Summary: Hermione graduated from Hogwarts 2 years ago and is now twenty. War rages on and she builds barriers around her heart.
Genre: Angst/Romance Rating: Mature/Lemon Warnings: This is very OOC. If you want the characters just the way they are in the book, stop now and click on the back button. This is also AU. If you do not like it, do not read it! Now for those who want to, enjoy!
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I Don't Believe In Love
Chapter Fifteen: Durmstrang Institute
Hermione felt something wrong. It took a whole month to peruse the whole restricted section of the Hogwarts' library, and so far, she found nothing on the subject of a widespread cruciatus curse. She and Severus never had time to be in each other's presence anymore, because of this blasted assignment. The last time they had a real conversation was when they informed Albus about the assignment. Albus suggested trying to misdirect Tom. Severus would 'spy', but it would only look like he was spying and gathering information. Hermione will immediately start on the research, and any little information on the subject, she would give to Albus.
'If I wanted to study about the dark arts, where would I go?' Suddenly, a thought popped in her head. She rushed out of the library, and headed straight to Dumbledore's office.
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"Albus, Durmstrang has vast information about the Dark Arts. It is perfect. If there really is a spell such as that one, Durmstrang has to have it." Albus thought about this. It was true that Durmstrang has the information.
"Remus can teach the classes while I am gone."
Albus sighed. "Very well, if this is truly what you want, I cannot stop you. I will say only this. Never give up, and good luck."
Hermione beamed. "Thank you sir." Albus merely nodded.
She immediately left in search of Severus.
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She searched everywhere she could think of, and still could not find him. 'Wait. The Library! Why did I not think of that before?'
She turned around and began to walk the familiar path to the library, her haven.
The doors of the library made a creaking sound. Madam Pince waved at her, and she waved back. They had made quite a friendship due to her constant appearance in the library.
She looked around, passed every bookshelf, and searched every corner. Still no Severus. Perhaps he was away 'spying'.
Sighing, she made her way to the courtyard.
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Severus just came back from Lupin's. He was terribly tired and needed rest. He took of his cloak and set it on the hanger.
A knock sounded on his door. He mentally groaned 'What now?'
'Enter.' He said in that expressionless voice he always used on students.
Auriga Sinistra's head poked in. "Hello. Terribly sorry to disturb you but I need some bezoars." She opened the door and slipped in.
She was the dark kind of beauty. Straight, black hair reaching all the way to her waist. Her face was flawless, and pale. She always wore dark colored robes, and rarely spent time out of her tower these days.
Severus went to his ingredients cabinet and took out some bezoar stones. He did not bother to count them, he was too tired.
He handed her the stones and dismissed her.
Just when he was about to enter his rooms, another knock sounded. He did not bother hiding his groan of frustration.
"Enter!" He snapped harshly at the door. Hermione peeked in.
"Oh, you're back. What did Auriga want?" She asked curiously.
"Bezoars."
"Hmm." Hermione paid no attention to it.
"Did you want something?" He asked, getting to the point.
"Now now, what if your girlfriend just wanted to pay you a visit?" Hermione asked teasingly. However, he was not in the mood.
"Hermione, I am tired and I need rest. I ask you again, what do you want?" Hermione was a bit put off, but she understood fatigue.
"Oh. Rest then, I only came to say goodbye." All traces of weariness disappeared from Severus at once.
"Why? Where are you going?"
"Durmstrang." She said. "I believe they might have the information Tom requires."
"Hermione, that place is swarming with dark wizards." He tried to make her stay.
"Don't worry; No one would dare harm me if they want to live." Oh, yes, of course. The dark lord would make sure of t.
"Hermione, please stay." Doesn't she know how hard it is for him to plead?
She stepped closer, and pushed the stray locks of his hair out of they way. "Everything will be fine. I will come back in about a month."
"A month!" No.
"Severus, a month is nothing. Before you know it, I will be back." Her reassuring voice calmed him a little.
He sighed. There was nothing he could say to stop her from going.
"Be careful." He held her for a few minutes, before releasing her, and placing a kiss on her forehead. "I will miss you."
The tone of his voice made her hesitate a bit. "And I, you." She kissed the tip of his nose before smiling, and said, "Rest. You need it."
He let go of her, and she walked to the door. She cast one longing look at him before going out.
Her words remained. 'It's just a month.' He thought. Somehow, he felt uneasy.
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One she was at Hogsmeade, She apparated to Remus' first.
"Remus. Hello. I have a favor to ask you. Would you please teach the students for about a month while I am away on order business?" Remus nodded.
"Of course Hermione." She smiled gratefully at him.
"I trust that no one still knows of Harry's whereabouts?" Remus grinned.
"No one but me."
Hermione smiled again before apparating away.
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Durmstrang institute was located between mountains. It was snowing hard, and Hermione's teeth were chattering in spite of the warm, heavy robes she wore.
She banged loudly on the gates. A man, pale as death itself opened the door. "State your name, and business."
"Hermione Granger, I have come in search of a dark spell." Upon hearing her name, the man's eyes became huge, and he immediately let her in.
"Forgive me my lady, I did not recognize you." Apparently, her acquaintance with Voldemort has earned her a title.
"It is nothing. I would like to speak with the Headmaster."
"Please follow me." The man walked her to the headmaster's office.
The first thing she noticed in this place was the decor. Light did not seem to be a necessity here, or perhaps people here simply enjoyed the dim light. The next thing she noticed was dark grey. Everything here was dark grey. The statues. It was gloomy.
"So, tell me your name." Hermione tried to start a conversation.
"Salazar." He responded. "We are here."
The door that she laid her eyes upon astounded her. She did not think that history could be carved in a piece of marble, that only one person at a time, could enter.
"Ah Professor Granger. A pleasure."
She was granted the whole Durmstang library for her research. Soon after, she learned that Salazar was a temporary gatekeeper her.
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When she lay down to sleep that night, her last conscious thought was
'Severus.'
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Whew. Glad that is done. Next chapter might be a bit angsty. (Sniggers) But no worries, everything will be fine. Thank you to those who reviewed. You guys are so kind.
jekyllhyde: Lol. Disgusting...
Varcolaci: Well, he is still incredibly evil. Besides, It's all an illusion remember? He's still the same skeleton.
Alias mel: Thank you. I'm glad you like it.
deadlyabyss12: Thanks!
Mish Michelle: (Sniggers) Yeah. Good luck with that.
Angelbabe385: Lol. Well, I had to restrain myself from washing my brains because of that.
lydia: Well, If you think the secret keeper is Lupin, then you were right.
sexiprincess1228: I think it's going to be 23 chappies long...If I stay on a chappie per day that is.
aniamifan1988: Hehe Thanks.
JTBJAB: Lol. Thanks.
Yawn...Ok goodnight you guys. I'm off to sleep. Thanks for reading. Review. Please. - Darque
p.s. I am still treating Smirks, as she was traumatized by last chapter, and Snarks, he was having worse nightmares. They said sorry for not showing up in this chappie.
