Chapter 2
Chapter 2 of 14
irishredlassDisclaimer: Do you think if I were JK Rowling I would be sitting at home playing on my laptop on a Friday night? All things you recognize are hers, and all things crazy are mine.
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CHAPTER TWO
Hermione spent all of Saturday in a controlled state of anxiety. She did not want to draw the attention of her two best mates. They would undoubtedly pester her, wanting to know what was amiss. She was not completely successful, but managed to parry their curiosity with the offhand excuse that she was anxious to find a Master to apprentice under. Fortunately, this seemed to appease them and no more questions were asked.
Later that evening, she made a show of being tired and headed to bed for an early night. Though it was only eight o’clock, Hermione could not sit around any longer. Entering the room, she warded the door so that neither of the boys would attempt to disturb her and then made her way out the of bedroom window. Chuckling to herself, as she had never had the need to do so before and it would become one more memory to store, she Apparated as soon as she was outside the perimeter of Grimmauld Place. Glancing around to make sure she was not noticed by any nosy Muggles, she quickly cast a Disillusionment Charm on herself and walked toward the house that she had called home for all of her life.
Hermione carefully checked that all of the wards she had placed when she moved to Order headquarters were intact. Entering the back door, she lit her wand with a softly spoken 'Lumos' to light her way. Thankfully, she had opted to keep the electricity connected, not knowing if living in the same house with Harry and Ron would be possible. As she entered the house, she was flooded with memories.
Though Hermione had loving parents, one could not say that her childhood had been happy. She had spent many afternoons sitting at the kitchen table in tears after a day of being mocked by her peers. After all, her know-it-all status had not been anything new when she entered Hogwarts. Hermione, as a young girl, had always been drawn toward knowledge, books and learning. Being the teacher’s pet never earned one many friends. Combine that with her overly large teeth (thank you, Madam Pomfrey, for taking care of that) and her bushy hair, and she was the outcast of her primary school. Her parents tried to compensate and perhaps had spoiled her to make up for her lack of friends, but it was not the same.
She had been sitting at this very table the day Headmaster Dumbledore and Professor Snape had come to call and offer her a chance to go to Hogwarts. Hermione had felt as if a light had suddenly clicked on inside. That light was hope that she could finally belong somewhere. It had taken a considerable amount of conversation on the part of the two wizards for her parents to agree. Hermione was their only child, and they were loath to send her away. They also understood, though, that she was not, had never been and would never be like other children. They hoped, too, that maybe at this wizarding school, their little girl could finally be happy.
Hermione jumped with a start when her wards alerted her to someone Apparating into the back garden. Hermione had not realized how long she had been sitting there, lost in memories. It was now just two minutes before midnight. Moving cautiously to the side of the door, she held her wand ready for attack. Moments later, there was a brisk knock on the door. Not knowing what else to do, she fell back on the Order’s old secret code to determine friend from foe.
She spoke, “When darkness comes, and pain is all around.” Then she waited, holding her breath for the reply. The words were from a Muggle song that the Order had taken as a kind of theme song. Only another member of the Order of the Phoenix would know the appropriate response.
A hushed deep baritone replied, “Like a bridge over troubled waters, I will lay me down.”
As she heard the end of the reply, Hermione began taking down the wards as she repeated, “Like a bridge over troubled waters, I will lay me down,” and opened the door to reveal a man that she had thought dead since the final battle.
He looked weary and aged. He was wearing the same robes that he had been wearing when he had been left for dead. Though she had her suspicions and thought she knew whom she would be meeting, Hermione was still shocked speechless.
Quietly, the man moved inside the door and began an intricate set of wards to prevent detection, though he had hopes they would not be remaining here long, this time. He then turned to speak to the bane of his teaching career.
“Well, Miss Granger, I never thought I would see you speechless,” he spoke in his most sardonic tone.
That alone started Hermione off. “But how? You were dead. We saw you die.”
“Yes, I knew you would have questions,” he replied gruffly, “but I do not wish to remain here to answer them.” With that, he grasped Hermione’s arm and Apparated before she could react.
Moments later, Hermione found herself standing in a rundown sitting room she did not recognize. She jumped, turning with her wand out when someone coughed behind her. She was once again struck speechless. It couldn’t be. It was impossible--she had seen his body wrapped in cloth and enclosed in a white marble tomb. In fact, she had just visited it yesterday when she was leaving the school grounds. Albus Dumbledore was dead, killed by Severus Snape because of an Unbreakable Vow that Dumbledore had made him take. Yet, here he was, sitting in a chair by the fire, eyes twinkling.
“Ah, Miss Granger,” the Dumbledore double spoke, “it is so good to see you again. Won’t you please sit down? I am sure that you have had a terrible shock.” Not knowing what else to do, Hermione slid bonelessly into a chair across from the man who looked and sounded like her late Headmaster. “Severus, you really should have prepared the poor girl.”
“Well, pardon me,” replied a very much alive Severus Snape, “I did not want to risk bloody boy wonder popping out and hexing my balls off!”
Talk of Harry hexing Professor Snape’s balls seemed to bring Hermione out of her catatonic state. She started stuttering, “But how? Why? When?”
The Dumbledore double held up a hand to quiet the both of them. Looking at Hermione, he suddenly seemed very old and very tired as he spoke, “We will answer your questions, dear girl, as we are in need of your help.” He then began a tale too fantastic to be anything but the truth.
A/N: I know, dear readers, that this can be termed nothing less than an evil cliffy, but alas that could not be helped. I am very much enjoying writing my first multi-chapter fan fic.
I could not have accomplished this without the wonderful guidance and encouragement of Ladyinthecloak, beta extraordinaire, friend and mentor. Thank you, dear Lady! Also I must thank Lariope for her hard work in finding all those pesky commas… I knew they were hiding somewhere.
The Lyrics mentioned belong to Simon and Garfunkel’s song Bridge Over Troubled Waters.
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Latest 25 Reviews for Require Your Assistance
271 Reviews | 6.4/10 Average
Really great
This story was so much fun to read! And there's a Mrs. Dumbledore?!? Even funnier.
Response from irishredlass (Author of Require Your Assistance)
Thank you for the lovely review
Response from irishredlass (Author of Require Your Assistance)
Thank you for the lovely review
It's a wonderful story! Thank you!!!
Response from irishredlass (Author of Require Your Assistance)
No thank you!
Response from irishredlass (Author of Require Your Assistance)
No thank you!
"a foul-tempered Professor Snape "thats redundant 
like it so far...Cheres MoepiAKA Michèle
Response from irishredlass (Author of Require Your Assistance)
Thank you I am glad you are enjoying
The Quibbler interview was very amusing. Especially with Luna fainting. I really enjoyed the story.
Response from irishredlass (Author of Require Your Assistance)
Thank you so much I am glad you liked it. The Quibbler was a lark and I am glad it worked for you. Irish
Response from irishredlass (Author of Require Your Assistance)
Thank you so much I am glad you liked it. The Quibbler was a lark and I am glad it worked for you. Irish
what a terrific story and i am so glad i was along for the ride. i look forward to your further efforts with delighted anticipation. thanks so much for sharing you talent. 
Response from irishredlass (Author of Require Your Assistance)
Thank you. I am glad you enjoyed. Did you venture on to see his thoughts about his marriage in Contemplations?
Response from irishredlass (Author of Require Your Assistance)
Thank you. I am glad you enjoyed. Did you venture on to see his thoughts about his marriage in Contemplations?
Absolutely wonderful story!!!!
Response from irishredlass (Author of Require Your Assistance)
Thank you so much did you venture on to see his thoughts of marriage in Contemplations?
Response from irishredlass (Author of Require Your Assistance)
Thank you so much did you venture on to see his thoughts of marriage in Contemplations?
I enjoyed that.
Response from irishredlass (Author of Require Your Assistance)
Thank you! Glad to hear it. Irish
Response from irishredlass (Author of Require Your Assistance)
Thank you! Glad to hear it. Irish
A lovely ending to a lovely story!
Response from irishredlass (Author of Require Your Assistance)
Thank you I am glad you enjoyed it. Irish
Response from irishredlass (Author of Require Your Assistance)
Thank you I am glad you enjoyed it. Irish
Lovely final chapter. I think you captured Luna perfectly!
Response from irishredlass (Author of Require Your Assistance)
Thank you so much. Yanno I worried about the Luna bit... I do not tend to do doty very well... Hermione is more my style. I am glad you enjoyed it. Imperio you to go on to Contemplations. Irish
Response from irishredlass (Author of Require Your Assistance)
Thank you so much. Yanno I worried about the Luna bit... I do not tend to do doty very well... Hermione is more my style. I am glad you enjoyed it. Imperio you to go on to Contemplations. Irish
Thank you for giving us a wonderful story! A job very well done!!!
Response from irishredlass (Author of Require Your Assistance)
Thank you so much I am glad you enjoyed it! Irish
Response from irishredlass (Author of Require Your Assistance)
Thank you so much I am glad you enjoyed it! Irish
Perfect ending.
Response from irishredlass (Author of Require Your Assistance)
Thank you :D
Response from irishredlass (Author of Require Your Assistance)
Thank you :D
Oh, Irish! I love this story and this ending. I am so glad that Severus and Albus were really alive, and you told their story very well, indeed.I enjoyed RYA from beginning to end, and thank you for giving us this journey!Now I'm off to read Contemplations.Beth
Response from irishredlass (Author of Require Your Assistance)
Beth, Thank you so much! I love all of your reviews and am so happy you found pleasure in my story. I hope you enjoy Contemplations... to me it is the icing on the cake.HugsIrish
Response from irishredlass (Author of Require Your Assistance)
Beth, Thank you so much! I love all of your reviews and am so happy you found pleasure in my story. I hope you enjoy Contemplations... to me it is the icing on the cake.HugsIrish
Oh, lovely:)I have been following this story all along and it's been great:)Warm regards,Fizzabella
Response from irishredlass (Author of Require Your Assistance)
Response from irishredlass (Author of Require Your Assistance)
, Thank you so much. I have enjoyed each and every review you have sent and find myself guilty of watching for them. I hope you take a moment to look at Contemplations. I, personally, think it rounds out Severus' state of mind much better than this ending, but I am prejudice. Hugs Irish
Response from fizzabella (Reviewer)
I took a peek at it already but I have my grandson here for another few days and don't really have time to read yet.Reading all your work is on my mental "To Do" list:){{hugs}}Fizzabella
Response from irishredlass (Author of Require Your Assistance)
oooooh now I am really excited :) I cannot wait to know what you think... much of what I have posted is original!
Response from irishredlass (Author of Require Your Assistance)
Response from irishredlass (Author of Require Your Assistance)
, Thank you so much. I have enjoyed each and every review you have sent and find myself guilty of watching for them. I hope you take a moment to look at Contemplations. I, personally, think it rounds out Severus' state of mind much better than this ending, but I am prejudice. Hugs Irish
Response from fizzabella (Reviewer)
I took a peek at it already but I have my grandson here for another few days and don't really have time to read yet.Reading all your work is on my mental "To Do" list:){{hugs}}Fizzabella
Response from irishredlass (Author of Require Your Assistance)
oooooh now I am really excited :) I cannot wait to know what you think... much of what I have posted is original!
What a surprising ending! Having Albus back was a interesting twist. Hopefully Severus will be happy back teaching 'dudnerheads'.
Response from irishredlass (Author of Require Your Assistance)
I think now that he has something positive in his life to balance all of the negative happiness is not only possible but probable. I believe a person is only truely and completely unhappy when there is nothing in their life which is positive. A happy home life can make a negative work environment bearable just as a positive work environment or job you love can make a less than happy homelife tolerable. It is all about balance. Thank you for reviewing. Hugs Irish
Response from sinbad (Reviewer)
Sounds good to me. Will there be an epilogue?
Response from irishredlass (Author of Require Your Assistance)
The "epilogue" if you will was published about mid-way through RYA... it can be found under the title Contemplations on TPP
Response from irishredlass (Author of Require Your Assistance)
I think now that he has something positive in his life to balance all of the negative happiness is not only possible but probable. I believe a person is only truely and completely unhappy when there is nothing in their life which is positive. A happy home life can make a negative work environment bearable just as a positive work environment or job you love can make a less than happy homelife tolerable. It is all about balance. Thank you for reviewing. Hugs Irish
Response from sinbad (Reviewer)
Sounds good to me. Will there be an epilogue?
Response from irishredlass (Author of Require Your Assistance)
The "epilogue" if you will was published about mid-way through RYA... it can be found under the title Contemplations on TPP
thank you for wrapping it up so neatly how sweet and you wove a tale that was wonderful from beging to mendthank you again love and chocolates
Response from irishredlass (Author of Require Your Assistance)
mmmmm chocolate... hopefully the rich dark kind that as Subversa wrote "taste like Severus' voice sounds" can you guess what story that is from? It is the story that hooked me into fan fic. Thank you for reviewing.Hugs Irish
Response from irishredlass (Author of Require Your Assistance)
mmmmm chocolate... hopefully the rich dark kind that as Subversa wrote "taste like Severus' voice sounds" can you guess what story that is from? It is the story that hooked me into fan fic. Thank you for reviewing.Hugs Irish
Thanks for the story it was a joy to read, and I will check out Contemplations. Look forward to more from you.
Response from irishredlass (Author of Require Your Assistance)
Thank you. I am glad you enjoyed RYA and I hope you equally enjoy Contemplations. Irish
Response from irishredlass (Author of Require Your Assistance)
Thank you. I am glad you enjoyed RYA and I hope you equally enjoy Contemplations. Irish
Great story! I loved it!!!gab
Response from irishredlass (Author of Require Your Assistance)
Thank you I am so glad you enjoyed it.
Response from irishredlass (Author of Require Your Assistance)
Thank you I am so glad you enjoyed it.
I'm really enjoying this, but I've been wondering what was Harry's message. Did I miss something?
Response from irishredlass (Author of Require Your Assistance)
No you are not really missing anything... as Harry's message was not imparative to the plot it was not revealed. I imagine he was nagging about Hermione's absence. Thank you for reviewing.
Response from Merlina Thalia (Reviewer)
Ok, lol, thanks, I just was curious:)
Response from irishredlass (Author of Require Your Assistance)
No you are not really missing anything... as Harry's message was not imparative to the plot it was not revealed. I imagine he was nagging about Hermione's absence. Thank you for reviewing.
Response from Merlina Thalia (Reviewer)
Ok, lol, thanks, I just was curious:)
Oh! Another story done! I enjoyed this one as well! I can't wait to read your next stories!
Response from irishredlass (Author of Require Your Assistance)
Thank you. I am glad you have enjoyed it. My exchange fic is next on the writing block so it might be some time before you see it posted here, but eventually. Irish
Response from irishredlass (Author of Require Your Assistance)
Thank you. I am glad you have enjoyed it. My exchange fic is next on the writing block so it might be some time before you see it posted here, but eventually. Irish
A very nice wrap up to the story. I've enjoyed it very much.
Response from irishredlass (Author of Require Your Assistance)
Thank you so much. I was nervous about the "wrap up" as I did not want it to seem rushed, but I consoled myself with the knowledge that my readers could always pop over to Contemplations to see how Severus felt on his wedding day.Reviews from people such as yourself, who have made such a huge impact in fandom, are the greatest reward. I admire your writing and thank you from the bottom of my heart for taking the time to offer your opnion and support.Irish
Response from irishredlass (Author of Require Your Assistance)
Thank you so much. I was nervous about the "wrap up" as I did not want it to seem rushed, but I consoled myself with the knowledge that my readers could always pop over to Contemplations to see how Severus felt on his wedding day.Reviews from people such as yourself, who have made such a huge impact in fandom, are the greatest reward. I admire your writing and thank you from the bottom of my heart for taking the time to offer your opnion and support.Irish
A lovely ending. I especially liked the bit from the Quibbler (and the description of Luna's reaction).
Response from irishredlass (Author of Require Your Assistance)
Thank you! I was really nervous about The Quibbler bit. I am no newspaper writer. I am glad it worked for you. Irish
Response from irishredlass (Author of Require Your Assistance)
Thank you! I was really nervous about The Quibbler bit. I am no newspaper writer. I am glad it worked for you. Irish
Good wrap up, Irish :)
Response from irishredlass (Author of Require Your Assistance)
Thanks I am glad you liked it:) Irirsh
Response from irishredlass (Author of Require Your Assistance)
Thanks I am glad you liked it:) Irirsh
Oh no! This is the second fic in a row tonight that I've read where this is the last chapter! I hope the alert for the next story I get isn't for another last chapter! I absolutely loved this story, and I still firmly believe that Severus Snape is alive! :D
Response from irishredlass (Author of Require Your Assistance)
Let me guess you have been reading Sage by lady_rhian? I too believe he is alive and will live on in my writing! Thank you for your wonderful review. You can always check out how he felt about his wedding by reading Contemplations. HugsIrish
Response from hermione278 (Reviewer)
Yup, Sage it is! :PI think I shall go read that now :D
Response from irishredlass (Author of Require Your Assistance)
Let me guess you have been reading Sage by lady_rhian? I too believe he is alive and will live on in my writing! Thank you for your wonderful review. You can always check out how he felt about his wedding by reading Contemplations. HugsIrish
Response from hermione278 (Reviewer)
Yup, Sage it is! :PI think I shall go read that now :D
Great chapter, I'm sorry it took so long to get back to you but real life has been quite hectic.
Response from irishredlass (Author of Require Your Assistance)
Hey it is NEVER too late to post a review, especially one that has sooo many pretty stars (pats the stars and preens). Thank you Irish
Response from irishredlass (Author of Require Your Assistance)
Hey it is NEVER too late to post a review, especially one that has sooo many pretty stars (pats the stars and preens). Thank you Irish