~Next Chapter already! I'm so happy I could dance!!! That is if I could dance. It's really more like convulsing and like pulsing. It's repulsing! Ha! I rhymed! I'm a poet and I didn't know it... did I just write that? Whoa. Sorry about that. Anyway, enjoy. Sorry this is a lot of background info this chapter, but it's necessary. On with the show....
**Thanks Matte for your review! And to all of you who read the Prologue before I fixed it, sorry about the stupid typo... The story is SeNsible, not Sesible (really, stupid author!) I suck at the computer thing. Anyway, all better now. Hope I'll get better at this!
All old disclaimers reply. I don't own it J.K. Rowling does. 'Nuff said.
*****
Sensible
Blue Drgnfly
*****
Chapter One
The room was dark and foreboding, thick, dark, velvet curtains covering the sanctity of light that would have streamed through the windows. The smell of Brandy lingered sharply in the air, mingling with the smell of the single candle burning by the expanse of a small couch, giving the room an exotic aroma. Settled on the seat a man looked pensively into the snifter, his lank black hair falling into his eyes, as he watched the thick liquid swirl in the large, tulip shaped glass.
He sat there for a while, saying nothing, staring into the glass looking for answers, his lips forming a sneer at his stupidity as he found none. He laughed at himself, at his situation, as he looked at his surroundings - cluttered and dirty noting how little it suited him, how little this all suited him - but the laugh sounded harsh and misused, almost abusing the owner. Strange how things change... his lips quivered as if he found something ironically funny, thinking back to how everything started. It was quite funny, wasn't it? His coal, black eyes narrowed, focusing back on the glass.
Voldemort had been defeated, just as everyone had hoped, by Potter at the end of his seventh year. Everyone had practically cried for relief, his lip curled, I guess after the Dark Lord being such a prominent force of evil you begin to think that all the evil will cease with his destruction. Stupid really, you cannot purge evil from the earth - it remains, even without its leader....
He sat up, swirling his glass before bringing it to his lips and downing its contents. He grimaced slightly, enjoying the feel of the harsh liquor burning his throat. When did he begin to enjoy the pain? Vanishing the thought he grabbed the bottle and poured himself some more, willing his headache to go away but not giving himself the satisfaction of taking the potion needed to relieve it. His eyes settled on the candle flame, watching it waver and flick.
Of course celebration was short lived when they found the remnants of the Death Eaters hadn't dispersed. Oh no, they wanted revenge for their master, and, after the Dementors had joined those rabble the year prior, they had the confidence to free those in Azkaban who weren't insane and keep fighting. Maybe if Lucius hadn't been one of those few...Severus sighed as he sipped the brandy, damn Malfoy, he always was more trouble than he was worth.
But without a strong leader, all the dark forces broke off into small factions and rebel groups that were almost even more trouble than when they were a unified army. It was harder to find small groups, and it was easier to Apparate in, murder a few Muggles or Mudbloods, and leave. They never stayed in one spot, which sent the Order and the Ministry in a mad chase to catch them.
Severus stared darkly down at his arm; almost sure he could see the mark through his robe. This was the reason for his problems. The reason he was here. Cornelius Fudge was killed during the 'final battle' and that led to the thought that the Ministry would finally lay off Dumbledore. But that wasn't the case. One of his bloody lackeys took his place and, in order to cover up their 'misjudgment of the He Who Must Not Be Named situation', swore they would bring in every Death Eater left. A few months later and after a few doses of Veritaserum a list of Death Eaters was triumphantly revealed by the Ministry. Posted all over the papers, the list was given out to warn the Wizarding community to beware of these people, fear them, and notify the Ministry if they were spotted. One name appeared that didn't belong: Severus Snape.
Severus smiled cruelly to himself as he remembered how Dumbledore had tried to clear his name. But it was simple. Veritaserum never lied... unfortunately, the man who was under the potion hadn't known he was a spy - the Ministry didn't care. No, they clung to the list that was going to save the organization and bring the Ministry back into good standing with the Wizarding world. They ordered his arrest, Dumbledore refused, but in the end the alarming amount of owls from worried parents forced him to leave the school's shelter.
Of course, at first he simply thought he'd go home to his estate. But the Ministry was waiting there, waiting, it seemed, everywhere. And where the Ministry wasn't, the Death Eaters were. In an ironic twist of fate, Severus Snape was caught in the middle of nowhere. The Ministry wanted him because he was a Death Eater; the Death Eaters wanted him because he was a spy. And it was all getting fucking tiresome.
Severus drained the remnants of his glass once more before discarding it on the table. Swiftly he rose, his black robes swirling around him as walked to the small, rump-sprung bed, to where his traveling bag lay. Hastily, he stuffed the remainder of his belongings haphazardly into the bag - frowning at the thought of leaving. Again. He sighed; blaming himself partially for the situation he was in as pulled out his wand. With a quick flick of his wrist the case shrunk and he stuck it into his pocket. Glancing around once more, he walked over to the desk in the far corner and scribbled a note to Dumbledore telling him he was moving once more and asking briefly of the Order and how things were. Pausing, he looked down at the parchment, debating whether it was safe to sign his name, but settled for his initials instead.
Taking a small green ribbon, he tied the letter to the large black owl perched next to the desk. It crooned, looking a Severus for instructions. Snape scratched the owl attentively as he opened the dark curtains to let him free. Light swept over the room, making the man squint.
"You know where to go Carden. Fly swiftly."
With that the bird took off out the window, leaving his master in his wake. Severus watched the bird fly until he disappeared into the horizon. He sighed, wishing he could be so free. Closing the curtain, the room became dark once more as he looked around his surroundings, preparing to leave. Pulling out his wand once more he cast a spell to make his appearance shift - leaving behind his face for one of a stranger. Of course the spell only worked for people who didn't know him, but it kept all the people who had seen his picture in the paper from turning him in. Without taking another glance, the man left the room, walked down the dingy, rotting hallway, and entered the world. The sunlight hit his eyes, marveling at its brightness before walking out into danger, never noticing the black shadow trailing behind him.
*****
Acantha Medius stretched in her desk, her robes pulling tightly against her shoulders as she reached down to rub a muscle low on her back, arching into a stretch. Papers filled her desk until she no longer recognized them and the drone of her secretary making appointments gave her the urge to scream. Taking Fudge's place had not been her idea. But at least it was a temporary position until the elections. She sighed, her fingers trying to massage out the kinks, she just had to make it until elections.
Hazel eyes closed as she tried to relax, but found no solace. She was tired. Tired of Death Eaters, of panic, of Dumbledore. Acantha sighed, biting her thin lip, she was an honest witch - conservative, and she upheld the law. Why did everyone want to oppose her? Was bringing down the Death Eaters such a bad goal? A knock interrupted her thought, making her jump.
"A Mister Remus Lupin to see you Ms. Medius." Her secretary said from the door.
She sighed, rubbing her sore temples, "Let him in I suppose."
A middle-aged man entered shortly, his hair gray with the weight of responsibility, his eyes haunted by experience. Her eyes narrowed, this must be the werewolf.
"Ms. Medius," he said nodding politely in her direction.
She nodded, but said nothing, content to survey him.
He shifted on his feet frowning, "I'm here on behalf of Albus Dumbledore.... With concerns with the vindication of Professor Severus Snape."
Acantha's lips twitched, "He's a Death Eater."
Lupin sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose. "A spy Ms. Medius, a spy."
"Oh?" she asked incredulously. "Then why, pray tell, wasn't Mr. Snape registered?"
Remus crossed his arms, shifting his weight defensively. "Frankly because you can't bloody well trust everyone in the Ministry, Ms. Medius. And Albus wasn't about to let Snape be caught because some mole in the Ministry that came across some imbecilic registry!"
"Veritaserum does not lie."
She stood, her chair falling back from the swiftness of the motion, the pain in head causing it to pound. "Listen, I've got things to do. And this old man that you all seem to worship should very well go back to running his school and minding his own damn business!"
Lupin's lip curled, "How dare -"
"Oh stop! Dumbledore is soft and his judgment is lacking. Year after year he lets in dangerous characters into his school, endangering his students! And everyone knows he has a penchant for adopting deplorable creatures: that half-giant Hagrid, Death Eaters..." she paused, looking him up and down, sneering, "werewolves. Our information tells us that Severus Snape is a Death Eater and no spy of ours. He will be captured. He will be killed!"
She smiled falsely, straightening her robes and collecting herself. "Now please remove yourself from my office. We are done with this conversation. Or must I have you removed?"
Remus stood still, not trusting himself to speak, as his hands clenched and unclenched in a weak attempt to nullify his temper. He shook visibly as he bit the inside of his lip until he tasted iron. Turning sharply, he made his way to the door - never glancing back.
Acantha sighed, deflating as she plopped down into her chair. Her eyes felt gritty from lack of sleep as she stared blankly at the mounds of paperwork to finish. She felt sick. Slowly she reached for a stack papers and started to review the article - this day was only going to get longer if anything else.
*****
Hermione hummed softly to herself as she browsed the seedy bookshop - always watchful of her surroundings. A few years back she would have shivered at the thought of purchasing any book specializing the dark arts. She sighed bringing her hand up to a black bound book - she had a feeling she would not find what she was looking for on the shelf. Glancing over at the counter, she looked at the shady-looking merchant, his stringy hair coming down around his head like sticks as he smiled toothlessly in her direction. She smiled back, wrapping her cloak around her for confidence, as she headed her direction.
"How may I 'elp ya miss?" the merchant asked, looking her slowly up and down - his smile becoming lewd.
Hermione frowned, "I'm looking for some information on Mors Magus spells pertaining especially to Muggles."
"We don' 'ave any of that sor'a thing 'ere -"
Hermione smiled, dropping a few galleons down onto the table. "Ah, you see, I have it on good authority that you do."
The man looked hungrily down at the glint of gold on the counter before glancing around. Hastily, he put the money into his pockets.
He smiled toothlessly, "Awright, maybe we do 'ave sommin' 'ere for ya." He looked around again. "Wait 'ere..."
With that the man traipsed into the back room, returning with a large, weathered volume. Hermione eyed the article, her eyes widening at the size of the text. Was there really that much information on murdering Muggles?
"It's the only one o' its kind." The merchant whispered, leaning towards her, placing his hand protectively over the book as he laid it on the counter.
"Gonna cost ya." He stated simply.
Hermione sighed, asking for its cost and handing over the large sum of money when he responded. The merchant smiled happily as he pocketed the change, his stray hand pushed the book into her arms. As she turned to leave, the man motioned towards the text.
"What're ya doin' with a book like that, anyway?" He smiled coyly, "I don' like no Muggles m'self... You a witch after m' own heart." His eyes slid over her frame once more, "If ya' interested -"
Hermione stiffened, her brown eyes scrutinizing the man. Smiling coolly, she shrunk the book, sticking it in her pocket.
"What I want with this book is none of your concern. And as for your offer..." she sighed, "not interested."
The man's posture stiffened as he nodded crisply.
"Awright, Good'ay then Miss."
She nodded, pushing a curl from her face as she turned from the man, wrapping her robe closer to her, and walked quickly through the shop's doors. Exiting the stuffy building, Hermione paused to take in the freshness of the crisp air outside. She sighed contently, thankful to be away from the environment of the bookstore, letting her body relax and her eyes close - coming down from the rush of being on the defensive.
Taking one last deep breath, she turned quickly toward her apartment but instead came in contact with something solid - throwing her off balance.
"Shit." Muttered the disrupted stranger as he looked down at her fallen form - his eyes glancing behind him as if to look for something.
Hermione smiled, laughing softly at her own clumsiness - something she had always hoped would subside after adolescence - before she dusted herself off.
"Sorry bout that, terribly clumsy of me."
The man looked back at her, his nondescript features barely noticing her, before glancing back behind him.
His head turned back towards her, nodding "Its no problem... Excuse me I - " he stopped, looking at her for the first time.
Hermione's eyes narrowed as she looked at the stranger, she did not recognize him, and yet...
Her eyes widened, "Pro-professor Snape?"
He looked at her, not quite sure of what to do. His mouth opened and shut twice before words issued from him.
Severus sighed and nodded calmly, "Miss. Granger."
Hermione stared, noticing the spell that had caused her not to identify him, watching him as he glanced once more behind him. She blinked, looking in the direction he had just looked and noticed the cloaked figure a few feet behind them for the first time.
Her voice lowered, "Someone's following you."
It was a statement of truth and Severus rolled his eyes, "Really, Miss. Granger?" he asked sarcastically.
She bit back the urge to snap at him; instead she looked back at the figure, then in the direction of her apartment - making a decision instantly.
"My place." She whispered, "It has wards - you can wait until its safe to leave."
Severus paused, looking down at her as if to protest before glancing back at the lingering figure. He sighed, weary of running, as he nodded. Taking that as the best answer she would receive, Hermione grabbed onto his arm - Apparating them both to safety.
*****
Author's Note:
Hope you like this! I'm not sure how long this will be on ff.net, but its 15 pgs double-spaced on Word. Is that too short, long? What is the consensus?? Hopefully I got all the bugs out of posting on the internet - but you never know and I still haven't figured out how to use bold or italic on ff.net. Can anyone tell me? It would really help.
~Anyway... just some interesting notes:
*Acantha - means "thorny" in Greek.
*Severus' owl is named Carden which is "from the black fortress" in Celtic.
*And Mors Magus is Latin for "death magic"... roughly.
That's all! Please, please review!!! Flames don't even frighten me. So Pleeaasse????
**Thanks Matte for your review! And to all of you who read the Prologue before I fixed it, sorry about the stupid typo... The story is SeNsible, not Sesible (really, stupid author!) I suck at the computer thing. Anyway, all better now. Hope I'll get better at this!
All old disclaimers reply. I don't own it J.K. Rowling does. 'Nuff said.
*****
Sensible
Blue Drgnfly
*****
Chapter One
The room was dark and foreboding, thick, dark, velvet curtains covering the sanctity of light that would have streamed through the windows. The smell of Brandy lingered sharply in the air, mingling with the smell of the single candle burning by the expanse of a small couch, giving the room an exotic aroma. Settled on the seat a man looked pensively into the snifter, his lank black hair falling into his eyes, as he watched the thick liquid swirl in the large, tulip shaped glass.
He sat there for a while, saying nothing, staring into the glass looking for answers, his lips forming a sneer at his stupidity as he found none. He laughed at himself, at his situation, as he looked at his surroundings - cluttered and dirty noting how little it suited him, how little this all suited him - but the laugh sounded harsh and misused, almost abusing the owner. Strange how things change... his lips quivered as if he found something ironically funny, thinking back to how everything started. It was quite funny, wasn't it? His coal, black eyes narrowed, focusing back on the glass.
Voldemort had been defeated, just as everyone had hoped, by Potter at the end of his seventh year. Everyone had practically cried for relief, his lip curled, I guess after the Dark Lord being such a prominent force of evil you begin to think that all the evil will cease with his destruction. Stupid really, you cannot purge evil from the earth - it remains, even without its leader....
He sat up, swirling his glass before bringing it to his lips and downing its contents. He grimaced slightly, enjoying the feel of the harsh liquor burning his throat. When did he begin to enjoy the pain? Vanishing the thought he grabbed the bottle and poured himself some more, willing his headache to go away but not giving himself the satisfaction of taking the potion needed to relieve it. His eyes settled on the candle flame, watching it waver and flick.
Of course celebration was short lived when they found the remnants of the Death Eaters hadn't dispersed. Oh no, they wanted revenge for their master, and, after the Dementors had joined those rabble the year prior, they had the confidence to free those in Azkaban who weren't insane and keep fighting. Maybe if Lucius hadn't been one of those few...Severus sighed as he sipped the brandy, damn Malfoy, he always was more trouble than he was worth.
But without a strong leader, all the dark forces broke off into small factions and rebel groups that were almost even more trouble than when they were a unified army. It was harder to find small groups, and it was easier to Apparate in, murder a few Muggles or Mudbloods, and leave. They never stayed in one spot, which sent the Order and the Ministry in a mad chase to catch them.
Severus stared darkly down at his arm; almost sure he could see the mark through his robe. This was the reason for his problems. The reason he was here. Cornelius Fudge was killed during the 'final battle' and that led to the thought that the Ministry would finally lay off Dumbledore. But that wasn't the case. One of his bloody lackeys took his place and, in order to cover up their 'misjudgment of the He Who Must Not Be Named situation', swore they would bring in every Death Eater left. A few months later and after a few doses of Veritaserum a list of Death Eaters was triumphantly revealed by the Ministry. Posted all over the papers, the list was given out to warn the Wizarding community to beware of these people, fear them, and notify the Ministry if they were spotted. One name appeared that didn't belong: Severus Snape.
Severus smiled cruelly to himself as he remembered how Dumbledore had tried to clear his name. But it was simple. Veritaserum never lied... unfortunately, the man who was under the potion hadn't known he was a spy - the Ministry didn't care. No, they clung to the list that was going to save the organization and bring the Ministry back into good standing with the Wizarding world. They ordered his arrest, Dumbledore refused, but in the end the alarming amount of owls from worried parents forced him to leave the school's shelter.
Of course, at first he simply thought he'd go home to his estate. But the Ministry was waiting there, waiting, it seemed, everywhere. And where the Ministry wasn't, the Death Eaters were. In an ironic twist of fate, Severus Snape was caught in the middle of nowhere. The Ministry wanted him because he was a Death Eater; the Death Eaters wanted him because he was a spy. And it was all getting fucking tiresome.
Severus drained the remnants of his glass once more before discarding it on the table. Swiftly he rose, his black robes swirling around him as walked to the small, rump-sprung bed, to where his traveling bag lay. Hastily, he stuffed the remainder of his belongings haphazardly into the bag - frowning at the thought of leaving. Again. He sighed; blaming himself partially for the situation he was in as pulled out his wand. With a quick flick of his wrist the case shrunk and he stuck it into his pocket. Glancing around once more, he walked over to the desk in the far corner and scribbled a note to Dumbledore telling him he was moving once more and asking briefly of the Order and how things were. Pausing, he looked down at the parchment, debating whether it was safe to sign his name, but settled for his initials instead.
Taking a small green ribbon, he tied the letter to the large black owl perched next to the desk. It crooned, looking a Severus for instructions. Snape scratched the owl attentively as he opened the dark curtains to let him free. Light swept over the room, making the man squint.
"You know where to go Carden. Fly swiftly."
With that the bird took off out the window, leaving his master in his wake. Severus watched the bird fly until he disappeared into the horizon. He sighed, wishing he could be so free. Closing the curtain, the room became dark once more as he looked around his surroundings, preparing to leave. Pulling out his wand once more he cast a spell to make his appearance shift - leaving behind his face for one of a stranger. Of course the spell only worked for people who didn't know him, but it kept all the people who had seen his picture in the paper from turning him in. Without taking another glance, the man left the room, walked down the dingy, rotting hallway, and entered the world. The sunlight hit his eyes, marveling at its brightness before walking out into danger, never noticing the black shadow trailing behind him.
*****
Acantha Medius stretched in her desk, her robes pulling tightly against her shoulders as she reached down to rub a muscle low on her back, arching into a stretch. Papers filled her desk until she no longer recognized them and the drone of her secretary making appointments gave her the urge to scream. Taking Fudge's place had not been her idea. But at least it was a temporary position until the elections. She sighed, her fingers trying to massage out the kinks, she just had to make it until elections.
Hazel eyes closed as she tried to relax, but found no solace. She was tired. Tired of Death Eaters, of panic, of Dumbledore. Acantha sighed, biting her thin lip, she was an honest witch - conservative, and she upheld the law. Why did everyone want to oppose her? Was bringing down the Death Eaters such a bad goal? A knock interrupted her thought, making her jump.
"A Mister Remus Lupin to see you Ms. Medius." Her secretary said from the door.
She sighed, rubbing her sore temples, "Let him in I suppose."
A middle-aged man entered shortly, his hair gray with the weight of responsibility, his eyes haunted by experience. Her eyes narrowed, this must be the werewolf.
"Ms. Medius," he said nodding politely in her direction.
She nodded, but said nothing, content to survey him.
He shifted on his feet frowning, "I'm here on behalf of Albus Dumbledore.... With concerns with the vindication of Professor Severus Snape."
Acantha's lips twitched, "He's a Death Eater."
Lupin sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose. "A spy Ms. Medius, a spy."
"Oh?" she asked incredulously. "Then why, pray tell, wasn't Mr. Snape registered?"
Remus crossed his arms, shifting his weight defensively. "Frankly because you can't bloody well trust everyone in the Ministry, Ms. Medius. And Albus wasn't about to let Snape be caught because some mole in the Ministry that came across some imbecilic registry!"
"Veritaserum does not lie."
She stood, her chair falling back from the swiftness of the motion, the pain in head causing it to pound. "Listen, I've got things to do. And this old man that you all seem to worship should very well go back to running his school and minding his own damn business!"
Lupin's lip curled, "How dare -"
"Oh stop! Dumbledore is soft and his judgment is lacking. Year after year he lets in dangerous characters into his school, endangering his students! And everyone knows he has a penchant for adopting deplorable creatures: that half-giant Hagrid, Death Eaters..." she paused, looking him up and down, sneering, "werewolves. Our information tells us that Severus Snape is a Death Eater and no spy of ours. He will be captured. He will be killed!"
She smiled falsely, straightening her robes and collecting herself. "Now please remove yourself from my office. We are done with this conversation. Or must I have you removed?"
Remus stood still, not trusting himself to speak, as his hands clenched and unclenched in a weak attempt to nullify his temper. He shook visibly as he bit the inside of his lip until he tasted iron. Turning sharply, he made his way to the door - never glancing back.
Acantha sighed, deflating as she plopped down into her chair. Her eyes felt gritty from lack of sleep as she stared blankly at the mounds of paperwork to finish. She felt sick. Slowly she reached for a stack papers and started to review the article - this day was only going to get longer if anything else.
*****
Hermione hummed softly to herself as she browsed the seedy bookshop - always watchful of her surroundings. A few years back she would have shivered at the thought of purchasing any book specializing the dark arts. She sighed bringing her hand up to a black bound book - she had a feeling she would not find what she was looking for on the shelf. Glancing over at the counter, she looked at the shady-looking merchant, his stringy hair coming down around his head like sticks as he smiled toothlessly in her direction. She smiled back, wrapping her cloak around her for confidence, as she headed her direction.
"How may I 'elp ya miss?" the merchant asked, looking her slowly up and down - his smile becoming lewd.
Hermione frowned, "I'm looking for some information on Mors Magus spells pertaining especially to Muggles."
"We don' 'ave any of that sor'a thing 'ere -"
Hermione smiled, dropping a few galleons down onto the table. "Ah, you see, I have it on good authority that you do."
The man looked hungrily down at the glint of gold on the counter before glancing around. Hastily, he put the money into his pockets.
He smiled toothlessly, "Awright, maybe we do 'ave sommin' 'ere for ya." He looked around again. "Wait 'ere..."
With that the man traipsed into the back room, returning with a large, weathered volume. Hermione eyed the article, her eyes widening at the size of the text. Was there really that much information on murdering Muggles?
"It's the only one o' its kind." The merchant whispered, leaning towards her, placing his hand protectively over the book as he laid it on the counter.
"Gonna cost ya." He stated simply.
Hermione sighed, asking for its cost and handing over the large sum of money when he responded. The merchant smiled happily as he pocketed the change, his stray hand pushed the book into her arms. As she turned to leave, the man motioned towards the text.
"What're ya doin' with a book like that, anyway?" He smiled coyly, "I don' like no Muggles m'self... You a witch after m' own heart." His eyes slid over her frame once more, "If ya' interested -"
Hermione stiffened, her brown eyes scrutinizing the man. Smiling coolly, she shrunk the book, sticking it in her pocket.
"What I want with this book is none of your concern. And as for your offer..." she sighed, "not interested."
The man's posture stiffened as he nodded crisply.
"Awright, Good'ay then Miss."
She nodded, pushing a curl from her face as she turned from the man, wrapping her robe closer to her, and walked quickly through the shop's doors. Exiting the stuffy building, Hermione paused to take in the freshness of the crisp air outside. She sighed contently, thankful to be away from the environment of the bookstore, letting her body relax and her eyes close - coming down from the rush of being on the defensive.
Taking one last deep breath, she turned quickly toward her apartment but instead came in contact with something solid - throwing her off balance.
"Shit." Muttered the disrupted stranger as he looked down at her fallen form - his eyes glancing behind him as if to look for something.
Hermione smiled, laughing softly at her own clumsiness - something she had always hoped would subside after adolescence - before she dusted herself off.
"Sorry bout that, terribly clumsy of me."
The man looked back at her, his nondescript features barely noticing her, before glancing back behind him.
His head turned back towards her, nodding "Its no problem... Excuse me I - " he stopped, looking at her for the first time.
Hermione's eyes narrowed as she looked at the stranger, she did not recognize him, and yet...
Her eyes widened, "Pro-professor Snape?"
He looked at her, not quite sure of what to do. His mouth opened and shut twice before words issued from him.
Severus sighed and nodded calmly, "Miss. Granger."
Hermione stared, noticing the spell that had caused her not to identify him, watching him as he glanced once more behind him. She blinked, looking in the direction he had just looked and noticed the cloaked figure a few feet behind them for the first time.
Her voice lowered, "Someone's following you."
It was a statement of truth and Severus rolled his eyes, "Really, Miss. Granger?" he asked sarcastically.
She bit back the urge to snap at him; instead she looked back at the figure, then in the direction of her apartment - making a decision instantly.
"My place." She whispered, "It has wards - you can wait until its safe to leave."
Severus paused, looking down at her as if to protest before glancing back at the lingering figure. He sighed, weary of running, as he nodded. Taking that as the best answer she would receive, Hermione grabbed onto his arm - Apparating them both to safety.
*****
Author's Note:
Hope you like this! I'm not sure how long this will be on ff.net, but its 15 pgs double-spaced on Word. Is that too short, long? What is the consensus?? Hopefully I got all the bugs out of posting on the internet - but you never know and I still haven't figured out how to use bold or italic on ff.net. Can anyone tell me? It would really help.
~Anyway... just some interesting notes:
*Acantha - means "thorny" in Greek.
*Severus' owl is named Carden which is "from the black fortress" in Celtic.
*And Mors Magus is Latin for "death magic"... roughly.
That's all! Please, please review!!! Flames don't even frighten me. So Pleeaasse????