Authors Note- I know this took a long time. Hope it is worth the effort.
Samantha yawned as she slowly opened her eyes. Stretching her arms, she carefully sat up and was taken aback by the black raven staring at her from a cage on top of her cupboard. She blinked and stared at it.
"What are you doing here?" She inquired. The raven gave her a rather disdainful look, if that was possible, as if offended by her question. Deciding to ask Severus, she rushed downstairs.
"Severus!" She shouted once she was within his hearing distance.
"Yes," came a very calm reply from her Godfather. How he kept his composure in almost every situation was beyond her.
"Severus, there's a raven in my room," she informed him, a little confused as she registered how odd that must sound.
"I am aware seeing as I was the one to put it there," he replied in the same, even tone.
"Umm...You mean to tell me, it's mine?" She asked, haltingly, hope evident in her voice as she spoke.
"I had thought you wanted a familiar. However, if you do not want him, I am sure Magical Menagerie would be happy to take him back," he said as he folded the Daily Prophet he'd been reading. Before he could get up, Samantha jumped on him, hugging the man with all the force she could muster.
"Thank you, thank you, thank you, THANK YOU!" She almost squealed in happiness, continuing to chant her thanks to him. It was only when her Gran entered the room that she let go of him as she ran to hug her, too.
"I do not want any bird droppings or dead animals in my house, young lady. You own him so are responsible for him," her Gran said sternly as the girl ran happily back to her room.
"I have arranged two tickets for the Quidditch World Cup," Severus revealed as he got up from the sofa. He went on to explain, "I will not be going as Samantha cannot be seen with me. No one but Dumbledore knows that she is my Goddaughter, and even he does not know of her parentage. I would very much like to keep it that way."
"I know. She won't be happy about going without you, but I will speak to her."
On the day of the World Cup, Samantha was up and ready before the crack of dawn. They reached the site right on time and went down to their allocated space to set up their tent. Once done, Samantha left her Gran to worry over the food and decided to go for a walk. She looked around to see where she could go when someone called to her. She turned to find Hermione waving enthusiastically.
"Hermione, I wasn't really expecting you to come," Samantha said with a big smile.
"Oh, I came with the Weasleys. Harry is also here. They are talking to Seamus over there, near our tent. So, who are you here with?"
"My Gran. Come, I'll introduce you," Samantha answered as she pulled Hermione towards her tent.
Meeting Mrs Prince had been an eye opener for Hermione. She had not been aware of Samantha being an orphan or adopted which was pretty weird as they spent a lot of time together.
"I was not aware about your parents," Hermione said softly as they left the tent.
"I don't talk about it. It does not really matter to me. It's hard to miss something you never had."
"Maybe, the only other person I know with a similar situation is Harry and he would give up anything to have his parents back," Hermione looked at her younger friend curiously.
"Harry does not have Gran and Sev with him," Samantha replied and immediately realised her folly, biting her tongue, hoping in vain that Hermione had not heard her.
"Sev?" Hermione was not someone to miss details.
"Umm...He's my Godfather. Anyways, what do you think about tonight's match?" Samantha cringed, awkwardly changing the subject. She could not believe she had been so careless. Severus would be furious if he heard this.
Hermione had not questioned Samantha any more about her family. Both the girls were talking amicably until they located the boys discussing Krum and joined them. Time seemed to fly away from them and Samantha returned to her tent for lunch and stayed with her Gran for the rest of the day.
Hermione had found the rest of the day very informative. She had, of course, read about the ministry and all the different ministers but to meet a few of them personally had been a learning experience for her. Ludo Bagman alarmed her a bit with his easy-going nature, but Barty Crouch was the perfect example of a minister according to her. Being a muggleborn, her few wizarding acquaintances consisted of students, teachers and the Weasleys. She had been excited to see so many other wizarding families as well as children from other magical schools. The bookworm inside her was finding this day far more exciting than the thought of the approaching match.
Admittedly, Hermione was spellbound as she watched the match. Her only experiences with Quidditch and been Hogwarts' interhouse matches. This was nothing like that. Every player was ruthless and opportunistic. Victor Krum, the most sought after seeker in the world, was flying as if his broom was an extra limb. Her head was spinning due to the speed of the match but she watched on, dancing and cheering at every goal scored. By half-time, she was exhausted, as if she herself had been playing. The next half was even more brutal than the first and when the final dive occurred, she found herself praying for Krum.
Tried and exhausted, all of them returned to their tents and were asleep as soon as their heads hit the pillows. Instead of the pleasant chirping of birds, however, it was to the sound of Mr Weasley's worried voice that she woke to. Hurriedly, they rushed to the woods. The spectacle made by the Death Eaters of the campsite managers and their families was sickening. Hermione's heart was racing. Ignoring Malfoy and his baiting, she tried to find a safe spot. The atmosphere and panic was getting to her and though she was trying to maintain a calm exterior, the ridiculous attitude of the boys was incredibly frustrating. When the dark mark was conjured, she was genuinely scared thinking that something worse had happened. After all, during Voldemort's reign, it was conjured only wherever the death eaters raided. The commotion that followed made her indignant; her first impression of Mr. Crouch was completely shattered by this persona. She was horrified that even someone like Mr. Weasley took such cruel treatment of house elves in stride.
Severus was worried sick the moment he heard about the dark mark being cast. He knew that this was not done by some merry-making Death Eater. None of those who had avoided Azkaban had the courage to do it. He was worried that the Dark Lord may actually be getting stronger. He had received his Gran's patronus saying that they were fine, but he would believe it only when he saw them with his own eyes. All he could do now was pace around the house.
It was late morning when they returned. Samantha had just entered the house when Severus strode and held her in a bone crushing hug. It was so unlike him that even his Gran did not have a sarcastic comeback. Samantha had numerous questions as to the implication of what had happened and she kept badgering Severus until he gave up and explained to her the meaning of the mark and the kind of fear it had brought out in the magical community twelve years back. He even warned her to be on her guard once term began.
The World Cup incident had left him in a sour mood. It was a week before the start of term and he was busy in the lab with the potions for the hospital wing when Dumbledore knocked.
"What more terrible news do you have?" He snarled as he saw the headmaster.
"I just came to warn you regarding the DADA position," Dumbledore replied as calmly as ever as he walked into the lab. "Maybe Miss Sadler could give us a moment," he added quietly as he saw Samantha looking on curiously.
"There is nothing that she is not aware of Albus. Whatever species has struck your fancy this time would end up affecting her education so I think she has a pretty good reason of staying put," Severus argued.
"Have it your way then," Dumbledore said with an exasperated look. "I wanted to tell you that the DADA position will be filled by Alastor Moody this year." He held up a hand before Severus could rebuke. "Severus, this is not personal. I know your history with him but he was the most capable teacher I could get. I am sure you agree with the importance of this lesson in the current environment." He said
"You could have always considered me," Severus argued.
"I cannot risk it – you know that. Besides, someone with Moody's reputation may be handy with Karkaroff to arrive," the headmaster explained.
"You will do as you wish, Albus, but be warned that this time, I will give as good as I get," he snapped, effectively ending the conversation.
Samantha was intrigued by the conversation. She had about a million questions to ask but the expression on Severus' face made it clear that he was in no mood to be interviewed. Knowing it was best to leave him alone, she quietly left the lab and went to find her Gran.
The first day of term came too soon for Samantha. Severus was in a bitter mood and had not spoken two words since Dumbledore's visit. The only time he spoke to her was to warn her to stay away from him during term time. He did not want Moody to find out about her. Samantha knew that Moody was the Auror who had arrested Severus after the fall of Voldemort. She had been curious as to why Severus had reacted so strongly to his appointment so it was her Gran who had told her about the man's famous paranoia about anyone even remotely related to the dark. She was indignant to think that someone would regard Severus as a dark wizard. He may be foul tempered but she had never seen him actively trying to hurt someone.
She was a little taken aback by Professor Moody's appearance at the Welcoming Feast. The man looked nothing like his reputation. He came off as over-enthusiastic and paranoid rather than the capable Auror he had a reputation as. His magical eye and wooden legs added to the sinister look. Samantha wanted to dislike him on principle but the stunt he had pulled on Malfoy had impressed her. She was sure this was going to be an interesting year between the Triwizard Tournament and the DADA professor.
Severus was in his office preparing for the next class when Moody barged in, clinking heavily on his wooden legs. "Alastor, you are late. I had figured you would meet me the moment you arrived. You know, warn me to stay in line, etc., etc.," Snape sneered.
"I thought you were intelligent enough to deduce that on your own Snape. I am here to talk about your precious prodigy, Malfoy."
"You have lost your touch, Moody. When did you start making complaints and giving warnings? I thought you would have taken matters in your own hand. Small things like rules and proper processes never stopped you before," Snape spoke in a deceptively calm voice.
"Don't try to get smart with me. Keep the boy in line or the Malfoy line may lose their only heir," Moody barked.
"Is that a threat, Moody? I am sure the headmaster would be impressed with your attitude."
"I am keeping an eye on you, remember that," Moody threatened as he left the room.
Severus knew that getting into a childish quarrel with Moody was not a solution. The man hated the death eaters with a passion and he would always be in that category, no matter how reformed he became. He was also wary that, with the stunt during the Quidditch World Cup, he may have to get more involved with his 'fellow death eaters'. Thus, avoiding Moody would be the best course of action.
The next few days passed without much incident; even Longbottom had not exploded a cauldron and Severus was sure this was a bad omen. The boy had a compulsive need to blow up potions and if he went without it, he may end up blowing the whole classroom to compensate. It was with these thoughts that he entered the staffroom to work on his lesson plans when a clearly agitated Minerva McGonagall followed him.
"What has you in such a sunny mood?" He drawled, seeing the transfiguration professor huffing comically in response.
"Moody – that man is crazy. First, he transfigured Malfoy into a ferret. Now, he is using unforgivables on the students. I don't know what Albus was thinking appointing the senile man as a Professor," she spoke, irritation evident in her tone.
"Come, Minerva, I am sure the headmaster had his reasons. With so many death eaters at the school, he needed someone to monitor. I am sure you understand," Severus replied, mockingly.
"Severus, I am so sorry," the older woman exclaimed. "That was incredibly insensitive of me, complaining in front of you. He did not threaten you, did he?"
"I have had worse, Minerva. Do not worry yourself on my account," Severus said, uncomfortable with this line of questioning. He quickly changed the topic, "And I, for one, am happy with his method of teaching. He may actually drill something into the minds of those dunderheads. And if it backfires, it would be amusing to see him in Azkaban for use of dark spells."
"Come on, Severus, you don't seriously mean that. What about Malfoy? I am sure you were scandalized by the treatment given to him."
"Why would I be? I have no love for egocentric, pompous maroons who run to daddy dearest at the drop of a hat. Moody may have actually helped me. The boy will be on his guard this year," Severus said as he continued with his work unconcernedly.
"I'm not sure I've ever heard you complain about any of your Slytherins – I must chalk this day in calendar," she teased.
"I am responsible for them, Minerva, there is no point in complaining," he responded in a rather resigned tone.
By the end of the week, Severus was in a better mood than he had been in a few years. The classes were going smoothly and Moody had not bothered him as much as was dreading. It was still a week before Karkaroff arrived with his delegation so he decided to have a rare moment of relaxation. Taking up a book on some obscure potion, he intended to read as he sat down on the armchair. Somewhere in between, he must have dozed off because the next thing he heard was Samantha calling him. He woke up with a start to find her perched on the coffee table with a smile on her face.
"So, unlike what the students think, you do sleep," she joked.
"Are you here for some purpose or merely to amuse yourself at my expense?" He retorted, more teasing than harsh.
"Both, I suppose. I did not have much to do and thought you might like the company."
"So, how has been your week? I heard the students adore the new defence professor," he drawled.
"He is okay, I suppose. Knows the subject, at least. I really liked what he did with Neville."
"Longbottom? He did not transfigure the boy into a toad or something, did he? Minerva would be scandalized."
"Oh no, nothing of the sort. He told Neville that Professor Sprout is impressed with him and gave him some Herbology books. He was really excited when I saw him in the greenhouse today. Told me that he would lend me the books if I wanted," the girl explained.
"You do not need to take anything from Longbottom or Moody. If you want a book come to me," he said, rather harshly.
"I know Severus and I am not going to Professor Moody for anything, but Neville is a friend and he loves plants the same way I do," she reasoned. "Well, everyone is excited about the Triwizard Tournament. I was hoping you would tell me if it's really such a big deal," she changed the subject.
"It is a big deal and no, underage students cannot try," he said before she could even ask.
They continued to chat late into the night until Severus shooed her back to the common room.
On the day of the arrival of the Beauxbatons and Durmstrang students, Hermione was very excited. This would be the first time she would be interacting with students from another magical school. The arrival of Victor Krum actually dampened her mood as now, everyone was only interested in him and her whole point of learning and interchanging ideas was lost. Then, Ron decided to be an idiot about the girl from Beauxbatons. She did not know why but him staring at the girl was irritating her to no end. She decided to go to the library after dinner and continue her research on house elves.
She was engrossed in her book, taking all relevant notes when she heard an all too familiar voice behind her.
"'House Elves – How They Came To Be', are you having trouble sleeping Miss Granger?"
"Professor Snape! No, I actually wanted to know about house elves."
"Know about house elves? What is there to know about?" He asked, sceptically.
"Well, Professor, you see, I don't really believe in enslavement. I'm trying to convince people to stop treating house elves like scum and to pay them for their work."
"You are trying to make people pay house elves," Severus repeated, obviously dubious at the mere idea of such a thing.
"Yes, they are working hard and…" but the rest of her sentence was lost in the sound of rich laughter filling the library.
Severus was laughing so hard, he had to hold on to the table for support. Hermione was so shocked that she forgot to be offended. She could not remember having ever seen him genuinely smile, let alone laugh. After a few moments, Severus had regained control of himself although he still had a smile playing on his lips. "I'm sorry, Miss Granger, but the idea of Lucius Malfoy having to pay his house elves was enough to send me into hysteria."
"I am delighted to provide your entertainment, Professor," she huffed. Now that she was over the shock of seeing Severus Snape laugh, she was feeling highly offended.
"I had heard some students mutter some cause called spew and your name together. I am assuming that it has something to do with this."
"It's not spew, its S-P-E-W, the Society for the Promotion of Elfish Welfare," she articulated in an exasperated tone."
"Hmm… And what have you done for it till now?"
"I made these badges and the membership fee is 2 sickles. Which goes towards the funds."
"I would like to buy one of them," Snape said with amusement evident in his eyes.
"I am sorry?" Hermione was dumbstruck. She was sure the Professor was playing some joke on her.
"I said I would like to buy a badge and become a member. Here..." He placed the coins in front of her. Tentatively, Hermione took out a badge and handed it to him. He pocketed it and got up. "I am assuming that Potter and Weasley are part of this club so you'll have to excuse me if I do not actively attend the meetings. However, I will be happy to help wherever I can."
Hermione was still having trouble wrapping the idea around her head. "I am not sure I understand, Professor," she spoke in a low voice.
"What is that you don't understand? You are starting a cause to help house elves and I want to be a part of it."
"Why?" Hermione asked in a tone that suggested that she was sure he had an ulterior motive.
"Because, Miss Granger, as I said, I would love to see Lucius Malfoy pay his house elves or even better, get fined for mistreating them. It's not just Malfoy but many other old, snobbish pure-blood families who would be scandalized by the idea. I find their discomfort amusing. Does that answer your question, Miss Granger?"
"I am not sure. Won't your family dislike something like this?" She enquired, confused.
"Whatever family I have left, Miss Granger, are least concerned about my stand on house elves. I appreciate their hard work and although I do not agree with the idea of payment due to the fact that they would see it as an insult, I abhor the idea of punishing them on a whim."
Hermione was surprised to say the least. Of all people, Snape was the last person she would have approached and here he was actually agreeing with her cause. For the first time, she felt that she could really do something for the elves. Cheered by the thought, she gave the Professor a big smile.
Severus was so taken aback by the smile that he did something he would have never done in normal state of mind.
"Miss Granger, I have a proposition for you. I have been thinking of taking up an assistant to help me brew. You could have the position if you are interested and whatever I pay you could be used for this cause of yours," he stated, surprising the girl.
Hermione could not believe her ears. She could be Severus Snape's assistant. The experience and knowledge she could gain would be invaluable. The offer of pay was rather unnecessary, though, as she would have gladly done so for no monetary benefit.
"I would love to be your assistant, Professor."
"No, you would not. You would hate every minute of it. You are naïve if you think otherwise. Come to my office tomorrow and I will discuss your hours and wages," he declared, returning to his old, snarky self.
Severus was flabbergasted with his own actions. He had gone to the library to clear his head with some light reading. The books and atmosphere of the library had always managed to soothe him. Finding Miss Granger there had been a surprise - surely it was too early in the term even for the resident know-it-all to burn the midnight oil. He had been rather amused to listen to her stand for the house elves. The innocence in her actions, however, had appealed to him. She was a fourth year and had faced more challenges in her last three years than some people did in a lifetime and yet, the girl still carried the notion of an idealistic society with her. The energy she was putting into her organisation impressed him so he had bought a badge in order to encourage her. What had happened next was so surreal that he still could not believe it; the girl had given him a genuine smile. He could not remember someone smiling at him with such obvious happiness at something he had done. He was so awestruck by her expression that he had offered her the position of his assistant, knowing that the intellectual in her would never pass up on such an opportunity.
He had been toying with the idea of assistant for the last year. Trying to keep Potter alive was eating up with a lot of his time causing him to be behind on his professional commitments. He could have asked Samantha but he did not want people to start speculating about his relationship with her. Miss Granger's compulsive need to follow instructions would be of great value to him and the fact that she was close to Potter would help him keep an eye on the boy as well. But the biggest question was how long it would last. Even her "paragon of virtue" attitude and the thirst for knowledge would not be enough for handling his temperaments.
The next day, Severus was busy arranging his lab when Hermione arrived.
"Professor, you wanted to discuss the hours for the assistant job?" She asked tentatively, hoping that he hadn't changed his mind.
"I will summon you by whatever means at hand whenever I require you. Class hours are, of course, exempted, but any other excuse would be unacceptable. I will pay you seven galleons a week. We will revise your pay as and when I deem you deserving of such. Sundays from after lunch till before dinner, you will be expected to be in the lab unless I otherwise mention." He spoke without looking up.
"Okay, Professor, I will see you after lunch then." She agreed as she turned to leave.
"One more thing; if I ever find you trying to steal anything from my lab, you will spend the rest of the year scrubbing toilets with your tooth brush." Hermione knew better than to respond to the threat.
That afternoon was spent with her dicing and slicing all kinds of ingredients. It was a monotonous task and the Professor did not speak a single word for the entire duration except to bark out instructions on how he expected her to prepare a particular ingredient. However, she knew what she had signed up for and Professor Snape ignoring her was actually more favourable than the treatment she received during the lectures. Finally, when the clock struck seven, he asked her to pack up and leave for dinner. The champions for the Triwizard Tournament were to be declared at dinner today so Hermione hurriedly made her way to the Great Hall, excited to find out who the Hogwarts champion would be.
Harry and Ron were waiting for her at the entrance hall.
"Where have you been all day?" Ron asked, the moment he saw her come.
"We even went to the library," Harry said in a tone that suggested it was the last place he wanted to visit.
"I was not in the library although you both could definitely do with some studying time. I had other commitments."
"Commitments, what sort of commitments?" Ron pestered
"I will tell you after dinner. Now can we go? I am very hungry," she said as she walked in.
"She's keeping something from us again – like how she hid the time turner last year," Ron declared, hotly.
"Come on, Ron, she'll tell us when she wants us to know," Harry countered as he, too, proceeded into the Great Hall.
What happened at dinner shocked everyone. Hermione was dumbstruck when she heard Dumbledore call Harry's name. She knew that he was not stupid enough to try and put his name in and was sure someone was conspiring to hurt him. She turned to share this with Ron but was shocked to see his expression.
"Great, just great, if both of you want to hide things from me, then fine. I thought we were supposed to be friends but first, you with all your vague commitments and now Harry. He could have at least told me he was planning to enter." Ron's face was red as he went on with his ranting.
"Ron I wasn't hiding anything from you. I told you that I would speak to you after dinner and how could you even think that Harry did this on purpose?!" She voiced, indignantly.
"Oh yeah, I get it, the famous Harry Potter. He didn't have to do anything, the goblet just decided to spit out his name because of his unmatched intelligence," Ron sneered.
Knowing there was no talking to Ron when he was in such a mood, she decided to concentrate on the announcement. It seemed that Harry would have to compete. All the teachers looked alarmed but no one looked more dangerous than Professor Snape. Hermione was sure that, had Dumbledore not been present, he would have gladly throttled Harry.
Severus was furious. He had hoped that Potter would not be a problem this year but it seemed that being underage was just a minor deterrent in Harry Potter's book. He was sure that Miss Granger had helped him; the boy may have the brashness of a Gryffindor but not the intellect to bypass the age line drawn by Dumbledore. He had trusted the girl and made her his assistant. He had encouraged her in her cause while all this time, she had been helping Potter to break yet another rule. He felt like a fool and if there was something he disliked more than that boy, it was to be made a fool of. He rarely trusted anyone and when he did, the consequences soon made him realise his folly. The girl was far more conniving and manipulative than he had anticipated. Well, she would receive her due, he thought nastily. No one messed with Severus Snape. Absolutely no one.
The next day, Severus was in an even worse mood. The students were distracted due to the imminent tournament and were driving him to the edge. On top of that, he had several potions to brew for the hospital wing, especially with the tournament coming up, and with his decision of not involving Miss Granger any more, it was going to be a very long and tedious task. Thus, when Severus arrived for the fourth year Gryffindor–Slytherin lecture, the sight of Potter, Weasley and Malfoy firing hexes made him snap. Seeing Potter involved automatically infuriated him and when Weasley tried to shove Miss Granger in his face, he reacted without thinking. He knew that his remark was cruel and uncalled for but he justified it by thinking of her betrayal. Docking points from Gryffindor and assigning Potter and Weasley detention, he went ahead with the class.
Severus was at his wit's end when Samantha joined him in the lab. He had been trying to brew multiple potions simultaneously and was utterly exhausted tending to all of them. Seeing her Godfather busy, the girl took up the preparation of ingredients from him. It was after four hours of busy work that they both stopped to take a breather.
"Why didn't you ask Hermione to help you?" Samantha enquired, suddenly.
"What?" Severus asked surprised.
"Well, you offered her the job of your assistant and she was certainly excited about it. So, why not ask her when you obviously require help?"
"The girl is frivolous and rash. I have no need for such persons," he snapped.
"I am not sure what she did to aggrieve you but I know for sure that she is the only one other than the Slytherins who respects you as a teacher," she replied slowly, hoping not to provoke his ire any further.
"Samantha, I want you keep your distance from the girl; she is careless and impulsive. I am sure it was her brilliant idea leading to Potter entering the tournament," Severus continued.
"Severus, that's really farfetched, even for you. Why would she enter Harry? I, for one, know for sure that she is extremely worried about Harry getting badly injured. When we last spoke, she was sure that someone had entered him to try to get him killed." When Severus did not answer, she went on to say, "I visited her in the hospital wing. She was really bothered by what you said – she has always been insecure about her looks. That was really cruel," she said softly as she got up to leave.
Samantha's assessment had left Severus in a dilemma. He knew the headmaster did not suspect Potter of the transgression but then, Dumbledore had always had a blind spot for the boy. He had been enraged and had taken it out on Miss Granger. He knew he should apologise, but that was something Severus Snape never did. So he did the next best thing that came to him. He summoned her to his lab the next day after class to work with him. He hoped that the girl would forget his insult in time.
Hermione was astonished to receive Professor Snape's summons. She had been sure that the incident with her teeth had been the end of her association with him. She was not sure what she had done to receive such treatment but then, very little was required for Professor Snape to lose his temper. She decided not to count her blessings and to chalk up the incident as an odd occurrence. She was distracted for most of the day until she was able to rush to the Potions lab the moment classes ended.
Ingredients were laid out and instructions written on the board. The Professor was already busy with some potion and so, she set off with her task.
It was perhaps an hour later that the Professor spoke, "An interesting article in this mornings' Prophet. I was, however, not aware that actively finding ways to kill yourself pays great homage to one's dead parents."
"Harry did not enter the tournament. Someone put his name in," she articulated through gritted teeth.
"Of course he didn't. The boy is too dim-witted to be able to overcome a barrier set by Dumbledore himself."
This time, Hermione was speechless. She could neither agree nor disagree to this statement and decided to keep mum.
"No smart comebacks, Miss Granger? I'm astounded. Do try to keep that boyfriend of yours alive. He may be a nuisance but the death of a Hogwarts champion would not be well received by the wizarding population." Hermione realised for the first time that though his words were as cruel as usual, there was no real malice behind them. Was it possible that he was actually worried? The idea sounded ludicrous but then, he had always tried to keep them alive. Deciding to take a risk, she spoke.
"I am sure your good wishes would go a long way in helping him compete."
"Cheek, Miss Granger, is not something I allow. Not even for the resident know-it-all, and if my wishes were to come true, Potter would never be allowed to compete," he said in a rather faraway tone.
Hermione wasn't sure what to make of this. It seemed the Professor actually cared about Harry. Deciding not to push the fragile man any further, she refrained from commenting and continued with her work.
Hermione worked with Harry on the summoning charm for the first task relentlessly. She knew that he missed his other best friend and although Ron would have been useless in regards of teaching anything, the moral support would have helped Harry a lot. Well, she had done her best and in the end, it seemed that Harry had gotten a hang of it.
She was surprised when Professor Snape summoned her to his classroom on the day of the first task. She had thought that he would surely want to watch and, well, she had wanted to watch as well. However, there wasn't anything she could do about it now so she walked down to the dungeons.
"How is Potter going to fare, Miss Granger?" he enquired the moment she stepped through the doorway.
"Umm, Professor…"
"Don't act stupid – it does not become you," he sneered, although his face quickly changed back to its' former detached state with a hint of concern in his guarded expression.
"Well, he was good with the summoning charms by the time I left him last night," she admitted.
"Good." He seemed to be contemplating as his eyes looked towards the door. He strode over to it abruptly and opened it. "Sit within sight of Potter; I am sure you know both accio and wingardium leviosa,"he instructed, gesturing for her to leave.
Hermione walked to the Quidditch pitch in a daze. Professor Snape had actually asked her to help Harry cheat by casting the summoning and levitating charm for him. She was not sure what this meant but somehow knew that he would kill her if she shared it with anyone.
Harry managed to do quite well on his own and Hermione was saved from the trouble of helping him by cheating. The excitement had made Ron come around and once the boys united again, Hermione decided to go down to the Potion's lab and check if Professor Snape needed any help. It was there that she found Dobby. The elf was helping the Professor by cleaning the lab and Hermione quickly decided to step in and help. She was soon joined by Samantha. The girl seemed at ease in the potions lab and Hermione was sure that she was missing something obvious. No student – not even the Slytherins – had this level of comfort in the presence of their dour Professor.
The boys did not even know of her assistance of Professor Snape and she had opted to keep it that way, not wanting to give Ron another reason to be mad. Samantha was the only one who knew. Hermione really liked the girl: she was sweet, caring, popular and responsible. It was when she was studying with the younger girl in the library that Victor Krum approached them and asked to speak to Hermione. Taken aback, she was unable to form a coherent response. Instead, she got up slowly and walked with him. Once they were out of earshot of his adoring fans, he turned to her and asked, haltingly, in his thick accent, "I wanted to…vell, you know, about the yule ball… I was just, meaning to ask if, erm…you vould like to accompany me."
Hermione was so shocked, she stood stock still, eyes wide and brain catching up with what had just happened: Victor Krum had just asked her out!
She was brought back to reality by the sound of him clearing his throat and realised that he was still waiting for an answer. "I would love to," she answered with a brilliant smile.
The expression on Krum's face suddenly relaxed making Hermione realise that he must have been nervous of her answer, although she was curious as to why this was the case. As if he had read her mind, Krum explained, "I saw you in the library all the time and started to come so I might ask you out. But then I vas never able to gather the courage to do so."
Hermione now felt a little guilty for complaining about Krum's presence in the library. She just couldn't believe that he had asked her out. He could have had any girl he wanted and he asked her. She was over the moon.
Samantha had teased her endlessly once Hermione revealed what had happened but she had made sure to make the younger girl promise to keep it a secret. She was sure that if the boys found out, they'd constantly tease her and, well, she was a little embarrassed with all her complaints about Krum. Samantha had taken it as a personal challenge to get Hermione ready for the ball. The younger girl herself was going as a partner to a fourth year Ravenclaw.
Severus was generally in a bad mood during the yule ball. He had never enjoyed such frivolous displays of engaging the hormones and Samantha attending as a date to some student he had never even looked at twice made matters worse. The opening dance started with the four champions and Severus was taken aback by Hermione's appearance. She was glowing with happiness and was dressed in the most fetching turquoise dress robes. She looked beautiful but somehow, not the girl he recalled. He was not sure why but he knew he preferred the busy haired, bossy, know-it-all student with a hoard of books in her arms rather than the sophisticated young woman he saw in front of him. Irritated by his train of thought, he left the Great Hall and walked to the gardens, blasting the rose bushes. Unfortunately, Karkaroff had seen him walk out and sought him out again. The man was getting on his nerves with his incessant worry of the dark mark becoming ever more prominent. It was late by the time Severus returned and was shocked to see Miss Granger in the Potions lab. She was still dressed in the party dress and was preparing some ingredients he had laid out.
"What do you think you are doing?" He snarled from where he was standing.
"Having a tea part with dead animal parts," she shot back, immediately covering her mouth with her hands as her face rapidly formed an expression of increasing shock and terror.
"I don't know what has you in such a mood, nor do I care. But no one, absolutely no one, takes that tone with me," he hissed as he walked to the bench she had been working at and loomed over her, glaring. "A hundred points from Gryffindor and detention for the rest of the week. Now, get out."
Hermione could not believe her ears. She had just lost Gryffindor one hundred points! She stood rooted at the spot, eyes wide in alarm.
"Miss Granger, I really don't care for students dressing up like harlots so, unless you want me to take points for that as well, move out of my sight."
Hermione ran all the way back to the common room. By the time she reached her dormitory, she was in tears. She had been hurt by Ron's behaviour after the ball and had gone to the potion lab to clear her head. She was not sure why she had reacted in such a manner to Professor Snape's comment. The only thing she knew was that she wanted to see the side of the Professor who had offered her the job of being his assistant once again.
Severus was furious, yet he was not sure what the root of his anger was. Things had been going downhill for him for a long time: Karkaroff was getting on his nerves, Miss Granger was more trouble than he had thought possible, and then there was Moody. The man loved throwing the fact that he had been a death eater in his face, anywhere and everywhere. He was sure that Potter had been prowling out after curfew and that Moody had covered for the little brat. The thought that the paranoid man may have been trying to save the boy from him was just clichéd; all he wanted was to keep the boy alive, but it seemed that the whole Hogwarts' population was conspiring against him. He was sure the boy has stolen gillyweed from his stores. He grabbed the opportunity to give the boy a piece of his mind when he saw them reading Rita Skeeter's abominable article in his class and mocked both boy-wonder and his know-it-all sidekick; he was sure the gillyweed must have been Granger's idea.
Hermione was devastated by Professor Snape's behaviour but she wasn't sure why his mocking was bothering her so much now when it hadn't done so in the past. She was in the library attempting to concentrate on some homework when Samantha joined her. The girl had learnt of the incident between her Godfather and Hermione and knew that she would be needing someone to whom she could vent her frustration. Samantha was confused as to why Severus was being so cruel to Hermione but knew there must be a reason and so, she convinced the older girl to go and speak to him.
"I am going to get myself killed," Hermione muttered as she knocked on Professor Snape's office door.
"What do you want?" He snarled when he saw her sat the door.
"I'm not sure what I did to offend you, Professor, but what you did in class was really hurtful," she uttered, mustering all of her so-called Gryffindor courage to look him in the eyes as she did so.
"Miss Granger, I am certain I could sit the whole day and count your offences but I have neither the time, nor the inclination. I will, however, say that for a girl of your intellect, I would have expected you to be rather more informed about the guests in our school," he said in a disapproving tone.
"I am not sure I understand," came Hermione's slow reply.
"Krum, Miss Granger, is a student of a school famous for their dark arts training, and with a principle charged of once being a death eater. You, Miss Granger, are a muggle-born and thus, should be careful in the present scenario with the rumours of the Dark Lord becoming increasingly powerful."
Hermione was taken aback by the tone of the Professor's voice; he seemed to be genuinely concerned for her. "Do you think Victor may be a follower of," she swallowed, "You-Know-Who?"
"Frankly Miss Granger, I do not know. But I do know that, where he comes from, blood status matters."
"What about you, Professor?" She asked, tentatively.
Severus barked out a sharp laugh, "The so-called purity of your blood is of least concern to me."
Suddenly aware that she had never heard Professor Snape taunt anyone for their blood status, Hermione smiled happily at him as she left the lab. She knew that no matter what, Professor Snape was a good person, if a little severe, and vowed never to let anything change her opinion of the man.
Rita Skeeter's article had taken its' toll and Hermione was knee-deep in hate mail. Her hands were swollen and full of puss when she reached the dungeons for her assistant duties. She was surprised when she found a bowl of murtlap essence waiting for her. "It will help," Professor Snape stated, making her jump at the sound of his voice as she was brought out of her state of wonder.
Hermione was so touched by his gesture that she forgot all about the pain and rushed forward to hug the Professor. Severus was so taken aback that he lost his balance and both student and mentor fell to the floor. The situation became even more embarrassing when Samantha chose that moment to enter the Potions lab. Slowly, they disentangled themselves, the process deliberately unhurried due to Hermione's swollen hands. Samantha ended up helping her up so the older girl didn't injure herself further.
"So, either of you going to explain what just happened?" Samantha teased, although she was curious.
"Nothing – Miss Granger just became a little over-excited," Severus said as he righted his robes.
Hermione was shocked to see the easy rapport between the two – she knew that both of them were close but the comfortable familiarity bewildered her.
Samantha hopped up onto Severus's desk while she took Hermione's hand in hers to observe. "Try the murtlap – it will help," she smiled encouragingly at Hermione. Hermione nodded, dumbstruck by the whole situation, and buried her hands in the bowl.
"Please refrain for manhandling me in the future," Severus spoke, reverting to his customary self.
"Come on, she hugs everyone! I've seen her hug Harry and Ron all the time," Samantha declared from where she was perched on his desk.
"Yes, it is my life's goal to be grouped with those dunderheads Miss Granger calls friends."
"You are a friend, Professor, whether you want to be or not, and I promise to not distrust you from now on," Hermione avowed, emboldened by this rare moment of ease.
Severus was shocked by the girl's statement. He knew she had a soft heart – her stand with house elves showed that – but to offer him an unconditional friendship was startling, even for her. Silently, he retrieved a gauge and went to cover her hands. Once done, he asked Samantha to accompany her to her common room. "Miss Granger, do take care of your post from now on. Hate mail is not to be trifled with," he said as he ushered both girls out of the lab.
Hermione was sure there was more to the relationship between Samantha and the Professor than a student-teacher relationship but she was not sure who to ask. Deciding to let the matter rest for now, she went up to sleep.
Harry's final task was approaching and both Severus and Hermione were worried in their own way. The stunt with Barty Crouch had left the two suspicious and Hermione decided the Potions Master might be of help so, while helping him with the hospital wing's supply, she asked as casually as possible, "Professor, do you have any theories about Barty Crouch?"
"Barring the fact that your friend is mad to leave him with Victor Krum?" Severus retorted.
"First Ron, now you?! I don't understand what the problem with Victor is," she huffed.
"I have a problem with anyone I see in close proximity to death eaters. I had already warned you about him," the Professor snarled.
"But Sir, do you have any idea what was wrong with Mr Crouch?"
"I hope to all the gods that Barty Crouch was actually rambling, but I do not believe that to be true. The Dark Lord is, indeed, getting stronger," he responded in a rather forlorn tone. "But that, Miss Granger, is no concern of yours, at least not right now." Hermione knew that this was the end of the question-answer session with the Professor and so, reverted her concentration to the task at hand.
It was later that evening that she heard about Harry's adventure with the pensive in the headmaster's office. At first, she was shocked to hear about the Professor Snape's original alliance, but then she remembered her resolve never to distrust him again
Severus was worried. It was the day of the third task and the last chance for whoever had entered the boy's name in the tournament. He was on his toes throughout the duration of the task looking for red sparks, straining his ears to hear something when there was a large gasp from the crowd. Both Potter and Diggory had gotten to the cup and had disappeared. The trophy was a portkey. Severus did his best not to look as horrified as he felt while he strode towards the headmaster. Before anything was said, he clutched his forearm as pain tore through his body once again. The Dark Lord was back and he was being summoned. He was helped up by Dumbledore from his position on the floor that he was unware of dropping into. He wanted to apparate to the Dark Lord to see if he could save the boy but the headmaster stopped him. Among all the commotion, a miracle occurred: Potter retuned. Severus was out of his mind with the pain coursing through his body and the overwhelming situation. He was so relieved to see the boy that for a moment, he gave in to the pain and lost control of his bearings.
As the pain dulled, Severus became more aware and realised that Potter was missing from the scene. Dumbledore and McGonagall rushed to Moody's office with him in tow. Once the imposter was apprehended, Severus was aghast. The whole situation made him feel more guilty than usual. If he had not avoided Moody with such fervour, he might have guessed who the imposter was. Severus was determined to do everything in his power to bring down the Dark Lord. Not just Potter but Samantha's future also depended on it. One thought about her and his resolve was firm. He would die before he let that lunatic rule the wizarding world. With this in mind, he returned to his previous role of spy for Dumbledore.
The Dark Lord was furious to see him and tortured him within an inch of his life. It was only when he was lying in a heap on the floor without any strength left that the reptilian man stopped. He trifled through Severus' mind thoroughly and made him relive every painful moment. The only reason he was not killed instantly was that Dark Lord was a sadistic bastard who thrived on torturing people. In the end, he was able to convince the lunatic that he was still a loyal death eater. He returned to Hogwarts in an extremely weakened state. Going straight to his quarters, he sent a note to Dumbledore telling him that he had been successful in his deception.
Hermione had a fair idea as to what Dumbledore would have asked of Snape and she wanted to make sure he was alright. She was in his lab musing at how to find his quarters when an idea struck her. She rushed to the library hoping to find Samantha there and was not disappointed. Catching her breath she hurried to the girl. "Samantha, do you know where Professor Snape's quarters are?" She asked, bluntly.
"Umm, I don't know. Why?" The young girl hesitated, unsure if she should be sharing the information.
Hermione hurriedly explained the situation to her and both girls rushed to the dungeons.
Even in the rushed situation Hermione was shocked to see that Samantha was accepted by the Professor's wards. However, she refrained from voicing her observation. Once they were inside, Samantha rushed to the bedroom to see Severus lying on the bed, fully clothed. He was paler than the ghosts and looked as if he was unconscious. Hermione was reticent to enter the Professor's private domain but one look at the man and she forgot all her concerns.
"Where are his potions supplies?" She asked Samantha, rushing to where the younger girl pointed to.
She pulled out a strengthening solution and a few pain relievers, and with Samantha's help, poured the potions down his throat. Feeling his body hot with fever, she grabbed a bowl and filled it water. Dipping a transfigured cloth, she placed it on his forehead. Both the girls sat there for a long time, rubbing his face, hands and feet. It was late by the time he finally regained consciousness.
"Samantha," he spoke the name as if it was a prayer.
"Sev, you gave me a fright!" the girl exclaimed, rushed to lie next to him, throwing her arm over him.
In that one moment Hermione suddenly realised what she had been missing. The easy familiarity and bond between the two was clear in that moment. Professor Snape was Samantha's Godfather. She remembered the girl talking about her Godfather during the Quidditch World Cup and she had referred him as 'Sev'. It had been staring her in the face for the last three years. Hermione silently got up and left, not wanting to intrude. Somewhere deep down, she was hurt. She had considered both of them as friends and neither had shared this information with her.