So yes, boys and girls... its yet another new fic from me. I know, I know, I'm terrible and I promise one day I will go back to the others and finish them. But for now, here is a new story full of dark intrigue and deception. I just want to give a huge thanks to my beta Teela, she was a ton of help! Maybe she can help keep me focused and make me finish this one :)
The air was filled with the soft hum and whirr of dozens of small and glimmering objects moving about the room, each available surface showing clusters of the magical instruments that the Headmaster was known for obsessively collecting. Beyond the great carved desk that was as usual overflowing with all manners of sweets and candies sat Fawkes upon his perch, his gleaming black eyes carefully watching the figure that sat stiffly in the large comfortable chair before the Headmaster's desk. The soft and subdued light from the multitudes of candles that hovered about the room casting dancing shadows over his lustrous feathers, bringing out the fiery hues of his magnificent plumage and the gleam in his calculating eyes. In an almost wistful manner, the young woman seated prim and proper with a sense of defiance in her posture studied the regal and breathtaking creature with mild fascination. After all these years the beautiful bird still managed to captivate her and draw her gaze, entrancing her with its heartbreaking song and warming her heart with its steadfast loyalty. Now, however, was not the time for such childish fancies, nor was it the time to dwell upon events of the past. At this moment, a great and mysterious future lay ahead of her, a future full of darkness and hard trials – that is, if she could muster the courage to stand up to the old fool and convince him that her plan was as logical and as important as she believed it to be. This was not going to be an easy feat, she knew as she glanced down into her lap and focused her eyes upon the fingers that worried the edge of her school robes.
Suddenly her back stiffened, causing her to sit ramrod straight in the oversized chair at the sound of Professor Dumbledore's robes softly brushing across the floor, swishing around him in an ever moving sea of glittering purple robes. From the corner of her eye, she watched him sweep around the ornate desk in a grand gesture that was almost as flamboyant and overly dramatic as that of another certain member of staff. "Ah Miss Granger," the wizened old man crooned softly with a broad smile and sweeping gesture of his arms as he settled into the high backed chair behind his desk, letting the voluminous sleeves of his robes settle in shimmering waves into his lap. "I understand you requested to see me?" Dumbledore settled himself comfortably in his chair, curling idle fingers around the tip of his snowy beard as he peered at her over the tops of his half moon glasses. Blue eyes twinkled as softly and silently as the stars that danced across the bewitched ceiling of the Great Hall, his expression open and welcoming and full of warmth that was as familiar to the young woman as the crooked smile of her own dear Grandfather.
Giving an almost unperceivable nod of her head Hermione gave a brief smile to the Headmaster before immediately plunging into the topic at hand. "Yes Headmaster, I have a proposition to make to you that I believe may aid in our efforts to defeat Voldemort," she stated plainly in an almost entirely emotionless voice, her typically warm chocolate colored eyes flashing with self assured determination.
Instantly finding his curiosity piqued Albus cast the young brilliant woman opposite him a discerning look while folding his hands causally upon his desk top. "Indeed Miss Granger?" he coaxed, waiting to hear what her undoubtedly intelligent and masterful plan might be. As much as he hated to admit his own faults or weaknesses, recent years had taught the respected man a few rather embarrassing and eye-opening lessons. One of which was that he had had a plethora of brilliant ideas and innovations at his unknowing fingertips all these years. Right beneath his nose had been perhaps one of the most powerful and smart-witted persons to ever enter the wizarding world, let alone the hallowed halls of Hogwarts. The fact that this incredible mind belonged to a talented and fiercely loyal young Muggle-born was simply icing on the cake, in his opinion.
Casting one last hesitant glance around the room, the multitude of twirling and spinning objects making her feel lightheaded and dizzy for a moment, Hermione let her eyes settle once more on the brilliant colors of Fawkes' feathers, the creature's unreadable black gaze bringing her comfort as it conjured images within her mind of a similar gaze. A cool calmness flowed over her once more as she drew a long breath and, turning to face the Headmaster, stated in a smooth and even tone, "I wish to join the Death Eaters and infiltrate their ranks, sir. I believe that in doing so and working alongside Professor Snape we can garner a greater amount of valuable information and therefore cast a pre-emptive strike against Voldemort." The silence that descended upon the room was as heavy and disconcerting as the grave as Albus stared stunned and unmoving at the woman before him. Once again, the brilliant young witch had managed to find a way to utterly shock and amaze him. However, the sense of amazement that flowed through him was not tinged with pride or confidence as was the norm concerning Hermione. Instead, ice-cold dread raced through his veins drawing with it a sense of foreboding. For several long moments he gazed unblinking and unspeaking at the woman before him, letting the true weight of her transformation from the insecure first year that wanted nothing more than the approval and acceptance of her peers and teachers, to the strong willed, determined woman that sat before him now, her eyes shinning with confidence and a fierce will to fight for what she deemed right and good. No longer did she strive for the warm comfort offered by achieving the highest marks in class, or the fleeting sense of self worth when able to answer any question asked of her, now she found security in meeting only the requirements put to her by her teachers and found strength of self in allowing other students the opportunity to show their intelligence. Indeed, she had blossomed into an amazing young woman who drew the attentions of others for her keen intellect and calm mastery of magic. She was undoubtedly an invaluable asset to the side of the Light, but could the preposterous plan that she suggested bring any good? Albus thought it highly doubtful as his expression turned sour and the twinkling light in his eyes faded to a dull shadow of its former brilliance.
"Miss Granger, I do not believe this idea to be…" he began in a calm and even tone, the same tone that was used to comfort frightened and homesick first years, the same tone that he had used to coddle the Golden Trio for years, the tone that grated most upon Hermione's nerves and incited her boiling anger.
"I know what you are about to say Headmaster, and in answer to your impending question, yes I have thoroughly thought this through and no I will not reconsider. My mind is made up, Professor and I will not back down. Not now, not ever," she interrupted with a resounding coldness in her voice.
Her expression spoke loudly of her refusal to accept any alternative, her gaze as fierce and as stubborn as that of another individual who had years before sat in the same chair and offered a similar solution to the problem of Tom Riddle's rising power. And once again, Albus found that he was as reluctant to accept the offer now as he had been then. Searching blindly for some fragment of sanity in this bizarre mess he said quickly, "Does Professor Snape know of your plans?"
As Hermione stiffened all the more, her jaw instantly snapping open in defense of her wishes the man in question seemed to materialize from the shadows at the entrance to Dumbledore's office. "Indeed Headmaster, I am well aware of Miss Granger's burning desire to commit suicide while endangering my own life and that of countless innocents. But as you can see, your prized Gryffindor is as stubborn and senseless as all the other miscreants to emerge from your treasured house," Professor Snape remarked silkily as he glided almost soundlessly across the room to stand beside Hermione's chair, his arms folded stiffly across his chest in his usual stern and imposing stance. Severus watched with a small amount of dark pleasure as the color instantly rushed to the young woman's cheeks, her eyes flashing brightly with rage as she turned a cold and scrutinizing gaze upon him. Before the smug grin could even begin to grace his pale and thin lips Hermione was on her feet peering up into his coal black eyes, standing almost on tip toe so that she was nose to nose with him, her chest heaving beneath the layers of her school uniform while her hair crackled and frizzed around her with pent up magic.
"Tsk, tsk Miss Granger" he continued in a cool and collected tone as he leant down towards her, the thick inky curtain of his hair falling around them both to shield them from the worried and slightly mystified gaze of the Headmaster. "That temper will only succeed in getting you into trouble, and is a perfect example of why such an endeavor as this is ill-suited for your meager amount of self-control and discipline. This is not some childish game, Miss Granger, created solely for your entertainment, nor an opportunity for you to finally prove yourself to this world as you are so ardently intent upon doing with little regard to the effect your actions may have on others. I suggest that you tap into that 'boundless' reserve of knowledge you are renowned for possessing and realize the foolishness of your childish fancies and leave such serious matters to the adults," he said in a soft voice that was silken and smooth yet held the bitter bite of deadly nightshade, his black eyes gleaming like a beetle's carapace as he drew back up to his full height, and locked a condescending glare upon her while she all but trembled with rage beside him. Letting the smug grin finally flow over his lips, he spoke softly at barely a whisper, loud enough only for her ears, "Now, do be a good girl and run along to play with your dolls." He waved a dismissive hand in her direction before turning and taking several steps towards the Headmaster, the broad expanse of his back a clear sign that, for all intents and purposes, she had been dismissed.
A choked sound gurgled in Hermione's throat, her usually calm and warm eyes wide and gleaming with dangerous malevolence as she focused them on her Potions Professor's back, her gaze all but burning a hole through his heavy teaching robes. "You condescending, trumped-up bastard," she growled at little more than a hiss, her lips drawn back in a snarl while her fists curled reflexively at her sides. "Afraid that I might steal your glory? That a brazen Gryffindor might prove to be a better spy than the most masterful of all Slytherins?" With a small surge of pleasure she watched as Professor Snape's shoulders stiffened noticeably, his hackles instantly raised as the Headmaster stepped around his desk with an outstretched hand that was somehow supposed to subdue her or be construed as a peace offering.
"Now Miss Granger, such language is not permissible. I insist that you apologize to Professor..." he began in that gratingly calm almost sedated tone that served only to rile Hermione all the more.
"Oh shut up you sniveling old goat!" she snapped harshly, her eyes flickering to his shocked face for the briefest of moments before once more settling upon the now seething man before her.
For a single moment Severus felt the overwhelming desire to laugh aloud at the look on Albus' face as Hermione said to the old fool what he himself had been dying to say for years; however, his own burning fury at her offensive and thoughtless outburst quickly squashed any mirthful desire he might have entertained. Moving in an almost silent flurry of black robes, Severus descended upon her with the speed and accuracy of a striking cobra, his cold fingers closing around her wrists like bands of chilled steel as he drew her suffocatingly close to his chest and proceeded to glare down the crooked line of his hooked nose into her face. His breath came in shallow heated puffs against her cheeks as he leant ever closer until the tip of his own beak-like nose was almost brushing against her delicate one.
"I suggest, Miss Granger, that you learn to silence that silver tongue of yours before it lands you in far more trouble than a mere month of detentions to be served with myself. Now, if you will follow me, we shall begin immediately - I believe there is a veritable mountain of cauldrons from my first year classes that are in dire need of scrubbing," he purred with silken ease, his eyes full of malicious amusement as he saw the indignant anger flicker across her features. Maintaining the biting grip upon Hermione's wrist, he turned partially to face the still shocked and floundering Headmaster whose features had paled almost to the exact shade of his snowy white beard. Inclining his head in a shallow bow, Severus smiled curtly at Albus as he said in a cool and firm tone, "Do excuse us Headmaster. Miss Granger, it would seem, has detention in the dungeons this evening." Without waiting for a response from the old man nor protest from the young woman at his side, Severus turned quickly on his heel, his fingers digging cruelly into Hermione's tender flesh as he pulled her swiftly down the spiral staircase behind him, their footsteps echoing loudly against the steep stone walls. Pausing at the gargoyle only long enough to assure that there were no students wandering the halls, he pulled her stumbling and fuming out into the hallway, his eyes narrowed into ferocious slits as he turned a scathing glare upon her. With eyes glowing like hot coals, Hermione stared at the man before her, her shoulders squared in defiance, hair once more crackling with unspent magic while her hands curled and uncurled at her sides, her mouth already beginning to open while a barrage of insults clung thick like honey in her throat.
"Do not even think about voicing the multitude of protests that hang on your tongue, you stupid girl. You have been exceedingly foolish this evening, even more so than I thought you capable of. You have truly disappointed me, Miss Granger," he growled at barely more than a whisper as he drew close to her, lowering his head until his eyes were level with her own, a sea of disappointment swirling in his inky gaze. He watched with mild glee as she snapped her mouth shut after only a few moments of consideration, her pouting lips drawn together in a thin line while she continued to rage and boil beneath the surface, her eyes ignited with the sweltering heat of her anger as she fearlessly met his gaze. "Now, I suggest you still that tongue for the rest of the evening and take the time you will spend scrubbing cauldrons to think seriously about the most horrendous choice you almost made tonight. Do I make myself perfectly clear?" he spoke slowly and almost softly, though his voice was as cold and disturbing as death while his eyes gleamed with intent.
With a subtle nod of her head that caused the long tendrils of her hair to sway about her face, Hermione murmured a gruff sounding "Yes, Professor." Receiving only a barely muted grunt in reply to her lack-luster acquiescence, Hermione clenched her fists closed all the tighter as she lifted her head defiantly and strode behind the ominous and malevolent Potion's Professor, her scalding gaze firmly planted between his shoulder blades.
It was just after 9 o'clock on a Friday evening, the Great Hall had long ago emptied of students full and sleepy after yet another grand meal, their laughter no longer echoing in the serpentine hallways as any student with even half a brain cell was safely ensconced within their respective common room adding the finishing touches, or beginnings depending on their level of preparation, to whatever homework was due the following Monday. And so it was that only a few straggling students who were rushing to the safety of their common rooms before curfew saw the peculiar sight of the immensely feared ex-Death Eater turned Potions Master strolling almost leisurely down the hallways while in his wake wandered the stiff and angered looking Head Girl, her shoulders squared stiffly, her chin raised almost painfully while her eyes flashed brilliantly in the torch light. The pair moved with efficient silence, seemingly unaware of anyone but themselves and each other, gliding through the hallways and down into the entrance hall, moving across its great expanse before the heavy wooden doors that lay closed against the chill winter air beyond before descending down into the damp and cold dungeons.
With the ever predictable sweeping flourish and feline ease he was known for, Severus glided fluidly down the stairs leading to the dungeons, his finely tuned senses and years of stealth making his footfalls barely more than a soft whisper of sound while behind him the clattering steps of Hermione rang out loud and clear in the calm silence, each step she took pounding upon his already stressed nerves. Like a lead weight upon his back he could feel the burning heat of her gaze focused intently between his shoulders, her furious breaths ringing out in the low-ceilinged hallway along with her thundering steps. Turning suddenly on his heel to face the young woman that was plodding along behind him like a petulant three year old in the middle of a temper tantrum, he snarled callously, "Indeed Miss Granger, do rouse the entire castle with your childish stomping about."
Stumbling to a sudden and skidding halt Hermione glared up at the man before her, her lips once more drawing back in a sneer of contempt and anger. "Why you insufferable man, you…" she began thoughtlessly, the anger pulsing and flowing through her like molten lava while Severus stood stoic and still before her as though through his veins flowed cool and calming ice water.
Stepping ever closer to Hermione he once more bowed his head towards her, a single lock of his raven hair brushing fleetingly against her cheek as he leant close to her ear, his breath flowing over her skin in a heated exhalation as he whispered in a silken purr, "No more insufferable than you, I assure you Miss Granger. Along with your dimwitted friends you have managed to be the proverbial thorn in my side these past seven years, and continue to show no signs of stopping. I find it both mildly surprising and thoroughly disappointing that you have yet to learn to curb your over-enthusiastic tongue after all this time, and still insist on making yourself as much of a nuisance as humanly possible. Considering your frequent and confident boasts of possessing an astounding mountain of intelligence, as well as the equally persistent praise of teachers and peers alike, I find it utterly astounding that you have yet to display any show of true intellect as far as I am concerned. You are no more impressive than a dicta-quill, simply regurgitating and mimicking what you hear or read, without ever giving any real time or consideration to the information which you so easily absorb like a sponge. You are truly a walking encyclopedia, Miss Granger, and I find you as equally uninspiring and useless."
Frozen with fury and finding herself for once utterly speechless Hermione stared unblinking and virtually vibrating with anger at the dark man who stood before her glowing with scornful amusement. Barely restraining the laughter that threatened to spill forth over his lips Severus watched with mild entertainment as Hermione desperately fought to keep her lips closed to hold back the violent deluge of curses that hung bitter and foul-tasting upon her tongue like poison. Allowing a smug and knowing smirk to slide over his lips, Severus drew back just enough to be able to look directly into her wide eyes, her furious panting breath swirling about his face, sugary sweet and soft warmth against his cheeks. "Now, if you are quite done stomping around this castle like a spoilt brat, please do hurry along as I do not wish to suffer your presence all night," he continued in a bored tone while his eyes took in the most minute details of her face, watching with delight as the warm chocolate depths of her eyes shimmered gold and then almost black while the wildly flickering torches that weakly illuminated the dungeons reflected in her honey gaze.
As Hermione began to open her mouth in protest, Severus swirled quickly on his heels and strode away on long legs that carried him swiftly and silently down the hallway, deeper into the dank and dark depths of the castle, leaving her to furiously stare at his retreating back, his robes swirling about him like the great leathery wings of a giant bat. Growling ferociously under her breath Hermione hung her head for a moment, reaching one pale and delicate hand up to pinch the bridge of her nose in frustration, much in the same way that the man who caused said frustration did in response to her own actions. Allowing a single long sigh to flow over her lips, she painfully swallowed the uncomfortable and burning knot of pride that had lodged itself so firmly in her throat and began to swiftly walk after him, her steps ringing out once more in the enclosed space, working only to incite her anger all the more.