Chapter 5
Before I Knew
By Poet
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Black ink stained his fingertips as Severus at long last replaced his quill. He'd been at his desk for an hour, finishing up paperwork, sorting out schedules and the like. Now, with his last task attended to he sealed a piece of parchment into an envelope and placed his seal upon it. This final bit hadn't been school business. The words contained in the envelope were angry, threatening, callous and on Hermione's behalf. Though, wearing a wry grin, Severus doubted Hermione would have consented. The writing was done and the coming conversation was now inevitable. Whether she knew or not mattered little to him. Still smirking, he added the address to the blank front and summoned an owl. A few moments later a great black bird flew in through an open window and perched on the corner of the desk. Wasting no time, Severus secured the envelope to the owl and spoke quietly
"Ensure this reaches the Potter boy and the Potter boy only in a timely manner please. It is of some import. That is all." With that the bird turned and took flight, exiting through the window that it had arrived by. It had been a week since he had last come across the new Charms Professor. He took his meals in his private study and rarely left the dungeons unless he needed to procure ingredients. Reluctant to admit it, even to himself, Severus was avoiding the former Gryffindor like the plague. It had been some time since he had viewed her as 'the know-it-all.' True, she had indeed slipped into another category, but defining the category, and the motives behind the change had urged the man to avoid Hermione. Hardly afraid of the woman, he was rather confused by the reactions he felt in her presence. The last time, when he had destroyed half of his working lab, she'd had the gall to ignore him and traipsed wherever she pleased. Her closeness had made an uncomfortable pit grow in his stomach and then she'd touched him and the pit turned into a nothingness. Breath had been hard in coming, but he'd managed to keep himself collected. Enough to notice that she smelled faintly of vanilla, and perhaps wintergreen. It was her eyes that had nearly been his undoing. The way she looked at him, almost challenging him into another verbal spar. Seeking any sort of protest as she healed him. Snorting derisively, Severus stood from his desk. Her image still taunted him and he waved his hand, as if to clear her from his head.
The sight of the bandage still secured around his left hand caught his attention. Settling on the very stool he'd been on when she had attended to him, he carefully unwrapped the dressing. No angry red wound, no more blood. Just skin, mending and nearly healed. Absently, he passed his thumb over the scar on his palm. It had been well treated, though he'd be hard pressed to utter any praise for the girl.
"I see Ms. Granger has done well in healing you Severus." The dark man nearly swore as the headmasters voice came out of nowhere. Whirling, he saw the bespectacled man standing just beyond the hearth of the fireplace. A kind smile was on Dumbledore's face and Severus never trusted that look.
"Indeed Headmaster. Though the wound is as much from her as from my own inattention." The old man chuckled as he stepped fully into the room.
"Your fights have been monumental, I must say that. Though I see you both quickly forgive and forget. It's rather like lov..." Severus cut off Dumbledore's last with wide eyes and a raised hand.
"She is as impertinent and insubordinate as any day she was a schoolgirl. Now I must suffer through her presence for months on end, again." Sneering, the Potions Master settled himself back on the stool once more. "My only regret is that I cannot strip her of points any more." Now something akin to pleasure crossed his features and Dumbledore couldn't help but laugh.
"Severus my boy, you will never change. But somehow I believe Ms. Granger is more then up to the challenge." Severus turned to the headmaster, an eyebrow quirked in his usual fashion. Before he could voice any protest or inquiry into what the headmaster was alluding to, the old man spoke once more. "Now, this business with Mr. Weasely. Very unfortunate indeed. But nevertheless it must be attended to. And soon I might say." Suddenly the realization dawned on him that he would indeed be dragged once more into Hermione's affairs. Not bothering to suppress his groan Severus glared at the headmaster.
"I hardly see how this matter can possibly concern me anymore." His protest was required, a dance he and Albus had been doing for years. The old man would ask, Severus would resist. The old man would twist some good deed into something and inevitably, and most irritably, the Potions Master always agreed. 'Just because he knows I'm going to agree to whatever he asks doesn't mean I'm about to make this any bloody easier.' And with that last defiant declaration, the darker man set his stony countenance into a grim look of displeasure. The twinkle in Albus's eye was infuriating.
"I understand Severus, that you are a busy man. But you have twice come to the aid of our Professor Granger. It is a difficult thing, to lose such a close friend to something so trivial as an act of alcoholic stupidity. It happens though. And now she will need..guidance. And support. Molly has told me that Hermione hasn't responded to her owls. It's only been a few days, but it might be easier if the problem is addressed and taken care of. I was merely wondering if, since you and Hermione have grown close, that you would be of some assistance to her should she need it." Albus stopped when Snape's jaw dropped slightly.
"I beg your pardon Headmaster, but my involvement in Ms. Granger's affairs have only been because the girl cannot handle them herself. I will not be dragged into a spat between her and that drunkard. She is a Gryffindor, I thought you lot had something called courage." Now Severus was sneering at the headmaster, but the old man ignored it patiently. "I have potions to brew and little time before term begins. I simply cannot be involved." Waving his hand, Severus turned away from the man before him and started pacing. Muttering to himself he listened as the Headmaster spoke once more.
"If I am not mistaken you are already involved. Whether you wanted to be or not. It was a damned decent thing you did at the engagement party. And then again as she collected her belongings. I have heard you argue time and again that you have no patience for others. But I think Severus, that this time even you have made an exception." Dumbledore's voice had raised slightly but he wasn't angry. Merely trying to drive his point across. The steps of the man before him halted and he watched as Severus turned to face him.
"Fine. It will be resolved quickly. I wont have a moments peace I fear, from either of you until this is over." The moves had been made, the arguments voice. Albus had his agreement and Severus couldn't quite deny his disapproval of the situation wasn't as strong as he let on.
"Thank you." The Headmaster stood, a grin upon his weathered face. Stepping forward he placed his hand briefly on the Potion Master's shoulder. "It's a good thing you are doing Severus. For the both of you." Before the man could come up with some bitter retort, Dumbledore had made his way through the door of the room. Now, alone once again Severus contemplated what he'd agreed to. 'Merlin. Here we go again.'
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Hermione had settled into the library two days after arriving at Hogwarts. It had been a week and her schedule was already full. After an evening chat with Professors Dumbledore and Flitwick, she had an idea of what her course syllabus would contain. Flitwick's notes, while informative, weren't very organized and she had spent her first night in the library creating her own system. By the second and third night her lessons for the First and Seconds years were ready. It was harder then she imagined, trying to fit into a teachers mindset after all her time spent learning. After five frustrating nights of backtracking, rewrites, total fiascoes and finally the right ideas, Hermione had decided to take a break.
Settling into a heavy armchair by one of the fireplaces, she balanced her stack of mail in her lap. Several packages and letters had arrived by owl post for her, but she'd neglected them. Privately she admitted that she was afraid of backlash or ill opinions from people who once called her friend. The most dreaded piece of mail had come from Molly Weasely and now Hermione sat, staring at it blankly. Biting her lip she parted the seal and pulled out the folded parchment. Glancing around quickly to ensure she wouldn't be interrupted, she opened the letter and began reading.
Hermione dear,
As you can imagine we are all very upset and worried about you. Albus told Arthur and I what happened after they had taken you away to Hogwarts. I wont dare make excuses for the filthy things my son did and said to you. His problems with alcohol give him absolutely no reason for his behavior. You are like a daughter to Arthur and I, part of this family. I wont ask you to forgive Ron for the things he's done. But maybe, you can forgive us for allowing his problems to bring you to harm. Take all the time you need dear, but I'd love a note. At least to know that you are as all right as you can be. Albus has assured us that you are being taken care of. But we still worry for you Hermione.
Sincerely yours,
Molly and Arthur Weasely
PS: Ginny and Harry send all of their love, though I expect a letter or two will be on the way from them. And congratulations on your new position at Hogwarts dear. You'll do well there.
Hermione lay the letter on a nearby table and stared into the fire. Molly asked her to forgive them for something their son did. It was easy enough to do, but Ron was still their son. She couldn't help but wonder how far the support would go when push inevitably came to shove. Sighing softly, Hermione turned her attention to the rest of her mail. A package from Hagrid contained another note of congratulations and a dozen rock cakes. A note from Minerva, also of congratulations. Two envelopes remained, on one of which she recognized the familiar scrawl of her friend Ginny. No doubt another letter. The last however merely contained her name, no address or any description. The handwriting was unfamiliar. Hermione set the mysterious envelope aside, in favor of her note from Ginny. Tearing open the envelope, she quickly unfolded the parchment and read.
Hermione,
I cannot believe what Ronald did. Dumbledore's told the family of course. Mom had to go out and untie him in the garden. Did you do that? Ron wont talk about it of course, except to say that it was all a mistake. Harry is in a right state. Keeps muttering about how he always has to choose between his friends. I told him that it wasn't a matter of choosing. You're both his friends. Why should he have to choose? I know you're worried that somehow everyone might think you did something wrong. But don't even believe that for a minute. Everyone is behind you on this. You should have seen what Fred and George did. Anyway, don't stay away too long. Surely Hogwarts staff gets time off every now and then eh? We could meet in Hogsmeade. I'd better go Hermione. Errol is here for the post.
Love,
Ginny.
-Harry's just walked in with Ron. His nose is all busted up. Harry told me Snape did it because Ron went after you again. I can't believe my brother. I am ashamed to call him family. I'm really sorry Hermione. Harry send his love.
G.W.P.
Hermione remembered the dazed look in Ron's eyes after Snape had punched him. For a moment a wave of pleasure washed over her as a sense of vindication bubbled to the surface. Settling more comfortably into the warmth of the chair, she opened her final letter. The parchment was nondescript, no writing on the outside. A very short note was scrawled inside.
Ms. Granger,
If you have time later, please join me in my private lab. There are a few matters that must be discussed in short order.
Sincerely,
Severus Snape
Potions Master, Hogwarts School
'Get right to the point now doesn't he.' Rolling her eyes slightly Hermione gathered her mail and belongings and reluctantly pulled herself from the chairs' grasp. Exiting the deserted library she made her way to the dungeons.
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The dungeons were dark, dank and empty as Hermione stepped into the massive rooms. Wondering for the hundredth time why anyone, even Severus Snape would prefer to teach here, she set her belongings on a desk and walked to the door marking his private labs. Raising a hand she rapped once, hard on the door. The sound echoed emptily around the room before dying out in the silence. 'He summons me with no explanation and can't even bother answering.' Sighing, Hermione knocked once more, this time as hard as she could. The solid door didn't budge. No sneering face peeked out to greet her. Turning, she strode quickly to her belongings in search of parchment and a quill. 'I'll just leave him a note if he isn't going to answer.' Pulling a piece of blank parchment free, Hermione realized she had no quill to write with. Cursing softly, she turned to look about the room. The desks were empty, even the desk that Severus normally resided in during Potions. Giving up, Hermione was turning to the door when a faint light caught her eye. Parchment in hand, she reached what she could now see to be a doorway. 'His office' she realized. Knocking and receiving no answer, she dared to push open the door.
The room was more or less stripped of what some might call personal touches. Rows of vials lined shelves, neatly organized and labeled. Cauldrons were stacked, ingredients were hanging on the walls. Two dusty armchairs sat before a heavy wood desk. A fire blazed, warming the room. The desk itself was unoccupied but clearly well used. Books and parchment were strewn across the surface haphazardly. Along with several quills, much to Hermione's delight. Quickly she wrote her note, explaining that she had come but had received no answer. Dipping the quill in an ink well her eyes drifted over some of the papers on the desk. Several were obviously potions related. Some looked written in the now familiar handwriting of Severus Snape. Others looked like excerpts of other writers. It was a piece of parchment with handwriting so familiar she wouldn't mistake it anywhere that caught her eyes. She left the quill in the ink well and pulled the parchment from it's place, partially hidden under potions reports.
The handwriting was indeed that of Harry Potters, the signature at the bottom more then attested to that. Her curiosity at why exactly the boy who lived would be corresponding with the man who utterly loathed him, and the fact that her name was also on the page skyrocketed and she began to read.
Professor Snape,
I appreciate what you've done for Hermione but did you have to break my best mates nose? I don't know if I'll ever get the blood up from the floor. I also don't believe it necessary for you to threaten me with bodily harm when regarding the gravity of this situation. Hermione is my friend as well Sir. I can appreciate people who are trying to help her and it was fortunate that you happened upon her and Ron in the garden. No one can deny that. But I don't think you have any right to tell me how to handle this situation. The Weaselys, my fiance and myself all support Hermione. Whether you believe it or not. But Ron is Molly's son and Ginny's brother and my friend too. What you're asking sir is for me to make a choice. I wont do it. Sure, Ron can be a prat, especially when he enjoys himself to much. But they've fought before. They'll sort it out. Come if you still insist upon discussing this in person, but I wont change my view. They're both my friends. Ron did a horrible thing, but I wont be torn in half over this. And no one, not even you is going to impress some iron will onto me.
With Regards,
H. Potter
PS: I'll be at Grimauld until around 2, then I've got a few appointments to keep. Come if you must, though I doubt it will do any good.
Hermione crumpled the reply, furious. Whether because of Harry's apparent dismissal or Severus's interference she wasn't sure. Her friend, whom she had spent years with, fought beside, defended, bled for, cried for. Her friend had more or less abandoned her in favor of not having to choose. He'd taken the cowards way out. It made Hermione sick. In a week her world had caved in. Then, Severus had interfered. Apparently threatening and arguing with one of her last allies. All but alienating her last hope at friendship. She couldn't decide who she was more angry at. Ron for what he'd done. Harry for what he wouldn't do. Or Severus for what he was trying to do. She wanted to rage and scream and cry and make everything stop. She wanted revenge for the way she felt.
"What the bloody hell do you think you're doing in here?" His voice was cold and as unwelcome as could be. Turning, Hermione saw the angry expression of the Potions Master as he stepped from the green flames of the fire. She matched his icy glare with one of her own and lifted her chin.
"You." Not much, as far as angry expression go but it was enough. Severus took her in for a moment. The way she practically seethed. The crumpled parchment laying on his desk. The pieces fell into place and he met her eyes. 'Here we bloody go again.' His voice, dangerous and low raised the hairs on the back of her neck.
"Me."
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AN: Ooh cliffhanger! Hehehehe I'd write more but the rest is enough for another chapter. This one barely got out. Anyway. I love all of you reviewers, and even the people who don't review. It's cool. At least you're reading it. But hey, I still like reading them.