Chapter 2: Snape
I knew that something was afoot when the headmaster specifically requested my presence in his office the last day of term. I cursed him under my breath as I made my way to his office, muttering "Ice Mice" to gain admittance.
At first, neither of us spoke. He sat behind his desk, his fingers steepled, peering at me over those ridiculous half-moon glasses of his. I stood rigid, not wanting to give him the satisfaction of seeing me more relaxed. Finally, he broke the silence.
"Severus, I have a commission for you for the summer." He was still staring at me with those damnable eyes.
As I listened to what he was saying, it dawned on me that he was not talking about more spy work. When Albus told me what I must do, I was livid. I was working covertly for the Order, his only connection to Voldemort! Why would he insist that I watch over that little know-it-all? Surely there were more important things for me to do. I had no desire to spend the summer babysitting. "I won't do it." I stood firm.
Albus' eyes twinkled. He had expected as much from me. He knew from experience that I was very obstinate. Yet, he was one of the only people that dared to stand up to me. For that, I respected him. In fact, if I were to admit it, he held a special place in what heart I had left. "Yes, my boy, you will. So, rant all you wish, but rest assured, you will be there to protect Hermione."
I winced at the name. It didn't matter that she was a young woman now, 22 years old. She was still 'Miss Granger' to me. Brilliant, yes, but one of the golden trio. The thought always put a bad taste in my mouth.
Again, I opposed him. "I won't. There is no need. She's been there for some time, and has not been bothered. I'm sure the circumstances will remain so." In truth, I knew my protests would do no good. There had been some talk among the Death Eaters at the last summons about more attacks on the Muggleborns and their families.
"You and I both know that is not true, Severus. The news that you brought back from the last Death Eater meeting confirmed my worst fears. The attacks have begun. It is only a matter of time before they find her." His face grew taught with worry. "And, it is only a matter of time before they discover your deception as well."
I nodded, admitting what he said was true. The last few times I had faced the Dark Lord, my loyalty had been questioned. I still bore several fresh scars from his methods of extracting information from me. Luckily, I had been able to keep up the barriers in my mind. I sighed, knowing that it was pointless to argue with Albus. "I still don't understand why it has to be me. Why not one of her friends? I'm sure Mr. Potter or Mr. Weasley would be glad to comply. Merlin knows they are cocky enough for it." I couldn't keep the bitterness out of my voice.
"They are still mere boys, Severus. They are not capable of remaining calm, especially if a situation were to arise where their friend was threatened. You and I both know that Hermione poses a special threat. She has many abilities that Voldemort would enjoy exploiting."
I knew he was right. And, as much as it annoyed me to admit it, the things that the Dark Lord was capable of doing to Miss Granger revolted me. I had been through various tortures, but it was penance for me. Punishment for my many sins, so to speak. I had learned to bear it and go on. She was an innocent. It was different for her. Resigned, I agreed, silently cursing my luck.
That was last week. Now I find myself outside of the run down Shacklebolt Manor. Not feeling the need to betray my presence, I find a shelter on the grounds where I can keep an eye out for intruders. I have no real desire to communicate with Miss Granger, but I will have to at some point. The situation looked to be fine. No mysterious people prowling, no screaming coming from the house, no Dark Mark in the sky.
It started to storm. The rain was torrential, and the lightning illuminated the sky in a patchwork of brilliant white. I couldn't help but wish I could simply step out into the night and let the falling rain purify me. If only it were that easy. Sighing, I retreated to the shadows. It was a fitting place for someone who had spent most of his life in them.
I suppose I had become lost in my thoughts, for I was jerked harshly from them by the sound of running and heavy breathing. I stood, ready for action if necessary. I knew that I was still hidden by the darkness, so I remained still. What I saw shocked me. A distinctly female form ducked into the shelter. Miss Granger. She was soaked to the skin, her wet curls plastered to her head, rainwater dripping from her face. She gasped for air. Was someone after her? I remained tense, ready to protect her if necessary. When a laugh escaped her lips, I knew that the situation was fine. I relaxed somewhat, but I could not understand why she was out on a night like this.
"Cool, logical, sensible Miss Granger, running as if a wild thing was after her. It's quite shocking, really." I stepped from the dim corner, moving slowly, enjoying the shaken look on her face. I suppose I should be old enough to outgrow my love of intimidation, but I'm not. It satisfies some twisted part of me.
After some tense conversation, most of which was in the form of yelling from the girl, she sank to the floor in a crumpled heap. I stood in the door, silently watching her. I actually felt bad for reducing her to this state. She didn't know what was happening. For once, I didn't feel that I was alone on the outside. There was someone in the abyss with me. But, now was not the time for that. I was tired. I just wanted rest for the night, delaying this distasteful conversation.
She asked a few more questions, and I replied with clipped answers. She warily stood, looking as if she were afraid that I'd devour her. I started to rethink my position. Maybe being feared wasn't always the best thing. Maybe once it would be nice to have someone desire my presence.
"I will escort you back to the manor. It's not a night fit for man or beast out there." She made a move toward the door, but I did not move aside. I wanted to be the one in control of the situation. I would move when I saw fit. I fixed a dark stare on her.
She stepped closer, breaching the gap between us. I involuntarily recoiled. I was not used to having someone stand so close to me. "And which are you, sir?" There were only a few inches of space between us, and I could feel her breath when she spoke. Her eyes were questioning, and I found myself faltering under that steadfast gaze.
I gave an honest answer. "In truth, I do not know." I turned, motioning for her to follow me, cursing her for making me feel, even if it was only a bit of pity.
A/N:
A huge thanks to Judy and Jennifer for betaing this fic for me. I don't know what I'd do without your help!
I decided to go ahead and post this chapter because it goes with Chapter 1. Hope you enjoy!
Thanks to everyone for the reviews! You don't know just how much they are appreciated.
As for the chapter lengths, I always seem to write around 1300 words. For some reason, there's an invisible stop sign at that point. I'm sure some will be shorter and some longer, but that's about what to expect per chapter.
Disclaimer:
I do not own Harry Potter. That belongs to JKR and her wonderful imagination. I however, as always, would not mind having Alan Rickman, if only for a few hours!
