Disclaimer: I own nothing, just borrowing the world and characters thought up by J.K. Rowling and using some creative license to make some adjustments. Athena, The "Hunters" and their world is mine though.
Warnings: None.
A/N: I'm hopelessly impatient when it comes to FanFiction, so I've decided to add a "Sneak Peak" at the bottom of each chapter for those of you who'd like to know what's coming up.
"We are all in agreement then?" Dumbledore turned to the two spies and one Hunter sitting before him. Their meeting had been more successful than he had hoped, all agreeing on the best course of action for protecting Hogwarts and especially Harry Potter.
"Yes, Headmaster." Athena politely responded, her eyes straight ahead as they had been since sitting down, hoping to avoid temptation to look at Lucius.
Lucius and Severus both nodded, neither vocalizing their thoughts because they didn't entirely agree with the Headmaster. Lucius was frustrated that Dumbledore's main focus was protecting the Gryffindor's and their prized golden trio. It was ironic to him, Severus was constantly accused of favoring Slytherin yet here the Headmaster was openly favoring Gryffindor as if it made perfect sense. Lucius knew he would have to devise his own plan.
"Excellent." the elder wizard clapped. "Miss Vlahos, if you have some spare time, might I ask you to assist Severus with potions for the infirmary? It's rare to have two potion masters available and I would like to have a large inventory in the event anything happens."
Athena's eyes shifted to Severus in time to witness his spine stiffen and face tighten. "I do not believe Severus needs my assistance, Headmaster. He is a highly skilled potions master and more than capable of brewing the volume you wish."
"Severus is indeed a very skilled potions master, but unfortunately short on time with the more frequent meetings with Tom. It would ease the burden, wouldn't it Severus?" Dumbledore turned to the disgruntled potions master, who nodded once. Severus knew it was useless to argue with the old fool, once he had something in his head he would manipulate as needed to achieve that goal. Athena smiled and nodded.
"Excellent." Dumbledore rose from his seat. "Thank you all for your time, but I must meet with Minerva. I will call on you if I need you again."
"No doubt." Severus mumbled under his breath.
Ever the gentlemen, both Severus and Lucius stepped aside to allow Athena to exit the office first. Her heart fluttered as she passed Lucius, her hand lightly grazing against his to test the spark once more. She was unsure if she was happy or sad that the spark was once again there. Athena took deep cleansing breaths as she descended the spiral staircase, trying to calm the growing burn deep within.
"Huntress Vlahos, a moment?" Lucius drawled a little more seductively than he intended. Severus rolled his eyes stopping to stand next to Athena, his eyes focused on the blonde. "Severus, do you mind?" Lucius snapped, clearly unhappy with the sour man's presence. Severus nodded once, taking a few large strides to put some distance between him and the ever tense pair.
"Yes, Lord Malfoy?" Athena responded, her eyes sparkling as they met his.
Lucius cleared his throat, shifting his walking stick from one hand to the next. "It is obvious that the Headmaster has no intention of offering any more than the bare minimum of protection to Slytherin, which is a problem. I have a son, Draco, who is a 7th year and I would be much obliged if you could just keep an extra eye on him. He does not need a babysitter, he is rather adept at dueling, but it would offer some relief to his mother and I if we knew he had someone with your skill keeping an eye on him."
Athena's jaw tightened ever so slightly, her spine straightening at the mention of Draco's mother, her eyes automatically shifting to his hand where a simple gold band marked the man as married. Athena schooled her features to ensure her disappointment did not show. "Of course. I will make sure to speak with Hunter Diamond as well, he is monitoring Slytherin."
"Thank you, Huntress Vlahos, it is appreciated." Lucius smiled seductively. "Goodnight."
If Lucius was shocked, his face did not show it when he went to reach for Athena to kiss her hand goodbye and she pulled it out of his reach, taking a step back. "Goodnight, Lord Malfoy."
Without pause, Athena turned on her heel and briskly walked towards Severus, not stopping as she snapped "Shall we?" Not wanting to incur the wrath of an upset Veela, Severus nodded following the raven haired beauty towards the dungeons.
Athena shook her head as they entered the potions classroom, 7 years later and it still looked the same. Severus observed the woman as she slowly walked around the classroom, her hands lovingly caressing the tables and cauldrons. Being a Veela and highly skilled in wandless and non-verbal magic, Athena was treated much like an outcast, something Severus could greatly relate to. He knew why she took to potions; it was one of the few places where she felt like she belonged.
"Once again you all have managed to produce completely useless potions." Severus sneered at his 5th years, utterly disgusted by their abysmal potions. "Miss Vlahos, your potion is acceptable, vial it." The quiet Gryffindor nodded her head.
"Professors pet!" The redheaded Ravenclaw sitting at the table beside Athena hissed, her table partner laughing.
Severus leaned back against his desk, his arms crossed as he observed his class while they cleaned up their stations. How the dunderheads managed to not blow themselves up this class was beyond him. Once again Severus found his gaze landing on the quiet Gryffindor. Unlike her housemates, she was quiet and reserved, often seen around the castle reading books or disappearing. He knew she hid inside the Room of Requirement, but was never able to catch her neither entering nor exiting the room.
Severus' eyes narrowed suspiciously as he carefully observed the Ravenclaw girl that had always been exceptionally cruel to Athena walk past her, his intense observation skills catching the subtle flick of Athena's left hand. The redhead yelped as she fell face first to the ground, her supplies scattering across the floor, her skirt rising up over her rear exposing her purple panties. The class laughed, but Athena remained impassive as always.
"You freak! You tripped me!" The girl screeched as she quickly got to her feet, her face red with fury. Athena looked up at her with an innocent expression.
"I didn't do anything. I was just sitting here." Athena calmly stated. Amused, Severus allowed a small smirk to form on his lips.
The girl scoffed, "I know it was you, you…you…HARPY FREAK!" Athena's head dropped, her hands clenching as she struggled to control her Veela anger. The Ravenclaw girl was walking a thin line between life and brutal death.
"Miss Randal, what are you wailing about?" Severus grumbled as he approached the young girl.
"She," the redhead violently pointed towards Athena, "tripped me!"
Severus raised his eyebrow in response. "I did not see Miss Vlahos move," Severus raised his hand as the Ravenclaw girl began to sputter, "Nor is Miss Vlahos' wand anywhere in sight so how pray tell did she trip you?"
Emily Randal's jaw dropped as she stuttered to try to explain. Severus nodded. "Very well, 20 points from Ravenclaw for making a mess of my potions class and detention tonight with Mr. Filch at 8, Miss Randal, for disrupting my class with your high pitched screeching. Class dismissed."
Emily Randal huffed as she quickly picked up her dropped supplies, placing them back where they belong and storming out of the class, her snarky friends hot on her heels. As always Athena was the last to leave, taking extra care when she put away her ingredients and books.
"Miss Vlahos." Severus called as Athena reached the door.
"Yes, Professor?" Athena turned to face her professor, heart racing as she hoped he did not see her wandless non-verbal magic. Severus moved to sit at his desk, leaning back in his chair.
"I will not tolerate any silly incantations in my class, verbal or not." Severus lectured; Athena lowered her head, eyes downcast. "Detention tonight at 8 here in the potions room, you will help me brew some potions for the infirmary."
Athena's head perked up as a small smile grew on her lips. She nodded quickly, "Of course, Professor. I won't be late."
"See that you aren't." Severus harshly snapped. "Dismissed."
"Let's get started." Athena mumbled as she turned to face her former Professor turned one time lover. Severus nodded, closing the potions class door and moving towards the lab. Severus had considered using the general lab for their brewing, but quickly nixed the idea when he realized he could not brew with Athena on the same table that she had once been sprawled across as he ravished her body. He was a master of indifferent expressions and self-control, but even he had his limits.
Severus set up the cauldrons on the two tables that sat center in his private lab, which conveniently enough was much larger than the general lab. Silently the two worked effortlessly as a team, gathering ingredients, cutting and preparing them, setting up the cauldrons and simultaneously brewing multiple potions. Severus relaxed as he expertly stirred his potions, ensuring he was precise in his counts and his speed. The only noise was the hiss of the fires and bubbling of the potions. Severus casually lifted his eyes to observe Athena. She stood as she always did when they brewed together, straight, tall and quiet. He noticed she had at some point removed her heavy robe, hanging it on a hook near the door, giving him a view of her exceptional figure.
While some would find the silence awkward and uncomfortable, Athena found the silence to be welcoming. Much like the surly professor, her years at Hogwarts weren't the easiest. She was relentlessly bullied and teased for being a Veela. Ironically Veela's were known for their exceptional beauty and talent for seducing men, but that mattered not when teenage girls were involved. Her female classmates hated her existence. She was smart, talented and beautiful, which made her competition. Athena found peace and tranquility in the potions room, an art that required patience and focus, two things she had in large supply.
"Severus?" Athena softly broke the silence.
"Hmm?" Severus quietly mumbled as he added newt hearts to his potion.
"You no longer find me irresistible." There was no sadness or disappointment in her voice, only concern. Severus took a deep breath before meeting her eyes, knowing where her train of thought was going. Quietly he shook his head no. Athena audibly swallowed, her head dropping back down to her potions. "I was afraid of that."
Hermione's steps pounded against the stone with a force unexpected from her small frame and stature. She knew that they had discussed, at great lengths, about remaining professional until she passed her potions N.E.W.T.'s, but she needed something to reassure her of his affections. As she moved between groups of students, a tiny voice in the back of her head screamed at her to stop and turn around, reminding her that Severus was not like other men. He would not take her immature, insecure outbursts. The louder voice egged her on, reminding her that she was his girlfriend and she needed to make sure he respected that.
Finally Hermione arrived at the potion's classroom, steeling her nerves she took a deep breath and straightened her posture. She was a woman and she would handle this like one.
*SLAM*
She threw the classroom door open with more force than intended, the wooden door loudly slamming against the stone wall. Hermione resisted the urge to giggle as the memory of her first day in potions flooded back. Her eyes quickly scanned the quiet room, noticing it was empty.
Severus and Athena snapped their heads to the door at the loud slam. Before Severus could draw his wand, Athena had cast a wandless stasis charm on the potions and was walking towards his classroom to assess the threat.
"Severus?" Hermione yelled out, a little nip in her voice.
Her eyes drifted to the potions lab as footsteps neared and her heart dropped when Athena walked out with an impassive expression. Without her large robe, Hermione was able to see her outfit more clearly. The way the tight black pants hugged her hips and perfectly toned thighs, the long sleeved shirt as tight as second skin, her full breasts pushing against the deep v neck. Hermione shifted uncomfortably as she realized she had been openly checking the Veela out.
"Is Sev…Professor Snape here?" Hermione softly asked, suddenly embarrassed by her actions. Her fingers were busy as they fiddled with her uniform skirt feeling completely unattractive next to the Hunter. Athena nodded, stepping aside to allow the stomping potions master to enter the classroom. Hermione chewed the inside of her cheek nervously to prevent an outburst as Severus' harsh eyes glared at her, his jaw was clenched and his posture rigid with anger.
"Miss Vlahos, would you please tend to the potions while I have a word with Miss Granger?" Severus bit out, his eyes not leaving the young Gryffindor.
"Of course." Athena politely replied, nodding to Hermione once before heading back into the potions lab, ensuring the door was closed behind her to afford them privacy.
Severus silently warded the room to keep prying ears away, immediately stowing his wand afterwards.
"Well, Miss Granger?" Severus seethed. Hermione looked at him, her face set in defiance, arms crossing.
"Miss Granger now is it?" Hermione snarked back.
"Yes, considering you are still my student." Severus crossed his arms, pushing Hermione's anger over.
"Why is she here?" Hermione spat, her tone wreaked of accusations. Severus' glowered at the bushy haired know-it-all.
"It does not concern you, Miss Granger." Severus' voice deepened as he slowly approached her. "And I'll remind you that you are speaking to a Professor."
Her jaw dropped as her eyes flooded with tears. His tone and defensive attitude was doing nothing for the insecurities that were raging inside her.
"It doesn't concern me that my boyfriend is currently getting cozy with a Veela?" Hermione huffed, wiping furiously at the tears that were now streaming down her face. "Did you shag her?"
Severus pinched the bridge of his nose as an internal battle raged. Part of him was furious at her for her incredibly immature behavior, especially considering the long discussion they had. If anyone were to discover their relationship, he could lose his job which was why they had agreed he would treat her as any regular student, at all times. The other part wanted to wrap her in his arms and kiss her worries away. Sadly for Hermione, the logical side won the battle. "How is that any of your business?"
Hermione stomped her foot, her hands clenching into fists. "Because you're my boyfriend you daft arse!"
"I will ignore that comment, Miss Granger, but know you are walking a very fine line here." Severus snarked, his teeth clenching to the point it was painful.
Hermione breathed heavily, tears freely falling down her flushed cheeks. Her eyes were desperately searching his for sympathy or understanding; instead she found hurt and anger.
"My apologies, Professor. I realize I am behaving unlike myself, but it bothers me that she is in here with you and I cannot be." Hermione's voice was soft and calm, willing him to understand and see past her immature outburst.
Severus shook his head. "You are still my student until you pass your N.E.W.T.'s. This conversation is better left until after you are no longer as such." Without another word Severus lifted the wards and turned back, storming to his potions lab. Hermione choked out a sob, fleeing his classroom.
Severus entered his private lab shocked to see Athena finish storing the potions. The cauldrons already cleaned and neatly stored, the crystal vials expertly labeled and being placed in the wooden storage box. Severus went to speak when Athena's head shot up.
"Excuse me, Severus, but there is something important that needs my immediate attention." Athena quickly said before placing the potions on the side table, nodding to Severus and grabbing her robe as she swiftly fled the warm room.
Hermione slowed her pace, letting the much needed oxygen fill her lungs as she headed down the empty corridor. One of the perks of the Marauder's Map was learning all the secret passages that almost no students knew about. She jumped and slightly squealed when a firm hand gripped her upper arm, her head turning to see Athena.
"A word, Miss Granger?" Athena asked, pulling Hermione towards an empty classroom. Hermione tried to pull her arm back, but was met only with a tightening grasp that bordered on painful. Athena guided the young woman into an empty classroom, allowing her to harshly pull away while Athena warded the door and room.
"Let me out of here this instant!" Hermione ordered, her hand rubbing the tender part of her arm that Athena had gripped.
"No." Athena replied bored. "We need to talk."
Hermione suddenly felt scared. It dawned on her at that moment that Athena was a Veela and not only that, she was incredibly powerful. She could shift forms at any point and easily tear her apart. Acting on pure instinct Hermione pulled her wand, only to yelp when Athena snapped her fingers, accio'ing the wand to her hand.
"Really?" Athena asked, clearly amused by Hermione's actions. Athena waved her hand and a small scrap of wood transfigured into a soft plush armchair. "Please sit."
Hermione crossed her arms, her jaw set. "No, thank you."
Rolling her eyes the Hunter sat down in another transfigured chair, crossing her long slender legs and absentmindedly twirled Hermione's want in her right hand.
"Miss Granger, it appears there is a miscommunication here so allow me to clarify for you." Athena started, her voice obviously annoyed.
Hermione opened her mouth to respond, but found herself silenced and being forced into the chair. Her brown eyes narrowed as she shot daggers at the Veela.
"Ah, ah, ah. I'm going to talk and you're going to listen." Light violet eyes focused on chocolate brown eyes. "I'm going to hazard a guess that you and Severus are a couple. Well, will be once you pass your N.E.W.T.'s and are no longer his student?" Athena asked, waiting for confirmation. Being silenced Hermione could only nod.
"How nice." Athena smiled genuinely. "Severus is a good man and deserves to be happy. However, he deserves that with someone who deserves him." Her eyes hardened as her smiled shifted to a frown. "Not some immature chit who behaves like a harpy when her wizard is around another woman."
Hermione's gaze dropped, tears pooling once again in her eyes.
"Did you honestly think that was the best way to handle your insecurities? By storming in and acting like a spoilt child who lost their lollie?" Hermione could only shake her head no, wiping at the tears that were steadily falling. Athena's harshness did not waver.
"Severus is under enormous stress right now, Miss Granger, and needs a witch who is strong enough to withstand that. He does not need his thoughts clouded with matters that are unimportant because you cannot control you emotions. Severus deserves someone who cares enough for him."
Hermione frantically waved her hands, gesturing to her mouth asking Athena to lift the spell. Athena waved her hand and Hermione found her voice.
"I know that. I care deeply for him." Hermione choked between sobs. "I was insecure. I know it's childish and immature, but it is how I felt."
Athena's glare softened slightly. "Everyone gets insecure, myself included." Hermione snorted in disbelief. "It's true. I was very insecure growing up and sometimes even now. The way women glare at me as though I'm a freak. I have dealt with that since my early years."
Hermione's eyes shot up to Athena, guilt pooling in her stomach when it dawned on her that she too judged and glared at the raven haired woman.
"The point is, Miss Granger, that everyone feels insecure at times. It's how we cope with it that sets us apart. Instead of stomping my feet and yelling, I focus my energy elsewhere." Hermione blushed at Athena's frank dig at her behavior, her teeth actively chewing her lip as she considered the question that was burning in her mind.
"Did you shag Severus?" Hermione softly asked.
The Hunter's eyes widened briefly. "Not in the few hours I've been here, no." She sarcastically responded.
"No, I mean…I mean have you? Ever?" Hermione looked to Athena, who stared blankly in return.
"Yes."
The young witch nodded and ducked her head to hide the sadness that overcame her. She had suspected that Severus either had shagged Athena or wanted to. The ache in her heart desperately wished she had never asked the bloody question.
Athena rolled her eyes and sighed in aggravation. "Miss Granger, you can hardly take something that occurred before you were even attending this school so personally. Were you a virgin when you got together?"
Hermione gasped, her jaw dropping at the highly personal question this complete stranger was asking. She didn't need to answer that question as it was none of her business. Hermione crossed her arms, but the elevated eyebrow on Athena's face stopped her snarky retort. It dawned on her that she had just asked an equally personal question and Athena answered her honestly. Taking a deep breath Hermione shook her head no.
"And have you remained friends with any of your past lovers?" Athena questioned with no judgment in her voice. Hermione nodded her head yes, she had with both Viktor and the next door muggle boy, Lucas, whom she had known her entire life.
"If anything, you should feel guilty, not Severus. He had sex with a Veela. I'm not sure what you know about my species, but we can be rather difficult to resist when we want. He wasn't attracted to me per se, but the Veela part of me that was actively reaching out in search of my mate. You had sex for no reason other than you wanted to, you desired it. And yet you get your knickers in a twist because someone Severus had sex with 7 years ago has popped back into his life. For the first time since our encounter mind you. It's absurd, Miss Granger. I know that you are considered the brightest witch of your age, but this is absolutely ludicrous." Athena finished, her arms crossing as she let out a loud sigh.
Hermione considered her words. It was all true. Severus desired a Veela, so does every other man who sees her. Severus also never made her feel guilty for staying friends with Viktor or Lucas, both of which he is aware she has a sexual history with. Suddenly Hermione felt guilty and utterly embarrassed for her rash behavior. How Severus would ever forgive her was beyond her.
"You're right, Huntress Vlahos, I've behaved terribly." Hermione softly admitted. Finally wiping the last of her tears, she once again looked at the woman before her. "Thank you. Not just for pointing out my ridiculous actions, but for caring enough for Severus to stand up for him. He thinks there aren't many who care for him."
Athena nodded her head, before rising gracefully to her heeled feet. Having the binding charm also lifted, Hermione too raised to her feet so Athena could vanish the two transfigured chairs. Before Athena could unward and exit the room, she turned back to Hermione once more handing her back her wand.
"Do not worry that I am after Severus, Miss Granger. Severus is a friend to me and nothing more. He was the only friend I had during a very difficult time in my life and I intend on being there for him. He needs you more than he's willing to admit. Do not let him down." Athena's voice was abnormally soft, hoping to stress to Hermione the importance of her words. Hermione smiled and nodded her understanding.
After Athena had left, Hermione hung behind for a few moments to collect her thoughts. She would make this up to him. First, by apologizing for her despicable behavior and then by following through on their plans as they were originally set out. The agreement was made after a mature logical conversation and she would honor that, proving to Severus that she was mature enough to handle their relationship.
Sneak Peak: Voldemort reveals a new follower and Severus questions Athena's loyalties.
