All things and characters in the Harry Potter world belong to JK Rowling. The storyline is mine.
Previously on Making The First Move: Chapter 3
Hermione and Severus thanked Neville wishing him a good night before confirming their own plans for the evening.
Severus was going to Spinner's End to clean up and arrange space for anything Hermione might want to keep at his house. A single wizard didn't always tidy up after himself.
Hermione was going to her cottage to shower, change into something deliciously sexy and prepare dinner for the two of them.
After several passionate kisses in the shadows of Severus' dark office, the lovers parted with plans firmly in place. They would meet at Hermione's cottage at 8:00.
/*/
Hermione was rushing. She had promised Severus dinner by 8:00. It was now coming up on 7:15. She still had to shower, choose something to wear and start dinner.
Even though she was rushing. Hermione knew something was wrong as soon as she stepped through her front door. She recognized a problem, but had been slow to react.
Her own wards wouldn't have stopped her from getting through, but she should have felt the slight brush of magic when she walked in. She hadn't.
By the time Hermione recognized she could be in danger. Her wand had already been ripped from her hand and gone flying across the room.
Someone had shouted Expelliarmus.
No she thought. It wasn't just someone. She recognized the voice.
Michael Corner was in her house and had taken her wand.
/
Making The First Move: Chapter 4
Michael Corner was in her house and had taken her wand. Hermione hadn't expected to be accosted in her own home. She had been caught completely off guard. She didn't know why the prat was there or what he was trying to prove. Hermione didn't care. All she knew was he had pissed her off.
"You dare take my wand!" shouted Hermione. "What are you fucking playing at Michael? You're in my home without invitation and you've taken my wand. What do you hope to accomplish? How did you even get through my wards?"
"Your wards? I'm a fucking Auror Hermione. Getting through your wards was a simple matter. Now just shut up. Just shut the fuck up and listen. I don't hope to accomplish anything. I've come to set things straight. You've embarrassed me in front of my boss. I've been sanctioned. Although Harry didn't write me up, I am on probation with him which is unacceptable to me. I do not deserve…"
"Who do you think you are? I don't care if Harry brought you in front of Kingsley. You do deserve it. You were completely out of line then and now. There's nothing you have to say I care to hear. Give me back my wand. Then get your bloody arse out of my house. Now Michael."
Hermione got out the next few syllables of an insult before Michael yelled. "Silencio."
"I've already told you to shut up," he snarled. "Your tosspot boyfriends aren't around to help you now. You'll do as I say. You're going to listen. Then I'll leave. Not before."
Hermione had been Silenced, but she was not a witch who gave up easily. She lunged at Michael catching him on the side of his jaw.
Hermione was screaming at the top of her lungs, but with a Silencing Spell in place nothing was coming out.
/*/
A huge welt had appeared on Michael's face. He turned red with fury as he reached up to run his fingers across the bruise. "You are bringing this on yourself Hermione," he shouted pushing Hermione down onto the couch trying at the same time to get his hand beneath her robes. "I will have my say."
Michael was out of his mind. Hermione kicked out with her feet. Again making contact with Michael's body. This time her foot connected with his shoulder.
Michael almost made a reflex action. He had almost hit Hermione with his fist, but pulled back at the last minute. "Why are you treating me this way Hermione? Have you forgotten how wet you were for me? You promised me a chance. Have you shagged that old bastard? Is he where I should be?"
Michael removed the Silencing Charm so Hermione could answer, but Hermione had turned into a wild woman. She ran at him again screaming. "You think this will bring us together? You think to touch me without being invited? Think again Corner. If I ever had thoughts of having you as my wizard, you've ruined it. Now give me my wand."
Hermione ducked when Michael raised his wand thinking he was about to hex her. But he had simply shouted. "Silencio. You've always had such a quick mouth. That's not what I want to hear. I want us to date. I want to fuck you again. I want to be your wizard. What is it you do not understand?"
/*/
Ignoring Michael's diatribe, Hermione sat on the couch furiously thinking how she could contact Severus or Harry. She didn't have her wand and she had been Silenced. There really wasn't anything she could do except listen… Or….. she could try a bit of Wandless Magic.
Although Hermione had very little practice in Wandless Magic. She had read up on the essentials and was quite familiar with the theory behind it. She wouldn't be able to call the spell, but was more than proficient in Non-Verbal Magic. Concentration would be key because she hadn't ever tried Non-Verbal and Wandless Magic together.
Michael had his head down going on about how her actions had forced him to do this. How good they had been together and how great they would be as a couple.
Hermione hoped the lousy bastard had come to terms with what he'd done.
Concentrating as best as she could. Hermione focused on the wand Michael had carelessly laid on the table. Suddenly her wand came flying across the room. Hermione grabbed the wand, nonverbally removed the silencing charm and screamed Michael's own words back at him. "You brought this on yourself."
Before Hermione could call a spell. Michael threw what she recognized as some form of Peruvian Darkness Powder into the air.
She had heard that Harry had reconfigured the powder and made it one of the basic items carried in an Auror's kit.
The last thing Hermione heard as the powder surrounded her was Michael apologizing.
"I don't want your bloody apology." Hermione coughed out waving her arms trying to clear the air. The Darkness Powder was choking her. "You will pay for this Michael Corner. I'll have Harry on your arse so fast…..
Hermione didn't get to finish her sentence because Michael cut across her sounding as though he was standing by her bathroom door. "Just what is it you plan to tell Harry? That Michael Corner was in your home begging for your pussy? I think not. You'll never be able to prove any of this. Have you forgotten? I've been sanctioned. I'm not even allowed in London at the moment. Merlin knows I can't be in two places at the same time."
"You're a piece of shite Corner. You are not fit to clean Severus' boots." Hermione shouted as she cast a Stunning Spell in the direction of Michael's voice quickly realizing her spell had missed when she didn't hear a body hit the floor.
By the time Hermione got the air cleared. Michael Corner was long gone.
As if by rote. Hermione reconfigured her wards in such a way that would only allow Severus entry. Then she sat down to think.
/*/
Michael hadn't hurt her, but he had upset her. She didn't call either Harry or Severus. It was over. Michael was gone. He had made her cringe when he groped her leg, but she hadn't been hurt.
Hermione remained on the couch with her arms wrapped around her knees. She had to take responsibility for some of this. She had jumped into bed with Michael then given him false hope. She had been the cause of him being stunned and hexed as well.
Yes she thought. I have to take some responsibility.
That's where Severus found Hermione. On the couch with her arms wrapped around her knees.
/*/
When Severus Apparated in he was surprised to find the house dark. He had expected Hermione to greet him with a warm kiss and dinner on the table.
Severus let a small smile play across his face. He was talking about Hermione Granger not some clueless wife. Meet him at the door with a kiss. As if.
Those thoughts left his mind rather quickly when he realized the house was too quiet as well as too dark. In addition, his senses were telling him he smelled the remnants of Dark Powder which couldn't be right. Nowadays Dark Powder was only used by Aurors when pursuing criminals.
Severus paid attention to his senses. Drawing his wand he called out to Hermione. "Where are you love? Why haven't you turned on any lights? Hermione. Answer me please."
Hermione finally answered. "I'm in here on the couch Severus."
Severus stowed his wand before entering the living room. All he managed to get out was a partially formed sentence before reaching the couch.
When Severus got a glimpse of Hermione he had gone down on one knee in front of her.
Hermione didn't move.
Realizing something was wrong, Severus reached out to pull Hermione's arms from around her knees. Running his trained eyes over his witch, he didn't see anything amiss. Severus questioned her again. "What has happened Hermione? In order for me to help you. I need you to speak to me. Speak to me before I begin to think the worst. Have you been injured or attacked?"
Hermione finally let out a huge sigh. "I brought it on myself Severus."
"Brought what on yourself?" Severus asked cautiously lifting Hermione to her feet pulling her into a tight hug.
When she felt Severus' arms around her. Hermione began to reveal what had happened.
/*/
Hermione explained how Michael had been waiting for her when she arrived home. Then she had gone on to explain most of what had happened carefully leaving out the part about Michael trying to put his hand under her robes and the insults he had thrown at him.
Severus was beside himself threatening to hunt Michael down. The only thing stopping him was Hermione who tearfully reminded him she had been the catalyst for all it.
"Catalyst?" Severus shouted. "Do you hear yourself Hermione? You are blaming yourself for the actions of a despicable wizard. Should I blame myself as well? I am the wizard you are now with. Does that make me culpable? You are not to blame for any of this Hermione," said Severus grabbing both her hands bringing them up to his mouth.
"I slept with him Severus." Hermione revealed softly. "I led him on."
Severus let out a long sigh. "I know you slept with him Hermione. I also know you were very up front with him about accepting my attentions. No matter how hard you try to blame yourself. The fault does not lie with you. It lies with an out of control, egotistical wizard whom I will deal with shortly."
"I just want to forget this. He didn't hurt me. Let's just leave it here."
"I will not leave it here," Severus loudly snarled. "The man has to be stopped. His overly large ego has led him to believe he can take any measure he likes. This isn't only about you my love. It is about any witch who tells the bastard no."
Hermione didn't want to argue with Severus, but she had to make him understand. "I'm not sticking up for Michael, but I don't think he would do this to any other witch. It is only me whom he feels has wronged him."
"We will have to agree to disagree Hermione. I will not let this go. I will not go after him, but I will call for Potter."
It was Hermione's turn to sigh. "He threw Darkness Powder into the air in order to make his escape."
"I thought my mind was playing tricks on me," answered Severus. "I smelled the powder when I landed. I'm sending a Patronus to Harry. Why don't you go take a shower. After I send the Patronus, I'll begin dinner. No shellfish of course."
Hermione smiled as she pulled Severus into a kiss. "No shellfish is right. You'd be hard pressed to find any kind of fish in this house. I'll just be a few minutes." After taking a few steps across the floor, Hermione turned back. "I'm sorry for all this Severus."
Severus strode across the room to grab Hermione in his arms. "You have nothing to be sorry for. But I promise you. Corner will. Go take your shower. I'll be here when you've finished."
/*/
As soon as Hermione had closed the bathroom door, Severus got out his wand to send the Patronus.
Potter. You urged me to contact you before I next drew my wand on Michael Corner. He has stepped way over the line. Hermione insists I do not go after the blighter so I am turning to you. Hermione needs to see you….tonight. For my part. I ask that you set up a meeting tomorrow between Corner and myself. I have something to say to the bloody arsehole.
/*/
Harry had just finished the last of his paperwork when a doe Patronus landed in front of him. He'd had a long, tiring day. For one quick second he thought his mum was calling. He had quickly come to his senses realizing the Patronus belonged to Severus.
Harry listened as the doe spoke in the voice of Severus Snape. After the doe had faded away, Harry let out a sigh of exasperation. Fucking Michael Corner again. Then he realized that something had to be off. Michael couldn't have done whatever it was Severus was angry about. Michael Corner was on Ministry Watch in Ireland. He couldn't leave Ireland or enter London without Harry receiving an alarm. To ensure he hadn't missed something. Harry double checked the alarm sensor on his belt. He hadn't received any such alarm. Besides. Michael knew what repercussions he would face if he defied his boss.
As tired as he was, Harry gathered himself and set out for Hermione's cottage hoping against hope this was nothing more than a mistake. He sighed again. Whatever it was he was sure it wasn't a mistake. The only mistake Severus had made in his life was siding with Voldemort. Although siding with Voldemort had been a huge mistake. It was the only one that came to mind. Harry gave up trying to figure it out. He was steps away from Hermione's home. He would find out everything in a short space of time.
/*/
Harry landed on Hermione's front steps. He had permissions to Apparate in, but Hermione was now with Severus. He didn't want to land in the midst of anyone's private time unannounced.
Harry knocked before entering the house. Severus called out from the kitchen. "In here Harry. I'd like to speak to you before you see Hermione."
Harry who was starving followed the scent of dinner. "Evening Severus. That smells delightful."
"Thank you. Please hang your cloak and join us for dinner. There is more than enough. We will eat when Hermione is finished with her shower. Before Hermione joins us. I would like to have a word."
"I figured that out Severus when your Patronus landed at my feet. What is it you think Michael has done?"
"What is it I think Michael has done?" Severus replied raising his voice. "I'm not thinking anything Potter. I know what he's done. I'm telling you…."
Harry held up a hand. "You're upset about something Severus. I get it. I've had a very hard day. Let us keep this a friendly conversation. What has Michael done?"
Severus realized Harry was there to help Hermione. There wasn't any need for him to be combative. "Of course you are right Harry. Perhaps I should take a step back. I apologize for my acrimonious tone. For my part. I am asking for you to set up a meeting between myself and Corner. I have something to say to the piece of shite. I would like to be face to face when I say it."
Harry paused before answering rolling his eyes at Severus. "What do you take me for Severus? An idiot. You are pissed off about something that has to do with Michael. Why would I set up a meeting between two of the most ornery wizards I know? What are you on about? No disrespect, but Michael isn't even in London. I have him under Ministry Watch in Ireland.
"Bah!" Severus had replied. "Michael Corner is an unethical Auror who could be from Ireland to London in minutes on an emergency portkey. You know that as well as I do Harry."
"I do know that it can be done. But as I've told you. Michael is under Ministry Watch. He cannot go to the men's without authorization. Whatever has been done. It couldn't have been Michael."
A frosty sounding Severus asked Harry if he was implying that Hermione was lying.
"I'm not implying anything," Harry shot back in the same frosty tone. "I'll speak to Hermione. We will get this sorted."
Severus was raging inside but put forth a calm exterior. "Have it your way Harry." was all he said before leaving the room.
/*/
Harry was dumbfounded. He knew neither Severus nor Hermione would lie to him about anything. He was also sure of Michael's whereabouts and it wasn't London. Michael was in Ireland unable to leave the country without authorization. Something else had to be going on. Harry sat there with a growling stomach wishing for Hermione to come through so they could get this sorted and he could eat.
/*/
Hermione finally came through the kitchen door with Severus at her heels. "Hi Harry. I'm sorry to have taken you out of your way at this time of night. Have you eaten?"
"I haven't eaten Hermione. I chose to answer Severus' Patronus instead of going home to sit at my table and eat." Harry answered a tad bit snappishly.
Hermione glanced at Severus who shook his head at his witch. "Don't even think it Hermione. We are going to get this sorted."
"Yes. We will get this sorted. After you have put a plate in front of me so I can eat. Now please Hermione. Your best friend, brother and friendly Head Auror is starving."
Hermione had hurriedly served the dinner.
/*/
After several bites. Harry became a bit more expansive. "So tell me. Why am I here? I know it has something to do with Michael. I thought we had settled your dispute. Please explain what you think Michael has done."
Severus had immediately taken offense by Harry's continued use of the word think. He was ready to flare up at Harry again, but Hermione reached and placed her hand on his arm.
With a slight nod at Hermione, Severus picked up his fork to take another mouthful of food.
Harry hadn't missed Hermione placing her hand on Severus. He hadn't gone into one of his famous rants because it wouldn't serve any good purpose for him and Severus to have a go at each other. He wanted to hear the problem. Resolve the problem. Then go home. Between bites Harry asked that someone tell him why he had been summoned.
Hermione served Harry a second helping before sitting down at her place.
/*/
Hermione started out slowly. "When I arrived home this evening. Michael Corner had gotten past my wards and was waiting for me. He took my wand by force then subjected me to a very forceful rant in which he accused me of leading him on then denying him what had been promised to him."
Harry dropped his fork down on the plate. "Breached you wards? Took your wand? That's illegal."
Harry ran his hands through his hair after hearing himself make such an idiotic statement. Of course it was illegal. Harry hadn't even digested the entirety of what Hermione had just disclosed. He was too intent on the stupid statement he had just made.
Then it had sunk in. Hermione was accusing Michael of having broken into her home and taking her wand over… Over her not accepting him as her wizard. Harry was tired as hell. Yet here he was sitting in Hermione's kitchen discussing something which wasn't possible.
/*/
Harry looked up to find both Hermione and Severus staring at him.
"So," remarked Severus snidely. "There you have it. Is this the point where you cover the arse of that fucking lunatic?"
"Enough," shouted Harry jumping up from his chair. "I do not intend to cover up anything. You both know me better than that. I will say. It is impossible for Michael to have been here."
Hermione looked Harry directly in the face as she answered him. "It's the truth Harry. Michael was here to voice his displeasure over several things. He was furious I embarrassed him in front of you causing him to be sanctioned. Then he accused me of leading him on. I accepted his attentions, agreed to a date then refused his advances only to accept Severus into my life. He was raving Harry. He cast a Silencing Charm on me. I had to get physical with him in order to regain my wand. He threw Darkness Powder into the air to make his escape as well. Why do you think I would make this up?"
"Hermione," Harry pleaded. "I know you don't make things up. There has to be a mistake somewhere down the line. Could it have been someone under a Glamour Charm?"
Severus began to pace the room. "A fucking Silencing Charm. Fucking Peruvian Darkness Powder. Isn't using spells and such of that sort on a civilian…illegal? If Hermione says it was Corner. It was Corner. I want to speak with him. If it can be managed, I am requesting a meeting with him as soon as tomorrow. He will not be coming through Hermione's door uninvited. In fact. He will not be coming through her door at all."
"Please calm down Severus. I am trying to get this sorted."
Turning to Hermione, Harry asked her to start at the beginning and tell him everything. "Leave nothing out Hermione. Even the smallest point could be important."
Before she answered to Harry. Hermione held her hand out to Severus. "Please come sit back down love. Harry is here to help us."
Harry who was as irritated as Severus mumbled a thank you to Hermione.
/*/
Once again Hermione began to recite what had happened. Only this time she hadn't spoken more than ten words when Harry held up his hand. "Hold on Hermione. Did you say Michael was angry because he had been sanctioned?"
"I did."
It was Harry's turn to pace the kitchen. "There's something strange afoot. I did sanction him. A fact known only to Michael and myself. He is under Ministry Watch in Ireland. Ministry Watch is exactly as stated. He is fixed with a sensor that would alert me if he left Ireland for any reason. In addition. I would immediately be notified by Patronus, owl and alarm if he stepped a foot back in London. The Ministry Watch and the alarms in place are the reason I didn't think it possible for him to have been in your home. Yet the only way you could know about the sanction is for it to have come directly from Michael. My apologies to you both. I will get to the bottom of this. If you'll excuse me, I need to get back to the ministry. Michael's sanction can only be lifted on my word and by my release. He will be back in London by tomorrow afternoon. If he has broken sanction, I will have his arse and the arse of any other Auror who helped him in this.
Severus relaxed a bit. Although he still planned to confront Corner. What Harry was saying was what he wanted to hear. This was the Harry he wanted to see.
Harry was still muttering as he made his way to the door. "Something is obviously not working. May I suggest you not leave Hermione alone here as I am unable to account for my Auror at this time. Goodnight. I'll speak with you tomorrow."
/*/
Hermione wrapped herself around Severus sniping. "This is some fucked up situation. Shall we spend the night here or at Spinner's End?"
"Language Miss Granger. Language." Severus laughingly uttered leaning down to kiss Hermione. "We shall spend the night here as planned in the hopes Corner tries to breach your wards for a second time. Let's have a bit of dessert. After which I have something pressing I would like to show you."
Hermione laughed at Severus' cheek as she served up portions of blackberry and apple crumble.
