Disclaimer: Please don't hurt me, JK! Don't send you're spies after me like Disneyland did!
Author's Note: Miss me? (Ducks at the vase flying at her head) Guess not. I've been enjoying my summer doing absolutely nothing and it feels great. (Looks at the last update date) Good Lord, has it really been three months? I'll try to finish this by the summer hopefully and maybe I'll try for my Naruto story too.
Thanks to my new beta, Fauna Nettles! And once again thanks gooseflesh as well!
A Teenaged Snape?
"Bloody, fantastic job," Severus mumbled to himself and the crisp air of his former dungeon quarters. His frustration and anger had clearly made a home for themselves upon his face. Just yesterday, Hermione and he were finally able to admit their feelings for one another and not even twenty-four hours later had a fight over Malfoy Senior's Annual New Year's Ball.
The Head Boy took another hefty swig of his glass of Firewhiskey, savoring the burning sensation in the back of his already sore throat. He was well aware that he would be sporting a hangover by morning's arrival but hell, he was too drunk to really give a damn.
'Young love, my ass,' Severus thought as he finished off his glass and reached for the nearly empty bottle sitting beside him. He planned on getting as pissed, double meaning intended, as he could. Pouring the last of the Firewhiskey into his glass, the Potions Master slammed the bottle into the fireplace. He hadn't bothered to light the thing, taking comfort in sitting in the cold silence.
The wizard was not entirely surprised about their fight. He was pretty sure he was going to find some way to subconsciously ruin their relationship anyway if turning back into his true state didn't do it first. But with his new drunken state of mind, he had to admit that their time together was most enjoyable if not only tolerable.
Perhaps being in his old quarters had brought back some of his old ways and in all honest truth he didn't want to revert back to his old self. Severus had to admit during the past couple of months that he had been the happiest he ever felt in as long as he could remember. He snorted at himself. He had gone soft. Happy? What? Being played as a pawn in Albus' chess game, being friends with the Golden Trio he had hated since the day they set foot on the grounds of Hogwarts, and being in two broken relationships? What kind of happiness is that?
'Better than everyday doing what you're doing now; feeling sorry for yourself and drinking away your pain,' the back of his mind retorted.
"Shut up, you," he shouted to himself. Now even angry with himself, he gulped down the last of his 'comfort-routine' and attempted to remove himself from his chair. After two failed attempts, Severus was finally able stand on his feet and stagger towards the door. He didn't even bothered to put on his coat, remaining in what he had worn in the morning, a thin undershirt and pajama pants. The burning feeling of the liquor had warmed him up enough.
After their fight, Hermione had spent the better part of the morning and afternoon holed up in her room, letting all her emotions run into her pillow. Her pillow was a poor comforter to the Head Girl, but it served its function in the end. She slowly drifted off to a slumber.
Several hours later, Hermione woke up to a dark room and a loud crash in the Head Common Room. Panicking, Hermione quickly got up and went to the door, hardly realizing she had wiped away the tears she had cried in her sleep.
"Shit! Bloody table!" She could hear someone swear. Quickly grabbing her wand and her warm robe from her bedside, Hermione took one deep breath to try to install some of her so-called Gryffindor courage within her. Opening the door quickly with her wand out, Hermione was met with the sight she least expected.
In the moonlit room, Severus was unsteadily trying to get up from the broken coffee table, muttering swears under his breath in different languages. With little balance, he was able to get back on his feet before nearly stumbling into the dark fireplace. Luckily, the wizard was able to catch himself on the edge of the hearth.
"Severus, what the hell is wrong with you?" Hermione said, raising her voice and pocketing her wand. She quickly made her way down from the balcony to his side. He had his face in his arm, as he used it to lean against the stone fireplace. Slightly frightened, Hermione tried to pull him out of the position. He swatted her away and tried to walk around her to his room in vain.
The Head Girl was finally able to catch a strong whiff of alcohol on his breath and she tried to get him to stay still. Unfortunately, this was the wrong thing to do. In trying to move her out of the way, Severus, on his unsteady feet, had fallen back onto the rug, taking her with him.
Sprawled most unceremoniously across his chest, Hermione quickly tried to get up, only to be stopped by Severus who was gripping her tightly by her elbows.
"Severus, stop! You're hurting me!" Hermione yelled out, trying her damn best to get herself out of his grasp. She could see and smell the effects of the alcohol in his unfocused obsidian eyes and strongly scented breath. She was released by her elbows, only to be captured into a tight embrace. The drunken young man buried his face into her neck, letting his hot breath rest in the position. The young woman gasped at the sudden change and tried once more to release herself.
"D-don't leave m-me," she felt and heard muttered into her neck and hair. "L-love H-hermy." He let out a loud, unhandsome belch into her neck.
This wasn't exactly the most romantic proclamation in the world to Hermione (or to any woman for that matter); pathetic was more like it. And she assumed this 'Hermy' he had used referred to her and that he had forgotten the use of the words 'I' and 'you.' She, however, ceased her struggling and allowed herself to calmly settle into his warm embrace in half-amusement and half-annoyance. She began to contemplate what she would do to him in the morning. Perhaps she would let him go without a Hangover Potion.
Hermione was still thinking over his punishment when she slowly became aware of his light snoring and his calmed breathing against her neck. Gradually lifting herself from him, she sat down on the floor beside him.
'Men,' Hermione thought in annoyance and humor. Her accusation over the opposite sex was supported by the gas that Severus expelled in his sleep, as he mumbled something and turned over. (A/N: HEY! Don't look at me like that! In all 1000+ SSHG stories I've ever read, Severus has never farted! This is more realistic and I made his farting sound classier just for you guys! This scene was more dramatic at first, but I dwelled on it too long and changed it.)
Trying not to inhale the fumes, Hermione pulled out her wand and levitated the sleeping Severus up to her room. Settling him down on the bed more carefully then he deserved, Hermione joined him on the other side of the bed.
She wanted to be there in the morning when he woke up. She had Snape's signature malicious smirk plastered on her face.
"Oh, Sevvie-kins!" Hermione exclaimed evilly, as she pulled the sheets he had been clinging too. To add to Severus's pounding headache and groans, she began jumping on the bed.
"Stop that infernal jumping, woman!" the Potions Master hissed. Seeing that she had no intention of stopping, he resorted to the next best thing. He grabbed her by the legs, causing her to come crashing down on the bed. Giggling, she made to get up. Afraid that she might resume, Severus rolled over and pinned her to the bed, coming face to face with her; grin to glare.
"I think you deserve this after what you did yesterday," Hermione replied, kissing him on the nose. "And I forgive you for being horribly pathetic."
Severus gasped, not only from his headache, but he began to notice the bruising forming on Hermione's outstretched arms. They were located on both her elbows. Looking away from the witch's face, he gently began to examine the injury.
"Did…" Severus started softly in disbelief, "did I do this to you last night?" His question seemed more directed at himself than her.
"Really, Severus, it's nothing. I know you didn't mean it," Hermione said, trying to move her arms away. Severus made no attempt to stop her; he was too afraid he would hurt her again. Looking away from her, he rested back onto his pillow ashamed of himself.
"I'm so sorry, Hermione," he whispered, before getting up and leaving her in silence.
"Not again," Hermione said, sighing. Getting up, Hermione got ready for Boxing Day, making sure to wear long sleeves. (A/N: From USA, don't really know what you do on Boxing Day. Let's just ignore that.)
Finishing her morning preparations, Hermione made her way across the balcony. She was left unpleasantly surprised when she found Severus' room empty.
'Must have gone to breakfast,' Hermione thought and began to make her way down to the Great Hall. Seating herself at the end of the table, she did not find any sign of the particular wizard anywhere.
After a quick breakfast, Hermione made her way around Hogwarts looking for him. Just she was rounding the corner that was near Professor Dumbledore's office, she bumped into someone.
"Sorry, Professor McGonagall," Hermione said, steadying herself.
"Quite alright, dear," the older witch replied. "I was actually looking for you." Hermione looked at her in confusion.
"Follow me, such things should not be discussed in such open areas," Professor McGonagall said, as she led the way to the gargoyles in front of the Headmaster's office. Giving the usual sugary password, the two made their way up the steps and stepped inside without even knocking.
"Ah, Miss Granger, so glad you could join us," the professor said cheerfully, as he gestured towards the teenaged Severus, staring dreamily out the frosted window. The younger wizard turned his head towards her, giving her a regretful look.
"Let me answer your unspoken question on why you are here," the Headmaster said. "We all have a meeting to attend back at Number Twelve." Hermione nodded. The group soon flooed over to the Order's headquarters. Dusting their robes off, the four silently made their way to a packed living room. The entire inner circle of the Order of the Phoenix was present, besides, of course, the older Severus Snape.
"Hermione!" Ron exclaimed, hugging her like there was no tomorrow. Harry and Ginny, slightly calmer, greeted Severus before trying to pry Ron off his latest victim. After they finished their greeting the younger members of the Order settled down on the floor, as there were no more chairs in the house that were unoccupied.
"I have called this meeting on short notice to address the situation regarding young Mr. Severus Snape, here, and Lucius' Annual New Year's Ball," Albus stated. "We are here to discuss the series of events and security measures needed to keep Severus safe. However, let it be known, that we have already decided that it is the best that he should attend."
"How could you possibly think it be best that he attend!" Hermione exclaimed, getting to her feet. Harry and Ron desperately tried to get her to sit down but she would have none of it. Surprisingly enough, Mrs. Weasley also got to her feet.
"I must say that I agree with Hermione," She said, slightly calmer than the younger witch, "I may not yet have been able to get to know the boy, but any person would think it would be insane to send him to his death! Honestly, Albus!"
"I second the notion!" Remus agreed. More shouts of protest to such a decision were also exclaimed. More surprise came when Professor McGonagall, Ginny, followed by Harry and Ron, Kingsley Shacklebolt, and several other Aurors and members got up as well.
"SILENCE!" Albus exclaimed, overtaking all the other voices in volume. The Order grew silent, as people returned to their seats frightened.
"Ms. Granger, Hermione," Albus started, "I know you care for Severus deeply, but he and I have agreed this best and necessary. Things could be far worst if he did not attend. And all of you are forgetting important facts. Every year, Lucius Malfoy invites the Minister of Magic and several other members of the Ministry. It would not do Lucius or Lord Voldemort (everyone besides Harry and Hermione flinched) any good to try to take advantage of the situation and kill or capture Severus. An added plus is that they may have too great of a need for him, his position as Head Boy, and his family's wealth and reputation."
The old wizard circled the room now to speak to everyone.
"Yes, I am well aware of the fact that we cannot rely solely on this assumption that the Minister will be there all night or that they do indeed need Severus. That is why I present to you the plan that would best suit the situation." Everyone sat up a little straighter to be able to hear the old man.
"This plan must be carried out with precision to strike a blow to Voldemort's regime. It might enable us to rid his side of some of his most trusted Death Eaters, particularly when the majority of them will be attending this Ball. Of course, we could not risk the Ministry's interference. At best, we hope to secure some information from Malfoy Manor."
Albus paused for a moment to remove his wand from his robes. With a flick of his wrist, an image of Malfoy Manor and its inner structure appeared in mid air.
"We have exactly 4 and a half days till the event. Severus, you and your guest will be armed with a Portkey, second emergency wand, and some sort of communicator. I expect you two to memorize the structure of Malfoy Manor, study the guest list that Alastor was able to obtain, and prepare yourselves physically and emotionally." Severus nodded, accepting the supplies Albus conjured before him.
"I want you to try to gather all information possible from conversations you overhear or any other source.
"Remus, you and Franklin will secure the grounds at least a mile from Malfoy Manor with the Aurors, Bill, and Charlie. Keep the Manor in view but outside the anti-apparition wards. I'm sorry, but I think it would be unwise to have it any closer. Keep yourselves hidden in the surrounding forest and cliffs at all costs unless an emergency shall occur. The rest of the Order shall remain in several different groups in Hogwarts, the Burrow, or here to be called on if necessary.
"Any questions?" Albus finally finished. A few looked around the room, trying to absorb all the information presented. Others, a bit apprehensive of the plan, looked around as well too.
"Who is this guest that he has to take?" Harry volunteered in a serious tone.
"Me," Hermione replied before anyone could respond. She got to her feet once more and walked over to the Headmaster of Hogwarts. Coming out of shock, Severus got to his feet as well, as did Ron, Ginny, and Harry.
"Hermione, no," Severus said, "I will not put you in danger." The other three nodded their agreement. The girl turned back to them.
"Me? In danger?" She said angrily, "I have been in danger ever since I was born. Being a muggleborn and being one of Harry's best friends only adds to the situation. I'm top of my class, Head Girl, and despised by the entirety of Slytherin House. So you see, Severus Snape, you can't come play hero and protect me from everything. It's my turn to protect you, you bastard!" And with that, Hermione Jane Granger stormed out of the room and, from the volume and direction of her steps, into the room that she shared with Ginny from time to time. The loud slam produced by the door to the room alleviated any doubts of where she had gone.
Mrs. Black's bickering began from all the chaos. Biting back the few moments of shock, Severus followed her out his own anger. The rest of the room remained silent.
"This meeting shall be continued back at the Burrow," Albus replied stiffly. "Leave the two alone to sort this out."
Entering her surprisingly unlocked room, Severus slammed the door behind him and added a Silencing charm. This had no effect on Hermione who was stomping around, muttering irately under her breath.
"So I'm a bastard now, am I!" he yelled. "Funny that you would want to go to another bastard's Ball with this one." She stopped her pacing to glare at him.
"Shut it, Severus!" She retorted. "I'm going and that's final!" Hermione tossed herself onto the bed, turning away from him.
"Inviting yourself? Pathetic!" Severus countered. "I'm doing this for your own good and the good the Order." She turned back to him, tears threatening to betray her anger.
"Well, I'm doing what's good for you!" The witch sat up. "And the good of the Order! I'm bloody tired of your uncle playing the damn hero and now you have to go and try to follow in his footsteps? What is with all the Snape men and trying to be some sort of freaking martyr!" He stormed up to bed right in front of her.
"Martyr?" Severus mocked a laugh. "I am far from such a thing! I am doing this to repent for all the evil I've ever caused in this whole war."
"What evil, Severus?" She replied in frustration, "You're barely of age for Merlin's sake! What could you possibly have done?"
"I've done plenty I need to repent for and I don't need to answer to the likes of a mere girl."
"Then let me repent with you!" Hermione screamed. Severus paused, unsure of how to respond for the moment. However, he didn't have to. Hermione had grabbed him by his shirt till their lips met. With the wizard in far better reach now, she pulled him down to the bed with her, wrapping her hands around his neck and pressing her softer body into his hard one. The two poured out their frustration, anger, and passion into each kiss.
After a few moments, they broke off their lip lock to return some air to their bodies. Severus growled as he moved his kisses and nibbled farther south to her collarbone and neck. He began to urgently unbutton her blouse. Her shirt was soon discarded, only to be joined by the rest of their clothing within moments.
And so the night continued...
TBC...
Sorry, lack of experience. You get the idea. Stay tuned for the next update. I wasn't actually planning for this happen just yet, sort of slipped out in all the anger. Thanks again to my new beta, Fauna Nettles.