Hey everone, this is chapter 29 and it is a biggie. Please favorite, follow and review if you enjoy the chapter. Until next month…
Allons-y (also I don't own HP)
It was long past curfew when Lily had asked Hermione to hear the unfiltered details of her date with Amos Diggory. Sitting cross-legged on Lily's bed the girls cast silencing charms. With curtains drawn, butter beers and varying treats from Honeydukes, they settled in for a long discussion. This was not the first midnight feast the two ha enjoyed. The first was really something special. A week after Hermione arrived in 1975, Lily had brought two of every popular treat. She wanted to get to know her newest roommate without prying eyes or ears. It really reminded Hermione of the first time that she'd ever met Harry. Looking for Neville's familiar Trevor, she'd stumbled across a compartment filled with confectionary. Since the first feast Hermione and Lily had made it a ritual, every time something exciting happened they would feast. Not just on sweets and pastries but on the details.
"So first date since Remus, tell me everything!" Lily had been antsy for the past few hours. She was positively jumping out of her skin with excitement. Hermione couldn't help but smile. Above all Lily was a hopeless romantic at heart. She just wanted to know if she could help plan a non-existent wedding. "Will you be going on a second date? I bet he was a gentleman. He seems like the type."
"Breathe. There will be no second date." The way Lily's face looked, it was as though Hermione had drop kicked her familiar, insulted her mother and slapped her in the face all at once. It was reassuring at time that Hermione could always tell what was going on in Lily's head. She had a terrible poker face.
"WHAT?!" Lily shouted in outrage. Her decibel level really would have been considered impressive if Hermione hadn't gone completely deaf.
"You heard me, he is lovely enough but we won't be going out again. Ow Lily that hurt" Hermione tried her best to deflect Lily's swift and freakishly strong playful slaps.
"You surely can't be serious, seemed like a perfectly lovely boy whom is quite fit." a slight blush rolled across her cheeks and Hermione laughed. For someone who delighted in explicit literature Lily really was as shy and nervous about boys. Hermione often wondered what she thought love and sex were like in her head sometimes.
"All he talked about was Quidditch. He thought because James is my brother that I knew their tactics. It was both infuriating and demeaning. Too add insult to injury, he took me to the hot pink mess Madam Puddifoots." Hermione was adamant that as lovely as it had been to see James's horrified face that morning, she would not be used as a pawn to win the stupid Cup.
"I still think it doesn't sound that bad" Lily said with her normal amount of optimism. All Hermione could do was roll her eyes. If Lily wanted to live vicariously through her, then she would have to deal with her decisions. Hermione had never been a girly girl, wanting to be surrounded by pink. She would rather make her own tea and be engulfed in a book. Hermione was not a girl that would swoon at an overly clichéd date spot. Thinking of how many times someone like Sirius had taken a date there, made her nauseated.
"He spilled tea in my lap then tried to clean it up." Lily went to speak in defence of the Hufflepuff, but Hermione held her finger up to silence her hopelessly romantic friend. "His hand lingered too long on my thigh. He thought I was giving him signals that I wanted to be snogged. I know this because after I asked what he was doing, He told me that my eyes had a come hither look in them and he simply couldn't say no. He sounded like one of your romance novels. So yes it was that bad."
"At least he wanted to kiss you." Lily smiled and exaggeratedly winked at her. In a moment of pure joy Hermione and Lily were lost in a fit of giggles.
"Oh yes so many people want to do that" Hermione quipped sarcastically.
"I have a list of at least three. Possibly more if I thought harder about it." Lily said cockily and Hermione's mouth dropped to the floor. There was absolutely no way that there three or more boys interested in her. She knew two tops. But three or more Lily must have been delusional from her sugar intake.
"You have plenty of boys interested in you too. I mean James has proposed to you every other day since first year" Lily shuddered at the thought and embarrassment of James's proclamations of love. Hermione of course thought it was amazing entertainment. Just yesterday James asked Lily to Hogsmeade in an over the top and terrible rendition of Captain and Tennille's Love will keep us together complete with an obnoxiously large white lilies. He barely made it through the first verse before a bowl of still hot porridge was dumped on his head. Hermione of course borrowed a camera to capture the perfect moment of hysteria.
"Never going to happen. Like ever. I would love you to be my sister but the cost would be too great." Hermione and Lily dissolved again into their giggles. Which were intensified by her varying and imaginative mimes of disgust. She could try and fool herself but Hermione had the distinct feeling Lily enjoyed to some extent the attention she got from James. Not the embarrassing bits, but there was flattery there. Somewhere deep, deep, deep, deep down.
"I think you secretly love the attention. And if it were to stop you would be beside yourself." Lily did not take kindly to Hermione's teasing and again playfully started swotting her friend. As much as she loved her adoptive brother, James had a lot of growing up to do. She just hoped they would find their way together like they had in her time. Mainly because she couldn't wait to be Harry's Aunty Vix. Maybe now she was his sister Hermione would have to give him some pointers. But where was the fun in that.
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As the warmer weather began to settle in Hermione, found studying outside to be more enjoyable then being cooped up in the castle. She'd been doing it so often she'd found an oak tree that she was affectionately dubbed as her oak tree. Lily and even Severus had joined her for studies. With the O.W.L exams creeping up on the, Hermione couldn't help but relate to Lily on so many layers. Her favourite red head was having a mental breakdown about the examinations. Even if it was in her head. She always felt the need to prove she had the answers, because a muggle born stepping into the world she had felt at a disadvantage. Even half-bloods had a leg up with one magical parent. Since coming to the past Hermione had let go of so much of what she thought used to be important. Although she would be lying if she didn't have a distinct advantage. What Hermione was pleasantly surprised by that even Snape had become more enjoyable to be around. Who knew that all she needed to do was save his life? As a way to keep the studying fun they had made a game of it. Much like the muggle quizzing games, for every correct answer they received a muggle jelly bean. Because it was far too dangerous to they with Bertie's.
"Sev, this one's for you. What are three characteristics you might use to recognize a werewolf?" Hermione let out a bark like laugh as Lily smirked question. The deathly look Snape shot in their direction, gave Hermione the distinct impression he was not a fan of Lily's macabre humour.
"Next." He drawled, but Hermione could swear she saw a slight smirk that flickered across his lips.
"Lily?"
"Short snout, tufted tail and human like eyes" Her green eyes beamed brightly taking her winnings from the next to the game cards. Hermione thought of Remus and how he might answer that question. She would laugh if he wrote, sleeping in my bed or sitting in my chair. Technically the answer would not be incorrect.
"Mione, what is the correct way to vanquish a boggart?"
"Riddikulus" Snape muttered something under his breathe that Hermione didn't catch. However Lily did and it earnt him a slap on his arm. Looking at each other they began laughing. The friendship between them really was something special. He had been her window into a world where she felt like she belonged. From what both Lily and Harry had told her, Petunia was not a woman whom accepted the "abnormal". But she has Severus and he had her. If Hermione had her way in this time Snape would not lose her.
"Earth to Hermione your turn to ask." Lily was waving her hand in front of her face. It was easy for Hermione to slip away in thought these days. Because it was so surreal sometimes. She was studying with her best friend's mother and future potions master, for crying out loud.
"How many unforgivable curses are there and what are their affects?"
"Three. Crucio, Avada Kedavra and Imperio. Torture, kill and control. Next." Severus answered without missing a beat.
"It's scary how quickly you answered that so you know." Severus shrugged off her comment. Smiling her reached for another question card.
"Lily, What incantation would you use to repel a Dementor?"
"Expecto…Wait I know this it's the happy one. Petroleum"
"Patronum" Hermione corrected though her fits of uncontrollable laughter. Severus however looked at his friend with an amount of shame.
"Really Lily? Petroleum?" he questioned.
"Shush you, more questions please." Lily's flushed cheeks were priceless.
"Well don't you three look cosy?" a grating voice cut through their laughter. Snape immediately tensed. Leaning lazily against their tree was a face that was not unfamiliar to Hermione. Though he was much younger then when she first met him.
"Travers" Snape's features darkened as his fellow Slytherin approached. Whatever laughter and light had been moments ago was sucked from the air. Hermione remembered Travers. The devoted and often outspoken follower of Lord Voldemort. He was the one whom held Ginny at wand point, the night they broke into the department of mysteries. The night that Sirius…died. An anger lit inside of Hermione. Was it smart of her to let her emotions surface? No but she wouldn't let this fool walk up and ruin a perfectly lovely day. He easily stood a half head taller than her, he was also distinctly stronger in appearance. With his broad chest and athletic frame, not that that physical size mattered. Mass was is not a good judgement of ability. Hermione stood, she wanted him to know she would not cower.
"Just studying you're more than welcome to join us if you like." Hermione said with a sickly sweet smile on her face. She of course knew he would spit the regular vile.
"I don't need the help of blood traitors and mudbloods!" Travers spat at her feet, not that Hermione flinched at his vulgarity. Lily gasped from behind her. It hadn't occurred to Hermione until now that Lily may not have seen or heard much of the darker side of magic. She knew of course, it was plastered over the Daily Prophet. But seeing it, having it directed at you was another thing entirely.
"Is that any way to speak to someone offering aid?" Hermione was enjoying playing with him. Sweet idiotic Travers wouldn't even see it coming. His bigoted and vile views left him oblivious to a muggle born wits. "From what I hear you need all the help you can get." Snape tried and failed to get her attention with his warning.
"Hermione, don't" though a sweet gesture Hermione was not the kind to back down easily, not anymore. She honestly was disappointed in Severus a little. How could he let someone say those things about Lily especially?
"What did you just say to me?" He snapped invading her space. Hermione laughed, still holding her polite smile. She wasn't completely insane of course, her hand flittered over her wand waiting for him to make a move. His brown eyes looked at her with a rage that she could use to her advantage. She was completely in control in that moment. This was not the same calculated man she'd met at sixteen.
"Dumb and deaf. Pity."
"Careful witch, it would be a shame if something happened to you." Was that it? His pathetic attempt at a threat. He really thought that would rattle her. He needed to learn not to underestimate his oppinatents.
"I don't take kindly to threats" Hermione said cockily. His mouth snarled into a sinister smile. If she didn't know better she could swear he was almost flirting.
"No threat, just promises princess." Hermione laughed. She was honestly proud of herself. Though in her timeline she had a strong set of morals, she never would have been so brazen. The boys must be rubbing off on her.
"With your skills I would think I am perfectly safe." Something snapped in him. The annoyance and mild anger, had given way to s deep hot rage. He mustn't have been used to people not being afraid of him.
"Hermione…please…just walk away." Lily's voice seemed frightened. It hurt Hermione to hear her that way. To look away from him now would allow Travers the upper hand. She could not let him see that she cared for her friends. If he knew that, then what would stop him from using them against her?
"Listen to you mudblood friend, you bit…" his words were lost as out of the corner of her eye, Hermione saw a blur of black hair. The cracking sound of flesh on bone rang in her ears, as James's fist collided with Travers nose. The force of the blow was enough to knock him backwards, falling onto the ground. James loomed over him, chest heaving with adrenaline.
"James!" Hermione scolded her brother. He looked back to her, his hazel eyes maddened. He had clearly jumped to the wrong conclusion.
"Don't ever talk to my sister like that" James spat angrily as he stood over the future death eater. "And you are you out of your mind?" he probably had right to mad. From what he'd seen a thug had threatened his family. How else was he supposed to react? Though it really was disappointing that he'd dissolved to physical violence. At least what Hermione had been doing was all hearsay. James's wand pointed at the bleeding Slytherin on the ground. Several profanities came from his mouth. However most were ignored James and the other waited for the answer of Hermione's insanity.
"I am perfectly sane, unlike you." Hermione put her hands on her hips. She wouldn't give James the satisfaction of knowing she was proud.
"Snape take Lily back to the castle." He snapped at the other Slytherin. The look on Lily's face was priceless. It was a mix between horror and longing. Hermione wondered if this was like a scene from one of those books she loved. Where a big strong man saved the damsels in distress from the big bad man. It was really interesting to see the cogs turning in her head. It was a few seconds before Lily protested realising that James had just order her to do something.
"Excuse me?" Her normally fiery demeanour missed its mark just slightly. Did she really want to stay and see this, James's "heroic" moment? It took all of Hermione's will power not to laugh at that moment.
"For once in your life don't argue and just go. Please." Watching Snape try and led Lily away was interesting. Lily didn't stop looking at James for the first few steps. Had she finally seen something that wasn't there before? When they were sufficiently out of ear shot James pocketed his wand and loomed over Travers picking him up by his collar.
"If I ever see you anywhere near either Lily or Hermione again you will regret it" Hermione thought to herself, that that was the correct way to threaten someone. Much like the unforgivable curses, you needed to have the intent behind your words.
"Potters are all talk no acti…" the words again lost as James's fist connected with his jaw. Hermione saw at least two teeth fly from his mouth at the impact, before Travers fell out of consciousness.
"James!"
"What?" their collective mischievous smiles said it all. Hermione had never been more proud to be a Potter.
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McGonagall's office was not an unfamiliar space to Hermione in either timelines. She'd always found the small room to be quite comforting with large its windows and the ornate fire place. It helped that she happened to be in there every other week or three these days. Minerva didn't even turn to look at then as she, motioned for Hermione and James to sit in the chairs opposite her. The look on the old witches face was one of disappointment and a familiar annoyance. So nothing too out of the norm for the Potter siblings.
"Why is it always the Potters?" her tone left much to be desired, as she rubbed her temples. Hermione often wondered about how she survived having the two Potter men in her house. Had she known James in her time she would have suggested retirement when Harry arrived.
"Because we are magnets for misfits and trouble" James said jestingly as he winked at their head of house. If Minerva, hadn't been mad before she would be now. Did he really have to wink?
"Don't get lippy with me young man." The vein on the side of her head looked as though it was ready to burst. James flinched slightly at her words. The bright smile that had been on his face disappeared. Instead Hermione only saw distain. James thought he'd done the right thing and not much was going to persuade him otherwise.
"Professor, whatever you have been told can be easily explained" Hermione tried to dig them out of the hole that, had been steadily getting dug deeper. Her green eyes narrowed in on Hermione. With a flick of her wand a roll of parchment flew over their heads from her desk. The entire page had been filled with script.
"So we're clear Miss Potter, you provoked and insulted his intelligence whilst threatening violence and you in sighted the violence by punching him…twice. Did I miss anything?" When she put it like that, it almost made Hermione feel bad. The key word there was almost. Hermione knew James well enough to know he was seconds away from snapping at Minerva. In his way James really was a good man, above all he cared and would protect those he loved. Taking his hand Hermione did her best to reassure him. His hazel eyes refused to look up from their fixed point.
"He was being vile Professor; he called me a blood traitor and Lily a mudblood. What was I supposed to do?" Hermione asked and Minerva's face dropped for a moment. For the briefest of moments Minerva looked conflicted.
"Whilst those views are despicable and repugnant, they are not against school rules. Threats and physical violence however are. 50 point deduction each and a detention. You're dismissed." Hermione couldn't help but think that they had gotten off easy. Especially given that when she punched Sirius she was given a months' worth of detention. In her way McGonagall was going easy on them. Deep down, she knew why'd the James and Hermione had done what they did. Though she couldn't endorse it she could support them in a subtle way. Neither protested the decision as they headed toward the door. Hermione could tell he was frustrated. She could understand why, but he did punch him…twice. As he reached for the door however McGonagall's voice made them pause "Oh Mister Potter, his jaw bruise is particularly impressive." With a sly smile and a curt nod, the professor waved them from her room. Whatever tension had been pent up in James's system was alleviated. Throwing an arm around Hermione's shoulder James looked down to her with a bright and roguish smile on his face.
"Told you Minnie loves me."
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The week after the incident, Severus hadn't spoken with Lily or Hermione. Though it didn't seem to stop the latter from trying to speak to him. The first arrived in his dorm room. He didn't want to know how she managed to get it there. It was simple enough.
Hey, I need to talk to you-H. Severus ignored it. He wouldn't risk talking to her at least not yet. From what he'd caught in the common room he had to be careful about the interactions with his Gryffindor friends. Men, especially Slytherin didn't take well to embarrassments. And that was exactly what the Potters had done. The next arrived at breakfast
It's rude to ignore someone.-H. . He dared to look over to the Gryffindor's table. Her brown eyes bore into him, as he shook his head and went back to his toast. You'd think after two notes that they would surely stop. They didn't…the next arrived in their shared Charms class.
I can see you reading the notes. Just respond. -H. Normally if a person saw the Incendio charm cast on a note, that you'd given them it would send a message. Hermione Potter was quite clearly not a normal human being. He didn't even bother to look at her this time. The last note arrived at lunch. Her handwriting was really beginning to irritate him.
If you don't respond to this, I will make sure you can't ignore me. Just a warning-H. He should have responded to this note in hind sight. It would have saved so much grief and frankly unwanted attention. That was the last note he received, he was relieved really. That was until it was time for dinner.
He knew Hermione was many things, determined, focused and logical. But as she practically skipped over to the Slytherin table, Severus was serious reconsidering her survival instincts. Travers looked at her like a lamb coming to the slaughter. Not that she paid him much mind.
"Hi there boys, I hope you don't mind but I need to borrow Severus." She said flirtatiously. In that moment he wished for death. Hermione did warn him, and he should have listened.
"No you don't." He tried to ignore her. Hoping that playing dead would make this lion bored, and she would move on. This of course was Hermione he was talking about, she clearly wouldn't give up until she got what she wanted.
"Oh but I really do. I can't possibly do what I'm thinking in front of your friends here" Hermione winked at some sixth year boys, as she laid on the innuendo. "I'll make sure he is returned soon enough, but not too soon if you know what I mean." DID SHE JUST LICK HER LIPS! That's when the whistling and cat calling began. The step too far for him however was when Hermione, ran her hand across his shoulder and slowly down the front of his chest. It turned his stomach and Severus wished the earth would open and swallow him whole. As the whooping and encouragements continued Snape found he was unable to ignore her any longer. Unable to take any more of the torment, he took her wrist and pulled her behind him. Out of the Great Hall and away from any form of prying ears.
"Are you out of your mind? After what happened with Travers, you need to keep your distance. And secondly did you have to make it seem like we were about to shag?"
"If you responded to my notes, it wouldn't have come to this. I did warn you."
"You're not even my type." Her feigned offense was almost funny, in its own overly dramatic way.
"You wish someone like me was into you." She bit her lip and a he could feel the heat rising under his collar. Severus didn't not have feelings for Hermione or feelings in general really. But the look on her face look could be considered…somewhat attractive…kind of…if you're into that kind of thing. She smiled at him and he couldn't believe he let her get to him.
"Gryffindor's" he mocked
"Slytherin's" as she mimicked his tone. Though her tactics left much to be desired, he had to admire the determination. Though he hated that she managed to get her way…again. He was not letting his guard down for a moment, he continued to scold her behaviour. Not that he would ever openly admit it but Snape was beginning to think of Hermione as a friend.
"What would your dolts think of you skipping up to the Slytherin table and speaking with undesirable number one?" She laughed at him. There was something else there though. He wished sometimes he wasn't intrigued by her. It would be easier if he wasn't curious.
"You think awfully high of yourself don't you?" He didn't need to her to confirm his suspicions. When James became aware of what happened at the table, and that they left alone together. He really didn't want to entertain the idea.
"I will not be responsible for what happens when your brother hears the rumours." She rolled her eyes. Hermione's intimidation was impressive, especially when it was directed at her brother and his dim-witted companions. He'd never seen anyone put them in their places quite like Hermione. That at least gave him a little bit of comfort. It was almost a pity she'd been sorted into Gryffindor, she would have made a formidable Slytherin.
"Settle down. Firstly if I wanted you, you'd be mine. Secondly I'll deal with James, if it shall arise. Besides you owe me." He been waiting for the moment this would come up. It had been unspoken until now. The night at the willow, he'd barely escaped thanks to Hermione. This much was evident. Though a small part of him had wished that she'd done it because it was the right thing to do.
"How foolish of me to think you would save me out of the goodness of your heart" he looked away from her then. How could he have been so foolish to think that after what happened they were become friends? Severus wasn't used to this feeling emotions thing it was unnerving to him. Hermione made him look at her. Her brow was furrowed and her brown eyes looked concerned. She look a bit like Lily in that moment.
"I would have saved you anyway." It was like she was reading his soul and it made him uncomfortable. Something about Hermione was magnetic, she just attracted misfits and broken toys. Her concerned look gave way to a cocky smile and he knew that they would return to their normal banter. "But I like seeing you squirm."
"Typical." Something shifted in Hermione. Her eyes darkened as she pulled him by the lapel of his robes. Whatever comfortable gap had been between them was now gone as she drew him into her and backed herself up against the wall. Snaking one hand around his neck, she forced his hands onto her waist and hip. Hermione leaned into him whispering in his ear.
"Come on Severus; don't pretend you are flattered by all the attention." The heat that rose in his cheeks was unlike anything he'd had before. Pulling back slightly she nodded her head to the left. Three of sixth year Slytherin boys walked past them whistling as they did. As soon as they were out of eye and ear shot, Severus jumped away from her.
"Can we get whatever this is over with? I don't enjoy debts"
"Aww and here I thought your blush meant you were enjoying it. You wound me." Her bottom lip dropped and he tried quite hard not to laugh. She really had this uncanny ability to make him, feel lighter. For now he'd had enough of the Hermione rollercoaster ride and wanted to get off. Straightening his frame he crossed his arms across his chest. "Okay fine be that way. I need your help with something. I need to speak with Regulus Black." She clearly was out of her mind. He knew Regulus well enough that to get him to agree to a meeting would be near impossible. There would only be a certain number of circumstances that he would ever agree to meet with a Lion. Especially after the slack he receives for Sirius's actions. Though he assumed she already knew this, hence the asking for the favour. She'd had her fun with him for the day now it was his turn.
"Hermione, I didn't know you had a thing for brothers. A little taboo isn't it?" Hermione shuddered at the thought. It was very enjoyable to make her uncomfortable considering how often she did it to him.
"Ew. No not like that geez. I need both of your help. So please meet me in the seventh floor corridor. Tomorrow eight o'clock?"
"You want us to go to the Room of Requirement." Her face dropped. He'd finally broken thought he façade and he loved it. Who knew all it would take was a sexual joke about brothers and some Hogwarts history. "Oh come on, it's the worst kept secret. What do I get if I do this?" As quickly as her front was broken it was repaired, and that stupid sweet smile returned.
"You'll have to come and find out. But just so I know, pumpkin juice, fire whiskey or water?"
"Oh god please tell me this isn't a dinner date. We maybe in Slytherin but honestly not all of us have kinks Potter" her exasperated sigh was a thing of beauty, because it meant he was getting to her too. Snape enjoyed the cat and mouse game they played. Though he wondered if maybe Hermione was sorted incorrectly. She really would have made a wonderful Slytherin.
"Just pick"
"Pumpkin juice" he said hesitantly. He wanted to know what it was like to be in her head sometimes. He of course could find out as his Legilimency skills were quite impressive. However something about her made him not want to use his ability. He would rather be in for the ride, as irritating as it could be at times.
"See you tomorrow." Turning on her heels she left him there in the corridor. So much about that girl made no sense to him. The only way to describe Hermione Potter was a sweet yet psychotic cyclone that had a distinct ability to leave you wanting more. She had the uncanny ability to see the core of a person. Their weakness, strengths and everything in between. More than that she knew how to play the person in a matter of moments. This was a frightening ability that didn't need magic. She knew that one of his weaknesses was curiosity and he hated it.
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Sirius wasn't accustomed to caring about what happened at the Slytherin's table. But when he heard some whistling and cat calling, his curiosity got the better of him. Hermione was standing behind Snape and her hand was running down his chest. Sirius's blood began to boil. Hermione was flirting and touching him in a way he didn't seem to be enjoying. In a moment of anger Sirius slammed a closed fist on the table. It was all he could do not to throttle Hermione. He ignored the throbbing pain that radiated up his arm.
"Geez Pads, what got you in a mood? Scared the shit outta me" James clutched his chest as though it would help settle his startled heart.
"Hermione moves on fast." He said through gritted teeth. He knew he had no right to her, she was free and single to do as she wished but why, why did it have to be him.
"What'd you just say?" James tensed at his words, he'd really taken to this dotting brotherly role.
"Look" Sirius said through clenched teeth, nodding over the snakes. Remus and James turned just in time to see Snape leading her from the Hall. The look on their faces was shock and maybe a little bit of horror.
"No, absolutely not. She wouldn't" James kept repeating the same words. It went on for at least four repetitions. It looked as though she absolutely would and did knowing leaving with Snape. He knew that had become more friendly of late, but really when did that happen. Had Sirius scarred her so terribly that she would now date a Slytherin? It almost felt spiteful.
"I don't know mate it looks like they might." Sirius whispered bitterly. This earnt a sharp warning look from Moony.
"Shut it Pads. She just went on a date with Diggory, nothing unsavoury. You should know she's not that kind of girl." Remus defended her. Not that it was that shocking give how he still had feelings for her. Sirius wondered how James would react if he found out that both of his best mates had feelings for his sister.
"I'm sure she has a reason for flirting with…Snape" James looked like he was going to be sick as he said the final word. It was really interesting to see his brain being unable to process the thoughts and sights in front of him.
"Keep telling yourself that Prongs."
"Stop it. This is Hermione…she wouldn't." Remus defended her once more. Perhaps he was right and this was all an innocent ploy, but all Sirius could only judge on what he'd seen. And it looked like Hermione had wanted tangle herself with a snake.
"Honestly you boys, gossip worse than any girl I've ever know." Lily interjected into their collective meltdowns. Why hadn't they asked her? She'd been sitting there reading her book for fifteen minutes and Lily was closer with Hermione then any one of them at any given time. Except for Remus maybe, he's seen her naked so they are pretty close. As the question was on the tip of his tongue, Prongs had to open his fat mouth. His advances were normally bad but this one was on a whole new level of awful.
"If I was a girl would we have sleep overs Lily?" The red hot rage that crossed Lily's face was something to behold. It wasn't the normal annoyance she really was as fiery as her hair at times. Taking her bowl of fresh hot beef stew and mashed potatoes Lily slowly and painstakingly tipped it onto James head. Letting it drip down his head, shoulders, chest and back. Only after the entire contents of the bowl was empty, did she join her other friends again and resume her meal.
"Yeah not my best line ever." James admitted, as they began laughing at the often horrendous mess that was James's flirting technique. Perhaps he should ask Hermione for some pointers, she was clearly doing well for herself these days. Sirius had no right to be jealous. She deserved to be happy.
"You think?" Sirius and Remus said in unison. This only made them laugh harder, as Remus helped pick the chunks of beef, carrots and onions from James hair. Sirius looked at the doors and hoped she was happy even if it was in the arms of a snake like…Snape
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Hermione had been waiting for the past thirty minutes, making sure the room of Requirement was exactly the way she needed it. It had been quite some time since she'd seen the Slytherin common room. She wanted them to feel as comfortable a possible given what she was going to be asking them. Sure enough, as the clock struck eight, Severus and Regulus mad their way around the corner to the seventh floor corridor. Hermione had passed him in the corridors and seen him playing in the Quidditch games. However she'd never had the opportunity to meet him, face to face before. He did have a lot of the Striking Black family features. The black hair and grey eyes, but he was more willowy then his brother. Probably because he was a seeker. The bright smile that was on his lips immediately disappeared when he caught sight of Hermione. His eyes turned dark as he verbally lashed her.
"You! I'm leaving." Regulus turned on his heels and began to leave. But Hermione couldn't let him. Not yet she needed his help. Running quickly to him Hermione tried to grab his arm, but he retched it from her grasp. Hi fists clenched in a rage that was probably granted give the false pretences.
"Wait please I need just a few minutes of your time." She could see the conflict. The curiosity of why Snape was helping her. Hermione had counted on this, his hesitation was all that she needed. To peak his interest, to have a lion remove their pride and ask something of a snake. Just a moment was all she needed.
"Reg…hear her out." Severus implored him to listen. This was the first reason she asked for his help. There was no scenario where Hermione could approach Regulus and him help her. But having Snape here, he'd listen to him. Because he was an ally.
"You have five minutes traitor then I am leaving" A bright smile of relief came across her face. It was interesting to observe the younger black brother. There were certainly similarities there. The one that was most interesting to her however, was he was portraying the dutiful pure Slytherin. He lashed out not because she was a "traitor" as he put it, but because he was afraid. Sirius put on the same front, using his humour and sarcasm as his shield to keep himself safe. Hermione believe the brothers had good reasons to shield themselves given whom his mother was. Making her way back to the summoned door Hermione held it open waiting for the boys to enter.
"Please come in and take a seat. It's really a pleasure to finally meet you too Regulus. I've heard things about you from your brother. Though I must say your reputation precedes you." She would be lying if she didn't enjoy the flicker of appreciation and awe on their faces as they entered her conjured room. It was a near perfect replica of their Slytherin common room though on a slightly smaller scale as there were only three of them. Everything was in there from the green lit ambience that is stimulated by the lake to the dark wood and leather chairs. But her favourite thing was the elaborately carved mantle above the roaring fireplace. It however didn't last long as Regulus reminded her that she was on a ticking clock.
"Four minutes" His dry tone didn't give her much to work with. But given the circumstances she would take what she could get. Hermione motioned for them to take the seats opposite her. Taking a steadying breathe Hermione tried to turn on her charm and ambition. She needed them for the next phase of her plan. She would need regulus sooner than Severus. He was the key to help Sirius and gain an additional spy in Voldemort's ranks.
"So antsy. Fine, deny me of any fun. I have brought you both here because I need your help. Before I continue though. You have to make a choice. To hear what I have to say you have to adhere to certain rules. Firstly I require an oath on you magic and secondly you need to drink the glasses in front of you. They are laced with Veritaserum. I will of course drink it also. You can ask me any question you like. But should you betray me, well you will end up like Peter." Hermione spoke quickly knowing she probably only had two minutes left at this point. Regulus lips turned into a cocky smile. Did he know more than he was letting on?
"You did tamper with his memory then?" Hermione didn't react to his words. He was deeper in already then she'd first thought.
"Drink."
"You can't be serious, I have never spoken to you before today and now this. You've got to be out of your mind." His cool tone never changed. Hermione had expected him to be difficult, he was after all a Black. But Hermione would not be sway or disheartened by his words. She knew the man he would become, he was there in him now. He just hadn't realised it yet.
"The choice is yours Regulus. I will not force anything on you. And I would appreciate you not trying to see into my mind" Hermione stared blankly at the young Black. She knew it was not Snape though he could if he wanted, and she was sure he had been tempted but this was Regulus. His face turned a lovely shade of red in his frustrations.
"Why should I drink that and swear an oath to you? What could you possibly offer me in return?" He was losing his bravado. Had he never been offered a choice? Knowing his family probably not. Hermione needed Regulus, but she would not be like the others before her. She would allow him the choice. She would give him enough information to allow him to see that she was not like the others.
"What I can offer is a chance. For redemption, freedom and I could save yours and your brother's life." Hermione hadn't been sure until that moment that Regulus really lived his brother. Walburga for their entire lives had used their love for each other as a weapon, yet they still loved. It was not something that was easily broken.
"I don't care about him." Regulus's voice faltered. He harboured so much fear and sadness, it really was heartbreaking for her to watch. She wanted to help him.
"Oh now don't insult me. I know you do. But if you would like to pretend. Then there's the door."
"Personally I don't care if he dies." Snape mumbled. Hermione scowled at him, not that it mattered or that he cared. She knew that he wouldn't want to help Sirius in any way shape or form, but the same could not be said for a certain red head.
"That's why your here for Lily." The moment she'd said her name Severus's expression changed. Hermione knew she had his attention. Snape had loved Lily until the day he died, and his greatest regret was losing her. The silence hung in the air for a long moment. Hermione wondered if either were going to take the leap pf faith she'd placed in front of them. A flood of relief ran over her as Regulus reached for the silver goblet in from of him. Swallowing the contents in one gulp.
"Don't fuck me over Potter." His silver eyes looked so much like Sirius. Hermione wondered if perhaps Regulus had been sorted incorrectly. It didn't take long for Severus to follow suit. Not that she thought it would take long with Lily's name in the mix. She almost felt bad by how easily he folded.
"This better be good" Snape drawled as she rolled her eyes. Hermione honestly expected more of a fight then she'd received. Where were the Slytherin's resourcefulness or cunning? This wasn't nearly as hard as getting Snape to agree to bring Regulus here. Honestly she was a little disappointed. With oaths taken and potions drunk, and oaths taken Hermione didn't bother with the small questions. She needed information.
"So tell me boys what do you know about Death Eaters?"
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Hermione only just made it back to Gryffindor as curfew came. She'd been with the Slytherin boys for the better part of two hours devising a short and long term plan. For now they would observe, sending cryptic correspondence when it was safe. It had been breaking Hermione's heart to hear just how far into the folds the fifteen year old Regulus was. Snape had been approached by some senior graduating house mates, because of his impressive potion making abilities. He was due to meet Voldemort over the summer. For now Hermione felt as though things were covered, and Sirius would be saved. Regulus gave her his oath that he would find a way to save his brother. What took her most by surprise was his enquiry into whether she loved his brother? She knew the Veritaserum had left her system by that point, as she wasn't being compelled to say the truth. However even so Hermione answered him as she would have with the serum in her system, she didn't know for certain if it was love. But there was certainly something extra there. The answer seemed to suffice as a bright smile crossed his face.
"You're out late." His voice cut through the quite empty common room. Remus was sitting in her favourite armchair by the fire.
"What's it to you?" Hermione retorted brightly. He looked her darkly, there was something wrong. He'd normally make a joke or have a quick reply. This was not her Remus.
"Just being observant." His voice was cold and angry, it was frightening to her. In her mind Hermione quickly tried to count the days until the next full moon. It wasn't for another six days, so it wasn't the wolf. At least not yet. Hermione looked for any clues in his face.
"What's really going on?"
"Are you with him?" he snarled the words. It made her heart beat just a little bit faster. Him…he couldn't be thinking that she was interested in Snape surely. Remus knew who she was, he was only second to Lily. Even then it was almost too close to call. He was mad at her for a hypothetical, and frankly absurd reason. Hermione closed the gap between them and sat on the coffee table in front of him. She reached out to touch him and Remus recoiled. He wasn't even willing to look at her. Had she really earnt that much distrust or anger from him?
"Look at me. Him who?" As his green eyes met hers she could swear she saw hurt and something else she couldn't quite put her finger on. What was going on inside of his mind?
"Snape" the words were little more than a whisper.
"Remus, it's not like that." She tried to reach for him, but he pulled away. Was he really this hurt over a non-existent romantic relationship? They were barely friends for heaven's sake. He had no right to be a moody Moony.
"What's it like Hermione? Please enlighten me." His anger was getting on her nerves. She hadn't done anything wrong. He shouldn't be acting like this.
"We're friends."
"That's not what it looked like at dinner." She had expected James to act like this, even Sirius but not him. Remus was the voice of reason. He was the brains behind the operations, he didn't jump to these conclusions. He was only ever like this when... And then it hit her like the Hogwarts Express.
"Remus…" The look on his face changed as he realised she knew the truth. Getting up from his seat he quickly made his way to the boy's dormitory stairs. He was going to leave her there, but before he began the ascension he stopped. He looking over his shoulder, he knew with her foxes hearing would catch his words.
"Hermione just promise me, you'll be safe. You're too important to me." She felt like an idiot. Hermione hadn't even toyed with the idea that he could still feel any way for her. She understood why they weren't together. She wasn't what his wolf needed, but Hermione forgot to think about the man.
"I promise" She could see the small smile on his lips, as he began to climb the stairs. Was he not going to say anything to her? She didn't know how long she'd sat there in silence. No absolutely not, she was not satisfied with this. She needed to hear him say it. Hermione was not going to let this go not tonight, the words were not going to go unsaid. She took off running to him, she needed the answers. He was already at his dormitory door when she caught him reaching for the door know "Remus wait. This is going to sound weird and I may be way off base but I have to ask. How long?"
"How long what?" he didn't face her. She didn't need to see his face to know the expression on it. It would be a mix of angst and relief.
"How long have you still had feelings for me?" The tension left his shoulders. The words spoken, that couldn't be taken back.
"They never stopped." Her heart contracted in her chest. Remus still had feelings for her. How strong were they? How come he didn't say anything? What is it with James's friends?
"Remus…" Hermione barely had time to react before he pinned her against the wall. His kiss was deep and slow. She could tell he'd wanted this for a while, as his hands explored her body painfully and deliberately slow. It was if he was trying to commit her curves and reactions to memory. Hermione gasped as his skilful hand ran with a feather light touch, under her skirt and along the inside of her thigh. Panting he pulled away from her as a rumble came from his lips.
"That smell is enough to drive a man around the bend Vix" Hermione blushed at his brazen words. She never thought to ask or consider what her arousal would smell like to him. "I know why we ended it, the reason seemed valid enough, but I can't just stop what I feel for you. As fun as this is and as much as I want to hear that glorious gasp again, we are not going any further for now. I am not like Sirius, I can't just shag for fun. I'm all or nothing. Just think about it and talk to Lily if you need. I'll wait for however long you need" Hermione couldn't form the words, her brain just wasn't allowing her to. All she could do was nod like an idiot. Remus kissed the top of her head, her nose and the corner of her mouth before chuckling and entering his dorm room.
Hermione was rooted in place and quite frankly she was unsure of if she ever wanted to move.
See you next time BYYYYYEEEEE!
