Hermione's fingers tapped her thigh nervously. She dropped the book she had borrowed from the library carelessly upon the couch. Then her eyes darted towards the old clock above the mantelpiece. It was twenty minutes to striking midnight and he hadn't returned yet. She didn't know if she should be worried or not and that annoyed her beyond reason. She was unaware of the Professor's schedule and she didn't have any connection to the Ministry apart from Harry, since with Ron she was barely on speaking terms after their nasty breakup.
She looked fleetingly towards the magical lantern on the counter top. She could try to speak to Harry through it, but the Professor warned her to keep low for now. Especially after the newspapers were now upon her trail.
She huffed unable to hide her vexation and her eyes fell at the darkness behind the heavy curtains. A sudden feeling of uneasiness overtook her. What if someone was watching her from the outside? She knew next to nothing about his neighborhood or the surrounding area. She never thought of asking him if his home was under a cloaking spell and she wanted to berate herself for that omission.
Her eyes fell on the clock again and she grumbled under her breath. She felt truly irritated from her inability to check on him and also her lack of sleep. She would be mortified if he ever found out, but last night she wasn't able to rest, because she couldn't stop thinking what he had been doing to his assistant in that very kitchen a few hours ago.
Hermione had a difficulty dealing with what she saw last night. Especially before she went to sleep those images played with her mind seemingly. She didn't know if she was afraid she'd catch him again in the act or if she yearned to see the whole scene from start to finish. Hide behind a wall and enjoy wholesomely what she stopped yesterday.
The fact that her stomach tumbled at the thought of peeping in her former Professor's sexual adventures didn't make her feel better either. The recollection of those few sizzling moments wound her up tight and yesterday they managed to chase her sleep away. She tossed and turned almost till the break of dawn, surprised that her old professor had it in him.
When finally her fatigue won over it was his half naked body that prevailed in her weird and confusing dreams. What happened seemed to have changed her perception of him somehow. His usually pale face flushed in heat, his casually cold eyes squeezed tight in a rare moment of passion and his hands that always controlled potions so deftly grasping so hungrily the woman's thighs….everything told her that she had no idea who Snape truly was. He had been her professor for seven years, but did she really know him? She knew about the spy, about the Death Eater, about the strict academic, about the man who loved Harry's mother to death…..but she knew nothing more meaningful about him. Harry had shown her Snape's memories, which touched her deeply, but he was much more than a few very emotional images of past. What was even stranger is that she had never felt the need to dig deeper with him, which was excused when she was studying under him…but what about now?
She felt her spine tensing when she remembered how indecently she had caressed his nape in the morning. With the excuse of wanting to heal his headache she touched the same skin that woman was licking yesterday. Her need came out of nowhere and it was almost visceral. It didn't resemble anything she had experienced up till now with Ron and that threw her off track. Maybe that is why she asked the Professor to apply for her at the Wizengamot. Something of which she was thoroughly embarrassed right now.
"That was not clever Hermione. You stupid woman what have you done?" She murmured and rubbed her forehead.
What he must be thinking of her, alas. She stood up angrily and stopped in front of the fireplace quite decided to excuse that foolish action of hers, by using logic. Alright, fine….Snape entangled erotically with another woman had stirred her in ways she had never expected, but that was not the only reason that made her ask him to apply.
Between Malfoy, all those foreigners and Longbottom she preferred Severus' valued privacy to extend onto her. She was certain that he would respect her boundaries, he would offer her security, not to mention advanced knowledge in areas of Magic she had never imagined delving in before.
"Of course….I am not that stupid. Logic comes first." She chastised herself.
This man was experienced in many ways, he was calm, collected and held vast knowledge. He was a walking forbidden-library that could catapult deadly curses in the blink of an eye and annihilate you while brewing the most complicated illegal potion imaginable.
And all that while being capable of love incomparable that stood strong through years of suffering and controversy….Her mind added.
She shook her shoulders to drive away all those thoughts. Telling him to apply for her was a clever choice taken based on his skills…not a fickle, she reassured herself.
What worried her mildly was his reaction to her proposition. His response was measured, but she felt the negative undertones behind the courtesy of his answer. Expecting this man to celebrate such a ludicrous idea was stupid, but his reserve had annoyed her. Did he view a possible cohabitation with her as detesting? Was her presence becoming a nuisance to him?
So lost she was in those thoughts that she initially didn't hear the crack of an apparition outside. She turned sharply though when a loud crashing came from the stairs that led to the entrance. She held her breath and looked towards the door. All the color drained from her cheeks and she missed a beat.
-.-
Severus felt his fingers frozen around the railing and leaned his forehead upon it. He spat a curse between his teeth and emptied himself clumsily upon the last step. He dropped his coat next to him and closed his eyes. He crossed his arms above his knees and exhaled slowly. He felt so exhausted that standing up, opening the door and finding his way to the bedroom seemed like an impossible task. He cursed his inability to apparate straight into the house. However any noise would probably alert Hermione and he didn't wish to ruin her rest. He thought that tiptoeing inside would be much quieter, but his body betrayed him. On the first step he took his knees buckled and he had to grab the banister in order to keep himself up. Now that he was sitting…he was almost certain that he'd be unable to walk back inside and wondered if sleeping upright in the middle of this light rain would be so bad at the end of the day. He was only a spell away from creating a dry barrier around him, when he heard footsteps coming from the house. Before he had the chance to turn around, the door opened and the soft orange light of his magical lantern spread on the landing. He looked up.
"Good evening Severus." She paused.
He exhaled and covered his forehead. "Good evening Hermione." He sounded old and used.
A faint smile formed on her lips, which disappeared immediately. "Why didn't you apparate in the house?"
He turned his back at her and rested his head on his hand. "I thought you would be asleep at this hour and didn't want to awaken you."
"I couldn't sleep." She winced and sat next to him.
"Why?" He gave her a tired side-glance.
"I was…" –She stumbled- "Worried about you."
His eyes were piercing and she felt the need to elaborate.
"You went in the Underworld today…it's dangerous." She shrugged feeling that was enough to appease his intense regard.
Finally he turned away with a sigh. "I didn't wish to worry you."
She nibbled her bottom lip for a few moments before leaning over to him. "You really don't look all that well. How do you feel?"
"Tired. I'd appreciate a few moments to catch my breath." His voice was barely heard.
She didn't like that he looked like a bloody ghost at all. "Are these usual side-effects of the Underworld? Your fatigue and the paleness?"
He nodded softly.
"The fact that I can barely hear your voice?" She smiled, trying to make him smile.
He exhaled and looked at her briefly. "I am alright, I assure you."
She stood up decisively. "Come inside….don't sit out here in the rain."
He looked at her for several silent moments and she recognized his reluctance. So she offered her hand to him. "Do you need help?"
He buttoned up and his dark brows met disapprovingly. For single moment her old scary Professor was back. "No, I can do it alone." His heavy voice replied.
She pulled back and waited.
He stood up feeling his knees shaking and tensed even more against his weakness. The fact that Granger was not taking her eyes off him was making things worse. Why wasn't she in her bedroom asleep at this damned hour? He took an unsteady step towards the door, but his legs gave way and he had to grab the banister in order to save his face once more. He gritted his teeth and his eyes fell on her angrily….even though she was not to blame about anything.
She exhaled roughly and approached. Then without any reserves she wrapped her arm under shoulder-blades and tried to help him inside. "Come on. Lean on me." When they took the first step, his weight and the breadth of his shoulders really surprised her. She felt tiny next to him and she was not sure she'd be able to hold him aloft.
Nevertheless they did manage to get in and even reach the couch. There he released her and dropped gracelessly upon it. "Thank you." He murmured and leaned his head back.
She looked at him apprehensively. "You can barely stand…"
He closed his eyes and didn't answer.
After a few moments of silence she leaned closer and realized that his breath was starting to become heavy. "Are you falling asleep?"
No answer.
She shook him gently by the shoulder. "Severus, wake up…"
He inhaled sharply and looked confused into her big expressive eyes. "Let me rest I beg you."
Her brow wrinkled. "You won't rest properly on the couch. You need to go to your room. Come I will help you up." She placed her knees against the edge of the couch to create some leverage, wrapped her arms under his armpits and tried to pull him up. Without his help the effort was doomed from the start. When his weight proved too much for her, she lost her grip and he slid back, pulling her with him. She suddenly found herself half straddling him, with her face crushed against his torso. She inhaled sharply when she realized that his strong heartbeat was echoing down her spine. She tried to keep her composure and she pushed away from him. Then she took several steps back for good measure and tried to straighten her t-shirt that had gone askew. "That was a total failure…" She mumbled feeling her cheeks on fire.
He opened his eyes that looked mildly entertained. "Did you honestly think you would be able to lift me up?"
She frowned. "I could have done a better job if you made an attempt to help me, but you just sat there doing nothing."
"I wanted to make you suffer." He smirked and closed his eyes again.
Her eyes thinned. "You made me suffer for seven years at Hogwarts. Don't make me call you a brat..."
A tired smile appeared on his lips. "Been called that before." He didn't seemed annoyed by her manners.
She placed her hands on her waist and called on patience. "You need to go to bed."
"The couch is fine." Came the dismissal.
"At least let me help you out of your clothes." She said and instantly she blushed.
He looked at her and his brow arched slowly.
She bit her lower lip and rubbed her forehead while avoiding his eyes. "I mean I wish to help you get ready for bed because you looked exhausted. This is making me feel uncomfortable…" She trailed off.
His face settled and his observed her quietly. "That was never my wish."
She cleared her throat and crossed her arms protectively around her chest. "Did you have anything to eat?"
He shook his head. "No and I am in no position to cook for us right now, I am sorry. I cannot even find the strength to contrive something out of thin air." He sounded so genially remorseful that her heart twitched softly.
She smiled and walked over to him. Then she sat next to him gingerly as she felt too aware of his presence for some reason. "I can make something quick for you, if you'd like."
He looked at her solemnly and his lips parted. "Your offer is greatly appreciated, but I really don't have an appetite, thank you." He lifted himself up from his reclined position and leaned his elbows on his knees.
Suddenly she felt her body tensing up and looked towards the floor. "I think I am making you feel uneasy. I should have been asleep by now, right? You didn't expect to find me awake and certainly didn't expect me to annoy you with my solicitude."
His brow flicked imperceptibly. "Don't misunderstand me Hermione. I am not used to having guests over, but I will learn given the time. Right now I don't wish to eat anything, I just want to close my eyes for a while." He looked at her and a faded smile brightened the darkness around his eyes.
"I am here because I wish to help you…like you helped me. Remember that…" Her hand floated above his for a few moments before clasping it lightly.
He flinched and looked at her long fingers cautiously. "So you are paying your debts too…" He said quietly.
"Always." She said carefully.
He felt a shiver rushing up his spine and withdrew his hand carefully. "Thank you."
Her reply was a silent smile that lit up her whole face.
"Did anyone bother you today?" He rejoined, yearning to change the conversation to something more easily manageable.
"No, I was left to my own devices." She replied.
"Did you contact your friends?" He resumed.
She looked at the magical lantern and decided against telling him how close she had come to use it in order to have some information about his well-being. "No. I didn't wish to expose myself in any way. I appreciate greatly the cover you created for me."
"This veil will function for as long as you need it. It will be your decision to appear to the world again…not for them to find you."
She smiled and warmth spread inside her. "I don't know what I have done to deserve this kind of help from you."
His brows twitched. "You fought against the darkness with braveness unmatched. That in my books is enough to earn you all the help I can give you."
She sobered up quickly and felt her throat drying out. Suddenly her eyes welled and she didn't know how to stop herself from becoming emotional. She decided to stir clear from that sensitive topic. "Did you find anything in the Underworld today?"
He rubbed his forehead. "Absolutely nothing…" The dissapointment was clear in his voice.
"You don't see a light at the end of the tunnel soon, do you?" She winced.
"Not unless something impressive takes place that will create ripples through the parallel worlds. The portals between each plane are infinite. Where one shuts down, dozens open up on a different level. I am searching for a particular kind of magical thread, which is not very different from the hundreds that flow around me each passing second. It feels like I am searching for a needle in a haystack most of the times." He sounded discouraged.
"When can I see one of those alternative worlds?" She asked eagerly, not dejected by his words.
He smiled sadly. "You are unstoppable aren't you?"
"Yes…" She grinned.
"Remember what I told you about the Wizengamot? Take back your rights and wand and I will consider everything else in due time." He replied calmly.
She observed his bloodshot eyes and felt a trace of guilt for keeping him awake. "Even though I admit it scares me, I have decided to appear before them sooner rather than later. As soon as the next few days to be exact."
"That is wise of you. Have your back-up applications ready and go for it. The sooner you get this out of the way, the easier it will be for you to fight against this nightmare." He rejoined.
"Have you decided if you wish to apply for me?" She didn't want to sound needy, but she did.
"Not yet." He was bluntly honest.
She cringed. "Then I might accept Longbottom. He is the most harmless option after you."
He scowled. "Me…harmless?" The amusement was clear in his voice.
She rolled her eyes. "I mean that you are harmless to me…"
He shook his head raising both brows "I have no idea what you are trying to say Hermione, but I am the last man you can call harmless."
She squeezed her lips and closed her eyes, feeling frustrated for expressing herself so poorly. "You are keeping me safe, not endangering me. Better now?" She made another attempt.
He pressed his lips and tilted his head. He wondered if telling her that the last woman who was around him died because of him would have changed her opinion, but she knew already…..and that disconcert him. "Better."
She felt the darkness oozing out of him and attempted to offer him a smile. He avoided her eyes and turned the other way in order to settle better before leaning back. She reached out and stopped him.
"What are you doing?" He looked at her confused.
She glared at a tattoo that looked very old, but well made and was peaking above the shirt. She pulled it down with no reserve and saw the impressive Rune that was painted between his strong shoulder-blades. "This is a Rune of Magic, isn't it?" She murmured thoughtfully. Runes were one of her favorite classes at Hogwarts.
"Indeed."
"Which one is it? I don't recognize it." She felt disappointed at herself.
He leaned his head on his hand. "The Eleventh Key."
"The Runes of Magic don't have an Eleventh Key." She rejoined with an even deeper scowl.
His black eyes gained a greater depth at that moment, but he remained silent.
She shuddered hard. "Oh my heavens it is one of the dark ones, isn't it?" She whispered.
A soft nod was his answer and his eyes expressed an intense interest at her awe. She raised her palm and brought it over his skin. Then without asking for permission, her hand planed over the rune gently.
He visibly tensed, but she didn't notice.
"Tell me what it can do…" She whispered and gazed lost at the Rune even though it was not activated. It was the first time she was seeing this influential and versatile Dark Rune even though she had heard of it before.
"It can unlock very illegal irreparable curses, which scare the Ministry a lot." -She smirked and he continued- "It is a symbol that can defeat death himself, if used in correlation with other powerful schematics. It is part of a powerful ancient protection schema, but I use it offensively also when needed." He tried to keep his voice from faltering as he felt the warmth of her touch waking up his skin.
She didn't pull away, but felt her stomach dropping. Her voice was barely heard then. "Did it help you heal after Nagini's attack?" She held her breath and tried not to lose his eyes.
He pursed his lips and visibly stumbled, but finally answered a quiet. "Yes."
She swallowed nervously. "Has it ever helped you in the Underworld?" She asked softly, without removing her hand. She didn't know if the Rune was affecting her or he was.
"Many times over." His eyes seared into hers.
"I loved studying Runes in Hogwarts." She licked her bottom lip and looked at his mouth.
"You studied Basic Runes there, this is rather advanced and not accessible to common wizards." He responded quietly.
"Can you teach me more about Dark Runes?" The academic in her woke up thrilled at the prospect. Her fingers moved slightly on him and she felt his skin breaking in goosebumps. Who'd knew that Snape was able to enjoy another person's touch….but then again were there many people that could approach him so much, apart from his beautiful assistant? Hermione smiled, pleased that he was not pulling away from her and that she was able to get lost inside the darkness of his mysterious eyes. Those prolonged silent regards were doing things to her stomach.
"Dark Runes, the Keepers, the Underworld. You hurry too much Hermione. Experience is gained through mistakes, trails and patience…not by rushing head-on. You try to juggle too many things at once." His scolding sounded gentle.
She smiled knowingly. "You are talking about experiences, I was asking about lessons…."
"Why not wish for both?" He tilted his head.
"I am open for both. Offer me experience and lessons Professor…I can be very receptive." She smirked cunningly.
He huffed and shook his head annoyed. "This conversation is bordering to inappropriate and I am too tired to tackle you down Hermione. The fact alone that I allowed this exchange to diverge into such unusual trails is proof of how tired I am." He pulled away from her gently and lay back to the couch.
Feeling regret at losing the magic of the Rune under her palm, which was now tingling, she composed herself. "You are right Severus, I am so sorry. I should let you rest instead of asking you a million questions."
"Let me sleep and we shall discuss everything in due time." He offered her a faded smile.
"You are right." -She stood up in order to allow him to stretch upon the couch. When he closed his eyes she went to his bedroom and took the blanket off the large double bed. She carried it to the living room and covered him carefully. Then she leaned over and touched his hair- "Goodnight Severus. Rest and I will take care of everything."
"Goodnight." He whispered and almost immediately he started snoring.
Hermione observed him quietly for several moments before deciding to put a low-grade silencing spell over him. Now he wouldn't wake up from her moving around the house. Her interaction with the Professor had stirred her in unexpected ways and she found herself unwilling to go back to her bedroom and attempt to sleep. Instead she engaged the armchair and picked up her book. She got lost in its pages quickly and felt soothed down by his steady breathing.
-.-
When a sudden crack came from the lantern Hermione snapped out of her reverie with a sharp inhalation. She gazed at the clock. It was almost five in the morning. Between her talk with the Professor and her reading she hadn't slept at all for a second night. She stood up and walked to the kitchen.
"Is anybody there? Professor?" Ginny's face formed slowly upon the trembling flame.
Hermione leaned close to it. "What do you want him for? He is asleep."
"I thought you'd be asleep instead. It's good that you aren't."
"Why?" Hermione scowled.
"We have a major problem." The flame trembled around Ginny's vague features.
"What happened?"
"Someone leaked to the Press that Snape is hiding you in his house. The Press inquired if Snape was acting on the Ministry's behalf, but they denied any involvement. You guys have been fed to the wolves and no one is officially backing Snape up. The Ministry announced a Press Conference tomorrow. Read…"
A small paper formed out of the flames and flew into Hermione's hands. It was a newspaper clipping with today's date. "Hermione Granger is a fugitive and a convicted outlaw. She has troubled the authorities many times in the past, but also recently by refusing to accept a non Muggle-born husband. The Aurors lost her trace ever since she got involved in a shady attack four days ago, which resulted in one death and one injury. She was never brought in for questioning even though there are witnesses who have linked her to the location. One cannot help but wonder if this special treatment towards her has to do with Auror Harry Potter or Severus Snape who was covering up her trace. That action is highly illegal since she is a formerly convicted criminal and the Commander of the Keepers and former Headmaster of Hogwarts will be called to give official answers soon. 'Our trust in the law enforcement of the magical community must be maintained at all costs! No one stands above the Law!' Roughwillow, leader of the opposition stated this afternoon"
Hermione looked livid. "Someone gave us in. There aren't many people who knew about our little arrangement. We have to find out who it was."
"Forget about that! You are both exposed…you need to warn Snape. Harry says the integrity of the whole Auror force is at stake. Kingsley is going to call Snape in for questioning tomorrow." Ginny hurried.
Hermione paled and felt her heart halting. "I brought this upon you….upon all of you. This is all my fault." She murmured and her eyes darted at the sleeping Severus.
"You did nothing wrong Mione. This damned Law is making people crazy. Anyone who tries to help you will end up being chased, don't you see?" Ginny reproached.
"I don't want to drag anyone down with me." Hermione's eyes welled.
"It's too late to turn back time. You and those who help you must raise up and face the demons." Ginny resumed.
"No, I need to leave… " Hermione's eyes darted around the house nervously. Upon remembering how patiently he withstood all her questions even though he was exhausted a wave of guilt overflowed her.
"What in the name of Merlin are you talking about? Where is the Professor?" Ginny's voice sounded worried.
"He is resting…and no one is going to bother him." –As long as I have a say to it- Hermione murmured and pushed away from the counter. She rushed to the guest room and began throwing in her magical bag clothes, shoes and scattered books in a haste. This man helped her despite all the controversies and what had she done for him? He was being called for questioning, his reputation was on the line and so was his job. She needed to leave before they stormed his home and found her there.
"Professor wake up!" The lantern hollered, but Hermione's charm held strong.
"He is too tired to wake up…." Hermione came back into the living room and opened the box that held Snape's special powder.
"Hermione you are acting ridiculous. I wanted to warn you both in order to be prepared, not so you can leave! Where in the name of Merlin are you going to go? They know he was sheltering you all along. What you are doing is fruitless." Ginny tried to reason.
"Leave him alone, hasn't he done enough for me already?" Hermione threw the powder in the flames and they turned dark maroon this time.
"Hermione stop! Wait!" The flame of the lantern spewed upon the counter top.
Hermione stepped into the flames and disappeared without a word.
"Hermione? Professor!? Anyone?!" Ginny was yelling, but it was to no avail because no one could hear her.
A few moments later even the lantern fell silent and the only thing that was heard was the soft crackling of the burning logs.
Severus' breathing hadn't changed at all.
-.-
