14.
'Tis the season.
The next few weeks passed without much incident, aside from Hermione's close call with Professor McGonagal where she had to explained that she did in fact "botch" the charm and when asked to perform the spell effectively had to distract McGonagal while carefully transforming herself in small black cat then back quickly. She received a suspicious glance from her Professor but seemed satisfied nonetheless. Apart from that she had been summonsed twice to a private meeting with Voldemort checking on her progress with the potions and Professor Snape. She had reported honestly, the potion was going slowly but progressing nicely and Professor Snape was in fact mesmerized by her charms and in all he seemed loyal to the cause, and had been taking a more active role in her potion. Voldemort had informed her to keep up her work praising her for such diligent and valuable work and if any changes occurred to inform him at once.
Now she stood facing the hearth idly picking through her thoughts. It was Christmas evening and Severus had informed her that she dress warmly as they were going out. Severus…she had seemed to notice an odd change in him. She would catch him gazing intently at her and when she'd meet his eyes she'd feel almost euphoric, she had set it aside trying hard not to think on it, only, one night as she brushed her left arm over his trying to reach a quill she felt a tug in her arm like two magnets pulling to each other. It startled her when Severus had gasped in pain. He then quickly left, informing her to finish quickly and lock up. That night played over and over in her mind and it took all her strength not to ask him if this reaction had anything to do with the bond he had mentioned before.
That thought scared her, immensely. She was barely nineteen. Two years with a time turner and an early birthday had given her a push in age and she had no doubt; maturity but a bond like that was something she didn't know she'd really want, least of all Severus. Right? This was her job, a task; find out his intentions; report; move on. Only she wasn't sure now. She was vaguely aware she was rubbing her mark as she paced. Bloody hell, Snarky Snape? She asked herself. "It's true he's a bit more approachable and charming without having to put up with him in the classroom, and we do have things in common but if he's a traitor…" She nodded once finalizing the thought; she turned swiftly any bumped into Severus' embrace.
" Are you ready?" He was dressed in long black robes of a heavy material the edges trimmed in silver, his normal day attire underneath but the buttons stopped before his throat. She took inhaled quickly.
" Nice robes. Out to impress anyone tonight? Should I be worried?" She smirked.
His lips tugged slightly. " Not at all." He took her hand and throwing a handful of Floo into the hearth.
" Happy Christmas." He whispered against her lips and they were engulfed with flames.
When she opened her eyes it was insanely bright in the room and she could only make out blurred shadows.
She felt Severus step away from the fire tugging on her arm. The room slowly started to focus. It was a lab, "her" lab she thought. She looked at him.
" Happy Christmas." He said again looking towards the floor a small blush playing in his cheeks.
" Severus. I…" She was at a lost for words.
" I know you can't use them yet, but I thought that you'd at least like to see around."
She felt sick, she couldn't accept this, she had to be honest, this was it there was no way she'd be able accept this and continue…using him.
" I can't, I can't accept this." She spoke backing towards the door.
" Hermione, what's wrong. It's your office, for your work. You're my employee. " He said with a slight grin as he walked towards her.
She took a deep breath, trying to ease the knot that formed in her chest.
"I'm only going to ask you once. Are you spying on Voldemort for Dumbledore." She shook slightly as she stood waiting for his reactions.
Years of masking his reactions had trained him well. " No." he spoke in a firm tone.
He could see her visibly relax, while his heart twisted painfully, he felt so alone. " Why does always have to be so fucking difficult?" His mind screamed.
She smiled at him as she stepped into his embrace. " Happy Christmas."
~~~~~~**~~~~~~~
Harry and Ron where distraught, Hermione was their best friend and she had brushed them off. It had took a while for the initial shock to wear off and even longer for Harry to convince Ron that they needed to keep an eye on her. They had been keeping close watch on her for weeks now. She didn't talk to anyone from Gryffindor anymore and hadn't been to a potions class all year. Ginny had told them that she had severed all contact with her parents and never used any of the school owls. The real shock came when they had seen her talking with Malfoy as if they had been friends for years. Something was wrong and Harry could feel it.
" We're going to Dumbledore." Harry said, in between a game of Chess with Ron.
" Why?" Ron asked. He was having a hard time with wanting to help her at all.
" There's something wrong with Hermione. I don't care what she says I'm still her friend." Harry stood up walking towards the portrait lady, Ron grumbling behind him.
They had reached Dumbledore's office quickly. They didn't have the password so Harry was stuck begging the Phoenix for entry.
" Oh come on, it's important." He screeched.
" I cannot let you in without a password." The irate bird sang.
" Mr. Potter, Mr. Weasley, what are you two trying to do?" Professor McGonagal spoke from behind them.
" We need to speak with Professor Dumbledore, and this ruddy bird won't let us in." Harry grumbled.
" Sherbet Lemon." She said and the bird flew aside.
" Thanks Professor." Harry and Ron said as they glided up the stairs. Harry knocked on Dumbledore's door.
" Come in." He heard the elderly wizard speak.
" Professor Dumbledore, Sir?" Harry called.
" Ah, Harry and Mr. Weasley. What do I owe this visit to?" He asked.
Harry and Ron sat in front of his desk.
" Professor, we're worried about Hermione." Harry spoke after a few minutes.
" Yeah, she's changed and we think she's… well we think she joined You-know-who."
" Ron!" Harry shouted.
" It's true. You said so at lunch." Ron argued.
" What Ron's, trying to say, Sir is that we have a bad feeling and we don't want to see Hermione hurt." Harry explained.
" I understand your concerns, boys. And as much as it pains me to say so, you are right. Miss. Granger has indeed joined ranks with Voldemort."
Ron cringed as Dumbledore spoke his name.
" What?" Harry shouted in disbelief.
" Mr. Potter, Mr. Weasley, Miss Granger is having a very difficult time right now and I assure you we are doing everything in our power to help her. I must ask you both to not interfere with our work. I understand your concern but there is nothing for you to do. She has to come to terms with this on her own."
They both nodded.
" You both along with Miss. Granger would be in great danger if you mention this to anyone. Can I trust you with this?"
" Yes, Professor Dumbledore." They said in unison.
Albus held out his wand hand making their agreement a magically binding one. They all shook as a blue light illuminated their hands.
" Thank you." He said as they made their way out of his office.
Campy Capybara, Tycho, Playboibunny69, GeekGirl, Fire-and-ice1314, usagisnape, Blossom318, and Skeletor thank you oh so much… your reviews and comments are much appreciated. It's really given me the push to continue this story. I hope you all like what I've decided to do. Keep up all the comments it's really inspiring. :0)
