Hello friends! This story is complete and will be updated once a week, it is 18 chapters long, some longer than others.
This is my first ever 'multi-chapter' fic and took longer to complete than I'd care to admit. There are no major 'triggering' themes to report, but it does contain mature romantic themes.
I really hope you enjoy and would love some feedback.
Meticulously packing her trusty beaded bag, Hermione blew at a stray curl out of her eyes. She mused at the amount of books she had accumulated since her time as a student. Now here she was packing once again to return to Hogwarts, not as a student but as the new Charms Professor.
Minerva had contacted her a few months back with news that Professor Flitwick had decided to retire and that she hoped Hermione would be interested in the post.
Initially she was uncertain and had asked Headmistress McGonagall for time to think it over, she had not been back to Hogwarts in almost four years. The thought of returning was painful, there was so many memories there; good and bad. She had chosen to study and sit her NEWTs outside of the school for this very reason.
After a couple of weeks mulling it over and seeking advice from her friends she decided to accept the position on a provisional basis. If she thought about it, Hermione was not certain she had the patience or temperament for teaching. She had always struggled with Ron and Harry's lack of enthusiasm for education and wasn't sure how well she could deal with entire classes of lacklustre students. Of course, the idea of teaching those who wanted to learn did sound quite appealing for her, which was one of the reasons she had accepted. Minerva was ecstatic with her letter of acceptance and had given her permission to move in a few weeks before term started giving her time to get her quarters in order and settle herself in.
Straightening her back with a click Hermione appraised herself in her vanity mirror. There was no denying that she still looked hardly more than a student herself, she feared her students might see her as an easy target. Using both of her hands she dragged her curls back into a tight ponytail, a slight improvement she thought. She was not the type of girl to fuss over her appearance in general, this however seemed necessary. Lowering the ponytail to the nape of her neck she charmed it into a loose bun. Better. Knowing the nature of her frizz prone hair, she was aware that in an hour there would be loose curls flying everywhere, but it would have to do. Her robes were full length and slate grey, they were fitted at the top with loose flowing sleeves and skirt. She could not recall spending so much time fussing over her clothing since The Yule Ball in her fourth year.
"Come on Crooks, let's go see your new home shall we?" Crookshanks was ignoring her, being highly offended at finding himself in the dreaded carry case.
Taking a last glance at her meagre apartment she closed the door, made her way to the nearest Apparition point and disappeared with a pop.
Appearing outside the gates of Hogwarts, Hermione slipped her wand down from her sleeve and conjured her Patronus to alert Minerva of her arrival. The playful otter swam in circles around her shoulders as she relayed a message for the Headmistress. Before long a familiar shape was making it's way in her direction from the castle. A huge smile spread across her face as she waved enthusiastically at Hagrid.
"Hello 'Ermione," the half giant called out.
"Hagrid! I'm so happy to see you," she replied as he let her through the gates and hugged her tightly.
"I've missed you lot," he said patting her shoulder so hard she was sure her boots sank a couple of inches into the grass.
Hermione allowed herself a moment to take in the grounds, the castle loomed overhead just as magnificent as it had seemed in childhood. Letting out a slow breath she closed her eyes, she had not been inside those walls since the memorials a few weeks after the Battle. An impatient sound from Crookshanks' carrier brought her back to herself. The Forbidden Forest stood just to the right of where she was situated. So many memories. Turning to Hagrid she offered him a watery smile.
"It'll be like you never left soon, you'll see," he said kindly. Hagrid had always been such a calming presence and in that moment Hermione couldn't think of another person she would prefer to be with. "C'mon, lets get ya settled in."
If Hermione thought the grounds were filled with memories, it was nothing compared to entering the castle itself. Her thoughts were being assaulted with images of bodies and rubble at every turn. She was certain that Hagrid was chatting casually to her as they ascended staircase after staircase but she couldn't concentrate on his words. Finally, to her immense relief they arrived at the Gargoyle statue that led to the Headmistress' office. Saying her goodbyes and promising to visit Hagrid for tea soon she made her way up and knocked.
"Hermione," Minerva greeted her with a kind smile throwing open the ornate doors which led to her office. "Welcome! Come, take a seat by the fire and we'll have a spot of tea."
Perching on the forest green sofa Hermione put Crookshanks' carrier by her feet and tried to look at ease with her surroundings. She could see Dumbledore's portrait hanging behind the large desk to her right. He was sleeping, or feigning sleep anyway, for this she was thankful. She had only seen this office once before, during fourth year when she was placed in an enchanted sleep for the second Triwizard Tournament task. It seemed a lot less chaotic than she remembered. Where Dumbledore had every surface filled with peculiar spinning and smoking objects, Minerva seemed to prefer a more minimal approach. This thought soothed Hermione, the idea that things had changed but still had a core familiarity.
The headmistress took a seat a the other end of the sofa and began pouring two cups of steaming tea. Passing a cup to Hermione who then added just a dash of milk, Minerva placed an assortment of biscuits on the table between them.
"Now, Hermione, since you are already familiar with the castle and the staff, I thought this might be an opportunity for us to catch up," the older witch said. "Perhaps if you have any concerns in regards to your classes, schedule or anything at all really we can discuss those."
"That is very kind of you Headmistress-," Hermione began before a sharp laugh interrupted her.
"We will have none of these unnecessary formalities," McGonagall said with a kind smile. "You will continue to address me as Minerva."
"Apologies Minerva, I'm not familiar with what is considered appropriate address between colleagues in a school setting," she replied slightly flustered.
"I think you will find that is entirely down to the teacher you are addressing my dear," Minerva said while sipping on her tea. "I mean, I cannot image you will address Remus as 'Professor Lupin' or Neville as 'Professor Longbottom' for that matter? You may be colleagues, but they still remain your friends."
Hermione had come with every intention of calling each teacher by their professional title, she was grateful that the Headmistress had saved her a couple of potentially embarrassing interactions. The younger witch nodded in agreement and sipped her tea. The rest of their conversation felt more like old friends catching up than a professional induction for which Hermione was very appreciative. She had built a solid friendship with Minerva in the years since Voldemort had been defeated, she couldn't possibly imagine sitting through some formal discussion with her. Instead they laughed and reminisced over Hermione's time as a student.
"Well, let's get you to your quarters and you can get yourself settled in," McGonagall said rising from her seat and moving toward the door.
"You will notice not many staff members are present just yet, most arrive a week before classes resume," the older woman explained as the two witches made their way back to the hallway. "Only myself, Hagrid obviously and the house heads are currently on the grounds."
"Oh, so Remus and Neville are here?" Hermione asked.
Remus had been appointed Gryffindor Head of House and Neville, even though not a Hufflepuff himself was their new Head. Hermione had always assumed that a House leader had to have been sorted into said House during their time as a student. Neville had however assured her he had not been the first to take on a role like this. Thinking on it now, it made more sense, since the school wasn't guaranteed to have a teacher who represented each of the four houses at any given time.
"Well, likely they are in Hogsmeade or elsewhere at this moment but you will see them around. You can of course Floo to their offices directly if you wish to catch up."
Arriving at the third floor Minerva unlocked the Charms office which would lead to Hermione's personal quarters. A door behind the desk -her desk now- led into a room made up of empty bookshelves, a plain grey couch and two matching armchairs all located in front of a large fireplace. There were two doors which she presumed lead to the bedroom and bathroom. The space was bare but had potential she thought.
"It needs a personal touch, but I think you'll find it comfortable," McGonagall said gesturing around the room. "Through the left to the bathroom and on the right is your bedroom. The furniture is sparse and plain but do with it as you please," pointing at each door in turn, she faced Hermione. "I will leave you to unpack and relax into your new surroundings. I'm so happy you've joined us Hermione."
"I am happy to be here, a little overwhelmed at present perhaps," she rambled. "I'm sure I'll feel at home again in no time."
Minerva made her way to the entrance and slipped out with a kind smile. Hermione continued to glance at her surroundings, feeling a little bit like a fraud. She felt like a misbehaved student after breaking into a professor's private quarters. Only five years ago she had been a student in these halls. She also felt as though she had lived several lifetimes since those days. Slowly making her way across the space she crouched down to let Crookshanks roam free and discover his new home. Crossing the room to the two doors first she made her way into what was now to be her bedroom. To her delight she was greeted with more empty bookshelves, a large king size, four poster bed and two bedside tables. All of the linens were deep crimson, the elves must have chosen them based on her House alliance. She wrinkled her nose at the thoughts of house-elves at her beck and call. Next she made her way into the bathroom and gasped. Although not as ostentatious as the prefects bathroom it was glorious. A modern looking shower with dark tile in one corner as well as a beautiful ornate claw foot tub and more counter space than she thought would be necessary for any single person. Certainly more than enough space for her embarrassing lack of toiletries and skincare products.
After a couple of hours unpacking; the books she accepted, would take several attempts. Hermione realised she was feeling peckish. Rather than eating alone in her room she figured a walk to Hogsmeade would clear her head. If she was lucky perhaps she would run into Remus or Neville, she could use some friendly company. She was surprised to find her journey to the Entrance Hall recalled more happy memories than expected. Pleasant childhood days filled with Ron, Harry and laughter rather than the devastation of her abandoned seventh year.
Just as she was about to approach the open front doors another familiar presence came striding through. Without turning his head, Severus Snape locked eyes with her. His face remained as impassive as she had ever seen it, he still had his signature long black hair laying limply at either side of piercing black eyes. Hermione smiled weakly, the last time she saw this man, he had been bleeding out on the ancient floorboards of The Shrieking Shack. Unsurprisingly, her smile went unreturned.
"Good afternoon, Professor," Hermione was surprised at hearing her own voice leave her mouth without consulting her brain.
He continued to to hold her gaze, with a slight sneer. Slowly he tipped his head in a slight nod. "Miss Granger," he muttered and swept away in a swirl of black robes.
Hermione let out a slow breath, she had hoped to have more time to prepare herself for that particular encounter. It was almost like seeing a ghost, she was certain the last time she had seen him in the flesh that she had watched him die. However when Harry had went with a few others to collect his body, they discovered him still clinging to life. After months of recuperation in St Mungo's he had been deemed fit to leave, of course Harry and Kingsley had worked tirelessly during this time to free his name. Snape was a free man, for the first time in his adult life. Then, he shocked the Wizarding World in his decision to return to Hogwarts as Potions Master once more.
Realising that she had not moved a muscle since Snape had made his presence known Hermione began her journey once more. Slipping out the front doors and down the steps, she found her thoughts had remained behind, with him. He looked well, she thought. Or at least as well as a man who had lived a dangerous double-life for years and came within minutes of certain death. His hair was still greasy, his skin still sallow, eyes still keen and penetrating. The authoritative manner in which he carried himself certainly had not diminished. Hermione suppressed a small shiver, the man was still as intimidating as ever.
With her thoughts so distracted, she was surprised to find herself outside of The Three Broomsticks without having noticed the walk. Looking up at the familiar sign she smiled and pushed her way inside.
Severus Snape made his way through Hosgsmeade village, having visited Pippins' Potions to replenish his personal supplies. There was four weeks left before the students returned for classes and he intended to use the time to brew enough headache potions to see him through until Christmas. Merlin knows he would need a large supply. If the students weren't bad enough he would have to tolerate the reunion of Longbottom and Granger.
Minerva didn't even have the decency to consult with him on who she had planned to appoint as Filius' replacement, she just turned up in his office with news that the Granger girl had accepted her offer of employment. He was surprised his eyes hadn't remained permanently rolled as she droned on and on about what a good fit she would be for the staff. Severus was aware that the witch was intelligent, he could accept that she may even make a decent educator, however he resented the distraction she may be for the students and staff alike.
Rarely a day passed without some wholesome drivel gracing the pages of the already frivolous Daily Prophet pertaining to the 'Golden Trio'. This he might tolerate if it didn't mean that he usually got lumped into the mix as well. If he had known he would survive the war, there was no doubt in his mind that he wouldn't have let Potter sniff around his memories. Severus detested the pitying stares and the hoards of 'fan mail' even more than the mistrust he had dealt with in the past. Potter had insisted on keeping contact for a while, asking him to attend annual parties. He had put a stop to that years ago.
He watched Longbottom enter The Three Broomsticks and kept walking without acknowledging him. The Herbology Professor was still awkward and fearful in his presence, which he did appreciate, one less dunderhead to tolerate. Severus walked on, shaking away thoughts of his past pupils.
Making his way up the steps to the castle entrance he spotted her before she noticed him. Granger had already arrived. Great. She was slowly walking toward the entrance looking nostalgic and entirely out of sorts. He made his way through the doors before she could approach and caught her eye. Her face read like a book, she had not been prepared to see him just yet.
"Good afternoon, Professor," she said, eyes wide with shock.
He scoffed internally, if she thought he would use her professional title she could think again.
"Miss. Granger," he reluctantly replied. He walked on seeking the sanctuary of his personal lab.