't ask with a smile, but Hermione could sense something in his tone. It was as if he was playing with her.

"Yes, and I do greatly appreciate it, sir." She remained somber, although her eyes were questioning him.

His hand gestured to a stack of parchment tied up on his desk. "Go ahead, you may indeed accept these lesson plans, and by all means pawn them off as your own. The more credibility you are able to exude upon your first impressions as a teacher, the better." He was haughty, but not mean.

"Yes. I do kindly appreciate it."

"Greatly and kindly? Well that's all the thanks I really do require for doing your work for you." His trademark sneer appeared on his face.

She felt her pulse start to climb, and a warmness spread across her face and neck. "How shall you prefer I thank you, Professor?"

"Oh its no matter Miss Granger, I suppose you don't have much to offer at the moment anyways. Just try not to get used to it, at some point you will have to actually, you know, teach your students." Sarcasm didn't drip off his voice, it freely flowed.

Blood was now pumping in her ears. She could no longer control her annoyance and she leaned forward towards him. In her trademark know-it-all-voice she challenged him, "I'll have you know that I am very capable of teaching healing to some 6th and 7th year students. If I wasn't, why would I have been so highly sought after?"

"Desperate times, call for…" He left the sentence hanging, his exterior remaining perfectly calm.

She was instantly on her feet. "Desperation?!?! So that's what this is all about. A desperate measure? Hmph. Actually, I don't think I need to use your materials afterall, thanks!" She bent down to her bag and grabbed his parchments, and placed the stack on his desk.

"Temper, temper Miss Granger. Come now, don't be foolish." He said the word foolish with as much mocking as he could imply.

Hands on her hips, she was about to fire back a retort when the topmost pages of the stack started fluttering, paper struggling against string to escape. Soon the whole stack was shaking, and objects and other papers on Snape's desk were trembling in response.

"Sit down Miss Granger, I've seen enough." His voice was entirely different, almost pleasant.

Confused, she glared at him and remained standing.

"Please Miss Granger, I beg you to calm yourself and have a seat. I have some questions for you. Would you care for some tea?" He was nonchalant as he conjured a kettle and two cups, filling them and placing them on the desk.

"What on earth are you getting at? You send me some insulting letter, then call me incompetent and, and…" she stammered, trying to recall the other insults.

"Yes, I did. And look at your reaction. Parchment shaking, objects moving about. A few more minutes and you would have destroyed my desk much in the fashion of the Weasley guesthouse."

She let slide the nasty comment about the Burrow's woodshed, as comprehension came over her. She slowly sat down.

"You were baiting me?"

"And apparently it worked, wasn't even that hard to do. I wanted to test this little magical temper of yours for myself." His snide tone had returned in the slightest.

She just stared at him, part of her was embarrassed, but the part in the forefront of her consciousness was curious.

"Does this temper of yours always flare up when you are provoked?"

"Define provoked."

"Miss Granger," his eyes were black as the night sky, with no clear line between the pupil and iris. Yet, despite their darkness they were actually full of a kindness of sorts. He continued, his voice very calm now, "Miss Granger, I'm not sure this magical reaction you have, this uncontrollable wandless magic, is at all conducive to your well-being. I'd be hard pressed to believe you actually enjoy losing control?"

"No sir. I actually don't enjoy it all."

"I don't see how one could. However, properly harnessed, this wandless magic of yours could be," he paused, looking straight into her eyes, "quite advantageous. Powerful, really."

"How do you mean, sir? How could I manage it?"

"You know girl, that I am a rather skilled Legilimens and Occlumens."

"Yes, I remember when you tried to teach Harry, that's when Volemort was still connected to him."

"Yes, tried indeed. Regardless of Harry's lack of aptitude, I think that you may be an ideal candidate to start training in arts of mental blocking and penetration. I think tapping in to that area of mental control may be able to help you gain emotional control in general" He wasn't talking down to her anymore; his tone was very matter-of-fact in his delivery.

"Harry is quite skilled himself now, the Auror department found it quite easy to train him, actually." She was rather defensive when it came to Harry.

"I am well aware of what Mr. Potter can do now. He and I actually keep in touch rather often." Snape was also defensive of the man who vouched for him in regards to Dumbledore's death, and his work as a spy for the Order.

"Yes, he has mentioned that."

"So, Miss Granger, will you accept lessons from me? Or will you continue to wreak havoc every time you don't get your way?"

"I'm not a child you know." She didn't like being treated like a student all over again.

"I am very aware that you have grown up." The corner of his mouth lifted in the slightest as he said this.

His comment caught her off guard. Is he being suggestive? Hermione was suddenly very aware that she was a woman, and Professor Snape was a man, an imposing man at that. Flustered, she quickly replied, "Yes sir, I will accept these lessons."

"A wise choice. We begin tomorrow morning, directly after breakfast."

She stood up to leave, noticing she hadn't touched the tea he offered her earlier in the conversation.

Snape cleared his throat. "Miss Granger, do take the lesson plans with you. I know you're quite the competent healer, and I trust you'll be a brilliant professor someday. In the meantime however, it is only rational to assume you're inexperience could benefit from the assistance I volunteered originally."

She quietly picked up the stack of papers, and offered a small, "Thanks, and good evening."

"One more thing, do try your hardest to empty your mind of all thoughts before you sleep tonight. It will help prepare you to block my penetration attempts tomorrow." His voice was so deep and silky as he made this closing statement, a brief shiver crawled over her shoulders and down her spine.

"Yes, sir," was all she could manage to say as she left his office and headed back to her chambers, completely uncertain of what to make of her entire meeting with Severus Snape.