--
Chapter 11
"I'm going to meet with Ginny. Oh right, Since i'm going out. do you have any errands for me?" Hermione asked as she was preparing to leave the castle.
"Even if i had. i wouldn't let you buy it for me. Now go. Meet with the Red-haired Weasley."
"Red-haired Potter." She corrected and Severus shrugged. He smiled and she kissed his cheek to bid goodbye then left his quarters.
He loved how their affinity is blossoming. He is very glad about the way things that had happened. She was very understanding and careful around him. They spent their time together sometimes in his quarters but more recently in hers. It was rather impolite if Hermione would always have to go to his. Well, outside their apprentice classes of course.
He would summon a book he was reading and Hermione would be beside him reading her own book as well. She would sometimes murmur some topics that they would each give opinions and once satisfied they will soon find themselves back to reading again.
"Severus, you were looking for a book right? What's the title again?" She stood up and stretched her arms. It was a very tiring day, they had been hole up in the library researching individually.
"Yes, Dark Ages through time. Why?" He answered still busy looking at a scroll of the available books inside the library. He really wanted to be alone but he realized that if he stayed too long holed up in the library. Hermione would be suspicious and thus result to her knowing what it's all about.
"I think i have one on my quarters, I'll be right back."
"I doubt it. That book is certainly hard to find." he stated but Hermione just shrugged and walked away.
'I had searched the restricted section for other references but nothing has helped me. Perhaps a couple more searches before i... moved to...' He shrugged and took a deep breath. He would soon dwell on his other options.
Finding nothing helpful made him chuckle sarcastically.
He would have to talk to Minerva about upgrading the books for the new curriculum. 'Thinking like a teacher right now isnt helpful!' He mentally chided.
Severus stood up from his seat and walked over a bookshelf. He looked up and scanned the shelves for the one he needed. 'Fool! why did you tell Hermione about the book she might have a clue on your ongoing research.'
He pinched his nose and strode back to the table.
A few minutes later, Hermione came back, lifting a book between her hands. She placed the book on the table.
"Thank you." He grabbed the book and began reading the first two passages. Satisfied he called Hermione's attention and scanned the book.
"How did you get a hold of this?" He said still looking at the contents of the book.
"Harry gave it to me." he raised his brow upon hearing his name.
"My,My Potter. I never thought of him as a gallant man."
"Yeah, surprised me too. Who would have thought right?"
He began to flick through different pages. One card fell down and he picked it up.
The words "Happy Birthday" were written. His brows furrowed. His eyes that was transfixed at the card quickly darted to Hermione.
"When's your birthday?"
"September 19." He slammed the book shut and eyed the witch. 'Nineteen, What did we do that day?..'
"And you didn't bother telling me?"
"I didn't remember, Severus. No need to be mad."
"Well, i should've gotten you something." He sneered then finally placed the book to the table.
"well, we did spend brewing that day--"
"Yes, I do remember. See? you really should've." He pinched his nose and rubbed his temples in frustration. A warm hand that was placed on her cheek made him look down towards the witch.
"Let me finish!" She scolded but still managed to giggle. "together.. we spent the day together. That's all that matters." She smiled and his mouth twitched into a smile.
"You're the death of me." He hugged her and immediately she blushed.
"Severus, students might see us." She giggled but didnt even budged to push him away.
"The hell with them." He said then continued hugging her. Someone cleared their throat, that made them look their way.
"Believe me i would have not interrupted if it werent for a bunch of first years, heading this way." The headmistress smiled and gestured behind her.
Hermione blushed and pushed Severus away slowly.
"I would also want to talk to you later in my office, if you may, Severus." She reminded.
"Right. If you'll excuse us." He said and started to walk away with Hermione's hands tangled to his.
The students coming their way had their eyes widened. Hermione shook her head and just went with Severus.
'To damn with them all. i have a special witch and would do everything for her. Even if its for a short time.'
"You're awfully clingy recently, Severus. " She smiled and brushed her thumb across his palm. He led her up the astronomy tower and they are both leaned their backs at the stone wall.
"Are you uncomfortable by it?" He asked then withdrew. But Hermione stopped it and held his hand once more.
"No.. It's just oddly scary. it's like your not telling me something." Her brows furrowed clearly worried.
'Damn, she's one clever witch.' Severus thought.
"Everything's fine. You are overthinking things." He gave her a smile and she smiled back.
"i guess so." She sighed softly. She fiddled with her fingers and looked down. "Anyway, What are you researching about?" Waiting for a response she looked up and found him staring at space. She tilted her head in confusion. 'Something is really bothering him.'
"Severus?"
"I'll let you know soon. I haven't really started yet. just reference hunting." He shrugged, turned to look at Hermione to tuck her unruly hair behind her ears.
"What about you? How's your research going?"
"Uhmmn, Not so good but i can manage. Gilderoy helped me with it." She nervously smiled and he narrowed his eyes.
"I still dont get how you are so close with that buffoon." He crossed his arms and rest his head at the stone wall.
"He's a changed man, Severus." She answered with a tone. Yep Severus knows that tone. if he doesn't stop now they'll both get over an argument. Nope not good.
"Fine.. fine, i'll stop but at least let me help you. i know the dark arts well, Hermione. i can offer more help with it."
"I don't question your abilities, Severus. but its far better to just let me do this alone. uhmmmn. let's see , If you let me help you, then i'll let you help me! Its fair right? so?" She answered and then gave a wide grin. Knowing that she had won.
"Clever witch. Fine. Do it your way." He raised his hands in defeat and she just smirked at him.
Silence came and she now wondered what he is researching about. If he doesnt like to share it then its possibly dangerous. She shook her head. 'Don't Hermione. Trust him. He'll tell you eventually.' She reaasured herself.
"When's your birthday Severus?" She asked. Severus frowned on her random question. "Well you asked mine a while ago." She reasoned.
"January nine." He muttered. Then placed his hands on his pocket.
"I'll make sure to remember that." Hermione answered and admired the structure of the astronomy tower. Her eyes darted back to Severus, ad he cleared his throat. Severus ran his hand over his hair. "You are making me guilty. Tell you what. I'll get you one gift. Ask me anything." He gave her a smug look.
"Anything? hmmn. I want you to give me three. Well more like a favor." She smiled at him and raised her brows.
"I'm not a genie." He chuckled and looked at her in amusement.
"You said anything." She shrugged and pushed her hand outwards.
"Fine. What's your first wish?" Severus laughed and walked near the open ledge. Hermione tapped her feet. Trying to think of a wish that would be fitting for this opportunity.
"Well?" He looked back and was greeted by a smirking Hermione.
"I want you to tie your hair back. For the whole day. Tomorrow." She challenged and crossed her hands. She knew how Severus hated someone talk about
"What!?" He frowned and he touched his hair .
"Of all the things to wish. Gods." He shook his head in disbelief.
"That's my first wish, Severus. And i thought that Slytherins stay true to their word?"
Hermione couldn't help but try to hide her giggles. She had settled at the back of the room observing Severus' lecture. Some students had their eyes glued at the potion master.
"Urtica dioica. Who happens to remember what it is?" He paced left to right. But when there was no answer. He stopped and glared down his students.
"URTICA DIOICA!" He roared. Getting most of the class to almost jump from their seats.
"Pay attention!" He walked across the room to look at the Hufflepuff who was staring at him. Signaling it as 'she knows the answers.'
"Ms. Algabre." He hissed.
"…..sir?" He noticed the student gaping at him,that made him uncomfortable. 'Perhaps your observation is wrong.' His mere change in appearance made them stare at him.
"What is the characteristics of Urtica Dioica. Kindly enlighten the rest of the class."
"uhmmn….." The startled student mumbled and started fidgeting on her closed potions textbook.
"5 points from Hufflepuff!." He sighed and looked at Hermione. She noted that look and she smiled at him. 'This is all your fault. Thank God. Its my last class.' He thought.
"Sir?" He looked in front to see a Slytherin raising his hand. The student had given an arrogant tone. The Slytherin student cleared his throat and stood up to answer.
"Isn't this discussion, well discussed before? I perfectly remember it back at Second year."
"Can you prove your point and explain it?" He sneered when the student looked down angrily.
"Typical. 10 points." He smirked then looked at Hermione."Miss Granger if you please?"
"Certainly. Urtica Dioica, also known as the stinging nettle. Is very useful in potions, delicious in soups, and said to give you glossy hair. I wouldn't know. Or care." She smirked and looked at Severus.
"and?" Severus prompted her to continue.
" Well its leaves, as well as being used in potions, can be boiled into a fine soup, and have also been used to treat wounds. Its stem, which the nettle's sting defends it from predators. Can actually injure the harvester, but if you grasp the stem firmly against the direction of growth you will not be stung."
"Yes. That's quite enough. Thank you. Miss Granger."
She nodded and looked over the students.
"Perhaps my next discussion in this class would be far more intellectual than this one. Perhaps a twelve inch essay would help?" He pressed his lips together and narrowed his eyes."It would be passed later this week. Dismissed!"
The students left and Severus sat behind his desk and looked down. But he sighed as his hair didnt fall down to hid his face.
"How was it?" She smiled and leaned lower to look at him.
"It is utterly disturbing." He answered and he ran his fingers up his managed hair.
"Well, i think it suits you." She smiled and cupped his left cheek.
He sighed and caressed her hand softly.
"Thank you. I thought for sure that you would snap and take off the scrunchy." She said then leaned down to kiss his cheek. She stood up and he smiled at her.
"I'll see you at dinner. I need to talk with Minerva." He smiled and cupped her face gently.
"Again?… I see. But-- Ok i'll see you later." She smiled and walked towards the door. She touched the knob but looked over her shoulder.
"Severus, if something is wrong. Please tell me. I would be glad to help." She gave him a nod and left the room.
He grabbed a nearby vial and threw it across the room. Guilt and anger had pushed him. How long can he continue this with Hermione? Minerva and an auror had talked with him last night.
Minerva had sadly relayed the news of another killed muggle family. What's worst is relaying the news to the orphaned muggleborn first year. Some muggleborn students were withdrawn to Hogwarts. He even hidden this to Hermione. The Ministry suggested that recent absences must be fabricated as a vacation. Just so the wizarding famillies would remain calm about everything. But if such deaths continue to increase the fabricated news would soon be revealed as deaths.
He stood up and went outside his classroom. "Another bloody talk with Minerva." he muttered then descended up the stairs.
"How can you persuade Hermione to leave Hogwarts?" Minerva's brows furrowed. she stood up from her chair and summoned a cold bag to relieve her headache.
"I cannot. However i have thought this through and came up with plans." He sighed and shook his head. 'why do i sound so sure about this working out?' He thought that made him scowl even more.
"And these plans are?" Severus looked up at Albus' portrait and shook his head. Albus even as a portrait was commanding him again. How and when will this stop?
"I'll speak to Potter about persuading her to leave my apprenticeship. A Job as an auror would be more fulfilling for her." He suggested but quickly realized how difficult it is to change the mind of the witch.
"I highly doubt that, Severus. Hermione grew fond of this apprenticeship. I noticed this myself.Surely you do too?" Minerva recalled worrily.
"Of course. I do! She is brilliant and i would have personally loved it if she continued but.." He was cut off as Minerva finished his sentence. "Yes, I know Severus. You want her to be safe." Severus nodded slowly. Merlin knows how it would pain him to let anyone be harmed because of him.
"The death eaters, they held their grudges and they know my affiliation with Hermione. She will continue to be a target because of me." He said distastefully.
"But her being an Auror. That will expose her more on the upcoming war." Albus interjected. Severus sighed and gritted his teeth. What options do he still have? " Potter would protect her. It's better for her, than to be here with me."
"I understand.… Are you going to talk to Harry?" Minerva asked then dropped the cold bag on her table.
"Yes. I should talk to him before he contacts Hermione."
"Yes. The sooner the better." Albus agreed with a sad twinkle with his eyes. it had pained him to see Severus once again dealt with a big responsibility in his shoulders. He had asked many things for the potions master. All he wished now is for him to be finally happy but the circumstances are not bloody cooperating.
"Great Job, Mr. Crawford." Hermione smiled and whiffed the scent from the cauldron. She was supervising the class as Severus evaluated her tactness and skills in Potion making. One did say that if you can explain a complex knowledge to a young kid.( not that any of the students are kids they are seventh years for heavens sake) Then you are equipped enough to have full knowledge of the topic on hand. He tried very well to not intervene with this class. its almost as if he's not there.
"It's nearly ready. What have you changed?" Hermione commented on the brew of one of the seventh years.
"I changed the--"
A knock made the students jolt their head at the direction of the door.
It creaked open and the student's mouths dropped open. whispers filled the room. "It's Harry Potter!" "The boy who lived again!" He turned to Hermione and she looked really excited to see her bestfriend. Harry smiled and peeked inside.
"Can i come in?" The auror dressed in his best robes asked.
"YES!" A couple of students exclaimed excitedly-making Severus glare at them. Harry just smiled and went inside.
"Good to see you Professor Snape. May i speak with Her- Miss Granger?" Harry bowed his head in respect.
Severus' eyes widened. 'Not now BOY! ' He sneered and stood up to his full height. If Potter speaks with Hermione now. He might spill the Ministry's plan towards Muggleborns. Potter trusts Hermione with his life and also looks out on the welfare of his friend with long strides he walked on Potter's side and nodded.
"You can of course but, It is only ethical that you talk to her after this class. However, I heard about Minerva wanting to speak to you. Is that what you came here for?"
"Yes. Professor. I just figured since i'm already here it wouldn't be bad to visit Hermione. Maybe catch up even for a short while." Potter looked around the room and smiled. "But since she is preoccupied in the moment. I think i'll go straight on my main task." Hermione smiled and gestured a hand. prompting the auror of her way to say that she'll meet him later.
"I'm on my way there, anyway, Potter. Come along."
Severus was about to exit but he noticed his students were still looking at them. probably amazed by Potter's presence.
"Get back to work!" He said in a calm but commanding way. Harry snorted and walked along side him. 'Things never change
" The auror shook his head in amusement.
"Harry. Great to see you. But. as time is of importance i must get straight to the point." Minerva stated and placed a comforting hand on Potter's shoulder.
"Of course, Headmistress." Harry nodded.
"Severus, Can you please relay the plan to Mr. Potter?" Minerva instructed. They were all seated at a conjured table that she made to accomodate a formal meeting.
"I believe that you came here to inform Hermione about the issue regarding Muggleborns?" Severus started the topic.
"I honestly considered telling her about it, but i assure you that it's not now." Harry added. Severus nodded in relief.' the boy is not a dimwit afterall.' He jided.
"You see Potter. We fear about Hermione's Safety.I want you to persuade her to leave the apprenticeship. She is a target you see." He informed worrily.
"And making her leave Hogwarts will make her more safe?" The young auror clarified his suspicions.
"Yes, She must stay away from me. You see Potter.." He narrowed his eyes and sneered. I cant believe that i'm opening up to Potter. "Hermione and i, we …" He looked down.
"I know professor. Hermione told me." Harry smiled at him and Severus tilted his head in disbelief. She had told Potter and He is ok with it? When? Why? Sheust have told them the day she went to meet with the red heard Weasley err-- Potter. He hadexpected a raging hex from him! but this?
"I don't think that i can persuade her to leave. I never seen her so happy before." Harry admitted and Severus smiled sadly. This is just getting harder the second. How can he continue with his next plan after knowing that information. 'She really cares for you and you make her happy. ' He thought and a sad smile escaped from him.
"I'll try to ask her but i'm not gonna promise that she'll say yes." Tha auror declared making the three other adults nod in agreement.
"Really Harry! You'll come tomorrow for Gilderoy's Class?" She smiled and hugged his friend. Harry had told her this to fabricate their meeting. They are walking together heading to Hagrid's hut. They both smiled remembering how they used to sneak out just to visit the half-giant.
"So its Gilderoy now?" He playfully arched his brow making her blush . She smacked his shoulders lightly making Harry laugh some more.
"Yes, i am. I think i'm going to be his .." he motioned a punctuation and chuckled ".. assistant. How is he anyway?"
"To tell you honestly he is alright. He is a changed man. Very far from when he used to teach." She reassured and rolled her eyes.
"His quizzes is not about his books or his looks?" He asked and Hermione began laughing frantically.
"Anyway, Why does Gilderoy continue to ask assistance with persons that are known to be so skilled for his own good?"
"Yes, Like Snape." Harry raised his brows playfully that made Hermione blush- her cheeks suddenly filled in crimson. " You with the teasing. Enough about him. How are you?" She asked and kicked a pebble from the path and looked at Harry.
"Well, as usual i'm monitoring unusual activities and i'm also handling new recruitments at the moment."
"New recruitments?" Hermione sighed. 'He will really pester you about this.' She confirmed.
"Yes, i wanted to make sure that my aurors are well trained, they should learn from the best." Harry said with a smug look.
"Gods, your arrogance, Harry." She shook her head.
"Speaking of the best. Hermione, can you please reconsider what i asked you back at the castle? Come on give it chance. You will surely be a great asset on our team." He reasoned.
"Harry, not this again. I told you, I'm happy here."
"But Hermione."
"No, Harry. I'm sorry. but i'm flattered that you really think highly of me and me fighting again? i appreciate the things that Aurors do but i dont want to be part of it anymore. I want to be a professor and i'm happy with Severus." She blushed and looked down smilling. Harry nodded and began to worry. If he didn't persuade Hermione then Snape would carry on his second option which in a way Snape described as something that would hurt her. They stopped infront of Hagrid's hut. 'one last time.' He turned to Hermione and looked at her.
"Hermione listen…you can be a valuable auror on our team. If you want I can deploy you in a non-fighting department."
"Not another word, Harry James Potter." She turned towards the door and knocked. Harry sighed and greeted the half giant from his door. 'Snape will consider his second option then. Whatever that is. '
"Er'mione! Ha'rry!!" Hagrid happily greeted and drew them into a big hug.
A/N
Hello Everyone.
A beta already helped me on Chapter one. The other updates will be changes from different chapters.
Hope you enjoyed this chapter. :)
Comment would be awesome.
#Slytherin
