Author's Note: Thanks to everyone for the reviews. No offence taken Nadia, constructive criticism is always welcome. I guess the chapter is kind of rushed, this story was written several years ago and I've just gone back through to make some minor changes to remove some of the more glaring inconsistencies. The story does slow down a little from here on in and although I think there will probably be a few more questions raised it should all come together on down the line. At least that was the plan! I hope you keep reading and if you have any other comments please let me know, even if they're not used to adapt this story I'm sure they'll be useful for any future stories.
The sky heaved with torrential rain and lightning ripped apart the night sky. Black clouds raced overhead, rolling and racing in a desperate competition of dominance and survival. From the house on the hill one man looked out across the tumultuous scene. A smile played on his think lips and long black hair hung limply across a blank face. The eyes that looked out from that face were cold and hard, devoid of all feeling and decent emotion. He was Voldemort; back now in full strength; evil overlord of dark witches and wizards; heir of Slytherin himself.
Since his return to power all had gone well for him, his following was greater and stronger than ever before. Witches and wizards from across the globe had flocked to his banner. Scotland was now almost wholly under his sway and soon England too would fall. It had already begun. Soon he would be in a position to move against Dumbledore and the rest of that puny resistance force and Hogwarts would be his. Then they would suffer, insolent worms that they were, he'd make them crawl!
And after England who knows what could happen then. The whole world could lie at his feet. Britain was not all that desirable as an island itself but it was a useful stepping stone to greater things. Desiring world domination might not be a new ideal, but it was a goal, something to work towards. Besides every man should have a hobby! And he was a man of simple tastes, traditional one might say. He cracked the knuckles of his long white hands and laughed, a high-pitched cackling laugh which sent shivers down the spines of all those nearby.
Pale morning light filtered through a gap in the curtains, casting a golden glow across Hermione's face. She lay half asleep, luxuriating in the soft covers and comfortable warmth of the big bed. At length she roused herself, rubbing sleep out of her eyes and pushing tousled hair off her face. Reluctantly she tugged off the covers and slid out of bed. A parcel on the chair caught her eye then and she moved to investigate it, stifling a yawn. A note was pinned to the top which read;
Hermione,
Your
own clothes were damaged beyond repair so
I would like you to wear
this. It belonged to my mother
but I give it now to
you.
Severus
Carefully she folded the parchment and put it aside, and then she picked up the parcel itself. It was wrapped in deep forest green satin and tied with a bow of silver ribbon.
"It's almost a shame to open It." she murmured absently to herself.
Almost reverently she removed the ribbon and pulled aside the satin wrap. Inside was a beautiful old fashioned gown of dark blue velvet and silk. The skirt was full and made of rippling navy silk and the bodice was navy velvet and gold brocade. The sleeves were plain velvet and came to her elbow; they were finished with delicate floating lace. Hermione gasped, she'd never seen anything this beautiful, let alone owned it. Her usual wardrobe consisted of simple skirts and jeans, plain tops and wizarding robes. Feeling too stunned to speak she gently pulled on the dress and discarded her night dress, flinging it carelessly on the bed. It was almost a perfect fit, perhaps a bit tight at the bodice, being intended for a less buxom girl, but it was not noticeable.
"I don't believe it," she said as she twirled in front of the mirror, feeling the skirt swish against her legs.
"Well believe my dear you look absolutely gorgeous," assured the mirror kindly. "He must really love you to give you a gift like that!"
"Severus? Oh…oh no," she stammered. "We….we're just friends!"
"Of course dearie. And I suppose that's why you were murmuring his name in your sleep is it?" Hermione blushed crimson at this.
"Oh now don't you look pretty when you blush?" gushed the mirror.
Hermione took her chance and ducked out of the room, cheeks still flaming.
"I said his name?" she moaned, "Oh I hope no-one heard me."
Looking around her now it seemed unlikely. The corridor stretched away on either side, seemingly deserted. Nothing gave her any clue as to which way to go. She stood there all bemused not knowing which way to go. Both sides looked exactly the same. Suddenly a small voice piped up,
"Miss Hermione?"
She jumped, "Ah! Oh Tikki, it's you, you made me jump."
"I is very sorry miss." The house elf squeaked, her expression forlorn.
"That's okay Tikki." Hermione said kindly, not wanting to upset the little creature.
"Would miss like Tikki to show her the way to the breakfast room?" she squeaked, starting to move before Hermione could answer.
When they arrived Hermione saw that the breakfast room was a small comfortable room on the east side of the house. There was a small table set for two and several large green armchairs dotted around the room. There was a fire glowing in the grate, more for the comfort of a fire than any real need as it was still the middle of June. The wood in the fire popped suddenly and Hermione jumped.
"Stop it!" she told herself. "God, I'm jumpy today, it's only Severus."
It didn't work, her heart was still pounding and she fidgeted as she waited for him to join her. She was studying the photographs on the mantelpiece when he came in.
"Hermione." he said by way of greeting. "How are you feeling?"
She felt colour creeping back into her cheeks and she pinched herself angrily. "I'm fine." she answered. "Thank you."
"Good." They stood there in silence for a moment. 'She looks so beautiful." He thought, and then he gave himself a mental slap. 'I don't care how long you've wanted her; she's young enough to be your daughter. Just stop looking!'
Hermione was thinking similar things, 'Why have I never noticed him before? He's divine.'
"Er…are you hungry?" asked Severus then breaking the silence. She nodded her assent and he indicated the table. They sat down opposite each other and then Tikki was there bearing plates piled with food. There were racks of toast and a great slab of butter, kippers, bacon, sausage, poached eggs, four varieties of jam, a large pot of coffee and a jug of orange juice. Hermione looked at it all in bemusement before selecting the smallest piece of toast she could see, smeared it with blackcurrant jam and took tiny bites. Severus watched her in amusement.
"I haven't poisoned the food you know. It's quite edible." He had already eaten a kipper and his plate was now piled with sausages, eggs and bacon
Hermione forced a smile. "I know, just not as hungry as I thought."
"You should eat Hermione; you haven't had anything for days." The concern in his voice was touching. She nodded and took another bite of toast.
They ate the rest of the meal in perfect silence, although Severus did eventually manage to make Hermione eat more than a single slice of toast. When they had eaten they retreated to the armchairs by the fire.
"Dumbledore should be here soon." commented Severus shortly.
"Dumbledore?" remarked Hermione. "Why is he coming here?"
"Did I not mention it before? Hmmm, I thought I had. Nevermind. I expect he wants to make sure you've made a full recovery."
Hermione looked at him sharply. There was something that didn't ring true about his words. Dumbledore would be concerned she was sure, but Severus had informed him that he was okay and her welfare was not the most pressing issue on Dumbledore's mind. But she didn't press the matter and they fell into uncomfortable silence.
The silence between them felt
all the more awkward now that they were awaiting someone's arrival.
They carefully avoided each others eyes.
'I haven't been this
nervous around him since we first started working with him. When I
was fresh from Hogwarts and he was still a sarcastic, sadistic
bastard towards me.' Then another voice in her head piped up, 'Just
talk to him, you've been friends for nearly eighteen months.'
At
this prompting she did look over at him but immediately looked away
again when she met his eyes. To cover her embarrassment she got up
and went to look at the photographs on the mantelpiece again.
Silently Severus rose and followed her. She picked up a photograph of
a middle aged woman with long black hair, which cascaded over her
shoulders and dark, calculating eyes. She assumed it must be his
mother as the witch was casting very suspicious glances Hermione's
way. She was clad in a similar dress to the one Hermione now wore,
she had obviously favoured this sort of clothing.
"My mother," Severus said.
Hermione jumped and dropped the picture. "I'm sorry!" she exclaimed as the glass smashed into a thousand pieces which littered the floor. Then she pulled out her wand, "Reparo!"
The glass flew back into its correct place and they both bent down to pick up the photograph, the woman in the picture was now looking highly put out. Their hands met as they tried to pick the photo up and Hermione immediately pulled away. Severus replaced the photograph on the mantelpiece and turned to look at Hermione, who was now gazing out of the window.
"Hermione, what's wrong?" he asked, his voice sounding concerned. "You've been jumpy all morning. Have I done something wrong? I thought we were friends? I thought we understood each other." For Severus that sounded almost vulnerable.
"We are friends!" she assured
him quickly. "It's just….." she trailed off.
'Just
what?' asked a spiteful little voice. 'Just that you can't stop
thinking about kissing him, is that it?'
He placed his hand under her chin and turned her face towards him so that she was looking into his eyes. "Are you okay?" he asked.
She nodded mutely, her eyes never leaving his. Gently he pushed a stray strand of hair behind her ear and lightly brushed his thumb across her check. Almost unconsciously she nuzzled against his hand. At this he moved a little closer and put his other hand at her waist. He began to bend down towards her to capture her lips with But before they could kiss a small voice squeaked, "Professor Dumbledore sir!"
They leapt guiltily apart as Dumbledore entered and the elf disappeared.
"Not interrupting anything I hope Severus," he asked, eyes twinkling.
Severus had a feeling that Albus knew only too well what he was interrupting and felt a sudden urge to hit his old friend.
"Not at all Albus. We've not long finished breakfast. Do sit down."
Dumbledore settled himself comfortably in an overstuffed green armchair and Severus and Hermione chose seats on either side of him. Avoiding each others eyes again. The aged wizard suppressed an amused chuckle and turned to Hermione.
"And how are you my dear?" he asked. "Severus treating you well I hope?"
"Oh….ah…yes. I'm very well. Thank you."
"Excellent. Yes I believe that you look wonderful, positively glowing! Now Severus about the…"
"Hermione," Severus interrupted, "You've had an…er…taxing morning. I think you should get some rest now."
"I feel fine."
"Please Hermione." Though the words sounded considerate the tone booked no opposition. Hermione's eyes hardened. "Fine, I'll be in bed."
She walked out of the room head held high. Severus did not watch her leave.
"You hurt her feelings Severus."
"She doesn't need to get involved. I don't want her to know."
"Why ever not? Severus what harm could it do? She may even be able to help you."
"I want her kept out of this Albus!" Severus snapped. He was feeling rather irritable now. He was angry at himself for almost kissing Hermione but at the same time was deeply disappointed that they'd been interrupted. And he definitely didn't want Hermione getting caught up in this. Didn't want her to know about his weaknesses.
"Anyway, I have managed to obtain the ingredients for your potion. You should be able to start work promptly."
"Thank you headmaster, but couldn't all this have waited until I returned to Hogwarts?"
"But visiting you gave me a good excuse to take a break from paperwork, and you know how tedious that can be. Is there any tea left in that pot? I could really do with a cup."
Lord Voldemort was pecky. Much as he
hated the term he was honest enough with himself to realise that that
came closest to describing how he currently felt. Quite frankly he
was bored. He had nothing to do and couldn't continue his campaign
until reinforcements had arrived. Torturing muggles was always
entertaining of course but there was only so long that you could
spend doing that. All sports get boring after a while. What he really
wanted was Potter and Dumbledore and those pathetic muggle-loving
fools that so dogged his life. Torture would take on a whole new
level of fun when he had them in his grasp!
Severus Snape the
traitor, yes he would enjoy killing him. And there were so many ways
in which he could do it. But which to choose?
The mudblood
Granger, maybe he could rape her before he killed her. Make her
friends watch as she writhed and screamed beneath him. It was an
appealing idea, and it would certainly break their spirits. Oh yes,
that would be fun, and they had certainly made enough of an irritant
of themselves over the past years.
He was jerked out of his reveries by raised voices. The squabbling of the various death eater factions was straining his ears and his patience. They were as bored as he was no doubt, their arguments loud irritating evidence of this. Why could they not find other outlets for their energy and frustration? Why were they so foolish as to continue to shout so loud so close to their frustrated lord?
"Malfoy get in here!" Voldemort yelled.
Lucius Malfoy smiled at the others at this favouritism and entered the room his master inhabited, his face assuming a respectful expression. He kneeled before his master.
"Yes my Lord?" he asked.
"I grow bored Lucius. This delay may cost me England and then I will be hard pressed to defend myself against Dumbledore. Why then are we still here?"
"My Lord we await only the arrival of our reinforcements and the full recovery of those who were injured in the last skirmishes."
"And….?"
"My Lord?" Lucius asked confused.
"How long Malfoy? How long must I wait?"
"Lord it should not be much longer, we expect the reinforcements to be almost all here the day after tomorrow."
"Good. You may go." Lucius stood and turned to leave. "Oh and Lucius, tell those fools out there to shut up. I'm feeling irritable and the next person's voice I hear will be screaming for weeks!"
The colour drained from Lucius' face. "Yes Lord." he said and hurriedly left the room.
"How do you stand them?" asked a smooth voice from behind him.
Voldemort didn't seem surprised despite the room having been empty moments before. He turned to see a young woman sprawled languidly across the black leather divan against the far wall. Her jet black hair fell straight across her shoulders, the tips dyed blood red. The black leather trousers she wore fitted her to perfection, following her every curve, and the translucent red shirt she wore revealed more than it hid. It was low cut and shimmered as the light caught it.
"Jai'mea," he said curtly. It still surprised him that the girl was so bold around him. But on the whole he enjoyed it, it was refreshing to have someone around who didn't flinch at the sight of him or fawn over him.
She gazed up at him insolently and settled herself more comfortably on the divan. Her dark eyes smouldered.
"They're all petty ignorant fools who gather around like moths to a flame hoping that if they lick your boots hard enough they'll get a scrap from your table, or a pat for being a good."
"Isn't that a few too many metaphors all in one?"
"I've got this way with words," she stated wryly. "But seriously, how do you cope with them? If I were you I'd have strangled them all by now."
"Well thankfully you are not me and so they still live." He pushed her legs off the divan and settled himself next to her instead. "Besides, if it wasn't these fools I had to contend with it'd be other fools, and I know this rabble now."
She looked speculatively at him and squirmed round until she was leaning over him. "What?" he asked.
"You look stressed." It wasn't a question.
"Do I now?" he sounded amused.
She nodded, "Very stressed," she snuggled into his neck.
"Well, were you planning on doing something about that?"
She did
not reply but flung one leg over him so that she sat astride his lap.
Putting her hand against his chest she pushed him back so that he was
leaning against the wall. With a sharp tug she ripped his shirt,
revealing a thin white chest; scars ran from neck to navel.
Yes
for the moment it still amused him, this fearlessness, and this
insatiable appetite of hers. It was really rather pleasant and after
all she was very attractive.
He grimaced as her nails into his
flesh, tracing red lines across his skin and then bent down to lick
it off his chest. With a word and a wave of his wand he locked the
door and then lay back to enjoy his mistress' ministrations.
Hermione stood outside the potions classroom trying to
gather herself. She admonished herself for being so foolish but her
nerves were still on edge. Her hands were shaking and her voice
trembled. It was a Saturday morning and she was supposed to be
working on a potion for aiding resistance to Imperious curse with
Severus. It was turning out to be harder than either of them had
anticipated and it didn't help that Hermione was taking every
opportunity of avoiding him. She couldn't help but feel nervous in
his presence and awkward around him. Although she was now trying to
put the potion before her feelings as if successful it may prove to
allow people to resist the Imperius curse.
Severus had noticed her
avoidance of course and assumed that she didn't want to be around
him in case he tried to kiss her again. It seemed obvious to him that
he'd ruined their friendship and that she hated him now. If only
he'd kept control of his emotions. He felt guilty, angry at himself
and he mocked himself for ever thinking he could have Hermione. She
was young, brilliant and beautiful; how could he ever have
entertained the notion that she could love him?
All in all it had
been a 'fun' few weeks. Awkward silences and all.
"Get it together Hermione," she murmured at length and then swept regally into the room.
He was there already, stooping over a bubbling cauldron. She couldn't help noticing the way the fire lit his face and how gracefully he moved around.
"Good morning," she said. He nodded in acknowledgement, engrossed in his work. He threw a carefully measured amount of crushed spiders into the cauldron.
"I don't think this is going to work. I think we used too much aconite and dragon blood, it'll probably dilute the healing properties of the phoenix tears," he said.
'Ah Sev, straight to work," she thought fondly.
They worked in tentative silence. Stepping carefully around each other, each knowing without words what needed to be done and who'd do it. Still the potion was not central to their thoughts, although it was still as accurate as ever. Their minds were full of thoughts of the other. They were filled with regret, longing and embarrassment.
A sudden knock at the door made Hermione jump and drop the bottle she was holding.
"Ow!" she cried and brought her bleeding hand to her mouth.
A trembling student entered the room. "Excuse me. Professor Dumbledore wants to see you Professor Snape."
"Very well," answered Severus shortly and the student fled with relief. "Hermione are you alright?"
She nodded feeling embarrassed. She seemed to always be dropping things in front of him lately.
"Let me see," he commanded and gently took her hand. She consented silently and did not look in his eyes as he carefully cleaned and healed the wound. Even such a slight touch sent shivers across her skin. "There," he said at last, "You're fine."
"Thank you," she said simply.
"I must go and see Albus; can you manage to clear up?"
"Yes, yes I'll be fine. You go," she said.
He nodded curtly and swept out of the room. She watched him go and sat staring after him for several long minutes before cleaning up the mess. With one last check that everything was away she left the room to return to her quarters.
When Hermione reached her rooms, which were situated high in Gryffindor tower, she found she had a visitor. It was Cho Chang, who had been dating Harry for several years now, and she and Hermione had become close friends.
"Hi Cho," she said wearily.
"What's wrong Hermione? You sound exhausted!"
"I am. It's this new potion, we can't get it right. It's kind of stressful."
"Umm hum," she murmured disbelievingly. "Hermione I've known you too long. No mere potion could ever get you like this. Just 'fess up!"
"What do you mean?" inquired Hermione, settling down in an overstuffed armchair. Cho settled on the couch opposite tucking her legs up underneath her.
"Come on Hermione don't be coy! I already know, I guessed weeks ago. It's SO blindingly obvious!"
"What do you already know Cho?" she asked guardedly.
"You and Snape! So come on, what's the goss? What happened? And when and details please!"
"Me and Severus? What about us?"
"Hermione!" Cho practically screamed. "Stop it. You've been making puppy dog eyes at each other for weeks. Plus you're avoiding him as much as possible yet looking for him all the time. That's almost all the symptoms!"
"Almost all? Which ones did I miss?" asked Hermione evasively.
"You haven't been name dropping, but since you're never talkative it's hardly surprising. And don't evade the question!"
"Cho there's nothing going on! Seriously!"
"I don't believe you Granger. I know you too well so stop denying it!"
Hermione looked plaintively at Cho, her brain desperately trying to get out of this conversation, but there was no escape. Cho really did know her too well. Giving up she sidled over to the couch and flung herself down, laying her head in Cho's lap.
"Cho what am I going to do?" she moaned.
"Well first you're going to tell me what happened, then we'll sort it out." said Cho stroking Hermione's hair.
"Nothing's happened. We nearly kissed when I was at Snape manor a few weeks ago but Dumbledore interrupted us. And since then I can hardly be around him. I just get all nervous and distracted and have to go. And he's noticed that I'm not spending as much time with him as I used to. It was so much easier when we were just friends; these emotions are so complicated and confusing."
"Why confusing?"
"I don't know. Because I don't know how he feels. Because he's old enough to be my father, not that that matters of course."
"Well if they're the only problems I can solve them right now. He does like you, you only have to look at him to realise that. And his age doesn't matter, you don't care, you love him and you get on well together. So go talk to him!"
"I wouldn't know what to say Cho."
"Look, just go talk about the things you used to talk to him about and take it from there. He's your friend not mine. God, if anyone ever told me I'd be encouraging a friend to date Snape I'd have laughed in their face. But weird as it is and as much as I don't understand what you see in him you should go for it. He obviously means a lot to you."
"He does," Hermione smiled and sat up.
"Aww you've gone all girly! How cute. Besides just think of all the experience he'll have! I bet he's great in bed, lucky you!"
"Cho!" exclaimed Hermione, blushing to the roots of her hair. Cho burst out laughing.
"Go talk to him!"
"After what you've just said? Don't think I dare! I'll blush right in front of him thinking about….well, you know."
"Oh like you've never thought about it!"
Hermione didn't answer and Cho grinned triumphantly. There was a long silence in which Hermione tried to avoid her eyes. She failed miserably, Cho's eyes did not leave hers.
"I can't go now Cho, I'll talk to him soon." Cho didn't look convinced. "I promise!"
