Hermione's New World

AN: For my anniversary…of not posting for this story…here is the long awaited next chapter. Thanks to all of my reviewers…and the PM’s that I have gotten to “hurry up and update”…it’s finally here! Please review and tell me what you think…my muse just might be on a roll (it smirks in a Snape-ish kind of way as a write this).

Oh, and since it's been awhile since I've posted here, I hope the format is okay! If not, I'll fix later :)

From last time...

“Mrs. Granger…”

“Rosalyn. My name is Rosalyn.”

Severus turned is mouth into something between a smirk and a smile, but quickly it disappeared as he become more somber. “Rosalyn, I only remembered the incident a few days ago myself. I could not live with the memory and become a spy to the Dark Lord had I kept the memory. It was too dangerous.”

Rosalyn nodded. “Well, at least we have that all out in the open. I mean, if I am to live here and all for awhile. I don’t want you to be uncomfortable around me, nor I you.” Suddenly a confused look appeared on the woman’s face as she realized what she had said.

Severus, too, was surprised by her statement. He decided to pour himself another cup of tea, and purposefully did not let himself become affected as she asked to and then attended to his few wounds again.

The rest of their time alone was spent in a somewhat comfortable silence until Tonks returned to retrieve Rosalyn, and the two made their way back to their shared quarters around 3am.

Chapter 12: Wondering about others

The night before…

After Rosalyn left with Tonks, Severus immediately went to pour himself a glass of firewhiskey. Seeing the woman he had reluctantly raped, or rather forced to rape, all those years before left him unsettled, and Severus Snape NEVER felt unsettled. Remaining calm and composed, even in the deadliest of moments, had made his reputation. But this was different…SHE was different.

As soon as he knocked back the first glass he poured himself another. And then another…several more followed until he finally passed out on his bed, clothes and all.

When Tonks and Rosalyn finally made it back to their shared quarters, Tonks turned to the woman beside her. “Fancy a drink? You sure look like you could use one. Severus is never easy to be around, and tonight’s events must surely have shaken you.” There was no need to mention the other reason the muggle woman might want a drink for.

Rosalyn turned around to face her roommate. “I think a drink is exactly what is needed.”

While she waited for Tonks to pour each of them a drink, Rosalyn wondered if she should tell her new friend why she was affected by Severus. She smiled faintly as the woman with bright pink hair handed her a glass of something she was not familiar with. She sniffed it, and thought that it smelled like whiskey.

As if reading her thoughts, Tonks said “It’s called firewhiskey. Most popular in our world. Like muggle whiskey, but with a different sort of kick. And you can rid a hangover with a simple potion. Funny, most born into magic families have to find out the hard way that the potion doesn’t work with muggle alcohol. Except wine.”

Rosalyn laughed slightly, then took a sip whereas Tonks easily slammed hers down. Deciding to do the same, she held her breath and downed the rest.

“Another?” Tonks asked.

“Please.”

Tonks refilled their glasses. “You don’t have to tell me, but I can tell something is bothering you.”

“You’re right. But I’m not sure if I’m ready to tell anyone yet. I’m sorry, it’s just…difficult.”

“Severus…he didn’t…say or do anything to offend you, did he?”

Rosalyn managed a smile. “No, he was a perfect gentleman.” With that Rosalyn finished her second glass of firewhiskey and said goodnight, leaving a confused Tonks. Since when was Snape a gentleman to ANYONE?

The next day the school made its final preparations for the arrival of both returning and new students.

Albus had announced at breakfast to his most trusted staff that Mrs. Granger would be introduced as Rose Marie Grant, a reporter doing a story on the school and its history. If anyone asked, they were to be told the woman was a squib.

To alter her appearance, Dumbledore had earlier charmed her hair a darker color, straightened it, and charged her brown eyes to green with just a simple charm. As she sat next to Tonks, she easily heard the animated conversation between her roommate and Remus and Sirius. Every now and then, she would look up to find Sirius staring at her.

She wasn’t the only one to notice. Severus, who was seated two seats down from Rosalyn, noticed out of the corner of his eye as he spoke with Minerva about greeting the two new heads on the train. Severus was not pleased.

Later that day, Hermione exited the train with Draco and they both started helping Hagrid sort out the new students. First years were put on the boats, while other students knew where to go. There were no transfer students to deal with, so their job was pretty easy thus far.

Hermione smiled and waved at Ron and Harry, who smiled back but gave her a look she knew to be pity. They still didn’t like Draco, and had no idea that the Slytherin was actually being nice to her – and also knew a secret of hers they did not.

After a long afternoon getting students settled and orienting the new students, Hermione and Draco went back to their shared quarters completely bushed. Neither said anything except a polite “good night”, as each went into their own bedrooms and readied for a good night’s sleep.

Hermione had turned down Ron and Harry’s invitation to join their fellow Gryffindors for a late night get together, which Hermione knew meant some smuggled in firewhiskey. Too tired and not wanting to participate in breaking the rules, she turned them down politely.

Something else had happened that evening, at dinner.

As the trio were feasting on lamb legs, mashed potatoes and cooked carrots, a certain blonde female came over to say hi. Hermione and Harry noticed how she seemed particularly flustered and seemed to give more attention to Ron. Unfortunately, for Hermione, the poor boy barely noticed. Except when she left and gently ran her hand over his shoulder, Ron’s face turned red and his eyes quickly darted to Hermione, as if apologetic. Hermione rolled her eyes as Ginny snickered. If only he’d notice how other girls like him well enough, the Head Girl thought.

Hermione also noticed her father subtly watching her. If anyone else had noticed, they would likely think he was glaring at the boy-who-lived. And then there was a new face at the faculty table, a woman. As Hermione looked at her closely, she noticed that she seemed rather familiar. She shrugged, then left the Gryffindor table alongside her two best mates.

It wasn’t until she had finally laid her head on her pillow that recognition dawned. Mother? She thought. Was it really her own mother with just a few glamour charms? Why hadn’t anyone told her? Why hadn’t her mother said anything?

Of course, they likely couldn’t, she thought. I’m sure Dumbledore or Professor…father…will explain to me in private tomorrow. And with that final thought, she fell into a comfortable sleep.

The next day all were abuzz as students were given their schedules and then settled into their first classes.

Hermione sighed as Ron quickly made to sit next to her in class.

“Ron, you know the Head Boy and Girl are paired together in each of their shared classes. I am sorry, but I cannot sit with you.” She hadn’t told them yet about her duty to assist the Potions and Transfiguration courses, as Professor Dumbledore did not want her to.

Just sit in the two classes as you normally would, and let the other students assume you have other classes or duties that differ from their own. He had told her. We don’t want anyone treating you different, now do we? Hermione had agreed, but also volunteered to sit in Charms class as well.

Ron grumbled, and went to sit next to Harry.

“Sorry, Ron,” Harry chuckled. “but you’re just going to have to sit next to me…and pull your own weight.”

The potions door closed as Professor Snape whisked into class, his robes billowing behind him. Soon all eyes were on their most feared professor, except for Malfoy, who smirked, and Hermione, who smiled meekly. She really didn’t care whether he was his normal git self to her in class or not. That is, as long as she still got the grade she deserved. She laughed inwardly at the thought. Her grade would count for university credit, not a school grade.


Meanwhile, at Order Headquarters

Charlie slumped in his chair. The news they had received from Dumbledore was not good. Something was going on, and that could mean the final battle might be closer than they thought. Bill was there, along with Fleur, and several of the other Order members except Tonks, Remus and Sirius, who were at Hogwarts helping with the school. Actually, some of their duties included helping the students prepare for battle, all the while students thinking they were getting extra NEWT preparation.

Bill slumped in the chair next to him. They both were exhausted. Fleur was still in the meeting room with the others, but Bill had followed his younger brother out to clear his own head. “I say we get pissed tonight.”

Charlie looked at his brother, amused at the thought. “Why not? Surely it will be a while before we can again. Once we find out from Professor Snape what the Dark Lord wants, we’ll surely have our work cut out for us.

Bill smirked. “At least you had plenty to offer tonight.”

“It wasn’t all my research. Hermione’s helped tremendously.”

“Yeah, and you played it real cool out there, as if the two of you never crossed paths. I think everyone bought it, too. They think you met her at the Burrow and then collaborated on your findings with Professor Snape’s help.”

“She really did more than half the work. The girl is brilliant!” Charlie said with a wide grin.

“You sure are the loyal…” He stopped as one of the other Order members joined them.

“So, Charlie, that was some theory you laid out for us tonight.” Neville’s distant uncle Tucker “Tuk” Longbottom said. He was also the Minister of Magical Devices.

“It was also Ms. Granger’s theory.” Charlie stated once again.

The man merely waved his hand about in the air. “Yes, yes, I know, although I am not the least bit surprised. I knew that girl was destined for greatness when Professor McGonnagal requested permission for her to use a time turner for her third-year classes.”

Charlie’s eyes shot up. “Time turner?” He and Bill snuck a quick glance at each other.

“Yes, although she only used it for a year. Said it was taking away from enjoying her normal coursework. Hmph! More likely the mischief she and her friends got into. Although she didn’t seem to like the fact it aged her. And I thought most teens wanted to get older quicker. Not that eight months is much to old timers like us, eh?”

The two brothers chuckled along with their friend, meanwhile Charlie’s head was spinning. Eight months…and her birthday is this month as well. She really wasn’t lying! This thought made his smile widen.

“Oh, I know what you’re thinking, Weasley.” Tuk commented with a wink.

“Huh?” Charlie asked, slightly panicking. Bill grimaced. He knew what was coming, although his brother most surely didn’t.

“The new Order member, Ms. Delacour.” He replied, speaking of Fleur’s cousin Mayla from America. “The poor girl kept trying to give off her veela powers on you. You must have noticed, no? She’s quite the lovely young bird.”

More like bird of prey, Bill thought. Even his wife, Fleur, couldn’t stand the girl’s seductive nature. And when she had arrived at Order Headquarters for the first time, she had immediately noticed her cousin’s brother in law.

When introduced to Charlie for the first time earlier that day Mayla had given a wry grin and batted her eyelashes a couple of times. Charlie, immune to such effects (see earlier chapter), hadn’t even noticed. Said Weasley inwardly groaned, but knew he couldn’t reveal his relationship. At least, he couldn’t reveal who his girlfriend was.

Charlie opened his mouth to speak, but was startled when two more people coming into the room. It was the woman herself, followed in tow by her cousin.

Fleur immediately graced her way over to Bill, and slid onto his lap. No one seemed to mind, as they were used to the young newlywed’s affectionate behavior. Mayla sunk into a chair next to Charlie, crossing her legs so that her robes fell open letting a shapely leg fall into view.

Tuk raised a brow, but was also staring at the leg that even Charlie couldn’t help but notice.

“Well, boys,” The veela purred. “We will have our work cut out for us in no time. How about a drink?”

Charlie could only nod while Bill answered. “A fine idea, one we were just talking about ourselves.”

Tuk got up and found a bottle of firewhiskey, which he opened fresh and summoned five glasses. Charlie thanked the stars that the twins were otherwise occupied, otherwise they would have a field day.

As the group silently sat whilst sipping their drinks, Charlie couldn’t help but wonder how Hermione’s first day of school was going.

“So, Charlie,” Mayla said breaking the silence and Charlie’s thoughts. “I hear you play with dragons in your spare time.”

Charlie frowned. “Actually, dragons are my work. I don’t just play with them.”

Mayla merely smiled. “How nice. You’ll have to tell me more about it, perhaps when we are alone? I would hate to bore the others while we get to know one another.”

Charlie nearly spat out his drink. Instead he glared at the young woman. “My work is quite serious. I don’t share it with those I have just met.”

“Then all the reason for you and I to get to know one another.” She replied with a wink.

Bill shifted uncomfortably, Fleur nearly falling off him in the process. She looked at her husband in a knowing way, and gave him a “you’ll tell me later” kind of look.

Just then Molly Weasley joined the group, and her eyes widened as she noticed the close proximity her son was sitting to the young woman, not realizing it was Mayla who chose to sit so close to her son.

“Oh! Boys, I just came to inform you that your father has gone back to the Burrow with the twins. They were showing off one of their latest creations, and of course the charm backfired. Now Arthur has insisted that they return to our home and not their flat, to make sure they don’t try to fix the blasted thing. Fred and George had reversed both their own right and left arms, so you can imagine how awkward that was.”

The group laughed, Charlie the most as he was relieved for the interruption. In no time others joined the them for drinks and more drinks, and Charlie was eventually able to escape the situation without any further advances by the young veela vixen.


Next morning at Hogwarts…

Professor Snape entered the hallway to the floor above him only to see Sirius turning away from the room Rosalyn shared with Tonks.

Sirius smirked as he strutted toward the oncoming Professor. “She’s already left, there was no answer.”

Severus scoffed at the lucky-to-be-alive former prisoner of Azkaban. “If you assuming I’ve come to see Mrs. Granger for amorous pursuit, then you are sadly mistaken. I am not so easily lax of hormonal control as you seemingly are, as I see nothing advantageous in trying to bed a recently widowed woman.”

“Snivellus, my least favorite fellow student, I have no such ill intentions. I merely want her to feel welcomed to this dusty old castle and its inhabitants, save for the students and my dearest friends.”

Severus growled. “If you implying me in that coarse statement, then I should remind you that I am no older than yourself, or Mrs. Granger for that matter. As for your presumptuous statement, I am merely here to deliver a message as requested by Ms. Granger.”

“Then you can let me tell…”

“Hermione? She gave you a letter for me?” Neither Order member had noticed the door to her quarters quietly open when they first spoke.

Severus smirked, then turned to Mrs. Granger. “Yes, but I must tell you in private, as it is for your ears only.”

Sirius gave Severus a nasty glare, but turned to Rosalyn with the sweetest of smiles. “Of course. I shall leave you two, then. Rosalyn? Perhaps I shall see you later?”

The woman nodded hesitantly, then looked at the professor curiously. “Please,” she said gesturing him inside. She waited for him to enter and then shut the door behind them.

“You must think I am horribly rude.” She said once they were alone.

Severus raised a brow and waited for her continue.

“I mean, not even opening the door for Sirius. It’s just that I don’t feel quite…quite comfortable around him.”

“Neither do I.” Professor Snape replied. “But I can’t understand why you would with me. I mean...”

Rosalyn smiled shyly at him. “I thought we were past that. I mean, last night…I thought I told you I have no ill feelings toward you. If anything, I should thank you again…”

Suddenly Severus felt something stir inside him, but he couldn’t define it so he could only reply with the matter at hand.

“Hermione.” He said.

“What?”

“Hermione. She wanted me to talk to you.”

Rosalyn snapped her attention back to the present. “Oh, yes…she wanted for you to tell me something. My poor daughter, she must have recognized me and is wondering how I am…and why I haven’t been able to talk with her. I mean, with all that’s happened…” Her voice trailed off as she fought back tears.

Professor Snape coughed. “Perhaps you’d like to sit down?”

“Yes…” The widow replied. Severus then led her over to the sitting area, sitting beside her on the large, velvet couch.

“You are correct. Hermione did indeed recognize you. And she is very worried for her mother, no doubt trying to deal with her own grief. She wanted me to let you know her schedule and see what time would be best for the two of you to be alone with one another.”

Rosalyn smiled weakly. “My daughter…she always puts on such a brave front, doesn’t she?”

Severus nodded.

“Please tell her that anytime is good for me. Albus wants to meet with me once the students are settled to discuss how I will be interacting with the students, but he hasn’t set a time yet. I think he wants for me and Hermione to get together as well.”

Severus held back a laugh. “Yes, the Headmaster is always doing that. Making sure others do what they need to do.” He paused for a moment. “I take it you have delayed funeral arrangements?”

“Yes, well, sort of. Remus brought me to my sister’s house, and we explained the situation to her. She will notify everyone, well, tell others that I am too ill and that while my husband is to be buried and a small ceremony taken place, the family gathering will just have to wait.”

“That sounds like the best plan.”

“Thank you for bringing the message for me.” Without realizing what she was doing, Rosalyn reached over and hugged him. Suddenly feeling overwhelmed, the professor made a hasty good-bye and left her quarters.

To be continued…but not without a vote! Who do you want the blonde to be? Luna? Lavender? Someone else (like Hannah, Susan)? Oh, and how do you like the, er, interactions between Mrs. Granger and Prof Snape?