Chapter 20
I Promise
Hermione sat down by the lake fanning herself. The Indian Summer was relentless, and it seemed like it would maintain its grip well into the winter if things didn't change soon.
She was waiting for Sirius. He had gone off with James someplace, but when he arrived they would spend the day together. She conjured up an image of Sirius. To Hermione, Sirius was at his most handsome when he was bent over a particularly difficult charm, his face furrowed in concentration. Traces of intelligence were apparent when he was concentrating.
She was pulled out of the reverie by a grim-looking Severus. He was staring at a piece of parchment.
"Hello, Severus," she said brightly. Her mind was, as it always was, with Sirius, and it made her smile.
He nodded at her primly. This was not his usual manner. Usually they would launch into a discussion of the newest assignments in Potions or some such subject.
"Is something the matter?" she asked.
He looked up from his parchment and scowled. "What do you care?" he asked snidely.
She raised her eyebrows, ready to reply just as snidely as he had. But then she tried a softer approach. "I do care. I'm your friend, remember?"
Something came over Severus; he knew instinctively that she meant what she had said. And she was a friend. In spite of her attachment to Black. And the Death Eaters did need more to add to their number. Although what Severus told her next was not for personal gain, but because she cared and he needed help.
"It's a letter from my mum," Severus told Hermione, holding the parchment out to her. "My dad beats her a lot," Severus told her quickly and breathlessly, darting his head around.
Hermione looked stricken. "Oh, Severus, that's terrible."
"I know. But the thing is, he's getting a lot worse. It used to only be a few bruises on her arms, but now. . .she almost had to go to St. Mungo's. I have to get her out of that house, Hermione."
Hermione sat back, taking all of it in. "How long has he beaten her?" she asked, just as breathlessly as Severus.
"Since. . .well, for a long time now. Every time he's had too much fire whisky she ends up with purple arms."
She needed to know the question that had been tugging at her since the moment he'd told her about his father. "Did he ever beat you?"
"How do you think my nose got to be so crooked?"
Hermione fell silent. She understood now why he had been so moody and distant to everyone. His father had taught him to be that way. He didn't know any other way to be. Unconsciously, she thought of how unfair it was for Severus to be teased by James and Sirius so much.
"What do you need me to do?" she asked. She had to help him, there was no other way. "We need to help her escape, and we need to find her a place to stay," Severus said immediately, as if he had thought this out many times.
"Okay," Hermione promised. "I saw a few books in the library that might help. There are places for battered witches. I could ask Lily–"
"No," Severus said fervently. "No one can know about this. Telling you was a stretch for me. I don't want anyone to know."
"But someone could help us. I'm sure there are people here who can help a lot more than I can."
Severus jumped up in disgust. "I never should have told you. You're going to immediately blab it to Sirius." His voice became softer. "Please, Hermione. Just you and me. Promise me."
Hermione did not want to keep something this big from Sirius, nor did she want to leave Severus' mother to die. A small tingle came from deep within her bones. Her heart told her this was important, this was pivotal. She had to do it. "I promise."
An immense look of relief shone on Severus' face. "Thank you."
"We should meet tomorrow," Hermione said.
He nodded in agreement. "But where? I know the library's too public. Someone will see us."
"I know. All right, let me think." She racked her brains for a good place. "The Astronomy Tower's empty a lot. Go to the library first, find some books, then meet me there."
"All right," he agreed. "Hermione–thank you."
"You're welcome. I won't tell Sirius." It was going to be hard for her, but she would have to lie to the one person who would really want to know. She would have to lie about where she was going every single time. It was a ticking bomb. Sirius was bound to find out she was meeting Severus secretly. What would he say? Her mind spun. She had to do what was right.
The tingle never left Hermione's bones. She could tell that what she was going to do...was fate.
So, what do you think, given all the information, Hermione's task is? I'd love to hear your ideas.
MY REVIEWERS:
Moony's Angel Well, I was pretty hurt at first, but then I realized what a faithful reviewer you are and that you were right, so no worries. solar1 I know it was short, and I am sorry. This one is short too, but important. imogenhm I was on vacation but I am back now:) So, more chapters. Puffy Marshmallow Thank you! I am glad you liked it. hkcjh thank you! Rane2920072 Ah, thank you for not flaming my worst effort yet. But vacation cleared up my mind. CeLeStIaL BeInG Clutches of doom, eh? *chuckle* Would that happen to mean school? Hiril Narwain Thanks! Your name sounds Tolkienish. Is it? Melody's Song I hope this one's better. Sev makes a comeback. As for the reading to each other, that's the last time I take my relationship cues from Dawson's Creek. Heh. toriisen Why thanks!!! Here I am, enjoy! Nica Thanks! I am glad you're not stumbling through the story aimlessly, that you like it. Padfoot Black Oh, Lord, thank you! What a compliment. I've read some really good S/Hr fics. I can assure you mine's not the best, lol. Fallen Angel of Hell ROFL!! My best friend and I cracked up at your review. We had to read TOTC for school.......*shudder* Let's not open up that wound. slytherinrules85 I think the key with time turner fics is that you have to keep the realism in with the unrealistic. You have to keep little personal touches in. Get what I mean? Lol I didn't think so. RiffintonYour review sure was unique, lol. Did you have too much sugar again? Willow 'Black Rose' Edra *taps her fingers, waiting for an update* Oh, sorry, I just remembered you were in Spain. Lucky, lucky! Bring me something Spanish! CassandratheEvil TOTC....well, it wouldn't be bad if you didn't have to read it in 2 days, like I did. What a nightmare. About Hermione's choice of words, your reaction was exactly the kind I was hoping to get. krazykiwikatieI'm sorry it confused you! Won't happen again. SuIcIdl I'll check them out this week, ok? Just A Muggle Great question. It's going to come up in a later chapter. Pet Peeves Tell me what you think her task is. I'd love to hear it. ElenwenDutariWhy, hello! *grins* NO ONE is as good as JRR. Never will be. lgobgirlie15 The song was 'The Dance' by Garth Brooks. It's really a very lovely song, esp. the piano at the end. Isn't it perfect for S/Hr? QOA Of course I had to put TOTC in. It ruled my life for a long time, sadly. TY! The movie was good, wasn't it? Lily Skylo Nope, not at all what our Sirius had in mind. He's a typical boy. That's what we love about him. pyroprincess4rmeverwood So THAT'S where the story went! I'll go check it out again. Please tell me what you think her mission is. Taryn Clare You're too sweet. Thank you thank you!