By Adriana
trixielou60@hotmail.com
Disclaimer: See prologue
Rated R for language and sexual situations, as always.
Author's notes: A special thanks to all who have reviewed. Your comments are taken to heart and they help me in my effort to make this a better story. Please continue letting me know what you think, and if you like or dislike the direction this is going. It's most helpful.
And now back to "Shattered":
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We're playing those mind games together
Pushing the barriers, planting the seeds
Playing the mind guerrilla
Chanting the mantra, peace on earth
We've all been playing those mind games forever
Some kinda druid dudes lifting the veil
Doing the mind guerilla
Some call it magic, the search for the grail
~From the song, "Mind Games" by John Lennon
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Chapter 8: Games
When they'd finally reached Hogwarts on Sunday afternoon, Hermione and Severus had abruptly parted company, a tense silence between them. Making his way to the Potions Lab, Severus rubbed his temples, trying to alleviate the onset of a migraine. He allowed himself a moment from his frantic organization of parchments and potions ingredients to contemplate what had happened earlier that day.
He closed his eyes and remembered.
Sunday morning had greeted Severus all bright and sunny, as if the night's storm had been only a dream. He'd sleepily lurched into the main living area and was greeted by the sight of Hermione out on the balcony. She'd lifted her leg to a chair was pulling at a stray thread on the hem of her robes, deep in concentration with her task. It was a simple gesture, but the beauty of it blinded Severus and for a moment he stood still to take in the sight of her. Her body was curved gracefully against her leg and the sun caught glints of gold in her otherwise dark hair. The backdrop of the ocean was breathtaking.
Finding himself regarding her without her knowledge once again, he wondered about his tendency to spy on her. He inwardly cringed at the memory of watching her and Draco Malfoy at that Italian restaurant. He'd transfigured himself into a woman, for Godsakes! Had he no pride?
Clearing his throat, he caught her attention and she looked up at him, wide-eyed. For a few seconds Severus forgot his resolve of last night. She was really beautiful. Why hadn't he seen it before?
"I can do this," he thought to himself.
Forcing neutrality into his voice, he asked, "Did you sleep well?
She smiled. "Oh, very well, thank you."
There was a moment of awkward silence, then she said, "Thank you for yesterday. I don't know what I would have done if you hadn't been there."
He waved a dismissive hand. "I did what was necessary."
Hermione couldn't hide her look of disappointment, but Severus chose to ignore it before he did something monumentally stupid, like wrapping his arms around her and kissing away her distress.
Instead, he said curtly, " We will be leaving within the hour."
For a very brief moment, her face fell, but only for the briefest of instants. She quickly gathered herself, and straightening to her full height, she jutted out her chin and looked at him in defiance.
"Of course, Professor Snape." Brushing past him without giving him a glance, she went upstairs to pack.
He'd been left standing alone, a dull ache in his chest, where he supposed his heart should be.
Shaking his head to the present, his thoughts were interrupted by Albus coming through the door of the lab.
"Congratulations on your success! I'm very anxious to look at the Soul Gathering Spell you retrieved from Belize."
"It's going to have to be modified," Severus informed him. "The spell is hundreds of years old and the results were erratic at best. Given what we've learned through the centuries, I'd say that we're going to have to substitute incantations and adapt the spell from other sources. There is much we don't know about how the Soul Gathering Spell works."
"Yes," Albus agreed with him. "It's going to take a lot of effort. Professor Flitwick and Professor McGonagall are going to work on the spell with me. Hermione was telling me about a device that she's developed during the course of her research that is designed to break down a spell and analyze its components. Remarkable, really. I'm sure it will be invaluable. By the way, I gather you two had a chance to meet with Cristobel. How is the old coot?"
Severus chuckled, despite himself. "You're one to talk. Cristobel was incredibly helpful, he sends his best. He's an interesting fellow, almost as interesting as you are."
Albus allowed himself a delighted grin. "Why, I believe that was a compliment. I'll take it as such, anyway. So, did you and Dr. Granger make out alright?"
"Interesting choice of words," thought Severus. Keeping his face carefully inscrutable, he answered, "Fine."
"Just fine?"
"Albus, if you're looking for gossip, you'll get none from me. We went in, we found the spell and we came home. End of story."
"Hmmm," said the Headmaster. "So I take it there will be no problems with your working relationship? You're going to be spending quite a bit of time together, skipping dinners, late nights in the Potions Lab, sharing triumphs and failures together." His voice trailed off.
"We'll manage," Severus grunted.
Albus looked at him thoughtfully. Despite himself, Severus couldn't help but ask, "What are you getting at, old man?" He knew the Headmaster well enough to see the little wheels turning in his head and that he was being baited.
Albus smiled. "Oh, nothing. I just have a feeling that this is going to be an interesting collaboration."
Taking a deep sip from his tea, Severus refused comment.
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Ron noisily searched Harry's cupboards for something to eat. Harry was reminded of a Muggle film he'd seen in his primary school science class, showing pigs rooting around for truffles. He couldn't help letting out a soft laugh at the comparison.
"Blimey, Harry! Where's your food? I open your cupboards and I swear I can hear the ocean. They're frightfully empty."
"Sorry, Ron. I haven't been around much. I usually grab something at the Ministry. The food there is terrible, though."
Ron didn't hear as he had his head buried deep in Harry's 'fridge. "These Muggle cooling machines are really brilliant," he said. Pulling out an apple, he sighed. "I suppose this will have to do."
Seating himself at the table, he took a loud bite out of the apple. "So," he said, thoughtfully munching. "What's been going on in your life?"
Harry looked stricken.
Noticing the look, Ron sighed. "You spent the night with Ginny again, didn't you?"
Harry shifted uncomfortably. "Honestly, Ron. How do you do that?"
"It's written all over your face, you're a terrible liar. Always have been." Ron clucked in sympathy. "I suppose I should be angry, or at the very least, I should defend my sister's honour. However, as the Muggles say, it takes two to tango. Despite what my mum and my brothers think, she's a big witch. Big enough to make her own choices."
"Too bad neither of us is capable of making good ones," answered Harry.
"So what happens now?"
"I talk to her, apologize . . . tell her that I'm not worth the trouble."
"Blah blah blah, Harry," Ron said mournfully.
"I know."
They sat in a contemplative silence for a moment, then Ron spoke suddenly. "Voldemort has damaged us all, hasn't he? But I've got news . . . something to give us hope. You know I've been secretly training with the Ministry, right? I don't have to tell you how sensitive the information is I'm about to give you, do I?" Ron's eyes shifted furtively, as if he were checking for spying House Elves. "Are we alone?"
"Well yes, except for The Harry Potter Fan Club hiding in my closet, we're completely alone."
Ron rolled his eyes. Letting out a tense breath, he said, "We've compromised Voldemort's security."
Harry started. "What? How?"
"You know of Phineus Horton, do you not?"
"Voldemort's Head of Security? Yeah, he's scum."
"He's also got a taste for very young witches. Our intelligence revealed that Horton frequents a certain brothel in Knockturn Alley called "The Magic Finger."
"Interesting name," said Harry dryly.
"It caters to those with 'childish' desires," Ron gave a shudder. "Anyway, he likes to go to there alone, he doesn't like a crowd . . . " He couldn't suppress a grin. "Performance anxiety or something." Harry snorted and Ron started laughing. He took up the story again. "We set up a young Auror to work undercover. She was able to, erm, distract him while we broke the wards in the room. Dreadful place, all pink and glittery, you know, sort of like Trelawney's classroom." Seeing Harry's impatient look he continued, "Well, to make a long story short, we caught him wandless and with his pants down. We were easily able to cast a Stupefy, as he was in no condition to fight back. We were then able to confiscate his wand and perform a Priori Incantatem on it. We've got every spell he's cast in the last three weeks. Our analysts are scrutinizing them as we speak. Most of the spells were elaborate wards, which are virtually impossible to break, at this point. However, once they're identified, we can work on the counterspells. Voldemort is a creature of habit, he's unlikely to change how he does things."
"But what about Horton?"
"Oh, we cast an Obliviate on him, he hasn't a clue. Last I saw him, he was happily shagging that Auror. Stupid git."
Harry crowed. "That's the best news I've heard in a long, long time! Between Hermione's spell and potion and this breach in security, maybe we have a chance after all!"
"I'm glad you're so happy about this. It's going to make what I'm going to tell you next much easier." He hesitated. "Hermione's back."
"I didn't know she'd been gone. Where did she go?"
"Hell's bells, Harry! You'd better sit down. Hermione was in Paris with Malfoy, and well . . . "
A few minutes later, the sounds of cursing and breaking glass could be heard from the street outside Harry's house.
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Severus made his way up to the infirmary. He'd scoured his potions cabinet looking for some extra vials of The Dreamless Sleep Potion, with the intent of delivering them to the hospital wing. They'd depleted their stores in the aftermath of the Death Eaters' attack in Hogsmeade, as many of the students had been plagued with nightmares. However, delivery of the potion was just an excuse to see Hermione and he well knew it.
Instead of finding Hermione, he found her assistant, Taryn Butler, bent over a patient's chart.
"Professor Snape! What a pleasant surprise," she said, her face breaking out into a charming smile.
"I thought you might be in need of some of this," he said, handing her the vials. Looking behind her shoulder, he asked casually, "Is Dr. Granger here?"
"Oh, no, she's not. She left with Draco Malfoy about twenty minutes ago."
"Malfoy was here?" Again, he tried to keep his voice casual.
Taryn didn't seem to notice as she gushed, "Oh yes, and he brought flowers. It was the most enchanting thing I've ever seen! I mean, after all, they did spend the weekend together in Paris, or so I've heard, and here he was again, sweeping her away for a romantic dinner. The whole castle is buzzing about it!"
Severus felt his gut tighten.
"I'd like to think that we've got more important things to do around here, rather than gossiping about Dr. Granger's love life, real or imagined," he bit out harshly.
"Oh come now, Professor! With the threat of war, a little light-hearted gossip is harmless, really. Besides, they make such a beautiful couple. He's so handsome with his gorgeous grey eyes and she's just lovely with her pale skin and dark hair. They're very striking. And they seem so much in love. They couldn't keep their hands off each other."
Taryn seemed oblivious to the strangled sound Severus made in his throat.
He mumbled, "We really shouldn't be talking about this."
"I'm sorry, I've made you uncomfortable. I know you have to work with Dr. Granger, and you probably couldn't care less about her love life. But it's nice to see a little bit of happiness around here. Merlin knows we could all use it."
Severus felt it best to change the subject. "So how are you faring here at your new job?" he asked politely.
Taryn's pretty face lit up. "Oh, I just love it here. Dr. Granger is very kind and I'm learning so much. I'm very happy, thank you for asking."
"Well, at least someone is happy here," he said sardonically.
Taryn broke out into what could only be described as a seductive grin. "You know, Professor, you should take a page from Dr. Granger's book. She's not the only one who deserves some happiness. I know a certain Potions Master who spends all his days locked up in a drab lab, never getting out and having fun."
"I've no time for fun, Miss Butler."
Taryn stepped closer to Severus, her body just inches from his. Reaching down to where his hand was resting on the table, she allowed her fingers to brush against his, her touch a gentle caress. "Then perhaps you should take the time to have some fun." Her voice was a husky whisper.
There was no mistaking her meaning.
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Twenty minutes previously, Draco Malfoy had dramatically swept into the infirmary, looking for Hermione and clutching his requisite bouquet of white roses. Sneaking up behind her, he'd thrown his arms around her waist, burying his face in her neck. "Hello, gorgeous. Miss me?" He nipped at the soft skin behind her ear.
Hermione had yelped in surprise. "Don't do that!" she hissed.
"Why not? We're lovers, after all. At least, that's what we want everyone to think!"
"Keep your voice down," she whispered harshly. "Taryn is in the next room."
"Oh well, it looks like you're going to have to play along, then. Follow my lead." Straightening up, he'd practically shouted, "Hermione, my darling! I've missed you so!"
Hermione rolled her eyes in exasperation.
"I think this is the part where you throw your arms around me and tell me you love me. Honestly, Hermione! Do I have to tell you everything? One would think you've never had a boyfriend before. Oh . . . sorry. I guess you haven't!" he whispered in glee.
Hermione let out an involuntary growl, but before she could retort, Malfoy had grabbed her again for a passionate kiss, timing it for when Taryn walked into the room. Taryn couldn't hide her delight at the sight of them clenched together in an amorous embrace.
Draco pulled back, only to begin raining kisses on Hermione's neck and her chin. "Mmmmm, you taste so good!" Glancing at Taryn, he said, " Oh, hello, who do we have here?" He couldn't suppress an evil grin.
Hermione squirmed. She was so going to get back at Malfoy for this. Stammering, she said, "D-Draco, this is my assistant, Taryn Butler. Taryn this is my, erm, b-boyfriend, Draco Malfoy." Draco thought she looked a little too pained at saying this, but he let it slide for now."
Oh, so you're the infamous Draco Malfoy! I've heard a lot about you."
"All of it good, I'm sure," Draco shot an amused glance at the secretly seething Hermione. "Dr. Granger and I were just going out to Hogsmeade for dinner. I'm sure you can manage things while she's gone?"
"Oh, it's not a problem. You two kids go out and have some fun. Everything will be here when you get back."
With a grandiose gesture, Draco pulled Hermione's cloak off a hook. "Come on, love. We've got reservations for seven." He clasped her cloak in an intimate gesture, and putting his arm around her, he called out to Taryn, "Don't wait up."
Her giggles were the last thing they heard when they left the hospital wing.
Once they'd been seated at the restaurant, Hermione had trouble keeping her voice down. "Was that really necessary?"
Draco grinned. "Come now, my love!"
"Don't call me that!"
"Well, in the eyes of the wizarding world you *are* my love. It's the only thing keeping me alive right now, thank you very much. I'd appreciate it if you could remember that. And do try to be a little more enthusiastic. I have a reputation, you know."
"Can't you be serious about anything?"
"I'm serious about staying alive. I'm serious about killing Voldemort and winning this war. I'm serious about my father getting what's coming to him. Any other questions?"
Hermione sighed. "I suppose you're right."
Draco absently fondled her hand, bringing it to his lips. "I'm going to have to bring you up to speed about what happened in Paris." He braced himself before continuing with his account.
Hermione heard a loud buzzing in her ears. The only words she could make out were, "drunk", "fountain", "naked", "arrested" and "shagging". She began to feel faint.
"Hermione? Are you listening? Pull yourself together, girl! Everything is going according to plan. You and Uncle Severus will be working on the potion and the Headmaster has a team working on the spell. Best of all, Voldemort will be distracted with thoughts of revenge on Harry Potter. We'll have to time everything, of course, but really, things couldn't be going better. It's like a chess match, all the pieces are falling into place . . . "
A soft, menacing voice interrupted them. "Too bad you suck at chess, Malfoy."
Startled, Draco looked up. "Oh, it's only you, Weasley. For a minute there, I thought it was somebody important."
Ron stepped aside to reveal Harry standing behind him, a grim look on his face.
"Oh, hullo, Harry," said Draco.
Before he could continue, Harry reached back and in a blur, his fist connected with Draco's aristocratic nose.
TBC
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Oh what tangled web we weave . . . . things are getting complicated, don't you think?
Thanks again to my beta, Elizabeth, who had been a wonderful sounding board for this story.