BODY
Disclaimer: I own nothing you here nothing!
BRA Strange Night
BR
There was a knock on the door, and Snape left the blanket on which he was sitting with his small niece to go answer it.
BR
ÒHello Professor! May I?Ó
BR
ÒYes of course,Ó Severus said, still rather startled by her presence; she was here on her own accord, Elizabeth had not been crying. The thought produced a funny feeling somewhere in his stomach, to which he was not accustom to feeling and so disregarded.
BR
Hermione made her way through the room with the air of one who is rather accustom to and quite comfortable with her surroundings, depositing her bag on the short black table in front of the couch. Hearing the noise, young Elizabeth looked up and smiled her toothless smile as a small giggle escaped her pink lips.
BR
Snape said ÒLook she recognizes you!Ó at the same time that Hermione scooped the child up into her arms.
BR
ÒOf course she does!Ó Hermione said with playful indignation.
BR
Snape watched as the child happily looked up into HermioneÕs face as she talked to and tickled the small girl. A smile unconsciously formed on his lips. Apparently he had been deep in thought-about what exactly though he could not recall- because before he knew it, Hermione had placed the baby in his arms saying, Òhere, hold her!Ó
BR
The teen went to her backpack and pulled out a small bundle. ÒI saw these in Hogsmeade, and I couldnÕt help myself! What do you think?Ó
BR
ÒThey are veryÉumÉfrilly,Ó the Professor said with some uncertainty.
BR
ÒOf course they are! Little girls are meant to be pretty and colorful professor! You would have her wearing these same boring white clothes all the time!Ó Laughing, Hermione took the child and dressed her in the blue dress and when finished held her on the table so it looked like she was standing. ÒSee Professor, Beautiful!Ó
BR
Snape had to admit that the dress did look remarkably lovely on the baby. She looked sweet and pretty causing the old bat to smile. ÒYou're right. How am I going to raise a small girl? I know nothing of frills, poofs and lace.Ó
BR
Hermione laughed, ÒApparently.Ó
BR
ÒExcuse me, Ms. Granger?Ó He was not about to take that kind of abuse from a student- Hermione giggled, a full and rich sound- or was he?
BR
ÒI simply meant, Professor, that you wear the same color and style of robe every day and they are black no less-Ò
BR
ÒWhatÕs wrong with black?Ó But his interjection was lost.
BR
ÒNot that a man has to alternate his clothing, but black is nice on you. IÕm sorry, I ought not to be going off, I must have momentarily forgotten myself.Ó But he had not stopped her.
BR
Severus was well aware of not stopping her, as he usually would have. There was one explanation: he was comfortable with her. That had to be it. Yes, she had helped him and seen his weaker side, yet she had not chastised him for it. Since then he had been open with her.
BR
Or so he told himself.
BR
As the night pressed on, Hermione began to do more of the homework that she had brought with her. She had liked doing it in the professor's chambers since they were small, cozy and quiet. It was nice. Especially with the advanced transfiguration homework she had to do.
BR
After Elizabeth had fallen asleep, Severus sat beside Hermione on the couch marking papers. The girlÕs presence was a comfort; she was here should any thing go wrong with the baby, and she made the room seem less lonely. It was a nice change.
BR
Eventually Severus noticed, out of the corner of his eye, that Hermione appeared frustrated. ÒWhatÕs wrong child?Ó he asked with actual concern.
BR
Hermione sighed. ÒWe are doing an Ôin-depthÕ study of Animagi. There is this big project about the detailed process of becoming one- I got that part easily- but then we have this Ôpractical applicationÕ part where we have to find out what animal we would be ourselves and explain why. Ó It was a lot harder than she thought it would be. Sighing she closed the book and put it beside her on the couch and laid her head in her hands.
BR
Snape looked down and read the title, iOne Hundred and One Animal Forms and their Associated CharacteristicsBR
ÒYou know,Ó Hermione spoke, ÒI used to really want to become an Animagus, but nowÉwellÉÓ
BR
Severus had an idea though. ÒYou know there are many more than one hundred and one animal forms?Ó Hermione looked at him pointedly with tears of frustration in her eyes. ÒDonÕt give me that look, I have a suggestion for you.Ó
BR
Hermione perked up immediately, ÒReally?Ó
BR
ÒYes, there is a potion that will allow you to experience the animal which you are meant to be. It takes a few hours to make, if you are willing to wait...Ó
BR
ÒOh yes, I will wait as long as it takes,Ó Hermione told him with perhaps a little more desperation than was needed.
BR
ÒIt would go by faster if you would help me,Ó he offered.
BR
ÒYou want me to help?Ó
BR
And with that the two began to brew their potion. They worked well together and finished it easily. About two and a half hours after they began, Severus said, ÒThatÕs all for now. It just has to sit for half an hour. We should clean up
BR
Hermione nodded and cleaned up everything that she could. Snape did the harder work of putting away cauldrons and such, leaving the ingredients to Hermione. When she finished, she walked over to Severus who was putting away the last cauldron. His sleeves were pulled back, and Hermione could see the muscles of his arm flexing, allowing her to imagine that the rest of him was trim and toned as well.
BR
Severus turned himself around finding himself within a hand's distance from Hermione, his sleeves still rolled up. Realizing what she would see, he tugged at his left sleeve rather quickly.
BR
But it was too late; she had seen it already and she caught his hand pulling it away from his arm, holding his left wrist with her right hand. Severus didnÕt want her to look at it, but found himself powerless to do anything.
BR
Looking directly into the ProfessorÕs eyes, she pushed back the sleeve with her own left hand. When she had pushed it just past his elbow, she looked down at the exposed flesh. But to Snape, there was more exposed than his arm. His mistakes, his pain, his shortcomings, his suffering; it all lay open before this girl and still he could do nothing to resist.
BR
Hermione had never seen the Dark Mark so close up before. As her eyes began to descend, Snape braced himself; he had to be ready for the shudder, the scream and the rejection that was sure to come. But none of it did. After her eyes fell upon his arm, so did her hand.
BR
Her hand traced the outline of mark that lay on his arm going over every detail. Severus was overcome.
BR
Here this girl was looking at everything inside him that was dark, that was evil, yet she did not run and she was not troubled. Instead she caressed him, touching the very blackness of his heart and accepting it, embracing it in her own person and comforting the depths of his soul.
BR
As HermioneÕs warm fingerÕs danced over SeverusÕs cold flesh, it became too much for the man to bear. A new pain dwelled up inside of him, a new fear replaced all that had shaken his heart and troubled his being. He was afraid, as he had never been afraid before; and when he felt his eyes welling up with tears he turned away as quickly as he could, pulling his arm from the girl's grasp.
BR
ÒIt must be ready now,Ó Snape said briskly as he clutched his own icy hand over his arm before pulling his robe back down.
BR
Hermione followed her professor to the table where the potion was, crossing her arms suddenly aware of the draft in the room.
BR
ÒSit here,Ó Severus instructed gently, Òand clear your mind of all thoughts and emotions.Ó
BR
Hermione sat and did her best to follow her professorÕs instructions.
BR
She nodded, ÒReady.Ó
BR
Close your eyes.
BR
Hermione did and felt the chalice as it touched her lips. She allowed the warm liquid to enter her mouth. A light and airy feeling came over her and in a sudden explosion, everything behind her closed lids went white.
BR
The whiteness started to fade and forms began to appear instead of it. She could see the trees first, tall and covered in snow and then the ground with a similar white covering. Advancing forward, she hopped in the snow aware of the fact that she was somewhat low to the ground. As she went she could hear the birds sing around her.
BR
A white rabbit hopped into the path in front of her, and taking one look at her fled. What animal was she that would cause another to flee?
BR
The she heard the small shrill barks behind her and turned to see her brethren.
BR
Before she could look at the others that were like her, everything became white again and she felt herself sway but could not react.
BR
When her eyes opened, they were looking up into the eyes of Severus Snape; he had caught her as she fell off the chair and had gotten there just in time. As it were he was holding her just inches away from himself.
BR
ÒAre you alright?Ó
BR
Hermione, who was feeling rather sleepy, nodded bringing her head closer to the young professor's. It seemed though when their noses bumped together, she realized what she was doing and jumped.
BR
ÒShhÉitÕs okay,Ó Snape began. Hermione looked at him, what was okay? Was it okay to feel like you wanted to kiss your potions professor? ÒThe potion has many side effects, confusion is one of them, as are headaches, and nausea.Ó He must have thought that she thought he was someone else at first.
BR
Hermione nodded to show understanding. She was feeling rather confused but doubted that it had anything to do with the potion.
BR
As she began to stand, she felt Severus help steady her; his hand on her back caused all kinds of waves to shoot through her body. When she had reached her full height, she swayed a bit, but was fine.
BR
ÒMiss Granger, I advise that you go right to sleep.Ó Yes sleep was a good idea, she discerned at the same time the other half of her brain was trying to figure out why he had returned to using her last name when it was only the two of them.
BR
ÒI will go then,Ó she said turning, but he caught her arm.
BR
ÒDo you think you might perhaps stay?Ó Her heart leapt.
BR
ÒNo, no, I must go.Ó
BR
ÒVery well then,Ó he said trying his best not to sound disappointed.
BR
Hermione walked to the door.
BR
ÒMiss Granger,Ó
BR
ÒBe careful.Ó
BR
Hermione nodded and left.
BR
Snape sat down on his bed trying to figure exactly what had transpired that evening.
BR
Hermione went up to her dorm in the Gryffindor tower and fell promptly asleep.
BR
ÒMione, Mione wake up!Ó
BR
ÒReally Hermione! ItÕs almost lunch time!Ó
BR
Hermione moaned and sat up, immediately grabbing her head.
BR
ÒCome on Mione,Ó Ginny whined, ÒYou have to change before lunch.Ó
BR
Upon the word lunch, Hermione stomach heaved. She grabbed her mouth and ran to the door at the back of the room.
BR
Lavender and Ginny shared a worried look as they heard the retching sounds coming from the bathroom.
BR
Hermione emerged again, sitting back down on her bed. ÒI donÕt think I am coming to lunch today.Ó
BR
When the two girls returned down stairs, they were immediately questioned. BRÒWhereÕs Mione?ÓBRÒIsnÕt she coming?Ó
BR
Ginny shook her head and Lavender explained. ÒHermione is sick.Ó
BR
Harry, who took in the girlÕs worried looks and who had the unfortunate experience two summers ago of seeing his Aunt Petunia pregnant with a smaller version of Dudley, put two and two together. ÒYou donÕt think?Ó
BR
Ginny nodded again.
BR
ÒMy God!Ó HarryÕs head fell into his hands.
BR
So, What do you think? Do we like it? I hope so!! B/c I spent so so long doing it! And I could be watching Pirates of the Caribbean on DVD right now. And I wrote this for you guys becauseÉBR
I LOVE YOU ALL!! THANK YOU REVIEWERS! YOU GIVE MY LIFE MEANING!!! ITS ALL FOR YOU!!!
BR
Bye now! ItÕs time for Johnny Depp and Orlando Bloom now! Bye bye!
BR
Atiannala /BODY /HTML
Disclaimer: I own nothing you here nothing!
BRA Strange Night
BR
There was a knock on the door, and Snape left the blanket on which he was sitting with his small niece to go answer it.
BR
ÒHello Professor! May I?Ó
BR
ÒYes of course,Ó Severus said, still rather startled by her presence; she was here on her own accord, Elizabeth had not been crying. The thought produced a funny feeling somewhere in his stomach, to which he was not accustom to feeling and so disregarded.
BR
Hermione made her way through the room with the air of one who is rather accustom to and quite comfortable with her surroundings, depositing her bag on the short black table in front of the couch. Hearing the noise, young Elizabeth looked up and smiled her toothless smile as a small giggle escaped her pink lips.
BR
Snape said ÒLook she recognizes you!Ó at the same time that Hermione scooped the child up into her arms.
BR
ÒOf course she does!Ó Hermione said with playful indignation.
BR
Snape watched as the child happily looked up into HermioneÕs face as she talked to and tickled the small girl. A smile unconsciously formed on his lips. Apparently he had been deep in thought-about what exactly though he could not recall- because before he knew it, Hermione had placed the baby in his arms saying, Òhere, hold her!Ó
BR
The teen went to her backpack and pulled out a small bundle. ÒI saw these in Hogsmeade, and I couldnÕt help myself! What do you think?Ó
BR
ÒThey are veryÉumÉfrilly,Ó the Professor said with some uncertainty.
BR
ÒOf course they are! Little girls are meant to be pretty and colorful professor! You would have her wearing these same boring white clothes all the time!Ó Laughing, Hermione took the child and dressed her in the blue dress and when finished held her on the table so it looked like she was standing. ÒSee Professor, Beautiful!Ó
BR
Snape had to admit that the dress did look remarkably lovely on the baby. She looked sweet and pretty causing the old bat to smile. ÒYou're right. How am I going to raise a small girl? I know nothing of frills, poofs and lace.Ó
BR
Hermione laughed, ÒApparently.Ó
BR
ÒExcuse me, Ms. Granger?Ó He was not about to take that kind of abuse from a student- Hermione giggled, a full and rich sound- or was he?
BR
ÒI simply meant, Professor, that you wear the same color and style of robe every day and they are black no less-Ò
BR
ÒWhatÕs wrong with black?Ó But his interjection was lost.
BR
ÒNot that a man has to alternate his clothing, but black is nice on you. IÕm sorry, I ought not to be going off, I must have momentarily forgotten myself.Ó But he had not stopped her.
BR
Severus was well aware of not stopping her, as he usually would have. There was one explanation: he was comfortable with her. That had to be it. Yes, she had helped him and seen his weaker side, yet she had not chastised him for it. Since then he had been open with her.
BR
Or so he told himself.
BR
As the night pressed on, Hermione began to do more of the homework that she had brought with her. She had liked doing it in the professor's chambers since they were small, cozy and quiet. It was nice. Especially with the advanced transfiguration homework she had to do.
BR
After Elizabeth had fallen asleep, Severus sat beside Hermione on the couch marking papers. The girlÕs presence was a comfort; she was here should any thing go wrong with the baby, and she made the room seem less lonely. It was a nice change.
BR
Eventually Severus noticed, out of the corner of his eye, that Hermione appeared frustrated. ÒWhatÕs wrong child?Ó he asked with actual concern.
BR
Hermione sighed. ÒWe are doing an Ôin-depthÕ study of Animagi. There is this big project about the detailed process of becoming one- I got that part easily- but then we have this Ôpractical applicationÕ part where we have to find out what animal we would be ourselves and explain why. Ó It was a lot harder than she thought it would be. Sighing she closed the book and put it beside her on the couch and laid her head in her hands.
BR
Snape looked down and read the title, iOne Hundred and One Animal Forms and their Associated CharacteristicsBR
ÒYou know,Ó Hermione spoke, ÒI used to really want to become an Animagus, but nowÉwellÉÓ
BR
Severus had an idea though. ÒYou know there are many more than one hundred and one animal forms?Ó Hermione looked at him pointedly with tears of frustration in her eyes. ÒDonÕt give me that look, I have a suggestion for you.Ó
BR
Hermione perked up immediately, ÒReally?Ó
BR
ÒYes, there is a potion that will allow you to experience the animal which you are meant to be. It takes a few hours to make, if you are willing to wait...Ó
BR
ÒOh yes, I will wait as long as it takes,Ó Hermione told him with perhaps a little more desperation than was needed.
BR
ÒIt would go by faster if you would help me,Ó he offered.
BR
ÒYou want me to help?Ó
BR
And with that the two began to brew their potion. They worked well together and finished it easily. About two and a half hours after they began, Severus said, ÒThatÕs all for now. It just has to sit for half an hour. We should clean up
BR
Hermione nodded and cleaned up everything that she could. Snape did the harder work of putting away cauldrons and such, leaving the ingredients to Hermione. When she finished, she walked over to Severus who was putting away the last cauldron. His sleeves were pulled back, and Hermione could see the muscles of his arm flexing, allowing her to imagine that the rest of him was trim and toned as well.
BR
Severus turned himself around finding himself within a hand's distance from Hermione, his sleeves still rolled up. Realizing what she would see, he tugged at his left sleeve rather quickly.
BR
But it was too late; she had seen it already and she caught his hand pulling it away from his arm, holding his left wrist with her right hand. Severus didnÕt want her to look at it, but found himself powerless to do anything.
BR
Looking directly into the ProfessorÕs eyes, she pushed back the sleeve with her own left hand. When she had pushed it just past his elbow, she looked down at the exposed flesh. But to Snape, there was more exposed than his arm. His mistakes, his pain, his shortcomings, his suffering; it all lay open before this girl and still he could do nothing to resist.
BR
Hermione had never seen the Dark Mark so close up before. As her eyes began to descend, Snape braced himself; he had to be ready for the shudder, the scream and the rejection that was sure to come. But none of it did. After her eyes fell upon his arm, so did her hand.
BR
Her hand traced the outline of mark that lay on his arm going over every detail. Severus was overcome.
BR
Here this girl was looking at everything inside him that was dark, that was evil, yet she did not run and she was not troubled. Instead she caressed him, touching the very blackness of his heart and accepting it, embracing it in her own person and comforting the depths of his soul.
BR
As HermioneÕs warm fingerÕs danced over SeverusÕs cold flesh, it became too much for the man to bear. A new pain dwelled up inside of him, a new fear replaced all that had shaken his heart and troubled his being. He was afraid, as he had never been afraid before; and when he felt his eyes welling up with tears he turned away as quickly as he could, pulling his arm from the girl's grasp.
BR
ÒIt must be ready now,Ó Snape said briskly as he clutched his own icy hand over his arm before pulling his robe back down.
BR
Hermione followed her professor to the table where the potion was, crossing her arms suddenly aware of the draft in the room.
BR
ÒSit here,Ó Severus instructed gently, Òand clear your mind of all thoughts and emotions.Ó
BR
Hermione sat and did her best to follow her professorÕs instructions.
BR
She nodded, ÒReady.Ó
BR
Close your eyes.
BR
Hermione did and felt the chalice as it touched her lips. She allowed the warm liquid to enter her mouth. A light and airy feeling came over her and in a sudden explosion, everything behind her closed lids went white.
BR
The whiteness started to fade and forms began to appear instead of it. She could see the trees first, tall and covered in snow and then the ground with a similar white covering. Advancing forward, she hopped in the snow aware of the fact that she was somewhat low to the ground. As she went she could hear the birds sing around her.
BR
A white rabbit hopped into the path in front of her, and taking one look at her fled. What animal was she that would cause another to flee?
BR
The she heard the small shrill barks behind her and turned to see her brethren.
BR
Before she could look at the others that were like her, everything became white again and she felt herself sway but could not react.
BR
When her eyes opened, they were looking up into the eyes of Severus Snape; he had caught her as she fell off the chair and had gotten there just in time. As it were he was holding her just inches away from himself.
BR
ÒAre you alright?Ó
BR
Hermione, who was feeling rather sleepy, nodded bringing her head closer to the young professor's. It seemed though when their noses bumped together, she realized what she was doing and jumped.
BR
ÒShhÉitÕs okay,Ó Snape began. Hermione looked at him, what was okay? Was it okay to feel like you wanted to kiss your potions professor? ÒThe potion has many side effects, confusion is one of them, as are headaches, and nausea.Ó He must have thought that she thought he was someone else at first.
BR
Hermione nodded to show understanding. She was feeling rather confused but doubted that it had anything to do with the potion.
BR
As she began to stand, she felt Severus help steady her; his hand on her back caused all kinds of waves to shoot through her body. When she had reached her full height, she swayed a bit, but was fine.
BR
ÒMiss Granger, I advise that you go right to sleep.Ó Yes sleep was a good idea, she discerned at the same time the other half of her brain was trying to figure out why he had returned to using her last name when it was only the two of them.
BR
ÒI will go then,Ó she said turning, but he caught her arm.
BR
ÒDo you think you might perhaps stay?Ó Her heart leapt.
BR
ÒNo, no, I must go.Ó
BR
ÒVery well then,Ó he said trying his best not to sound disappointed.
BR
Hermione walked to the door.
BR
ÒMiss Granger,Ó
BR
ÒBe careful.Ó
BR
Hermione nodded and left.
BR
Snape sat down on his bed trying to figure exactly what had transpired that evening.
BR
Hermione went up to her dorm in the Gryffindor tower and fell promptly asleep.
BR
ÒMione, Mione wake up!Ó
BR
ÒReally Hermione! ItÕs almost lunch time!Ó
BR
Hermione moaned and sat up, immediately grabbing her head.
BR
ÒCome on Mione,Ó Ginny whined, ÒYou have to change before lunch.Ó
BR
Upon the word lunch, Hermione stomach heaved. She grabbed her mouth and ran to the door at the back of the room.
BR
Lavender and Ginny shared a worried look as they heard the retching sounds coming from the bathroom.
BR
Hermione emerged again, sitting back down on her bed. ÒI donÕt think I am coming to lunch today.Ó
BR
When the two girls returned down stairs, they were immediately questioned. BRÒWhereÕs Mione?ÓBRÒIsnÕt she coming?Ó
BR
Ginny shook her head and Lavender explained. ÒHermione is sick.Ó
BR
Harry, who took in the girlÕs worried looks and who had the unfortunate experience two summers ago of seeing his Aunt Petunia pregnant with a smaller version of Dudley, put two and two together. ÒYou donÕt think?Ó
BR
Ginny nodded again.
BR
ÒMy God!Ó HarryÕs head fell into his hands.
BR
So, What do you think? Do we like it? I hope so!! B/c I spent so so long doing it! And I could be watching Pirates of the Caribbean on DVD right now. And I wrote this for you guys becauseÉBR
I LOVE YOU ALL!! THANK YOU REVIEWERS! YOU GIVE MY LIFE MEANING!!! ITS ALL FOR YOU!!!
BR
Bye now! ItÕs time for Johnny Depp and Orlando Bloom now! Bye bye!
BR
Atiannala /BODY /HTML