Mosaics
Part 4
Curiosity is one of the permanent and certain characteristics of a vigorous intellect. Samuel Johnson
"Mudblood, Mudblood, where are you little Mudblood?"
She was running down a dark hall dressed only in her underwear. The taunting voice was close behind her and frantically she looked for a place to hide. Rounding a corner, she slammed into someone. A tall, dark shape loomed above her as she scrambled to her feet.
"Miss Granger, twenty points from Gryffindor for running in the halls and ten more for being so foolish."
"Professor, I am so glad to…" her words faded on her lips as the figure stepped into the light. The leering face of Lucius Malfoy hovered over her as he jerked her forward by the hair.
"On your knees, whore!" he commanded, pushing her down and thrusting himself into her mouth. She couldn't breathe as the engorged member rammed hard against the back of her throat…
Hermione jerked and sat up quickly, the cold sweat running in rivulets down her face. 'Breathe' she told herself, gasping as she felt an invisible hand clasp around her neck. 'That's right, one breath, two. It will be all right.'
Reaching under her pillow, she pulled out her wand and a diary. "Lumos" She tapped the wand on the diary and it opened. Placing the wand on her pillow, she laid on her stomach and picked up the short quill that was held in loops inside the diary. The diary had arrived the morning of her sixteenth birthday with no card. Inside, someone had written 'Words are courage, and you possess tremendous amounts of courage.' She knew it had been a gift from Professor Snape.
Flicking through the pages, she stopped on a childish sketch she had done of herself. So far she had only drawn the basic outline and bushy hair. She stuck the quill in her mouth and sucked a moment. It needed no ink, only her saliva to start it. Her hand trembled slightly as she added eyes to the round part that was her head. Slowly she drew two eyes, wide and lifeless. When she had done this she wrote, 'these are my eyes and they are good. Sometimes they see things I wish they could forget but everything has a purpose. The purpose of my eyes is to see the world in all its beauty and horror and choose to focus on what I want, not what anyone else perceives.' Closing her eyes, she thought of nothing but focused on the color green, it was her 'soothing' color. Slowly she added safe things, butterflies, flowers, and trees. Hermione felt the adrenal rush ease from her body. "Nox," she said, putting the wand and dairy away and curling up to sleep once more.
"That's it. I am moving in with Ginny," Dean said grumpily as he dressed.
"What?" Ron said quickly, his head halfway through his robes. "You can't…"
"Don't be thick, Ron," Harry said. "You know that boys can't go into the girl dorms. What's the problem, Dean?"
The tall black boy glared at them. "You know, I got use to Harry carrying on at night, waking us ever so often with wild screams, but now you, Ron. It's getting so between the both of you, no one can sleep."
Ron flushed. "Leave off of it, Dean," Neville interjected.
"Fine. But I am serious. You two have some serious problems." He grabbed his bag and slammed the door as he left.
"Thanks, Neville," Ron muttered, pulling on his trainers. "I didn't know I disturbed anyone."
Neville nodded and left the dorm.
"Bad night?" Harry asked. He had heard Ron moaning and crying out ever so often. The effects of the brain that had attached to him in the Department of Mysteries had left something behind, something that Ron refused to talk about.
"I guess so," Ron said, not looking at Harry. "Don't remember much of it though."
Harry knew he was lying but didn't press. He knew what it was like to have such dreams.
"Good afternoon," Molly said brightly to the room of Gryffindors. There was a polite response. Sitting beside Hermione, Ron squirmed in his seat, looking green.
"I hope we can have a productive term. Professor Snape has kindly given me a syllabus of the spells you will need to concentrate on that will help you prepare for the NEWTs next year. However I expect full input from you. If there are other spells you wish to cover, don't hesitate to let me know. If I don't know how to do them," she said with a small blush on her cheeks, "I will find someone that can."
Students looked at each other. That was the first time a professor had ever asked for their input or admitted that they might not know everything.
"Any questions? Fine. Let's begin."
The Gryffindors were chattering brightly as they left the class. "That was a good class," Lavender said.
"Yes," agreed Seamus.
"You're mom is cool," Dean told Ron, slapping him on the back as others agreed. Molly had the kept the class interesting and face paced. Most couldn't believe the time had passed so quickly.
"Thanks," Ron said, grinning.
"Told you," Hermione said sagely as Harry took her hand.
"You wanted to see me, Headmaster?" Hermione asked tentatively as she entered Dumbledore's office. Professor McGonagall had approached her before lunch to inform her that Dumbledore wanted a word with her.
"Yes, come in, Miss Granger, and have a seat." Albus smiled kindly at the girl. "Care for tea?"
"No thank you, sir."
"You
are curious to why I have asked you here."
"Yes."
"Down to business then." Albus rose from his seat behind the desk, walked over, and sat next to her. He held a large tome in his hands. "I have here a book on Elemental Magic. Are you familiar with the subject?"
"Yes. It was mentioned in History of Magic along with the other branches of magic. It is an obscure magic that is rarely practiced, and attributed to belong in the area of Druidic or Indian Magic," she responded.
"Very good," Albus said nodding his head. "I would like for you to take this book and read it. I have marked several pages I want you to pay close attention to." Handing her the book, he looked very pleased with himself.
Hermione looked at him, confused. "It will take a couple of days."
"Take your time. When you are finished, we will discuss what you have read and I must ask that you keep this between us. Messrs. Potter and Weasley need not know," he said calmly, staring into her eyes.
"Yes, Headmaster." She replied, her curiosity piqued. Taking the book, she looked at it in eagerness.
Hermione hurried down the stairs to the dungeons, anxious not to be late for Double Potions. The sounds of laughter and angry voices echoed in the hall and she ran around the corner to see Neville with a tight grip on Harry's robes. It didn't surprise her to see Draco standing in front of them, Pansy Parkinson and Blaise Zabini standing in Crabbe and Goyle's usual places on either side of Malfoy. No matter how much Snape favored his house, Draco's sidekicks had not secured a spot in the class.
"Here comes your whore now, Potter," Draco drawled, his mouth twisting in an evil smile as Hermione approached.
"Shut your filthy mouth," Harry growled, trying to tug his robes out of Neville's grip.
"Tell you what Granger, if you ever get tired of this pathetic fuck," Draco said slyly, "I may give you a pity shag."
Stepping between Harry and Draco, Hermione smiled coyly at Draco. "Just try it," she purred, moving close until they were inches apart, "and you will have to wear your frozen bollocks around your neck."
Draco paled and took a step back. "Just you try, you nasty Mudblood slag," hissed Pansy, who was gripping Draco's arm.
"Don't call her that," Harry said through clenched teeth. "The only slag around here is the one holding onto the ball-less wonder."
"Such language." The smooth voice came from the now open classroom door. "Five points from Grffyindor, Potter. Everyone in, now."
Harry shot Snape a vicious look as he stomped past, Neville still holding onto his robes. "Longbottom, I realize you are extremely dense, however do let go of Potter's robes as he has already led you to the right classroom." The Slytherins and several other students snickered.
Trying to keep her tongue in check, Hermione pursed her lips in anger as she glared at Professor Snape. Dark eyes met hers briefly and she was startled when she saw the concern in them. It was gone as quickly as it came, and she sat down at the table wondering if had been there at all.
"Hermione was brilliant," Neville said retelling what had occurred outside the classroom to Ron and Ginny that evening in the Common Room.
"Snape sure took it out on us during class though," Harry said glumly. "Twenty five points in all."
Hermione half-listened to the grumbling about Snape and all Slytherins in general, her mind on the book Dumbledore had given her. She watched the clock tick slowly to nine. "I think I will call it a night," she said, faking a yawn.
"It's early," Harry protested, catching her hand. "I thought," he blushed and moved closer, "you might like to sit on my lap and study like we did last night."
"Harry, I…think we need to slow down a bit," she said hesitantly, hoping he would understand. Harry studied her flushed, worried face and gave her a smile.
"See you in the morning then," he said, kissing her cheek.
Retreating hastily from the room, Hermione breathed a sigh of relief that Harry understood. He had been a perfect gentleman when she was in his lap, never touching her, however she had been uncomfortable with the closeness. The feel of his body against hers had brought on the dream, she was sure of it.
After putting on her nightgown, she climbed on her bed and drew the curtains. Pulling out the book she began to read.
"Rise," Voldemort commanded the gathered Death Eaters. "I realize it has been awhile since I have called you. Be assured that everything is in order and going as planned. For a bit, we will bide our time, our attacks subtle and discreet. No one will draw attention to themselves. Do you understand?"
There was a murmur of agreement around the circle.
"Very good. I will speak to each of you privately before you are dismissed."
Moving to stand away from the crowd, Severus surveyed the others. Lucius was talking animatedly with Nott and McNair. Bellatrix and her husband approached him.
"Lucius, glad you could rejoin us," Bellatrix said, kissing her him on the cheek. "The gold suits you."
Severus' eyes flickered around the room and his eyes briefly caught Percy's. He raised an eyebrow at the look of hatred he saw reflected in the blue orbs.
"Snape," Wormtail was approaching him now. "The Master wants a word with you and Malfoy."
"Severus," Lucius linked his arm through his as they walked to the door. "No welcome for your brother?"
"If I had one I would pity him," Severus retorted. They stepped apart as they entered the room. Voldemort sat in a high-backed plush chair, Wormtail standing on his left.
"Severus, Lucius," Voldemort bade them rise after the two men knelt before him. "I have need of some information that no one has been able to supply."
"Yes, Milord." They said in unison.
"Lucius, I need an explanation to why you were holding a 'party' that night," Voldemort said in a deadly calm voice. "One that cost me several followers,"
Two bright spots appeared on Lucius' cheeks. "Milord, it was just a simple dinner party…"
"Do not lie to me, Lucius," Voldemort warned. "Bella has informed me of the real intent, that it was a 'surprise' for our friend Severus." The blood red eyes flickered over to Severus. "However she was not sure what the surprise was. Do enlighten me."
Lucius glanced at Severus and a sly grin appeared on his face. "I had captured a Mudblood, a student of Severus'."
Voldemort's eyes bore into Severus', searching. "What is the importance of this Mudblood that it would entice our dear Severus to leave his post?"
"Milord," Severus said evenly, never breaking the gaze, allowing the subtle intrusion into his mind. "The Mudblood in question is a protégé in the Connubium Creperum. I chose her after Lucius decided to abduct her last year for his son's pleasure. It was a choice opportunity to take the girl and finish what the Malfoys had started. Now she is mine in every sense of the word." Lucius gave a derisive snort beside him. "She is a close friend of Potter's and will be very valuable in revealing information as he confides everything in his friends."
"Draco has informed me that the Mudblood is involved with Potter and that friendship has turned to fancy," Lucius smirked.
"Exactly what I had hoped for," Severus said coolly gazing at Lucius, a sneer on his face. "Did you think that I actually cared for the girl and this development would upset me?"
"Severus, Severus, I find it hard to believe that you have that Mudblood under your thumb when you haven't yet tasted her."
"Enough!" Voldemort looked between the two men. "If what Severus has said is true then it is indeed a worthy game he plays." He raised his wand. Severus nodded and stood still.
"Legilimens," Voldemort said softly.
Severus felt the probing fingers inside his head, sifting through his thoughts and emotions. He remained stoic, his gaze never wavering as he allowed the images to surface. Voldemort lowered his wand with a satisfied look. "I do believe Lucius, that our friend is telling the truth," he said smugly.
Lucius' face reddened as he frowned at Severus.
"Very well, Severus. I will allow you to continue with this little experiment. However, if the girl's use comes to an end, I will expect you to bring her to me. You may go"
"Yes, Milord," Severus said with a small bow.
Walking with bold strides away from Voldemort and Lucius, Severus was anxious to leave. His exit was halted as Percy Weasley fell into step with him.
"Professor, a word please," Percy said politely. Snape eyed him thoughtfully and then nodded.
"I wanted to inquire if you could brew the Abortio Potion for me," Percy said briskly.
Severus turned to look at him, a long thin finger tracing carefully around his mouth. "Need I ask why you seek that particular potion?"
Percy's cheeks flamed. "You should know damn well…sir. My wife," he said bitterly, "carries a brat that is not mine but I must claim."
"And the Master has agreed to this?" Severus asked, a hint of smugness in his voice. The fire in Percy's eyes betrayed him. "I see. Weasley, I suggest you go home and lie in the bed you have made. Our Master's wrath is surely more important than a bastard child"
"And what if that bastard is yours?" Percy hissed, revulsion on his face.
Severus raised an eyebrow. He thought of assuring Percy that the child couldn't be his but the look of pure hatred on the man's face brought a sly half-smile to his face. "Then I suggest you try to explain to your family why your child looks so much like the 'Greasy Git'. Good day."
"Lucius."
Lucius opened one eye and looked at his wife who was sitting up in their massive bed staring at the door. "What?" he mumbled closing his eye again and turning over.
"I heard something downstairs."
He snorted.
"I am serious, Lucius."
Rolling over, he stared at her. "You are beginning to sound like a Muggle," he said testily.
She frowned at him. "Insult me if you will, but I want you to go see what the noise is."
"You are a capable Witch."
"Fine," she snapped, throwing the covers off and completely over the side of the bed. Pulling on her dressing robe she strode over and flung open the door.
Grabbing his dressing gown, he hurried after her not bothering to tie it.
A flash of light whizzed past him as he stepped off the stairs. "Lucius," Narcissa hissed.
"Damn it, woman," he growled. "Watch who you are hexing."
A high-pitched scream stopped their bickering. "I told…"
"Be quiet," Lucius demanded.
They crept through the sitting room into the kitchen area. Curled up in the middle of the floor was a sobbing House Elf.
"Useless scum!" screamed a woman with flyaway white hair. She lifted the wand and a red beam struck the Elf.
"Who the hell are you?" asked Narcissa, her own wand at the ready.
The woman lifted her face, her wide gray eyes barely glancing at the woman. Her face twisted in a wry smile. "Marius, I am home," she said proudly.
Narcissa looked at her husband. His mouth was slightly agape and his face was pale. "Mother?" he whispered.
Hermione's journal entry was inspired from the book "Courage to Heal"
Abortio-abort
Connubium Creperum: sexual darkness.
Thanks to LorenaSnape for betaing this chapter and for the dozen commas.