I own nothing! Just playing in J. K. Rowling's amazing universe! :D

I have no beta, but would love one! :) Hopefully I can manage on my own for the time being. Hope you like it!

PROLOGUE

Hermione's POV
Hermione was standing in front of the large statue that used to be the entrance to Headmaster Dumbledore's office. She had decided it was time for her to finish her last year at Hogwarts.

Not knowing the password, she politely asked the statue if she could speak with the Headmistress. After a few moments he heard sounds of footsteps approaching, and the statue slowly turned to the side, leaving the door open.

"Hello Prof.. I mean Headmistress McGonagall! I'm so glad to see you! I was hoping to find you here; maybe you have some time to talk?" The Headmistress looked at her for a second, before giving her a big smile, pulling her into a hug. "Miss Granger, Hermione! How lovely to see you, dear! And I will not having you calling me Headmistress. Please call me Minerva." Hermione's eyes widened, and she almost gasped. "But Headmist.. I mean, uhm, surely I shouldn't.." She trailed off.. Minerva McGonagall chuckled. "Of course you should. With everything that has happened over the last years, with everything we all have been through, it would only be natural. At least call me Minerva in private. So, you wish to talk? Do come in." Hermione unfroze, relaxing her shoulder and taking a step towards the door Minerva was holding open for her. "Yes Headmis..." Hermione smiled at the older woman. "Yes, Minerva."

Minerva summoned a house elf to serve them tea, and they talked for a long while. Some about the past, but mostly about the future. Hermione told Minerva about wanting to finish her last year at Hogwarts and take her NEWTS. After that she didn't know. She hadn't really let herself think much about the prospect of a future, let alone a future filled with opportunities. Small, hopeful thoughts and daydreams about a happy future was crushed under the constant feel of impending doom and constant terror that loomed over them the last years. Especially the nine months she, Harry and Ron had hunted horcruxes. She never felt like a hunter, always being more brain than brawn. Maybe I'll take up fishing, I hear it's relaxing, she thought, almost rolling her eyes at the idea. Though, this chain of thoughts made her realize something.

"I do not wish to be an auror." Minerva raised her eyebrows at her, waiting for her to continue. "I've had enough, I think, of fighting." The headmistress' looked at her with a soft expression. "I understand." Hermione turned to Minerva to see the older witch smile with a gleam in her eyes. "Well I have a feeling you will be able to pick whatever job you want, NEWTS or no." Hermione narrowed her eyes in confusion. Minerva continued. "War Heroine, fierce and faithful protector and trusted friend of The-Boy-Who-Lived, one of the brightest witches in her generation, young, fearless, and clever, intellect rarely matched. Oh, and not to forget; awarded Order of Merlin, First Class.

Hermione visibly cringed at Minerva's words. Everything was so blown out of porportions. War Heroine, indeed. She almost snorted out a laugh. She had fought in the war, and could personally take some of the credit for the Dark Lord's death. With the horcruxes destroyed, the Dark Lord could actually be killed this time, and not just go into hiding until he regained his strength like he had done the last time. She shuddered. He was dead. Thank the gods. Her thoughts went back to Minerva's words. Young, fearless and clever. An intellect rarely matched. She didn't feel like she deserved all this praise. Minerva looked at her with such a proud expression that Hermione could feel her face redden. Her cheeks flushed with embarrassment at the Headmistress' words and proud gaze. "It wasn't really like that.." She trailed off, and Minerva patted her hand. "I know, Hermione, I know. But the words are still true, even though you might see it differently. The last time we had such a bright student was when.." Minerva trailed off and looked thoughtful, several emotions flashed in her eyes before she gave Hermione a bright smile.

Hermione wanted to ask what just went through her head, but Minerva just continued on with their conversation, as if the moment never happened. "Do you have any ideas about what areas you do wish to pursue?" Hermione thought about it. "Maybe. I considered healing, but that too would remind me too much of the war." A new thought hit her and she smiled as realized exactly what it was she wanted to do. "Actually, the only idea that has stayed with me is potions. Potion Mistress. It's a thought I have played with for quite some time. I believe it's what I truly want." Minerva's already bright smile got even brighter before she answered.

"Hermione, I think that sounds like an exellent idea. And it doesn't hurt having a Potion Master as your teacher either." Hermione's head snapped up. "What? Who will be teaching potions this year?" Hermione could feel a flare of hope before sadness hit her. Of course it's not him, he's dead. Minerva was still smiling, but her smile faded slightly when she saw Hermione's sad expression. The headmistress hesitated for a second before she took Hermione's hand. "This is not official knowledge at this point, but will be before the school year starts. And I trust you will not share this information with anyone before it is time." Hermione nodded. "I'm extremely pleased to tell you that the person whom will teach potions is Professor Snape." Hermione gasped and her eyes filled with tears. "But he is dead! He died! I watched him die without being able to do anything to help him!" Minerva shook her head. "He survived. He was found just in time and rescued. We have been working on clearing all charges before making it public knowledge. He was cleared two days ago, and will be coming back to Hogwarts."

Hermione just stared at Minerva, lips slightly parted. Professor Severus Snape had been the most hated teacher in all her years. Except Dolores Umbridge that one year, of course. But she had always had the feeling that there was something more to the dark man. After learning that he was a double agent, Harry had been very reluctant to believe he was really on their side. But she had believed it, until he killed Professor Dumbledore. Even then she had had a faint suspicion that something wasn't right, that there had to be something more to the story. Then, at the eve of the battle, Harry had learned the truth. He had later showed her the memories Professor Snape gave him, and she had cried. She mourned the brave man that had risked everything, and dedicated his life to protect Harry Potter, and defeat The Dark Lord. In the end he had given up his life for the cause. Or so she had thought.

He was a brilliant man. And after learning the truth, she finally understood why he was the way he was. Who could be happy, living the kind of life he did? He had paid a high price for the mistakes he did as a young man. The price had been too high in Hermione's opinion. But he was alive; maybe there was some hope for him to have a brighter future? She hoped so.

Hermione left the headmistress' office a while later. She pulled the robes tighter around her fit, curvy figure. Her lips curved in to a small smile. He was alive. Hermione felt a weight she didn't know was there lift off her shoulders. He is alive.