Against The Odds

Chapter 2- Life after Death

Minerva sat in the Headmaster's office and watched as Filch got rid of the remnants of debris from the floor. Surely magic could have done the job quickly and efficiently, but she wanted to give the man a sense of purpose.

By the time the afternoon came, a thunderstorm had rolled in, bringing Severus with it. Minerva's eyes widened as she looked at her former colleague and student for that matter. She couldn't believe her eyes, not only was he alive, but he appeared younger. He shook out his raven locks from the rain and grinned. "You look like you've seen a ghost, Minerva," he stated as he grabbed a bottle of firewhiskey and poured himself a glass.

The witch took a moment to process it all before speaking. "I certainly feel as if I'm looking at one, Severus. I must know the details of what transpired," she replied as she fell heavily into her chair.

Severus took a long pull from his drink before even dignifying a response. "After realizing that the Dark Lord would use his snake on me, I made an antivenom potion that would counter it," he said simply. "This particular antivenom needed to be stronger than most and some of the added ingredients happen to be the same as a youth serum," he added with a smirk. "And it's long term, I did that for my own benefit," his voice almost cracked.

Minerva watched as he poured another drink. "Your own benefit," she asked curiously.

The dark wizard nodded as he drank the drink back in one go. "My life was spent protecting Potter and pining after Lily. I was constantly teetering the line and living My life for Albus and Voldemort," he snarled bitterly. "I had no life of my own and when I was on the brink of death, I saw Lily," he murmured that last part.

Minerva's eyes widened once more and she leaned forward to listen more intently. "Did she say anything," she asked softly.

Severus nodded again slowly. "She told me to let her go and be happy. That I was being given a second chance at life and I needed to make it count," he paused to pour another drink and take a sip. "She told me that her and Potter are happy," he added soberly.

The witch listened and her heart broke for the man. She knew of his pining for Lily and knew how hard it must have been for him to hear those words, especially from Lily herself. "Severus, are you sure you want to return here as a professor? You have the whole world open to you and so many new possibilities on a new life," she asked as she watched him get up and begin to pace.

"Yes, Hogwarts has always been my home Minerva and teaching is my passion, even if I can't stand children," he stated with a smirk.

A little chuckle slipped past Minerva's lips at that. "Well, if this is really what you want, Severus, it will be my pleasure to have you back. It's probably going to be a year before we're completely back to where we once were," she stated simply.

Severus nodded his head in understanding. The castle was very much still in disrepair and even with magic and manpower, it was going to be a long process to get it back up and running.

~~~~

Three letters were sent to number twelve, Grimmauld Place a few days later.

Hermione opened her letter eagerly and read it quietly.

    Dear Miss Granger,

Though you did not return for your 7th year at Hogwarts, we are granting you graduated status. The bravery you showed during the war is proof of your Gryffindor status. The spells you used in battle superceded anything that could have been taught in any classroom.

We thank you for your help during the war and wish you well on your next steps in life. There are many openings in the Ministry of Magic, should you choose to take a step in that direction.

      Best Wishes,

       Dina Napoli - Department of Scholastic Services, Ministry of Magic

"Wow," she breathed as she set her letter down. She then looked at the boys, who had gobsmacked looks on their faces. "Good news," she asked with a smile.

Harry had read Ron's letter and vice versa. "We were offered jobs in the Auror Department at the Ministry of Magic," Harry finally stated as a slow smile crept to his face.

"What about you, 'Mione," Ron then asked as both looked at the brunette curiously.

Hermione smiled softly. "They said that there were many positions open to me inside the Ministry, should I want them," she replied with a shrug. "But I'm not sure I want to work inside the Ministry," she added before they could congratulate her.

"Bloody hell, why not," Ron then asked.

Rolling her eyes, Hermione got up to her a cup of coffee. "Because I've never seen myself doing that. I actually would love to work at Hogwarts," she stated with a smile as she poured her coffee into her mug.

Ron looked like he was about to argue, but he got a sharp hit to the head from Harry. "That's great, Hermione," Harry stated as Ron rubbed his head.

"Yeah, great," Ron muttered bitterly.

Ignoring Ron's negativity, Hermione smiled and turned to face them with her mug in her hands. "Yes, I'm going to owl the Headmistress and see if I can get the ball rolling on that. Even if it's just as an apprentice for right now, it's something," she mused with a bright smile that lit up her whole face.

Harry smiled and patted her arm. "Well, I'm behind you no matter what you decide," he said with a grin then kicked Ron under the table.

"Ow," Ron growled as he glared at Harry. "Yeah, 'Mione. We're behind you," he grumbled while he rubbed his leg.

Hermione continued to ignore Ron's negative attitude and moved to get some parchment so she could send an owl to the Headmistress of Hogwarts and inquire about a job.

~~~~

Minerva smiled as an owl sailed into her office. She took the letter from the owl then sat down to read it.

Dear Headmistress Mcgonagall,

     I am writing to inquire about a job without Hogwarts, even if it's just an apprenticeship for now. Please let me know as soon as you can.

       Sincerely,

         Hermione Jean Granger

Minerva smiled as she read the letter then sent for Severus to join her in her office. Severus got the message from Minerva and rolled his eyes. "Not even here a week and the woman is driving me mad," he groused as he made his way to her office. "You sent for me," he asked with a perked brow as he stepped into the office after knocking.

"Yes, I did," she replied with a bemused smile. "One of our former students wishes to return as an apprentice. I think it would be best if they were placed with you in Potions," she added, still very bemused.

Severus stood there dumbfounded for a moment. "What. Student," he asked with deliberate articulation.

Undeterred by his sour disposition, Minera smiled at him. "Hermione Granger," she simply stated.

"You must be joking," he sneered at the woman.

"I'm not actually. Miss Granger has shown true potential at everything she aspires to. With a teacher like you, I believe her potential will reach new heights," she replied back with a smile.

It was very clear that he was not going to get out of this at all. "Fine," he stated in his cool silky voice. "Is that all or would you like to make me drink acid to add to this fun," he remarked snidely.

Minerva chuckled and shook her head at him. "That is all, Severus," she dismissed him and he stalked back to the dungeons to get back to work on restoring them.