21. [ Saimhain's Eve ]
He had excused himself after they had shared a loving kiss in front of the menacing pumpkin, but he reluctantly released her because a pile of assignments needed grading for a solemn return to their originators on Monday and this was the only time to do it. Hermione had eagerly understood realizing with horror that she hadn't even started her six foot potions assignment that was due that same Monday; the thought of failing in one of her classes was causing her tremendous grief and so she was eager to start writing before changing into her dress robes.
After her husband closed the door to his private study behind him, Hermione curled up even more in the nicely cushioned arm chair in the living room and pulled the dark green blanket over her small body attempting to snuggle closer into the warmth. Severus "incendioed" a fire before he had left but the chill remained in the room. Hermione sighed trying to understand why her husband was so cruel to himself. He wouldn't allow his body the pleasure of a warm flickering fire; he'd rather endure the chilly coldness. Only when she began shivering inside the living room had he considered putting on the hearth to raise the temperature a bit. "Perhaps," she thought while touching the necklace and looking at the study door, "cold numbs his pain, denying warmth is a penanc. I wish he could see himself through my eyes for a moment.."
However, work demanded its due. Earnestly she accioed an old wooden lap desk, parchment, and quill from a nearby shelf, and began to work the same spell to find suitable books. After she was settled with two large piles of books she curled up even more and began to read. Any extracurricular studying of wizard laws would have to wait.
When she looked up again it was already dark outside although that could be a false assumption since the windows were enchanted. Putting the now finished assignment aside, she carefully stretched her limbs trying to figure out if five o'clock was too early to start with the ball preparations. But considering that she would have to deal with her bushy hair, which generally was a long and tedious battle, and that she had still to shower beforehand it was probably better to start right away instead of being late. Severus had told her that he would be ready at ten to eight and they would make their way to the great hall together.
For a moment she tried to picture her entrance with him but felt anxious instead of happy. "What if I trip?" It was a possibility after all. "How will Ron or Ginny react to the fact that I am arriving with Severus?And Merlin help me if someone pulls a practical joke!" She could just imagine somebody like Fred or George Weasley to spicen up the ball with something so childish. Trying to calm her breath in a desperate search for her inner strength she got up and decided to first take a shower with some calming botanical oils used for potions or aromatherapy and see how she felt after that. Having a Potions Master around did have some side benefits.
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Putting the last of the his task aside, Severus rubbed his temple in a vain attempt to stop the rapidly approaching headache. In all his years he had always cursed the fact that he had let himself be convinced by Dumbledore into teaching because he knew as much as the headmaster did that patience really wasn't one of his virtues. Especially when the several students were obviously too stupid to even manage the last potions class correctly; he swore that Amandus Philips was even more unskilled in potions than Neville Longbottom. How you could mix up so many ingredients in a simple boil cure was beyond him, really.
Getting up he stepped to one of the shelves and put his hands into his robes trying to chase away unbidden thoughts that began to penetrate his mind in this moment. As if this ball wasn't appalling enough conducting inane social chit-chat with people he hesitated to call friends, because he knew somewhere inside even after all these years they didn't trust him completely. Some of his fellow teachers had no idea of his work for the Order, instead they privately thought him as an unverified Death Eater, a Master of the Dark Arts. Merlin help him, at least when he had to be charming towards his true enemies he could gather intelligence, not the latest Quidditch rankings. "Of all the deaths, why must mine be boredom?" he thought darkly.
No, the supreme worry was indeed a summoning by the Dark Lord. Saimhain was the perfect dramatic time for a Dark Gathering as a precurser to murder muggles. He fervently hoped to the universe that today he would be spared, could watch his wife in peace as she enjoyed the festivity and maybe even attempt to enjoy it as well, even if he remained a deeply private person.
Staring into the slowly darkening living room he quickly wondered what kind of dress robe Hermione had ultimately decided on but put that thought aside. "Not that it really matters for me, she would be the most beautiful creature wearing a simple muggle outfit." he mused. He was content as long as it wasn't that gaudy pink garment he had seen departing the shop. But somehow he was almost sure that he had seen something akin to horror on his wife's face during that moment. Chuckling he stepped into the living room hoping for the gift of a smile, but finding it deserted.
Next to one of the arm chairs were several potions books placed on the grounds and when he picked one up the title read , "Magical Fauna and Flora of Costa Rica." He raised one brow. So she had been writing the assignment for Monday. "Hmm, my little know it all, indeed." he thought tenderly. He would never stop calling her that, he was sure of it. Pointing his wand at the books he muttered "recidivus liber forulis" and watched the books return to their rightful places on the shelves. Looking at the blanket, the desk and quills he felt a strange kind of feeling inside, a feeling he had never felt before in all his life as if he had finally reached a place he would always treasure, oddly the dungeon felt like home, a home he had thought destiny denied him, that he denied himself.
Turning around he spotted a parchment on a table under the window and recognising his wife's handwriting he picked it up and began to read. "One more parchment to grade," he thought with a smile.
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After a long warm shower with some rose and lavender botanical oils she had found in one of the drawers, Hermione stood in front of the mirror and wrapped the dark scarlet silk bathrobe tightly around her and fumbled with her long dark curls. They were still wet but already they began to curl into a wild thick mass of wretched messiness and she tried in vain to comb them straight, so far with a minimum of success. After ten minutes she gave up the fight and decided to pin "the hair from hell" up so it would appear as if it could behave. Carefully she took her wand and spoke with surety "concinnitas caesaries" and the hair moved up into a complicated pattern until it rested on the back of her head.
Finally accepting the way it looked she began to carefully apply make-up. She didn't want to use to much colour here in fear of looking like a clown or worse; she never used much make-up at school and she had no idea how Severus would react, but she did know how her father reacted when mum over did the makeup, he'd frown thinking she'd ruined her looks. With a light soft voice she spoke "definio bellulus facies". She opted in favour of the mascara and the rouge she used. "Lightness of the voice means light application for spells and charms, Book Of Spells For Second Years," she remembered.
When she was finished she carefully opened the package containing her dress robe and pulled it out with caution as not to crinkle the velvet too much. A quick glance at her watch showed her that it was past time to change as she had agreed to meet Severus in the living room at ten to eight and she knew punctuality was not negotiable with Severus. Sighing she opened the belt of the deep red robe and let it fall to the white marble floor in a heap.
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He stared at his timepiece for the tenth time trying to calm himself. Women were generally late preparing for such events and Hermione was no exception. Although he hoped that she would be able to make it into the living room soon or they would be terribly late. Not that he would care, since he detested large social gatherings in general and especially when large numbers of students were assembled. Such events usually let to too much trouble, too many rule breakings, and to his delight, loads of points he could deduct for those infractions.
An evil smirk spread across his face at the thought of being able to keep a close eye on people like Potter and Weasley before he remembered that circumstances had changed for him. The best friends of his wife were these two boys and he was sure she wouldn't allow him to punish unfairly, and neither would Albus.
He sighed realizing that try as he might he was doomed to an evening of social office politics with Minerva and Albus while watching his wife having fun with her friends. Albus encouraged him that one dance couldn't hurt, but Severus knew better, oh and how much better he bitterly knew. It was extremely important to keep up his façade of a forced wedding for the Order, which was true indeed but nobody was to know that he quite gladly accepted it these days. Especially not Voldemort, the Death Eaters, or any of their progeny at Hogwarts.
Flopping down in one of the chairs he stared at his wife's bedroom door intensely as if willing her to come out with the sheer force of his thoughts. To his surprise the door opened in this moment and a creature more beautiful than anything he had seen so far stepped out of the room.
For a second he could only stare at her, take in her elegant beauty and the way she seemed to hold herself differently, and then he remembered his manners and got to his feet quickly. Making his was across the room to his wife he let the beginning of a warm smile play around his lips and gently gripped her right hand in his, bending his head smoothly and applying the softest of kisses on the velvety skin there.
"You look absolutely breathtaking my dear," he whispered and saw to his delight that she blushed, and gifted him with the smile he was waiting for.
"You don't look too bad yourself," she mumbled taking in his black frock coat with small silver buttons in the form of serpents and his white shirt that could be seen around his neck. His hair was held back in a pony tail, accentuating his aquiline features and high cheek bones.
After several seconds of staring on both sides he offered his arm and silently let her to the door into the hallway.
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Bloodwen considered the black haired woman on the bed with narrowed eyes as she sat down on one of the wooden chairs next to the large window. The dim light that shone through the milky opaque glass bathed Bellatrix Lestrange in an almost surreal light erasing all traces of Azkaban from her even features. The dark blood red robe accentuated her creamy white skin and the thick lashes rested on the soft skin of her cheeks.
Something about her made Bloodwen uneasy, maybe the mad way in which the other woman mumbled Severus' name in her sleep or the tight grip with which she held her wand in her white spidery fingers. She was an insane sociopath, but she was perfect for the job and quite gifted with the killing curse.
Sighing, Bloodwen tried to chase away the nagging doubts creeping into her mind and it got increasingly difficult to dispatch them. She couldn't stop thinking about how much her society- both magical and muggle- had transformed. In her time, purebloods had been the norm and half bloods were very rare. Muggleborn witches and wizards were almost non-existent, but these days half-bloods or less made the majority of the wizarding world. If you tried to purge not only Hogwarts but the whole world of anything but purebloods the magical world would simply die.
Back then when she had made the prophecy for the first time in front of the four founders she had been completely sure that her way, the Slytherin way, was the right one worth fighting for. Godric Gryffindor and the other two witches were mislead in thinking that those half bloods were even needed to sustain a society so strong, so exclusive. But she remembered the sad wistful look in Ravenna Ravenclaw's eyes as she shook her head sitting in one of the old arm chairs in the lounge that is presently the headmaster's office.
"Nothing stays as it is, Bloodwen. Nothing. Not even something as seemingly strong as our world. Times change, so do people and their opinions. Mark my words that one day you will severely doubt your way of thinking."
Back then Bloodwen had laughingly dismissed those words but now as she starred into the milky world outside the window she understood what Ravenclaw meant, what she was talking about. The question was, why had Salazar Slytherin not seen it back then?. Why wasn't he admitting things changed, because she knew he couldn't seal his eyes from the differences in this world. But the reason was maybe quite simple, maybe very human and maybe very wrong. As like many people he didn't want to see his mistakes, didn't want to admit them and therefore refused to acknowledge them at all. "How much evil is committed in the name of ego?" she thought bitterly, but she was destined and bound to the prophecy.
Bloodwen had been brought up in the belief that muggleborn witches were second class people, not skilled and gifted enough to manage to summon a simple stone and the wizarding world was culturally and intellectually superior without them. But frowning she had to admit that Hermione Snape challenged this belief since she was one of the most powerful, intelligent, and empathetic witches Bloodwen had seen in a long time. Where as purebloods with bloodlines that could be traced back until almost her own living time such as Draco Malfoy or Neville Longbottom, faded next to her brilliant shining star.
Shaking her head she banished these thoughts to the back of her mind for the time being and tilted her head back and let out a loud mournful banshee cry of 1000 years of death that made LaStrange wildly shove out her wand in many directions and pounce from her bed, her hair sticking up. When her mad gaze fell on the pale woman sitting next to the window she pointed her wand in her direction.
"Who are you and what do you want here?" she growled.
Sighing with an air of contempt mingled with boredom, Bloodwen got up and with a silent wave of her hand Bellatrix' wand flew to the other side of the room.
"I am the spirit of Bloodwen Snape and I have to talk with you. Now!" she sounded calm and reasonable which couldn't be said for the other witch.
"What do you want here? Give me my wand back or I call for help and instantly all my fellow Death Eaters will be here," she shrieked and tried to inch closer to the place her wand rested on the floor.
Bloodwen raised a brow and tried to stay serious. Still she couldn't help but think what pitiful people Voldemort had chosen for his inner circle. Either mad like Bellatrix, cruel perverted syncophants like Lucius Malfoy, or traitors like Severus.
"I want to ask for your help Bellatrix Lestrange and I want to make an offer, an offer you will find very intriguing as a fellow Slytherin."
"What offer?" she inquired coldly.
"An exchange of favors, I want Hermione Granger's death in return for allowing an attack on Hogwarts." Bloodwen said completely unruffled by the hostile demeanour.
Bellatrix' eyes widened and she grinned evilly, purring. "Why would I need your help for killing a filthy little mudblood? If I wanted to a simple curse and her little life perished in an instant," she smirked while gliding around the bed.
"I doubt that my dear death angel. Currently she is not only protected by Dumbledore and the hundreds of wards he put around Hogwarts, but also by an ancient charm that channels the powerful family magic of her husband, Severus Snape, .my charm." Bloodwen noticed the way in which Bellatrix hands twisted as she stared at her with hateful eyes.
"Dumbledore is a fool to think that my Lord's power can't match his and Severus is the ranking alchemist and obeys my Lord and his bidding and would kill her off if our Lord only wished it." Her eyes began to gleam in a frenzied way.
Bloodwen moved nearer and chuckled silently. "Oh you are a poor deluded fool my death angel but I can excuse given the long term effects of Dementors." She gripped Bellatrix' chin forcefully and stared into her dark eyes. "Silly fools! Dumbledore can't be defeated like this! But my fight is with Dumbledore is on a different level so I will leave it you and your 'Lord' to decide your approach to battle. But there is one thing you severely underestimate Severus loves Hermione and will protect her with his life despite the mark of allegiance to your 'Lord'. So if you want to have a chance at killing the mudbood and thus severely weakening our dear Potions Master at the same time you have to attack Hogwarts for me." She let go of her chin and turned around. "I can make the wards disappear for a moment and you can apparate into the great hall tonight to attack during the Samhain Ball. The only request I have would be to eliminate Hermione Granger. I give you Hogwarts in return."
With that she turned around and crossed her arms in front of her chest.
"Now sweetie, if you don't mind I would like to talk to your boss, Lord Voldemort." Bloodwen had to admit that the students at Hogwarts and their slang was rubbing off on her.
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The ball was already in full swing when Albus Dumbledore made his way through the crowd of teenagers until he reached the teacher's table where at the moment Remus Lupin was quietly talking with Minerva McGonagall. Sitting down on one of the chairs that were still empty the headmaster had to admit even if only to himself the decoration were splendid this year with hundreds of Jack O' Lanterns placed everywhere in the great hall and the ceiling bewitched this night to show off a stormy dark night's sky and a gloomy yellow moon.
Enchanted musical instruments were playing pop to standards completely by themselves and a big buffet was placed in the middle of the room which offered every Halloween treat Hogwarts' house elves could come up with. The students obviously enjoying themselves, partaking in dancing or standing together in both large and small groups talking and joking with each other. For one night of this war, Voldemort and the difficult times that still lay ahead were forgotten. Albus' eyes twinkled as he surveyed the festive scene in front of him until his eyes passed the main entrance to the hall where right this second his Potions Master and a lovely woman appeared and stepped into the hall.
After a second he noticed that the woman was actually Hermione and his features blossomed into the most genuine smile as he watched them walk through the crowd and the way people were staring at them.
It didn't take long until Remus had noticed them as well and smiled gently. "Looks like the seed finally blossomed and look how beautiful the flower is this night," he uttered softly almost nostalgically.
Minerva looked up and frowned. "This is." She gasped and clasped her hand over her mouth. "my little Hermione!"
Albus nodded contently and gently patted the Deputy headmistress' hand. "Indeed my dear. I have to say they look quite enchanting together, don't they?"
Pamona Sprout snickered. "Oh yes, the charming Hermione makes even Snape look quite appealing tonight. Who would have thought?"
Minerva shot her a surprised look and shook her head which was framed today by a bright red hat.
"I still can't believe this young woman is the same girl I saw last week in my classroom. I don't recall teaching - this - in transfiguration."
Remus grinned slightly. "I always knew there was something very mature about her. I am glad to see that obviously she makes him happy- or however that state is called with him." He chuckled as Minerva made a face.
"Oh please Remus, the best Severus gets is grumpy. I doubt I will ever see him happy or in a good mood" she muttered.
Albus smiled, looking only at the brilliantly shining bracelets they wore. "I would say whatever he calls it, he sure looks happy to me."
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Ron stared at the person that he knew should be his long-term best friend Hermione Granger but somehow she had transformed into an elegant woman he barely recognized. Harry's jaw hit the floor, and together they followed the couple through the room until they were near enough to hear what was spoken when the two of them reached the teacher's table.
"You look absolutely lovely tonight Mrs Snape," said Lupin honestly pleased and Hermione smiled in return.
"Thank you Professor Lupin."
The Transfiguration teacher inspected her ensemble more closely and raised a brow.
"Lovely dress robe indeed and this tiara, is it an heirloom?" she inquired.
Hermione blushed a deep shade of red and smiled hesitantly.
"Yes it is I think, Severus gave it to me when we went to Gringots and."
Severus glared at Minerva. "Is this an interrogation or a ball?" he said in a cool silky tone teetering on the edge of politeness.
Lupin grinned like the cat who got the cream. "A ball of course. Do you want some punch Severus, Hermione?"
Hermione nodded gratefully and Severus followed her example. Professor Sprout handed them two goblets and after a short moment of silence Snape looked up and spotted the two boys. Waving them over he gently placed his hand on Hermione's shoulder.
"I understand that it will be utterly boring here for you Hermione. Don't you want to go and spend some time with your friends?" he asked softly.
Hermione gazed into his eyes and placed her own hand on the one on her shoulder.
"I don't want to leave you alone. I would feel awful knowing I am enjoying myself and you are not," she softly replied.
He smiled as if in pain. "Hermione, I am not the most social person. I am afraid I won't enjoy myself no matter if you are here or not. I -endure- gatherings like this as part of my position but I'd feel much better knowing that at least one of us enjoys this evening."
Hermione sighed and nodded. "If you insist but I come back here later okay? Maybe you won't despise this evening quite as much as you think."
"I doubt that," he stated but smiled thinly.
While he sat down at the table Hermione moved to her friends and smiled at them.
"Happy Halloween you two. Are you enjoying yourself, what's the best treat?" she asked.
Ron nodded mutely and Harry managed to choke out a "Yes" and then he closed his mouth again. Hermione raised a brow and looked at them concerned.
"Are you alright? Honestly you look a bit dazed." she asked softly.
The two boys nodded and were actually relieved when Padma, Ginny, and Neville joined them and the girls instantly interrogating Hermione on her dress.
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It was almost midnight and the ball was in full swing. Suddenly an ear shattering cacaphony came from the entrance hall and Peeves flew into the great hall looking as if he had seen the devil himself, pulling his face in different directions, screeching even louder than he had ever done before.
"BLOODY HELL! DEATH EATERS! CASTLE! INVADED! GET OUT! RUN!" he repeated over and over again bouncing off walls like a deranged superball.
Before anybody could react, a hundred, maybe more, black robed Death Eaters descended on the great hall like a plague of starving locusts. Their tell tale masks eerily reflecting the soft glow of the now exploding pumpkins, giving them the look of impartial hell spawned demons. Hermione stood in horror as the melee unfolded, wands were drawn and she could see a fireworks display of hundreds of streams of green light as the first killing curses were cast. She could hear the sobs and cries of her surprised classmates.
"Oh god, Severus! No." Hermione started feeling several cold pains each like a shard of ice driven though her heart and soul, it physically wracked her body. Several nearby Death Eaters took direct hits from killing curses, and falling in loud thuds near her feet, their bloody masks clanking against the furniture and spinning on the floor.
Next to her Harry and Ron stood frozen to the spot for a second before they drew their wands and then trying to make their way through the groups of fighting and panicking students in the direction of the teacher's table, gripping their best friend at her shoulder. Instantly a Death Eater stepped into their way, Harry was about to shoot a stupefy spell but Hermione jerked his arm down, then they heard a familiar angry voice.
"It's me Potter," Snape chillingly hissed and he brutally gripped Hermione's right arm and began to drag her to the rear end of the hall. Harry and Ron ran with them and to their surprise a determined Neville was suddenly there dragging swearing and tearful Ginny with him. Behind them parts of the room exploded and they could hear Dumbledore's voice as he uttered spells and curses they had never heard before and when Ron looked back over his shoulder he saw Remus Lupin and the other teachers standing in the middle of the hall, their wands pulled and muttering curses. Sprout stood in the middle singing a spell sounding like the wind, calling to the plants. Neville watched a thorny vine sneaking silently up and catching the death eaters too distracted in battle, its thorns ripping into their flesh, piercing their hearts, the agonizing screams ringing down the halls.
Stepping quickly over twitching bodies, time seemed to stop, it was surreal. Harry recognized students by their bright formal wear, some covered in blood. Hermione could see the hint of a familiar shocking pink ruffle among those lying on the floor - it wasn't moving. Before it could all sink in they reached the door behind the teacher's table and Snape pushed it open instantly shoving the students through and closing it smoothly after Ginny Weasley scrambled through. Without saying anything he made his way down a long corridor but Hermione could feel his cold soulless fury through their connection. Never had she received that many primal negative and violent emotions through their bond and her necklace glowed a dark steely grey and it was cold, so very cold.
They reached a staircase and made their way down quickly nobody for once asking any questions. Harry noticed the change in Hermione's bracelets and he understood the connection, the situation was bad, very bad. When the cold humidity of the dungeons engulfed them Hermione fell Harry slowing behind her. Gripping the pale boy tightly she tried pulling on him trying to catch his green eyes.
"Harry, come with us. There is nothing we can do against them. Professor Dumbledore and the other teachers are fighting and I saw some of the prefects and the Head Boy and Girl trying to get as many people out as possible," she uttered quickly.
Snape came to an abrupt halt and turned around his face a murderous rage of hatred.
"Listen Potter, I am trying to save your life here. Don't be a bloody Gryffindor hero. If you die tonight nobody else can defeat the dark lord, it's prophecy. So follow me now or I stupefy you," he spat and after Harry nodded he opened a door to the right and waved them in instantly, pushing them through the door.
They had reached his private study and for a moment Hermione wondered why they were here but then she saw the hearth and knew instantly they were to use floo powder to escape. As if confirming her suspicions he stepped to the chimney and gripped a small bowl which contained the shimmery powder.
Pulling Ginny and Neville to the front he quickly put some powder into the girl's hand.
He yelled, "The destination is Snape Manor. Hurry both of you and make way as soon as you are there!"
Tight lipped Ginny nodded and together they stepped into the fireplace and she threw the powder.
"Snape Manor!" Ginny shouted and a second later they had disappeared.
Without pausing Snape hauled Harry and Ron forward and impatiently put some powder into the dark haired boy's hand.
"Quickly, they're almost here!" he hissed and pushed them into the fireplace.
Again the green fire roared and the two disappeared after having shouted their destination. Without another word Snape dashed into her bedroom and came back with an orange furry something and he shoved it into her arms.
"Crookshanks!" Hermione whispered and fell her heart swell with love for her husband.
He gripped her fiercely as if she was life itself and they stepped into the fireplace. In that moment the heavy oak door splintered and crashed inwards with a brilliant red flash and three Death Eaters rushed in, their wands pointed at the hearth. Without hesitation Snape pulled his wand and his voice was icy cold when he muttered: "Avada kadavra!"
The freezing shards hit her soul and her heart, it felt like a little part of her had died with the uttering of that curse.
Snape's curse hit the Death Eater, who keeled over on to the floor, she watched as the blood flowed slowly across the floor, violating their home. Snape threw the powder and shouted "Snape Manor!" and the world went black for Hermione.
The promised Halloween Ball and I can state right here that next chapter loads will be revealed including the prophecy. We are almost there folks, only a couple of more chapters. Please review if you like and if you haven't done so far, please read my ficlet Letter from Azkaban which you find on my author's page. Simply click on my name.
Spells explained- by the lovely Carrie ~ "recidivus liber forulis" roughly translates to return books to bookshelf ~"concinnitas caesaries" roughly translates to elegant style head of hair
Isn't Latin fun?
He had excused himself after they had shared a loving kiss in front of the menacing pumpkin, but he reluctantly released her because a pile of assignments needed grading for a solemn return to their originators on Monday and this was the only time to do it. Hermione had eagerly understood realizing with horror that she hadn't even started her six foot potions assignment that was due that same Monday; the thought of failing in one of her classes was causing her tremendous grief and so she was eager to start writing before changing into her dress robes.
After her husband closed the door to his private study behind him, Hermione curled up even more in the nicely cushioned arm chair in the living room and pulled the dark green blanket over her small body attempting to snuggle closer into the warmth. Severus "incendioed" a fire before he had left but the chill remained in the room. Hermione sighed trying to understand why her husband was so cruel to himself. He wouldn't allow his body the pleasure of a warm flickering fire; he'd rather endure the chilly coldness. Only when she began shivering inside the living room had he considered putting on the hearth to raise the temperature a bit. "Perhaps," she thought while touching the necklace and looking at the study door, "cold numbs his pain, denying warmth is a penanc. I wish he could see himself through my eyes for a moment.."
However, work demanded its due. Earnestly she accioed an old wooden lap desk, parchment, and quill from a nearby shelf, and began to work the same spell to find suitable books. After she was settled with two large piles of books she curled up even more and began to read. Any extracurricular studying of wizard laws would have to wait.
When she looked up again it was already dark outside although that could be a false assumption since the windows were enchanted. Putting the now finished assignment aside, she carefully stretched her limbs trying to figure out if five o'clock was too early to start with the ball preparations. But considering that she would have to deal with her bushy hair, which generally was a long and tedious battle, and that she had still to shower beforehand it was probably better to start right away instead of being late. Severus had told her that he would be ready at ten to eight and they would make their way to the great hall together.
For a moment she tried to picture her entrance with him but felt anxious instead of happy. "What if I trip?" It was a possibility after all. "How will Ron or Ginny react to the fact that I am arriving with Severus?And Merlin help me if someone pulls a practical joke!" She could just imagine somebody like Fred or George Weasley to spicen up the ball with something so childish. Trying to calm her breath in a desperate search for her inner strength she got up and decided to first take a shower with some calming botanical oils used for potions or aromatherapy and see how she felt after that. Having a Potions Master around did have some side benefits.
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Putting the last of the his task aside, Severus rubbed his temple in a vain attempt to stop the rapidly approaching headache. In all his years he had always cursed the fact that he had let himself be convinced by Dumbledore into teaching because he knew as much as the headmaster did that patience really wasn't one of his virtues. Especially when the several students were obviously too stupid to even manage the last potions class correctly; he swore that Amandus Philips was even more unskilled in potions than Neville Longbottom. How you could mix up so many ingredients in a simple boil cure was beyond him, really.
Getting up he stepped to one of the shelves and put his hands into his robes trying to chase away unbidden thoughts that began to penetrate his mind in this moment. As if this ball wasn't appalling enough conducting inane social chit-chat with people he hesitated to call friends, because he knew somewhere inside even after all these years they didn't trust him completely. Some of his fellow teachers had no idea of his work for the Order, instead they privately thought him as an unverified Death Eater, a Master of the Dark Arts. Merlin help him, at least when he had to be charming towards his true enemies he could gather intelligence, not the latest Quidditch rankings. "Of all the deaths, why must mine be boredom?" he thought darkly.
No, the supreme worry was indeed a summoning by the Dark Lord. Saimhain was the perfect dramatic time for a Dark Gathering as a precurser to murder muggles. He fervently hoped to the universe that today he would be spared, could watch his wife in peace as she enjoyed the festivity and maybe even attempt to enjoy it as well, even if he remained a deeply private person.
Staring into the slowly darkening living room he quickly wondered what kind of dress robe Hermione had ultimately decided on but put that thought aside. "Not that it really matters for me, she would be the most beautiful creature wearing a simple muggle outfit." he mused. He was content as long as it wasn't that gaudy pink garment he had seen departing the shop. But somehow he was almost sure that he had seen something akin to horror on his wife's face during that moment. Chuckling he stepped into the living room hoping for the gift of a smile, but finding it deserted.
Next to one of the arm chairs were several potions books placed on the grounds and when he picked one up the title read , "Magical Fauna and Flora of Costa Rica." He raised one brow. So she had been writing the assignment for Monday. "Hmm, my little know it all, indeed." he thought tenderly. He would never stop calling her that, he was sure of it. Pointing his wand at the books he muttered "recidivus liber forulis" and watched the books return to their rightful places on the shelves. Looking at the blanket, the desk and quills he felt a strange kind of feeling inside, a feeling he had never felt before in all his life as if he had finally reached a place he would always treasure, oddly the dungeon felt like home, a home he had thought destiny denied him, that he denied himself.
Turning around he spotted a parchment on a table under the window and recognising his wife's handwriting he picked it up and began to read. "One more parchment to grade," he thought with a smile.
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After a long warm shower with some rose and lavender botanical oils she had found in one of the drawers, Hermione stood in front of the mirror and wrapped the dark scarlet silk bathrobe tightly around her and fumbled with her long dark curls. They were still wet but already they began to curl into a wild thick mass of wretched messiness and she tried in vain to comb them straight, so far with a minimum of success. After ten minutes she gave up the fight and decided to pin "the hair from hell" up so it would appear as if it could behave. Carefully she took her wand and spoke with surety "concinnitas caesaries" and the hair moved up into a complicated pattern until it rested on the back of her head.
Finally accepting the way it looked she began to carefully apply make-up. She didn't want to use to much colour here in fear of looking like a clown or worse; she never used much make-up at school and she had no idea how Severus would react, but she did know how her father reacted when mum over did the makeup, he'd frown thinking she'd ruined her looks. With a light soft voice she spoke "definio bellulus facies". She opted in favour of the mascara and the rouge she used. "Lightness of the voice means light application for spells and charms, Book Of Spells For Second Years," she remembered.
When she was finished she carefully opened the package containing her dress robe and pulled it out with caution as not to crinkle the velvet too much. A quick glance at her watch showed her that it was past time to change as she had agreed to meet Severus in the living room at ten to eight and she knew punctuality was not negotiable with Severus. Sighing she opened the belt of the deep red robe and let it fall to the white marble floor in a heap.
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He stared at his timepiece for the tenth time trying to calm himself. Women were generally late preparing for such events and Hermione was no exception. Although he hoped that she would be able to make it into the living room soon or they would be terribly late. Not that he would care, since he detested large social gatherings in general and especially when large numbers of students were assembled. Such events usually let to too much trouble, too many rule breakings, and to his delight, loads of points he could deduct for those infractions.
An evil smirk spread across his face at the thought of being able to keep a close eye on people like Potter and Weasley before he remembered that circumstances had changed for him. The best friends of his wife were these two boys and he was sure she wouldn't allow him to punish unfairly, and neither would Albus.
He sighed realizing that try as he might he was doomed to an evening of social office politics with Minerva and Albus while watching his wife having fun with her friends. Albus encouraged him that one dance couldn't hurt, but Severus knew better, oh and how much better he bitterly knew. It was extremely important to keep up his façade of a forced wedding for the Order, which was true indeed but nobody was to know that he quite gladly accepted it these days. Especially not Voldemort, the Death Eaters, or any of their progeny at Hogwarts.
Flopping down in one of the chairs he stared at his wife's bedroom door intensely as if willing her to come out with the sheer force of his thoughts. To his surprise the door opened in this moment and a creature more beautiful than anything he had seen so far stepped out of the room.
For a second he could only stare at her, take in her elegant beauty and the way she seemed to hold herself differently, and then he remembered his manners and got to his feet quickly. Making his was across the room to his wife he let the beginning of a warm smile play around his lips and gently gripped her right hand in his, bending his head smoothly and applying the softest of kisses on the velvety skin there.
"You look absolutely breathtaking my dear," he whispered and saw to his delight that she blushed, and gifted him with the smile he was waiting for.
"You don't look too bad yourself," she mumbled taking in his black frock coat with small silver buttons in the form of serpents and his white shirt that could be seen around his neck. His hair was held back in a pony tail, accentuating his aquiline features and high cheek bones.
After several seconds of staring on both sides he offered his arm and silently let her to the door into the hallway.
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Bloodwen considered the black haired woman on the bed with narrowed eyes as she sat down on one of the wooden chairs next to the large window. The dim light that shone through the milky opaque glass bathed Bellatrix Lestrange in an almost surreal light erasing all traces of Azkaban from her even features. The dark blood red robe accentuated her creamy white skin and the thick lashes rested on the soft skin of her cheeks.
Something about her made Bloodwen uneasy, maybe the mad way in which the other woman mumbled Severus' name in her sleep or the tight grip with which she held her wand in her white spidery fingers. She was an insane sociopath, but she was perfect for the job and quite gifted with the killing curse.
Sighing, Bloodwen tried to chase away the nagging doubts creeping into her mind and it got increasingly difficult to dispatch them. She couldn't stop thinking about how much her society- both magical and muggle- had transformed. In her time, purebloods had been the norm and half bloods were very rare. Muggleborn witches and wizards were almost non-existent, but these days half-bloods or less made the majority of the wizarding world. If you tried to purge not only Hogwarts but the whole world of anything but purebloods the magical world would simply die.
Back then when she had made the prophecy for the first time in front of the four founders she had been completely sure that her way, the Slytherin way, was the right one worth fighting for. Godric Gryffindor and the other two witches were mislead in thinking that those half bloods were even needed to sustain a society so strong, so exclusive. But she remembered the sad wistful look in Ravenna Ravenclaw's eyes as she shook her head sitting in one of the old arm chairs in the lounge that is presently the headmaster's office.
"Nothing stays as it is, Bloodwen. Nothing. Not even something as seemingly strong as our world. Times change, so do people and their opinions. Mark my words that one day you will severely doubt your way of thinking."
Back then Bloodwen had laughingly dismissed those words but now as she starred into the milky world outside the window she understood what Ravenclaw meant, what she was talking about. The question was, why had Salazar Slytherin not seen it back then?. Why wasn't he admitting things changed, because she knew he couldn't seal his eyes from the differences in this world. But the reason was maybe quite simple, maybe very human and maybe very wrong. As like many people he didn't want to see his mistakes, didn't want to admit them and therefore refused to acknowledge them at all. "How much evil is committed in the name of ego?" she thought bitterly, but she was destined and bound to the prophecy.
Bloodwen had been brought up in the belief that muggleborn witches were second class people, not skilled and gifted enough to manage to summon a simple stone and the wizarding world was culturally and intellectually superior without them. But frowning she had to admit that Hermione Snape challenged this belief since she was one of the most powerful, intelligent, and empathetic witches Bloodwen had seen in a long time. Where as purebloods with bloodlines that could be traced back until almost her own living time such as Draco Malfoy or Neville Longbottom, faded next to her brilliant shining star.
Shaking her head she banished these thoughts to the back of her mind for the time being and tilted her head back and let out a loud mournful banshee cry of 1000 years of death that made LaStrange wildly shove out her wand in many directions and pounce from her bed, her hair sticking up. When her mad gaze fell on the pale woman sitting next to the window she pointed her wand in her direction.
"Who are you and what do you want here?" she growled.
Sighing with an air of contempt mingled with boredom, Bloodwen got up and with a silent wave of her hand Bellatrix' wand flew to the other side of the room.
"I am the spirit of Bloodwen Snape and I have to talk with you. Now!" she sounded calm and reasonable which couldn't be said for the other witch.
"What do you want here? Give me my wand back or I call for help and instantly all my fellow Death Eaters will be here," she shrieked and tried to inch closer to the place her wand rested on the floor.
Bloodwen raised a brow and tried to stay serious. Still she couldn't help but think what pitiful people Voldemort had chosen for his inner circle. Either mad like Bellatrix, cruel perverted syncophants like Lucius Malfoy, or traitors like Severus.
"I want to ask for your help Bellatrix Lestrange and I want to make an offer, an offer you will find very intriguing as a fellow Slytherin."
"What offer?" she inquired coldly.
"An exchange of favors, I want Hermione Granger's death in return for allowing an attack on Hogwarts." Bloodwen said completely unruffled by the hostile demeanour.
Bellatrix' eyes widened and she grinned evilly, purring. "Why would I need your help for killing a filthy little mudblood? If I wanted to a simple curse and her little life perished in an instant," she smirked while gliding around the bed.
"I doubt that my dear death angel. Currently she is not only protected by Dumbledore and the hundreds of wards he put around Hogwarts, but also by an ancient charm that channels the powerful family magic of her husband, Severus Snape, .my charm." Bloodwen noticed the way in which Bellatrix hands twisted as she stared at her with hateful eyes.
"Dumbledore is a fool to think that my Lord's power can't match his and Severus is the ranking alchemist and obeys my Lord and his bidding and would kill her off if our Lord only wished it." Her eyes began to gleam in a frenzied way.
Bloodwen moved nearer and chuckled silently. "Oh you are a poor deluded fool my death angel but I can excuse given the long term effects of Dementors." She gripped Bellatrix' chin forcefully and stared into her dark eyes. "Silly fools! Dumbledore can't be defeated like this! But my fight is with Dumbledore is on a different level so I will leave it you and your 'Lord' to decide your approach to battle. But there is one thing you severely underestimate Severus loves Hermione and will protect her with his life despite the mark of allegiance to your 'Lord'. So if you want to have a chance at killing the mudbood and thus severely weakening our dear Potions Master at the same time you have to attack Hogwarts for me." She let go of her chin and turned around. "I can make the wards disappear for a moment and you can apparate into the great hall tonight to attack during the Samhain Ball. The only request I have would be to eliminate Hermione Granger. I give you Hogwarts in return."
With that she turned around and crossed her arms in front of her chest.
"Now sweetie, if you don't mind I would like to talk to your boss, Lord Voldemort." Bloodwen had to admit that the students at Hogwarts and their slang was rubbing off on her.
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The ball was already in full swing when Albus Dumbledore made his way through the crowd of teenagers until he reached the teacher's table where at the moment Remus Lupin was quietly talking with Minerva McGonagall. Sitting down on one of the chairs that were still empty the headmaster had to admit even if only to himself the decoration were splendid this year with hundreds of Jack O' Lanterns placed everywhere in the great hall and the ceiling bewitched this night to show off a stormy dark night's sky and a gloomy yellow moon.
Enchanted musical instruments were playing pop to standards completely by themselves and a big buffet was placed in the middle of the room which offered every Halloween treat Hogwarts' house elves could come up with. The students obviously enjoying themselves, partaking in dancing or standing together in both large and small groups talking and joking with each other. For one night of this war, Voldemort and the difficult times that still lay ahead were forgotten. Albus' eyes twinkled as he surveyed the festive scene in front of him until his eyes passed the main entrance to the hall where right this second his Potions Master and a lovely woman appeared and stepped into the hall.
After a second he noticed that the woman was actually Hermione and his features blossomed into the most genuine smile as he watched them walk through the crowd and the way people were staring at them.
It didn't take long until Remus had noticed them as well and smiled gently. "Looks like the seed finally blossomed and look how beautiful the flower is this night," he uttered softly almost nostalgically.
Minerva looked up and frowned. "This is." She gasped and clasped her hand over her mouth. "my little Hermione!"
Albus nodded contently and gently patted the Deputy headmistress' hand. "Indeed my dear. I have to say they look quite enchanting together, don't they?"
Pamona Sprout snickered. "Oh yes, the charming Hermione makes even Snape look quite appealing tonight. Who would have thought?"
Minerva shot her a surprised look and shook her head which was framed today by a bright red hat.
"I still can't believe this young woman is the same girl I saw last week in my classroom. I don't recall teaching - this - in transfiguration."
Remus grinned slightly. "I always knew there was something very mature about her. I am glad to see that obviously she makes him happy- or however that state is called with him." He chuckled as Minerva made a face.
"Oh please Remus, the best Severus gets is grumpy. I doubt I will ever see him happy or in a good mood" she muttered.
Albus smiled, looking only at the brilliantly shining bracelets they wore. "I would say whatever he calls it, he sure looks happy to me."
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Ron stared at the person that he knew should be his long-term best friend Hermione Granger but somehow she had transformed into an elegant woman he barely recognized. Harry's jaw hit the floor, and together they followed the couple through the room until they were near enough to hear what was spoken when the two of them reached the teacher's table.
"You look absolutely lovely tonight Mrs Snape," said Lupin honestly pleased and Hermione smiled in return.
"Thank you Professor Lupin."
The Transfiguration teacher inspected her ensemble more closely and raised a brow.
"Lovely dress robe indeed and this tiara, is it an heirloom?" she inquired.
Hermione blushed a deep shade of red and smiled hesitantly.
"Yes it is I think, Severus gave it to me when we went to Gringots and."
Severus glared at Minerva. "Is this an interrogation or a ball?" he said in a cool silky tone teetering on the edge of politeness.
Lupin grinned like the cat who got the cream. "A ball of course. Do you want some punch Severus, Hermione?"
Hermione nodded gratefully and Severus followed her example. Professor Sprout handed them two goblets and after a short moment of silence Snape looked up and spotted the two boys. Waving them over he gently placed his hand on Hermione's shoulder.
"I understand that it will be utterly boring here for you Hermione. Don't you want to go and spend some time with your friends?" he asked softly.
Hermione gazed into his eyes and placed her own hand on the one on her shoulder.
"I don't want to leave you alone. I would feel awful knowing I am enjoying myself and you are not," she softly replied.
He smiled as if in pain. "Hermione, I am not the most social person. I am afraid I won't enjoy myself no matter if you are here or not. I -endure- gatherings like this as part of my position but I'd feel much better knowing that at least one of us enjoys this evening."
Hermione sighed and nodded. "If you insist but I come back here later okay? Maybe you won't despise this evening quite as much as you think."
"I doubt that," he stated but smiled thinly.
While he sat down at the table Hermione moved to her friends and smiled at them.
"Happy Halloween you two. Are you enjoying yourself, what's the best treat?" she asked.
Ron nodded mutely and Harry managed to choke out a "Yes" and then he closed his mouth again. Hermione raised a brow and looked at them concerned.
"Are you alright? Honestly you look a bit dazed." she asked softly.
The two boys nodded and were actually relieved when Padma, Ginny, and Neville joined them and the girls instantly interrogating Hermione on her dress.
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It was almost midnight and the ball was in full swing. Suddenly an ear shattering cacaphony came from the entrance hall and Peeves flew into the great hall looking as if he had seen the devil himself, pulling his face in different directions, screeching even louder than he had ever done before.
"BLOODY HELL! DEATH EATERS! CASTLE! INVADED! GET OUT! RUN!" he repeated over and over again bouncing off walls like a deranged superball.
Before anybody could react, a hundred, maybe more, black robed Death Eaters descended on the great hall like a plague of starving locusts. Their tell tale masks eerily reflecting the soft glow of the now exploding pumpkins, giving them the look of impartial hell spawned demons. Hermione stood in horror as the melee unfolded, wands were drawn and she could see a fireworks display of hundreds of streams of green light as the first killing curses were cast. She could hear the sobs and cries of her surprised classmates.
"Oh god, Severus! No." Hermione started feeling several cold pains each like a shard of ice driven though her heart and soul, it physically wracked her body. Several nearby Death Eaters took direct hits from killing curses, and falling in loud thuds near her feet, their bloody masks clanking against the furniture and spinning on the floor.
Next to her Harry and Ron stood frozen to the spot for a second before they drew their wands and then trying to make their way through the groups of fighting and panicking students in the direction of the teacher's table, gripping their best friend at her shoulder. Instantly a Death Eater stepped into their way, Harry was about to shoot a stupefy spell but Hermione jerked his arm down, then they heard a familiar angry voice.
"It's me Potter," Snape chillingly hissed and he brutally gripped Hermione's right arm and began to drag her to the rear end of the hall. Harry and Ron ran with them and to their surprise a determined Neville was suddenly there dragging swearing and tearful Ginny with him. Behind them parts of the room exploded and they could hear Dumbledore's voice as he uttered spells and curses they had never heard before and when Ron looked back over his shoulder he saw Remus Lupin and the other teachers standing in the middle of the hall, their wands pulled and muttering curses. Sprout stood in the middle singing a spell sounding like the wind, calling to the plants. Neville watched a thorny vine sneaking silently up and catching the death eaters too distracted in battle, its thorns ripping into their flesh, piercing their hearts, the agonizing screams ringing down the halls.
Stepping quickly over twitching bodies, time seemed to stop, it was surreal. Harry recognized students by their bright formal wear, some covered in blood. Hermione could see the hint of a familiar shocking pink ruffle among those lying on the floor - it wasn't moving. Before it could all sink in they reached the door behind the teacher's table and Snape pushed it open instantly shoving the students through and closing it smoothly after Ginny Weasley scrambled through. Without saying anything he made his way down a long corridor but Hermione could feel his cold soulless fury through their connection. Never had she received that many primal negative and violent emotions through their bond and her necklace glowed a dark steely grey and it was cold, so very cold.
They reached a staircase and made their way down quickly nobody for once asking any questions. Harry noticed the change in Hermione's bracelets and he understood the connection, the situation was bad, very bad. When the cold humidity of the dungeons engulfed them Hermione fell Harry slowing behind her. Gripping the pale boy tightly she tried pulling on him trying to catch his green eyes.
"Harry, come with us. There is nothing we can do against them. Professor Dumbledore and the other teachers are fighting and I saw some of the prefects and the Head Boy and Girl trying to get as many people out as possible," she uttered quickly.
Snape came to an abrupt halt and turned around his face a murderous rage of hatred.
"Listen Potter, I am trying to save your life here. Don't be a bloody Gryffindor hero. If you die tonight nobody else can defeat the dark lord, it's prophecy. So follow me now or I stupefy you," he spat and after Harry nodded he opened a door to the right and waved them in instantly, pushing them through the door.
They had reached his private study and for a moment Hermione wondered why they were here but then she saw the hearth and knew instantly they were to use floo powder to escape. As if confirming her suspicions he stepped to the chimney and gripped a small bowl which contained the shimmery powder.
Pulling Ginny and Neville to the front he quickly put some powder into the girl's hand.
He yelled, "The destination is Snape Manor. Hurry both of you and make way as soon as you are there!"
Tight lipped Ginny nodded and together they stepped into the fireplace and she threw the powder.
"Snape Manor!" Ginny shouted and a second later they had disappeared.
Without pausing Snape hauled Harry and Ron forward and impatiently put some powder into the dark haired boy's hand.
"Quickly, they're almost here!" he hissed and pushed them into the fireplace.
Again the green fire roared and the two disappeared after having shouted their destination. Without another word Snape dashed into her bedroom and came back with an orange furry something and he shoved it into her arms.
"Crookshanks!" Hermione whispered and fell her heart swell with love for her husband.
He gripped her fiercely as if she was life itself and they stepped into the fireplace. In that moment the heavy oak door splintered and crashed inwards with a brilliant red flash and three Death Eaters rushed in, their wands pointed at the hearth. Without hesitation Snape pulled his wand and his voice was icy cold when he muttered: "Avada kadavra!"
The freezing shards hit her soul and her heart, it felt like a little part of her had died with the uttering of that curse.
Snape's curse hit the Death Eater, who keeled over on to the floor, she watched as the blood flowed slowly across the floor, violating their home. Snape threw the powder and shouted "Snape Manor!" and the world went black for Hermione.
The promised Halloween Ball and I can state right here that next chapter loads will be revealed including the prophecy. We are almost there folks, only a couple of more chapters. Please review if you like and if you haven't done so far, please read my ficlet Letter from Azkaban which you find on my author's page. Simply click on my name.
Spells explained- by the lovely Carrie ~ "recidivus liber forulis" roughly translates to return books to bookshelf ~"concinnitas caesaries" roughly translates to elegant style head of hair
Isn't Latin fun?