Chapter 10: Truces
Slowly she opened her eyes and steeled herself for the remembered pain. Then she realized: there was no pain. Without moving, she took inventory of her body. Back and torso: fine. Head and face: fine. Legs: bandaged and itchy but fine. Arms: uh oh. There was the problem. Her arms and hands were heavily bandaged and when she experimentally wiggled her fingers a dull burning washed over her skin. She blinked back sudden tears and turned her head to look around.
She noticed that several other beds were occupied in the ward. She recognized them as those who sat near Frank in potions. Mostly Gryffindors with a few Slytherins including, she noticed, Snape, who was sitting on the bed next to her. Madame Pomfrey was tending to a Slytherin girl on the other side of the ward.
Sneaked a glance at his partner for what felt like the hundredth time. Noticing her looking around he thought, finally she's awake, before hastily squashing that thought in his head, not that I was worried of course. Knowing full well that was not the case, he called, "Madame Pomfrey she's awake." Her gaze shot back to him with a questioning look before his view was blocked by the bustling mediwitch. He moved to the end of the bed so he could see what was going on, but pretended not to look.
"Miss Gordon, how are you feeling? Does anything hurt?" Poppy asked while she looked at Hermione's face for signs of pain.
"I'm feeling a little ...fuzzy. My legs itch and my arms are hurting a little. Can I sit up? It hurts to move my arms," Hermione replied. Madame Pomfrey helped her to sit up, careful not to jar her arms. "How bad is it?" Mione asked.
"You know the side effects of a botched Confusion Concoction?" she asked. Getting a nod in reply she continued, "Your legs will be fine by tomorrow morning the burns were less developed there. Your arms on the other hand will take longer. You lost most of the skin on your hands and arms. Even with magical help, due to the nature of the potion's ingredients and the misguided use of Dragon's blood, the burns on your arms will take at least a week to heal. You will need to come here every morning to change the bandages and check the healing," the mediwitch explained.
Hermione nodded then was struck with a sudden thought that worried her and rushed to ask, "I can go to classes and everything, right? I won't have to sleep here?"
Madame Pomfrey shook her head and said, "It won't impede your ability to walk or learn. You will only need me for treatment and can always come if you are in pain. I have explained the situation to the Headmaster and he has agreed to forego the ban on magic in the corridors so you can levitate you things between classes, so long as you promise not to abuse the privilege. You should be fine by next Monday."
"Thanks Madame Pomfrey. You probably saved my life. Could you do something about this ache in my arms though?" the younger witch asked wincing slightly as she shifted them more comfortably.
The mediwitch complied and waved her wand over the injuries. The relief was evidents on Hermione's face. "Thank you again."
"Not at all, child. You were close. Any longer and you may have had more permanent damage but I have never lost a student under my care. Now you should rest for the rest of the day. If you feel better after dinner you may return to your dorm. Call for me if you need me," Madame Pomfrey said and bustled away to attend to the other students.
Snape had sat unnoticed, listening. It was getting to be a nasty habit of his, this ...eavesdropping in broad daylight thing. He had felt his face blanch when her injuries had been revealed. He hated to admit it to himself he was worried when he saw the bandages. He had come in after she had already been seen to and was asleep. He found it strange that after 17 years of being taught to hate and loathe muggleborns that he found himself liking this one.
Hermione looked around again and noticed Snape watching her from the corner of his eye. She gave him a slight smile and asked, "Are you okay? Did you get hurt?"
He was surprised at her questioned no one else ever cared if he was hurt, except the professors, but that didn't count as they would lose their jobs if a student were seriously injured. Ignoring, barely, the smile that seemed to light up her face, he said, "Yeah, some of the potions fell on my hand, but I'm okay. It takes about an hour before the reversal potion to take full effect on small areas." He tried to focus on something else, as her smile got bigger. He hated when people were nice to him. It just set him up for disappointment later.
"That's good. How is everyone else? I only see six people here," she commented.
He nodded slightly and said, "Most only got surface injuries from drops of potions or flying bits of cauldron. You were the worst. You fell right under most of it. Everyone else left or went to their next class."
Hermione was confused. Why was he suddenly talking to her like a human being? Here he was keeping her company, but where were her friends? Finally not coming to any answers to her questions, she just asked, "Why are you talking to me? I thought you hate me and everything I stand for?"
He frowned and replied, "I ...I did. But you protected me despite the way I treated you and despite that I'm a Slytherin. You could have died but you did it anyway. I can't really hate someone who does that. Especially as smart as you. No one else noticed he was about to add dragon's blood to his potion. You probably saved most of our lives. So thanks....I guess." To her amazement and his embarrassment he started to blush after this speech.
He looked way then back up when she said, "You're welcome...I guess. Gryffindor, Slytherin or three-headed dog...I didn't want anyone to get hurt. And despite what you may think of me, I want you to least of all." Slightly embarrassed at this last statement she added, "You're the only one I trust to do half of these potions competently." She smiled jokingly at him. To both their surprise he smiled back. It did wonders for his looks. He could be really attractive if he wanted to, she thought. Oh, well.
"Truce?" she asked.
He hesitated, contemplating the repercussions if this got out to Potter and his gang or worse Lucius. Consequences be damned. Lucius didn't even come see if I was alright. She at least cared enough to get me out of the line of fire, he thought vehemently. "Truce," he agreed. He stuck out a hand to shake on it before realizing that she couldn't. To the surprise of the ward's occupants they both laughed heartily, before settling on friendly smiles as agreement.
Hermione entered the Gryffindor common room to a round of cheers. Blushing, she made her way over to her friends by the fireplace and sat in the chair hastily vacated by Remus for her. She smiled at him as she settled herself. Her levitating book bag was set next to her on the floor. One by one all her friends filed by and gave her a hug. Remus and Sirius seemed to linger a little longer than the others.
"Thanks you guys, but I'm fine. I'll be okay in a few days, you'll see. How are though? Everyone get out okay? Lily?" she asked. She settled her currently pain free arms in her lap.
Her roommate smiled and said, "Thanks to you not a drop on me. The table got it all. Remus got a chunk of cauldron across the face but it was okay. Everyone else got out the way in time thanks to your warning. Nice hair by the way."
Fingering the now somewhat shorter and less bushy locks, Hermione smiled ruefully, "Yeah. The potion did some damage. It's a lot thinner now though. Which may be a good thing. But I still think it looks horrible."
"It looks fine," the boys chorused together. They smiled sheepishly at each other then at Hermione. She smiled back at them, thinking, I'm so glad I have friends.
James interrupted the silence that followed by saying, "I can't thank you enough, Elizabeth. You saved Lily. And me too actually. So just ...thanks."
Sirius was giving her a strange look and when Remus asked what was wrong he replied, "I was just wondering...why did you grab that grease git Snape first? I mean why him? Why not Lily or Frank? They were closest to the potion."
Hermione sighed. She knew this would come up eventually. She needed to tell them with out breaking her new truce or making her friends think she was a traitor. Finally she just said, "It's not about who he is or proximity. Snape was there and I just reacted. I did grab Lily remember. I didn't want anyone to be hurt and being close to me he could have ended up like me and I wouldn't wish this on anyone, not even a Slytherin. Besides, I am going to need all the help I can get in potions over the next week or so and he is the best in the class." Seeing their slightly disgusted looks she started to get and angry. Scowling said, "I may be new but ...honestly, this house rivalry goes too far sometimes. He may be Slytherin, but he does deserve to be half killed by a botched potion accidental or not. He is still one of the best students and Head Boy too. You could learn a few things about potions if you would ever stop hating him long enough to ask. What did he ever do to you anyway?" Without waiting for an answer, she stood stiffly and, levitating her bag, walked gingerly due to her injured legs up the stairs to her room.
"What did I say?" Sirius asked, perplexed.
The next morning Sirius cornered her on her way to breakfast. Pulling her into a niche shelter by a statue, he carefully took her hands in his and licking his lips nervously said, "Elizabeth, I would like to apologize for my comments last night if they offended you. I realize it is all a competition to ensure good behavior and all that stuff. I tend to hold grudges against Slytherin too easily. Though some do deserve it. If you think you Sniv...er...Snape is worth saving then I will try to be nice to him Wouldn't want your sacrifices to be for nothing. Okay?"
She looked at his face and saw an eagerness to please, but his eyes, and her knowledge of the future, told her that he would revert at the first insult. Despite these observations, she didn't want to be mad him so she said, "Okay. Apology accepted. But I will hold you to that. One unprovoked hex and I will turn you in myself."
He smile at her boyishly and said, "What ever you say, Elizabeth." She moved to go but was stopped by his hand on her shoulder. She turned and looked at him questioningly. Suddenly he looked nervous again. Here goes nothing...and everything, he thought. "I have something I want to ask you. Actually I wanted to ask you for a long time but I just never...had the opportunity. Would you like to go with me? The Hogsmeade weekend is coming up and it would be great if you would go as my date," he said in a rush. He waited nervously for her answer. What is wrong with you? You've never been nervous asking other girls out. Pull yourself together. She is just another girl, he told himself. Another part of his brain argued back, No she's not. She is the most beautiful, intelligent, sexy thing on two legs, even injured as they are. You got scared when she was hurt. You thought she was going to die. You love her and you know it. He forcefully turned that voice off. It was too soon to think like that.
She paused hesitantly. She knew what her answer was, but wanted to go about it carefully. Not wanting to break their newfound friendship, she had to find a way to let him down hurting him as little as possible. Tentatively she said, "It sounds great, and I love you as a friend , but...but I can't go out with you. Honestly, you are not the type of guy I date. You are just like my best friend back home. Impetuous, good looking, charming, popular, and constantly causing mayhem. I dated him and it just didn't work out. We were constantly fighting as a couple. You and him make very good friends, but it just can't be your girlfriend. Please say you understand? Can't we just say friends?" she pleased with her eyes that he would understand.
He looked at her, stunned. He had never been rejected before. Most girls jumped at the chance to date him. His face slowly turned from shocked to hurt. He looked away from her and gruffly said, "Yeah, I understand. We can be friends. I just ...just need some time to think." Swiftly he walked away down the corridor leaving a sad but relieved Hermione standing alone.
Just outside the Great Hall Hermione literally bumped into Severus on her way to the Hospital Wing for her treatment. Severus started to get mad at whatever idiot ran into him then gave a small smile when he saw whom it was. He apologized and asked her where she was going.
"To the Hospital Wing for treatment," she responded.
He nodded then suddenly turned nervous and mumbled, "Um...I was wondering...wouldyouliktostudywithme?
She frowned and asked, "What was that? I couldn't understand you."
He gulped but slowed down and asked, "Would you like to study with me sometime?" He seemed a bit shocked at himself. Where did that come from? A truce not to kill each other is one thing but study together? the Slytherin side of him argued. His newly found Gryffindor side said, It's just studying. It's not a date or anything. Get a grip.
He watched closely to see her reaction to his request. A radiant smile spread across her face, "I would like that. When? Where?"
Her smile was contagious. He found himself beaming right back, "After dinner in the library?"
"See you there," she said before heading off to Madame Pomfrey.
"I can't believe she turned me down, just to turn around and study with that...that...that greasy git of a Slytherin. Why I ask you? WHY?" Sirius raged.
Remus was watching his friend pace back and forth across their dorm. James was out snogging with Lily somewhere and Peter was studying in the common room. The door was currently locked and warded with a silencing charm. Remus didn't think Sirius wanted this heard and talked about all over the school. In what was supposed to be a calming voice he said, "I don't know mate. She probably has her reasons. You do have to face the fact that your personalities clash a little. She is a study freak and you're ...not. You're used to having every girl hanging on your every word. She is different. She isn't like that. She cares about her books and classes. Lily told me she doesn't even think she is pretty. Although the rest of the male population can see that she is, even pukey little Snivillus. I for one envy him, having someone that smart, not to mention beautiful as a study and lab partner. Face it man, she saved his life. That has to leave an impression on a guy."
Sirius was staring at his supposed friend like he had grown a second head. Remus, getting a little uncomfortable, asked, "What?"
"You're defending HIM?" Why does it matter to you? You hate hi just as much as I do? Wait? You said she was beautiful. You said you envied Snape?" Sirius replied incredulously. He sobered suddenly and in a quiet voice stated, "You like her don't you."
Remus looked away and stared at the floor. "Yes," came the mumbled reply. He looked up to see Sirius looking at him confusedly. The silence dragged on. "Look, I didn't say anything because you kept going on about how much you liked her. You had first dibs and you usually get your girl. I thought there was no hope for me. I'm sorry. I didn't want this break up our friendship by liking the same girl. Don't be mad. I really didn't want this to happen. It just did. Say something," he begged.
"I'm not mad. I am a bit surprised," Sirius replied. He sighed and said, "You're right. I was only thinking of what I wanted not what she would want. We would probably fight a lot like she said. You on the other hand...are just like her. You could go out with her. She would probably say yes. Besides, it's better than that Slytherin bastard taking up her time." He shuddered at the thought.
Remus paled. "I...I ...can't. What about my condition? I could hurt her. What would I tell her? If I told her what I am she would be afraid of me or completely repulsed like everyone else is. I can't tell her. She would hate me," he said despondently.
"You're wrong. She wouldn't care, but even if you don't tell her you should still ask. Tell her later if you need to. Ask her general questions about part humans or werewolves. If she acts badly don't tell her. If she seems okay about it, tell her. But it won't matter if you don't even ask," he advised his friend.
The teenage werewolf replied, "Okay. But if she rejects me and I get depressed or she hates werewolves, I blame you."
Sirius grinned, "Deal." He was feeling much better about the whole thing.
The days passed and Hermione recovered from her injuries. Thanks to Madame Pomfrey's skill there was no evidence of the burns. Classes returned to normal except Snape was no longer giving her the cold shoulder in Potions and Transfiguration.
Sirius, James, and Remus were walking down the hall to lunch a week after the infamous Potion Explosion, when a cold voice called out behind them, "If it isn't the golden boys of Gryffindor. They let you out of you cages today?"
As one they turned, glaring their hatred at Lucius Malfoy. The Slytherin prefect sneered elegantly at his hated enemies. "Where are your groupies? Go sick of hanging on your arms? Or are they just entertaining someone else for a change? I must say you chose well for your own personal whores. I especially like that new one. You know the Gordon mudblood? She has such a tight little ass," he taunted.
Black and Lupin started forward, murder in their hearts and eyes, when they were knocked aside roughly. Suddenly Elizabeth was standing where Malfoy had been moments before fists clenched at her sides stiffly, and Lucius was now lying on the floor holding his face in his hands. Blood was flowing freely down his chin soaking into his shirt collar.
The Gryffindor boys looked at each other then at small form of Elizabeth in wonder. Was Malfoy whimpering? Large grins broke over their faces. They paid close attention as she began to speak.
Shaking in fury, her hands balled into fists at her side, her voice like hot steel, she ground out, "How dare you? You dare to insult me and my friends? Only those with simple minds resort to petty insults and slandering. Never call me, Lily, or any other muggleborn student a mudblood or whore again. Or you will suffer more than a broken nose and bloody lip. Is. That. Clear?"
Malfoy sat there silently, glaring death to the witch standing over him. When he remained silent too long, Hermione whipped out her wand and pointed it between his steel-grey eyes and whispered heatedly, her voice ringing through the silent hall "Is that clear?"
Fear entered his eyes and he spat out, "Yes."
Satisfied, she backed up and replaced her wand up her sleeve. She turned to the goggle-eyed boys and said, "Let's go to lunch before this trash makes me sick." She marched her way into the Great Hall, head held high, without a backward glance. The boys followed in her wake, shooting laughing glances back at the prostrate Malfoy.
Severus has seen the whole thing. He wanted to kill that two bit wizard Malfoy when he said those things about Elizabeth. He had only stopped because there was a large crowd blocking his path and she got their first. Remembering the way her hair radiated behind her, the way her fist sailed through the air to land in the middle of the git's face, the fire in her cinnamon eyes, the molten steel that was her voice. At that moment she was the most beautiful creature he had ever seen. He wanted nothing more than to run to her and sooth her anger away by kissing her senseless. It was then he realized: He loved her.
At the end of lunch he noticed Elizabeth get up from the table and head out the doors. He got up and followed. He had a question he wanted to ask.
The boys were all staring at her in awe. James was the first to speak, "Elizabeth...that ...that was amazing. I've never seen Malfoy that scared. He looked like he was afraid you would kill him. Sirius and Remus were all ready to beat him to a pulp after that last comment, when...WHAM!... you came out of nowhere. He never saw you coming." He grinned at the wonder of it. The other boys nodded fervently.
Sirius commented, "That was a great right hook." They all laughed.
As they finished lunch, Remus leaned over and whispered, "Uh, Elizabeth. Could ...would you mind meeting me outside in a few minutes. There is something I need to talk to you about." Sirius overheard and gave his friend a meaningful wink before returning to his dessert.
Hermione just looked at Remus and said, "Okay. By the rose bushes in five minutes?"
"Sure," was the reply.
Five minutes later a nervous looking Lupin approached Hermione. She didn't have to wait long to find out what this was about as he just came right out and said it, "Would you like to go out with me some time? I know you turned Sirius down and all, but I was hoping you wouldn't hold him against me." He smiled tentatively at his joke.
Hermione smiled back and said, "I don't hold it against you. And it won't influence my answer, which is yes. I would like to go out with you." Suddenly she felt an unexplained pang of guilt, as if she was betraying someone. Pushing aside the feeling of unfaithfulness, she smiled wider at her friend, who was more relaxed now, and gave him a hug. Together they returned to the school hand in hand, not noticing a dark figure hidden in the shadows of the roses. No one noticed the Head Boy enter, hunched over as if his world had just been destroyed.
A/N: I know you probably hate me right now. But I promise this will be HGSS. This is just a step in the relationship. Plus, I live to torture Severus and if you paid attention there were hints of future romance for H and S. So be patient. Don't forget to review. I like progressive feedback on how I'm doing. Thanks.
Slowly she opened her eyes and steeled herself for the remembered pain. Then she realized: there was no pain. Without moving, she took inventory of her body. Back and torso: fine. Head and face: fine. Legs: bandaged and itchy but fine. Arms: uh oh. There was the problem. Her arms and hands were heavily bandaged and when she experimentally wiggled her fingers a dull burning washed over her skin. She blinked back sudden tears and turned her head to look around.
She noticed that several other beds were occupied in the ward. She recognized them as those who sat near Frank in potions. Mostly Gryffindors with a few Slytherins including, she noticed, Snape, who was sitting on the bed next to her. Madame Pomfrey was tending to a Slytherin girl on the other side of the ward.
Sneaked a glance at his partner for what felt like the hundredth time. Noticing her looking around he thought, finally she's awake, before hastily squashing that thought in his head, not that I was worried of course. Knowing full well that was not the case, he called, "Madame Pomfrey she's awake." Her gaze shot back to him with a questioning look before his view was blocked by the bustling mediwitch. He moved to the end of the bed so he could see what was going on, but pretended not to look.
"Miss Gordon, how are you feeling? Does anything hurt?" Poppy asked while she looked at Hermione's face for signs of pain.
"I'm feeling a little ...fuzzy. My legs itch and my arms are hurting a little. Can I sit up? It hurts to move my arms," Hermione replied. Madame Pomfrey helped her to sit up, careful not to jar her arms. "How bad is it?" Mione asked.
"You know the side effects of a botched Confusion Concoction?" she asked. Getting a nod in reply she continued, "Your legs will be fine by tomorrow morning the burns were less developed there. Your arms on the other hand will take longer. You lost most of the skin on your hands and arms. Even with magical help, due to the nature of the potion's ingredients and the misguided use of Dragon's blood, the burns on your arms will take at least a week to heal. You will need to come here every morning to change the bandages and check the healing," the mediwitch explained.
Hermione nodded then was struck with a sudden thought that worried her and rushed to ask, "I can go to classes and everything, right? I won't have to sleep here?"
Madame Pomfrey shook her head and said, "It won't impede your ability to walk or learn. You will only need me for treatment and can always come if you are in pain. I have explained the situation to the Headmaster and he has agreed to forego the ban on magic in the corridors so you can levitate you things between classes, so long as you promise not to abuse the privilege. You should be fine by next Monday."
"Thanks Madame Pomfrey. You probably saved my life. Could you do something about this ache in my arms though?" the younger witch asked wincing slightly as she shifted them more comfortably.
The mediwitch complied and waved her wand over the injuries. The relief was evidents on Hermione's face. "Thank you again."
"Not at all, child. You were close. Any longer and you may have had more permanent damage but I have never lost a student under my care. Now you should rest for the rest of the day. If you feel better after dinner you may return to your dorm. Call for me if you need me," Madame Pomfrey said and bustled away to attend to the other students.
Snape had sat unnoticed, listening. It was getting to be a nasty habit of his, this ...eavesdropping in broad daylight thing. He had felt his face blanch when her injuries had been revealed. He hated to admit it to himself he was worried when he saw the bandages. He had come in after she had already been seen to and was asleep. He found it strange that after 17 years of being taught to hate and loathe muggleborns that he found himself liking this one.
Hermione looked around again and noticed Snape watching her from the corner of his eye. She gave him a slight smile and asked, "Are you okay? Did you get hurt?"
He was surprised at her questioned no one else ever cared if he was hurt, except the professors, but that didn't count as they would lose their jobs if a student were seriously injured. Ignoring, barely, the smile that seemed to light up her face, he said, "Yeah, some of the potions fell on my hand, but I'm okay. It takes about an hour before the reversal potion to take full effect on small areas." He tried to focus on something else, as her smile got bigger. He hated when people were nice to him. It just set him up for disappointment later.
"That's good. How is everyone else? I only see six people here," she commented.
He nodded slightly and said, "Most only got surface injuries from drops of potions or flying bits of cauldron. You were the worst. You fell right under most of it. Everyone else left or went to their next class."
Hermione was confused. Why was he suddenly talking to her like a human being? Here he was keeping her company, but where were her friends? Finally not coming to any answers to her questions, she just asked, "Why are you talking to me? I thought you hate me and everything I stand for?"
He frowned and replied, "I ...I did. But you protected me despite the way I treated you and despite that I'm a Slytherin. You could have died but you did it anyway. I can't really hate someone who does that. Especially as smart as you. No one else noticed he was about to add dragon's blood to his potion. You probably saved most of our lives. So thanks....I guess." To her amazement and his embarrassment he started to blush after this speech.
He looked way then back up when she said, "You're welcome...I guess. Gryffindor, Slytherin or three-headed dog...I didn't want anyone to get hurt. And despite what you may think of me, I want you to least of all." Slightly embarrassed at this last statement she added, "You're the only one I trust to do half of these potions competently." She smiled jokingly at him. To both their surprise he smiled back. It did wonders for his looks. He could be really attractive if he wanted to, she thought. Oh, well.
"Truce?" she asked.
He hesitated, contemplating the repercussions if this got out to Potter and his gang or worse Lucius. Consequences be damned. Lucius didn't even come see if I was alright. She at least cared enough to get me out of the line of fire, he thought vehemently. "Truce," he agreed. He stuck out a hand to shake on it before realizing that she couldn't. To the surprise of the ward's occupants they both laughed heartily, before settling on friendly smiles as agreement.
Hermione entered the Gryffindor common room to a round of cheers. Blushing, she made her way over to her friends by the fireplace and sat in the chair hastily vacated by Remus for her. She smiled at him as she settled herself. Her levitating book bag was set next to her on the floor. One by one all her friends filed by and gave her a hug. Remus and Sirius seemed to linger a little longer than the others.
"Thanks you guys, but I'm fine. I'll be okay in a few days, you'll see. How are though? Everyone get out okay? Lily?" she asked. She settled her currently pain free arms in her lap.
Her roommate smiled and said, "Thanks to you not a drop on me. The table got it all. Remus got a chunk of cauldron across the face but it was okay. Everyone else got out the way in time thanks to your warning. Nice hair by the way."
Fingering the now somewhat shorter and less bushy locks, Hermione smiled ruefully, "Yeah. The potion did some damage. It's a lot thinner now though. Which may be a good thing. But I still think it looks horrible."
"It looks fine," the boys chorused together. They smiled sheepishly at each other then at Hermione. She smiled back at them, thinking, I'm so glad I have friends.
James interrupted the silence that followed by saying, "I can't thank you enough, Elizabeth. You saved Lily. And me too actually. So just ...thanks."
Sirius was giving her a strange look and when Remus asked what was wrong he replied, "I was just wondering...why did you grab that grease git Snape first? I mean why him? Why not Lily or Frank? They were closest to the potion."
Hermione sighed. She knew this would come up eventually. She needed to tell them with out breaking her new truce or making her friends think she was a traitor. Finally she just said, "It's not about who he is or proximity. Snape was there and I just reacted. I did grab Lily remember. I didn't want anyone to be hurt and being close to me he could have ended up like me and I wouldn't wish this on anyone, not even a Slytherin. Besides, I am going to need all the help I can get in potions over the next week or so and he is the best in the class." Seeing their slightly disgusted looks she started to get and angry. Scowling said, "I may be new but ...honestly, this house rivalry goes too far sometimes. He may be Slytherin, but he does deserve to be half killed by a botched potion accidental or not. He is still one of the best students and Head Boy too. You could learn a few things about potions if you would ever stop hating him long enough to ask. What did he ever do to you anyway?" Without waiting for an answer, she stood stiffly and, levitating her bag, walked gingerly due to her injured legs up the stairs to her room.
"What did I say?" Sirius asked, perplexed.
The next morning Sirius cornered her on her way to breakfast. Pulling her into a niche shelter by a statue, he carefully took her hands in his and licking his lips nervously said, "Elizabeth, I would like to apologize for my comments last night if they offended you. I realize it is all a competition to ensure good behavior and all that stuff. I tend to hold grudges against Slytherin too easily. Though some do deserve it. If you think you Sniv...er...Snape is worth saving then I will try to be nice to him Wouldn't want your sacrifices to be for nothing. Okay?"
She looked at his face and saw an eagerness to please, but his eyes, and her knowledge of the future, told her that he would revert at the first insult. Despite these observations, she didn't want to be mad him so she said, "Okay. Apology accepted. But I will hold you to that. One unprovoked hex and I will turn you in myself."
He smile at her boyishly and said, "What ever you say, Elizabeth." She moved to go but was stopped by his hand on her shoulder. She turned and looked at him questioningly. Suddenly he looked nervous again. Here goes nothing...and everything, he thought. "I have something I want to ask you. Actually I wanted to ask you for a long time but I just never...had the opportunity. Would you like to go with me? The Hogsmeade weekend is coming up and it would be great if you would go as my date," he said in a rush. He waited nervously for her answer. What is wrong with you? You've never been nervous asking other girls out. Pull yourself together. She is just another girl, he told himself. Another part of his brain argued back, No she's not. She is the most beautiful, intelligent, sexy thing on two legs, even injured as they are. You got scared when she was hurt. You thought she was going to die. You love her and you know it. He forcefully turned that voice off. It was too soon to think like that.
She paused hesitantly. She knew what her answer was, but wanted to go about it carefully. Not wanting to break their newfound friendship, she had to find a way to let him down hurting him as little as possible. Tentatively she said, "It sounds great, and I love you as a friend , but...but I can't go out with you. Honestly, you are not the type of guy I date. You are just like my best friend back home. Impetuous, good looking, charming, popular, and constantly causing mayhem. I dated him and it just didn't work out. We were constantly fighting as a couple. You and him make very good friends, but it just can't be your girlfriend. Please say you understand? Can't we just say friends?" she pleased with her eyes that he would understand.
He looked at her, stunned. He had never been rejected before. Most girls jumped at the chance to date him. His face slowly turned from shocked to hurt. He looked away from her and gruffly said, "Yeah, I understand. We can be friends. I just ...just need some time to think." Swiftly he walked away down the corridor leaving a sad but relieved Hermione standing alone.
Just outside the Great Hall Hermione literally bumped into Severus on her way to the Hospital Wing for her treatment. Severus started to get mad at whatever idiot ran into him then gave a small smile when he saw whom it was. He apologized and asked her where she was going.
"To the Hospital Wing for treatment," she responded.
He nodded then suddenly turned nervous and mumbled, "Um...I was wondering...wouldyouliktostudywithme?
She frowned and asked, "What was that? I couldn't understand you."
He gulped but slowed down and asked, "Would you like to study with me sometime?" He seemed a bit shocked at himself. Where did that come from? A truce not to kill each other is one thing but study together? the Slytherin side of him argued. His newly found Gryffindor side said, It's just studying. It's not a date or anything. Get a grip.
He watched closely to see her reaction to his request. A radiant smile spread across her face, "I would like that. When? Where?"
Her smile was contagious. He found himself beaming right back, "After dinner in the library?"
"See you there," she said before heading off to Madame Pomfrey.
"I can't believe she turned me down, just to turn around and study with that...that...that greasy git of a Slytherin. Why I ask you? WHY?" Sirius raged.
Remus was watching his friend pace back and forth across their dorm. James was out snogging with Lily somewhere and Peter was studying in the common room. The door was currently locked and warded with a silencing charm. Remus didn't think Sirius wanted this heard and talked about all over the school. In what was supposed to be a calming voice he said, "I don't know mate. She probably has her reasons. You do have to face the fact that your personalities clash a little. She is a study freak and you're ...not. You're used to having every girl hanging on your every word. She is different. She isn't like that. She cares about her books and classes. Lily told me she doesn't even think she is pretty. Although the rest of the male population can see that she is, even pukey little Snivillus. I for one envy him, having someone that smart, not to mention beautiful as a study and lab partner. Face it man, she saved his life. That has to leave an impression on a guy."
Sirius was staring at his supposed friend like he had grown a second head. Remus, getting a little uncomfortable, asked, "What?"
"You're defending HIM?" Why does it matter to you? You hate hi just as much as I do? Wait? You said she was beautiful. You said you envied Snape?" Sirius replied incredulously. He sobered suddenly and in a quiet voice stated, "You like her don't you."
Remus looked away and stared at the floor. "Yes," came the mumbled reply. He looked up to see Sirius looking at him confusedly. The silence dragged on. "Look, I didn't say anything because you kept going on about how much you liked her. You had first dibs and you usually get your girl. I thought there was no hope for me. I'm sorry. I didn't want this break up our friendship by liking the same girl. Don't be mad. I really didn't want this to happen. It just did. Say something," he begged.
"I'm not mad. I am a bit surprised," Sirius replied. He sighed and said, "You're right. I was only thinking of what I wanted not what she would want. We would probably fight a lot like she said. You on the other hand...are just like her. You could go out with her. She would probably say yes. Besides, it's better than that Slytherin bastard taking up her time." He shuddered at the thought.
Remus paled. "I...I ...can't. What about my condition? I could hurt her. What would I tell her? If I told her what I am she would be afraid of me or completely repulsed like everyone else is. I can't tell her. She would hate me," he said despondently.
"You're wrong. She wouldn't care, but even if you don't tell her you should still ask. Tell her later if you need to. Ask her general questions about part humans or werewolves. If she acts badly don't tell her. If she seems okay about it, tell her. But it won't matter if you don't even ask," he advised his friend.
The teenage werewolf replied, "Okay. But if she rejects me and I get depressed or she hates werewolves, I blame you."
Sirius grinned, "Deal." He was feeling much better about the whole thing.
The days passed and Hermione recovered from her injuries. Thanks to Madame Pomfrey's skill there was no evidence of the burns. Classes returned to normal except Snape was no longer giving her the cold shoulder in Potions and Transfiguration.
Sirius, James, and Remus were walking down the hall to lunch a week after the infamous Potion Explosion, when a cold voice called out behind them, "If it isn't the golden boys of Gryffindor. They let you out of you cages today?"
As one they turned, glaring their hatred at Lucius Malfoy. The Slytherin prefect sneered elegantly at his hated enemies. "Where are your groupies? Go sick of hanging on your arms? Or are they just entertaining someone else for a change? I must say you chose well for your own personal whores. I especially like that new one. You know the Gordon mudblood? She has such a tight little ass," he taunted.
Black and Lupin started forward, murder in their hearts and eyes, when they were knocked aside roughly. Suddenly Elizabeth was standing where Malfoy had been moments before fists clenched at her sides stiffly, and Lucius was now lying on the floor holding his face in his hands. Blood was flowing freely down his chin soaking into his shirt collar.
The Gryffindor boys looked at each other then at small form of Elizabeth in wonder. Was Malfoy whimpering? Large grins broke over their faces. They paid close attention as she began to speak.
Shaking in fury, her hands balled into fists at her side, her voice like hot steel, she ground out, "How dare you? You dare to insult me and my friends? Only those with simple minds resort to petty insults and slandering. Never call me, Lily, or any other muggleborn student a mudblood or whore again. Or you will suffer more than a broken nose and bloody lip. Is. That. Clear?"
Malfoy sat there silently, glaring death to the witch standing over him. When he remained silent too long, Hermione whipped out her wand and pointed it between his steel-grey eyes and whispered heatedly, her voice ringing through the silent hall "Is that clear?"
Fear entered his eyes and he spat out, "Yes."
Satisfied, she backed up and replaced her wand up her sleeve. She turned to the goggle-eyed boys and said, "Let's go to lunch before this trash makes me sick." She marched her way into the Great Hall, head held high, without a backward glance. The boys followed in her wake, shooting laughing glances back at the prostrate Malfoy.
Severus has seen the whole thing. He wanted to kill that two bit wizard Malfoy when he said those things about Elizabeth. He had only stopped because there was a large crowd blocking his path and she got their first. Remembering the way her hair radiated behind her, the way her fist sailed through the air to land in the middle of the git's face, the fire in her cinnamon eyes, the molten steel that was her voice. At that moment she was the most beautiful creature he had ever seen. He wanted nothing more than to run to her and sooth her anger away by kissing her senseless. It was then he realized: He loved her.
At the end of lunch he noticed Elizabeth get up from the table and head out the doors. He got up and followed. He had a question he wanted to ask.
The boys were all staring at her in awe. James was the first to speak, "Elizabeth...that ...that was amazing. I've never seen Malfoy that scared. He looked like he was afraid you would kill him. Sirius and Remus were all ready to beat him to a pulp after that last comment, when...WHAM!... you came out of nowhere. He never saw you coming." He grinned at the wonder of it. The other boys nodded fervently.
Sirius commented, "That was a great right hook." They all laughed.
As they finished lunch, Remus leaned over and whispered, "Uh, Elizabeth. Could ...would you mind meeting me outside in a few minutes. There is something I need to talk to you about." Sirius overheard and gave his friend a meaningful wink before returning to his dessert.
Hermione just looked at Remus and said, "Okay. By the rose bushes in five minutes?"
"Sure," was the reply.
Five minutes later a nervous looking Lupin approached Hermione. She didn't have to wait long to find out what this was about as he just came right out and said it, "Would you like to go out with me some time? I know you turned Sirius down and all, but I was hoping you wouldn't hold him against me." He smiled tentatively at his joke.
Hermione smiled back and said, "I don't hold it against you. And it won't influence my answer, which is yes. I would like to go out with you." Suddenly she felt an unexplained pang of guilt, as if she was betraying someone. Pushing aside the feeling of unfaithfulness, she smiled wider at her friend, who was more relaxed now, and gave him a hug. Together they returned to the school hand in hand, not noticing a dark figure hidden in the shadows of the roses. No one noticed the Head Boy enter, hunched over as if his world had just been destroyed.
A/N: I know you probably hate me right now. But I promise this will be HGSS. This is just a step in the relationship. Plus, I live to torture Severus and if you paid attention there were hints of future romance for H and S. So be patient. Don't forget to review. I like progressive feedback on how I'm doing. Thanks.
