Severus Snape felt like he couldn't breathe. His mind was pulling him in a million different directions. Part of him wanted to hunt his godson down and demand answers or hex him or both. Part of him wanted to find Hermione, make sure she was okay, make sure she wasn't under an enchantment, make her tell him what she was doing with Draco, to ask her what the hell she was thinking talking to him in the first damned place. He needed to calm down. He didn't want to make the wrong decision, not when the stakes were so high. He couldn't think objectively. His fears, anger and concern were far too prominent at the moment.
He resolved to speak with Albus first. If anyone had a level head, it was him. He also knew, far more than anyone else, what was in play. So, he made his way to the headmaster's office.
The older wizard called the potions master in as soon as he knocked. "Severus, my boy, you look troubled," he said gently.
"I made a mistake, Albus, and I need your council on how to proceed," he said as he took a seat. "Draco just told me that he'd reached out to someone in regards to his mission."
"Do you know who this person is?" Dumbledore asked, interest showing on his face.
Severus took a deep breath. "He implied that it was Miss Granger."
That certainly surprised the old man, and that didn't happen very often. "How?" he gasped.
"I believe that's where my mistake comes in," Snape responded. "Miss Granger asked me about Draco's well-being before break. She had noticed his odd behavior. She also confessed that Mr. Potter was stalking Draco around the castle. I told her that Draco's mother was gravely ill, and he was concerned for her. I told her not to speak to anyone about this since it was a deeply personal matter, and she agreed. I thought she may be able to keep Potter from interfering, but instead, I gave Draco an opening." he concluded. Merlin, he had been a fool. He knew how compassionate the girl was. He'd practically gift wrapped the witch for Malfoy.
"Do you know how she is helping him, or for how long?" Albus inquired leaning in, his eyes intensely focused on the other wizard.
"No, he only just told me. I was…..distraught and came here right away. I didn't want to confront anyone until I'd spoken to you," Severus explained setting his elbows on his knees and dropping his head into his hands. "Regardless I have no idea what I should do next," he mumbled.
"You did well by coming to me first, Severus. I appreciate the trust you've shown me. This could work to our advantage, though," the headmaster replied.
Snape's head snapped up to face the older man, "What?" the question came out as a whisper and gave no indication of the storm that waged inside his mind.
"Calm down, Severus. I'm not asking her to be a death eater, just to help as she originally intended. This could be a blessing. We could learn of Mr. Malfoy's progress, get an indication of how and when he will strike. I'm not asking for her to place herself in any more danger than she already is as Mr. Potter's friend and a Muggleborn," Albus said gently.
"And what of her mental stability, Albus?" the potions master shot back. "What do you think will happen after you're….gone? After I've been banished? How do you think she'll react to the realization that she helped bring about your demise?"
"We all must make sacrifices….," he started.
"Don't spout that "greater good" tripe to me!" Snape interrupted jumping from his seat.
"Sit, Severus!" the headmaster ordered.
The younger wizard snarled and turned to leave. "Speak to the boy first," Albus said to his retreating back. Severus paused but refused to turn. "See what information you can get from him. Do not approach Miss Granger until you have consulted with me. Do you understand?"
Snape stayed motionless and silent. "I asked if I was understood, Severus. I will not ask you again," the headmaster said, the threat in his voice clear.
Snape nodded and left the room without another word.
*S*S*S*S*S*S*S*S*S*
It took two days before he was able to corner Draco alone. When Snape did though, he promptly drug the boy to his office. Once inside and properly warded, he threw the young Slytherin into a chair. "Talk," he demanded glowering down at the boy.
"About what?" Draco responded trying to seem nonchalant and only half succeeding.
"You know what," Severus ground out. "What were you thinking? A Gryffindor? Not only that, but a Muggleborn Gryffindor that is best friends with Harry Potter? Have you lost your mind? She could compromise the entire mission, if she hasn't already."
"She hasn't!" Draco insisted.
"And you know this, how exactly?" the potions master spit back.
"I just know," the boy responded sullenly, folding his arms over his chest defensively.
Severus pinched the bridge of his nose and sighed, "How did this happen?"
Draco looked away and didn't respond.
"Draco, how did this happen?" he asked again. "I'm not asking about the mission. I'm not asking what you're doing or your plan, but I need to know if you've been compromised. I need to know if she is a risk to us." Severus saw a moment of panic in the boy's eyes before he quickly schooled his features. Now, what was that about, Snape wondered.
"She's not a compromise, I swear, Sev. She isn't getting in the way, she's helping. She has no idea what my mission is," Draco said quickly.
"Then explain to me how this happened," Severus asked yet again.
"It was the story you told her about Mother being ill," Draco started. "She bumped into me on the train back to London. It wasn't until I got home that I realized she'd slipped a note into my pocket. She can be a sneaky little chit." Severus motioned him to continue. "Ok, so the note was….nice. She said that she was sorry to hear about my mother's condition. It was sympathetic, kind even. She warned me about Potter, she said she didn't expect any acknowledgement or reciprocation of the note, and that if somehow she could help make the situation better for my mother or myself to let her know," Draco trailed off.
"So how did you respond," Snape prompted.
"I wasn't going to at first, but after a couple weeks it, I don't know, it seemed like a good idea to have Potter's Mudblood on my side," Draco continued. "So, I slipped a note into her bookbag when I got back. We did that for a few weeks. Sometimes she'd tell me when Potter would be prowling so I could avoid him. Eventually, I asked her to work on a project with me, and she agreed. She's been helping me since," Draco concluded.
"And she isn't suspicious of your "little project"?" Snape asked.
"No, she thinks the project is for Mother," the boy replied.
Snape dragged his hands down his face as he thought. "Do you fancy her?' he finally asked.
A laugh burst from Draco, "Merlin, no. She's not my type." The boy frowned. "Do you?" he asked.
"Do I what?" the potions master asked.
"Fancy her? Granger? You seem pretty interested in her these days," Draco challenged.
Severus rolled his eyes, "No, of course not. She's my student, nothing more. I have no desire to have 'relations' with anyone that's the same age as my own godson."
Draco shrugged, "Just making sure. No, Sev, I'm not falling for her. She's nice, but somewhat infuriating at the same time."
This time it was Snape that laughed. That she is, he thought.
"Is that it, Sev? I'm hungry and want to make it to lunch before it's over," Draco whined.
"Go," Snape said, dismissing the boy. "Be careful though. No more mistakes."
"No more mistakes," Draco echoed before he left for the great hall.