I was faster this time and it seems my muse has returned. As always the
editing is done by the wonderful Carrie and I didn't use the comment tool
this time so tell me if there are more of these awkward mistakes. The
ritual in the beginning, keeping Hagrid's dialect and additions to the
confrontation scene in the end are Carrie's doing and credit goes to her.
Please aware of explicit sexual content in this chapter.
19. [The Ritual]
It was dark in the room which led her to the conclusion that more time had passed than she imagined. The ominous shadows in the semi-darkness would have been almost frightening in a normal situation but probably not when you were lazing in the protecting arms of an Ex-Death Eater and powerful wizard. Laying cosy and warm here under the silky covers nestled into Severus' arms with his warm steady breath on her neck caused her to sigh with contentment. Gently she took his left hand in hers and caressed the long callused fingers all the while staring into the dark unadorned room enjoying the feelings of love and security. She tried in vain to create a feeling of warmth and colours in his bedroom but somehow the atmosphere in here resisted, maybe because Severus still didn't think he deserved it in the end.
Without realizing it, she expanded her caresses to his left wrist and up his arm sighing softly at the surprising soft texture of his skin until she felt something under the tip of her fingers. It felt like a scab was engraved into the flesh and for a moment she was unsure what it was. The mark! Of course what else could it be? In the lab she had totally forgotten about the mark, but now her curiosity got the better of her and she turned her eyes to have a closer look at it. The low greenish light of the floo network permeated from the unlit hearth and slightly illuminated the room. In the green shimmer she could barely make out the now translucent skull and she gently traced it as if to soothe the pain she knew it still caused.
"I made horrible choices, some of those can't be undone." he whispered harshly trying to pull his arm away from her, trying to hide the reminder of his failure.
She sighed again and turned her face to look into his. "I know but nothing is so horrible that it can't be forgiven, Severus."
He chuckled, a bitter sound which rang with pain. "You have no idea what you are talking about Hermione. We are not talking about pranks or a bad job decisions; we are talking about murder, black mail and torture."
She gripped his jaw letting him hide his arm against his chest for now and she brought her face close to his, so close that she could feel his hot breath on her lips. Strangely enough in this instant the necklace rested cool and still against her chest.
"I saw Zachary's murder, have you forgotten that? And I am not a romantic naive girl who wants to excuse these things away. It was as you already said, a terrible choice you once made but you suffered so much for it. All these years you risked you life every time you face Voldemort, you tried to protect Harry when you had every right to be angry at his father and you even gave a family jewel to a muggleborn witch you didn't like in the least." Two soft fingers pressed on his lips prevented him from objecting. "Let me finish! I know you are no saint and for me you don't have to be but I won't join your side and concentrate on your past and your past only. I care about you deeply Severus in case you haven't realized that by now, and I can forgive you all that if you promise me one thing-" At his hesitant nod she smiled and looked warmly into his eyes softly speaking, "That you love me for the rest of my life, that you don't scare Neville quite so much in your classes and that you never do such horrible things again."
He stared into her eyes as if to make sure that this was indeed real and she meant what she said. Then he touched her cheek in wonder and an awkward smile appeared on his face. "I can promise you all this Hermione. All of this, even to not frighten Neville to death, so I might point out that I won't turn soft on him all in a sudden."
Hermione grinned and in return softly brushed his lips with hers. "I can accept that."
He enveloped her in his arms again deepening the kiss and gently running his fingers through her hair, hearing her soft sigh. Breaking the kiss and hugging her tightly, nuzzling his forehead on her shoulder he whispered in deep soft tones: "I do want you forever. I am not sure I could bare it if your were to leave me."
Turning her head towards his, sliding her arm underneath to tenderly, softly tuck his hair behind his ear. "If somebody had implied that I would confess to you I love you and no one else I would have called them crazy six months ago. But now I say it and I mean it with all my heart."
Meeting his gaze her face was bathed softly in the red glow of her necklace, the one that had started it all in London. In his mind Severus wondered if maybe even without Malfoy's threat and without the force of the necklace things would have turned out the same. He liked to think so and it was a wonderful thought. Never in all his life had he felt that deeply, in a way it was the most powerful thing he had experienced in his life. His sexual desire got fuelled by the emotions he could sense through the necklace and this time no primoris spell was needed.
She felt his hand slipping towards the small of her back while feeling the other caress her face and the brilliant white light of his bracelet lit up both their faces. His kiss was passionate, demanding, his tongue probing hers. She felt the heat and passion rise in her, relishing in his kiss, feeling the power behind it. When he finally let her go gasping for air, he made a sound like he had tasted something delicoius, smiling a devilish grin he spun her around and pulled her body towards him pressing her back against his chest. He gripped her tightly not allowing her to move an inch and feeling her squirm just a little into him. Speaking in the softest and warmest baritone he purred lazily, "Your lips taste as sweet as tawny port, and I shall be a silly drunk in no time if we continue this."
She heard the smile in his voice and her heart soared, and with a smile on her lips she replied, "Even if I would lose my sight I would not feel deprived of one crucial sense because I could go on listening to your voice all my life and never tire of it. Speak to me please!"
"As you wish my lady." he said into her ear, his hand holding her close while the other began tracing her curves. His light slow touch hit ticklish points making her squeal and squirm with laughter, " Severus, you are tickling me!" she panted as the necklace grew hot. He pulled her in tighter feeling her muscles twitch under her skin as he lightly traced his fingers up her side.
"Another wish I see?" he pronounced in the deep rich voice that vibrated against her nape sending those hot pleasurable jolts through her nervous system "No sound could be more beautiful than your laughter to me. Never stop doing so, my dear." He wrapped one arm under hers and lightly traced his fingers from the back of her ear down to her neck, causing her to relax her head against his shoulder. The other arm went around her waist with his hand on top her navel, and he wrapped one leg around hers like a snake around its prey. "Your neck is as beautiful as the alabaster statues of Corinth," said the smooth deep honey voice with just a hint of a tease as he slowly kissed that neck between each word.
Hermione was simply driven to the brink of giddy madness with desire. She tried break free to return the pleasure, but he would have none of it as the grip held firm. "Damn he's strong, - sneaky teasing tickling Slytherin" He was having a lot of fun teasing her and she was having a lot of fun being teased. "Tusk tusk" said the teasing silken voice, "Patience is a virtue and I am not finished here by the way". She simply responded with a low raspy "Ohhh I'll get you, just wait until I get free!" and he smiled at the humorous threat in her voice and replied, "That's the general idea my dear".
He bent over and silenced her mock protests with a kiss and feeling her relax her muscles he ran his hands under her breasts, cupping their softness and feeling them firm immediately under his touch. Hermione arched back into his chest and let out a soft moan. She pressed into him for a deeper kiss as he rubbed her nipples between his fingers until they felt like small pebbles.
"Your beauty shall always silence me with breathless awe, my beloved" he said huskily before another kiss. A hand reaching, sliding through her soft curls to the sweet spot within. Sliding his fingers in gently, slowly moving he felt she was already wet with honey. He continued as his wife began to move her hips naturally to the rhythm of his hand and it drove his passion to see her ecstasy build to suc heights He felt her muscles move with the passion as her body pressed against his hold, her shaking head sending curls in his face, rasping his name as he continued, unrelenting, and feeling her arch and build to her release bucking under his hand and against his body.
He finally let her go and she rolled to the side panting for air and feeling drained with post orgasmic trembling. She hugged him close, and her stomach rumbled.
Touching her face lightly he said, "You haven't eaten since breakfast yesterday. There is something that I think you might like my dear." Quickly charming on a forest green silk robe, he quietly closed the door as she snuggled into the sheets for warmth. In one stride, Snape leaned against the mantle place and curtly called "Dobby!"
"Y-y-y yes sir?" asked the shaking elf.
"One nuptial platter Dobby, please"
Dobby stood dumbfounded, looking at the Potions Master with the long messy black hair, arms crossed about his chest, wearing nothing but a green robe and glowing white bracelet. His eyes darting around the room and widening with the realization of what the request was about, only to discover he was now looking into the sneering face of an impatient Snape, "Dobby, if I ever hear of any words that come back to hurt Hermione on this I will personally skin you alive with my bare hands, do you understand?" using his most dangerous tone.
Dobby began furiously nodding affirmatives and yelped with a snap of his fingers. A beautiful plate of oranges and pomegranates appeared along with a single glass goblet filed with sweet cream, and two smaller glass containers of honey and yogurt.
Re-entering his room, Hermione chided him, "You really shouldn't be so mean to Dobby, Severus." He quipped in a cool tone, while setting the dish on the bedside table, "Hermione you know nothing about the extensive reach of house elf gossip. I come from a pureblood family; I know what I am talking about my dear."
He charmed onto her a red silk robe, and started a small fire in the room. Pushing her legs to point opposite of his, he sat on the bed next to her, their thighs touching. He gave her a pillow to prop up on.
He sighed, and looked at her face, and said in a calm and soft baritone, "Hermione, you have been cheated out of many things. So many things that are to be included into a wedding, into a magical wedding. I will not let you, or I for that matter, be cheated out of this small ritual." He poured the yogurt into the goblet of sweet cream, stirring it, following up with the honey like it was some sort of potion.
"Severus, what is this?"
"This is nuptial nectar, it is an ancient tradition. Grooms always serve this to their brides the morning following the wedding night. It is a mixture of sweet cream, yogurt, and floral honey. It represents la dolce vita. The other part of this tradition is I continue this ritual each day until the next full phase of the moon. This time period is called a honeymoon."
He could see her blushing and he smiled "My love, it's a bit too late now to be so shy." He took a sip of the drink and then offered it to her.
"The idea is we each take turns sipping from the glass."
It was incredibly sweet and rich.
Hermione noticed his soft dark brown eyes emanated warmth, and he smiled ever so slightly. She had never seen him look this way before. "Is this tenderness? Is this the real Severus Snape?" she shortly pondered this thought. The necklace and bracelets were quietly humming their tune of domestic bliss, but there was something more pure of tone to the humming today.
He continued explaining like he was in lecture hall, grabbing an orange and paring knife he split the peel filling the room with the scent of orange zest. He sorted the orange segments into a bowl and set it on his lap. "All the fruits on this platter have a rind to protect the life within, as much as I am your protector. The orange represents a happy future with its sunny color. Its segments are said to represent years of our shared life."
He took a segment and snapped it in half, eating one himself and offering the other to his bride. They finished the orange in this fashion.
"Ah yes, pomegranates, they have a very interesting history, you would enjoy reading about it. I think I have a book about it in my collection. The pomegranate has a tough and bitter rind that is difficult to remove to get at its inner charms" and it was clear from his frustrations trying to peel it that his was the case.
"That describes someone very dear to me", said Hermione teasingly.
"Hmm, my cheeky Gryffindor is back now?" He raised one brow, the warm expression never leaving his face.
"Why don't you just magic the rind away?"
"Tradition requires this be done by hand; it symbolizes the labor of life. The seeds look like faceted rubies symbolizing wealth."
"Well, for your information, muggles would do it by hand as well."
"Interesting point my little Gryffindor, it never occurred to me." She wasn't sure whether there was irony in his voice or not.
"So this could be a muggle ritual?" For some reason this thought filled her with curiosity and her eyes began to sparkle with excitement.
"It could be, but that is not how I learned of it." He leaned back still working on the fruits and seemed to ponder her question some more. "I was taught this ritual by my grandmother, a very proud pureblood Slytherin. I somehow doubt that she would have used a muggle ritual. But who knows, maybe it is one in origin."
Placing the seeds in a bowl, he offered the tart succulent seeds to her. She took a handful, munching on them. "These are tasty, and they do look like rubies. Could be an interesting thing to try for transfiguration." She pondered and leaned back as well.
"Well, the seeds also symbolize something else"
"Like?"
"Like fertility, the seeds represent future children", he said getting even for her last cheeky comment. Rolling her eyes, she grabbed some more seeds and simply watched him peel another orange.
Looking at his face, the soft brown eyes of the contented man, she was struck by the thoughtfulness of his doing this, when he didn't have to, she would have never known. She saw him looking in her eyes as well and smiled. She had never felt so loved in all her life and her heart swelled. She felt as if something shook her by the shoulders and a jolt shot through the necklace and it flared white like his bracelet and then returned to normal. She felt so overwhelmed with emotion, she had to close her eyes for a second to center herself. For one moment she had felt like she had seen his soul and it had been beautiful.
Severus felt something too, looking into the eyes of the young woman with the infinite capacity to give and love. His bracelet flared red and then turned back to its normal white, and he had to shut his eyes as well because he didn't know how to handle the rush of such feelings, it wasn't magic this time.
Opening his eyes, he hugged her close and entered her mind gently to see what she had experienced. Then he spoke, "I feel the same way."
She pushed back his hair and kissed him. "Make love to me" she whispered. And he did.
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It was a Saturday and so it was quite an unusual site to find the boy-who- lived and his red-headed sidekick marching across the mossy grass that lead from the main gate to the entrance of Hagrid's hut at 9 o'clock in the morning. Not that Ron seemed to mind, he was chattering away about Quidditch and the last game he had read about in The Daily Prophet which he claimed had been of the best and most dramatic game he had ever heard about. Harry mumbled an affirmative now and then while he tried in vain not to trip over stones or his own two dragging feet. He was exhausted from being up all night writing a six foot parchment potions essay on Costa Rican woody herbs covering properties, effects, and applications that Snape had assigned them for Monday, but since today and Sunday were filled with Quidditch practise plus extensive divination homework he had decided to get it done Friday before the weekend began. Not to forget that there was a Halloween Ball held on Sunday evening.
And I thought Snape would change now that he is married to Hermione but he is still the sadistic bastard he always was.
While it wasn't hard to see why Hermione felt so comfortable around Snape, all he wanted to do was puke whenever he thought about potion classes.
And I can get away when it is done but Mione has to be around him all the time. Wonder how she stands it with that sneering greasy old bat.
It had to be said that a sleep deprived Harry Potter was a miserable grumpy person and therefore these thoughts would later be stored away under Angry Grumbling. Not that he would ever like Snape but since Hermione had made it clear that she saw something worthwhile in him he had grudgingly accepted that, which of course didn't keep him from insulting the dark Potions Master in his thoughts whenever he needed to vent.
He tried to concentrate on Ron's words but it was in vain. I shouldn't have let my thoughts drift in the first place. I'll never catch up to his Quidditch conversation.
So now he grunted replies to Ron, while trying in vain to make it to Hagrid's hut without seriously injuring himself, which was thankfully already in sight. The weather was typical for late October in southern Scotland, the sky blanketed with grey, the air misty and the wet grass under his feet making squishy slurping sounds whenever he stepped on it. Through the small windows in the hut Harry could see a small fire flickering in the big fireplace, and Hagrid stood in all his glory in front of the cabin collecting small pieces of wood, for Hagrid anyway, in his huge arms. Fang, as always, trotting and slobbering next to his master. The enormous black dog raised his head when he heard the two boys approaching and his tail began to wag upright and side to side quickly which was a sign of happiness as Hagrid had pointed out once.
As long as he doesn't begin to have a fit of barks like last time we were here. Harry had needed two days after that last event to get the ringing in his ears to stop. Strangely enough Ron hadn't minded at all and only humped impatiently when Harry had complained about the volume of that big creature of a dog. Maybe he it is used to that kind of volume from the burrow, I figure with that many siblings it must have been quite loud at times. Harry grumped to himself.
Hagrid looked up that moment and a big smile appeared on his face as he made two steps into their direction. "Ah, 'arry 'n Ron! How are yeh? An' where'ns Hermione? Gee 'arry, yeh look terrible. Yeh not 'avin' nightmares again are yeh?"
Ron had begun to pat Fang's back and his voice was honestly good-natured when he answered. "We are fine Hagrid, just a lot of really long assignments. Hermione is still in the dungeons with Snape and we haven't heard from her since early yesterday morning."
Hagrid opened the large door and motioned them in placing the wood next to the hearth in a huge basket, which now was almost completely filled with pieces of wood half the size of Ron. He turned to his stove and took a big pot off the flame in one swift motion.
"That'd be'an Professor Snape, Ron. Yer lucky I've just prepared a cup o' tea. That's exactly what yeh need now with this lousy weather out there."
Harry grimaced behind the giant's back. How lucky, bloody hell! It wasn't that he was ungrateful but Hagrid had the tendency to make horrible tea and so far every time he had been here he had managed to serve them tea that tasted like muddy water.
Hagrid in the meantime had placed three huge cups on the table and sat down next to the two boys with Fang instantly lying down next to his feet not far from the fire.
"What'ns Hermione doin' in th' dungeons? Poor girl, got detention with ole Professor Snape? 'elpin tha' Neville no doubt." He filled the cups with an unsteady hand which was probably due to the temperature in the hut which was biting cold even so the fire was slowly warming the space up.
Harry sighed. So Hagrid didn't know about Hermione moving into the dungeons.
"No, she hasn't got a detention or any such thing. She moved in there." Harry said.
Hagrid raised a bushy brow and his voice sounded confused when he asked: "Wha'?"
The two boys had never told him about the wedding and the death threat Lucius Malfoy posed to her since they had arrived in Hogwarts. The school year had been busy and they hadn't made it down here far often enough.
While Ron was trying to drink the tea without making many sounds of disgust and petting Fang occasionally, Harry told Hagrid about the events that had took place so far at both the order and the castle, and exactly how Hermione had ended up in the dungeons. Every now and then the giant expressed his concern for the girl, his anger at Malfoy, and Harry tried to calm him down. Harry further explained that according to Hermione, Professor Snape was treating her well, and all of this occurred with the complicit agreement and acceptance of Albus Dumbledore and most of the order, who seemed nonplussed by it all.
"Blimey! A weddin'? He better take good care of our 'mione or I'll be down in that dungeon in a second!" Hagrid roared. "But if Dumbledore agreed.an' Professor Snapes never 'armed any students.but a weddin' gee, that's kinda drastic", and then without making much of a break he pointed to some pumpkins stacked in a corner. "I 'ave to prepare those fern th' great hall as 'n tomorra evening's Samhain. If ye want te ye can help me?"
He and Ron shared a look and then nodded silently. They had nothing better to do anyhow and as it was they felt guilty enough in regards to Hagrid. So for the next four hours the three sat around the table and attacked pumpkins with knives. Ron especially showed creativity in carving the most dramatic facial expressions into the squash, one even showed a definite sneer.
"I am going to give that one to Hermione. Is that okay Hagrid?" Ron asked looking at the sneering Jack-O-Lantern. Hagrid nodded and so they took the pumpkin, said their goodbyes after assuring Hagrid that they would see him at the ball and left the cabin to make their way to the castle. It was time for lunch anyhow and before they went to the great hall they made their way to the dungeons to visit their best friend.
Ron was carrying the pumpkin and sniggered softly. After a second Harry sighed. "What's up Ron?"
The redhead screwed up his face with obvious satisfaction. "I am placing this in their living room and when Snape sees it he will surely get a fit." He sniggered again and Harry shook his head softly. Either he was growing up faster than his friend or he had lost touch with his sense of humour.
When they reached the door Harry softly knocked and after a second they heard Hermione's soft voice uttering a short "Enter." She sounds like Snape already, Harry thought with a shudder. Maybe those two were more alike than he had ever thought.
They opened the door and found the room as they had the last time they visited except the small frame of their friend huddled in one of the big arm chairs a book , "History and Myth of Common Fruits" by Pamona Sprout, in her lap and sipping from a cup of steaming tea. A bowl of oranges and pomegranates sat on the table. She looked up when her friends entered and appeared honestly glad to see them.
"Hello Harry and Ron. Come in you two and don't waste the warmth of my fireplace by keeping the door open longer than necessary, please." She sounded teasing and Harry grinned in response while Ron closed the door behind them, with a pumpkin under his arm.
"So where is Snape?" asked Ron all the while looking longingly to the wizard's chess board in the corner.
Hermione raised her brow. "Please Ron, he is one of your professors! Professor Snape is in Professor Dumbledore's office at a meeting. So you don't have to be afraid, he won't be back for some time." She motioned them to sit down on the other arm chair and transfigured one the chairs to a more comfortable arm chair for them. "Do you want something to drink?"
Harry nodded desperate to get the ugly taste from Hagrid's tea from his mouth. "Please."
Ron leaned back and grinned. "Maybe some pumpkin juice would be great."
Hermione nodded and rose from her chair. "Dobby?"
In a second the house elf appeared and seemed eager to please. " Yes, Madam Snape?"
"Could you get me some pumpkin juice for Harry and Ron please?" Hermione smiled as he nodded with so much excitement that saliva dripped from his mouth. In one second a tray with two glasses and a big bowel filled to the rim with juice appeared on the small table by the fire.
"Anything else Madam Snape?"
Hermione shook her head and with a snip of his fingers the elf was gone. Harry poured them some of the juice and looked around noticing some little changes in decoration which were very obviously done by his friend.
"So, is our dark Potions Master behaving?" Ron joked but to their surprise Hermione sputtered on her tea. "What's wrong?" Ron asked concerned but Hermione simply shrugged her shoulders.
"Too hot." She smiled uneasily at Ron and Harry knew she was keeping something from them. "Of course he is Ron as you very well know." She folded her hands neatly in her lap and gently closed the leather bound book. "What are you doing with that pumpkin by the way?"
Smirking, Ron presented the Jack-O-Lantern like a precious gift, and placed it on the mantle so that anyone in the room could see its glowing sneering face. "I carved it down at Hagrid's cabin. It's my Halloween present for you and Snape." At Hermione stern look he added hastily "Professor Snape."
"Thanks for that Ron. It's much appreciated." She really did like the face.
The redhead grinned and then took a huge gulp of the juice. "So, what are you and Professor Snape doing down here all the time? You weren't at lunch and dinner yesterday or breakfast today."
Harry was amazed that Ron sounded that innocent when Hermione blushed furiously, yet she smiled a warm far away smile, picked up an orange and looked quickly at the fire. For a moment his thoughts freezed as he contemplated her strange reactions this afternoon thus far. And then he came to a startling realization that made him sputter on his juice as well.
Ron shook his head still clueless. "Man, what IS wrong with you two?"
Hermione stared into Harry's shocked green eyes. She slowly shook her head as if to prevent him from saying anything and the boy nodded sharply. This could wait until later. Now was definitely not the time.
Snape and she have. I am getting sick.
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Severus Snape left his wife in his chambers only after he conjured up the strongest possible wards against dark magic and spells affecting the mind or emotions; wards so powerful they reverberated down the dungeon halls and a permanent mist hung in the air there. He left with the excuse of a simple meeting, but his emotions of worry, paranoia, and blinding anger so consumed him that he neglected to tie back his hair and cuff up his bracelet, its shine a stark contrast against black sleeves. Snape never felt this violated by someone he had trusted for so long, someone he had trusted with his life, someone he respected, and who he considered his most loyal friend. He may even loose his job today, but he didn't care.
A brief fearful thought crossed his mind that perhaps the Dark Lord was influencing Dumbledore, but he quickly banished it as being totally absurd. With long strides Snape glided swiftly through the halls. His eyes glittering dangerously as he was ready to send curses flying at anyone. The formidable vision was compounded by the wild maniacal look of the hair flying with the billowing long black robes, scattering students in fear. By the time Snape arrived at Dumbledore's office, Hufflepuff and Ravenclaw each lost 75 points, and Slytherin lost 25. It was fortunate that many students were at Hogsmead that day. For some reason he did have it in him to take points from Gryffindor.
"Butterscotch Toffee" Snape hissed menacingly at the guardian gargoyle, that for the first time cowered away from the Potions Master. He hoped the headmaster had a very good explanation or he would feel what it meant to be at the receiving end of Severus Snape's anger.
Albus frowned as he contemplated how to approach the wildly pacing man in his office without making him snap completely. He looked angrier than he had ever seen him in all their years, except the time when Sirius Black had escaped after he had captured him but back than his anger had been more shown with outbursts not the violent undercurrent as now. Albus knew from experience that one wrong word, one incorrect direction and he would explode.
Sighing the headmaster took off his half-moon spectacles as if it would make things easier but he knew in all honesty that it wouldn't. Sometimes he wondered how much Severus felt like his son, a pleasure he had never been allowed to experience in his life. Over the years they had built a relationship of trust and loyalty that he was hesitant to destroy. But what could he tell him without risking the prophecy?
Snape turned around sharply, robes whipping around as he smacked his hands flat on the old man's desk, causing Fawkes to jump and parchment to flutter. Snapes cold black eyes probed the blue eyes of the man he trusted most in this world, had trusted with his life back during that cold night when he had changed sides. Right now he wondered what the old man was up to, why he had performed such dark and dangerous magic aiming it at Hermione and him, in the castle no less. Subtle Legilimency isn't going to work today; the old man is definitely on guard. And in all likelihood stronger than I am.
"What in Hell's creation is going on here Headmaster?"
"I can understand your anger Severus and you have every right to be but I have to call upon your trust once again. I cannot explain things right now, as much as I want to, but I assure you that I had only your and Hermione's best interest in mind. I ask your forgiveness for not notifying you before casting that spell." His voice sounded tired and raw.
"NO ALBUS, NOT A DENIAL! I cannot accept this, not when last night she could have died if I hadn't been to the dungeons fast enough. DIED! ARE YOU TRYING TO FINISH MALFOY'S JOB! You know about the effects of primoris spells, they kill if their aim is not fulfilled and it was pure luck that I got to the dungeons before the spell took effect. What if I hadn't made it?" Snape reached out and gripped Dumbledore's robes at the shoulder in a fist of fabric, and stared him in the eyes.
"I've seen the effects when used by the Dark Lord! It slowly rips your mind apart!" Fear flashed across his expression thinking of such a fate for Hermione, then releasing the old man he straightened up again and gripped the glowing bracelet around his wrist. Turning away from the desk Snape hung his head and buried his face in is hands. Dumbledore took note of this action, and felt more at peace. At least his violation had provoked the results he had intended. Primoris worked. Severus is not hiding his feelings any longer and the bond is stronger than ever.
Albus nodded. "I know all of this but I can assure you that I made sure the spell would take no effect until you were inside the dungeons. I would never risk yours or Hermione's life, you know that."
Snape glared, slowly turning to face the desk. "But why this spell? What good did it do? The ONLY reason these spells aren't illegal is their special applications applied only at St. Mungos. And most wizards are not powerful enough to cast them anyhow. Why shove these emotions on Hermione and me? Why would you force me to have this kind of relationship with Hermione when I am her teacher, when things are already complicated enough with the war? Why would you do such a thing and not consult me before hand?" said Severus furrowing his brows and impatiently waiting for an answer, clenching his hands into fists.
Albus sighed heavily, "I'm sorry but you have to believe me I didn't want this anymore than you. I can not give you any reasons but Severus I have to ask you to consider my behavior towards you in all these years and decide if you can trust me in this. If you can accept that I can't give you any reasons or explanations right now, not until certain events take place." He bored his eyes into the black ones of the other man. It was an icy standoff with no hope of a thaw.
Severus averted his gaze and tried to swallow his hurt and anger. Right now Albus Dumbledore had almost called in all his favours with the potions Master. Speaking coolly, "It seems you have given me no other option, but I warn you Albus, I won't tolerate any more games, not when Hermione gets endangered! I will protect her; I vowed that last night. I will not accept any more lies or evasions after today. Next time something of that effect happens to me or Hermione I will ask for an explanation and you will give it." Severus pulled his wand and not daring to point it at his mentor clasped it in his hands, eyes flickering dangerously and with a low measured voice of steely determination he hissed, "And if she gets hurt, I swear by Merlin I will hunt you down to the ends of time and hex you into the next dimension, if it is the last thing I do!" He swept around, the black robes swirling like a billowing cloud and left the office leaving the headmaster in silent contemplation on what he had ruined today just to fulfill an ancient prophecy.
Oh Minerva, what have you gotten me into? But he knew really that it wasn't the witch's fault. It was ironic really that Severus' hurt and suffering where due to one of his ancestors, Bloodwen Snape.
Okay I know I am trying your patience here but you will get to know about the prophecy soon. I have already written it so it will be included into one of the next chapters. Is Minerva involved? And if so, how? And Bloodwen, what has she to do with the prophecy? Wait and review if you want. ;)
19. [The Ritual]
It was dark in the room which led her to the conclusion that more time had passed than she imagined. The ominous shadows in the semi-darkness would have been almost frightening in a normal situation but probably not when you were lazing in the protecting arms of an Ex-Death Eater and powerful wizard. Laying cosy and warm here under the silky covers nestled into Severus' arms with his warm steady breath on her neck caused her to sigh with contentment. Gently she took his left hand in hers and caressed the long callused fingers all the while staring into the dark unadorned room enjoying the feelings of love and security. She tried in vain to create a feeling of warmth and colours in his bedroom but somehow the atmosphere in here resisted, maybe because Severus still didn't think he deserved it in the end.
Without realizing it, she expanded her caresses to his left wrist and up his arm sighing softly at the surprising soft texture of his skin until she felt something under the tip of her fingers. It felt like a scab was engraved into the flesh and for a moment she was unsure what it was. The mark! Of course what else could it be? In the lab she had totally forgotten about the mark, but now her curiosity got the better of her and she turned her eyes to have a closer look at it. The low greenish light of the floo network permeated from the unlit hearth and slightly illuminated the room. In the green shimmer she could barely make out the now translucent skull and she gently traced it as if to soothe the pain she knew it still caused.
"I made horrible choices, some of those can't be undone." he whispered harshly trying to pull his arm away from her, trying to hide the reminder of his failure.
She sighed again and turned her face to look into his. "I know but nothing is so horrible that it can't be forgiven, Severus."
He chuckled, a bitter sound which rang with pain. "You have no idea what you are talking about Hermione. We are not talking about pranks or a bad job decisions; we are talking about murder, black mail and torture."
She gripped his jaw letting him hide his arm against his chest for now and she brought her face close to his, so close that she could feel his hot breath on her lips. Strangely enough in this instant the necklace rested cool and still against her chest.
"I saw Zachary's murder, have you forgotten that? And I am not a romantic naive girl who wants to excuse these things away. It was as you already said, a terrible choice you once made but you suffered so much for it. All these years you risked you life every time you face Voldemort, you tried to protect Harry when you had every right to be angry at his father and you even gave a family jewel to a muggleborn witch you didn't like in the least." Two soft fingers pressed on his lips prevented him from objecting. "Let me finish! I know you are no saint and for me you don't have to be but I won't join your side and concentrate on your past and your past only. I care about you deeply Severus in case you haven't realized that by now, and I can forgive you all that if you promise me one thing-" At his hesitant nod she smiled and looked warmly into his eyes softly speaking, "That you love me for the rest of my life, that you don't scare Neville quite so much in your classes and that you never do such horrible things again."
He stared into her eyes as if to make sure that this was indeed real and she meant what she said. Then he touched her cheek in wonder and an awkward smile appeared on his face. "I can promise you all this Hermione. All of this, even to not frighten Neville to death, so I might point out that I won't turn soft on him all in a sudden."
Hermione grinned and in return softly brushed his lips with hers. "I can accept that."
He enveloped her in his arms again deepening the kiss and gently running his fingers through her hair, hearing her soft sigh. Breaking the kiss and hugging her tightly, nuzzling his forehead on her shoulder he whispered in deep soft tones: "I do want you forever. I am not sure I could bare it if your were to leave me."
Turning her head towards his, sliding her arm underneath to tenderly, softly tuck his hair behind his ear. "If somebody had implied that I would confess to you I love you and no one else I would have called them crazy six months ago. But now I say it and I mean it with all my heart."
Meeting his gaze her face was bathed softly in the red glow of her necklace, the one that had started it all in London. In his mind Severus wondered if maybe even without Malfoy's threat and without the force of the necklace things would have turned out the same. He liked to think so and it was a wonderful thought. Never in all his life had he felt that deeply, in a way it was the most powerful thing he had experienced in his life. His sexual desire got fuelled by the emotions he could sense through the necklace and this time no primoris spell was needed.
She felt his hand slipping towards the small of her back while feeling the other caress her face and the brilliant white light of his bracelet lit up both their faces. His kiss was passionate, demanding, his tongue probing hers. She felt the heat and passion rise in her, relishing in his kiss, feeling the power behind it. When he finally let her go gasping for air, he made a sound like he had tasted something delicoius, smiling a devilish grin he spun her around and pulled her body towards him pressing her back against his chest. He gripped her tightly not allowing her to move an inch and feeling her squirm just a little into him. Speaking in the softest and warmest baritone he purred lazily, "Your lips taste as sweet as tawny port, and I shall be a silly drunk in no time if we continue this."
She heard the smile in his voice and her heart soared, and with a smile on her lips she replied, "Even if I would lose my sight I would not feel deprived of one crucial sense because I could go on listening to your voice all my life and never tire of it. Speak to me please!"
"As you wish my lady." he said into her ear, his hand holding her close while the other began tracing her curves. His light slow touch hit ticklish points making her squeal and squirm with laughter, " Severus, you are tickling me!" she panted as the necklace grew hot. He pulled her in tighter feeling her muscles twitch under her skin as he lightly traced his fingers up her side.
"Another wish I see?" he pronounced in the deep rich voice that vibrated against her nape sending those hot pleasurable jolts through her nervous system "No sound could be more beautiful than your laughter to me. Never stop doing so, my dear." He wrapped one arm under hers and lightly traced his fingers from the back of her ear down to her neck, causing her to relax her head against his shoulder. The other arm went around her waist with his hand on top her navel, and he wrapped one leg around hers like a snake around its prey. "Your neck is as beautiful as the alabaster statues of Corinth," said the smooth deep honey voice with just a hint of a tease as he slowly kissed that neck between each word.
Hermione was simply driven to the brink of giddy madness with desire. She tried break free to return the pleasure, but he would have none of it as the grip held firm. "Damn he's strong, - sneaky teasing tickling Slytherin" He was having a lot of fun teasing her and she was having a lot of fun being teased. "Tusk tusk" said the teasing silken voice, "Patience is a virtue and I am not finished here by the way". She simply responded with a low raspy "Ohhh I'll get you, just wait until I get free!" and he smiled at the humorous threat in her voice and replied, "That's the general idea my dear".
He bent over and silenced her mock protests with a kiss and feeling her relax her muscles he ran his hands under her breasts, cupping their softness and feeling them firm immediately under his touch. Hermione arched back into his chest and let out a soft moan. She pressed into him for a deeper kiss as he rubbed her nipples between his fingers until they felt like small pebbles.
"Your beauty shall always silence me with breathless awe, my beloved" he said huskily before another kiss. A hand reaching, sliding through her soft curls to the sweet spot within. Sliding his fingers in gently, slowly moving he felt she was already wet with honey. He continued as his wife began to move her hips naturally to the rhythm of his hand and it drove his passion to see her ecstasy build to suc heights He felt her muscles move with the passion as her body pressed against his hold, her shaking head sending curls in his face, rasping his name as he continued, unrelenting, and feeling her arch and build to her release bucking under his hand and against his body.
He finally let her go and she rolled to the side panting for air and feeling drained with post orgasmic trembling. She hugged him close, and her stomach rumbled.
Touching her face lightly he said, "You haven't eaten since breakfast yesterday. There is something that I think you might like my dear." Quickly charming on a forest green silk robe, he quietly closed the door as she snuggled into the sheets for warmth. In one stride, Snape leaned against the mantle place and curtly called "Dobby!"
"Y-y-y yes sir?" asked the shaking elf.
"One nuptial platter Dobby, please"
Dobby stood dumbfounded, looking at the Potions Master with the long messy black hair, arms crossed about his chest, wearing nothing but a green robe and glowing white bracelet. His eyes darting around the room and widening with the realization of what the request was about, only to discover he was now looking into the sneering face of an impatient Snape, "Dobby, if I ever hear of any words that come back to hurt Hermione on this I will personally skin you alive with my bare hands, do you understand?" using his most dangerous tone.
Dobby began furiously nodding affirmatives and yelped with a snap of his fingers. A beautiful plate of oranges and pomegranates appeared along with a single glass goblet filed with sweet cream, and two smaller glass containers of honey and yogurt.
Re-entering his room, Hermione chided him, "You really shouldn't be so mean to Dobby, Severus." He quipped in a cool tone, while setting the dish on the bedside table, "Hermione you know nothing about the extensive reach of house elf gossip. I come from a pureblood family; I know what I am talking about my dear."
He charmed onto her a red silk robe, and started a small fire in the room. Pushing her legs to point opposite of his, he sat on the bed next to her, their thighs touching. He gave her a pillow to prop up on.
He sighed, and looked at her face, and said in a calm and soft baritone, "Hermione, you have been cheated out of many things. So many things that are to be included into a wedding, into a magical wedding. I will not let you, or I for that matter, be cheated out of this small ritual." He poured the yogurt into the goblet of sweet cream, stirring it, following up with the honey like it was some sort of potion.
"Severus, what is this?"
"This is nuptial nectar, it is an ancient tradition. Grooms always serve this to their brides the morning following the wedding night. It is a mixture of sweet cream, yogurt, and floral honey. It represents la dolce vita. The other part of this tradition is I continue this ritual each day until the next full phase of the moon. This time period is called a honeymoon."
He could see her blushing and he smiled "My love, it's a bit too late now to be so shy." He took a sip of the drink and then offered it to her.
"The idea is we each take turns sipping from the glass."
It was incredibly sweet and rich.
Hermione noticed his soft dark brown eyes emanated warmth, and he smiled ever so slightly. She had never seen him look this way before. "Is this tenderness? Is this the real Severus Snape?" she shortly pondered this thought. The necklace and bracelets were quietly humming their tune of domestic bliss, but there was something more pure of tone to the humming today.
He continued explaining like he was in lecture hall, grabbing an orange and paring knife he split the peel filling the room with the scent of orange zest. He sorted the orange segments into a bowl and set it on his lap. "All the fruits on this platter have a rind to protect the life within, as much as I am your protector. The orange represents a happy future with its sunny color. Its segments are said to represent years of our shared life."
He took a segment and snapped it in half, eating one himself and offering the other to his bride. They finished the orange in this fashion.
"Ah yes, pomegranates, they have a very interesting history, you would enjoy reading about it. I think I have a book about it in my collection. The pomegranate has a tough and bitter rind that is difficult to remove to get at its inner charms" and it was clear from his frustrations trying to peel it that his was the case.
"That describes someone very dear to me", said Hermione teasingly.
"Hmm, my cheeky Gryffindor is back now?" He raised one brow, the warm expression never leaving his face.
"Why don't you just magic the rind away?"
"Tradition requires this be done by hand; it symbolizes the labor of life. The seeds look like faceted rubies symbolizing wealth."
"Well, for your information, muggles would do it by hand as well."
"Interesting point my little Gryffindor, it never occurred to me." She wasn't sure whether there was irony in his voice or not.
"So this could be a muggle ritual?" For some reason this thought filled her with curiosity and her eyes began to sparkle with excitement.
"It could be, but that is not how I learned of it." He leaned back still working on the fruits and seemed to ponder her question some more. "I was taught this ritual by my grandmother, a very proud pureblood Slytherin. I somehow doubt that she would have used a muggle ritual. But who knows, maybe it is one in origin."
Placing the seeds in a bowl, he offered the tart succulent seeds to her. She took a handful, munching on them. "These are tasty, and they do look like rubies. Could be an interesting thing to try for transfiguration." She pondered and leaned back as well.
"Well, the seeds also symbolize something else"
"Like?"
"Like fertility, the seeds represent future children", he said getting even for her last cheeky comment. Rolling her eyes, she grabbed some more seeds and simply watched him peel another orange.
Looking at his face, the soft brown eyes of the contented man, she was struck by the thoughtfulness of his doing this, when he didn't have to, she would have never known. She saw him looking in her eyes as well and smiled. She had never felt so loved in all her life and her heart swelled. She felt as if something shook her by the shoulders and a jolt shot through the necklace and it flared white like his bracelet and then returned to normal. She felt so overwhelmed with emotion, she had to close her eyes for a second to center herself. For one moment she had felt like she had seen his soul and it had been beautiful.
Severus felt something too, looking into the eyes of the young woman with the infinite capacity to give and love. His bracelet flared red and then turned back to its normal white, and he had to shut his eyes as well because he didn't know how to handle the rush of such feelings, it wasn't magic this time.
Opening his eyes, he hugged her close and entered her mind gently to see what she had experienced. Then he spoke, "I feel the same way."
She pushed back his hair and kissed him. "Make love to me" she whispered. And he did.
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It was a Saturday and so it was quite an unusual site to find the boy-who- lived and his red-headed sidekick marching across the mossy grass that lead from the main gate to the entrance of Hagrid's hut at 9 o'clock in the morning. Not that Ron seemed to mind, he was chattering away about Quidditch and the last game he had read about in The Daily Prophet which he claimed had been of the best and most dramatic game he had ever heard about. Harry mumbled an affirmative now and then while he tried in vain not to trip over stones or his own two dragging feet. He was exhausted from being up all night writing a six foot parchment potions essay on Costa Rican woody herbs covering properties, effects, and applications that Snape had assigned them for Monday, but since today and Sunday were filled with Quidditch practise plus extensive divination homework he had decided to get it done Friday before the weekend began. Not to forget that there was a Halloween Ball held on Sunday evening.
And I thought Snape would change now that he is married to Hermione but he is still the sadistic bastard he always was.
While it wasn't hard to see why Hermione felt so comfortable around Snape, all he wanted to do was puke whenever he thought about potion classes.
And I can get away when it is done but Mione has to be around him all the time. Wonder how she stands it with that sneering greasy old bat.
It had to be said that a sleep deprived Harry Potter was a miserable grumpy person and therefore these thoughts would later be stored away under Angry Grumbling. Not that he would ever like Snape but since Hermione had made it clear that she saw something worthwhile in him he had grudgingly accepted that, which of course didn't keep him from insulting the dark Potions Master in his thoughts whenever he needed to vent.
He tried to concentrate on Ron's words but it was in vain. I shouldn't have let my thoughts drift in the first place. I'll never catch up to his Quidditch conversation.
So now he grunted replies to Ron, while trying in vain to make it to Hagrid's hut without seriously injuring himself, which was thankfully already in sight. The weather was typical for late October in southern Scotland, the sky blanketed with grey, the air misty and the wet grass under his feet making squishy slurping sounds whenever he stepped on it. Through the small windows in the hut Harry could see a small fire flickering in the big fireplace, and Hagrid stood in all his glory in front of the cabin collecting small pieces of wood, for Hagrid anyway, in his huge arms. Fang, as always, trotting and slobbering next to his master. The enormous black dog raised his head when he heard the two boys approaching and his tail began to wag upright and side to side quickly which was a sign of happiness as Hagrid had pointed out once.
As long as he doesn't begin to have a fit of barks like last time we were here. Harry had needed two days after that last event to get the ringing in his ears to stop. Strangely enough Ron hadn't minded at all and only humped impatiently when Harry had complained about the volume of that big creature of a dog. Maybe he it is used to that kind of volume from the burrow, I figure with that many siblings it must have been quite loud at times. Harry grumped to himself.
Hagrid looked up that moment and a big smile appeared on his face as he made two steps into their direction. "Ah, 'arry 'n Ron! How are yeh? An' where'ns Hermione? Gee 'arry, yeh look terrible. Yeh not 'avin' nightmares again are yeh?"
Ron had begun to pat Fang's back and his voice was honestly good-natured when he answered. "We are fine Hagrid, just a lot of really long assignments. Hermione is still in the dungeons with Snape and we haven't heard from her since early yesterday morning."
Hagrid opened the large door and motioned them in placing the wood next to the hearth in a huge basket, which now was almost completely filled with pieces of wood half the size of Ron. He turned to his stove and took a big pot off the flame in one swift motion.
"That'd be'an Professor Snape, Ron. Yer lucky I've just prepared a cup o' tea. That's exactly what yeh need now with this lousy weather out there."
Harry grimaced behind the giant's back. How lucky, bloody hell! It wasn't that he was ungrateful but Hagrid had the tendency to make horrible tea and so far every time he had been here he had managed to serve them tea that tasted like muddy water.
Hagrid in the meantime had placed three huge cups on the table and sat down next to the two boys with Fang instantly lying down next to his feet not far from the fire.
"What'ns Hermione doin' in th' dungeons? Poor girl, got detention with ole Professor Snape? 'elpin tha' Neville no doubt." He filled the cups with an unsteady hand which was probably due to the temperature in the hut which was biting cold even so the fire was slowly warming the space up.
Harry sighed. So Hagrid didn't know about Hermione moving into the dungeons.
"No, she hasn't got a detention or any such thing. She moved in there." Harry said.
Hagrid raised a bushy brow and his voice sounded confused when he asked: "Wha'?"
The two boys had never told him about the wedding and the death threat Lucius Malfoy posed to her since they had arrived in Hogwarts. The school year had been busy and they hadn't made it down here far often enough.
While Ron was trying to drink the tea without making many sounds of disgust and petting Fang occasionally, Harry told Hagrid about the events that had took place so far at both the order and the castle, and exactly how Hermione had ended up in the dungeons. Every now and then the giant expressed his concern for the girl, his anger at Malfoy, and Harry tried to calm him down. Harry further explained that according to Hermione, Professor Snape was treating her well, and all of this occurred with the complicit agreement and acceptance of Albus Dumbledore and most of the order, who seemed nonplussed by it all.
"Blimey! A weddin'? He better take good care of our 'mione or I'll be down in that dungeon in a second!" Hagrid roared. "But if Dumbledore agreed.an' Professor Snapes never 'armed any students.but a weddin' gee, that's kinda drastic", and then without making much of a break he pointed to some pumpkins stacked in a corner. "I 'ave to prepare those fern th' great hall as 'n tomorra evening's Samhain. If ye want te ye can help me?"
He and Ron shared a look and then nodded silently. They had nothing better to do anyhow and as it was they felt guilty enough in regards to Hagrid. So for the next four hours the three sat around the table and attacked pumpkins with knives. Ron especially showed creativity in carving the most dramatic facial expressions into the squash, one even showed a definite sneer.
"I am going to give that one to Hermione. Is that okay Hagrid?" Ron asked looking at the sneering Jack-O-Lantern. Hagrid nodded and so they took the pumpkin, said their goodbyes after assuring Hagrid that they would see him at the ball and left the cabin to make their way to the castle. It was time for lunch anyhow and before they went to the great hall they made their way to the dungeons to visit their best friend.
Ron was carrying the pumpkin and sniggered softly. After a second Harry sighed. "What's up Ron?"
The redhead screwed up his face with obvious satisfaction. "I am placing this in their living room and when Snape sees it he will surely get a fit." He sniggered again and Harry shook his head softly. Either he was growing up faster than his friend or he had lost touch with his sense of humour.
When they reached the door Harry softly knocked and after a second they heard Hermione's soft voice uttering a short "Enter." She sounds like Snape already, Harry thought with a shudder. Maybe those two were more alike than he had ever thought.
They opened the door and found the room as they had the last time they visited except the small frame of their friend huddled in one of the big arm chairs a book , "History and Myth of Common Fruits" by Pamona Sprout, in her lap and sipping from a cup of steaming tea. A bowl of oranges and pomegranates sat on the table. She looked up when her friends entered and appeared honestly glad to see them.
"Hello Harry and Ron. Come in you two and don't waste the warmth of my fireplace by keeping the door open longer than necessary, please." She sounded teasing and Harry grinned in response while Ron closed the door behind them, with a pumpkin under his arm.
"So where is Snape?" asked Ron all the while looking longingly to the wizard's chess board in the corner.
Hermione raised her brow. "Please Ron, he is one of your professors! Professor Snape is in Professor Dumbledore's office at a meeting. So you don't have to be afraid, he won't be back for some time." She motioned them to sit down on the other arm chair and transfigured one the chairs to a more comfortable arm chair for them. "Do you want something to drink?"
Harry nodded desperate to get the ugly taste from Hagrid's tea from his mouth. "Please."
Ron leaned back and grinned. "Maybe some pumpkin juice would be great."
Hermione nodded and rose from her chair. "Dobby?"
In a second the house elf appeared and seemed eager to please. " Yes, Madam Snape?"
"Could you get me some pumpkin juice for Harry and Ron please?" Hermione smiled as he nodded with so much excitement that saliva dripped from his mouth. In one second a tray with two glasses and a big bowel filled to the rim with juice appeared on the small table by the fire.
"Anything else Madam Snape?"
Hermione shook her head and with a snip of his fingers the elf was gone. Harry poured them some of the juice and looked around noticing some little changes in decoration which were very obviously done by his friend.
"So, is our dark Potions Master behaving?" Ron joked but to their surprise Hermione sputtered on her tea. "What's wrong?" Ron asked concerned but Hermione simply shrugged her shoulders.
"Too hot." She smiled uneasily at Ron and Harry knew she was keeping something from them. "Of course he is Ron as you very well know." She folded her hands neatly in her lap and gently closed the leather bound book. "What are you doing with that pumpkin by the way?"
Smirking, Ron presented the Jack-O-Lantern like a precious gift, and placed it on the mantle so that anyone in the room could see its glowing sneering face. "I carved it down at Hagrid's cabin. It's my Halloween present for you and Snape." At Hermione stern look he added hastily "Professor Snape."
"Thanks for that Ron. It's much appreciated." She really did like the face.
The redhead grinned and then took a huge gulp of the juice. "So, what are you and Professor Snape doing down here all the time? You weren't at lunch and dinner yesterday or breakfast today."
Harry was amazed that Ron sounded that innocent when Hermione blushed furiously, yet she smiled a warm far away smile, picked up an orange and looked quickly at the fire. For a moment his thoughts freezed as he contemplated her strange reactions this afternoon thus far. And then he came to a startling realization that made him sputter on his juice as well.
Ron shook his head still clueless. "Man, what IS wrong with you two?"
Hermione stared into Harry's shocked green eyes. She slowly shook her head as if to prevent him from saying anything and the boy nodded sharply. This could wait until later. Now was definitely not the time.
Snape and she have. I am getting sick.
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Severus Snape left his wife in his chambers only after he conjured up the strongest possible wards against dark magic and spells affecting the mind or emotions; wards so powerful they reverberated down the dungeon halls and a permanent mist hung in the air there. He left with the excuse of a simple meeting, but his emotions of worry, paranoia, and blinding anger so consumed him that he neglected to tie back his hair and cuff up his bracelet, its shine a stark contrast against black sleeves. Snape never felt this violated by someone he had trusted for so long, someone he had trusted with his life, someone he respected, and who he considered his most loyal friend. He may even loose his job today, but he didn't care.
A brief fearful thought crossed his mind that perhaps the Dark Lord was influencing Dumbledore, but he quickly banished it as being totally absurd. With long strides Snape glided swiftly through the halls. His eyes glittering dangerously as he was ready to send curses flying at anyone. The formidable vision was compounded by the wild maniacal look of the hair flying with the billowing long black robes, scattering students in fear. By the time Snape arrived at Dumbledore's office, Hufflepuff and Ravenclaw each lost 75 points, and Slytherin lost 25. It was fortunate that many students were at Hogsmead that day. For some reason he did have it in him to take points from Gryffindor.
"Butterscotch Toffee" Snape hissed menacingly at the guardian gargoyle, that for the first time cowered away from the Potions Master. He hoped the headmaster had a very good explanation or he would feel what it meant to be at the receiving end of Severus Snape's anger.
Albus frowned as he contemplated how to approach the wildly pacing man in his office without making him snap completely. He looked angrier than he had ever seen him in all their years, except the time when Sirius Black had escaped after he had captured him but back than his anger had been more shown with outbursts not the violent undercurrent as now. Albus knew from experience that one wrong word, one incorrect direction and he would explode.
Sighing the headmaster took off his half-moon spectacles as if it would make things easier but he knew in all honesty that it wouldn't. Sometimes he wondered how much Severus felt like his son, a pleasure he had never been allowed to experience in his life. Over the years they had built a relationship of trust and loyalty that he was hesitant to destroy. But what could he tell him without risking the prophecy?
Snape turned around sharply, robes whipping around as he smacked his hands flat on the old man's desk, causing Fawkes to jump and parchment to flutter. Snapes cold black eyes probed the blue eyes of the man he trusted most in this world, had trusted with his life back during that cold night when he had changed sides. Right now he wondered what the old man was up to, why he had performed such dark and dangerous magic aiming it at Hermione and him, in the castle no less. Subtle Legilimency isn't going to work today; the old man is definitely on guard. And in all likelihood stronger than I am.
"What in Hell's creation is going on here Headmaster?"
"I can understand your anger Severus and you have every right to be but I have to call upon your trust once again. I cannot explain things right now, as much as I want to, but I assure you that I had only your and Hermione's best interest in mind. I ask your forgiveness for not notifying you before casting that spell." His voice sounded tired and raw.
"NO ALBUS, NOT A DENIAL! I cannot accept this, not when last night she could have died if I hadn't been to the dungeons fast enough. DIED! ARE YOU TRYING TO FINISH MALFOY'S JOB! You know about the effects of primoris spells, they kill if their aim is not fulfilled and it was pure luck that I got to the dungeons before the spell took effect. What if I hadn't made it?" Snape reached out and gripped Dumbledore's robes at the shoulder in a fist of fabric, and stared him in the eyes.
"I've seen the effects when used by the Dark Lord! It slowly rips your mind apart!" Fear flashed across his expression thinking of such a fate for Hermione, then releasing the old man he straightened up again and gripped the glowing bracelet around his wrist. Turning away from the desk Snape hung his head and buried his face in is hands. Dumbledore took note of this action, and felt more at peace. At least his violation had provoked the results he had intended. Primoris worked. Severus is not hiding his feelings any longer and the bond is stronger than ever.
Albus nodded. "I know all of this but I can assure you that I made sure the spell would take no effect until you were inside the dungeons. I would never risk yours or Hermione's life, you know that."
Snape glared, slowly turning to face the desk. "But why this spell? What good did it do? The ONLY reason these spells aren't illegal is their special applications applied only at St. Mungos. And most wizards are not powerful enough to cast them anyhow. Why shove these emotions on Hermione and me? Why would you force me to have this kind of relationship with Hermione when I am her teacher, when things are already complicated enough with the war? Why would you do such a thing and not consult me before hand?" said Severus furrowing his brows and impatiently waiting for an answer, clenching his hands into fists.
Albus sighed heavily, "I'm sorry but you have to believe me I didn't want this anymore than you. I can not give you any reasons but Severus I have to ask you to consider my behavior towards you in all these years and decide if you can trust me in this. If you can accept that I can't give you any reasons or explanations right now, not until certain events take place." He bored his eyes into the black ones of the other man. It was an icy standoff with no hope of a thaw.
Severus averted his gaze and tried to swallow his hurt and anger. Right now Albus Dumbledore had almost called in all his favours with the potions Master. Speaking coolly, "It seems you have given me no other option, but I warn you Albus, I won't tolerate any more games, not when Hermione gets endangered! I will protect her; I vowed that last night. I will not accept any more lies or evasions after today. Next time something of that effect happens to me or Hermione I will ask for an explanation and you will give it." Severus pulled his wand and not daring to point it at his mentor clasped it in his hands, eyes flickering dangerously and with a low measured voice of steely determination he hissed, "And if she gets hurt, I swear by Merlin I will hunt you down to the ends of time and hex you into the next dimension, if it is the last thing I do!" He swept around, the black robes swirling like a billowing cloud and left the office leaving the headmaster in silent contemplation on what he had ruined today just to fulfill an ancient prophecy.
Oh Minerva, what have you gotten me into? But he knew really that it wasn't the witch's fault. It was ironic really that Severus' hurt and suffering where due to one of his ancestors, Bloodwen Snape.
Okay I know I am trying your patience here but you will get to know about the prophecy soon. I have already written it so it will be included into one of the next chapters. Is Minerva involved? And if so, how? And Bloodwen, what has she to do with the prophecy? Wait and review if you want. ;)