Chapter 21
A saying reminds us that old dogs cannot learn new tricks. But old dogs have ways of making old tricks seem new again. Ways transparent to those of lesser days. The headmaster, Nicholas Flamel and Mr. Ollivander made their way to the Eyrie. Their odyssey had begun in the Room of Counsel then Snape's quarters and finally the infirmary but still no sign of the potions master.
"Next to Filch Severus knows this place better than anyone," Albus said. "I remember him exploring all the odd places the times that Serjanus and Calliandra were teaching here."
"Albus, is it true that Severus got into Gryffindor tower once?" asked Mr. Ollivander.
"Oh, yes! He went missing for half a day before someone thought to check the one place that he should never have been."
"How did he get in?" asked Flamel.
"He asked the guardian portrait question after question after question. Severus would keep returning every time he was told off." Albus explained. "Eager to be rid of a troublesome pest, the portrait let him in. At seven years of age what harm could he possibly do?"
They reached the Eyrie. Mr. Ollivander said the password. They found their quarry's lanky frame laid out on the sofa enjoying the emerging sunrise with Beethoven for company. "I am resting per the conditions of my early release. Your reason for disturbing my rest had better pass muster with Poppy."
"She is well aware of our purpose, Severus." Albus began taking a chair and watching the dawn himself. Mr. Ollivander went to make them all coffees. "I will make this short. Are you up to performing the partner bonding?"
"You have three willing students come calling." Mr. Flamel stood by the Library peering wistfully at the racks of tiny books eager to delve in but an unseen field repelled his advances. Here were things he had not known to exist or ever seen before.
"I will need to exempt myself." Albus said.
"That leaves Nicholas and myself." Ollivander asked. Sparks flew from the library as Mr. Flamel got too close to the protective field.
Severus took pity on Mr. Flamel. "Which volumes would you like?"
"The Rituals of Amon-Ra and the volume on the Lost Poems of Cattulus. So long have I been gone that I will have need of some such to turn Pernelle sweet upon my arrival. If you would be so kind, Severus." Flamel replied. Snape asked for both. One slim volume and a thick scroll of parchment rocketed out of the Library racks. With a slight flick of his wrist, Snape directed the items to Mr. Flamel. Flamel tucked the book under one arm and unrolled the parchment reverently.
Mr. Ollivander levitated their coffees to the center table. "Can I have Catullus after you're done?"
"Certainly, " said Flamel. "Tell us, Severus, how long will it take to teach us?"
Before Snape could reply the door opened and in walked Professors McGonagall, Sprout and Flitwick, Madam Pomfrey and ex-professor Alastor Moody. "Good morning, all," said McGonagall. She took the plush chair next to Mr. Ollivander then casted a recorder spell.
"As I said, Poppy is well aware of this session." Said Dumbledore.
"You have to try a cappuccino, Alastor," said Madam Pomfrey started to make a latte for herself, a cappuccino for Moody and an espresso for Minerva. Professor Sprout was making a café American for Flitwick and an iced latte for herself. In the meantime, Flitwick arranged chairs for him and Professor Sprout.
"Cap-what? I don't drink anything but what's in my flask you know that." Moody pulled up a chair by the others.
"Just one sip, Alastor." Minerva urged.
"Anything here is absolutely safe and delicious I might add, Alastor." Said Dumbledore sipping his own mochachino. "Minerva, have the house elves had any luck in replicating these varieties?"
"Not yet. They are having difficulty gauging the taste and proper proportions just so." Minerva replied.
"You won't regret it." Sprout called out to Moody.
"The proof will be in the tasting. I had to wait until the ghosts had cleared the hallways before I could get about. Have we missed anything?" Moody asked.
"Severus was about to explain what it would take to teach Flavius and myself how to do the partner ritual." Said Flamel.
"Now that EVERYONE is here." Snape sat up and stretched. He walked over to the windows. He leaned on the windowpane, faced his audience and began to reveal yet another aspect of his recent experiments. "Let me tell you first how I created the ritual. As you know, a person's aura may increase in intensity and depth depending on age, mood and other factors. An aura also has an energy signature much like a fingerprint that is unique to every individual. With Sybil's help, I was able to create a small spell that recognizes the aural signature of a person. This spell is an intrinsic part of the ritual. Its primary purpose is to force the auras of volunteer and partner to reveal each to the other. Each aura is made to recognize and stay true to its match permanently."
"There are spells and methods to see, identify, detect and create auras but I know of none that do the linking you describe. Energy is too dynamically ephemeral for our spells to have any kind of permanent effect upon it." Flitwick insisted.
Snape sighed and studied their expressions. "Faced with this limitation, I proceeded down an alternate path to a solution. I realized that I did not have to be the one to perform the tasks I needed done only that those tasks be done by whatever means. We all know that besides mortals and a few magical beings, demons can and do manipulate magical energy as we cannot and in ways unknown to us. The obvious solution was to have a demon perform the spells for me. But demons are notoriously stubborn and not prone to grant favors to humans. So I -"
"There is only one way and one reason why a demon would be so compliant. " Albus interrupted with a steely edge to his voice that caused the hairs on Snape's arms to rise. "It is one thing to drain energy from another being quite another to enslave it. Enslavement of a demon is the darkest form of sorcery, Severus. I do not remember reading any of this matter in your notes. Poppy, how much of this do you know? Anyone else know anything? You have timed this particular revelation rather late, Severus. "
"I knew that a demon had to be enslaved in order to finish the ritual and assumed that it would then be released afterwards." Poppy answered. "What sane man would keep a demon around like a . a pet!"
"As of a few days ago, I knew of it." Minerva added.
"You didn't say a word." Ollivander looked at her.
"It was part of a confidence." Minerva answered. "I do not betray confidences."
"Why tell the rest of us only a portion of the truth, Severus?" Albus asked. "Why?"
"You would not have approved of it. You would have tried to stop me. And if you had, where would we be now?" Snape glared back.
"You should have consulted those with far more experience in these matters before proceeding." Dumbledore's eyes grew narrow and flashed dangerously.
"There was no time." Snape insisted.
"The perennial excuse of the reckless! There is always time enough in the beginning but not at the end!" Dumbledore lost his patience and his temper. Streaks of energy crackled around him.
Snape faced the headmaster head on. "The results speak for themselves!"
Dumbledore chose his next words carefully. "Take it from one who knows. You have made yourself blind to consequences that will not play out as neatly as the results!"
"I know I have! Don't you think I know that! I accept it. Who gave me my choice of penance and atonement, do you remember?"
Dumbledore's rage seeped out of him. "I did. If I had known that it would lead to this, I would have chosen differently. You have paid enough, Severus. No more is asked of you."
"By whom? By you? By my parents? By any of you here now in this room!? By every person who died at the hands of the Death Eaters!?" Snape turned once more to stare out the window his long angular face tinted red by the rising sun. "It is my choice to ask more of myself. I ask and find myself still lacking."
"I fervently hope that one day you will see yourself through another's eyes. Then perhaps you will be satisfied." Albus replied. "For now I require something of you and you are going to damn well do it. Look at me!"
Snape turned to do as he was bid. "I know that I cannot stop you from following the dictates of your conscience and nature. But one thing I can do and require. From now on, you will make it a point to speak with Minerva, Flavius, Cera, Filius or Nicholas before you contemplate doing anything of this magnitude again. Then we as a group will discuss and decide. I want your word and oath as a Head of House. If you cannot abide by my condition, then I ask for and expect your immediate resignation."
"Sartre was right. Hell is other people." Snape murmured. He stood still as a statue with arms crossed across his chest. His eyes were fixed on the opposing wall but all other eyes were upon him.
"For good or ill, we all share the same box. You cannot get out and neither can any of us until the end. But you are bound and determined to stay in your own corner indulging in self-flagellation and suffering. Very well. That is as you say your choice. But it is also our choice and desire to help you in whatever way we can. " said Minerva.
"And we would like to be the ones to provide you your exits since you will not do for yourself." Said Mr. Ollivander. "You need only step through."
"Severus, do not see this as a curtailment nor as an indication of a lack of faith in your abilities. It is a gracious opportunity to share the burden." Flamel advised. Snape remained unmoving.
"Though you may feel that dealing with Voldemort is primarily your penance it is not your sole obligation. We all here in our own way share that obligation." Said Flitwick. "As we all share the risks."
"We cannot have secrets like this kept hidden no matter how noble the intentions. The risk to you is great but the effect on the rest of us and our plans is immense." Said Sprout. "We cannot have knowledge given out in tidbits and at your convenience. It is all or nothing."
"Wouldn't you want some company when the acolyte of hell comes to take accounting of the slaver?" Albus asked. He knew more than the rest the effort Severus would have to make to bring down the isolationist wall around him brick by brick. There was a time that the wall saved not only his life but his sanity. The wall had to be chipped down now before the last brick became permanent. "Moral support at the very least."
The answer when it came was low and hoarse. He slowly made his way back to the sofa. He sat down and looked at the headmaster straight. "I don't share well. But you know that. I'll try. I give you my word, headmaster."
"Very good." Dumbledore sat back and breathed deeply before continuing. "When will you release the demon?"
"I'm not going to release it. Not yet. I have other plans."
"Severus, you are as a moth to a flame daring incineration to overwhelm you with every pass." Said Flamel shaking his head. "With every foray you grow more brazen."
"Or more desperate. You have certainly inherited Calliandra penchant for thrill-seeking." Minerva said. Various coffees floated through the air seeking their intended.
"Minerva, I have just endured my mother reading my notes and critiquing my methods. Nothing not even those here present is more perilous than that." Snape's wry comment broke the strangling tension in the room and getting some hearty laughs from his audience.
"Let us get back to the topic. My stomach is telling me it is close to breakfast. You were explaining about auras, Severus." Said the headmaster.
"Yes. Think of each individual's aura as one end of a permanent link or bridge which is established between volunteer and partner. This bridge is built with mechanisms in place - an incantation to communicate. an enchantment to lend energy one to the other and a spell to invoke when summoning the other link. I have found that for the bridge to remain viable the link must be constant with no variations on strength or consistency. There can be no ebbing and flowing. In addition to the major spells built into this bridge there are other spells to maintain and repair the link as needed. There is a side effect I did not anticipate. Apparently, the stronger the trust between the volunteer and the partner the stronger are the bridging spells and therefore their effects. The result is a deeper connection that borders on the empathic and at times telepathic. Minerva and Mr. Ollivander can better answer specifics if anyone has any questions."
"Before I forget, here you are, Severus. My notes on the side effects as you requested." Mr. Ollivander fished a scroll out of his jacket and placed it on the low center table. "I have been chided in the recent past for my inattention to proper archival documentation. I am therefore making amends."
"Have you noticed any changes to your spell casting or wand making?" Snape asked.
"I have detected no ill effects other than the increased potency and more available energy to draw upon. After nearly destroying the armory, I have learned to reduce intensity by little over half."
"Most of the volunteers have reported an increase of at least two-fold in their spell magnitude. The ones with higher concentration levels like Minerva, Vector, Poppy, Sinistra and Pince have reported a three-fold increase. They have had to become far more precise than the others."
"When time permits, we must restudy this phenomenon." Flamel sat back his hands steepled before him looking intently at Ollivander, Dumbledore, Minerva and Snape in turn.
"Pince and Sinistra have also reported a few other benefits. I hesitate to call them side effects. I believe the bridge mechanisms are formed in ways somewhat unique and ultimately beneficial to the recipient. I agree, sir, this should be studied in more depth." Said Snape.
"Aural signatures indeed remain the same but are aura changes attributable to the phenomenon, Severus? Your blue-green shades are much more pronounced than before. Minerva's yellow is quite vibrant. Flavius is nearly blinding especially in the blue-green spectrums." Flamel observed. "New trick in your repertoire, Albus? A false read is all I get from you."
"Nicholas, that particular color analysis is not directly caused by the side effect. I can assure of that." Ollivander was too much of a gentleman to elaborate further. During the short but meaning-laden silence, an unsaid but much anticipated announcement had been made. The potions master was quick-witted enough to deduce the exact reason and being a gentleman himself let that path of inquiry expire. How else could he face Minerva every day with that thought in his head?
"Let's move on. We will talk later, Nicholas." Said Albus nodded at Flamel. "Continue, Severus."
"During the last phase of the partner ritual, I invoke the demon and have it build the bridge then imbue the structure with the various spells. So, unless Mr. Ollivander and Mr. Flamel have similar demons in their charge, they would not be capable of doing the ritual."
"I cannot say I have much desire for one in my inventory." Said Ollivander. "But if that is what's needed -"
"A hundred things could go wrong during a summoning. Demons are unpredictable at the best of times." Poppy said.
"I absolutely forbid the enslavement or attempts to enslave any more demons." Dumbledore said. "We cannot afford to fight a war on two fronts."
"Wait. We have one demon already right? Why not share that demon's services amongst us all as needed?" Those words from Moody produced more than a few shudders in the room.
"That need is not entirely palatable but presents a good idea to pursue." Sprout commented. "I am assuming that your invocation, Severus, is all encompassing. The demon must appear, acknowledge your summons and then be told what is required of it. Can we not craft an invocation with only one very tight purpose that would not require the demon's actual presence? Its presence would not be required since it would already know what it needed to do at that very moment. It need only carry out a single instruction."
"What we need is remote control demon summoning." asked Moody. He had found his coffee to be much to his liking. It was half consumed already.
"Remote what?" asked Poppy.
"A muggle term, Poppy. I'll explain it later. I can only explain it as giving an instruction, having that instruction received and then the instruction would be performed with the desired and same result each and every time without fail." Moody elaborated.
"Muggles have such tools, Moody?" Flitwick asked.
"Yes they do. I've seen them. They use it for many things from activating devices to finding lost things to controlling mechanized objects that in turn fulfill their tasks for them." Moody explained.
"Remote control is usually done via some mechanical device like a television and a remote hand held panel." Said Snape.
"Tele-vi-sion?" asked Flitwick looking from Moody to Snape and back again.
"Muggles can be quite inventive. They cope quite well without magic, Filius. I wonder if the reverse could be said of us. Could we cope without magic as well as they do?" asked Flamel looking on at the charms professor perched on a stool next to his chair.
"Alastor, this remote control theory sounds like it is exactly what we need. We cannot count on Severus always being the one to carry out the ritual. He will not always be available. I want you to investigate this. Think further on making it a reality, eh." Dumbledore commanded.
"How soon would you want something?" asked Moody.
"You have less than two weeks, Alastor, to come up with something workable." Dumbledore stroked his long silvery beard. "Filius and I will be discussing the volunteer and partner pairings later today. The ritual will have to be carried out right after the students return from holiday. Now I propose adjourning unless there is other open business to attend."
"One more item, Albus. Nicholas you have need of an assistant. I will asking a very promising student of mine Hermione Granger to -" Minerva announced.
"Wait, Minerva, Hermione, I mean Ms. Granger's work load has to be considered." Said Snape. "She is already taking tutoring from me plus Club business plus a full class schedule. When would she be expected to sleep let alone eat? Perhaps we can find a Ravenclaw instead?"
This unusually solicitous almost proprietary comment drew many a surprised look. Dumbledore adjusted his spectacles and peered at Snape as if seeing him for the first time. The order in which Snape ordered Ms. Granger's schedule was not overlooked. "You have a point, Severus. Ms. Granger would be quite willing however we cannot have her overtax herself either. Filius, is there one in your house whose motives are above reproach?"
Professor Flitwick thought for a minute. "Several come to mind who can do the tasks required however none of them have the requisite emotional or psychological maturity. That person would also have to know of the Club and we have been very selective as to whom we admit in."
"We have had great success with our two junior members. It is time we recruited in the younger ranks." Dumbledore shared a knowing look with Professor McGonagall. "There is another student here at Hogwarts who like Hermione and Neville know first hand what Voldemort is capable of. Minerva, ask Virginia Weasley to join the club."
"Yes, good choice. Her potions grades have improved the last month. With proper direction she should be able to assist Mr. Flamel. And she is discreet." Snape agreed.
"Severus, one would think you approved of my house." Minerva teased.
"Some Gryffindors have their uses." Snape replied. "But only some."
"That will make two Weasleys. Bill has already expressed concerns that he has to keep this matter from his parents and siblings." Said Minerva.
"It cannot be helped. Arthur is too closely watched at the Ministry. Young Percy is also making a name for himself there." Said Albus. "Perhaps having Ginny around will ease his concerns. Any other business?"
"Just one more, Albus." This came from Nicholas Flamel. "I have continued my study of Demos and his pod. Severus sensed that Demos lapsed into unconsciousness some time last night. By all the measurements we have, it seems that Demos is betwixt a deep sleep and the first levels of unconscious thought. The pod itself is twice its previous size. As of an hour ago, its rapid growth seems to have stopped. How long this stage of dormancy will last is unknown to me."
"The husk is drying out. I believe that it will rip apart and open very soon. What will come out I don't know." Professor Sprout added.
"How much time before it opens?" asked Mr. Ollivander.
"I think imminent any time this week." Sprout answered. "I suggest we have either a house elf or a ghost on constant duty to let us know when it does start to open."
"Very good suggestion, Cera. I'll see to it." Said Professor McGonagall.
"If there is nothing else, breakfast awaits. Severus, the room is once more yours." Dumbledore stood up and the rest followed him out.
- * -
It had been three little words, five syllables and twelve letters. Four words if one counted the contraction. So easily came the words yet their effect was far from unremarkable judging by the reactions of the two people who had heard Hermione Granger say them at the same time in the same place - the Eyrie.
After a filling lunch, Professor Snape sat feet propped by the fire catching up on all his delayed intelligence correspondence, papers that needed grading and various other administrative tasks. Hermione had spent most of her study period arranging her new desk to her liking. Then together with Neville she had set up a joint worktable in a little used corner of the room by the large windows. They stood by their worktable preparing the last tasks needed to complete their first official club assignment. After poring through several volumes and talking with Professor Snape and Mr. Ollivander a simple idea had formed. They would be making a leeching gem that would allow the Tree of Blessings to take energy from them while they slept in their own beds instead of being in the Sitters Room. The number of sitters had been increased to four a night to account for the Tree's increased appetite or as Professor Sprout had taken to calling it "eating for two." There were so few qualified sitters or those who could be spared from their other duties that those on the roster barely had enough time to recover before being rescheduled again. Additional sitters were desperately needed. Their little project was going to pay handsome dividends if it was successful. Professor Snape would monitor them when they cast their adapted leech spell on the two small gemstones contributed by Mr. Ollivander.
"We'll need at least five drops of virgin's blood and some unicorn horn powder. I'll go to the stores and get the powder if you get the blood ready."
"Right. Ginny should be in the common room about now." Hermione said as she opened a cubbyhole, took out a box and extracted a lancet.
"Ginny?" Neville watched as Hermione dropped the lancet in a test tube and pocketed it.
"I don't qualify." She was halfway out the door when she added. "I'll be right back!"
The meaning of her words became clear. Neville's jaw dropped like a stone let fly over a cliff. "She doesn't qualify!? I don't believe it. Hermione!? Hermione?!"
He wasn't the only one in a state of disbelief. But the other one was more adept at hiding reactions. Professor Snape had heard every word. The swan was proving to be full of surprises he thought. His disbelief had quickly turned to amusement. "Why is it so shocking, Neville, that it has happened or that the motivation for sex exists at all? Is Ms. Granger considered the virgin madonna of Gryffindor house?"
"No, no, Professor. It's just, well, it's Hermione for Merlin's sake!"
"And again, why is that so shocking? You both are at an age when hormones are making their presence felt." Snape finished one letter and signed his name clearly. He chose the next letter on his pile.
"Hermione isn't as girly as the other girls are. She doesn't flirt or date. There was Victor Krum but that's it." Neville explained.
"I would hazard that on this matter Ms. Granger is little different from others her age save for her level of discretion and reticence. Both of you are at an age when hormones are making their presence felt. Interest in sex follows closely on the heels of interest in the opposite gender. It is a natural pattern, Neville."
"You sound like you approve?"
"I neither approve or disprove. It simply is. Having any emotional bias or reaction over something that will happen sooner or later is illogical to me. When a boy loses his virginity, it is seen as gaining status in front of one's peers. When a girl commits the same act, it is observed to be negative rarely positive. In any case, one thing remains the same, Neville. How one deals with it before and after is one's own business." Snape had stopped reading and turned his full attention to Neville. "But I begin to see your larger problem and it is one we all have when dealing with Ms. Granger."
"I have another problem?" Neville was now truly perplexed and it showed.
"We presume too much based on face value and underestimate Ms. Granger who has the predisposition of turning our assumptions upside down."
"Yours, too, professor?"
"Yes, mine too. However, I am consciously trying to change that." Snape cleared his throat and returned to his reading and his own thoughts.
Neville got his collection bottle ready as he thought of this new facet of his housemate who was apparently a girl and not just a walking encyclopedia. No, he amended, not a girl anymore. Hermione was a woman and whoever the bloke was or is was either blessed or cursed. The experience had not changed her from what he could see and that was more important. She was still the same Hermione of the steel-trap mind, crusading tendencies and bossy attitude. That was all he needed to know. He put the whole incident away from his mind as he left the Eyrie heading for the dungeons.
- * -
Hermione walked into the Eyrie very late that night for her first formal tutoring session with Professor Snape. Classical music was coming from somewhere near the hearth where the fiery logs cast the only bright spot in the room. A voice called to her from the sofa. It was Professor Snape inquiring "Who dares disturb my rest now!?"
Hermione moved towards the sofa. "Hermione the duckling."
"The duckling ought to know better." She saw his head rise above the seatback as he sat up.
"Hermione the swan then." Hermione took her position sitting on the sofa back opposite her potions master and now new mentor.
"Keep that thought. Are you ready to begin, Ms. Granger?" Lacking his usual teacher's robes or his overcoat, Snape was simply dressed in black pants and a dark green silk dress shirt. He faced her with his legs on the sofa crossed at the ankles. One arm rested on the back of the sofa. She realized the music was coming from the ebony hourglass sitting on the mantel. She remembered being fascinated with the multihued sand when she had first seen it. "Have a seat please."
"I'm quite comfortable where I am?"
"Must you be contrary?"
"Must it always have to be your way?"
"Very well. Stay where you are." He stood up and walked over to the mantel. He touched the base of the hourglass just once. The music stopped.
"That is amazing! How does it work?."
"Each sand represents a song." Snape held up the hourglass by two of its columns and walked around the end of the sofa to stand by her. He held out the hourglass to her. Sitting as she was on the sofa's back and him standing, their heights were not nearly as disparate than when they both were standing.
"Each sand? There must be thousands in here." Hermione took hold on the top and bottom taking delight in the reflection of light against the kaleidoscopic sand. "How does it know what to play?"
"To play a song you simply turn it over and say the name of the song you wish it to play." To demonstrate he covered her hands with his and turned the hourglass slowly upside down. "Classical, if you please?"
"Serenade by Haydn." The hourglass vibrated briefly. The sand began to undulate and swirl once more in time and rhythm to the music. Though his hands were larger and surely heavier than hers, she hardly felt their weight.
"The swan it seems is a closet romantic."
"The lion hides in the closet, too. If I'm not mistaken, that was Romance for String Opus 11 I heard playing earlier." Her eyes were trained on the hourglass. His hands still covered hers.
"Why this song?" Snape whispered more to himself than to her. Unlike hers, his eyes were not on the hourglass.
"Promise not to laugh, professor." She looked up to him.
"Never." He removed his hands from atop hers and crossed them behind him.
"I was small about eight or so. I was watching a show on television." Judging by his expression, he knew what a television was. "There was something wrong with our set and sometimes the volume would just disappear. I was watching a movie that had a ballroom scene. All the ladies were in their finery. All the gentlemen were, too. The sound was gone but my mother had this song playing in the other room. I know this piece isn't a real waltz but to my mind they were dancing to this song."
"Not a waltz, I see. Have you ever tested this theory of yours?" Snape crossed his arms in front of his chest.
"No, I never saw the need." Hermione answered.
"All theories should be tested, Ms. Granger, whether in or out of the closet." He looked down on her waiting for her decision. "I've seen you waltz adequately at the Yule Ball."
Hermione spluttered. "You're not serious?"
"I am surprised that you possess no curiosity whatsoever to see if the nasty git knows how to dance?"
"I don't think of you like that." Hermione amended her words. "Anymore."
"That leaves me to deduce that you are afraid. Afraid to have your theory debunked."
Goaded, Hermione shoved the hourglass back into his arms. She moved purposely to the center of the room and waited. He put the hourglass back on the mantelpiece commanding it to begin the song anew. The music began to play. He joined her at the center and held out his hand to her. "May I have this waltz, Ms. Granger?"
She curtsied. He bowed. She raised her hand to his. He held her hand in his. Her hand found its way to his shoulder. His hand fell to her waist. The first step was taken, a second then a third. Silhouetted against the tall windows and the sparkling evening sky beyond, they waltzed wordlessly through moonlight and shadow. One sweep, one circle all around the center of the room followed by two more. After a time the song ended and they parted. One stood embraced by moonlight. The other veiled by shifting shadows. One bowed. The other curtsied. They stood facing each other still as stone columns. Only their words were moving.
"Thank you. The theory is proven."
"Don't . don't look at me like that."
"Why not?"
"Because you're not seeing what you think you are."
"I see what I see and it's not all bad."
"Don't delude yourself."
"Shall I tell you what I see?"
"It makes little difference to me."
"I see a problem."
"Only one?"
"The one who is making all the difference doesn't believe it or see it."
"There is no difference and therefore nothing to see."
"I shall make it my mission to make sure you do see it AND believe it."
"I thought you had written me off."
"You refused to be written off. You kept doing one good thing after another. Very persistent of you."
"It would be a waste of time. You need to focus on your studies not on -"
"Know two things about me, Professor Severus Snape. First, I make time for my friends. Second I never consider that time wasted."
"I seem to be learning more and more about you today, Ms. Granger."
"Good, we're learning together." Hermione smiled. "You did commit to that."
"I remember. I also know that we have wasted enough time with this music nonsense. We need to plan your study schedule. It's getting late." Snape said. He gestured for her to precede him back to the sofa. For the next half hour they wrestled with her busy schedule.
Hermione left with a stack of miniaturized books in her robe pocket. The castle would start emptying tomorrow as students went home for the Christmas holidays. Professor Snape and Madame Longbottom would arrive in the middle of her vacation to talk to her parents. She only hoped that her parents would understand and be supportive.
- * -
Author's Notes: I have to admit to difficulty portraying Hermione. Though I passed thirty a while back, I still remember the ups and downs of the years between 14 and 16. Euphoric one minute and depressed the next and full of doubt all the time. Feedback would be appreciated on how you the reader see Hermione's growth in this story. Too implausible? Too many liberties? Remember, she's 15 as of this chapter.
As always thanks to the readers and the reviewers. You make me blush, stammer and more importantly keep me going. The story is deep in the middle right now. I'm finding that the middle is far from easy but I hope to have avoided the fill in the blanks approach as much as possible.
Enjoy!
mavidian
A saying reminds us that old dogs cannot learn new tricks. But old dogs have ways of making old tricks seem new again. Ways transparent to those of lesser days. The headmaster, Nicholas Flamel and Mr. Ollivander made their way to the Eyrie. Their odyssey had begun in the Room of Counsel then Snape's quarters and finally the infirmary but still no sign of the potions master.
"Next to Filch Severus knows this place better than anyone," Albus said. "I remember him exploring all the odd places the times that Serjanus and Calliandra were teaching here."
"Albus, is it true that Severus got into Gryffindor tower once?" asked Mr. Ollivander.
"Oh, yes! He went missing for half a day before someone thought to check the one place that he should never have been."
"How did he get in?" asked Flamel.
"He asked the guardian portrait question after question after question. Severus would keep returning every time he was told off." Albus explained. "Eager to be rid of a troublesome pest, the portrait let him in. At seven years of age what harm could he possibly do?"
They reached the Eyrie. Mr. Ollivander said the password. They found their quarry's lanky frame laid out on the sofa enjoying the emerging sunrise with Beethoven for company. "I am resting per the conditions of my early release. Your reason for disturbing my rest had better pass muster with Poppy."
"She is well aware of our purpose, Severus." Albus began taking a chair and watching the dawn himself. Mr. Ollivander went to make them all coffees. "I will make this short. Are you up to performing the partner bonding?"
"You have three willing students come calling." Mr. Flamel stood by the Library peering wistfully at the racks of tiny books eager to delve in but an unseen field repelled his advances. Here were things he had not known to exist or ever seen before.
"I will need to exempt myself." Albus said.
"That leaves Nicholas and myself." Ollivander asked. Sparks flew from the library as Mr. Flamel got too close to the protective field.
Severus took pity on Mr. Flamel. "Which volumes would you like?"
"The Rituals of Amon-Ra and the volume on the Lost Poems of Cattulus. So long have I been gone that I will have need of some such to turn Pernelle sweet upon my arrival. If you would be so kind, Severus." Flamel replied. Snape asked for both. One slim volume and a thick scroll of parchment rocketed out of the Library racks. With a slight flick of his wrist, Snape directed the items to Mr. Flamel. Flamel tucked the book under one arm and unrolled the parchment reverently.
Mr. Ollivander levitated their coffees to the center table. "Can I have Catullus after you're done?"
"Certainly, " said Flamel. "Tell us, Severus, how long will it take to teach us?"
Before Snape could reply the door opened and in walked Professors McGonagall, Sprout and Flitwick, Madam Pomfrey and ex-professor Alastor Moody. "Good morning, all," said McGonagall. She took the plush chair next to Mr. Ollivander then casted a recorder spell.
"As I said, Poppy is well aware of this session." Said Dumbledore.
"You have to try a cappuccino, Alastor," said Madam Pomfrey started to make a latte for herself, a cappuccino for Moody and an espresso for Minerva. Professor Sprout was making a café American for Flitwick and an iced latte for herself. In the meantime, Flitwick arranged chairs for him and Professor Sprout.
"Cap-what? I don't drink anything but what's in my flask you know that." Moody pulled up a chair by the others.
"Just one sip, Alastor." Minerva urged.
"Anything here is absolutely safe and delicious I might add, Alastor." Said Dumbledore sipping his own mochachino. "Minerva, have the house elves had any luck in replicating these varieties?"
"Not yet. They are having difficulty gauging the taste and proper proportions just so." Minerva replied.
"You won't regret it." Sprout called out to Moody.
"The proof will be in the tasting. I had to wait until the ghosts had cleared the hallways before I could get about. Have we missed anything?" Moody asked.
"Severus was about to explain what it would take to teach Flavius and myself how to do the partner ritual." Said Flamel.
"Now that EVERYONE is here." Snape sat up and stretched. He walked over to the windows. He leaned on the windowpane, faced his audience and began to reveal yet another aspect of his recent experiments. "Let me tell you first how I created the ritual. As you know, a person's aura may increase in intensity and depth depending on age, mood and other factors. An aura also has an energy signature much like a fingerprint that is unique to every individual. With Sybil's help, I was able to create a small spell that recognizes the aural signature of a person. This spell is an intrinsic part of the ritual. Its primary purpose is to force the auras of volunteer and partner to reveal each to the other. Each aura is made to recognize and stay true to its match permanently."
"There are spells and methods to see, identify, detect and create auras but I know of none that do the linking you describe. Energy is too dynamically ephemeral for our spells to have any kind of permanent effect upon it." Flitwick insisted.
Snape sighed and studied their expressions. "Faced with this limitation, I proceeded down an alternate path to a solution. I realized that I did not have to be the one to perform the tasks I needed done only that those tasks be done by whatever means. We all know that besides mortals and a few magical beings, demons can and do manipulate magical energy as we cannot and in ways unknown to us. The obvious solution was to have a demon perform the spells for me. But demons are notoriously stubborn and not prone to grant favors to humans. So I -"
"There is only one way and one reason why a demon would be so compliant. " Albus interrupted with a steely edge to his voice that caused the hairs on Snape's arms to rise. "It is one thing to drain energy from another being quite another to enslave it. Enslavement of a demon is the darkest form of sorcery, Severus. I do not remember reading any of this matter in your notes. Poppy, how much of this do you know? Anyone else know anything? You have timed this particular revelation rather late, Severus. "
"I knew that a demon had to be enslaved in order to finish the ritual and assumed that it would then be released afterwards." Poppy answered. "What sane man would keep a demon around like a . a pet!"
"As of a few days ago, I knew of it." Minerva added.
"You didn't say a word." Ollivander looked at her.
"It was part of a confidence." Minerva answered. "I do not betray confidences."
"Why tell the rest of us only a portion of the truth, Severus?" Albus asked. "Why?"
"You would not have approved of it. You would have tried to stop me. And if you had, where would we be now?" Snape glared back.
"You should have consulted those with far more experience in these matters before proceeding." Dumbledore's eyes grew narrow and flashed dangerously.
"There was no time." Snape insisted.
"The perennial excuse of the reckless! There is always time enough in the beginning but not at the end!" Dumbledore lost his patience and his temper. Streaks of energy crackled around him.
Snape faced the headmaster head on. "The results speak for themselves!"
Dumbledore chose his next words carefully. "Take it from one who knows. You have made yourself blind to consequences that will not play out as neatly as the results!"
"I know I have! Don't you think I know that! I accept it. Who gave me my choice of penance and atonement, do you remember?"
Dumbledore's rage seeped out of him. "I did. If I had known that it would lead to this, I would have chosen differently. You have paid enough, Severus. No more is asked of you."
"By whom? By you? By my parents? By any of you here now in this room!? By every person who died at the hands of the Death Eaters!?" Snape turned once more to stare out the window his long angular face tinted red by the rising sun. "It is my choice to ask more of myself. I ask and find myself still lacking."
"I fervently hope that one day you will see yourself through another's eyes. Then perhaps you will be satisfied." Albus replied. "For now I require something of you and you are going to damn well do it. Look at me!"
Snape turned to do as he was bid. "I know that I cannot stop you from following the dictates of your conscience and nature. But one thing I can do and require. From now on, you will make it a point to speak with Minerva, Flavius, Cera, Filius or Nicholas before you contemplate doing anything of this magnitude again. Then we as a group will discuss and decide. I want your word and oath as a Head of House. If you cannot abide by my condition, then I ask for and expect your immediate resignation."
"Sartre was right. Hell is other people." Snape murmured. He stood still as a statue with arms crossed across his chest. His eyes were fixed on the opposing wall but all other eyes were upon him.
"For good or ill, we all share the same box. You cannot get out and neither can any of us until the end. But you are bound and determined to stay in your own corner indulging in self-flagellation and suffering. Very well. That is as you say your choice. But it is also our choice and desire to help you in whatever way we can. " said Minerva.
"And we would like to be the ones to provide you your exits since you will not do for yourself." Said Mr. Ollivander. "You need only step through."
"Severus, do not see this as a curtailment nor as an indication of a lack of faith in your abilities. It is a gracious opportunity to share the burden." Flamel advised. Snape remained unmoving.
"Though you may feel that dealing with Voldemort is primarily your penance it is not your sole obligation. We all here in our own way share that obligation." Said Flitwick. "As we all share the risks."
"We cannot have secrets like this kept hidden no matter how noble the intentions. The risk to you is great but the effect on the rest of us and our plans is immense." Said Sprout. "We cannot have knowledge given out in tidbits and at your convenience. It is all or nothing."
"Wouldn't you want some company when the acolyte of hell comes to take accounting of the slaver?" Albus asked. He knew more than the rest the effort Severus would have to make to bring down the isolationist wall around him brick by brick. There was a time that the wall saved not only his life but his sanity. The wall had to be chipped down now before the last brick became permanent. "Moral support at the very least."
The answer when it came was low and hoarse. He slowly made his way back to the sofa. He sat down and looked at the headmaster straight. "I don't share well. But you know that. I'll try. I give you my word, headmaster."
"Very good." Dumbledore sat back and breathed deeply before continuing. "When will you release the demon?"
"I'm not going to release it. Not yet. I have other plans."
"Severus, you are as a moth to a flame daring incineration to overwhelm you with every pass." Said Flamel shaking his head. "With every foray you grow more brazen."
"Or more desperate. You have certainly inherited Calliandra penchant for thrill-seeking." Minerva said. Various coffees floated through the air seeking their intended.
"Minerva, I have just endured my mother reading my notes and critiquing my methods. Nothing not even those here present is more perilous than that." Snape's wry comment broke the strangling tension in the room and getting some hearty laughs from his audience.
"Let us get back to the topic. My stomach is telling me it is close to breakfast. You were explaining about auras, Severus." Said the headmaster.
"Yes. Think of each individual's aura as one end of a permanent link or bridge which is established between volunteer and partner. This bridge is built with mechanisms in place - an incantation to communicate. an enchantment to lend energy one to the other and a spell to invoke when summoning the other link. I have found that for the bridge to remain viable the link must be constant with no variations on strength or consistency. There can be no ebbing and flowing. In addition to the major spells built into this bridge there are other spells to maintain and repair the link as needed. There is a side effect I did not anticipate. Apparently, the stronger the trust between the volunteer and the partner the stronger are the bridging spells and therefore their effects. The result is a deeper connection that borders on the empathic and at times telepathic. Minerva and Mr. Ollivander can better answer specifics if anyone has any questions."
"Before I forget, here you are, Severus. My notes on the side effects as you requested." Mr. Ollivander fished a scroll out of his jacket and placed it on the low center table. "I have been chided in the recent past for my inattention to proper archival documentation. I am therefore making amends."
"Have you noticed any changes to your spell casting or wand making?" Snape asked.
"I have detected no ill effects other than the increased potency and more available energy to draw upon. After nearly destroying the armory, I have learned to reduce intensity by little over half."
"Most of the volunteers have reported an increase of at least two-fold in their spell magnitude. The ones with higher concentration levels like Minerva, Vector, Poppy, Sinistra and Pince have reported a three-fold increase. They have had to become far more precise than the others."
"When time permits, we must restudy this phenomenon." Flamel sat back his hands steepled before him looking intently at Ollivander, Dumbledore, Minerva and Snape in turn.
"Pince and Sinistra have also reported a few other benefits. I hesitate to call them side effects. I believe the bridge mechanisms are formed in ways somewhat unique and ultimately beneficial to the recipient. I agree, sir, this should be studied in more depth." Said Snape.
"Aural signatures indeed remain the same but are aura changes attributable to the phenomenon, Severus? Your blue-green shades are much more pronounced than before. Minerva's yellow is quite vibrant. Flavius is nearly blinding especially in the blue-green spectrums." Flamel observed. "New trick in your repertoire, Albus? A false read is all I get from you."
"Nicholas, that particular color analysis is not directly caused by the side effect. I can assure of that." Ollivander was too much of a gentleman to elaborate further. During the short but meaning-laden silence, an unsaid but much anticipated announcement had been made. The potions master was quick-witted enough to deduce the exact reason and being a gentleman himself let that path of inquiry expire. How else could he face Minerva every day with that thought in his head?
"Let's move on. We will talk later, Nicholas." Said Albus nodded at Flamel. "Continue, Severus."
"During the last phase of the partner ritual, I invoke the demon and have it build the bridge then imbue the structure with the various spells. So, unless Mr. Ollivander and Mr. Flamel have similar demons in their charge, they would not be capable of doing the ritual."
"I cannot say I have much desire for one in my inventory." Said Ollivander. "But if that is what's needed -"
"A hundred things could go wrong during a summoning. Demons are unpredictable at the best of times." Poppy said.
"I absolutely forbid the enslavement or attempts to enslave any more demons." Dumbledore said. "We cannot afford to fight a war on two fronts."
"Wait. We have one demon already right? Why not share that demon's services amongst us all as needed?" Those words from Moody produced more than a few shudders in the room.
"That need is not entirely palatable but presents a good idea to pursue." Sprout commented. "I am assuming that your invocation, Severus, is all encompassing. The demon must appear, acknowledge your summons and then be told what is required of it. Can we not craft an invocation with only one very tight purpose that would not require the demon's actual presence? Its presence would not be required since it would already know what it needed to do at that very moment. It need only carry out a single instruction."
"What we need is remote control demon summoning." asked Moody. He had found his coffee to be much to his liking. It was half consumed already.
"Remote what?" asked Poppy.
"A muggle term, Poppy. I'll explain it later. I can only explain it as giving an instruction, having that instruction received and then the instruction would be performed with the desired and same result each and every time without fail." Moody elaborated.
"Muggles have such tools, Moody?" Flitwick asked.
"Yes they do. I've seen them. They use it for many things from activating devices to finding lost things to controlling mechanized objects that in turn fulfill their tasks for them." Moody explained.
"Remote control is usually done via some mechanical device like a television and a remote hand held panel." Said Snape.
"Tele-vi-sion?" asked Flitwick looking from Moody to Snape and back again.
"Muggles can be quite inventive. They cope quite well without magic, Filius. I wonder if the reverse could be said of us. Could we cope without magic as well as they do?" asked Flamel looking on at the charms professor perched on a stool next to his chair.
"Alastor, this remote control theory sounds like it is exactly what we need. We cannot count on Severus always being the one to carry out the ritual. He will not always be available. I want you to investigate this. Think further on making it a reality, eh." Dumbledore commanded.
"How soon would you want something?" asked Moody.
"You have less than two weeks, Alastor, to come up with something workable." Dumbledore stroked his long silvery beard. "Filius and I will be discussing the volunteer and partner pairings later today. The ritual will have to be carried out right after the students return from holiday. Now I propose adjourning unless there is other open business to attend."
"One more item, Albus. Nicholas you have need of an assistant. I will asking a very promising student of mine Hermione Granger to -" Minerva announced.
"Wait, Minerva, Hermione, I mean Ms. Granger's work load has to be considered." Said Snape. "She is already taking tutoring from me plus Club business plus a full class schedule. When would she be expected to sleep let alone eat? Perhaps we can find a Ravenclaw instead?"
This unusually solicitous almost proprietary comment drew many a surprised look. Dumbledore adjusted his spectacles and peered at Snape as if seeing him for the first time. The order in which Snape ordered Ms. Granger's schedule was not overlooked. "You have a point, Severus. Ms. Granger would be quite willing however we cannot have her overtax herself either. Filius, is there one in your house whose motives are above reproach?"
Professor Flitwick thought for a minute. "Several come to mind who can do the tasks required however none of them have the requisite emotional or psychological maturity. That person would also have to know of the Club and we have been very selective as to whom we admit in."
"We have had great success with our two junior members. It is time we recruited in the younger ranks." Dumbledore shared a knowing look with Professor McGonagall. "There is another student here at Hogwarts who like Hermione and Neville know first hand what Voldemort is capable of. Minerva, ask Virginia Weasley to join the club."
"Yes, good choice. Her potions grades have improved the last month. With proper direction she should be able to assist Mr. Flamel. And she is discreet." Snape agreed.
"Severus, one would think you approved of my house." Minerva teased.
"Some Gryffindors have their uses." Snape replied. "But only some."
"That will make two Weasleys. Bill has already expressed concerns that he has to keep this matter from his parents and siblings." Said Minerva.
"It cannot be helped. Arthur is too closely watched at the Ministry. Young Percy is also making a name for himself there." Said Albus. "Perhaps having Ginny around will ease his concerns. Any other business?"
"Just one more, Albus." This came from Nicholas Flamel. "I have continued my study of Demos and his pod. Severus sensed that Demos lapsed into unconsciousness some time last night. By all the measurements we have, it seems that Demos is betwixt a deep sleep and the first levels of unconscious thought. The pod itself is twice its previous size. As of an hour ago, its rapid growth seems to have stopped. How long this stage of dormancy will last is unknown to me."
"The husk is drying out. I believe that it will rip apart and open very soon. What will come out I don't know." Professor Sprout added.
"How much time before it opens?" asked Mr. Ollivander.
"I think imminent any time this week." Sprout answered. "I suggest we have either a house elf or a ghost on constant duty to let us know when it does start to open."
"Very good suggestion, Cera. I'll see to it." Said Professor McGonagall.
"If there is nothing else, breakfast awaits. Severus, the room is once more yours." Dumbledore stood up and the rest followed him out.
- * -
It had been three little words, five syllables and twelve letters. Four words if one counted the contraction. So easily came the words yet their effect was far from unremarkable judging by the reactions of the two people who had heard Hermione Granger say them at the same time in the same place - the Eyrie.
After a filling lunch, Professor Snape sat feet propped by the fire catching up on all his delayed intelligence correspondence, papers that needed grading and various other administrative tasks. Hermione had spent most of her study period arranging her new desk to her liking. Then together with Neville she had set up a joint worktable in a little used corner of the room by the large windows. They stood by their worktable preparing the last tasks needed to complete their first official club assignment. After poring through several volumes and talking with Professor Snape and Mr. Ollivander a simple idea had formed. They would be making a leeching gem that would allow the Tree of Blessings to take energy from them while they slept in their own beds instead of being in the Sitters Room. The number of sitters had been increased to four a night to account for the Tree's increased appetite or as Professor Sprout had taken to calling it "eating for two." There were so few qualified sitters or those who could be spared from their other duties that those on the roster barely had enough time to recover before being rescheduled again. Additional sitters were desperately needed. Their little project was going to pay handsome dividends if it was successful. Professor Snape would monitor them when they cast their adapted leech spell on the two small gemstones contributed by Mr. Ollivander.
"We'll need at least five drops of virgin's blood and some unicorn horn powder. I'll go to the stores and get the powder if you get the blood ready."
"Right. Ginny should be in the common room about now." Hermione said as she opened a cubbyhole, took out a box and extracted a lancet.
"Ginny?" Neville watched as Hermione dropped the lancet in a test tube and pocketed it.
"I don't qualify." She was halfway out the door when she added. "I'll be right back!"
The meaning of her words became clear. Neville's jaw dropped like a stone let fly over a cliff. "She doesn't qualify!? I don't believe it. Hermione!? Hermione?!"
He wasn't the only one in a state of disbelief. But the other one was more adept at hiding reactions. Professor Snape had heard every word. The swan was proving to be full of surprises he thought. His disbelief had quickly turned to amusement. "Why is it so shocking, Neville, that it has happened or that the motivation for sex exists at all? Is Ms. Granger considered the virgin madonna of Gryffindor house?"
"No, no, Professor. It's just, well, it's Hermione for Merlin's sake!"
"And again, why is that so shocking? You both are at an age when hormones are making their presence felt." Snape finished one letter and signed his name clearly. He chose the next letter on his pile.
"Hermione isn't as girly as the other girls are. She doesn't flirt or date. There was Victor Krum but that's it." Neville explained.
"I would hazard that on this matter Ms. Granger is little different from others her age save for her level of discretion and reticence. Both of you are at an age when hormones are making their presence felt. Interest in sex follows closely on the heels of interest in the opposite gender. It is a natural pattern, Neville."
"You sound like you approve?"
"I neither approve or disprove. It simply is. Having any emotional bias or reaction over something that will happen sooner or later is illogical to me. When a boy loses his virginity, it is seen as gaining status in front of one's peers. When a girl commits the same act, it is observed to be negative rarely positive. In any case, one thing remains the same, Neville. How one deals with it before and after is one's own business." Snape had stopped reading and turned his full attention to Neville. "But I begin to see your larger problem and it is one we all have when dealing with Ms. Granger."
"I have another problem?" Neville was now truly perplexed and it showed.
"We presume too much based on face value and underestimate Ms. Granger who has the predisposition of turning our assumptions upside down."
"Yours, too, professor?"
"Yes, mine too. However, I am consciously trying to change that." Snape cleared his throat and returned to his reading and his own thoughts.
Neville got his collection bottle ready as he thought of this new facet of his housemate who was apparently a girl and not just a walking encyclopedia. No, he amended, not a girl anymore. Hermione was a woman and whoever the bloke was or is was either blessed or cursed. The experience had not changed her from what he could see and that was more important. She was still the same Hermione of the steel-trap mind, crusading tendencies and bossy attitude. That was all he needed to know. He put the whole incident away from his mind as he left the Eyrie heading for the dungeons.
- * -
Hermione walked into the Eyrie very late that night for her first formal tutoring session with Professor Snape. Classical music was coming from somewhere near the hearth where the fiery logs cast the only bright spot in the room. A voice called to her from the sofa. It was Professor Snape inquiring "Who dares disturb my rest now!?"
Hermione moved towards the sofa. "Hermione the duckling."
"The duckling ought to know better." She saw his head rise above the seatback as he sat up.
"Hermione the swan then." Hermione took her position sitting on the sofa back opposite her potions master and now new mentor.
"Keep that thought. Are you ready to begin, Ms. Granger?" Lacking his usual teacher's robes or his overcoat, Snape was simply dressed in black pants and a dark green silk dress shirt. He faced her with his legs on the sofa crossed at the ankles. One arm rested on the back of the sofa. She realized the music was coming from the ebony hourglass sitting on the mantel. She remembered being fascinated with the multihued sand when she had first seen it. "Have a seat please."
"I'm quite comfortable where I am?"
"Must you be contrary?"
"Must it always have to be your way?"
"Very well. Stay where you are." He stood up and walked over to the mantel. He touched the base of the hourglass just once. The music stopped.
"That is amazing! How does it work?."
"Each sand represents a song." Snape held up the hourglass by two of its columns and walked around the end of the sofa to stand by her. He held out the hourglass to her. Sitting as she was on the sofa's back and him standing, their heights were not nearly as disparate than when they both were standing.
"Each sand? There must be thousands in here." Hermione took hold on the top and bottom taking delight in the reflection of light against the kaleidoscopic sand. "How does it know what to play?"
"To play a song you simply turn it over and say the name of the song you wish it to play." To demonstrate he covered her hands with his and turned the hourglass slowly upside down. "Classical, if you please?"
"Serenade by Haydn." The hourglass vibrated briefly. The sand began to undulate and swirl once more in time and rhythm to the music. Though his hands were larger and surely heavier than hers, she hardly felt their weight.
"The swan it seems is a closet romantic."
"The lion hides in the closet, too. If I'm not mistaken, that was Romance for String Opus 11 I heard playing earlier." Her eyes were trained on the hourglass. His hands still covered hers.
"Why this song?" Snape whispered more to himself than to her. Unlike hers, his eyes were not on the hourglass.
"Promise not to laugh, professor." She looked up to him.
"Never." He removed his hands from atop hers and crossed them behind him.
"I was small about eight or so. I was watching a show on television." Judging by his expression, he knew what a television was. "There was something wrong with our set and sometimes the volume would just disappear. I was watching a movie that had a ballroom scene. All the ladies were in their finery. All the gentlemen were, too. The sound was gone but my mother had this song playing in the other room. I know this piece isn't a real waltz but to my mind they were dancing to this song."
"Not a waltz, I see. Have you ever tested this theory of yours?" Snape crossed his arms in front of his chest.
"No, I never saw the need." Hermione answered.
"All theories should be tested, Ms. Granger, whether in or out of the closet." He looked down on her waiting for her decision. "I've seen you waltz adequately at the Yule Ball."
Hermione spluttered. "You're not serious?"
"I am surprised that you possess no curiosity whatsoever to see if the nasty git knows how to dance?"
"I don't think of you like that." Hermione amended her words. "Anymore."
"That leaves me to deduce that you are afraid. Afraid to have your theory debunked."
Goaded, Hermione shoved the hourglass back into his arms. She moved purposely to the center of the room and waited. He put the hourglass back on the mantelpiece commanding it to begin the song anew. The music began to play. He joined her at the center and held out his hand to her. "May I have this waltz, Ms. Granger?"
She curtsied. He bowed. She raised her hand to his. He held her hand in his. Her hand found its way to his shoulder. His hand fell to her waist. The first step was taken, a second then a third. Silhouetted against the tall windows and the sparkling evening sky beyond, they waltzed wordlessly through moonlight and shadow. One sweep, one circle all around the center of the room followed by two more. After a time the song ended and they parted. One stood embraced by moonlight. The other veiled by shifting shadows. One bowed. The other curtsied. They stood facing each other still as stone columns. Only their words were moving.
"Thank you. The theory is proven."
"Don't . don't look at me like that."
"Why not?"
"Because you're not seeing what you think you are."
"I see what I see and it's not all bad."
"Don't delude yourself."
"Shall I tell you what I see?"
"It makes little difference to me."
"I see a problem."
"Only one?"
"The one who is making all the difference doesn't believe it or see it."
"There is no difference and therefore nothing to see."
"I shall make it my mission to make sure you do see it AND believe it."
"I thought you had written me off."
"You refused to be written off. You kept doing one good thing after another. Very persistent of you."
"It would be a waste of time. You need to focus on your studies not on -"
"Know two things about me, Professor Severus Snape. First, I make time for my friends. Second I never consider that time wasted."
"I seem to be learning more and more about you today, Ms. Granger."
"Good, we're learning together." Hermione smiled. "You did commit to that."
"I remember. I also know that we have wasted enough time with this music nonsense. We need to plan your study schedule. It's getting late." Snape said. He gestured for her to precede him back to the sofa. For the next half hour they wrestled with her busy schedule.
Hermione left with a stack of miniaturized books in her robe pocket. The castle would start emptying tomorrow as students went home for the Christmas holidays. Professor Snape and Madame Longbottom would arrive in the middle of her vacation to talk to her parents. She only hoped that her parents would understand and be supportive.
- * -
Author's Notes: I have to admit to difficulty portraying Hermione. Though I passed thirty a while back, I still remember the ups and downs of the years between 14 and 16. Euphoric one minute and depressed the next and full of doubt all the time. Feedback would be appreciated on how you the reader see Hermione's growth in this story. Too implausible? Too many liberties? Remember, she's 15 as of this chapter.
As always thanks to the readers and the reviewers. You make me blush, stammer and more importantly keep me going. The story is deep in the middle right now. I'm finding that the middle is far from easy but I hope to have avoided the fill in the blanks approach as much as possible.
Enjoy!
mavidian