Bound to Him

by georgesgurl117

At the behest of Lord Voldemort, Severus Snape is forced to commit a deplorable act against one who should have been under his protection. Bound by Dark Magic, he and Hermione Granger must learn to trust one another and themselves as they work together to thwart the dark plots surrounding them.

87. Head Cases

A/N: Hello again! Thanks for your patience and continued interest in this story. It's been hard to write lately, but I pick away at it as I can.

I hope you enjoy the update, and I look forward to hearing your thoughts!

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Bound to Him

Chapter 87

"Ah, Severus," Voldemort beckoned from the head of the table. "How good of you to finally join us."

Several pairs of eyes followed Snape's stiff journey to the seat beside the Dark Lord. Voldemort snapped his fingers at Narcissa, who – to the amusement of her sister – obediently moved to prepare a plate for the newcomer.

Lucius angrily flexed his hands beneath the table but kept silent.

"I trust you are well-rested after your late-night exploits."

Severus drew his eyes away from Lucius. "I thank you, my Lord – I am indeed."

"Thinking with the wrong head, eh?" Rabastan murmured to his brother, who glared at him in warning.

Pretending not to have heard the comment, Severus waited to pick up his fork until Narcissa had reclaimed her seat.

Voldemort leaned upon his armrest. "Corban. What news have you to share with your brother Severus?"

"My Lord." Yaxley sat forward. "The situation shall resolve itself with due haste. I am told the tracking charm will inexplicably fail by tomorrow's end."

"Severus?"

"Thank you, Yaxley." Snape looked again to the Dark Lord. "I can delay the first brewing phase until Tuesday evening."

"Then you shall remain here until Tuesday midday," Voldemort declared.

With Narcissa's request in mind, Severus hesitated before asking, "In the interest of timing the brew, my Lord, is there still reason to return on the fifth?"

The tyrant narrowed his red eyes at Narcissa, who had gone deathly still. "What say you, Lucius? Shall we have good reason to gather?"

Lucius raised his chin in a poor facsimile of his typical haughtiness. "Yes, my Lord. I have every confidence in my son."

Bellatrix snorted loudly, to her husband's embarrassment.

"You do not agree, Bella?" Voldemort questioned.

The witch tittered maliciously. "Oh, I look forward to the party, my Lord. I'm certain the entertainment will be a pleasure to witness."

Severus noticed Lucius's hands again slipped beneath the table edge and that Narcissa's eyes were moist as they lowered to her lap. Despite having been an only child, he understood it might cut deeply to know a sibling was eagerly anticipating one's brutal murder.

"Perhaps, Severus, you might offer your opinion."

"My Lord?"

"Given your expertise in training the youth, perhaps you might assess the boy. If you think him unsuited for service, well…" The Dark Lord coldly smiled at each of the Malfoys. "Why put off til tomorrow what might be accomplished today?"

The dark wizard then rose from his chair, prompting his followers to do the same. "Severus, I expect your report before supper."

"Of course, my Lord." Severus bowed his head as the Dark Lord departed. Upon reclaiming their seats, Narcissa flashed him the faintest of smiles before anyone else could see.

"Well, then, Cissy," Bellatrix leered. "Do you need to adjust the evening menu, or is it already befitting of a last meal?"

Though Narcissa refused to rise to the bait, the water goblet in front of Lucius shattered.

XxxxxxxxXxxxxxxxX

"If we might move on?" Minerva raised an eyebrow but heard no dissent. "With Hestia's assistance, Alastor, Hermione, Severus, and I have spent the week testing the tracking charms on our wands. As Hermione's wand has never been registered with the Ministry, she and I first attempted Apparition together."

"The tracking charm only recorded when Minerva Apparated from a Plottable location," Hestia explained. "Nothing relevant was detected when Minerva Apparated on school grounds or from 12 Grimmauld Place. Similarly, nothing registered when Hermione Apparated from any location."

"What about Side-Along?" Bill asked.

"On our end, it looked no different than a solo trip. If Minerva was the one who brought Hermione, it only recorded Minerva. When Hermione brought Minerva, nothing appeared on the register."

"You Side-Alonged McGonagall?" George whispered to Hermione.

"No splinching?" Fred asked.

"No," she hissed.

"Not even a little?"

Hermione and Bill both glared them into silence.

"With Alastor, we tested whether using an unregistered wand would trigger the tracking spell if his registered wand was also on his person," Minerva continued.

"It doesn't," Hestia stated. "Only if Alastor used his registered wand did it produce a record."

"With Apparition, does it record both departure and arrival?" Kingsley asked.

Hestia shook her head. "There seems to be a slight delay between the trigger and the recording. Only the point of arrival appears on the record. Even when Minerva used Snape's wand and activated the alarm, the only thing I could glean were the coordinates to which Severus Snape had Apparated. Though Minerva continued traveling, we could not track the wand any further without additional usage of the wand in a Plottable location."

"So, Snape's alert is only tied to his wand, not to his person?" Tonks clarified.

"Yes, when he Apparated using Minerva's wand, it registered her name."

"Which means if we want to keep our movements hidden, the rest of you lot need unregistered wands," Moody stated.

"Precisely," Minerva agreed, "which means we need to determine how to access new compatible wands without drawing attention. Fred, George… any updates?"

The pair sat taller and cleared their throats in unison.

"Fred and I attempted to speak to Ollivander –"

"—under the guise of improving our line of trick wands—"

"—but have not had any success."

"The wand shop closed after the holiday and hasn't reopened for business—"

"—which isn't unusual, per se. Ollivander usually reopens in June."

"However, when George owled him our request for an appointment –"

"—it came back undeliverable."

Mad-Eye frowned. "Says to me he isn't just on holiday."

"He may have gone into hiding," Bill suggested.

"Or he's befallen something more nefarious," Aberforth offered.

Minerva clucked sadly. "Either could be possible, and we cannot say either way without digging further. I can get word to Severus to keep an ear out for useful information, but we ought to move quickly on this. Given Riddle already has a mole in the monitoring office, we need to have unregistered wands as soon as possible."

"George and I can keep an eye on Ollivander's shop—"

"—seeing as we are right next door."

"Please do," the Headmistress expressed. "And we ought to check for any signs of foul play. Alastor, since you can do so without threat of detection, perhaps you might take on the initial sweep?"

"Aye, I shall see to it."

"Once we have more information, we can devise our next steps." Minerva craned her neck to see the clock. "I have to check in with the remaining staff shortly, but they are all – save for Poppy – to vacate the premises by the 1st of June. Though Argus Filch typically remains here year-round, he has agreed to summer with a cousin in Shropshire. Depending on the status of things in August, I may suggest he remain there. And, as most of you are aware, Hagrid will be away on assignment for some time."

"Giants," George mouthed to Hermione, who had not been invited to the full Order meeting.

"Having come into possession of the existing warding plans, I firmly believe the school wards must be regrounded, recast, and expanded for better protection," the Headmistress continued. "Alastor and Bill will continue working with me to redesign the central system. Remus, if you could work with Aberforth, Fred, and George to determine what needs to be done regarding the tunnels and access to Hogsmeade…"

The four wizards nodded their heads.

"And Poppy, if you could similarly brainstorm what special warding would best support the infirmary. Hermione, you can assist in that. The rest of you are welcome to contribute input you think may be useful. We all need to be on hand to set the initial foundation of the wards, so if you cannot be here on the 1st, inform me immediately. Once the foundation is cast, we can work in shifts the rest of the week."

As the Council dispersed, Minerva caught Hestia's attention and called her forward. "I want to thank you for all your effort these past few weeks."

"Oh," the dark-haired witch replied. "Really, I'm glad to help."

"We're asking a great deal more of you regarding Mr. Werner. Are you certain you're comfortable taking on the task?"

Hestia tugged at the hem of her jacket. "I wouldn't say comfortable, but I am willing to take it on, yes."

"I understand. If at any time that changes, or you fear for your safety – I want you to come to me, and we will remove you from the situation. I also want you to know you are under no obligation to physically engage with him at any point."

"Thank you. I will keep you apprised."

"Good. Oh, one other thing…"

"Yes?"

Minerva narrowed her gaze. "The other day, when you said magic cast by Hogwarts occupants couldn't be traced…"

Hestia hesitantly glanced at the departing Aurors. "I mean there's no official record Snape ever cast the Killing Curse."

A smile crept across the Headmistress's face. "Excellent."

XxxxxxxxXxxxxxxxX

As his cell door groaned open, Draco scrambled up from the floor. Squeezing his painful left forearm, he fearfully watched Snape enter the room. "S-sir?"

Severus glanced about the small space. Though the cell was immaculate, the pallet on the floor and bucket in the corner were a far cry from the boy's suite of rooms. "Those watching you cannot say if you will succeed in joining our ranks next weekend."

The boy sagged in relief.

"Thus, the Dark Lord requested that I assess if you are, in fact, prepared to serve him."

Draco jutted out his chin. "I am prepared, sir."

Severus studied the young wizard still dressed in the same clothes worn during the assault on Hogwarts several weeks prior. The robes were wrinkled but not odorous, indicating the house-elves had spelled them clean. His blond hair was lank and dull, having not been properly washed beyond the elves' cleaning charms.

Despite the pallor of the boy's face and the weary slump of his shoulders, his grey eyes burned with conviction.

"You are aware, of course, that should you fail, your mother will pay the ultimate price."

Draco ground his teeth. "I am aware."

"And you shall willingly swear to serve the Dark Lord?"

"Yes, sir."

The spy narrowed his eyes. "Say it."

"I willingly choose to serve the Dark Lord."

"You will accept the Mark he has bestowed on you?"

Draco straightened his spine. "I will accept the Mark the Dark Lord graciously offered me."

As the boy spoke, Severus cast a silent Legilimens. Though he initially encountered images of stone walls, a firm knock on the dark wooden door prompted Draco to lower his obvious shields. With great effort, Snape tried to pull forth any thoughts or memories that may sentence either of them to an untimely grave. He caught glimpses of their plotting the Headmaster's demise but found no traces of their more damning conversations.

While inspecting the boy's mentalscape for any weaknesses, Severus heard the faintest of whispers trickling between memories.

'I will accept the Mark… I choose to serve the Dark Lord to spare my mother's life… I am willing to become a Death Eater to save Mum… I will accept the Mark…'

Severus cancelled the spell and reoriented himself to the dungeon. "It would appear, Mr. Malfoy, you have had ample time to sort out your priorities."

"Yes, sir," Draco swallowed. "I have."

"Should you continue in that vein for another week, you may very well take a place within our ranks. I look forward to once again fighting beside you."

The young wizard ducked his head. "And I you, sir."

Severus paused in the doorway. "I am certain your mother would be relieved you have not lost your head, as it were."

Lower lip quivering, Draco whispered his gratitude.

XxxxxxxxXxxxxxxxX

At the knock, Hermione looked up to see Tonks in the doorway of her infirmary quarters.

"Came by to check out the new digs," the Auror explained. "A bit Spartan compared to Gryffindor Tower, eh?"

"It's more than enough for what I need, and I like being closer to everything. Plus, now I can Floo into the Headmistress's Office from Madam Pomfrey's office." Hermione settled atop the bed as the Auror closed the door. "Crooks, though, is cross at having to surrender his Tower."

Tonks grinned at the half-kneazle on the writing desk. "As if you can't break into it any time you wish…"

Crookshanks smugly swished his tail before gazing out the window.

Claiming the desk chair, Tonks placed her feet on the end of the bed. "So… are you our helpful little house elf?"

The girl blushed. "I am, yes."

"And what did Snape have to say for himself this evening?"

"He'll look out for clues about Ollivander. We knew the Dark Lord was interested in wandlore and suspected wandmakers could be at risk, but he thought Dumbledore would move to protect them."

"And since Dumbledore's still pouting, we can't yet confirm that."

"Right."

Tonks rolled her eyes. "Any update on the Malfoys?"

"Draco's holding up alright in the dungeons, I guess. Severus sounds confident he'll pass his loyalty test next week. However, he does want to minimize collaboration with Narcissa until Draco proves himself."

"Probably wise. You-Know-Who might just spare them if she can offer up a bigger traitor."

"I don't think she would."

"To save her only kid?" Tonks shook her head. "I bet she'd do anything."

"Right," Hermione shrugged. "And I don't really know anything about Lucius Malfoy."

"Seeing as I don't give a flying fig about that pompous fuckbag, that's more than fine." She heaved a breath. "I do hope Draco can keep it together – he has the potential to be a far better man than his father.

"And Aunt Cissy, the spy? Merlin, I hope we all live long enough so I can watch my mother digest that bit of news," Tonks chuckled. She sobered, however, on noting the girl's tight expression. "You alright?"

Hermione rubbed her face. "I'm just worried."

"About Snape?"

"It was hours before he could tell me he was alright." She grimaced. "Relatively speaking. He's alive, at least."

"In one piece?"

"As far as I know. One crucio-ed piece."

Tonks winced.

"It was bad enough before, but now he's there under the Dark Lord's eye. He has to be careful all the time, and I can't help but wonder what if his shields slip? Or if Narcissa's or Draco's do? Or if… the house elf brings the Dark Lord the wrong tea, for Merlin's sake!"

"Hey." The Auror placed a hand on her shoulder. "You're going to give yourself an ulcer if you keep this up."

"That'd be the least of my problems."

"Fair enough." Tonks settled back on her chair. "Severus Snape is a slippery devil, and I mean that in the best possible way. Anyone else, I'd be worried. But Snape? He'll be back, sneering at us from the corner before we know it."

Hermione sighed, "You're probably right."

The older witch watched her for a moment before asking, "You want company tonight?"

The girl's eyes snapped up from her lap. "I wouldn't want to trouble you."

"No trouble," she assured. "I have the morning off tomorrow, and Remus should be fine without supervision."

"That's debatable."

"Ha!"

Hermione toyed with her blanket. "If you'd like to stay, I'd appreciate not being alone."

"Love to," Tonks exclaimed, standing. "I'll just go nick a cot."

After they settled in for the night and extinguished the lights, Tonks snickered up at the ceiling. "I feel like we ought to tell creepy stories or gossip about our colleagues."

Hermione snickered into her pillow.

"You think Aberforth is a boxers or briefs kind of guy?"

"Really?!"

Tonks grinned. "You're right. He probably goes regimental."

"Ugh!" Hermione covered her face. "Why would you…"

"Yep, scared myself with that image. May require Obliviation. Deepest apologies." After a long moment of silence, Tonks cocked her head. "You know what I think?"

"Do I want to?"

"I think Mad-Eye's got his mad eye on McGonagall."

Hermione rolled over to gape at her. "You're joking!"

Tonks shrugged. "All these decades, he's just been waiting for a bossy witch to sweep him off his feet and send him arse over tea kettle."

When their giggles finally subsided, Hermione hugged her pillow. "Tonks?"

"Yeah, love?"

"Are you and Remus… you know?"

"Ooh, actual girl talk!" Tonks eagerly turned on her side. "Are you asking if we're sheathing the wand?"

"Erm…"

"Believe me, I wouldn't be as upset with him over keeping secrets if we weren't shagging. A girl expects a bit of pillow talk, you know."

Hermione fidgeted under her blanket. Though she appreciated that Remus had for once done as they asked, she understood how it felt to be left out by her partner.

"Was that it, or was there something specific you wanted to ask?"

"Have you ever…erm… never mind. Sorry."

"No, no – ask away!"

Embarrassed, Hermione shook her head.

A smirk appeared on Tonks's face. "Have I ever… orgasmed? Yes. Have I ever called him a cheeky monkey while doing so? No…but I must say I am now tempted to do so just to see his face."

She laughed at the girl's shocked expression. "If you're not going to finish, I'm going to have to get creative."

"Right. Alright." Hermione took in a deep breath before mumbling, "Have you ever used your mouth to…?"

"Have I ever fellatio-ed him? On occasion. Course, I think it'll be a while before he earns that little perk back." Tonks lifted her head. "What, have you?"

"No."

"But he wants you to?"

"No!" she exclaimed before sighing. "Or…maybe? I don't know if he does, or he doesn't. He's never said anything on the subject."

"So, he isn't pressuring you."

"Absolutely not!" Hermione sat up with a groan. "Frankly, I feel like I'm the one pressuring him."

Tonks contemplated the admission for a moment. "Why do you ask?"

The younger witch huffed. "Because I feel as though it's something I should do, but I don't know what to do."

"Hold on." The witch propped herself on her elbow. "Why do you feel that way?"

Hermione rolled her shoulders. "Everyone else has – before they've had sex even. I've been – we've been doing so for months… almost a year."

"First off: oral sex is still sex." Tonks pulled herself up to sit cross-legged on her cot. "But more importantly – forget about whomever you think everyone else is because I promise you it isn't. And even if it was, it doesn't matter. Everyone else is not involved in the intimacies you share with your partner, so they don't factor. You and your partner are the only ones who factor in those decisions. If he hasn't broached the subject, then don't worry about it. And if he does press the issue, but you're not comfortable with it yet…well, he can go pound sand."

"Did you wait until Remus made it an issue?"

"Well, no. Not exactly," Tonks admitted. "You may have a point. On the other hand, I'm not seventeen. I've had more time to gain confidence and learn about myself – what I enjoy and what I'm comfortable with. And I'm more than ready to hex the shite out of him should he cross a line."

"I noticed."

The Auror smirked. "Listening is fundamental…and good for his health. But, back to you – you're young, Hermione, and you've already been rushed into experiences before you were ready. And though you were violently forced together last August, that does not mean that's when your relationship started."

"What?"

"After the binding, you had to work with him, to have intercourse just to survive – that wasn't an intimate relationship," Tonks explained. "But over time you came to know him, to trust him, to have genuine feelings for him – at that point, you began something real and that beginning should be the anniversary celebrated."

Hermione blinked apprehensively. "But what if I don't know when that was?"

"It isn't a quiz, you know. You don't have to have the answer straight away. You have time to reflect on it, and you have time to let your relationship develop into what you want it to be. There's no need to rush into anything else until you're ready."

Except the fact I might not live to see eighteen. Hermione sank back against the wall. "If you think Severus is ever going to press the issue, you don't understand him. He tries hard to make me feel good, and I feel like I should return the favor."

A hawkish grin spread across the Auror's face. "Are you telling me Severus Snape has used that tongue for something other than biting wit and sharp critiques?"

"Yes," she blushed. "On occasion."

"And you've enjoyed it?"

Hermione nodded.

"Huh. Well, despite the awkward images now circulating in my head, I'm glad you've told me. I wanted to know he's been considerate of you in the bedroom as well."

"He is. And I want to do that for him, too. I don't want things to be so one-sided. I just haven't been brave enough to try."

"I can understand that." Tonks straightened her spine. "I also suppose I should've known to grab my secret stash of trashy Muggle mags before planning a slumber party."

XxxxxxxxXxxxxxxxX

"The bastard's late," Moody grumbled, leaning on his walking stick.

Tonks, stretched out with her head on Remus's shoulder and boots on the coffee table, sighed without opening her eyes. "We said mid-day, Mad – it's barely half past noon. Give him time."

"Time is a luxury we can't afford," the ex-Auror retorted. "The rest of us have commitments we've pushed aside to be here."

Noting a few faces appeared to agree, Hermione looked to Minerva, who gave a single nod. As a tense silence descended upon the room, the young witch sent her mental Patronus.

'I'm fine, Hermione.'

'Moody is upset you're late.'

'Moody would be upset with me regardless of what time I arrived.'

'True, but –'

'The Dark Lord only just dismissed me. I am exiting the Manor this very moment.'

"I say we start without him," Moody suggested. "It'll already be dark by the time we finish the foundational spells."

"Absolutely not," Minerva argued. "Severus is an integral component of this Council and must be involved in the initial groundwork. Especially seeing as he will, with any luck, be appointed Headmaster when the Ministry falls."

"Assuming it does," Kingsley contended.

Aberforth grunted. "The Ministry has always emphasized the appearance of strength, whilst turning a blind eye to corruption. They are riddled with weak, power-hungry individuals at every level. It's a wonder they haven't already fallen."

'At the Apparition point. I shall be there in twenty minutes.'

Stretching her shoulders, Hermione strolled toward the windows. As she passed the Headmistress, she murmured, "By one."

Minerva cleared her throat. "Enough. We will wait for Severus – he was undoubtedly delayed by Riddle and will be here as soon as he is able. Perhaps we might take half an hour for tea and discuss any additional concerns we may have – about the security measures, Alastor, not about Severus. I am confident he will be here shortly."

"If there's biscuits, I'm in," George announced.

"Of course, there are biscuits," Minerva smirked, summoning an elf to place the order with the kitchens.

"Snape better hustle up, or Tonks is gonna fall asleep," Fred teased, earning himself a swift kick in the shin from the resting Auror. "Oi! Unnecessary use of force that!"

"Leave her be," Remus chided. "They've put her on night watch, so she's only had a few hours' sleep."

"Thanks, love," Tonks patted his chest. "Wake me when the biscuits get here."

Once they all settled in with refreshments – even Moody found a spiced biscuit to his liking – Kingsley leaned forward. "Speaking of elves, what considerations have we made regarding security?"

"All Hogwarts elves answer to the Headmistress," Bill replied. "They will not reveal anything without her direct instruction to do so."

"Another reason it is imperative Severus remain in good standing with Riddle, so the elves will continue to keep our confidence when I am replaced," McGonagall added.

"What about elves not affiliated with Hogwarts?" Hestia asked. "I recall personal elves occasionally popping in to visit students."

"Yes, but no longer. I have instructed the Hogwarts elves not to permit entry to others without permission from myself. We will also work that restriction into the wards themselves later this week. Additionally, I had the elves cover and lock all of the castle portraits – minus those in this room – to prevent them witnessing anything before we can tailor the wards to preclude them from revealing information to outside sources."

Eventually, the Floo flared green and produced an out-of-breath Slytherin. "Apologies, Headmistress. I –"

"Nonsense, Severus," Minerva stood from her desk. "Have a seat, catch your breath. Hermione, pour him a cup of tea, if you wouldn't mind."

Hermione hopped to the task, rattling the teacup in its saucer and nearly tipping it in his lap. "Sorry!"

"It's fine," he mumbled.

The young witch retreated to her seat beside Poppy, who leaned down to whisper, "Smooth."

"Have you eaten yet, Severus?"

Snape dipped his head. "The Dark Lord requested I dine with them before he released me to tend to his restorative draught."

"Oh, did we cut your lunch date short?" Moody jeered.

Minerva folded her arms. "Have another biscuit, Alastor."

"You're brewing him restorative draughts?" Kingsley questioned.

Severus hesitated, flicking his eyes to the Headmistress. "I already brewed them… eighteen months ago."

Bill widened his eyes. "Hell of a shelf-life on those, Professor."

"Hardly," the Potions Master smirked over his teacup. "They expired at least a year ago."

Tonks snorted tea onto Remus's shoulder. "Oh, shit. Sorry."

As Remus dried his shirt, Fred leaned forward. "What, you just blow the dust off one, pop it into the cauldron –"

"—and reheat it for him every so often?" George finished.

Severus swallowed his tea. "Essentially. And only at the Solstices."

"He hasn't noticed?!" Hermione was horrified by the prospect of yet another truth that could sentence them to death.

The wizard stonily met her gaze. "No, Miss Granger, he obviously has not."

Minerva appeared to share the girl's concern. "Severus…"

Snape set down his cup. "The power of suggestion has been sufficient to keep him satisfied. The potency has diminished gradually enough so as not to arouse his suspicion."

Tonks shook her head in disbelief. "Devious little bastard."

"Might we get on with the wards?" Moody grumbled.

"You're right, Alastor – we should do so," Minerva declared. "Severus, we will revisit this conversation soon."

"Of course, Headmistress."

The witch pinched her lips into a thin line. "I presume you will be prepping for the Wolfsbane later tonight?"

"I will," he confirmed slowly.

"Good. I want you to train Hermione on how to brew it." When he opened his mouth in protest, Minerva stared him down. "Riddle believes you unencumbered by anything beyond his own desires. I need to know that she can step in to cover for you in your absence."

Severus expelled a long breath. "As you wish."

"The infirmary lab has been prepared for your use." McGonagall turned on her heel. "Now, shall we make our way down to the dungeons?"

XxxxxxxxXxxxxxxxX

Hermione folded her arms. "Why didn't you tell me about the restorative potion?"

With a sigh, Severus set down his supply crate. "I didn't think to do so."

"Why not?"

"Because I haven't had to concern myself with that potion since Yuletide."

She relaxed her stance slightly. "Well, why didn't you tell me then?"

The wizard frowned. "You had more than enough to worry about."

"He could have killed you!"

Severus calmly unloaded supplies. "He did not notice – not at the Winter Solstice, nor at the previous Summer Solstice. And he will not notice when he ingests it again in a few weeks."

"But you can't know that!" Hermione threw up her hands. "What if he –"

She fell silent when his attention suddenly snapped to the open door of the lab.

"Moody," he snarled under his breath.

Hermione rubbed at her face. "Damn it."

The ex-Auror's criticisms of Madam Pomfrey's lax supervision grew louder until he finally hobbled into the lab. "Snape."

"Moody." Severus eyed him coldly. "I did not realize you were interested in learning to brew the Wolfsbane Potion."

"You and I both know I'm not here to learn," Mad-Eye rumbled.

"Clearly," the Slytherin cooed. "If you insist on playing voyeur, sit over there and resist the urge to distract Miss Granger. It could prove fatal."

Hermione suppressed a shiver. "I assure you I won't be distracted, Professor."

Moody chuckled as he transfigured a stool into something more comfortable. "Atta girl."

"Very well," Snape replied tightly. "I trust you'll be taking notes, Granger?"

The witch obtained her notebook from the shelf and claimed a stool.

"The Wolfsbane potion is as dangerous to brew as any poison, so attention is critical," Snape began. "Though the techniques themselves are not complicated in isolation, strict adherence to the protocol is necessary to ensure the product is precisely balanced. Any deviation could render the potion deadly."

"I understand, sir," she responded.

"We will not be brewing anything this evening. Instead, we will outline the process, including precautionary measures to ensure you survive to see the weekend, and then prepare ingredients. Tomorrow afternoon, we will commence brewing." He extracted a few loose sheets of parchment and slid them in front of her. "These are your copies. I would take care not to lose them."

Hermione eagerly skimmed the materials list, brewing protocol, and tips penned in his spiky handwriting. Though he had briefly explained the process at the New Year, it felt even more intimidating when written on paper.

"There's no need to panic, Miss Granger. I doubt your skills peaked with Polyjuice."

She glared up at him before returning her attention to the parchment. "It has similar ingredients to the Wit-Sharpening Potion. Oh, and the Calming Draught."

"Indeed. The point is to keep the human mind stimulated and strengthened, while calming and suppressing the beast." Severus rested his hip against the workbench. "You should have experience working with all of the ingredients – excepting the aconite itself."

"And mistletoe berry wine?" Hermione raised an eyebrow. "I've never even heard of it."

"You only need pour it into a dish for soaking the diced crocodile brain. No special handling required beyond not imbibing."

"Just happen to have it on hand, eh?" Moody commented.

Severus rolled his eyes. "Seeing as Lupin has monthly need of not turning into a slobbering beast who feasts on children, yes, I do keep it stocked."

"Make it yourself?"

"Yes," he stated testily. "Any halfwit with access to a dark cupboard for ten weeks could manage the fermentation. I could have procured it, of course, but the few establishments bold enough to carry such an item are not establishments to trust with a brew as precariously balanced as the Wolfsbane potion."

Moody huffed and settled back in his chair.

"And furthermore," Severus glowered at him. "Since there is a castle full of mistletoe that would otherwise go to waste every Yuletide, I've saved the Order a significant amount of funding over the years by doing so."

Spotting Hermione's confused expression, the Potions Master shrugged his shoulders. "It's a mild poison, Granger. Unlikely to kill you, but you might wish for death for a day or two."

"I see," the witch frowned at the supply list. "Is there anything in here that isn't poisonous?"

Snape sniffed. "Well, it does call for a fair amount of water."

Mindful of Moody's presence as a silent observer, Snape continued his lesson, explaining the brewing process and tersely answering her questions. While guiding her through ingredient preparation, he glanced to the corner of the room and sneered. 'So much for constant vigilance.'

Hermione, concerns whirling through her mind, followed his gaze to where Moody was softly snoring with his chin against his chest. 'Good. He'll stop distracting you.'

'Unless it's a test.'

The witch shook her head as she continued dicing scarab beetles. 'You're paranoid.'

'Which is the only reason I've survived the last twenty years.' Severus neatly swept his half of the beetles into small canister, then handed it to her. "You've diced them enough, Granger. The wolf won't choke on them."

When the dried aconite was the only ingredient left to prepare, the Potions Master pointedly suggested she utilize the Bubble-Head Charm. With great delight, he stealthily drew his wand and cast a similar charm in the direction of their self-appointed monitor.

Moody startled out of his chair, growling loudly and swinging his walking stick. A dozen curses seemed to be on the tip of his tongue as he pointed his wand at Snape.

Severus feigned an innocuous expression. "We're about to powderize dried aconite. Miss Granger was concerned you might expire in your sleep."

'I was not!' Her eyes flashed to him.

Snarling, the scarred man removed the Bubble-Head charm and reclaimed his seat.

"Suit yourself," Snape murmured.

By the time they were nearly finished processing the aconite, Hermione could hardly keep her eyes open. The Bubble-Head charm was of no help in keeping her awake – if anything, it seemed to compound the effect of the late hour and long day.

"Ah!" Severus snapped, catching her wrist before she could rub her eyes.

"Ohhh," she exhaled, face flaming. "That was really stupid."

"You don't say." The wizard took a steadying breath and resumed grinding the poisonous herb. "Mistakes happen, Granger, especially when you're tired. A lesson to remember…but not to obsess upon."

Hermione slowly nodded her head. "I understand, sir."

'That wasn't the first time you've done that.'

'I know. I'm sorry.'

"This is as fine as is necessary," Snape explained, tilting the large mortar full of ground aconite. "You could continue should you have excess aggression to release, but otherwise there is no reason to. I will store this away while you wash up. You may remove the charm so long as you are not standing near the powder."

Grateful, the witch hurried to the cleaning station. Once free of the Bubble-Head, she inhaled a deep breath of cool air and sagged against the cabinet while scrubbing her hands in the warm water.

"Have you finished for the evening?" Minerva stepped into the room. "Excellent. Oh, Alastor – whatever are you doing here?"

"Ensuring I'm not tempted to either poison or molest Miss Granger," Severus sputtered as he tidied the working space.

"Oh, really, Alastor!" The Headmistress shook her head in frustration. "Hermione, I trust things went well?"

"Minus a few mistakes on my part," Hermione dried her hands.

"I'm sure they were not nearly as serious as Severus made them sound," Minerva said in consolation. "If you don't mind, Hermione, I'd like to speak to him for a moment."

Once Hermione bid them all good night and departed for her room, the elder witch folded her arms. "Now, Severus… do explain why you've taken it upon yourself to poison Riddle."

Severus groaned, warding the Wolfsbane ingredients in a cupboard. In the interest of saving himself an additional confrontation, he willed his explanation be heard by Hermione over the bond's connection. "I am not poisoning him. I am inefficiently treating him."

Moody snorted loudly, receiving a glare from the Headmistress.

'Oh, well that's entirely different then.'

"And I haven't taken it upon myself, per se," he posed, trying not to be distracted by Hermione's concerned thoughts. "Upon learning the Dark Lord had requested the solstice-based restorative potion, Dumbledore –"

'Of course, it was Dumbledore.'

"—suggested I intentionally mis-brew it. That, the Dark Lord would have noticed."

Minerva hissed under her breath.

"In the interest of surviving to be of use to the Order, I instead opted to correctly brew a large batch and allow it to lose potency over time. There are no unexpected side effects. It does not make him ill. It simply does not improve his strength as it ought."

'It's still an incredible risk.'

Severus sat back against the counter. "I thought it less of a risk than actually boosting his magical prowess twice a year."

"For once, Minerva, I agree with him," Moody offered. "Provided he's telling the truth, of course."

"I do not doubt his veracity," McGonagall scowled. "I am only concerned with what may happen should Riddle realize your duplicity."

"Respectfully, Headmistress, it's unlikely he would notice," Severus countered. "The Dark Lord is so immersed in dark magic; he perpetually perceives himself to be more powerful than he actually is. With six months between doses, he may not note the diminished impact. Should he notice, however, he will presume it an indication of his underlying strength – the more powerful he becomes, the less of an effect the restorative potion would have."

'You think he still experiences that feeling with dark magic?'

'Yes. That's the dangerous draw of dark magic. It calls to you, makes you feel invincible…while it slowly destroys you from the inside out.'

'Well, I wish it would hurry up with him.'

Minerva looked uncomfortable. "How long does that potion take to brew?"

"Thirteen days."

"You have the ingredients on hand?"

Grimacing, Severus recalled his most recent inventory. "I should have."

"You have the time and resources, then," she stated. "I would appreciate if you would brew a fresh batch to have on your person should he, for whatever reason, decide to test it. Or, if it becomes necessary, to give to him in lieu of the expired one."

"But Minerva–"

"Headmistress –"

McGonagall quelled both wizards' protests with a fierce stare. "We will deal with the consequences, gentlemen. We have several Horcruxes still to find and destroy. We simply cannot afford to lose our inside man at this juncture."

'She has a point.'

'Good night, Hermione.'

'Listen to her!'

"Fine," Severus relented, silencing the connection. "Once the Wolfsbane is finished, I will start preparing the Dark Lord's potion."

"Thank you. Alastor, perhaps you might also retire for the evening?" After a brief stare-down, the wizard hobbled out of the room. Minerva closed the door behind him and cast a Muffliato. "I will ensure he has things to do during your brewing sessions."

"Thank you."

"Now," she crossed her arms. "What is this 'Headmistress' rubbish?"

Severus slowly wiped off the workbench. "Pardon?"

"I do not understand why you insist on calling me Headmistress."

"Are you not Headmistress?" he returned. "I recall drinking to your promotion."

She pinched her lips. "Are we not friends?"

The wizard stalled by wringing out the washcloth in the sink. "It would behoove you if we weren't."

"Says who?"

"You're the Head."

Minerva frowned. "And you are the only Council member who does not address me by name."

"Not –"

"The only Council member who has not been my student within the past few years," she corrected, "and who had been on a first name basis prior to my ascension – which you orchestrated, might I remind you."

Severus spread his hands along the counter edge. "They need to know that I answer to you more than I advise you. If we are friends, your leadership could be jeopardized."

"Poppycock! We are all in this together. You are a vital member of this Council, and everyone knows that. You are not less than anyone."

"I appreciate the sentiment but am aware it is the minority opinion."

Minerva gave a sad smile. "I think you might be surprised, Severus. Alastor is a very vocal minority, and even he recognizes the importance of your role in this group."

Snape held silent for a moment before turning to face her. "I need to remember that I answer to you."

"You think I'll let you forget?" she intoned. "I've known you more than twenty-five years, Severus. When have you ever manipulated me into something I wouldn't otherwise choose to do?"

He exhaled loudly.

"Exactly," she purred. "So, we're in agreement, then – no more of this 'yes, Headmistress' nonsense."

Severus quirked his lips at the floor.

"Don't," she warned.

"Yes, Headmistress."

Minerva pointed her finger. "I will hex you, young man."

XxxxxxxxXxxxxxxxX

"Congratulations again, Hermione, on a successful brew," Minerva smiled, crossing to the fireplace.

"Severus did most of the work," the girl protested. "I just tried to follow directions."

"Nonetheless, it's a new milestone reached. Good night, and I will see both of you in the morning."

As the green flames of her departure died down, Hermione sipped her hot chocolate and tried to relieve her agitation.

At her deep inhale, Severus looked over at the girl curled into the sofa. "Something amiss?"

"Hmm?" She pulled her eyes from the fireplace to meet his. "Oh, erm…no. Well, plenty of things are amiss, but nothing new is… troubling me. I just… I never really thought I'd brew Wolfsbane. And I know you did most of the work, but…"

He waved her off. "You contributed significantly to the endeavor."

"Did you feel like this after you brewed it the first time? Almost giddy?"

Snape snorted into his glass. "Definitely not."

"What did you feel, then?"

"I had a splitting headache and nausea from inhaling too much of the fumes. I felt like Death was waiting round the corner."

Hermione winced sympathetically. "No Bubble-Head charm?"

"No. Hindsight, however, is why I will insist you continue to use it while working with the aconite."

"And I will, as annoying as it is." She adjusted her seat. "Were you at least proud of yourself for successfully completing it?"

Severus narrowed his eyes at her. "I poisoned myself, Granger. I wouldn't deem that a success."

"Did you poison yourself the second time?"

"I'm not an idiot."

"So… were you satisfied with it then?"

The wizard slowly swallowed his firewhiskey. "There were still several improvements required."

Hermione savored another sip of hot chocolate before asking, "Which potion have you been most proud of?"

"Is there a reason behind these questions?" he asked.

"Not really." The witch felt her cheeks heat under his scrutiny. "I'm just curious."

After a moment, Snape peered at his empty tumbler. "How late were you planning to stay?"

"Are you trying to get rid of me?" she asked.

"No." He glanced at the bottle of firewhiskey on the corner table but ultimately decided against it. Setting his tumbler aside, he folded his hands over his stomach and closed his eyes.

Hermione finished her chocolate while watching him settle deeper into the armchair. After their second eight-hour session in the lab, they had rejoined the others in working on the wards. They were both exhausted and facing yet another long day of securing the castle.

Smoothing her fingers over the warm ceramic mug, the witch contemplated kissing him goodnight and returning to her room to sleep. That said, this was the first time in a week they had been alone together without a bubbling cauldron of toxicity requiring their constant attention. Given her relief at his safe return from Malfoy Manor and her post-Wolfsbane excitement, she was loath to waste the opportunity.

Determined, Hermione set down her mug and stood from the couch.

His eyes remained closed while she crossed the room, only fluttering open when she reached his chair. "Hermione?"

She placed a hand on his shoulder. "Do you want me to leave you to rest?"

Severus straightened in his seat, flicking his gaze between her face and her hand. "N-not particularly."

"Good." Grinning, she climbed carefully onto his lap. "I missed you."

"We've spent twenty hours together in the lab."

"I know." She undid the top buttons of his shirt. "But that's different. You were teaching me, not…"

"Molesting you?" he smirked.

Hermione tugged on his collar. "Don't use that term to describe this."

"Apologies."

"And I was worried about you while you were gone."

Severus exhaled. "So I noticed."

She frowned at him. "Can you blame me? What if I were the one alone in Malfoy Manor with the Dark Lord and his sociopaths? Would you be calm and collected, carrying on about your day?"

The wizard tightened his hold on her hips. "I will never let that happen."

"I believe you."

With a wistful expression, Hermione stroked his cheek and leaned into him. As they exchanged kisses, she finished unbuttoning his shirt and flattened her hands against his warm skin. Severus wound his hand into her hair and raised up to chase the taste of chocolate in her kisses. As his other hand moved over her lower back, the witch shuddered and whimpered into his mouth.

When he eventually drew back to catch his breath, Hermione kissed at his throat while clumsily unbuckling his belt and undoing his flies.

"Ohhh gods," Snape breathed as her mouth attached itself to his nipple. He tugged at the hem of her t-shirt, and she paused her attentions long enough for them to remove and toss the garment aside. Drawing her back against him, he again sought her lips and gently cupped her breasts.

When his fingertips neared her spine, a fluttering sensation danced through her body, settling in her center and bringing with it the courage to chart new territory. Hermione reached down between them and slid her hand under the waistband of his pants.

Severus jerked against her with a deep groan. He assisted her in freeing his erection from its confines and then sank back against the chair as she stroked him gently. A soft curse escaped him as her tongue also introduced itself to his other nipple.

Glancing up at his face, Hermione was encouraged by his reaction to her efforts. She trailed kisses down his torso, gradually slipping off of his lap until she was kneeling on the floor, staring at his cock in her hands.

As she tentatively placed her lips on him, the wizard startled from his pleasant stupor. "Hermione?"

The witch flashed him a bashful grin as she stroked his length before attempting the feat again.

Hissing in pleasure, Severus shut his eyes to relish in the feeling of her mouth enveloping the tip of his cock. His eyes quickly re-opened, however, to eagerly witness her cautious, yet relatively thorough exploration. Never before had anyone taken him into their mouth, and he was quickly realizing the experience was one worth repeating.

" You haven't been grooming her to see to your needs?"

A sharp pang hit his stomach as Remus's accusation pierced through his thoughts.

"You've never used your authority to influence her actions? Never pressed her farther than she was comfortable or taken advantage of her inexperience?"

He tried to dismiss the notion, to stop up whatever gap in his shields was allowing the guilt to seep through but could not muster the concentration needed to do so.

"A woman on her knees is a woman who knows her place."

His father's slurred snarl replaced the pleasure he felt with cold dread. Severus squeezed his eyes closed, desperate to shut the voices up, but only found them accompanied by images.

His mother knelt on the kitchen floor, blood dripping down her chin as she collected the shards of her new teapot...

"Don't you gawk at me, boy!" Tobias backhanded him into the table. "She's meant to obey me. Even the Lord says so." …

"Kneel before the Dark Lord," he spat, kicking Hermione to her hands and knees and prompting her to cry out in pain…

Hermione fearfully looked back at him before sinking to her knees in the snow, freezing her hands raw while he and the Dark Lord callously discussed her obedience…

"A beautiful, young witch at your beck and call, forced to submit to you sexually…and you expect me to believe you don't enjoy it?"

"No," Severus whispered.

He pushed out of his chair, advancing on a nervous Hermione like a predator until he had her pinned against the kitchen counter. "Tell me to stop."

"Stop!" Severus barked, startling the girl to release him. Murmuring an apology, he inelegantly got to his feet, pulled up his trousers, and retreated to the bathroom.

At the slam of the bathroom door, Hermione slowly deflated onto the floor. She stared at the armchair cushion, trying to process what had just transpired. What did I do wrong?

Humiliation twisted her stomach as the witch wiped her mouth with the back of her hand. Tearfully, she scrambled to her feet and grabbed her wand from the sofa. She was nearly to the door before realizing her state of undress, and that McGonagall could very well be in her office. Having no wish to explain her distress to the Headmistress – or to Madam Pomfrey, who would poke her head out if she were to Floo into the infirmary – she instead fled to the bedroom.

Throwing open the door, Hermione rounded the bed to the far side of the room and collapsed onto the floor. She curled into the corner where the bed met the wall, desperately wishing she could either Apparate back to her room or simply melt into the floor.

In the bathroom, Severus gripped the vanity edge and glared into the sink while trying to repair the damage in his head. His father was meant to be banished to the deepest, darkest recesses of his mind, not roaming freely through his mentalscape. He certainly was not meant to be anywhere near Hermione.

When he thought he could trust the strength of his shields again, the wizard angrily wiped at the tears trickling down his cheeks. After splashing frigid cold water on his face, he scowled at himself in the mirror.

"Whenever I think we're doing well together, you pull away – emotionally and physically."

"You fucking imbecile," he growled before doing up his trousers and haphazardly buttoning his shirt.

Taking in a deep breath, Severus returned to the sitting room and found it deserted save for the crumpled lilac t-shirt beside the armchair. As he collected the garment from the floor, he noticed the bedroom door stood ajar. Quietly he approached the room, wincing at the sound of sniffling from inside.

"Hermione?"

The witch flinched at her name and rubbed her nose with her arm. "Please… I just need a moment."

Snape stepped nearer the bed. "Hermione, I'm sorry."

Her face scrunched in frustration. "If you didn't like it, why couldn't you just say that? You didn't need to command me to stop –"

His stomach plummeted.

''—because I would have stopped if I thought… or I could've fixed whatever it was I was doing wrong."

"No," he gasped. "Hermione, it wasn't… You didn't do anything wrong. I… what happened was my fault."

The girl frowned at the floor until she noticed her shirt in her peripheral vision. She snatched it out of his hand and awkwardly tugged it over her head and into place.

"May I at least explain?"

Finally, Hermione looked up at him. "When have I ever not wanted you to explain?"

Acknowledging her point, Severus sank onto the corner of the bed. "It isn't that I wasn't enjoying your attentions – I very much did. And therein lies the problem."

Her eyes narrowed. "What problem?"

The wizard expelled a heavy breath. "Six weeks ago, I stood out on that tower and ended a man's life with two angry words. And when I did, when I cast that Unforgivable curse, I felt better than I ever have. I had control, I had power. I know it's wrong, but in that moment it felt incredible."

The young witch shivered, recalling her similar experience with the Cruciatus.

"I don't want to feel that way again," he contfinued. "I don't want to associate physical pleasure with having control over anyone – especially not over you. It is enough that we must feign your submission for the Dark Lord; I want no part of it otherwise."

She raised onto her knees. "What are you talking about?"

"I made you kneel for him."

Hermione glanced down, then awkwardly got to her feet. "Severus, I just wanted to do for you what you've done for me."

"I know… and I'm flattered you would even consider it." Severus took in a deep breath and pushed his fingers across his forehead. "No one has ever… I was caught up in the moment and somehow lost control of my shields. At that point –"

"Your shields?" she gasped, dropping her eyes to her hands.

"—I could only see the danger."

When she refused to meet his gaze, Severus anxiously cleared his throat. "I'm afraid of losing my balance. I don't want to risk mixing pleasure with power."

Pinching her lips together, Hermione shifted her stance. "I get it."

His dark eyes swept over her tense frame. "I didn't mean to upset you."

"I'm not…upset," she stammered. "I'm just embarrassed. I shouldn't have -"

"No." Severus stood and placed his hands on her arms. "You have nothing to be ashamed of."

The witch ducked her head into his shoulder in an effort to conceal her tears. "We're both tired, Severus. I should've just let us both go to sleep. We should just sleep."

He nodded wearily. "Were you planning to sleep here, or…"

Hermione shook her head. "I told Crooks I'd be back before bed."

"Ah."

After an uncomfortable glance about the room, she coughed, "I guess I'll see you tomorrow. Good night."

Severus mumbled the same as she navigated to the sitting room fireplace. Once she disappeared, he pressed the butts of his hands into forehead. "Fuck!"

After taking in several deep breaths, Severus slammed his hand against the doorjamb in his return to the sitting room. Snatching the firewhiskey from the shelf, he dropped into the armchair and stared morosely at the flames dying in the fireplace.