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, Ares, The "Hunters" and their world is mine though.
Warnings: Language.
Italics are character's internal thoughts and/or flashbacks.
A/N: I'm working hard on trying to finish this story so I can post my chapters more frequently. Thank you to all those who've read, marked this as a favorite, followed it and especially to those who have reviewed it. Reviews make me happy. :-)
Hermione, Ron and Harry quietly moved through the halls, approaching the Room of Requirement. Hermione's exhaustive research had given them good reason to believe that the diadem located within was a Horcrux. By destroying it, they would have killed another part of Voldemort's soul.
"'Mione, are you sure about this?" Ron asked as they moved through the packed room, overwhelmed by the number of items.
"Yes, Ronald." Hermione sighed as she started going through a stack. "Perhaps we should split up and look."
Harry and Ron nodded, though neither made any attempts to move further from one another. Quietly the three friends searched exhaustively through the items, searching for a box that would contain the diadem. Luckily the previous week Hermione had worked out that they could use a basilisk fang to destroy any additional Horcruxes as Harry had used the Sword of Gryffindor to kill the basilisk. Three days prior Harry and Ron snuck out of their tower and entered the Chamber of Secrets, successfully snagging three fangs. One to destroy Horcruxes, and two additional, just in case.
"So, Harry, have you kissed Luna yet?" Ron asked, smirking at Harry's blush. Hermione turned around wide eyed.
"You're dating Looney…I mean Luna?" Hermione asked, her jaw dropping that her best friend didn't tell her. Harry shot Ron a scowl, before turning back to his upset friend.
"Yeah, we sort of just happened." Harry awkwardly rubbed the back of his head. "We started dating after the Halloween feast. And why are you getting mad? We only just found out about you and Snape!"
Hermione blushed as she dropped her eyes. It was true, she had only recently told her friends about her dating the Professor, after receiving an O on her N.E.W.T.'s she and Severus decided to come clean about their romance so they didn't need to sneak around. Most students were accepting, almost the entire staff was accepting, but her two best friends were a little more difficult.
"You're what?" Harry exclaimed, rising from the couch in the Gryffindor common room. Hermione's eye shot to Ginny for support, the redhead only offered a small smile.
"I said I'm dating Severus." Hermione reiterated, crossing her arms and raising her chin in defiance. "And I expect that you will respect that, Harry."
Harry blinked in disbelief at Hermione, pushing his glasses up his nose. Hermione looked to Ron, who had been shockingly quiet through the revelation. She fully anticipated his typical Weasley blow up, but it seemed Harry had the market cornered on overreactions at the moment.
"Ron, please say something." Hermione pleaded, biting her bottom lip in shock that she would willingly ask Ron to yell and scream.
"What do you want me to say? I'm fine with you dating, 'Mione, but I'm sad you didn't tell us before now. Why keep it from us? We tell you everything." Ron softly spoke, disappointment evident in his voice. Harry scoffed, pacing behind the couch in aggravation.
"I…I didn't know how you would react. And we agreed we wouldn't tell anyone until after my N.E.W.T. in Potions was completed." Hermione's eyes fell to her feet, suddenly embarrassed by her keeping this from her two best friends. It was true, they did tell her everything and here she was keeping a huge secret from them.
"The greasy git, Hermione?" Harry spat, stopping his pacing. "He's made our lives hell since the start of school. Why him?"
Hermione's bottom lip quivered as tears formed in her eyes. How did she tell Harry that she loved Severus? Or that she's been fond of him since 3rd year? Or that they bonded in his house?
"He understands me, Harry." Hermione shrugged as she wiped away a tear. "After my parents were murdered, he changed towards me. He understood how much I hurt."
Ginny quickly moved from the couch and enveloped Hermione in a tight hug, rubbing her friends' back as Hermione finally shed the tears for her parents, openly mourning them in front of her friends. Ron shot a disgusted look at Harry, who now looked remorseful. A light had finally clicked for him, Hermione was a lot like Severus. They were both misunderstood bookworms who knew the pain of losing parents at a young age. He didn't like them dating, but Hermione was like a sister to him and if Snape made her happy, then he'd learn to accept it.
"I'm sorry, 'Mione." Harry whispered as he moved towards her. Ginny reluctantly released her hold, allowing Harry to wrap his arms around his crying friend. Hermione clung to Harry with a white knuckle grip, her tears soaking his robes. "If Snape makes you happy, then I'll get used to it. I promise."
"I know." Hermione acknowledged, shifting uncomfortably from foot to foot. "But, Halloween was three weeks ago, I'm just surprised I haven't seen the two of you around together yet. I think…I think you'd make a great couple." Her smile shifted deviously hoping to lighten the mood. "So have you snogged her senseless yet?"
Hermione and Ron both laughed as Harry blushed furiously, quickly diverting his attention back to their task at hand.
"I think that's a yeah, 'Mione." Ron joked as he ducked beneath a stack to look behind the items.
"Agreed, Ron." Hermione mused as she stood on her tippy toes, looking over a tall group of books.
"Oi! Can we focus?" Harry snapped, smirking as Hermione and Ron laughed harder at his obvious discomfort.
"Hermione! Ron!" Harry yelled across the room. "I found it!"
Hermione and Ron quickly abandoned their areas and ran towards Harry. They had been looking for the diadem for over two hours and were beginning to think they'd never find the piece. Harry looked at the diadem in wonder as Hermione and Ron flanked his sides.
"Now what?" Ron asked, breaking the silence.
"We destroy it." Hermione said plainly, reaching into her charmed bag and withdrawing a fang. Face set, she turned to Harry and handed him the basilisk fang.
With a shaky hand, Harry took the fang and slowly lowered himself to the floor. Using his wand, he levitated the diadem out of its box and placed the crown on the stone floor.
"Do it mate." Ron nodded his head in support.
Biting his bottom lip, Harry raised the fang high above his head. In a smooth motion he brought the fang down stabbing the beautiful crown in one move. Immediately a loud shriek bellowed in the room, the walls shaking roughly.
"Run!" Harry screamed as he stood and headed towards the door. Ron grabbed Hermione's hand, helping her to her feet, before the pair took off hot on Harry's heels.
Not risking a glance the trio ran from the following dark mist that was screaming in torture. Voldemort's face formed in the center, his mouth agape as if he were in agony. The trio quickly moved, dodging items as they fell from their stacks, the walls shaking violently. The room was quickly falling apart, the sounds of breaking glass and crumbling furniture echoed between screams from the mist. Harry's lungs burned as he ran, his eyes set on the door before him.
Harry violently threw himself at the door, opening it and falling to the ground outside it. As the mist reached the door, Hermione and Ron, still hand in hand, jumped from the room, landing on the floor beside Harry. Harry quickly aimed his wand at the door, slamming it shut just as the screaming mist reached the door, the walls shaking as the Room of Requirement contained it.
Hermione, Harry and Ron all lay on the floor, staring at the ceiling while breathing heavily.
"Well, another one down." Ron mumbled, between gasps, thankful the trio had survived yet another dangerous situation.
The three friends remained where they were, waiting for their hearts to stop beating so roughly and allowing their legs a moment to rest. Despite having spent fair amounts of time on the run, sometimes literally, the trio were surprised to see just how out of shape they really were.
The peaceful moment was interrupted by the sounds of quick footsteps. Hermione angled her head back so she could look behind them to see the Hunters quickly coming down the hall, along with Dumbledore.
Athena stopped at the group, raising her brow.
"We destroyed another Horcrux, Headmaster." Hermione softly spoke from her place on the ground, looking up at the elder wizard. Dumbledore smiled at her, offering his hand to help her up. Hermione gratefully accepted his hand, moving to her feet while Ron and Harry also stood.
"That's wonderful news, Miss Granger." Dumbledore mused. "We will discuss this more tomorrow, but for now, you three need to be getting back to your respective rooms before Mr. Filch finds you."
Ron snorted and Harry chuckled at Dumbledore's reference, knowing full well that he wouldn't allow them to be punished after sneaking out to destroy a Horcrux. Still, the trio nodded their understanding and waited for Dumbledore and the Hunter's to turn to leave.
"Huntress Vlahos?" Hermione called after the Veela beauty. Athena nodded to her other Hunter's before turning to Hermione, her face impassive as always. "Severus wasn't in his quarters earlier, do you know if he was called?"
Athena took pity on the young witch; her concern was obvious in her brown eyes.
"He was, Miss Granger. Now you two, please retire to your rooms." Athena's eyes focused on Harry and Ron. The two friends looked at Athena curiously before turning to Hermione. Hermione nodded her head, bidding her friends goodnight. "I'll escort you back, Miss Granger."
Athena quickly turned down the dark hall, not wanting to argue Hermione followed. Quietly the two women moved through the halls, Hermione was slightly surprised when Athena turned towards the dungeons and not towards the tower in which Hermione was staying in. As they reached the door to Severus' quarters, Athena stopped and turned to Hermione.
"Why did you escort me?" Hermione asked in confusion.
"Because Severus has enough to worry about without something happening to you. Now if you would please, do not leave his quarters again tonight." Athena raised her brow daring Hermione to question her. Hermione didn't. Instead she quickly opened his door, knowing his wards accepted her, and smiled in appreciation as she stepped into his quarters. Athena stood still until his door was closed and Hermione was safely tucked within.
"What is the matter with you?" Severus snapped at Lucius as they entered his study. Once again Lucius' lack of attention had angered the Dark Lord, though this time his anger was taken out on a new recruit and not on the blonde aristocrat.
Lucius quickly warded his study, before turning towards his bar cart, moving to help himself to 2 fingers of firewhiskey.
"It's that damn Ares." Lucius snapped. "He has become the Dark Lord's pet, no matter what we do, it will never be enough."
Severus dropped his head back in aggravation as Lucius quickly tossed back his drink.
"That's not it, Lucius, and you know it." Severus drawled, his patience wearing thin.
Lucius' head fell, his hands gripping the cart so tightly his knuckles were white. Severus was right and both of them knew it. Yes, Ares was turning into a thorn in their side, but it was not what had him so torn up.
"I can't take it, Severus. I feel as though I want to jump out of my own skin." Lucius frantically ran his hands through his hair, roughly tugging at the roots hoping the pain would dull the constant longing that was consuming him. "I need her."
Sighing heavily Severus quickly moved towards Lucius, grabbing his arm and activating his emergency portkey. They certainly did not need to have this conversation within these walls. Reaching Severus' quarters at Hogwarts, Severus quickly moved to his private lab just beyond his office, grabbing Lucius a potion.
"Here." Severus thrust a vial of calming draught into his hand. "This should take the edge off."
"A fucking potion?" Lucius harshly scoffed, throwing the crystal vial against the wall. Lucius glowered at Severus, panting heavily as he tried to control his rage. Severus stared impassively, his face not betraying the compassion he felt for his friend.
"Is everything okay?" Both men turned their heads towards the hall, Hermione stood in her robe, her curly hair slightly frizzed from sleeping. Severus' eyes softened at the sight of her. Her eyes darted between the two men, neither of them responding.
Lucius sighed heavily, his shoulder slumped as his body fell back onto the couch. Once again his hands found themselves in his hair, his face hidden from the young woman so she could not see the depth of his pain. Hermione quietly patted over to Severus, her arms wrapping around his waist, seeking to comfort the man. Severus automatically responded, his arms wrapping around her, his nose burying in her hair as he kissed the top of her head.
"Everything is fine, witch. Go back to sleep." Severus' silky voice was soft.
*Slam*
The harsh slam of the door shocked the couple, Severus' eyes immediately moved back to the couch. His stomach dropped when he noticed Lucius was gone. Severus cursed as he pulled away from Hermione. How could he have been so thoughtless? Lucius had just told him how being kept away from Athena was torturing him and here he was, wrapping his witch in his arms. The act no doubt rubbing salt in Lucius' wound.
"Fuck!" Severus yelled, turning towards the door. He knew where Lucius was going and he had to stop him. Without a word to Hermione, Severus took after Lucius. His dragonhide boots echoed as he stomped down the halls. Thankfully being so late meant the halls were empty, ensuring he would not be derailed by dunderheaded students.
Lucius briskly walked through the halls. Some would call it running, but not him. He was a Malfoy and a Malfoy would not be caught running for any reason. Stopping before his destination, Lucius took a calming breath. He did not want to appear frantic. His knuckles lightly rapped on the door.
No answer.
Lucius knocked a little harder.
No answer.
Lucius pulled his wand to begin tackling the strong wards when a strong hand grasped his wrist, violently tugging him away.
"What in the bloody hell are you doing?" Severus harshly whispered as he pushed Lucius against the wall, his hand still griping Lucius' wand hand wrist tightly. Lucius sneered at the man as he tried to free from the vice tight grip.
"Get off me, Severus, or so help me, I will make you regret it." Lucius' voice was deep, his warning hanging in the air. Severus only responded with a raised brow and tightening grip on the blonde man's wrist, daring Lucius to try. Lucius sighed in defeat, his head falling back against the wall.
Severus loosened his grip slightly, moving back to put a breath of space between them, but not relinquishing his hold on his friend. His face softened slightly. "Lucius, I know this is hard. I cannot fault you for wanting to be with Athena, but there is too much at risk."
Lucius humorlessly chuckled, his head shaking as the tears he had been fighting finally fell. "No, Severus, you do not know. You have your witch." Lucius harshly yanked his wrist from Severus' grasp, pushing the man away in one swift motion. Pulling himself straight into his typical refined posture, Lucius fixed his coat, tucking his wand back into his walking stick. Without another word, Lucius turned on his heel and headed down the hall. Severus stood starting after him for a moment, wanting to ensure he would actually leave.
Severus slowly walked back towards the dungeons, his mind lost on Lucius. He had never seen his friend so emotional before. Not even with his family. He had seen him get angry, more times than he cared to admit when it came to Draco and his safety, but never sad. Lucius was distraught, there was no denying it. The only thing they could do is figure out a way now to hide if from Voldemort.
Severus stopped in his tracks as he entered his quarters, his hand still grasping the knob as his eyes met light violet eyes. Athena was not what he was expecting to see on his couch. Athena's eyes dropped to the floor as Severus moved into the room, closing his door gently. Severus leaned back on the door, crossing his arms as he took Athena in.
"Miss Granger sent a patronus and told me Lucius was heading my way." Athena's voice was soft. Severus' heart clenched when she looked back at him, gesturing at her atypical unkempt appearance. "I only had a moment as I heard him coming."
Severus pushed away from the door, moving to sit next to her on the couch. His eyes raked her over. Her shoulders were exposed in her black racer back tank top; he could see small portions of feathers protruding from her skin.
"He was upset." Athena's voice pulled Severus from his daze. "Jealous, angry and finally sad. Is he alright?"
Severus clasped his hands, nodding his head as he stared at them, his black hair falling forward to hide part of his face. "He will be. Were you angry?" Severus turned his focus back to Athena, gesturing towards her shoulder blades when she furrowed her brows. It dawned on her that he was referring to her wings that wanted to make an appearance. She quietly nodded.
"Briefly. I could sense his anger with you." Athena closed her eyes, taking calming breaths as she gently rolled her shoulders. Severus watched in awe as the tip of her wings retracted leaving nothing, but smooth skin and her normal black lines her wings retracted into. "What happened?"
Severus sighed, leaning back on the couch and resting his head against the back, staring up at his ceiling. "He is struggling with the bond. It's pulling to him." Athena's eyes narrowed as she saw though his near deceit. "I was thoughtless and held Hermione in front of him. It did not occur to me until he was running to you that it could make him feel worse. He hates me for keeping you apart while I have Hermione." Severus closed his eyes as he finished.
Athena only nodded in response. She could relate to Lucius' anger. Her Veela was desperate for her mate, a mate that Severus and Dumbledore were insistent on keeping from her. Logically it made sense, her intelligence did understand their points, but her Veela only focused on the strong pull towards Lucius. Knowing Lucius was gone, Athena quietly stood, moving towards the floo.
"I believe Ares is possibly devising a plan to prove Lucius is not loyal. The tension between them in meetings has been quite noticeable." Severus' words stopped her movements. "Thoughts?"
Athena sighed, suddenly exhausted as she turned to face Severus. With a sad smile she responded. "Ally with Ares. Goodnight."
Severus stared at her in disbelief as she quickly floo'd back to her quarters. Did she really just tell him to ally with her dark brother over her mate?
Sneak Peak: Lucius and Athena meet in private, but their evening is cut short when Athena is kidnapped to be presented to Voldemort.