Cause and Effect
Chapter Two:
Holiday Surprises
Severus was pleased to see her sitting there chatting and laughing with her friends at the Gryffindor table that afternoon. None of Slytherin house had remained for the holidays, so he did not have to be there. No, he was only there to see the look on her face when she got her gift. Severus hadn't lied when he told Hermione that it was a gift from all of the staff. All of them pleaded on her behalf with the Ministry to allow the two muggles to come to Hogwarts. But he was the one who took the idea to Albus. A glance towards the Headmaster told him that it had been a thought that he too had been considering. This would be a Christmas that none at Hogwarts would ever forget.
Finally that house elf, Dobby he thought his name was, showed up. Severus couldn't hold back the smile that came to his and all of the staff's lips. Ron Weasley saw this and went pale. "You guys will not believe this! Professor Snape is smiling!"
"You have got to be kidding, Ron!" Harry shook his head and turned to see for himself that his friend wasn't kidding.
Hermione smiled back at him. She like it better when he smiled. After a beat she realized that the rest of the staff were smiling as well. She looked directly at her hero and gave him a look that screamed she had deduced the situation. She mouthed out 'the surprise' and he nodded. Ron's panic laced voice brought her back. "What in the world is he smiling about?"
"Don't you mean what are they all smiling about?" Harry asked, pointing out what Hermione had already seen.
She couldn't understand. What was the big surprise? After Dobby rushed back to the doors, Professor Dumbledore stood up and smiled over at the Gryffindor table. "It would seem that there are some visitors arriving at this moment. In fact, they are visitors for you, Miss. Granger."
That was a shock to her system. Who would be there to see her? Looking over at the doors, she felt her heart race as they opened so painfully slowly. A beat later in stepped two people she knew all of the staff had to have smuggled in – since they weren't allowed there. But still, it was the best gift she could have imagined ever getting from anyone that year. "Mom! Dad!"
In came her muggle parents to the dinning hall. Hermione jumped up and raced down the hall into their open arms, all three crying and clutching one another in joy. Everyone else cheered and clapped. Severus smiled as he watched her sob happily into the arms of her father and mother, and they checked her to make certain for themselves that she was alive and well. Yes, this does thank her well for the precious book she had given him only a few hours before. And it was a pleasant sight to see Weasley so frightened that he was seemingly about to faint without Severus resorting to dark glares – well just one, to show him that things would go right back to as they were in class before the accident.
He and Potter were looking at him when Severus shot it, but Potter … he seemed to understand. Severus could not keep control over the class if he didn't act as he did. Potter nodded to his Potions professor with a look of newfound respect that Severus never thought he would live to see. There seemed to be a deeper understanding as well, but Severus did not want to go into that area.
After a few minutes of tears and joy, Hermione took each of her parents by the hands and walked up to the great table. Most of her focus was on Dumbledore, but the rest lay on Severus himself (who was not smiling, but looking at her with eyes that had a hunger she felt echoing in her own soul). "Thank you all. You don't know how much I was missing them."
"You can introduce your parents to all of us at your leisure Miss. Granger. For now I suggest we continue with the celebrations." The headmaster's eyes were twinkling and his smile brighter than Hermione could remember it ever seeing on his face.
She nodded and the three of them sat back down at the Gryffindor table. Harry and Ron moved so that they sat on either side of Hermione's parents, who were seated on either side of Hermione. As they were settling down she was able to catch Severus' attentions and mouthed out the words 'thank you'. Barely perceptible to her alone he smiled and nodded. Yes, she had not seen it coming.
***
Hermione chuckled and beamed as she took her parents on a tour of her school. The first person they ran into after lunch was Professor Dumbledore. "Well it looks like that little surprise that Severus brought to my attentions worked beautifully. I haven't seen you smile so brightly, and was very much afraid that I never would see you smile an honest smile again, Miss. Granger."
Hermione grinned, so it had been his idea. She loved her Potions Master even more. Looking up at her headmaster she could see by the twinkle in his all knowing eyes that Dumbledore knew how she felt and was pleased by the situation. "Professor these are my parents, Tom and Heather. Mom, dad this it our headmaster Professor Albus Dumbledore."
"It is a pleasure, Mr. and Mrs. Granger! Hermione has told us all of you both." His smile sparkled nearly as brightly as his eyes did, as Dumbledore shook each parent's hand. "She has been one of our rare gems at Hogwarts these past few years, Hermione."
"She's changed quite a bit, Professor. Gone from shy and withdrawn to bubbly and outgoing. Coming here has been a very good path for her." Heather smiled on her blushing daughter.
Tom too was smiling. He knew how much it had taken for his little girl to get to where she was, and how many thought little of her because of him and his wife being muggles. It was nice to meet someone who saw his angel for what she was – the amazing young woman he knew she had turned into. "And it is nice to meet the teachers she has been chatty about since her first year."
That made Hermione blushed even hotter than before. "Daddy!"
"Well that explains my left ear burning so very often. Glad to know that someone still holds this old man in some regard." Dumbledore chuckled as he patted Hermione's back softly like a grandfather would when she hugged him. That was exactly what she had come to see him as, the grandfather she had never had in her life.
His eyes again held that twinkle, as if he knew exactly what had been going through her mind at that moment – bringing a chuckle from her throat. Hermione smiled warmly at the old man she never wanted to disappoint or anger. "Professor, if anyone doesn't hold you in highest of regards then they are fools."
This brought chuckles out of all the adults. Still those were words that Hermione would forever stand by. Dumbledore rubbed her back appreciatively. "Well my dear, I believe that you are needed by Professor McGonagal. I have little doubt that the two of you are anxious to meet Professor Snape. Come along, I have little doubt that he is in his classroom at this time of the day. Until later then, Hermione?"
Hermione suddenly was nervous. How were her parents going to take her … yeah, her love – even if she would never be able to tell him that flat out. And how would he take visiting with them without her there to referee?
***
Severus was busying himself with finishing the needed samples for a third time to find out if there would be any reverberations from that trick Malfoy played on himself and Hermione. There was little doubt that his classroom would be the last his sweet little witch would bring her parents to. Again he stopped in his work to think about her. Hermione Granger … Merlin's beard, how that fuzzy haired child had grown up before his eyes.
Now she was strong, effervescent, beautiful, and she held his heart in her soft, warm hands. Severus knew that none would take claim over his heart once she left that June. But, he would let the woman she had become spread her wings and take flight. No matter how horribly it ached his heart.
Albus' chuckle broke him out of his grief. "What brings you to my wreck of a storage room, Albus?"
"I have two guests waiting to meet the man who saved their little girl's life." He grinned at the stunned look on Severus' face. "I thought that they would want to talk with you as much as you want to speak with them outside of the presence of Hermione."
Severus shook his head in disbelief. "How is it Albus that you know exactly what I need before I know I need it?"
The twinkle in the old man's eyes shimmered even more. "Ah Severus, I merely observe what is before me. I am glad that you have found love, now if you could only return what you have gained in abundance."
"No, Albus. She deserves to live, not be stuck with a man who could nearly be her father." Severus shook his dreams away.
"When love comes our way we should always cherish and cling to it with all we have. Take care that you do not push her away. And do let her have a say in her future, my friend."
Without a word Severus walked out into his classroom to a stunning site. The woman before him he knew gave him a glance of the ravishing creature his Hermione would one day become. She smiled with a strength he had seen grow in the daughter. "Professor Snape, I believe."
"And you would be Hermione's mother without a doubt. Yes, and please call me Severus." He kissed her knuckles and was rewarded with the same sweet blush that would often grace the daughter's lovely cheeks.
He noted the strength in the grip of Mr. Granger's shake. So, this is where his Hermione got her confidence? The man smiled and nodded at Severus. "I'm Tom and this is Heather. It's nice to finally meet you."
"Yes, and to thank you for saving our Hermione. She's all we have." Heather fought her tears off. Another trait she gave to her daughter. Severus was glad to get this meeting out of the way now.
He nodded. "I did what any of the staff would do. Hermione is the rarest of witches I have had the pleasure of teaching in my potions class. She may have told you how bitter and cold I come across during the school year?"
Both muggles nodded, but it was Heather who answered. "She doubts that you are like that all of the time. Just a way to get the job done."
"It would seem that Hermione knows me better than I once took into account. Yes, I learnt in my first year of teaching that coddling students and brewing potions do not mix." Severus shuttered at that memory.
Tom shook his head. "And to think that she wants to teach."
"She does? It seems a career she is suited for. Hermione has helped many a student through their schoolwork and prepare for tests." Severus mentioned off-handedly.
Albus grinned in the background, because he saw what the other adults hadn't – Hermione was in the hall listening intently with a smile on her face.
Heather chuckled very much like her daughter. "Well at least she's finally decided on her future. Though potions will forever be her favorite subject. Most of the time she only talks about this class. I think that if I sat through one class I could tell you everyone and predict every problem that could come up. Is Shamus and Neville still blowing up their assignments and melting their caldrons?"
They all heard it when Hermione groaned out, "mom!" But none of them saw her cover her mouth with wide eyes in a panic the second the word left her mouth.
"Hermione Elisabeth Marie Granger, you get in here this instant!" Heather snapped.
Severus noted how the sound of that snap and the look on the woman's face was so much like Hermione's that it was scary. But most of all he was savoring that delicious sound of her full name. Hermione Elisabeth Marie Granger. Now if only …
She slowly came into the room looking at the floor. "I am past grounded for eavesdropping, right?"
"If we were home, yes. But, I'll write this off as temporary amnesia from that bump to your head. But you used up your only grace for that." Heather smiled as Hermione hugged her tight.
Severus saw the younger woman's eyes slowly draw up to him and her smile brighten just a fraction more when she met his eyes with her own. It was not a scene that was missed. Albus knew it was coming, and he knew that baring any further problems that the pair would be discreet and wait until after Hermione's graduation before taking their relationship any further. Tom on the other hand was full of grief as his hand felt the stinging in his pocket. At least Hermione was safe, and would be with this man.
***
The next Wednesday was Christmas day. Hermione woke up groggily in her own bed in the Gryffindor girl's dorms and brushed it all off as an amazing dream. But when she looked down and saw her parents talking with Harry and Ron next to the tree she giggled.
"Well my little sleepy head finally decides to get up? Merry Christmas, Hermione." Tom smiled as she rushed down the stairs and hugged him. "Thanks daddy. This one is the best!"
After they got through the gifts and her mom (who had unofficially adopted Ron and Harry and Ginny as her kids too for the holidays) made sure that all four teens were properly outfitted for the weather, they were off for some fun in the snow with the others who stayed at Hogwarts for the holidays.
In his office Severus watched. She was laughing and her normal self once again. Such a beautiful sight to behold. He longed to go out and join in the fun, but it was not who he was anymore.
Then came that damned owl. Dumbledore wanted to see him in his office immediately. With one last longing sigh, Severus left the window and his dreams of what he knew would never be.
He was surprised when Mr. Granger too was there, and Albus had a serious look on his face – a rare thing for the headmaster. Whatever was wrong it was serious. "Albus."
"Severus, please sit down. It seems that someone is trying very hard to have you removed from Hogwarts."
He looked at the man he had come to respect for the fact that he was Hermione's father in shock. Albus shook his head. "No Severus, it is not Tom. However, he did kindly bring it to my attention."
Taking that as his cue, Tom sighed and handed the letter over to the man who had not long before saved his little girl's life. "I don't want Hermione to know about this unless she absolutely must. This letter came by owl about an hour before her mother and I left to come here."
The letter read as thus:
Mr. Granger,
I thought it would interest you what kind of potions extra credit your daughter has been doing with one Severus Snape. Just in case she ends up with a big belly before the end of her last year at Hogwarts. Seeing as often as she is in the dungeons with him when there is no class and at night. As a parent I thought you would want to know.
A Friend
In his frustration and anger, Severus crumbled the note in his hand and threw it in the fire. "I hope you see that note was an utter lie. But, be sure I will never put H … your daughter in danger of such slander again."
"Severus," Albus started, but Severus was too angry to listen. "No Albus! And don't meddle with this."
With that Severus stormed out of the headmaster's office and went at first to return to his window … no that would endanger her name again. So, he turned around and went straight for his classroom. To his shock Mr. Granger was there, seated at her desk … waiting.
"I see where Miss. Granger gets her know-it-all mind." Severus snapped.
Tom stood and walked over to the potions master with the same nerve and fire his daughter had captured Severus' heart with. "Does it look like I believe that letter for a moment?"
"Sir …" Severus didn't care. Someone dared to use him to hurt Hermione.
"Please answer me. In fact, let me answer that for you. I don't. Before me is a man who is honorable, strong, and is doing whatever it takes – including breaking his own heart – to protect my daughter." Tom saw that go to the heart of the man in front of him. "She loves you too. Looks like her mother and I are playing out in the two of you."
That had Severus' attention in an instant. "What do you mean?"
"Hermione's mother is ten years my junior. I know the battle you are fighting, because I have been there. Take it each day. If you don't show her how you feel every day, you could lose her before school lets out and she graduates in June. I nearly lost her mother, and that, I think you would agree, would have been very bad." Tom rested a hand on the younger man's shoulder.
Severus gave up. "Sir …"
"I asked you before to call me by my name. I trust you with my little girl, Professor Snape." Tom smiled.
"Tom. It is a different with Her … Hermione and myself. I am sixteen years her senior rather than the once seventeen due to an accident." Severus still refused to hope.
Tom shook his head. "Albus told us all about the device and how she added a year to her age. That is not what matters. What matters is that you are putting her name and her interests above your heart."
Severus shook his head. Tom kept on. "It matters to me. Any day now my wife and I might lose our lives to those death eaters. Yes, Albus explained that to us as well. Heather and I agreed that while being in the Wizarding World and friends with Harry puts our daughter at risk, she would be in more danger in our world any longer than the summers and winters we get to have her. I want to be sure that if anything leaves my little girl on her own that she has someone who will be there to take care of her because he wants her in his life and she can trust or even has any feelings for him."
"Tom …"
"Be honest with me, do you love my Hermione?"
Severus could not fight it. He had always held his head high that since he went into Albus' confidence as a spy for the Order, he had kept his word and deceived those he cared for not once. Now that he had his honor back, he refused to lie unless absolutely necessary. "Yes, with all that is within me. I love her. But …"
"But nothing. I see that she loves you. But, if you don't give her some sign of your feelings she will give up. Please take it as some advice from a man who knows Hermione for longer and better. Listen I have a snowball fight to join in on. How about you?"
Severus thought for a moment before realizing he was asked a question. "Hum, no. It would do me no good in class if these students tell the others how evil Professor Snape laughed as he joined in a snowball fight like a certain student and her friends and family. But thank you for the invitation … and for the advice."
Tom smiled and nodded before leaving Severus to his thoughts. Slowly the not so old feeling Professor returned to his personal tower office and watched as his love and her parents play in the snow. He knew that Albus would be there shortly, and he was not disappointed.
"Severus, I hope that the crisis has been taken care of." Albus again had that sparkle in his eyes; he already knew the answer.
Severus smiled as Hermione grinned up at him, magically deflecting a snowball that Weasley really thought he'd hit her with – instead it slammed him in the face. Severus couldn't hold back the laugh that pulled out of his body. The sight of it brightened Hermione's smile even more. That gave him such a feeling of completeness. "You know it is, so why ask?"
Albus chuckled, "just to hear you say it. I haven't heard you laugh like that in a very long time old friend. She is very good for you, Severus. Just remember to take things slowly. Let her make the first move."
"I will." Severus was still watching over her with a smile on his face. "And Albus … thank you."
***
Hermione was sad a couple days after New Year's when her parents had to leave. But she had to admit that she was happier for it. That afternoon she ran down into the dungeons and smiled when she saw him leaning over his desk. For a moment she watched him, both silent.
"What is it that you wish, Miss. Granger?"
The sound of the old Severus Snape in his throat caught her off guard. She went back to being his student – nervous and uncertain. "Um, I came to thank you. Professor Dumbledore told me that it was you who came up with the idea of my parents coming to visit for the holidays."
Severus was fighting the urge to smile at the pleasure having her in that room brought him. "There is no need for thanks." After some pregnant moments of silence, he sighed hard. "You realize that all must be as it was before the accident? That I cannot change how I act towards you?"
"I know. But, could I have a few minutes of the day with you before all goes back to what was normal before?" Hermione slowly ventured closer to his desk, and Severus barely smiled as he nodded before locking the door and placing a silencing spell over the room.
She beamed and rushed up to his side. Before he gave into the urge to have her sit in his lap, Severus summoned a chair from over in the corner up to his desk area. Then he took one of her hands into his own. Hermione smiled and blushed. Neither of them were ready to talk about their most inner feelings yet.
She rested her hand over his, while Severus felt his heart race. Hermione too was having trouble controlling herself, but would for him. She would never do anything that would hurt him – and even the whisper of a relationship with a student would end his teaching career for all time. "I still want to thank you. You gave me the fire I needed to survive and now I feel even more special because a powerful wizard does so much for the stupid mudblood …"
Severus wouldn't let her finish. He silenced her by covering her soft lips with his thumb. "You never repeat this to a living soul Hermione Elisabeth Marie Granger, or I will denounce it all. You are no stupid mudblood. Any who carelessly and shamelessly put the word stupid and your name in the same sentence should be thrown into the Forbidden Forest without the aid of any magic. You are going to become the strongest of witches despite your bloodline, equal to two of the four who founded this school, with your drive and determination. And you are my highest prized student for those very points I have mentioned here and when I spoke with your parents while you were in the hall."
Hermione could help but blush at that. Severus uncharacteristically smiled for a moment. "I never want to hear you put your abilities down as ill-bred others might." For a moment he went back to being the evil Snape. "Or else I would have to deduct points from Gryffindor for such impertinent behavior as to call one of your Professors a liar."
When he softened once again, Hermione brilliantly smiled at him. "Don't worry Professor. I doubt that anyone would believe me if I told them. Knowing my luck, I'd end up in St. Mungo's for even joking in that way. Can I ask you a question?"
When Severus nodded, she took a deep breath. "Will I ever meet this Professor Snape again?"
That made Severus smile as he sat back and winked at her. "We will see what June will bring. After graduation and the leaving feast, I am sure that you will be able to find your Severus Snape." He motioned with his head towards the door that led to not only his personal study, but his private rooms as well. He sadly started to go back into his teacher's mask and started to undo the wards that protected their privacy, but her hand on his arm got his attentions.
"Please one last request before we go back to how things were?" He again nodded and then found himself covered by her in a deep embrace as she sat in his lap. Hermione had wrapped her arms around his neck and was holding onto him for dear life it seemed. "So that this Professor Snape … my Severus … that he will know how much I will miss his honesty and conversation … and how much I owe and care about him. Thank you for saving my life and giving me a reason for hanging on. And also for those roses, which seem as fresh as the day I woke up holding each one. Obviously a potion … maybe one that you will teach to me someday?"
"We will see about it, Hermione. And thank you for the embrace and regard and the caring that I hold equally for you as well. See you in June?" Severus was enjoying the feel of her holding tight to himself as he rubbed her back and gave back all the embrace as good as he got it.
Hermione smiled after placing a kiss on his cheek and then a chaste one on his lips that he returned to her. Standing up, she smiled and nodded. "I'll see you in June, my Severus. One more moment I will be counting the days and minutes until. And, after so many years with him, I am certain I can handle that git Professor Snape for a few more months – though I will miss you badly."
Severus felt his heart race, and it was hard to force his mask back on. Yet, when he cleared his throat to stop her at the door of the classroom, there was no doubt that things had returned to them being nothing but a student and a teacher. "Any more disrespect of a teacher in my presence, Miss. Granger, and I will deduct fifty points from Gryffindor and Give you a week's worth of detention. Am I clear?"
"Perfectly Professor Snape. May I return to my house's common room now?" Hermione stood tall and resilient as ever.
"Yes, get out of my sight until the next time I have to suffer with the Gryffindor's know-it-all head girl in my class." A wink showed her that was a compliment he paid only to her.
***
And he did go back to how things were, but there was a change. The Ministry of Magic decided that the note (which had also been sent to them as well) bore suspicion on Severus' grading of Hermione's tests and other assignments. Severus now had no doubt in his mind just who had authored the deceitful notes – Malfoy. Father more likely than the son.
Because of this, the Headmaster was demanded to test and grade Hermione's performance for the rest of the school year – to see if her grades showed any dramatic changes. She took it in stride, knowing that someone (she didn't name him, but both Severus and Albus both knew that she meant Draco Malfoy and his father) would soon see just how good a student and a witch she was. That is what she did, she did her best and it shined through.
A week later, several officials (on Malfoy's insistence) came in and tested her on everything that she was supposed to know for that year up to that point. It was 'pointed out' that Professor Dumbledore would possibly fix Hermione's grades or have another do her test for her. She startled them by knowing more than what was expected. Severus however was delighted and proud of her.
All of this time he himself too had been busy trying to get a report back on what Draco had used on Hermione and himself from the Ministry. But they were slow and told him to wait that obviously nothing life threatening was going to happen or it would have already occurred. He was still worried. Draco was not good at mixing potions, and the fact that he had made it up had the potions master worried.
As a gift Harry lent Hermione his invisibility cloak, and Professor Dumbledore put up new wards to confuse any who were trying to hurt her or Severus' names. Hermione's Severus paid her a visit in his rooms that night. At first he questioned her on her health and dreams, but they were both fine. Once his worse fears were laid to rest for the night with her 'I'm right with you, if anything happens to me tonight,' they had a late snack and slept on his bed until it was time for her to go. Both went back to sleep afterwards in their own beds, but it felt so good to have had that time to be with one another.
In Potions class Snape was as gruff and mean with Hermione and her friends as before her near death. Yet, when he would stalk around the classroom he'd brush his fingers along her back, and slide into her bag notes from 'her Severus' vowing to be there for her graduation and telling her that he had a question for her. He was blessed that with a report Albus gave him on her tests to keep with the rest of the class' files also contained several notes from Hermione to her beloved Severus. After that Harry delivered the notes under one pretense or another. Though he would not become her Severus for good until June, they had letters to keep them happy through the dreary wait along with his touches and the occasional detention with Harry chaperoning them.
Yes, after a time they couldn't help it. It would only happen when an incident gave them the chance, but Harry always got into it and both he and Hermione would serve detention with Snape. They didn't let the detentions get out of hand (otherwise he would have put the pair into detention with him for the rest of the school year just so he could be with his love). He would still be Snape until the door was shut and warded and a silencing charm was sealed around the room. Neither romantic nor private, but it gave the couple time together when the opportunity arose.
And they were both grateful that Harry understood their relationship and agreed to it all. He still wasn't used to the idea, but he still wanted them to have a chance. So he would do his homework while they cuddled, only getting help surprisingly from Severus (as Snape asked him to call him in these instances) when he was obviously stuck. Hermione told him that it was pay back for giving them a needed witness without blowing up about them.
Eventually Ron and Ginny were let in on the secret, which didn't please either of them. The idea of Hermione and Snape as a couple made their skins crawl honestly. Still they were all friends, and saw that the time together was good for both Hermione and Severus. They began taking detention with Harry and Hermione or on their own from time to time. Eventually it got to where the couple was together at least once a week, thanks to her friends. In that private time, Severus came to admire and respect his love's friends and treated them as such.
February ninth, just after her big test (which allowed her to continued being tested by the Headmaster without further incident), Hermione fainted on her broom during a relay race she and her friends were in on during lunch. Luckily Harry and Ron were there and caught her long before she would have hit the ground. Her lips were blue and she was wheezing badly.
By the time they got her to the infirmary, Hermione was worse. She couldn't breath easily, she was coughing, her temperature had begun to drop, and a host of other symptoms were all making themselves known. Harry got Snape, while Ron got Dumbledore and McGonagal.
She woke up to her Severus holding her hand and bad news. Her heart was being slowly squeezed tight by magic, making it hard for the organ to function properly. She was written off of flying a broom ever again. And she couldn't go to the Quidditch matches because of how high even the lower stands were.
There was no doubt that her illness was caused by Malfoy's prank. But, he feigned innocence and so nothing could be done to him about it. Because of her illness slowing her pace, she was let go out of her classes early so that she would make it to the next at least on time. But it was becoming increasingly harder for her to do that. None of the teachers said a word about it, but all were tore because of it.
Hermione was scared not of death, but that this would soon happen to Severus. The explosion too affected him. Madame Pomfrey decided that because Hermione was hurt worse initially that she had gotten most of the blow at first. Hermione didn't doubt that soon after she died that Severus too would be joining her. She didn't mind dying, but she wanted her love to live on for her.
What aggravated her more was that Severus refused for Madame Pomfrey to check him for the condition. He wanted the school nurse to focus on Hermione. That told Hermione that he had to know that his symptoms that he had been brushing off for months were signs that he too was sick. Until the Ministry of Magic finished with their report of what was used in the explosion, Severus could do nothing to try and counter the potion used against him and his only love.
***
Valentine's Day came and Severus wasn't going to let this chance to remind Hermione of their 'date' in June pass him by without notice. He had bought her a beautiful token of his feelings in muggle London to lessen the chance of being caught by a wizarding paper reporter looking for some scoop. A sterling silver heart bracelet, with a red ruby heart in the center of each silver heart – it was the perfect combination of both their houses. But when she walked into his class a few minutes early (after her previous teacher told her to skip the class since they were going to the Astronomy Tower and she was weaker than usual) he saw for himself that the end was not far off.
Her complexion was ashy and her hair was limp. She moved slowly and her breathing was irregular. It would only be a matter of time before he lost his love – and he doubt that she would see the trees blossom, much less her own graduation.
NO! He would not let Malfoy take her from him. He felt guards rise in the basement, meaning that the problem had either been reported or (the more likely explanation being) sensed by the headmaster. No cameras would work if he and Hermione were walked in on.
Severus sat beside Hermione as she laid her head on the desk. "I'm so tired anymore, Professor."
He smiled at how she kept the guises up in case of anyone listening to them. "You wish to just give up this near to graduation then?"
"No, I just don't know how much longer my heart is going to take being crushed." Once again her body temperature began to sink.
Severus felt the compression in his own chest strengthen at the idea of losing her. "Come now Miss. Granger. Where is that famed Gryffindor courage all in this school have been witness to time and again?"
Placing both hands on her shoulders Severus connected with his angel. Hermione fought him ~No Severus. Please don't.~
~Give me one reason not to.~ He growled in frustration. Typical Gryffindor. Wouldn't let him help her.
Hermione tried in vain to hide the tears his personal feelings about her actions brought out of her. ~The more energy you feed me, the closer you come to dying. I refuse to be the reason that you die, even if I already am. Malfoy wanted me to die, that blast was meant for Me.~
~The blast was meant for us both Hermione. Remember, it was a dual locking spell on the door? He has it out for us both, my dear.~
She had one last argument left. ~The more energy that you feed me the less you will have for yourself. I want you to live for me, Severus.~
~I will die shortly after you anyway. Better we snub young Mr. Malfoy for as long as we now have together than for me to brood alone for the last of my days. Please, give me a precious little more time with you in my life.~
That was all it took. Shortly after, Hermione was feeling better and her body temperature rose slightly. Her skin took on a more life like color and her breathing returned to as close to normal as Severus could make it and still make it through his last few classes. She looked lovingly up at Severus and he brushed his fingers down her cheek. Secreting a few shrunk packages into Hermione's pocket, he whispered to her with their spirit link before releasing her, ~happy Valentine's Day, my Hermione.~
In the hall Malfoy watched as his house head took care of the stupid little Gryffindor mudblood. Old Snape really had to really be a mudblood lover to do that! As long as they didn't say the words, Draco would soon be free of the pair. He knew that he had to drive a wedge between them, but given that Snape was feeding Granger his own life force energy so that she would live that would never happen. Rumors … yes, the Gryffindor Head Girl giving the Head of Slytherin house head in the Potions classroom. It was perfect!
***
For his new plan to work, Draco was going to have to ease up on the first punishment a bit. Now that he knew it would eventually kill the pair, he could work that to his advantage. First he set down and wrote out the potion ingredients he used in the first place. Then he found what he needed for his next plan. Then he set a plan with his father for Beltane.
On April the first he put on his practiced face tight and asked his 'guards' to be taken to the Potions classroom. April Fool's Day – auspicious timing he thought. They all would be the biggest fools of all!
The planning and communications with his father hadn't taken the month – it was the supplies. Most couldn't be found in or near Hogwarts, so his dad did more traveling than ever in March. Every day at lunch Draco would receive his calls in the house's common room along with a new 'gift'. Now that he had all that was needed for the plan, it was the time to start the workings.
He knew that Granger and her friends were given 'detention' that night – as if it was really that. It was a chaperoned date, now to get the proof – more like set the trap so that they would be out, shamed, and alone before dead. Even better than his first and back up plans!
Draco's guards that night sent for Dumbledore, the old coot would be ousted too – for allowing the relationship to continue. He knew that it was not detention happening in the Potions classroom at least once or twice a week now, more like a study session for the chaperons of two lovesick puppies who haven't actually said the words for fear of it exploding in their faces. If they had, Draco's spell probably would have been undone and they'd both be fine.
"What is it that you want Mr. Malfoy?" Dumbledore didn't sound to happy to see him – just wait for Beltane.
Draco sighed and looked pathetic as a Gryffindor caught red handed by the batty old geezer. "I'm tired of being ignored and alone. I wrote down all the ingredients I used in the potion that nearly killed Ms. Granger and their amounts. I was hoping to give it to Professor Snape. And apologized to him and Hermione."
"Let's go. But your apology will be made again in front of the school at breakfast first thing in the morning." Dumbledore did not like this.
Draco was too proud to apologize willingly. Something however was blocking his powers to read the situation … Lucius must have given the boy River Rock Root to soak in. That was going to make the next month hard on them all.
***
In the Potions classroom, the chaperones were either doing homework or quietly discussing Quidditch. Hermione and Severus were getting to know one another. In those sweet moments they had they talked about all of their pasts (while he was going over his past Harry had discreetly herded the pair into Severus' private study so they would have more privacy – earning forty points for Gryffindor. Hermione told him about her life in the muggle world. He spoke fondly of his parents, siblings, and their children, and she updated him on how her own parents were.
Never once in this time had they kissed or said the words yet. They weren't ready. Right then they wanted to lay the foundations before building any type of serious relationship. That gave their normally old greasy git of a Potions Master a lot of credit with Hermione's friends. Even Ron decided that if this was what Hermione really wanted for her life … then that was what she would have.
The pair were planning a trip for the coming summer – after the majority of this group of theirs graduated from Hogwarts – and smiling when Severus looked over at the door strangely. Hermione looked at it and then him. "What is it, Severus?"
"The Headmaster is bringing Draco here, and Dumbledore is upset about something. Everyone look as if you have been writing all of this time." With the flick of his own wand he cleared the desks and produced magically infused pens and parchment for them all. A bare scratch of the pen created a word, and the parchments were all written quite a bit on.
He took Hermione's hand and kissed her knuckles for a moment. She smiled and blushed slightly. "I know. I have to go make it look like a real detention. Maybe later …"
Severus smiled deeply. "Perhaps."
She sat by Harry and Severus turned back into hated Professor Snape just in time.
Draco was curiously expressionless as he came into the class just behind Dumbledore, but all of the students and Snape could feel that the Headmaster was unnerved to say the least – and that did not bode well for any concerned. "Looks like this group is learning their lessons well, Severus."
"Perhaps. But why is he in here at this time of night, Headmaster?" Severus Snape would never forgive the boy who had very nearly cost him the life of his dearly loved Hermione.
Dumbledore's eyes had no twinkle … if anything they were flat and empty. Things were worse than the group feared, but why? He looked over at Draco, who took that as his cue.
He walked a step closer to the Potions Master, and bowed his head slightly – but still, there was no expression on his face. Harry was unnerved by it and the sudden burning he was getting from his famous scar – like something was about to happen, even as Draco said his speech. "I have become sick of being alone and disregarded by the students. I also realize that my prank was a little too much. I believe that maybe Ms. Granger could be a help to me after all as she has the highest scores in the class – but only because of that. I apologize for harming you and wrecking the supply closet, Professor Snape. And for bringing shame to our house." Turning to Hermione, who fought the urge to shutter at the look of cold, deadly, hardness in his eyes. "And I apologize to you as well Ms. Granger. For calling you names all these years, for nearly killing you by accident, and for waiting this long to say such. You are the brightest in our year."
Everyone knew that he was lying then. No way did he mean all of that especially what he said to Hermione. She wanted to run to Severus and hide behind him with the look of calculation and near triumph that was in Malfoy's eyes.
Severus too was unnerved by it, but remained hidden behind his mask. "That is not good enough, Mr. Malfoy. It is to be done before the entire school."
"Yes, well he will be doing this again at breakfast. However Mr. Malfoy has a list he compiled for you concerning the potion that harmed you and Ms. Granger." Professor Dumbledore interjected.
That got everyone's attentions in a heartbeat. Malfoy reached the parchment to Snape, who looked over the list and slowly got a murderous look in his eyes. "Mr. Malfoy. In a potion that needs a spell to activate it – as this one most assuredly is – what happens when you add Oak root, Myrrh resin, Hawthorn and Red Clover to the potion?"
"Um … you'd better ask Hermione that one." Draco was nervous at the look in Snape's eyes. If looks could kill …
Ron snorted as he pretended to write and muttered to himself, "even I know the answer to that."
Looking at him, Snape growled. "And precisely what is the answer I am in vain seeking from Mr. Malfoy, Mr. Weasley?"
Acting scared, which wasn't much of an act for Ron at that moment, he swallowed hard before answering. "It is a binding that cannot be broken by magic or potion, only by the terms of the spell used to activate it."
Hermione could almost feel her chest tighten again – there was no potion or spell that would heal her. She only held one last hope. "When muggles have trouble with their hearts, they get transplants."
But there was only a shake from Professor Dumbledore's head. "The spell created by the ingredients listed and the amounts given is not repairable by any means – not even by muggle science. The new heart would be subjected to the same spell as your current one. I fear that it is only a matter of the spell Mr. Malfoy used to activate it with."
Everyone looked at Draco expectantly. He shrugged his shoulders and sighed, "It will end when they proclaim me better than Hermione in front of the school and believe it."
"You bloody idiot!" Ron shouted.
Ginny want to slug that pompous fool. "You are sicker than I ever believed before!"
Harry stood up and went to stand face to face with Draco. "No one would ever believe that and you knew it!"
"I didn't know that they'd be killed for it … I only wanted them to get sick." Draco couldn't stop the slight microsecond smirk that grew on his face and vanished.
Snape saw it along with the rest. Hermione was gasping at this point; the news was not helping her condition. "You aren't sorry. You just want to be the one to give the final blow of news."
"Maybe. Then again, I could be lying all the same. Never trust a Slytherin, stupid mudblood!" The smirk came back in force, only to nearly be slapped off of his face by Potter.
Hermione's sobbing and running out of the room stopped that. Everyone shouted after her. But before they could get to the door, all were drained of heat by her scream. Snape beat them all into the hall. They all saw her feet vanish into the portkey she was kidnapped through. Turning to attack Draco, Harry saw that he was gone.
