Author's Note: I'm back, sorry for the wait; I know it's been a while. And yes, this one is shorter, but interesting. The really fun stuff happens next chapter.
Chapter 31
Presents and Eagles
Weeks had passed and they were back in school. What Lea had predicted came true; they were best friends again. Of coarse they had there awkward moments when the subject stumbled onto the discussion of their Potions Master or the Order (that discussion always put Hermione into a very foul mood.)
Their Potions Class was either taught by Dumbledore or McGonagall which, as it would in any school, started rumors.
"I heard he tried to kill Harry so Dumbledore had to kill him," that was the most popular 5th year rumor.
"I heard he ran away so he didn't have to follow You-Know-Who anymore. He is a Death Eater, you know."
And the rumors spread, but none were ever close to the truth. But Snape wasn't the only topic of conversation. Questions were often raised about why the Golden Gryffindor Trio and four professors went missing.
Hermione at one point, after a rough onslaught of questions, lost it and stormed off to Dumbledore demanding that he tell the whole school the truth about the Headmasters treachery. Dumbledore refused. Hermione spent the next few days slandering his 'good' name.
She still practiced. Every morning and night she snuck off to the Unicorn Clearing and drilled herself through fighting dance patters Lea had taught her…how long ago that felt. Slowly she began to teacher herself her Wind Magic because she swore one day she was going to get back into the Four Lands of the Demons and prove to Ashitaka that she was worthy to stay and help him fight. She wasn't sure why she was so determined... that meant she would be leaving her friends and her school and her family and probably would never see them again but the thought of wandering those halls and digging in the mounds and mounds of Demon books was fascinating. Her mind was opened up to a whole new world, a new religion, a new people and she wanted to explore it.
She did try once, concentrating with all her might to get back through the portal, even if she couldn't stay she at least wanted to speak with him, but she ended up at the bottom of the very cold pond, and she was in a bad mood the rest of the day.
Three Weeks Later
Dumbledore thought it wise they stayed at Hogwarts for Christmas. She threw the equivalent of a fit. She was being locked away from her family, the only unbiased people she could talk to about Professor Snape (she had sent a very detailed letter) but surprisingly, Christmas didn't turn out to be all bad.
"Hermione!" Ron and Harry found her sleeping on the couch, a book draped over her chest.
"Get up, HERMIONE! We go PRESENTS!" Ron was screeching with excitement as he tore open a box.
"Your piles' over there, 'Mione," Harry said, motioning to a stack of gifts under the tree.
She silently opened her gifts delighted to find the books she asked for and other odd assortments to remind her of home, from her parents. It was the last gift that caught her eye. It was a simple package with a parchment attached.
"Go on, read it," Ron prompted.
Since they were the only ones staying for Christmas, she did:
"Hermione,
How long has it been now? Two months? I should have written sooner. I heard about your attempts to enter the World from the Unicorns," Hermione silently remembered to scold them for that, "sorry about that, but we have the portals guarded since the growing threat of war. Haven't you heard? Ashitaka is still spying for Dumbledore. I think it's mad, too, but he says he isn't going to make the whole Wizarding World suffer because of one old fool's mistake. I don't think anyone knows. Ash has been sending information by letters, nothing important seems to be happening except Voldemort seems to be taking an interesting into trying to alliance themselves with the Demons.
"I have a gift for you, even though we don't celebrate Christmas. When you open the package whisper 'contartem' and concentrate on your power. It will grow to its normal size…."
Hermione stopped there and reached for the brown package and smiled at what she found inside. The fabric was simple for a formal dress. Pail silver that shimmered, it was strapless, but there were long attacked sleeves that fell to her waist, the back was cut low. She pulled it out and cast the spell. It was perfect length, at the bottom of the box there were matching silver slippers and a shawl.
Harry and Ron exchanged looks, rolling their eyes, girls…
Hermione smirked at them and began reading the rest of the letter….
"…I got your measurements when I let you borrow the tunic (which I never did get back) it may seem useless now, but who knows one day maybe a certain young gentlemen will whisk you off your feet….
"Anyway, hope all goes well. Send my regards to the red-head and the dweeby looking one.
Signed,
Lady Lea Castel
Stewardess of the Court
Wind Demon"
"Lea? It that the same one from the memories?"
"Mmmmhmm,"
"Hey, 'Mione," Ron pointed to a loose piece of parchment on the floor, to avoid confrontation, "what's that?"
Hermione picked it up and skimmed the name at the bottom, "it's a letter, from Professor Snape,"
They stared at her expectantly.
"I really shouldn't…" but she couldn't help but give into the pleading eyes.
"Dear, Ms. Granger,
I simply write to tell you that your attempts to enter our world are futile. You shouldn't be wasting your energy, but be concentrating on more important things, such as your studies.
Because you and I don't relate quite as much as you and Lea, I'm afraid my gift to you is more on a mentor to student level.
Go to the Clearing of the Black Unicorns. Somebody will be waiting for you there.
Signed,
Prince Ashitaka Jodiki
Professor Severus Snape
Potions Master"
"Just as snarky as ever, isn't he?" Ron laughed and turned his attention back to Harry who was deeply absorbed in the Quidditch book he got from Hermione, "you gonna go?"
"Yeah," she took off before they could ask to go with.
She wasn't exactly sure what she thought of Professor Snape anymore. He had been her teacher for five years and he had always been that mystery no one ever revealed, the Count of Monte Cristo no one bothered to unmask. She had always wondered, but she never questioned. And now everything was shown to her. She was caught up in a whirlwind and whisked into a fantasy book where Demons lived in another world with spectacular powers. Except this time, it wasn't a book. It was real. That's what was so hard to grasp.
Their conversation in the Leaving Woods was surreal enough. His blunt comments and quick tongue, it wasn't much, merely a glimmer of how he really was. It was nice to see that side of him. She grew….attached to him. She liked to look at him as an older brother figure, someone she could look up to, someone to protect her, but he, clearly, wasn't interested in playing that role.
It wasn't until she was in the woods did she realize how early it still was. The sun had just come up completely and animals were just coming to life. How early did they wake me…? She hadn't really pondered what he gave her. The thought of him giving her anything was strange in itself. She could only dream it was some of those rare Demon books.
But she was wrong.
Very wrong.
"Moonlight?" the horse was standing there calmly, in all her significance , skin as white and smooth as ever, tail and mane flowing in the wind, black eyes flickering with intelligence and recognition.
She was tied to a tree, with a black leather bridle contrasting perfectly with the silver gem on the nose band. A saddle, a blanket and grooming supplies were spread out on the rock next to her and on top of that was another letter.
It read:
Dear Ms. Granger,
Normally you won't have to tie her up just ask her to stay and she will. To care for her you must know her story. She belonged to a blacksmith who abused her when she was young. She was rescued by an old merchant's boy. Since his death, she has grown restless so I though it would be in her best interest to leave our world. I trust you in caring for her.
Signed
Prince Ashitaka Jodiki
Severus Snape
Potions Master
He signed the letter quickly before handing it to a guard, also placing in his care the black leather tack.
It had been months since he had last spoken or seen any humans and he hoped to keep it that way. Yes, he missed his potions supplies dearly and all those books. He smiled grimly.
They would be in for a nasty shock when they tried to clean those.
Anything that personally belonged to him was warded off, except for the books in the Slytherin Common Room.
That was another thing he missed.
Probably the only human thing he missed.
His Slytherin students.
He wondered who would take care of them now. He had been trying his entire career as Head of Slytherin House to protect them from choosing the same fate he had. So far it had worked, but he had abandoned them. Yes, he wasn't worried.
They knew more than everyone thinks.
And then there was Hermione Granger.
Ah, yes, the insufferable know-it-all, his bitter smile softened into a small fondness. She reminded him of himself when he was young. Naïve and eager to learn, craving knowledge and everything that came with it. She was the first person in a long time to mean something to him. She found that soft spot in his heart no one had ever bothered to look for.
"Ashy?"
He felt a smirk spread on his lips. It had been a long time sense anyone had called him that. Not since his mother's death.
"Lea,"
No one said anything for a moment.
"Working on another letter to Dumbledore?"
"No…to Ms. Granger,"
Lea smiled, she knew of his softness for her, "You should think about going to speak to her again. I think she is very fond of you."
He sighed, "Not tonight, maybe some other time."
………
Oh, how he despised the clumsiness of a human body. Even with the disguise he felt awkward in the ungraceful limbs.
When he was young, early 20s, he thought about the day some one would find out his secret. He figured he would be free of his obligation as a spy and be able to live the rest of his with freedom. But, alas, his guilt got to him. As much as he didn't like the Order he wouldn't abandon his students.
"Severus, nice of you to finally join us,"
"Forgive me, my lord," he responded softly stepping into the center of the fire lit room. He bowed low, but not to his knees, he was never required to do that, "I was held up."
"My son says Dumbledore seems to be growing suspicious of you. He claims you have been questioned and watched," Lucius's voice was cold and apathetic.
"Yes, his trust in me has grown thin, the reason I have so little information to give."
"Excuses, excuses," Voldemort paced around Severus' tense form, "you are a spy, my young friend. I know you can find information….Crucio,"
Severus tensed, closing his eyes and clamping his mouth shut to keep himself from screaming.
Voldemort chuckled, breaking the spell, "You always had a tolerance for pain, Severus, and I always wondered why….legillimus…" Severus brought up his walls, allowing the Dark Lord only memories of torture, being sure to hide the faces.
"What a hard life….Crucio," again he forced himself to give off no reaction.
The torture went on until Voldemort grew bored of his indifference, "You are a strong one," he proclaimed as if that's what he had been testing for all along, "Lucius?"
"Yes, master?"
"Take him to his cell….break him."
………
"Well, well, well, Severus. Never thought I'd see the day where you were so weak you couldn't even stand. It is a pleasurable site,"
He didn't move, he couldn't move. If he was only in Demon form, this wouldn't take so much out of him, but holding up the disguise and withstanding the pain was difficult. He could feel the blood dripping down his back and neck and forehead and chest. He was just bleeding; the daggers had cut deep into his flesh.
"Oh, Severus, before I go, Master wished me to tell you he expects information in a week, good information, if not I won't be so nice to you during our next…encounter, tata,"
When he was sure he was gone he let out a shaky breath, letting the disguise slip away. Instantly he felt strength come back to him, not much, but enough to get him home. Staggering to his feet, he found his wand lying useless looking in the corner of the cell. After retrieving it, he limped to the wind, jumping clumsily onto the ledge. Below was a 100ft drop to the icy river. He shook his head; he always thought cells were in the dungeons….not the towers. Spreading his arms he jumped and about 10ft down the wind caught black wings that erupted from the smooth body of a black eagle.
Even in another form, he still felt the pain exploded in his shoulder ever time he pumped his tired ar–wings. In the distance he could see the light of the castle; it used to be a welcoming sight when he was in a condition like this, but not today. They would probably turn him away anyway. He glided into a tree that rested on the edge of the Clearing of the Unicorns and cringed at what he saw. Hermione was laughing hysterically, talking to Vioree, the moonlight shining of the black fur. He really contemplated whether or not to just make a dive for the pool, or wait. Waiting seemed dangerous, even now, the loss of blood was getting to him, his vision was blurring. He wasn't even sure if he could make it to the pool, even if he tried.
He sighed, which came out more like a croak from the bird's throat. Carefully he stepped off the branch and glided down to the forest floor, a couple feet from where Hermione sat with Vioree. He must have misjudged the distance though; he landed roughly on his feet only to topple over from the pressure on his wounded leg.
Hermione spun around, sword drawn and if he were in his normal form he would have smiled. She was still slow with the blade, but she looked comfortable. In the sight of the eagle her frame had become more agile, probably from practicing her sword and her magic. From here he could sense her confidence with her magic and the soft breeze that always emitted from her, though unnoticeable to the human eye or sense.
"Well, hello there," she said softly, "you are a very hurt, bird, aren't you?" she knelt down next to him and reached out.
His senses jumped to life and he lashed out with his uninjured leg without even realizing what he was doing. His connected weakly with her arm; leaving nothing but a scratch…..He hated feeling so vulnerable. He lay there tense and she cautiously reached out for him again, "relax now; you are in no state to fight."
She didn't realize it was him. He thought he would, something should give him away, but she honestly didn't realize. He loved disguises. He relaxed under the soothing touch as she pulled out her wand, "this won't hurt a bit."
She poked and prodded, spelled and cursed for what felt like forever, but slowly his wounds ceased to pain him and the dizziness left him. When she was finished he rolled to his feet, stretching out massive black wings and flapping them a few times. He attentively put down his injured foot, waiting for pain, but none came so he relaxed, finding his balance again.
"You are a pretty animal," she said softly stroking him between the wing joints. He cooed softly lifting his head high before taking off. He was spiraling upward slowly and then back down so he perched on the rock next to the Entering Pool, "I wouldn't touch that if I were you,"
He chirped softly.
"Professor Snape wasn't happy about that when I did. He said I should focus on my studies. You are a lucky little bird, you know that? Being able to fly when ever you like, I think I'd like that. You must be hungry," she pulled a package of Fire Bread out of her pocket, "he gave these to me, amazing snack you know, I'm addicted." She offered him one and he took it slowly, hopping forward to sniff it warily before snatching it with lightning speed, he ate it slowly, crunching it between his strong beak. When he was finished he looked at her and she could have sworn it smiled.
Thanks….the bird thought to her in her mind.
She jumped up, but before she could move, the bird stepped into the portal and disappeared.
……….
"A Demon, unbelievable," she scolded herself, "you've been associating with a Bird Demon, and…oh god….I was talking about Snape," she slapped her forehead, "they all know who he is, damn it, damn it, damn it." She cursed and sat down on the rock where the bird formally perched, "I wonder…." She turned towards the pool and screamed down into it, "HE SAID THE PORTAL WAS CLOSED! THAT"S NOT FAIR!" She knew the bird probably couldn't hear, but she didn't mind.
"That was interesting," Vioree said from where she had laid down at the edge of the clearing.
"Did you know it was a Demon?"
"Yep,"
"And you didn't think to tell me?"
"No, I figured you knew, you were talking to it rather openly,"
"I thought it was a real bird…." Hermione mock glared before lunging at the Unicorn.
Vioree was faster and trotted out of her reach; Hermione got on top of Moonlight and took off after her into the woods.
………
Ashitaka chuckled to himself when he heard the yells echoing from the portal. He was tempted to yell something snooty back, but that would give him away so he kept his mouth shut. She always did make him laugh though, that was nice.
Lea would be waiting for him, he knew it. But she didn't expect her so close, "I thought you weren't going to talk to her anymore?" she asked the eagle, eyebrow raised. Morphing back into himself, he smirked, "She didn't know it was me, she thought it was bird Demon, and I'm still safe."
She sighed, "You aren't hurt anymore are you?"
Before he could answer she stalked over and began poking and prodding like Hermione had, making them uncomfortably close. He backed up a step, "I'm fine,"
She took another step closer, "Just let me make sure."
"I'm fine, Lea," he grabbed her hands to stop them from moving and they both froze before he released her hands and they both looked away, semi-embarrassed, "Let's get back; we have a problem."
"What? About Voldemort, Dumbledore or a certain bushy-haired Gryffindor?"
He sent her a riveting glare before smirking, "All three combined."
"What kind of problem?"
"Let's just say both sides aren't to happen with the middle man."
End Chapter 31
Presents and Eagles
I didn't loose any of you, did I?
Next chapter should be up soon.
Another thanks to an anonymous review for calling this story her favorite chapter.
Final Word Count: 3350
