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Love, Hate and Severus Snape	By : h0lden Category: Harry Potter > Het - Male/Female > Snape/Hermione Views: 3092 -:- Recommendations : 0 -:- Currently Reading : 0
Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter, nor any of the characters from the books or movies. I do not make any money from the writing of this story.

Chapter List
- 1-Love, Hate and Severus Snape
- 1
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Chapter 1: Old Times

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The bags on Hermione's shoulder were heavy, but she barely noticed their weight. She was far too exhilarated at being back at Hogwarts. Back at the school she had loved so dearly. The school she had graduated from with highest honors. The school she was destined to teach in.

And now she was back.

It hadn't been long since she received the Headmaster's letter, telling her in his long, spindly script that he was offering her a position as Muggle studies Professor. Imagine, her, teaching a room full of students, all waiting to learn. All listening to what she had to say. Who had taught Muggle Studies before her again? Ah, yes, Professor Materia. A nice woman if Hermione could remember.

Your zest for knowledge and desire for others to learn makes you an ideal candidate for the position. the parchment had read, allowing Hermione's ego to swell a bit.

She was still smiling, even as the warm air from the last days of summer was shining down at her, feeling almost sweltering. She was almost too afraid to knock. Too afraid to boldly go into the school. Frightened at absolutely nothing.

She had been required at Hogwarts, a week before classes were to begin for preparation. Being the person that she was, she already had a syllabus, lesson plan and supply list ready for Albus' perusal and approval. She would be the youngest one teaching there, and in that she refused to look under experienced. She'd gone to the best of Wizarding schools, gotten offers from all around, and still she had chosen Hogwarts.

She knew things would be different this time. Mainly because Voldemort was defeated. Dead. Of course, by the hands of Harry Potter. She herself and Ron had been behind him as he administered the fatal blow. Their combined wand power had been enough to send him into oblivion. Then, Harry had fallen down. They'd believed him to be dead.

But he did awake. Months later, out of a lasting coma they thought would be deadly. His green eyes flashing wide had been such a surprise. Such a wonderful surprise. That, and Harry noted as he saw himself for the first time in the mirror, his scar was gone. The lasting symbol of his haunted past was behind him. He had been so happy.

She often saw him during her years of study, thought ties had been strained lately. He went to a school almost halfway across the world, studying much and she hadn't time to spare with all her classes, nor did he. It was a comforting feel to know that Harry was out there though, living his life as he should have.

Ron however was off in Romania with Charlie, as he found the career of his brother was a most desired one indeed. He was already married, and with two female twins who reminded Hermione an awful lot of George and Fred, though she'd never tell him. He taught Quidditch at a nearby school, and was enjoying it greatly.

Life was as it should be.

Now, things would be finally good at Hogwarts. They wouldn't have live in such a state of worried urgency. Dumbledore would be able to plan more fun things. Life would again be magically exciting again without such a dark shadow looming above all lesson plans. Students wouldn't be afraid to walk down the corridors of the school, waiting for some monster. She held in a shudder at the recollection of the Basilisk in her second year.

Yes, things would be different. A good different.

She looked to the heavy oak door in front of her, she knew what lay beyond it. She could close her eyes and know exactly what to expect. Two sets of armor on either side, cold to an outsider, but a welcome reminder to veterans of the school. A large marble staircase would be deep set in front of her, a ways away. On either side of that, two staircases, one welcoming the other daunting.

One lead to the kitchens, and if desired, the Hufflepuff common room. That was sweet enough in itself, and Dumbledore needn't really worry about them stealing from the kitchens, they were all too timid to do so.

The other staircase however, was not so pleasant. It was that staircase on the left, that lead to the dungeons, and in turn; Snape. It was Snape that had been the one thought that had almost made her turn down the position.

But why, you may ask. All during her years as his student, hadn't she had admired his abilities and courage? Yes. And during those years hadn't she been top in all her classes, including his own? Of course. But, was a small part of her terrified now that she was no longer his student, and therefore at the receiving end of his cruelest jabs, reserved for alumni of Hogwarts who were now not under the complete protection of Dumbledore?

Possibly.

Although she'd never admit it to anyone, especially not to Harry, a small, insignificant part of her was intimidated by Snape, even to this day and she hadn't even seen him. Not because of his past, not because of his position in the school, not because he was a good few inches taller than her. It was just him. He could have been teaching Divination, and he would still have that cutting way about him. Something that just had people off kilter. He was an uneasy man to be around, let alone be an ex student of.

She only thanked the heavens above that she hadn't been saddled off with some 'apprentice' position. Imagine if she'd had to shadow some boring Professor, as dull as Professor Binns and as strange as Professor Trelawny.

She pushed such thoughts from her mind, finding them most detrimental. Instead, Hermione continued to envision the vast expanse of Hogwarts from memory. If she were to turn right, she would be headed in the direction of the Great Hall. If she were to turn left she would come across various classrooms and a door to the courtyard. She smiled softly, familiar memories and feelings overtaking her, pushing out her doubt and current nerves.

She was ready.

She rose a hand then, knuckles prepared to rap against the large door. Her hand swung back, and just before she could press them to the door, she was lifted right off the ground round her middle! Her eyes bulged and she felt her fear taking her over.

She was going to be killed. By a monster. Right here on Hogwarts grounds. She gave a small shriek of horror then before a familiar, lowly buzzing voice called out her name;

"'Ermione!"

Hermione felt her heartbeat slowing as the large figure placed her back on the ground. She turned around quickly, looking into the warm beetle black eyes of the former Groundskeeper. The same smile, the same jacket, the same kind disposition.

"Hagrid!" She said with a large smile, giving him an even larger hug, though she couldn't fit her arms all the way around his middle. She pulled back, beaming as she looked to him. "I didn't know it was you!"

"I didn't mean to scare 'yeh." Hagrid said bashfully, patting her shoulder gently. "I was jus' so excited to see yeh after all these 'ears."

"Think nothing of it Hagrid!" Hermione responded smoothly, arranging her coat back into a comfortable position. "How have you been?"

"Well, you know." Hagrid said self consciously, "Been takin' care of me creatures careful, none dead yet. Classes are startin' to fill up more an' more." At this he gave a small grin, "And not one bad report yet."

"I'm so glad to hear it, and so glad you were the first person I saw here." Hermione responded truthfully, giving him an easy smile. "I'm a bit nervous."

"Nervous?" Hagrid said with a look of surprise, "You?"

"Yes." Hermione insisted with a nervous giggle. "I mean, I know all the Professor's here...unless some have been replaced." Suddenly Hermione's worried dark eyes darted up to the half-giant. "Have there been any replacements?"

"Nah." Hagrid said, waiting for her to continue. "No one but the Defense Against the Dark arts Professor."

"Oh well, then I do know almost all the Professor's." Hermione said firmly, "But I'm just worried they won't accept me."

"They will." Hagrid said easily, "Otherwise Dumbledore never would 'ave 'ired yeh."

"I suppose." Hermione said, her doubts slowly leaving her. A small smile arose on her lips. "Have I missed any interesting gossip around here?"

Hagrid gave a small chuckle at the prospect, and then looked thoughtful before speaking with a rather odd look on his face. "Well, 'ave you heard about-"

Before Hagrid could finish, the large oak doors to Hogwarts were opened, allowing a gust of cool air to pass over he and Hermione as they looked around one side of the door, seeing that the foyer was empty.

"It's time." Hermione said with a small gulp, looking up to Hagrid worriedly.

"Don' be worried." Hagrid worried as he gave her a small nudge into the foyer. "You're goin' to be great, I know it!"

She stepped into the foyer, looking to the familiar landscape before turning back to Hagrid with a pensive look on her face. He gave her a small wink and shut the large door behind her with a gentle click.

She was alone.

Suddenly, there was a flash of blue and white, and before she could collect the turmoil of feelings she was experiencing, Albus was in front of her with a broad smile

"Welcome welcome back!" Dumbledore chortled as Hermione looked to the older man, a smile breaking over her features as she closed the large door behind her. The sound of her footsteps echoed on the grainy floor, as Dumbledore rushed over teet eet her at a closer proximity.

"Hello Headmaster!" Hermione said as she strode over, dropping her heavy bags to give the older man a gentle hug. She wasn't accustomed to much physical contact, but with the Headmaster, it seemed more familiar. As if he were an elderly relative she enjoyed spending time with.

He returned the hug easily, pulling back so that she could see the merry twinkle in his clear eyes, always reminding her of a breezy day in the spring, something that made her feel almost completely calm and at ease.

"How was your trip m'dear?"

"Oh, just fine." Hermione answered grinning. "I'm just so glad to be here."

Albus smiled softly as before. "I'm glad to hear it."

"I've got my syllabus all ready." Hermione suddenly blurted, feeling so idiotic after she had done so. She sounded like such an eager overachiever, even when she didn't mean to. She was just so excited to have everything all finalized and ready. Who could honestly blame her?

"I was just-" Albus started and then suddenly glanced over her shoulder, speaking with gentle order.

"Yes, please take those to Miss Granger's new rooms. Room twelve. Thank you very much."

Hermione whirled around to where Albus had been looking and her bags had been moments before, only to see that they were gone. She saw nothing surrounding the bare spot and so she turned back to Albus, a dark eyebrow raised in surprised confusion.

"Housves.ves." Albus said with familiar mirth at the girl's face. "I know of your dislike for it Hermione, but they do enjoy their work. Not as slaves, as those of their free will."

Hermione said nothing as she fell silent. There were some things that she just didn't agree with at all. But, she didn't want a rocky start to the trip, as she was overly excited about getting everything in order.

"Are you hungry?" Albus suddenly piped up. "The faculty is meeting in the Great Hall as we speak."

"Oh," Hermione said, her stomach feeling queasy. The thought of seeing everyone again was a joyful thing, but a nerve wracking one as well. "Yes, that would be great."

Albus nodded, sensing the girl's nerves as they continued to the Great Hall. "You've nothing to worry about Hermione. You are just as knowledgeable and qualified for this job as any of the other's here. Are you are lacking in is experience, which I know you'll have conquered before the end of your first teaching week. Never forget that."

"Thank you sir." Hermione said with a small nod, her stomach slowing in its fluttering. Albus believed in her. "I only hope I can live up to all your expectations."

"I'm sure you will." Albus said knowingly as they stopped at the Great Hall doors. Hermione took another gulp, as if it were the last breath of air she would ever have. Albus suddenly looked over to the girl, giving her a small, encouraging smile. "And Hermione?"

"Yes sir?"

"It's Albus, from now on."

Hermione nodded. "Yes Albus."

The doors opened then, and Hermione observed the Professor's inside. There were only fourteen teachers in the school in the first place, she the last. They were all sequestered around a large buffet table, holding all things delicious. Many were talking amongst themselves in little groups and Hermione immtelytely felt like an outsider.

"I'm off to get things arranged for our meeting." Albus said with a gentle pat on her back, "Go and mingle."

"Thank you." Hermione answered softly, watching as he left her side, leaving her defenseless and vulnerable. She only prayed Snape wasn't the first one she'd meet here, though judging by the lack of greasy black locks, the Professor was thankfully missing in action.

Hermione was slowly become more confident, finding all the faces familiar and friendly appearing. There was one back to her, of a tall person that she couldn't see the face of. Judging by what she could see it was male, and most likely the new Defense Against the Dark Arts Professor. New like her. Should she go over and talk to him? Share that sense of camaraderie?

Part of her longed to be accepted into this, but she wondered if she'd be able to hold her own in an actual conversation with other Professors. What if she looked stupid? Inexperienced? She couldn't take that humiliation. Intelligence was all she had.

"Hermione Granger!"

Suddenly all the eyes of the room were on her, the drumming sound of polite conversation suddenly ceasing. She felt herself blushing, even though she didn't know for sure, she felt all eyes on her.

Hermione looked up from her shoes jerkily, as a tall figure came rushing over with a smile across thin lips. Hermione looked to the older woman, the familiar firmness of features, flinty eyes that could hold such warmth. There was immediate respect, for Hermione respected McGonagall almost most of all as her old Head of House.

McGonagall came over to Hermione, enveloping the girl in an unexpected hug that she returned. She pulled back, looking to Hermione's face as she faltered shyly slightly under the sudden scrutiny.

"My my." She said softly, smiling a little. "How you've changed."

"Not much." Hermione said with a self-conscious smile.

"It's not a physical change." McGonagall said wisely, "It's something much more meaningful. I can't put my finger on it."

Hermione couldn't really put together what McGonagall was saying, but she smiled anyway, giving a curt nod. "Thank you Professor."

"It's Minerva now, Hermione." McGonagall said with a small smile, "You're a Professor here."

"Right." Hermione said with a small smile. "It's just so strange to call all my ex Professor's by their first names." WorrWorry not." McGonagall said warmly, "It will come with time."

Hermione nodded gratefully, and was about to speak further with her old Head of House when she was suddenly surrounded by several Professors, some shaking her hand, all offering welcome words.

She was polite to all of them, finding that the sudden storm of fear had passed her. That she was somehow being initiated into their secretive world, and the thought warmed her.

Soon the Professor's drifted to and fro, and Hermione was left to her own devices momentarily. She looked around the Great Hall, feeling more at ease than ever.

"Hmmm." Albus said off handedly to Minerva a few feet away. Hermione only caught the end of the last sentence. "-and Severus isn't here yet."

Hermione suddenly felt her stomach dropping. Oh yes, Snape. He'd been expecting her. The entire faculty had known she was arriving today. His lack of presence didn't upset her, in fact she was near ecstatic. Perhaps she wouldn't have to see him at all today!

But, there was that small part of her again that almost wished he were here. As if she could prove to him that he did not intimidate her in the slightest. To prove that, as a Professor here now, she demanded his respect, although she highly doubted he'd respond as she hoped.

She didn't notice the Great Hall doors slamming open as two figures stormed in, for she was then caught up in a conversation with Professor Binns, who had remarkably enough, inquired about some new ways Hermione thought he could make the class more interesting.

"Perhaps an example or two." Hermione suggested thoughtfully, not wishing to insult him.

"How so?"

"Well," Hermione said diplomatically, "Instead of just talking about the History of magic, conjure up an example, a visual."

"That's a marvelous suggestion." Professor Binns exclaimed happily. He seemed about to go on when a dark voice cut in.

"Not even here an hour, and already giving the other Professor's tips? How expected of you, Miss Granger."

Professor Binns gave Hermione a sorry glance before moving off to chat with a few of the other, more approachable Professors, leaving Hermione alone with the Great Bat.

Calm down. He's only human.

Hermione tried to slow the palpitation of her heart, fearing that she would stop breathing momentarily. Slowly, achingly slowly she turned, assaulted almost instantly by his black, maliciously glittering eyes.

Snape.

He hasn't changed a bit. Hermione thought with dumbstruck awe.

For some reason, his total lack of change disturbed her more than if he had shown up wearing a red dress and blonde wig. She had changed, he was supposed to have as well. Time does that to people. But no, he still looked as tall and prim and broody as usual. It was almost amazing.

His hair was the same length, his lips still curved into a malicious grin. The nose still overrode the rest of his features, his hair's oils positively shining. It was almost repulsively unsettling. After not seeing him for so many years, viewing him again was a new wave of shock.

But wait. She studied his face a moment, taking him all in. He did appear changed though... Somehow unknown, and she couldn't honestly detect how.

She'd only been away five years, but, five years from an eighteen year old to a twenty three year old had significance. She supposed that to a man of Snape's age wouldn't dwell on such a thing.

Hermione suddenly became aware of her staring, and a light blush rose to her cheeks. She also recalled what he had just said to her, and she felt a sudden tremor of irritation run through her.

"I was merely offering suggestions to Professor Binns because he inquired." Hermione offered, determinedly looking to him. It was a strange position she was in now. Haf hef her wanted to call him Severus, just for the reaction, and the other part was petrified that she was going to be verbally whiplashed.

It was uncomfortable to stand up to him, a few steps away and actually be able to do so. When she had been his student she barely ever met his gaze longer than a fleeting second when answering questions. But now, their eyes were locked, sensing for any leak of confidence. She sensed nothing of the sort in him.

She waited for the cutting remark that would surely follow her own sweet and honest one. That was the way of Slytherins and Gryffindors. Even though she was far past House competition, Snape would always see her as Minerva's golden student and despise her for it.

His dark eyes floated fleetingly up and down her frame, making her just uncomfortable enough to cross her arms over her chest, as he did the same. They surveyed each other a moment before he sneered at her, this time with no malice, but instead boredom.

"I hope the students aren't too much for you." Snape said haughtily, trying to appear bored. He glanced at the girl darkly, almost daring her to talk back to him.

"I doubt they will be." Hermione retorted dismissively, appearing to be examining her nails absently. "Besides, I've always been up for a challenge."

"Ah," Snape said with a dark glint in his eyes. He knew something she didn't and it made her uneasy. "But I doubt a roomful of uninterested students will be such an easy conquest."

Hermione swallowed thickly, her voice not as strong as it was moments before. "Your self proclaimed 'dunderheads'?"

"Dunderheads they may be, Miss Granger." Snape said with a kink in his eyebrow. "But rest assured, to a vulnerable first year teacher, they can be more frightening than a hundred dementors. "

Hermione stood across from Snape a moment, wondering if she should question his motives. Surely he had it coming. But she also didn't want to get off on the wrong foot, and on her first day!

Oh...what the hell.

"Are you purposely trying to frighten me, Professor?" Hermione demanded shakily. She kept calling him Professor, mainly because calling him 'Severus' just sounded bizarre and was reserved for those who respected one another. She also took note that he hadn't used her first name at all since he'd come over, and so the same went for him.

"I merely came over to welcome and prepare you a little for your first year of teaching." Snape said, acting offended. "If you construe that as 'frightening', then I suggest that that is your problem entirely. From some deep rooted psychological trauma, perhaps?"

Was he trying to make it seem as if she were psychologically disturbed? The man didn't have a civil bone in his body! Hermione felt her neck growing hot, her anger spinning in her stomach, leaving her almost breathless.

"And how are the dungeon's this year Professor?" Hermione suddenly retorted with an easy smile, the words just bursting out of her. "Or should I say more specifically; the Potions classroom?"

Snape looked greatly taken aback a full moment after hearing what Hermione had said, the full weight of the words almost hitting him. He almost furrowed his eyebrows at her comment as if in a shocked stupor and Hermione took it upon herself to expand on her speech.

"Oh and Professor, do you happen to know who got the Defense Against the Dark Arts position this year? I trust it went to someone worthy of the title?"

That was it.

Snape's entire body went rigid as he looked at her incredulously, as if he couldn't even accept that she had spoken the words aloud. It was as if he had been slapped. He suddenly towered over her, reminding her of first year all over again.

He glowered at her darkly without a bitter word before slinking off across the room, his robes flying out after him like some billowing circus tent. Hermione stifled a laugh.

"I daresay you've just made an enemy, Hermione." Professor Flitwick said from Hermione's side, giving her a small smirk as they watched the tall man walk to the buffet table, glaring at everyone he passed.

"I made that man's enemy list back when I was eleven." Hermione said with a dramatic rolling of her eyes. "You'd think time would have changed him."

"Not with Severus." The small man said with a shrug, "He's always been very moody and unpredictable."

Unpredictable? Hermione thought with a look of concern on her face. For some reason that word just didn't seem to fit him at all. Before she could dwell on it any longer, there was a light voice from her left.

"Hello Hermione."

Hermione spun around, finding the light somewhat breathy voice to be almost completely foreign. She couldn't place a face with it, but as she turned and dark waist length hair and bright green eyes came into view along with a fairly tall body, Hermione was flooded with remembrance.

"Oh, hello Professor Sinistra!" Hermione said surprised, for she hadn't heard the woman come up to her. Professor Sinistra to Hermione, was another one of those teacher's she'd never quite connected with.

Hermione barely recalled Astronomy, due to its rather tedious nature. She adored stargazing, but found the whole class rather dull at times. Sinistra was a rather quiet woman, not particularly prominent in public functions and so forth. But she was in Hermione's opinion, very bright in her field and quite pretty.

"Hermione," The woman said softly, her warm green eyes sparkling as she smiled sparingly. "How nice that you've returned. And please, call me Astra."

Astra Sinistra. There was an interesting name.

She extended a hand for Hermione to shake, and before Hermione could return the motion, her eyes caught on a large piece of jewelry on the older woman's ring finger.

It was a diamond cut jewel that sparkled lightly, flooding different shades of all colors as the moments went on. Hermione was momentarily transfixed with the beauty of it, then confused.

"Oh," Hermione said blushing as she realized she was staring and that the Professor had noticed. "I'm sorry, I just didn't know you were married Profes- Astra."

"Oh, didn't he tell you?" Sinistra said with a timid blush as she looked to the ring.

"Severus and I are engaged."

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author's notes:

*MANIACAL LAUGHTER* HAHAHBUAHAHAAHAHAHAH!

I've gone crazy. I've started another story. Please don't hate me for it.

Right. I don't know much about Madame Sinistra, and for that I apologize. I wasn't really able to dig up much, other than she's The Astronomy teacher. Since there's so little known about her, I deem that I may make her as I believe her to look and act. Until of course JK e-mails me and tells me to stop ruining her characters. Until that time...

As always I welcome reviews and comments, and appreciate them greatly!

Oh, and for those of you who are interested, the name "Astra" is English or something, for "From the stars", so I thought it was fitting. *grin* And the old muggle studies Professor's name; "Materia" means: "Of the human world"

I think it works. *grin*

cheers. holden.

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Love, Hate and Severus Snape