Chapter 02
AN: I've been wanting to add to this but the rise in temps and needing to plumb in a filtration unit so our water is drinkable out of the tap instead of our old (and very well used) countertop filter trying to keep up with three kids drinking from it and whatever is needed for cooking, my mind hasn't had time to do much else. Also, dealing with high temps is not as easy as it used to be for my hubby and me. :) This hasn't been our hottest summer by far, the temps only getting to 113F, but still quite warm when most of it was spent without a cooler of any kind. Now, thankfully, the temperature is starting to cool off making it a bit easier to be productive.
Also, I'd like to give a shout out to a reviewer on : (underline is my thoughts on Snape)
dstone12 chapter 1 . Jun 19
Nice little one shot and lovely set up for a "beating Dumbledore and Voldemort at their own games" story. I like that Hermione's trip to the past is simple and doesn't require elaborate explanations, etc. Some may say Severus is a little out of character (too nice/caring) but I see him as immediately recognizing an intriguing kindred spirit and a possible chance to end the Dark Lord quicker and with less loss of life all around. I do hope you get back to it someday. Great job!
They hit what my idea of Severus is for this story. :) Thank you! Thanks also to Gaillorosso, Courtney Sheldon, CallaRose4ever, mgunn and smithback for leaving reviews on and ThePhoenixandTheDragon for commenting on Ao3. Also thanks for all the Faves/Follows and the Kudos you lovely readers have given this story. Now onto the next part. :)
Oh, and just so you know, the time difference between the US and England is +7 hours (England being ahead). Also, I figured Dumbledore would set Snape's floo up for international travel considering he's a double spy and Riddle could call him from anywhere.
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After Severus reigned in his emotions, he walked to the floo and called his friend in America.
"Severus! To what do I owe the honor of a floo call?" An American accented voice asked.
"Daniel, I need a favor." Severus told him.
"Of course, come on through." Daniel invited.
"Mind if I bring someone with me?" Severus inquired.
"Does this someone have something to do with the favor?" Daniel asked his friend, his voice laden with curiosity.
"Yes." Severus stated.
"Then, yes, bring them on through with you." Daniel smiled and backed away.
"Hermione" Severus called.
"Yes?" Hermione answered.
"After you." Severus told her as he swept his hand towards the floo.
Hermione took a deep breath and studied Severus' expression before she gave a short nod and stepped into the floo.
Severus marveled at her trust a moment before he followed her; no one, outside of Daniel, had ever trusted him so completely.
When they stepped out it was into the living quarters of Daniel Austin.
Hermione's initial impression of Daniel was of a kind middle-aged man, a few years older than Severus. The smile he gave Severus spoke volumes to her; they had been friends for a long time and had helped each other out many times.
"Hermione, allow me to introduce you to Daniel Austin, Professor of Transfiguration at Estancia Magical Academy in Estancia, New Mexico. Daniel, this is Hermione Granger and she needs our help." Severus shared.
"Pleasure to meet you, sir." Hermione stated as she shook the wizard's hand.
"Sir? Where?" Daniel teased as he turned his head side to side as he shook the witch's hand. "It's just Daniel and I'm pleased to make your acquaintance."
For the next several hours, Severus went over what had happened and shared some of the memories Hermione had shown him with her permission. When all was said and shown, Daniel leaned back into his couch with a low whistle. "Some future you have come from, my dear." He told Hermione, sympathy clear in his eyes and voice.
"One I'm hoping to change." Hermione shared.
"You do realize by changing the future that at some point this version of you will cease to exist?" Daniel asked in a serious tone. He wanted to make sure the battle weary witch knew what to expect.
"If that means the future I've come from doesn't happen, then it will be worth it." Hermione responded with conviction strong in her voice and body language.
"I see. Strong one you got there, Severus." Daniel commented as he looked over to his friend.
"Yes, she is." Severus agreed much to Hermione's surprise.
"Although I get the feeling your relationship wasn't a good one from her timeline." Daniel commented as he observed Hermione's reaction.
"From what she has shared with me, no, it was not." Severus confirmed.
"I see. Well, let's get the paper trail fixed then you can start your life as Hermionen Bellator and the assistant to this sorry bastard." Daniel cheerily said and dodged the book Severus threw at him as he walked to another room only to come back several minutes later.
It took Daniel another hour to create and lay the paper trail for Hermione. When he handed her her copy of said parchments, he got a serious look on his face. "I hope you realize what a boon you have in Severus believing you and choosing to help you, young lady." His look was serious but not unkind.
"Oh, I do, sir, I certainly do." Hermione replied earnestly.
"Excellent." Daniel smiled at her as he released the parchments into her hands. "Well, you're all set and when anyone inquires to your past, I will be the one to answer any questions. If, by chance, something is asked we haven't covered I will inform you both immediately." Daniel explained.
"That would be appreciated, thank you my friend." Severus told Daniel as they clasped hands in farewell.
"Good luck and do let me know how things turn out." Daniel said just as Severus stepped in the floo.
"Will do." Was said then Severus and Hermione, now Hermionen, was gone.
Daniel shook his head and a small smile pulled at his lips, "Those two have so much to do, I truly don't envy them. I hope they succeed in this endeavor." Then he looked over to the stack of papers yet to be graded and groaned as he fixed a cup of coffee and grabbed a plate of shortbread before walking over to continue the tedious task of correcting the many, many, oh so many mistakes he knew would be waiting for him.
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Once back in Severus' quarters, Hermione sat on the couch with a wistful sigh, missing her friends.
She liked Daniel and wondered how Severus had met him and what their story was. As if reading her mind, though she knew he hadn't, Severus answered her.
"He was on vacation when we met. I was slowly making my way to a hotel after a meeting with the Dark Lord, who had been displeased with me, and Daniel caught me when I stumbled." Severus gave a small smile, "Of course, I was my most charming self…"
Hermione chuckled with a raised brow.
"…which is to say I was a right bastard towards him but, to my amazement, Daniel just laughed and helped me into the hotel and up to my room. After he tended my wounds, much to my dismay, he introduced himself and waited patiently for me to do the same." Severus sighed, "I told him my name and he told me I should choose a smaller target to battle or have better friends." Severus leaned against his desk as he gazed towards the fireplace. "Before I knew it, I was telling him all about my life: my parents, home life, school, working for two masters…" he faded as he waved his hand, "everything.
"Daniel was the first and only person I had confided in about my life. To my amazement, he sat and listened without interruption or judgment the whole time. When I had finished, he had clapped my shoulder and smiled. Of course I thought he had lost his mind but he then proceeded to tell me that our meeting wasn't chance. You see, he was a trained healer and a black belt in several styles of martial arts. He taught me how to defend myself as well as many healing spells.
"Daniel, he…" Severus trailed off.
"It's okay; you don't have to tell me anymore." Hermione quietly told him. She knew Severus was an extremely private man that was walking a very fine line and she had no inclination to push to learn more about him than he had already shared. She knew more now than she ever imagined she would and cherished what he had trusted her with knowing thus far. To her amazement, Severus continued with a thoughtful look crossing his features.
"He gave up his summer vacation to teach me." He shared with awe. "He never complained once. Instead, he taught me all he could and then told me if I ever needed anything; do not hesitate to call upon him. Of course, I wasn't sure if his offer was sincere. However, a few days after the Potters were murdered, I floo'd him and he invited me to his quarters. After stepping through, he handed me a sober up potion before pulling me into a tight embrace, not releasing me until I had broken down fully.
"He helped me through the loss and my guilt. He refused to let me leave until he was satisfied with my health." Severus chuckled a bit, "Daniel wouldn't allow me to wallow in my emotions for long either. He would escort me to his training room and repeatedly hand me my arse until I was able to get my head out of it to properly fight him. It was…very cathartic. He would also tell me to not let the dark take over, that I could do what was needed to save as many lives from both masters but that didn't mean I was permitted to fall completely for either's 'views'. After that, our friendship has been strong and we have helped each other many times through the years."
"A true friend." Hermione stated.
"Yes." Severus replied.
"Those are rare in the best of times, I'm glad you had one." She commented sincerely as she felt her heart swell for her former teacher and his friend. Everyone deserved to have a friend that would stand beside them no matter what and she was happy that Severus had one, well, two now, if he would let her. She barely managed to covered her surprise that Severus had shared so much with her, granted he hadn't really gone into any actual detail but he had shared with her nonetheless.
Severus shook himself of his reverie before he turned to his new assistant. "Now, Miss Bellator, as my assistant you will be helping me with my classes: you will patrol between the desks during class, grade papers, assist in preparation and cleanup as well as run a few errands for me. As for any brewing, I will assess your skill level and we will go from there. Also, most nights that I patrol, you will join me. Any questions?"
"Not at this time, no." Hermione answered.
"Good. Now I believe it is time to discuss what you shared with me." Severus stated as he called for tea and they settled in for a long night.
"Allow me to see if I recall things properly." At Hermione's nod, Severus continued. "So, every year, you and your two bumbling idiots," Severus gave her a small smile, "pardon, friends, met a 'challenge' at some point in the year?" at Hermione's nod, Severus gathered his thoughts before starting.
"First year, we have already dealt with, a mountain troll and the beginning of the "Golden Trio".
"Second year was the opening of the Chamber of Secrets which let loose a basilisk and the first appearance of a Horcrux, the dandy known as Lockhart became the DADA teacher causing more trouble than teaching, Potter learns he can speak Parselmouth, you are one of the victims to be petrified, however, you managed to figure out what was stalking the halls just before which allowed Potter to know what to look for, somewhat. Potter kills the basilisk with the Sword of Gryffindor and uses one of the beast's fangs to destroy the diary of Riddle and save Miss Weasley with Fawkes saving Potter from the basilisk's venom.
"Third year starts off with Dementors boarding the school train on its way to Hogwarts, Lupin becomes the DADA professor, Black escapes Azkaban and makes his way to Hogwarts where he attacks the Fat Lady's portrait because she refuses him passage, one of Hagrid's beasts harms a student because of disrespect, Lupin forgets his potion and turns on a full moon which caused him to threaten the three of you due to you being at the wrong place at the wrong time and finally, Pettigrew is found to be alive and disguised as Weasley's familiar then you used a Time Turner to save Black and the hippogriff from execution; busy year." Severus paused as he raised a brow at Hermione.
"It was, yes." Hermione agreed.
"Tell me, how many times did you use the Time Turner?" Severus' curiosity was brimming.
Hermione smiled sheepishly, "Um, several times a day, enough for me to age a few years."
"A few years? Just how often did you use the blasted thing?" Severus demanded.
"Ah, I took every class Hogwarts had to offer third years. Well, almost every class, I dropped Divination within the first month. Then I used it to make sure my studies and homework were done. I also used it, as you know, to save Buckbeak and Sirius. Then I used it to get some sleep." Hermione told him.
"Are you daft witch?" Severus asked her, "That much time turning definitely adds years, not days or months, to your life!"
"I know but it was worth it. I learned a lot that year that helped me, well us, when we went on the run. I figure all the times I used the Turner, I aged three years, five months and two days if my calculations were correct." Hermione responded.
Severus shook his head. "I hope it truly was worth it."
"It was." Hermione told him.
"Very well, now we come to your fourth year. This is the year of the Triwizard Tournament with Beauxbatons and Durmstrang coming here to participate. Also, someone managed to put Potter's name in the Goblet to be pulled out as a fourth competitor which Albus enforces, meddling old fool. Rita Skeeter is allowed to come and make a nuisance of herself. The three tasks are: retrieve a golden egg from a dragon's nest, rescue someone meaningful from the bottom of Black Lake and finally, a maze with many dangerous creatures and traps must be traversed to reach the trophy in the center which is a portkey. Also sadly, a student, Cedric Diggory, dies due to this. Potter brings the body of Diggory back and tries to tell everyone that the Dark Lord has returned and no one believes him." Severus paused to make sure he hadn't missed anything.
"Also, Alastor Moody was held in a trunk by Barty Crouch, Jr for almost the entire year." Hermione added.
"Yes, so he could use Moody's hair in the polyjuice potion which was kept in a silver flask." Severus nodded and Hermione mirrored him. "It was Crouch that put Potter's name in and, somehow, managed to make the Cup spit it out. Strange."
"What's strange?" Hermione wanted to know.
"Crouch isn't the most apt of wizards on a good day and yet he managed to spell an ancient, powerful artifact to spit out a fourth competitor and that competitor just so happened to be Potter." Severus clarified.
"You think he had help?" Hermione wondered. "But who would help him, he was a convicted DeathEater."
"Yes, who indeed." Severus responded. "He was also supposed to be in Azkaban. So that wraps up your fourth year, moving on to year five.
"Potter was attacked near his home by Dementors during the summer causing him to defend himself and his relative then he has to go to the Wizengamot for using magic in front of muggles; which is unheard of in instances of life or death. Once the school year starts, Dolores Umbridge is the DADA teacher and thinks reading books is better than anything practical. She also uses blood quills on students as punishment and is suspected of using Unforgivables as well. Due to this odious witch not teaching anything of use, you and your cohorts start up the DA, a club you called Dumbledore's Army and teach fellow students how to protect themselves.
"Then Potter 'sees' Arthur Weasley getting attacked by Nagini, the Dark Lord's snake, and manages to alert everyone so Arthur survives. At this point, Albus decides to have me attempt to teach the brat Occlumency, which does not go well at all. Next there is a massive breakout from Azkaban of former DeathEaters and after all of that, the terrorizing duo, er, the Weasley twins decide to leave school with a bang. But that's not the end of things for the year, no, next we have Umbridge attempting to sack the bumbling oaf but instead Hagrid flees and Minerva is shot with many stunners for trying to defend the idiot, enough she has to be taken to Mungo's for healing.
"Further still, you, clever witch, manage to lure the pink toad to the centaurs where she then proceeded to insult them and they carry her off. Shortly after, Potter barrels head first into trouble again, trying to save the mutt, his dogfather, but instead ends up getting him killed and several others injured, especially you." Severus paused to glance at her shoulder and chest. Hermione nodded quietly, waiting for him to continue.
"Then Harry Potter finally learns of the prophecy made about him." Severus paused to gather his thoughts for the next year, his mind reeling at everything that happened so far in the school that was touted as the safest place.
"Sixth year: I am finally allowed to become the DADA teacher and Slughorn returns to teach potions." Here Severus cringed which caused Hermione to smile. Slughorn was no Severus Snape and the many explosions that had happened was proof enough.
"At this time, the Minister for Magic changes from Fudge to Scrimgeour. This is also the year Potter finds my old potions book, hides it, and suddenly becomes an excellent brewer. Also, a student, Katie Bell, is cursed by a necklace meant for the Headmaster as well as Weasley being poisoned from a bottle of mead that Horace wanted to share that was also supposed to go to Albus. Apparation lessons are taught to your year. Potter manages to finally find out how many Horcruxes were made. Also, Albus takes Potter to find a Horcrux only to find out it was a fake and that a R.A.B. had taken the real one, which you managed to figure out was Regulus Arcturus Black. The oldest Weasley boy gets attacked by Greyback. Draco Malfoy fixed the Vanishing Cabinet to allow DeathEaters into the school. Then, I kill Albus instead of Draco and Potter was hidden to witness it all, so he could accuse me passionately." Here Severus took a deep breath, realizing Albus had played them all for his "Greater Good".
"So now we are up to what would have been your seventh year." Severus stated.
"Actually, one other notable thing that summer, Amelia Bones was murdered by DeathEaters." Hermione informed him which caused Snape's eyes to snap to her.
"Are you sure? Amelia Bones?" Severus asked. If it was true then Amelia would need to be brought into their circle. She was one of the few that Severus knew he could trust to do the right thing. It would also explain why the Ministry fell so easily. Yes, she was only one witch, but anyone who knew Madam Bones knew better than to go against her without risking quite a bit or everything.
"I am." Hermione answered softly.
Severus shook his head, breathed deep then continued. "Now what would have been your seventh year, you were on the run as Undesirable Number Two, Potter being Undesirable Number One. Weasley tricked the Ministry to thinking he had spattergroit so he wouldn't be expected to go back to school, which was mandatory for all purebloods, so he could go on the run with you. This is after William Weasley's wedding; which, during the reception, DeathEaters attacked and you chose then to start your time on the run." Severus shuddered at the thought of being in such close quarters for any length of time with the two wizards.
"Your time on the run was to hunt down the other Horcruxes, five now, that Albus had no clue where they were. Also, I am made Headmaster and have to run the school with an iron fist to try to protect as many as I can, being hated the entire time due to everyone thinking I killed Albus. Oh, let's not forget the various DeathEaters being allowed to hold 'teaching' positions; meanwhile, the three of you apparate all over the place trying to find the blasted Horcruxes on a whim and a prayer. At some point you visit Xenophilius Lovegood who sends word that the three of you are at his house and the Snatchers grab you while you are running through the woods trying to escape; at which point you are taken to Malfoy Manor." Severus took a moment to gather his emotions that were trying very hard to come out when he thought of Hermione being tortured by Bellatrix. Taking a calming breath, he continued.
"After escaping the Manor, you rest up at William Weasley's home. Then you take polyjuice so you can break into Gringotts and steal whatever Bella has hidden there, Hufflepuff's Cup as it turns out. Of course, things don't go as planned and you have to break out of the bank with their own dragon flying through the ceiling." At this, Severus couldn't help the smirk if his life had depended on it, feeling quite proud of the witch before him, he knew she was the one who had figured out their escape route.
"Then you make your way to speak with Aberforth and he shows you a hidden passage into the castle where Neville Longbottom leads you to the Room of Requirement, the DA's safe place. There, the three of you stage the start of the Final Battle. At this point, the Dark Lord is told Potter is in the castle and he brings his forces to put an end to all who have opposed him. During this time, you and Weasley go down to the Chamber of Secrets where you use one of the basilisk's fangs to stab Hufflepuff's Cup, getting a bath in the process, while Potter seeks the diadem in the Room of Requirement where the Gray Lady said it would be and he finds it as you and Weasley join him. Unknown to you, Draco and two of his friends follow you and a fight breaks out until Gregory Goyle casts Fiendfyre but loses control over it, consuming the room and taking his life at the same time. In your escape, you manage to rescue Draco and Blaise Zabini; once out of the room, they both run off as you try to figure out what to do next. However, not all goes to plan for the Dark Lord and he calls me to the boathouse due to the wand not "working" for him. Weasley convinces Potter to use his connection to see where Nagini, therefore the Dark Lord, is at. You sneak to the boathouse and witness my…murder…and that is when I give Potter the memories he needs to walk to his death and finish the Dark Lord's immortality, making it possible to kill him for good and bring an end to his reign of terror." Severus finished.
"Yes. Also, Neville was the one to end Nagini's life with the Sword of Gryffindor." Was all Hermione could say in a strangled whisper. As Severus was summarizing the last events, Hermione couldn't help but remember the pain and heartache she felt not so long ago. When she opened her eyes and locked them with his, she took a shuddering breath and reminded herself Severus was alive and well at the moment and they had a chance to correct the past; for she had no doubt that was why she had been sent back. Who, what, or how she was sent back was still a mystery but she knew they would figure it out, together.
As Hermione watched Severus take in what all he had just said, she noticed the weight on the wizard's shoulders. She wanted to take that weight off, to share in his burden, to help him fix the future so they could all have a better life; one without the threat of Tom Riddle and his sycophants dominating everyone's thoughts and causing such destruction to the very end. Hermione also wondered how she was still there. She had already changed the future she had come from by sharing her memories with Severus, so why was she still there? Shouldn't she have disappeared already? Shouldn't Severus knowing be enough to erase her current form? Realizing she had no answers and secretly happy she hadn't disappeared yet, Hermione took a deep breath. "So, what shall we tackle first?"
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"So, what shall we tackle first?"
"First, you need to be seen entering the school with me so we can go to Albus and get you properly as my assistant. Then we will have tea." Severus answered with a smirk as he stood which Hermione followed.
Just before opening his door, Severus turned and raised a brow at Hermione. She gave him a confused look before she smiled sheepishly and made herself disappear. Making sure to stick close to the back of Severus to help hide any outline someone might see, they made their way to Hogwarts' gate. On the other side, the spell was cancelled and the pair stepped back through. On the walk to the castle they received quick looks from most, no one staring long for that would incur their professor's rancor and no one wanted that. Once inside the castle, they made their way to the Headmaster's office. Giving the password, Severus and Hermione rode the stairs up, knocked and entered when bade.
"Ah, Severus, what brings you to my office?" Albus greeted as he took in Hermione.
"Headmaster, this is Hermionen Bellator. I am taking her on as my assistant." Severus stated as he watched the old man's reaction.
"Your assistant? Why? Who is the young witch, Severus?" Albus all but demanded.
"A friend asked if I would take her on so she may finish her schooling since Hogwarts doesn't accept transfers." Severus answered.
"I see. Where are you from Miss…?" Albus inquired.
"America, sir and it's Bellator, Hermionen Bellator." Hermione answered politely.
"Ah, why are you here if you're from across the pond?" Albus wanted to know.
Hermione looked to Severus with "pleading" eyes so he answered for her.
"Her parents were killed in an accident and her closest relatives live here, hence my friend asking if I could take her on." Severus leveled a bored look at the Headmaster.
"I see, I am sorry for your loss. Of course I will need to check with this friend, Severus, before I will sign off on Miss Bellator being an assistant." Albus said.
"Of course, his name is Daniel Austin, Professor of Transfiguration at Estancia Magical Academy in Estancia, New Mexico. Her paperwork is all in order." Severus shared as he handed Dumbledore Hermionen's parchments.
Dumbledore looked over the parchments before going to his floo to call on Professor Austin. After a few minutes, which Severus gave Hermione a slight smirk, Dumbledore came back. "It seems it is as you say, Severus. Welcome to Hogwarts, Miss Bellator." Albus told them.
"Thank you, Headmaster." Hermione replied.
The Headmaster gave a small wave of his hand, "Hogwarts has added a room onto yours, Severus, for Miss Bellator."
Severus gave a small nod to the Headmaster, "Is there anything else?"
Albus bid them good day but Severus noticed the old man's eyes weren't twinkling as much and he internally chuckled. The Headmaster wasn't happy but there was little he could do. Severus was well within his right to take on an assistant just as it was for him to take an apprentice. Of course, the manipulative old man could have tried to deny the arrangement but not without bringing scrutiny down on him for why and that was the last thing someone like Albus Dumbledore wanted.
Neither spoke as they made their way back to Severus' quarters. When they stepped in, there was a new door on the far wall that led to Hermione's new room. As Hermione stepped into the room, she felt the same warmth encompass her as she had felt leaning against Hogwarts after the Battle. Smiling at the comforting feeling, she turned to see Severus with an amazed look on his face.
"What is it?" She asked, concerned.
"I'm not sure but when I crossed the threshold, I could have sworn…" Severus trailed off.
"What?" Hermione needed to know what had caused his reaction.
"…that I had just been given a very warm and…comforting…hug." Severus finished.
"Really? You felt it too?" Hermione asked excitedly.
"Is that what you felt when you walked in?" Severus wanted clarified.
"Yes and when I leaned against Hogwarts after leaving the Great Hall." Hermione shared.
"I see." Severus commented with a thoughtful look.
"What? What are you thinking?" Hermione almost demanded as she stepped closer to the wizard.
Severus shook his head then laid a hand on the wall closest to him. His eyes widened when he realized Hogwarts herself was responding to his touch. He looked to Hermione with a look of wonder.
"I believe, Hermione, I know how you traveled back in time." Severus explained.
"Okay, how?" Hermione's voice was full of excitement and trepidation. Did she really want to know?
"It would seem that Hogwarts wanted you to come back to correct two fools' mistakes." Severus smirked at her surprised look.
"I didn't know Hogwarts could do that!" Hermione's surprise coming through her voice.
"Nor did I but, it would seem, she can. Apparently Hogwarts didn't like what had happened and sensed in you what was needed to correct so many mistakes made." Severus explained.
"Well, I suppose we really don't know what all magic can and cannot do." Hermione smiled. "Seems I was right about why I was sent back here but why would she tell you, no offense?"
"Because you trusted me with what the future holds for us if we do not intercede." Severus stated, a bit of amazement creeping into his voice. He then noticed the look of consternation on the witch's face. "What bothers you so?"
"Well…" Hermione took a moment to put into words her thoughts and feelings. "Not that I'm not happy to be back here to correct such horrible events but why am I still here? I mean, I have shared with you all I know which means the future has already changed but I'm still here. Shouldn't I have already faded like Daniel warned?"
Severus thought a moment before stepping out of the room, "We need tea." He stated as they made their way to the couch. After an elf popped in with tea and a fruit tray, Severus answered her question. "I can only assume Hogwarts or magic are not done with you just yet. You are correct that the future you know has already changed with all that you have shared with me, so you should have disappeared by now."
"Okay, but what else is there for me to do?" Hermione questioned, truly confounded by the situation.
Severus studied the young witch before answering, noting that in just two days her health was looking better. The dark circles were lightening, her shoulders didn't hunch quite as much and her appetite was gradually getting better. It spoke volumes to how at ease she was with him which totally shook him to his core. They had had a few conversations and she had shared how he had treated her and he couldn't imagine how she could be so relaxed around him. He knew Hermione had a long way to go yet to get truly healthy but the fact he could already see improvements was quite surprising.
"I believe Hogwarts or magic or both wish for you to help me with what needs to be done."
Hermione's head snapped up and met his gaze before she gave a smile, "I can certainly do that!"
"Excellent." Severus responded, surprising himself when he realized he was looking forward to spending time with Hermione. What amazed him the most was that he had no problem separating future Hermione from present Hermione. They were similar in looks but not enough to confuse them, which he was immensely grateful for, he was not a child predator. Also, the slight change in the names helped.
"I believe now would be a good time to take you to Hogsmeade to get new robes and necessities." Severus told her as he raised a brow at her pink tinted cheeks.
"I hadn't thought of that. I have no way to pay you back for such expenses." Hermione stated, a bit annoyed that Severus would have to spend his hard earned money on her.
"Think nothing of it, just like apprentices, assistants are also looked after. It is my job to make sure you have all you need." Severus waved off her concern. It would be nice to spend some money on someone so deserving. What most had no clue about was that Severus was quite well off. He had quite a few patents on various potions as well as having contracts for various enterprises he brewed for. His coffers would knock most on their arses, just because he never flaunted his wealth like the purebloods didn't mean he was poor.
The pair spent several hours in Hogsmeade and Diagon Alley getting the needed supplies for Hermione and Severus picked up a few things needed in his classroom. Before heading back to Hogwarts, the pair ate supper at The Cauldron Café. It was a small café with a pleasant atmosphere and good but simple foods, most students had no clue it existed due to the owners wanting somewhere adults could go without the rambunctiousness of children to disturb their meal. After eating, Severus apparated them back to his quarters, surprising Hermione.
"I didn't think anyone but the Headmaster could do that." She stated.
"He and I are the only ones. It's not good to see a professor crawl back to their quarters bloody and barely conscious." Severus shared.
"Ah, after a not so nice meeting with the dark lord." Hermione stated.
"Exactly." Severus confirmed.
Hermione perked up, "Also, you spend most of the year here so going to the gates every time you needed to leave wouldn't have been prudent, I'm sure."
Severus smirked, happy to see her brilliance had only grown through the years.
"So should we start figuring out our plan to tackle the problems now?" Hermione asked.
Severus shook his head which made Hermione tilt hers. "Tomorrow. Today has been busy enough and we still have time. I think a bit of light reading is in order with some tea and then in the morning we will start hashing out what is needed to be done."
"Sounds fair." Hermione agreed as she walked to a bookshelf and picked a book to read. The next several hours were spent in silence as the two relaxed before their work would start.
HG-SS HG-SS HG-SS
AN: So what'cha think? Like it? Hate it? Let me know. Not sure how frequent updates will be but there will be more to this story. :)
Thanks for giving it a chance!
