When All is Lost One is Found

Chapter 56: Start of Holidays

When All is Lost, One is Found

Author: Rinoaebastel

Chapter 56: Start of Holidays

Disclaimer: I don't own Harry Potter and gain no profit from this fanfiction other than writing practice. JK Rowling owns Harry Potter.

AN: This story may contain scenes taken from the Harry Potter movies and books, but it's not exact dialogue, just rewording of dialogue or omission. It is not marked.

December, 1996

Only five students stayed behind during the season, and he knew all but one would avoid him. The only contact would be during meal times, and that would consist of sitting in the great hall. The environment became calm, relaxing, silent, cool, and he loved it with all that was left of his heart.

Although the tranquility seemed to reach him, he couldn't rest most of the time. He still had to make some potions for Dumbledore and had more experiments to do until he decided that it was impossible to beat that curse. It was a stupid thought indeed considering his expertise in the Dark Arts. That curse was designed for the perfect kill.

He knew it, the rational part of him was sure of it, but he refused to wait until the time to kill the headmaster arrived.

And when his brewing was done, he could start his other plans. Preparing Granger was going to be difficult when she still feared her magic, but he was sure the witch could overcome the obstacle. She was stronger than she thought. He had seen it with all she had to endure.

He walked to the Great Hall and the doors opened for him. The teachers looked up, a few with smiles on their faces as a greeting. His eyes moved around the lone table in the middle of the Hall. The only free chair was next to Granger and McGonagall. He would be lying if he said he wasn't glad to see her. Glad she stayed.

This Christmas was going to be different.

He walked over to the table and sat next to her. No words of recognition came from him. After all, their alliance and friendship needed to stay a secret. If the older wizard found out, he would act and stop any involvement. He didn't want anything to possibly get in the way of his plans. Dumbledore's plans were inalterable, but he wanted his own. If the old man didn't fully trust him, then he would not fully trust the old man.

"Severus, I hope you find the arrangements of our new eating space comfortable?"

He found Granger's company quite acceptable, but it was something that only the two of them knew.

"If Miss Granger only uses her mouth to eat and refrains from asking me so many questions," he replied with a dry voice as he started to serve himself some of the food in front of him.

"You know you like the girl, Severus," McGonagall said and turned to Hermione. "Ignore him and enjoy, dear. You can ask whatever you wish. I recall this is the first year you've stayed."

"Yes, professor. I wanted to have some peace here and try to fix some issues now if I can," Granger explained.

He took a piece of roasted beef from a tray, grabbed his knife and fork, and started to eat.

"I see. Severus informed us a tad about them, but wasn't completely forthcoming. We know you're capable of overcoming whatever you set your mind to," the old witch said with a proud voice.

"I beg to differ," he said after he swallowed. He looked up at them. "And that's why I'm going to give her more classes."

The polite chatter amongst the other teachers stopped and they all looked at him as if he'd lost his head. A smug smile came to his lips.

"We talked about this, Severus," Dumbledore said, the warning in his voice clear.

"I can't let another incident like Potter's happen in my class. I'm the defense teacher, so I will act as I should." His tone of voice left no room for argument.

"Are you fine with this, dear?" McGonagall asked.

"I am. Actually, Professor Snape talked to me after the incident, and I know he can help me."

Can. Not Think. Can. Her voice held no doubt. She even appeared proud that he was helping her

"You have other tasks to attend to, Severus," Dumbledore said.

"I'm aware," he replied dryly, not caring about the headmaster's thoughts on the matter. She needed help. These sessions would be easier if the other teachers were informed too. "We agreed to start after the holidays, so don't worry yourself if she comes back with scratches or if a classroom is used after hours."

The angry look in the headmaster's blue eyes was satisfying.

"Don't be harsh on her, Severus. For Merlin's sake, she is still a child. A girl," Minerva said.

"I'm not a child or a girl," Hermione said.

"Dear, you are—"

"She is a young woman, not a childish girl," Severus said, cutting her off. "If she can participate in the upcoming events, I think she warrants being called a woman even more. She's needed for the future, and don't you dare deny that. She and her foolish friends are incorrigible."

Minerva pursed her lips but finally let a sigh escape. He savored the victory.

"Still, my dear, if he is too rude you can come to me, and I will smack him back to his senses."

"I'd like to see you try it," Severus replied, earning a laugh from McGonagall.

Hermione giggled. "Thank you for your concern, professor."

He resumed eating his meal, ignoring the occasional bewildered look from the staff that remained.

AN: Defiance is always fun. And recognition too heh. Hope you liked it and let me know what you think. I will see you on 27th!