Song Of The Guardians

The First Meeting

Hermione walked through the hallways at Severus Snape's side, trying her best to keep pace with his long strides. They'd had a brief meeting about the potion that they'd be working on and were now going to meet with the DA for the first time. "I hope they are not all as idiotic as I remember them," Snape muttered.

"My thoughts exactly," Hermione responded with a small smile. When she saw Snape glance at her in question she went on. "Some of them were a bit ridiculous in school. They came through in a pinch, but I would really prefer not to risk it. We really can't afford any mistakes this time."

Snape snorted derisively. "We couldn't afford mistakes last time," he reminded her.

"Yes well, I was off with Harry and Ron for several months before that battle," she said. "We were so busy that we didn't really have time to consider the fact that we were completely off our heads to be in the middle of that fight."

"Indeed," Snape agreed.

"Really, it's no wonder that Mrs. Weasley was a nervous wreck," Hermione went on. "I can't imagine being a parent with a child involved in a war."

"Imagine being a teacher trying to keep his dunderhead students alive when they're determined to be involved in said war," Snape retorted.

Hermione giggled softly. "You're my hero Professor Snape," she replied with a playful grin.

Snape eyed her for a moment and then said "It hardly seems fair for you to continue to call me 'Professor' when you have demanded for me to use your given name."

Hermione looked up in surprise. "I demanded nothing," she retorted. "It was a request. And I just thought you would not appreciate my use of your first name. But, I have no problem with calling you Severus."

At that moment, they reached the doors leading to the Great Hall. They could hear a great deal of noise coming from inside. "That doesn't sound very promising," Hermione said anxiously, hearing several raised voices.

Severus pulled his wand out of his robes and nodded for Hermione to do the same. He pushed the doors open and led the way inside, holding his wand free arm out to keep Hermione behind him. Once inside he halted and stared at the scene before him. Hermione looked over his shoulder and she gasped at the sight. Caroline and Jenna Freeman had a firm grip on Samantha, apparently preventing her from attacking Seamus Finnegan. Hermione heard Seamus say something about Americans and she was certain that is wasn't a compliment, judging by the expression on his face and the reactions of the Freemans. Caroline and Jenna glared at Seamus and then exchanged a mischievous look. At the same time, they released Sam and watched her launch herself at Seamus and knock him to the floor.

Hermione's mouth fell open with shock and Snape snorted in amusement. She whirled around to face him, saying "What do we do?"

"It looks as if she has a handle on it," he replied, gesturing to where Sam was grappling with Seamus while other people were shouting and arguing around them.

Hermione rolled her eyes impatiently. "We can't just let them fight it out Severus," she retorted.

"Fine," he said in a bored tone. Turning to face the crowd he shouted "Enough!" Everyone froze and looked over at Snape and Hermione. Sam rose and took a step away from Seamus, looking completely unapologetic. Seamus shot to his feet and glared at her, but didn't dare to interrupt Snape. "Stop this childish behavior right now. What is the meaning of this?" He glared furiously at the crowd as they shifted uncomfortably.

"Most of them feel that I shouldn't be here," Draco drawled irritably. "They called me a traitor. In fact, they became even more upset when they found out that you'll be involved in this as well."