Snape apparated next to an old house atop a hill. The circle was already
filled, and his place had been closed. He frowned, turning his eyes to the
house he so vividly remembered. It was the same house he had been brought
to when he'd first become a Death Eater. It was fitting, somehow, that
Voldemort should choose this place. More interesting was that he should
choose it when Snape's loyalty was doubted. For a brief second the thought
of dying just as his mother had...even in the very same house, flashed in
Snape's mind. He looked away quickly, the hooded circle of evil and power
too much for the moment.
Voldemort was speaking. Snape attempted to listen, and was too preoccupied in doing this to notice the new figure standing a few men to his left. The man was quite tall, a little round, and had red hair. His eyes darted towards Snape as he began to push his way into the circle. All around him Snape was met with disdain, anger, distrust. The eyes of the group of men he once called his friends sneered at him. Lucious Malfoy appeared questioning. Snape raised an eyebrow at him before bowing to the Dark Lord, and Malfoy smiled. 'That's one bloody old bastard under my belt.' Snape thought. It would not be as easy to convince his master.
Voldemort looked down upon the tall man who dipped his head before him. A sneer formed on his lips. He had known what to do with this man for a while, but he had not thought him brave enough to return. Something like amusement flashed in his eyes as he instructed the dark haired man to kneel.
In a flash Snape was on his knees, his eyes on the ground. He braced himself..and was rewarded with a kick to the knees. Fighting back all urges of retaliation, he submitted to Voldemort's beating. Kicks found their way to his calves, and Snape bit his lip as he refused to let a single sound escape from his soft mouth.
Voldemort stood, seemingly done. He looked down, and Snape raised his eyes to his. Voldemort walked away.
"Stand and take your place." He commanded, pacing in the middle of the dark circle of men. Snape got to his feet a bit slowly, the pain shooting down his legs. Internally he swore, but his expression was impassive. Voldemort returned his stare to him. "You will not be late again. Do not flatter yourself so much as to think that I would not kill you. Your loyalty has been questioned."
Snape nodded, his eyes never leaving the Dark Lord's. "Yes, Master." And there was no anger in his voice. He couldn't afford there to be.
"I however, believe you." Snape's eyes widened the smallest bit. It was imperceptible to everyone, save his Master. "You risked a lot to come here tonight...right under Dumbledore's nose. You will be rewarded by the knowledge that your life shall be spared." He cast a pair of icy red eyes to him. "For now."
Inside the Dark Lord's mind other thoughts were roaming. He knew that Snape was a spy; he knew that he had changed sides...for good. He also knew how powerful the wizard was. It was better to let him think himself on safe ground for now. He would get him later...he would have revenge some how, some way. But for now...
"Come my Death Eaters." Voldemort's voice boomed over the deserted land. In the distance lightning lit up the sky, casting an unearthly glow over the weedy hill. "The sight of a woman about to die has been long absent upon mine eyes. Let us have a night of fun...and let the war begin."
One by one they vanished into the night, and Snape stood alone. He glanced to the house he had seen so many times in his memories...the house where his worst fears had come true. Striding over to it, he lodged a foot firmly into the sides. The wood began to crumble, and Snape smiled the tinniest bit before he disapparated and joined his fellow followers in a night of "sport".
**********************************************
Hermione awoke to find Gwydion strutting across her legs. She stretched and rubbed her eyes, attempting to drive the sleep away. She felt glorious, and reached a hand over to touch Severus. She found the spot empty, and a tiny frown appeared on her lips. Opening her eyes, Hermione saw the note the eagle clutched in his beak. It appeared to be Dumbledore's writing.
'Miss Granger, Please meet me in my office promptly. I assume you remember where it is. The password is "Funnel Cake". I encourage you to arrive as soon as possible.
Professor Dumbledore'
Hermione's eyes threatened to fill with tears. The only thing that he could possibly want with her had to be about Severus. Her grades were fine, she hadn't done anything wrong! Quickly thoughts of being expelled and her lover being fired filled her mind. The voice in the back of her mind that told her that Dumbledore had known at the dance and yet hadn't done anything was quieted by a stronger one screaming that she would not graduate. Picking up her clothing she hurried to the fire, and pulled a pinch of Floo out of her pocket.
***************************************
While the sun came up over Hogwarts, more than one girl was already wide- awake. Emily Samantha looked into her mirror, and smiled. Things were going better than she could have imagined. Her reflection showed a girl with perfect makeup, dark eyes, blood red lips, and long hair. A movement behind her made her turn around. A house elf sat on her bed, shaking with fear. Emily walked to it, and gave a satisfied smirk. Reaching into her pocket she pulled out a handful of candy and extended it to the elf.
"You've done well Dotty." The small creature took the candy greedily yet apprehensively. "You will be rewarded well. Now tell me again just what Professor Snape and our friend Hermione were doing when you saw them outside the dungeons a few days ago. I'm sure Father will be very interested in this." A strange smile brewed over Emily's lips.
The elf nodded, wringing her dirty sack in her hands. "Yes, Mistress."
"After I write to Father you are to take this up to the owlery immediately. We must waste no time in bringing him this...happy news."
**********************************************
Hermione reached Dumbledore's office in a tizzy. Her clothes were practically thrown on. For a few minutes in her room she had thought of packing her bags...not wanting to delay the inevitable and to just get it on with. She hadn't though, and stood now in front of the portrait blocking his door.
"Funnel cake."
Inside, Hermione was greeted with the same room she had seen when Dumbledore announced that she would be Head Girl. The last visit had been one of the happiest moments in her life. The memory was pushed out suddenly as Dumbledore appeared. He looked tired and worn. Hermione frowned. She had assumed that Severus would be there to greet her, and perhaps the two would get a chance to say goodbye before Dumbledore ended the whole relationship. There was no sign of him.
"Please sit, Miss Grang...Hermione." He motioned to a chair and took one behind his massive desk. At the mention of her first name Hermione eyed him curiously. He did not forget the formalities often. Dumbledore thought inwardly on how smart and observant the young woman was before he set to business. This wouldn't be easy. He started again.
"Hermione...you know how I feel about the truth. Even in dark times the truth is always preferable over lies, at least to me." Hermione's eyes darkened. It seemed that this was more than a problem over her relationship with Severus. His tone had lost all of its normal merriness, and Hermione suddenly became very worried. It took her a moment to realize he had started to speak again.
"One of our darkest fears as wizards is that Voldemort may return, strong again. It appears he has." The old man waited for the reaction from the girl before him. He saw a set face, one that hid fear well. "Severus was called to him early this morning by the Dark Mark. It is burning brighter than it has in years, brighter than the time in your fourth year when he returned only to fail in capturing Harry." Hermione's face contorted, and Dumbledore recognized the implications of his words dawning on her. "Severus left to join Voldemort again." Dumbledore paused, and tears burst from Hermione's eyes. He stood, and before Hermione realized it, he was standing right before her. Putting a hand on her shoulder as he had done with her lover only hours before her, he tipped her chin up.
"Severus has not returned yet." Hermione let out a sob. Dumbledore squeezed her shoulder, and she looked in his eyes finally. "But he is alive, that much I know."
Hermione stopped crying for a moment. He was alive! Her words came out softly, and she stumbled over them. They were heavy with tears still as she spoke. "How do you know, Sir?"
Dumbledore smiled. "Voldemort is a sucker for show. Believe me dear, if he had killed Severus..." he saw her wince at the word 'killed'. "He would have sent his body back to us by now. Or at least part of it." Hermione cringed. Dumbledore was staring at his wall. "Sorry. You didn't need to know that."
Hermione brushed the tears from her eyes, which had turned darker. "You've heard nothing yet though?"
Dumbledore shook his head. "I will notify you as soon as I do." He gave her shoulder another squeeze. Hermione lifted her robe to wipe her face.
"Sir..." Dumbledore had started to walk away. He turned to meet the beauty before him. "How exactly did you know about Severus and me?" Dumbledore managed to laugh softly despite the grim situation. Hermione continued. "I mean you always seem to know everything...but how'd you do it this time? We were careful."
"Indeed you were, Miss Granger. However you forget that I have eyes and ears in every corner of the castle within the portraits my dear. And the house elves. It is very, very difficult to keep a secret at Hogwarts!"
Hermione smiled. "Indeed it is, Professor. Indeed it is." And she was dismissed.
**********************************************
Snape had managed to make it through the morning without touching any of the pretty girls Voldemort had preyed on. Their "fun" was lasting into the sunrise. During the night he had finally seen the red haired man. Though he asked no questions he plagued him with his eyes. He seemed oddly familiar, although he knew he had never met the man before.
Voldemort and his cronies had wreaked havoc on four unsuspecting muggle villages, leaving a few dead, a good few wounded, and quite the many scared out of their bloody minds. Their last stop was Hogsmeade, where they cast the Dark Mark to loom over the small town. Instantly there was screaming, and the group retreated to safety, watching eagerly.
"Soon." Voldemort promised. "Soon we will do more to Hogsmeade and cause riot. Soon we will take this village by storm, and I will rule again!!!" The Death Eaters drank to this...and Snape faked a bright smile to his master at his words.
It was almost eight o'clock when the men finally disapparated. Only one would stay with Voldemort, this new character. He seemed to have gained the Dark Lord's trust quickly, and no one else was to know where Voldemort was to be hiding. Snape cursed at this, but returned to Hogwarts quickly. If he didn't hurry, he'd be late for his first class.
John Samantha approached his Master, a piece of parchment in his hands.
"Master." He spoke, extending the paper to him. Voldemort glanced quizzically at the man before taking it. His narrow red eyes ran over the lines on the page, and soon a smile was curving across his lips.
"Our dear Snape...in love with a common Mudblood. I would've expected better from one of his status."
The red-haired man nodded. He had heard quite a bit about Severus Snape. "A perfect thing to use against him, Master."
Voldemort stared. He should not underestimate the man before him. It was a wonderful idea, to take the Mudblood and therefore get to Snape. Why hadn't he thought of that?!
"And that is precisely what I intend to do. Send a letter to your daughter. It appears that we will need her help in the capture of this," He glanced at the parchment again. "Granger girl."
The tall man nodded and bowed. "She will be most pleased to help, my Lord."
**************************************
Hermione deliberately took her time putting her ingredients away at the end of Potions class. Snape had returned, and he was as foul as ever to the Gryffindor seventh years. Hermione took that as a good sign, noting that at least he wasn't being nice. That would surely signal the apocalypse!! As she was wiping a rag slowly over her desk, a hand tapped her shoulder. Emily stood beside her, and odd smile on her face.
"Hermione, why don't you hurry up? I really need to talk to you!" She whispered, and Hermione's heart dropped. She hadn't had the time to speak to Severus since his disappearance earlier that morning.
"Well, I can't really now, Emily. I wanted to talk to Snape about my grade." Hermione lied, and forced a scowl as she spoke her lover's name. Emily did not appear to be phased. Something shined dangerously in her eyes.
"Hermione dear, that's just who I'd like to talk to you about!" Emily grabbed a hold of Hermione's arm rather tightly. Hermione squirmed under her, trying to grab her books.
"I don't understand."
"Well you see Hermione," Emily dropped her voice till it was almost inaudible, however Hermione heard every word. "I know about you and a certain...Potions Professor." Hermione's eyes widened, and she stopped them as they instinctly turned towards her lover. She met the girl before her with a glare of steel. Emily nodded to the door and let go of her arm. Hermione packed her things quickly, and followed her outside, casting a longing look to Snape as he stood at the back of the classroom, questions dancing in his eyes. Emily stopped once the two were in front of an empty dungeon, and pulled Hermione roughly inside.
"No matter how much you deny it, I still have the higher ground here Hermione. You wouldn't want Rita Skeeter getting wind of this, would you?" Hermione shook her head, speechless at the girl who she considered one of her friends. "And even if she isn't well known for being the most truthful bitch in the business, she's read by thousands of people all over the wizarding world. I could tell the whole school! You do know that if the portraits were called into question they would have to tell whatever they know, don't you Hermione?" She paced about as Hermione sat on a dusty desk, grasping the sides for support. Emily spun to face her.
"Now you're a smart girl, Hermione. So you can imagine the kind of outrage parents would have if they knew that the Professor who was teaching their kids was sleeping one of them!! Even if Dumbledore tried to protect you, he'd be no use against the thousands of angry wizards and witches, not to mention YOUR PARENTS." The redhead's voice rose sweetly, and she delivered her last punch with an added dose of sugar in it. "He would be left with no other option than to fire your beloved Snape."
Hermione's heart felt like lead. The words were beginning to sink in. The picture of a life without Severus hung over her eyes as they began to tear. She took a breath, stopping her tears before they left her eyes, determined not to let her former friend get the best of her. Emily stood, watching her. Hermione resisted the impulse to reach over and slap that stupid grin off her face. It would only make matters worse. Suddenly it clicked. She was being baited.
"What do you want?" Her words came out smooth, and Hermione was proud of her self-control. Emily didn't seem to notice. Her grin was widening.
"You will meet me tonight, half an hour after dinner, by the lake. You will come alone, and you will not breath a word to your idiot friends or your dear boyfriend. If I find out that you've told one person as to where you're going the deal is off! I will spread the news like a wildfire, Hermione. And you will be left to stand alone in its wake. DO I MAKE MYSELF CLEAR?"
Hermione nodded. Emily smiled. When she spoke again her voice was high and mocking.
"Then I believe you'd better be getting off to your wonderful little friends! They've probably been looking all over for you!!!" And she grabbed her, pulling her out into the hallway as they walked together, Emily slipping her arm through Hermione's.
*************************************************
After dinner Hermione returned to the common room with her friends. She barely noticed as Harry took Ginny's hand, and the younger girl blushed. Inside Hermione's mind she was trying to figure out Emily. There had always been talk of why the redhead wasn't placed in Slytherin, but she had always showed such compassion to Hermione. Was it all a façade? Ron challenged Ginny to wizard's chess for a change, and his sister's eyes grew wide in excitement. Harry made the excuse of polishing his broomstick to leave the two alone. Hermione smiled for the first time all day. For once sneaking off to her room would be looked at as considerate. She couldn't wait to see Severus.
In Snape's private chambers the lovers met. Hermione could no longer hold back tears as she was swept into Snape's long arms.
"I was so afraid for you." She murmured, her hand stroking the soft skin of his cheek. Snape smiled down at her.
"I know. I was thinking of you." He dropped to kiss her, his arms snaking around her waist and pulling her closer to him. Hermione pulled away.
"Will you tell me what went on today?" Her fingers entwined with his. Glancing into his eyes, Hermione saw his internal struggle. "I want to know. Please." Her words were spoken into the hollow of his neck with warm, smooth breath. Snape shivered. "You know I won't judge you." Hermione re-spoke the promise she had made to him many nights ago. Snape put his hands on her face and turned her eyes up to him.
"What I do as a Death Eater..Hermione..sometimes I don't even know how to put it into words. The things that are done are so horrible, so terrible.." He placed his lips on hers. "You're so innocent to this world that I inhabit. I don't want you to know."
"You can't shield me from the truth forever, Severus." Hermione spoke, pulling him to her as she did. Snape stroked a hand through her hair.
"The events of this morning are too fresh on my mind. It hurts every time I relive them...Hermione, please don't ask me to speak of them so soon. I promise I will tell you about the strange and dangerous world that makes up my past, but not today. Today all I want is to know you're safe and here with me." He pushed her robe off of her shoulders, exposing the Hogwarts sweater underneath. His fingers trailed over the Gryffindor crest curiously. They laughed for the first time in a while. What they didn't know is that it would also be their last time for an even longer while.
Voldemort was speaking. Snape attempted to listen, and was too preoccupied in doing this to notice the new figure standing a few men to his left. The man was quite tall, a little round, and had red hair. His eyes darted towards Snape as he began to push his way into the circle. All around him Snape was met with disdain, anger, distrust. The eyes of the group of men he once called his friends sneered at him. Lucious Malfoy appeared questioning. Snape raised an eyebrow at him before bowing to the Dark Lord, and Malfoy smiled. 'That's one bloody old bastard under my belt.' Snape thought. It would not be as easy to convince his master.
Voldemort looked down upon the tall man who dipped his head before him. A sneer formed on his lips. He had known what to do with this man for a while, but he had not thought him brave enough to return. Something like amusement flashed in his eyes as he instructed the dark haired man to kneel.
In a flash Snape was on his knees, his eyes on the ground. He braced himself..and was rewarded with a kick to the knees. Fighting back all urges of retaliation, he submitted to Voldemort's beating. Kicks found their way to his calves, and Snape bit his lip as he refused to let a single sound escape from his soft mouth.
Voldemort stood, seemingly done. He looked down, and Snape raised his eyes to his. Voldemort walked away.
"Stand and take your place." He commanded, pacing in the middle of the dark circle of men. Snape got to his feet a bit slowly, the pain shooting down his legs. Internally he swore, but his expression was impassive. Voldemort returned his stare to him. "You will not be late again. Do not flatter yourself so much as to think that I would not kill you. Your loyalty has been questioned."
Snape nodded, his eyes never leaving the Dark Lord's. "Yes, Master." And there was no anger in his voice. He couldn't afford there to be.
"I however, believe you." Snape's eyes widened the smallest bit. It was imperceptible to everyone, save his Master. "You risked a lot to come here tonight...right under Dumbledore's nose. You will be rewarded by the knowledge that your life shall be spared." He cast a pair of icy red eyes to him. "For now."
Inside the Dark Lord's mind other thoughts were roaming. He knew that Snape was a spy; he knew that he had changed sides...for good. He also knew how powerful the wizard was. It was better to let him think himself on safe ground for now. He would get him later...he would have revenge some how, some way. But for now...
"Come my Death Eaters." Voldemort's voice boomed over the deserted land. In the distance lightning lit up the sky, casting an unearthly glow over the weedy hill. "The sight of a woman about to die has been long absent upon mine eyes. Let us have a night of fun...and let the war begin."
One by one they vanished into the night, and Snape stood alone. He glanced to the house he had seen so many times in his memories...the house where his worst fears had come true. Striding over to it, he lodged a foot firmly into the sides. The wood began to crumble, and Snape smiled the tinniest bit before he disapparated and joined his fellow followers in a night of "sport".
**********************************************
Hermione awoke to find Gwydion strutting across her legs. She stretched and rubbed her eyes, attempting to drive the sleep away. She felt glorious, and reached a hand over to touch Severus. She found the spot empty, and a tiny frown appeared on her lips. Opening her eyes, Hermione saw the note the eagle clutched in his beak. It appeared to be Dumbledore's writing.
'Miss Granger, Please meet me in my office promptly. I assume you remember where it is. The password is "Funnel Cake". I encourage you to arrive as soon as possible.
Professor Dumbledore'
Hermione's eyes threatened to fill with tears. The only thing that he could possibly want with her had to be about Severus. Her grades were fine, she hadn't done anything wrong! Quickly thoughts of being expelled and her lover being fired filled her mind. The voice in the back of her mind that told her that Dumbledore had known at the dance and yet hadn't done anything was quieted by a stronger one screaming that she would not graduate. Picking up her clothing she hurried to the fire, and pulled a pinch of Floo out of her pocket.
***************************************
While the sun came up over Hogwarts, more than one girl was already wide- awake. Emily Samantha looked into her mirror, and smiled. Things were going better than she could have imagined. Her reflection showed a girl with perfect makeup, dark eyes, blood red lips, and long hair. A movement behind her made her turn around. A house elf sat on her bed, shaking with fear. Emily walked to it, and gave a satisfied smirk. Reaching into her pocket she pulled out a handful of candy and extended it to the elf.
"You've done well Dotty." The small creature took the candy greedily yet apprehensively. "You will be rewarded well. Now tell me again just what Professor Snape and our friend Hermione were doing when you saw them outside the dungeons a few days ago. I'm sure Father will be very interested in this." A strange smile brewed over Emily's lips.
The elf nodded, wringing her dirty sack in her hands. "Yes, Mistress."
"After I write to Father you are to take this up to the owlery immediately. We must waste no time in bringing him this...happy news."
**********************************************
Hermione reached Dumbledore's office in a tizzy. Her clothes were practically thrown on. For a few minutes in her room she had thought of packing her bags...not wanting to delay the inevitable and to just get it on with. She hadn't though, and stood now in front of the portrait blocking his door.
"Funnel cake."
Inside, Hermione was greeted with the same room she had seen when Dumbledore announced that she would be Head Girl. The last visit had been one of the happiest moments in her life. The memory was pushed out suddenly as Dumbledore appeared. He looked tired and worn. Hermione frowned. She had assumed that Severus would be there to greet her, and perhaps the two would get a chance to say goodbye before Dumbledore ended the whole relationship. There was no sign of him.
"Please sit, Miss Grang...Hermione." He motioned to a chair and took one behind his massive desk. At the mention of her first name Hermione eyed him curiously. He did not forget the formalities often. Dumbledore thought inwardly on how smart and observant the young woman was before he set to business. This wouldn't be easy. He started again.
"Hermione...you know how I feel about the truth. Even in dark times the truth is always preferable over lies, at least to me." Hermione's eyes darkened. It seemed that this was more than a problem over her relationship with Severus. His tone had lost all of its normal merriness, and Hermione suddenly became very worried. It took her a moment to realize he had started to speak again.
"One of our darkest fears as wizards is that Voldemort may return, strong again. It appears he has." The old man waited for the reaction from the girl before him. He saw a set face, one that hid fear well. "Severus was called to him early this morning by the Dark Mark. It is burning brighter than it has in years, brighter than the time in your fourth year when he returned only to fail in capturing Harry." Hermione's face contorted, and Dumbledore recognized the implications of his words dawning on her. "Severus left to join Voldemort again." Dumbledore paused, and tears burst from Hermione's eyes. He stood, and before Hermione realized it, he was standing right before her. Putting a hand on her shoulder as he had done with her lover only hours before her, he tipped her chin up.
"Severus has not returned yet." Hermione let out a sob. Dumbledore squeezed her shoulder, and she looked in his eyes finally. "But he is alive, that much I know."
Hermione stopped crying for a moment. He was alive! Her words came out softly, and she stumbled over them. They were heavy with tears still as she spoke. "How do you know, Sir?"
Dumbledore smiled. "Voldemort is a sucker for show. Believe me dear, if he had killed Severus..." he saw her wince at the word 'killed'. "He would have sent his body back to us by now. Or at least part of it." Hermione cringed. Dumbledore was staring at his wall. "Sorry. You didn't need to know that."
Hermione brushed the tears from her eyes, which had turned darker. "You've heard nothing yet though?"
Dumbledore shook his head. "I will notify you as soon as I do." He gave her shoulder another squeeze. Hermione lifted her robe to wipe her face.
"Sir..." Dumbledore had started to walk away. He turned to meet the beauty before him. "How exactly did you know about Severus and me?" Dumbledore managed to laugh softly despite the grim situation. Hermione continued. "I mean you always seem to know everything...but how'd you do it this time? We were careful."
"Indeed you were, Miss Granger. However you forget that I have eyes and ears in every corner of the castle within the portraits my dear. And the house elves. It is very, very difficult to keep a secret at Hogwarts!"
Hermione smiled. "Indeed it is, Professor. Indeed it is." And she was dismissed.
**********************************************
Snape had managed to make it through the morning without touching any of the pretty girls Voldemort had preyed on. Their "fun" was lasting into the sunrise. During the night he had finally seen the red haired man. Though he asked no questions he plagued him with his eyes. He seemed oddly familiar, although he knew he had never met the man before.
Voldemort and his cronies had wreaked havoc on four unsuspecting muggle villages, leaving a few dead, a good few wounded, and quite the many scared out of their bloody minds. Their last stop was Hogsmeade, where they cast the Dark Mark to loom over the small town. Instantly there was screaming, and the group retreated to safety, watching eagerly.
"Soon." Voldemort promised. "Soon we will do more to Hogsmeade and cause riot. Soon we will take this village by storm, and I will rule again!!!" The Death Eaters drank to this...and Snape faked a bright smile to his master at his words.
It was almost eight o'clock when the men finally disapparated. Only one would stay with Voldemort, this new character. He seemed to have gained the Dark Lord's trust quickly, and no one else was to know where Voldemort was to be hiding. Snape cursed at this, but returned to Hogwarts quickly. If he didn't hurry, he'd be late for his first class.
John Samantha approached his Master, a piece of parchment in his hands.
"Master." He spoke, extending the paper to him. Voldemort glanced quizzically at the man before taking it. His narrow red eyes ran over the lines on the page, and soon a smile was curving across his lips.
"Our dear Snape...in love with a common Mudblood. I would've expected better from one of his status."
The red-haired man nodded. He had heard quite a bit about Severus Snape. "A perfect thing to use against him, Master."
Voldemort stared. He should not underestimate the man before him. It was a wonderful idea, to take the Mudblood and therefore get to Snape. Why hadn't he thought of that?!
"And that is precisely what I intend to do. Send a letter to your daughter. It appears that we will need her help in the capture of this," He glanced at the parchment again. "Granger girl."
The tall man nodded and bowed. "She will be most pleased to help, my Lord."
**************************************
Hermione deliberately took her time putting her ingredients away at the end of Potions class. Snape had returned, and he was as foul as ever to the Gryffindor seventh years. Hermione took that as a good sign, noting that at least he wasn't being nice. That would surely signal the apocalypse!! As she was wiping a rag slowly over her desk, a hand tapped her shoulder. Emily stood beside her, and odd smile on her face.
"Hermione, why don't you hurry up? I really need to talk to you!" She whispered, and Hermione's heart dropped. She hadn't had the time to speak to Severus since his disappearance earlier that morning.
"Well, I can't really now, Emily. I wanted to talk to Snape about my grade." Hermione lied, and forced a scowl as she spoke her lover's name. Emily did not appear to be phased. Something shined dangerously in her eyes.
"Hermione dear, that's just who I'd like to talk to you about!" Emily grabbed a hold of Hermione's arm rather tightly. Hermione squirmed under her, trying to grab her books.
"I don't understand."
"Well you see Hermione," Emily dropped her voice till it was almost inaudible, however Hermione heard every word. "I know about you and a certain...Potions Professor." Hermione's eyes widened, and she stopped them as they instinctly turned towards her lover. She met the girl before her with a glare of steel. Emily nodded to the door and let go of her arm. Hermione packed her things quickly, and followed her outside, casting a longing look to Snape as he stood at the back of the classroom, questions dancing in his eyes. Emily stopped once the two were in front of an empty dungeon, and pulled Hermione roughly inside.
"No matter how much you deny it, I still have the higher ground here Hermione. You wouldn't want Rita Skeeter getting wind of this, would you?" Hermione shook her head, speechless at the girl who she considered one of her friends. "And even if she isn't well known for being the most truthful bitch in the business, she's read by thousands of people all over the wizarding world. I could tell the whole school! You do know that if the portraits were called into question they would have to tell whatever they know, don't you Hermione?" She paced about as Hermione sat on a dusty desk, grasping the sides for support. Emily spun to face her.
"Now you're a smart girl, Hermione. So you can imagine the kind of outrage parents would have if they knew that the Professor who was teaching their kids was sleeping one of them!! Even if Dumbledore tried to protect you, he'd be no use against the thousands of angry wizards and witches, not to mention YOUR PARENTS." The redhead's voice rose sweetly, and she delivered her last punch with an added dose of sugar in it. "He would be left with no other option than to fire your beloved Snape."
Hermione's heart felt like lead. The words were beginning to sink in. The picture of a life without Severus hung over her eyes as they began to tear. She took a breath, stopping her tears before they left her eyes, determined not to let her former friend get the best of her. Emily stood, watching her. Hermione resisted the impulse to reach over and slap that stupid grin off her face. It would only make matters worse. Suddenly it clicked. She was being baited.
"What do you want?" Her words came out smooth, and Hermione was proud of her self-control. Emily didn't seem to notice. Her grin was widening.
"You will meet me tonight, half an hour after dinner, by the lake. You will come alone, and you will not breath a word to your idiot friends or your dear boyfriend. If I find out that you've told one person as to where you're going the deal is off! I will spread the news like a wildfire, Hermione. And you will be left to stand alone in its wake. DO I MAKE MYSELF CLEAR?"
Hermione nodded. Emily smiled. When she spoke again her voice was high and mocking.
"Then I believe you'd better be getting off to your wonderful little friends! They've probably been looking all over for you!!!" And she grabbed her, pulling her out into the hallway as they walked together, Emily slipping her arm through Hermione's.
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After dinner Hermione returned to the common room with her friends. She barely noticed as Harry took Ginny's hand, and the younger girl blushed. Inside Hermione's mind she was trying to figure out Emily. There had always been talk of why the redhead wasn't placed in Slytherin, but she had always showed such compassion to Hermione. Was it all a façade? Ron challenged Ginny to wizard's chess for a change, and his sister's eyes grew wide in excitement. Harry made the excuse of polishing his broomstick to leave the two alone. Hermione smiled for the first time all day. For once sneaking off to her room would be looked at as considerate. She couldn't wait to see Severus.
In Snape's private chambers the lovers met. Hermione could no longer hold back tears as she was swept into Snape's long arms.
"I was so afraid for you." She murmured, her hand stroking the soft skin of his cheek. Snape smiled down at her.
"I know. I was thinking of you." He dropped to kiss her, his arms snaking around her waist and pulling her closer to him. Hermione pulled away.
"Will you tell me what went on today?" Her fingers entwined with his. Glancing into his eyes, Hermione saw his internal struggle. "I want to know. Please." Her words were spoken into the hollow of his neck with warm, smooth breath. Snape shivered. "You know I won't judge you." Hermione re-spoke the promise she had made to him many nights ago. Snape put his hands on her face and turned her eyes up to him.
"What I do as a Death Eater..Hermione..sometimes I don't even know how to put it into words. The things that are done are so horrible, so terrible.." He placed his lips on hers. "You're so innocent to this world that I inhabit. I don't want you to know."
"You can't shield me from the truth forever, Severus." Hermione spoke, pulling him to her as she did. Snape stroked a hand through her hair.
"The events of this morning are too fresh on my mind. It hurts every time I relive them...Hermione, please don't ask me to speak of them so soon. I promise I will tell you about the strange and dangerous world that makes up my past, but not today. Today all I want is to know you're safe and here with me." He pushed her robe off of her shoulders, exposing the Hogwarts sweater underneath. His fingers trailed over the Gryffindor crest curiously. They laughed for the first time in a while. What they didn't know is that it would also be their last time for an even longer while.