*I own none of these characters. I am using them without permission. Warnings include language.
"Longbottom!"
Snape's bellow echoed off the stonewalls, and drifted up the stone staircase that leads to the dungeon.
Neville had just added too much beetle wings to his engorging potion, causing his cauldron to melt and the potion to admit bubbles that combusted into flames with every surface it touched, including his robes and Hermione's. Neville stood frozen with fear as Hermione extinguished her own robes with her wand, than his, than began to work on the table. Harry and Ron sitting at a table next to them started moving books and bottles out of ingredients out of the way of the blazing potion. The potion had began to seep on to Snape's robe as he stood over the work table observing the mess, the Slytherins began to snicker, and the Griffyndors could only gape in shock.
Hermione noticing began to beat out the flames the started to lick the hem of Snape's robe with her hands...getting burnt every time, but continued. Snape fully enraged, his black eyes glittering dangerously at Neville, stepped away from Hermione and put the flames out with his wand, and a freezing spell on the potion to prevent it from causing further damage. His look was murderous when he returned his attention to Neville, and his voice was merely a whisper when he said, "Get out." Neville not wanting to stick around ran straight out of the dungeon. Snape's black eyes returned to Hermione who stood very quietly with her hands behind her back.
Snape's sneer was more sardonic than usual when he said "Miss Granger, why did you not stop him?" Hermione blushed, "I was recording the potion, Professor. I only had my back turned for a minute." Hermione met his eyes, her face almost pleading for his understanding, but getting nothing in return but a cold empty stare. Hearing the Slytherins snicker again, brought the redness back to Hermione's cheeks, as tears welled up in her eyes. She couldn't decide if it was from shame or the burns on her hands from her attempts to extinguish Snape's robes. Snape noted the tears and said nothing in attempt to keep her from them. "Detention Miss Granger and 10 points from Gryffindor for your incompetence." Giving a dark look at the worktable he added. "Clean this up." With a swish of his robes he stalked back down the aisle to his desk. "Weasley! Make sure Longbottom has enough sense to go to the infirmary."
Ron glared at Snape's retreating back, and glanced over at Hermione, as she wiped away a tear with sleeve of her robe. "Did you not comprehend my English Weasley? Or is your concern for Miss Granger too overwhelming to carry out simple instructions?" Snape sneered, and the Slytherins began to laugh. Harry just elbowed Ron in the ribs, and jerked his head towards the door. Ron stood up, his ears as red as his hair, trudge out of the classroom without another word. Harry just continued to glare at Snape throughout class whilst giving Hermione reassuring and encouraging glances.
By the time class was over, Hermione had the work section completely cleaned up, large blisters had appeared on her burnt hands, but was ready to leave with the other students.
"Miss Granger, stay to schedule your detention."
After the rest of the class left, Hermione went directly to Professor Snape's desk where he was reading another student's notes from the potion with a distinct look of disapproval. Hermione waited patiently while he read, knowing he was doing it on purpose to irritate her. Her hands still had a sting to them, and she knew she badly needed to go to the infirmary as well, but knew Snape would just criticize her for being a stupid git.
Tossing the parchment aside, Snape eyed her with an icy glare. "Well Miss Granger, are we going to make a habit of spending our evenings together, or are you going to start thinking before you act?"
Hermione took this as a low blow, but kept her mouth shut, holding Snape's gaze was taking quite an effort. After yesterday's fiasco, She was determined no more house points would be lost on the account of her.
Snape's lip curled into a sneer, "Silent for once Miss Granger? I truly am impressed. If detention for two days straight is what it took to get you to stop speaking me, I would have began 6 years ago. "
Snape's eyes narrowed for only a moment, and when no reaction came, he was disappointed.
"I do not believe I received your potion notes Miss Granger."
Hermione spoke very quietly when she said "They were destroyed when the potion spilled on to them Professor."
"Really? Have you a next class Miss Granger? No? I thought not. Since you have spent two hours in my classroom, and attempted to leave without handing any work in, I really ought to not give you credit." He paused as Hermione gasped in disbelief. "However, I have taken into consideration that you have apparently had a lapse in intellect and allowed it to deign to incompetence. No doubt due to the company you keep." He continued to glare as he continued, "And will have you write the ingredients from today's potion, and the locations in which they can be found. You have 15 minutes to comply."
Hermione catching the dismissal note in his voice, dropped to the nearest desk, pulling out parchment, quill and ink, she began writing as fast as she could despite the blisters on her hands, which were causing significant pain. Snape began to read the next set of notes, dismissing her from his mind.
Hermione finished in a record of seven minutes, but of course received no recognition for it. Standing once again in front of his desk, with parchment in hand she waited until he had finished reading. Taking the parchment from her hand, he noticed the blisters. With reflexes of that of a snake, Snape seized her wrist to get a better look, consequently hauling her half way across the desk.
The blisters were large, and her hand was extremely red from potion scalding her. Snape was furious "Stupid girl, why did you not say something? Do you know what damage that can cause?" and before she could answer, "Of course you don't, otherwise you would have brought it to my attention." Snape turned on his heel to the supply shelves, gathering vials, and a small cauldron. Tears of despair stung the corners of Hermione's eyes. "There is no way to please him," she thought to herself. Of all the professors she had, Snape's opinion mattered to her the most, for reasons unknown to her. Perhaps it was because her other professors openingly liked her, and appreciated her work.
Snape returned to his desk and began mixing a potion without needing a burner; the cauldron began to boil the contents itself. When Snape finished, the potion was a bright sky blue. He walked around to Hermione's side of the desk, and roughly plunged her hands into the cauldron. Despite how the potion boiled, it was extremely cool, and soothing. Hermione relaxed and let out a barely audible sigh.
Snape heard it though and gave her a look that would freeze lava. Going back to his chair, he sat and glared across the desk at her. Hermione's cheeks went bright red, and couldn't hold his gaze. Instead she stared at the potion which had now turned mint green.
"When the potion becomes pale yellow, you may remove your hands Miss Granger."
As he said this Hermione watched the potion become light lavender, than pale yellow. Removing her hands, she watched in amazement that they were completely dry, and no blisters or scalding remained.
Snape's lip curled slightly upward when he said, "I trust it is satisfactory? Might I suggest Miss Granger, in paying more attention to your surroundings? As for they may inflict serious complications upon you and I will not always be there to correct your stupidity." Hermione couldn't hold it in any longer; she stared at her hands as tears silently streamed down her cheeks. Snape, never taking his eyes off of her noticed this and said "I am unmoved by your apparent lack of control, be here this evening at 8 for your detention. Good Afternoon, Miss Granger."
Never had been so coldly dismissed, Hermione grabbed her books, ran out into the hall, and all the way up to her dormitory. Not stopping to talk to Harry and Ron who were waiting for her in the common room. But straight up to her bedroom and slammed the door. Throwing herself on the bed, she let the sobs consume her, until she fell asleep from exhaustion.
Snape watched the Granger girls retreating back as she tore out of the classroom, and let out a heavy sigh. Blasted girl! She has such potential, but she's letting it go to waste! Spending time with Potter and Weasley, when she could be studying for her N.E.W.T.'s. If she's not wasting time with them, she's letting her over-emotional nature get the best of her. Snape shook his head in disgust. Why in the name of Merlin did he care? That know-it-all brat was in Gryffindor, and if she wanted to let her future slip through her fingers, that was entirely her fault. Even though Snape told himself that over and over again for the past seven years, he knew it wasn't true.
Snape sat back in his chair and looked to the ceiling for answers. Snape allowed himself a sliver of a smile. It's almost frightening, but Snape recognized the same attributes in him at her age. Almost in the same position too, head of the class, bright and too intelligent for their own good, headstrong and stubborn to no end. But that's where the similarities end, by Snape's seventh year he became very immersed in the Dark Arts, and had no ability, or friends to show him the way out. Being a teenager, his main goal in life seemed to be to disobey his father. No matter how mature he was for his age, that urge, never seemed to go away. He had made a serious mistake, and one he could never ever correct. His conscience reminded him of it every waking moment of his adult life, and often in his sleep as well. Countless times he's woken up to the screaming of victims being "sacrificed" to the Dark Lord, whose cold laughter only seemed to encourage it. Their screams seemed to echo through out his chambers, until Snape realized that the laughter was all in his head and the screams were his.
Shaking his head in dismay at the realization on how far his thoughts had drifted, he released a growl of frustration and glanced at the clock. 6:30 already. Dinner would begin in half an hour. Dismissing the Granger girl from his mind completely, (or so he thought) He picked up the small cauldron off his desk, and began the obsessive task of tiding up the already immaculate classroom.
Hermione slept soundly, until there was a gentle knocking on her dormitory door.
"Hermione?" It was Harry; his voice was filled with concern. When she didn't answer, Harry cautiously opened the door, and peeked around the corner. Hermione was lying on the bed flat on her stomach, fast asleep. Harry let out a sigh of relief. Ever since Hermione became Head Girl, the strain on her was often great, which usually resulted in mood swings, irritability, or even just distance. Harry had noticed this past year how further and further Hermione seemed to distance herself from everyone. Not intentionally she assured him, but it sometimes hurt just the same. Harry had watched with great sadness as the gap in Hermione's and Ron's relationship had put them oceans away last year, and after two years, they just made a clean break of it. Which didn't seem to bother Hermione too much, but tore Ron apart at first, then with Harry and Ginny's encouragement began dating again. Hermione hadn't started seeing anyone else and often joked with Ron that she couldn't find anyone else with his star qualities. And Ron being the good chap that he is took it all in stride. Harry and Ginny were definitely proud of him. But Harry couldn't help but worry about Hermione, not that she needed him to of course, but Harry often told her he just liked to. Walking inside and shutting the door behind him he quietly walked over to the bed, and gently prodded her arm.
"Hermione? Hermione, it's almost dinnertime. Come on love, wake up!"
"Mrrgphh?"
"What?"
Hermione rolled over onto her back, and frowned up at Harry.
Harry Smiled and said "Ginny gives me that same look when I wake her up, and you both look like McGonagall when you do it."
Hermione gave a beginnings of a smile and said "Why Harry Potter, how would you know what Ginny Weasley looks like when she's woken up? Unless you're of course present when she wakes up, which then would lead me to ask what are you doing in the girls dormitories?"
Harry's cheeks flushed slightly, and he gave her a sheepish smile "You may look like McGonagall, but you sound like Snape, to which Professor I'd have to confess to you, If your girlfriend had a dorm all to herself, because her roommate went and became head girl, what would you be doing?"
Hermione smiled as she stretched and said "Hmmm sounds scandalous to me."
Harry grinned wickedly and returned, "Oh it's definitely scandalous, and I have the scratches to prove it." Hermione was Harry's only confidant when it came to sex. When you're dating your best friend's sister, there are just somethings you don't discuss.
Hermione sat up and pulled her hair back out of her face, and Harry's smile faltered when he noticed the dried tears. All of a sudden serious he asked, "Beastly was he?"
Hermione sighed, and took her time meeting Harry's gaze. She didn't like to look Harry in the eye, for the same reason she didn't like to look Snape in the eye. Their gazes were so penetrating, it always felt like they were looking right in to her soul, and seeing everything she liked to keep hidden, all of her fears, and her doubts. Things that make her vulnerable.
"No more than usual." Than at Harry's disbelieving look "I promise! He really wasn't all that horrid; I just wasn't in a receptive mood for his kind of constructional criticism. I just let it upset me when I know I shouldn't." with a look that seemed to plead for understanding, Harry released a sigh and gave a half smile, more for her benefit than his.
"Well, who's ever really in a mood for Snape's criticism anyway?"
Hermione gave Harry a dazzling smile, and said "He really does give sound advice, if you would just read between the lines. Look at all the information he's given me to help me study for my N.E.W.T.'s." Hermione stood up and walked over to her mirror to begin repairing her hair and light make up.
Harry snorted sarcastically at her reflection in the mirror and said, "I can't seem to get past the lines, let alone between them."
Hermione gave him a disapproving look and said, "Than you simply aren't trying hard enough." She stepped back to look at her hair, which just looked as it always did, loosely plaited over her shoulder. She frowned at the mirror that said, "Oh dear it's not all that bad, I think it's quite pretty really."
Harry who hadn't moved since he walked in the room crossed it now and put his hands on Hermione's shoulders "No, you're wrong," He told the mirror "I think she's beautiful." With a brotherly smile he dropped a light kiss on Hermione's cheek and went down to the common room to meet Ginny for dinner.
Harry was the sort of person to see something beautiful in everyone, but what was it in particular that was beautiful about her? Maturing from a 14 year old girl to an eighteen year old young woman definitely had it's advantages...her hair was now long and silky with natural auburn highlights, her teeth now nice and even, her figure had finally decided which way it was going to go, and turned out rather nice in her opinion. But, what was beautiful? Hermione continued to study her reflection, hoping to see what Harry saw, and began to despair.
Then she heard through the door Harry left open "Hey! We can't go to dinner with out the Head Girl!" it was Harry, then "Merlin's beard! Did you say go to dinner without the Head Girl?" asked Ron in mock horror. Lavender chimed in with "It's simply unheard of!" Then Ginny's voice floated up "We'll never be able to show our faces in public again!"
Hermione giggled and called down "Alright I'm coming...keep your shirt on!"
Hermione glanced at her reflection again, and gave it a small smile before running down to the common room.
Hermione smiled at her friends' jokes as they made their way down to the Great Hall, pausing only when Snape had appeared at the top of the stairs leading up from the dungeons. They nodded their heads in respect as was customary for prefects to greet Professors. As they passed, Snape noted that Hermione's head leaned forward a little longer than necessary. He idly wondered if it was truly in respect, or a vain attempt hide the blush that was furiously crossing her cheeks? Snape gave each a cold glare, and simply followed them into the Great Hall.
Hermione acutely aware of the Potions Master following them frowned as the Head Table came into view. The only chairs remaining were side by side. Barely suppressing the groan that she desperately wanted to release, Hermione gazed wistfully at Griffyndors table as her friends began to disperse to their seats. Continuing on to the Head Table she smiled as Professor Lupin stood, and held her chair. Thank the gods for Professor R.J. Lupin, Hermione thought to herself. Lupin and Snape curtly nodded to one another before taking their seats. Hermione's spirits began to raise thinking this might not be too bad after all.
"Severus how's your arm?" Lupin asked politely.
Snape watched in well-hidden amusement as Hermione visibly stiffened, and turned several different shades of red. Snape instinctively flexed his fingers, marveling in the fact that yesterday they and his arm had been broken.
"Quite well, Lupin. Thank you for inquiring."
Lupin nodded and turned his attention to the Headmaster as he stood for the evening's announcements.
Hermione could feel Snape's eyes still on her, as she too gave her careful attention to Professor Dumbledore. Dinner passed on without incident, oddly enough. Hermione had gingerly picked at her food without eating too much of anything, and then excused herself to her dorm room with the plea of homework. Just inside the main hallway, awaited Malfoy and his entourage.
"Hey mudblood! Looking delicious as usual I see." Draco drawled as Crabbe and Goyle snickered.
Hermione sighed in exasperation. 'What in Merlin's name did I do to deserve this?' She asked herself. Shaking her head in disgust she tried to walk on, but Draco stepped in to block her path.
"Hold on mudblood; don't think that you're going to get off that easy. Besides you have some explaining to do."
Hermione merely raised her eyebrows in question. "Really?"
"Why yes, now what was it? Let me think." Draco tapped his index finger against his temple, as he feigned deep concentration.
"Don't hurt yourself." Hermione's voice was devoid of all expression, and sounded down right bored.
Draco's silver eyes narrowed ever so slightly before continuing. "What is this I hear about you throwing yourself at Snape yesterday? Did you really mudblood?" He watched with satisfaction as Hermione's face turned sheet white. "Ah, so I am going to take that as an affirmative answer. My, my, going for the older men are we?" taking a step closer to her he continued as Crabbe and Goyle began to snicker. "Tell me mudblood, are you failing potions? Did you think that Snape would find you too irresistible to flunk you?" Continuing his advance he smiled wickedly at her as she took a step back.
Hermione's cheeks burned with embarrassment and anger at Draco's words. How dare he? How fucking dare he? Rage soon began to overtake the embarrassment as Draco continued his tirade. "Is that how you made Head Girl mudblood, by sleeping with all your professors? Please tell me mudblood. I'm dying to know how to get under your robes..." Hermione was now trembling with rage; her breath coming in short strangled gasps. Her hands were clenched in fist of rage, as she drew one back it was caught in a cool vice-like grasp.
"That's quite enough Mr. Malfoy. On to your common room if you please."
Draco's eyes rounded in surprise, and then relaxed instantly as he saw Snape standing in the doorway. Hermione's fist caught in mid-air by one of his hands. Draco looked at Hermione's murderous face with a look of triumph, before turning on his heel and strutting away with his goons in tow still snickering.
Snape watched until Crabbe and Goyle's thick necks disappeared down the dungeons steps, before returning his attention back to the young angry witch in front of him. Silently giving her hand back, he crossed his arms over his chest before saying, "I'm waiting Miss Granger."
Hermione was silent as she stared at Snape in bewilderment.
"Speak when you're spoken to girl!" he snapped impatiently.
"What do you want me to say?" Hermione asked thoroughly puzzled for the first time in her life.
"I want to know why you were contemplating striking Mr. Malfoy. Certainly a Gryffindor would know better than to provoke a fellow student."
Hermione just barely stopped herself for gasping in disbelief. Provoke? The anger that had cooled down now came raging back full throttle.
"Professor are you implying that I would deliberately provoke the slandering against not only my character, but yours and all of Hogwart's staff as well?" her voice shook a bit when she spoke, which only annoyed her all the more.
Snape raised an eyebrow and said "I don't know where you're going with this Miss Granger, but I'd advise you to tread lightly with your words. Unless of course you'd rather spend yet another evening with me in detention."
"How can I be held accountable for words that are not my own, but only the quotes from Malfoy's one-sided conversation?"
"That is irrelevant. You and I are not discussing Mr. Malfoy."
"No Professor, we aren't. I thought we were discussing your selective hearing." snapped Hermione heatedly, as her eyes sparkled with defiance. Hermione hated nothing more than injustice. And this she thought was defiantly a 5 star case.
Snape uncrossed his arms and raised both of his eyebrows as his eyes flashed dangerously. "Another evening it is Miss Granger." His voice was pure silk.
"Why should I be punished for your own student's imprudent remarks?" Hermione knew she shouldn't allow her tongue to run away with her like that, but Snape seemed hell-bent on bringing out the worst in her.
"Really? I must say that if you enjoy my company so much Miss Granger, why not make it for a full week?" his voice had turned dangerously soft, and this sent out a warning sign for Hermione. Even so, she couldn't stop the gasp this time.
Snape sneered at the look of dismay that crossed her face. "My, my, Miss Granger. What will your housemistress say? The head girl receiving detention for a week straight on cause of her insolence. Not setting much of an example for the young Griffyndors now are we? Correct me if I am wrong Miss Granger."
At the invitation that could only result in more trouble, Hermione took the opportunity to remain silent.
Snape smiled with a wicked sort of satisfaction. "Go collect your potion supplies Miss Granger. I shall expect you in no less than 15 minutes."
It took all of Hermione's will power to nod her head in respect, and not stomp all the way to her dorm.
With a swirl of his robes, Snape headed down to the dungeons. He now released the sigh of relief he had been suppressing since he exited the great hall, to witness the tail of Malfoy's harassment. Stupid girl! What in bloody hell was she thinking? Doesn't she realize the consequences of her actions against Malfoy? Apparently not Severus, as he thought to himself. Snape had been aware since Malfoy's fifth year of his loyalty to the dark lord. Draco apparently thought himself to be invincible, and that normal rules didn't apply to him. Much like his father Snape thought with disgust. Passing through the Potions classroom, he went straight to his office.
It was by no means a large room, but a most sufficient size. The walls and floor made of stone, much like the potions classroom. A fireplace on one wall, and the rest lined with wooden bookshelves. The room it's self was most uninviting to visitors, as it's only pieces of furniture was a heavy cherry desk with matching chair, and one winged back chair near the fire place. No portraits, paintings, or tapestries adorned any surface. But over the fireplace was a banner bearing the green and silver Slytherin Crest. Striding over to the empty fireplace, Snape touched the serpent on the crest, and Slytherin's common room appeared in a sphere in the fireplace. This enabled the housemaster to watch over his students and request their presence if need be.
"Mr. Malfoy, a word if you please. Crabbe and Goyle as well." Sighing as he removed his hand from the crest, a sudden burning heat caused Snape to gasp and clutch his arm in pain.
Pulling back his sleeve to reveal the dark mark, he was disgusted to see it burning black against his pale flesh.
Snape removed his hand as a knock sounded upon his door.
"Enter!"
Hermione winced at the irritation in his voice. Great job Granger, this should be one for the yearbooks! Not only to you nearly kill the man, but now you're up to just flat out disrespecting him. Merlin, you are on a role Granger! She chided herself.
Snape had his back to the doorway, but knew instinctively who it was.
"There are only 10 sheets of parchment remaining of the third-year class's theory on magic and muggle medicine advancement. Having had this assignment , I expect them to be corrected with reality in mind Miss Granger. There aren't any pleasantries in mistakes. After you have finished, I'd like you to finish out your detention studying for your N.E.W.T. exams. Are you able to comprehend this, or do you have questions?"
Hermione glared at Snape's back when she answered. "No."
"Good. The parchment is lying on my desk, out in the classroom. I trust you are able to handle the empty classroom by your lonesome. I'm afraid I shall be detained for a while. Please watch the clock, when two hours have passed, consider yourself dismissed."
Hermione turned to go, when Snape's voice stopped her. "If I were you Miss Granger, I'd advise you to be wary of exactly whom you glare at."
Hermione's sharp intake of breath confirmed Snape's suspicions, and he smiled to himself.
Before Hermione could shut the door, a soft voice in her ear drawled out "Well, well, mudblood. Did you come for one last wheedle before the night's end, or is it the beginning? People will say you're in love. Tsk Tsk Mudblood. In love with a Slytherin? What would Potty and Weasel say?"
Hermione felt the heat rise in her cheeks again, before shoving Malfoy out of the way, and walking back into the classroom.
Draco grinned in satisfaction as his goon's snickered.
Snape turned as they entered, and shut the door behind them.
"You wanted to see us Professor?" drawled Draco arrogantly.
"Yes, I won't take up much of your time, as I am sure you have much studying to do. But I felt it my duty to inform you of your detentions that will take place tomorrow. You will report to Hagrid at 8:30 sharp." Snape's voice was pure silk.
Draco's jaw dropped before scowling at his Housemaster. Snape arched an eyebrow. "Certainly you didn't think I'd overlook the slandering of my character, did you Mr. Malfoy?" Draco grunted in response before nodding his head in respect, and left the office quietly with Crabbe and Goyle in tow.
Snape sighed as through the open door he heard Malfoy snap at Granger. "You're going to pay for this Mudblood."
Snape donned on his death eater robes and invisibility cloak, before walking out the office door and shutting it quietly. Walking stealthily through the classroom and the remainder of the castle, before reaching the gate and disapparating.
Hermione looked up from the parchment as the door shut, but carried on reading. After finishing the theories, she spent the remaining hour studying before dragging herself up to Gryffindor tower. In later reflection while puling on her pajamas, she realized that Snape hadn't made a noise or an effort all evening to check on her. 'You really did it this time, Granger'. She thought before drifting off into a dreamless sleep.
Hermione slowly opened her eyes, and fumbled for the alarm clock that was sounding off. Finally, hitting the button she struggled to focus on the numbers. 2 a.m. Hermione let out a groan and dropped herself back on the bed with a flop. Being head girl definitely had its disadvantages. Lying awake, Hermione listened to the rain pitter-patter against the window. Grumbling as she got of bed, she pulled her school robe on over her emerald silk pajamas. Trudging over to the mirror she pulled the brush through her hair, and left it hanging down her back.
"Whoever thought up taking midnight patrols to see if students were breaking curfew, was definitely mad."
The mirror answered sleepily "It was Dumbledore, dear."
Hermione studied her reflection as she pondered this.
"Point taken."
Quietly shutting the door to her room, Hermione rubbed the sleep from her eyes as she silently padded down to the common room, and out through the portrait hole. Without even being able to pull out her wand, her foot struck something solid.
Hermione hit the stone floor hard, knocking the wind out of her. Rolling over on to her back, she mentally calmed herself down getting her breath back. Sitting up, she struggled to focus on what she tripped over. Something was there on the floor, a giant black lump is what it looked like...moving closer she heard the ragged and shallow breathing. Fear gripped her stomach in an iron fist. Pulling her wand out, she muttered Lumos Sotto.. not wanting the light to be too bright. Holding her wand out the figure gave a low moan in response. The figure was soaking wet from the rain outside, and was clad in black. With a shaky hand, Hermione touched the shoulder, and the figure flinched, and with a low voice whispered menacingly...
"Get away..."
Pulling her hand back she saw the blood covering her finger tips...
"Please...let me help you." pulling on the shoulder, the figure rolled over into the light...locks of long damp dark hair covered the face...but Hermione didn't need to see the face to know who it was. His body began to twitch, and he let out a low moan like that of a wounded animal. Then all was silent and still.
"P...P..Professor Snape?"
Checking his pulse, Hermione let out a breath she didn't know she was holding. He'd passed out.
Hermione's mind went racing... should she go wake Dumbledore? Or maybe Madam Pomfrey? Hermione couldn't see anything, but knew he was in serious pain. His breath was growing shorter and quicker...Well, whatever she decided to do later, she has to get him warm and find out where that blood is coming from. Using wingardium leviosa, Hermione, set off towards the dungeons, with a levitating Snape in tow.
Once in the potion classroom, it suddenly occurred to her that she didn't know where Snape's rooms were, shrugging this off as irrelevant she set to work; Hermione set the professor down gently on a students work table. . She began manually stripping Snape's unconscious form, throwing the tattered robes on the floor. Snape's bare chest rose and fell quickly under her busy hands, the more skin she revealed, the more wounds, and cuts she found. Her heartbeat began beating a tenfold as she began healing the smaller cuts and abrasions, working her way up his torso. Not only was this her first time undressing a man, but Professor Snape at that. Upon seeing the source of bleeding she let out a horrified gasp. There were 4 nails, nearly 7 inches long, and rusty, imbedded into his shoulder.
Snape moaned, and Hermione laid a hand on his chest in attempt to soothe him...under her hand, the muscles in Snape's chest began to twitch. Tears of empathy began to cloud her vision; she closed her eyes to keep them from falling. 'Tears Miss Granger? How will this lack of control help the situation?' Even though Snape lay unconscious, she could imagine his cold sarcastic mockery. 'No,' she thought to herself, 'tears wouldn't do.' Blinking them away as quickly as they had come, she began to access the situation. The only way to remove the nails would to be doing the summoning spell. Hermione couldn't see his shoulder all that well from her position on the floor. Climbing up on to the table to get a better view probably wasn't a good idea. With Snape in his current state, the chances of him coming to in a state of shock were more than great, but the only other option was to stand on one of the stools that sat at the worktable. Hermione eyed the rickety stool with distaste. She'd take her chances with an angry Snape anyway. Climbing on top of him, proved slightly difficult, and quite unnerving. Having removed her robes before even making an attempt was a good idea thought Hermione, as she now sat with her knees on either side of Snape's ribcage. Snape released another moan, this time opening his eyes. Trying to concentrate on his eyes, and not his hand that just came to rest on her thigh, Hermione explained exactly what she was going to do. 'Oh gods, give me the strength.' she silently prayed. Knowing even in his current state, he would still instinctively fight her, she decided to put the body bind curse on him.
Snape released a low moan and opened his eyes. The Granger girl was now straddling his chest, staring intently at him and speaking. He blinked several times trying to focus on her face, and find his voice.
Then watched silently has she raised her wand and pointed it at him. A gold energy shot out and he suddenly became very cold. The body bind. Still trying to summon his voice to ask her what the hell she was doing, She pointed the tip of her wand on one of the nails... 'Oh Gods' he thought, 'She's not going to...' He couldn't make out her words, but he knew what she said.. His next thought was pushed aside as the blinding pain knocked him out once again.
"Professor...Professor, please open your eyes." Hermione had sat with him all night, having healed all his wounds; she mostly just kept watch, listening to his deep breathing. Watching him sleep was very hypnotic; the slow rise and fall of his pale, but slightly muscular chest. Hermione noted that his body was definitely toned, not just thin, as she had thought. The expression on his face was calm and relaxed, not like the usual cold sneer he wore day in and day out. The lines on his face had smoothed out, and Hermione thought to herself how handsome he looked. Upon realizing her last thought, Hermione mentally and physically shook herself. What the hell was she thinking? This is Snape! Her professor that despised the fact she breathed.
Getting down from her place on the opposite worktable, she gently began to try and wake him. She laid a cautious hand upon his arm, thinking to shake him awake, but the thought was chased out of her head as his hand was no longer there, but around her neck, gripping it tightly as the potion master flew from the table, and threw her backwards into the stone wall. Snape's reflexes were rapid and efficient; Hermione hadn't time to even acknowledge her shock before his hand was around her neck yet again, picking her up. Snape was now eye level with his assumed would be attacker, instead of seeing the eyes of a deatheater; he was staring into familiar eyes. Lovely cinnamon brown eyes, which were now wide with fear.
"Miss Granger?" he croaked.
Realization dawning on him like a cold bucket of water, he dropped the owner on the floor. Hermione hit the stone floor hard, knocking the wind out of her, but tried to regain her breath quickly, as Snape was towering over her, giving off the essence of the powerful wizard he was.
Snape was trying to shake off the after effects of shock; the adrenaline rushing through his head was giving him a pounding headache. Than it dawned on him that he just threw the poor girl across the room. Walking over to the crumpled figure on the floor, he merely stared. She was huddled in an almost fetal position, trying desperately to breathe. Her emerald bed clothing was soaked with blood, as was parts of her hair. Fearing he'd seriously injured her; he bent over and picked her up by the shoulders, "Miss Granger, are you bleeding? What the hell are you doing down here?" he asked with much impatience.
Hermione got her breath back, but was still finding it difficult to breathe considering the nearness off the professor's mouth to her own, and his naked chest. When she didn't answer right away, he gave her a little shake, holding her at eye level also consequently meant also holding her about a good foot from the ground.
"Miss Granger, answer me now!"
"It's yours..." She answered breathlessly.
"What?" He hadn't realized he had shouted until he saw her wince.
"The blood, it's yours from the nails..."
"Nails?" he shook his head in confusion, the pounding was back in his head. He snapped impatiently "Granger I don't know what the hell your talking..."
"The nails in your shoulder Professor! 4 of them! She jerked her head towards the table.
Snape glanced over at the table. Upon seeing them, memories came flooding back.
The deatheater meeting last night was complete and utter hell. Voldemort was feeling particularly cruel that evening, and Snape was his favorite toy. Snape could only remember the cruiaticus curse, and the muggle objects Lucius Malfoy had found on a raid, which he proceed to imbed in Snape's shoulder with another muggle apparatus. This new pain increased the curse a tenfold. After being dismissed, Snape had barely made it into the castle without giving in to the darkness that threatened to consume him. Unable to fight it any longer, he had collapsed on his way to the dungeons, right in front of the hallway leading to Gryffindor tower. His next conscious memory was of gentle small hands, and a soft voice. Granger.
His grip on her shoulders was becoming extremely painful, and she gave a soft whimper, to which he promptly let go of her. She hit the stone floor again, and winced at the pain that shot through her backside. 'I always said Snape was a pain in the ass." She said to herself. Aware that Snape was staring holes through her; she slowly raised her gaze to his cold black eyes.
"How did you...er...come upon me, Miss Granger?" he inquired coldly.
Hermione lowered her gaze slightly as she told him quietly, "I tripped over you, doing patrols."
"Why did you not summon Dumbledore or Madam Pomfrey?
Hermione now stood, not wanting to meet his eyes; she lowered her gaze to his chest, and then promptly to the floor as blood rushed her cheeks. The potions master was still only partially robed.
"Y..You were bleeding quite a lot Professor, and I was only concerned about finding the source." she said softly.
It was a good thing she became suddenly interested in the stone floor, for Snape's features had borne a look of utter amazement, before being quickly masked into cold sarcasm.
"Couldn't leave well enough alone Miss Granger? Tell me, are you expecting me to award house points for this, or simply grovel at your feet for a period of time?" his voice dripped with acid. Causing her head to snap up in alarm, she opened her mouth to speak, but nothing came out. Taking the opportunity Snape took a menacing step towards her and said softly, "To which I am obligated to say Miss Granger I will do neither, I assure you."
Hermione held her ground when she met the Potion Masters eyes, controlling the angry tears that threatened to spill out of her eyes. "Is that what you think Professor? That I would put your life and mine in danger for your undying gratitude? I can assure you Professor, that I am a lot of things, but shallow is not one of them. I'm not a Slytherin, professor; I don't believe I'm as cunning as you make me out to be. Although, I could be trying to live up to the reputation that the Slytherins seem hell-bent on building for me." Glancing down at his bare chest, she met his eyes again when she said, "I'd say I'm making a great start. Good day, Professor Snape." Her voice had never risen above a slight whisper. She walked over to one of the worktables and collected her wand as she strode deftly out of the room, closing the door quietly behind her.
Snape sighed heavily as he attempted to massage the headache out of his temples. He had been wrong, and remorse was already beginning to set in. He had to take news to Dumbledore, glancing at the revolving planets on the face of the clock hanging on the wall. He still had two hours till breakfast, that would give him plenty of time to shower. Striding over to the pile of robes on the floor, he bent and picked them up for inspection. Finding the tatters where the muggle objects had broken through, and other evidence of punctures through out the robe. Something caught his eye as it fell to the floor. Picking it up his face contoured in disgust at the Gryffindor crest on the breast of what appeared to be Hermione's robe. Guilt tore through him again as he sighed yet again, and took off for his private quarters.
Hermione shut the door to the potions classroom quietly, before she promptly burst into tears and took off for a dead run to Gryffindor tower, not noticing the startled gray tabby cat that crouched into a corner of the main hallway and watched silently.
Professor McGonagall sighed as she made her way to the Headmaster's office. What in the world was Miss Granger doing down in the dungeons this early in the morning? She asked herself before she regained her human form in front of the large stone gargoyle.
"Pecan Lilies"
The gargoyle heavily slid aside allowing entrance. Upon reaching Dumbledore's office, his voice floated through the door, causing the professor to not even break stride.
"It's open,Minerva."
Professor McGonagall entered the warm and inviting office silently, as Dumbledore watched her from his clear blue eyes with appreciation. Discretion was definitely Minerva's best attribute. Rising form his seat, he offered one to Minerva. Sitting only after she did, he allowed himself a small smile.
Twitching her robe just so, Professor McGonagall raised her eyes to meet the Headmaster's and merely arched her eyebrows. This enough asked the question to which she wanted an answer. She never had to ask questions, the Headmaster seemed to know everything before hand. Most found this rather daunting, but the Professor who never had anything to hide didn't mind at all, it seemed to be a time saver.
"She saved his life Minerva, quite literally. Severus would have bled to death if she would have hesitated, panicked, or even attempted to send for someone." Dumbledore's voice was quite grave and serious as it usually was when Severus would return in states that could only be described as tortured. But, even Professor McGonagall knew that the physical pain was nothing compared to the torture in the Potion Master's soul.
Professor McGonagall sighed softly, "Does Severus realize what she has done for him?"
The sparkle that had been absent from the old wizards eyes came to life suddenly, as he smiled. "Oh yes indeed. In fact he's on his way up here to give you a piece of his mind for it too."
Professor McGonagall blinked, and then promptly stood, as did the Headmaster, then transformed back into the gray tabby. Slinking over to the door, she could hear Severus's boot heels on the stone floor approaching the office. Crouching low to the floor facing the door, she awaited his arrival. The Headmaster watched, amused, as he settled back in his chair. He really couldn't blame her. Severus Snape was not a man to cross, even though it was not Minerva's fault. Severus would definitely find it so with no plausible reason other than it was a Gryffindor. And Merlin knows that the size of that man's temper rivals all of the United Kingdom.
The footsteps approaching closer, Dumbledore watched as the tabby formerly Minerva's tail twitched in anticipation, and chuckled to himself. Before looking at the door, and giving the impression it wasn't even there at all, spoke. "Please come in Severus."
The door flew open without being touched by the hands of the angry wizard who entered; neither did they catch the streak of gray that flew between his feet and out the open door. Severus instinctively turned before saying quietly "You can't run forever Minerva." Despite the quiet tone he used, he knew she had heard him.
Dumbledore hid the smile that threatened to cross his face, but he couldn't mask the twinkle in his eyes. "She isn't running Severus, in fact I sent her on a very important errand." At the arch of Severus's eyebrow, the Headmaster continued, "I told her to get as far away from you as possible." Severus glared at the old wizard before tossing his hair out of his eyes with a flick of his head, consequently shutting the door to the office with a loud snap.
Standing Dumbledore offered Severus a chair across from the desk, and quietly resumed his seat as the young wizard sat down. No pleasantries were dispensed, no polite inquiries of tea or biscuits, just a companionable silence drifted between the two before the Headmaster shook his head in dismay. "Severus that's terrible. Does she know?" though not a word had been spoken the information had transferred from one mind to another. The young wizard sighed and shook his head. "I have a feeling that Fudge isn't going to be too discreet about it though. I fully expect the notice to arrive today. But, there is still the possibility of recovery, maybe when they see her..." he pinched the bridge of his nose in frustration and closed his as his headache came roaring back to life.
Dumbledore stared at the fire burning in the hearth, his eyes heavily lidded as a wave of sadness swept over him for the girl. "Severus..." he paused as he frowned at his hands that sat loosely clasped in his hands, before raising his eyes to the Potions Master and continued "She's going to need a guide, someone to help her through this morning, and until everything gets straightened out. I want you to be that guide." The Potions Master stood so suddenly the chair slid back almost a foot.
"Headmaster, surely Minerva is more suitable for..."
"No, she isn't. Severus no one is more suitable than you. No one is better than masking their emotions than you. And that is exactly what she needs. You know this. You know what they're going to look for. And above all things, I should think it is the least you could do."
The Potions Masters eyes flashed dangerously.
Hermione stepped out of the shower in her private bathroom, and groaned at her body's reluctance to move any farther than the bed. Going to breakfast without sleep, was less than appealing right now. Damn Snape! Struggling to pull on her clothing, she went to inspect herself in the mirror. The bruises on her arms were darkening to a nice plum shade, as were the ones on her neck. Muttering a brief drying spell to her hair, Hermione decided definitely to leave her hair down. Mentally searching her memory bank, she remembered the cosmetic charm Lavender had given her. True she hadn't used it since her fourth year Yule ball, but it had to be better than avoiding people's questions all day. She was not looking forward to facing Snape today at breakfast. Maybe he'd skip out today, Hermione got a surge of hope as she remembered today was Saturday.. Yes! Often times he does skip out on breakfast. Noticeably brightened, Hermione went down to the common room to meet her friends.
"Gee Hermione; you look like you've had a run in with a mad hippogriff." Ron exclaimed as she entered the common room.
Harry, Ginny, and Lavender all frowned at Ron, who promptly turned bright red.
Or a mad Snape thought Hermione wryly. "Ron, I don't think I can stand your compliments this early in the morning. I'm just too tired to be flattered." She gave a half smile to Ron and motioned everyone to the portrait hole.
Harry lagged behind. When the others had already climbed out, Harry put a hand on Hermione's arm, and jumped as she winced in pain. Merely raising his eyebrows, Hermione gave a half-hearted smile of reassurance.
"It's nothing...just kind of sore from lack of sleep." Harry didn't try to disguise his disbelief.
"You guys coming or what?"
Hermione forced a smile and said "Shall we?"
Harry's frown deepened before saying "Alright."
Upon entering the great hall, Hermione's half way decent spirits were crushed as her eyes landed on the tall dark figure at the head table. Harry watched as her face fell, than followed her gaze to Snape. Giving her a little encouraging pat on the back, he frowned as she winced and groaned again.
Hermione determined not to let Snape see, tossed her hair over her squared shoulders, and continued to walk proudly to the head table. She desperately wanted to retreat as she saw the only available seat was one chair down from Snape. Her spirits lifted as she noticed the next chair's occupant was Professor Lupin.
Snape glanced up from his plate, and landed his eyes on Hermione as she entered the Great hall. Nonchalantly watching her, he read all the emotions and thoughts on her face like an open book. 'Oh gods this is going to be difficult' he said to himself. Watching her wince in pain as she sat in the chair next to Lupin, a fresh stab of guilt showered itself in his gut. Glancing down at her she tossed her head as she laughed at whatever Lupin was saying. To his horror, he noticed the bruises on her neck, she had tried to conceal under a cosmetic charm. Dropping his fork with a clang on this plate, he quickly turned to find Dumbledore's gaze upon him. After a moment of holding his gaze, Snape released a low growl, and picked his fork up once again. Not eating anything at all.
Professor Lupin, having previously spoken with the Headmaster became very interested in his food, when the owls began arriving. A small black and gray owl made his way to the head table, dropping a small scroll with the ministry's seal upon it, in front of Hermione's plate.
Hermione started to reach for it, when a voice whispered in her ear "No, not yet. They're watching." Hermione's hand instantly went to her cup of pumpkin juice. No one was beside her, who the hell was whispering in her ear? She glanced at Lupin who was now carrying on a conversation now with the Headmaster, and then her eyes fell to Snape. Who was merely pushing food around on his plate? Deciding to herself she was going mad, she began to reach for it again. "NO! I told you not yet." the voice whispered again. Instinctively her hand went to the salt container. "Why not?" she said aloud. To her surprise no one stared at her, or even looked her way. The voice whispered again, "I've told you they're watching. You will have to wait." Putting the salt container back, she watched Snape as she said "It's from the ministry, I should just ignore it?" The voice whispered, "Yes for now. You can't afford to lose face in front of them. It's too dangerous." Snape's lips did move, but the voice was right in her ear.
"How do you do that?" she asked automatically.
"Do not ask stupid questions, it doesn't become you Miss Granger." realizing he said this out loud, she blushed a deep crimson, before lowering her gaze to the table.
Snape once again felt as if he'd been kicked in the stomach as regret made it's self-known. Feeling the penetrating blue gaze on him again, he glanced at the Headmaster, and quickly looked away as the old man was frowning intensely at him. Normally, Dumbledore doesn't interfere with the manner in which the Potion Master speaks to the students; in fact he finds it to be very useful to them. Someone has to be hard on him or her; they have to be able to give their best under stress. But, now isn't the time for his usual barbs to Hermione. Her world is about to be turned upside down, and she's going to need to trust Severus. And he can't afford to compromise that. Dumbledore watched Hermione frown into her plate, before pushing it away all together. He sighed as his heart went out to the poor girl.
Hermione stood from the table, causing everyone else to stand as well and excused herself, before grabbing the scroll almost absentmindedly, and strode from the great hall with three sets of eyes upon her back. One set promptly stood as well, going to head her off. The second a green concerned gaze radiated off from Gryffindor table, and the third were chips of ice with an almost triumphant gleam in them, as they resided at Slytherin...
Hermione had no idea where she was going, just anywhere to get away from Snape. The man was taking over her every rational thought! One word from him drives everything right out of my head. She thought to herself. "What the hell is wrong with me?" unaware she was speaking out loud until a cold voice answered her.
"I would began, but I'm afraid the issues would be to numerous to list."
"Go to hell!" Hermione swung around to come in contact with a solid chest, shrouded in black robes, knocking her to the floor. Hermione cried out in pain, as it was the third time in less than 3 hours it had happened.
Snape towered over the girl as she struggled to her feet, "Go to hell? Oh Miss Granger but I do, quite often in fact. Now, if I may be so inclined to point out that being Head Girl does not include having the benefits of insulting professors and getting away with it, as you seem to be misguided into believing. So if you please follow me."
Hermione stood and followed the professors billowing robes down to the dungeons.
Snape stopped outside his office door, and motioned that she should precede him. After closing the door, he turned to find Hermione's eyes on him. Staring down into her face, Snape realized two things. Granger was not a ten year-old girl anymore, and she was totally innocent of it. Gods she had lovely eyes, he thought to himself before shaking his head in disbelief at the loss of his sanity.
Hermione's heartbeat picked up a notch as the Potions Master, stared into her eyes. She immediately blushed as he shook his head and looked away. For the first time in her life, Hermione felt ashamed of who she was.
Unaware of her thoughts, Snape turned his attention to a winged back chair that resided in front of the fireplace. He merely crooked his finger at it, as it promptly slid across the floor to his side.
Hermione stared at the chair in amazement, before his snappish command interrupted her thoughts.
"Sit."
Turning on his heel, Snape strode over the bookshelf while speaking over his shoulder to her. "Please rid yourself of that cosmetic charm, Miss Granger. It doesn't do the job you might have hoped it to."
Hermione glared at his back before pulling out her wand and removing the charm. Hermione watched the graceful movements of his lithe body, as he searched for the correct text. In her minds eye, she could still see the muscles in his arms and back, even though the black robe shrouded them.
Unaware of her stare, Hermione was caught by surprise at his, "I told you not to glare at me, Miss Granger." Looking at her shoes, Hermione blushed.
Finally selecting a leather bound volume, Snape began flipping through pages. He had become very interested in a passage before opening his hand palm up, only to catch the small jar that materialized out of thin air.
Hermione's jaw dropped. Magic is magic, but that was impossible.
"Please close your mouth Miss Granger, it isn't polite to gape."
Promptly shutting her mouth, Hermione continued to stare as Snape set the book to rest on thin air.
Walking over to her, Snape stopped to consider the height of the chair. Considering it unsatisfactory, he motioned his hand in an upwards motion, and the chair began to grow.
He only had to put his hand up to halt it. Hermione looked up to see the she was right about the same height as if she were standing.
Snape took a deep breath and stood waiting for Hermione to look at him. When she finally did raise her gaze to his, the memory of the fear in her lovely eyes this morning, flashed through his mind, as guilt once again flooded him.
Brushing her long hair aside with his hand, he tilted her head to get a proper view of her neck. Large dark purple bruises covered her neck in the shape of a handprint. Snape thought he could probably put his hand in the exact spot as this morning with no problem. Nausea swept through him at the notion.
"Professor..." Hermione began, unable to keep her mind off the book.
"Because I ask it too." he answered quietly with a bit of impatience.
"What?"
"The book stays where I put it because I ask it too." he explained on a sigh.
Hermione intrigued, bit her tongue as millions of questions threatened to roll off them.
Snape took a step back, and folded his arms across his chest before saying. "You may ask only one question."
Hermione's eyes sparkled with eagerness, as she thought for a moment.
"Can anyone do it?"
The Potions Master nodded his approval at her question before stating, "No."
Seeing the disappointment so evident on her face, almost made him want to laugh out loud.
Giving the air of being finished with the conversation, he again tilted her head and applied some of the contents of the jar to her neck. Taking this as a sign to dismiss the obvious, Hermione made a mental note to ask about the jar's entrance.
The feeling of his long elegant fingers on her neck was very disturbing to Hermione. Upon reflection, she found she rather enjoyed it. His touch was surprisingly gentle and feather light. It was almost unbelievable that it was in fact the very same touch that had inflicted the bruises to begin with. Hermione came to realize that her tired body was beginning to relax under his hands.
Snape watched Hermione's face with open fascination, as she had closed her eyes. He marveled at the fact she hadn't even flinched at his touch. He continued applying the salve, while noting the soft, smooth skin of her neck and face. Her long eyelashes swept gracefully against her cheeks, as she gave a sigh in pleasure. He was startled when she allowed her neck to go limp, and her head to fall against his chest. For once, Snape felt a different kind of regret. Something akin to loss. Chalking this up as nonsense, he continued absentmindedly massaging her neck as he stared down at the top of her head.
"Thank you."
Hermione lost in the blissful sensations his hands, and his warm chest were creating, merely mumbled, "You're welcome."
A humbled sort of look passed over the Potions Masters harsh features. This young woman saved his life, and all he can say is thank you? Didn't he already tell her that he wasn't about to be sold in to undying gratitude? Didn't he tell her to mind her own business? Nice, Severus, very nice. You really are a bastard aren't you? He chided himself.
Hermione opened her eyes slightly as Snape rolled her neck into his hands, and thought for the second time that day how handsome he was, when he thought no one was looking. His long raven hair had fallen in front of his face, and his expression was unguarded. Something that looked remotely like sadness crossed his face, before it resumed its hard chiseled glare. Quickly closing her eyes again, Hermione wondered how he would look smiling. An image passed through her mind, as a shiver of excitement ran down her spine.
So immersed in his thoughts, he came to earth with a bump. Hermione had flinched, and he felt it to the core of his being. His body became aware of the closeness of hers. For the first time in his life Snape was at loss for words. Gods! She was a student!
Snape withdrew his hands from her neck, and took a step away, causing Hermione groan in protest. Satisfied that the bruises had disappeared completely, he asked "Have you any more Miss Granger?"
Hermione's head was fuzzy from almost completely relaxed, to forcing to answer questions.
"On my shoulders..."She began as her cheeks stained red.
Hermione watched as he tossed his hair out of his eyes with a jerk of his head, and heard the lock slide home on the door.
Hermione sat back in the chair, and gaze solemnly at the Potions Master. Who, in turn, acted as if nothing had happened.
"If you please, Miss Granger."
Hermione unclasped her robe, lowering it to reveal a black t-shirt. As it was Saturday, usual dress code did not apply, much to the relief of both the parties present.
As the bruises were not as deep as the others, Snape took care of one arm, and allowed Hermione to apply the salve to the other.
The potions master recapped the jar as Hermione shrugged back into her robe, and the scroll fell to the floor. Both of them staring down at it for different reasons.
"I'd almost forgotten about it." Hermione said softly as she retrieved it from the floor.
"Perhaps Miss Granger, you would like the privacy of your dormitory before reading it." Snape suggested silkily.
Hermione looked at the ministry's wax seal and traced it with her fingers. "Yes, of course Professor. Thank you." Standing to leave, she reclasped her robes, tucking the scroll and jar away in her pockets.
Opening the door she paused only when he said "Do not forget your detention this evening, Miss Granger."
Meeting his black stare, she nodded in respect and shut the door quietly behind her.
Snape stared at the back of the closed door for several minutes before releasing a sigh and gracefully falling into his chair. Gods! What the hell was that all about Severus? He asked himself. Losing control are we old boy? Snape frowned at the self-loathing thought. What was it the annoyed him about it? Ah yes. Old. Yes that would be it. I'm old. Well, old enough to be her father anyway. Snape's frown intensified as he thought about the way she rested her head against his chest. 'So trusting, so innocent, so... DAMN YOUNG SEVERUS!' his sub-conscience screamed at him. Thoroughly disgusted with his thoughts he stood suddenly and began to pace in front of his desk.
Hermione tiredly climbed the stairs to Gryffindor tower, wondering not about the scroll, but the Potions Master himself. Something was missing from his demeanor today. She couldn't exactly put her finger on it. Shrugging it off as being delusional from lack of sleep, she mumbled the password, and went straight to her dorm. Shutting the door and locking it, Hermione sat on the bed as she pulled out the scroll. Using her wand to break the seal, she jumped as the scroll jumped out of her hands, and seemed to levitate in front of her. Hermione reached out and touched the parchment, and it fell to the ground. Picking it up, Hermione began to read, before letting out a horrified gasp.
Tears began to stream down her face, as her eyes frantically continued reading. Dropping the parchment from her shaking hands, she wrapped her arms around herself, as in desperation to hold on to something. Soul wrenching sobs seemed to take her breath away. Air, air, she needed air. Clutching her hand to her heaving chest, Hermione desperately tried to breath. Hermione aware of nothing but the pounding of her heartbeat in her ears, cried out frantically to no one. Hermione's mind raced from one thing to another until, she felt nothing. The tears ceased to fall, her hands steady once more. She felt absolutely numb.
Harry was standing, watching out the window when an icy voice came from somewhere behind "Mr. Potter, surely there are other responsibilities to be tended to than making the sure the rain falls."
Harry sighed, but never turned form the window when he spoke. "Yes Professor, I'm sure there is, but right now I'm attempting to tend to my greatest responsibility yet, without her knowledge."
Curious as to what the boy was staring at he stepped closer, and peered out the window over his shoulder, only to see Hermione Granger sitting on a giant rock near the lake, the cold harsh rain beating down on her bare head and robes.
Snape's voice had lost the ice when he asked softly "How long has she been there?"
Harry thought he was going mad, Snape almost sounded concerned! Harry only sighed again when he said "Nearly an hour and a half."
"And you let her sit there in the rain?" Snape demanded harshly.
Harry finally turned to Snape, and said, "I tried to get her to come in Professor, but she wouldn't even acknowledge my presence. She just sat there and looked right through me." Harry sounded defeated, and when Snape lowered his gaze to the boy, he could see the raw hurt and anguish in the boys face.
"Go on then Potter. Tend to your prefect duties, and I will see to Miss Granger."
Harry raised his gaze back up to Snape's before nodding his head in respect and walking on down the hall.
"Oh, and Potter?" Snape's voice floated down to him. Harry turned around as Snape continued, "Why did you stand here the entire time?"
Harry met the Potions Masters eyes with an unwavering gaze when he said" Hermione Granger is one of my best friends Professor, and I would do anything for her, even if it meant saving her from herself. I know nothing of what or who has put her in this condition. But I assure you that they will indeed regret it if anything happens to my friend."
Snape continued to hold Harry's gaze before the nodded his head in approval and sent him on his way.
Hermione was sitting very still, and silently staring out over the lake, not even giving acknowledgement to Snape's approaching footsteps. Her hair was plastered down on to her rain-drenched robes, her face streaked with a mixture of tears and rain. Snape merely sighed inwardly. She's taking it harder than I would have hoped. Shaking his head in dismay, he watched as Hermione's gaze had fallen upon him. Saying not a word, he effortlessly scooped her up in his arms and walked swiftly back to the castle.
Hermione's face was buried in the crook of his neck, and he could feel her lips move against his skin when she said "Please don't take me to the hospital wing Professor."
To this Snape said nothing, but made a sharp left when they reached the castles main entrance, through a small arched doorway. After going down several flights of stone steps, Snape paused at what looked to be a solid brick wall. Moving Hermione's body up in his arms, he touched a fingertip three times to a brick, as the wall melted away to a stone corridor that led to his private rooms. Hermione began to shiver as the chill from the rain finally began to set in. Snape noticed of course, and muttered a drying spell that dried them both without even pausing in stride. Hermione closed her eyes and basked in the warmth of her Professors chest, and the comfortable secure feeling of being in his arms.
When she opened her eyes again, she was lying on a dark leather couch, covered with a black woolen blanket, and she had a splitting headache. Sitting up Professor Snape came into her line of vision. He was sitting in a high winged back chair, staring into the flames of a fire that crackled in a nearby hearth.
Noticing her movement, he stood quickly and walked over to her, placing cool hands on her forehead and the side of her face. He nodded in satisfaction, before pulling a vial out of his robe and handing it to her. The substance in the vial was light blue when it left his hand, than began to turn an angry red. Snape went back to his chair and said quietly. "You should drink that directly as I'm positive you have a dreadful headache."
Downing the vial in one swallow, she placed the stopper back into place before setting it on the small dark wood table next to the couch. Sinking once again gratefully under the blanket, she shivered as she felt the potion run its course through her veins. Feeling his eyes burning into her she reluctantly met his gaze, before promptly looking away again.
"I know." was all she said. Her voice was clouded with tears, as guilt and regret lay heavily in her chest. The disappointment that radiated off his body was unmistakable. "Smashing job Granger, you really fucked up this time." She told herself angrily. Her head swam as her eyes fell closed once again.
"What exactly do you know, Miss Granger?" Snape's soft voice sliced through her thoughts of self-loathing like a hot knife through butter. No sarcasm, or icy tones, just a nice deep baritone voice. In the back of her head, a small voice noted at how pleasant it was to hear.
Hermione sighed, "I know you are disappointed in me, in my actions, my lack of control."
Snape blinked in astonishment, but gave nothing away when he replied, "What makes you assume that?"
Hermione's headache began to lessen, but it did nothing for her irritability. This became evident when she snapped "Oh please Professor! It positively radiates off you, just like it always does!"
"The disappointment does not belong to you Miss Granger, it never has. I have no idea where you might have come to that conclusion or entertained the idea that it ever would." Snape stood from his chair, and chose to stand next to the fireplace. "We both know that there was nothing you could do to prevent that attack on your parents."
Hermione stood straight up from the couch and stared at her Professor. Anger building as the words ran through her mind again and again. "You knew?" she whispered not trusting her voice.
Snape watched from his corner as the crossed his arms over his chest. Unsure of the response she might have, he now thanked Merlin, as he had already disarmed her of her wand as she slept. "Yes of course I knew Miss Granger, I was there."
"What?" her words were strangled, and barely audible. The rage inside Hermione was blinding, and uncontrollable.
Snape's reflexes were always something to marvel at; even while under attack of an eighteen year-old girl, who wanted nothing more than to hurt him as much as he had just hurt her. The force of Hermione's assault slammed his body against the stone wall as one of her right fist connected with his jaw, before he was able to capture them both. Spinning abruptly, Snape pinned Hermione in the corner between the connecting wall, and the fireplace. Having her hands pinned on either side of her head, Hermione resorted to playing foul, and aimed her knee straight up.
Snape having done this a few times in his day, blocked it with his own knee, and quickly pinned her legs together within his own. Before looking down into her angry face and saying gently. "No."
Hermione fought desperately against him, but only caused her body to become more pinned down by his. "How could you?" Hermione growled through gritted teeth.
"How could I what Miss Granger? How could I be present at such a horrifying event? How could I block out the screams, as I attempted to keep them alive? How could I have persuaded them not to rape your mother? How could I have persuaded them not to murder your father in cold blood?" Hermione's attempts to get free had stopped, as she became very still. Anger began to build in the Potions Master as well. Snape knowing that she need to hear this. Knowing she needed to understand continued. "How could I have left them with no memory of their surroundings, their identities? How could I have taken punishment for being weak? How could I have what, Miss Granger? "
Hermione couldn't meet his gaze that she could feel burning into her skin. "How could you have not told me?" she whispered before burying her face into his chest as she cried. Snape's anger melted away, as she began to cry. Releasing her hands, she had instinctively wrapped her arms around his waist. Snape was completely unsure of what to do. Sighing, he gently touched a hand to her hair, and was rewarded as she only held him tighter.
Snape wrapped his arms around the sobbing girl and held her close. Resting his chin on her head, he questioned himself. I shouldn't have told her. Dammit Severus! What the hell have you done? He thought to himself angrily. I'm trying to protect her, not destroy her. But, she needed to know. She needed to know now while the wound was still fresh, so to speak. And you went and threw a pound of salt in it Severus, nice. Very nice.
Tired of listening to his inner-conflict, he sighed as Hermione's body had begun to violently tremble, and completely sag against his. Snape skillfully wrapped his arms around her, and carried her back over to the couch. When he attempted to release her, Hermione refused to let him go. Finally settling on one side of the couch, he was surprised as she moved right next to him and laid her head upon his chest.
"Miss Granger..." He began, but faltered as she interrupted.
"Did it last long?" she whispered.
Snape frowned as he stared down at her hidden face. Her voice was only a whisper, but it was also devoid of all emotion. So unlike, Miss Granger. He pondered answering her question before simply saying, "Yes."
Hermione had flinched as if he had struck her, but said nothing.
Shifting his weight, he removed his arm that was trapped between their bodies, and rested it on the back of the couch as he said, "Miss Granger, you are I hope aware of the many complications this inflicts upon not only you, but your parents as well."
Hermione was silent as a few more tears found their way down her cheeks into Snape's robes.
"How did they know? I mean, this isn't some random act of violence. They had to know there was a connection, they had to know I was muggle born..." At that she promptly stood again, and stared at her professor almost accusingly.
Snape sighed, and stood as well. "Miss Granger, I am Potion's Master of this school, my duty is to protect the students, not hand them over on a silver platter. I can only tell you I had no hand in this; I didn't even know it was your parent's until we had already arrived at the house. I saw this." Pulling a photo out of his robes, he handed it to her. Hermione carefully unfolded the photo, and a sad smile crossed her lips. It was taken in Diagon Alley, the summer before her second year. Her father had it framed and it sat on the living room mantle ever since. A passing wizard offered to take their picture, so there they were, standing in front of Gringott's waving furiously at the camera. Hermione gave a laugh at the look upon her parent's faces as a goblin had passed. To Snape it sounded like a choked sob. Shaking his head in dismay, Snape spoke again. "Miss Granger, I can only say in my defense that I am many things, but shallow is not one of them." Hermione's tears began to fall again as her own words played in her mind.
"But I can't make you believe me."
Hermione looked up from the picture and said quietly, "I believe you Professor, and thank you."
Snape nodded his head as relief washed over him. "Miss Granger, I'm afraid that I've yet to stop being the bearer of news. But the Headmaster requests your presence this evening before dinner."
Hermione gave a smirk at the thought, and began to furiously brush her tears off her cheeks. "What time is it?" she asked as if only first aware of her surroundings.
"5:30, you should go directly."
Absentmindedly touching a hand to her hair, she noticed that her wand was missing. Carefully putting the photo in her pocket, she took a deep breath.
"Professor..."she began
Snape tapped her on the shoulder with it.
"Thank you, I must have dropped it." Hermione admitted, and steeled herself for his 'stupid girl' or 'insufferable Gryffindor' and was utterly surprised when it didn't come. Walking to the door, she stopped and turned around. Snape had went to stand in front of the fireplace, his back was to her as if he had already dismissed her. "Umm Professor?"
Turning to look at her Snape raised his eyebrows in question. "Where am I?"
Having followed Snape up several flights of stone steps, Hermione was sure she now knew what is was like to climb Mt. Everest. Pausing at a giant arched doorway, Snape motioned she should precede him. Hermione out her hand on the ring-like handle, when she turned abruptly and kissed a very startled Potions Master on the cheek. Before turning and stepping through the opened door.
Snape stood in shock for nearly twenty minutes, before he shook himself out of his stupor. What the hell was a matter with him anyway? That Gryffindor brat has caused him so much trouble in the last 24 hours, than Harry Potter did in a week. Blasted girl! Ah, but she's not a girl anymore now is she Severus? You were the one to point that out weren't you? Snape's mood definitely soured as he chided himself. Are you staring to care for the girl Severus? Why else would you hold her in your arms as she cried? I'm her teacher; I'm supposed to do that. Starting to have feelings again are we Severus? Why else would you be so defensive? Snape after firmly telling himself to go to hell passed the arched doorway, to find the corridor
full of loud and rambunctious students. Snape sighed in disgust and moved trough the crowds, like Moses through the red sea. His final thought was of asking the headmaster to replace him as her "guide" as soon as possible.
Hermione stood in front of the stone gargoyle, and gave the password as she wondered about the Potions Master. It seemed perfectly right to kiss him, but then she couldn't think of why on earth she wanted to. Dismissing this from her mind, she approached Dumbledore's office door, and entered as he bid her to without even knocking.
Hermione nodded her head in respect to Dumbledore, and quickly masked the surprise and dread on her face as Cornelius Fudge came into view.
Hermione tore out of the main hallway and ran in the direction of Gryffindor tower. Her blinding tears were streaming down her face, she vaguely remembered Dumbledore calling after her, but continued to run. Dumbledore stood and watched her go before raising his fingertips to his temple, and warning Severus.
Snape was scolding a couple of Hufflepuffs for making out in the hall when he suddenly turned and glanced in the direction of the west wing. Frowning he muttered "15 points from Hufflepuff each. Now get back to your common room!" The pupils didn't need telling twice as they took off full speed for the east wing. Snape closed his eyes for a brief moment, and released the breath he was holding upon impact. Hermione had ran full tilt into him, knocking them both over, literally head over heels.
Struggling to his knees, Snape caught the arm Hermione swung at him, and quickly grasped the other as she struggled to get away.
"Miss Granger, if you please!"
"Let me go, please let me go!" she sobbed as she increased her struggles.
"Miss Gra... Hermione STOP!"
Looking up into his eyes, Snape's heart wrenched with pain. Her eyes were red from crying, her face white with shock, and tears literally streaming down her face.
"Miss Granger, what in the name of Merlin...?"
Hermione sobbed "They didn't know me...they didn't even know they had a daughter..."Fresh tears began to fall. "They didn't know me Professor! Please, please let me go...please Professor..."
Snape's eyes softened, as he shook his head in denial. "No Miss Granger, I can not." At her look of defeat, he pulled her to his chest where he held her close as she clung to him and sobbed into his robes..."I cannot let you go Hermione." He whispered in to her hair.
Scooping her up into his arms he stood, and calmly walked over to the suit of armor that obligingly stepped aside, into a secret passageway that led up to the hospital wing.