29.

"'Ave another scone, Miss 'Ermione."

"Hagrid, please. They'll have to roll me to the apparation point."

"Not like ye can't use a little more fillin', if ye don't min' me sayin's so's."

"'Course not, Hagrid. We've known each other too long, haven't we?"

"That's we have, that's we have." Hagrid bit into his scone, losing part into his beard. It was the fourth or fifth time he'd had to go searching his locks and Hermione shook her head in amusement.

"You could just tie a cloth around your beard when you eat, you know?"

"'Course could, but then it weren't look so good sittin' in the Great Hall. Can ye picture them younguns laffin' at me?"

"Oh, they wouldn't dare," Hermione stifled another laugh at the visual, "but even if they did, it wouldn't be mean spirited."

"No supposin' not. Speakin' o' mean... " Hagrid glanced at Lockhart and Draco talking quietly in a corner. "Still quite the surprise to see Master Malfoy here and in such humor."

Hermione watched the young man talking with Lockhart. Draco was very at ease. He didn't sneer so much and occasionally his face would be lit with a smile. Hermione conceded the blonde Slytherin' was quite handsome, that is, when he wasn't being such a bastard. Hermione pursed her lips, "guess it's being away from his father that's done him mostly good." She didn't think mentioning Draco's possible preference for Lockhart an appropriate remark.

"Aye, that probably be it." Hagrid paused uncomfortably and looked Hermione over warily, "Uh, Miss 'Ermione, I've somethin' to tell ya."

"Yes? What is it, Hagrid?"

"Well, uh, it be I were walkin' 'bout the grounds t'other day... and well I saw Mr. Ron Weasley walkin' about, too."

"He delivers here quite often for his brother's shop, Hagrid."

The half-giant fidgeted. "Supposin' so, but... 'e was walkin' wit Mr. Filch."

Hermione shrugged and sipped her cocoa.

Hagrid tapped his fingers together worriedly. "And... wit Misses Filch."

Hermione's brows raised in surprise, "oh?" She hadn't expected that.

"Now, Miss 'Ermione, I don' know all's been goin' on. I's not the brightest, but seems they was lookin' 'appy." Hagrid began straightening his beard. "Thought you'se should know."

Hermione gave him a lackluster smile, "'course, Hagrid. Thank you."

"And... Miss 'Ermione?"

"Y-yes, Hagrid?"

He blushed and eyed the floor, "time's be short 'fore the Ministry's Law be takin' 'fect." He cleared his throat. "And... I's wantin' ya ta know, if ye need me ta... I'd stand ups wit ya... if ye wanted me to... "

Hermione stared at him in wonder. "Ha-agrid, oh, Hagrid. That's... I mean... I wouldn't... that is.... that's the kindest thing I've ever heard." She crimsoned, "I don't, that is, thank you for the offer, but I'm working on a proposition."

Hagrid blew out his breath in great relief, "Ah, you gots your heart set, I see. Ah, good, good. Fine... fine. That be done then? But not wit Mr. Weasley?"

"Uh, no, Hagrid, and I'd rather not say right now as things could still go wrong."

"Surely, surely. Jus' 'member though. If things do... I'd still be willin'."

***

They left not long after. Snape was in the same stoic position, perhaps sterner if that were possible.

McGonagall and Flitwick walked them back to the apparation point and returned to their duties once the group had popped out of existence.

Snape unwarded his home, held the door open and shut and re-warded it after they were all inside. He went into his study and only came out for a hurried dinner. Even when Hermione pointedly asked him questions, he only gave a curt inclination of his head and silence.

It was one thing to be ignored, it was quite another for the professor to dismiss her callously.

Hermione spent the next two days pounding up and down the stairs, speaking loudly, laughing too much and rattling the knob of the study door. When he wasn't locked in there, or sitting to eat, he managed to scurry past to lock himself into the cellar. Increasingly frustrated, Hermione began snapping at her visitors.

And that is how she found herself in an increasingly heated argument with none other than her beloved Deputy Headmistress Minerva McGonagall.

The third day of the professor's self-imposed disregard for her existence began innocuously enough. Ginny had her session and left quickly on the arm of a glowering Harry. Somehow, she wasn't certain exactly how, Hermione had managed to insult Harry in the lean minute they were alone before the study door opened.

Moments before Harry's arrival, she had insinuated to Lockhart that he was a one-trick-pony. He managed to give her a sad, yet comprehending look before bundling Draco off to his room to play a stupid muggle board game.

Minerva arrived to check on her which managed to raise Hermione's hackles even more.

"Miss Granger, there is no reason to shout at me."

"I am not shouting, Professor, I am trying to make my point."

"And I have explained already, Miss Granger, that we are working on a way to bring Mr. Malfoy to justice. However, it is very difficult to find corroborating evidence which is both substantial and lucid to present to the Wizengamot."

"Then you all are clearly not trying hard enough!"

"Miss Gra-"

"What am I supposed to do when school starts?"

"We have gone over this... Mister Snape, Professor Lockhart, Headmaster Flitwick... even myself will ensure your safety."

Hermione snorted, "you all couldn't keep Draco from attacking me! How the hell are you going to prevent Mr. Malfoy!"

Minerva hardened her mouth, "those wards have been changed, Miss Granger, as I have already explained. It was an unfortunate in- "

"Hah! Unfortunate? You weren't the one with your skivvies off!"

"Miss Granger!"

"Perhaps I should report your reprehensible dereliction of student safety to the Ministry."

Minerva was dumbfounded, "Miss Granger!"

"It's not like this was the first time Hogwarts has been breached. If it wasn't for Harry, Ron and myself... Professor Snape... Who knows what else might have happened over the years?!"

"Miss Granger, you know very well the extenuating circumstances for each of those incidents. All of your professors, Dumbl- "

"Don't even bring him into this! He was the worst of all!"

"Miss Granger, you don't mean that?"

The doorbell rang. The study door flew open and Snape was unwarding and beckoning in Mrs. Malfoy. Hermione felt a heavy weight settle into her legs.

Mrs. Malfoy glided through the opened door and graced them both with her smile.

"Why, Minerva," glinted Narcissa, "a pleasure to see you as always."

Minerva inclined her head, "Mrs. Malfoy. You are looking well."

Narcissa turned to Hermione with a look the girl could not comprehend. She stressed the girl's salutation in an odd way, "Miss Granger."

Hermione's heart chilled. She barely gave a curtsy and responded automatically, "Mrs. Malfoy."

Narcissa gave her a quick glare before returning a grin.

Minerva spoke up eagerly, "Mrs. Malfoy, has there been any new evidence since we last spoke?"

"Hmmm, yes, there has." She turned and possessively placed her hand onto Snape's arm. She spoke his name languidly, "Sev-er-us, I would like to speak with you privately."

"Of course. My time is yours." He led her away.

Minerva scrutinized Hermione watching Narcissa. "Miss Granger?" She waited until the girl returned her attention. "Has Mrs. Malfoy threatened you in any manner?"

Hermione shook her head, "not a threat, not exactly."

Minerva tried to hide her disquiet. "Miss Granger, the Ministry is working to convince Mrs. Malfoy to give evidence against her husband."

Hermione raised her brows, but did not respond.

"While I disagree with the political procedure, if you truly desire Mr. Malfoy to be imprisoned and your safety ensured, you should show Mrs. Malfoy deference."

Hermione didn't answer. She scowled at the door as she non verbalized various spells to counter Snape's - all to no avail.

"Miss Granger?"

"It's alright, Professor McGonagall. I won't do anything to jeopardize the investigation." She quirked her brow, "'sides, everything's in my favor anyway."

***

Lockhart preceded Draco down the steps. They both acknowledged Hermione's continued stare at the study door, gave each other a questioning glance and went into the kitchen.

Lockhart began instructing Draco in the preparation of a mince pie.

"Eww, really, sir?"

Lockhart smirked, "really, Master Malfoy."

Draco continued kneading the dough, his face, hair and arms dusted with flour.

Lockhart couldn't help chuckling at the ingenuous boy.

Not too long ago Draco wouldn't have even considered assisting in the kitchen, let alone troubling himself to prepare the meal.

"Besides, once you add the brandy, it all tastes so much the better."

Draco laughed. He was more surprised than anyone at his adaptation to this new world. Free of his father's hand... and wand. Free of his mother's cloying, and rather inappropriate attentions. Free of expectations, Draco felt himself relaxing, yet still very unsettled.

What if his father went to Azkaban? What would become of him? Would the potion shop his father purchased for him go into default? If so, where would he live when his schooling ends? His father had waited on purchasing the estate. How would he get by? Would his mother lose her money, too? And even more troubling... what if his father didn't go to Azkaban? Draco shivered at the unwelcome prospect.

Lockhart leaned in to examine Draco's progress with the dough. "Ya know, that looks exactly like the backside of a man I knew in Upper Flagley... "

Draco grinned as he continued kneading while listening to Lockhart's amusing story. Lockhart had hundreds of stories, each more ludicrous than the last. Draco knew many of them were unfounded or were someone else's life, but it didn't stop the delight in hearing them. They were mostly glamorous adventures, but then there were other stories of a surprisingly sexual nature. Those Draco was positive belonged to Professor Lockhart alone. The details were too... explicit.

That was another thing... when Lockhart divulged his predilection, Draco hadn't been as shocked as he'd expected himself to be. No, he'd actually been curious and somehow... expectant.

Draco should have been rightly pissed at the thoughts he now had. His father and mother certainly would never permit him to think such things, but he began to wonder.

He scrunched up his face and rolled the dough out and thought of a fellow Slytherin. Before he'd finished pinching the pastry into the pie plate, Draco had already decided. He didn't care what trouble he'd get into or what anyone thought, he was going to owl Blaise Zambini.

***

Hermione was ensconced in a book when Mrs. Malfoy exited Snape's study and left. She didn't note Hermione's watchful gaze and Hermione did her best to pretend to be reading.

Snape warded the door and locked himself back in his study.

***

After another delicious dinner crafted solely by Draco, with a touch of verbal prompting from Lockhart, Snape beckoned Hermione into his office.

"Have a seat at the desk, Miss Granger."

A thick parchment of several sheets was splayed on the blotter. Hermione glanced at it nervously.

"Go ahead, Miss Granger. Read it. It is for your perusal." Snape went over to the settee and sat stiffly on the cushions.

Hermione began reading the papers, skimmingly and then quicker in time with her heartbeat. She glanced up several times to verify the professor had not left or moved.

"Professor?"

"Yes, Miss Granger?"

She said with precise casualness, "might I have a drink, sir?"

Snape came over to the desk, opened a bottom drawer opposite to the one with the dead animals and extracted two large glasses and two heavy bottles. One had something pinkish and the other something purple. He held them aloft and questioned her with his brows raised, "do you wish to not remember, yet enjoy yourself thoroughly, or do you wish to remember, but not regret it?"

Her jaw lowered. She couldn't tell if he was being funny.

Snape was still questioning her with the liquor.

"Uh, could you make what you were drinking the other day?"

"A wise choice." He took the pink potion and swirled the slender glass stoppers in both glasses. Hermione's brow raised. Apparently the fumes alone were potent. He then filled both with the purple liquid. He reached into the drawer and pulled out a small phial. He put five drops into his beverage with a pipette.

"What does that one do, sir?"

"It renders the drinker impotent."

"You're kidding!"

"Being as it is my own invention, decidedly not, Miss Granger."

"Wh-why would anyone need to become impotent?"

"You have comprehended my status amongst the Death Eaters. Obviously, it stays unpropitious occurrences." He scrutinized Hermione a moment and put two drops into her drink, paused and added a third.

"Oh. Is it permanent?"

"Not that I have noted as yet."

He picked up his drink, downed it whole and refilled his glass again. Snape then walked over to the settee and visibly relaxed.

Hermione lifted the dark substance to her nose. She was not proficient in alcoholic beverages, but she'd thought the concoction smelled familiar. Taking a small sip, she winced as it burned her tongue. Suddenly, much as the sensation of apparating, she felt a nothingness clouded with silence and then a warmth as crawling under a woolly blanket on a chilled night. Or, what she suspected placing her hands under a certain Professor's coat would be like. Did I just say that?

She took a large swallow and mulled over the contract in front of her.

After a third and extraordinarily thorough reading, she sat back in her... his chair. He was still seated on the settee, balancing his glass on his knee. Completely relaxed, he was twirling his wand casually. Wand... wands... my wand.

"Might I have my wand back now, sir?"

"No, Miss Granger."

"It is imperative, sir, for performing a diagnostic."

"On whom, Miss Granger?"

"On you, sir."

He smiled in a slowly disarming way, "on me, Miss Granger? I am not ill."

"A diagnostic spell to detect if you've been bewitched or placed under the Imperius Curse."

"Why do you suspect I have been placed under a spell?"

"Because you've told me you'd never offer me an apprenticeship."

He didn't answer.

"And since you are now offering me an apprenticeship in potions, I can only assume Mrs. Malfoy has hexed you."

He didn't answer.

"Has she?"

"Has who what, Miss Granger?"

She was becoming annoyed, "Has Mrs. Malfoy hexed you, sir?"

"No, Miss Granger, Mrs. Malfoy has neither hexed me nor bewitched me nor placed me under any Curse." He cocked his brow, "Narcissa has, however, made an offer which I have conceded will be amenable to all interested parties."

Hermione was immediately irritated. Somehow Mrs. Malfoy had gotten her thumb into Hermione's Snape pie. She snapped out, "all?! Shouldn't you have consulted me first?"

He looked at her with surprise, "is that not what I am doing, Miss Granger. The contract is satisfactory, is it not?"

"Uh, um, exceptionally satisfactory, sir. I'd say it was excessively lucrative." She flipped a page and skimmed it with a finger. "Three years with pay... supplies and a lab... paid. " She flipped to another page. "Conference trips... paid... three days a week off... the month of December and two in the Summer... an... an apartment in Diagon Alley and a settlement for a house... Sir, this is beyond generous!"

"The apartment is necessitated as you would be frequenting the clientèle as part of learning business practicals." Her pursed his lips, "also, I believe Mr. Weasley will appreciate the proximity to his brother's shop. The settlement for a house will not come into bearing until nearing the end of your training. You will require a domicile that is suitable for a Potions Mistress while providing for your burgeoning family."

"But, sir, you don't... that is, you haven't the funds for,' she waved her hand over the contract, "all of this."

"No, I do not, Miss Granger, however, I shall."

Hermione scowled, "Mrs. Malfoy is going to pay for these things?"

"In a manner of speaking, yes, but in a manner of speaking, no."

She evaluated him. He was calm and open, apparently confident as to her reactions. It had been nearly three days since he'd even spoken to her and here he was... accessible.

Thinking of him pulling her into her arms and kissing her, pulling her onto his lap, she suddenly longed to touch him. She shook her head slightly. Just when had she developed a crush on her former professor? She had no idea.

Thinking back, she remembered the first time he had looked at her so openly. It was first year and those fathomless eyes coupled with his heady voice had rattled her immensely.

He had been the tallest, darkest and coldest man she had ever met at her tender age of eleven. It wasn't so much that he intimidated her, although she conceded he was perhaps the most intellectually acute, but rather the fact he could discount her presence so easily.

If it hadn't been for her proximity to Harry, would he ever have looked at her twice? Not that he did anyway despite her continuously seeking his attention.

She could abide being discounted by the other students, but him... she craved any attention he would give her. Even his glares. Even his criticisms. Anything to make him aware she was not any student, she was not any girl. She was Hermione Jean Granger and she would do anything he wanted... if he would only look at her and talk with her like she was worthy of his time.

Hermione finished her drink, stood and came over to sit next to him closely. She turned towards Snape and looked him in the eye carefully, "Mrs. Malfoy has many connections in the Ministry."

He stopped twirling his wand, vanished it and gazed right back, "more so than Lucius."

"Is she... will she be able to get you that post over the Locked Room?"

"Narcissa may be capable of doing so, but I have not asked her to, Miss Granger."

"Is it part of your bargain with her, sir?"

"No, it is not."

Hermione said, "you know, I-I could get it for you."

He said tersely, "you are as arrogant as your little friend."

"My little friend, as you call Harry, happened to ask Shacklebolt about the post on my behalf." Hermione plucked at the arm of Snape's wool coat.

He sighed, "the post has been rescinded, Miss Granger."

She shook her head, "Shacklebolt said Harry could ask for any post... for anyone and it would be granted. Shacklebolt was adamant that if, and only if Harry asks, the Ministry would have to concede the request... no matter who it would be for."

Snape waved the hand clutching his drink dismissively, "it does not matter, Miss Granger. I do not want the position. Yes, I considered it, but it is not want I want."

Hermione let her hand rest on his arm. "What do you want, sir?"

"To teach 6th and 7th year Potions and Defense."

"But you'll have that anyway come Autumn, Professor!"

Snape gave her a smirk.

She tightened her grip and curled her other hand around his upper arm. "Then what bargain have you made with Mrs. Malfoy?"

He didn't answer.

"It's not for her money?"

He scoffed, "of course not, Miss Granger!"

She debated with herself, opening and closing her mouth before stating, "Mrs. Malfoy is beautiful."

Snape replied coolly, "that is the general acknowledgement."

"What do you think, sir?"

"Narcissa is beautiful in appearance."

Hermione looked at him through her lashes, "Is it... is it for sex?"

Snape immediately stood and walked away to set his glass on the desk. He planted his feet, crossed his arms and frowned at her.

Hermione followed him and stared intently back. "If it were- "

"Miss Granger," he clipped out, "your Gryffindor effrontery knows no bounds! I would never engage in relations with a married woman."

"I meant... that is... "

"I understand you doubt my motivations, but I would not undertake an agreement if I did not earnestly believe it would be to yours and Master Malfoy's benefit."

"Of course, sir." Hermione swallowed hard. Whatever deal Mrs. Malfoy and the professor had made, Hermione knew she still had the upper hand, didn't she? She examined the desk for an inkwell and quill. "I-I'll sign the contract, Professor."

"You can stop searching my desk, Miss Granger. I do not wish you to sign as yet."

That brought her attention up.

"There is a stipulation first." His face was hard and white. "You must annul the marriage contract you signed for me."

Hermione felt her eyes welling. "You hate me so much?"

Snape winced, "not hate, Miss Granger. A marriage to you interferes with my prospects."

She practically snarled, "prospects gained through Mrs. Malfoy?"

He inclined his head.

"And you won't tell me what they are?"

He stared at her.

"Even though I could gain them for you myself?"

He laughed, "it would be decidedly impossible for you to fulfill the specifics."

"I'm every bit a woman as Mrs. Malfoy!"

He inclined his head again with a bemused smile, "perhaps even more so, but as I have said, that is not a consideration."

"You forget I'm considered one of the most powerful witches ever to grace Hogwarts."

"Grace is a debatable verb as far as your demeanor is concerned and how could I forget your abilities as that is specifically why I have retained your wand thus far."

"I could get you anything you want, you know. Not just through Harry, but my own connections. The Weasleys. My parents have money!"

"The connections and the money do not matter, Miss Granger. Besides, your childish ruse to gain Lockhart has failed. Releasing me from the marriage contract would be to your advantage in marrying Mr. Weasley."

"If you're afraid of hurting my feelings... ?"

"Afraid, Miss Granger?"

"Seems awfully sniveling you can't face a mere woman and tell her outright why you're rejecting her for no reason. Yes, I'll say it. Coward!"

Snape's face grew even harder and whiter. He was only black and white with a red slash for lips. He drew himself together tightly and spat out angrily, "very well, Miss Granger. Mrs. Malfoy is going to present evidence against her husband. She will be divorced immediately pending trial and will be under protection as the information she has is extremely damaging. Then I shall marry her and gain the affiliation of a pureblood line." He gained height over her, "yes, Miss Granger, I'll finally rid myself of mudblood stink."

Hermione's cheeks were hot and wet. She stammered, "you-you do-don't mean that, sir!"

He spoke in the softest and most menacing of tones, "of course, I do, Miss Granger." He paused and glared at her viciously, "have I ever lied to you?"

She gave a loud sob and turned from him as she covered her mouth. What was she thinking? How could she have feeling for him when he so evidently despised her?

Blinded with tears she said, "how do I know you'll fulfill our bargain?"

Snape waved his hand at the contract which rolled itself up tightly. He then spelled Reducio and handed the shrunken scroll to Hermione. "You may hold onto the contract."

She raised her brow at him with a sneer, "that serves no purpose. Your signature must be on the contract, also. How do I know you'll sign?"

He raised his brow back at her with a like sneer, "what do you require to prove me honorable?"

"A kiss."

The shock on his face alone was worth it. He growled at her through clenched teeth, "despite what I've just told you?"

She replied haughtily as she wiped her cheeks, "specifically because of what you told me! You've managed to insult me worse than anyone, even more than Draco. I want to feel your great repulsion at my kind."

Snape stepped in very close and stared down at her with his black eyes glittering ferociously. He took her suddenly in his arms and she felt a moment of panic at his strength.

He bent his head and gave her a bruising kiss which crushed her mouth, but then dissolved suddenly into gentle nips. She remembered their first kiss when she'd thought, hoped, it was Lockhart. How she could ever confuse the two men was uncomprehending. Snape's lips were soft and his mouth firm, yet giving. He kissed her openly and their tongues tasted each other. Her senses heightened with her explorations. It was like being held underwater. Everything was distorted, swimmy, weightless and wet, so wet. She couldn't breath and she didn't care. She saw them clasped together as though watching from afar. Her toes held her up and then left the ground as he lifted her slightly in his grip. Her hands were around his neck and in his hair.

And then, he was gone and she hung for a moment on her toes before slumping against the desk.