Savior

Hermione smiled to the two young men sitting next to her in the Grand Hall at Hogwarts. The Golden Trio had returned. Except, they had only returned to finish their final year. Because the three had essentially abandoned their schoolwork in search of horcruxes, the ministry required them to repeat their seventh year. The trio, as well as a handful of other previous seventh year students had agreed begrudgingly to return.

Ronald Weasley, attempting to grow a beard, was hoping to become an auror with the ministry upon completion of his NEWTs. His anxiety was at the ultimate level as aurors were required a minimum of five OWLS. Harry Potter smiled down the long table towards Ginny Weasley, Ron’s younger sister. The pair were obviously smitten. Harry was also hoping to be an auror. There was nothing more handsome or daring than catching infamously dangerous wizards.

Hermione Granger had absolutely no idea what her plans were after sitting for the NEWTs. She was hoping for seven OWLS, but wanted outstanding OWLS in transfiguration, potions and charms. She had been graciously appointed the position of Head Girl, which allowed her private chambers with an adjoining bathroom. Hermione was thrilled, knowing she would be able to study in peace and quiet for all of her tests.

“And now, we will begin the sorting hat ceremony! First year students, please come forward,” Headmistress McGonagall announced, standing before the golden podium. Behind her sat the professors of Hogwarts. Some new, some old. Her heart ached for Professor Dumbledore and his vacancy. Hermione met eyes with Severus Snape at the far left of the table. His eyes burned into hers. Pain stabbed into her chest and memories flooded her.

***

“Please professor, stay with me. Please!” She pressed her hand against the gaping wound in his neck. “Professor!” She cried, and pulled out her wand. She attempted two or three healing charms, but nothing would stop the blood pouring out. Harry had run off with Ron to find Madam Pomfrey. The pair came with three vials. A blood-replenishing potion, a blood clotting potion, and one she wasn’t sure of.

“I can’t give him this vial if I don’t know what’s in it, Harry!”

“Madam Pomfrey just said to use it! Snape had given it to her for emergencies.” Harry shoved the vial towards her, the icy blue sloshing in the glass. Taking her bloodied hand from Snape’s neck, she took the vial from Harry with question.

“Harry, I just-”

“Hermione, DO IT!” Ron shouted, looking down at the pale, nearly lifeless body of Severus Snape before them. She popped the cork of the vial, held his mouth open, and poured the potion in. Holding the high neck of his robes away from the neck wound, the trio were amazed at what they saw. The bleeding had stopped. The skin began to grow back together, and a tint of pink returned to Snape’s face. However, he wouldn’t wake.

“Professor?”

“We need to get him up to the hospital wing, Hermione. He needs to be out of here,” Harry commanded, his hand resting on her shoulder. She agreed. Conjuring a floating spell, she was able to float the comatose body of Professor Snape back to the castle.

***

Reality rushed back to Hermione. The first years were now sitting at their new respective tables. She ran her fingers through the golden curly hair that rested just below her shoulder blades.

“Hermione?” Harry reached out across the table and put his hand on hers. “Are you okay?”

“Fine! I’m sorry, I was just reminiscing on our first year!” She exclaimed, smiling.

“I still can’t believe I’m a Gryffindor. I could have sworn the hat was going to put me in Slytherin.”

“You, in the same house as Malfoy? No way!” Ron laughed. A massive spread of food appeared on the table and the great hall erupted in cheer.

Later that evening, Hermione was unpacking her trunk, hanging her uniforms. There was a small closet to the left of the four poster bed. Across the room, nearest the door leading to an area outside the Gryffindor common room was a large brick fireplace. It was not currently burning, but Hermione was anxious for the arrival of cooler weather. The witch glanced up at the wood beam mantle, where a picture of her parents rested. They were smiling, standing in front of the Eiffel Tower in Paris. It had been one of their favorite places. Hermione wondered where her parents had traveled to, now that she was not putting them in danger. She dug her feet into the sheepskin rug at the base of her trunk. Her legs were crossed on the heavy piece, looking about the head girl quarters she had worked so hard for. To the left of the fireplace was a desk, piled with her textbooks, and others she had borrowed from the library. Her stomach churned, nervous for the start of the semester. Deep in silence, there was a knocking at her door that interrupted her. Opening the door, she looked down to see a house elf with a letter in their hands.

“Hello I is Emmie, the headmistress has this for you.” The elf wore a faded purple dress. It was clean, to Hermione’s surprise. The elf was a particularly short one, only reaching Hermione’s knees. Her ears were wide; one sagged more than the other. The witch’s heart panged for Dobby.

“Thank you,” Hermione leaned over to take the letter from the elf’s outreached hands. Opening it, the young witch glanced down at the elf.

“I wanted to say thank you, miss. You so kind to us elves. You is good.” Hermione warmed at the comment from the elf.

“Thank you so much, Emmie.”

“Goodnight, miss.” With a snap of her fingers, the elf was gone.

Closing the door, Hermione wandered back to her bed, and sat comfortably on the edge.

“Miss Granger,

Please see me first thing tomorrow morning after breakfast. There is something I would like to speak to you about. I understand you have classes to attend, but I will see that you will not be late.

P.S. The password is bubbling bumblebees.

Yours,

Headmistress McGonagall”