Toxic (Part 4)
Down the hall from the library Sirius Black's mother bellowed from her picture frame. She had awoken upon their arrival; Severus had hoped she wouldn't start in on one of her "Mudblood" rants. But she was nothing in comparison to the fury Hermione had unleashed upon him.
Why had he done it? Was it because of what he witnessed outside the Great Hall? 'Come now, Severus. You know you couldn't bare the sight of Wood's hands on her.' The voice of reason was right once again. Looking back, Severus should have realized Hermione would read him the riot act. For Hell hath no fury like a self-righteous Gryffindor. 'Ok, Snape old boy, focus, or you aren't going to get a word in. This Gryffindor must learn her place.' Hermione's rant had reached its crescendo now, "And further more, there was no reason to act like such an arse in front of Oliver!"
That was the proverbial straw that broke the camel's hump. Snape felt his cool mask of indifference fall. "Miss Garnger, might I remind you that you need to mind your manners." His voice was an inky cloud of blackness.
"I... um... it's the truth!" Hermione's voice faultred slightly.
He had taken all he could stand, really whom did she think she was speaking to? Severus rose from his seat as fast as a thunderstorm in summer. Closing the gap between them in mere strides, he grabbed Hermione by the shoulders.
"You, silly little girl! Do you think I have nothing better to than baby- sit a love sick puppy?" After his initial anger subsided, Severus realized he still grasped her shoulders; yet it seemed his body had a mind of its own. Just the scent of her at this distance drove him mad, cutting off his ability to think.
Hermione brushed up against him, in her weak attempts to loosen his grip. Severus' intake of breath was so out of charter, that it stilled her movements, but not her tongue.
"Professor, you need not involve yourself in my 'love' life. Besides this was not my idea of a fun holiday."
Hermione finally managed to brake free from his vice like grip, and jumped back as far as possible. He felt the room spin as she pulled away, and emptiness settled upon him once more. Severus smiled as she rubbed her shoulders where he had held her. How had it escalated so fast? After all she was only venting her venom, not anything that hasn't happened to Snape before.
Severus gave her an appraising look from where he stood; when had Hermione taken off her robes. Further more why did the sight of this know-it-all standing there in utter defiance of him set in motion the stirrings of desire.
"Miss Granger, I only involved myself, because you were not acting in a becoming manner." He saw how she was fighting back the hot retort that hung on the tip of her tongue.
Severus old boy, you've still got it. "Where may I ask is your uniform?" He tilted his head to one side as if to get a better look.
Hermione stood stock still, hands on her womanly hips; until she found her voice. "No, you may not ask. Its none of you bloody concern. Good-night, Professor." As she stormed out of the room Severus noted that she had not failed to brush against him.
***********************************************************
Hermione slammed the door to her room, causing Mrs. Black to start her ranting once again. Slowly she glanced around the room, taking in her surroundings. Hermione had wanted everything to be just right, knowing that this would be her home for the next few months.
Against the far wall sat a mahogany four-poster bed; its burgundy velvet drapes hanging to the floor. She realized that it was much bigger than her bed at school. What would she need such a large bed for? Slowly her eyes came to rest on the desk next to her.
There sitting on a stack of books, was what she had been looking for. A parchment envelope addressed in emerald green ink to:
Miss Hermione Granger Order of The Phoenix Headquarters
Hermione reached for it and noticed her hand was shaking, probaly due to the adrenaline that still rushed through her veins. No doubt Severus would have no trouble sleeping this evening. As she broke the seal on the envelope, Hermione wondered when he stopped being Snape, and had become Severus.
Dear Miss Granger,
I am pleased to inform you that The Ministry of Magic has approved the use of magic by all Order members, under aged or not. As there will be much that you will need, and will not be able to acquire without it.
I also would like to ask you to watch over Severus during the Holiday. As I assume you already know that he is still within the ranks of Voldemort's Deatheaters. He has been spying for the Order for some time now, and I fear he could be found out. It would cause great sorrow to loose someone as valuable as he. I have a great deal of hope that if anyone can help him it is you. I must also ask that you never tell Severus that I ask this of you. I fear he would never forgive me.
Much Hope,
Albus Doumbledore
Hermione folded up the letter, placing it in her trunk under some of her school things. All she could think as she absentmindedly dressed for bed was, 'Severus Snape was risking his life for everyone she loved. When had he stopped being a prat, and started acting the part of a hero?'
Slowly she got into bed and pulled the covers over herself; trying to fight the chill that her silk and lace camisole let in. Hermione's head was filled with thoughts of Doumbledore's letter as sleep claimed her.
***********************************************************
Today like any other day Severus, was up before dawn. He made his way to the kitchen to make a cup of tea, only to notice that tea was already on the fire. There by the back door stood Hermione, it looked as if she were longing for something. Maybe home, maybe her friends, maybe Mr. Wood?
Severus pushed the thought from his mind; there was no time to think of last night now. From this point on he would do nothing but focus on the job before them.
Hermione didn't hear him walk up behind her. "Sandalwood. No sage. Maybe it's patchouli." He heard her murmuring to herself, and couldn't help but wonder what she was talking about.
She didn't turn when he leaned into her to speak in her ear, "What is so interesting that you did not hear me enter the room? You never know who could sneak up on you."
Hermione slowly turned, her hair brushing lightly over his lowered face. "I knew you were there."
Snape noticed that her cheeks brightened slightly; that is when the realization of her muttering earlier was made clear. He had caught her trying to figure out what it was he smelt like. Merlin, she never stopped amazing him.
"Well, perhaps after some tea you would be ready to start working." Severus voice held a hint of impatience to cover up his thoughts of her. Was she trying to drive him mad, standing there in just a bit of silk and lace?
*****************************************************
A week of holidays already gone, and Ginny only received owls, from Mione', in answer to her own. She was beginning to worry about Hermione. Ginny knew she was feeling confused and lost without her friends. She also knew that Mione' didn't have an owl of her own; that is when a plan formed in the youngest Weasley's mind.
Ron and Ginny were to meet Harry in Digaon Alley by noon, that day. They were going shopping for Mione's birthday present. Ginny talked them into getting her an owl, so that she may send letters to them freely without having to wait for a post to come to her first. Since it was Ginny's idea she would go with them to hand pick it.
Ginny was anxious to know why Mione' seemed to act so cold to Oliver that last night at school. Maybe she would open up to Ginny a little more this summer and really tell her what was going on. 'Besides if it wasn't Oliver that Mione' was all dreamy about since fifth year, then who?' Not to worry Ginny would find out...
**********************************************************
Somewhere in the ruins of a castle, deep in the woods of Albania at the same moment The Dark Lord was planning something. "Malfoy, how much longer before we are ready?" His voice escaped in a low hissing sound.
The eldest Malfoy stepped forward. "Master, all is in place we are awaiting word from Severus. He is the only one close enough to Doumbledore to know about the Wards on Hogwarts."
There was a significant pause, and Voldemort spoke again, "Make sure he does not fail in this, Malfoy." The Dark Lord had no more time for mistakes, and it seemed that Severus was making many of late.
Lucius left his master to think about the news he had brought. He knew before he came that the Dark Lord might not take his word without proof. If it came down to it he would make sure that Severus was the only one brought down for his treachery.
Down the hall from the library Sirius Black's mother bellowed from her picture frame. She had awoken upon their arrival; Severus had hoped she wouldn't start in on one of her "Mudblood" rants. But she was nothing in comparison to the fury Hermione had unleashed upon him.
Why had he done it? Was it because of what he witnessed outside the Great Hall? 'Come now, Severus. You know you couldn't bare the sight of Wood's hands on her.' The voice of reason was right once again. Looking back, Severus should have realized Hermione would read him the riot act. For Hell hath no fury like a self-righteous Gryffindor. 'Ok, Snape old boy, focus, or you aren't going to get a word in. This Gryffindor must learn her place.' Hermione's rant had reached its crescendo now, "And further more, there was no reason to act like such an arse in front of Oliver!"
That was the proverbial straw that broke the camel's hump. Snape felt his cool mask of indifference fall. "Miss Garnger, might I remind you that you need to mind your manners." His voice was an inky cloud of blackness.
"I... um... it's the truth!" Hermione's voice faultred slightly.
He had taken all he could stand, really whom did she think she was speaking to? Severus rose from his seat as fast as a thunderstorm in summer. Closing the gap between them in mere strides, he grabbed Hermione by the shoulders.
"You, silly little girl! Do you think I have nothing better to than baby- sit a love sick puppy?" After his initial anger subsided, Severus realized he still grasped her shoulders; yet it seemed his body had a mind of its own. Just the scent of her at this distance drove him mad, cutting off his ability to think.
Hermione brushed up against him, in her weak attempts to loosen his grip. Severus' intake of breath was so out of charter, that it stilled her movements, but not her tongue.
"Professor, you need not involve yourself in my 'love' life. Besides this was not my idea of a fun holiday."
Hermione finally managed to brake free from his vice like grip, and jumped back as far as possible. He felt the room spin as she pulled away, and emptiness settled upon him once more. Severus smiled as she rubbed her shoulders where he had held her. How had it escalated so fast? After all she was only venting her venom, not anything that hasn't happened to Snape before.
Severus gave her an appraising look from where he stood; when had Hermione taken off her robes. Further more why did the sight of this know-it-all standing there in utter defiance of him set in motion the stirrings of desire.
"Miss Granger, I only involved myself, because you were not acting in a becoming manner." He saw how she was fighting back the hot retort that hung on the tip of her tongue.
Severus old boy, you've still got it. "Where may I ask is your uniform?" He tilted his head to one side as if to get a better look.
Hermione stood stock still, hands on her womanly hips; until she found her voice. "No, you may not ask. Its none of you bloody concern. Good-night, Professor." As she stormed out of the room Severus noted that she had not failed to brush against him.
***********************************************************
Hermione slammed the door to her room, causing Mrs. Black to start her ranting once again. Slowly she glanced around the room, taking in her surroundings. Hermione had wanted everything to be just right, knowing that this would be her home for the next few months.
Against the far wall sat a mahogany four-poster bed; its burgundy velvet drapes hanging to the floor. She realized that it was much bigger than her bed at school. What would she need such a large bed for? Slowly her eyes came to rest on the desk next to her.
There sitting on a stack of books, was what she had been looking for. A parchment envelope addressed in emerald green ink to:
Miss Hermione Granger Order of The Phoenix Headquarters
Hermione reached for it and noticed her hand was shaking, probaly due to the adrenaline that still rushed through her veins. No doubt Severus would have no trouble sleeping this evening. As she broke the seal on the envelope, Hermione wondered when he stopped being Snape, and had become Severus.
Dear Miss Granger,
I am pleased to inform you that The Ministry of Magic has approved the use of magic by all Order members, under aged or not. As there will be much that you will need, and will not be able to acquire without it.
I also would like to ask you to watch over Severus during the Holiday. As I assume you already know that he is still within the ranks of Voldemort's Deatheaters. He has been spying for the Order for some time now, and I fear he could be found out. It would cause great sorrow to loose someone as valuable as he. I have a great deal of hope that if anyone can help him it is you. I must also ask that you never tell Severus that I ask this of you. I fear he would never forgive me.
Much Hope,
Albus Doumbledore
Hermione folded up the letter, placing it in her trunk under some of her school things. All she could think as she absentmindedly dressed for bed was, 'Severus Snape was risking his life for everyone she loved. When had he stopped being a prat, and started acting the part of a hero?'
Slowly she got into bed and pulled the covers over herself; trying to fight the chill that her silk and lace camisole let in. Hermione's head was filled with thoughts of Doumbledore's letter as sleep claimed her.
***********************************************************
Today like any other day Severus, was up before dawn. He made his way to the kitchen to make a cup of tea, only to notice that tea was already on the fire. There by the back door stood Hermione, it looked as if she were longing for something. Maybe home, maybe her friends, maybe Mr. Wood?
Severus pushed the thought from his mind; there was no time to think of last night now. From this point on he would do nothing but focus on the job before them.
Hermione didn't hear him walk up behind her. "Sandalwood. No sage. Maybe it's patchouli." He heard her murmuring to herself, and couldn't help but wonder what she was talking about.
She didn't turn when he leaned into her to speak in her ear, "What is so interesting that you did not hear me enter the room? You never know who could sneak up on you."
Hermione slowly turned, her hair brushing lightly over his lowered face. "I knew you were there."
Snape noticed that her cheeks brightened slightly; that is when the realization of her muttering earlier was made clear. He had caught her trying to figure out what it was he smelt like. Merlin, she never stopped amazing him.
"Well, perhaps after some tea you would be ready to start working." Severus voice held a hint of impatience to cover up his thoughts of her. Was she trying to drive him mad, standing there in just a bit of silk and lace?
*****************************************************
A week of holidays already gone, and Ginny only received owls, from Mione', in answer to her own. She was beginning to worry about Hermione. Ginny knew she was feeling confused and lost without her friends. She also knew that Mione' didn't have an owl of her own; that is when a plan formed in the youngest Weasley's mind.
Ron and Ginny were to meet Harry in Digaon Alley by noon, that day. They were going shopping for Mione's birthday present. Ginny talked them into getting her an owl, so that she may send letters to them freely without having to wait for a post to come to her first. Since it was Ginny's idea she would go with them to hand pick it.
Ginny was anxious to know why Mione' seemed to act so cold to Oliver that last night at school. Maybe she would open up to Ginny a little more this summer and really tell her what was going on. 'Besides if it wasn't Oliver that Mione' was all dreamy about since fifth year, then who?' Not to worry Ginny would find out...
**********************************************************
Somewhere in the ruins of a castle, deep in the woods of Albania at the same moment The Dark Lord was planning something. "Malfoy, how much longer before we are ready?" His voice escaped in a low hissing sound.
The eldest Malfoy stepped forward. "Master, all is in place we are awaiting word from Severus. He is the only one close enough to Doumbledore to know about the Wards on Hogwarts."
There was a significant pause, and Voldemort spoke again, "Make sure he does not fail in this, Malfoy." The Dark Lord had no more time for mistakes, and it seemed that Severus was making many of late.
Lucius left his master to think about the news he had brought. He knew before he came that the Dark Lord might not take his word without proof. If it came down to it he would make sure that Severus was the only one brought down for his treachery.