Disclaimer:- My plot is mine,however, I neither own nor earn anything from this story.Harry Potter and his world are the intellectual property of J.K. Rowling and her affiliates.
A/N:- Now Hermione is on the road to recovery, the fun begins. We're now at the really interesting end of the story. Happy reading…
Chapter XXV – The End Is In Sight
By the time dawn had arrived, Severus was so tired his eyes were only staying open because he was forcing them to do so, and Harry was sound asleep in his chair. The common bond of Hermione had seen the two wizards united in their concern for her, and it had allowed Severus to see Lily's sweet nature shining through in the young man.
That was something Severus had never been able to see before, and it went a long way to allowing him to accept Harry's presence tonight. They had sat in quiet vigilance on either side of her, and as she had woken throughout the night it had seemed to help her.
The matron came and went to give Hermione more potions, but it had always been with a tight mouth, like she disapproved of Severus being there. Severus ignored this because he knew that in the morning her memories of this night were going to be altered to fit with Hermione not surviving the attack.
Hermione had seemed extremely pleased that Harry was present as well, and they both had one of her hands as they sat here now. The sound of approaching footsteps brought Severus back from his thoughts, and regardless of his tiredness, his drowsy brain leap into action. His first ward chimed, and then the second, and the steps abruptly stopped in the doorway.
"I knew I'd find you still here. I'll watch, and you go and get a couple of hours sleep," Minerva stated, as more of a command than a request, as she shook her head and spoke quietly.
Ever cautious, Severus put a silencing charm up around them before he spoke. "No Minerva, there's too many things at stake here at the moment, and besides I promised Hermione I would be here for her."
"No buts, young man, go. Everything is now secure, Albus has closed off the avenue they entered by last night and placed additional protection wards around every entrance, seen and unseen. Ginevra and Draco are safe, Harry is here, and Hermione is recovering. I'll stay with her until you get back, hand the wards over." She looked him up and down, "You're dead on your feet."
Severus thought about fighting her, but her mouth was set and he knew that look. So he ignored her and changed the subject. "It's a bloody pity, Albus didn't think of all those unguarded entries before Hermione was attacked," he spat bitterly. "Him and his grand bloody plan." He grimaced. "There's nothing we can do about it now, it is already in action, and I suppose he wants me to just trust, Potter, as well?" Severus glanced at the still sleeping young man.
Minerva's lips tightened. "Harry launched himself so violently through my floo last night I almost hexed him. Arthur must have told him when he got back last night. But, I don't think we have to worry about his loyalty." She took a breath, and her eyes narrowed. "Albus has escorted Ginevra here as well, and she's safely housed in my guest room with her own guard elf." The Transfiguration professor finally smiled. "I have to say, using the elves in this way is a sheer stroke of genius, Severus. None of us need be at risk from being alone in a situation again."
He nodded. "Yes, I know, Lotti is very fond of Hermione, and the elf has now recruited several other elves as well. You know what they're like, they were happy to be put to some additional service." Severus' eyes scanned back to Hermione and then over to Harry. "I'm glad Miss Weasley is safe." He shook his head. "The Dark Lord sees Hermione as the key to this conflict, which is more perceptive than I gave him credit for. However, his intentions towards Miss Weasley are far more sinister, but thanks to the mad witch's blabbing we've cut off that planned abduction before it happened. I guess we'll all have to find some common ground between us," and he sighed, tiredly rubbing his hands over his face, "and I'll have to explain why the girl has been snatched from his grasp."
Severus glanced around the little room again as a distraction from the thought of what he would have to endure at that meeting with snakeman, and his eyes landed on Harry Potter again, the son of the only other friend he'd ever had, sleeping with his glasses crooked and still holding Hermione's hand.
Then his eyes settled on his much improved lioness and he realised it was all worth it. He sighed, "You can stay if you want, Minerva, but I'm not leaving," and he moved closer, blinking tiredly. As he said this Hermione stirred and pushed herself up a little with only a small grimace and a little hiss at the pain as she saw Severus approaching her bed.
He sat himself on the bed, also hearing Minerva distancing herself to give them privacy. "Are you feeling a little better?" he asked, looking at the phial of pain potion on the bedside table and then picking it up. It was Poppy's habit to leave the potion through the night in case it was needed, a charm made it not noticed until it was due. "Here sweetheart, can you manage to drink this?"
Hermione nodded slightly, and gave him a wane little smile. "But could I have some water first, please?" she asked. "I'm having trouble swallowing, my mouth is so dry."
It was true her voice sounded thick and very dry, and Severus produced a glass of water and handed it to her, she drank shakily and handed it back before taking the potion. Tenderly brushing her hair back away from her face, he asked softly, "Where does it hurt most?"
Hermione happily leant into his touch, nuzzling against his hand. "Mainly my ribs, but I still have a headache."
"Ribs take a long time to heal," he replied. "Don't worry we will get you released, and I'll take you to your own bed where I can look after you."
Hermione smiled and leant further into the thumb stroking her cheek. "Thank you. That would be wonderful."
"What do you want to do about?" he indicated Harry with his head.
"I want to trust him, do you think we can, Severus?" she asked, her lip easily slipping into her teeth.
Severus' eyes narrowed as he watched Harry, he wanted to look at his thoughts, but knowing the link he had with the Dark Lord and also knowing its significance, he left well enough alone. "We have no choice we'll have to; he's part of our plan. However, I think we can provide him with something he can't get anywhere else, and from what I've observed since you originally put the idea in my head, I can see it's something he really wants."
Understanding dawned and Hermione smiled. "Oh Severus, that's inspired, devious," she managed a painful giggle, "but inspired. Do you think Draco feels the same way?"
Severus smiled and nodded. "That, my little lioness is the inspired part, I know he does." He gave her a tender kiss. "It looks like we'll be stuck together, and in hiding until this is ready to be finished." Hermione gave him a puzzled look, and he knew he had to tell her. "Hermione, this war is almost at its climax. Dumbledore thought it best if you and certain other's disappeared until the event takes place," he watched her eyes narrow. "This morning's Daily Prophet will inform wizarding Britain that Hermione Granger died last night after a death eater attack."
"Oh," was all Hermione could manage. Her eyes glanced at Minerva who had come a little closer again, and her head of house nodded in agreement. Hermione's eyes came back to Severus.
"It allows us to train intensely to take advantage of our affinity, hidden from view." He watched her digesting this, before saying, "The potion is almost perfected, and once it is, I believe that the Dark Lord will strike, because he will think Lucius and I are gone, as well as Potter, and that the resistance will be at its weakest. That will give us the element of surprise." Severus chuckled, "And take it from me, he doesn't like surprises."
"Oh," she said, she was definitely not pleased. "You know it's not in my nature to hide," she stated stiffly.
"I am aware of that, but you're not going to be the only one disappearing," Severus said, seeing she was starting to tire again. "Anyway, that is enough talking for the moment, try and get some more rest," he instructed kindly, as he stood. Leaning forward his lips met hers, and gently caressed them, lingering but careful not to hurt her. "I need to attend to several things, but I'll be back just after breakfast," he whispered, drawing an audible breath as he carefully placed a line of kisses all the way to her ear.
Apart from the fact she was displeased with the development of her forced disappearance, her still foggy, potion doped brain, realised there was nothing she could do about it. The decision had been made around her, it was too late to object, and at this very moment she wasn't certain she had the energy. The Prophet was, no doubt, already printed and would be winging its way to homes as they spoke. So sighing, she smiled, "And I'll be waiting," she whispered in return.
Pulling back a little to examine her face, Severus' eyes were captured by hers, he could see that the swelling was gone and she could see properly now. However, the offensive inky marks around them still tore at his heart; they were faded significantly but still present, and he reluctantly released her and stepped back.
Collapsing tiredly back onto the pillows, she sighed, but encouraged, "Do try to get some sleep yourself, dear man, and thank you for staying with me."
He nodded, but simply said, "I'll be back after breakfast," he repeated.
Hermione smiled once more and slid further down the pillows, her hair fanning over it like an out of control halo. Severus smiled as he regarded her, he couldn't wait until he saw her doing the same between the satin sheets of their own bed. "I'll see you soon," and he strode from the room with fierce determination.
Hermione, as sore as she was, couldn't help the flame of desire that licked through her at the look on his face. Casting her eyes down at the ugly hospital robe, she yearned for one of her silk nighties. Up until last year, she had always worn practical sleep wear, well no more. Life was too short for that, you needed to enjoy every minute, and she intended to do just that. She didn't even blush this time as she blatantly tried to imagine what he would look like thrusting passionately between her thighs, and her twisted little smile made its first post trauma appearance, as her eyes turned to the door, hearing Minerva, and she blushed.
"You need rest young lady, best not to think things like that in your state," said a very amused looking head of Gryffindor, from the doorway.
Now wide awake, Hermione chuckled, "Oh, is it that obvious?" and her lip slipped between her teeth again. "I thought you wouldn't approve."
"My dear, it's been that obvious for a long time now," her mentor said kindly, sitting down next to her, "and I think it's wonderful." She smiled at Hermione's expression, "I haven't always been old you know, I do vaguely remember what it's like to be in love." They both laughed, but Hermione immediately grimaced holding her ribs. Minerva did the same in sympathy, and inhaled deeply, which brought Hermione's attention to her. "Besides, I can say such things to you, because I now have proof of a claim on your affections as well," she smiled when Hermione's expression turned from interest to puzzlement. Minerva dug into the pocket of her robes. "I hope this is a good get well, Christmas present for you," she finished, handing Hermione a sheath of parchment.
The young woman shot her another puzzled look and unrolled the official looking document.
Minerva kept talking while Hermione read. "This arrived yesterday afternoon. I hope it resolves an issue for you. I had been planning to tell you last night when you arrived at my office, unfortunately…"
Harry had been sound asleep until this point, but now Severus' silencing charm had been lifted when he left, he started to stir hearing their talk. As the sleep started to leave his eyes he realised his glasses were the reason he couldn't focus, and straightening them he took in the intense expressions of the two women on the bed. Then the happy gasp that escaped Hermione as she perused the contents of the parchment, and looked back to her head of house with tears in her eyes.
"I have always had a keen interest in the wizarding equivalent of the Muggle science of Genealogy," Minerva continued seeing Hermione glance up at her. "Mainly because of an anomaly in my own family," she raised a hand to the young woman's cheek. "Which has now just been solved for me."
Hermione spluttered incoherently, unable to make any intelligent remarks at all, it all seemed too amazing.
This made Minerva chuckle. "Would you like a picture of your mother?" The head of Gryffindor watched as Hermione nodded, her mouth slack and useless, but her arms reached out and shakily pulled the elder woman to her.
"So, you're my aunt?" she asked.
"Yes, my dear, great aunt. You are my sister's, daughter's child." They held on tightly for some moments, and finally Minerva guided the shaking Hermione back onto her pillows, as euphoria finally left enough for her to grimace at the pain she had just inflicted on herself by moving so rapidly. Hermione panted, but managed to say, "I always knew you were going to be special to me."
Minerva graced her with a smile and dug in her pocket again to withdraw the photo. "As soon as I saw you in the robes Draco helped you choose, I was certain my suspicions were correct. This merely confirms them." Hermione gazed down at the photo of an older version of herself in traditional robes, smiling back at her. "Although, I'm sorry to say that your mother is not with us anymore, although I'm sure you know that from your birth certificate," she watched Hermione nod as she ghosted her fingers over the picture.
The austere professor was wishing she could have been the bearer of better tidings for her niece. "I had been planning to allow you to tell Severus, but I ended up blurting it out to him last night in my distress over what had happened to you. The poor man, as if he wasn't having to bear enough already."
"Yes, he certain does have a lot to deal with."
"He is so exhausted, after everything yesterday and beside himself with worry over you. I hope he sleeps before he takes you home."
Hermione bit her lip. "And it must have been hundreds of times worse for him, not being able to come and rescue me himself."
Harry had been sitting there quietly listen all this time. Even though had known about Hermione's interactions with the professor, he had never seen them for himself until last night. In fact, Harry was simply in shock at how much different all the Slytherins Hermione trusted were to what he'd known from how Ron had told him. In fact, Harry realised that his whole outlook about Slytherin house had been cultured from Ron's prejudices. Harry had been visiting Draco regularly since the incident in the Potions classroom, and both his father and Draco had been polite and hospitable to him. He was very pleased to admit that privately Draco and he were rapidly becoming very good friends. Of course, he had told no one about this yet. Hermione and Ginny was the only friends he had who would understand his need for Draco, and out of those two only Hermione knew at the moment, although, considering his friendship with Ginny—that ran very deep-he really should have told her first.
He watched as Minerva nodded and the young woman fell back grimacing and holding her ribs again. Her expression soon settling into one of adoration.
"He's such an amazing man," Hermione sighed.
Both Harry and Minerva could see the love she felt radiating off her gaze.
"I'm so lucky," Hermione continued and then her tears started. "I've finally found out how he felt. At long last, he's allowed himself tell me," a little gasp left her lips. "He wouldn't let anything happen before I'd graduated."
"I know," Minerva responded, reaching for the cloth Poppy had left as bloody coloured mucus started oozing from Hermione's mended nose as she cried. "Here," she said, "wipe very carefully before it gets everywhere, it's the dried blood that was still up your nose."
Hermione cautiously wiped the bloody mess away. "That he's been..." she continued, trying not to sob again. "It must have hurt him so much," then gazing at her elder, now aunt. "I have loved him for so long, and I thought he hated me."
"Well, I did try to drop some hints, if you remember," Minerva told her.
"I know," Hermione replied, starting to giggle through her tears.
"There was little he could do while you were still a student, even if you were an adult, but now you're not," she leant forward and rubbed her arm. "It will still be difficult, especially now until the war is over, but we'll just take it a day at a time and keep it to the trusted few."
Hermione nodded, but sniffed which started the blood again.
"Sniffing only makes the blood worse, Hermes, take it from the victim of many broken noses" said a voice that made both women jump, and they turned to see Harry Potter's serious face staring back at them.
They were both watching him wearily as he rose and came over to the bed. Hermione was wearing a horrified expression, but he took both her hands and leaning forward, kissed her forehead, eager to reassure her he was a safe hand. "I think it's wonderful that you have resolved your origins, and I have always known that there was something... well undefined between you and Snape. So really, now you're an adult, it comes as no great surprise that you've found each other."
"Harry, I thought it would horrify you."
"Hermione, Snape…"
Hermione looked at her friend hard again over the dropped title, and he had the grace to flinch.
"Professor Snape, is the only other person I've met who's as intelligent as you," he huffed, "Well, you and he are able to communicate on a different wavelength to the rest of us. That's something that none of us can give you, even I can comprehend that. When he offered you that apprenticeship I knew something had to be in it for him, he's Slytherin after all."
Hermione sighed. "He recognised that I was bored senseless, and was the first one to offer me something more fulfilling to occupy my time." She looked coy. "I'm very grateful to him, he's amazing, and yes I know you hate him so spare me the look."
"Hermes I don't exactly hate him anymore. Now I've grown up a bit," he looked awkward and sighed. "And well I've realised life is not just black and white." His eyes met hers, "And all the things Sirius told me... the things he bragged about doing to him," he shook his head. "Even though I loved my godfather fiercely, well it kind of turned my stomach. I came to realise, watching them interact, that Snape… That, Professor Snape," he smiled and nodded at her, "was the better man. He constantly tried his best to ignore the taunts that Sirius always initiated, and when he did lose it, it was only after sustained hassling by Sirius." He watched her a moment and then added, "And then last night, I saw that he's not the man I thought he was. It's so obvious that he loves you, and I think he'll be everything you've ever wanted."
If she'd been able to she would have launched herself into Harry's arms. "Oh Harry, I'm so pleased you've finally worked that out." As it was, she said it grimacing again as she reached for him.
Harry suddenly laughed. "So when's the wedding?"
"Harry!" Hermione exclaimed blushing brightly, and looking towards Minerva, who smiled despite herself as Hermione added sagely, "I think maybe that subject should be left in the same category as your feelings for Draco, at the moment ay?" They looked when they heard Minerva's rapid intake of breath before Harry laughed louder.
"Fair point, sister dear," he cackled and very carefully pulled her back into a hug.
Painfully pulling back enough to see his face, "Harry," she said as she earnestly regarded him. "Please don't let idiot boy come between us again. I need you, Harry."
Harry nodded. "I'm sorry, I thought..." he looked down, "I was... confused."
"Harry, I understand why you did it, and I don't blame you at all." She screwed up her face again from the pain her activities caused her and added in a warning sort of voice. "Just don't do it again." But her voice was starting to sound breathy and exhausted.
After a moment, Harry cast a serious look at both women. "I believe I understand how important this is, but what about Dumbledore?" Harry asked, then his expression turned troubled. "He has been very strange lately, even paranoid and unpredictable," the young man said, looking down. When his eyes came back up, his gaze was serious. "Ma'am, please take this the right way, but can wizards suffer from Dementia?"
"Oh, Harry, my boy, that's a rather large statement, what makes you think this?"
"Well, my uncle's sister, Marge has just been diagnosed, and I was reading some of the literature that was around the house before I came back this year," his mouth went suddenly dry. "Well it sounds just the way Dumbledore is, as well."
"Mmm, it is something to consider," Minerva said thoughtfully.
While they had been talking, Hermione had been resting back against her pillows listening, and watching the photo of the woman she still held. The woman in the picture would smile then bite her lip and smooth her riotous curls. "What was my mother's name, Ma'am?" she asked suddenly.
Minerva looked back at her startled, after the conversation she had just had with Harry. "All my nieces and nephews call me Aunt Minerva, dear, if you would like."
Hermione smile, it actually felt right.
"And your mother's name was, Diana Heather May McDonald," Minerva told her.
Hermione felt her throat constrict and her vision blur, and Minerva reached forward, just as careful as Harry had and gently offered comfort.
They were sitting quietly when Poppy bustled in like a starched white nun, she looked around. "How many breakfasts should I order?" she asked officiously, as she checked Hermione over. "Are you feeling better this morning?"
"Yes thank you, Matron," Hermione replied.
"Three please, Poppy," McGonagall stated, and taking a breath she prepared to continue, but thought better of it.
The matron busied herself collecting the soiled clothes and empty phials. "What made your nose bleed?" she asked curtly.
"Oh, I got a little upset."
"Mmm, the blood is the side-effect of the broken nose, when did you take the potion?"
Hermione looked to Minerva.
"About six o'clock, Poppy," the elder Gryffindor answered.
"Very good, I shall send breakfast in when it arrives," and she was gone again.
Hermione was starting to feel tired again, when a small pop took her attention, and without even looking Hermione said, "Good morning, Lotti."
"Lotti is being pleased to see little miss is safe," the elf squeaked happily.
"Little miss is also pleased to see Lotti, thank you, my little friend." She watched the elf's ears stand erect, and she recognised that as pleased. Then she looked at the three mugs, and snickering quietly said, "Well, Severus is up again, I do hope he got some sleep."
"How do you know that?" asked Harry, puzzled.
"This," Hermione said pointing to the mugs. "Oh Harry, you're in for a treat," she enthused as Lotti offered them one each. "This tea is almost orgasmic it's so good," she continued.
McGonagall chuckled, "Actually, that describes it perfectly, doesn't it?"
Hermione nodded and they both laughed, making Hermione clutch her side once more as Harry gazed into the cup like it might contain poison. They watched him sniff it, take a tentative sip then another, and then a smile spread across his face. "Oh my god, you're right. What's in it?"
"Ah," said Hermione in her best Severus impersonation. "Would you have a brewer give up all his secrets, my love," she crooned, and then giggled. "Damn, that works so much better if you can do the eyebrow thing as well," she said, and chuckled again.
Harry looked on still thinking it all a little surreal, but surprising not caring, and he turned his attention to the professor as she spoke.
"Well if he won't tell you, then the rest of us have no hope," Minerva laughed. They were still laughing when Lotti returned, having asked if she could bring their breakfasts as well.
Harry reflected on it all as he quietly sat eating, it was almost like he'd been thrust into an alternative universe, with a kind and gentle Snape, Gryffindors who trust Slytherins; especially Malfoy's, and where his best friend has not only finished school but was now a member of staff, and possibly a pure blood witch.
He suddenly appreciated he had been allowed into an undisclosed world, a world Hermione had obviously been admitted to some time back, and that this was an opportunity. He so wanted to get to know Draco on a more intimate footing, but apart from the occasional friendly conversation (in secret), he never thought he would get the chance. Oh god, he groaned to himself. Draco makes me so hot. When Hermione told me that she thought Draco was gay, I'd sobered quickly thinking we'd never be allowed to socialise, but then as we've become better acquainted, again through Hermione's efforts. Well, here is my opening to get to know him even better.
Harry wanted to be true to himself, and he was heartily sick of Ron's homophobic everything anti-Slytherin idiocy, and his thoughts went back to Draco. He was glad he had the tray on his lap though, because thinking about shagging Draco was making him so hard.
Breakfast finished, Hermione called Lotti again. "Lotti, could you help me use the bathroom, please."
Lotti nodded and levitated Hermione in without further instructions and the door shut. Minerva and Harry talked quietly while waiting for Hermione, and Severus came back as well.
"Hermione's in the bathroom," Minerva informed him.
"Oh," he replied, then his eyes landed on Harry. "Still here, Mr. Potter?"
"Stop it Severus, we have come to an understanding, haven't we, Harry?"
"I hope so, Professor," Harry responded cautiously, looking at the weary look the Potion master was levelling at him.
"We shall see, Mr. Potter," and he turned his attention to the empty bed again.
Finally the bathroom door opened and Lotti levitated Hermione, dressed in her own bed clothes, but plainly exhausted, back onto the bed. "Thank you, Lotti" she said weakly. "Hello Severus, love," she continued, gazing at him.
"Lotti is pleased to serve, little miss, can Lotti be helping little miss back to her quarters?"
Severus looked at the elf. "No, we'll be right." He moved to the bed and sat down. "Hello, sweetheart," he replied softly, glancing at Harry before tentatively leaning forward and kissing her. "You look brighter," he said quietly, and lifting a hand to her face, he added, "Bear with me a moment, Albus is fixing the Hufflepuff meddler as we speak, he'll be here shortly," Severus assured her, "and he'll make the room look like the matron has cleaned it up after the unthinkable has happened." Stroking Hermione's face he sighed, he gave her a lingering kiss, before whispering, "Even though we know it didn't."
Moments later, Dumbledore appeared in the doorway. "Ah, Miss Granger, good to see you looking much better this morning." He turned to Severus, "Everything set, and you better leave before she comes round."
Severus rose and opened a portal into his sitting room, he ushered his companions through, and turning back to Hermione he gently swept her into his arms and carried her through. The last thing Hermione saw as she passed into the sitting room was Albus waving his wand, and the room instantly arranging itself like she'd never been there.
Walking quickly with Hermione to her bed, he heard Harry and Minerva trailing after him. "I'll leave you with Minerva to help you get comfortable, and I'll come back with your potions when you're ready."
Hermione smiled wanly, and Severus looked at Harry. "Come, Mr. Potter, we'll leave the women to themselves."
Harry didn't answer, he merely followed. He was still far too confused by all the new alliances he had just discovered to comment.
Harry and the professor were in the lab and Severus was gathering potions. Harry was awkwardly hanging by the door, when the Potion master spoke. "You will forgive me for being weary of you, Mr. Potter. You bear an uncanny resemblance to your father, and my history with him is disastrous," Snape stated dispassionately. "Although, last night I saw you've inherited aspects of your mother's sweet nature, and that has allowed me to overlook a lot."
"Err, thank you, sir," Harry replied.
"But be warned young man, as far as I'm concerned you're still on probation. In my opinion you have always been a loose cannon." He allowed his serious gaze to linger on Harry. "Here is your opportunity to prove me wrong. There is everything at stake here, and let me tell you, we will all topple like a house of cards should anything go wrong."
Harry stood watching the now pacing Potions professor. "Sir, I appreciate what you're saying. Please know that my priorities have changed. Last night, I had to go through the silly idiot I still thought harboured at least some feeling of friendship towards me to get to the floo at The Burrow. He was trying to stop me coming," he shook his head. "Somehow, I don't think we'll be friends anymore, and I have two friends who have always supported me, no matter how big an idiot I was." He looked down, embarrassed. "I had to make a choice, sir, and I chose for my own sanity, because Ron seems to have issues with everyone else I wish to be friends with, even his own sister." He looked to the Potion master, who was now giving him his whole attention. "In fact, Ron would never comprehend any of this, he doesn't have the facility."
Severus observed him steadily. "The question is though, Mr. Potter, do you?" Snape's dark eyes bored into him. "Can you comprehend just what is going on here, just how important this all is?"
Harry nodded, "Yes, I believe I can, sir."
"I sincerely hope so, because I'll only warn you once, if you cross me, don't expect to live long after doing so, and if you hurt Hermione again do not expect to ever father any children," he advised seriously, his eyes cold obsidian menace.
"Dually noted, sir," and Harry swallowed hard, knowing that the man was perfectly capable of carrying out his threats. "You will have no reason to take that course, I'm certain of my alliances," Harry replied steadily holding his gaze.
"Indeed," the Potion master smoothed silkily.
Harry was relieved that his statement hadn't been met with more stinging vitriol as he had expected, and he stood watching the professor silently for a time. Finally he scoffed to himself. If anyone had told me this morning when I woke up that I'd be in a different world, and by mid-morning would be discussing this with Snape, I would have laughed at them. As it was, he felt like he needed a good lie down and a cold compress, but he settled for continuing to watch Snape picking potions out of the cupboard.