A/N:
For kaptinsnot and snapefan51 who both reviewed to say they read all of this in one go . . . wow. . . you deserve a medal!!! Have a new chapter instead, and thanks for the reviews. Thank you to everyone else who followed the fic through the rating change as well ---lol, photis.
Chapter 18: Accord
Hermione was showered and dressed by the time Severus returned to his rooms, with a package tucked under his arm.
"Don't forget your cloak, and gloves might be useful." He said as he gathered up the invisibility cloak of the back of his door and folded it.
"Yes mother." He looked up as he placed the cloak and package into a bag and retrieved his own thick woollen cloak.
"Now, now, Hermione, you know I'm not female."
"True. But calling you father seems a little perverse."
"Indeed."
"I hate it when you say that. I can never tell if you're amused or angry."
"Neither. Now stop complaining and come along."
"Yes, Professor."
"Do I have to tell you again?"
"Maybe, where are we going?"
"To the Hogwarts gates."
"And then?"
"Somewhere else."
"Tell me!"
"No."
"Please."
"You'll see soon enough."
Holding out his hand, he urged her through the door into his rooms, out into his office, then his classroom, locking and warding behind him as he went. He then led her into a secret passageway she never even guessed was there, and on through the darkness until they emerged out into the morning sun, at the castle walls, surrounded by deep undergrowth.
The expression on Hermione's face said it all, when he headed out through the vegetation in what she assumed was the direction of the main drive.
"What is this? You drag me out of bed and off on some mystery trip, through a secret passage and out into a pile of brambles? Is there a reason we can't go out of the front door?"
"Yes. Stop moaning." He said with a rare grin, turning back to her, and promptly sweeping her off her feet and up into his arms. He grinned a bit more at her startled cry, then asked, "Better?"
"Um." Was all she could manage for a while, temporarily dumfounded by the novelty of the situation, before she carefully composed a sentence.
"I suppose you carrying me out of the shrubbery is infinitely less suspicious than us walking out of the main entrance. Or am I missing something?"
"This is more fun."
Huh? Said her brain. Severus Snape is talking about fun. When did I blink and enter an alternate universe.
However, her mouth opened and out came, "Good point, well put."
When they arrived at the drive, they were out of sight of the main doors, and only someone overlooking the lake would stand a chance of seeing them. Setting her down, he led her by the hand onto the gravel and set of down towards the gate.
Sensing her hesitation, he explained, "Everyone'll be in lunch now, it's one."
"Oh. Where are we going?"
"Patience is a virtue."
They finally arrived at the gate, an outside the apparition wards. Reaching into his bag, he pulled out his invisibility cloak, and hugging her against him, wrapped it round them both. The material stretched magically, to cover them both completely.
"Remember to concentrate on me."
"Okay."
"Have you ever done this before?"
"Er.no. Is it like single apparition?"
"Mainly, but you don't have the control of destination. Just concentrate on me like you would concentrate on your destination if you were on your own."
"Let's go."
They went.
When they landed, it was dark. In fact it was five a.m.
"Where are we?"
Looking out ahead of her she could only see the sea, and various rocky coastlines stretching away to both sides of her. Turning, behind her was an old and withered tree with a circular wall built around its base. There was a pathway leading back towards the main coast, with a wire fence separating it from the road.
"It's called The Lone Cypress."
"The tree? You brought me to see a tree?! Anyway, that's not what I asked."
"California, Pebble Beach, to be precise."
"Is it a nature reserve?"
"No, it's a golf course."
"I'm confused. Anyhow, I thought you'd never been to America?"
"I visited San Francisco once, as well as some other US cities. I didn't take any photos, though. I was on my own."
"Did you go to L.A.?"
"I don't like crowds, so no. I only went to San Francisco to see Alcatraz. I decided it wouldn't have been much good as a wizard prison. Then I got out of the sunshine state as quick as I could."
[A shrug of his shoulders]
"Did you go to any of the beaches then?"
"I considered it, but it was the necessity of wearing shorts that put me off."
"Now you're having me on!"
"Indeed."
"Stop it." She playfully slapped his shoulder.
"Stop what?" He asked in a wounded tone.
"That! Being purposefully unreadable."
"And I thought women appreciated a man of mystery." His expression was one of pure perplexity now
"Oh, I can't win." She leaned back against the tree, with an exasperated gesture.
"You're finally learning." Now he looked smug.
"Bastard."
"It's been said before. Normally by Gryffindors." Still smug, and she wasn't going to let him get away with it.
"That should tell you something then."
"That Gryffindors only know one insult?" Her eyebrows shot up, before she conceded the truth of it to herself.
"No, not that. (A sigh) So why did you bring me to commune with nature in the freezing cold?"
"Ah well, this tree is about two hundred and fifty years old, and a symbol of something or other. (Hermione immediately straightened up.) Anyway we're here because the Muggles keep it fenced off, and that's like a red rag to a bull as far as I'm concerned. As we're here so early, I had planned to watch the sunrise."
"I take it back, you're an incurable romantic. Quite shocking."
"Then I probably shouldn't mention that I brought a picnic then. Turkey sandwiches."
"How glamorous. I believe there might be a real heart under there after all."
"Just don't tell anyone. And I don't do Valentine's Day. Ever."
"Of course not, but you are required to remember my birthday. But don't worry, I won't tell anyone your secret. How would I be able to blackmail you then?"
"We'll make a Slytherin of you yet."
"Consider it your life's work."
"You always have to have the last word."
"Bad habit I picked up from a man I know."
"Indeed."
To shut him up as much as anything else, she kissed him, and when the both of them got carried away, they ended up missing the sunrise after all.
* * *
This new accord managed to get them through the rest of the holidays and into the new term without too many harsh words, or arguments. When the Hogwarts express brought the remainder of the students back, Hermione was forced to spend more time in her own rooms, ostentatiously at least.
Snape had arranged for her fireplace to be connected on the floo network that joined the teacher's fireplaces, a request which Dumbledore had accepted with his usual knowing smile and lack of comment. This meant that Hermione was still able to spend her nights with her Potions Master after she had completed her homework and retired to her own room to 'sleep'.
Some of this time was spent preparing and practising for the upcoming fight. Their skills were improving, but they had not practised on anyone other than themselves, so they had never been able to try their powers in synchrony, or get the timing right.
This did not become a problem before late January, as neither of them had mastered their powers sufficiently to want any further challenges. But now, in early February, they felt like they were loosing time and opportunities to make sure they were going to get it right.
There was only one solution. Dumbledore.
He was going to be involved on the day itself, if only as the intended victim, so he would have to be briefed as to events and progress before the month was out. They decided to ask if he would be a guinea pig for them as well. They were, after all, trying to save his life.
Despite thoughts of how this was all for the common good, however, were insufficient to make Hermione feel any better about what she was going to ask, or more precisely, they were going to ask. A sideways glance at Severus confirmed he was feeling similarly daunted, though hiding it better.
Standing outside the stone gargoyle, he raised an eyebrow at her, and together they gave the password,
"Treacle Toffee."
* * *
Albus Dumbledore stood to open his office door, and watched Severus and Hermione come up the escalator with appropriate looks of surprise at how he had known they were coming.
They were here for something, he could tell, and he hoped it wasn't to ask his permission to let them marry. This close to Hermione's graduation he could not see the point in rushing things. Whatever it was, both of them seemed distinctly uncomfortable.
He decided to make things a little easier on them.
"Ah, Severus, Miss Granger, how nice to see you. Come in."
They gave no visible reaction, just looked at one another, and Severus held open the office door while Hermione entered. Dumbledore studied Hermione as she moved and noted with satisfaction that she had hidden the signs of her pregnancy under her robes well. He suspected she had used several glamours as well. He still could not tell what was going on from either of their faces, which was not surprising in Severus, but marked a change in Hermione. She was certainly changing.
Time to kick start the interview.
"So, you have something to tell me?"
They both nodded. Severus began, explaining the full details of their research and what the hints Severus had picked up from Voldemort and Potter. It took him a while to finish, and when he had, Dumbledore was still lost.
It was not that he had not understood any of what they had said - he was very well versed in all the subjects they had covered - but he could not understand why this made them both so uncomfortable.
He settled for a suitable knowledgeable and mysterious twinkle, and searched for the appropriate question to drag out the information he was searching for.
"I see. Now, what is it exactly you are here to ask but don't want to."
He could see from their faces he'd just notched his reputation for omniscience up several.
"Well -" began Severus
" - we were wondering - " Hermione continued
" - if you could help us - " Severus had obviously swallowed his pride
" - with finishing the research. We've encountered a problem - " Hermione with a rueful grin this time.
" - with numbers, not the magic - " Severus was quick to point out.
" - and if - " it seemed Hermione was about to get to the point.
" - if we are actually going to know if this works - " Severus then, had the point.
" - we need - " Hermione again
" - to practise - " Severus was working himself up to it
" - on someone other than us - " Hermione cringed as the words came out
" - like you - " Severus clarified
" - because we need someone powerful - " Was Hermione trying flattery?
" - who we know won't report to Voldemort - " trust Severus to be practical.
Dumbledore paused, slightly dizzy from trying to piece the conversation back together. He was forced to ask the question that was bouncing round his head.
"Did you practise that?"
They glanced at eachother and raised an eyebrow identically. "no" they replied, perfectly in time.
Then you've been spending too much time together, he didn't say.
"I see. What did you have in mind? For making me believe?" it was an important question he considered, as they were going to make Voldemort think he was dead.
"Um, something like having a broken bone - " Hermione began.
" - not pleasant, so your mind won't want to cooperate - "
" - but easily repairable."
They both looked hopeful.
Think of the greater good, Dumbledore reminded himself, and they had a point, after all, they did need to practise.
The things he did for science.
"Are you ready to begin then?"
"Now?" blurted out Hermione, before Severus said "If you wish."
"We'd better do it before I change my mind."
So they began, and after several attempts managed to succeed.
Dumbledore found it highly inconsiderate the way they hugged one another before attending to his broken arm. It really hurt a great deal.
For science, and the greater good he reminded himself.
And you can't predict the responses of the young in love he told himself, before clearing his throat loudly.
Hermione got the point immediately, as he suspected did Severus, but it was Hermione that jumped immediately and repaired the bone. Severus was much slower. Perhaps he was getting his own back.
A/N:
Big chapter coming up next - the great battle - but it's not the end, rest assured. Hermione still had to graduate.
Please review and tell me what you think, and if you like where it's going, etc.
Bye - Photis.
For kaptinsnot and snapefan51 who both reviewed to say they read all of this in one go . . . wow. . . you deserve a medal!!! Have a new chapter instead, and thanks for the reviews. Thank you to everyone else who followed the fic through the rating change as well ---lol, photis.
Chapter 18: Accord
Hermione was showered and dressed by the time Severus returned to his rooms, with a package tucked under his arm.
"Don't forget your cloak, and gloves might be useful." He said as he gathered up the invisibility cloak of the back of his door and folded it.
"Yes mother." He looked up as he placed the cloak and package into a bag and retrieved his own thick woollen cloak.
"Now, now, Hermione, you know I'm not female."
"True. But calling you father seems a little perverse."
"Indeed."
"I hate it when you say that. I can never tell if you're amused or angry."
"Neither. Now stop complaining and come along."
"Yes, Professor."
"Do I have to tell you again?"
"Maybe, where are we going?"
"To the Hogwarts gates."
"And then?"
"Somewhere else."
"Tell me!"
"No."
"Please."
"You'll see soon enough."
Holding out his hand, he urged her through the door into his rooms, out into his office, then his classroom, locking and warding behind him as he went. He then led her into a secret passageway she never even guessed was there, and on through the darkness until they emerged out into the morning sun, at the castle walls, surrounded by deep undergrowth.
The expression on Hermione's face said it all, when he headed out through the vegetation in what she assumed was the direction of the main drive.
"What is this? You drag me out of bed and off on some mystery trip, through a secret passage and out into a pile of brambles? Is there a reason we can't go out of the front door?"
"Yes. Stop moaning." He said with a rare grin, turning back to her, and promptly sweeping her off her feet and up into his arms. He grinned a bit more at her startled cry, then asked, "Better?"
"Um." Was all she could manage for a while, temporarily dumfounded by the novelty of the situation, before she carefully composed a sentence.
"I suppose you carrying me out of the shrubbery is infinitely less suspicious than us walking out of the main entrance. Or am I missing something?"
"This is more fun."
Huh? Said her brain. Severus Snape is talking about fun. When did I blink and enter an alternate universe.
However, her mouth opened and out came, "Good point, well put."
When they arrived at the drive, they were out of sight of the main doors, and only someone overlooking the lake would stand a chance of seeing them. Setting her down, he led her by the hand onto the gravel and set of down towards the gate.
Sensing her hesitation, he explained, "Everyone'll be in lunch now, it's one."
"Oh. Where are we going?"
"Patience is a virtue."
They finally arrived at the gate, an outside the apparition wards. Reaching into his bag, he pulled out his invisibility cloak, and hugging her against him, wrapped it round them both. The material stretched magically, to cover them both completely.
"Remember to concentrate on me."
"Okay."
"Have you ever done this before?"
"Er.no. Is it like single apparition?"
"Mainly, but you don't have the control of destination. Just concentrate on me like you would concentrate on your destination if you were on your own."
"Let's go."
They went.
When they landed, it was dark. In fact it was five a.m.
"Where are we?"
Looking out ahead of her she could only see the sea, and various rocky coastlines stretching away to both sides of her. Turning, behind her was an old and withered tree with a circular wall built around its base. There was a pathway leading back towards the main coast, with a wire fence separating it from the road.
"It's called The Lone Cypress."
"The tree? You brought me to see a tree?! Anyway, that's not what I asked."
"California, Pebble Beach, to be precise."
"Is it a nature reserve?"
"No, it's a golf course."
"I'm confused. Anyhow, I thought you'd never been to America?"
"I visited San Francisco once, as well as some other US cities. I didn't take any photos, though. I was on my own."
"Did you go to L.A.?"
"I don't like crowds, so no. I only went to San Francisco to see Alcatraz. I decided it wouldn't have been much good as a wizard prison. Then I got out of the sunshine state as quick as I could."
[A shrug of his shoulders]
"Did you go to any of the beaches then?"
"I considered it, but it was the necessity of wearing shorts that put me off."
"Now you're having me on!"
"Indeed."
"Stop it." She playfully slapped his shoulder.
"Stop what?" He asked in a wounded tone.
"That! Being purposefully unreadable."
"And I thought women appreciated a man of mystery." His expression was one of pure perplexity now
"Oh, I can't win." She leaned back against the tree, with an exasperated gesture.
"You're finally learning." Now he looked smug.
"Bastard."
"It's been said before. Normally by Gryffindors." Still smug, and she wasn't going to let him get away with it.
"That should tell you something then."
"That Gryffindors only know one insult?" Her eyebrows shot up, before she conceded the truth of it to herself.
"No, not that. (A sigh) So why did you bring me to commune with nature in the freezing cold?"
"Ah well, this tree is about two hundred and fifty years old, and a symbol of something or other. (Hermione immediately straightened up.) Anyway we're here because the Muggles keep it fenced off, and that's like a red rag to a bull as far as I'm concerned. As we're here so early, I had planned to watch the sunrise."
"I take it back, you're an incurable romantic. Quite shocking."
"Then I probably shouldn't mention that I brought a picnic then. Turkey sandwiches."
"How glamorous. I believe there might be a real heart under there after all."
"Just don't tell anyone. And I don't do Valentine's Day. Ever."
"Of course not, but you are required to remember my birthday. But don't worry, I won't tell anyone your secret. How would I be able to blackmail you then?"
"We'll make a Slytherin of you yet."
"Consider it your life's work."
"You always have to have the last word."
"Bad habit I picked up from a man I know."
"Indeed."
To shut him up as much as anything else, she kissed him, and when the both of them got carried away, they ended up missing the sunrise after all.
* * *
This new accord managed to get them through the rest of the holidays and into the new term without too many harsh words, or arguments. When the Hogwarts express brought the remainder of the students back, Hermione was forced to spend more time in her own rooms, ostentatiously at least.
Snape had arranged for her fireplace to be connected on the floo network that joined the teacher's fireplaces, a request which Dumbledore had accepted with his usual knowing smile and lack of comment. This meant that Hermione was still able to spend her nights with her Potions Master after she had completed her homework and retired to her own room to 'sleep'.
Some of this time was spent preparing and practising for the upcoming fight. Their skills were improving, but they had not practised on anyone other than themselves, so they had never been able to try their powers in synchrony, or get the timing right.
This did not become a problem before late January, as neither of them had mastered their powers sufficiently to want any further challenges. But now, in early February, they felt like they were loosing time and opportunities to make sure they were going to get it right.
There was only one solution. Dumbledore.
He was going to be involved on the day itself, if only as the intended victim, so he would have to be briefed as to events and progress before the month was out. They decided to ask if he would be a guinea pig for them as well. They were, after all, trying to save his life.
Despite thoughts of how this was all for the common good, however, were insufficient to make Hermione feel any better about what she was going to ask, or more precisely, they were going to ask. A sideways glance at Severus confirmed he was feeling similarly daunted, though hiding it better.
Standing outside the stone gargoyle, he raised an eyebrow at her, and together they gave the password,
"Treacle Toffee."
* * *
Albus Dumbledore stood to open his office door, and watched Severus and Hermione come up the escalator with appropriate looks of surprise at how he had known they were coming.
They were here for something, he could tell, and he hoped it wasn't to ask his permission to let them marry. This close to Hermione's graduation he could not see the point in rushing things. Whatever it was, both of them seemed distinctly uncomfortable.
He decided to make things a little easier on them.
"Ah, Severus, Miss Granger, how nice to see you. Come in."
They gave no visible reaction, just looked at one another, and Severus held open the office door while Hermione entered. Dumbledore studied Hermione as she moved and noted with satisfaction that she had hidden the signs of her pregnancy under her robes well. He suspected she had used several glamours as well. He still could not tell what was going on from either of their faces, which was not surprising in Severus, but marked a change in Hermione. She was certainly changing.
Time to kick start the interview.
"So, you have something to tell me?"
They both nodded. Severus began, explaining the full details of their research and what the hints Severus had picked up from Voldemort and Potter. It took him a while to finish, and when he had, Dumbledore was still lost.
It was not that he had not understood any of what they had said - he was very well versed in all the subjects they had covered - but he could not understand why this made them both so uncomfortable.
He settled for a suitable knowledgeable and mysterious twinkle, and searched for the appropriate question to drag out the information he was searching for.
"I see. Now, what is it exactly you are here to ask but don't want to."
He could see from their faces he'd just notched his reputation for omniscience up several.
"Well -" began Severus
" - we were wondering - " Hermione continued
" - if you could help us - " Severus had obviously swallowed his pride
" - with finishing the research. We've encountered a problem - " Hermione with a rueful grin this time.
" - with numbers, not the magic - " Severus was quick to point out.
" - and if - " it seemed Hermione was about to get to the point.
" - if we are actually going to know if this works - " Severus then, had the point.
" - we need - " Hermione again
" - to practise - " Severus was working himself up to it
" - on someone other than us - " Hermione cringed as the words came out
" - like you - " Severus clarified
" - because we need someone powerful - " Was Hermione trying flattery?
" - who we know won't report to Voldemort - " trust Severus to be practical.
Dumbledore paused, slightly dizzy from trying to piece the conversation back together. He was forced to ask the question that was bouncing round his head.
"Did you practise that?"
They glanced at eachother and raised an eyebrow identically. "no" they replied, perfectly in time.
Then you've been spending too much time together, he didn't say.
"I see. What did you have in mind? For making me believe?" it was an important question he considered, as they were going to make Voldemort think he was dead.
"Um, something like having a broken bone - " Hermione began.
" - not pleasant, so your mind won't want to cooperate - "
" - but easily repairable."
They both looked hopeful.
Think of the greater good, Dumbledore reminded himself, and they had a point, after all, they did need to practise.
The things he did for science.
"Are you ready to begin then?"
"Now?" blurted out Hermione, before Severus said "If you wish."
"We'd better do it before I change my mind."
So they began, and after several attempts managed to succeed.
Dumbledore found it highly inconsiderate the way they hugged one another before attending to his broken arm. It really hurt a great deal.
For science, and the greater good he reminded himself.
And you can't predict the responses of the young in love he told himself, before clearing his throat loudly.
Hermione got the point immediately, as he suspected did Severus, but it was Hermione that jumped immediately and repaired the bone. Severus was much slower. Perhaps he was getting his own back.
A/N:
Big chapter coming up next - the great battle - but it's not the end, rest assured. Hermione still had to graduate.
Please review and tell me what you think, and if you like where it's going, etc.
Bye - Photis.
