Chapter One
Mystery
Standard Disclaimer: This is not my kool-aide stand. I'm making no money from this thing. J.K.R. just asked me to watch the stand while she went to the store for more sugar.
A/N: Story takes place during the trio's seventh year or so. There are a few HBP spoilers. The spell that is used on Hermione was written by me, and is Latin.
Professor Snape glared at his seventh year N.E.W.T. Defense Against The Dark Arts class. They screwed up far less often than his first years, damn it. It's no fun when they don't screw up. And the fact that this class was a mix of students from all four houses didn't help. Slytherins sat next to Hufflepuffs, across the isle from Ravenclaws sharing desks with Gryffindors, and so on. It seemed to him that the majority of the competitive spirit between houses diminished by the time they got to their seventh year. He didn't like it.
"That's enough. Clean up and get out." Snape snarled. He nearly collapsed into his desk chair with a hand over his eyes. He had another headache coming on, he could feel it. Students clamored to pack up their books and wands. Merlin, but they were noisy.
After a moment, it was finally quiet. "Thank the stars. Now I can get to the kitchen for some chamomile and not be bothered."
Severus checked both ways before entering the corridor. Seeing no one, he preformed the complex locking spell on his classroom door and started for the kitchens. He walked softly, but swiftly, as always. Just before he reached the Trophy Room, he could hear raised voices.
"…..I'm just not sure it's the best thing to do!"
"I don't want to hear it, Hermione! Did you write the spell or not?" Snape couldn't determine the source of the male voice, but it was obvious that the girl was Ms. Granger.
"Yes, I did, but I don't want to use it," Hermione whimpered. There was an exasperated sigh and the sound of parchment being snatched out of someone's hand.
"Fetura Finio…."
"STOP! Please!" Hermione was crying now as she interrupted.
"Derepente!"
Hermione screamed, and Snape heard her fall to the floor. The male voice uttered a curse word and ran off down the hallway. Hermione was moaning loudly and sobbing. Severus turned the corner and found her lying on the floor clutching her stomach. It was obvious that she was in pain, but Snape was unsure why.
"Ms. Granger, what's wrong?" Only the familiar sounds of pain. "Can't you speak? Can you stand?" Hermione shook her head violently and sobbed even louder. As he watched, Severus could see a bloodstain spread over her skirt and school robes. He knew then that she was in serious trouble. He gathered Hermione up in his arms and ran for Madame Pomfrey's office.