The Reluctant Guardian

The Reluctant Guardian - Chapter 1

Severus Snape tucked his mask under his arm and ran his fingers through his hair as he walked hurriedly up to the castle. The gentle snowfall did nothing to lighten his mood. His Dark Mark still burned with the summons he had received not three hours before. Albus Dumbledore wasn't going to be happy to hear of the Dark Lord's latest scheme to get to Hogwarts resident boy-wonder. A sigh escaped from his lips before he even realized how irritated he was with the entire situation. Leave it to Malfoy to come up with a plan to put not only Severus' position in danger, but also the life of a Hogwarts student.

As he reached the impressive eagle, he whispered the password, "Lemon Sours". His journey to the end of his career had just begun. Albus met Severus at his door, wearing an unusually somber expression. There was no relief in Severus' return to the castle tonight. And there was no twinkling in the eyes of the tired looking wizard. He knew what was coming.

"She is already here, Severus" he said gravely. "There is no need to postpone the inevitable."

"B-but, Headmaster," stammered Severus. A look from the wizened Headmaster was enough to silence him.

"Please, Severus," intoned Albus, as he motioned for Severus to enter his office, "this can and will be sorted out."

Hermione Granger sat nervously in the seat opposite the huge desk occupying the Headmaster's office. She let her gaze travel the room in fascination. Her eyes wandered over the trinkets and gadgets that were everywhere in the magnificent room. It was lavishly adorned with deeply stained bookshelves and classic library colors. Those rich jewel tones she had come to admire. Hermione knew that this was an attempt to keep herself from thinking of the reason she had been brought here. She had been up late in the library studying for her N.E.W.T.s when Mr. Filch found her. Hermione cursed herself for losing track of the time. She continued looking around the office and waited expectantly for the Headmaster to return with her punishment. How could she have been so stupid?!?

The click of the office door caused her to turn in her seat. A quick scan of Headmaster Dumbledore's face told her that she was in more trouble than even she had realized. Perhaps that's why she wasn't too surprised when she saw Professor Snape enter directly behind him, wearing his usual sour expression.

Hermione groaned to herself. Detention with Professor Snape usually meant something horrible and dirty. She sat up, squared her shoulders and prepared herself for the worst.

Headmaster Dumbledore walked quietly across to his desk. He sat quietly for a moment, eyes closed, the tips of his fingers pressed together. He was clearly at a loss on how to begin.

Hermione's mind began to race. Maybe she would get off with an easier punishment if she just admitted losing track of time and being out after curfew. Before she knew it, her mouth opened and the words spilled quickly from her mouth, "Headmaster Dumbledore, I'm so very sorry. I didn't realize it had gotten so late. I was only studying for my N.E.W.T.s. I only have six more months. You see, I'm hoping to get into Stonehenge University after I'm done here at Hogwarts, and I'll need to get the best possible marks to do so. I promise it won't happen again."

Dumbledore's eyes flew open in surprise as the girl before him confessed to breaking the rules. He glanced quickly at Severus to find him gazing at Hermione Granger with a look of curiosity.

The silence that greeted Hermione was puzzling. Her heart began to pound in her chest as she looked from the Headmaster to Professor Snape. They were both staring at her with a mixture of amusement, curiosity and pity.