An Unexpected Opportunity

Original Prompt: Snape still has some lingering side effects from Nagini's bite. One of them is that he loses his voice easily and often. He and Hermione are having a conversation, when his voice goes out at a very bad/frustrating/dangerous moment. What are they talking about? Why are they even having a conversation? It's all up to you!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

It was one of those blustery fall mornings, when Jack Frost was battling to keep Father Winter at bay. Deep underground, in the dungeon of Hogwarts Castle, Severus Snape was oblivious to the outside world. He was currently sitting in his personal suite before a warm, blazing fire. Fire had become a great comfort for Severus, and he tended to keep his rooms unusually warm.

A full decade had passed since the Battle of Hogwarts, and Severus' recovery from Nagini's attack had been a slow and lengthy process. Eventually, he had made a complete recovery of his strength and abilities. Brutal scarring, which covered the entire left side of his neck, was the only visible reminder of the attack. His customary manner of dress kept these scars hidden to all but his own eyes.

Still, Severus was plagued with a number of lingering side effects, some of which were brought on by stress. His difficulty maintaining warmth was the most persistent symptom and the reason for the constant fires in his private rooms. Outside of his own space, he relied on warming charms to keep the chills at bay, with no-one the wiser. His velvet voice had thankfully returned, but on rare occasions, he was plagued with it breaking, bringing a return of the raw, rasping sound he had suffered during his early days of recovery. There were times a sudden fever would spike, bringing with it delusional thoughts and visions. Thankfully, this was rare, as Nagini played a prominent role in these distressing hallucinations. Most rare of all was an on-set of temporary paralysis. As brief as it was rare, this troubling symptom left Severus feeling extremely vulnerable and fearful, as he was completely helpless. More than anything, these episodes brought the trauma of the attack back in full force.

~~~~~~

About two weeks after Potter and Granger's visit to Malfoy Manor, Minerva McGonagall had come to call. Severus feared he was going to be forced to endure an endless stream of Gryffindors, intent on purging their guilt over their treatment of Severus when they had believed him to be Voldemort's man.

The main source of Minerva's ire, however, turned out to be Dumbledore. She was furious that Dumbledore had put Severus in such a dangerous position with neither back-up or support.

"It is unforgivable, Severus," Minerva exclaimed in her crisp brogue. "I don't know what Albus was thinking. The greater good be damned."

"Albus knew that any additional risk jeopardized the plan. Besides, we didn't expect that I would survive the War. Albus hadn't factored on Lucius, and in truth, neither had I," Severus responded, his bitterness quite obvious.

Minerva had just been appointed Hogwarts' new headmistress by the school's Board of Governors. To Severus' great surprise, she offered him a post at Hogwarts, and the choice between teaching Potions or Defense Against the Dark Arts.

"Due to the recent revelations, I'm quite sure you would be considered as a serious candidate for deputy head, especially with my recommendation. I don't plan to remain Headmistress for more than a few years, and I do want to help prepare my successor," Minerva added.

To Severus' greater surprise, he found himself accepting her offer, with his own stipulations.

"You can be sure that I have no aspirations for the job of headmaster, ever again. That would allow Dumbledore the opportunity of advising me almost daily. Heavens, Minerva, I have not survived an all but certain death to find myself in that position again!" Severus said with surprising vigor, given the current status of his health.

"Of course, Severus," Minerva exclaimed. "Forgive me. I can't believe, I didn't consider..."

Severus held up a hand to forestall any further comments on the matter. He was eager to have her hear him out. "Let me finish, Minerva, before my better sense returns. It is with much surprise that I find your offer most attractive. That is, if we can come to an agreement about my role and responsibilities. I realize that our youth will continue to need a strong foundation in Defense; however, I've witnessed more violence for violence's sake than I care to admit. I find I would be far more eager to return to my first vocation. The subtle science and exact art of Potions is the balm my soul craves right now. I have been thinking that I would be seeking a place to employ my Potions skills.

"Yet that is not what would draw me back to Hogwarts. What I truly desire is to become the Head of Slytherin House again. I feel there is much purpose in that position, now. It is time for Slytherin House to live up to its noble name. For several generations now, Slytherin House has been misguided from within and maligned from without. I will make it my purpose to lead Slytherin House on a new path."

Minerva had been struck by Severus' new fervor. She could not recall ever seeing such enthusiasm from him. She knew it bode well for the Slytherins. Horace Slughorn had already agreed to stay, but only until Minerva could replace him. He could continue to teach Potions and head Slytherin until Severus was well enough to take over. This would ensure a smooth transition for both students and staff.

So it was that Professor Severus Snape returned to Hogwarts, as both Potions master and Head of Slytherin House. It was the second year of school following the Battle of Hogwarts. The Wizarding World had moved past the initial post-war era of celebration, mourning and meting out retribution to war criminals. Severus began the wholesale effort of rehabilitating Slytherin House. His stature as a war hero validated his ability to lead the Slytherins in a new direction.

With each passing year, he could see and feel the progress. It was evident in how the Slytherin students felt about themselves and their role in the school, and it was evident in how the other houses treated the Slytherins. Their essential qualities, the things that made them uniquely Slytherin, remained unchanged. It was the association with the Dark Arts and the use of underhanded, anything-goes-to-win tactics that was becoming part of the past.

Change was also evident in Severus. He was still an intense and driven wizard with great passion for his work. To the outside world he was still a serious, dour individual, possessing a sarcastic, sometimes biting, wit. Yet, his colleagues saw that he was no longer so bitter and that old petty behaviors had disappeared. He still favored the Slytherins, but no longer unfairly, and his prejudice against Gryffindors, if not gone, was certainly less blatant. He had found a sense of purpose and was no longer being driven by regret and guilt.

When Severus had originally joined the Hogwarts faculty, already under an agreement with Dumbledore, he was one of the youngest faculty members Hogwarts had ever hired. It was only his status as a Potions master that had given him enough authority to earn acceptance as an equal with the other professors.

Upon his post-war return, it became apparent that many faculty members would retire over the next few years. Minerva had a daunting task ahead, replacing several august faculty members. The first turnover had occurred two years ago, when Professor Vector had vacated the Arithmancy post. While not as young as Severus when he had first joined the staff, Hermione Granger's appointment finally allowed Severus to relinquish the title of youngest faculty member at Hogwarts.

It was no surprise to anyone that Minerva would hire Hermione. There was no question that she was more than qualified for the appointment. In fact, it was considered quite a coup to land her for the position. There had been many attempts to lure Ms. Granger back to wizarding Britain. Few knew that she had long harbored a deep desire to return to Hogwarts as a professor.

After the war, everyone had expected Hermione to play a prominent role in wizarding Britain. Instead, she had remained very low key, living with her parents. For the first couple of years, she simply worked through the post-trauma symptoms of war. Eventually, she devised an independent study regime for herself and moved abroad to pursue educational opportunities. She had studied Charms in Paris and Potions in Budapest. Later, she accepted an apprenticeship under a Master Arithmancer in Athens. Here she assisted in the locating and translating of ancient, lost Arithmancy texts. She was still in Athens when Minerva contacted her about Professor Vector's retirement.

Not long after Hermione's arrival, Minerva asked both Severus and Hermione to serve on a new committee to improve inter-house relationships. Severus was the only Head of House on the committee, but his reforms of Slytherin were model for intra-house improvements. Minerva asked Hermione to represent Gryffindor, while Hufflepuff and Ravenclaw were represented by apprentices to Sprout and Flitwick. The first meeting was held at the Three Broomsticks. Minerva stopped by to review objectives and then left the committee to their planning.

After a fairly productive discussion, the two younger colleagues took their leave and returned to the castle. Severus and Hermione began a discussion on recent studies in Alchemy, involving both Potions and Arithmancy. They were quite surprised to find Madam Rosmerta, with a slightly amused expression, standing at their table to announce closing. They were the only two patrons remaining.

Severus had been surprised to find how pleasant it was to spend time in Hermione's company. Others were not at all surprised by the friendship forming between these two kindred spirits. The only question was where their relationship was headed. Hermione had been on staff for around eighteen months, when a new appointment threw the comfortable feelings of friendship Severus had formed for Hermione off-kilter.

The retirement of Professor Sprout, Head of Hufflepuff and Herbology Professor, resulted in the appointment of another Gryffindor alumni from Hermione's class. There was very little surprise that Pomona Sprout had handpicked Neville Longbottom as her replacement. Of course, Longbottom could not take over the duties of Head of Hufflepuff House. This honor was bestowed on the professor who had taken the post of Muggle Studies after the war. This witch was so quiet and non-descript that Severus always had difficulty recalling her name, a problem that amused Hermione to Severus' ire.

Severus had escaped many of his earlier demons and found life in general much more bearable, at times even pleasant, but he still did not suffer fools easily. Longbottom had been an irritant in his life far too long for him to welcome the young man back to Hogwarts with grace. He really questioned Professor Sprout's judgment here, even if he respected Longbottom's stance against the Hogwarts administration under Voldemort, including himself. He was determined to try and give Longbottom a chance.

When Longbottom did join the staff, Severus had to admit that the young man was nothing like the frightened adolescent of his past. What he was not prepared for was how Hermione's easy friendship with her old schoolmate would affect him. Whenever he saw the two of them conversing, he felt a rage slowly simmer in his gut. He found himself pondering what Hermione felt for Longbottom. It was true that he had seen nothing to indicate feelings deeper than friendship. If he was honest about it, he would have to confess that Hermione appeared to seek out his own company more often than that dunderhead. It was the mere fact that any of this bothered him that was truly disturbing. He really didn't want to put a name on the emotions he was experiencing.

~~~~~~

As Severus sat in front of his fire, he pondered the previous night and the revelations from Minerva. He had been celebrating an extremely sweet victory in Quidditch. Slytherin had flattened Gryffindor in the first match of the season, and Minerva was settling their bet, a case of excellent Scotch from her home village. Severus insisted that they open a bottle and drink to their health. He knew Minerva would refuse to drink to a Slytherin victory, so he made that toast silently. The Gryffindor Quidditch team had graduated the best of their talent last spring. They were in a rebuilding year, while Slytherin was at the top of their game. He knew the Quidditch Cup was Slytherin's to lose this year.

Minerva and Severus sat comfortably ensconced in deep, comfortable armchairs in front of the fire in her sitting room. Both of them allowed the warm glow of the whiskey and the fire to seep into their bones.

"We had quite a good turnout from alumni, today," Minerva stated in an effort to move away from a Quidditch dominated conversation.

"Indeed." Severus smirked, his eyes trained on the fire. "Quite the usual suspects on both sides, plus a few notable Ravenclaws and Hufflepuffs were present. I believe I even saw Ms. Lovegood. Doesn't she work in the far-flung corners of the earth?"

"You should get used to seeing Luna, Severus," Minerva explained. "I believe she will be a frequent visitor now that Neville has joined the staff."

Severus' eyes flew to Minerva's, his relaxed posture disappearing. "Luna... Neville"? Severus looked at Minerva with confusion.

"You heard me, Severus," Minerva admonished with a bit of a Dumbledorian twinkle sneaking in. "Hermione has been helping Luna keep in touch with Neville. It has been a bit of a conspiracy. I'm afraid poor Neville doesn't stand a chance. Before he knows it, those girls will have him married to Luna. I must admit they do make a sweet couple. What do you think, Severus?" Minerva inquired. "I wonder if Luna will continue to travel for her studies? Severus?"

Severus was still looking at Minerva, but his eyes were a bit unfocused as he processed what Minerva was telling him. He finally realized that Minerva had stopped speaking and was looking at him. "And does Longbottom care for Ms. Lovegood?" Severus tried to make the comment sound as if he was bored with the conversation and merely humoring Minerva. The damn woman began to twinkle again.

"We believe so. Neville has always been so painfully shy, as I'm sure you know," she answered.

"What I know is that he has been painful," Severus retorted, still trying for an air of his usual sarcasm. However his next words betrayed him. "So, Hermione doesn't fancy Neville? She always appears so warm toward him."

Minerva gave Severus a full-on twinkle this time. He felt himself grip the armchair hard to refrain from a nasty remark. "Severus, Hermione has a habit of collecting surrogate brothers for friends. She cares for Neville in the same way she cares for Ron and Harry. We all know quite well who Hermione fancies."

Severus glared at Minerva, willing her to continue. He couldn't bear to ask. "Really, Severus, I think you're as shy as Neville." Minerva teased, but her voice was warm and caring. "It's you, you silly boy. She can't take her eyes off you when you're around. And I imagine from your behavior that the feelings are mutual. Would you please ask the girl out to dinner or something? We are all getting tired of her mooning over you."

Minerva's address of 'you silly boy' didn't even garner a retort from Severus. He was feeling quite gob-smacked by Minerva's pronouncement. Picking up the previously forgotten whiskey, he downed the remaining liquid in one gulp. Then he rose from his comfortable chair and, stepping over to the hearth, he placed both hands on the mantle. He wasn't sure of how he felt except a numbed shock. "She only cares for Neville as a friend," his brain kept repeating.

He knew his concern over Hermione's possible feelings about Neville had bothered him. He felt a deep sense of relief. He hadn't allowed himself to analyze his own feelings for Hermione, but now he had to admit he had formed an attachment to her. He was still unclear about what he wanted from her. Just understanding this was enough right now, but was Minerva right? Did Hermione return his affections? He needed reassurance.

"Minerva," Severus finally managed to address his colleague, who was both his employer and old friend. "Are you certain about Hermione's regards for me?" He felt stupid, like a love-struck teenager, even asking such a thing.

Minerva joined him at the fireplace. "Yes, Severus, I'm quite certain. Not only do I have the benefit of two good eyes in my head, I hear things, as well. Just this morning Hermione had her head together with Luna when you joined us at the breakfast table. She didn't know you were there before you made a comment about what a wonderful morning for Quidditch. If you could have seen her face when she heard you right behind her, Severus. You remained only long enough for a cup of that horrid black coffee you drink, and once you left, Luna asked her straight out about you. It seems the effect you had on Hermione wasn't lost on her either. Hermione replied very quietly, and they had their heads together again. I'm sure she had no idea I could still hear her."

Severus turned to look at Minerva, who was standing to his right. "So, what if I use a little amplification charm at the breakfast table? It is a great opportunity to learn what is going on in the castle," Minerva answered Snape's questioning look with no remorse. "Let's get back to the matter at hand: Hermione told Luna that you have the sexiest voice she has ever heard." Severus had returned his face to the fire and was feeling his cheeks burn, but he knew that the fire was not the cause.

"She also told Luna that you seem to enjoy sneaking up on her in the library, and that when your voice startles her, it does things to her that she feels should be illegal." Minerva's cheeks turned a bit pink as she made that revelation. "Luna went on to tell Hermione that you were perfect for each other, and she'd bet her new Erumpent horn that the two of you would be a couple before the New Year."

"How did Hermione respond to such a comment?" Snape was unsure he wanted to know. Maybe his voice was all that Hermione found attractive. At the same time, he knew he would take full advantage of this new-found knowledge.

"Hermione told Luna that she hoped that Luna was right. She then went on to say that she wished she could work up the courage to ask you out, but found she was too shy to do so. I left them discussing various ways to make you aware of Hermione's feelings. I believe Luna suggested the need to purge any Wrackspurts." At this, Severus made a scoffing noise.

"Severus," Minerva began again, "I know you are a proud man and also intensely private, and you have endured rejection from family, friends, and those who you held in the highest regard." Snape felt a lump in his throat at Minerva's words. "For these past few years, I have seen you more at peace than I ever hoped.

"I honestly feel that if you take the opportunity before you and begin to court a young woman who is obviously smitten with you, your current peace will be a mere shadow of the happiness you may find." Minerva placed her left hand on his shoulder. "Severus, Hermione is nothing like Lily Potter."

~~~~~~

Severus had slept little that night. As he sat by his fire, events and conversations from the previous day kept replaying. He was tempted to borrow Albus' old Penseive and review certain memories with a new perspective. The Quidditch victory kept his spirits high. Whenever self-doubt or just plain old nerves flared, he would remember the victory and the promise of a championship year. He would also remember the conversation between Hermione and Luna that Minerva had revealed, and how this also offered promise. He just had to be bold and seize the opportunity.

He knew Hermione's typical schedule, and it had become a habit of his to join her at the library during the time she set aside for research. It had become a bit of a game to sneak up on her and enjoy her startled reaction when he made his presence known. He had been unaware of the totality of his effect on her. Now he would use it to his advantage.

Severus began to plan what he hoped would be a memorable date with Miss Granger. He had picked up lots of information about her likes and dislikes during their friendship. He wanted to be sure he was correct, down to the smallest of details. He knew he needed an ally who knew Hermione as well as themselves.

"Potter." The name had swum forward in his mind.

"She cares for him like a brother." Severus recalled Minerva saying. Yes, Severus thought. The boy treated him with a bit of hero worship since the war. It always made Severus uncomfortable when it was necessary to be in the same place as Potter. Then Hermione had told Severus how glad she was that he was able to be cordial to the boy.

Well, here was Potter's chance. He could answer questions about Hermione for Severus, and make sure he planned a perfect evening for their first date. It was about time he found a good use for Potter.