Draco Malfoy was tall, blond, handsome, and intelligent. He's also a world-class heel some days, one of your closest friends, and your best friend's lover. Draco had spent the visit sending Hermione and Snape suggestive looks, and Harry hadn't been much better.
For one thing, Snape is more like my father…or maybe my older brother. It's not an age thing, it's a relationship thing: we respect, love, and hate each other all at the same time. Besides, I'M NOT FREAKING INTERESTED. Me and Snape…Hermione shuddered, then refocused on the conversation.
The decision to visit Draco to see if he had information had been made when Hermione and Snape had pored over all of their collective textbooks and realized that there was nothing to be found. After much debate (ie argument), they had come to the conclusion that Draco was their only hope.
Draco and Harry had been together for almost two years now. The once bitter enemies had become close after the death of Lucius, although Hermione had seen the attraction years before. The boys had become first friends, then lovers, then life partners. Despite the occasional snubbing (Ron took awhile to come around), the pair had rejoiced in their relationship and were unfortunately now determined to enforce said joy upon others.
"So, Mya, how's life? Seeing anyone special?" Harry raised an eyebrow.
Gah. I HATE love life questions and he knows it! "Uh, no? I mean, I don't really have time to waste on relationships. Besides, my love life is my business."
"Severus, how are YOU doing? Seeing anyone special?" Draco smirked.
Snape didn't even bother to answer, he simply glared at his godson.
"I'll take that as the usual no then," Draco said mildly.
"That's not why we're here. Fairy, we need your help." Hermione's expression was serious and both the boys knew better than to tease her.
"Well, then?"
"I was attacked about a week and a half ago. I was able to identify only one of my attackers."
"Gods…" Draco was a ghostly white. "I felt it. I felt something…wrong. Wrong with the universe. Like it wasn't the way it was supposed to be. My father…"
"Yes," Snape said sharply. "How did you know?"
"The Animation Spell. He spoke of it, once, as his guarantee of immortality. I thought he was on one of his usual rants…he said I would feel it when it happened. And I did…"
"Draco, where's the spell? Do you know? What else did he say about it? And why would he come after me? Please, we need your help."
"Ease off, Hermione," Harry warned, pulling his lover protectively into his arms.
Gods, he has to help us. What the hell is going on?
"Harry, I know you love him. I know you want to protect him. But there are other things at stake." It was Snape. Wait, did Severus "I hate this boy" Snape just say Harry? Not Potter but Harry?
Harry and Draco seemed rather shocked as well. "I...well…you're free to search his library if you think it'll help…"
It did. They found the spell in an obscure book written in Hieratic. Who knew Lucius could read ancient Egyptian.
Snape and Hermione read the spell together, and it all became clear.
"Holy Gods this is how…and why."
"It seems so, Miss Granger."
"Shit."
"Indeed."
I fucking hate my life.
"I bloody hate my life." Hermione glanced at him. Now he's a mind reader too. Fantastic.
"I'm not overjoyed with the spell either, considering it seems to involve me…well. You can see very well what it involves."
"Yes, Miss Granger, and as much as you have annoyed me throughout the years, I do not relish the thought of you in such a state."
"I must admit, the Egyptians were a creative sort. Wonder who came up with it." Snape looked at her as though she were crazy.
"You may ask Lucius when he comes to claim your tongue and ovaries to resurrect himself permanently."
"Nah, I'll wait till he tries to take my vocal chords before I get offended."
"Who would want to be stuck with your voice for eternity?" Snape mumbled.
Hermione cuffed him.
"It's the necrophilia that really gets me though. I mean, I've met some sick and twisted people…hell, I've been on the receiving end of some sick stuff, and so have you. But necrophilia? Honestly!"
Hermione was teasing, but Snape knew she was deeply disturbed, and probably a bit afraid.
"It is okay to be afraid, Miss Granger." That was brilliant, professor. Thanks ever so much.
She stared at him for a moment.
"I'm not afraid." She closed her eyes briefly. "I'm terrified."
He hugged her for the second time in a week.
