The Road to Hell (Part One)

Disclaimer: Nothing's changed. It still all belongs to JK Rowling.

A/N: Firstly, I'd like to convey my heartfelt thanks to Snarkyroxy for beta-ing 'Epiphany' thus far and for all her help and encouragement over the last few months. As you may be aware, Snarky has dropped out of the fandom and so no longer felt able to continue. Much to my relief, WickedlyWanton has stepped into the breach and kindly agreed to Beta for me in Snarky's place. Secondly, therefore, I would like to thank her for taking me on and for beta-ing this chapter.

All in all, Hermione thought as she strode purposefully towards the kitchen, it was probably for the best that she tackle Harry alone. Severus' presence would no doubt only serve to inflame things further, and Harry was going to create enough of a fuss as it was. After such a lovely start to the day, Hermione wasn't really in the mood for a slanging match. She hoped she would be able to calm Harry down without getting angry herself, even though she knew the chances of that happening were pretty slim. Somehow, she just had to think of a way of making him come to terms with the situation.

He's got no choice other than to accept it, anyway, Hermione thought grimly. Severus is non-negotiable.

Rounding the corner, the sound of raised voices coming through the open door to the kitchen slowed her progress. She stopped to listen.

'How could she...'

'The bastard...'

'Little trollop...'

'I'll kill him...'

'After all he did for her...'

'She was like family...'

Oh, God. Hermione's heart sank. It sounded like the entire Order was present, and from the snatches of conversation she could hear, Harry had evidently been unable to keep his mouth shut. Still, she had done nothing to be ashamed of. Taking a deep breath, Hermione stuck out her chin and marched into the kitchen. She glanced around accusingly at the sea of faces that quickly turned towards her and, just as quickly, turned away again. There was a lot of embarrassed coughing and much shuffling of feet as the discussion came to an abrupt halt.

Harry opened his mouth as if to say something but shut it again when he saw the expression on Hermione's face. Hermione waited, arms folded, for someone to speak. No one, however, seemed prepared to look her in the eye.

'Well,' she challenged, 'is there something anyone would like to say – to my face, that is?'

There was an awkward silence before Ginny, finally, found her voice. 'Is it true, Hermione?' she asked tentatively. 'Are you really having an affair with Snape?'

'I'd like to see her deny it,' said Harry.

An affair? This precious, beautiful thing... How dare they make it sound so cheap? Hermione would have been furious with Ginny if she hadn't looked so distressed. As it was, she could only feel pity at her lack of understanding. Hermione hesitated a moment while she considered how best to answer the question. She would be nothing less than honest, although the brutal truth would be hard for the Weasleys to take. Nevertheless, she had to at least try to soften the blow for their sakes – she owed them that much.

'First of all,' Hermione said, ignoring Harry and turning to Molly, 'I want you to know that I had no intention of hiding this from you and that I'm sorry you found out about us this way.' Hermione gave Harry a withering look.

'You ought to be ashamed of yourself,' Harry interrupted.

'I'm not, Harry,' Hermione retorted. 'Far from it.'

'Well, you should be. It's disgusting,' Harry said accusingly. 'He's old enough to be your father – '

'Age has nothing to do with it!'

Harry shook his head. 'How could you so soon after Ron...? I thought you loved him?'

'I did, Harry,' Hermione replied. 'Of course I did. You know that.'

'Do I? All I know for certain is that you got over him pretty fast.' Harry's voice almost broke. 'You know, Ron told me once that there was someone else, but Snape? For fuck sake, Hermione–'

'What do you mean?' Hermione asked sharply. 'What did Ron tell you?'

Harry took a few steps closer. 'He told me that there had been someone else, someone you... cared about.' He sneered. 'But he was sure you'd get over it – sure you'd come to love him as much as he loved you.'

'Wha – ? No, no... It wasn't like that. Honestly. We tried... but...'

'For someone so bright, Hermione, you can be incredibly thick at times.' Harry looked around the room as if seeking confirmation. 'Do I have to spell it out? Ron. Was. In. Love. With. You. And all the time he fretted over you, looked after you, you were just using him. You were in love with that... that git!'

Hermione stared at him in shock. 'I-I had no idea,' she admitted. Had she been so caught up in her own misery not to notice the true depth of Ron's feelings for her? He had never said anything. Why hadn't he said anything? She felt rather small, stupid and suddenly in need of some fresh air. Just as she was about to turn and run, she felt a reassuring presence move up behind her and a supporting hand laid upon her shoulder. Gratefully, Hermione covered Severus' fingers with her own and took comfort in the strength he was offering her. It was all right now. She would get through this.

'Harry...' Hermione said slowly, 'I want you to try and imagine something.' She paused. 'If I had died on the battlefield, would you have grieved for me?'

'Of course I would have,' Harry replied, glaring at Severus. 'What's that got to do with anything?'

'You would have mourned a friend and then got on with your life?'

'I don't understand.'

'What if Ginny had died, Harry?' Hermione pressed on. 'How would you have felt then?'

Harry looked at his feet and said nothing.

Hermione smiled wanly. 'That's the difference, Harry,' she said softly. 'Now can you understand how I feel?'

While this interchange was taking place, the others looked on with a combination of horrified fascination, outrage and bewilderment. Molly Weasley, in particular, had initially reacted badly to the news and had worked herself up into a right old state long before Hermione had set foot in the room. Filled with self-righteous indignation, she had been itching for the moment when she could tell Hermione just exactly what she thought about her appalling behaviour. Molly, however, had counted on dealing with a shame-faced, apologetic girl. What she had not expected was the calm, self-assured young woman that had defiantly walked into the kitchen with her head held high.

Perplexed by Hermione's demeanour, Molly held back. She couldn't quite put her finger on it, but the girl was different somehow. It was only when Severus entered the room and stood behind Hermione like a sentinel that she finally understood what it was. The hairs on the back of her neck prickled.

Well, I never!, she thought. So that's it.

Molly tilted her head and half-closed her eyes. Yes, there it was, blatantly obvious to anyone with eyes in their heads who cared to look. She watched their auras dancing around each other, hearts connected by a single strand of light. Above their heads, Molly saw, as she expected, little flecks of golden light. Severus and Hermione had been Blessed just as she and Arthur had been. She smiled. Nothing anyone said or did was ever going to come between those two, so they had all better just shut up and learn to live with it.

By the time Hermione had gently but firmly explained her feelings to her irate best friend, Molly had made her mind up. This had gone far enough. There had been enough suffering and loss; her boy had not died for this. Ron would not have wanted to see his two best friends at each other's throats. It was time to intervene before any more damage was done. Not waiting for Harry's response, Molly went over to Hermione and put her arms around her.

'I'm very happy for you, Hermione, my dear,' Molly said, her eyes brimming with tears. 'You have been like a second daughter to me, and yes, I had hoped that you and Ron would... Well, it wasn't to be.' She sniffed and wiped away her tears. 'But I want you to know that you will always, always be a part of my family.' She looked up at an astonished Severus. 'You, too, Severus, are welcome at the Burrow at any time. For what it is worth, you have my blessing. Both of you.'

'Thank you, Mrs Weasley,' said a bemused Hermione, hugging her back. 'That means an awful lot to me.'

Molly's unexpected acceptance of the situation had a knock on effect as the other Order members came forward to congratulate Severus on the Wizengamot's decision. It was a novel, and rather unnerving, experience to be suddenly at the centre of so much attention. People he regarded as acquaintances, people who he had always been careful to keep at arms length, were now treating him like a long lost friend, shaking him by the hand and thanking him. Lupin had gone so far as to pat him on the back! Feeling cornered and slightly panicked, Severus looked around for Hermione in need of her calming presence, but she was talking, rather animatedly, to Bill Weasley. What was all that about?

'Well, Severus,' he heard Arthur Weasley say, 'there could be a medal in all this, you know.'

Severus was horrified. A medal? Had they taken leave of their senses? There had once been a time when he had secretly craved such recognition for the sacrifices he had made, but that time was long past.

'Arthur,' he said, 'I am flattered, but please, I deserve no such honour.'

'Nonsense,' Arthur replied, 'if anyone deserves– '

'I really must insist.'

'Well, all right,' Arthur conceded, 'if that's your final word on the subject– '

'It is.'

Arthur nodded. 'Then, I'll pass on your feelings to the Minister.'

'Thank you. I would be... grateful.'

'Very well, consider it done. Now,' Arthur said gravely, 'about this business with you and Hermione– '

'Did I hear my name mentioned?' Hermione asked, coming over to join them.

'Yes, well, the thing is,' Arthur blustered, 'we want to know how you... er, that is to say how, er, this started. You must still have been at school.'

'Yes and no,' Hermione answered. 'The thing is, Mr Weasley, we were attracted to each other, but even though I wanted to, Severus wouldn't... you know, do anything because he was my teacher. He refused to even kiss me. I hope that puts your minds at rest.'

'That's all very well– '

'Come along, Arthur,' said Molly, gathering her things. 'We're leaving.'

'Yes, but– '

'Now, Arthur.'

'Oh, all right.' Arthur sighed in defeat. 'I'll get me cloak.'

Severus looked admiringly at Hermione. 'You, my dear,' he said in a low voice, 'were sorted into the wrong House. Tell me, have you ever considered a career in politics?'

Hermione winked then noticed Harry and Ginny standing, a little apart from the others, watching them. She gave them a small smile.

Taking her cue from her mother, Ginny gave Harry a nudge. 'Go on,' she said, 'apologise.'

'What?'

'You heard me,' Ginny replied. 'If my mother can forgive her, then so can you.' She sighed. 'Look, if you don't want to lose your other best friend, you had better just swallow your pride, go over there, and say something.' She gave him another shove.

Dragging his feet, Harry went over to Hermione and gave her an awkward hug.

'I'm sorry,' he said. 'I shouldn't have yelled at you like that, but I did have rather a shock.'

'I know.' Hermione hugged him back. 'And you're forgiven.'

Harry broke away and hesitantly offered Severus his hand. Even more hesitantly, Severus shook it.

Harry cleared his throat. 'I think we all owe you our lives, Snape,' he began. 'Without you, I doubt any of us would be here right now.'

Severus remained silent, so Harry continued. 'I don't know if we can ever be friends or anything, but Hermione means a lot to me and ... well, I think we should at least try to be civil with each other for her sake.'

Hermione squeezed Severus' elbow and gave him a smile of encouragement. He inclined his head towards her.

'Very well, Potter,' he agreed, 'for Hermione's sake. Now, if you'll excuse me, I will make preparations to leave. I have imposed upon your hospitality long enough.'

'Where will you go?' Hermione asked.

'I have a small house,' Severus replied. 'I will go there for the time being.'

'Then I'm coming, too,' Hermione insisted.

'It is not exactly... habitable.'

'There's no need for you to leave,' Harry interrupted. 'There's bags of room here.'

'I would have thought you would be glad to see the back of me, Potter,' Severus said dryly.

Harry grinned. 'I've seen more of your back than I ever wanted to, believe me, but really, it's the least I can do.'

Severus smirked. 'Very well,' he said. 'Again, for Hermione's sake, I shall stay until I can put my affairs in order. But I insist on making a contribution for our board and lodgings.'

'I don't want your money, Snape,' Harry replied. 'You're my guest, but perhaps... perhaps in exchange, one day, you might like to tell me about my mother?'

'I beg your pardon.'

'Oh, nothing personal or anything,' Harry added hastily. 'It's just that... Well, you're the only person left who really knew her, and I know she held you in high regard, but... I'll understand if you don't want to.'

How could Potter possibly have known that he and Lily...? Severus suddenly remembered the note that had accompanied the Invisibility Cloak. He looked at Hermione. Had Potter said anything to her?

'It's all right,' Hermione said. 'I know about you and Harry's Mum. It's okay for you to talk about her.'

Severus had never considered doing anything of the kind. 'It is in the past, Hermione,' he said emphatically, 'and that is where I should like to leave it. Perhaps... one day.' He turned to Harry. 'Your mother was a remarkable, talented and beautiful witch. She loved you enough to sacrifice her life for you, and she did it without hesitation. I will always remember her with great affection. Now, if that is all– '

'Sorry to interrupt,' said Minerva, 'but may I speak to you for a moment? In private.'

'Of course you may, Minerva,' Severus replied wearily, 'but please, no more congratulations.'

Minerva was undeterred. 'I owe you a big apology, my dear. Albus should never have put you in such an untenable position.'

'You owe me nothing of the kind, Minerva,' Severus replied. 'The position was one of my own making. I am entirely to blame.'

Minerva pursed her lips. This was not going to be easy. 'Albus disagrees. He wants to see you. He also wishes to apologise.'

'See Albus?' Severus was appalled. 'No, out of the question. I cannot.'

Minerva ignored his protests. 'I need you to come back to Hogwarts, Severus. I need a new Potions master and Head of House for Slytherin. The job is yours if you want it.'

'Minerva, that is very kind of you but, really, I cannot – '

'At least think about it,' Minerva continued regardless. 'It is what Albus wanted, after all. Besides, if you don't take the job, I'll still need your chambers for Horace's replacement, and I must ask for your assistance to help me locate them.'

Severus raised a quizzical eyebrow.

Minerva smiled innocently. 'Albus, in his infinite wisdom, gave instructions that in the event of his death and you leaving the castle, your rooms were to be sealed. Well, the castle did such a good job, not even the house-elves can find them. They've completely disappeared.'

What? Oh, Merlin! That could only mean... 'My possessions are untouched?' he asked, not daring to believe it.

'I assume so,' Minerva replied, shrugging her shoulders. 'Since no one has had access to your chambers, then everything should be just as you left it.'

Severus clutched the back of a chair for support. The thought of strangers rifling through his belongings had been too awful to contemplate. Had Albus really made such a thoughtful gesture, knowing how much he valued his privacy? It seemed too good to be true. A familiar hand rested on his shoulder.

'I'll come with you if you like,' Hermione offered.

Swallowing a lump in his throat, he said softly, 'Thank you, Hermione. Yes, I would... appreciate that very much.'

'Good. I'm glad that's settled,' Minerva said briskly. 'I shall expect you both after lunch, then.'

**********************

Severus stared at the blank wall where the entrance to his chambers should have been. Not knowing what kind of spell Albus might have used, he raised his arm and gingerly tapped the stone with his wand. At his touch, the castle seemed to heave a great sigh of relief at being able to give up its secret at long last. A door shimmered into view. Hardly daring to breathe, Severus entered his chambers closely followed by Hermione and Minerva.

Hermione quickly glanced around the room, trying not to look too curious. She had imagined countless times, of course, what his sitting room might look like, and for the most part, it was much as she expected. Austere, like the man himself, devoid of ornament, with books and periodicals piled up everywhere. The furniture, though old and worn, looked comfy and inviting. Two armchairs faced each other at either side of the fireplace, one of which looked more sat upon than the other. It appeared that Severus had received few visitors into his inner sanctum, a thought which saddened Hermione. She assumed he had not invited his Slytherins into his private quarters the same way Professor McGonagall did. It struck her then just how solitary and, probably, lonely his life must have been. She scanned his books with a covetous eye and vowed to change all that. It was easy for Hermione to picture herself in that lesser used chair, sipping hot chocolate by the fire and discussing all manner of things with him. Severus would never be lonely again if she had anything to do with it.

Other than a thick layer of dust, everything was indeed just as Severus had left it. It was as if he had just stepped outside for a moment. A house-elf arrived, lit the fire, and discretely started dusting. Severus looked around, reacquainting himself with the place he had called home for most of his adult life. It was all so sodding normal. Absentmindedly, he poked around the papers on his desk and picked up a handful of unmarked essays. So much water had flowed under the bridge, and yet here, within these familiar rooms, it would be all too easy to fall back into the old routine, pretend that everything was all was right with the world and that nothing unpleasant had ever happened. It was all very tempting.

Suddenly, Severus felt the walls closing in around him. He needed to get out of the dungeons. He needed some air. Fast.

'Excuse me,' he said.

He was out the door before Hermione had a chance to stop him. Minerva put her arm out to prevent her following him.

'Give him some space, Hermione,' she said. 'He needs time.'

'I know,' Hermione replied. 'Thank you so much for offering him this chance – it's just what he needs.' Hermione sighed in frustration. 'He's just so stubborn he can't see what's best for him.'

Minerva laughed. 'Is it only now you're realising that?'

Hermione laughed in turn, then fell silent. 'I suppose,' she said eventually, 'I should thank you for not giving me a lecture.'

'About you and Severus?' Minerva replied. 'Och, lassie, you're not the first teenage girl to fall in love with a teacher, and I doubt you'll be the last. And, in war... well, the bounds of propriety, shall we say, are often blurred. I am in no position to judge either of you. Besides, you're both adults, and I am in no doubt whatsoever that you are mature enough to know your own mind. However,...'

Here it comes, thought Hermione.

'...that doesn't mean I have no opinion on the matter.' Minerva hesitated, wondering just how much she should say. 'Hermione, I've known Severus a long time and... Oh, look, why don't we sit down, and I'll order us some tea.' She indicated the chairs by the fireplace.

Hermione settled herself in the chair that she was already beginning to think of as hers whilst Minerva sent an order down to the kitchen. A pot of tea and some biscuits arrived almost immediately. Minerva poured and sat back.

'As I was saying,' she continued, 'I've known Severus since he was a first year – and a scrawny, scrap of a thing he was.' Minerva stirred her cuppa. 'When the Hat put him in Slytherin, I didn't think he'd last five minutes, but survive he did – mostly due to the fact that he has a backbone of solid steel and the hide of an Erumpent. I watched him grow up, largely friendless and often bullied. Then, a Gryffindor girl fell in love with him–'

'I know,' Hermione interrupted, reaching for a chocolate digestive. 'Harry's Mum.'

'Quite,' said Minerva. 'And... Well, you know what happened.' She paused. 'The thing is, Hermione, I have become very fond of Severus over the years – as did Albus. We were probably the only two people he ever opened up to. But, you know, just because he chooses to shield himself in several layers of armour from the world at large, it doesn't mean he doesn't have a heart underneath it all.'

'What are you trying to say, Professor?' Hermione sipped her tea, wondering where all this was leading.

'I don't want to see him hurt,' Minerva replied. 'While I am concerned for you, too, my dear, I know you will bounce back should this relationship end – you are young, you have your whole life ahead of you. Severus, however...' Minerva trailed off and gazed into the fire.

'Professor McGonagall, I–'

'Just promise me, Hermione,' Minerva cut her off, 'if this is just some dalliance on your part, you make sure Severus is aware of that fact from the outset. I don't think I could bear watching him get his heart broken twice – once was bad enough.'

'I–I won't. I promise, I wouldn't – couldn't do that.'

'I'm glad to hear it.' Minerva sighed in relief. 'In that case, I wish you all the very best. Severus is not an easy man, make no mistake about that, but he is a good man. I think, in the long run, you could do well by each other.'

'I appreciate your support, Professor,' said Hermione. 'Thank you.'

'You're welcome.' Minerva nodded and smiled. 'Oh, and please, after all we've been through together, isn't it about time you called me Minerva?'

'I should like that... Minerva.'

'Good. I'm glad that's out of the way. Now, were there any other matters you wanted to discuss?'

* * *

Even on such an overcast afternoon, the white marble of Albus' tomb stood out in stark contrast against the backdrop of the Forbidden Forest and the placid waters of the lake. Severus stared at the structure from the top of the Astronomy tower, its solid presence serving to anchor him to reality whilst his thoughts raced. There it was, the irrefutable symbol of his guilt. Freedom, Hermione, a future; they were but a dream. He wouldn't be at all surprised to wake up any minute now on the cold stone floor of a cell in Azkaban.

Staying or leaving made little difference when all was said and done. In his heart of hearts, Severus knew that wherever he went in the world, this place would always call to him like a siren song. He would never get away from here, however hard he tried to run. And yet staying, and facing this permanent reminder of his culpability on a daily basis, would require more strength of character than he thought he possessed. Maybe Potter had been right, maybe he was a coward. It would be poetic justice though, he supposed, to be condemned to teach countless generations of dunderheads, only to end up like Binns, haunting his classroom for all eternity. Perhaps it was a fitting penance.

Damned if I stay, damned if I go.

Severus closed his eyes. So, Albus wanted him to come back to this torment, did he? Even now, from beyond the veil, he could feel the old bastard manipulating him.

Well, no more, old man, Severus thought. It's time to cut the strings.

His contemplation was interrupted by the clatter of feet running up the stairs.

'Do not concern yourself,' Severus said without turning around, 'I have no intention of jumping.'

Panting, Hermione snaked her arms around his waist and pressed her cheek against his back. 'I'm very glad to hear it.'

'She sent you, didn't she?' Severus asked. 'The old hag wants you to try to change my mind.'

'I'm here because I was worried about you,' Hermione said, still trying to catch her breath, 'and Minerva is not an old hag. She means well, my love. She thinks offering you your old job back is the least she can do after all you've been through. She cares about you, you know – and she's not the only one here who does.'

Severus snorted. 'Who, for example?'

'Well,' Hermione replied, 'I know Madam Pomfrey, for one, has a soft spot for you, as does Professor Sprout. Professor Flitwick has been asking after you – even the ghosts want to know if you're coming back. And...' she hugged him tighter, 'and then there's me. I suppose I count.'

Severus froze. 'You?'

'Yes, me,' Hermione replied. 'I'm coming back to do my N.E.W.T.s. You didn't think I'd leave school without any qualifications, did you?'

In all honesty, Severus had never given Hermione's plans for her future the slightest thought until that moment. Of course she would want to come back. He removed her hands and turned to face her.

'Then that settles it,' Severus said. 'Naturally, you must finish your education, and I shall find employment elsewhere. I cannot be your teacher and your lover. It would be most inappropriate.'

Hermione sighed patiently. 'I've already raised the issue with Minerva. In fact, I offered to rent a house in Hogsmeade, but she wouldn't hear of it. She said that what we do outside school hours is our business. As long as no one catches us snogging in the Great Hall–'

'I cannot imagine Minerva McGonagall ever using such an expression,' Severus said scornfully.

'I know, I know.' Hermione grinned. 'I was paraphrasing. It was more like...' She coughed. 'So long as you don't flaunt your relationship in front of the whole school, Miss Granger, I shall have no cause for complaint.'

Severus chuckled. 'That was the worst imitation of a Scottish accent I have ever heard.'

'It was pretty bad, wasn't it,' she agreed. 'Oh, Severus, would it be so awful for us to be together here? We would have separate quarters, of course, but I think Minerva might be persuaded to give us a Floo connection – if you ask her nicely.'

'You've got it all mapped out between the two of you, haven't you?' Severus took Hermione's hands in his. 'Hermione, I appreciate your concern, but the answer is still no.'

'Then what will you do?' she asked.

'Something, anything,' he replied. 'After all, we have to live. You will need textbooks, equipment and other supplies.'

'You needn't concern yourself with that, Severus,' Hermione said. 'I have my own money. My parents left me well off.'

Severus dropped her hands. It suddenly occurred to him just how little he really knew Hermione. What other surprises was she going to spring on him? There was obviously a lot they needed to discuss. 'I see,' he said. 'And just how "well off" are we talking about?'

'Well,' Hermione replied vaguely, 'I haven't sold the house yet - or the holiday home in France. There's the Practice, of course, life insurance policies, endowments, shares... It's difficult to calculate a precise amount but, um... I don't think I'll ever have to work if I don't want to – not that I want to be idle or anything, and I have to finish my education at any rate before I finally decide what I want to do...' She trailed off seeing the look on his face.

'I cannot live off your money,' Severus said quietly.

'I wasn't suggesting that you did,' Hermione said hastily. 'I didn't mean to wound your masculine pride, Severus, I just want to make it clear that you don't have to provide for me or anything. It's one less thing for you to worry about.' She paused. 'Do you have a problem with that?' she asked uncertainly. 'It's only money after all. It's not going to come between us, is it?'

Severus pulled her into his arms. 'No, it is not, but I will not have anyone saying that I am scrounging off you. I have to find my own way in the world.'

'Then why won't you consider coming back to Hogwarts?' she asked.

'Hermione –'

'Listen to me, Severus. Hogwarts needs you. Slytherin needs you. Who but you could rebuild its reputation – influence a new generation to be proud of their House? You could show the world that Slytherin was capable of producing more than just Dark Wizards.'

Severus turned away from her to look over the grounds again. Could he do it?

'I have memories of this spot too, Severus,' said Hermione, pushing her advantage. She put her hand on his shoulder. 'The evening before the battle I stood here and prayed that you would be spared – not me, not Harry, not Ron, but you. You are the most precious thing in the world to me, and I want you to be happy.'

Severus shook his head. 'I do not share your faith in me, Hermione. What parent would want me teaching their child? I doubt I could inspire respect ever again.'

Hermione huffed in frustration. Well, at least she'd tried. If he was too proud and pig-headed...

Of course, I could...

In what was probably a moment of madness, Hermione forgot that she was dealing with one of the most powerful, not to mention, dangerous wizards in the country. All she saw was someone she loved very much, too down and dispirited to act in his own best interest. Indeed, if she had thought a bit longer about the drastic action she was about to take, Hermione's life may have turned out very differently. A few years down the line, and she would have appreciated that a man in his late thirties was quite capable of making his own decisions without any interference from her. But, she did not. Instead, with the best of intentions and with all the arrogance of youth, Hermione made an error of judgment that would have unforeseen consequences for them both.

'Severus,' she began, 'I believe in you and in your abilities. I know that you can do anything you set your mind to, but I also believe you need time to rest, to heal, and to take stock of your life.' She took a deep breath. 'Severus, I'm calling in my wizard's debt. I want you to take up Minerva's offer and come back to Hogwarts as Potions master and Head of Slytherin, starting next term.'