In The Life Of A Potions Master

Disclaimer: Not mine, not making money, just borrowing to play.

Author’s note: I’d like to apologize to those of you following this story for the very long wait. Real life interrupted the flow of this story and my work on completing it. I now have a new son, Anthony. I have also been spending a lot of time searching for a job. So with two kids and a life to lead I find it harder to find the time to write so I hope you will all bear with me well I finish this fic. Writing is one of my few hobbies that I still have the time to dedicate myself to and now that things in my life are starting to calm down some I can finally pick up the pen again. I’d also like to thank everyone for their kind reviews. Your words of support are greatly appreciated.

Chapter 8

Severus woke in tears. It was all gone. He had not had a dream about Hermione, his dreams were back to there dark normality. Worse though he truly felt like Hermione was gone. He just felt so empty and alone. As if his heart had been ripped from him.

He lay there on his office floor thankful he no longer resided in the dungeons. If he had spent the night there he would have been cold and stiff. As it was he couldn’t move. He had no will to go anywhere, let alone breakfast.

He lay there unmoving for what seemed like hours. His mind working over his life and how best to end it. The only thing he had left was this school. Sandra’s school. He would have to make arrangements to have Crookshanks taken care of and the unborn Phoenix. He was quite sure that once he was gone Filius would take over, or perhaps Sprout. They could handle things.

He heard a knock at the door and wondered if anyone ever would just leave him in peace. He really didn’t care if the school burnt down at the moment so damn the door he decided. He lay on the floor staring at the dust bunnies the house elfs missed.

The door handle began to turn and he quickly threw a ward to bind the door, then another, and yet another. To hell with everything. No one needed a bitter lonely ex-Death Eater. Least of all this school.

He smirked as the knock became a pounding, then spells hitting in place of hands. Nobody would get through his wards. The world would move on and he would be here waiting to be found soon. He just needed to decide how to do it. All his poisons were locked up in the dungeons, and he would hate to leave a mess for the next headmaster. So that just left jumping out the window. It would be a simply cleaned mess, just a flick of the wand really.

He pulled himself in to the desk chair and off the floor. It was a much more comfortable place to sit and think then the floor. Plus when the time came he would be able to walk to the window. Yes, he thought, the window will do nicely. The most public display in the end of a privet life. He scanned the room and laughed, how long had he waited to be recognized. How long had he waited for something in his life to go right.

He laughed bitterly at the thought. He had waited all his life for something to go right. And every time it did it went wrong just as quickly. He must have done something truly nasty in a former life. Something far worse then his youth to deserve this.

A book on the desk caught his eye. It was Deep red with a gold lion. He picked the book up and felt the well worn leather in his grasp. It was all to apparent by the first page that this was Albus’ journal. He scanned the first few pages and smirked. Albus had been a truly naughty little boy in his youth. It was funny to read about his former teacher lusting after girls in his youth. Perhaps that was what Minerva had seen in him. He had to have some skill to get a woman that much younger.

He continued to scan through the journal, page after page of Albus’ life, his thoughts dreams, nightmares and mistakes all laid out on paper. It was quite sobering to read the mistakes of his mentor and friend. He blamed himself for so many things. The largest of which was Tom Riddle’s fall from grace.

November 10, 1981
I fear I have made a mistake in leaving young Harry with his muggle family. Although safe from Voldemort and his followers he is still in danger. It seems his cousin has taken a liking to beating the infant. His aunt and uncle aren’t much better. They have put the child under the stairs. What have I done.

November 15, 1981
I am tempted to curse the great morn Dursley into the ground! I had to send a house elf to feed Harry today. It seems they forgot. I shall have to make sure I lend what assistance I can to the boy so he will survive to leave the hell house. How stupid can two people be to allow a poor innocent child to starve. Their own blood. I would have been better of leaving him with Severus or at the very least adopting him myself. I actually think that would have made Minerva happy, she has been on again about having a child and getting married.

Severus continued to read entry after entry, he read how Harry had grown and lived. The beatings this Dudley thing had given. The harsh conditions he endured. It wasn’t long before he was in a full out rage. The pages crinkled in his grip as he read. Every word inciting anger.

Plans forgotten, he threw down the book and grabbed his cloak. He threw the door open and walked quickly down the stairs. Never seeing the woman sitting on the ground waiting at the door.


“He didn’t even see me Ginny, he just kept walking. I think he is going to do something really stupid.” Hermione’s voice was shaking.

“Hermione you died, I’m surprised he didn’t do anything stupid already.” Ginny looked at her friend again, it was so unnerving to see her here and living. “How, that is all I ask. How are you here?”

“I’ll tell you later Gin we have to go stop him. I think he might kill someone!” Hermione still wasn’t sure what had happened herself. She only knew a few things for sure. For one Albus had brought her back. Two he had died. And three he had left a pensive laying on the table next to her. She didn’t have the heart to look in it. He had sacrificed himself for her and Severus, she knew that. He had destroyed his own life to save her. The emotions were an overflow of guilt and joy. Severus was alive and so was she, but she didn’t like the cost. She hated the cost. It had cost everything, the greatest wizard to ever live was dead.

“Listen Ginny I think he is going to kill Mr. And Mrs. Dursley. He was reading the Head Master’s journal. I found it thrown across the room opened to an entry about Harry. Apparently Dudley had given him a beating bad enough to warrant a hospital visit. This wasn’t the first time he had been hurt either. I think Severus read way more then he should have.”

“So let him kill them Hermione,” Ginny spat, “they deserve it after the way they treated Harry.”

“What about Severus, you don’t think the Ministry will have something to say about him killing three muggles? We have to stop him.”

“Alright, we will go after him. Just let me get my cloak.”

“What for it’s nice out?”

“I want to scare them. Besides it makes my butt look cute!” She giggled as she left to fetch her cloak.


Severus appeared in front of number four privet drive his furry no less diminished after the walk to the edge of Hogwarts. To tell the truth he was in a worse state now then when he had left his office. Not only had he read were Albus had stuck the poor child…. Did I actually just think about Harry Potter as a poor child, Severus asked himself. He thought he was getting soft in his married life.

He was madder at his mind then anything. As he walked down the stairs he had sworn he had seen Hermione. He knew that wasn’t possible unless someone was playing a very cruel joke on him.

‘Well Dursley I hope you enjoy my stress management, I know I will.’ He thought.

He knocked sharply on the door three times and waited. It wasn’t long before Vernon Dursley opened the door, his fat face turning an ugly shade of plum and his lips twisting into an angry scowl.

“Now you listen here, I wont have your sort traipsing about my house anymore, the boys not here and he isn’t coming back! Now go!” He said vehemently.

Severus’ face look like a hurricane about to destroy a coast line. His eyes flashed like lightning as he strode forward. Dursley stumbled back away from Severus as he stalked forward, his robes billowing out ominously.

“I am not here for the boy Dursley.” He said in a deadly whisper.

“You… you’re not…. Then why are you here?” Vernon’s eyes grew wide as he saw Severus produce his wand.

“I am here for his revenge!” He said as he moved his wand in a wide arc.


Hermione and Ginny appeared in an ally a few blocks away from number four and quickly ran to the house. Both girls stopped dead in their tracks as they saw number four. The once normal muggle house had change sense the last time the saw it. It was now bright purple with happy yellow siding. The low garden wall was covered in hippy smiley faces, the walk tie dyed stepping stones instead of the traditional ones. On the door hung a sign that read come on in the party start in the sixties.

Both girls giggled as they pushed open the door. They made there way to the kitchen just to be shocked again. Vernon Dursley was dressed in a black leather skirt that cut off at mid calf, he wore a thin white silk top and bright red lipstick. Petunia was dressed in nothing at all and was standing at the sink doing dishes in front of the open window. But Dudley had been the biggest change of all. Severus had completed Hagrid’s transfiguration attempt, Dudley Dursley was now a pig, pink with a twisty tail.

Hermione wasn’t sure weather to be upset or take pictures, in the end she decided to do both scowling like her husband and snapping photos for her friend.

“I have already taken plenty of photo’s” Severus said from the door way.

Hermione spun on her heels and locked eyes with Severus. She smiled up at her husband’s wide eyes and ran into his arms.

“How?” His voiced was choked with sorrow as he held her. He didn’t even bother to hold back the tears that slid down his cheeks. It had become acceptable with her, comfortable even to show emotion.

“We can talk about that later, love, for now lets just go home.” Ginny Hermione and Severus apparated to the edge of Hogwarts, leaving the Dursleys to there new lives.


Severus and Hermione returned to the Head Master’s office in silence. Each one dwelled on thoughts of how close they had been to losing each other and neither wanted to be the first to speak. They passed the stone gargoyle and ascended the moving staircase to Severus’ new office taking a seat at the coach by the fireplace. The gazed into each others eyes trying to find a place to start, the silence slowly growing uncomfortable.

Severus spoke first, “ How are you back, you were dead, I checked myself?” he asked.

“It was Albus, he brought me back. I don’t know how but…” Hermione broke off her eyes welling with tears, “he sacrificed himself to bring me back.”

Severus stiffened at her words, an unseen hand striking him in the chest. “The old fool. Always sentimental, gods bless him.” Severus shook his head and smiled.

“Severus he died to bring me back. Why would he do that? I never wanted anyone to sacrifice themselves for me.”

“Firstly love he did so for us. Secondly never count out Albus Dumbledore, the man always has a plan…. That’s why he didn’t pack anything, why didn’t I see it.” Severus looked around the office that was now his. He took in the sight of Albus’ possessions laying here and there on there spindly tables.

“He left a letter for the two of us. It wouldn’t open earlier I think we have to open it together.” Severus looked at her with a raised eye brow and quickly moved to sit next to her. He wrapped her in his arms and gave her a reassuring hug.

“Well lets see what he has to say for himself.”

Hermione pulled the letter out and together they broke Albus’ phoenix seal. The letter started to shake and quiver finally leaping from their hands into the air. The paper started to glow silver as it was slowly replaced with an image of Albus. The old wizard smiled at the couple and sat down in a wing backed arm chair.

“I see you have found one another. I was worried that something might go wrong and I wouldn’t have been fast enough. But,” Albus’ eyes twinkled with joy, “Sense you’re here looking at me I would guess that all is well again.”

Hermione and Severus look at Albus then each other. “Do you think he is interactive?” Hermione asked.

The image of Albus laughed, “Yes Hermione I am, as you say, interactive. So feel free to ask questions. Or would you like me to tell you why I did it?”

“Albus why not just get to the point. Seriously you bloody old man, you’re dead and still beating around the bush.” Severus smirked at the amused look on Albus’ face.

“Severus you should always let a dead man speak his peace.” Albus chuckled, “This is going to be the last time you talk to me for a while anyway. Well if you’re going to make me get to the point so be it. I guess I should start with the why. You see Severus, I loved Minerva with all my heart, but I never thought it was the right time to marry her and make her truly happy.

“She was so overjoyed to see you and Hermione married and happy together and it made me long to an end to the war so the time would be right for us. But alas she fell and I was left alone. But so were you. She would have been heart broken to see the two of you separated, and I can’t say that I wasn’t untouched by your loss as well.

“It really isn’t hard to understand, Hermione was like a daughter to her. And I dear say old boy you were always like a son to me. I took your turn to darkness as a personal failure. You were such a powerful child, but so hurt and loanly. I had hoped that you would have over come your past and become stronger for it. But instead you had more pain paid upon you.

“But you turned out better, if not a little grumpier, for it. You turned into a good man Severus. I was always proud of you. That’s why I gave you my old job. I knew you would sacrifice so much for your students. Plus I knew that you would be able to handle the number of staff that are leaving.”

Severus held up his hand to halt Albus, “Wait a minute what do you mean leaving, who is leaving?” Severus wished that the image of Albus was physical so he could beat him, the twinkle in his eye had multiplied ten fold at the question.

“Dear me Severus, you mean you want to interrupt my getting to the point. And you didn’t do your homework. Poppy is leaving at the end of the new school year as you know, but sense you chose not to read threw the papers I left for you, you don’t know that Madam Sprout is leaving this summer, she never wanted to stay this long, but with Tom’s return she did so for me. You may be able to talk her into staying long enough to find a replacement for her though.

“Professor Sinistra will also be departing. It appears she and Harry have been getting on quite well and she is going to move to London to be near him and take a research grant.”

Hermione almost fell off the couch at hearing that, “You mean Harry and Professor Sinistra…. No he never told me.”

“Oh yes my dear, they appear to be quite the item. Although they were far more discreet then others in this room. Oh yes and there is also the position of Potions Master to fill, and the defense against the dark arts position. So you need to find a few staff members old boy.” Albus winked at Severus, “Anyway, so I decided to remedy your problem Severus. There is a very old peace of magic that can bring back a dead witch or wizard if performed right. It’s called the phoenix charm. It’s not with out its dangers but I thought it would be the best way to go. You see if I had boggled it I would have, and please you two this doesn’t leave this room. I would have become a Dementor. As you can guess this would have been a bad thing.

“How ever there are other benefits to the charm. If performed properly it returns the witch or wizard to life. It also has the added benefit of a few other things, but I will leave those for latter. So now you know the how and why. What else would you like to know?”

“How long were Harry and Professor Sinistra seeing each other?” Hermione asked

“All year actually, it seams it started over the summer break as a simple friendship and blossomed. I was quite surprised when she told me. The were very discreet about the whole affair.”

“Albus, Hermione, enough gossip. What aren’t you telling us old man?” Severus asked with a hint of amusement in his voice.

“Ah dear boy, I have to have some surprises left for you don’t I.” Severus scowled, “Oh alright child, the charm has the added bonus of activating a rebirth in phoenix’s. Yes, yes I know what does that have to do with anything, well to put it simple some secrets I intend to keep for awhile. But I am sure you will find out soon enough.” Albus winked and faded. A simple peace of parchment left in his place.

‘I shall see you soon my friends.’ was written on it.

“What does that mean?” Hermione asked.

Severus laughed, “I think the old man thinks he is a bird, one that burst into flames and gets reborn. And Hermione, he probable is right.” Severus shook his head once again and pulled Hermione into his arms. “I am so glad you are back, but love.”

“Yes Severus?”

“I have a lot of work to do.”

He and Hermione laughed as they started to pour over the list of teachers available for the positions. It was quickly decided that Hermione would take over for Severus as the new Potions Mistress. He had owled Ginny Weasley and asked her to join him in his office after dinner. He also owled Harry Potter, much to Hermione’s delight, and asked him if he could meet with him in the morning.

He smirked to himself as he sat back in his chair, if all went well he would have a full staff by the end of the week, and classes could begin on time. He fell asleep in his chair, exhaustion finally catching up with him.

Hermione smiled at the sleeping form of her husband. She knew he would have to sleep soon. She even knew that he would have to sleep often. She sat in the chair across the desk and wondered what he was dreaming of, what a free man finally dreams of when he comes out of the dark places. It had been such a long war for him especially.

She sat there thinking for an hour. Watching the sleeping form of her husband trying to figure out how to tell him about the baby they almost had. She didn’t know how she was ever going to tell him about it. She also hated waiting for the unborn child to leave her body. It seemed so cruel, to have so much taken away then given back, and yet to still have something taken away. How much would they have to pay for their lives?

She sighed, she felt oddly at peace and that bothered her. She should have felt sad, empty, anything but calm and content. She was sure she would lose her child, she had been dead after all. Put Albus on top of that, and the others. She shook her head to clear her thoughts. She wouldn’t dwell on that, she couldn’t. She had been given a second chance at life, and she was going to take it and make it wonderful.

She smiled to herself. Starting with waking my husband for dinner, she thought. She pulled out her wand and with a quick wave Severus was naked; she ran her eyes along his form and smiled. She loved his pale skin, it looked so smooth, like stone. The pale color was off set by a light trail of black hair over his chest and down to his groin. To her he was perfect, damn all those little twits who thought him to be ugly.

She dropped her robes to the floor as she moved to him. With each step she followed it with another peace of clothing. First her top, a step, her bra, a step, her skirt, a step, her panties. She lowered herself to the floor between her husbands legs and slowly licked up his thigh. She smiled as his sleeping form shuddered in response. She continued her trail upwards her tongue sliding over his sack and along his growing erection.

She swirled her tongue over his tip, laving at the flesh of his head. She heard the snickers of the pictures of the former headmasters and waved her wand. In an instant they were surrounded by a curtain of blue velvet. She kissed the tip of his throbbing erections and slid her lips around it. She slowly lowered her mouth around him, her tongue stroking his sensitive flesh to a rigid state. Her lips hugging him as she slid him into her mouth.

She worked over his flesh with her tongue as he started to thrust into her mouth unconsciously. She sped up her pace her tongue wrapping around him, stroking him, her lips pulling at the soft flesh. His eyes flashed opened as he groaned, spilling into her mouth. She swallowed his fluid quickly. The warm liquid moving down her throat . She kissed the tip of his erection and smirked up at him.

“Good morning love, it’s almost time for dinner.” She purred.

“Remind me to fall asleep before meals more often.” he groaned, “How much time do we have?”

“Just enough to get dressed and head to the great hall unfortunately.”

“Oh don’t worry we will continue this later.” He said in a deep silky voice.

Hermione stood up and grinned as she waved her wand at him and replaced his cloths. She accio’ed her clothes to her. Teasingly she sat on the edge of his desk, right in front of him. A quick wave of her wand and he found himself bound to the chair.

His mouth went dry as he watched her slid her panties up her legs, her fingers trailing them up the soft flesh of her calves and over her thighs. He felt new life swell threw his groin as he swelled against the buttons of his trousers.

Her bra was next. He felt his mouth go drier as he watched her hands run over the swell of flesh. She softly caressed them as she lifted each one into it’s cup. Her skirt followed, and then her top, each button closed teasingly slowly. He growled as his view disappeared from sight. Finally she placed her robes over her cloths and lifted the binding charm.

“Just thought I would give you something to think about love.” she winked.

Severus quickly stood and pulled her to him. He captured her lips in a firry kiss, his tongue slipping between her lips. His tongue stroked over hers as his hands made their way to her buttocks. He pulled her flush against him, his hardness digging into her.

He released her and smirked, “Just something for you to think about.” he said in a silky whisper.


Severus and Hermione walked to the great hall arm in arm laughing. It wasn’t hard for Severus to laugh anymore, he had been given so much which he had thought he would never have. He was actually happy.

He and Hermione talked the whole way to the hall. He listened to her as she told him about her time as a child. A subject she had never broached before. He thought it to be the pain of thoughts of her father. And he was right, most of her memories revolved around him.

They walked into the great hall and Severus came to a dead stop. He looked at the head table unwilling to believe what his eyes were showing him.

“Severus did you hear me? I asked what we were going to do about transfigurations. We still need…. Oh my god!”

Severus strode to the table. In three long strides he arrived, gazing at the red head sitting at the end of the table. The redhead smiled up at Severus, his blue eyes meeting the new Head Master’s black depths.

“Hello I understand you are in need of a transfiguration teacher.” The redhead said.

“Albus what the hell is going on?! Hermione Said you were dead!” Severus was leaning over the table inspecting the man before him. He was the spitting image of Albus Dumbledore. He only lacked the long beard and half moon glasses. In there place he had a short red goatee and sparkling blue eyes.

“Percival, actually, Percival Wulfric Brian Dumbledore. Pleased to meet you Severus.” Dumbledore extended his hand which Severus gladly accepted.

“Come to my office before lunch tomorrow and we will work out the details.” Severus and Hermione moved to there seats and began to fill their plates.

“Is it really him?” Hermione asked.

“Yes it is really him. But I am not sure how much he knows or remembers. I shall talk to him tomorrow and find out.” Severus glanced down the table and observed the familiar face. The man was eating a lemon tart as if he was making love to a woman. “It is definitely him.”

Hermione giggled as she watch the display. The staff was in an uproar as gossip flew around the table. Everyone seemed willing to accept Dumbledore’s return, what they were most impressed by was Hermione’s living form at the table. Hermione sighed and left the table. Severus was about to walk after her when he thought better of it. He turned to his staff and shot them an angry scowl.

“I swear! You were all happy enough to see her enter your classrooms. She comes back from a little rest and you all act like she is some peace of news to talk about. Guess what you had better get used to seeing her. She is now a teacher at this school, and your boss as my assistant. I wouldn’t give the job to any of you gossiping old hens now, that’s for damn sure!” Severus slammed down his drink and left the hall, taking great strides to catch up to Hermione.

He walked to his office and found it empty. He made a quick check of the entire tower and came up empty. He was now in a temper as he walked the halls searching for his wife. He started his search in the dungeons and quickly made his way floor by floor threw the castle. It was well past two in the morning when he found her curled up in the Gryffindor Head Girls room.

He sat down next to her and looked out the window, “Did you expect them not to talk about it love?”

“I didn’t expect them to not even say hello. Ginny was so thrilled when she saw me I thought she was going to wet herself. Harry was just as happy. Mister Weasley offered me every job under the sun he was so excited. Now the staff acts like I am no one worth talking to just about, and tomorrow all my friends are leaving to go to the burrow or London. I’m going to be lonely.” She sat up and wrapped her arms around him, “ At least I have you still.”

Severus shot from the bed as if Hermione had lit him aflame again, “Oh, damn it. I was supposed to meet Miss Weasley after dinner. Bloody hell, she is leaving in the morning and…” Hermione cut him off, placing a finger over his lips.

“Severus, she is just down the hall. It will take me two minutes to go get her.” Hermione giggled as she scooted off the bed, “Men, always over reacting.”

Hermione left Severus to get Ginny. Severus smirked as he remembered the last time he had been in these rooms. He shouldn’t have even been there to begin with…


Hermione heard a loud pop and spun to see her potions professor leaning against the wall.

“Good evening Miss Granger.”

“Good evening Professor,” she smiled shyly at him, “I thought you said you wouldn’t come here anymore, that it was to dangerous.”

“Hermione the term ends in a month, I thought I would come and ask you a question.”

“You can ask me anything Severus you know that”

“Yes I know. Bear with me I’ve never done this before.”

Hermione felt her stomach start to flutter. He was actually going to ask, they had only talk about it, she had never thought he would actually ask.

“Hermione, you know I love you, and you know the type of man I am. You still persist in being around me, and loving me. I’d be a damn fool if I let you pass me by. Sense I am not a fool I have decided not to act like one and let my concerns get in the way. You have made it clear what you want and I am willing to give it to you. Plus it will make me very happy.”

Hermione felt her heart skip a beat. Her breathing was short and irregular.

“Hermione, will you stay this summer? With me?”

Hermione nearly fell over, “What?”

“You thought I was going to ask about… Hermione you know how I feel about sex, it will happen when the time is right.”

“I’m sorry Severus, I just thought for sure you were going to ask something different. Of course I’ll stay. I was planning on it anyway.” She smiled up at him and wrapped her arms around him. “Now if you don’t mind professor I need to go to sleep. I have class in the morning.”

There was a long silence as he turned his thoughts over in his mind. “Can I stay with you tonight?”

Hermione looked at him surprised, “Of course.”

They both changed into there sleep wear silently and slipped into Hermione’s bed. They wordlessly lay there, cuddle against each other. Each content for the first night that year….


Severus smiled, he hadn’t slept that night; just reveled in the feeling of her against him. He was brought out of his day dream by the door opening and Hermion and Ginny walking in.

“Miss Weasley, I am sorry for missing our appointment, please take a seat.”

“Yes sir.” Ginny moved to the desk chair and looked at her former Professor. “What did you want to see me for?”

“As you may be aware Madam Pomfrey is leaving at the end of this year and I am in search of a new medi-witch. I know you are still in classes but I was wondering if you would be willing to take on an early apprenticeship with Madam Pomfrey, and at the beginning of next term take over as the school medi-witch?”

“I would love that! I was going to apprentice at Saint Mungo’s after school anyway. Thank you so much sir.”

“You are going to be a member of the staff now Miss Weasley, you may call me Severus when not in the presence of students. Besides I think I shall be seeing a lot of you. You are one of my wife’s best friends after all.”

Ginny beamed at Severus, and then Hermione. She rushed to Hermione and wrapped her in a crushing hug. “This is going to be so great!”