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Chapter 7: Evolution of things.

The tension had gone down somewhat since the duel between the two women and Hermione had had a great evening just remembering the humiliation she had inflicted to Umbridge. Yet it was not so much that the young witch kept in mind as the highlight of the day. It was just that little moment shared between Severus and her daughter. For so long, she had thought there would be only her and Hope. The world in which the little girl was born, this hideous world yet become so familiar was now history. Hermione was well aware of it.

- I do not even dare to imagine anything that goes through your mind, Miss Granger.

This deep voice took her out of her reverie. Hermione had almost forgotten she was in Professor Snape's potions lab. She had become accustomed to his presence. The young woman would never have imagined, in her early years, that it was possible to appreciate the mere presence of someone. The fact was, however, there was not a day left without her trying to see her former teacher.

- Let's just say that I measure the distance travelled since my ... Hum ... Disappearance, shall we say.

- And where does this little reflection lead?

- To my joy to find a quiet place in this big castle. And, I must confess, that knowing that Hope is resting a few hours under the supervision of Madam Pomfrey makes me feel good.

- You are a woman before a mother, don't forget it.

It was strange to talk like this with Snape and yet so natural. Hermione could only smile at the wizard's remarks. Each of his character traits, each of his actions towards her was calm and thoughtful. Certainly, she could not expect to see such maturity in her old friends but discovered a new one. Severus, too, had to admit that he was surprised himself. Being more of the solitary kind, he had found in Hermione a companion of rest and reflection. He hastily waited for their conversation, however brief they may be.

- Dumbledore also wanted me to send you a request, my dear.

Hermione arched an eyebrow; we could expect everything with a headmaster like him. Not stopping Severus in his sentence, she just waited for the rest. They always addressed one another, with extreme politeness, almost even exaggerated. But it was their way of showing mutual respect.

- Since your small intervention in the Great Hall, Umbridge has not dared to get back to the castle. It has been a week since the students no longer have a Defense Against the Dark Arts class.

- Cowardly and incompetent. Strangely, I'm not surprised.

Severus did not hold back the slight smile that appeared on his face.

- He doubts, however, that he will eventually hear from her or the Ministry. In the meantime, students must have classes. That's where he thought of you.

- Me? But I have not even finished my studies.

- And yet you could answer questions of 6th year without any problem.

Hermione knew he had just taken her to her own game. She could not hide the knowledge she had; it was her way of being after all. Severus knew exactly what to say to be convincing, he reminded her that she was always the first to help the most desperate students of her home. This remark had the effect of snatching a laugh from the witch.

- There is no shadow of doubt on the pedagogical side you own. I even saw the patience you have with things like Longbottom.

- I ... I do not know.

- You have the knowledge, the skills, as well as the assured help of all the teaching staff.

- Even you? she asked with a slight smile.

- Of course.

Snape had not even tried to hide this evidence. They'd already spent a few moments together in the lab just rekindling the witch's memories. The Gryffindor did not take long to get back on her feet and Severus even wondered how he was going to convince her to continue this kind of lesson. After all, how can I learn more from someone who knows everything? It was, however, the little excuse he enjoyed using to always see her a little more.

She ends up giving in to him. Dumbledore was not fooled. He had noticed the connection between the young woman and his colleague; he knew very well that, by going through Snape, his chances of convincing Hermione were higher.

So it was with a mixed class of Ravenclaw and Hufflepuff Grade 5 that Hermione began her professorship. It was almost instinctive for her to take the time to explain things. The old Red and Gold was, however, still not comfortable with the idea of using her wand. But the words and detailed and clear explanations she used seemed to be enough to illustrate the lesson. Soon enough all managed to perform an "Expeliarmus" more or less effective.

- Was I right or wrong, speaking of you as a born pedagogue?

- I must therefore grant you a privilege to thank you, professor.

- Which? Severus could not deny the curiosity that grabbed him.

- As a colleague, call me Hermione, if it's not...

- That suits me, if it's mutual, of course.

Hermione nodded in agreement. She would never have thought that she would eventually call her potions teacher by his first name, and even less that he would do the same. The days passed and another change was added, the familiarity settled down but only when they were alone. It was reassuring for Hermione to have found someone who makes her feel normal. Besides, Severus was spending time with her, but also with Hope. Sometimes he replaced Poppy in the child's supervision during her nap, while Hermione was teaching. It was not complicated in itself but it was a thing enormously appreciated by the young woman.

One afternoon, she stayed in the office entrance where Severus was taking care of Hope.

- Look, look at it Hope, you'll like this little trick.

With a slight wand, Severus showed a few birds in the room, singing loudly. The girl was thrilled. She loved magic, especially the beautiful magic she discovered with Severus. Hermione could only smile at the scene. She would not allow herself to be exposed to the risk of spoiling the Slytherin's harsh and cruel reputation. The witch did not understand why she felt so good in Severus' presence.

She was, moreover, far from suspecting what the man in question was feeling. The latter did not dare to admit, even to himself, the more and more strong feelings he felt. Since Lily, he had not allowed himself to hope for anything but loneliness. This was how his life was done, finally so far. Yet even Hope's little smile had the gift of making her day sweeter. It was even hard to seem heartless in class.

Unfortunately, it was not to mention Umbridge who was not going to leave the castle like that.

- I received an owl from the Ministry for you Miss Granger. Dumbledore explained to Hermione in front of his colleagues at an impromptu meeting.

- And?

- You are summoned officially to the Ministry of Magic for an meeting with the Minister as well as Dolores Umbridge.

The witch sighed, the approaching winter vacations were not going to be easy. She accepted the mail before leaving the group to return to her quarters. The witch was surprised to have a visit that night from Severus. Letting him settle on the sofa, she sits next to him.

- Did you make your decision? On the summons, I mean.

- I do not have much to say, I'll go because I don't have choice.

- You do not have to worry about Hope, she will stay with me the time of your absence. You know she will not risk anything by my side.

It was only a small sentence, but it was just a sequence of simple, sweet words that softened the witch's exhausting day. She allowed herself to sit in the arms of the Slytherin who, although a little surprised, did not push her back. A little girl joined the embrace. Delighted with the initiative, Severus knew that he, too, should try to move forward, and why not offer to Hermione to spend Christmas in his home.