What Is This Thing Called Love?

Chapter Three: The Return of Miss Granger

Minerva and Severus speak with Hermione. Plans are made about her return to Hogwarts.

(i) Thank you ever so much for the kind reviews. I'm really pleased to hear your opinion of the story.

(ii) The characters and world of Harry Potter belong to J.K. Rowling. I make no money from this, just endless enjoyment.

(iii)This chapter is in response to the October 2009's OWL theme on 'The Dark Arts'.

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

At the conclusion of the staff meeting, it was agreed between Severus and Minerva that she should owl Harry, Hermione and Bill, and arrange a meeting at Grimmauld Place. Sirius's old home and now Harry's abode was one again the Headquarters of the Order of the Phoenix.

When the owls arrived, much discussion arose.

Hermione was curious. She had not had the opportunity to see much of Professor Snape since his miraculous survival and pardon. She hoped he did not blame her and the others for leaving him there on the floor of the Shrieking Shack. She chastised herself for her ignorance. Surely she could have seen he was going into potion induced shock and suspected the antivenin was kicking in to halt all motor functions. But no, she'd been fooled by the loss of blood, and it was left to the Bloody Baron, who had been given the charge of watching over the Slytherin headmaster, to raise the alarm and bring the Healers to retrieve Snape.

Harry was rather uncomfortable at the prospect of seeing Snape. He had spoken up and attested to Severus' role as spy and agent for the Order, but still found the thought of Severus' love for his mother slightly disturbing. He felt guilt and embarrassment and did his best to avoid meeting with the man whenever possible. He tried his best to avoid thinking about the reason for the meeting, though Hermione's constant discussion of the subject made it virtually impossible to ignore.

Following Harry's complaints of Hermione's frequent mention of Snape, Ron bluntly said to Harry, 'I don't care if he was working under orders. He is still a slimy git and nothing is going to make me want to be his friend.'

This cheered Harry considerably, and when Hermione next brought up the topic, he replied, 'I really don't want to talk about Snape. I've never liked him and he's always hated me. Can we just drop it?'

'Oh, Harry,' said Hermione. 'So much of that may have been an act. Surely you realise he had to hate us if he wanted to maintain his cover as a Death Eater.'

Harry was not convinced and grunted. 'You can think what you like. I agree with Ron. He's a git. He'll always be a git.'

On the day of the meeting, Ron, Ginny, and Molly, as well as Bill, Harry and Hermione were gathered round the kitchen table, awaiting the arrival of Minerva and Severus. There was a feeling of anticipation but also tension in the air. Minerva's owl had been to the point; she had requested a meeting but had given no hint to the reason behind it.

When the doorbell rang, Molly and Hermione both stood up. Though, finally, it was Kreacher who opened the door and announced the arrivals with the words, 'Headmaster Snape and Professor McGonagall, Harry Potter, sir'

As Severus and Minerva sat down, Molly bustled about gathering the tea things and making sure everyone was served. Hermione found this slightly odd, since the house was now Harry's. Shouldn't Harry or Kreacher do the serving of the tea? But she dismissed the thought as uncharitable and assumed Molly was just being her usual motherly self.

Minerva however seemed to have no such illusions. 'It is nice to see you all, of course,' she began, 'but our meeting today is with Harry, Miss Granger and William.'

Molly seemed to be gearing up for a tirade when Severus spoke up. 'Perhaps if Miss Granger, Potter and Bill would like to accompany us to the library, we can proceed with our meeting.'

Harry stood up looking, as usual, uncomfortable. Bill, however, seemed perfectly as ease and said, 'Of course, Severus.' This left Hermione to smile brightly at Minerva before following the others into the library.

Once the group was seated comfortably in the library, Severus got straight to the point. 'It has been agreed that Hogwarts' curriculum needs to be completely rethought following the fall of the Dark Lord. We are especially keen to begin teaching the older students a more nuanced understanding of the Dark Arts.' Here, Severus paused and looked at Minerva.

Seeing her cue, Minerva continued. 'Harry, would you and Miss Granger consent to teaching the junior classes Defence Against the Dark Arts? I advised Severus of your proven skill in the practical aspect of the subject and Miss Granger's excellent grasp of the theoretical concepts.'

Hermione's face broke into a delighted smile.

Harry, however, seemed insulted; his face darkened. 'I'm not coming back,' he said rudely. 'I've been speaking to people, and I've been offered a chance to play Seeker for the Tutshill Tornadoes. I'm done with studies.'

'You never told me that,' said Hermione shrilly. 'Were you waiting until I was about to leave for the Hogwarts Express and to break it to me, then? You need your NEWTs Harry; there's so much we still haven't learnt.'

'Quite,' said Severus.

'I don't care,' said Harry defiantly, interrupting Severus. 'I don't want to go back. I want to move forward. Besides, you don't have the right to tell me what to do. I'm my own man now. It's time I had some fun. I've always done what others wanted me to do.'

Severus and Minerva shared a troubled glance. Potter had always been difficult, but he had never been openly rude. This new development of unreasonable anger was worrying.

Minerva placated Potter. 'Of course, Harry, it is your decision to not come back. We shall miss you, though.'

Harry grunted in response.

Minerva shook her head sadly then looked over to Severus. At his nod, she said, 'Well, Harry, I think your place in this discussion is over.'

As Harry escaped the library, Hermione was left feeling doubtful. She had not missed the significant glances her professors had shared. She did not know what it all meant, but she did realise instantly that something was afoot.

Once the four were alone, Hermione said, 'I want to come back, and if you want me, I'll help out, teach, whatever.'

Minerva smiled, and Severus, who was watching the two women, hid a smirk. He didn't doubt that the know-it-all would be willing to do whatever was asked of her.

Bill now spoke up and asked, 'All that's very well, but why am I needed for this discussion?'

'I'm coming to that,' said Severus. 'We were hoping that you would be willing to take on the senior students. You've got plenty of experience with defensive magic for the Dark Arts and Dark Objects from your experiences at Gringotts. We felt that you would be ideal to work on a part-time basis. I shall, of course, cover the purely Dark Arts section.'

Bill grinned. 'I'd love the opportunity to come back to Hogwarts. I really don't want to be at Gringotts at present. The hours are killing, and I don't have enough time for Fleur. Do you think I could take on the DADA position full-time, especially now young Harry has turned your offer down?'

'Oh, that shouldn't be a problem,' said Minerva. 'We approached you for a part-time position because we didn't know if you'd be willing to completely leave Gringotts. This is a much better arrangement; don't you think so, Severus?'

'Indeed,' agreed Severus. Then taking on a thoughtful tone, he said, 'I might have to include a larger proportion of instruction than previously planned about the Dark Arts, if Potter's behaviour is an indication.' Turning to look directly at Hermione, he said, 'Miss Granger, has Potter's behaviour seemed erratic, destructive, angry or in any way changed since the Battle of Hogwarts?'

Hermione looked perturbed, then admitted, 'We've all changed, really. I seem to lose control as much as the boys, though they seem more vindictive, more hurtful. Ron is especially difficult, irritable and crude.' Hermione blushed then carried on in determination. 'I think he's using food and sex for comfort. He pretends that I am still his girlfriend, but I know he and Harry have been going to clubs and getting drunk and picking up girls. Ginny doesn't know.' She looked quickly at Bill. 'Please don't tell your mother or Ginny, Bill. That's why I'm still staying at Grimmauld Place instead of trying to retrieve my parents from Australia. I thought it was important not to leave the boys to their own devices.'

Bill nodded.

Hermione continued. It was as if now she had begun to unburden herself she could not stop. 'I just seem to burst into tears more than I did before. I seem to not be able to control my emotions as much.' Then, thoughtfully, she added, 'Is that why you're changing the school curriculum?'

'Well spotted,' said Severus snidely. Seeing Minerva's cross look, he went on, 'Magic is, in truth, neither entirely Dark nor entirely Light. Even the most simple and Light of spells can be used to hurt, if the intention is there. Think for example of the tickling charm; if applied continuously, it can be a method of torture. Much of magic is based on intent, and when even simple spells are used, the Darker intent calls upon the Darkness that lies within. It is insidious, silent and very dangerous. Potter, Weasley, Longbottom, yourself... you have all murdered a part of Voldemort's soul. Your act was for the greater good, but your intent was to kill, to destroy. This has brought out the Darkness within you, and the more Darkness there is, the more a person's personality can change. Knowing the Dark Arts allows the practitioner to understand the dangers, thus giving more control and protection to the user.'

He paused. Minerva and Bill both nodded. They knew what Severus spoke off. At their sign of encouragement, Severus continued, 'Forewarned is forearmed. Why do you think I begged Dumbledore repeatedly to let me teach the DADA position? I knew this would come to pass. I, myself, feed the Darkness swirling within me through my use of hurtful words, through anger, isolation. I can control the Darkness that cries out for more blood, more destruction, because I feed the beast within me through the manifestation of people's fear and dislike. It is not enough; it is never enough when you have walked in the Dark as much as I have, but it gives me some modicum of control.'

Hermione's face registered her shock. But she was not afraid. She realised the intent behind Professor Snape's frank admission and his strong need to teach the students. Tentatively, she said, 'If Bill is coming back full-time, what do you need me for?'

This caused Minerva to smile and think to herself, Well done, Miss Granger. For it was obvious the girl was shocked but determined to help. She was undoubtedly a true Gryffindor, indeed.

'Patience, Miss Granger,' said Severus. 'Let us deal with Bill here, first.'

Then, addressing Bill, he said, 'Will you be able to come in for an official meeting on Friday? We can iron out the details of your contract and your syllabus then. After that, I shall expect you to come in for a meeting with the Senior Staff Committee the following week.'

'Of course,' said Bill.

'How much notice do you need to give the Goblins?' asked Minerva.

'Just a month,' said Bill. 'Don't worry, I've got plenty of leave that's pending and should be completely done with all Gringotts matters by the first of September.'

'Excellent,' said Severus before walking up to Bill and offering him his hand. 'Welcome on board.'

'Indeed,' said Minerva. 'It's wonderful to have you back, William.'

Bill grinned at the two professors and winked at Hermione before making his way out of the room.

After Bill's departure, Hermione looked expectantly at her professors.

Minerva smiled kindly. 'Miss Granger, Defence is not the only subject in which you excel and in which Hogwarts is short-staffed. As you know, Professor Slughorn came out of retirement in your sixth year rather unhappily. He is keen to have more rest, and we were hoping you would consent to acting as his teaching assistant. You would do all of the marking, all of the basic brewing for the infirmary and run the remedial sessions for the failing students.'

'Of course,' said Hermione with no hesitation. 'I've loved Potions from my very first lesson.' She blushed again before looking up to meet Severus' dark eyes. 'Your opening speech, Professor, it has stayed with me ever since I heard it. ...The beauty of the softly simmering cauldron with its shimmering fumes, the delicate power of liquids that creep through human veins, bewitching the mind, ensnaring the senses... I can teach you how to bottle fame, brew glory, even stopper death,... It was the most powerful speech I've ever heard, and Potions has stayed one of my foremost favourite subjects ever since.'

Minerva smiled. It was obvious that Severus was wrong-footed at Hermione's obvious reverence for Potions and the professor who taught the subject.

Severus was indeed extremely uncomfortable. He was very aware that he had never been kind to the young woman who looked at him with such shining eyes. He had abused her intellect, been cruel to her friends and done his best to reduce her to a quivering puddle whenever he was given the opportunity. To hear her speak of him and his subject with such evident passion caused him to wonder how much more she could have achieved if he had taken the time to actually instruct her. He, however, shook the thought aside; he had been a Death Eater; he had not possessed the opportunity to coddle a Gryffindor Muggle-born. Feeling more in control, Severus said, 'Good, I'm glad that's agreed. The next order of business is Muggle Studies. During the past year, it too suffered under the brutal ignorance of the Carrows. We would like you to help teach a part of the course, as you know the Muggle world intimately. I am quite familiar with the Muggle world myself, but until we find a full-time professor, we will need help in getting the syllabus back on track.'

Hermione was overjoyed at being asked to help out. Her delight was evident as she said, 'Oh, yes, I'd love to help with Muggle Studies. It always seemed to me the syllabus was extremely outdated, even before the events of the last year.'

'Indeed,' said Severus.

'But what about my NEWTs?' Hermione asked. 'When will I go to class?'

Minerva laughed before suggesting, 'Could you not sit for some or even most of your subjects with the students who attended Hogwarts last year? You were always good in your work; I'm sure you've kept up.'

Hermione blushed before nodding. 'I had been studying while we were on the run. It seemed foolish not to take the textbooks with me. It was the one thing that kept me sane, especially after Ron deserted us. I clung to the hope of a normal future, where I would be able to sit for my NEWTs. And now with the tensions here, it is my solace. I can hide away in the books.'

Severus well understood the escape books and work provided. He said almost kindly, 'You will, of course, after your NEWTs, continue to follow the special Dark Arts sessions I will conduct, and indeed, most of Bill's modules. We are also planning on introducing special electives on Healing and Medicinal Potions and Recent History, which I'm sure you will find interesting.'

'Oh,' said Hermione, her eyes shining with excitement. 'I tried learning some Healing last year. I can't wait to learn more.' Gathering her courage, she next asked, 'Could I perhaps take on an apprenticeship? There is so much I still want to learn.'

Severus shook his head. 'The idea does have merit, but I would advise you to take this first year back as a teaching assistant settling in. You can, if you so desire, take on an apprenticeship the following year. What would you like to apprentice in?'

Hermione blushed. 'Everything, really, but I think I'd like to begin with Charms. It's always come easily to me.' Then she looked directly at Minerva and said, 'I've always wanted to learn to be an Animagus, too.'

Minerva chuckled. 'I'll inform Filius to prepare himself for an apprentice in the not too distant future in that case. As for being an Animagus, if you have time during your busy year, we can work on it over the course of evening meetings. If not, the following year will suffice.'

Hermione blushed. She was very pleased at the prospect of being able to indulge in her love of learning.

Severus, himself, had always wanted to learn to be an Animagus. That Potter, Black and Pettigrew had managed the transformation, while he had not, had pained him. Seeing a window of opportunity and knowing how Minerva was determined to mend their strained friendship, he said, 'Well, Minerva, if you're giving private lessons, I, too, would like to be included.'

Minerva was pleased. Smiling broadly she said, 'Of course, it will be a delight to teach you both.'

It was next decided that Hermione would present herself at Hogwarts the following Wednesday for an official meeting with Severus and a meeting with the Senior Staff Committee a week after.

Details concluded, the trio vacated the library to be met by Harry and the Weasleys.

Molly once again bustled about and suggested that they come to the kitchen for tea. Severus was about to refuse, but realised it was a good opportunity to observe Molly and the youngest Weasley male. He had not forgotten that Molly had killed Bellatrix Lestrange. Molly, too, would be feeling the effects of casting Dark magic.

Once everyone was resettled around the table, Ron said, 'I'm not coming back, either. If Harry is going off to play Quidditch, then I don't see why I should be stuck at school learning pointless things. George needs help in the shop, and I've agreed to keep the books for him. I'll have money in my pocket and some freedom to have fun.'

'Oh, Ron,' said Hermione. 'I'm going back, and it is really important to finish. Professor Snape is going to have special sessions for DADA. It will be really interesting.'

Ron glared at Hermione and said rudely, 'You've always been a swot. You can play with your books. I've got more important things to do than mess around with useless information.'

Before anyone can intervene, Ginny piped up. 'If Harry and Ron aren't going back, I don't want to, either.'

This was too much for a listening Molly. Turning to look sternly at Ginny, she said, 'Nonsense, young lady; as long as you live under my roof, you will go back and finish your seventh year.'

********************************
The quote from Severus' opening speech is taken from J.K. Rowling, Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone (London: Bloomsbury, 1997) p. 102.