Stolen Child
Chapter VII
Foolish Games
There were a tense few moments with Snape staring coldly at Hermione, he with his arms folder and her staring back eerily, though he could swear she almost looked excited. He exhaled sharply and decided to be the one to make a move, since obviously she wasn't going to.
He moved a wooden chair that was sitting against the wall, so that it was next to her bed and took a seat, folding his hands in front of him. "Well Ms. Granger. Explain yourself." His voice was only slightly sharpened, if indeed she was being honest, he didn't want to frighten her off when he had just begun.
Hermione watched him curiously, shifting so that she was facing him. As he spoke it seemed as though she was analyzing his voice, cocking her head to the side as if she didn't want to miss a single tone or inflection, let alone word.
Snape cleared his throat. He had never had that kind of reaction to his words before; and he would have been far more comfortable if she had cringed. "Ms. Granger, if you understand me, respond. This game of yours is becoming tiresome." His voice was cold, but it continued to lack the sharp edge that it usually sported.
She stared at him, not blankly this time. Instead she was most definitely studying him. There was a silence that lasted only a few minutes, but felt as though it drug on for hours. Hermione opened her mouth, and quickly shut it, glancing around nervously. Her mouth opened again and she tensed up as though struggling with the very thought of speaking. "I---"She began, and jumped slightly as though she was surprised by the sound of her own voice.
He was studied her intently, watching her struggle with herself. It would have been amusing if it wasn't so disturbing. Why was she having trouble with something so simple? Was she frightened? Or was it something else?
"I-"Hermione started again "Do-?" she paused for several moments, gathering her courage, or strength, or what ever it was that she needed to make her voice work correctly "Do.do I know you?" Again she looked around nervously
"Yes, Ms. Granger, of course you know me." Snape glared at her, clenching his teeth, ignorance had always bothered him, but feigned ignorance was an unforgivable sin as far as he was concerned, hopefully for her sake, she wasn't simply jerking him around.
Hermione watched him for a few moments as if to make sure he was right, then closed her eyes and took a deep breath through her nose. She leaned forward slightly and took another breath. Snape then came to the realization that she was smelling him. He wasn't quite sure whether he should be repulsed, curious, angry, flattered, or understanding. Scent was the closest sense to memory after all.
"I.I do." Her voice was so small, so fragile, on the edge of cracking, breaking at any moment. She paused, apparently trying to gather her thoughts and then continued. "How do I know you?" The words were barely more than a whisper, and Snape had to lean forward to catch them all.
"I was your Potion's Professor." He stated matter of factly, drawing himself upright once again.
There was an extremely long pause, Snape glaring at Ms. Granger while she seemed to be lost in her own thoughts, and perhaps memories. It was she that finally broke silence, once again in her small voice, which much to his surprise; cause a slight stab of something, perhaps pity, in his chest. "I waited for you." Her eyes darted from him to the doors, then back again.
He was taken aback by her statement. He knew that obviously it was true, but it was strange to here her say it, and he had to resist the urge to shift uncomfortably in his seat, instead he snapped at her "Why on earth would you ever wait for me, you silly girl?" His eyes narrowed, studying her.
She did not flinch at his harshness; instead she seemed to think for a moment and then responded softly "I knew that I knew you. You were familiar."
He scowled cruelly at her "And what about Madame Pomfrey, Ms. Granger, or Professor McGonagal? If you recognize me, than surely you recognize them, or is this just another ridiculous game like you, Potter, and Weasley used to play?" He stood up, pushing the seat back, linking hands behind his back and glaring down at the young woman.
Watching him stand abruptly, Hermione cringed as if she feared the he'd strike her. When the blow did not come, she unclenched her eyes and looked up at him; he seemed to be waiting for an answer. "No, please sir...I just want to know." She was still hunched down slightly, but her gaze was unflinching.
"And what is it, exactly, that you wish to know, Ms. Granger? I am a busy man, and I have little time for foolish games." He stood tall, looking down his hooked nose at her.
"Everything." She continued to look up at him, and seeing that this answer was not enough for him, she added "about me. Who am I? I've forgotten. It was so long ago. It's all muddled inside my head. You're the only thing that's clear, at least your face is, and you're-"She hesitated, gauging his reaction to her "and you're scent. It brings me so close to remembering that it's almost painful.it's all right there.but I just can't reach it. Not yet."
Professor Snape sighed. If indeed the little wretch had completely lost her memories, it could take a long, long time to bring them back. Whoever agreed to help her would have to spend hours talking to her, sitting with her, trying to trigger something that would make it all come together. There were so many reasons that he did NOT want the job, but gods he was curious. He wanted to know so badly, she was an intricate puzzle, and he wanted to solve her, but in order to do that, he'd have to tell as well as ask. Quid pro quo, give and take.
She was watching him intently, worrying her bottom lip. Would he help her? He had to, he was the only would who could as far as she was concerned. Why else would she only know him, and only see him in her mind in his bellowing black robes. Why not the kindly nurse who had been looking after her, despite her lack of response, or perhaps the older woman with the stern voice, but kind eyes who worse a plaid hat. Why on earth did HE have to cause that spark within her?
Snape mulled over the situation for a long while, his eyes never leaving Hermione. He was watching her. Waiting for any sign that her plight wasn't authentic; but he saw none. He stood a bit taller and folded his arms across his chest, making himself as intimidating as possible. He saw Hermione swallow, knowing that she was nervous, and was glad, as always, to see that he still had that kind of effect of people. "If you wish, I will assist you in your quest to recover you memories, Ms. Granger." He paused for a moment. "But If I notice even the slightest hint that this is simply a hoax, you will pay dearly. Do you understand?"
Hermione nodded, smiling faintly, thankful and apprehensive at the same time. "Thank you, sir."
Snape narrowed his eyes and nodded. "Now I must be going; it is getting late" He looked up at the windows, and out at last remaining light from the setting sun. He turned on his heels and took no more than three steps when he heard her quiet voice strain to call out to him.
"Please. Wait."
He turned again and glared at Hermione. "What?" His voice was filled to overflowing with irritation.
She hesitated, momentarily thrown off by his malice. "I..I wanted to ask you." She paused again, distracted by his growing anger.
"Spit it out!" He snarled at her, perhaps a bit more forceful than he had meant to, because it caused her to cringe again, he was on the verge of apologizing; but of course, he did not.
"I..I just wanted to know your name." She replied, her voice wavering, still sounding as though it hadn't been used in a very long time.
His eyes narrowed slightly, but he was thankful that it wasn't something difficult to answer. "Severus Snape, but due to your age and status, I would prefer that you address me as Professor Snape."
Hermione nodded slowly, and then it seemed as though her mind was drifting elsewhere, perhaps his name had triggered a memory.
Snape once again turned on his heels and headed towards the double doors. When he reached it he turned towards Hermione one more time, who still seemed to be pondering something, "I will return tomorrow evening." He then exited strided back down towards the dungeons.
: : : : : : : :
Notes: next chapter things will begin to seriously pick up now that they'd made it past that first hurdle. Since only one person wanted me to pick up the pace, I guess I'll make a compromise and pick it up a little, but nothing too drastic ^_^. Not sure how many Doctor Lecter fans are out there, but I borrowed a few small things from him in this chapter, most obviously "Quid pro quo". I the next chapter I'm considering revealing the fate of Dumbledore, but don't quote me on that, or beat me if I don't. If I do, though, I probably wont reveal why Severus feels so guilty about it, and since it disturbs him so deeply, I doubt he'd tell Hermione yet :P anyways.. On to the review replies-
NightSwimmer: *waves her wand* you're wish is my command, see chapter above *G* :D. Thanks for reviewing!
Indie: Thankyou so much! ^_^ ^_^ ^_^
Lee74: *cranks the pace up a few notches, but not too much* hope that's enough! If not, I'll give it a good old fashioned boot to the rear! :D :D I can't wait to see what happens either! *scratches her head*
kLyn: Thankye! ^_-
HunnySnowBunny: eek! *L* Yes, Hermione will talk in the next chapt---oh wait a minute.I mean this chapt-wait.would it be that ^^^^^ chapter? *points up* or this chapter *points all around*... ..ack, my brains working too hard! *twitches* nevermind.. *LOL* And no, only one very simple question this time.but next time ^_- ...We'll find out what happened to her very, very soon, via everyone's favorite branch of magic- Legilimency.which we all know Snape is pretty good at..or maybe it was just that Harry was even crappier at occlumency than we thought *LMAO*...And as to why she only stares at him? Well the simple answer is that he's the only one she recognizes, and so she clings to it..but it might be more complicated.hrm.*strokes imaginary beard* anyways, thank you SO much for still reading! ^_^!!!!!!!
Evelyn Heath: *squeals with excitement* yay! Thank you!!!
The Great and Masterful Yoda: Dumbledore? I was thinking next chapter..but Snapes guilt over Dumbledore will probably have to wait ;( *LOL* I'm really, REALLY glad you like it so far! If I start to suck, PLEASE, send a house elf over to beat me until I get better again.or maybe an owl to peck me *L* j/k
Sweetgirl420: Don't worry! As long as I still have my fingers, I'll keep on typing! ^_^ thanks for reading! :D
Fleria: *pulls new chapter out of her hat* Voila! ^_- Thank you for the review!
*Does her happy dance and sings* I like pleasure spiked with pain, and Re- views are my aeroplane! They're my aeroplane!
Chapter VII
Foolish Games
There were a tense few moments with Snape staring coldly at Hermione, he with his arms folder and her staring back eerily, though he could swear she almost looked excited. He exhaled sharply and decided to be the one to make a move, since obviously she wasn't going to.
He moved a wooden chair that was sitting against the wall, so that it was next to her bed and took a seat, folding his hands in front of him. "Well Ms. Granger. Explain yourself." His voice was only slightly sharpened, if indeed she was being honest, he didn't want to frighten her off when he had just begun.
Hermione watched him curiously, shifting so that she was facing him. As he spoke it seemed as though she was analyzing his voice, cocking her head to the side as if she didn't want to miss a single tone or inflection, let alone word.
Snape cleared his throat. He had never had that kind of reaction to his words before; and he would have been far more comfortable if she had cringed. "Ms. Granger, if you understand me, respond. This game of yours is becoming tiresome." His voice was cold, but it continued to lack the sharp edge that it usually sported.
She stared at him, not blankly this time. Instead she was most definitely studying him. There was a silence that lasted only a few minutes, but felt as though it drug on for hours. Hermione opened her mouth, and quickly shut it, glancing around nervously. Her mouth opened again and she tensed up as though struggling with the very thought of speaking. "I---"She began, and jumped slightly as though she was surprised by the sound of her own voice.
He was studied her intently, watching her struggle with herself. It would have been amusing if it wasn't so disturbing. Why was she having trouble with something so simple? Was she frightened? Or was it something else?
"I-"Hermione started again "Do-?" she paused for several moments, gathering her courage, or strength, or what ever it was that she needed to make her voice work correctly "Do.do I know you?" Again she looked around nervously
"Yes, Ms. Granger, of course you know me." Snape glared at her, clenching his teeth, ignorance had always bothered him, but feigned ignorance was an unforgivable sin as far as he was concerned, hopefully for her sake, she wasn't simply jerking him around.
Hermione watched him for a few moments as if to make sure he was right, then closed her eyes and took a deep breath through her nose. She leaned forward slightly and took another breath. Snape then came to the realization that she was smelling him. He wasn't quite sure whether he should be repulsed, curious, angry, flattered, or understanding. Scent was the closest sense to memory after all.
"I.I do." Her voice was so small, so fragile, on the edge of cracking, breaking at any moment. She paused, apparently trying to gather her thoughts and then continued. "How do I know you?" The words were barely more than a whisper, and Snape had to lean forward to catch them all.
"I was your Potion's Professor." He stated matter of factly, drawing himself upright once again.
There was an extremely long pause, Snape glaring at Ms. Granger while she seemed to be lost in her own thoughts, and perhaps memories. It was she that finally broke silence, once again in her small voice, which much to his surprise; cause a slight stab of something, perhaps pity, in his chest. "I waited for you." Her eyes darted from him to the doors, then back again.
He was taken aback by her statement. He knew that obviously it was true, but it was strange to here her say it, and he had to resist the urge to shift uncomfortably in his seat, instead he snapped at her "Why on earth would you ever wait for me, you silly girl?" His eyes narrowed, studying her.
She did not flinch at his harshness; instead she seemed to think for a moment and then responded softly "I knew that I knew you. You were familiar."
He scowled cruelly at her "And what about Madame Pomfrey, Ms. Granger, or Professor McGonagal? If you recognize me, than surely you recognize them, or is this just another ridiculous game like you, Potter, and Weasley used to play?" He stood up, pushing the seat back, linking hands behind his back and glaring down at the young woman.
Watching him stand abruptly, Hermione cringed as if she feared the he'd strike her. When the blow did not come, she unclenched her eyes and looked up at him; he seemed to be waiting for an answer. "No, please sir...I just want to know." She was still hunched down slightly, but her gaze was unflinching.
"And what is it, exactly, that you wish to know, Ms. Granger? I am a busy man, and I have little time for foolish games." He stood tall, looking down his hooked nose at her.
"Everything." She continued to look up at him, and seeing that this answer was not enough for him, she added "about me. Who am I? I've forgotten. It was so long ago. It's all muddled inside my head. You're the only thing that's clear, at least your face is, and you're-"She hesitated, gauging his reaction to her "and you're scent. It brings me so close to remembering that it's almost painful.it's all right there.but I just can't reach it. Not yet."
Professor Snape sighed. If indeed the little wretch had completely lost her memories, it could take a long, long time to bring them back. Whoever agreed to help her would have to spend hours talking to her, sitting with her, trying to trigger something that would make it all come together. There were so many reasons that he did NOT want the job, but gods he was curious. He wanted to know so badly, she was an intricate puzzle, and he wanted to solve her, but in order to do that, he'd have to tell as well as ask. Quid pro quo, give and take.
She was watching him intently, worrying her bottom lip. Would he help her? He had to, he was the only would who could as far as she was concerned. Why else would she only know him, and only see him in her mind in his bellowing black robes. Why not the kindly nurse who had been looking after her, despite her lack of response, or perhaps the older woman with the stern voice, but kind eyes who worse a plaid hat. Why on earth did HE have to cause that spark within her?
Snape mulled over the situation for a long while, his eyes never leaving Hermione. He was watching her. Waiting for any sign that her plight wasn't authentic; but he saw none. He stood a bit taller and folded his arms across his chest, making himself as intimidating as possible. He saw Hermione swallow, knowing that she was nervous, and was glad, as always, to see that he still had that kind of effect of people. "If you wish, I will assist you in your quest to recover you memories, Ms. Granger." He paused for a moment. "But If I notice even the slightest hint that this is simply a hoax, you will pay dearly. Do you understand?"
Hermione nodded, smiling faintly, thankful and apprehensive at the same time. "Thank you, sir."
Snape narrowed his eyes and nodded. "Now I must be going; it is getting late" He looked up at the windows, and out at last remaining light from the setting sun. He turned on his heels and took no more than three steps when he heard her quiet voice strain to call out to him.
"Please. Wait."
He turned again and glared at Hermione. "What?" His voice was filled to overflowing with irritation.
She hesitated, momentarily thrown off by his malice. "I..I wanted to ask you." She paused again, distracted by his growing anger.
"Spit it out!" He snarled at her, perhaps a bit more forceful than he had meant to, because it caused her to cringe again, he was on the verge of apologizing; but of course, he did not.
"I..I just wanted to know your name." She replied, her voice wavering, still sounding as though it hadn't been used in a very long time.
His eyes narrowed slightly, but he was thankful that it wasn't something difficult to answer. "Severus Snape, but due to your age and status, I would prefer that you address me as Professor Snape."
Hermione nodded slowly, and then it seemed as though her mind was drifting elsewhere, perhaps his name had triggered a memory.
Snape once again turned on his heels and headed towards the double doors. When he reached it he turned towards Hermione one more time, who still seemed to be pondering something, "I will return tomorrow evening." He then exited strided back down towards the dungeons.
: : : : : : : :
Notes: next chapter things will begin to seriously pick up now that they'd made it past that first hurdle. Since only one person wanted me to pick up the pace, I guess I'll make a compromise and pick it up a little, but nothing too drastic ^_^. Not sure how many Doctor Lecter fans are out there, but I borrowed a few small things from him in this chapter, most obviously "Quid pro quo". I the next chapter I'm considering revealing the fate of Dumbledore, but don't quote me on that, or beat me if I don't. If I do, though, I probably wont reveal why Severus feels so guilty about it, and since it disturbs him so deeply, I doubt he'd tell Hermione yet :P anyways.. On to the review replies-
NightSwimmer: *waves her wand* you're wish is my command, see chapter above *G* :D. Thanks for reviewing!
Indie: Thankyou so much! ^_^ ^_^ ^_^
Lee74: *cranks the pace up a few notches, but not too much* hope that's enough! If not, I'll give it a good old fashioned boot to the rear! :D :D I can't wait to see what happens either! *scratches her head*
kLyn: Thankye! ^_-
HunnySnowBunny: eek! *L* Yes, Hermione will talk in the next chapt---oh wait a minute.I mean this chapt-wait.would it be that ^^^^^ chapter? *points up* or this chapter *points all around*... ..ack, my brains working too hard! *twitches* nevermind.. *LOL* And no, only one very simple question this time.but next time ^_- ...We'll find out what happened to her very, very soon, via everyone's favorite branch of magic- Legilimency.which we all know Snape is pretty good at..or maybe it was just that Harry was even crappier at occlumency than we thought *LMAO*...And as to why she only stares at him? Well the simple answer is that he's the only one she recognizes, and so she clings to it..but it might be more complicated.hrm.*strokes imaginary beard* anyways, thank you SO much for still reading! ^_^!!!!!!!
Evelyn Heath: *squeals with excitement* yay! Thank you!!!
The Great and Masterful Yoda: Dumbledore? I was thinking next chapter..but Snapes guilt over Dumbledore will probably have to wait ;( *LOL* I'm really, REALLY glad you like it so far! If I start to suck, PLEASE, send a house elf over to beat me until I get better again.or maybe an owl to peck me *L* j/k
Sweetgirl420: Don't worry! As long as I still have my fingers, I'll keep on typing! ^_^ thanks for reading! :D
Fleria: *pulls new chapter out of her hat* Voila! ^_- Thank you for the review!
*Does her happy dance and sings* I like pleasure spiked with pain, and Re- views are my aeroplane! They're my aeroplane!