Toxic Part 5
Diagon Alley was full of witches and wizards this afternoon; Ginny thought it would take forever to find Ron and Harry in this crowd. She couldn't wait to go to Eyelops Owl Emporium.
All week she had thought about nothing but this day. It took a lot of convincing on her part for the boys to see it her way. Ron, moaned about how much an owl would cost and that Crookshanks would most likely try making a meal out of it. Ginny quickly changed his mind by telling Ron that Hermione hadn't taken Crookshanks with her.
Harry on the other hand had come around a little quicker. Maybe it was because he was her boyfriend, or maybe because he really cared about Hermione, Ginny didn't know. She was just hoping that Hermione wasn't mad because she was seeing Harry.
Ginny knew that Hermione needed someone to talk to, and she would be that someone. Hermione had grown distant this year, and that hurt Ginny. She needed a way to make her open up once more, so that she wasn't alone. No one, not even Hermione could spend an entire holiday with Snape and not be affected.
From where she stood Ginny saw the most beautiful sight in her entire life. As the crowd in front of her thinned her eyes came to rest on Harry Potter. 'Ok, breathe. You don't want him to think you are over anxious.'
"Hi, Ginny." Harry waved and started toward her, causing her heart to beat like humming bird wings.
'Anxious be damned!' Was all she thought, as Ginny ran into his arms and felt him pull her close.
"I've missed you too." He placed a soft kiss on her lips, and then settled his arm around her waist. "Where's Ron?"
Since Harry had started dating Ginny, Ron made himself scarce. Really, or else why would he be getting new robes a week into the holiday, no one, not even Hermione did that. 'Wonder if he is angry that he has to share Harry now?' The thought played on her mind often; yet the moment Harry appeared she lost her senses.
Harry led the way to Madam Malkin's where they found Ron being measured. They took seats in the front and waited. Ginny rested her head on Harry's shoulder as her thoughts drifted to Hermione. She should have been here with them, enjoying her holiday; not cooped up in some house with that giant bat.
Ginny remembered her answer to the invitation she had sent. "Sorry, Ginny, but Professor Snape said no." That was the only line on the return letter. What was so important that Hermione had to do it on a Saturday?
The only other thoughts running around in the youngest Weasley's head were, 'No one paid more attention to Hermione than Oliver; even thought it seemed she wasn't interested. He claimed that he stayed on at Hogwarts as an assistant Professor, because of her, filling in for Hagrid in some of his classes. Oliver once told Ron it was to be near Mione'.'
"Ginny, you ready?" Harry's voice was soft in her ear.
They left the store with Ron, and headed over to the Owlry. There was a soft hooting coming from the shop, and a tinkling of tiny bells as they entered. It took well over an hour for them to go through all of the owls. That was when Ginny called from the back of the shop, "Harry, Ron, come look at this."
Coming up behind Ginny the boys heard her say, "She'll love it."
"Um... Ginny, what will who love?" Ron stammered as his eyes took in the great black Eagle Owl before them.
"Mione', she'll love him." Ginny said pointing as if you had to be an idiot not to know what she meant.
There before the trio, perched in a large cage, was an elegant owl. Ginny couldn't help but giggle when Ron pointed out, "Don't you think one giant bat as company is enough for Mione'?" He was right; Ginny thought the bird bared a striking resemblance to The Potions Master. Right there Ginny named him Professor, in honor of the git himself.
After a little bickering, Ginny won out and they paid old Eyelops, leaving the shop. They each still had to get her individual presents. So Ron went off to Flourish and Blotts to get Hermione a book. Harry went to get her some potions ingredients. Leaving Ginny and Professor to go in search of the perfect gift.
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Hermione was hidden within the pages of a book. Nestled into the deep velvet cushions of her favorite armchair, she didn't notice Snape enter the room. Silently he stood in the corner just watching. During their week together she had grown on him.
She was still a know-it-all, but there was something else as well. He had seen her take charge, making sure that all was in order. Hermione had even shown him a side of herself he doubted anyone else ever saw.
A darker more lonely side; not unlike his own. She was never without a book, or her silly muggle contraption, that she called a personal CD player. They were her security blankets, much like the shadows were to him. He was learning that they really weren't that different.
'Maybe it was because there was no Potter?' He shook his head at this thought and his raven hair fell forward covering his face, causing him to shut his eyes. That's when it happened, when Severus Snape's world was turned upside down.
Hermione had left her chair to get another book, but she was side tracked by movement within the shadows. That is when Severus felt it; two small hands came up to brush the hair from his face. His deep ebony eyes shot open and were met by a pair of amber ones.
"Professor, I don't know why you always hide yourself like this." Hermione's eyes searched his for answers.
Severus heard the unspoken question in her voice. Yet there was something else there; should he dare to dream? Few people touched him, and when they did it was for a number of different reason. Aggression was one; his father was never too busy to give him a sound beating.
Some out of desperation. This only brought back thoughts of those occasions when he was called upon to rescue someone from the hands of the Deatheaters. Even then they would cringe from him the moment they were safe.
Sometimes they only touched him because he paid them to. Never was there any compassion behind it. Never had anyone touched him because they wanted to. 'What do you expect Severus? No one could love you, no one, but your mother.'
No, that little voice was wrong this time, this touch was subtly different. Severus saw her underlying need to be this near to him. It was that sight that sent him over the edge, and into the abyss of his own need to be wanted.
"Miss Granger," He hissed at her, "If you must know why I hide the way I do, so be it. It is far better to invoke fear, than court love." She pulled away shocked at the harshness of his words, but he continued, "One does not miss what he has never known."
Severus wasn't sure if he was saying this to Hermione or to himself now. Feeling boxed in the Potions Master brushed past Hermione, in a flourish of black robes, and was out the door.
'Always a coward when you're faced with personal questions.' Severus wished for nothing more than to escape the tiny voice, and the nosey little know-it-all.
Entering the kitchen, Severus heard the steps creak and knew Hermione was behind him. Why had she followed him? And what was the miniature McGonagall's reason for asking such a question?
"Sir, you can't mean that." Came the small voice behind him.
Severus turned on her, and in that instant two things happened. Catching her eyes with his he noticed that Hermione's glistened with unshed tears. 'Were those tears for him?' Before he could think of a curt remark to keep her at bay, Severus clutched his left arm and gasped, as the searing pain of his false master's call took over.
There was no time to reassure her. The little Gryffindor would have to wait, The Dark Lord calls. And Voldemort was never one to wait; so Severus grabbed his Deatheater's mask and robes without another word. Hermione stood there in silence trembling at the sight of a 6'3" robed bringer of death.
Then there was a loud *POP* and Professor Snape was gone; yet not before he caught the fear in her eyes.
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With another *POP* Severus fell to his knee before the Dark Lord. "Master, you called." He never lifted his eyes.
Voldemort took notice of the reverence, in his once most valuable servant. He had called Snape here to see what progress he was making, in their plot to take over Hogwarts. Yet as he looked upon him, Voldemort noticed something amiss with Severus.
"When will you have the wards down?" Voldemort was eyeing Severus like a cat would a canary.
"Master, it is taking longer than I thought. Please, you must allow some time." Snape's voice was pleading, just as the Dark Lord pleased.
He thought for a moment, "You are granted one more year. Besides I have other plans to deal with for now.
Voldemort walked around the knelling man to the door. "Severus, come see what I have for you this evening." The Dark Lord decided to test him.
As they walked down the hall into the drawing room where a sight that made Severus want to blanch met them. There before them was what appeared to be an orgy. Yet upon Severus' closer inspection he saw that the only ones enjoying themselves were the deatheaters.
"Severus, take your pick, and enjoy yourself." The Dark Lord motioned to the woman chained to the wall, not yet occupied.
Snape looked around the room, "My Lord, I would be honored if you choose one for me." Maybe that would buy him enough time to think of a way out of this. The thought that he might have to act like the monster everyone assumed he was repulsed him. 'No, Severus, not everyone.'
The Dark Lord thought for a moment. Then he narrowed his eyes and looked right at Severus, "Why can't you choose one my son?"
Severus was quick thinking and he knew after years of service to The Dark Lord what he wanted to hear. "Sire, my experiences are rather..." he paused as if trying to find the right word. "limited. I would defer to your experience. Though I do prefer red hair."
Voldemort gazed around the room, searching for something he knew he would not find. Finally his gaze settled back on the once loyal man next to him.
"Really milord, it is as if your followers don't know how to treat your gifts." He walked over to where one Death Eater was bent over a cowering witch. "Look at him slobbering over her, exposing his bodily fluids to her. Given a moment she could take a piece of evidence and use it in a spell"
"There is a science to Rape as in all things master. These beasts don't know it." He kicked the offending Death eater and walked back to his master's side.
Voldemort was looking for answers, not bothering to take in the scene before him. There was no need to force Severus into performing, if he wanted to bow out than so be it. There were other more important things to take care of this evening. That is when The Dark Lord made up his mind, "Well then my son, come let us discuss what is to come."
Voldemort walked from the room, closely followed by Severus. They came to a room similar to the one they had just left, except it was empty. The Dark Lord motioned to a chair near the fire.
Once settled they began to talk, "Severus, my son, what is vexing you this evening? You seem distant."
Snape scrambled for something, some reason other than the one that was beating at him. How would he explain to The Dark Lord, that a Deatheater, feared for a "Mudblood."
"Milord, Dumbledore grows ever more watchful of me." That's it Severus old boy, give him just enough.
"Not to worry. Soon this will all be over, and than you my loyal follower will take his rightful place beside me." Voldemort's eyes had a far off look to them.
Severus waited with bated breath; he had known the Dark Lord far to long to think he wouldn't be told of the plans.
"But master, when will we strike?"
The Dark Lord, let out a low hiss, "As soon as I can take the form of Tom Riddle once more. That is where you come in."
"Me, master?" Severus was afraid that his voice would give him away; yet years of spying had trained him well.
"You must brew me this potion." Voldemort pulled a roll of parchment from his robes and handed it to Snape. "Do not fail me in this."
Severus took that as his dismissal. He left the room and headed out of the castle, letting the night air cool his heated skin. There was a need that seemed to fill Snape, a need to once again feel her touch.
There was a loud *POP*, leaving only smoke where the potions master once stood.
Diagon Alley was full of witches and wizards this afternoon; Ginny thought it would take forever to find Ron and Harry in this crowd. She couldn't wait to go to Eyelops Owl Emporium.
All week she had thought about nothing but this day. It took a lot of convincing on her part for the boys to see it her way. Ron, moaned about how much an owl would cost and that Crookshanks would most likely try making a meal out of it. Ginny quickly changed his mind by telling Ron that Hermione hadn't taken Crookshanks with her.
Harry on the other hand had come around a little quicker. Maybe it was because he was her boyfriend, or maybe because he really cared about Hermione, Ginny didn't know. She was just hoping that Hermione wasn't mad because she was seeing Harry.
Ginny knew that Hermione needed someone to talk to, and she would be that someone. Hermione had grown distant this year, and that hurt Ginny. She needed a way to make her open up once more, so that she wasn't alone. No one, not even Hermione could spend an entire holiday with Snape and not be affected.
From where she stood Ginny saw the most beautiful sight in her entire life. As the crowd in front of her thinned her eyes came to rest on Harry Potter. 'Ok, breathe. You don't want him to think you are over anxious.'
"Hi, Ginny." Harry waved and started toward her, causing her heart to beat like humming bird wings.
'Anxious be damned!' Was all she thought, as Ginny ran into his arms and felt him pull her close.
"I've missed you too." He placed a soft kiss on her lips, and then settled his arm around her waist. "Where's Ron?"
Since Harry had started dating Ginny, Ron made himself scarce. Really, or else why would he be getting new robes a week into the holiday, no one, not even Hermione did that. 'Wonder if he is angry that he has to share Harry now?' The thought played on her mind often; yet the moment Harry appeared she lost her senses.
Harry led the way to Madam Malkin's where they found Ron being measured. They took seats in the front and waited. Ginny rested her head on Harry's shoulder as her thoughts drifted to Hermione. She should have been here with them, enjoying her holiday; not cooped up in some house with that giant bat.
Ginny remembered her answer to the invitation she had sent. "Sorry, Ginny, but Professor Snape said no." That was the only line on the return letter. What was so important that Hermione had to do it on a Saturday?
The only other thoughts running around in the youngest Weasley's head were, 'No one paid more attention to Hermione than Oliver; even thought it seemed she wasn't interested. He claimed that he stayed on at Hogwarts as an assistant Professor, because of her, filling in for Hagrid in some of his classes. Oliver once told Ron it was to be near Mione'.'
"Ginny, you ready?" Harry's voice was soft in her ear.
They left the store with Ron, and headed over to the Owlry. There was a soft hooting coming from the shop, and a tinkling of tiny bells as they entered. It took well over an hour for them to go through all of the owls. That was when Ginny called from the back of the shop, "Harry, Ron, come look at this."
Coming up behind Ginny the boys heard her say, "She'll love it."
"Um... Ginny, what will who love?" Ron stammered as his eyes took in the great black Eagle Owl before them.
"Mione', she'll love him." Ginny said pointing as if you had to be an idiot not to know what she meant.
There before the trio, perched in a large cage, was an elegant owl. Ginny couldn't help but giggle when Ron pointed out, "Don't you think one giant bat as company is enough for Mione'?" He was right; Ginny thought the bird bared a striking resemblance to The Potions Master. Right there Ginny named him Professor, in honor of the git himself.
After a little bickering, Ginny won out and they paid old Eyelops, leaving the shop. They each still had to get her individual presents. So Ron went off to Flourish and Blotts to get Hermione a book. Harry went to get her some potions ingredients. Leaving Ginny and Professor to go in search of the perfect gift.
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Hermione was hidden within the pages of a book. Nestled into the deep velvet cushions of her favorite armchair, she didn't notice Snape enter the room. Silently he stood in the corner just watching. During their week together she had grown on him.
She was still a know-it-all, but there was something else as well. He had seen her take charge, making sure that all was in order. Hermione had even shown him a side of herself he doubted anyone else ever saw.
A darker more lonely side; not unlike his own. She was never without a book, or her silly muggle contraption, that she called a personal CD player. They were her security blankets, much like the shadows were to him. He was learning that they really weren't that different.
'Maybe it was because there was no Potter?' He shook his head at this thought and his raven hair fell forward covering his face, causing him to shut his eyes. That's when it happened, when Severus Snape's world was turned upside down.
Hermione had left her chair to get another book, but she was side tracked by movement within the shadows. That is when Severus felt it; two small hands came up to brush the hair from his face. His deep ebony eyes shot open and were met by a pair of amber ones.
"Professor, I don't know why you always hide yourself like this." Hermione's eyes searched his for answers.
Severus heard the unspoken question in her voice. Yet there was something else there; should he dare to dream? Few people touched him, and when they did it was for a number of different reason. Aggression was one; his father was never too busy to give him a sound beating.
Some out of desperation. This only brought back thoughts of those occasions when he was called upon to rescue someone from the hands of the Deatheaters. Even then they would cringe from him the moment they were safe.
Sometimes they only touched him because he paid them to. Never was there any compassion behind it. Never had anyone touched him because they wanted to. 'What do you expect Severus? No one could love you, no one, but your mother.'
No, that little voice was wrong this time, this touch was subtly different. Severus saw her underlying need to be this near to him. It was that sight that sent him over the edge, and into the abyss of his own need to be wanted.
"Miss Granger," He hissed at her, "If you must know why I hide the way I do, so be it. It is far better to invoke fear, than court love." She pulled away shocked at the harshness of his words, but he continued, "One does not miss what he has never known."
Severus wasn't sure if he was saying this to Hermione or to himself now. Feeling boxed in the Potions Master brushed past Hermione, in a flourish of black robes, and was out the door.
'Always a coward when you're faced with personal questions.' Severus wished for nothing more than to escape the tiny voice, and the nosey little know-it-all.
Entering the kitchen, Severus heard the steps creak and knew Hermione was behind him. Why had she followed him? And what was the miniature McGonagall's reason for asking such a question?
"Sir, you can't mean that." Came the small voice behind him.
Severus turned on her, and in that instant two things happened. Catching her eyes with his he noticed that Hermione's glistened with unshed tears. 'Were those tears for him?' Before he could think of a curt remark to keep her at bay, Severus clutched his left arm and gasped, as the searing pain of his false master's call took over.
There was no time to reassure her. The little Gryffindor would have to wait, The Dark Lord calls. And Voldemort was never one to wait; so Severus grabbed his Deatheater's mask and robes without another word. Hermione stood there in silence trembling at the sight of a 6'3" robed bringer of death.
Then there was a loud *POP* and Professor Snape was gone; yet not before he caught the fear in her eyes.
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With another *POP* Severus fell to his knee before the Dark Lord. "Master, you called." He never lifted his eyes.
Voldemort took notice of the reverence, in his once most valuable servant. He had called Snape here to see what progress he was making, in their plot to take over Hogwarts. Yet as he looked upon him, Voldemort noticed something amiss with Severus.
"When will you have the wards down?" Voldemort was eyeing Severus like a cat would a canary.
"Master, it is taking longer than I thought. Please, you must allow some time." Snape's voice was pleading, just as the Dark Lord pleased.
He thought for a moment, "You are granted one more year. Besides I have other plans to deal with for now.
Voldemort walked around the knelling man to the door. "Severus, come see what I have for you this evening." The Dark Lord decided to test him.
As they walked down the hall into the drawing room where a sight that made Severus want to blanch met them. There before them was what appeared to be an orgy. Yet upon Severus' closer inspection he saw that the only ones enjoying themselves were the deatheaters.
"Severus, take your pick, and enjoy yourself." The Dark Lord motioned to the woman chained to the wall, not yet occupied.
Snape looked around the room, "My Lord, I would be honored if you choose one for me." Maybe that would buy him enough time to think of a way out of this. The thought that he might have to act like the monster everyone assumed he was repulsed him. 'No, Severus, not everyone.'
The Dark Lord thought for a moment. Then he narrowed his eyes and looked right at Severus, "Why can't you choose one my son?"
Severus was quick thinking and he knew after years of service to The Dark Lord what he wanted to hear. "Sire, my experiences are rather..." he paused as if trying to find the right word. "limited. I would defer to your experience. Though I do prefer red hair."
Voldemort gazed around the room, searching for something he knew he would not find. Finally his gaze settled back on the once loyal man next to him.
"Really milord, it is as if your followers don't know how to treat your gifts." He walked over to where one Death Eater was bent over a cowering witch. "Look at him slobbering over her, exposing his bodily fluids to her. Given a moment she could take a piece of evidence and use it in a spell"
"There is a science to Rape as in all things master. These beasts don't know it." He kicked the offending Death eater and walked back to his master's side.
Voldemort was looking for answers, not bothering to take in the scene before him. There was no need to force Severus into performing, if he wanted to bow out than so be it. There were other more important things to take care of this evening. That is when The Dark Lord made up his mind, "Well then my son, come let us discuss what is to come."
Voldemort walked from the room, closely followed by Severus. They came to a room similar to the one they had just left, except it was empty. The Dark Lord motioned to a chair near the fire.
Once settled they began to talk, "Severus, my son, what is vexing you this evening? You seem distant."
Snape scrambled for something, some reason other than the one that was beating at him. How would he explain to The Dark Lord, that a Deatheater, feared for a "Mudblood."
"Milord, Dumbledore grows ever more watchful of me." That's it Severus old boy, give him just enough.
"Not to worry. Soon this will all be over, and than you my loyal follower will take his rightful place beside me." Voldemort's eyes had a far off look to them.
Severus waited with bated breath; he had known the Dark Lord far to long to think he wouldn't be told of the plans.
"But master, when will we strike?"
The Dark Lord, let out a low hiss, "As soon as I can take the form of Tom Riddle once more. That is where you come in."
"Me, master?" Severus was afraid that his voice would give him away; yet years of spying had trained him well.
"You must brew me this potion." Voldemort pulled a roll of parchment from his robes and handed it to Snape. "Do not fail me in this."
Severus took that as his dismissal. He left the room and headed out of the castle, letting the night air cool his heated skin. There was a need that seemed to fill Snape, a need to once again feel her touch.
There was a loud *POP*, leaving only smoke where the potions master once stood.