1998, September 1st
The carriage rattled and clattered over the broken ground, its wheels bumping up so violently that Hermione felt as though she was on a carriage ride to hell — which, given everything that had happened in the past two years, she supposed she should feel more positive. She leaned back in her seat, wondering if her teeth would fall out from her rattling jaw-bones, and looked up at the looming castle walls.
She sat quietly the entire carriage ride to Hogwarts, the sound of raindrops on the windows mixed with the soft murmurings of her friends. Her eyes were focused on the window, the scenery a constant blur as her thoughts bounced every which way in her mind. This would be the first year at Hogwarts without an impending doom awaiting them just around the corner. The first year they had to actually focus solely on their studies, on fun. She felt her stomach clench as a familiar sense of trepidation washed over her. As she looked beyond the rain-streaked glass, she saw in her mind's eye the image of the Great Hall, waiting for them with its familiar yet ominous feel.
Hogwarts would always be a sinister place, with its ancient walls and crumbling towers. No amount of fresh paint could hide the dark, mysterious aura of the school.
Before long, they were walking up the staircase for the last time, with the first years just getting out of the boats just outside. Nostalgia, that was a good word for what she was feeling.
Hermione felt the weight of the past few months pressing down on her as she entered the Great Hall, its high ceilings and expansive stone walls stretched above them. The chatter and murmurs from the other students seemed even louder than usual, their conversations carried on the current of uncertainty and trepidation that hung in the air, the weight of the tragedy surrounding them like a thick fog.
She felt a tightness in her chest as she took in the sight. This was a place that had seen death and destruction. She swallowed thickly, her lips pressed tightly together and her chin held high. This year will be different. This year will be better.
The hall was packed with students, each house sat at their own table, separated like they always were. She could sense the tension in the room, a palpable electricity that filled the air. As Hermione watched the other students talk among themselves, some smiling, some frowning, she felt an intense feeling of loneliness wash over her. Despite having friends beside her, she still felt like an outsider. She turned away from the crowd and sat quietly next to Harry, Ron, and Ginny, quietly picking at her food as they conversed amongst themselves. She wished that she had been able to find her parents before they had to return to school. She missed them dearly. A part of her had beaten herself up all summer when she realized she could have sent them with Harry's family. Perhaps even spelled them to be corroborative.
The Headmistress cleared her throat, her voice echoing across the hall, her wand pressed to her throat. "May I have your attention please?"
The collective murmurs slowly stilled as heads turned. Respect is clear in everyone's expressions. Most of these students witnessed their Headmistress in battle. Hermione doubted anyone would be crossing her this year.
"As many of you know, the forest is strictly forbidden, which is why we call it the Forbidden Forest. Your house prefects will be going over the rules once you return to your common rooms. There are many changes. We have many celebrity students in our midst and as much as I know you wish to crowd them, they have classes and places to be just as much as yourselves. This is a school, not a Wizarding carpet event, so do give them their space." She paused, looking out over the students as Professor Dumbledore once had, "We will be starting the sorting ceremony here shortly."
The murmurs of the student body continued as Professor Mcgonagall waved her wand which summoned the sorting hat and stool from the side of the head table.
Ron leaned in close from across the table and with a lowered voice he said, "I'm surprised she didn't mention Snape returning as a student. You think we're the only ones who know?"
"Can't be." Harry said, "Kingsley did an interview for the Daily Prophet about him not needing a trial."
"I wonder what house he's been placed in." Ginny said, craning her head to look at the other tables, "I don't see him anywhere."
"Why would he choose anything other than Slytherin?" Ron scrunched his nose in disgust. "That's where he belongs isn't it."
"Ron, Professor Dumbledore himself said sometimes he thinks they sort too soon." Harry said, "Besides, it's Snape, he may be a prat but he's a brave prat, a smart prat, and a loyal prat. He could be placed in any house and belong."
Hermione silently agreed. Though she also agreed with Ron, she couldn't really see Pro- Snape in any other house besides Slytherin. It felt odd even considering another house.
"You know someone else I haven't seen," Harry said, craning his head to look at the Slytherin table, "Draco."
"Yuck, don't call him Draco, it feels wrong." Ron made a face, and pushed his plate away from him for a few moments before tackling the basket of biscuits next to his sister.
"Why, that's his name." Harry said, his eyes searching the table, "He missed his seventh year too, I don't see why he wouldn't be here."
"Maybe mummy decided it was in his better interest to finish his schooling at home." Ron said with a mouth full of food.
"Gross, Ronald, chew and swallow before you talk." Hermione said, shoving a napkin in his direction.
Ron pushed his chewed food to the edge of his mouth and hummed at her, snickering at her sickened expression, before pushing it back into his mouth with his fingers.
"There he is." Harry said, gesturing to where Draco Malfoy was entering the Great Hall following behind several other Slytherin seventh years. "I'm going to go talk to him."
Harry threw his leg over the bench and slowly rose to his feet, kissing the side of Ginny's head as he went.
"Mate no." Ron said, swallowing his food, finally, "No."
Harry glared softly, "And why not?"
"You know why not, he's a Death Eater." Ron said, eyeing the Slytherin with distaste.
"Was a Death Eater," Harry said, "I'm not having this conversation again Ron, I'll see you all in the common room."
Before Ron could get another word out, Harry strode away towards the Slytherin table, every eye in the Great Hall following him as he went.
"Bloody idiot." Ron said, stuffing a biscuit into his mouth.
"Ron shut up." Ginny scolded, throwing her dinner roll at him aggressively.
"What did I say?" Ron said, looking genuinely puzzled.
Hermione snickered and then turned to Ginny, "I need to freshen up before I escort the first years to the common room, mind coming with?"
"Sure." Ginny said, throwing her leg over the bench before tossing another dinner roll at Ron's head.
"Hey!" He said, tossing it back as they walked away giggling.
He couldn't believe the cruel twist of fate that had brought him to this moment. His anger was palpable. How dare Minerva, how dare Albus, and how dare Lily fucking Evans put him through this indignity? He could barely stomach the idea of having to spend yet another moment in the company of his most insufferable students, let alone have to attend classes alongside them. He tugged harshly at the uniform which had just minutes before been charmed with his house colors. The metal Prefect badge felt as if was burning a hole through his robes. The absolute gall of some people. The entire situation felt like a cruel joke.
"This is madness!" Severus Snape's voice was laced with anger and defiance as he stood before his colleagues, Minerva McGonagall and Albus Dumbledore, or rather, his portrait. The former headmaster's portrait hung on the wall, its painted gaze fixed upon Severus with a thoughtful expression.
Minerva remained silent, her brow furrowed deep in thought. Albus, on the other hand, broke the silence with a thoughtful murmur. He mused, "Perhaps the Sorting Hat should have the final word on this matter."
"Blast it all." Severus seethed, running a hand through his hair, "How will this look? I'm already going to be the laughing stock of the entire school, the respect I've earned will be ripped away because Lily Evans decided to meddle in my life."
Minerva, as the current Headmistress of Hogwarts, had a stern yet understanding look on her face. Albus' portrait, though silent, seemed to study Severus intently. After a moment of contemplation, Albus finally spoke, his voice carrying the wisdom of ages.
"Severus, the sorting hat has always had a way of knowing where a student truly belongs. Perhaps giving it one more chance wouldn't be such a terrible thing."
Severus clenched his fists tightly, his mind swirling with frustration and indignation. The very thought of resorting was an affront to everything he had worked so hard to achieve, both as a student and a teacher. He had earned his place in Slytherin, had been proud of it, and now, to face the possibility of being labeled as something different was almost unbearable. Yet, a part of him wondered: what would the sorting hat truly see if it were to be placed on his head once more?
"As I've said once, I'll say it again, Severus, we sort too soon. I believe if given the opportunity once more, this time will be different." Albus said, his painted eyes seeming to twinkle in thought, "Perhaps this is what Lily meant, this could be the reason why, to give you a second chance at being who you were always meant to be. It can't be a coincidence that your memory is failing you, that your mind is at war with who it is."
"The facts are what's more relevant I should think," Minerva interjected, "The Ministry refuses to allow you to attend unless you've had a sorting ceremony, its policy, rather you're an old student returning or not, there are laws."
Severus let out a slow sigh, his mind racing at the words of the two figures before him. But a stubborn defiant part of him still refused to surrender to the idea. "And if," he began, his voice tight with resistance, "if the hat sort me into a house other than Slytherin?" His eyes flicked to the portrait of Albus, silently daring him to respond.
"Then that is the house you're meant to be in." Albus said, "Minerva has suggested we make you a Prefect, you'll still have some authority, I doubt anyone would want to cross you either way, but I think wearing the badge will help you deter anyone who tries."
Minerva moves, flicking her wand at the sorting hat who had been silently listening in the corner of the room. "Sit Severus."
With a huff of breath, he lowers himself onto the sorting stool and closes his eyes as the hat is lowered to his head.
The hat fell over his eyes and Severus felt a strange sense of calm wash over him. It was as though the world around him had faded away for a moment with only the silence of his own thoughts filling his head. Slowly, a voice, low and ancient, spoke softly in his mind.
"Secrets, so many secrets." It said, "A brilliant mind, a mind split in two. Difficult very difficult. You are one person with two conflicting personalities, but where to put you."
"You have to take my choice into account." He thought in response to the hats musings.
"Yes this is true, but your choice is also split. One part of you wants one house and the other part wants another." It said, humming in thought. He could almost feel the vibration of the hum in his mind. He forgot what it felt like to have someone else in his mind. The last time it had happened was when Lucius was teaching him occlusion. No- the last time it had happened was when Harry Potter was in his mind, his fifth year.
"That's not true." Severus thought angrily, "I know what I want and my choice is clear. So stop delaying and get on with it."
"I can see everything, young Severus, I can see what you truly want. I can see your pain. I can see your hopes and aspirations."
Severus took a deep breath, if he wanted this to go his way, he needed to occlude. He'd need to block the hat's magic from that part of his mind. Just because that's what he may want doesn't mean that's what he needs and what he needs is a year without drama. With all of his strength he pulled the wall in his mind, he needed to shut the door to that side of his thoughts. It felt as if the door weighed a ton, like he couldn't get it more than three inches in the air without it slamming back down again.
"Occlumency won't work, I've already seen all I needed to see. The decision is clear." It said, the ancient voice echoing in his mind. "I know where I'm placing you."
As he turned a corner, he collided with someone.
"Bloody hell." He muttered, steadying himself, "Watch where your bloody go-"
The air was suddenly thick with tension. Draco Malfoy stood there, looking at him with a bit of confusion and amusement.
"Well, if it isn't the Hogwarts Mystery himself, back from the dead and here I thought I was the only one with an identity crisis this year." Draco spoke, tugging Severus' robes.
"Don't test me, Draco." He warned, jerking away from him, his voice low and menacing,"I may be stuck in this ridiculous situation, but I'm not going to tolerate your insolence."
Draco eyed him, his expression unreadable for a change. "No disrespect, I will say though, red and gold do compliment your complexion."
Severus bristled at Draco's comment, his eyes narrowing as he stared at him with a mix of disdain and anger.
"Watch yourself," He said, his voice thick with warning. "I'm already in a precarious position, but I won't hesitate to take you down a peg."
He adjusted his uniform slightly.
Draco's eyes flickered down to the Prefect badge pinned to Severus' robes before meeting his gaze again.
"I guess I'll see you in class." Draco said, turning his nose up at him before striding away, towards the Great Hall.
"Insolent brat." Severus muttered. His robes seemed to mock him, a vibrant symbol of everything he had been taught to despise. The once sleek and powerful green he had proudly worn for his Slytherin house now felt like a distant memory, replaced by the glaring colors of Gryffindor. The idea of wearing this ostentatious display to classes was almost more than he could stomach. His anger bubbled within him like a pot of a simmering potion, ready to explode at the slightest provocation. The idea of having to attend lessons and endure the taunting glances and comments from his previous students made his fists clench tightly around the fabric of his robes. This was a nightmare he couldn't wake up from, a reality so absurd it defied all logic.
Turning in his heel, with the intention of forgoing entering the Great Hall, he decided it was better to wait in the common room. He was sure Granger could handle escorting the first years to the common room on her own.
He nearly collided with someone when he rounded the corner.
"Bloody-" He seethed before taking a step around the two girls he nearly knocked to the floor in his rush. "Shouldn't you two be in the Great Hall?"
Hermione glowered up at him, "Shouldn't you be in the Great Hall, Snape?"
He glared down at her, his eyes flickering to Miss Weasley who was busy stuffing what looked to be a makeup bag into her school bag.
Hermione looked down at the crimson color of his robes and her eyes nearly bulged in her head. "You've been sorted into Gryffindor?"
Miss Weasleys head jerked upward at that and she too nearly dropped her jaw to the stone floor. Discomfort washed over him, and he felt heat rise on the back of his neck, his cheeks growing warm.
"Unfortunately." Was all he said, looking anywhere but at her. He couldn't remember the last time he had blushed and to have two of his previous students witness it was like an opening to his worst nightmare.
"Harry was right," Ginny said with a groan, "I don't even have ten galleons to give him."
Severus tensed, trying to appear unaffected, but the heat that steadily rose to his cheeks betrayed his discomfort.
Hermione's eyes flickered to the Prefect badge which was clipped to his robes. "You're the other seventh year Gryffindor Prefect?"
Severus nodded tersely, fighting the urge to snap at them once more. The Gryffindor Prefect badge was just another abasement to add to his growing list of embarrassments.
"It appears so," He replied through gritted teeth. "A joyous twist of fate, wouldn't you agree?"
Her gaze remained fixed on him, studying him with a mixture of skepticism and disbelief. It was evident that the sight of him wearing the red and gold robes and proudly displaying the prefect badge was a shock to her system. Severus couldn't help but wonder what kind of image he now projected in her eyes.
Uncomfortable under the scrutiny of her gaze, he snapped, "If you're done gawping, I believe there are duties to attend to, Miss Granger, that begs our attention."
She didn't flinch, only sighed and turned her eyes away from him, "Just Granger."
Severus couldn't hold back a sneer when she corrected him, demanding he drop the formalities. It gnawed at his insides thinking she believed herself entitled to the familiarity, as though they were equals.
But technically you are equals, a small annoying voice said at the back of his mind.
He nodded stiffly, still feeling the lingering warmth on his cheeks from the embarrassment. He never had an issue with stoicism and unflappability, but the unexpected turn of events had left him feeling rather unmoored and exposed.
He cleared his throat, attempting to regain his composure, "Very well, Granger. Let us proceed to the Great Hall. I trust you are acquainted with the duties of the Prefect?"
Hermione nodded, falling into step alongside him, Ginny trailing quietly behind them as they made their way to the Great Hall. Her eyes continued to flicker over the red and gold robes he wore, her expression inscrutable.
Severus, for his part, kept his gaze forward, unwilling to engage in further conversation with her.
As they neared the Great Hall, the chatter and excitement of the other students became increasingly louder. Several pairs of eyes turned to look at them, and whispers filled the air as the sight of him wearing Gryffindor colors spread.
"I'll see you in the common room." Ginny whispered to her, before sending him one more amazed glance and made her way down the corridor following several other older students towards Gryffindor Tower.
Severus fought the urge to scowl at the students, sensing their whispers and murmurs as they passed. Some stared in astonishment, others grinned widely at the unexpected sight of him.
As they reached the Great Hall, the clamor of the students inside grew louder. Severus stiffened, bracing himself for the spectacle that awaited him. He had always prided himself on his austere demeanor and authority, but the image he cut now as a red-clad seventh-year Prefect was a jarring departure from his usual image.
Hermione took charge, her assertive nature and knowledge of the rules came to the fore. Despite the awkwardness between herself and Snape, she was determined to ensure the smooth transition of the first-year Gryffindor students to their common room.
"Good evening, first-years," she began, her voice clear and authoritative. "I'm Hermione Granger and this is Severus Snape, your seventh-year Prefects. We'll be escorting you to the Gryffindor common room and explaining a few essential rules along the way."
A few of the first years looked at him, stood beside Hermione almost awkwardly. They exchanged uncertain glances, clearly puzzled by his presence. One particularly bold student braved a question.
"Is he not Severus Snape from the papers, how does he look so young." A
first-year boy asked timidly, his eyes wide with curiosity.
His question was met with giggles and stifled laughs from some of the other first-years. Hermione shot them a stern look, silencing their laughter.
Severus stood quietly, his expression impassive. He didn't find the situation amusing, but he understood the absurdity of his current predicament.
Hermione glanced at Snape, noting his composed demeanor. "Any questions concerning things that don't involve the school rules or your classes will have to be taken up with the Headmistress," She replied curtly, her tone leaving no room for further discussion. "Now, follow us, first years. We have rules to go over."
With that, she commenced leading the first years towards the Gryffindor common room as she began explaining the rules. Severus fell into step beside her, his gaze fixed straight ahead. He was determined to complete this task with as little fuss as possible.
The journey to the Gryffindor common room felt endless, as Hermione meticulously explained the rules and expectations for the first-year students. Snape silently walked beside her, diligently monitoring the students while avoiding the curious stares they shot his way. Though, despite his discomfort in his Gryffindor robes, he couldn't deny that the students listened attentively to Hermione. Whether it was a result of his presence or her expertise, he wasn't sure, but he couldn't deny the effectiveness of their combined authority. If by some chance he had any effect on them at all.
Eventually, after what felt like an eternity, they arrived at the portrait leading to the Gryffindor common room. Hermione announced the password and the portrait swung open, revealing the cozy, firelit common room beyond. The first-years stepped inside, gasping at the warm and friendly atmosphere.
Hermione turned to Snape, a flicker of amusement playing across her features. "Well, Professor," She remarked, "You first."
His expression tightened, and he hesitated for a moment. The idea of walking through the portrait into the Gryffindor common room in these detestable red and gold robes felt like he was wading into the very heart of his disgrace. However, Hermione waited expectantly, and he knew he couldn't delay any longer.
He gritted his teeth and squared his shoulders, then stepped with deliberate stride through the portrait to the common room beyond.
As he stepped through the portrait hole into the common room, he was struck by the warmth and inviting ambiance. The room was awash with a cozy glow from the fireplace and the warm hues of red carpeting and stone walls. A great contrast to the cold and dark ambience of the Slytherin common room. The differences between the two houses was astounding. No wonder Gryffindors were as pretentious as they were. If he had grown up with a common room like this one, he would've felt egotistical as well.
He glanced around at the students in the room: Potter, Weasley, and their friends were playing a game of Exploding Snap, and several younger years were gathered around the fireplace studying. As soon as he entered, all eyes turned to him, and whispers immediately filled the air like wildfire. He tried to resist the urge to fidget under the collective gaze of the Gryffindor students. He stood tall and rigid, his usual commanding presence slightly diminished by the vibrant, Gryffindor-red surroundings. His eyes briefly met Potter's and Weasley's, and he silently wished they would have the common decency to not comment or say anything. But of course, he was not that lucky.
Potter's eyes widened, and he nearly dropped his exploding snap card on the table. Weasley's jaw dropped, and several other students muttered in disbelief.
In an instant, the room had erupted into noisy whispers and murmurs. He stood defiantly, determined not to show any emotion, but inside, he felt a familiar burn of anger and humiliation. He could hear snippets of the students' conversations:
"Is that really Snape?"
"What's he doing here in those robes?"
"Why would the Sorting Hat place him in Gryffindor?"
"Has Mcgonagall lost her mind?"
"What in the fresh hell..." Weasley muttered, loud enough for Severus to hear. He could practically envision the cogs turning in Weasley's mind as he attempted to comprehend the sight before him.
Potter, still holding the exploding snap card, shook his head, clearly baffled and confused.
"The boy dormitories are just up there." Granger said, gesturing to the far left of the common room, where a large set of stone stairs led to several doors. He sent her a stiff nod before brushing past the crowd in the common room and disappearing up the stairs.
And so it begins.