Chapter 11

Chapter 11

The staff had been assembled in the teacher's lounge. They all sat around comfortably, awaiting the beginning of the meeting. Hermione sat next to Septima Vector, and the two were chatting amicably. They stopped their conversation when Severus stalked in. Hermione marveled at how the man could command a room without even saying a word. Everyone had grown silent and was now staring at him as he made his way to the front of the room and took one of the two seats set there. He was followed by Minerva, who nodded and smiled at everyone as she entered.

"Thank you all for being on time," Minerva said as she sat in the empty seat next to Severus.

"Our first order of business is to officially introduce the new faculty." She looked to Hermione. "Hermione Granger will be taking over my position as Transfiguration professor."

Everyone looked at her. Minerva moved her gaze to another woman sitting across from Hermione. "Carolyn Edwards will be taking over as Muggle Studies professor."

Everyone nodded to Carolyn.

"And Severus Snape will be assuming the Defense Against the Dark Arts position and will serve as the Deputy Headmaster."

All eyes were drawn to the dour man sitting beside the Headmistress.

Minerva stood and passed out class rosters to the faculty. "There are several new students entering this year, and we need to go over the new first-years," she explained.

Soon the faculty was deep in conversation about students.

Hermione scanned the names in front of her. "Roland Duvall," she mused. "He's been a student here before."

"And shouldn't be returning," Severus said under his breath.

That caused Minerva to glare at him.

"Mr. Duvall is a returning student, yes. I put him on the list because he has already arrived," Minerva explained.

"He had deep Death Eater ties during the war. He'll need to be watched closely," Severus interjected.

Minerva glared at him again. "Thank you, Severus." She turned back to the room at large. "He's here because, as Severus said, he fought against us during the battle, but he's also here for a second chance. Yes, keep an eye on him, but please give him the chance he deserves."

The staff all nodded in unison before they moved on to the next name.

After awhile, all the pertinent business was taken care of, and Minerva sat back, motioning to the staff that they might stay and visit one another. She gave a sidelong glance to Severus, who was about to get up. He sank back in his chair with a frown. Hermione bit the inside of her cheek to keep from giggling at him.

Hermione's attention was drawn back to Septima as she began to converse about a new type of parchment that she'd just heard about.

"It's spelled to anticipate what you're going to write and finish words for you," Septima explained.

Hermione looked duly impressed. "Really? I wonder if it works right. I can see it making up words you have no intention of using!"

Septima chuckled. "That's definitely a possibility. It's a new product, too. Sometimes they need to work the kinks out of those."

"Still, I'd like to try it out," Hermione mused.

Septima nodded.

"I need to make a trip into Hogsmeade today. I'll look for it," Hermione ventured.

Septima smiled. "Oh, if you find it, get some for me too!"

Hermione nodded as Septima rose. "I need to go rearrange my lounge," Septima explained. "The numbers showed me this morning that I'll get more accomplished if I move my sofa near the window. I'll see you later, Hermione."

Hermione grinned as the other woman left. Her gaze then wandered over to Severus. He looked incredibly uncomfortable. He fidgeted slightly, which was something he never did. His gaze was drawn down into his lap and from what she could see of his mouth, he was frowning. Minerva had gotten up and was chatting with Filius and Pomona, so the chair next to him was empty.

Hermione got up and sat down in it. "Hi, Severus," she said cheerily.

Severus looked up, a bit startled, but Hermione couldn't tell if it was because she'd been too boisterous or whether he was surprised that she'd come over at all. She figured it was the latter, given his state of mind as of late. She was hoping to help a little with that today, but it would depend on his mood, she was sure. She took a deep breath and plunged forward.

"I need to go to Hogsmeade today. I was wondering if you'd like to join me?"

Severus arched an eyebrow.

She tried to sweeten the deal. "We could get lunch."

Severus looked her over before responding. "What time did you want to go?"

She grinned broadly. "How about in an hour?"

He nodded curtly, then went back to studying his lap. Hermione felt a strong desire to wrap him in a hug, but she restrained herself. He'd surely call St. Mungo's if she did something like that. She did lean forward in an attempt to look at his face.

"Severus?"

He glanced at her.

"What's wrong?"

"I do not appreciate having to sit here and endure all this endless drivel."

"Would you rather go to Hogsmeade now?" she asked.

Relief flooded his face. "That would be a welcome distraction. I will meet you in the entry hall in fifteen minutes."

Hermione rose. "All right, I'll see you then."

Severus stared into his closet. It was much too warm to wear his usual black attire. He needed something a bit lighter for a trip to Hogsmeade. Grabbing a tan shirt and blue slacks, he quickly changed. Rushing to the bathroom, he ran a comb through his hair. He really didn't know why he bothered; his hair was a limp, hopeless mess. No amount of combing would change that.

Turning, he made his way into the lounge. He was just about to exit when a throat cleared from behind him. Severus debated ignoring the bid for attention, but he was curious to find out what the old coot wanted. He slowly turned and walked over to the picture frame.

"Dumbledore," he acknowledged.

"Ah, Severus, where are you off to?"

"I am going to Hogsmeade."

"With whom?" Dumbledore asked innocently.

Severus' eyebrows knit together. "Is it really any of your business?"

The portrait shrugged. "I was just wondering who you were dressing up for?"

Severus' eyes grew wide with indignation. "For your information, it is still the middle of summer. It is hot outside. I do not want to turn into a sweaty mess because I'm wearing black."

"Ah," Dumbledore said as he nodded. "Not trying to impress anyone then?"

"I assure you, Miss Granger would never be impressed by anything I would put on!"

"Miss Granger? Now, now, Severus, do tell what is going on!"

The annoying old man had the audacity to twinkle at him! He sneered right back.

"Can you keep your nose out of my life, please? Whom I choose to have for friends is none of your business."

"Now, now, I thought you didn't have any friends."

Rage filled Severus. He pulled the frame from the wall and was about to throw it in the fire. Dumbledore was raising a ruckus, though, and he paused.

"Severus! Don't do anything hasty!"

He turned the portrait over and smirked at Albus. "You know I'll do it," he threatened.

The twinkle had left Dumbledore's eyes.

"Now leave me be," Severus snarled, "before you become nothing but ashes!"

Albus frowned, but nodded curtly. Against Severus' better judgment, he placed the frame back in its place. Narrowing an eye at his former employer, he spun around and headed out the door. As he left his room, he rolled his eyes as he heard Dumbledore tell him to enjoy his date.

Hermione's breath caught when she saw Severus. He seemed rather relaxed, his hands resting in his pants pockets as he walked smoothly toward her. His choice of clothing was what amazed her the most. She admired his form, which was usually hidden behind his billowy robes. She felt her stomach do flip-flops and quickly tried to calm herself down.

"Wow!" she exclaimed.

"Wow?" Severus asked with an arched eyebrow.

"You really should wear clothes like that more often. You look nice."

The look of shock on Severus' face had been well worth her comment. She smiled brightly at him and began moving out of the building. After a moment's pause, she heard him rush to catch up with her.

"So, where do you want to go first?" she asked.

"This is your excursion; I will go where you need to go."

"Don't you need anything?"

"I need some things from the apothecary, but we should visit there last, as the ingredients I need should be stored as soon as possible."

Hermione nodded. They continued walking. Suddenly, Severus stopped and bent low. Off the side of the path grew a small patch of peppermint. He examined the plants, moving them back and forth, before extracting a knife from his pocket.

"These are in excellent condition," he mused as he cut the peppermint. "I never noticed them growing here."

Hermione chuckled. She was met with a sharp glare. "Sorry," she apologized. "I just think it's humorous that you'd drop everything to harvest a small bunch of peppermint."

An arched eyebrow met her gaze. "This coming from the swot of Hogwarts? I believe you spent more time in the library than in your own common room. I would think you would understand the need to bury oneself in one's work over all else."

She regarded him thoughtfully. "I suppose you're right. I'm sure I'd drop everything if a Transfiguration magazine was sitting along the side of the road."

Severus nodded as he finished harvesting. However, he seemed perturbed as he stood and placed the plants in a small bag and put it into his pocket.

"That didn't take too long, did it?" he asked with a frown.

"No, of course it didn't. I was just teasing. Haven't you heard of a friendly tease?"

Severus knitted his brows together. "I find teasing to have negative connotations."

Hermione realized her error. Of course he'd be prickly about teasing. He'd spent his entire youth being teased.

"I didn't mean it that way. I would never tease you like that. I do find it funny that you just about jumped on those poor plants."

"I did not jump on the plants!" he hissed.

He started off without her. She frowned before going after him. Reaching out, she grabbed his arm to halt his movement. She turned him to her. He refused to look up.

"Severus?"

Finally turning, he glared at her.

"Severus, I'm sorry. I didn't mean to offend you."

He didn't seem convinced.

Hermione's shoulders sagged. "Look," she said apologetically. "I don't know much about your youth, but from what I do know, it wasn't pleasant. I hope you don't think I'm the type of person who pokes fun at other people's expense. I've always found that type of behavior to be reprehensible."

"I know, Hermione," Severus said quietly.

"You do realize I have too much respect for you to treat you like that?"

She watched as he regarded her. There was a gleam in his eyes she couldn't place.

"Let's just forget it," he said. "I overreacted."

She grinned at him. "I fully understand. I have a tendency to take myself too seriously. I'm working on reacting less severely to things I think are affronts."

She moved next to him before they proceeded into the town.

After a long while, Severus spoke quietly. "Do you find you are succeeding at that?"

She glanced over at him with a rueful smile. "It's rather hit-or-miss actually. It oftentimes depends on who is delivering the comment. With Harry and Ron, even if they say something that seems rude, I'm comfortable enough with them and know them well enough to understand that they're just poking fun.

"With others it's harder for me to gauge. It's only been in the past year that I've become comfortable with myself and my abilities. I've a bit of an inferiority complex. Sometimes people's teasing hurts my feelings. I need to work hard to see comments from others' points of view. It's then when I can usually see that an offhand comment was just that, not something meant to be a cutting remark."

Severus had been watching her as she spoke. He seemed to be impressed with what she said. "You are wiser than your years, Hermione Granger," he remarked.

"War will do that to a person," she admitted.

"Indeed."

Hermione quickly took in the large stacks filled with parchment. She didn't even know where to begin. Wandering to the back of the shop, she smiled at the shopkeeper, an older wizard with thinning hair.

"Do you have the new parchment that self-corrects?" she asked the man.

"Third stack on the left, bottom shelf," the man directed.

Hermione went over, closely followed by Severus.

"What did you say you are looking for?" he asked her.

"It's a paper Septima was speaking about. It completes the words you begin, theoretically making writing much easier."

Severus huffed. "What if it fills in the wrong word?"

Hermione smiled to herself. "I had the same thought."

Locating the paper, she pulled about ten sheets off the top and returned to the shopkeeper.

"I'll take these," she told him, placing some sickles on the table. The man took three of them and pushed the rest back at Hermione. She thanked him, and they left the store.

"Are you hungry yet?" Hermione asked.

Severus nodded.

"Madam Puddifoot's then?"

Severus' head shot up, and he glared at her.

She chuckled. "The Hog's Head?"

"You go from one extreme to the other!" Severus declared.

"Just kidding," she explained, the grin not leaving her face. "Is the Three Broomsticks all right?"

A voice interrupted them from behind. "You should be ashamed to show your face in this town!"

Hermione and Severus turned to see a man glaring at them. Hermione narrowed her eyes at him.

"I beg your pardon?" she asked.

The man pointed at Severus. "You think you got away with murder, but you'll get yours! Not everyone is duped by your lies!"

Severus raised his wand, but Hermione's hand stilled it.

"And what, sir, did you do for the war effort?" she asked.

The man looked to her. "Ah, I'm a bit surprised that he's even duped you, Miss Granger. All the papers said you were the brains of the Potter operation, yet you come to this man's defense. Surely you can see that he is nothing but a liar trying to avoid punishment."

Hermione's hand clenched in anger. "I repeat, sir, what was your contribution to the war? While Severus Snape was risking his life at Voldemort's side, were you cowering in a corner, praying that you would go unnoticed by the evil that had taken over? When Hogsmeade was overrun by Death Eaters, did you raise your wand against them, or did you blindly follow like a dog?"

Anger filled her face as she drew closer to the man, who was now backing away.

"You dare to judge Severus Snape? I know your kind. You're too busy cowering when there is danger, but you can't keep your mouth from running off to criticize when someone else steps in and does all the dirty work." She pointed back at Severus. "You should be kissing his boots and thanking him for saving you and the rest of us. But no, all you can see is the bad. Open your eyes, and see the good for a change!"

She turned and stalked away from the man. Severus glared at him before turning also and following. Hermione walked quickly until they reached a small alley. She turned abruptly and went into it, leaning against the wall of one of the shops. She looked up and huffed.

Severus watched her. She was infuriated. "You know, you don't need to defend me," he snapped.

Her head moved down, and she glared at him. "I wasn't just doing it for you. I can't stand people like that!" She folded her arms in front of her. "Besides, you don't deserve to be spoken to in that manner."

Severus worked hard to keep the amazement from his face. Not only had she fought like a lioness for him, she was now trying to bolster his ego. He didn't know what to say, so he said what he always did.

"I am a grown man, Hermione. I can fend for myself!"

She stood straight and clenched her fists. "Fine! Then fend for yourself. Hex the oaf and get sent to Azkaban. I don't care." She moved away, then swung back to face him. "I am your friend, you know. Friends stick up for one another. But if you'd rather be alone... so be it!"

She turned once again and moved away from him. Severus spun around and grasped her arm.

"Wait!" he said.

She tensed beneath him, but stopped walking.

"I am not used to people defending me."

He felt her relax slightly.

"I am unaccustomed to it and am not good at gratitude."

She spun around then. "So, this is your way of thanking me? By berating me for coming to your defense?"

He had the good sense to look embarrassed. "Yes?" he winced.

She looked him up and down. "That explains a lot," she mused before turning and beginning to walk away again.

His hand reached out, and he tugged at her arm again.

"Hermione..."

She stopped again.

"The last time someone came to my defense, they were secretly smirking at me."

She turned and gave him a quizzical look.

"My faith in people dissolved that day," he continued.

She swallowed hard before speaking again. "Severus, I promise you, I wouldn't do anything like that. It's so two-faced. My friends are dear to me. I would never make fun of them in that way."

Severus looked to the ground. Hermione's words rang true. From what he'd seen of her, she was fiercely loyal. Of course, he'd thought that Lily had been fiercely loyal also. Her words when defending him years ago had seemed to show her loyalty, but that smirk, small, yet blinding, directed at Potter, had proven to him that even the closest of friends... even those you loved... could betray you. His terse reply to Lily's concern had sealed their future. His embarrassment and let-down had caused him to snarl the most hated epithet at her that he could.

Hermione moved a step closer to him, causing him to look up.

"You do realize that, don't you?" she asked tentatively.

He searched her face. He settled on her eyes, looking for duplicity. She looked at him earnestly.

Do I realize that? After all this time, can I let myself trust her?

Something within him assured him that he could, but he was wary nonetheless.

"I would like to think that you are not like that," he sighed.

She stared at him, and he waited for her response. Something within him feared that she would ostracize him now, realizing how broken he was and not wanting to deal with it. He didn't know what to think when she nodded at him.

"I understand. I hope that someday you will have no doubts about my intentions."

She looked down to the ground and seemed troubled about something.

"You are upset with me," he stated.

She raised her head quickly and shook it. "No, I'm not. Friends or not, we are just getting to know one another. You can't be expected to know everything about me. I imagine if I had to do all that you did secretly, I would be wary of others' intentions and motives also."

"Then what is it? Something is bothering you."

"No, really, it's nothing." She began to bite her bottom lip. "I... I was just sorry to hear that your experiences with others have been so negative."

Frowning, Severus decided to avoid that topic. "I am surprised more people like that gentleman haven't accosted me sooner."

"His opinions aren't what everyone else is thinking."

"So very trusting of the world, Miss Granger. I am surprised that your dealings with others during this war haven't tainted your view of humanity."

Her lips thinned as she thought of what to say. "Not everyone has an agenda."

His gaze was penetrating. He could tell he was making her uncomfortable. "We should move along. I find I'm in need of a drink."

She nodded in relief as they left the alleyway and headed for the pub.

Severus stalked along the dungeon hallways, making his way back to his room. Aside from the encounter with the dunderhead, his outing to Hogsmeade had been pleasant. Although the accusatory man's opinions of him hadn't surprised him in the slightest, the defense he'd received from Hermione had.

He had known before that for some reason she tolerated him. He hadn't realized, however, that she considered him a friend. It was really quite remarkable that she would. What was also remarkable was that her declaration of friendship had warmed his heart.

He wasn't exactly sure if he was happy about that feeling or not. He'd worked hard to bury his emotions. Being a spy had ensured the need of that. Since his awakening from the snake bite, he'd still kept those emotions buried, protective of them. He'd been hurt too many times to just let himself be duped by his former friends. Because of Dumbledore's plan, they were supposed to have thought him the worst possible person. Despite that fact, it had still dismayed Severus that everyone was so quick to accept him as evil. No one had seemed to question his motives for killing Dumbledore. It was then that he'd realized even those who professed to be his friends truly weren't. It was at that moment of realization that he'd felt the most alone that he ever had.

So, this sudden declaration of friendship had caught him by surprise. He didn't know what to think of it. Could Hermione Granger be a true friend, or would she become just like everyone else who knew him...quick to judge with no true faith in him?

He pushed down the spark of hope that had lit within him. He was not one to let himself hope for things... they never went his way.

Still, perhaps a little faith in her would be appropriate. She'd only treated him with respect. Perhaps she was being genuine in her proclamation that they were friends. Perhaps...

Severus rounded the corner, then ducked back into the shadows. The Duvall boy was in the hallway, crouched low with his wand extended. Severus watched him curiously, wondering what mischief the boy was up to. A spell left the young man's wand, and Severus heard a squeal coming from the corner Duvall was facing.

He rushed up to the boy. "Mr. Duvall, what is it you are doing?"

Severus peered over the boy, who had turned abruptly and stared at him smugly. Over Duvall's shoulder, he saw a rat trembling on the ground.

"You are torturing animals?" he asked in amazement.

"The rat deserved it. Ran out right in front of me," Duvall explained haughtily.

Severus felt apprehension surge through him. If Duvall cursed rats just for being rats, what would he do when the other students came along?

"You are to control your urges to lash out, Mr. Duvall. This behavior is unacceptable."

Roland Duvall straightened up. "Yes, sir," he said.

At least the boy still has respect left.

"Ten points from Slytherin. Go back to your common room. I do not want to see you out again tonight."

"Yes, sir," the young man said.

He watched Duvall turn and grumble to himself about not being able to have any fun. He stared after the boy warily. If this was his idea of fun, they were in for a rough year. He hoped Minerva wouldn't be proven wrong for her soft heart.

A/N: Many thanks to my wonderful beta, slytherinlaurel. And thanks to talesofsnape for the beautiful banner! You rock!

All I can say is... just when he's starting to trust...