Chapter 11: Hermione

That was all I was to him? An obligation and a chore? Really, that man was so infuriating. As if I were a child that had to be watched so she wouldn't stick her hand in the biscuit crock! How could he be so heartless after the conversation we just had with Dumbledore? We were going to have to work together from now on; you'd think he would try to be more accommodating. Oh, who was I kidding? Severus Snape and accommodation mixed about as well as oil and water.

In frustration, I yelled, letting forth all of the curse words that I had heard Ron and Harry use over the years, even making up some new choice words of my own. I even added a few jinxes to the mix, managing to wreak havoc on the room. I noticed with aggravation that my anger was making the fire dance, the flames growing higher with each moment. Blast and Damnation! Why me?

Apparently I was just supposed to sit here like a good little girl, waiting to be told what to do. I think not! I, at least, had to make sure that my parents were safe. Pacing, I tried to think rationally. I was not naïve enough to think that I could go it on my own and I knew for sure that I wouldn't be able to talk my former professor into helping me.

Of course! Why didn't I think of it before? Grabbing a quill and some parchment, I scribbled a hasty note to Harry. Summoning Alvar, I asked that he make sure it was sent right away.

"Would Miss like Alvar to deliver it to Harry Potter?" Alvar's wrinkled hands gripped the parchment as if it were the most precious thing in the world.

"That would be wonderful, Alvar. Can you go now?" I was anxious to hear back from Harry and wanted an answer as soon as possible.

"Yes Miss. Alvar would be happy to deliver it to Harry Potter." With a sharp pop, he disappeared.

Well, now I just had to wait. I knew that if I asked for help, Harry would come, and more than likely he would have Ron and possibly Ginny in tow.

Just the thought of seeing my friends soon made me feel better. It had been over a month since I'd heard from them and even longer since I had seen my parents. A lump formed in my throat, but I swallowed it down and pushed the thought of my parents from my head.

I knew it would be a bit until I heard from Harry, so I went down to the laboratory to start preparing another batch of the potion I was working on. As a precaution, I took the Banshee hair and moved it to another shelf. I didn't want to have another mix up like I had this morning. How could I have been so stupid?

Was it only this morning? It seemed like ages ago since my life had practically been turned upside down. Frowning, I thought about how different it was going to be from now on. I try to put on a brave face to the world, but I tended to worry a lot more than people thought. The knowledge that I would have to face Voldemort made me physically sick. Coupled with lack of sleep, stress, and aggravation, I barely made it to the loo before my lunch revisited me.

Sinking down to the cold floor, I buried my face in my hands and allowed self-pity to wash over me for just a moment. Then, deciding it was stupid to wallow; I stood and splashed water on my face. The cool liquid calmed me, and I faced my reflection with decision. Talking to myself had become quite a habit in my seclusion, so I had no problem doing it now.

"Chin up, Granger! After all, you are a Gryffindor, so it's about time you acted like one! You've been complaining about not doing anything to aid in the war. Well, now you have a purpose, so face it like a woman."

My reflection blanched, but I refused to pay attention to the person looking back at me. She looked more like a scared little girl than a brave woman. Turning, I made my way back to the laboratory just as a pop sounded.

"Miss, I have a letter from Harry Potter! Alvar waited until Harry Potter wrote Miss back, he did!" I noted that the elf was shaking from excitement as he handed me a roll of parchment that had Harry's insignia on it before he disappeared with a pop.

Taking a moment to admire the fierce lion with a snake in its mouth, I opened the letter.

Hermione,

It is good to hear from you, even under the circumstances.

I will do what I can to make sure your parents are safe and then I'll come to you. I'm sure Ron will want to see you as well as Ginny. I'll speak to Dumbledore about passage to your location, since he has never told us where you are.

Dumbledore sent Snape? I would think almost anyone would be better than that git! Take care, Hermione, and watch your back with him. You never know….

I'm curious to know what other news you have. I suppose it's best to talk about it in person.

See you soon.

Harry

Sighing, I rolled the letter back up. A creak on the stairs startled me, and I looked up to see said git descending. "You're back."

"Your way of stating the obvious is tiring. I made a promise, didn't I?" His voice was without emotion.

Something in his face disturbed me. Tentatively, I spoke. "What was it that Dumbledore wanted?"

Barely suppressed rage flowed though him at my question. I could feel it stem from his very bones. "If it was important for you to know, I'm sure he wouldn't have sent you back here. What he had to say was for my ears only, and I'd thank you to not stick your impertinent little nose where it doesn't belong!"

I drew myself up to my full height, which was over a half foot short of his. The room was crackling with invisible energy. "Will you stop being such an arse? Maybe if your nose wasn't already bent out of shape you would see to reason! We have to work together now, and I need as much information as I can get. Just because you don't like my questions doesn't mean that I'll stop asking them."

"The day you stop pestering me with questions will be the day that hell has frozen over. But, that doesn't mean that I have to answer them. What took place between Dumbledore and me is indeed none of your concern and has no bearing on our current situation."

At an impasse, we both stood glaring at each other. Realizing that we would get nowhere if we continued in this way, I decided to extend an olive branch. "It's almost time for dinner. Alvar serves it at 8:00. If you'd like to use it, the bath is upstairs on the left. I'll see you in a bit." I walked away, glancing back once to see him staring after me, the angry expression gone from his face.


Dinner was a quiet affair. I had to admit that I was surprised that Severus joined me, but it seemed that he responded best to the direct approach. I would have to remember that in the future.

After half an hour of silence, I decided it was time to speak. "When should we start the Occlumency lessons?" The prospect of learning more about this craft from an expert excited me. I had studied it on my own, of course, but without someone to practice with, I couldn't bring the theory to life.

Dark eyes glittered at me from his sallow face. "I think tomorrow afternoon will do. I have business to attend to in the morning." That being said, he retreated back to silence, and I followed suit.

At least now I had direction. Harry would be here soon and in studying Occlumency, I would be preparing myself for what might lie in wait for me. I occupied the rest of dinner worrying about my parents.

Dinner ended without further conversation. Severus was lost in his own thoughts, and, having concerns of my own, I didn't try to pry into his. I did glance at him several times, noting that nothing was left of his snarky façade. In its wake was a tired face and troubled eyes. When he rose, it was with some difficulty. Remembering that only this morning he had been subjected to the Cruciatus at the hands of Voldemort, I felt a wash of pity.

I walked with him to the door, accidentally brushing against him in my haste to open it. A jolt of heat flashed through me, and I took a step back, gasping. It was apparent that he had also felt it, but his response was to step forward and take my hands.

I was so shocked that I didn't pull away, and the warmth flowed between us. I closed my eyes and behind my lids I saw an orange haze. I felt as a bird must when it stretches its wings and flies under the summer sun. It felt spiritual…healing.

I don't know how long I stood there, my hands grasped in his, but somehow, it didn't matter. Opening my eyes, I was confronted with a different man than the one that had left my table. He looked stronger and heartier than before. Wondering at this strange magic, I hastily pulled my hand away, a blush creeping up my face.

The shock was complete when apparently grateful, Severus said, "Thank you."

Stunned, I stared after him before I took myself to bed. It was quite some time before I fell asleep and then my dreams were plagued by a flashing green light and faces filled with horror.


A/N:

Thanks to all of you for the wonderful reviews. I apologize for the delay, but hopefully you will enjoy it.

Thanks to Jennifer and Judy for the beta work. You guys are the best!

Disclaimer:

Not mine.