Summary: An upsetting surprise visit and finally an out.

A/N: Thanks for reading! Enjoy the chappie.

Chapter 9

Hermione was reading in the teacher's lounge when Severus came in. He nodded to Hermione. She smiled at him.

"Is this part of your transformation?" she asked.

"Is what?"

"Showing up in the lounge when there's no staff meeting. Are you trying to mingle?"

He sat next to her and smirked.

"Maybe."

She shook her head at him. "I wish I knew you were like this back when I was a student."

"I wasn't like this back when you were a student."

"Really? You weren't friendly with your teammates?"

He shrugged. "That last year I talked to no one unless it was absolutely necessary. Before that, I was cordial. Minerva and I have always had a decent relationship."

"Well, I'm honored that you deem me someone you'll talk to now."

He grabbed a copy of the Prophet and opened it up, spreading it out so he could read the headlines.

"You're not so bad once one gets to know you."

"Thanks… I think."

He gave her a sidelong glance before smirking. "You do realize, Hermione, that I couldn't be friends with you for obvious reasons, and because you were a student, and you set my robes on fire."

Hermione turned pale as she looked at Severus. "Merlin, I'm so sorry. I've always felt bad about that. I thought you were…"

"I know what you thought. I was royally pissed for weeks afterward, though."

Hermione looked down and frowned. "I should have apologized that year but was too frightened of your reaction."

"Probably a smart move. I know I wouldn't have been kind had you done so."

"Well, I'm apologizing now… several years too late, but there it is."

He gave her a sidelong glance. "You are forgiven. I did understand what was going on, it was just par for the course that you decided to cast flames on me instead of Quirrel."

"You were the one who was obviously casting a spell. I didn't even notice Quirrel. Again, I'm sorry."

"You can stop now. I accept your apology. Can we change the subject?"

"Of course." She paused. "It's interesting how frightening you were back then, especially to a first-year. It's amazing to see how you've changed." She turned toward him. "Do you know my Gryffindor first years all say you are their favorite professor."

"Well, I must be doing something wrong. I'll start yelling at them and taking points."

"Oh, stop it."

He smirked at her. "It's very easy to get a rise out of you."

She opened her mouth to contradict him but snapped it shut.

"Oh, now, don't be put out. I was jesting."

She gave him a sideways glance. Shaking her head at him, she took a sip of her tea.

"I know you're being forced to be here in the school, but I'm glad that you are here," she said finally.

His eyes strayed over to her. "Really? I know you've been nothing but pleasant, but I secretly thought you were just being polite."

Her lips thinned as she regarded him. "Severus, you need to have some confidence in yourself and in the friendships you have."

"I apologize. This is all very new to me."

"You don't need to apologize. I've found you to be very open and approachable all year."

"Yes, all three weeks of it."

She shrugged. "My comment stands."

He looked over at her. "Thank you. It's nice that you have noticed my efforts. I didn't think anyone had."

"Oh, I've noticed, and so has Jonathan. He wants to be your friend."

"We get along well."

"You know what? We should go have dinner in Hogsmeade tonight. All three of us."

"It would be nice to get away from the students. I'm in."

"I'll let Jonathan know. Let's meet at the entryway at six."

Severus nodded. He tried to tamp down the excitement that had rushed through him. Firstly, Hermione wanted to spend time with him, and Jonathan wanted to be his friend. He'd not had a real friend since… well, since Lily. That was pretty pathetic, but the people he'd associated with after that were not really friend material. They were more like watch-your-back material. He supposed he was selling Lucius short. He had been a friend for a long time, but when the Dark Lord returned, he became secretive and withdrawn. Maybe he should take a trip to Azkaban and visit his old friend. Maybe.

His colleagues weren't really friends either. Even before the previous year, they hadn't trusted him, except for Minerva on occasion. But aside from her, they weren't people he'd consider as friends outside of work.

But Hermione and Jonathan were good people. People that were friends because they wanted to be, not because they wanted something from him. He needed true friends like that.

ooo

Severus ambled up to Jonathan and Hermione in the Entrance Hall.

"Good evening," he said.

"Hi Severus," Hermione said as she smiled at him.

"Hey," Jonathan greeted.

Opening the door, Severus let the other two pass through and followed them out.

"Are you both okay with walking all the way or do you want to Apparate?" Hermione asked.

"Apparate," Jonathan said.

"Same," Severus agreed.

"Party Poopers."

Severus chuckled at her, causing her to give him an odd look.

"What? I laugh," he retorted.

Hermione grasped Jonathan's arm. "Jonathan, he's human!"

"Amazing," Jonathan added.

The three burst out laughing as they made their way to the gates. Within no time they'd Apparated to Hogsmeade.

"Can we go to the Hog's Head? It was nice seeing Aberforth last time," Hermione asked.

"That's fine," Severus offered. "It seems like he's forgiven me for killing his brother."

"Didn't he thank you at one point?" Hermione countered.

"He may have."

"Wait… The guy who runs the Hog's Head is Dumbledore's brother?" Jonathan asked.

"Yes. He kept it a secret for a long time," Severus explained.

"Why would he thank you for killing his brother?"

"They didn't get along," Hermione broke in. "They'd been estranged for years."

"The man visited me in the Infirmary. Almost kissed my feet, he was so happy I'd done his brother in… once he knew it wasn't cold-blooded murder."

Jonathan laughed. "That's the most absurd thing I've ever heard!"

They made their way to the pub and were soon seated with Butterbeers awaiting their dinner. As they chatted, Hermione looked over Jonathan's shoulder toward the door to see Kingsley Shacklebolt entering the pub.

"What's he doing here?" she muttered.

Severus' eyes were narrowed at the Minister. Jonathan turned to see who Hermione was talking about.

Kingsley walked straight up to them.

"Good afternoon," he said.

Severus stood and glared. "How did you know I was here?" he ground out.

"I was just passing by."

"Bollocks. You're having me followed, aren't you?"

"Kingsley, you wouldn't. It's bad enough you've imprisoned him at Hogwarts. He's a war hero, and he saved our world!" Hermione cried out.

Kingsley put up his hands in surrender. "I don't know what you're talking about!"

Severus' wand was pointed at him in a flash. "Then how did you know that I was here? It's not even a Hogsmeade weekend. There's no reason for me to be here or for you to be here."

"Fine, fine. A trace was placed on you secretly after your trial."

"What?" Severus cried.

"What?" the other two cried.

"Remove it, Kingsley, or I swear I will end you!"

Kingsley slowly fished into his robes and removed his wand. He waved it over Severus and a blue light surrounded him.

"It's gone. I apologize, Severus. It wasn't my idea. I even argued against it, but the Wizengamot felt it would make them feel better about a Death Eater being on the loose."

Severus was so incensed he was shaking.

"To hell with you, Kingsley, and your two-bit jury. Piss off."

With that, Severus Apparated away. Hermione glared at Kingsley.

"How could you? You're just enforcing every idiot's opinion that Severus is evil!" Hermione berated.

"That really is low, sir," Jonathan agreed. "You're the Minister! Can't you influence them?"

"I apologize. At the time I was preoccupied with everything, and I didn't think much about it."

"So, basically Severus was taken care of, so it was all right to spy on him?" Hermione accused.

"I said I was sorry. You don't know what it's like to run the Wizarding world."

Hermione gave him a crusty look before turning to Jonathan.

"Come on, let's get out of here," she said.

He nodded. "Bad move, Mr. Shacklebolt," he said before paying and following Hermione out.

They Apparated back to Hogwarts as soon as they had cleared the pub.

"Come on, we need to find Severus," Jonathan said.

Hermione nodded, and they hurried up the pathway, entering the school and going down to the dungeons. Jonathan knocked on Severus' door.

"Severus? Hey, Severus, open up. It's just us," he called out.

They waited a bit, and Severus finally opened the door. He retreated back to the fireplace where he began to pace.

"We told him off, mate. He was out of line."

Severus' fists clenched at his side. He stood ramrod straight. Hermione slowly came up to him as if he were a wild animal.

"You have every right to be furious," she offered.

He spun around to face her. "Will I always be thought of as the enemy?" he asked, finally letting his shoulders collapse as he shared his agony.

Hermione's arms were around him in a second. She hugged him tightly.

"Severus, anyone important knows the truth about you."

Jonathan meandered up to them. "She's right, mate. You're a hero. Anyone with brains knows that. The government is corrupt. It always has been. They're working to make it better, but at the end of the war… well, it was in shambles. No wonder they ruled so horridly."

Severus stood there with Hermione's arms around him. He couldn't move, he couldn't say anything. He just stood there in silence. After a bit, Hermione pulled back. She looked up at him, but he wouldn't make eye contact with her.

"Do you believe me?" she asked.

His eyes strayed down to hers. "I do, but…"

"Severus, there are no buts. You need to know what Kingsley did was shite."

"I do know that…"

"Then you know not to let it bother you, right?" Jonathan urged.

Severus looked from Jonathan to Hermione and back. Suddenly, he felt better. These two were his friends, and they were supporting him.

"I've never had anyone in my corner like you two," he admitted.

"We're not the only ones, Severus. The entire faculty is in your corner," Jonathan said.

"You think so?" he asked.

Hermione nodded. "Yes, of course! They'd be just as upset about this as we are."

Severus regarded them carefully. "I would like to believe you, but the previous year seems to contradict your statement."

Hermione's lips thinned. "I understand what you're saying, but I've spoken to them. I think learning what Dumbledore did changed their minds about you."

"You should listen to her, mate. I've heard comments from the faculty, too. They feel bad for not trusting you. We know what we're talking about," Jonathan said with a quirky grin.

Severus regarded them carefully. "Time will tell how they truly feel," he muttered.

"You have every right to be cautious, Severus," Hermione advised. "You were treated horridly last year."

"I would like to believe they're sincere. I treat them as if they are, but I feel as if I'm just waiting for the other shoe to drop."

"Time will prove whether they are sincere or not," Jonathan advised. "But keep your mind open."

Severus nodded. "I will." He huffed. "Let's forget about how much of an arse Kingsley Shaklebolt is. Since we didn't get dinner, maybe we should head to the kitchens and get something to eat."

Hermione nodded. "I'm famished."

"Come on, let's go," Jonathan said as he headed for the door.

Before they knew it, they were in the kitchens with plates of roast beef and mash. Jonathan took a bite and sighed.

"That's heavenly. The House Elves sure know how to cook."

Hermione laughed. "They certainly do. What's your favorite food, Jonathan?"

"This right here!"

"Until there's something else in front of you," Severus remarked.

"Hey, just because I enjoy food doesn't mean you have to be rude."

Severus smirked. "Of course it does."

"All right you two, enough!" Hermione said.

"Yes, mummy," Severus replied.

Hermione's mouth dropped open. "Really, Severus?"

He smirked. "So, what's your favorite food?"

"Don't change the subject!"

"You're in trouble now, Severus," Jonathan advised.

"I apologize, my Lady. I couldn't help myself."

Hermione laughed and shook her head at him. "You're incorrigible, Severus."

"I pride myself in being so."

ooo

At dinner the next night, Shacklebolt made another appearance, entering from the Entrance Hall and standing in front of the Head Table. Severus stood, glaring at Kingsley before turning and sweeping from the room. Kingsley hurried after him.

"Severus, wait!" he called after him.

Severus kept walking, calling over his shoulder. "Go away, Kingsley."

"Please, it won't take long, and then I'll go, and if you don't want to see me anymore, I won't show my face again."

Severus stopped and turned, glaring at the man before him.

"Severus, I want to apologize. I should have done something about this ages ago. You have every right to be furious with me. I accept that. But yesterday I came to see you to ask you a favor."

"You treat me like a prisoner and expect me to do something for you?"

"I don't expect you to do anything, but I'm asking for your help."

Severus looked away and stared at the suit of armor against the wall. He grit his teeth.

"What is it you want of me?"

"There are several Death Eaters who have escaped capture."

"Let me guess, you want me to track them down."

"What I would like is for you to work with the Aurors and, yes, track them down."

"What's in it for me?" Severus snarled.

"The knowledge that you won't be hunted by rogue Death Eaters," Kingsley explained.

"Not good enough!"

Kingsley looked startled at Severus' outburst. Severus moved up to Kingsley until he was nose-to-nose with him.

"I want my sentence commuted. It's ridiculous that you are making me stay here at Hogwarts against my will."

Kingsley straightened. "I'll see what I can do."

"You're the damn Minister for Magic. You know what you can do. If you want my help, those are my terms."

Kingsley glared at him. "All right. I'll get your sentence commuted. But please at least finish out this year. Minerva will have my head if you just up and quit."

Severus arched a brow. "I will stay only for her, but I am done at the end of this school year."

"Agreed," Kingsley said, sticking his hand out for Severus to shake.

Severus sneered down at it until Kingsley put it back down. He cleared his throat.

"You will work directly with the Head of the Auror office, Gawain Robards. He is aware of your teaching schedule and will reach out by Owl to set up your first meeting."

Severus gave Kingsley a crisp nod, turned, and stalked away from him.

"Good day to you, too!" Kingsley called after him.

Severus lifted his hand behind him in dismissal, extending his middle finger in salute. He stalked to his quarters and leaned against the door. He was still annoyed with Kingsley, but for the first time since he'd almost died, he felt free. He only needed to teach for this year. He had a future that didn't include hating his job.

He'd just moved into his sitting room when there was a knock at his door. He frowned at it. That better not be Kingsley again.

He opened the door and was surprised to see Hermione and Jonathan standing there. He stepped aside and let them pass into his room.

"I'm surprised to see you both here."

"What did Kingsley want? We saw him go after you," Jonathan asked.

Severus smirked. "He gave me a way to get my sentence reduced."

"What do you mean?" Hermione asked as she neared him.

He explained their conversation.

"Severus, what if you get hurt?" Hermione asked, searching his face.

"I will be fine. I know these men and how to beat them at their own game."

"You'll be careful?" she badgered.

"Yes, woman. I'll be careful!"

She nodded.

"Well, that's great," Jonathan said. "Not that we won't miss you around here. At least, Hermione and I will miss you. The students may throw a party at the end of the year."

"Very funny, Cornelius."

"Well, we'll have to live this year to its fullest, Snape. That way you'll miss us when you leave."

"It will be a cold day in hell when I miss the likes of you, Cornelius. Now Granger… maybe."

"Thanks for that," Hermione said as she shook her head at him. "Come on, Jonathan, we know when we're not wanted."

She turned for the door.

"Granger… Hermione… I was just…"

She turned and smirked at him with a twinkle in her eye. "Gotcha."

He arched a brow. "Very funny," he admitted.