Severus used to be Albus' Errand Boy, but he had just been promoted to his most Elite Employee. By this rate, he'd have a joyous aneurysm by December - Miss Fortune taking a particular liking to his truly.
Albus had clearly been planning his demise to coincide with the Dark Lord's uprising. Why else would he name Severus, Voldemort's most trusted confident, as the next Headmaster, if not to secure his position in the Court of Darkness and eventually save the school from ruin?
Severus had to make haste, else Voldemort would really make good on his promises.
But first, he had to do one little thing... deliver a speech to commence his 'coronation' before the entire school and Minister of Magic. It was a useless affair-with the rate gossip spreads through the student population-yet appearances needed to be kept up.
600 bodies faced him in the Great Hall; 600 mouths moving in unison. They were all instructed by their heads of house to wear their most formal black robes and pointed hats for the occasion-anouther ridiculously outdated medieval tradition.
Severus looked to his Slytherins. Draco Malfoy was missing from the table. Cauldron. Severus could have dismissed everyone and chased after the boy, but he was far more clever than to act on his hunches. He wouldn't cause a kerfuffle. After all, Draco was unlikely to suddenly have enough success to suddenly summon the Dark Lord after all that failure...
Severus cleared his throat, loosening his new, midnight velvet cape with silver diamonds and sent an Amplifying Spell over his Adam's Apple.
"Good evening," he purred, his deep baritone cutting through the pin-dropping silence. "As you are well aware, Albus Dumbledore has resigned from his post as Headmaster of Hogwarts. To comply with his final request, I, Severus Snape, will now take possession of this educational establishment."
He descended down a few steps, closing the distance between him and his new wards. "Both the education and welfare at Hogwarts will remain at the top-most level on my list of priorities...this I promise you. Change in management will not result in lowered expectations and leniency...mark my words."
Choice of words had always been Severus' strength. His infamous speeches were well known at school: not for the gentleness of their delivery, but for the rigour in their intent. Indeed, Severus meant every syllable he uttered and this was no exception.
Yet in a sad time like this, gentleness would have been much more appropriate. A symphony of whines and sobs were exchanged among the young dunderheads. They so missed their beloved former Headmaster who never punished them with anything so severe as a detention with the Happy Giant Hagrid and his friendly pooch Fang.
Now, there was a new rooster nesting in this coop. He was going to lay down the law, plow over it and nail it to the ground, make no doubt about that.
Headmaster Snape flashed his signature scowl at a few particularly vulnerable little chits. They swallowed in unison and burst into tears.
Out of the corner of Severus' eye the Minister nodded approvingly, and Minerva covered her mouth in a state of feigned misunderstanding and mild distress. Hagrid was sobbing in the corner and Filch hugged Mrs Norris Number-Merlin-Know-Which-One tighter. As for the students, not a single unaffected look passed between the four House tables. Snape had been hated in the best of times, and now-was utterly abhorred.
Sweet, gentle Headmaster Dumbledore...why had you forsaken us?
Severus knew better.
That had been the Headmaster who left his students to fend for themselves against the castle's greatest horrors.
Who left a child in the hands of the worst Muggle relatives after his parents died.
Who used a Time Turner to save a damn hippogriff instead of killing the baby Voldemort.
Who couldn't string together a sentence without some positive, inspirational quote that made no bloody sense.
Who thought it was a good idea to set up a minor and a professor in the sake of saving himself one extra hiring decision.
But of course, cry little wizard children.
For who could have guessed this tragedy of errors would culminate as such? Who could have guessed that Dumbledore'd be finally caught for his machinations?! Severus closed his eyes. Cauldron help him.
"We will certainly miss the former Headmaster and your professors will make due diligence in sending him your heartfelt sympathies."
One all-too familiar face with large, brown eyes caught his every word, and frowned. She knew what he was on about.
Cauldron help Hermione Granger as well.
One sneaksby's voice cut through the silence. "Does this mean exams are cancelled."
Severus exhaled. "Winter examinations will take place...a week earlier than planned."
A low rumble of 'aww shit' and 'fuck Snape' rolled through the crowd of Upper-years. Well they didn't expect the Headmaster would take pity and postpone their education after all the interruptions they'd had over the years? Little did they know, their Heartless Potions/Defence Professor had one extra surprise up his sleeve.
But first, business.
Severus returned to the podium and gripped the wood. The carved owl and creatures moved, the candles on the ceiling flickered and a low rumble of thunder passed through the walls of the castle. Hogwarts had accepted him as the new Headmaster.
Severus' senses began to heighten, like they had when Severus smoked something from a pipe passed around the Slytherin dorm rooms in his student days. The castle was giving him extra powers-those that only a headmaster could possesses. It was an exquisite and tantalizing experience that left Severus holding the podium for stability. Yet once settled, he found he was able to focus in and hear individual student conversations even standing several yards away from them. He was able to smell the complex odours of the Elven foods. He was able to feel the air around him change.
Now was a good time to put his new powers to the test. Before, he was not able to send messages via Legilimency unless the target was standing right beside him. But now with his heightened powers, perhaps he could.
He focused on Hermione Granger and spoke a message into the witch's mind.
"Second Floor Corridor. Room of Requirement. Bring your wand and map. Go. Now."
The witch nodded, and picked up her book bag, ready to make for the door.
"Well," Severus said to the pupils. "Why aren't you all eating?"
The students blinked and then food appeared on the tables and all sorrows were forgotten. They were stuffing themselves with roast pork and mashed potatoes and pumpkin juice. Under all the noise and kerfuffle, Hermione ducked under the table and crawled towards the doors.
Severus'd wait until she was gone, then excuse himself to the kitchens to 'speak to the House Elves and Apparate over himself. No sooner than he rose to leave, than did the Minister grab his by the arm and guide him towards the staff table to discuss changes in procedures.
Severus looked longingly at the doors. Hermione was a strong witch. She'd be able to hold her ground for quite some time.
-x-x-x-
Hermione heard the Headmaster's message loud and clear and headed for the second floor. There, she took out her map, held her hand to the wall and Summoned the Room of Requirement to greet her.
Draco was frozen, staring at the wardrobe, with the magic spell book in hand. The giant wooden piece of furniture shook a bit, the door handle quivering.
"No. Draco!" Hermione pointed the wand at him.
The Slytherin's usually cruel, grey eyes melted into a fearful, doe-like gaze. "Granger? You need to go. Now."
"I'm not going anywhere," she cried. "Headmaster Snape knows what you've been doing. He's willing to forgive you if you stop trying to Summon Voldemort."
Draco paled. "Hermione. Stand back."
Suddenly the door of the wardrobe flew open. As if by instinct, Draco pushed Hermione to the side, both toppling into a pile of old boxes and other rubbish.
From the door stepped two pointed grey heels and a tattered purple skirt. And that cackle, it was like a wild monkey on Discovery Channel had just come across a particularly juicy pile of oranges. Her hair was frizzy, her eyes were darting all about the room and her lips were painted burgundy.
"Bellatrix Lestrange..." Draco whispered.
She giggled. "My little nephew. So sweet. So startled. Not even going to give Auntie Bella a hug?"
She twirled about, her skirts lifting a thick layer of dust from the floor and nearby broken chairs.
"Aha!" She pointed one long manicured finger. "Double, Double, Toil and Troublleeeee...I smelled a Mudblood."
She got on all fours, crawling over like a spider.
One second and she was pressed up against Hermione, sniffing her skin like a dog. "Dirty fiend. The Dark Lord will like you. Wait until Dracey Summons his Master." She pinched her cheeks and twirled your hair. "What a pretty little toy you are."
"Y-you won't get away with this," Hermione whimpered.
"Oh oh oh," Bellatrix whispered, "I think we just did."
Hermione screamed, her head hitting the floor. It's time to warm up the Mudblood for her Dark Daddy, the crazy bitch told her via mental message.
Hermione was a strong witch, stronger than most her age. Bellatrix had been much like her at her age, and she didn't fancy any competition. She knew Tom Riddle liked his witches young and malleable. She'd ruin his new little plaything a bit, drag her through the dirt so Tom wouldn't take a strong fancy to her.
Hermione screamed for Draco, but the poor boy was pressed up against the rubbish-unable to even twitch a muscle.
Bellatrix tore up Hermione's shirt sleeves and bit her skin down to her bone. Red blood oozed between her teeth as she giggled manically. She took out her blood and began to draw letters into her skin.
F-I-L-
"Draco! Draco! Please!" Hermione yelled.
T-H-Y-M-U-
"Want something left of her? Start calling your Master ...Dracey dear!" Bellatrix cackled, pressing the Cutting Curse deeper into Hermione's arm.
"Severus!" Hermione called out, sobbing. "Pleeeassseeee...anyone!"
Draco nodded, and crawled over to find his wand on the dusty floor, pointed it to the wardrobe and began to chant.
-x-x-x-
Severus' head began to pulse madly. Hermione was in danger.
Not caring a fig's tail how the Minister perceived his opinion on updating Quidditch uniforms, he mumbled some excuse about checking on dessert and ran to the kitchens. From there, he chose a good clear spot to Apparate.
The elves glanced at each other. No headmaster usually visited their lot, especially not during dinner. The Big Boss of Hogwarts usually only came over twice: once at Christmas to give them a chocolate frog each for their troubles and once at the End Year Ceremony to remind them to clean up the school once the students left for the boats.
Severus looked around, a familiar face bound to pop up. "Tell me, where is Dobby?"
By magic, his question echoed through the castle walls and Dobby the Elf appeared before the Headmaster.
"New Headmaster?"
"Dobby. Find Harry Potter and take him to the second floor. It is important he appears there at once. Make sure no one sees him leave."
The gravel-like tone in the tall, dark man's voice sent a shiver up Dobby's spine five-inch. He was not a man to be meddled with. But House Elves were also very sensitive to a wizard's emotions. Dobby felt the Headmaster was worried. He felt that the matter concerned a more Powerful Wizard that Snape was afraid would hurt something...or someone.
Nodding his head, Dobby dissapeared to fetch the Golden Boy.
Meanwhile, Severus Apparated to the Second Floor. He didn't have the Marauder's Map, but he had his new magic. Perhaps it would be enough to Summon the room. He hoped dearly that Miss Granger was still well. A short tremble ran through his voice as he asked the Room to appear for him. Sensing that his intention was pure, the giant wooden door appeared in the stone wall.
Severus pulled the handle and dashed in, wand at the ready.
Hermione was on the floor, screaming and wiggling in agony around the floor as a mop of black curls took a piece of her flesh out and swallowed it.
Hermione's head rolled to the side, her tired, brown eyes gazing at him. Bellatrix saw him, grinned and twisted Hermione's neck sharply to the side.
Severus' pupils dilated. His mouth formed a thin line. His shoulders tensed.
One zap and the witch was hovering in the air. Severus' eyes blackened to the shade of a black, black cavern. He tightened his grip just so the Bellatrix's face turned white.
He glanced at Hermione, a fallen and barely breathing heap on the ground with Draco crawling over to see her. Her mouth hung open and her eyes twitched-her entire body convulsing. He looked to Severus, lost on what to do to help.
Bellatrix hoarsely laughed.
You. bitch.
Severus' power surged through him. He pierced Bellatrix's body with the Headmaster's magic, growling and seething. Cuts appeared all over her skin, mainly where her vital organs were located. And he squeezed her so hard that her blood and guts churned from her insides and fell onto the floor beneath her. She oozed and pulsed, coming apart in his dark, manacled embrace until her body disassembled into three limp bits. The bits lost their magic and fell on the ground in a thud.
Severus stood as so, huffing and breathing like a mad wolf. He stomped over until he hovered above Hermione's body. He ran his palm over her cold, sweat covered cheek and kissed her forehead.
"Witch..." he moaned, caressing her head of curls in his arms. "Oh my dear Hermione," he rasped, calling upon a Higher Power in the sky. "Cauldron, if I had done anything good in my life, let it be hers."
Draco barely breathed as he watched his head of house melt into a soft puddle of goo before the dying Gryffindor girl. His father always taught him to care for women. Draco was a coward, and a fool. But Severus Snape was not.
Severus Snape was not.
He was a real paragon of a wizard.
A tear slipped down Draco's cheek. He squinted his eyes, wishing on all he great wizards before him that Hermione would not die. He didn't care much for the girl before, it was true, but a few teases and taunts in class were not reason enough to let her die such a stupid death.
The Headmaster's power surged through the castle walls. The Room of Requirement gave all that was necessary to those within and now, it sensed that the two Slytherins wished more than anything to save the poor Gryffindor girl that had so bravely defended the school against evil.
The four founders of the school, whose power built the very foundation of the castle, had all left traced of their magic deep within the heart of the stone building. That ancient power connected and trailed up to the surface, through the Headmaster and into the Gryffindor witch.
Hermione's wounds began to stitch together, her heart began to beat and her lashes fluttered. The blurry image of the Headmaster swam into her vision.
"P-Professor Snape," she whispered, spluttering blood and spit.
"Hermione," he mumbled.
"S-Sev-Sev-erus-"
Severus caught himself, clearing his throat. "Miss Granger, you must take deep breaths."
Hermione breathed long and slow, her body floating and sinking back into the floor. The Headmaster's gaze never left her. Thank the Cauldron, she was alive.
"Do not try to rise," he said. "Rest."
A zap of magic thrilled through the mist. Dobby and Harry Potter appeared. Dobby, seeing Hermione, ran over and began to check her for wounds and cuts. Care-taking was as natural to a House Elf as was servitude.
"Hermione!" Harry ran over, holding her hand. "Merlin's balls, are you alright?"
Hermione gave him a soft nod, moving her head in the Headmaster's direction. The hated professor had once again come through, saving their lives in the nick of time. Harry's heart beat fast in his chest as he noticed the bloody mess on the ground, mere feet away from him. He shuddered. This was Snape's fury.
"Mr Potter. The time has come for you to fulfill the Prophecy." Severus looked to him and then Draco. "Mr Malfoy. You must be brave at least once in your life."
"I-I don't understand? The danger is gone..."
"The danger lies behind those doors," Severus growled. "You have a Power the Dark Lord knows not. One strike and you will be able to end Voldemort's life once and for all," Severus said as sternly as possible. He never much liked Harry and Harry never much liked him. But this was not about liking anyone. This was about saving all of Hogwarts and all of Magical England from a fate worse than death.
"Harry Potter. You will be the one to end it all."
All looked to the boys. Harry and Draco exchanged glances and nodded.
They stood at the wardrobe now, Harry and Severus with wands at the ready. Draco flipped to the appropriate page in the spell book. "H-headmaster," he whimpered. "W-what if it doesn't w-work."
Severus boxed his ear. "It better work, Draco, or else this entire school and everyone you've ever loved will be blown to smithereens," he barked. "Start. Reading."
The danger in the Headmaster's voice roused Draco to action. He read the words as clearly as he could, with sobs and tears pouring out between syllables. And then he did so again, with more vigour.
Now the wardrobe began to shake and quiver.
"Remember Potter. Expelliarmus," Severus reminded him, lest the dunderhead forgot the only spell he ever mastered at Hogwarts.
Harry nodded and zeroed in on the doors. This time, there would be no Eleventh Hour villain speeches or useless dillydallying. Death. Period. Case closed.
The door creaked open and a hand gripped the door: a bony white hand with hard alabaster knuckles. Draco lost his resolve, running to hide behind an old stack of boxes.
"Expelliarmus!" Harry cast, and Lord Voldemort swerved and fell on the floor.
Severus lifted him in the air, binding him with a gripping cord spell. The thin, lanky figure of the Dark Lord rose, his red eyes piercing Severus'. The traitor finally caught him.
A thick green figure crawled out of the wardrobe. Here, Severus was also prepared. "Sectumsempra!" he cried and the snake's thick body was sliced into uneven rolls.
Dobby held Hermione tighter. They watched as the man and boy held down their ground against the face of evil.
Severus sent a mental message to Harry.
"Avada Kedavra. Think of your parents boy, think of Hermione, think of Ron and everyone you love."
He sent Harry a picture too, one of his mother laying in Severus' arms, cold and pale. He sent him a picture of Harry as a baby, crying in his crib. There were cries and screams too, and the sound of Lily Potter's breath slowing and fading altogether. The real Harry's eyes filled with tears.
"Avada Kedavra!" he cried.
A green flash of lightening filled the room, reflecting off the windows. The Dark Lord's body pulsed and tore apart with the luminous energy. Screaming and gasping for air, his eyelashes fluttered and shut.
The Dark Lord was dead.
Voldemort was defeated.
Severus released the mass of fabric to the floor. Inside it lay a red, shrivelled up fetus that whined and shook.
"Incendio," Severus cast. The entire batch of fabric and flesh burst into flames.
It was finally over.
Harry's body shook, his fists gripping his wand for dear life. "I did it. I killed Voldemort." He laughed. "I did it!"
Dobby grinned, cheering loudly. "You dids its Harry Potter, you dids!"
Hermione also smiled, as best she could from her place on the floor, and put a hand on her heart.
Draco crawled out of the shadows, watching the entire scene with fascination. "Voldemort's dead. Bloody hell."
And Severus, yes, Severus Snape, walked over to Harry Potter, took him by the shoulders and...nodded affirmatively. And Harry, yes, Harry Potter, took Snape's shoulders and...nodded affirmatively.
The men released each other and cleared their throats. That was enough emotional bonding for today.
"We must go to the Hospital Wing. All of you." The headmaster leaned down and scooped up Hermione into his arms. "Take hold of my capes."
They all did, all but Dobby, who had enough magic to Apparate there on his own.
Hermione looked at Severus, her eyes sparkling and gave him the largest, Cheshire cat grin. And Severus, well if he'd ever done anything good in his life, was bloody thankful it had all worked out.
-x-x-x-
one week later.
Only a fool hadn't heard of the miraculous defeat of He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named at the hands of Harry Potter and Draco Malfoy and Hermione Granger. No amount of praise could ever be awarded to the new Headmaster who 'serendipitously' came upon the three students caught in the crossfire against evil in the Room of Requirement.
The other professors perhaps suspected that it had been Severus who organized the entire operation, but allowed him to take a humble back seat as the three students and House Elf took the spotlight.
Severus Snape was the best Headmaster Hogwarts had had in centuries.
The Defence professor moved his quarters up to the Headmaster Dumbledore's old rooms and took up in the Phoenix Office. His first order of business was getting rid of all the magical clutter and put the damned Phoenix bird in the Owlery where it belonged.
He was now waiting patiently for the knock of one particular Slytherin.
Draco arrived precisely on time, feeling tardiness would only increase the Headmaster's punishment, and took his seat across from the grand table.
"Draco Malfoy," Severus began, tapping his fingers on the wood. "I am disappointed in your behaviour. Not only have you shown incredible cowardice in the face of danger, but left a fellow student in a near-death situation. A witch, no less. Your father did teach you better."
Draco swallowed, bowing his head.
"As such, I have informed your father that you will be promoted to my personal Defence Against the Dark Arts assistant, to hone and share your skills with the younger students. A paid internship." Draco perked up. "But as you may have already guessed, this is no reward."
Severus leaned back. "You will be worked down to the bone boy, and you will be paid little more than a House Elf. If you are ever late or careless, I will deduct directly from your salary. Mark my words, you will get some humility and grit in you if it's the last thing you learn at Hogwarts."
Draco shuddered. "Thank you, Headmaster."
"Begone." Severus cast the door open. "I expect you in the Defence classroom tomorrow at 5:00 AM to set up for my first class."
It was good for the spoiled, bratty boy. He'd have his fill of admiration and attention from the firstie witches for sure, but he'd be doing the grunt of Severus' lesson set p in return. Until he could hire an appropriate DADA professor, Severus was bound to teach alongside his new Headmaster duties.
A soft knock resounded.
"Malfoy. Off with you."
"Headmaster. Dobby gives letter." The House Elf walked over and placed an envelope on the grand desk. It was sealed with a thick blot of wax with an HS on the inside and a piece of holly.
Anouther abysmal party. Severus rubbed his forehead. Perhaps he'd owl Draco to start coming in at 4:00 AM for the next week.
As for him? It was time to get to work.
-x-x-x-
Fake white snow covered the edge of Professor Slughorn's desk and little swirls on dancing snowflakes floated around Hermione's head. She shushed them away and took a big sip of her hot cocoa and winced, rubbing the tip of her tongue on her cheeks.
Professor Slughorn was humming away as he quilled the last of the invitations and set them on a growing pile on the corner of his desk. He regarded her for a moment and reached for the next piece of stationary.
"I don't mean to come across as unthankful-" Hermione said, once the burn in her mouth died down. "It's just that-"|
"-you don't enjoy the Headmaster's company?" The Potions Professor asked, feigning insult. "Refusing him would be unwise."
Hermione rubbed the back of her neck. "I respect and admire Headmaster Snape."
"As you should. The Headmaster is a hero and a paragon of a wizard. Not many a student is allowed to spend three nights in his company. And think of the connections he could give you-"
Hermione did think of the connections. She thought about them long and hard. But friendship had its sacrifices. She promised Ron she'd go with him.
"You would be disturbing the plans of the universe," Slughorn continued. "You do know that Professor Trelawney is right about these matters. You wouldn't want to hurt her feelings by doing otherwise?"
Hermione nodded, but then, a clever grin graced her lips. "Only that Professor Trelawney said Headmaster Snape was my soulmate in some uncertain future. Didn't mean he had to escort me to parties or commit to me now." She lowered her mug. "As for hurting Professor Trelawney's feelings, that Professor, is Argumentum ad misericordiam..."
"Everyone expects the two of you to appear..."
"...ad populum..."
"You've already attended two parties with him.."
"...sunk cost..."
"...and on the topic of fallacies, you Miss Granger, had dropped out of Divination a while back. You could not possibly know the subject well enough to argue its limitations..."
Hermione huffed. "...argumentum ad ignorantiam! Need I continue?"
Professor Slughorn made a thick ink blot on his stationary, grumbled and tossed it into the bin below his desk. "Miss Granger, you would have made an excellent Slytherin. Very well. Have it your way. You are excused from having to attend with Headmaster Snape, but you still require an escort for the party..."
"I thought I could go with someone my age." Hermione paused for effect. "Ronald."
"Weasley?"
Hermione knew that tone. Professor Slughorn was neither impressed with Ron's marks nor his brewing abilities. That's why she prepared an entire argument in his favour.
"He's my greatest friend, you know, and the Weasleys are a Pureblood family. His father and brother work for the Ministry, and his brother Charlie is an excellent Dragon Trainer in Roumania. And his parents are all part of the Order along with his older brothers. And Ron, he's the best in our year at Wizard Chess and definitely a future Quidditch player...at the International Level."
Slughorn nodded along and grinned. "Mr Weasley has excellent potential, which is why I had personally invited him to this month's SLUG Club party."
"Oh!" Hermione's eyes lit up. "Thank y-"
"But it would be rather difficult for him to be your date since he requested to take someone else."
Hermione didn't hear the end of it. Moments later, she was storming into the Great Hall where Ron was working away at a scrumptious chicken leg coated in gravy.
"Lavender Brown?!" she cried, hitting him over the back of the head. "You got a place in the SLUG Club and you're taking Lavender?! After all the work I put into convincing the Professor to let you be my date?"
Ron shrugged. "Sorry 'Mione. It's just that when Lav found out I was going with you, she made a whole fuss about it. Said she was going to jump off the Astronomy Tower if I went with someone other than her."
"What if I jump off the Astronomy Tower?"
Ron smirked. "You are too smart for that."
Hermione rolled her eyes. "Well good luck to the two of you. Thanks for nothing."
"You can still go with the Headmaster," Ron suggested spitefully. "You two looked reeeeeaaaaal cozy there the last few times, I heard."
Hermione's reply was sending a flock of angry birds swarming over his head. Ronald Weasley was officially a prat.
She waited until she was far away in the corridors to duck behind a tapestry and sob. This was utterly embarrassing. Now she had no one to go to that stupid party with. She had denied the Headmaster and Ron pulled a fast one last minute. She should have known Lavender would make a scene once she found out about her and Ron.
But Ron was right. She could still go with Snape. No. No. She thought better than to be in the Headmaster's mercy once again after he saved her life from Bellatrix's trials. He couldn't be so generous with his time and galleons.
And because word had likely already gotten around to him about her refusal, she was certain he'd be displeased with her rejection. She didn't exactly know what he did to Bellatrix. She was passed out on the floor when he...
But judging by the round look of horror in Dobby's eyes when he told her the story, she guessed that the Headmaster's revenge was not pretty. He was not a man to be on poor terms with.
Hermione had no date, nothing to wear and no Christmas spirit in her heart at all. She wanted badly to spend the evening in her dorms, eating crisps and reading sad love stories.
She made her way to her room and plopped on her bed. She took the photo of her parents and her on vacation in France some years ago, and held it close to her chest. Her dad taught her to always hold her head up high. She was no worse than any of the witches and wizards in Hogwarts, even if she had been born a Muggle.
She could stay inside like a couch potato tonight. Or...she could pull on her big girl bloomers and take her life by the tail and make things happen for herself. She wouldn't let Ron Weasley and Lavender Brown win.
Hermione went to the mirror and pulled out her beautiful dress, the one Snape bought her in Malkins for the Full Moon party. She had the heels to match. Next stop, she get some Sleekeazy's Hair Potion and get herself all dolled up, And finally, she'd head over to the Headmasters office and...
Well, she'd think of something. One step at a time.
-x-x-x-
Minerva held her breath as the sweat covered, lip-licking dirt-under-fingernails wizard-guard frisked her down. He took a particular interest in her bosoms, earning him a swift scolding from the older witch. Well it wasn't General Murdigour's fault-the closest he got to a woman these days was a Dementor with an ample mouth hole that could be compared to a black pair of lips.
"Viissssittoooorrr forrr Albusss Dumbledorrreee," he announced, finishing out the appropriate key from his belt and unlocking the thick iron door.
Minerva walked with poise through the narrow corridor. She held her robes tight to her chest. Everywhere lay the eyes of werewolves, vampires, former Death Eaters and Knockturn Alley scammers. Some of these creatures, Minerva remembered setting behind the bars herself as a former member of the Order of the Phoenix.
Luckily, Albus was kept in a solitary cell in the Class F compartment of Azkaban. F stood for Fully Acceptable.
He was at present sipping tea from an iron mug and taking a break from his knitting. Upon seeing his colleague, his old face lit up.
"Ah! Minnie! You brought it?"
Minerva nodded, slipping her hand into her satchel and fishing out the green bonnet.
"There it is!" chortled Dumbledore, slipping on the bonnet and taking a look at himself in the grimy mirror in the corner. "But perhaps, don't you think it's a rather dull shade?"
"No-"
"-Maybe that violet one was good after all."
Minerva rolled her eyes, turned over her satchel and dumped 50 bonnets onto the floor of the cell.
"Minnie, my dear," Albus said. "I cannot help but wonder if you are a bit cross with me?"
"No, no. Why would you assume that? Because after all the work I've done for you over the decades, you named Severus your replacement?"
"I was hoping you'd mention him. I cannot wait to be home for Christmas. It is my favourite time of year." A wistful look glazed over his old eyes. "And my poor boy must be in over his head with all that Tom business and the students. You know, if you could be the one to sign this permission slip," he said, taking a crumpled piece of parchment and sliding it to her under the bars, "The Minister would grant me a tentative release just in time for pudding! Oh I am so looking forward to seeing the Christmas star light up on the tree."
Minerva looked at the form. She looked at the Headmaster. "Your dear boy Severus is doing well. Splendid, I might say." She took the form and tore it in half and tossed it back into the cell. "Merry Christmas Albus," she said firmly, "I'll ask the elves to put a slice of pudding under Stasis for you in time for the summer hols."
With that, she made her way back to the entrance: head up high and bosoms forward.
-x-x-x-
Severus Snape was in a temper.
He'd spent days owling his colleagues in various disciplines to attend Slughorn's Christmas party. He had sent out the young witch's credentials to international schools and arranged for her to meet some promising hiring candidates. He even took the liberty to return to Madame Malkins and purchase her anouther gown for tonight's event in case the Gryffindor rage had once again took its toll on her wardrobe. And now, the blasted witch was not going to go to the Christmas party with him.
Months ago, he wouldn't give an owl's hoot about her, but now that he'd invested considerable time and effort into supporting her, impressing her, escorting her and funding her wardrobe and...damn, saving her life...
It struck a nerve with him.
He planned to excuse himself from Slughorn's event under the guise of important business, Apparate off to Knockturn Alley and find himself a dark corner with strong Firewhiskey and pretty wenches impressed by his clout.
Severus spent a fair deal of time in the Headmaster-size bath tub, scrubbing himself from each and every angle. He shaved, and charmed his hair into one of the latest male fashions from Madame Malkin's magazines. He put on his best, newest clothes...the kind that showed off his svelte figure in the best light.
The items were a gift from Lucius and Narcissa Malfoy, for helping their son save face before the other Purebloods. In Severus' story, Draco bravely defended the Dark Lord against the crazy Bellatrix, but ultimately, the witch had her way, killing Voldemort in a fit of jealousy. Everyone believed it, because Tom was know for being a womanizer and having many female playthings in his harem. But then, Draco avenged the Dark Lord, killing Bellatrix.
Severus adorned himself with two tasteful silver cuffs and a snake-emblem pin on the white jabot at his neck. He wore tapered trousers of Sacramento green and a matching vest and a crisp, white, silk shirt. His belt was of fine snake leather, custom made from Nagini's skin, and his boots were of the Damned Snake's remains as well. His cloak of velvet was draped tastefully over his left shoulder.
He poured himself a glass of Firewhiskey, downed it, and lit himself a cigar of willow leaves. Then he sprayed his neck with the essence of sandalwood and charcoal with the faintest hint of cumin-seed and orange.
He took a lasting look at himself in the floor length mirror. If only his nay-sayers could see him now. He was looking dapper and sharp and well-to-do...not like the mangy scrap of riffraff raised in Cokeworth.
A gentle knock sent his senses a'flurry.
Hermione Granger was here, the Headmaster magic announced to him. Severus grinned. So she had come crawling back into his good graces?
He was furious. True. But was he willing? Also true.
"Headmaster Snape?" came the affirmative.
Severus' heart beat slowly. He was growing soft on the witch. Yes, he decided, downing his second glass of Firewhiskey. Yes, he'd go with her to the party. But first, he'd make her pay the vowels.
He strolled over to his lush chair, kicked his feet up over the ottoman and Summoned over a book on leadership he took out for light reading. "Enter."
And that she did. A vision on midnight blue and hazy purple, with her hair in neat curls down the side of her face and a soft glow on her cheeks and lips, Hermione tip toed into the room.
It took Severus considerable effort to keep his own gaze on the pages of his book instead of the witch. What he didn't know is that she needed the very same effort to keep herself from ogling him.
"May I help you?"
"Prof-Headmaster Snape. I never did get to thank you for saving my life that day," she cooed. "You were a true hero."
Severus flipped a page. "I was simply doing my duty."
Hermione came over, kneeling down by the side of his chair. Her dress fanned over the lush Persian carpet beneath his feet and her hands rested gently on the edge of the waxed leather. She looked up at him through her long, brown lashed and cocked her head to the side, just so.
She knew exactly what she was doing. Decoy was inbred into women since the dawn of time.
"And I do regret rejecting Professor's Slughorn's invitation of attendance. I would very much like to attend the Yule Party with you."
Severus stiffed back a grunt. "Truly, Miss Granger? I did think you'd perhaps enjoy attending the party with one of your peers. Perhaps one of your two Gryffindor friends could have escorted you."
"Perhaps. But I did think of Professor Trelawney's reputation had I shown up with Ron or Harry."
"I did not consider you the sort of witch to be concerned with such frivolities. After all, why would the lion care what the sheep bleat?"
She laughed shortly. "My friends really aren't at par with you...Headmaster."
Severus leaned in close his, entire body hovering over hers. "Tell me. Do you truly wish to be escorted by a wizard like me?" He tipped her chin up with the soft cushions of his forefinger and index. "Or do you simply wish to soothe your own ego after you've been rejected?" He scanned her eyes. "Or perhaps, Miss Granger, you wish to have the connections that come along with the privilege of being my date?"
She swallowed. It was no use lying to the dark wizard, especially now that he was the Headmaster and the castle's powers had melded with his own. Hermione nodded slowly. "It was nice to meet so many interesting wizards."
"And there it is," Severus said, standing up in full length so that he might show off his entire ensemble. "Had the Sorting Hat been right to offer you Gryffindor? I believe Slytherin would have been a better choice for your temperament."
She frowned. "It sure would." Hermione did not want to share a house with her essay-copying friends and the bratty Lavender Brown a minute more. She loved her friends, but she had to admit that the connections offered to her by the former head of Slytherin were much more aligned with her future career path. Besides, Ron was a total prat and Harry was too concerned with his developing relationship with Ginny Weasley to pay her any heed.
"I have the power to change your affiliation." He offered her his hand.
She laughed some more, then looked into his eyes. Was he being truthful? Hermione put her hand into his, slowly rising. He most certainly should be. One thing was for certain, Severus Snape never said a word he did not mean.
The candles in the room flickered, the light from the setting sun dipped under the horizon. In the darkness of the room, against the fireplace, the figure of the wizard glowed with a hot, smoldering aura. The green in his outfit contrasting with his pale skin; the cut of his vest and trousers highlighting his strong, taut muscles. He took her hand and escorted her to a partition with Japanese blossoms painted on the silken panels.
"If you say what you mean, Miss Granger, then you must be properly dressed for the occasion. The Headmaster's escort does not appear twice in the same attire at a soiree."
She went blush-red. Changing in the Headmaster's quarters? Hermione wanted to protest with all her heart, but a deep power held down her resolve to argue with the wizard. She managed a bashful nod and went behind the screen.
There was a gown in full length, of flaming red velvet. It had tiers of carefully stitched berries of holly along the skirt and puffed, full length sleeves with gold embroidery. The fabric was soft and light to the touch, and when she slipped it on, the corset strings on the back tightened themselves against her ribs. There was a matching ruby necklace as well. Little pearls lifted from the silver dish at the vanity and wove themselves into her hair.
She slipped her feet into red, dragon-hide boots with tasteful heels and looked at herself in the mirror. She was a vision.
When the Headmaster saw her, she knew he shared her opinion. He led her out of his chambers and into the Phoenix office through the adjoining door.
There, he Summoned over a tall, old stool into the middle of the room and guided her to sit.
"Wait here," he instructed her before dissapearing behind the shelves of his infinite library.
Hermione's palms sweat. Her chest lifted and waned with anticipation.
Finally, Snape emerged with the Sorting Hat in his hands. Hermione grimaced. The old hat again...she knew it well. It had left a dreadful, anxious presence in her mind the moment she had it placed on her head in her first year at Hogwarts. She swallowed, bracing herself for impact.
"Do not worry, witch. The Hat answers to the Headmaster. It will not harm you."
The hat was lowered onto her head, but it did not shift through her memories nor did it had that nasty, nasally voice that it previously had. Instead, it was silent.
Severus knelt down on one knee, taking her hand in his and looking deep into her eyes. "Miss Hermione Granger."
She stilled.
"Do you wish to change your House affiliation to Slytherin?" He held her hand firmly. "Do you accept me, Severus Tobias Snape, to be your patron in the eyes of Salazar? To protect you as my ward, to ensure your success for years to come, to guide and watch over you?"
The magic set in far before she spoke the words. Somewhere in the depths of the castle the Sands of Destiny shifted in balance: one minuscule grain moved from one end of the plateau to the other. Slowly, Hermione's name began to fade from her headboard in the Gryffindor Dorms and re-appeared on an empty bed in the Slytherin chambers. Now, the trail of magic she left behind on her favourite seat in the old sofa by the fire aired out. No one would notice it until tomorrow morning, but for Hermione, the change was happening right now. All she had to do, was say the words and seal her fate.
She nodded, smiling. "I do."
~~~And so it goes!~~~
Prologue
One week 'till Christmas hols
Headmaster Snape was surely jesting, moving up the winter exams by a week. He was probably going to make them clean their dorm rooms or start studying for next term in their spare week off.
The students dragged themselves down to the Great Hall for breakfast Monday morning to see a giant bulletin board erected by the doors.
"What the bloody hell is...Spirit Week?" asked Ron Weasley, squinting at the giant paper.
It must be something truly nefarious from their horrible new Headmaster. It had to be. But with titles as such, it was hard to believe Snape approved of such tomfoolery in Hogwarts.
Listen to this!
Monday - Inside-out Robes day
Tuesday - Crazy Hair Day
Wednesday - Dress-like-an-Elf day
Thursday - packing up to leave early on the Hogwarts Express Day
Friday - theatrical production in the Great Hall in pyjamas day (for remaining students)
"That's brilliant!" Fred and George Weasley exchanged high fives and stripped down. They were going to get a kick out of wearing their robes inside out all day.
Severus Snape was well ahead of his time in educational terms. You see, he had been reading about appropriate leadership practises and consulted with his American colleagues-aiming to follow the trend of a more student-centred approach. He needed a way to attract positive reviews from his wards and colleagues.
He could not beat them (literally) into submission as Voldemort had: Crucio-ing them to oblivion and threatening to kill their loved ones if they did not obey his orders. He also could not placate them with sugar sweet lies and aphorisms while hiding the realities of life from their innocent minds as Dumbledore had.
Severus motto was: work hard and play hard.
Therefore, spirit week.
And bloody hell, it had worked wonders. By the end of it, students had formed two opinions:
One: that Severus Snape had gone absolutely stark-raving mad.
Two: that he was awesome for it.
Prologue 2
Fifteen years later
September 1st, 2011
A rustle in the wards aroused Severus' senses. Something had been missing from the castle in many years, something, or rather someone, and they had just arrived in the Phoenix office. He could feel it in the air. He could feel it in his bones. Most importantly, he could feel it in his most vital organ.
His heart.
"Enter," he said, quickly running a cleansing spell over himself. "Mrs Granger-Weasley?"
"Miss Granger, now. Still."
There were many stills hidden in the statement, thought Severus as he ran his hand along the back of her chair and guided her into her seat.
Miss Granger was still single.
Miss Granger was still brilliant.
Miss Granger was still bewitchingly beautiful.
Probably more so than ever.
He took his seat across from her, crossing leg over thigh. "Hugo shows promising results in Gryffindor. He appears to be a very clever boy."
"Yes, he is. And very temperamental... like his father."
"Ah," Severus agreed. "And how are you?"
Hermione smiled. "I'm fine."
Hermione Granger was not fine. Her marriage with Ron Weasley went down like a lead balloon some years ago. Since then, she had been labelled by her girlfriends as 'unfortunately single'. It was true. No matter who they set her up to date, the relationship would fall through: a broken limb, suddenly moving country, developing feelings for the same gender...no candidate lasted more than a month in her presence.
"And how have you been?"
"I've been well."
Severus Snape had not been well. Since he had become Headmaster, his work had taken away every spare minute he had to form a lasting relationship. Every witch his colleagues set him up with ended up falling through: they developed an incurable case of Dragon Pox, they had to get back with an ex, they began to think they only could date goblins. No witch lasted in his presence for more than a week.
"Ah," Hermione whispered. "I've come to give you this." She removed an envelope from her purse, and handed it over. "And before you refuse it..."
Severus took one glance inside before swiftly returning it.
"You have been so kind to buy my dresses for Slughorn's parties over the years, and not to mention all the colleagues of yours you have connected me with have been...invaluable to my career in Arithmancy-"
"I do not accept payment from witches."
"But you must! I've even calculated the inflation rates-"
"Miss Granger, as your head of house, I swore to provide for you and protect you to the best of my abilities. This is what I do for all my Slytherins. I did not do it for recompense."
"Very well," Hermione said, putting the money back into her purse.
"Perhaps you will be able to purchase a great deal of Quidditch equipment for Young Mr Granger-Weasley," Severus said. "Providing he has his father's interest in the sport."
"He does. Thank you."
Severus was noble, and he was a Slytherin, but he was no saint. His eyes sparkled mischievously upon regarding the pretty witch and the wheels in his mind turned very quickly. "As for the connections I have provided you with, no recompense can be had with galleons. However, I will accept anouther form of payment." He leaned in forwards. "Perhaps after the Sorting Ceremony finishes, I might ask you for your company during a dinner in Hogsmeade. I do wish to know the results of your recent work in Egypt."
She perked up. "You've read my publications."
"Certainly. I enjoy knowing currents events in alchemical research, specially those from bright minds as yours."
Hermione blushed. "I would very much enjoy accompanying you to dinner."
"Very well. I will have your attire and sent to you in your chambers at the Three Broomsticks Inn."
Hermione went very red. She had not planned on staying overnight, nor on changing her clothes. Little did she know, she'd have to do both that night (and it would finish without her having on any clothes at all).
"You didn't have to do that...Severus."
He grinned, dropping his voice. "Oh, but I did. But I did."
A/N: There it is folks, the end of the story! Thanks for reading, thanks for commenting! I appreciate it all 3 (Especially Perky's comments, you make me giggle!) This is kind of a super long chapter, but I didn't feel like splitting it all up. Justice is had, happy ends, happy days... hopefully it will stay that way for severus and hermione. Enjoy the weekend!