Thanks to everyone who reviewed. When I read all the great reviews I got, I was extremely happy. It's great incentive to write more. Hint hint AmyLauren: You've seen Robin Hood? That's awesome! Most people I know look at me like I'm crazy when I tell them the title. Then they think I'm joking and don't listen to me when I describe the movie. Monty Python is the greatest.
Syren: Where I get my ideas is really nothing special. I've read a few stories where Hermione was accused of being a traitor. I have this habit of taking a person's story and twisting some of the events to suit what I feel would be good. So most of my ideas are spin-offs from other peoples. If you recognize anything in the story from your own, I'm so very, very sorry. Other times an idea pops into my head from a movie I've seen, and sometimes it just comes to me naturally. So it really just depends...
Tiger Witch: All questions will be answered.
To all the rest of my reviewers: Thank you so much! I really, really can't thank you enough. You all make my day with your awesome support. Since this is my first story and I'm still nervous about it, all of you have been great to me. I'd like to thank you personally, but there's so many and I'm sure you'd rather read the story than reading my repetitious phrases of thanks.
Give big thanks to Apryl (dancing in rain) for being the great beta she is. THANKS APRYL!
Chapter Ten
"Stupid alarm. Making that horrible noise so early in the morning..." I grumbled to myself as I climbed out of my warm bed and into the cold tower. It was only 7 in the morning, but already the sun was out. Doesn't stop it from being cold, though. Stupid sun. What good is it if it doesn't even keep the Earth warm? I grabbed a tank top and a pair of low-cut hip huggers out my closet and trudged toward the bathroom. I turned on the light and set my clothes on the chair next to the sink. Looking in the mirror, I took note of my atrocious hair. I was so tired last night that I went to sleep without cleaning my makeup off. The result was all over my face. I made a grotesque face and then sighed. Why the hell would anybody want this?
I stomped my way over to my bath and filled the tub with steaming scented water. I inhaled and felt my headache dissipate somewhat. I undressed and slipped into the water, and involuntary sigh escaping my lips. I lay in the water for a few minutes, just enjoying the heat. I then started my regular washing routine, letting my thoughts take over.
FLASHBACK
The night went well despite the whole Snape-thing. I had decided that I was just lonely and I had inconveniently set my sights on Snape. He obviously didn't want anything to do with me. I had decided to stick with what I could get, which is to say the gorgeous boy I was talking to. He was currently telling me a story about his childhood. I laughed so hard my stomach hurt and tears streaked down my face.
"Stop! I can't take anymore!" I managed to choke out between laughter. I wiped my tears away and managed to take a drink of my beverage. My eyes scanned the room. I'm looking for my friends, not Snape. Somehow I didn't quite believe myself. Something about Snape just...attracted me to him. I sighed and turned back towards Max.
"So...who was that guy that cut in during our dance? He's older, isn't he?" Max asked. His eyes were fixed on my face. I watched his lips move as he talked and wondered what it would be like to kiss him. Would his lips be as soft and demanding as Snape's? Would he kiss as well? Did I want him to kiss me?
"Er...yeah. Just somebody I knew from my old school. Nobody important." I said nonchalantly. I started to chew on my straw, wishing he wouldn't ask me any more questions about Snape. I wasn't ready to deal with it all yet.
"From the way he was looking at you, I'd say he was important." I turned towards him, my eyebrow raised.
"And how exactly was he looking at me?"
"Possessively. Like you were all his and he wanted to do some pretty risqué stuff with you." I coughed slightly at the thought of Snape doing risqué things to me. I shifted uncomfortably when I felt a warm wetness spread between my legs. I shifted again and my eyes darted around the room, looking for a distraction. None were forthcoming. I licked my lips as I turned towards Max, trying to ignore my body's reaction to his words.
"Don't be ridiculous." I said briskly, signalling the bartender to get me another drink. Max continued to eye me for a few seconds before nodding to himself. He turned towards the bar and asked for another drink as well.
"I don't think I'm being ridiculous. There's something going on with that man...but it's none of my business. How 'bout I pay for this drink for you, and then we can go and find your friends again?"
"Sounds like a plan to me. You don't really need to pay for my drink, however. I'm perfectly capable of-"
"I know you're capable. I just want to do this." He looked me in the eye with those beautiful teal eyes and added, "Please." I never could resist a guy's eyes. I sighed in defeat and nodded. She gave me that adorable lopsided grin and I felt my irritation fall away. What a sweetie. And so good-looking too. I lucked out. He took my hand and we walked to my usual table. The guy Shannon had been dancing with all evening was there, and he smiled in greeting. Shannon simply glanced at Max and continued talking to her 'man'. Zac had caught up to our group and spent his time glaring venomously. Tabby and Jon were sharing a drink and making eyes at each other. Mike was flirting with Julie by whispering in her ear, and Julie was giggling at whatever was being said.
"Everyone, this is Max. Max, this is Shannon, some dude, Jon, Tabby, Juilie, Mike, and Zac." Max held out his hand to all of them, last of all Zac. Zac simply glared and turned away. I sighed and mouthed 'later' to Max. Shannon, meanwhile, had stopped talking long enough to introduce the guy.
"Everyone, this is Kyle. Kyle, you just heard the introductions. I'm sure you could figure out who's who."
The rest of the night had passed without a hitch, except for Zac. He spent his time glaring at Max and casting longing glances in my direction. I ignored him and spent all my time talking with the other's and Max. By the end of the night, all my friends were welcoming Max into our little group and saying how much they were looking forward to seeing him in school tomorrow.
Max had kissed me goodnight in front of everybody, making me smirk. I thought I saw Snape briefly staring in my direction, but when I turned that way he wasn't there. I dismissed it kissed Max on the mouth to cause Zac's face to turn even redder. He had smelled so good...
END FLASHBACK
With a start I came to the present and realized that I was finished washing up. The water was getting cold and breakfast had already started. I stood up and cast a quick drying spell. I spelled my clothes on and ran a brush through my hair. I pulled my hair up in a ponytail and grabbed my book bag. I took the stairs two at a time and slipped out the common room door. My friends had already gone down, and I was in such a good mood (now anyway...before, I was ready to bite anybody's head off.) that I didn't mind that my friends left me behind.
Breakfast came and went quickly. I spent the entire time imagining what school would be like now that Max would be here. I smiled. It was going to be so great. When breakfast was over, I drifted to my first class. I was in a cloud, doing things automatically, my mind on Max.
I bet Max kisses good. I bet he won't mind if I just want him to hold me every now and then. He seems so sweet and caring...he's almost perfect. You don't know him yet a voice whispered. I shoved the voice away and continued to float down the hall.
"Miss Granger? Granger? Hermione!" I snapped out of my daze to see Septimus and Snape standing a few feet behind me. I had to stop myself from blushing. I blinked once and then smiled. That's right. Today's the day we have tea with Septimus. We haven't been doing that lately because of his new relationship with Julie and the whole Hogwarts thing.
"Yes, professor?"
"You're in quite the mood today. Has something happened?" His voice was full of concern and I had to stop myself from laughing out loud. No. For once everything's right.
"Everything's great." My smile widened. "Max is starting today, and I'm afraid I've been a bit of a daze all day." Septimus smiled understandingly.
"Ah, Max. Do I need to have a talk with this young man? For that matter, do I need to have a talk with you on how important paying attention in Potions is?"
"Not at all, Professor."
"Good. Where are you going?"
"Library. I'm going to start my research." I looked Septimus in the eye and tried to convey what my 'research' was without having to say it aloud. He blinked, signalling he got the message.
"Well carry on then. Don't over-work and don't forget to eat!" He warned. I laughed at bid him goodbye, ignoring Snape completely. I drifted towards the library and noticed some Hogwart's students gathered around a table, discussing something. I moved to my favorite corner, which happened to be the one farthest from them. I set my stuff down and moved towards the Restricted Section. Septimus had written permission for me to enter here last year, but he forgot to put the date down. So I had unlimited access. I scanned the spines before spotting the book I wanted.
Resistance to Magic by Bertha Timmons,. I grabbed the book and made my way to my table. I stuffed the book into my backpack and quietly moved through the library towards the exit. Madam Jacker will never know. I'll return it before she notices it's gone.
As I was exited the library, the warning bell rang, signaling that lunch was just about over. I put my parchment away and cast a silencing charm on the book. When a book wasn't checked out and it leaves the library, the book begins to make a sound eerily like a scream. I then stuck the book in my bag and swung it over my shoulder. I gathered the rest of my stuff and quickly darted off to my rooms. I dropped the book off, hiding it behind my dresser in a secret wall compartment. I cast another quick silencing charm and called for a house-elf.
"Babby, could you please bring me a ham sandwich and some orange juice? Thanks." I added at the elf's vigorous nodding. With a POP! She disappeared, only to reappear a second later with a tray of food. I grabbed the sandwich and scarfed it down. I then gulped down the orange juice and felt my stomach grumble at the quick barrage of food and drink. I smiled in thanks at the ecstatic elf before running out, grabbing my bag as I passed it. Rubbing my stomach as I made my way through the empty common room and into the hall, I didn't realize I'd forgotten my quill up in my room.
You could go and get it and be late, or borrow one from somebody. I quickly decided on the latter and jogged towards the Transfiguration room. I slipped in just as the bell rang and took my seat. Peabody eyed me with barely veiled dislike before starting the lesson. I glanced to my left at the normal empty seat and noticed that Max was sitting there, looking at me with a smile. I could barely contain myself from squealing and launching into his arms. I managed to incline my head towards him (I'm just too cool) and (attempt to) focus my attention on Peabody and McGonagall.
SNAPE'S POV, BREAKFAST
The boy that Granger was hanging on at the club was standing in the center of the Great Hall when I entered at breakfast. I sent a menacing glare in his direction before taking my seat next to Septimus. The man was eyeing the boy with a measuring look. I could almost read his mind: Is this man good enough for my best friend? I snorted to myself. In Septimus' opinion, nobody was good enough for her, most likely. Stupid prat. She had him wrapped around her finger.
He is good looking, I suppose. I always thought Granger was more interested in dark men. Krum is a prime example. He looked too... golden. He seemed cool and confident, totally relaxed despite the fact that he was standing in front of a bunch of rowdy students. The girls were staring, whispering, and giggling. The boys were probably wondering about his quidditch skills. I don't like the look of him. Something about him irks me... a voice spoke up, one that sounded eerily of his father. Are you sure it's not because you want the girl for yourself, and you know he's the competition? I felt my mood darken swiftly. Of course not, it's simply because he rubs me the wrong way. I snarled back at the voice, shutting it up (thank Merlin).
"What's the matter, Severus? You're scowling at your plate like it ate your favorite potions book." I glared at Septimus, who sounded unbearably happy this morning.
"Fuck off, you bloody wanker." Septimus tutted disapprovingly before continuing on with his meal, ignoring me completely. Tubby and the rest of my colleagues stumbled in. Tubby didn't seem to notice the boy until he was halfway in his seat. He stood up and clapped his hands. The hall fell silent immediately. Tubby cleared this throat and beamed at his students. I had to stop myself from rolling my eyes.
"As most of you have no doubt noticed, we have a knew student. Please put your hands together in welcome and listen politely as he tells us about himself." He sat down and fixed his eyes unwaveringly on the boy. The boy nodded and turned towards the crowd, smiling a lopsided idiotic smile.
"My name's Max Handerson. I moved here from America. I'm in seventh year, and I played quidditch at my old school. I met some of your peers yesterday. Um...Hermione Granger, Tabitha Marks, Julie Carter, Jon Parker, and Mike Allen to be exact. I'm looking forward to being sorted and meeting my new roommates." He flashed another lopsided smile and the female population seemed to melt. My lip curled in disgust.
Great.
HERMIONE'S POV, AFTER CLASSES
"Septimus! Septimus, we're here." I was pounding on his bedroom door. My friends and I were spread out in his office, waiting for his slow ass to answer the door. I pounded again and was rewarded with the door opening. Septimus poked his head out. He appeared confused for a moment, but then the expression cleared.
"Hey, guys. Come on in. I have some..." A pause. "Other company, but they're leaving soon." Septimus stood aside as we moved past, walking into the living room. There, on the couch and chairs, was the Hogwarts staff and Julie. Snape was sitting in my usual spot, and I had to fight the temptation to sit in his lap. I instead sat down on the floor in front of the fireplace. Everybody else spread out.
"What's shakin', Headmaster?" I asked Dumbledore. He answered slowly, like he wasn't sure he knew what I was asking.
"Everything's... fine, Miss Granger. How are you?" I grinned.
"Peachy with a side of keen. Just dandy." Before I could say anything more, Snape stepped out of the shadows he was lurking in and cleared his throat.
"As fascinating as this is, I have a potion to brew. I need to get started immediately, so if you will excuse me..." He started for the door, robes billowing. His back stiffened the moment he heard Dumbledore's voice. His robes swirled and then stopped, wrapped around his legs. For a moment, I entertained the idea that when he would attempt to walk, his robes would stop him.
"Severus, this potion requires two people to complete it. I'm sure Miss Granger would not mind terribly if she were to help you with it. Would you, my dear?" I shook my head wordlessly, unable to form a response. Septimus opened his mouth to protest, but was cut off by Dumbledore.
"I know the girl is your apprentice, Septimus. But Severus couldn't go wrong with some help. Unless, of course, you wish to assist him?" I could almost read what was going through Septimus' mind. Memories of working together with Snape, memories of how he and Snape didn't get along. He sent a pleading look in my direction and I sighed, knowing I was going to give in. Damn Septimus. He doesn't feel like snogging the man senseless every time he glances in his direction. I nodded my head imperceptibly and Septimus relaxed. I climbed to my feet, looking anywhere but Snape as I passed him. Merlin, how am I doing to do this?
I passed through the hallway leading to Septimus' private workshop, uncomfortably aware of Snape just inches behind me. I tapped the bookcase with my wand and spoke the password. I entered the room and stood aside as Snape moved to the cupboard of ingredients. I waited for instructions, but none were forthcoming. I sighed in exasperation and moved to stand next to Snape.
"Sir? Sir, what is it you want me to do?" He looked down at me and sneered.
"Nothing, Granger. You may leave. I do not require your help at all." I could feel my anger rise and had to bite my cheek to stop myself from cursing him.
"With all due respect, sir, Dumbledore suggested I help. Do you want me to go and tell him you believe yourself capable of brewing a potion that takes two normalpeople to brew?" He scowled heavily before spinning around, robes brushing my ankles as they whipped through the air.
"Very well. Gather the root of asphodel and the holly leaves. Well? Don't just stand there, move girl." I could feel my anger raise another notch. When I reached out to gather the ingredients, I noticed my hands were starting to tremble. Not a good sign. Trembles come before explosion. I steadied my hands as best I could and moved to stand across from Snape.
"Now what?"
"Slice the root. Make sure the pieces are extremely thin. Unless, of course, you think yourself incapable?" His voice was heavy with meaning, and I grit my teeth to keep from stabbing him with the knife. Bastard…asshole…wanker…greasy git…motherfucker…prick…dickless momma's boy…
"Oh no, sir. I'm quite capable. I was just in awe of your great talent. It's such an honor to work with an ass-er, I mean-man as great as you." I smiled sweetly and batted my eyelashes. "Sir." I added as an afterthought. His eyes darkened and he scowled. Ignoring me, he started the potions-making process.
Just when Snape needed an ingredient, I was there handing it to him. When he needed something grinded or sliced, it was already done. I'll show him. Incapable…what an asshole! He never gave any acknowledgement to the work that I'd done. Not that I expected any. The silence between us became thicker and thicker. Snape didn't seem to notice the tension, or at least, he wasn't bothered by it. When the potion was completed, I assisted Snape in pouring it into about fifteen tiny vials. I capped the bottles and set them aside as I cleaned the worktable. Snape reviewed what I had done and a sneer crossed his lips.
"Adequate." My jaw clenched and I could feel something snap. Stupid bastard.
"Adequate? Just adequate? Who the hell do you think you are? Adequate my ass! You couldn't have done better. I am so sick of your condescending attitude. You walk around like your Merlin himself when you're nothing but a potions master. Yes, that's quite the accomplishment, but that gives you no reason to be so arrogant. You are a miserable, horrible asshole. No wonder everybody avoids you. You treat everyone like shit and expect him or her to adore you. Well, news flash, idiot, your attitude makes them fear you. Fear is not the same as respect. So why don't you go fuck yourself. You seem to be the only one in your eyes to do better than adequate, so who better to fuck than the best?" I hissed. I was beginning to see red, and Snape wasn't looking too happy either.
I pushed past him and grabbed my backpack. I heard Snape snarling my name and heard his footsteps following mine. I quickened my pace and was practically running. Still, I could not get away from the sound of his footsteps. Lord that man has long legs. The portrait leading to my common room was just around the corner, and at this I ran.
"Treacle Tart." The portrait swung open and I stepped through just as Snape rounded the corner.
"Granger-" He managed to hiss before the portrait slammed shut in his face. I smirked and walked to my room. I set my stuff down next to the door and sighed. That went well. I swallowed. A headache was forming, but I wasn't leaving my room to hunt Septimus down for a relief potion. I rubbed my temples and set on my bed. A nap sounds so good. I'll just lie down for a while.
I curled into a ball, head on my pillow. My pet snake, Oy, slithered up my arm and his tongue flicked my face. I had named him after a character in Stephen King's The Dark Tower series. It was one of my favorite books alive. I rolled over onto my back, running my hands down Oy's smooth scales. I closed my eyes and forced my body to relax.
TWO HOURS LATER
"Go 'way." Somebody was shaking me gently. I pushed the hand away and rolled over, facing the wall. Stupid person. Waking me up from that great dream…. I snuggled down into my covers and was about to fall asleep when the person shook me again. If they don't stop, I'm going to strangle them.
"Dun wanna ged up. Leave alone me. Time to sleep now." I mumbled, burying my face into my pillow. The person pinched my thigh and I bolted upright, a string of curses flowing from my mouth. I rubbed my bruised thigh and glared at the person who dared disturb me. I squinted, but still couldn't make out whom it was. Too dark. I snapped on the light and Zac's face was illuminated. I sighed. Here we go.
"What do you want? Why are you here?"
"I wanted to talk to you about…Max. And about us, too of course." He added. I pursed my lips and nodded. He wants to talk…fine. We'll talk. I gestured for him to sit on the chair, and a flash of hurt crossed his face. Why's he upset? Because I didn't offer him to sit next to me on the bed? I sighed, wishing that Zac didn't care about me as much as he did.
"Say what you want to say." I crossed my arms and tried not to yawn. Yawning would ruin the fierceness of my expression. My eyes watered from holding it in and I gave up. I yawned, my mouth opening wide. Zac smiled softly at the sight.
"I just wanted to explain. We've been 'together' since a couple of months after you came here. I may not have acted like it, but I've always cared about you. Those other girls…I just wanted to see if I felt the same for them as I felt for you whenever we kissed. I didn't feel anything. You never mentioned it, so I thought you'd forgiven me. When I saw you kiss that professor from Hogwarts…the one that's related to Septimus…. I lost my temper. You've always hated them, but there you were, lying on top of one of them and snogging." He took a deep breath and continued.
"I thought we'd get married and all that. When I saw you snogging that teacher, I realized you're all that I want. When I saw you with that guy from the club… It hurt. I thought we'd be together forever."
"That doesn't give you the right to embarrass me in front of everyone. You treated me like something you own. I'm not a bloody possession. I have feelings."
"I know. But I've always thought of you as mine. I don't want to lose you."
"I'm sorry Zac. I just don't feel that way about you anymore."
"Since when? Since you kissed that teacher? Mia, he's way to old for you! He's from Hogwarts! You hate him! How can you throw away all we had because of him?"
"We didn't have much if you could snog other girls and pretend it was no big deal. You can kiss other girls to see how you feel, but I can never kiss anyone else? That's hardly fair." Zac's face flushed.
"Look, I'm sorry about that. I made a mistake, okay? Please forgive me!" I shook my head and turned away. Zac moved in front of me and leaned down. He gripped my shoulders and stared angrily into my eyes.
"Would you at least look at me when you're breaking my heart?"
"Ow! You're hurting me, let go!" I tried to jerk back, but he held me too tight. I glared at him, but he still didn't release me.
"You're mine, Mia. I'll never let you go. We're meant to be together. You'll see." He leaned down to press his lips against mine. I struggled against him but he was too strong. My heart started beating fast and I felt my body go numb. Is he going to rape me? I struggled against him again, but it did no good. When I felt Zac's tongue enter my mouth, I bit down as hard as I could. Zac yelped and jumped back, hand clapped over his mouth. His eyes were on mine. I saw blood drip down from the edge of his hand and felt a pang. I pushed it away and glared at him.
"Who the hell do you think you are, forcing yourself on me like that? You ever, ever, do that again, and I'll do a lot more than bite you. Do you understand? We're over Zac. Over. I'm willing to remain friends, but nothing more. You lost your chance. You're a great guy, but you're not for me." He continued to stare at me, saying nothing. Finally he let his hand drop. His chin was covered in blood.
"I'm sorry for kissing you like that. I'll never do it again. But I wanted to make you see that we're meant to be together."
"We're not meant to be together. You know that Zac. You're clinging to me because you don't want to commit. As long as we're together, you know you won't have to." Zac glared at me, angry once again. He pointed his finger at me, face twisted.
"You're mine. You'll see. I'll make you see!" With that he turned and walked out, slamming the door behind him. I slumped down and stifled my tears. Everyone's too busy. Tabby and Jon are spending all their time together. Shannon is constantly writing to that new guy. Mike is hanging out with Julie. Zac's a jealous control freak. And Septimus… he'd know what to do. But he's probably with his precious Julie right now. No time for his best friend. Lord, I wish Septimus were here.
I couldn't keep my tears back any longer, and they slid down my face. I sobbed and buried my face in my hands. Never, even before I moved to Aries, had I felt so alone.
Finally, another chapter done! Woo-hoo! Sorry this one took so long. Life caught up with me, and exams started L It was terrible. Again, I'm sorry it took so long. Next chapter: Hermione's memories are reviewed, everybody finds out why she can resist Veritaserum and Legilimency. Also, there's going to be a surprise in the next chapter. And it's not a good one, either. You've been forewarned!