Disclaimer: Harry Potter is not mine. Anything you recognize from JK Rowling's books is not mine. Anything you don't recognize (i.e. the Call of the Blood) is either mine or a typical fanfiction plot device. Partly inspired by the Marriage Law Challenge on WIKTT. See Chapter 1 for full disclaimer. Author's Notes at the end.
Warning: This fic is SS/HG and includes character death, descriptions of abuse, and adult situations.

Cloak of Courage
WendyNat

Chapter 9

~~~~~~~

The next morning, Hermione lay quietly in the bed, feeling remarkably well rested. The nagging sense of fatigue that had plagued her since Ron's death was gone, due in thanks to three straight nights of blessed sleep. Three nights of sleep which were, in turn, due in thanks to the man lying on a cot beside her. Who could have guessed that his presence – his touch - would keep the memories… the nightmares… at bay? Raising her free hand, she brushed her hair from her face so that she could see him more clearly in the dim light. He was laying on his side, facing her, one arm stretching onto the bed and clasped in her hand. It was the first morning she had woken before Snape, and she didn't want to waste this opportunity to study him unobserved.

She had once read that a person's face, while sleeping, is a reflection of how they looked as a child. If that were the case, Snape's childhood must have been difficult, indeed. Snape sleeping just looked like… well, Snape, asleep. The lines of his face were still hard and sharp, his nose and cheekbones just as angular… but as she continued to study him she noticed some things for the first time. His eyelashes were surprisingly long, fanning out in delicate curves over the pale skin. She moved her eyes down his face, over the aquiline nose – hooked, as Harry called it – and looked at his mouth. His lips were not as thin as they normally appeared, now that they weren't twisted into a sneer or thinned with annoyance. Well-shaped… almost sensuous… Firmly pushing the thought aside, she tore her eyes from his lips and continued her study.

His face was relaxed, with none of its usual tension. When awake, Snape's entire demeanor screamed of the powerful control he exerted over himself; she had wondered, before, just why he had to exercise such strong self-discipline. After much deliberation, she had blamed it on the strain of his role as a spy.  Now, after learning of the knife's edge on which he walked, day by day, she realized that she had missed the mark.

The Call of the Blood. She sighed softly. At least she now knew the piece of the Snape puzzle that never fit quite right… the reason why, even before Voldemort had returned, Snape had been as spiteful and cruel as he was now that he had resumed his spy duties. Of course, she had tried to explain away that fact when defending him to Ron and Harry… she had persistently reminded them that Snape and Dumbledore – perhaps others – had long suspected that Voldemort wasn't truly dead… and so, he had to keep up appearances in anticipation of the Dark wizard's return. She had to admit that it had been a weak excuse, even to her ears. Ron had scoffed at her any time she brought it up.

Ron. At the thought of him, she recalled the dream she had had the previous night. That dream… it had seemed so real. As if he had really been there, talking to her… of course, it couldn't be… She swallowed hard; tears prickled her eyes as a wave of guilt washed over her. How much would be different if they had just consulted Ron's parents prior to sending in the proposal? As members of the Order, the older Weasley couple would have been able to warn the two young people. She would be safely ensconced in Beauxbatons and Ron… well, Ron would still be alive. She would never have stood outside, eyes downcast, listening guiltily as the Weasley family poured out their grief… she would never have had to see her friend's broken body… the blood – Gods, there had been so many wounds, so much blood drained that his skin glowed bluish white… except where the vivid crimson, still wet in places, had obscured the pale flesh… 

Oh my God… Hermione, don't look! No, don't look!

Harry had been right… she shouldn't have looked… but she had been compelled to… Ron…

She closed her eyes tightly, not noticing precisely when the pain dissolved and mutated, changing into a horrid resolve…

They will pay. I will make them pay.

Her eyes snapped open and, in a bizarre coincidence, she realized that she was staring directly at Snape's breastbone. The scar. The Blood Rites. She couldn't see the scar in the dim light, but she knew it was there… a thin diagonal line, paler even than the surrounding skin... When he had told her of the Rites the night before, she remembered feeling alternately cold and warm. Cold… cold with fright, with shock… revulsion… and then… warmth spread… Warm… she could feel the lure, the pull…

Oh, to avenge your loved ones' wrongful deaths… to incapacitate your opponent, look into his eyes, and coldly draw a knife across your flesh. To intone the words…

Payment offered. Blood accepted.

They would know what was to come, oh, they would know… and in that eternal moment, whilst they waited for the knife to fall, whilst they waited for the Unforgivable to be cast - they would know fear.

That was vengeance… that was what she wanted.

She wanted them to pay.  

Her breathing had grown heavy as a thin red haze formed in the corners of her vision, and she felt an overwhelming urge to open the trunk, pull out the books… to learn… to grow in her power… to embrace all knowledge, that it might serve her… what could it hurt, after all? They weren't Books of the Blood… they were just Dark Arts books, fairly innocuous ones, at that.

Each step seems but a small one.

The silent words crashed over her mind like a wave of freezing water, subduing the craving… and she began to shake, even under the warmth of the bedcovers, clutching at Snape's arm with both hands like a drowning woman to a raft.

It has an energy, a will…

There is an external force to contend with. Something in addition to the Call of the Blood…

Oh, Gods! And, in the back of her mind, a whimper… help me…

And then, something tamped it down… pushing the whimper, the fear, to the deepest recesses of her consciousness…

"What's wrong?" The low voice, still gravelly from sleep, startled her. She moved her eyes up to meet Snape's gaze, staring at him blankly for a moment until she saw his eyes shift to where her hands still gripped his arm. She bit her lip and released him, scooting farther back on the bed. She could feel the pink rising in her cheeks, and was grateful for the dim light.

"I'm… I'm sorry. I didn't mean to wake you."

Tell him! The thought flitted through her mind. But, even as it appeared, another thought rose, shoving it aside… Why? Why tell him about the books… about the pull I feel? He already knows it, he told me about it. As long as I don't read a Book of the Blood, I'm safe from the Call… why shouldn't I study whatever I can? What's the harm, really?

Snape's voice resounded in her mind. Each step seems but a small one.

Black eyes stared at her; the deep inky pools narrowing as he came to full consciousness and considered her. "What is it, Hermione?" 

She opened her mouth, fully intending to let him know about the books, about the way they were calling to her, but even as the first word fell from her lips she felt that someone else – something else - had taken control of her tongue. "Nothing, really… my… my thoughts just ran away with me. I'm sorry to have woken you."

She paused a moment in confusion and a part of her urged her mouth to cooperate, to tell him, to let him know how strongly she felt the draw… her mouth opened… and then she watched, as if outside her own body, as her mouth closed and she crawled from the bed. She walked steadily across the room, feeling his eyes on her as a physical weight until she shut the bathroom door firmly behind her.

She stood in the shower, letting the water pour over her and bring her to full wakefulness. Lowering her head, she watched the sudsy water disappear down the drain as her mind raced, running through the possible scenarios. How would he react, if she did tell him about the books? Would they be stuck in a long conversation - or interrogation, rather - once again? What was the point in telling him, really? Of course he knew that the books were drawing her – he had told her they would, hadn't he? It's not like it would be a surprise to the man.

They are… more seductive than you realize.

By the time she finished her morning ablutions, she had convinced herself that it was foolish to bother him with her inconsequential worries. Hadn't he himself informed her, that night in his office, of how strong the lure was? There was no point in going into it all again. Especially now, this morning. Snape had mentioned that he had an early class, and she had arranged to meet Harry outside of the Head Girl's rooms to attend breakfast. There wasn't time for a long, drawn-out discussion…

Not to mention, it was now only four days until she had to take her NEWTs. And she needed to study.

She smiled to herself as she opened the bathroom door, satisfied with the results of her reasoning. She ignored the small voice nagging in the back of her mind, the voice that admitted the true reason she didn't tell him was that she was afraid he would take the books from her, ward them like he had the Book of the Blood. And something inside of her did not want to see that happen.

            *                      *                      *                      *                      *                      *

Click. Click. Click.

With each click of her low heels on the stone floor, Hermione grew more apprehensive. Though the thought truly hadn't crossed her mind before, with everything else that had demanded her attention that weekend, she now realized that she would soon have to face the rest of the Gryffindors… the rest of the school… How long would it be before the student body found out about her betrothal to the fearsome Potions Master? What would their reactions be?

She couldn't exactly tell them the true reasoning behind her decision… most of them didn't even know Snape was an ex-Death Eater, let alone a spy. How would she explain why she chose a man twenty years her senior over the golden boy of Slytherin House? Gods. Had Draco already spoken to the other Slytherins? What about other students who had family or friends working at the Ministry? What about other students who had family or friends working for Voldemort?

Click. Click. Click.

They were approaching the Entrance Hall. The doors to the Great Hall were open, and she could see students milling about inside. Maybe they won't notice me right away… To keep from drawing attention to herself she had donned her normal school robes, even though she was exempt from classes that week. No, she realized, I'm exempt from classes forever. She shook her head in disbelief. Her days as a Hogwarts student had ended Friday, and she hadn't even known it. Gods, she had had such a different image of how this year, her final year, would play out… and then that damned law was passed…

To take her mind off of the worrisome thoughts, she commented, "I think I'm going to talk to McGonagall about the apprenticeship, Harry. She has a free period this morning."

"Good. I'm glad you chose her. At least that way you won't be with Snape all the time," Harry replied darkly. "And you can let McGonagall know if he gets out of line."

Hermione stopped and shook her head, annoyed but at the same time welcoming the distraction. "Harry, Dumbledore trusts him. And more importantly, I trust him. He's not going to 'get out of line.' And if he does, I'm sure I can handle it." She took a deep breath and looked at Harry earnestly. "Please… you're my closest friend. Please don't make this any harder for me than it already is. There's so much… so much happened lately… and now this… it's just too much – I need your support, Harry. Please." So much has happened that you don't even know about…and Gods help me, I can't tell you, Harry… 

Harry had the grace to look ashamed. "You're right, 'Mione. I'm sorry." He gave her a little smile. "You know I'm here for you, no matter what your last name is."

She smiled back at him shakily. "Thanks, Harry. Merlin… what would Ron say to all of this?"

Harry's response surprised her. "I don't know, 'Mione… but what I do know is that he'd first and foremost be worried about your safety. And it looks like right now Snape's the only one who can protect you… so I think he'd accept it." Harry grinned then. "But he sure wouldn't like it!" They both chuckled, and then Harry's face sobered and he gazed down at her seriously. "Are you ready?" She felt a chill of foreboding at the expression on his face.

"What have you heard, Harry? Is it… is it all over the school already?"

Harry shook his head quickly. "No… well, some people know. The Slytherins, of course… and you know, some people with parents that work for the Ministry. A couple of people asked me about it last night, actually. Susan Bones, Neville, a few others."

She groaned. "How am I supposed to explain, Harry? I can't exactly tell anyone the truth!"

"Well, Hermione, for once, your studious reputation is working in your favor… with someone other than your teachers, that is." Harry turned and grinned at her, and she looked at him incredulously.

"What are you talking about, Harry?"

He shrugged. "Well, I just said that the Malfoys would have kept you locked up as a breeding mare, and you wanted to finish your schooling, take an apprenticeship, you know. But if you marry Snape, you'll be living here, near all your books and the library… and he won't keep you from studying or taking an apprenticeship. Someone wondered why you didn't choose someone else your age, but then – you'll be surprised at this - Neville spoke up, defending your decision."

The shock must have registered on her face, because Harry paused and nodded before continuing, "He said that after what happened to Ron, you'd be too scared about it happening to someone else… there's not much doubt in anyone's mind that Lucius Malfoy orchestrated the attack, Hermione. Most everyone knows he's a Death Eater - I don't think many people swallowed the whole spy excuse. Anyway, then Neville pointed out that as Head of Slytherin, not many people – Malfoys included - would cross Snape, would they?"

Hermione stared at Harry for a few moments before breaking out into a wide smile. "Oh, that's brilliant! Thank you, Harry! And I'll have to thank Neville, too!" She moved to hug him but he stopped her.

"Hey, watch it, 'Mione! I don't want your fiancé mad at me… I hear he's a really bad sort to cross, powerful wizard, nasty temper and all," Harry said in a serious voice. He could only hold the matching expression for a moment before he burst out laughing. She shook her head, smacking him on the arm as an answering smile formed on her face. Leaning down, Harry enfolded her in his arms for a quick hug. "I'm here for you, Hermione. Now, let's go in, all right?"

Nodding, Hermione stepped back and took a deep breath. And they walked through the doors into the Great Hall.

"That's her!"

"Where?"

"With Harry Potter… see?"

"Wow…"

"Did you hear…"

"Snape, yeah… can you believe it… I didn't even think he was interested in you know… human stuff…"

"I heard he was a vampire!"

"Don't be an idiot."

"What? I hadn't heard that… how did you know…"

"I heard Malfoy…"

"Our Head Girl… she must be pretty good, to satisfy that git…"

"Do you think they already…"

"Maybe what happened to Ron Weasley made her go mental. I mean, marrying Snape? That's just crazy…"

The whispers washed over her, but the bolstering effects of Harry's friendship and support kept them from sinking their claws in. She was gratified to hear a few supportive words mingled in with the shocked whispers and jeers.

"Can't blame her, Malfoy's a nasty sort…"

"Mum works at the Ministry, no way was Malfoy's dad a spy… bet he was involved…"

"After what happened to her boyfriend…"

"Snape's safer, that's for sure… Malfoy won't cross the Head of Slytherin…"

"I feel so bad for her… first her parents, then her friend…"

"They're both smart, she's got her nose in books all the time and he's got his big nose in cauldrons all the time, what's the big deal?"

"She'll be able to stay here at Hogwarts – it's logical… and she didn't have much of a choice, really…"

"At least she's not risking anyone else's life, you know?"

She struggled to swallow past the lump in her throat when she saw a familiar head of red hair turn in their direction. Ginny smiled, not quite as brightly as she did before, but it was a smile. "Hi, Hermione. Harry." She moved over on the bench to give the other two room to sit.

"Hi." Hermione smiled back uncertainly and slid into the bench. Her appetite returning at the sight of the food, she tore into the offerings with gusto. Finally, she looked at Ginny. "How have you been?"

Ginny stared down at her plate for a moment. "I'm all right. As well as can be expected, I suppose." The redhead raised her eyes then, staring at Hermione. "Mum and Dad told me… was it… are you…" Her voice trailed off.

Hermione nodded, summoning another smile. "It's all right… it's the – the best choice, really."

Ginny nodded. "I know… Mum explained it, at length," Ginny said wryly, rolling her eyes. "I think she was trying to convince herself more than me, to tell you the truth. Are you really all right with it?"

Hermione shrugged, taking a sip of her pumpkin juice. "Well, it's not exactly the ideal choice, but there really weren't any other options. I couldn't stand it if…" She found, suddenly, that she couldn't continue the sentence. She stared into Ginny's face, so like Ron's… the freckles, the openness…

You cannot bring back the dead.

"Ginny knows, Hermione," Harry said quietly from her other side. At his words, Ginny nodded quickly and put a hand on her arm.

"I do understand. It makes sense. You know, Hermione… Ron… Ron would want you to be safe. And if Snape can do that, then… well, then it's the right thing to do," the redhead said earnestly. Hermione just nodded, her voice failing her. Suddenly, she was distracted by the arrival of Lavender and Parvati. She sighed inwardly as they took their normal seats across the table from Hermione.

Lavender spoke first. "Hi, Hermione. Oh, Merlin - we heard. I can't believe it… after all you've been through already… is it true? Did you really choose Snape over Malfoy?" Could you speak just a little louder, Lavender? There are a few students sleeping in up in Ravenclaw Tower who didn't hear you, Hermione thought dryly. She knew without looking that heads had turned in their direction, waiting to hear her response.

Taking a deep breath, she nodded. "Yes, it's true. I…" She looked at Harry then, and remembered what he had said earlier. "I want to take an apprenticeship, you know, attain a Mastery… and the Malfoys-"

"Oh, you don't have to justify it, Hermione. We both think you did the right thing," Parvati said gravely. "Malfoy's good-looking, but he's just… he's such a toad. And that family…" She gave a delicate shudder. 

Lavender nodded. "We heard what Harry and Neville said-" At this, Hermione glanced up at Neville and gave him a sincere smile. "It makes sense, but still – Merlin! I mean, Snape?" Lavender glanced over at Parvati and the two shared a smirk. Lavender turned back to her, and Hermione barely avoided rolling her eyes at the girl's pathetic attempt at a secretive expression. Leaning close to her, Lavender whispered, "I bet it has something to do with what we talked about a couple of weeks ago, doesn't it?"

Hermione felt the pink rise in her cheeks despite her efforts to remain calm, and Lavender and Parvati's triumphant looks told her that they had noticed. "I don't think I want to talk about this right now, guys," Hermione said in a low voice. Ginny gave the two girls a hard look, and they subsided. Hermione reached under the table and gave her hand a squeeze in thanks.

Suddenly, Lavender giggled. "You're right, you're right… this is girl talk – we'll catch up with you later, when these boys aren't around," the blonde girl said, winking at her conspiratorially. Hermione bit back a sarcastic remark just in time.

"I've got to study for my NEWTs – I'm taking them this Friday," Hermione said. When the two girls continued to stare at her expectantly, she sighed. "We'll… we'll get together sometime to talk. I promise. Just… it may have to wait, you know, until after I take my tests."

Parvati shrugged. "That's fine. I'm surprised you even came down here to eat, knowing you and your studying." Then the dark-haired girl shook her head. "I just can't believe it… you know, soon you'll be Hermione Snape, not Hermione Granger."

"Hermione Snape… that sounds kind of… I don't know," Ginny said. "It'll be weird to change your name, won't it?"

Hermione glanced up at the Head Table and found herself looking directly into Snape's dark eyes. He had been staring at her, she realized with a jolt. He quickly averted his gaze… as if he were uncomfortable with her regard. That didn't make sense – the man was the epitome of confidence. Absently, still pondering the dark-haired wizard… her fiancé, she said, "I'm just glad that it's not changing to Malfoy."  

"Your loss, Granger." The unpracticed drawl came from behind her, and every muscle in her body tensed. She didn't turn around immediately, still looking towards the Head Table for a few moments. She watched as McGonagall glanced over and then turned to attract Snape's attention, could see his black eyes shift and take in the scene. He stood immediately, sweeping down from the Head Table, giving her an unreadable look.

"I need to say something to you, Granger." She remained facing forward, ignoring the man behind her, stalling for time. Her mind worked feverishly… why hadn't she thought to speak with Severus before this? Was she supposed to act civil to Malfoy, to keep up the pretense of Snape's manipulation of her? Was she supposed to act natural? Would that get Snape in hot water with the Death Eaters?

Then, she heard Harry spit out, "Just get out of here, Malfoy. She doesn't want to talk to you."

Making a quick decision, she said, "It's all right, Harry. I'm rather curious to hear just what he has to say." After taking a deep breath to calm herself and help keep her anger under control, she turned in her chair and stared up at the attractive blond impassively. His face was twisted into a sneer, and she had to bite back a laugh. She had a good idea who he was attempting to imitate, but he was a far cry from the original.

From the corner of her eye, she could see Harry's fists clench, his knuckles turning white. She put a hand on his arm in an unspoken command, waiting for Draco to speak. 

Draco stared back at her, his pale grey eyes narrowed, and then he leaned down, whispering into her ear, "I may have to have you before they cast the Fidelity charm, Mudblood. You must really be something, if Snape wants you that badly… he's pretty selective, from what Father tells me."

She said nothing, but her hands began to tremble as she fought the urge to smack him. She turned away, not wanting to see his face, afraid that if she did she wouldn't be able to withstand the desire to hit him in that sneering mouth. The sneering mouth that was still speaking in her ear, too low for the others to hear. "If you're good enough for my Head of House, you just might be good enough for me." A finger trailed over her shoulder and she flinched away… but he gripped her arm before she could move far.

"That's it, Malfoy! Let her go!" Harry's yell was disregarded as Draco pulled her closer, his lips brushing her ear as he continued to whisper words that only she could hear.

"Don't act shy. You're not an innocent - I know Weasley had you. Speaking of the Weasel… did you know, Mudblood? Did you know your name was the last thing that passed his lips? Did you-" his words were cut off as Harry stood and pushed him away from her. Malfoy's hand was still on her arm and she shook it off violently as she stared at him in shock… as his sharp face twisted into a cold smile. Biting her tongue firmly, she stood from her seat, trembling with the effort of holding back her pain, of holding back her temper… she was amazingly relieved to hear a familiar cold voice behind them. 

"Mr. Malfoy."

Snape did not sound pleased.

With a questioning glance at Severus, who gave her a slight nod and flicked his eyes to the door, she turned and stalked out of the Great Hall. She could hear his commanding voice behind her as she walked away. "Malfoy, you will come with me. Potter…" Then the cool, angry tones were swallowed by the rising rumble of whispers and exclamations from the students who had witnessed the scene.

Though she didn't hear what Severus had said to Harry, she surmised that it had been an order to follow her when the green-eyed young man appeared at her side shortly after she left the Great Hall.

"Hermione…"

"I don't want to talk about it, Harry," her voice thick with unshed tears. Malfoy's whispered words kept playing over and over again in her head.

Did you know your name was the last thing that passed his lips?

Harry wisely remained silent. With a sympathetic glance, he took her arm and led her back up the stairs to the Head Girl's rooms. She wasn't surprised when he entered with her, closing and warding the door behind him.

Turning to her, he gave her a somber look and said without preamble, "Snape sent me after you. I think he was worried that Draco was up to something. Something other than the obvious, that is." Hermione just nodded and, hugging her arms around her, sat on the bed. Harry lit the fire and sat down next to her. "What did that prat say to you, Hermione?"

Hermione opened her mouth, but found that she just couldn't repeat the words. Looking up into his green eyes, she realized that she really couldn't tell him… he would recognize the significance just as quickly as she had, and likely go and attack Malfoy. And that would be of no benefit to anyone. Thinking quickly, she said, "Typical Malfoy, that's all. I don't really want to talk about it, Harry."

Harry stared at her, troubled, and replied softly, "All right, Hermione. I won't press you, but I… I hope you'll tell me sometime."

Feeling guilty, she broke down and told him the first part of Malfoy's little speech. As she spoke, Harry's face grew thunderous. "Just wait till I get my hands on him… that little ferret-faced ba-"

"Harry, just let it drop. Please? It won't help me any if you go after Malfoy," Hermione said glumly, pulling her feet up on the bed and resting her head on her knees. "It'll probably just make things more complicated. Why do you think I didn't smack him?"

A knock on the door startled them both, and before Hermione could react Harry cast a revealing charm on the door. Lavender, Parvati, and Ginny were on the other side. At Harry's questioning look, Hermione sighed and nodded. "Let them in, please, Harry." Might as well get it all over with at once, she thought wryly. And they've got to get to class soon enough, so they won't be here too long.

The two older girls brushed past Harry and entered the room while Ginny hung back a little, watching her worriedly. Hermione gave her a tentative smile, which the redhead returned. In a matter of moments, the four were standing in a semi-circle in front of her, blocking her view of the rest of the room. She began to feel slightly claustrophobic.

Lavender spoke first. "Merlin, Hermione! What did Malfoy say to you?" Before she could even open her mouth to answer, Parvati's enthusiastic voice chimed in.

"You should have seen Professor Snape's face – boy, was he angry!" Parvati said, her eyes shining with admiration.

Ginny spoke then, her tone quieter and more serious than the others. "I'm not sure what the Professor said to Draco, Hermione, but I don't think you need to worry about him bothering you anymore."

The redhead jumped when a smooth, deep voice came from behind her. "I sincerely hope not, Miss Weasley. I would not, however, count on it." Severus? Hermione thought, surprised when the four people in front of her moved and she caught sight of her fiancé.

He had obviously just floo'ed from his rooms. She watched as a long-fingered hand elegantly brushed at the sleeve of his robes, ridding it of the small amount of floo powder that had taken residence on the cloth. He was, of course, in his full Potions Master persona, scowl and all; even so, she felt unaccountably better for his presence. A warm feeling spread through her when she realized why he was there. He's checking up on me.

"Hello, Professor Snape," Lavender and Parvati said almost in unison. Hermione couldn't hold back a roll of her eyes, and she saw Severus' eyes glint faintly in amusement when he saw her expression. The scowl remained firmly on his face, however, so she doubted if the others noticed it.

"Miss Brown. Miss Patil. I believe you both have classes to attend? And, as I recall, classes are not held in the Head Girl's rooms," Snape said coolly, his eyes not leaving Hermione's as he spoke. This fact did not bypass the two girls' notice, and Hermione winced at the knowing look the two girls exchanged before they took their leave.

"See you tonight, Hermione, at dinner," Lavender called out as the door closed behind them. Hermione shook her head and looked at her feet until she heard Harry's voice.

"Professor, I-"

Severus cut him off with a wave of his hand. Giving Harry a hard look, he said curtly, "Potter. I believe you and Miss Weasley also have classes to attend?" Harry and Ginny both nodded reluctantly, and Severus' lips thinned in irritation. "Then, if you would be so kind-" his voice was dripping with sarcasm "-as to excuse us, I would like to speak with my fiancée." The two Gryffindors stared at him without moving for a moment, until he snapped, "Alone."

Severus' eyes met hers once more, and she was lost in the blazing depths… only vaguely aware when the other two left the room. She had the presence of mind to nod mutely when Harry reminded her that they'd meet after their afternoon classes for dinner. Once the door shut behind them, Severus drew out his wand and warded the door before turning back to her.

"What did Malfoy say to you, Hermione?" If she didn't know better, she would say he looked… concerned. She shrugged uneasily.

"Just… just some filth. Typical things, I suppose." She didn't meet his gaze as she spoke, and she felt the weight of his stare on her. It didn't lift even when she finished speaking, and she began to fidget. Finally, she could stand the silence no longer and whispered, "He was there, Severus." She flicked her eyes to his face, meeting his gaze.

"Explain," he demanded, his arms crossed.

"He was there," she said, her voice a little stronger this time, "when Ron was killed." Not a flicker from those black eyes. He knew, she realized. Or suspected. In a halting voice, she told him what Malfoy had said, the last words Ron had spoken. "And that's when you walked up."

"I see." Another calculating stare, and Severus uncrossed his arms, tapping a finger thoughtfully on his chin. "Lucius could have told the boy. Or he could be bluffing. But-" Hermione was already shaking her head – Draco's words had had the ring of truth to them. Snape frowned. "Allow me to finish, Hermione. As I was saying – he could be bluffing… but I would be very surprised indeed if Draco had not had a personal hand in Mr. Weasley's murder."

She stood then, pacing, her mind spinning from this new knowledge. "I guess… I guess I should have already known… but… I mean, he – he was a fellow student. What – how could someone hate that much? When Ron had never done anything to him?"

Snape's dark eyes watched her as she moved around the room. His voice was expressionless when he responded. "You know why."

Hermione shook her head and she paced back to stand in front of him, staring up at him. "But…" Her eyes lowered, and she stared blankly at the darkness of the robes covering his chest. "There was just so much… so much blood… it was so… I've never seen… You must think I'm being silly." Her voice trailed off and she began to shiver, the gruesome image burning in her mind. She closed her eyes, willing herself not to cry, not to lose face in front of him.

She was surprised, and grateful, when she felt two strong arms come around her, a bit tentatively. As she leaned into him, wanting – no, needing - his warmth to banish the memories, she could feel his arms tighten around her, holding her close. With a shaky sigh, she huddled against him, winding her own arms around his lean waist. Her hands could feel the shape of him even through the layers of cloth, and she let out a sigh of appreciation.

They stood there in silence for a moment before he spoke, his voice rumbling underneath her ear. "It is the Call, Hermione. And… I have seen Lucius'…. handiwork before. It is not…" he paused for a moment, taking a deep breath before continuing bitterly, "Even for a Death Eater, that man is atypically demented. And his son appears to be following closely in his footsteps." His hands began to rub slowly up and down her back, and she closed her eyes, enjoying the sensation. The comfort.

She never would have thought she would feel such comfort from his arms… she relaxed bonelessly against him, breathing in his scent. She allowed herself to be soothed, the tension melting from her until…

"What else did he say, Hermione?"

She stiffened instantly at the question, and she could feel his own tension when the movement of his hands against her back changed… becoming less fluid, more mechanical. She pulled back to look at him before answering and saw that his face was hard and cold.

"Um…" Suddenly, she was embarrassed as she recalled what Draco had whispered in her ear. She shrugged weakly. "The usual stuff, I suppose."

"Humor me," he said dryly, his eyes narrowing. Swallowing hard, she let her arms drop from his waist as she told him, in halting words, what Malfoy had insinuated. As she spoke, Severus' hands came to rest on her shoulders and she saw something like anger flash in his eyes for a moment before the shutters came back down.

A line between his brows the only sign of his anger, he said, "I feared as much." His hands tightened on her shoulders and he said, "Hermione, you must stay away from Malfoy."

Hermione nodded uncertainly, confused. "But… Severus… I mean, I thought Volde-" she stopped when a strange look passed his face, and corrected herself, "The Dark Lord, then. I thought he had approved your plan? Won't he be angry if Draco ruins it somehow?"

Severus shook his head, letting his hands drop to his sides. She felt the loss of contact acutely. "Perhaps. But Lucius would likely be able to spin it into a positive… he is simply assisting me in my endeavor by allowing me to save you from his son. Your gratitude, of course, would know no bounds…" he said in a sneering voice. Severus began to pace, his full teaching robes flowing behind him as he moved. He stopped suddenly and turned to her. "Hermione – you must remember that Lucius always has his own agenda. There are many things he could be planning, and none of them to your benefit. As such… I must insist that, prior to the handfasting, you go nowhere without the company of an Order member. And before you get too brave for your own good, please remember that Draco is not the only one to fear."

"What do you mean?" she asked.

He fixed her with his gaze then, pinning her with his black eyes. "Crabbe and Goyle both left a few minutes before Draco approached you this morning, Hermione. I have no doubt that they were lying in wait outside the Great Hall."

"That's why you sent Harry after me," she blurted out, coloring when he gave her an impatient glare. "Sorry."

"Potter is an irritant, but he is powerful. And an Order member." His lips twisted with annoyance as he said the last words, leaving her no doubt as to his opinion on that subject. "Even after the handfasting, I would prefer you to go nowhere alone. If I am not available, then stay near Potter, or even the Weasley girl… two victims are always more difficult to subdue than one, and that fact - in addition to fear of my own retribution - ought to be sufficient to quell any opportunist attacks."

She decided not to ask how he spoke so knowledgably about the difficulty in subduing more than one victim at a time. "Severus… speaking of Ginny… should – should I be seen talking to her? I mean, I don't know what Vo- the Dark Lord thinks the plan is…"

Severus gave her a shrewd glance before answering. "You should react to everyone - besides myself, of course – naturally, Hermione. Even those two irritating twits that were present when I arrived. I will let you know when adjustments should be made. We cannot make changes too quickly, or it will not be believable. For now, all of your friendships should remain intact. Particularly the one with Potter, since we are counting on your ability to spy on the boy."

"Besides yourself, you say? And just how should I react to you, then?" Hermione couldn't help but ask mischievously.

Severus' eyes glinted, and a small smile played on his lips. "Worshipful adoration?" She snorted, eliciting a chuckle from him. "Trust, for now, Hermione. You should act as though you have absolute trust in me. Again, I will let you know when that should change."

"That won't be difficult," she murmured, almost unable to maintain eye contact under his suddenly intense gaze. "Because I do trust you."

His eyes closed briefly at her words, and when they opened again she was unable to read the expression she saw in them. She held her breath as he raised a hand to her cheek, stroking it with a single finger. Then he pulled his hand back and said brusquely, "I do have a class shortly. Are you returning to the rooms to continue studying?"

Slightly taken aback by the sudden switch in his demeanor, she shook her head mutely before finding her voice. "I – I was going to speak to Professor McGonagall, about an apprenticeship, but if you think-"

"No, no – that will be fine. I will escort you there, and she can bring you back here to return to my chambers. To our chambers," he said with a small frown. She nodded and they left the room.

As they walked down the corridors, she was overly aware of the heat of his body next to hers. They were closer than a normal teacher-student walking distance… not touching, but his robes did brush against her occasionally. She was so lost in her thoughts that she jumped slightly when he spoke. "I believe Transfiguration is an excellent choice."

She nodded and answered in a low voice so as not to be overheard, "I thought it would be a good idea, especially with Professor McGonagall being an Order member." In a slightly louder voice, she added, "And I am interested in the field, of course. It was down to that or Charms…"

"You chose well, Hermione." He sounded quite sincere. She was relieved – a part of her had been concerned that he may expect her to choose Potions, despite what she had said about an unequal relationship. She glanced up at him and saw that he was watching her shrewdly.

"Thank you." He nodded in response, and then they were in front of McGonagall's office. The door opened almost immediately after Severus knocked, and they were ushered quickly into her office.

"Good morning, Miss Granger," McGonagall said, and then she turned to Severus. "Severus – I trust that you were able to handle the aftermath of this morning's little scene…" Severus nodded, smirking, and McGonagall let out a breath. "Thank you. And how can I help you, Miss Granger?"

"I wanted to speak with you concerning an apprenticeship, Professor. I'm taking my NEWTs-" Hermione began, trailing off when McGonagall's face broke out into a wide smile.

"That is wonderful, Miss Granger. I won't insult your intelligence and pretend that we haven't all been waiting to find out what field you would choose. I'm very pleased that you chose Transfiguration – I've wanted to take on an apprentice for some time, but no one with the gift has applied. Until now."

Severus made an impatient sound and said curtly, "You may stroke Hermione's ego to your heart's desire, but do wait until after I leave. Now, I have a class to get to, Minerva – I need to know if you will escort her back to the Head Girl's rooms when you are through here? After this morning's… altercation… with Malfoy, we need to be on alert."

McGonagall was quick to reassure. "Of course, Severus. Go back to your dungeons – I'm sure the students will be completely broken hearted if you aren't there immediately at the start of the period."

"Oh, I'm quite sure you are correct, Minerva," Snape said, the smile playing at the corners of his lips betraying his amusement. As he turned to leave, he caught Hermione's eye for a long moment. Her breath froze in her chest at the intensity of his stare. "Do be careful, Hermione," he said sleekly, touching her hand gently before stalking out of the office.

She stared after him until she heard a throat clear behind her. "Miss Granger?" Whirling around guiltily, she felt her cheeks redden as Professor McGonagall gave her an all too knowing look.

"I'm sorry, Professor-"

Professor McGonagall's raised eyebrows and amused expression did nothing to suppress the heat in Hermione's cheeks. "It's quite all right, Miss Granger. I understand perfectly."

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A/N: Longest chapter yet… I hope you enjoyed it! Either way, please read and review!! It does the muses good! (This chapter was early – see?? It worked! Do it again! ;) ).

The Perfectly Imperfect – Thank you! I'm taking it slow – trying to keep it as realistic as possible (well, for a fanfic, of course ;) )

Smothered Light – Yes, there will definitely be more about the Call of the Blood… it is a main theme throughout the fic. I'm glad you like the concept!

Ezmerelda – I would apologize for it making you queasy, but I'm too happy that you get into the story enough for that to happen! Thanks for reviewing!

Serpens Potio – Oh, yes… most definitely… lots of blood magic later on. I won't say who will be doing it, though ;). That's one of my favorite quotes, also! I love bringing in actual canon scenes and "explaining" them with my fic – I'm glad you enjoy that. And on Snape apologizing – he was just doing it as part of his "plan" – as he thought to himself – he normally wouldn't apologize to a student, but he would do what he must.

DagginLady – Thank you for the review, and I had to laugh at your warning about idea stealing! All of these plots are so over-done in fanfiction, and in fiction as a whole – particularly the "closure" dream of a dead lover OK'ing the living to move on… I think I've seen that in a number of books, etc. So rest assured, no accusations here! LOL! Now, if you have the Call of the Blood and the Books of the Blood… complete with liquid blood ink, I may call you on it ;).

Athena – I replied to you via email, but I wanted to thank you again "publicly" for finding that discrepancy. I've reloaded the incorrect chapters to fix it. (Your friends are dead… should be Your parents are dead… for anyone who's wondering – it appeared incorrectly in Chapters 2 and 4)

Lldyro – Snape will have to be very careful with what dialogue he allows Voldemort to see. Some reaction of the other students in this chapter – more in later chapters. Thanks!

Electryone – I'm not a fan of drawing things out like that… maybe because I'm so upfront about things like that in real life (or I was, at least, in my swingin' single days). I find myself getting too irritated with characters who are oblivious to their own mutual attraction – gah! Anyhoo – thanks for reviewing, and I'm glad we're on the same page on that issue ;).

Tasya – You guessed right… it's part of the plot :). And I'm not gonna give it away!

Jinxd n cursed – Thank you! That is high praise indeed… they are very different stories in tone and "mood"… I'm glad you're liking it! I wasn't sure how many people would be able to make the switch from the more light-hearted fics I had already done.

Griffon, Arafel2, Athena Linborn, PrphtssP, xSnapeLoverx, Lisa, Hpgirl55 – Thanks so much for reviewing!!! I really appreciate it, and the muse does, too!

And now – a quote from "Maeglinyedi's guide to leaving feedback":

"And even if they might not agree with your views on something, most authors won't mind hearing about them and exchanging thoughts with you about it. Anything that makes an author think about their work is usually a good thing, even if they don't necessarily agree with your ideas."

That is an absolutely true statement for me! And, that said, I'd like to respond - with an extremely long character analysis (skip if you wish) - to…

Keket Amunet – Thanks so much for the review, and thanks for being such a consistent reviewer – you always give me a lot to think about :). I spent a lot of time considering what you said concerning the characterizations in respects to the forced Legilimency in Ch4 (which is only fair as you thought a lot about my story to take the time to analyze the characters and give me your feedback). I want to explain my view of the characters within the realm of this story, so you can see why I crafted their reactions to the forced Legilimency a bit differently than you may have expected… I'm not trying to change your opinion, I just want to give my reasoning behind that scene and the aftermath – hopefully it will make it sit better with you and not "clang" so much as you read.

Snape: First of all – I can't say it enough, but Snape is not nice in this fic. He's high-handed, controlling, manipulative, and will do almost anything to reach the goal he needs to attain. Which I believe is fairly true to canon. As such, he will do whatever he feels he needs to do in order to ensure Hermione's safety. The forced Legilimency, to him, was a "nicer" way of doing it than administering Veritaserum. As far as him viewing it as mind rape (I do understand your view on that, by the way, and I don't disagree) – I honestly don't think he'd be that concerned about it for this reason: it is done to him at every Death Eater meeting by Lord Voldemort. So, since he has to go through it on a consistent basis, I think the significance of the act as being incredibly intrusive would dull in his mind. He's used to it being used as a tool, and it's just not a "big deal" to him.

Hermione: On Hermione's side – the girl is completely overwhelmed. Almost to the breaking point. Within the span of three weeks, she has lost both parents, received a marriage proposal from one of her biggest enemies, has gotten engaged, has had her fiancé and best friend killed, has seen the ravaged body of said best friend, has begun to dabble in the Dark Arts, has learned some pretty heavy stuff regarding said Dark Arts, and is being coerced into marrying her Potions Master – who, up until a few days ago, she just saw as an irritating, albeit respected, teacher. With the Dark Arts study added, there is no one left that can understand what she's going through – she doesn't feel as if Harry really knows her anymore, and she can't afford to tell him about what she's done.

In my mind, she's frightened, alone, and clinging to Snape as a drowning woman clings to a log. He's the only one that she knows who can truly understand what she's done, and the reasons why, and he's her only guide through all of this. She's concentrating on the "good" aspects of him and glossing over the "bad" – as just about anyone in that situation would do. Also, don't forget that at the time of the forced Legilimency, she was horribly sleep deprived – one night of sleep after a week of none will make anyone act unusual… that was illustrated in how high-strung (as one reviewer put it) she was in the first chapter. (I know this from personal experience… if you ever want to see me "out of character," deny me sleep! ;) )

She already knew he was high-handed and manipulative, and a control freak – she's been in classes with him for seven years. She knows he's a jerk. And that's why I really didn't feel that his use of forced Legilimency would have shocked her… make her angry, yes. And it did. But once she could "logic" through the reasons why, her mind pushed it to the side… there was just too much else going on that had "front-and-center" in her mind. (I haven't even mentioned the studying for the NEWTs) To get back to the log analogy – a drowning woman doesn't let go of that log just because it's giving her splinters. Better to have splinters in your palm than to drown, and that's the situation Hermione is in right now. The question may become – what do she do with that log once she reaches dry land? If she ever does. Hmmmm.