Disclaimer:
Hermione: "Are you sure you'll be okay without me?"
Snape: snort "Yes."
Hermione: arches an eyebrow like all the other good fics have her do leaves
Snape: waits...gets up....goes outside...
Snape: frolicsinthegrassss!!!
Touchstone
Chapter Thirteen
By Gin
Tiny glass cylinders fumed peacefully beside Hermione in a rack while she searched around for cork stoppers. The first batch was finally finished. She let them cool before sealing them, and gathered up a cloth to wrap them in for travel. She didn't expect immediate results as the dosages she would be giving him were extreme and little by little dosages would be needed for healthy results. That is, if it worked, and only then if it didn't kill him first. There was that risk for an experimental potion usage; however, they had no other alternative. Hermione exhaled and tucked a strand of hair behind her ear then bundled up the miniature bottles of optimism. Dumbledore and McGonagall had met her in Madam Pomfrey's office to give her encouragement. Snape had also come along as he'd been helping her the past few days with the concoction and had agreed to go with Hermione to help administer the potion to Harry. He was also bringing along some counter- affecting potions to try and reverse the effects should something go wrong. However, he'd told Hermione he doubted there would be much he could do if the Gryffindor reacted badly to it.
"Good luck, my dear." Dumbledore put his hand on Hermione's shoulder for encouragement. Minerva was standing crisply next to him and nodded to her as well, while Poppy began storing the left over phials in a large wooden cabinet.
Hermione voiced her thank yous and together she and Severus left the Hospital Wing to make their way down to the great front doors of the castle. Severus didn't say much to her during their walk to the gates; it was an all around awkward situation. What if the boy died during the administration? What if they'd made a mistake? What if nothing happened? He felt confident in almost everything he did, but in the tiniest recesses of his mind he always held some reserves. He always had. And to top it all off, the last time he and Hermione had been there...well, he knew what had happened afterwards. Nevertheless he kept his game face on—blank stare with a slight frown and stiff upper lip.
Hermione, too, was quiet. She'd been preparing herself to not break down again and to remain hopeful. She couldn't do anything productive if her mind was tormented. When they reached the gate, Severus' hand momentarily twitched towards hers but was immediately stilled when they faced each other.
"Well then, see you on the other side."
Snape nodded and half an instant later they were standing, yet again, outside the entrance to St. Mungo's looking in.
Once they'd registered with the medi-witch at the front desk they made the same all-to-familiar journey up to Harry's room. Hermione clenched her fists in an effort to wring the nervousness from her soul while they walked in silence. Once they'd reached the entrance of the dull grey door that led to Harry's room, Hermione inhaled and turned to look at her companion.
"Now or never. Right?" Snape noticed the unconsciously asked permission and simply nodded. They opened the door, to find Ginny sitting quietly beside Harry.
She immediately stood up and looked back and forth between Hermione and her former Potions professor—rather like a guilty schoolgirl. Ginny stumbled trying to find the right words to say.
"Hermione, Professor Snape, um, hello." Ginny tried to feign a slight grin and began smoothing her rumpled jeans with her hands. She looked tired, but her spirits seemed to have improved since Hermione had last left her with the Weasley's at the Burrow.
Hermione, not realising they would have company during the trial, stopped short of the door before awkwardly stepping in. Severus stood just as rigid as always behind her and examined the monotonous walls.
"Ginny? I'm sorry, I didn't know you were going to be here..." she faded off. What else would she have said? 'During the experiment?' She then walked fully into the room to stand beside the bed and looked at her friend curiously.
Ginny spoke before Hermione could, "I know what you're thinking, and the answer is no. I honestly just got here." Hermione continued to gage her friend reluctantly. "I swear. I've been home...ask Mum." Ginny continued to fidget with her clothes and sat back down on the chair beside Harry's bed.
Hermione didn't know what to say. "Ginny, I know you want to be here for him, but, well...this is, well—"she couldn't bring herself to say, let alone admit what she was trying not to think. Luckily she didn't have to.
"Miss Weasley, what Miss Granger is trying to say, is that being as you are very close to Mr. Potter it is unadvisable for you to be here at the moment. As much as I regret to inform you, this potion is highly unstable and not medically approved as yet, thus the effects resulting after we have administered the potion could be drastic if not tragic." His "professor voice" had taken over the uneasiness, leaving the implications quite clear for Ginny to understand should she have any hopes.
Ginny blinked and focused her attention to the dark figure now beside Hermione. "Yes, Professor. Hermione made that clear when she wrote us the other day. But, I still wanted to be here." She cast her gaze down. Severus stared hard at her for a moment more before turning his gaze back to Hermione and nodded. Ginny was obviously willing to suffer, so be it.
Hermione still felt unsure about letting Ginny watch, but was in no mood for an argument at the moment. She removed the bundle of cloth from inside her robes and unfolded it on a nearby table as carefully as she could. Snape likewise spelled his supposed antidotes back to regular size and laid them on another table from the corner and positioned it nearby. After checking to see that the tonics were all the correct temperature (due to some nicely performed Heating Charms by Poppy), he turned towards Hermione indicating he was ready whenever she was. Hermione straightened beside him and inhaled.
She brushed a hand on Harry's cheek and looked into his pale, lifeless eyes.
"I hope this works, Harry, please forgive me if otherwise?" she said under her breath. Ginny scooted forward in her chair to the edge and grasped his hands once before letting go and biting her lip, blinking back the threatening tears.
Hermione lifted Harry's head slightly and opened his slacked jaw. Then she reached behind her and carefully picked up a warmed phial from the table and removed the stop. Snape picked up Harry's wrist, placing his slightly cold fingers on the veins, and nodded for Hermione to continue. She inhaled again and bent over to his lips and with one hand slowly poured the vicious liquid down his throat, while the other methodically massaged his neck muscles into the swallowing reflex. When the phial was drained, Hermione and Ginny held their breath while Snape began counting Harry's pulse and checking for any apparent differences in his face. The soft whirrs and tinks of tiny bells continued their rhythmic patterns around them but didn't change pace or tone. Harry's eyes continued to stare dully into nothing, his pupils hadn't changed size, skin colour was still pallid and clammy, pulse weak but also unchanged. Hermione exhaled and stood up looking down on him; nothing was happening.
Ginny's intent stare left Harry and focused instead on Hermione. "Is...?" she began, looking back at him again, her brows knit.
Hermione frowned in confusion and looked at the phials on the table, and over to Snape. His eyes were concentrating on Harry and his fingers still gripping his wrist. But after another minute he released Harry's arm, straightened and looked apologetically to Ginny before sparing Hermione a slight glance. He exhaled calmly and began Shrinking his antidotes and pocketing them.
Hermione looked back at Harry. "Well? What, there was no change at all?" she asked to Severus.
He turned to her shaking his head giving her a slightly sympathetic look. She sighed and raked her fingers through her hair, disbelieving. Ginny sat back in her chair and blinked away another tear.
"Maybe next time?" Ginny asked rhetorically. Hermione looked back down at the creature claiming Harry's persona and frowned.
"Well that was a complete waste." Hermione kicked angrily at the gravel as she and Severus walked up the pathway to the castle.
"No need for histrionics; we did the best we could do. We shall just try again." Snape was walking, hands in the pockets of his black slacks, beside her. "It may just need to be stronger."
"But you said if it were any stronger it could kill him," she argued.
"Yes, however that was before we knew this particular strength was ineffective."
She sighed and crossed her arms as well. The hot sun was blaring down on them and only added to her frustration. Snape reached up to wipe a bead of sweat from his brow and looked up to the sky. Not a cloud to be seen. They kept walking and Hermione tossed more ideas to him about different ways to alter the potion. Snape was listening to her, but just barely. He was more interested in the huge hawk that was circling the skies above the castle just ahead. He nodded and mumbled a few sounds at her comments before the bird swooped down towards an area that looked to be relatively close to Dumbledore's office. Hermione followed his gaze and watched as the bird hovered by a turret in mid-air before flying into the apparently opened window.
When they arrived at Snape's office in the much cooler dungeons, Albus was comfortably waiting inside as a large, stately Peregrine falcon waited patiently, head held high, on his desk. It straightened when Severus walked in; Albus simply smiled.
"Ah, my little alchemists have arrived; unfortunately they seem to be here much earlier than I would have hoped." His voice sounded as if it were in a pleasantly strained tone. Under the false cheer lurked the obvious disappointment.
"Indeed," replied Severus regarding the bird standing in the centre of the desk.
"Yes, well, in due time I'm sure. However, at the present moment you have a visitor," Dumbledore said indicating the bird.
Snape inclined his head and calmly walked over to the proud creature. The falcon seemed to size Severus up and clicked its sharp beak impatiently while scratching at his paper-strewn desktop. Snape frowned and snatched the scroll harshly from its grasp. Hermione looked at the bird curiously then to Dumbledore who seemed to be on the edge of his seat.
Snape calmly untied the deep blue satin ribbon holding the scroll together and let it fall to the floor before unrolling it. His face was completely unreadable at first, but then an arched eyebrow followed, which was finished up nicely with an intense frown. He crumpled up the parchment with an angry sigh and tossed the letter into the rubbish bin. To complete the entire ordeal, he folded his arms like an upset child and stared straight ahead.
Dumbledore broke the silence with, "Well for God's sake man, what did she say?"
This time the sigh was frustrated. "Nothing sincere I'm sure. No doubt Launce had to completely twist her arm to get her to even acknowledge my presence." Dumbledore raised his eyebrows, and Accio'd the crumpled letter into his wrinkled hands and opened it up. Snape gawked at him.
"I'm fairly certain that's illegal," his frown deepened.
Dumbledore squinted at the writing and said faintly, "Well then come take it from me," and continued to read without looking up. Snape grumbled something rude and went to sit behind his desk contemplating whether or not to knock the pompous Peregrine off. It preened its glossy black feathers while waiting for the disrespectful humans to send a reply.
Meanwhile, Hermione had been standing silently to the side, curiosity eating away at her before she quietly walked up behind Albus to read over his shoulder. Severus noted it and irritably explained.
"It's just a formal invitation to Mother's birthday celebration." Though it was clipped, she could definitely sense some emotion behind the words.
"Really? But that's wonderful isn't it?" she said.
Dumbledore piped up, "Oh, it's from Lavinia I see! When was the last time she wrote you, it's been quite awhile hasn't it? It says your mother's birthday celebration is this weekend...rather short notice, but lovely just the same." Dumbledore finished the letter and looked up at Severus with beaming blue eyes. He was very happy for him and knew what this secretly meant to Severus.
"To answer your question, yes it has been. So many years in fact that I can't remember."
"But you'll go won't you?" Dumbledore was now sipping a steaming cup of tea and waiting expectantly for him to say 'yes.' Snape looked at him doubtfully and looked back at the bird.
"As fake as the sentiments to include me in the family affairs are, I will have to respectfully decline." The falcon looked at Severus as if it were the only answer he would have accepted anyway. Snape glared at him.
Hermione argued, "But Severus, you have to go. Remember Launce was very excited to have you come, and he came all this way to see you. They are making an effort, so you should as well." She glared right back at his answering scowl.
"Hermione, Lavinia wouldn't honestly have me come, nor might I add would my mother, had Launce not pestered her. And I'm sure a few whining declarations from the child sealed it if only to shut her up. I'll send a card; I'm not up for histrionics at the moment." The bird clicked indignantly and Severus flicked it on the beak. It screeched and flew around the room, showering them in feathers.
"Severus," Hermione berated. He shrugged.
Dumbledore reached his arm up, which the bird gratefully accepted, and stroked its feathered head. "Why don't you go, my boy. Take the plunge, you are family after all." Snape snickered. "It's true. People dwell far too much on such ignorant goings-on from the past. It's ridiculous and I for one think its high time your entire family moved on." Snape rolled his eyes. Hermione glared at him, still unclear as to what they were talking about.
"Albus, I really don't think it's a good idea, as it is my family," he almost stuttered on the word family, "and my decision. And I am deciding not to go."
Ten minutes later, Severus was writing a terse response that he would be in attendance but that he could not stay for long as he had "important matters to attend to and cannot be bothered with trivialities. Severus signed his name with a slight growl, rolled up the parchment and held it out for the black bird to take. It happened to nick his thumb and Snape just restrained himself from harming the creature. He didn't think Lavinia would forgive him, again, for killing her personal falcon.
Albus slipped the animal a treat and replied, "Well, I'm glad you saw reason. I'm quite sure you will have a wonderful time." He then smiled at Severus, winked at Hermione, and departed with a little bounce in his step. On his way out he called, "Oh! Be a good lad and tell Moira, Happy Birthday for me! And tell Launce and Lavinia to bring the children for a visit!"
Snape led the offensive fowl to his window and watched it fly off into the glaring heat of the afternoon. "I hope you burn," he said quietly.
"What was that?" Hermione asked coming up behind him.
"Nothing."
She stood there, slightly smirking, looking out at the bird.
"It was ultimately my decision," he said poutily. She pursed her lips in an effort not to full out smile and nodded saying innocently, "Of course it was."
Much later in the afternoon, McGonagall sat in a white lawn chair sipping a cold glass of lemonade with the other female faculty members, and Hermione, who were still at Hogwarts for the summer. The garden was abuzz with bees and butterflies and the flowers were in full bloom. The smell of honeysuckle permeated the hot air. Poppy spelled up a large umbrella to shield her pale face from the sun.
"I thought you were getting a little pink in the cheeks," replied Madam Hooch upon observation.
"I told her she should have brought a hat," said McGonagall taking another sip of lemonade.
"It is a lovely day, if only the sun would let up a bit.
"Nonsense. It's good for the body, sweat out those toxins," chirped Sprout. Hermione smiled at them at looked around. Minerva was wearing a breezy, light green plaid sundress, Sprout was wearing a yellow floral print sun cloak, Hooch was wearing a sleeveless sundress with little Quidditch players flying around, and Madam Pomfrey was wearing a red skirt and blouse sitting under her umbrella, fanning herself. Lenea Vector had also joined them and was stretched out on a lounge chair wearing a pale pink number and sunning herself. Hermione looked at Vector's tanned skin and then at her own. It seemed even whiter when compared to the clothes she was wearing. She had picked a white flowy dress that came to the middle of her shins. The sleeves were loose and just covered the tops of her shoulders, and the waist was fastened with a simple black belt. She held her arms out in front of her and noticed they were getting a little pink.
"Do you need some lotion, Hermione?" asked Poppy. "We fair-skinned gals must be prepared," and she tossed Hermione a little tube of cream. Hermione spread some of the jasmine-scented sun block out into her palms and rubbed it on her arms and face, before tossing it back to the medi-witch.
"Well Minerva, what is Albus up to this afternoon?" asked Lenea drowsily.
The older witch had been twirling circles of multi-coloured sparks and smokes in the air and looked up. "Oh, I'm not quite sure to be honest." The other women looked at her. McGonagall pursed her lips and now began swirling lewd images in the air. "He's gone to London for something." The women all giggled.
"London...oh that sounds lovely. When was the last time we went shopping?"
Minerva looked at Cerelia, "At least a month. We're due." Sprout giggled while filling up her glass.
"Well, then. We should schedule a trip into the city sometime soon. I need a couple of spare lab robes besides. I ruined a pair last week."
"I saw an adorable new evening cloak on sale in Hippolyta's monthly paper just this morning," exclaimed Poppy.
"Where would you wear something from Hippolyta's to? I have an evening gown from Hippolyta's I've had for two years now, and not once have I gotten to use it," said McGonagall dejectedly and dropped her wand in her lap sulkily.
"Well," said Lenea from her lounger. "I know Hogsmeade is opening a new pub soon. I believe it would require attire from such a place as Hippolyta's Minerva."
"Really? How soon?"
"This week. On Friday."
"Ooh," said the women.
"How is it you've heard of it and the rest of us haven't?" Hermione was smiling at her professors' banter and covered her eyes from the sun, watching Lenea.
"Well, it might be that I have a special invitation." Lenea lowered her stylish black sunglasses and looked at the women over the tops.
"Liars go into the Ministry, Lenea," quipped Gamula.
They all laughed, but continued to look on eagerly. Vector raised herself up on one elbow and smiled. "Have any of you heard of Jeffrey Welsley?" replied Lenea coyly.
"The mayor of Hogsmeade's son? That Jeffrey Welsley?!" exclaimed Gamula.
"He was student before he was the mayor's son, you know," said Sprout.
Gam let out a low whistle. "What did you do to attract that kind of attention Ms. Vector?" Vector mock-glared at her while the other women laughed.
"Well he was just a couple of years ahead of you if memory serves me right, wasn't he Lenea?"
"Yes," said Lenea, sitting up properly now. "And a Ravenclaw," she winked. The women chuckled.
"Gamula, how was your...er...evening, the other night?"
The flying instructor sat back in her chair with a large grin on her face, "Eventful. Blissfully ignorant and eventful." Even Hermione burst out laughing, partly with shock though.
"Well," replied Cerelia calmly, "I
"I bet you are."
"Pft."
"I'd be too..."
"Mm-hmm," came the responses all at once. Minerva's "situation" was never clear and people could only guess, but despite her status she was happy. Which is all they could ask for.
There was a moment of contemplating silence when all sat back in their chairs and recliners.
Then, "And yet, I wonder...." Lenea's soft voice broke through the quiet, and every head turned to Hermione.
She had been sitting quietly; hands neatly folded in her lap, eyes staring but not focused on anything in particular. Her mind vaguely registered the odd sensation of being watched and she blinked looking around. They were all staring at her with various expressions of curiosity.
"What?" she said anxiously.
The women all stared a bit harder. Hermione sat up straighter.
"What?"
"Nevermind then," said Poppy sweetly, easing back in her chair. Hermione's brows were knit and she swallowed. The silence hung for maybe four or five more seconds before Gamula stated the obvious.
"How's Severus?" The professor's snickered and waited for Hermione's flustered response.
"What's that supposed to mean?" Her face, she just knew, was bright red. "I haven't a clue, I've...been here." She averted her gaze downwards.
"Oh come on, deary. It really is quite obvious." Hermione jerked her gaze back upwards to the Herbology Professor.
"I'm sorry?"
"You fancy each other!" blurted Gam. "Everybody knows it. So just say so. We're all in approval, there's nothing to hide." Minerva was calmly smiling at her former student.
Hermione was squirming and fidgeting in her seat like a first year in detention.
"She's right Hermione," said Lenea. Hermione's eyes widened and her mouth worked silently. She looked around her and saw there was absolutely nothing she could see that needed her attention, thus nowhere to hide.
"Um," she swallowed again, "I think you're all— really just, confused. I mean, there's nothing...we're not.... We're both just trying to save Harry is all." Once again they all sat back in their chairs, smiling, while Hermione tried not to choke on the massive gulp of lemonade she just swallowed.
A/N: I haven't given up on the fic I swear!! I won't either...it may just take me awhile to get through it. But I promise I'm not giving on up it (mainly for Innogen :). I had actually posted this chapter earlier on aff.net but I simply forgot out posting it here, which is completely terrible, I know, but that's what happened. Forgive me. And as always, thank you soo much for reviews, which are still wholly welcome; and thanks mucho to Lenea for her wonderful words of wisdom.
Hermione: "Are you sure you'll be okay without me?"
Snape: snort "Yes."
Hermione: arches an eyebrow like all the other good fics have her do leaves
Snape: waits...gets up....goes outside...
Snape: frolicsinthegrassss!!!
Touchstone
Chapter Thirteen
By Gin
Tiny glass cylinders fumed peacefully beside Hermione in a rack while she searched around for cork stoppers. The first batch was finally finished. She let them cool before sealing them, and gathered up a cloth to wrap them in for travel. She didn't expect immediate results as the dosages she would be giving him were extreme and little by little dosages would be needed for healthy results. That is, if it worked, and only then if it didn't kill him first. There was that risk for an experimental potion usage; however, they had no other alternative. Hermione exhaled and tucked a strand of hair behind her ear then bundled up the miniature bottles of optimism. Dumbledore and McGonagall had met her in Madam Pomfrey's office to give her encouragement. Snape had also come along as he'd been helping her the past few days with the concoction and had agreed to go with Hermione to help administer the potion to Harry. He was also bringing along some counter- affecting potions to try and reverse the effects should something go wrong. However, he'd told Hermione he doubted there would be much he could do if the Gryffindor reacted badly to it.
"Good luck, my dear." Dumbledore put his hand on Hermione's shoulder for encouragement. Minerva was standing crisply next to him and nodded to her as well, while Poppy began storing the left over phials in a large wooden cabinet.
Hermione voiced her thank yous and together she and Severus left the Hospital Wing to make their way down to the great front doors of the castle. Severus didn't say much to her during their walk to the gates; it was an all around awkward situation. What if the boy died during the administration? What if they'd made a mistake? What if nothing happened? He felt confident in almost everything he did, but in the tiniest recesses of his mind he always held some reserves. He always had. And to top it all off, the last time he and Hermione had been there...well, he knew what had happened afterwards. Nevertheless he kept his game face on—blank stare with a slight frown and stiff upper lip.
Hermione, too, was quiet. She'd been preparing herself to not break down again and to remain hopeful. She couldn't do anything productive if her mind was tormented. When they reached the gate, Severus' hand momentarily twitched towards hers but was immediately stilled when they faced each other.
"Well then, see you on the other side."
Snape nodded and half an instant later they were standing, yet again, outside the entrance to St. Mungo's looking in.
Once they'd registered with the medi-witch at the front desk they made the same all-to-familiar journey up to Harry's room. Hermione clenched her fists in an effort to wring the nervousness from her soul while they walked in silence. Once they'd reached the entrance of the dull grey door that led to Harry's room, Hermione inhaled and turned to look at her companion.
"Now or never. Right?" Snape noticed the unconsciously asked permission and simply nodded. They opened the door, to find Ginny sitting quietly beside Harry.
She immediately stood up and looked back and forth between Hermione and her former Potions professor—rather like a guilty schoolgirl. Ginny stumbled trying to find the right words to say.
"Hermione, Professor Snape, um, hello." Ginny tried to feign a slight grin and began smoothing her rumpled jeans with her hands. She looked tired, but her spirits seemed to have improved since Hermione had last left her with the Weasley's at the Burrow.
Hermione, not realising they would have company during the trial, stopped short of the door before awkwardly stepping in. Severus stood just as rigid as always behind her and examined the monotonous walls.
"Ginny? I'm sorry, I didn't know you were going to be here..." she faded off. What else would she have said? 'During the experiment?' She then walked fully into the room to stand beside the bed and looked at her friend curiously.
Ginny spoke before Hermione could, "I know what you're thinking, and the answer is no. I honestly just got here." Hermione continued to gage her friend reluctantly. "I swear. I've been home...ask Mum." Ginny continued to fidget with her clothes and sat back down on the chair beside Harry's bed.
Hermione didn't know what to say. "Ginny, I know you want to be here for him, but, well...this is, well—"she couldn't bring herself to say, let alone admit what she was trying not to think. Luckily she didn't have to.
"Miss Weasley, what Miss Granger is trying to say, is that being as you are very close to Mr. Potter it is unadvisable for you to be here at the moment. As much as I regret to inform you, this potion is highly unstable and not medically approved as yet, thus the effects resulting after we have administered the potion could be drastic if not tragic." His "professor voice" had taken over the uneasiness, leaving the implications quite clear for Ginny to understand should she have any hopes.
Ginny blinked and focused her attention to the dark figure now beside Hermione. "Yes, Professor. Hermione made that clear when she wrote us the other day. But, I still wanted to be here." She cast her gaze down. Severus stared hard at her for a moment more before turning his gaze back to Hermione and nodded. Ginny was obviously willing to suffer, so be it.
Hermione still felt unsure about letting Ginny watch, but was in no mood for an argument at the moment. She removed the bundle of cloth from inside her robes and unfolded it on a nearby table as carefully as she could. Snape likewise spelled his supposed antidotes back to regular size and laid them on another table from the corner and positioned it nearby. After checking to see that the tonics were all the correct temperature (due to some nicely performed Heating Charms by Poppy), he turned towards Hermione indicating he was ready whenever she was. Hermione straightened beside him and inhaled.
She brushed a hand on Harry's cheek and looked into his pale, lifeless eyes.
"I hope this works, Harry, please forgive me if otherwise?" she said under her breath. Ginny scooted forward in her chair to the edge and grasped his hands once before letting go and biting her lip, blinking back the threatening tears.
Hermione lifted Harry's head slightly and opened his slacked jaw. Then she reached behind her and carefully picked up a warmed phial from the table and removed the stop. Snape picked up Harry's wrist, placing his slightly cold fingers on the veins, and nodded for Hermione to continue. She inhaled again and bent over to his lips and with one hand slowly poured the vicious liquid down his throat, while the other methodically massaged his neck muscles into the swallowing reflex. When the phial was drained, Hermione and Ginny held their breath while Snape began counting Harry's pulse and checking for any apparent differences in his face. The soft whirrs and tinks of tiny bells continued their rhythmic patterns around them but didn't change pace or tone. Harry's eyes continued to stare dully into nothing, his pupils hadn't changed size, skin colour was still pallid and clammy, pulse weak but also unchanged. Hermione exhaled and stood up looking down on him; nothing was happening.
Ginny's intent stare left Harry and focused instead on Hermione. "Is...?" she began, looking back at him again, her brows knit.
Hermione frowned in confusion and looked at the phials on the table, and over to Snape. His eyes were concentrating on Harry and his fingers still gripping his wrist. But after another minute he released Harry's arm, straightened and looked apologetically to Ginny before sparing Hermione a slight glance. He exhaled calmly and began Shrinking his antidotes and pocketing them.
Hermione looked back at Harry. "Well? What, there was no change at all?" she asked to Severus.
He turned to her shaking his head giving her a slightly sympathetic look. She sighed and raked her fingers through her hair, disbelieving. Ginny sat back in her chair and blinked away another tear.
"Maybe next time?" Ginny asked rhetorically. Hermione looked back down at the creature claiming Harry's persona and frowned.
"Well that was a complete waste." Hermione kicked angrily at the gravel as she and Severus walked up the pathway to the castle.
"No need for histrionics; we did the best we could do. We shall just try again." Snape was walking, hands in the pockets of his black slacks, beside her. "It may just need to be stronger."
"But you said if it were any stronger it could kill him," she argued.
"Yes, however that was before we knew this particular strength was ineffective."
She sighed and crossed her arms as well. The hot sun was blaring down on them and only added to her frustration. Snape reached up to wipe a bead of sweat from his brow and looked up to the sky. Not a cloud to be seen. They kept walking and Hermione tossed more ideas to him about different ways to alter the potion. Snape was listening to her, but just barely. He was more interested in the huge hawk that was circling the skies above the castle just ahead. He nodded and mumbled a few sounds at her comments before the bird swooped down towards an area that looked to be relatively close to Dumbledore's office. Hermione followed his gaze and watched as the bird hovered by a turret in mid-air before flying into the apparently opened window.
When they arrived at Snape's office in the much cooler dungeons, Albus was comfortably waiting inside as a large, stately Peregrine falcon waited patiently, head held high, on his desk. It straightened when Severus walked in; Albus simply smiled.
"Ah, my little alchemists have arrived; unfortunately they seem to be here much earlier than I would have hoped." His voice sounded as if it were in a pleasantly strained tone. Under the false cheer lurked the obvious disappointment.
"Indeed," replied Severus regarding the bird standing in the centre of the desk.
"Yes, well, in due time I'm sure. However, at the present moment you have a visitor," Dumbledore said indicating the bird.
Snape inclined his head and calmly walked over to the proud creature. The falcon seemed to size Severus up and clicked its sharp beak impatiently while scratching at his paper-strewn desktop. Snape frowned and snatched the scroll harshly from its grasp. Hermione looked at the bird curiously then to Dumbledore who seemed to be on the edge of his seat.
Snape calmly untied the deep blue satin ribbon holding the scroll together and let it fall to the floor before unrolling it. His face was completely unreadable at first, but then an arched eyebrow followed, which was finished up nicely with an intense frown. He crumpled up the parchment with an angry sigh and tossed the letter into the rubbish bin. To complete the entire ordeal, he folded his arms like an upset child and stared straight ahead.
Dumbledore broke the silence with, "Well for God's sake man, what did she say?"
This time the sigh was frustrated. "Nothing sincere I'm sure. No doubt Launce had to completely twist her arm to get her to even acknowledge my presence." Dumbledore raised his eyebrows, and Accio'd the crumpled letter into his wrinkled hands and opened it up. Snape gawked at him.
"I'm fairly certain that's illegal," his frown deepened.
Dumbledore squinted at the writing and said faintly, "Well then come take it from me," and continued to read without looking up. Snape grumbled something rude and went to sit behind his desk contemplating whether or not to knock the pompous Peregrine off. It preened its glossy black feathers while waiting for the disrespectful humans to send a reply.
Meanwhile, Hermione had been standing silently to the side, curiosity eating away at her before she quietly walked up behind Albus to read over his shoulder. Severus noted it and irritably explained.
"It's just a formal invitation to Mother's birthday celebration." Though it was clipped, she could definitely sense some emotion behind the words.
"Really? But that's wonderful isn't it?" she said.
Dumbledore piped up, "Oh, it's from Lavinia I see! When was the last time she wrote you, it's been quite awhile hasn't it? It says your mother's birthday celebration is this weekend...rather short notice, but lovely just the same." Dumbledore finished the letter and looked up at Severus with beaming blue eyes. He was very happy for him and knew what this secretly meant to Severus.
"To answer your question, yes it has been. So many years in fact that I can't remember."
"But you'll go won't you?" Dumbledore was now sipping a steaming cup of tea and waiting expectantly for him to say 'yes.' Snape looked at him doubtfully and looked back at the bird.
"As fake as the sentiments to include me in the family affairs are, I will have to respectfully decline." The falcon looked at Severus as if it were the only answer he would have accepted anyway. Snape glared at him.
Hermione argued, "But Severus, you have to go. Remember Launce was very excited to have you come, and he came all this way to see you. They are making an effort, so you should as well." She glared right back at his answering scowl.
"Hermione, Lavinia wouldn't honestly have me come, nor might I add would my mother, had Launce not pestered her. And I'm sure a few whining declarations from the child sealed it if only to shut her up. I'll send a card; I'm not up for histrionics at the moment." The bird clicked indignantly and Severus flicked it on the beak. It screeched and flew around the room, showering them in feathers.
"Severus," Hermione berated. He shrugged.
Dumbledore reached his arm up, which the bird gratefully accepted, and stroked its feathered head. "Why don't you go, my boy. Take the plunge, you are family after all." Snape snickered. "It's true. People dwell far too much on such ignorant goings-on from the past. It's ridiculous and I for one think its high time your entire family moved on." Snape rolled his eyes. Hermione glared at him, still unclear as to what they were talking about.
"Albus, I really don't think it's a good idea, as it is my family," he almost stuttered on the word family, "and my decision. And I am deciding not to go."
Ten minutes later, Severus was writing a terse response that he would be in attendance but that he could not stay for long as he had "important matters to attend to and cannot be bothered with trivialities. Severus signed his name with a slight growl, rolled up the parchment and held it out for the black bird to take. It happened to nick his thumb and Snape just restrained himself from harming the creature. He didn't think Lavinia would forgive him, again, for killing her personal falcon.
Albus slipped the animal a treat and replied, "Well, I'm glad you saw reason. I'm quite sure you will have a wonderful time." He then smiled at Severus, winked at Hermione, and departed with a little bounce in his step. On his way out he called, "Oh! Be a good lad and tell Moira, Happy Birthday for me! And tell Launce and Lavinia to bring the children for a visit!"
Snape led the offensive fowl to his window and watched it fly off into the glaring heat of the afternoon. "I hope you burn," he said quietly.
"What was that?" Hermione asked coming up behind him.
"Nothing."
She stood there, slightly smirking, looking out at the bird.
"It was ultimately my decision," he said poutily. She pursed her lips in an effort not to full out smile and nodded saying innocently, "Of course it was."
Much later in the afternoon, McGonagall sat in a white lawn chair sipping a cold glass of lemonade with the other female faculty members, and Hermione, who were still at Hogwarts for the summer. The garden was abuzz with bees and butterflies and the flowers were in full bloom. The smell of honeysuckle permeated the hot air. Poppy spelled up a large umbrella to shield her pale face from the sun.
"I thought you were getting a little pink in the cheeks," replied Madam Hooch upon observation.
"I told her she should have brought a hat," said McGonagall taking another sip of lemonade.
"It is a lovely day, if only the sun would let up a bit.
"Nonsense. It's good for the body, sweat out those toxins," chirped Sprout. Hermione smiled at them at looked around. Minerva was wearing a breezy, light green plaid sundress, Sprout was wearing a yellow floral print sun cloak, Hooch was wearing a sleeveless sundress with little Quidditch players flying around, and Madam Pomfrey was wearing a red skirt and blouse sitting under her umbrella, fanning herself. Lenea Vector had also joined them and was stretched out on a lounge chair wearing a pale pink number and sunning herself. Hermione looked at Vector's tanned skin and then at her own. It seemed even whiter when compared to the clothes she was wearing. She had picked a white flowy dress that came to the middle of her shins. The sleeves were loose and just covered the tops of her shoulders, and the waist was fastened with a simple black belt. She held her arms out in front of her and noticed they were getting a little pink.
"Do you need some lotion, Hermione?" asked Poppy. "We fair-skinned gals must be prepared," and she tossed Hermione a little tube of cream. Hermione spread some of the jasmine-scented sun block out into her palms and rubbed it on her arms and face, before tossing it back to the medi-witch.
"Well Minerva, what is Albus up to this afternoon?" asked Lenea drowsily.
The older witch had been twirling circles of multi-coloured sparks and smokes in the air and looked up. "Oh, I'm not quite sure to be honest." The other women looked at her. McGonagall pursed her lips and now began swirling lewd images in the air. "He's gone to London for something." The women all giggled.
"London...oh that sounds lovely. When was the last time we went shopping?"
Minerva looked at Cerelia, "At least a month. We're due." Sprout giggled while filling up her glass.
"Well, then. We should schedule a trip into the city sometime soon. I need a couple of spare lab robes besides. I ruined a pair last week."
"I saw an adorable new evening cloak on sale in Hippolyta's monthly paper just this morning," exclaimed Poppy.
"Where would you wear something from Hippolyta's to? I have an evening gown from Hippolyta's I've had for two years now, and not once have I gotten to use it," said McGonagall dejectedly and dropped her wand in her lap sulkily.
"Well," said Lenea from her lounger. "I know Hogsmeade is opening a new pub soon. I believe it would require attire from such a place as Hippolyta's Minerva."
"Really? How soon?"
"This week. On Friday."
"Ooh," said the women.
"How is it you've heard of it and the rest of us haven't?" Hermione was smiling at her professors' banter and covered her eyes from the sun, watching Lenea.
"Well, it might be that I have a special invitation." Lenea lowered her stylish black sunglasses and looked at the women over the tops.
"Liars go into the Ministry, Lenea," quipped Gamula.
They all laughed, but continued to look on eagerly. Vector raised herself up on one elbow and smiled. "Have any of you heard of Jeffrey Welsley?" replied Lenea coyly.
"The mayor of Hogsmeade's son? That Jeffrey Welsley?!" exclaimed Gamula.
"He was student before he was the mayor's son, you know," said Sprout.
Gam let out a low whistle. "What did you do to attract that kind of attention Ms. Vector?" Vector mock-glared at her while the other women laughed.
"Well he was just a couple of years ahead of you if memory serves me right, wasn't he Lenea?"
"Yes," said Lenea, sitting up properly now. "And a Ravenclaw," she winked. The women chuckled.
"Gamula, how was your...er...evening, the other night?"
The flying instructor sat back in her chair with a large grin on her face, "Eventful. Blissfully ignorant and eventful." Even Hermione burst out laughing, partly with shock though.
"Well," replied Cerelia calmly, "I
"I bet you are."
"Pft."
"I'd be too..."
"Mm-hmm," came the responses all at once. Minerva's "situation" was never clear and people could only guess, but despite her status she was happy. Which is all they could ask for.
There was a moment of contemplating silence when all sat back in their chairs and recliners.
Then, "And yet, I wonder...." Lenea's soft voice broke through the quiet, and every head turned to Hermione.
She had been sitting quietly; hands neatly folded in her lap, eyes staring but not focused on anything in particular. Her mind vaguely registered the odd sensation of being watched and she blinked looking around. They were all staring at her with various expressions of curiosity.
"What?" she said anxiously.
The women all stared a bit harder. Hermione sat up straighter.
"What?"
"Nevermind then," said Poppy sweetly, easing back in her chair. Hermione's brows were knit and she swallowed. The silence hung for maybe four or five more seconds before Gamula stated the obvious.
"How's Severus?" The professor's snickered and waited for Hermione's flustered response.
"What's that supposed to mean?" Her face, she just knew, was bright red. "I haven't a clue, I've...been here." She averted her gaze downwards.
"Oh come on, deary. It really is quite obvious." Hermione jerked her gaze back upwards to the Herbology Professor.
"I'm sorry?"
"You fancy each other!" blurted Gam. "Everybody knows it. So just say so. We're all in approval, there's nothing to hide." Minerva was calmly smiling at her former student.
Hermione was squirming and fidgeting in her seat like a first year in detention.
"She's right Hermione," said Lenea. Hermione's eyes widened and her mouth worked silently. She looked around her and saw there was absolutely nothing she could see that needed her attention, thus nowhere to hide.
"Um," she swallowed again, "I think you're all— really just, confused. I mean, there's nothing...we're not.... We're both just trying to save Harry is all." Once again they all sat back in their chairs, smiling, while Hermione tried not to choke on the massive gulp of lemonade she just swallowed.
A/N: I haven't given up on the fic I swear!! I won't either...it may just take me awhile to get through it. But I promise I'm not giving on up it (mainly for Innogen :). I had actually posted this chapter earlier on aff.net but I simply forgot out posting it here, which is completely terrible, I know, but that's what happened. Forgive me. And as always, thank you soo much for reviews, which are still wholly welcome; and thanks mucho to Lenea for her wonderful words of wisdom.
