I made a stupid mistake with reviewing. It was about one o'clock in the morning and I was extremely bored so I decided to see if I could leave myself a review, and to my surprise, I could! I forgot to make in anonymous, so now I can't delete it. I feel like a right idiot.
CapnSilver: Thank you so much for your review! I'm glad you like it so far. Hope you like this chapter, as well!
Taste's Like Home: When I finished reading your review, I was extremely proud of myself. It's reviews like yours that spur me on to write another chapter. Not that I don't like the other reviews, I do...As for having teachers that are friends, a friend of mine has a wonderful relationship with one of her former teachers too. So thank you for your awesome review!
ghzowy: I'm very glad you're still following my story!
CareBearErin: You left me the biggest review I've ever received. It's also the biggest review I've ever seen. Thank you so much. I think it caused me to walk around with a huge smile on my face all day...I kept getting the strangest looks. Yes, I liked the line about sticking their noses where it doesn't belong and getting credit. I really can't thank you enough for your review.
Shadow-Mai: No! Please don't send the cliffhanger police! I'm sorry you think Harry is OOC.
Moonshine07: I nearly cried when Hermione was saying goodbye to Septimus because I knew what was coming. In this chapter we find out what Dumbledore and Snape are doing to get Septimus back.
Humanity74: I will try and put more feeling of Severus' into the next chapter. Sorry I couldn't do it before, but I made this a last minute addition before posting. Hope you like this chapter anyway, and I'm so not mad at you. I'll try and put less swear words into it as well. I'm having my beta go back and fix up my first five or so chapters, because they are rather horrible, so I hope that makes the beginning better. Thanks for your review.
Thank you to everyone else who left a review. Your the motivational force behind the story, without you I don't think there would have been a story. Thanks very much.
I have not read Harry Potter: HBP. But I do know what happens, and let me say that I still trust Snape. Anyway, I have no intention of abandoning my story, or any future stories I have planned involving Snape. If you do not like it, I'm very sorry. Stop reading here, and please don't leave a flame because my opinion differs from yours.
In my story, none of the stuff that happened in book six happened.
IMPORTANT: There is some sexual material in this chapter. DO NOT READ if that offends you. DO NOT READ from the part where they enter the lab to the end. This is the part of the reason this is rated R. You have been warned, so please don't complain to the people at fanfiction. I'd really rather not have my story taken down because of it. If it bothers too many people, I'll repost. But please, please don't make me start all over!
Chapter Thirteen
I stifled another yawn and discreetly glanced at my watch. The class will be over soon. After another stifled yawn. I dropped my quill and leaned down to grab it. Straightening up, I caught the boy sitting across the aisle staring unabashedly at my chest. Waiting patiently for him to look me in the eye, I didn't notice McGonagall enter the room. The boy finally looked up and caught my gaze. He flushed and lowered his eyes, this time looking at my feet. Satisfied he wouldn't be doing it again, I turned back to my book. We were learning about Dark curses and the varying effects they can have. It was mostly review from what we had been learning for the past week.
Using the charmed parchment that acted like a magical Instant Messaging, I continued my conversation with Tabby and Shannon.
Tabby: What was his name again?
Shannon:His name was Kyle. I don't see how you can keep all your ex-boyfriend's names straight, but can't even keep my current boyfriend's name right.
Hermione: Are you still talking about that? You both are so narrow-minded. There are much more important things to be considering...
Tabby: Like what your tall, dark, and sexy professor looks like underneath all those robes?
Hermione: Mmmmm...that IS a worthy topic, but not what I had in mind.
Shannon: Worthy topic, indeed. The man's sexy as hell. I don't know how you manage to get all the yummy ones, and we get stuck with the leftovers.
Julie: But I thought you said Kyle is perfect.
Shannon: And he is. But I'd prefer tall, dark, and sexy over blonde, sweet, and cute.
Hermione: Can we concentrate for just a second here?
Shannon: Fine, fine. What is it you wanted to talk about?
Hermione: What the Hogwarts staff is doing about Septimus. Do you think I should confront them and ask? Or should I try and find out on my own?
Tabby: No doubt sexy, er, I mean Professor Snape would go for the second option. Ya know, I think I'm going to refer to him as sexy from now on. That way, nobody knows who we're talking about and you can't get in trouble, you kinky bitch.
Hermione: I'm kinky only on the weekends. Does going for a professor really count as kinky?
Tabby: Yeah. Could you imagine! Being in the throes of passion, moaning helplessly as he pounds relentlessly into you. Then, as you both climax, he lays on top of you, chest heaving. He looks down at you with those burning black eyes and says--
Hermione: Save the whales!
Shannon: Aaaahhhhh...the power of cheese.
Julie: Feed me Seymour, feed me!
Tabby: No you idiots. Ten points to House B.
Hermione: Eh...better make it five points, it's more realistic.
Tabby: lol.
Shannon: lol.
"Miss Granger." I glanced up, smothering my laughter until it sounded like I was choking. I hadn't notice Lupin and Snape join McGonagall. As I met Snape's dark eyes, I couldn't keep my amusement in any longer. It burst forth like a dam that's been unplugged. I hunched over the parchment, tears spilling from my eyes.
"Miss Granger, are you okay?" Julie--Professor Fields--looked at me, concerned. I wiped my eyes and nodded, still smiling. I glanced towards Snape and found him watching me, his dark eyes narrowed. I threw him a small smile and concentrated on Professor Fields. "Please gather your things.You're wanted in the Headmaster's office." Terror seized me quickly, and I sat unable to move. Have they found Septimus'...Septimus'...body? I quickly shied away from the thought and met Julie's eyes. She smiled encouragingly, and I felt myself relaxed slightly and smiled tentatively back.
"Just let me finish off my notes, please." I quickly grabbed my quill, a small smile again hovering over my lips. Why am I being called to the Headmaster's office five minutes before class ends?
Tabby: Hermione? You there? Hello?
Shannon: Maybe she got caught.
Hermione: Ridiculous. I never get caught. I'm wanted in the Headmaster's office so I've got to go. Quick note, Snape was in the room just before I left. I laughed. I think he knows something's up. Got to go now, they're starting to get suspicious. L8R!
I quickly wrote down the word that would clear the parchment and stuffed the now blank parchment in to my bag. Gathering the rest of my stuff, I was still unable to look Snape in the eye. As I passed Julie, I glanced at her face. I stopped. She was staring out the window, her smile looking sad. Her eyes were blank and slightly glassy. I reached out and gently touched her arm. She jerked back down to Earth, briefly looking sad, hurt, and lost before recovering. I felt a brief pang as I realized that in my suffering Septimus' disappearance, I had never once considered what his lover might be feeling.
"Professor Fields. If it's okay with you, would you mind if I stopped in after classes? I really need to talk to you about--" My throat closed up momentarily, forcing me to stop. I took a deep breath and continued. "Something important." She nodded and smiled, a little bit of real warmth entering her eyes.
"Of course, Miss Granger. My office is always open to my students." I nodded and this time gave her the encouraging smile. Turning around, I fought not to glance at Snape. The thought of what Shannon, Tabby, and I had just said caused another little laugh (I refuse to call it a giggle) to escape. McGonagall swept out before me, and I followed her. Snape and Lupin were at my back, and I could feel Snape's eyes boring in to me. I suppose I have the right to call him Severus, what with the encounter's we've had. Oh, I can't wait to see the look on his face when I call him that without his permission!
"Um...Professor McGonagall?" McGonagall slowed down so she was walking next to me. We were almost exactly the same height. At Hogwarts she always seemed so tall.
"Yes, Miss Granger?"
"Where are we going, and why?" I inquired.
"Headmaster Dumbledore wishes to speak with you."
"About what? And you didn't tell me where we were going." I reminded her. She sighed in exasperation. I refrained from glaring at her, but just barely. I'm not some idiot you can just order around!
"We are going to the Headmaster's office. Headmaster Tubby has graciously allowed us to use his office. You will find out what we are going to speak of when we get there." She then moved ahead of me, silently telling me the conversation was over. I scowled at her back, feeling my mood darken. They probably took me out of class for some stupid reason. I slowed down slightly, less eager to go to the Headmaster's office. Did Snape --Severus-- tell them about me getting attacked?
My heart started beating faster. I can just imagine what everyone's reactions are going to be like. Tabby would castrate every guy until she was sure she got the right one. I smirked at the thought. I wonder if that'll include Potter and his dim-witted friends. They'd probably find it funny that I got raped. "Serves the traitor right!" I felt my smirk fade and my lip curled. They'd probably find it funny. Tears stung my eyes. They probably don't even know that Dumbledore thinks I'm innocent. He probably kept them in the dark just like he used to.
"A horse, my kingdom for a horse." I couldn't keep my lips from twitching at the look on McGonagall's face. She looked confused and disapproving, as if it wasn't a good saying for a password. I doubt most Purebloods or half-bloods have read Shakespeare. I felt Snape --Severus -- press on my back to move more forward, and I realized that I had been standing there, staring at the entrance with a smile on my face. I risked a glance at Severus' face to find his eyes on me, glittering unpleasantly. I pressed my lips together to fight back a laugh, but I couldn't keep the smile off my face. Moving up the stairs, I could still feel the pressure of Severus' hand on my back, urging me forward.
Entering the Headmaster's office, I noticed that Dumbledore's phoenix was resting on a stand next to the desk. What's his name again? Hawkes? Fawkes? I turned my attention to the esteem able Headmaster, and with much control, kept my face blank. He seemed to be trying to copy Severus' style. He was dressed in all black with the same long cloak, etc. He beamed happily at me, and my smile faded. Don't think a simple smile's going to make me forgive and forget, old man. I felt the same flash of hurt I hadn't felt since I became friends with Tabby, Jon, and the other's. You don't need them! You have everything you could possibly want, except Septimus of course. Boosting my courage wasn't working, so I decided to ignore the pain.
I nodded in greeting and settled in to the chair directly in front of the desk. Severus predictably took the chair in the corner, hidden in shadows. McGonagall and Lupin settled into the two seats next to the fire. Dumbledore smiled at me, obviously waiting for something. I raised an eyebrow at him, got more comfortable, and stared out the window. I can out silence you. Maybe not Snape, he's been a Slytherin too long and he's no doubt good at making people say something first. Finally he seemed to give up and leaned forward. Popping a lemon drop into his mouth (since when did Tubby keep lemon drops in a bowl on his desk?) he began to speak.
"Miss Granger, you have been called here because we wish to ask for your assistance." Dumbledore paused and his smile widened. He knows he's piqued your interest. My lips twitched, but otherwise I should no outward sign of being interested. Dumbledore's smile didn't fade as he began to speak once again. "Severus has been working on a potion. This potion renders a person virtually un-catch able. You can pass through walls, be invisible, and walk silently. Most of the potion is done, but Severus has run into a few problems." I glanced over at the corner Severus was holed up in and could almost feel the heat coming from his glare. My lips twitched upward again as I turned back towards the headmaster.
"The potion requires certain ingredients to be added at the same time. Now, normally Severus could do this by himself. But the potion calls for more than two ingredients and Severus does not have more than two hands. Multiple ingredients also need to be harvested and prepared correctly. Severus could do this himself, very true, but it would make it much easier if he were able to concentrate on the more complex parts of the potion rather than worrying about whether or not the roots of some-plant-or-other is sliced fine enough."
If I agree to help Severus with the potion, I'm actively helping get Septimus back, I get more time with Severus, and I have something interesting and challenging to work on. My heart started to race. Getting Septimus back would be like heaven, learning new things in potions is always a good thing...and more time with Severus. Oh, the things I long to do to that man. I could feel myself getting rather damp in my nether regions, and I straightened up. On a bad note, if Potter and his friends snoop around they might find out what I'm doing and cause problems. Or they could get told by Dumbledore and be upset that the traitor was asked to help before they were and then cause me problems. I licked my lips and met Dumbledore's eyes, coming to a split-second decision.
"Professor Dumbledore, I'd be honored to help." The good out weighted the bad by a landslide. I could get Septimus back, get into Severus' pants (I smirked), and I would get to learn new things. This is the best life has gotten since Septimus left. "When am I supposed to met with Professor Snape to start on the potion?" I inquired. Dumbledore beamed.
"Tonight directly after dinner, if that works for you." I nodded in agreement. I should probably tell them about what I heard the time I was attacked and saved by Severus. "Um...there's something I need to tell you." This seemed to catch everyone's attention. I could feel everybody's eyes on me.
"Um...at the beginning of the week, when I was just returning to my class, I overheard some students talking. I stopped to tell them to get moving because they were in a forbidden corridor." I snuck a glance at Severus and noted that he was staring at me intently. I could almost hear his thoughts: Is she going to tell everyone what happened? Is she going to mention that I helped her? "I overheard them talking about some informant. They apparently didn't trust him, but Voldemort does. They seemed shocked that this person was an informant, and they said that if the master thought they were a spy for 'them', he would have killed him." Silence filled the room and I wondered if they were upset about something. I resolutely stilled my hands, and sat completely relaxed. Dumbledore cleared his throat and nodded.
"Oh, and I never did get a chance to explain how I trained the students." It popped out of my mouth without thought, and I stubbornly refused to act like I hadn't meant to say it. Dumbledore nodded in agreement, but I noticed that his eyes were now clear and focused completely on me. I took a deep breath and proceeded to give my explanation.
SNAPE'S POV
The door closed behind the girl, and Dumbledore once again popped a lemon drop into his mouth. He offered one to my co-workers, and one to me and we each turned them down. He set the bowl down and relaxed back into his chair.
"The information about the informant is very interesting. It gives us something to think about. We know for certain that he's a male--" I interrupted here.
"But we don't. What if the person was a female, dressed as a male? She could disguise her voice in public." At seeing their unbelieving faces, I felt compelled to add more. "Voldemort loves intrigues, and he loves a good show. The idea of a spy on the side of light that nobody knows about but him would appeal to his sense of pride. It would give him a rather good show when his devoted followers discover the spy is actually female. Add to the fact that most followers are male, and Voldemort would be extremely entertained. He'd love watching how she interacted with the males and Bellatrix, the only inner-circle female there is." Albus slowly nodded.
"Add to the fact that if we overheard his followers discussing his spy and calling him 'he', we'd never expect it to be female, thus cover her tracks. He'd get the information he needed from a reliable source." I added. Albus nodded once again, as did Lupin and Minerva.
"So we can't really assume anything when it comes to this informant. With Voldemort and his followers, anything's really possible." Lupin concluded. I gave a sharp nod in agreement.
"As to what the girl has done with the students of this school, well, we could use her to train the Hogwarts students." Minerva said. Interesting notion. The idea of the girl bossing Potter, Weasley, and Malfoy around inspired a rare feeling of happiness. Oh, she could make their lives miserable! I thought with a certain amount of satisfaction.
"Hmm...yes. I must speak to Headmaster Tubby about this. For now, let us adjourn to the Teacher's Lounge and relax." Dumbledore heaved himself up and walked quite spryly out the door. Lupin rose and followed him. Minerva turned and raised an eyebrow, silently asking if I was coming. I rose and glided across the room, holding the door open for Minerva to pass. She passed with a nod of thanks, which I returned with a blank face. Following her out the door, I allowed the thoughts I had been pushing rush forth. I had been concentrating on the situation at hand, making it hard to think about the things I was more immediately interested in.
What in the world had caused the girl to laugh at me? She had not laughed until she had looked at me. I felt the stirrings of anger and forced it down, determined to think the situation through without interfering emotions. Had she told her friends about our relationship, and were they making jokes about it? Were they laughing because they knew Hermione would never want to be with a man that looks like I do? Maybe they were being sarcastic in the corridor, or maybe they knew I was listening. Perhaps Hermione is just stringing me along, laughing the entire time. I couldn't hold the anger back, and I clenched my hands into fists at the thoughts now running through my head. Minerva cast a worried glance at me. I glared in response and I noted with satisfaction that her lips had thinned with anger before facing front again. My smirk only seemed to irritate her further. She walked faster, pulling ahead, back ramrod straight.
Perhaps she'll leave me alone now.
Entering the Teacher's lounge a few moments later, I moved swiftly toward my seat in the far back, in the farthest corner. I settled in and focused my thoughts on how to deal with Miss Granger. How do deal with a girl who thinks she can make a fool of me...
HERMIONE'S POV
I knocked on the thick wooden door and waited patiently. The door swung open to reveal a weary looking Julie Fields, hair falling out of a ponytail, and eyes shadowed with grief and exhaustion. I stepped closer and gave her a hug, which she returned fiercely. I entered the room and sat down in the chair before her desk. Julie closed the door and made her way to her seat slowly. Sitting down, she pushed whatever she had been working on aside and focused her attention on me.
"Pro--Julie. I wanted to talk to you about Septimus." The thought of him still brought tears to my eyes, and I could feel them slide down my cheeks, but this time I let them fall freely. Julie had been a House D, so showing emotion in front of her wasn't dangerous at all. I'm sure nobody in House D ever uses emotions against one another like they do in House B. Not to mention that it seems she hasn't grieved for Septimus yet, and holding emotion in isn't healthy. A voice spoke up with an ironic tone. A Slytherin talking about how holding emotions in is bad...how ironic. In response to my tears, Julie's began crying as well.
"I've been totally selfish. Not once did I consider that you would be in pain as well. I was so wrapped up in my own misery, I never thought about anybody else. House B sticks together, and since you were dating Septimus, you're an honorary member." Julie stood up and walked around the desk. Kneeling in front of me, she pulled me out of the chair and onto the floor with her. Holding on to each other for dear life, we both let lose the whirl of emotions we'd been suppressing since the last time we'd cried. Finally my sobs slowed, and breathing hard I pulled back.
Julie's eyes were red, and her hair was even messier. I took a deep breath, and let it out slowly. I feel much better. Julie smiled at me and I smiled back. I stood up and offered my hand to her, which she ignored in favor of getting up herself.
"Um...I really need to get going, I have homework to finish. But, um, if you ever need to talk..." I trailed off, uncertain how to say what I wanted to. "I'll be here." I finished. She nodded gratefully, a smile spreading across her face. I nodded once and turned to go. Pausing at the doorway, I turned around.
"Would it be alright if I came to visit you sometimes, when things start to get...difficult?" I asked. There. I've asked what I wanted to. A detached part of me spoke up, an echo from my Gryffindor side: Slytherin's have a hard time showing emotion and asking for help.
"Of course you can. My office is always open to you." I nodded again and smiled, more happily this time. She gave another answering smile and I left the office, feeling much better than I had. I glanced at my watch and was shocked to find that class had been over for almost two hours. The trip to Julie's office and my talk with the Headmaster must've taken longer than I thought.
Walking back to my dormitory, I passed Potter and his posse. I acknowledged their presence, but didn't stop to speak. They had been acting strangely all week. They never call me names or insult me anymore. What's their game? I was surprised, but not shocked, when they called out to me as I passed.
"Hermione." I whirled around and raised my wand. It was directly in Potter's face. To his credit, he didn't back down, just looked calmly at me.
"What gives you the right to use my given name, Potter?" I spat. Something in his eyes flickered, but still he did not step back.
"Nothing I suppose. But I just wanted to say that I don't believe you're a traitor anymore." I sneered at him. His friends moved closer, and I watched them out of the corner of my eye. I can take them. They aren't the best fighters, and if need by I can use hand-to-hand self-defense. Or hand-to-wand if the case may be. I continued to stare at Potter, who was the leader. This did not mean I stopped watching Longbottom and Weasley.
"Well I'm over-joyed that you think I'm innocent. But it's really too late. I don't give a damn what you think of me anymore, Potter. You are nothing to me, except the only real chance we have of defeating Voldemort." Potter's eyes flashed at that. I watched as he tried to control his anger. He's gotten better at it, I decided. He didn't just hex me for being rude. He took a deep breath and met my eyes.
"I'm sorry for the things I said, and the things I did. I'm sorry I treated you the way we did. I was rather hoping we could be friends again, but I see that isn't possible." I simple cocked my head to the side and waited for him to go on. "If we can't be friends, then can we at least make a pact to stop the hostility for now? I don't want to deal with the glances I'm getting from your friends, and the treatment I'm getting from your house." A pact? With Potter? Hmmm...that might just be a good thing. I might be able to use him to get information out of Dumbledore on what else they're doing to get Septimus back, and also use him to learn about what they're doing to fight Voldemort. It'd keep my friends and I informed.
"A pact then." I lowered my wand and held out my right hand. Potter took it and gave it a firm shake. Weasley came forward, and I shook his hand. Ronald released my hand quickly, and I took note of the red tinge forming around his ears. So he still likes what he sees, hmm? I smirked at him, causing his ears to turn even redder. The blush was spread from his ears to his entire face, until he looked like a tomato with hair. I took Longbottom's hand next, and was slightly surprised at the firm handshake he gave. I studied his face and demeanor. Longbottom's grown up. He's no longer the bumbling boy from before. I wonder what caused this dramatic change? I released his hand and stepped back. Another nod and I was on my way, moving swiftly through the corridor. Potter's voice stopped me dead in my tracks.
"We're sorry about Professor Carce too." My eyes widened and I spun around. I moved silently toward them until I was inches from Potter's face. He blanched and took a step back. I could feel my anger rise.
"Who told you about that?" I spoke no louder than a whisper, my voice harsh. Potter swallowed and his two friends moved up to stand next to him, obviously ready to protect him. "That is none of your business, Potter. Stay out of my life. I don't need your sympathy." I hadn't realized I'd drawn my wand until I saw it was pointed at his face, trembling slightly because my hand was shaking.
"Dumbledore told us about it. It's our business because he was a spy for the Order." I lowered my wand and glared at Potter. It's none of his damn business! What right did Dumbledore have to tell them about Septimus? They aren't even part of the Order! I stood silently, thinking suddenly that I missed Septimus so very much. I miss his stupid jokes, his sarcastic comments, and his comforting presence. After a moment or two, Potter slowly moved his hand toward his pocket. I gripped my wand tighter as I watched him pull something out. He offered a piece of cloth to me, and as I took it I realized it was a handkerchief. I looked at Potter, silently asking him what I was to do with it. He gestured to his face. I reached up and touched my face with the tips of my finger. Tears were sliding down my cheeks again. I hadn't noticed. Using his handkerchief, I wiped my eyes and cheeks. I handed the cloth back to him and started backing away.
"Thanks, Potter."I practically choked on the words as I hurriedly turned around and practically ran down the corridor. Crying in front of enemies can be used against you, and crying in front of Potter shows weakness. Stepping through the entrance to the common room, I immediately found my friends lounging by the fire. Moving towards them, I cast a quick refreshing charm on my face and settled in next to Jon.
"There you are. Gods, Mia, we thought you got lost or were in big trouble." This was from Tabby. She was sitting on the other side of Jon. I grinned in reply.
"No, not in trouble. Nor did I get lost. McGonagall and the other's simply took me to the Headmaster's office. Apparently Tubby allowed Dumbledore the use of it. He even had a bowl of lemon drops on the desk. The other day I saw Dumbledore eating a Muffin and now Tubby has a bowl of lemon drops in his office. I'd say they are influencing each other a wee bit." The others laughed, and the fire popped merrily. I felt myself relaxing, the anger and sadness left over from my encounter with Potter draining away.
"Why'd they call you to the Headmaster's office if you weren't in trouble?" Shannon asked. She was curled up on the chair directly in front of the fire, a book on her lap. She glanced up at me as she spoke, keeping half her attention on the conversation. Next to Shannon in the chair next to her was Julie. Max was sitting on the loveseat next to Mike, the loveseat facing Jon, Tabby, and I. The couch we were seated on faced the loveseat, creating a nice little square around the fire. I leaned forward slightly, indicating I didn't want to be overheard. The other's leaned forward as well, Shannon awkwardly due to the book in her lap.
"They want me to help Sexy create a potion--or maybe it's help finish a potion, I don't quite remember--that they're going to use to get Septimus back." Their faces lit up with excitement, happiness, and hope. The guys, however, had confusion written on their faces as well.
"Sexy? Who the hell is Sexy?" Mike asked. Shannon, Tabby, Julie and I burst out laughing at the memory of it.
"Sexy is our nickname for Professor Snape. Oh, which reminds me. You said Sexy might know something's up. What once you left the room?" Julie asked. My lips curled up into a smile and I sat back. The other's moved back to their previous positions as well.
"Nothing. We didn't get a chance to talk. As we were walking there, McGonagall and Lupin were nearby, and I'm pretty sure he doesn't want them to know about us. Once we reached the Headmaster's office, Dumbledore was there and I was busy discussing things with him. Oh, and I told them about how we trained the students to fight. Anyway, as we were leaving, Dumbledore asked them to stay behind. I'm to go help Sexy with the potion at eight tonight. What was our DADA homework?"
"Nothing. Professor Fields seemed kinda distracted at the end of class, so by the time the bell rang there wasn't enough time to give us the assignment."
"Which reminds me. I need help with my transfiguration homework. It's gotten more difficult now that McGonagall helps teach it. They seem to think double the teacher means double the work for us." Mike complained. Everyone laughed at his comment.
"Mike, you'd need instructions on how to get on your broom if we weren't there to help." Tabby commented. Mike flushed red, but smiled good naturedly.
"Well, at least I don't have a reputation for hitting on anything with a penis." This time it was Tabby who flushed. Her eyes, however, were sparkling with amusement and enjoyment. Everyone knew they were just joking. Tabby wouldn't hit on anything with a penis, but rumors had started that she would after she dated the least popular guy in school for six months. What they hadn't realized was that Tabby was slowly giving him a make-over. He was now one of the most sought after guys in school.
"Well at least I know the proper way to hit on somebody." We roared with laughter at that. One time at the club Mike had hit on some girl, saying that he knew how to please a woman. The woman had replied to 'please leave her alone.'
"Yeah? Well at least I hit on members of the opposite sex." Tabby flushed even redder at that one. We were practically falling out of our chairs at that one. She had mistaken a long haired woman for this guy she had been seeing. They had the same color hair, the same length, the same height...everything was the same. The woman was dressed in jeans and a t-shirt, and Tabby had used the same pick-up line her then boyfriend had on her before realizing it was a woman. Looking around, I noticed that we were attracting some stares.
"I need to do my homework."
"I'll get it for you." Mike offered, which caused me to grin.
"Thanks Mike. You're a sweetheart." Mike grinned boyishly back and ran off to gather my books. Shannon returned to reading her book, and Tabby and Jon began to make eyes at each other. Max was staring at me with a small smile on his face. I smiled back at him, inwardly unnerved with his staring. I was pulled back to reality was Tabby leaned across my lap to give Jon a kiss. I pretended to huff indignantly.
"Where's my kiss?" I demanded. Jon and Tabby shared a look. Tabby kissed me on my right cheek, while Jon kissed me on my left at the exact same moment. I gave a huge, pleased-sounding sigh. "Carry on."
"Speak friend and enter." Mike was back with my books in his arms, still grinning boyishly.
"Thanks Mike. Tell everyone my password."
"Not to worry, lil lady. They need to finish the quote in order to enter."
"Oh yeah." I forgot about that. Speak friend and enter. Mellon.
"Behind every successful man stands a surprised Mother-In-Law." I snorted in laughter and Mike bowed theatrically. He loved saying random things.
"You sure do have a lot of well-wishers. They'd all like to throw you down one." I put in my random comment and sat back to listen to the others. The random comments ranged from funny phrases to put-downs, all extremely hilarious and random.
"I never forget a face. For yours I'll make an exception." Tabby commented.
"Excuse me, is that your nose or are you eating a banana?" Jon supplied. We laughed once again.
"I hear you were born on April second; A day too late!" Shannon threw out. Another shriek of laughter erupted from our corner of the common room. I was aware of the other's listening in.
"Lights on, door open, nobody home."
"About as welcome as a fart in a telephone booth."
"Some drink from the fountain of knowledge; you gargled."
"Which village is missing it's idiot?"
"Save your breath. You'll need it to blow up your date."
"Calling you an idiot would be an insult to stupid people." By now the entire common room was gathered around. I had no doubt they were trying to figure out who were insulting and why we were laughing. Finally we quieted down and the crowd went back to their activities. I started in on my homework after switching Tabby seats so she could have easier access to Jon. Mike already had his homework down, and was working with Julie on it. Max was staring into the fire, the same smile on his face as before. Throughout our whole random insult episode, his laughter sounded forced.
Max choose that moment to glance up at me. Our eyes met, and I was startled to see that they were completely blank, like the way you'd expect a corpse's eyes to look. He blinked, and the look disappeared. He smiled that adorable smile and then returned to staring in to the fire. I concentrated on my homework, and waited for the bell to signal dinner was ready
RIIIIIIIIIIIIIIING.
I felt myself jump as the dinner bell sounded. I glanced at my watch and noticed it was six o'clock already. I gathered my things and stuffed them into my bag. After dropping my bag off in my room, I made my way to the Great Hall surrounded by my friends. We talked about the latest rumors and news I had missed when I had been grieving for Septimus. Laughing at how stupid some people acted, we settled down to eat, still laughing about the antics of a third-year House C student.
"Somehow he managed to drink the potion before adding the last ingredient. So anyway, she kept professing her love for anybody who came within three feet of her. She had already asked the guy next to him to marry her, and had given him a kiss. Anyway, Sexy heard the commotion and came to investigate. Collins got on her knees and proposed to Sexy. Sexy by now was extremely furious, and had started telling her in that calm, silky voice of his that he was an imbecile and he hoped he'd never have to see her again. Collins eyes filled up with tears as Sexy walked away, but instead of being upset that Sexy had put her down, she was upset 'cause Sexy didn't give her an answer!" I choked on my potatoes. I would have loved to have seen this. I couldn't hold back my laughter any longer.
"Collins followed Sexy across the room, still crying. She kept saying that Sexy didn't love her. Finally Sexy snapped and told her to go to the infirmary, her infernal caterwauling was annoying him. Collins refused to go, and when Sexy tried to bodily move her, Collins dropped to the floor and grabbed Sexy's leg and refused to let go until Sexy agreed to marry her. He tried walking away, but she clung so tightly that she went with him. Eventually he sent a student to get Madam Polinski. When she arrived she was still clinging to Sexy's leg. I've never seen Sexy look that way. He was absolutely furious. For the rest of the hour the simplest noise would set him off. He took points off House A because Timothy Babkins set his spoon down too hard. All in all, it was a very interesting day."
"I wish I could have been there. Sounds like I missed a great deal." I commented, after wiping the tears of laughter away from my eyes.
"You were grieving for one of your best friends. I think that's a bit more important than witnessing Snape--" The guys refused to call him sexy "--get proposed to." I nodded in agreement.
"Your right. But still...I wish I could've seen the look on his face. Did he tell you what went wrong with the potion?"
"Yeah. He said that the mullberry leaves were to turn the intense love potion into a 'friend potion'. The drinker felt an affinity for anybody in close proximity to him. Without the leaves, it was a simple love potion. Snape has such presence, so she felt strongly drawn to him." Yes, presence Severus has in plenty. I glanced at the Head Table to find him watching us, eyes hooded. His eyes locked with mine and I shivered. So incredibly sexy...no! I must concentrate...Severus has presence...I can walk into a room and immediately tell if he's in there or not...the sexuality radiates of him...it's a wonder nobody but us notices it...no, bad, bad Hermione! No naughty thoughts just before you're to meet with him privately. We wouldn't want to jump, would we? I tore my eyes from his and swallowed the food. It didn't go down to easily, and I set my fork down as my nerves took over. I need to concentrate.
"So what else did I miss?" The stories continued on. It seemed that the few days I was locked up in my room, all the amusing things happened. I laughed so hard tears ran down my face and my stomach hurt. I wiped my tears away as a shadow fell over me and my plate. I turned around and glanced up. My breath caught in my throat and I willed myself to breathe. I exhaled suddenly with a whoosh sound. Severus was standing inches from me, and his scent was wafting towards me. I happily inhaled. I met his dark eyes and once again found it difficult to breathe.
"Miss Granger, it is time. Do make haste, I do not like to be kept waiting." He took a step back to allow me room to get up, and I swiftly stood up. I turned toward my friends.
"Talk to you guys later, okay?" The other's nodded. I turned back towards Severus and gestured for him to lead. I silently followed him, schooling my face in to a blank mask. I couldn't help but notice the whispers and curious stares coming from the student body. Let them talk. What the hell do you care what they think about you anyway?
The walk to the dungeons was quiet and tense. Bloody hell...why is he so tense? Does it have to do with that feeling of being watched? The feeling had started as we passed the House A common room, and persisted up until now. As Severus opened the door to the potions classroom and waited for me to pass first before closing the door (ever the gentleman), I felt a draft of air pass me. Stupid castles with their stupid drafts. The feeling of being watched stayed with me as I moved towards Septimus' office. I carefully avoided looking at Septimus' cluttered desk, concentrating on the floor instead. Snape touched the bookcase with his wand and muttered the password. As I passed through the doorway, the feeling of being watched faded and then disappeared as I fully entered the workroom. Shrugging it off as paranoia, I took my cloak off and folded it over the chair by the door.
SNAPE'S POV
"You may start by dicing those roots." I told the girl before moving towards my table. I angrily ground the roots I had into a powder, imagining that I was literally removing the mocking smile from her lips. Not the most mature approach, but definitely very satisfying. I continued working in silence, seething silently. It was only when the girl touched my hand that I was alerted to the fact that she was not doing the chore I set her to. I glared at her, angry that she dared touch me.
"You have not yet finished dicing those roots. I suggest you get back to it." My clipped tone seemed to anger her, and she reached out and grabbed my wrist. She held onto my wrist for a few seconds before releasing it. "An idiotic thing to do, grabbing a man with a knife." I inwardly winced, pointing out something an idiot should know.
"I know. But I needed your attention. What is wrong with you?" How dare she? How dare she question me?
"Nothing, as you can well see. Please remove yourself from my table and go back to your own." My tone was icy and clipped, totally devoid of emotion.
"No."
"No?" I whispered furiously. She dares! I raised and eyebrow and set the knife down. I rested my hands on the table and leaned forward.
"No. What is wrong with you? Was it something I said? Did I do something?" I must have showed what I was feeling, as she continued on. "I haven't done anything to deserve this treatment. Tell me what's wrong, and maybe we can sort this out." I glared at her, but she refused to budge. I met her eyes, mine icy and angry, her's soft and pleading "Severus, please." She reached across the table and touched my hand gently. I jerked his hand away. I glared at the insolent chit once again before speaking through clenched teeth.
"If I explain to you what I did, will you leave me in peace and finish your own work?" She nodded. I took a deep breath and slowly let it out. "This morning, you obviously thought of something amusing. It wasn't until you looked at me that you laughed. Ergo, I deduced it had to do with me. I do not enjoy being laughed at, Miss Granger."
"Return to your table and continue your work." Granger nodded and moved around the table, heading back towards her station. Spinning around, she reached me in two steps and threw her arms around me. Shocked, I wrapped my arms around her. She tilted her face up toward mine. When she spoke I could feel her breath on my face.
"I wasn't laughing at you. My friends have taken to calling you sexy, and that's what I was laughing about. I would never laugh at you, love." The endearment had obviously slipped out. I was strangely pleased by the nickname. Your only interest in her is for a quick fuck, Severus. The dark half of me whispered. Oh? And then why are you pleased she's calling you love? I pushed the second voice down and concentrated on the first. Only good for a fuck, good for a fuck. I repeated it to myself in my head, even as I leaned down and touched her lips with my own. The girl responded as passionately as I could of asked for. She moved her hands, which had been clasped at the back of my neck to my head. Her hands tangled into my hair as she kissed me back.
I nibbled on her lower lip, and she opened her mouth to allow me access with my tongue. She responded yet again with fierce passion, stroking my tongue with her own, battling me for dominance. I pulled her closer, one hand holding her head, the other around her waist, preventing her from moving. She tasted like pumpkin juice and apple, which was the last thing she likely had eaten. She moaned into my mouth, and I reacted immediately. I pushed my hardness into her stomach, causing her to whimper yet again. I groaned into her mouth. Finally I was forced to pull back for air. Breathing heavily, I stared at the thoroughly kissed girl in my arms. Her ponytail was falling out, bits of hair framing her face. Her lips were swollen and her eyes glazed. She was breathing heavily, and still clutching me. Proud that I reduced her to this state, I leaned down and kissed her again.
I made sure my kiss hinted of more pleasure to come. She whimpered yet again and ground her hips against me. I growled this time, my pleasure over-riding the side of me saying that I wasn't going to take her in the lab. I picked her up and turned around, walking to the other side of the room. After releasing her hair from the ponytail, I sat her roughly on an unused table, I moved her legs apart and settled myself on top of her. My erection was now pressing into her center, and she jerked her hips. My breath briefly caught, and I bit back a groan. I nuzzled the side of her neck, near here ear. She again jerked her hips. She lifted her legs up and wrapped them around me, pulling me closer. Her hands were frantically trying to unbutton my robes while rubbing up against me. I began to have problems thinking. Merlin, I could take her here and now and she wouldn't protest. The image that brought up prompted me to rub against her, causing friction. She moaned what I thought was my name loudly and clutched me closer. I snapped out of my daze and attempted to control the girl.
"Miss Granger." She didn't stop wiggling, and if she didn't stop soon I was going to take her then and there. "Hermione, stop moving or I shall return to preparing my ingredients." That seemed to get through her lust-filled brain and she stopped wiggling so much. "We need to get these ingredients prepared and into the cauldron before curfew. To do this, we must work quickly." She opened her mouth to protest and I started to stand up. She closed her mouth and whimpered in protest. I settled back on her. "I would love to finish what we have started, but we will be unable to get the ingredients done. If we do not get the ingredients done, Septimus will have to stay where he is for another week. Do you want that?" She shook her head no. I leaned down and brushed my lips against hers. "Soon, Hermione, soon. Soon you'll be mine, and I"'ll do things to you that will make you beg for more..." My lips brushed her ear next as I spoke, and she shivered once again. Her hips jerked once more before I stood up.
The girl sat up, still breathing heavily. Her eyes were still glazed and she was shaking slightly. I held out my hand to her, which she took reluctantly. She dropped my hand quickly. When I raised my eyebrow, she smiled slightly.
"If I continue to touch you, I can't guarantee I won't jump you." She then proceeded to smooth out her clothes and fix her hair. Once she looked halfway normal again (her face was flushed becomingly and her lips were still swollen) she continued talking. "I'll hold you to your promise about more to come." Then she walked past me and stood before her station, calmly completing her work. I shook my head slightly and smirked. Oh yes, she can't resist. She's all mine...
Grounding roots was a mindless task, and I couldn't stop thinking about the girl. My brain was in overdrive, flashing tempting images as they danced through my mind.
Hermione bent over a desk with me entering her from behind.
She was at Hogwarts, in my bed, smiling coquettishly at me.
The images continued in that erotic fashion until things started to change, becoming uncomfortably personal with each scene.
We were getting married, her walking down the aisle with Septimus to give her away.
She was round with my child and smiling happily.
She was cuddled up in my arms, a beautiful baby girl resting between us.
We were old, white hair covering both our heads, sitting before a fire, looking at photos of our family.
I growled at the last few images, and at the unfamiliar feeling invading my chest. Shoving the feeling down, I glanced down at the table and noted that I had grounded all the roots needed. I sighed and picked up the knife, slicing, cutting, and dicing the other needed ingredients spread out on the table before me. I kept my mind focused on the mundane task by sheer will.
She is nothing but a good fuck. Remember that, Severus. She is nothing to you. Snape nodded in agreement, although he couldn't help but think that he didn't agree. He didn't agree at all.
No, Severus is NOT in love with her yet. But he's definitely feeling something for her. Something he's unfamiliar with. As I said up above, please do not report me to fanfiction staff people for the sexual content. I warned you. I remember reading an Author's Note where one single person complained and her entire story got taken off. For one chapter, her whole story was taken off fanfiction. She's re-doing it now, and it's been toned down. Anyway, this is my first story, and I'd really rather it wasn't taken off. If you must complain, please tell them to tell me to repost this chapter, or any other chapter you're offended by.
My birthday was July 23, and for my birthday I'd be happy if I could get some reviews as presents...Pretty please?
(Beta Note for the readers: Yes, I deserve the wrath of many spork-wielding reviewers. It's so my fault that this was not posted last week. I throw myself upon your mercy for taking so long to do my job. I am not worthy)
Keep in mind that if you hurt my beta, then my chapters will be un-beta'd and will look like my first five chapters, which is to say, not good at all. Please keep that in mind when hunting my beta with sporks.