By Distinct Vagueness
Chapter 7
When Hermione reached the classroom, she found it in near-darkness. A solitary candle drifted above the desks, but not producing nearly enough light to see what she was doing. She charmed a few more and the room was soon bathed in a warm glow.
Able to see easily now, Hermione went to the only cauldron set up at the back. A blue flame flickered below it, licking at the weary metal of the instrument. Taking the single leaf of parchment that accompanied it, Hermione glanced at what was already prepared. Inside the cauldron bubbled a mauve coloured mixture. With a closer look, she could see fragments of green slowly breaking down and succumbing to the heat. She wondered about its viscous nature, but decided not to stir it in fear of disturbing what it was supposed to become. Her eyes flicked to the parchment.
Miss Granger,
I trust that if you are reading this, you have managed to avoid knocking over the cauldron upon entrance. Kudos.
Hermione rolled her eyes. So he didn't need that voice to convey his trademark sarcasm. His lettering spoke derisive volumes as it was.
If you are on time, the potion has been gently simmering for two hours. Remove the cauldron from the heat and read the following method for the second stage of the Aduro Percuro Potion.
There followed a list of instructions. Hermione surmised he was making the potion for Madame Pomfrey. It eased the pain and most outward signs of extreme burns and skin abrasions. Or perhaps for himself, she thought in passing, frowning at what that could mean for his return.
You will leave my classroom at ten o' clock. I expect it to be empty and the potion on a low flame upon my return.
Professor Snape.
"What? No 'see you soon, lots of love, Professor Snape'?" Hermione muttered under her breath with a raised eyebrow, before heading to the ingredients shelf to gather what she needed.
-
Draco held his wand before him as he strolled along a second floor corridor. Sometimes the absence of light in the castle bothered him. It wouldn't kill the house elves to light a few extra candles, he thought to himself as he went around the corner and arrived at his destination.
There was a large window on the second floor that looked out over the path to the castle. It wasn't cluttered with stained images or frosting and so provided a perfect view of everyone and everything that entered the grounds. A light wind blew across the grass outside and carried dust across the stones and into the air. As he gazed out, there was a gentle pattering to be heard. Raindrops were beginning to fall from the torn, grey clouds above. Typical British weather really, though it was a bit early for April showers.
Draco wasn't watching from the window for the weather. It was about ten o'clock. He didn't exactly expect Severus to return yet, though he had been gone for a few hours. It all depended on the kind of gathering he'd been invited to. If it was a Revel, he could be expected to stay there 'til morning. But things had become different of late. For his godfather to be summoned was an event that was few and far between usually, but the Dark Lord had become more vociferous in his need to know what he had discovered. Which gave Severus two choices, either to lie, which led to the chance of being discovered sooner rather than later, or to pass over no information and hope for benevolence. It was rare for the Dark Lord to be easy-going on any of his subjects, so the price of silence, as always, would be pain. Draco had begun to measure the extent of his godfather's injuries on the length of time he was away.
He continued to stare out of the window, but the castle gates didn't swing open and no figure appeared from the rain. It was like that Muggle adage, he thought; something about a boiling pot or kettle and waiting being fruitless.
The sound of scuffling feet broke his concentration. There was flash of robes from the corner, which promptly disappeared and the footsteps came to an abrupt stop.
"Ten points from Hufflepuff," Draco barked out. "Get back to your common room."
Since being made Prefect in his fifth year, Draco had learnt to recognise the sounds and signs of each house when they were faced with being caught out after hours. From experience, he knew it was most likely a Hufflepuff from the fact that they often froze, not knowing whether to run or not. They were also appalling at talking themselves out of trouble.
There was a squeak- 'Girl, second year,' Draco guessed- and the footsteps were hurried and soon out of earshot.
Rolling his eyes, the Head Boy turned back to the window and then froze. He shook his head before setting off in a rush down the corridor.
-
Severus stretched out a hand for the gate, finally pushing it open and wincing at the shriek the hinges gave, which resounded ten times louder in his ears. He began to slowly walk down the path, blinking the blackness from his eyes, hoping that he was heading in the right direction to the castle doors.
Bloody Bellatrix. He cursed her as he nearly tripped over one of the stones. He'd come to the hope that the Dark Lord was only questioning the few Death-Eaters still stationed in the Ministry. It had seemed that way until the very end of the gathering, when Bellatrix had stood up and gave news of Lucius. Which inevitably led to the subject of Draco Malfoy. Instead of deflecting attention from him, Bellatrix took her seat and left Severus to attempt to reason why he hadn't spoken of him.
The Dark Lord hadn't exactly been in one of his most malicious moods, but was engaging in his sometimes inane sense of humour. There had been a 'joke' about not seeing straight until he got his priorities straight and now Severus was stumbling along the path, disorientated. Waves of black dots washed over his eyes and he had to fight the strong compulsion to head in the entirely wrong direction and upon Apparating to Hogsmeade, he feared being splinched.
Thankfully, he was in one piece and only had the challenge of finding his rooms. The spell would wear off by morning. He didn't particularly want to risk waving his wand around now to try to break it.
His hair was plastered to his head by the rain that was now lashing down and as he shook it, irritated, he heard a sound. The castle doors had opened. Severus froze. If it were Dumbledore, he'd merely be someone he wished to avoid. If it were a student…there would be no explanation given as to why the Potions Master was walking slowly along with an arm outstretched in the pouring rain, but the little brats would certainly come up with one. This notion actually made him hope it was Dumbledore. At least he wouldn't spread rumours of an inebriated Head of Slytherin House.
"Severus? It's me. What happened?"
Severus blinked in the direction of the voice. He should have known.
"Draco. What are you doing out here?" He attempted to look austerely towards Draco, only to collide with the younger man as he turned. A hand was on his arm to steady him.
"Watch the step," his godson told him.
"I'm not blind," Severus snapped, but was inwardly glad he'd been told before he fell over that too; his vision was getting cloudier by the minute.
"But you don't look in your right mind, either." Before the older man could admonish him for disrespect, he continued, his voice low as they entered the castle. "What happened?"
"Some people are easier to handle in a foul mood than certain ones are in what they think is good humour."
Draco frowned, while keeping a hand on his godfather's arm to guide him down the dungeon steps. "Did he-"
"This isn't a matter for discussion right now, Mr Malfoy."
Draco closed his mouth.
"We are by the Common Room, are we not?" asked Severus.
"…Yes," answered Draco slowly. He still wasn't sure exactly what had been done to him. He didn't seem in any visible pain, but his feet seemed unsteady, taking him in the wrong direction, or even towards walls.
"Then goodnight."
The Potions Master shook his arm free of Draco's hand and began to walk away, one hand trailing along the wall, feeling his way. The blonde stood by the entrance to the Slytherin common room for a few moments before trailing in the older man's path, his footsteps purposely soft. He knew Severus didn't appreciate much help from others, even when he needed it, but he at least wanted to make sure he made his way to the office without taking a sudden detour.
-
Hermione placed the third petri dish back into the cupboard and shut the door quickly. Heading back to the desk, she buckled the strap on her bag and slung it over her shoulder, glancing at her watch. It was a quarter past ten.
By ten minutes to, she had the potions at its final stage and decided to do a little reading before she turned down the flame. A little reading had turned into staying a little late and she'd exclaimed at her lack of attention, just glad that it hadn't lapsed at a crucial stage in the method he'd told her to follow.
Ensuring the desk was clean and tidy, she weaved her way through the desks and out of the classroom, shutting the door softly behind her. The book she had been reading had been the one he'd allowed her to borrow. She was almost finished it now, having stayed up late the night before engrossed in its pages, but intended to read it again and make some notes from it before handing it back promptly in Monday's lesson.
Pondering if a certain chapter would be useful for N.E.W.Ts revision, Hermione didn't notice the dark figure making its way uneasily towards her and smacked straight into a very solid body.
-
Draco went to run forward and grab Severus's cloak and tug him into a corner when he heard footsteps approaching. Severus apparently wasn't sharing his earshot tonight and continued on down the passageway on unsteady legs, out of reach of Draco, muttering to himself about something.
The person heading towards them turned the corner and Draco closed his eyes temporarily. Hermione Granger. Why was she wondering about here, alone, Friday night of all nights? He watched, expecting her to jump in fright at the sight of the Potions Master bearing down on her, but his presence didn't seem to register with the brown haired Head Girl. She continued down the passage, her steps quick and walked straight into Snape.
Caught off guard, Hermione wobbled for a second and then fell to the ground, her arms thrown backward to break her fall. She made an "umpf" of discomfort and looked up accusingly. Her eyes widened before she staggered to her feet.
"Professor! I'm sorry…I didn't mean to…I know it's past ten, but I…Professor Snape?"
Severus had a hand to his brow, shielding his eyes. He shook his head slightly, as if trying to clear it. "Not now," he murmured. "Draco, I told you to…ten o' clock? What are you talking about?"
He was blinking hazily at her. Draco would have been amused if it were any other situation.
"It isn't Draco, sir," said Hermione hesitantly, looking puzzled at his confusion. "It's Hermione. Er, Granger, sir."
Severus groaned. Both hands were at his head now and Draco didn't think it was entirely from her presence. "Granger…ju-just go," He winced, one hand making slow circles at his forehead.
"Sir, I-"
"Leave! Just move. Go…somewhere…" He gestured at the wall that was supposed to be Hermione.
The girl bit her lip and took a slow step towards him, one small hand rising to touch his shoulder. He shrugged away from it.
"I can't think of leaving you here like this, sir…I don't know what's wrong with you exactly, but…" she trailed off. Draco watched her eyes rake over his face and frown at the lack of signs of pain, except for his hands at his forehead.
Suddenly, he lifted his head, his hands leaving his eyes "Miss Granger?" One hand stretched outwards.
Hermione stepped back a little. "Professor?"
"I can't see," he murmured.
She stared at him. "Pardon?"
"I can't see!" he snapped. "Are you deaf, girl?"
"No," she replied, defensively. "I was just…you can't see?"
A glare in the direction of the wall answered her question. "Oh. Okay." She swallowed slightly. Was there something affecting his eyes, or had he actually gone blind?
"Sir…do you want me to find someone…maybe Du-"
He swung around in the wrong direction at her question. "No."
"But if you-"
"I simply need to get to my rooms," he interrupted crisply. He put a hand out to the wall, running his fingers over the stone. He turned slightly, frowning and then sighed. Without attempting to look her way, he spoke to Hermione, who was watching in trepidation.
"Miss Granger. I'm afraid that necessity compels me to make use of you. You remember the location of my office, do you not?"
"Yes," she replied. It was painted clearly on her mind from her last nightly trip there. Of course he would refuse to acknowledge that memory.
"Then you will guide me there before retiring to your own rooms, understand?"
Hermione didn't reply, but threw a glance down the corridor.
"Miss Granger?"
Hermione laid a hand on his arm, intending to lead him along the passage. She felt stung when he immediately brushed it off.
"Words will do, Miss Granger. There is no need to act the sheepdog."
Draco stifled a laugh at the fury Hermione bit her lip in an obvious effort to keep inside. He assumed she was affronted at the canine reference, not the fact that he had acted as if her touch burnt him.
"I apologise." There was no 'sir' this time.
"Just do as I've asked and then get out of my si-" Severus stopped at his mistake. He couldn't see the sudden change of her insulted expression to one of amusement.
"Just keep walking forward, sir. I'll tell you when we reach the steps."
Draco watched as she guided him down the passage. He sank down onto the stone to wait.
-
"Your office is here, sir," Hermione told the man beside her quietly. She watched as a pale hand emerged from his robes and reached out for his door. He muttered something and there was a loud click as the door unlocked. The hand slipped down to the silver handle. As he pushed the door inwards, he turned his head a little in the direction of the girl looking on. Snape's lips shifted slightly, as if he was about to say something, but then he thought better of it, stepping inside and neatly closing the door right behind him.
Hermione was left staring at the closed door, caught between attempting entry or not. He wasn't exactly hurt, she realised. The 'blindness' he appeared to have, was likely to be some spell as he'd only lost vision when she was with him, not before. Brow furrowed, she turned and began to walk back from where she'd came from, shifting her bad slightly on her shoulder. As she rounded the corner, a figure appeared from beside the solitary statue in the narrow passage.
She stepped back when she recognised the blonde hair, neatly combed back and shining in the candlelight.
"Draco?"
He nodded, but there was no happy familiarity in his expression. He regarded her through narrowed eyes.
"Why were you down here?" he asked, straight to the point.
She frowned. Had he seen Professor Snape's return? Did he know where he had been? "I was working on a potion for Professor Snape. I've been helping him for a while now, remember?"
"It's a Friday."
"Yes…"
"You don't come down here on a Friday. Why weren't you in Gryffindor Tower?" raised Draco, suspiciously.
"And why is it any business of yours?" Hermione demanded, feeling angry. Why was she receiving the third degree treatment?
Draco fell silent, but his cold eyes were still fixed upon her. "Is he in his office?" he said, finally.
Ah. "You saw me before, didn't you?" Hermione realised.
Draco nodded before coming closer, his gaze pinned to her own uneasy one. "You won't say a word of this to anyone, especially not Potter or the Weasel. Understood?"
She stepped back. "Don't give me orders, Draco."
Unfazed, Draco kept his tone steady. It wouldn't do any good for members of Gryffindor to find out about Snape's late night trips, as they undoubtedly would once she returned. "You'll do as I say, Granger." He felt a slight twinge by addressing her so, but thought it would have the desired effect.
"I'll do as I wish, Malfoy," she replied icily. "I didn't tell anyone last time so why should I now?"
Hermione froze, one hand raised to cover her mouth. Suddenly, she turned, intending to get away from him and the inevitable question. He was too quick for her, grabbing her arm tightly and tugged her back, his face close to hers.
"What do you mean, 'last time'?" She looked away, trying to pull her arm from his grasp but he kept a firm hold. "Granger."
Hermione glared at him defiantly, her lips pressed tightly together.
"Hermione," he addressed her again, his tone softer. She took her chance, pulling her arm away from him. She shook her head.
"I said I wouldn't," she said, and he had the distinct feeling she was talking more to herself than him.
"Her-"
"No." She gave him one last look and then fled up the passage and around the corner. He didn't chase her. Draco's gaze trailed her path before turning to the other end of the corridor, towards his godfather's office. Hermione Granger knew more than she should, more than she was trying to let on. Making a decision to find out exactly what that was, from either of them, Draco began slow steps to his own rooms.
A/N: Sorry about the longer than usual wait. I had most of this written but I'm been bouncing in and out of computer hell recently. First I think it needs a new hard drive, then it doesn't, and so on. Plus I have just finished the last of 6 exams- 2 each day since Monday, and I had 5 last week. Got two left to do and then I'm free from high school. Thanks for the bucket load of reviews- you really do make my day. Hope you like the plot advancement.
Captain Oblivious- PoA rocked. Enough said. Oh, except there was a few plot hiccups, which I expected, but still frowned at. Especially the Firebolt, Crookshanks having a lesser part and explanations regarding Lupin and the Marauders being a little thin on the ground. What did you think? Thanks for stopping by.
Claire Rickman- PoA- read above. An argument over this? I suddenly feel popular…cough …and that's now over with, leaving me to nervously see what you think of this chapter. Thanks for reviewing.
M'cha Araem- Terry Pratchett? I think he's pretty funny, especially when it comes to the Grim Reaper and his mother. I imagined Severus being intrigued and perhaps even amused after reading a little Discworld. I confess I haven't read that much Pratchett, but I certainly liked what I did read. I promise to read more this summer for using his name in this fic.
Harry's going through an angsty patch at the moment. He'll wake up eventually. Thanks for your lovely long review.
Rosmerta- I'm glad you decided to check this out. Hermione's not feeling too friendly with Draco right now though… Thanks for reviewing.
Little Eirtae- 'Ron/Hermione Shippers should be thwacked over the head with muffins. (No offense, if any of you happen to be reading this. Muffins really aren't that hard.)' Laughs I wish I hadn't just taken a sip of my drink when I read that. For the record, I have nothing against RW/HG shippers, 'specially in canon., but SS/HG is by far superior. Thanks for reviewing.
Lady Pirates- Thank you for the reviews you've been dropping by my fics lately. I was just wondering about there being four of you under one screen name- are you reading them together on the same computer, or are you in various places, communicating by e-mail, IM etc? Just wondering. Thanks again.
Sanaria- Don't be afraid! Step into the light, my friend. Once you've gone SS/HG, you'll never want to turn back. Grins I hope you don't, anyway. Thanks for reviewing.
Embattledcurve- I'm glad he's believable so far. Thanks for the review.
Athyn1- I fervently promise to keep up to date with this. I only have one or two fics that I have neglected. I really should pick them up again… Thanks for your review.
DistinctVagueness