Chapter I: And She Couldn't Banish a Boggart

Hermione looked at herself in the mirror, combed her hair to the best of her capabilities, and walked away quickly. After the battle to end all battles, Hermione was left nearly alone. She even had the bags under her eyes to prove it.

She pulled on the same robes she wore every other day, and walked down the corridor to her classroom. After watching both Ron and Harry die to fight Lord Voldemort her seventh year at Hogwarts, she decided to take life a little easier. As soon as she had finished Wizarding College, she quickly requested to take the post as Defense against the Dark Arts Teacher.

She was now teaching pre-pubescent children how to defend themselves. The curse on the job had long been gone, but seeing as Professor Snape had difficulties teaching both Potions and DADA after all counts of murder were cleared on him, it was an available job for her to take.

She lived in the castle, among her old teachers, and went through the same routine every single day in her life. Today was no different.

The seats were all filled with pupils. It was her third year Ravenclaw and Gryffindor students every Wednesday at nine.

"Good morning class."

"Good morning Professor Granger." She stood in front of the chalkboard. With a flick of her wand, notes appeared visible to all students.

"Before you go frantic with your quills, this is for reference. We are having a practical class today." Something in the corner shook loudly.

"What was that?" Jenny Jacobs, a muggle-born, Ravenclaw student shrieked.

"Any guesses?" She asked hopefully when a small boy with light brown hair stepped forward.

"Is it a boggart?" He said meekly.

"Correct, Mr. Lupin." She smiled sweetly. "Yes, I remember the day your father introduced me to the very creatures. Can you tell me what a boggart is?"

"They are shape-shifters, Professor. They morph into you deepest fears."

"Correct again. Ten points to Gryffindor." There was a soft murmur. "Boggarts can be easily controllable though. All you have to do is say the incantation 'Riddikulus', and say it loudly. Envision a way to make your worst fear, funny. Laughter really breaks a boggart down." She walked over to the closet and grabbed the handle. "Do I have any takers?" She asked hopefully. When nobody stepped forward, she decided that she would demonstrate first.

She took a step or two backwards and cast a spell to open the door. When the creature emerged from the door, what she saw lying on the floor had been haunting her dreams for years. It was a raven haired boy with emerald green eyes. He was sprawled out, entirely motionless. She stood there, unable to move. The hairs on the back of her neck stood straight up, but she couldn't move.

She fell to the ground and broke down in tears before the same mousy-haired boy stepped forward. The boggart turned into a very realistic werewolf. It began to leap toward the boy.

"Riddikulus!" He screamed loudly and watched as it turned from werewolf to a giant stuffed teddy bear. The class broke out in laughter and when she finally got the strength to stand, Hermione cast the Boggart away to the closet again.

"Very good, Mr. Lupin. Ten more points to Gryffindor." She tried to smile, but failed. "Sorry about that. Make sure to take a few notes that I have on the board before you leave. Class dismissed." Children began to shuffle to their seats. Their quills were racing down their papers and Hermione watched as each one filed out of the classroom.

She leaned back in her chair, propped her feet up on her desk, and folded her hands behind her head.

"Miss Granger?" She heard from the doorway and was scared nearly out of her chair. She opened her eyes and before her was a terribly tall and pale man, with dark hair.

"Am I not a Professor as well?" She said as he walked gracefully to her desk and stood before.

"Old habits die hard." He was genuine.

"May I ask why you are here?" She asked impatiently, putting her feet back onto the ground.

"Am I intruding on your precious time?" He said almost viciously. She laid her hands onto her desk and rested her head on them.

"I'm sorry, Severus. I am not feeling very well." She said quietly, muffled by her sleeve.

"That is why I am here." He pulled out his wand and conjured a chair. It was black and thin, nearly like him. "I have heard from students that you were unable to banish a boggart." He scoffed loudly.

"It happens." She raised her head, but just barely. "I am not in the mood for this."

"You haven't slept properly in weeks. Either you need sleeping potions, or you need a break from teaching."

"We have not even a week before Christmas break." She stood straight in her chair and stretched. "When break starts, I will rest."

"I don't think you will last that long. Minerva has advised me to offer to take over your classes."

"I don't need you to." She sat up even more straight. "It's only three more days!" She looked directly at Severus. She would have loved to take up the offer, but that would make her appear weak.

"Exactly. I am assuming you have all of your exams prepared."

"Of course."

"All I would have to do is act as babysitter for three days, then."

"I can do it, Severus." She snarled.

"You can hardly walk straight. I highly doubt that you can teach a class."

"I am not feeling well, today. I guarantee that I will be fine tomorrow."

"Go to Poppy. She will tell you the same." He was now twiddling his fingers, slightly amused.

"I haven't missed a single day since I started this job four years ago. I am not going to start now."

"I tell you what," He stood from his chair, "If you can make it out that door, I'll deem you responsible enough to give your own exams."

"Deem me responsible!" She stood from her chair and began to walk towards the door. "I am most certainly abl-" She began but fell short of the door, hard onto her face. Severus rushed to her side and hoisted her up into his arms. He carried her down to the hospital wing.