Hello, everyone! Thank you so much for the reviews! I completely agree with those of you that said this story seemed a bit rushed. In all honesty, I wrote about 10,000 words in one sitting, so I definitely need to go back and add lots of detail. I'm trying, guys, I really am!
Also, this story is rated M for lemons later on. Just a warning. ;)
And, once again, I don't own any of the characters (obviously).
Professor McGonagall, Snape and Hermione joined the three professors at the High Table. Hermione felt a secret thrill at getting to sit amongst her professors, which she had always dreamed of doing.
She took her seat in between the Headmistress and the Potions Professor. After placing her napkin in her lap, she noticed the silence that suddenly encompassed the room. Hermione looked up to find four pairs of expectant eyes staring Severus Snape down.
"Yes?" he asked the table collectively.
"Professor Snape, Merlin! You're alive!" Professor Sprout gasped.
Professor Flitwick drew his wand.
"Professor Flitwick!" the Headmistress shouted.
"How is he alive? Everyone said that He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named killed him last night. Why, Harry Potter got the last of his memories! Who are you working for now, Snape, that provided you with a countercurse for death?"
The Potions Professor merely looked at Flitwick amusedly. What an imbecile.
"Professor Flitwick! Cease your abhorrent behavior immediately!" roared Professor McGonagall.
Hermione was stunned. She had never heard the three-foot-tall man mutter a word of disagreement in his life.
"I still don't trust him," the Charms professor muttered under his breath.
"Now, you listen to me all, and listen closely. Severus Snape is no traitor. I have recounted the story to you all nearly a dozen times since this morning. If any of you has a problem with him remaining at Hogwarts, I suggest you pack your bags," Professor McGonagall stated matter-of-factly.
Everyone became quiet. After a moment, Hagrid spoke up.
"Well, Dumbledore trusted 'im, and that's enough fer me."
Snape remained silent.
"Dear, you need to eat. Then you can be off to get some much needed rest after yesterday's terrible events. We are forever grateful of the sacrifices you made, Severus."
He simply nodded his head. I do not fancy being treated like a child.
Truthfully, the events from the night before haunted his every waking thought. Bowing down to the Dark Lord like vermin; being ruthlessly attacked by that hideous snake; revealing what he thought to be his most precious memories with Potter.
Could it have been Potter that saved him? It was most definitely a possibility. Perhaps the Amoremin Fidem that Lily had used on Harry was somehow transferred to himself through his own love for Lily. It seemed far-fetched, but he needed to figure this out. He might owe his very life to Potter.
Severus stood up abruptly and made his way toward the basement. He wasn't usually one to be overemotional, but last night's events were swimming around in his head. He needed to rest.
"Professor Snape! Severus!" he heard a voice behind him call. Rolling his eyes, he turned around to face Professor McGonagall.
"I hope you are not angry with me for sharing your story with the other professors. You see, it was the only way they would agree with you remaining at Hogwarts."
Snape simply stared at her. Remaining at Hogwarts? Was she suggesting that he had somewhere else to go?
She continued. "You are remaining at Hogwarts, are you not? I assume that is why I found you shuffling about in the library."
"Yes, I plan to stay here. That won't be a problem, will it?"
"No. But Severus, you must understand that things are going to change."
"They already have."
While Professor McGonagall and Professor Snape were out in the hallway, the remaining three professors gossiped away about the new turn of events.
"…but Dumbledore asked him to…"
"…Always been a bit of a prick…"
"…Don't trust him…"
"Stop it! All of you, just stop it!" Hermione stabbed her chicken breast and crossed her arms. "With all due respect, Professor Sprout and Professor Flitwick, I will not sit here and listen to you bash Professor Snape. I was there last night. Harry told me everything he saw in the Pensieve and I believe him."
Her voice was shakier than usual, but she was persistent. Severus Snape had never exactly been her favorite teacher, but he deserved more respect than this. Especially after risking his life to protect Harry.
Professor Flitwick looked indignant. Professor Sprout however, tried to make amends.
"I'm sorry, Miss Granger. I know that my behavior is out of line. War must have done something to my head."
"It's quite all right, Professor. Please just trust me. Snape is not a bad person." Hermione felt the uncertainty creep into her voice, but pushed it away immediately. Six years of prejudice were going to be hard to eradicate.
Professor Flitwick muttered an apology. Hermione caught Hagrid's eye and smiled. At least he understood.
Snape made a quick run to the library for a copy of Potions Magazine before returning to the main hallway. As he approached his quarters, Severus caught a glimpse of Professor McGonagall and Hermione down the hall. They were walking towards him.
"Professor," he nodded before stepping into his room and locking the door behind him. Hermione noted that he had not even acknowledged her presence. No matter. He's probably just exhausted.
"Well, here is where you'll be staying, Hermione. I hope it isn't too drafty for your taste." The Headmistress led Hermione into the room next to Snape's. It was a bit dreary for her liking, but Hermione tried to be understanding. And, if she was perfectly honest with herself, she wanted to avoid the empty Gryffindor tower for as long as she possibly could.
"Goodnight, dear. If you need me, I'll be down the hall."
"Goodnight, professor."
Hermione stepped into her room, which was decorated with red and gold. She smiled to herself and began to undress for bed.
A/N: I will explain where Harry has been all this time in the next chapter!