Chapter 89: Of Princes and Toads

{A/N: Here's Another Update...Late Post}

My Thanks To My Readers and Reviewers...Enjoy-S.S.

The Great Hall, Hogwarts Castle, Scotland, Wizarding World...

Everyone had been silent as Headmaster Albus Dumbledore geared up to make his announcement. Everyone, student and staff had a hard time keeping back the waves of questions as to what had been going on that day and why the Headmaster called them all to speak. Harry had not taken his eyes off the elder wizard fearing what the news would be and Snape seemed to be quite annoyed as he and Professor McGonagall attempted to figure out just what the strange toad faced woman in pink had been doing at standing beside the Headmaster. Snape had not seemed to like the look of her in the least and McGonagall seemed to second his instincts. None the less, Dumbledore welcomed her into the fold as The New Defense Against The Dark Arts Professor. Ron had not been so enthusiastic about her either and Ginny seemed puzzled as to what she could actual teach everyone. Hermione sighed knowing all too well that this little stunt on the part of The Ministry of Magic to do something about all those attacks on Muggle towns and appear strong enough to safeguard the wizarding world would not go well. She had not liked the looks of Delores Umbridge in the slightest, but knew better than to voice her concerns this soon.

Snape rolled his eyes as the pink clad Ministry official made her way toward the podium rudely ignoring Dumbledore and taking over the address he had prepared for his students. It didn't take long for them to come to the conclusion that this was fast becoming another Gilderoy Lockhart situation. Snape had not been very keen on overly enthusiastic "guests" especially when they were blatantly disrespectful of the rules and traditions at Hogwarts.

"The nerve." growled Minerva narrowing her green eyes at the pink clad intruder.

"Indeed." replied Snape not at all interested in the toad faced woman's speech.

Dumbledore smoothly recovered the address and dismissed the students before Umbridge could become too full of herself. As jolly as he'd been about seeing everyone and sharing a meal, he was just as annoyed by Umbridge's blatant disregard for the proper way to do things as his other colleagues.

"This one's going to be trouble." said Fred looking over the pink clad lady with utter disgust.

"We'll I'm up for it if you are." replied George sizing her up as well.

Ron shook his head and turned his attention to finishing off the remainder of his meal.

Harry had not liked her in the slightest and seemed rather put off that she'd made her way to Hogwarts in the first place.

Hermione knew that Harry had a problem with all things concerning the Ministry of Magic after the tragic events that lead to Cedric Diggory's untimely demise and the subsequent cover-up instigated by said Ministry of Magic to keep everyone from knowing of The despot's return. It had not escaped Hermione's notice that Umbridge seemed to lock eyes with Harry for a few moments as if she'd meant to intimidate him.

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The Potions Classroom, Hogwarts Castle, Wizarding World...

Class had been especially stressful, potions in particular when Umbridge decided to invite herself into a Gryffindor-Slytherin session where Snape was giving a lecture. His level of irritation had been evident to all whom had been in attendance as the toad faced witch casually moved about the class hovering over the students and Snape himself whom had loathed contact as well as "guests" being in his class. Hermione noted the barely concealed rage as Snape attempted to get the class to focus on the assignment rather than Umbridge's very man rude and uncalled for comments.

"Professor Severus Snape, is it?" asked Umbridge in a condescending tone. "You applied first for to teach The Dark Arts, but were...unsuccessful?"

Hermione noted the blazing fury behind her husband's eyes as he managed to answer.

"Obviously." he said the bitterness and rage not at all hidden as Umbridge seemed to circle him for a few moments before writing something with her quill and parchment before leaving the room.

Ron of course saw that as the perfect moment to exemplify cheek and was struck with an unused book in the back of the head.

It was quite difficult for Hermione to keep a straight face when she noticed the exchange as Ron had it coming for a lot of reasons. Harry had not taken his eyes off Umbridge, dreading being around her even more so than Snape had. It was odd to note that both he and Severus had the same distain for the new addition to Hogwarts' staff.

Snape dismissed the class, giving his wife ample opportunity to chat if she so desired. Harry had been in a hurry to get back to Gryffindor tower as he'd been awaiting more news from his godfather and Ron was busy getting ready for Qudditch practice. Ginny rushed after Ron, knowing all too well that Hermione had lingered in a bid to speak to Snape in private. She still didn't understand what her friend saw in their Potions Professor but she couldn't really blame her, she'd been in love as well despite Harry being preoccupied with his destiny to save The Wizarding World.

"Is there some reason you are still here...Miss Granger?" asked Snape clearly in no better a mood than when Umbridge arrived.

Hermione had no idea how to approach the situation and opted to play it safe just incase Umbridge was still lingering about.

"I'm sorry you didn't get the position you wanted Professor." she said casually letting her husband know that even with his fluctuating temperament she was still in support of him.

Snape seemed to calm some feeling more than a little guilty due to his treatment of her as of late.

"I...I apologize for my rudeness Miss Granger." he replied. "In an effort to make it up to you...there is an assignment that I believe you'd enjoy."

Hermione looked at him for a few moments before noticing that he scribbled something on the parchment in front of him and passed it to her.

It was a note, a small gesture of kindness on the part of her husband in a bid to get her attention. Hermione smiled when she saw it, simple words but she knew from the effort that he had not forgotten about his promise to spend time with her at least for a day with no one to interrupt or pry.

"Tomorrow." it said. "I shall come for you tomorrow."

Hermione seemed to be at ease as she treated her husband to a smile and nodded in agreement. Snape seemed relieved that she had gotten his true message and turned his attention back to grading parchments as she made her way back to Gryffindor tower.

He had been right of course, she would very much enjoy her up coming assignment.