The Blowers Daughter

Being back at Hogwarts brought back thousands of memories for Hermione, and they flooded her mind as she stepped through the large wooden doors. The last time she had entered Hogwarts, it had been the last day of her seventh year, and there had been an electricity in the air. However, the mood soon changed when the Deatheaters began to appear, and the day quickly developed into most terrifying of her life.

However, she pushed those memories away and replaced them with happier ones. Entering the Great Hall made her feel like the tiny first year with too many books and frizzy hair that she had once been. Now she was going to be sitting at the staff table, a beautiful and intelligent woman and not a tiny, shy child. She walked between the student’s tables with her head held high, but could not help but blush when the students, especially the Griffindors, erupted in applause. Even the Slytherin table, (whose number had reduced somewhat as many of the elder students were currently in Azkaban) had to reluctantly clap. She turned to smile at her old house and took her place at the staff table next to Remus. He kissed her cheek softly. Their relationship was an open one, and allowed for such displays of affection.

It felt strange to watch the Feast from the position of a teacher, rather than a student, but she still felt at home. As the sorting finished, Dumbledore stood up. There was a mass round of applause as he stood up, and he merely smiled and nodded until the applause died away.

“Welcome back to another year at Hogwarts. It has been two years now since the toppling of Voldemort, and with the capturing of the final death eaters, our potions master and head of Slytherin House, has been able to return. So may I present to you all, Professor Severus Snape!” Dumbledore looked over to Snape, who looked so comfortable one would think he had never been forced to abandon the school and live in hiding for two years. He nodded at the applause, which was mainly being provided by his own house.

“In addition to Professor Snape, I would like to introduce the school’s new Defence against the Dark Arts teacher; Professor Hermione Granger!” Dumbledore smiled to Hermione, who sheepishly stood up and smiled at the applause, which was noticeably louder than Snape’s.

“Finally, we are able to welcome Professor Remus Lupin, who will be teaching Care for Magical creatures and be taking over as Head of Griffindor from Professor McGonagall, whom is retiring from the post after almost fifty years!” There is another round of applause, mainly from the Griffindor table, and Lupin bows politely at them. Hermione smiled at his evident shyness and squeezed his hand, but was drawn towards Snape, who was watching her intently. Hermione wanted to sneer, but could only look away shyly.


The feast finished quickly for the students, but the staff remained, sitting and chatting contently. Once the children had left, Dumbledore had transfigured the punch into champagne and the staff began to celebrate the return of three of Hogwarts most famous residents; Hermione, Lupin and Snape. However, this partying soon died away also, and by ten that evening, the teachers were beginning to drift away. Hermione and Lupin sat with Dumbledore, reminiscing about the days before the war. However, Lupin realised that he needed to address his new house, and excused himself from the celebrations. Before he left, he pulled Hermione aside.

“Dumbledore insisted we have separate rooms, but he had them joined by a secret passage,” Lupin leant over and whispered to Hermione, “Look for the portrait in your room of a werewolf.” Hermione laughed.

“How very original of Dumbledore,” she replied, before kissing him softly, “Can I come tonight?” He nodded and caressed her cheek.

“I wouldn’t want it any other way,” he said with a smile, “But if you excuse me, I have to go and address my new house.” He was brimming with pride and Hermione smiled at the sight.

“Well done about being head of house,” she said, “I’ll reward you tonight.” She smiled wickedly and Remus kissed her again before leaving. Hermione would have left, but as she stood to leave, Snape sat down in the chair where Remus had been sat.

“Don’t go,” he whispered, grasping her wrist gently, “Please, I just need to speak to you briefly.\" Hermione hesitated before sitting down.

“What do you want Snape?” she asked coldly, reaching for a second glass of champagne.

“What happened to Severus?” he replied, a small smirk playing on his lips. Hermione merely sneered.

“Just tell me what you want,” she said. Snape nodded and turned to face her, his cold black eyes meeting hers.

“I was wondering if you still wanted the advanced tutoring that I offered you before the war,” he said, controlling his voice so that it sounded cold and cutting, “That is of course, if Lupin will let you.” Hermione barely heard his last comment, as she thought back to when he had originally made that proposition. The night before the war, he had asked her to study under him; to be his apprentice, and learn advanced potions. It was the first time he had offered an apprenticeship, and at the time, Hermione had felt honoured.

“I had forgotten about that,” she sighed wearily,

“Evidently,” Snape replied coldly, “However, the offer is still open.” Hermione looked up at him and shook her head.

“I can’t Severus, you know that,” she said reluctantly.

“Why not? Are you afraid that Lupin will not approve? Or are you concerned that you cannot control your desires?” Hermione was shocked at his last comment, he had practically hissed it, “Neither of these are my problem. The only thing I desire is to see that you do not neglect your amazing mind and continue to learn,” Snape said nonchalantly. She bit her lip and looked at him sadly, but as she did he looked away.

“Appealing to my intellectual arrogance won’t work Severus,” she said softly, “I can’t accept your teaching.” Severus nodded, unwilling to meet her mournful brown eyes.

“Why not?” he asked quietly.

“Because I can’t be around you. I don’t want to be around you,” she hadn’t wanted to hurt him, but from the twitch in the corner of his mouth, she assumed that she had.

“Or are you afraid of what the wolf may say?” he sneered. Hermione shook her head.

“He wouldn’t mind. This is my decision, I can think for myself Severus,” she replied coolly.

“Ask him then, I’m sure he would have something to say,” Snape turned to her and smiled coolly, “Trying to cage you like some bird. Why are you letting him do this?”

“He is doing no such thing!” she replied, her voice strained in shock.

“He will do. He is not your equal,” Snape shrugged, “Anyone that loves someone that is their superior is bound to try and trap them, he is afraid of losing you. I would be,” Snape looked at her, and she glared at him angrily, but was unsure how to react. Had he complimented her or insulted her, or both?

“Severus, I need to go. I can’t take your lessons. I don’t deny that I want to learn, but I cant,” she whispered, more to herself than to him.

“You are merely denying yourself of the only thing you ever desired,” he replied, his voice laced with mocking. Hermione sneered at him.

“You think too highly of yourself,” she replied with a snarl.

“I meant learning Miss Granger, what were you thinking?” he said teasingly. Hermione sneered and turned away, anger building inside of her.


OOOOH TBC
DISCLAIMER: NONE OF THIS BELONGS TO ME. I JUST CREATED THE PLOT!