Disclaimer: see chapter 6.
Cursing profusely, Snape stalked down the increasingly dark and damp Hogwarts corridors that led to the dungeons. Why had he reacted in such an absurd way to Hermione? The poor girl had been through enough without suspecting that her potions master was a crack.
*But then again,* he thought bitterly, *she already knew that.* turning to his classroom, the door suddenly slammed violently in his face, causing the floor to shake. This was then followed by a loud ear-splitting crash and a cackling laugh.
"PEEVES!" Snape roared, completely outraged. The door was flung open and Peeves shot past him, performing somersaults in the air, and still cackling hysterically. Normally, Snape would have chased after him, or at the very least fetched the Bloody Baron. But today he had more important things on his mind, and sighing softly, he resigned himself to clearing up whatever mess the pestering poltergeist had created. Walking into his classroom, he bent to pick up the shards of a shattered glass vial. He suddenly heard a hissing noise coming from the open door to his private office. Knowing someone was visiting him, he walked into the smaller room and said, "Morning Albus," flatly to the shimmering head in the flames of his fire. "What do you want?"
"Severus," he began cheerfully. "I need to speak with you in my office immediately." Wishing he could be anywhere else, Snape nodded and muttered,
"Yes, Headmaster."
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When Hermione had gone to Dumbledore's quarters later that morning (after spending a few uneventful minutes walking through Hogwarts) she had again been confused as to how she would get in without the password. However, luckily for her, Dumbledore had already thought of that.
"Hello!" A small voice greeted her. Had that stone gargoyle just spoken to her? She must have stared for a just a moment too long, as the gargoyle said, "What? Never heard a gargoyle talk before?" Stunned, it was a moment before Hermione could reply.
"Well, I, no, not a stone one."
"Pah!" he answered cheekily. "Albus is expecting you, go straight up," the little figure said kindly as he sprang aside.
"Er, well, thanks," she said uneasily as she stepped through the gap in the wall. All she got in return was a roughish wink as he disappeared from view. Shaking her head, bemused, Hermione once more stepped onto the gracefully rotating staircase.
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Severus paced backwards and forwards across the thick maroon carpeted floor in front of Albus' desk. The lines on his face became etched more deeply as he scowled unpleasantly at Fawkes who was watching him noiselessly from his perch to the right of Dumbledore's desk. As the bird stared coolly at him, Severus wanted nothing more than to raise his hands and throttle it.
"Ah, good, good, you're here," said Dumbledore as he entered the room through a door behind his desk which Severus knew lad to his bedchamber. Severus made a non-committal noise in his throat. "And by the way, I would prefer it if you didn't strangle Fawkes, I'm rather fond of him," Albus continued as he sat behind his desk, motioned for Snape to take a seat in front of him, and gently petted Fawkes. Severus sat, his mouth hanging open in exasperation.
"Albus, must you read my mind at every opportunity?" Albus smiled benignly back at him, rather like a grandfather surveying his favourite grandson.
"I do apologise. May I offer you a lemon drop?"
"No," said Severus shortly. Albus looked at him in amusement for a moment.
"Fair enough. Now, I expect you are wondering why I called you here, are you not?" Severus nodded mutely as Dumbledore summoned a pot of tea out of thin air, simply by snapping his fingers. As he pored, he spoke again. "Well, firstly, I would like to clarify one thing. Are you still planning on returning home shortly?" Snape nodded again. "Excellent. Now, I have a favour to ask of you." Sighing inwardly, Severus waved hi hand irritably, motioning for Albus to continue. "As I am sure you are well aware, Voldemort is still a very real threat to Miss Granger, meaning she would be at great risk if she were to remain at Hogwarts. Do you agree?" Knowing full well what was coming, Severus nodded glumly; his lips seemed to be super glued together. "Good. Therefore, as the only teacher left to be returning home for the vacation, I feel I must ask you if you can take Miss Granger into your care for the rest of the holidays." Severus rose violently from his chair, his face contorted. He opened his mouth to speak, but before any sound came out, there was a sharp rap on the door.
"Do come in, Miss Granger!"
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Hermione anxiously opened the door, and peered around it. The sight which met her eyes did nothing to settle her rapidly increasing nerves. Dumbledore was sat behind his magnificent desk, his fingers steepled in front of him. He was smiling slightly, and his eyes twinkled happily. It was more the imposing figure of Severus Snape stood in the room that disconcerted her. Her expression slipped into a grimace as she recalled how he had treated her at breakfast.
He had been standing with his back to her, but when she had entered the room, Snape had spun on his heel to face her, his long black robes flapping around his legs. On his face was a scowl, and Hermione could easily see the deep lines etched on his features.
*No doubt form being subjected to Crutiatious on a regular basis,* she thought. *That and having to teach pupils like Neville Longbottom.*
As he caught her gaze, his eyes flashed maliciously, but she felt captured by their dark depths. She shut the door with a soft click, their eyes still locked. He abruptly looked away, leaving her feeling cold after the surprising warmth of those glittering black pools. Pushing those unwanted feelings down, Hermione walked into the room and stood next to Snape. She felt his eyes upon her and suddenly felt nervous, as if seeking his approval. Dumbledore cleared his throat and spoke.
"Do take a seat Miss Granger," he said kindly, gesturing vaguely at the two wing-backed chairs before him. Hermione sat politely in the chair Snape had just vacated. "You too Severus." Snape shot him a dirty look, but reluctantly sank into the other chair. "Now, Miss Granger, I believe there are some matters we must discuss." Hermione nodded, much in the same fashion as Severus had just those few minutes ago, and wondered why Snape was here.
"Of course Professor Dumbledore."
"I do not want to upset you, my dear, but I feel that this fact must be resolved. For unknown reasons, you are still a target for Voldemort, so I believe it would be very dangerous for you to remain at Hogwarts, as it is naturally the first place he will search." Dreading what was coming, Hermione gulped and blinked back the tears. "Unfortunately, most of the staff have already returned home, or are staying at Hogwarts for the next seven weeks, excluding one person." Hermione realised she was sat on the edge of her seat. "Miss Granger, you will be spending the summer with Professor Snape." Hermione's eyes widened and her mouth dropped open in shock. She then blushed a deep crimson when she remembered that the person in question was sat right next to her. She slowly turned and saw him looking at her coolly; all his earlier anger gone. Summoning up all her courage, Hermione took a deep breath.
"Th-Thank you, Professor," she stuttered, not quite able to meet his eyes. He gazed at her silently for a moment before shifting slightly and speaking in a low murmur.
"That is quite alright, Miss Granger," he almost whispered, looking uncomfortable.
"Excellent!" said Dumbledore brightly, eliciting a glare from both people in front of him. This just made him smile wider. Both so stubborn, he thought. "Miss Granger, Severus will take you to your parents' house tomorrow morning to collect your belongings, then he will take you to his home. I believe you two will get on better than you expect."
The pair looked doubtful, but stood dutifully, knowing they were being dismissed. Once outside, Hermione relaxed a little.
"Miss Granger, I will escort you up to your room, I'm sure you would like some time alone before we leave tomorrow." She nodded at Severus and stepped onto the staircase, him close behind.
When they reached her door, Severus looked awkward for a moment, before fixing her frightened brown eyes with his deep black ones.
"Miss Granger, Hermione, I am so sorry," he said honestly. She looked at him in surprise.
"Wha-Why?" Snape stared at her incredulously. Surely she had not forgotten?
"I-I killed your mother," he said slowly and deliberately.
"No," she whispered, "you saved me." Severus again stared at her determined face tilted up to see his. He suddenly stepped forward, closing the gap between them and wrapped his arms tightly around her slim body.
"Thank you," he croaked out harshly. She responded by entwining her arms around his neck, her fingers caressing the sensitive skin at the back of his neck, making him shiver. Slowly pulling back, Severus regarded her for moment. She was blushing slightly, her wavy curls framing her face. She looked, well, beautiful, he admitted to himself. Moving forward, he quickly placed a kiss upon her forehead, closing his eyes briefly, in an almost paternal gesture. As he retreated, she was staring in surprise at him, and before she knew what was happening, he had swept off down the corridor, his robes swishing menacingly.
A/N: Ok, quite proud of this chapter, I have to admit! Thank you so much for reading, and thanks for your comments.
Calbee, glad you are liking it. Snape knew she was in danger because he was at a dark revel, and Voldemort couldn't resist showing off about the fact that he had killed hermione Granger and her parents. Didn't I make that clear? Eh-oh! Sorry about that! And glad you liked chapter 6.
Tracy, well here it is, hope you enjoyed!
Faye, thank you for your very sweet email! And yes, you were so mean leaving it there, hope to see an update soon!
Sk, yeh, I know, to be honest when I read it back I kinda agreed with you! Still, never mind, greedy, hope you liked this chapter!
Lady of Severus, lol, I like 'when raven met cinnamon' too, I'm quite proud of it! Snape is such a sex god, and I totally agree with you about Alan Rickman- I've had a crush on him ever since I saw sense and sensibility! Glad u r enjoying it, not sure how many chapters, but there will be lots I know that much, and If people want, I have an idea for a sequel too.
BBTgirl, thanks for your kind comment, glad u like it.
Goddessnmbl, lol, thanks very much!