The Broken, the Misunderstood and Misguided Chapter 12, a harry potter fanfic

Chapter Twelve - 'Power and New Revelations'

Hermione was stood next to Harry, Luna and Neville with the cold, Scottish wind blowing down on them. Most students were gathered around in the courtyard area of the castle. There was a massive scuffle about it down every corridor; that is what had lured Hermione out to look.

With Dumbledore been missing for over two weeks Umbridge had more and more power. Placing decrees all over the castle's wall (just outside the Great Hall).

Hermione noticed - from the distance - Severus had approached the scene. Hermione move. Her way over to him. All that could be seen in the middle of the court yard was: Professor Trelawney with a suitcase, Professor McGonagall holding her tight and Umbridge standing with a strong stance; looking as if she had ultimate power over her.

"Severus... Can you not do something?" Hermione asked softly, as she approached him. "She cannot really do this - can she?" Hermione said sadly. Severus and her brushed hands and then gazed into his dark brown eyes.

"There is nothing I can do..." His silky voice said hesitantly wishing he could do something for Hermione's sake. As if Albus had just been summoned: he strolled aggressively out of the large carved oak doors. He stomped his way down to where Umbridge stood.

"You may be able to sac my staff with power from the Ministry, but you cannot banish them from the grounds - the power realises with the Headmaster... Sybil and Minerva, if you would go back inside," Dumbledore swirled on his feet and followed. Umbridge was left dumbstruck and shocked. All the students soon vanished...

Hermione was in shock about the whole situation. She was angered totally by this woman. She hated her. Hermione followed Ron and Harry back to the common room. She started ranting about her hatred towards the woman.

"We have got to stand up for ourselves! We cannot let this carry on - Harry, you are the one that knows most about defending yourself... Could you teach us?" Hermione suggested.

" I could... I guess," Harry mumbled.

"That's a great idea, Mione! Good thinking - we could have a massive group and... Like... Well, could be called Dumbledore's Army?"

"I like it!" Harry stated with a smile.

XXX

Hermione was strolling down the corridor with Neville speaking about 'Dumbledore's Army'.

"Our first lesson tonight!" Neville smiled fondly at Hermione.

"That it is... I think my idea was great; Dumbledore's Army." Hermione said proudly.

"Oh... And what is that, Miss Granger?" Severus asked as he stood behind them both, he was particularly in close proximity with Hermione... Neville turned around and white as white as a ghost, the man whom he had feared the most, was stood right there, hovering over the two of them. He started to shake and Severus couldn't help but smirk.

"Mr Longbottom, you will head back to Gryffindor common room and leave me and Miss Granger to talk," Severus ordered, cocking his head to the side and arching an eyebrow.

Neville stuttered, immediately following orders:
"Er- yes... yes Sir!" he almost fell over his own feet as he scampered off - like a soldier following orders from his Sergeant. Hermione let out a small giggle watching him scamper away.

"You can menacingly cruel," Hermione smirked at Severus looking into his eyes. "What is is you want to speak to me about?" She questioned him softly.

He gave her an evil grin then protested innocently. "I have no idea what you're talking about."

"What's this army you're setting up for the old man?" he chuckled softly.

'He has a wonderful laugh' Hermione thought to herself as she looked at him; she took a step closer to him and ran her fingers along the buttons of his jacket.

"You know exactly what I am talking about," Hermione bit her lip, then began to laugh. "You are very funny - the name was not my idea - Ron's - the plot behind it was my idea. It is just a way we can learn self-defence without any teachers." Hermione smiled at him.

"We wouldn't be setting an army up for 'The Old Man' when he has Professor McGonagall to look out or him," Hermione had to hide her smirk. He watched her fingers closely but made no attempt to move them.

"And who exactly will be teaching you?" he asked, obviously considering something in his mind...

"Harry..." Hermione did not know how Severus would react to this; she knew how he disliked her best friend, and think she knew why. She carried on trailing her fingers around the buttons: from his chest to his stomach.

Severus huffed, "ha, like that will get you far. No...no you need something more. There's no chance me and Potter will last in a room together performing such spells at each other..." he was clearly thinking something through here... Something finally came to him, Hermione could've practically heard his brain whirring.

"Ah! How would you feel if I taught you, and then... what I teach you, you teach your little 'DA'?" he suggested. Hermione pondered on the thought for a few moments then spoke, " I like the idea, Severus. Sounds more feasible," she agreed with him. "Thank you."

She had noticed how his mood had changed as soon as she had mentioned Harry's name. She saw how he had become very tense.

"Hey, don't start becoming tense and angry. Those shoulders will be like steel again," she laughed trying to lighten the mood for him.

Severus smirked and relaxed a little, remembering the massage she had given him in the summer, and the one he had given her.

"Don't feel scared, I will not hurt you," he said reassuringly.

"I am not scared. I know you wouldn't hurt me; you have saved me enough times..." She smiled clasping her hands together. All she could think about was the feel of his fingers on her bare skin in the summer. Why had she mentioned about the massages, she could not keep a straight face and had to smirk at him.

'Don't my mind right now,' she said in a plead within her own mind.

"Then that's settled, you should probably return to your common room, it's getting late," he said - his tone a little sad as he was enjoying her company and her touch on him.

XXX

The next morning at breakfast, everyone had learned that the Ministry had came to arrest Dumbledore the previous night but he had somehow escaped. Umbridge was stood up and was about to give her speech.

"Due to safety reasons, all students are no longer allowed to leave the grounds without being escorted by a teacher," everyone started groaning and mumbling, Severus was wide-eyed himself.

"Silence!" she shrieked, making them all cringe but it did the trick nevertheless...

"In order to keep everyone in Hogwarts... well... in the Castle, we - the Ministry of Magic, have set Dementors outside the gates of the school," everyone was now gasping and looked terrified, and to this point Severus was absolutely fuming.

It was extremely dangerous on his bad circulation problems to be close to any Death Eater, and he would be summonned quite a lot as it was winter. He was pretty sure she was half doing this on purpose and he was livid with the woman.

XXX

Hermione's first defence lesson with Severus was about to happen. She was very nervous, she knocked at his quarters door waiting for him to answer- he soon did, did not take him more than thirty seconds to come to the door. He was wearing jeans... All muggle clothing. Hermione frowned a little, in thought.

'God, he looks good in Muggle clothing' she thought to herself. She then smirked at him as she entered the room.

"What is with these clothes?" She smirked at him.

"Fancied a change, and needed to wear something more comfortable," he said with his usual lip curl.

He shut the door behind her - he'd moved most of his furniture out the way, his rooms looked quite large because of this.

"I want you to attack me," he said as he started occluding his mind to get a good way of how she fought.

"Don't look so scared, I will not allow you to hurt me and nor will I hurt you," he said a little softer.

"Do stop biting that lip though, it is incredibly distracting," he smirked, trying not to laugh. Hermione scowled slightly and stopped biting her lip. She had a very solemn, serious look on her face. She took her stance: legs slightly apart, both knees bent and her golden coloured wand in her right hand.

'Oh, it's on,' she smirked as she thought to herself.

"Stupidfey!" Hermione said, sending a wave of blue light towards Severus. She had been very speedy flicking her wand; but not quick enough, Severus barely moved his arm and he had casted a blocking spell, which shot the blue light into another direction.

"Very nice shot, Miss Granger," Severus said with a sarcastic grin on his face; but he had not said his words in a sarcastic tone, he really did mean the complement to her. She gave him a small smile, and then spoke, "How did you do that without even saying the words out-loud?" Hermione questioned him.

"It is a secret," His silky voice drawled, "I was joking. I will teach you in time, be patient and let me teach you." He said softly this time. "If you stand to your side – like I do – you are more likely to gain more power into you spell." Hermione stood to her side and shook her head.

"That stance does not work for me, it is not comfortable," She whined as if she were a small child wanting something off their parents. Severus could not help but roll his eyes at her.

"Please, Hermione, just try it." He said in his softer-than-soft tone; one he seemed to reserve and use for only her. She nodded in response and began to duel with him. She had struggled to keep up with his fast pace, and now was suffering with heavy breathing because of it. She had put up a fair fight.

'Not a bad little fighter,' Severus thought to himself with a smile on his lips.

"Well done," Severus smiled at her, his usual black eyes were soft – it was clear he was no-longer Occluding his mind – his eyes and began to glitter with admiration towards Hermione. "Thank-you, Severus." She replied looking into his gaze from the distance. Severus took a step closer to her. The air within the room seem to have changed, became more charged and tense.

Hermione began to resume her thinking from earlier: about his fingers massaging her skin.

Severus' hand crept up to her cheek as he touched it and gently brushed it with his index finger. He watched her as her eyes closed when his hand touched her, filling him with a sensation that he'd never felt before - not like this at least.

"Excuse me - Snape! Answer the door immediately," Umbridge's familiar squeaky voice screeched from outside as she hammered against the door.

Severus rolled his eyes, dropping his hand, which was touching Hermione's face. "Why is it that woman annoys me when I least want to be disturbed?" He whispered in an annoyed tone. "Maybe I should just leave it, pretend I'm not here!" He smirked.

Hermione smiled softly up at him, reaching her hand out to grab his own. She did not want him to answer the door to the stupid Toad of a woman. She had a pleading look written over her face and then spoke, "ignore it - she can go fuck herself," Hermione smirked back at him. Her fingers linking into his own.

"Such language, Miss Granger," Severus teased her.

"Severus Snape! I order you to open this door right this minute!" Umbridge was now shouting and Severus was silently laughing at the image of her toad-like features going purple as she shouted.

"Ooh, she's ordering me now," Severus whispered again and continuing to laugh silently.

"You should probably go hide somewhere," he added softly.

Hermione nodded in acknowledgement to what he had said.
"I will go and hide in your bedroom… she will not be going in there," Hermione smirked gently and let go of his hand. She disappeared into his bedroom and hid, she was listening quietly for what was happening. Umbridge huffed loudly when Severus opened the door.
"What on earth were you doing?! I have been at that door five whole minutes – I want some veritaserum…" She began to demand at him. "I have just caught Potter using the Floo in my office – and I want answers from him and Weasley!"

"You have used all that I have left Dolores," Severus stood with his arms folded, giving her an irritated look.

"I'm afraid I can not be of your assistance," he added, adding more to her frustration.

The witch stamped her foot at him.
"Call yourself a Potions' Master? You bloody idiot. Fine, I will be on my way, Snape. But, I want you to brew me some more by tomorrow – otherwise you will find yourself in the same position as Sybil!" She then walked out of the room and went down the corridor.

Severus locked the door behind her and kicked his coffee table over in frustration.

He sat on the sofa with his head in his hands as he rubbed his face to try and stop himself from snapping.

Hermione came out of the bedroom hearing all the noise from outside.

"Are you okay, Severus?" She whispered softly putting her hand on his shoulders and rubbing circles onto his shoulders, trying to calm him and allow him to relax.

"I'm angry with Dumbledore, that woman is virtually running this place, she shouldn't be!" He looked up at her, his eyes were soft and filled with sadness.

"What's this about Potter anyway?" Severus asked arching an eyebrow.

"Contacting Black no doubt?" He added. Oh he had a good idea of who it was, and he didn't like the sound of it one bit. It was a high risk, and was extremely dangerous.

"I agree with you – but that woman had the Ministry to back her. They have too much power," She looked into his eyes; she saw how they had changed from the dark inky colour to the light brown, it showed he was relaxed with her. "Yes, Severus, he is worried about Sirius. He had this – this dream, vision thing about him… being in trouble…He said he was going to check on him using the Floo tonight,"

"You are a very intelligent man; how did you know all this?" She questioned sitting beside him on the sofa.

"I am an Occlumens, Hermione. I understand how the mind works. Yes, even Potter's - as complex as it may be," he looked at the excitement on her face and knew that she had realised how he had been able to read what hexes she had been sending at him earlier. He gave her a mischievous look,
"yes, that is how I do it."

She had began to let out a few small giggles. She had an infectious laugh; wonderful and soft. The light bounced off her hair making it seem golden brown.

"I love the fact you can do that - a very good attribute to have," she laid back on the sofa relaxing in Severus' presence.

Something in his eyes seemed to soften again, as he heard her laugh, a warmth filled him at the fact that he had made her laugh, too - without having to try to either.

"And in time, I intend on teaching you how to do it," he chuckled softly at her reaction. "Don't look so surprised, it may also benefit you, it can be a form of meditation."

She was shocked at his words. She had not expected Occlumency to be taught; it was more a natural gift someone had. She curled her legs under body, feeling very comfortable.

"I hope it could help with not being able to sleep... I struggle with badly sometimes - if I have a nightmare..." She sighed softly and inched closer to him.

"It does in some ways - yes," he said softly.

"Christ! Is that the time? You should head back to your room, quickly. Filch is on duty tonight," he said rather sadly. Hermione pouted and folded her arms.

" I do not really want to," she sighed not willing to move, showing the stubborn side to her. "Severus - you - you know... Could I stay on the sofa for tonight?" She whispered softly very nervously. she just wanted to be near Severus, he calmed her and she could sleep a lot better; she felt ridiculous for asking, but wanted it.

Severus felt his cheeks flush and immediately dropped his head to the floor, allowing his hair to curtain his face. His had reached round to rub at the back of his neck.

"I-I... That's incredibly...risky..." he stuttered. Hermione sighed and got up from the sofa, knowing he was realistically right. She put her robes around herself.

"Yes... Okay. Sorry for even asking - I can be ridiculously stupid at times." She mumbled looking down at her feet. She now felt like an idiot; her cheeks had become red, a crimson blood shade.

"Hermione, wait..." he walked over to where she was - by the door and took hold of her hand.

"You are far from stupid, we just need to be careful," he said softly, threading his fingers through hers.

Hermione stared into his eyes, she had soft eyes. She preferred him like this, he was relaxed. She squeezed his hand gently; then rested her head on his chest, closing her eyes to relax.

"I feel Safe near you...relaxed. I can sleep," she sighed as if it was a pleasant sigh.

"I know, Hermione, it'll be alright. Just give me time to work a way around this," he rubbed his thumb over her knuckles - brushing them gently.

She kept her eyes shut at the skin-to-skin contact, she loved the feel of it; it sent goose bumps throughout her whole body. Hermione nodded in acknowledgement - speechless. Her free hand ran to embrace him, around his waist.

"You have as much time as you need..." She paused and then thought for a moment, " Would you be able to take me to Hogsmeade? I won't be able to by Christmas gifts otherwise... What are you doing for Christmas?" She asked him.

He nodded, "of course, just let me know in advance and I will take you.I was thinking of going back to Spinner's End for Christmas, I can't say I'm feeling up to staying here with Umbridge."

He opened the door for her and checked to see that there was no one else there. Feeling confident, he stepped out with her, and slowly let go of her hand, clearly not wanting to.

"I will escort you back, I think that's the best way - if you do get caught."

Hermione looked at his hand resting by his side, as they began to walk to her common room. She resisted the urge to take hold of his hand, but she brushed her hand against his own.

"Sounds like a good plan for you..." She smiled. She had no idea where she would go... She didn't feel safe at her home... She did not know where her Mother was, so her only option left was the castle.

"I think - unlike yourself - I will be graced with the presence of that witch... There is nowhere else I can go." She tried to laugh it off.

Severus shrugged, "what about the Weasleys'?" he suggested as they started to climb the stairs to Gryffindor Tower.

"No." She flatly refused in a blank tone. " As lovely as Molly and Arthur is Ron and I really have not got on since last year - Harry and I try to avoid him like the plague.

That was a relief to Severus, he had worried that there was something going on between Ron and Hermione.