Disclaimer: I do not hold any claim to the characters or places associated
with the Harry Potter series of books and films. All of these belong to
J.K. Rowling.
Chapter Five - Fearful Times
When Hermione arrived at Dumbledore's office, she was greeted by a fidgety Minerva. She was quickly pulled in and seated in the same chair she had occupied only hours before. Dumbledore was standing guard behind his desk. He gave Hermione a concerned look that was missing his usual twinkle.
"Hermione, Minerva was in quite a state when she arrived here, and is beside herself with fear. Please shed some light on this unexpected meeting." Albus took a seat in his chair as Hermione got up to walk towards his desk.
"I received this letter from you earlier today. Its contents are what have me worried." Hermione handed Albus the rolled up parchment and went back to her seat.
The immediate shock was apparent on Albus's face when he read the short note. He looked up to Hermione with a question in his eyes. "Have you ever received a little from him in the past?"
"No, and I do not understand why he would have an interest in me now."
Minerva looked between the two of them in frustration. "Who? What? Someone please tell me what is going on here?"
"It seems that Lucius Malfoy has taken an interest in our talented Hermione. He has managed to insult her, threaten her, and warn her in one short letter."
"Why would Lucius bother Hermione at this time? He has no reason to choose her."
"Unless my new position at the Ministry has given him one."
Albus looked over the note again, studying each word. "He claims to have had plans for you before all of these recent events. Perhaps he hopes to gain a new following by making an example of you."
Hermione's stomach turned at the thought, reminding her that she had not eaten in awhile. "What do you mean?"
Minerva spoke up this time, trying to soothe Hermione's nerves with a calm voice. "Hermione, you have to realize that you have become a leader amongst the muggleborn wizards/witches. Making an example of you would send a strong message to all muggleborns, and bring out the remaining Voldemort followers."
"We have to think of protection now." Albus looked apologetically at Hermione. "I think we need to inform Severus of the situation. Since the two of you are going to be working together for long hours, he would be the perfect person to assign to your protection. Plus, he has extensive knowledge of Lucius and a long relationship with him. He might be able to give us a little insight into Lucius's plans."
Minerva stood in understanding of Albus's words. "I will go and fetch Severus."
"No..." Hermione squeaked out in a barely audible voice. They both turned to see Hermione hugging her knees in her chair; her face pale with fright. "Not him. The note, it said to be careful around him. He could be a part of this all." Hermione looked up to the two of them, searching for sympathy.
Minerva kneeled in front of Hermione and stroked her upper arm in a comforting way. "Hermione, dear, Severus is a good guy. He may seem bitter and rough on the outside; but he is not an evil man. That is all in the past for him. I promise he will never hurt you. You will have to trust us on this, okay?"
Hermione thought in a frenzy of facts from the past, and tried to believe the things Minerva were saying. She nodded slightly and squeezed Minerva's hand for reassurance.
"I will get Severus and explain to him the delicacy of the situation. He will act with the utmost concern for your safety." Hermione nodded towards Albus. "I want you to calm down tonight and get together with Severus to discuss your plan of action. I will not require your attendance tonight in the Great Hall." With that last comment, Dumbledore popped out of the office as he apparated to the dungeons in search of Severus.
"Come, dear, I will escort you back to your quarters and stay until you are sure that everything is okay."
"Thank you, Minerva. I don't know what I would do if you were not here to help me." Minerva smiled at her former student and took her hand to lead her out of Dumbledore's office.
*******
Hermione sat on the small table and chairs that were nestled into the corner of her living quarters. She had received a large meal from the house elves. She nervously played with her food, and ate small bites while she stared off in a daze. She kept thinking about all that had happened in one day. Hermione was startled from her chair when a loud knock boomed throughout her rooms. In her clumsy fear, she knocked over her glass of pumpkin juice.
"Who is it?"
"Severus. I've come by at Albus's request."
Hermione quickly grabbed her wand from her robes and cleaned up the mess off of the floor and made her way to the door. After releasing all of the wards she had placed, she opened the door to a tired and gloomy Snape.
"May I come in?"
Hermione stepped aside allowing entrance. "Of course."
"It has been brought to my attention that Lucius is on the prowl again, and has made you his object of desire. I do hope you will be cooperative in all that I ask of you. There is only one way to keep you safe from his grasps." Severus strode over to the nearest couch and took a seat in anticipation of a long night. He ran his hand through his dark hair and sighed before he continued with his lecture. "Lucius will be looking for anytime that you are alone and without concern. He wants to surprise you when you least expect it. He likes to make all aspects of comfort for you, a feared situation."
"I don't think I like the sound of this."
"It will not be easy, but I will need to have access to you and know where you are at all times if I am to be in charge of your security. I will remove the locks on the adjoining door to my quarters, so I will be able to enter your quarters if something should go wrong. Also, you will have to be escorted by either me or Albus should you need to leave the school grounds."
Hermione stood up and began to pace aimlessly while she listened to Snape. "Miss Granger, I hope you realize the severity of this situation. If Lucius were to get a hold of you, he will have no qualms in making you a slave for him, his followers, and his son. Believe me, they are not kind to their slaves, and will make you wish you had never been born." Severus looked down at his lap as he said the next remark quietly. "I know, because I used to do the same."
"What about our research? How can I concentrate when my life is in danger?"
"We will continue as planned. There will be some restrictions on your activities and freedoms; but we will not be stopped by the threats of one evil man." Severus stood up from the couch and walked over to Hermione. He reached out to take her arm, in order to get her attention.
Hermione hastily pulled away from his reach and tried to take a step back. Her world became a blur as she felt her hands grasped tightly and her body swirled around to hold them securely behind her back. She opened her eyes just in time to come face to face with Snape's unwavering glare. Their bodies were pressed up against each other. Snape held her forcefully when Hermione tried to struggle free.
"Look at me!" Hermione jumped at his stern voice and forced herself to stare into the dark, black depths that were glaring at her. "Do you understand all that I am trying to say to you? This is not a game. I do not have time to take care of a Know-it-All Gryffindor that cannot come to grips with the cruelty that is before her."
Hermione never wavered in her glare, and her assurance started to rise as she looked into Snape's eyes. In that moment she realized that Snape was the only man that would be able to protect and save her from this mess of a life. "I understand." Hermione simply answered in an attempt to gain back Snape's confidence.
"Good." Severus let out a small breathe that he did not realize he was holding, and suddenly felt the closeness that he had forced upon them. Feeling uncomfortable, he released her hands and stepped back. "I am sorry that I got so abrupt with you. I did not mean to frighten you more."
Hermione did not respond and was unable to move. She had become flustered with that brief encounter and was unable to understand her reaction.
Severus turned to face the door that adjoined their rooms and used a spell to unlock it. He glided over to the door and opened it in order to gain access to his rooms. "Get some rest Hermione. If anything unusual should happen tonight, please let me know." And with that he left and closed the door behind him, leaving her feeling alone.
Hermione plopped down on the couch that Severus had sat on only minutes before and started going over the evening's events in her mind. Crookshanks jumped into her lap and purred in an attempt to get her to pet him. "I do not understand that man Crookshanks. He will be the perfect person to protect me, but he still frightens me on some levels." Hermione pet Crookshanks in long strokes and smiled at his unwavering approval of her company. "And when did I become Hermione to Professor Snape?"
TBC
GeekGoddess1: I know what you mean.I just had to bring Lucius into the story. He always provides a good evil contrast to Severus, and lets Severus be the hero for the day.
Spaz141: Thank you for your constant following and reviews. I love every one.
Wendynat, Electryone: Thank you. I'm writing as fast as I can to keep them coming.
Chapter Five - Fearful Times
When Hermione arrived at Dumbledore's office, she was greeted by a fidgety Minerva. She was quickly pulled in and seated in the same chair she had occupied only hours before. Dumbledore was standing guard behind his desk. He gave Hermione a concerned look that was missing his usual twinkle.
"Hermione, Minerva was in quite a state when she arrived here, and is beside herself with fear. Please shed some light on this unexpected meeting." Albus took a seat in his chair as Hermione got up to walk towards his desk.
"I received this letter from you earlier today. Its contents are what have me worried." Hermione handed Albus the rolled up parchment and went back to her seat.
The immediate shock was apparent on Albus's face when he read the short note. He looked up to Hermione with a question in his eyes. "Have you ever received a little from him in the past?"
"No, and I do not understand why he would have an interest in me now."
Minerva looked between the two of them in frustration. "Who? What? Someone please tell me what is going on here?"
"It seems that Lucius Malfoy has taken an interest in our talented Hermione. He has managed to insult her, threaten her, and warn her in one short letter."
"Why would Lucius bother Hermione at this time? He has no reason to choose her."
"Unless my new position at the Ministry has given him one."
Albus looked over the note again, studying each word. "He claims to have had plans for you before all of these recent events. Perhaps he hopes to gain a new following by making an example of you."
Hermione's stomach turned at the thought, reminding her that she had not eaten in awhile. "What do you mean?"
Minerva spoke up this time, trying to soothe Hermione's nerves with a calm voice. "Hermione, you have to realize that you have become a leader amongst the muggleborn wizards/witches. Making an example of you would send a strong message to all muggleborns, and bring out the remaining Voldemort followers."
"We have to think of protection now." Albus looked apologetically at Hermione. "I think we need to inform Severus of the situation. Since the two of you are going to be working together for long hours, he would be the perfect person to assign to your protection. Plus, he has extensive knowledge of Lucius and a long relationship with him. He might be able to give us a little insight into Lucius's plans."
Minerva stood in understanding of Albus's words. "I will go and fetch Severus."
"No..." Hermione squeaked out in a barely audible voice. They both turned to see Hermione hugging her knees in her chair; her face pale with fright. "Not him. The note, it said to be careful around him. He could be a part of this all." Hermione looked up to the two of them, searching for sympathy.
Minerva kneeled in front of Hermione and stroked her upper arm in a comforting way. "Hermione, dear, Severus is a good guy. He may seem bitter and rough on the outside; but he is not an evil man. That is all in the past for him. I promise he will never hurt you. You will have to trust us on this, okay?"
Hermione thought in a frenzy of facts from the past, and tried to believe the things Minerva were saying. She nodded slightly and squeezed Minerva's hand for reassurance.
"I will get Severus and explain to him the delicacy of the situation. He will act with the utmost concern for your safety." Hermione nodded towards Albus. "I want you to calm down tonight and get together with Severus to discuss your plan of action. I will not require your attendance tonight in the Great Hall." With that last comment, Dumbledore popped out of the office as he apparated to the dungeons in search of Severus.
"Come, dear, I will escort you back to your quarters and stay until you are sure that everything is okay."
"Thank you, Minerva. I don't know what I would do if you were not here to help me." Minerva smiled at her former student and took her hand to lead her out of Dumbledore's office.
*******
Hermione sat on the small table and chairs that were nestled into the corner of her living quarters. She had received a large meal from the house elves. She nervously played with her food, and ate small bites while she stared off in a daze. She kept thinking about all that had happened in one day. Hermione was startled from her chair when a loud knock boomed throughout her rooms. In her clumsy fear, she knocked over her glass of pumpkin juice.
"Who is it?"
"Severus. I've come by at Albus's request."
Hermione quickly grabbed her wand from her robes and cleaned up the mess off of the floor and made her way to the door. After releasing all of the wards she had placed, she opened the door to a tired and gloomy Snape.
"May I come in?"
Hermione stepped aside allowing entrance. "Of course."
"It has been brought to my attention that Lucius is on the prowl again, and has made you his object of desire. I do hope you will be cooperative in all that I ask of you. There is only one way to keep you safe from his grasps." Severus strode over to the nearest couch and took a seat in anticipation of a long night. He ran his hand through his dark hair and sighed before he continued with his lecture. "Lucius will be looking for anytime that you are alone and without concern. He wants to surprise you when you least expect it. He likes to make all aspects of comfort for you, a feared situation."
"I don't think I like the sound of this."
"It will not be easy, but I will need to have access to you and know where you are at all times if I am to be in charge of your security. I will remove the locks on the adjoining door to my quarters, so I will be able to enter your quarters if something should go wrong. Also, you will have to be escorted by either me or Albus should you need to leave the school grounds."
Hermione stood up and began to pace aimlessly while she listened to Snape. "Miss Granger, I hope you realize the severity of this situation. If Lucius were to get a hold of you, he will have no qualms in making you a slave for him, his followers, and his son. Believe me, they are not kind to their slaves, and will make you wish you had never been born." Severus looked down at his lap as he said the next remark quietly. "I know, because I used to do the same."
"What about our research? How can I concentrate when my life is in danger?"
"We will continue as planned. There will be some restrictions on your activities and freedoms; but we will not be stopped by the threats of one evil man." Severus stood up from the couch and walked over to Hermione. He reached out to take her arm, in order to get her attention.
Hermione hastily pulled away from his reach and tried to take a step back. Her world became a blur as she felt her hands grasped tightly and her body swirled around to hold them securely behind her back. She opened her eyes just in time to come face to face with Snape's unwavering glare. Their bodies were pressed up against each other. Snape held her forcefully when Hermione tried to struggle free.
"Look at me!" Hermione jumped at his stern voice and forced herself to stare into the dark, black depths that were glaring at her. "Do you understand all that I am trying to say to you? This is not a game. I do not have time to take care of a Know-it-All Gryffindor that cannot come to grips with the cruelty that is before her."
Hermione never wavered in her glare, and her assurance started to rise as she looked into Snape's eyes. In that moment she realized that Snape was the only man that would be able to protect and save her from this mess of a life. "I understand." Hermione simply answered in an attempt to gain back Snape's confidence.
"Good." Severus let out a small breathe that he did not realize he was holding, and suddenly felt the closeness that he had forced upon them. Feeling uncomfortable, he released her hands and stepped back. "I am sorry that I got so abrupt with you. I did not mean to frighten you more."
Hermione did not respond and was unable to move. She had become flustered with that brief encounter and was unable to understand her reaction.
Severus turned to face the door that adjoined their rooms and used a spell to unlock it. He glided over to the door and opened it in order to gain access to his rooms. "Get some rest Hermione. If anything unusual should happen tonight, please let me know." And with that he left and closed the door behind him, leaving her feeling alone.
Hermione plopped down on the couch that Severus had sat on only minutes before and started going over the evening's events in her mind. Crookshanks jumped into her lap and purred in an attempt to get her to pet him. "I do not understand that man Crookshanks. He will be the perfect person to protect me, but he still frightens me on some levels." Hermione pet Crookshanks in long strokes and smiled at his unwavering approval of her company. "And when did I become Hermione to Professor Snape?"
TBC
GeekGoddess1: I know what you mean.I just had to bring Lucius into the story. He always provides a good evil contrast to Severus, and lets Severus be the hero for the day.
Spaz141: Thank you for your constant following and reviews. I love every one.
Wendynat, Electryone: Thank you. I'm writing as fast as I can to keep them coming.