This chapter is dedicated to Alan Rickman, the quintessential Snape, the voice that I hear while reading Snape in the books and writing him in this story. May his memory be a blessing.

Harry slouched at the kitchen table as Snape looked over his essay. "What did you think when you read it over?" Snape asked him. Harry shrugged. "A verbal answer, please."

"I thought it was okay."

"It is passable," Snape replied. "I would give this essay an A. But I think you are capable of more."

Harry's eyes widened as he sat up straighter, the shock clear on his face. "What do you mean?"

"This is just a rough draft. You're just getting your ideas on paper." Snape indicated a certain portion of his essay. "Do you see this part about the ashwinder eggs? I can tell you think they're important, but you haven't fully explained your thoughts. Elaborate some more." He glanced through it again. "Some of your spelling could use work too. If you don't know how to spell something, look it up. Also, see if there are any other areas where you can give more information. Use your green ink to show what you want to change." He passed Harry the bottle of green ink. "Bring it to me when you're finished. I'll check it over one more time before you copy it over." He stood up, leaving Harry to slowly dip his quill into the green ink, a ghost of a smile on his face.

oOo

Two nights before term started, Snape strode into the living room after dinner. Hermione was sprawled on the couch reading one of the Young Founders books while Harry sat on the floor polishing the handle of his Nimbus 2000. "Are you both packed?" he asked them. They both nodded. "For tomorrow night as well?" They nodded again. Harry and Hermione would be spending the following night at the Weasleys' and going with them to king's Cross station to catch the Hogwarts' Express. Mitzy would bring their trunks to their dorms.

Snape nodded. "Very well. I'd like to speak to you both. Hermione, please sit up. Harry, please join her on the couch." When they had both sat down, Snape cleared his throat. "I'd like to discuss my expectations of you both during school."

"But Uncle Sev, I already do well in school," Hermione protested.

"I am aware of that. I just want to make sure that there is no confusion as to what is expected. I don't want a repeat of earlier this summer." He gave Hermione a meaningful look. He took a breath. "I expect you both to try your best. I do not expect either of you to get all O's all the time, but if you are not putting forth your best effort, there will be consequences. If you are having trouble in a class, ask for help.

"In particular to grades, I expect that neither of you will make below an E."

"But..." Harry began, his cheeks flushing slightly.

"Harry, that essay you rewrote was much improved from the previous one. You found it needed more work and improved it. That essay is worthy of the O I'm sure it will receive." Harry flushed even brighter. "Therefore, if you are making grades below an E, you will ask for help. I expect you to put effort into your studies."

"But what about quidditch? Practice takes up a lot of time."

"There's no reason you can't play quidditch. That being said, school comes first. If you do not keep your grades up, I will assume that you do not have enough time to study and there will be no quidditch. Understood?"

"You can't do that."

"Actually, as your guardian, I can. I may not need to give you permission to play, but if I request it, you can be withheld from playing. Why do you think the Slytherin team always has alternates?" Harry fumed silently. "Just to reiterate, if your grades do not stay up, there will be no quidditch. Understood?"

"Yes, sir."

"Very well. I'd also like to discuss your behavior while at school." Harry rolled his eyes. "Do not roll your eyes at me, young man."

"But we behave," he whined.

"We do," Hermione chimed in.

Snape raised an eyebrow. "Mountain troll, sneaking around after midnight, Philosopher's stone," he counted off on his fingers. "Need I give more examples?" Both children fell silent. Snape cleared his throat. "As I was saying, the rules we have here stand for when you are in school."

"But Aunt Min doesn't give us a bedtime in Gryffindor," Hermione interjected.

Snape glared at her. "I am aware that Aunt Min does not run her house the same way that I run mine."

"What do you mean?" Hermione asked.

Snape sighed and rubbed a hand over his face. "If I tell you, will you let me finish a sentence?" He was met with two nods. "All of the Slytherins up through fifth year have a lights out time. They are to be in bed by that time. I understand that Aunt Min does not set a lights out time for her house. I also realize that I will not be able to enforce one with you. However, if I feel that either one of you are not getting enough rest, I will not hesitate to move you back here until you do. I expect you both to be responsible enough to manage your time to complete your obligations and get to bed at a reasonable hour. Got it?" Harry and Hermione nodded. "That being said, the rest of the rules stand. I expect you to be honest and respectful and to obey the school rules. I don't believe that that is unreasonable." Harry and Hermione shook their heads. "Good. Then we have an understanding."

oOo

Around midnight, there was a knock at Snape's bedroom door. Surprised, he got up from his bed and opened it to Hermione standing in her pajamas, clutching Rumples in one hand.

"Hermione?" he said, confused. "What is it?" She suddenly threw herself at him, beginning to cry. "What is it, Worm? Did you have a nightmare? Is it about your parents?'' Hermione just kept crying.

He guided her over to a chair and sat down, pulling her into his lap. He held her close to him and rubbed her back. When she calmed down, he looked at her again. "What's wrong, Worm?"

"You're going to be awful to us again," she choked out, tears beginning to fall again.

Snape was confused. "What do you mean?"

"School starts in two days and everything is going to go back to how it was," she wailed.

The light bulb went on for Snape. "Hermione," he said," Are you worried that nothing has changed over the summer?" He felt her nod into his pajamas. "Hermione, everything has changed since this summer. I never had any plans to pretend that it hadn't. I will not ignore you and you can always come to me for anything."

Hermione pulled back from him slightly. "Promise?"

"I promise." He wiped her tears away with his thumb.

"What about Potions class?"

"I will no longer insult Harry in Potions. Although," he raised his index finger, "I do expect you to do your best in Potions nor will I stand for anything less." He tapped her gently on the nose.

She let out a small giggle. "Yes, sir." She paused. "What about when the Slytherins pick on us?"

"I will be making it very clear after the feast that both of you are now under my protection. They are to leave you alone."

"May I come down and visit?"

He gathered her more securely in his arms and held her close. "This is your home, Worm. Of course you may." He thought for a moment. "How about we plan to have tea once a week? How does Saturday afternoon sound?"

Hermione grinned. "That sounds perfect."

"Very good."

"Thanks, Uncle Sev."

"You're welcome, my dear." He pressed a kiss to her temple. "Now, off to bed."

She hopped down off his lap. "Good night, Uncle Sev."

"Good night, Worm."

oOo

Snape fixed his glare on both children as they stood by the fireplace the following afternoon, their overnight bags swung over their shoulders. "I expect you both to behave for the Weasleys and on the train tomorrow."

"Yes, sir," they chorused.

Snape leaned over and gave Hermione a hug and patted Harry on the shoulder "I'll see you both at the welcoming feast tomorrow." With that, they threw Floo powder into the fire and swirled away.

oOo

The following morning was a flurry of activity in the Weasley house. Although Harry and Hermione managed to pack quickly, it seemed that each of the Weasley children had forgotten to pack at least one thing just before they needed to leave. They made it to the barrier with only five minutes to spare.

"Fred and George," Mrs. Weasley said, "you go first." As the twins disappeared, she looked at Percy and Hermione. "Now you two." Mrs. Weasley took Ginny's hand and stepped through the barrier. Mr. Weasley followed, pushing the trolley

Harry and Ron took deep breaths and ran at the barrier. CRASH! Ron's trolley overturned. Harry was never more grateful that Hedwig was already at Hogwarts.

"What are you two playing at? "the guard asked angrily.

"Lost control of the trolley!" Harry gasped.

"Well, quit playin' around trains. It's dangerous y'know." They nodded.

A feeling of dread washed over Harry as he looked up at the clock. It was 11:02.

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