Chapter 5

AN: Written for the SeverusBigBangBirthdayBash (Jan. 9, 2010). Many, many thanks to my betas, Alley B and sweettiff_14.

Disclaimer: I do not own HP. It all belongs to JKR. I make no money here.

Hermione threw herself at Severus, wrapping her arms around his neck. “Thank you, thank you. Oh, Severus. You won't regret this, I promise you.” Without thinking, she kissed him repeatedly, on his nose, his cheeks, his forehead. “Thank you, thank you...” she said over and over, her lips finally landing on his mouth. Suddenly she pulled away as she realized what she was doing. Embarrassed, she tried to disentangle herself from him.

“Oh, no you don't, minx, you're not getting away from me that easily,” he purred, pulling her closer and sealing his lips to hers.

When they finally came up for air, they discussed their plans. Severus told her she could still be the deputy headmistress, for if he was going to do this, he wanted to actually do it. It would be a chance to redeem himself and be the real headmaster of Hogwarts this time and not someone else's puppet.

They kissed a bit, plotted a bit, kissed a bit, then plotted some more. Knowing she was going to be working closely with Severus in the near future, Hermione decided not to rush into anything, but rather chose to savor their growing affections.

A few weeks later at Hogwarts, a huge press conference was about to start. Up front stood Madam Umbridge in her ever-present pink, looking quite pleased with herself. A group of flunkies surrounded her, awaiting the announcement of her appointment as headmistress and preparing to graciously accept jobs at her new Hogwarts.

An unusual group entered the back of the hall, composed of The Golden Trio themselves, various Weasleys, a former Minister of Magic, a group of Aurors, and the crack legal team of Malfoy, Zabini and Malfoy, among others.

“I object to these proceedings,” shouted Luna Malfoy.

“On what grounds?” inquired a pompous looking wizard who flanked Umbridge. “I assure you that the bylaw is entirely legal, and my client is here to claim her rightful place as Headmistress of Hogwarts.”

“Oh, we don't object to the bylaw, by all means, it is legal, and should stand,” stated Blaise Zabini. “But we are here to represent our client's interests, as we can prove there is a more valid claim than Madame Umbridge's.”

“Hem, hem...” Madam Umbridge interrupted, choosing to speak for herself. “I fear you are misreading the bylaw, Mr. Zabini.”

“I think not, Madam,” spoke up Draco Malfoy.

“It only applies to former headmistresses, not deputy headmistresses. Your client, Miss Granger, is ineligible to make a claim based on her time as deputy head.”

“Excuse me, Madam,” stated Luna, calmly, “but I believe it is you who are mistaken. Miss Granger is not our client.”

“But... but... I am the only living former headmistress.”

“You are certainly correct there, Madam. However, there is a former headmaster available.”

“There is not!” screamed Umbridge.

A figure stood from the crowd, throwing off his dark cloak.

“Oh, Dolores,” he purred, in that oh so distinctive voice. “I beg to differ. There most definitely is.”

“Snape!” she exclaimed. “But it can't be... you're dead!”

“Sorry to disappoint, I'm very much alive,” Severus said.

“And not only did our client hold the office of headmaster for very nearly a full year, you, Madam, officially were headmistress for just over eight weeks, from March 30th through June 4th of 1996,” declared Draco. “He also has sixteen years experience in the teaching professsion, making him a much better qualified candidate for the position.”

“And,” added Draco's lovely partner and wife, Luna, “all this is still in keeping within the guidelines of the bylaw.”

“Minister, we demand that you formally reinstate our client, Severus Snape, as Headmaster of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, immediately,” declared Blaise emphatically.

“No!” cried Umbridge. “You can't do this. It's not legal!”

The Minister, the youngest to hold that office for the past 300 years stepped forward. “Oh, I can and I will Madam Umbridge,” he stated. “You are, after all, the one who forced this issue in the first place.”

Stepping to the podium, he motioned Severus forward. Looking slightly puzzled, he complied while glancing questioningly back at Hermione. She realized then that she hadn't explained to him who the newest Minister of Magic was.

“I, Neville Longbottom, Minister of Magic, do formally hereby declare you, Severus Snape, to be the newest Headmaster of Hogwarts.” Shaking Severus' hand with a cheeky grin on his face, he added, “I'm sure you'll do a fine job, Professor.”

“Madam Umbridge,” he addressed the woman who looked on the verge of collapse, “perhaps it's time to consider retirement, my dear.”

Later that evening ensconced in the Headmaster's quarters, with a very relaxed and somewhat tipsy Hermione planted firmly on his lap, Severus scolded, “I can't believe you didn't tell me that Neville Longbottom became the Minister of Magic.”

“I can't believe that you've refused to read the news for the past twenty years.”

“And Draco married Lovegood, of all people, and they're both barristers? And partners with Zabini?”

“Well, yes. In more ways than one.”

He raised an eyebrow in question.

“Well, technically the two of them are married, but unofficially, they're actually a threesome.”

“What is the world coming to? I think you need to bring me up to speed on what's been going on here in the years I've been gone.”

“I can do that, Severus. But you were gone a long time. You have an awful lot of catching up to do,” she told him with a sly look.

“Well, I guess you'll have to stay by my side until the task is completed,” he said silkily, carrying her to his bedroom. “There are two weeks before the start of term.”

They weren't seen again until school started.

~fin~