Chapter 23: Classes and Conversations
The first week of classes were uneventful for both parties inside the Snape quarters except for a few minor mishaps here and there, the castle was quiet. Hermione recalled one incident at the end of the first week when she had Double Transfigurations with seventh year Gryffindor and Slytherin.
Flashback:
The group was assigned to turn their pets into another animal; Harry was of course borrowing Ginny's puff because Hedwig doesn't do well with transfigurations. Everyone struggled with it but Draco's comment started it all.
"Come on Potter, this isn't that difficult didn't all those years of having Hermione as a friend teach you anything? Oh that's right the mudblood did the work for you two dunderheads!"The class gasped at his comment.
"Shut up Malfoy," Ron retorted.
"What are you going to do about it Weasel?" Malfoy pulled out his wand and flicked a small curse at Ron's head, turning his hair from Red to Blue.
"This," Ron pulled out his wand and started the curse but was unable to finish it.
"Expeliamus!" Hermione shouted. "Mr. Weasley, Mr. Potter and Mr. Malfoy, you both will stay after class, if you try and skip out, it will be a month of detention with Professor S. Snape. All of you will shut your mouths and get back to transfiguring you familiars, not a word will come from any of you until that bell rings, am I understood?" Hermione glared at the three before they nodded, "Good, all of you get back to work." And the class did as instructed. After class the three boys stood in front of Minerva's desk while Hermione sat on the edge in front of them.
"Please tell me you all aren't going to do this all year." Hermione said rubbing her temples.
"We can't change six years of habit simply because you are now my cousin and their friend, it doesn't work that way." Draco said.
"Yeah and did you hear what he called you?"Ron said pointing a finger at the Slytherin.
"Yes I heard."
"And then he threw the curse at Ron!" Harry said.
"Oh my gosh, you are all acting like first years, knock it off! Yes I saw the curse but if you notice it was temporary, Ron is now a red head again." The three looked at each other in guilt, and Hermione sighed. "Look, I love all three of you just the same but I am a teacher now and I cannot look the other way." The boys looked anywhere but at her. "Therefore, Draco, you have lost Slytherine twenty points for profanity, ten points for insulting a teacher and another ten points for charming a student."
"Yes Ma'am."
"Ron, for attempting to hex a student in defense of a friend and teacher, I will take five points only."
"Yes Ma'am."
"And Harry, for holding your temper and not letting my pig headed cousin get to you while in the classroom, I award ten points. Next time I will not be so lenient."
"What do you think will be the punishment next time?" Draco asked with a glint of trouble in his eyes.
"How about I refer the three of you to my husband and let him deal with you? Or a detention with Filch and Hagrid?"
"I think that we will not have a problem Professor Snape." Draco quickly said.
"Good now the three of you get off to class." And the three quickly left. Hermione rounded the desk and collapsed into Minerva's chair, She leaned forward and rubbed her temples fighting the headache those three had inadvertently caused.
"Well done Hermione."
"Thank you Minerva."
"Do you think that the three will hold up and lay off each other?"
"Not a chance." Hermione laughed.
End Flashback
Hermione's sailings in the classroom were smooth sailing other than that one incident
Hermione rarely actually taught the sixth and seventh year classes simply because she had just taken the NEWT test herself and it was awkward for her; however there were select lessons that she would take the reins on, but that was rare this early in the year. Mostly for that class, she would sit behind Minerva's desk and observe or grade papers. When it was needed, she would round the classroom helping students with their wand movements. Other than that she took the lead with the first and second years ninety percent of the time and she and Minerva traded places a lot with the third through fifth years. It was a good system for the most part and everyone that knew Hermione as a student quickly learned that while she was their friend, in Teacher mode, she was not to be messed with.
Hermione started writing letters to her Parents and Aunt and Uncle within the first week and whenever she had time she would update them on what was going on. It was a good system and they were pretty hasty at replying. Hermione would share the letters with her husband in the evening when they had free time.
Soon the month of September flew by and no one knew where it went. October seemed just as fast but Hermione felt like she had more of a handle on her internship which took away a lot of the stress that was on her shoulders.
At meals, it was very much the way it was while she was at school; Albus sat in the middle while Minerva sat to his right and Poppy sat to his left. Next to Poppy was Pomona Sprout, Fillius Flitwick, Rolanda Hooch, Sybill Trelawney, Septima Vector, Irma Pince, and Charity Burbaga. Next to Minerva was Hermione, who thanked the Headmaster for allowing her to sit next to Severus, Batheseda Babbling, Aurora Sinsitra, Cuthbert Binns, Hagrid and Filch filled the other side of the table. They all chatted with each other sharing stories of their day, Hermione partook as much as she could but she still stole glances at the Gryffindor Table as often as possible. She remained close to her friends but still maintained her Professionalism. While the Hall was filled with excitement nothing could have prepared Hermione for what happened next; an owl flew into the hall dropping a parcel and letter almost on top of Hermione's plate, had she not had good reflexes she probably would have ended up wearing her potatoes.
"What is that Hermione?"
"I'm not sure but it looks to be from my parents." Hermione quickly grabbed the letter and read quickly to herself.
Hermione, I hate to be the bearer of bad news but the Dark Lord Requests your presence at the next meeting on Friday, these are your robes that he requests you wear. It is an inner circle meeting and all of us are required to be there. All my Love, Mother.
"So what is it?" asked Pomona.
"Oh nothing, just some books my parents found in the vault that they thought I might enjoy." Hermione lied.
"Oh well, you may have just found them but at least they know your interests." Minerva smiled.
"Indeed Minerva." Hermione shrunk the package and put it in her pocket for later and continued to eat her meal.
Friday came all too soon, for everyone, classes went about as usual and so did the meals. About an hour after Dinner, Hermione and Severus were in their quarters with their papers to grade when Severus felt a burn in his arm and Hermione felt heat upon her chest.
"We have to go." Hermione nodded and quickly dressed in the robes that her mother had sent her. The quickly apparated to their location, conveniently the Malfoy Manor. Both knelt at the hem of the Dark Lord's robes and waited for his first words.
"Ah, Severus, Hermione, I trust all is going well at Hogwarts?"
"Yes My Lord," they replied in unison.
"Hermione," She looked up at his eyes, "How is our favorite Gryffindor?"
Hermione knew that that Gryffindor wasn't herself, "He is nervous my Lord, not just for himself but for his friends as well, the whole Gryffindor Loyalty thing."
"Has he come directly out and said this?"
"Unfortunately my Lord no." Hermione took a deep breath. "Due to my internship I haven't had time to enter Gryffindor tower as anything but a teacher my lord but I have a thought if you wish to hear it."
"By all means let's hear it."
"I have talked to Dumbledore about holding a Halloween Ball, of course it will be a masquerade and therefore I can maintain my professional persona and still get close to Potter and his friends. Then I plan to sneak off early with them to catch up and get his thoughts on what is going on and report back to you with anything he tells me."
"Well, she hasn't even been a loyal follower for two months and already she has plans to manipulate her best friend, well done my child."
"Thank you my Lord."
"Please join your mother on the circle."
"Yes My Lord."
"Severus."
"Yes My Lord."
"What news from Dumbledore?"
"My lord after my return he was quite concerned for my mental state and my wife's. He has kept a close eye on me and relieved me of most of my extra duties at the school. He hasn't mentioned anything specific relating to yourself or Potter, but his stupid twinkle is fading, he is nervous as well my lord."
"Good."
"Also my lord, he is pestering me."
"With what is he pestering you?"
"He has questioned about the final battle and if I have heard anything often. He seems frustrated that he doesn't know anything about you or your plans."
"Ah, well it is good that the two of you decided to join us this evening because we are going to touch base on that. Severus join your wife."
"Yes my Lord."
The Dark Lord talked of muggle torture and how it pleased him that they still had the element of surprise on their side, he talked of how he wanted them to continue with what they were doing and to stay focused on the prize at hand. There was also one more element to discuss before calling upon the outer circle:
"My children, the year is here to finally claim what is rightfully ours. We will attack Hogwarts before Potter's Graduation, until I have further information pertaining to his mental state; there is no way for me to tell you the date. Severus, Hermione, this is where the two of you must be at the top of your game and get me all the information you can preferably before Christmas. Continue with the sporadic attacks, they are good to keep the ministry off of our tails for now, Do Not Get Caught!"
"Yes My Lord." And with that he called upon the lesser members.
He discussed the ideas at hand with them excluding the final battle and how he wanted it to continue. Hermione kept a stone face but she was extremely bored with how the meeting was going. Finally he said that that was all he had for them for now he would summon upon them if anything major changed.
"All but Hermione may go."
"My Lord?" Bella asked.
"I wish to talk to her for a moment Bella, do you question me?"
"No My lord I was… never mind."
"Good, I will send her to you when I am done, now go." And they all left the room.
Hermione was nervous but didn't let it show. "Don't be nervous Hermione, I merely want to talk."
"Yes my Lord."
"Please sit," he indicated a chair across from the one he had claimed.
When she was seated he started, "How are you holding up Hermione?"
"Sir?"
"With Severus and a new school year?"
"Oh it is all going well, I don't feel as stressed as I did but it still keeps you on your toes."
"How about at the beginning of the year when Severus was with me?"
"What do you mean My Lord?"
"From my understanding from your parents, they said that you were a bit stressed and worried."
"Yes my lord."
"Why?"
"No offense my lord but when they returned and told me that he was missing I panicked, MIA never means well in our world."
"Yes well I was a bit shocked myself to not see him with us when the fight diminished."
"I didn't want to have to go through another loss so soon sir."
"Ah Yes your muggle parents yes?"
Hermione hung her head, "Yes."
"Well I am sorry to say Hermione that I didn't order the attack but it was quite a hit, it through Dumbledore off his rocker a bit."
"Yes sir."
"But you still want revenge."
Hermione stayed silent and hung her head as if in shame for wanting such a thing, "I thought so, Hermione, and the time will come, be patient."
"Yes My Lord."
"Good now go to your mother before she has a heart attack."
"Yes My Lord," and she left the room to go find her Mother.
"And so it starts." And he disappeared.
Bella was pacing the doorway waiting for her daughter to come to her. Severus and the other men along with Narcissa and Draco were sitting on the small couch waiting as well.
"Bella, relax, she will be here."
"How do you know Rudolphus?"
"I don't, I have faith."
"I just got her back; I will not lose her now!"
"I know dear, I feel the same but he knows our loyalties." He stood and hugged his wife to him just as the door opened.
"Hermione!" Bella exclaimed rushing her daughter into a hug.
"Hello Mother," Hermione squirmed to get her arms free before she returned the hug.
"What did you talk about?"
"School."
"Is that it?" Severus asked.
"No, I think he questions your loyalty."
"That's not a surprise; there hasn't been a lot to report so he might think that I am withholding information."
"What else?" Draco asked.
"My parents."
"Us?"
"No, the Grangers and their deaths."
"What about them?"
"He said that he didn't order the attack but he said it was a pleasure to shock Albus like that, and that the time would come."
"The time would come for what?"
"For my revenge."
"Hermione, you can't get revenge in front of him if the opportunity arises, it will pull you in." Severus advised.
"Like you. That's not a question."
"Yes," Severus gave her a hard stare.
"Mother can we talk?"
"Of course."
"When Severus was missing, and we were in the Headmaster's office, I saw the look on your face."
"What look?"
"The look of jealousy and resentment."
"Oh you saw that?"
"Yes."
"Hermione yes I was jealous, it's just that…" Bella took a breath, "I am your mother and I feel like I should be the one you go to for comfort, not Minerva all the time. Severus is my friend and I was missing him too."
"I know, but Minerva…. Well…" Hermione looked at Severus for help.
"Well what?"
"Minerva is the one that I was living with after my parents died, she is like my mother." Severus answered. "Hermione and Minerva finally have something in common that isn't school related."
Draco laughed, "Yeah, Hermione if we didn't know better, you could be her daughter if not her twin."
"Yea right," Hermione laughed.
"Oh well I suppose that makes a lot of sense." Bella said hanging her head. "I suppose that I am not one to share very easily."
"I understand Mom, but it's not like you can come in and out of Hogwarts all the time, but I will come to you. I promise."
"Ok my girl. I love you"
"I love you too Mom." Hermione hugged her mom tight to hide her tears.
"So Mom gets all the love and I get left in the shadows," Rudolphus joked.
"Aw, Dad," Hermione said opening up her arms to him, he walked up to his daughter and wife and hugged them both.
"I love you Dad."
"I love you too Princess." The group of viewers simply watched the scene for a moment before Severus spoke.
"Hermione and I should get back before Albus sends out a search team."
"Alright," Bella reluctantly let go of her daughter and the two left.
They walked up to the castle in silence were it was almost de javu of their wedding night. Albus and Minerva were waiting at the stairs for them.
"Hello Headmaster."
"Severus, Hermione, I trust it went well."
"Well enough," Hermione said.
"Well someone has been spending too much time in the dungeons Headmaster."
"I agree Professor McGonagall."
"Oh please, that is not nearly as bad as it could have been."
"True." Minerva smiled at her 'son.'
"So will you both be ready to present your information to the Order Tuesday?"
"What?!"
"We have a meeting Tuesday evening before Halloween at nine."
"And when were you going to tell us this?"
"I am telling you now."
"Well if you don't mind my wife and I are tired and would like to go to bed."
"Of course, have a good night."
"You too." And the two young couple walked away.
They entered their quarters and almost instantly shed their coats. Hermione caught Severus off guard when they approached the couch. She jumped him and pushed him on to the couch and kissed him feverishly as she straddled his lap.
When she broke the kiss she spoke, "Severus kiss me."
"I am kissing you my dear." He put his hands around her waist and pulled her closer to him and kissed her neck.
"Severus," Hermione moaned.
"What do you want my love?"
She pulled back and looked at him with a mischeiviant glint in her eye, she leaned into him putting her lips as close as she could to his ear, "You." She whispered seductively.
That was enough to do him in; he growled and picked her up carrying her to the bedroom. She giggled the whole way and he threw her upon the bed before joining her himself, he charmed both of their cloths away before climbing on top of her, and kissing her passionately.