Savin' Me
Chapter 2
AN: With very little electricity after the sun goes down, my muses have decided to come back and inspire me to add to this story and several others as well as create a few new ones. :) Yay! So, here's another chapter for your perusal, hope you like it. Thanks for checking it out and hope everyone is doing well. Love you all!
DIsclaimer: I make no monies with this.
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The figure in the window watched as the ancient vampire flew away with a particular witch. Severus had given a small smile to Godric's nod of acknowledgment. He was glad the ancient being had been able to arrive in time. If he hadn't, Severus was ready to catch Hermione.
After the War ended, Minerva had convinced him to stay Headmaster. She would continue to be Deputy but wanted nothing more. "Considering Harry Potter had cleared his name openly and the vials of memories Albus had sent to Amelia Bones at Voldemort's dearth, Severus was cleared of all charges.
Minerva had been fit to be tied when the truth came out and she had visited Severus every day through his recovery. When she had asked for his forgiveness, he had told her there was nothing to forgive; she had believed exactly what she was supposed to. The Minerva had spent the next six months convincing him to stay Headmaster. She had countered his arguments by pointing out just how many students Severus had saved by keeping tight reins on the Carrows. No one else would have been intimidating or powerful enough to do so but him.
As Severus continued to stare out the window of his office as he thought over the past two years. "While the cleaning, rebuilding, burials and eventual celebrations were happening, he had been recovering from Nagini's bite. He had called Hermione Granger everything but a witch for two months straight, furious at her for saving his life then Minerva had pointed out that he was now a free man. No more Vows, no more Masters and no one to accuse him of any crimes. When Severus had merely raised a brow at the last part, knowing full well there would be those to hold his past against him, Minerva has "tsk'ed" and said that those who mattered knew the truth.
Conceding her point and arguments, Severus told her that he would remain Headmaster if the Board of Governors signed off on it after he submitted a list of changes to be made for the school. Minerva had happily wrote down his demands and sent the owl off. It only took a week for the Governors to sign the parchment approving all changes. Severus was shocked but very pleased, at least some were willing to make changes so a being such as Tom Riddle couldn't rise to power so easily again.
It was at that point that Severus finally forgave and was truly thankful Hermione Granger had saved his life. Minerva had stepped in as acting Headmistress until Severus fully recovered. Hogwarts was the first to be rebuilt and it took until two days before the new school year to finish it. Returning students were conflicted when Minerva announced who would be Headmaster once he finished healing. However, most breathed a sigh of relief when told of the changes she had implemented.
"Welcome to Hogwarts first years and welcome back returning students. I would like to take a moment of silence to honor those who fell during Tom Riddles last stand." Minerva told them and the entire Great Hall went silent and bowed their heads in remembrance and respect. Many had lost friends and loved ones in the Final Battle. After a few minutes, she continued.
"First, let me announce the new Headmaster, Severus Snape. He is currently recovering from injuries received during the Final Battle but will take his place as soon as he can." Minerva scowled when she heard quiet moans and gasps. "Headmaster Snape has made some changes starting this year.
"Sorting will not be done until the fourth year. So tomorrow, all fourth years and up will be resorted to make sure you are in the correct house. First through third years will be in the newly reinstated Hogwarts House just as the Founders had done.
"House rivalry will be kept for the Quidditch field and House Cup. Points will be given for those who work as a team as well as those who willing work with someone outside their own House.
"A communal common room has been made so all students can socialize, study and gather together. Refreshments will be on hand for all to enjoy.
"Muggle Studies has been revamped to be current and is mandatory for all half-bloods and purebloods raised solely in the Wizarding world. Also, a Wizarding Traditions class has been created for all half-bloods and muggle-borns to attend. It will also be mandatory.
"An English class has been added and made mandatory for all first through fifth years. This will teach you how to write a proper essay; teaching you the correct way to spell, use punctuation and sentence structure.
"Also, the Defense Against the Dark Arts curse has been broken with Tom Riddle's demise so our new DADA professor will be with us for a long time to come." With this proclamation, the students gave a round of applause.
"As usual, your schedules will be given to you at breakfast tomorrow. You will note the addition of the new classes. Also, breakfast will be at seven a.m. sharp until eight a.m. at which time the sorting will begin. Due to this, your regular schedule will start the day after.
"Now enjoy your meal." Minerva finished as she clapped her hands and food appeared on the tables.
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Minerva had been quite busy after the War. She had helped to oversee Hogwarts' restoration, hiring of new teachers, sending letters out, convincing Severus to be Headmaster and tending to her own healing but she would want it no other way.
Staying busy had helped her heal much quicker than sitting around would have. When the school's repairs finished before the start of term, she breathed deeply for the first time in too long, things could start going back to normal, or something close to it.
Her work load would be quite a bit until Severus came back but she didn't mind. She was happy to give him the time needed to heal, he deserved it. She was also looking forward to the changes Severus had made, the school needed it and she was happy the students were accepting them with positive attitudes. The changes were sound and past due. she never understood why the students were sorted so young, at eleven, they were just starting to figure out who they we and what traits would become prominent.
Improving Muggles Studies was sorely needed. Also, having a muggle-born teacher to teach it made better sense. Minerva was relieved that Severus thought of the Wizarding Traditions class for those not raise in the wizarding world, it would help to lessen any missteps from happening, or at least, not happening as often. No unintentional insults or disregard. To say she was ecstatic for an English class would be an insult, most raised in the magical world were severely lacking in basic sentence structure and proper punctuation, and she wouldn't even touch on spelling errors. Maybe now the essays turned in wouldn't give the professors such migraines! Hopefully the students would appreciate the better grades from the added class.
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It was another tedious Monday when Godric received a surprise visit form an unlikely person, Severus "Snape. The stoic wizard had portkeyed to an unknown home of Godric's and then sent his patronus to ask of a meeting. Completely intrigued, it had been eleven years since Godric's life had been saved by Severus, he had Isabel reschedule the few meetings he had on his docket for the night and told the patronus now would be fine. A few moments later, Severus appeared in his office with a grim look.
"Severus, what do I owe the pleasure of your company?" Godric genuinely asked.
"Godric, I need your help." Severus answered, knowing he would probably get the ancient's help without using the life debt but he planned on using it anyway. No one as old and as powerful as the vampire in front of him should have anyone with any leverage over him.
"Sit, explain." Godric commanded gently.
Severus sat in one of the chairs in front of Godric's desk before speaking.
"First, allow me to catch you up on what's happened since we last spoke." Severus stated. At Godric's nod, he told Godric about the last decade: teaching at Hogwarts, being a double spy, protecting the child of his once best friend who was also a child of prophecy, the 'Golden Trio', the Second Wizarding War, his almost dying, his return as Headmaster and finally, the reason he was there.
Godric listened with rapt attention, knowing Severus well enough to know the man didn't share with just anyone. Godric was amazed at how much had happened the past few years. He also understood the pull he had had at various times to seek Severus out only for it to go away. Apparently, Severus had been at death's door many times.
"You wish for me to save this witch?" Godric inquired.
"Yes." Severus answered.
"Why?" Godric was curious if it was more than the life debt Severus owed this witch.
"Many reason actually, the least one being that she saved my life." Severus sighted.
"Hermione Granger is a powerful witch. She is quite brave, loyal to a fault and her intelligence is rarely matched." Severus shared. "She was always so bull of life until after the War."
"What of her friends Family?" Godric pondered aloud.
Severus' face clouded over and his mood turned black.
"Her "friends" are too busy with their own lives to worry about her, choosing to believe the facade and tight smile rather than seeing the truth and taking time to see to her." Severus paused to get his emotions under control. Those idiots didn't deserve to be called her friends the way they had abandoned her as soon as their need for her was done.
"Her family?" Godric prodded after giving Severus time to collect himself. However, Godric hadn't expected to see such pain cross the wizard's features.
"they disowned her, claiming her as bad as those she had fought against." Severus explained through clenched teeth and fists. He then went on to tell Godric all that Hermione had done from her first year to the War's end.
"Tragic, indeed, and how am I supposed to save this witch?" Godric wanted to know.
Severus sighed as his hands rubbed his face. "I fear she will take her own life by jumping or falling out a window."
"I see, do you have a time frame when this may occur?" Godric asked.
"I do. I believe it will happen sometime this week." Severus shared. "I have watched her mood sink lower each day; her smile is seen less and less, her demeanor slowly sinking to the depths of despair."
"'Has no one tried to help such a witch" Godric asked
"Several, actually, but she waves all of us off, even though the staff and I see she's not alright." Severus shared.
"She is staying at the school?" Godric wanted to know.
"She is, she helps with finding areas around Hogwarts and the grounds that need a bit more healing." Severus explained. "However, the areas are getting less and less."
"You gave her this task hoping to help her." Godric surmised.
"Minerva did, yes, but I supported the decision." Severus told him.
"Do you have an idea how I am to rescue such a person?" Godric wanted to know what Severus thought he could do.
"I had hoped you would just fly around the top windows keeping an eye on them." Severus stated.
Godric smirked, "You do not think that would raise any suspicions?"
Severus returned his smirk; "I believe you have the skills to escape notice." however his smirk fell as he continued. "Also, Hermione tends to visit the Astronomy Tower at night when everyone else in in bed or their common rooms."
"Do you think you will know beforehand in time?" Godric wondered.
"I am hoping, yes. I hope to be able to send you a patronus as to where she i." Severus told him.
"Are you able to see all the high windows form one place?" Godric needed to know.
"No, but Hogwarts does communicate with the Headmaster, especially if I ask her to keep tabs on a favored person." Severus explained.
"Well, good thing you are Headmaster then." Godric nodded. "So your castle has favored persons?"
"It can, yes, and Miss Granger is one of them." Severus answered.
Godric stared at Severus for a long moment before calling Isabel to his office after checking his ledger.
"I need you to take over for two weeks." Godric stated as soon as Isabel closed the door.
"Of course. Is everything alright?" Isabel asked once at Godric's desk.
"Yes, everything is fine. I will be leaving the country to help my friend." Godric shared and Severus pulled on his Occlumency to hide his shock at Godric considering him a friend.
"When will you leave?" Isabel asked.
Godric looked to Severus, who gave him a slight nod. "Tonight."
"Would you like for me to call the airline for passage?" she asked
"That will not be necessary, thank you, Isabel." Godric stated and walked over to Severus after she left.
"Shall we?" Godric asked.
"We shall." Severus answered as he pulled the portkey out. "This is much the same as apparating, just lasts a bit longer."
Godric nodded with a smile as he grabbed the mug firmly just as Severus activated it.
They landed in front of the gates to Hogwarts. Godric landed on his feet but knew any human most likely would lose their stomachs. It was a very strange feeling. Then Godric stepped through and gasped at what he saw, the castle was magnificent. He could feel the magic surrounding the area and couldn't keep the smile off his face. As he allowed his gaze to wander over the grounds, he noted the amazing job done by those who cleaned up and repaired, no evidence was left of a battle ever happening.
Severus stood silently, allowing Godric to look his fill and he was happy to see such awe on someone who had seen so much. After a few minutes, Godric snapped out of his stupor and followed Severus into the castle. the inside was as impressive as the outside and Godric was very happy to be a vampire at that moment, his enhanced sight allowing him to see more than most in a glance.
Once in the Headmaster's office, Severus showed Godric that the Astronomy Tower was viewable but not all the windows. However, Severus allowed Godric to learn how the Headmaster was able to see as much as they did; Hogwarts herself made it possible to see nay view needed, especially if danger was imminent. Therefore, when Severus asked about Hermione, Hogwarts made an opening showing the witch leaning against a wall in the Astronomy Tower gazing out the nearby window.
Severus and Godric both noticed the opening showing the witch to be large enough for Godric to go through should he need to. Fortunately, they both witnessed the witch sigh sadly as she left the Tower. Releasing a breath, they turned to the sitting area. Once sat, they discussed many topics; Severus offered Godric any book to read so he could learn more about the wizarding world as Severus tended to his tasks.
It was four days later that Godric received a patronus alerting him to go to the Astronomy Tower to catch a falling witch. As he flew out of his room to the Tower, he arrived to catch the witch seconds after she allowed herself to fall. As soon as she was in his embrace, Godric knew she was his, his mate. The one being especially made for him. As he inhaled her scent, he felt he had finally found home. Then they exchanged words and Godric knew he would do whatever it took to bring the beautiful being back to full health and vitality.
Just before flying off with his precious cargo, Godric looked to the Tower to see Severus standing there with a small smile in which Godric responded with a slight nod. He could almost feel Severus' relief and knew the man would sleep better now that Hermione was in his care.
Instead of returning to the castle, Godric flew to a hotel that was vampire friendly and checked in. The witch in his arms had fallen asleep during the trip. Just as Godric laid his witch on the bed, Severus' patronus galloped in. "Thank you, Godric. Take care of her, she deserves it. Life debt paid in full." Godric smiled, of course Severus would use this opportunity to have him fulfill his life debt and Godric felt the magical bond lift from his soul.
~Fin~