A/N: this chapter was really fun to write, WARNING: some M-rated material here. Just a little preview of my style. I hope you all are liking this story so far! I'm very please with the number of hits, but i just wish more people would review. i have no idea if you love it, or hate it. I'm most pleased with the writing in this chapter so far... i'm getting better as i go, or so i seriously hope! enjoy!
disclaimer: i don't own the characters or the universe at all, just applying my imagination to JK's great work!
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Chapter 3: A Second Invitation
a bit earlier in the day...
"Mrs. Estrellando, its so lovely to have you here, at our home." Molly Weasley was trying to make small talk. They had just been photographed together for the society section of the 'Daily Prophet," along with both of their husbands, and of course, their two featured children. The wizarding photographer made them take all sorts of silly poses, Ron on one knee pretending to propose, Arthur and Mr. Estrellando kissing Estrella on each cheek and the sort. She was glad that part was over.
"This is so very nice of you to throw a traditional engagement party for us here in England, Mrs. Weasley." The tiny woman was genuinely kind. The way she pronounced Weasley with her Castilian lisp, it sounded like Weath-e-ley, and somehow had an extra syllable.
Molly just smiled at the woman, lost in thought and feeling unsure about this entire situation. How on earth is she so tiny, and blonde? I thought they were Spaniards? I feel like I'll muss her up if I so much as hug her. Molly swallowed her thoughts with a smile, determined, as always, to keep a happy family despite what her children try to do to mess things up. First it was the French Delacours, can't a child of mine marry a good British witch? But I suppose they turned out to be lovely, lovely grandkids for certain. Ginny and Harry are all that's British. That's it Molly, focus on the positive and perhaps this will all go smoothly… Perhaps.
"The wizarding press is quite friendly here, in Portugal where Ron is more famous, they follow us around nonstop. I'm glad we were able to arrange these photos on our terms." The voice of Estrella was tiny and nasal, it would have been cute on a twelve year old, but on the twenty-one year old, it was strange.
"Right you are love, they'll try to catch you doing the most mundane things, hoping you'll come off like a slob or something. Oh Mum, they followed me to the loo in a pub last week and got quite the nice shot of me telling 'em to bugger off!" He gave a chuckle towards his mother. Ron stood at least a foot taller than his fiancé, with his large hand protectively on the small of her back.
"Oh Ron," was all Molly could muster. So this is my son, famous and drunk in the tabloids? At least he's happy. And she is a pretty little thing. The babies will be beautiful, there's a positive thought.
Estrella put a small manicured hand on his chest, "Oh Ronnie, you are always so good with the press. It was one time you lost your temper. And you looked so cute mad, I adore those pictures, mi amore."
She was in love with him. She adored him in fact. After attending a wizarding school in Spain, Estrella had moved to Carvoeiro, Portugal with some girlfriends when they were all of age. The old coastal town was nestled amongst the picturesque cliffs you always saw on tourist adverts for the small country. It was full of magical history, as only witches and wizards could truly live in such a physically demanding environment and flourish.
She wasn't one hundred percent Spanish, she was in fact, part Veela. Ron hadn't explained this to his mother yet, but he thought it quite obvious. She and her mother both had shiny, blonde hair that was mesmerizing to watch and her skin was smooth and tan. Estrella's face was round and sweet, with high cheekbones and pink, pouty lips. Her appearance was impeccable, and Ron would have been a fool to turn down the advances of such a pretty witch.
"So erm, Estrella," the name sounded foreign and strange on Molly's lips. "How did you meet Ron? I'm not sure I know the whole story."
"I was living in Carvoeiro with some witches from school, the most beautiful coastal town. We're all Spanish, so when the Matadors, Madrid's professional quidditch team was playing the Lisbon Lions, we all went to the game. In the stands I couldn't take my eyes off the handsome red-haired beater playing for Lisbon."
"A-ha, that's my boy." Arthur clapped a proud hand on Ron's back. As a father and a man, he was quite pleased by Ron's choice in fiancé.
"Oi, she followed us after the match to the pub where we always celebrate a victory. I saw that blonde hair slicing through the crowd and I almost dropped my fire whiskey when she said she wanted to talk to me."
Estrella beamed, "Yes its true, I had to know who you were."
"It was my lucky day, with even a drop of Felix." Ron raised his eyebrows suggestively and looked at his fiancé as though they were alone, and not surrounded by family members.
Mrs. Estrellando joined the conversation at this point, "The next time we came to see our pretty daughter, all she could do was talk about this handsome Ronnie, who was so strong and famous. She had fallen in love at first sight."
"A quidditch career is good, but I was most impressed when I learned of his service in V-War 2. Even all the way in Madrid, we knew about the troubles here some years ago. I sit on the Magical Congress in Spain, and we voted unanimously to allow British refugees safe harbor during your more trying times." Mr. Estrellando was both stately and quiet, this was the most he'd said all day.
"We've always been proud of our children, and Ron is no exception," Arthur said humbly, impressed with his newest in-law-to-be.
"Mum, I'm going to take Estrella and look for some people our age to introduce her to. Do you know when the twins and Harry are coming?" Ron avoided making mention of Hermione's attendance.
"I'm quite surprised they aren't here yet." Molly screwed up her face. Why are they always late? She quickly forced a relaxed smile on her face and just sighed. "I'll have them come find you as soon as I see them arrive."
"Thanks Mum," Ron said over his should as he escorted Estrella around to the other guests. Ron looked rather adult in this role, Molly thought. She knew her youngest son was one of her more immature children, but maybe, she thought, he has finally grown up a bit.
Ron and Estrella made their way to Neville and Luna Longbottom. The two men grabbed each other in a quick embrace, as the blondes hesitantly chatted. Luna was in a long maternity robe of deep blue. Her blonde hair was soft in color and texture, and flowed down her back in unimposing waves. She looked relaxed and whimsical, round with child and quite the opposite of Estrella.
Estrella was wearing a dress, that wasn't quite muggle, but was certainly nowhere close to a wizarding robe. It was short and tight, and made of an enchanted material that sparkled and shone. The light gold color brought out the warmth in her tan skin, and went perfectly with her bright, blonde hair. The dress revealed most of her slender long legs, all the way up to the thigh, and had caused Molly to gasp when they first arrived. The glittering gold wedges elongated her look even more, if that was possible. Her ample cleavage was easily on display thanks to a deep v-neck. The sleeves were long, and belled out around her tiny hands. She was so glamorous, and very out of place in the simple backyard setting.
...
After a few minutes of chatting, Molly Weasley was asking to be excused by Estrella's parents, some guests had just arrived that she needed to speak with. I'm going to kill them, was all she could think as she strode across the lawn towards the approaching group of children. Her twin boys, sans wives for the occasion, her youngest daughter, husband and child, and Hermione, the closest thing Molly had to a second daughter, all approached the Burrow in a loud, raucous huddle. Late and drunk? Oh no, they don't have the nerve.
She scanned the entire back yard as she made her way to the gate. Where on earth has Ron and his trollop gotten to? After talking with Neville and Luna, the couple of honor had wandered off and Molly couldn't see them anywhere. I guess I shouldn't say trollop, she seems to be a rather nice girl, despite her smutty choice of dress. But still, where have they gone off to? Now that this group is here, I'll have to make sure everyone keeps the peace and remains as polite as possible.
As Molly walked towards the gate she was thinking of various strategies for introducing Hermione to Estrella. This would be a sticky situation, but her love for Hermione was strong, and she wouldn't have her feeling left out from the only family she knew. Poor girl, orphaned during the war. Yes, I love her like a daughter, even if she and Ron never worked out. She was a few feet away from her twin sons as their choice in wardrobe finally came into full focus. Molly stopped in her tracks, fake smile on her face, but steam practically shooting out of ears she was so peeved. They've really done it this time.
After scolding the twins, and walking back around to find her Spanish guests for more small talk, Molly was half listening as she tallied up everything that was going awry at this luncheon. Ron has gone missing somewhere, the twins are wearing horrible mocking outfits, I've nothing to talk about with the Estrellandos, and I've no idea what's bound to happen when Hermione finally sees Ron.
Just then, her thoughts were interrupted by a loud, popping blast. She jumped in surprise and winced as she turned on her heel to find the source. What the hell could it be now? Eyes wide with incomprehension as she looked up in the air to see the roof of her backyard shed powerfully exploding into tiny shards of wood. The sound of the roof tearing apart had caught the attention of every guest, and those close enough were getting rained upon by wood chips. Now I've seen it all. There had better be a good explanation for this.
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"I'm so terribly sorry about the shed." Hermione sat on the familiar bench in the Burrow's kitchen, wringing her hands and looking down at them.
"The shed? That's unacceptable, yeah, but what about us? D'you have you any idea how embarrassed Estrella is?" Ron's face was red with fury as he yelled at Hermione.
"How was I supposed to know-" Hermione's defense was cut off.
"Mr. Weasley, I hardly see how blaming Miss Granger here will remedy the situation at this point. I suggest that you seek out your fiancé and make some type of bumbling attempt at consoling her." The deep voice of Severus Snape dripped with loathing and sarcasm.
"What the bloody hell are you even doing here at my engagement party anyways?" Ron the adult was no longer afraid of the formidable potions master, and allowed a lifetime of hatred to be on full display.
"That's hardly the issue at this point, but I am here as a guest to Headmistress McGonagall, as well as to discuss a business matter with one of your attendees." Severus surprised everyone by actually explaining himself.
"I am going to find my fiancé and hope that she's alright. You," he pointed a finger at Hermione, "ought to be ashamed of yourself. Snooping. And learn to control your temper, will you!" He ironically pounded a heavy fist on the table causing the fragile Hermione to jump, then he turned and left the kitchen.
Hermione felt anger begin to re-boil inside her, but let it go quickly. Her defeat was winning this time. She slouched down at the table and stared at her hands again.
"I can't believe this mess, one bit of it." Molly Weasley was pacing back and forth. "Hermione love, I'm sorry for what happened, but the shed? I know you're quite mean with a blasting hex when upset, but that wasn't very polite."
"I'm so sorry I blasted the shed," she felt ashamed for being scolded, "I'll go now to repair it." Hermione's voice was sad and broken, and she leaned forward to stand up.
A silky voice spoke in her direction, "There's no need Miss Granger, after you passed out, I repaired it immediately." The elegant hand of Severus Snape signaled for her to sit back down. Hermione re-took a seat on the bench as Ron stalked out.
Hermione had passed out, and when she came too she was shocked enough at first to realize she was in the Burrow's kitchen. But the sight of Severus Snape was most surprising. She had no idea that he was even coming today, let alone that he had seen her pass out and caught her before her head hit the ground.
Truth be told, Hermione Granger was embarrassed by her increasing anger problem. Years of being the goody-two-shoes braniac of the golden trio had left her with the ability to stifle and swallow her emotions, without properly releasing them. After years of loss and hardship, the death of her own parents and the end of her most serious romantic relationship, her bottled up anger seemed to collect and seep out at unpredictable times. She was rendered like an underage wizard, unable to control her magic at times of emotional peaks.
Her mind retraced her steps, replaying the scene in the back yard that had caused magical fury to flow right out of her, unchecked in the slightest...
She had been walking to get some drinks for herself and Ginny, when she heard the banging and yelping coming from the shed. The high pitched voice sounded like a child, and was calling out, "no, no, no…"
Her instincts honed in and told her someone was in trouble. Yes, someone was being attacked in the shed, she was sure of it. Slowly and methodically she approached the doorway of the shed so she could see who or what was inside. Wandlessly she opened the old wooden door by thinking alohamora. (Her wandless magic was becoming second nature to her now). As the door gave way, she was face-to-face with an image that she will never be able to erase from her mind.
Right there in the dusty shed was one Ronald Weasley, shirtless. He was a blur of muscles, freckles and sweat as his body was hard pressed up against a woman Hermione recognized from photographs in the tabloids, Estrella Estrellando.
The shed was so small there wasn't enough room to lay down. Ron had his pants around his ankles and he was thrusting into Estrella from behind. The tiny witch was slightly bent at the waist, hands bracing the wall she faced. Her golden dress was gathered in a sparkly pile around her waist, exposing her bottom and well, other areas for Ron's access. Large, pert breasts shone with sweat and bounced to the rhythm of her Beater's strong hips. One of Ron's massive hands gripped a thatch of Estrella's hair at the nape of her thin neck, pulling her head back. He looked like a heathen overtaking a small, glittery fairy, but the intense smile on her face clearly showed she was rather happy to give up power in this situation.
They were shagging. Shagging like mad, and didn't even notice Hermione gawking, jaw dropped at what she was seeing. The childish voice of the little witch teasingly begging her fiancé not to take her here, in a shed in the middle of the day, had been mistaken by Hermione as an actual child, truthfully in danger.
"No Ron, we can't. No, no, we shouldn't. Oh Gods that feels good. Mmm. More." She panted, her voice barley audible as her was bringing her closer to climax.
Ron grunted and thrust himself deeper and deeper into Estrella's small body. She slammed her palm into the wall by her face and causing a "bang," of hand against wood, and pushing herself farther back into Ron.
"Oh Ronnie, you feel amazing. Harder. Harderrrr." The witch begged. Her nipples were small, pink, and erect as they carelessly grazed the rough wooden walls of the shed, her arched back was pushing the healthy breasts outward farther than they naturally sat. Hermione couldn't help but regard that she had the body of a goddess.
Just as Ron was bending his legs to give his witch more of what she wanted, he felt a slight draft on his exposed chest. Opening his eyes, he saw in front of him a primly dressed Hermione Granger. Oh shite, was all he could think. OH FUCK. Slowing his rhythm and pulling Estrella to him to cover her exposed body, his face began to turn a deep crimson. His emotion belied a mix of humiliation and extreme fury.
He opened his mouth to ask what the hell she was doing, but her scream cut him off.
Or so he thought she was screaming. She opened her mouth, but instead of expletives or his name yelled in anger, he heard the tearing of the roof from over his head. He quickly covered his fiancé with his massive back to protect her from the debris that was smattering down upon them. As Estrella started to realize what was going on, she gathered her dress around her and bolted towards the house.
Hermione must have passed out at this moment, because the eye contact she made with the tiny witch as she was fleeing was the last thing she remembered about the entire scene.
...
Back in the kitchen of the burrow, she heard a door open and close and steps approach. She was thankfully interrupted from her mental replay by the sound of someone entering the kitchen from the backyard.
"Ginny, They're in here," Minerva held the door open behind her for a concerned Ginny.
"Hermione?" Ginny asked.
"In here, Ginny." Hermione realized she'd been so lost in thought, she forgot she was hanging out with Severus Snape. How weird. What a weird, weird day, she thought.
The redhead and the Headmistress fully entered the kitchen. Minerva spoke next. "Severus, how did you know we were here today to speak with Hermione?" She looked around, and began to assume Snape had set up their meeting before she had even a chance to tell him about said intended meeting.
The briefest flash of confusion crossed the potion master's face. "We're what? I don't know why you've dragged me to this Merlin-forsaken event, but I should have known you'd had a reason in mind. I merely stumbled upon an incident and ended up assisting Miss Granger. Based on the situation at hand, it seemed she was in need of a short reprieve from the party." The word party was said with as much animosity as he could allow.
Severus Snape was still believed by Hermione and Ginny to be every bit as snarky and nasty now as he had been when they were his students. Most of the older Order members though, swore he was much nicer in his post-spying days. In this strange situation neither young lady could deny that he wasn't being somewhat more patient and polite than the "old" Snape would have been. However sardonic his tone was, he had indeed helped Hermione, and at least he was refraining from name-calling.
"Oh dear." Minerva pressed her thin lips together. "We heard the blast outside and indeed we saw you carry Miss Granger in here. Ginevra and I were too far away to know what was happening. I daresay, Hermione, you look a bit off. Is everyone alright?" She looked concerned as she brought a hand to tartan-clad chest.
"Yes M'am. I think we're all fine now." Miss Granger replied solemnly.
"Speak for yourself. Its not you who'll be on display on the front page of every tabloid and newspaper for engaging in some rather unsavory actions!" Molly entered the small kitchen and sat down opposite of Hermione, putting her face in her hands.
Following behind her was a small, well-dressed witch Hermione had never seen before. Estrella's mum.
"Mrs. Weath-e-ley, por favor. My husband is speaking to the media now. I assure you they will not put such, ehm, humiliating materials into print." She patted Molly's back. "Young lovers cannot be contained in the heat of the moment. They are in love!"
Hermione winced at the reminder. How on earth could this woman smile when her daughter had just been caught shagging in public?
"Oh dear." McGonagall repeated. "Perhaps Miss Granger, today is not the best of days to discuss business."
Ginny stepped out from behind her former professor. "Oh 'Mione, let's go back to my house. I'll tell Harry to finish up here and meet us." She went to help her friend stand up.
"No, really, I'm fine. Professor, sorry, Headmistress McGonagall, did you need to speak with me?" Hermione gathered herself off the bench.
"I do indeed, but only if you insist you're up for it now."
Ginny put a protective hand on Hermione's shoulder.
Hermione nodded slightly though, "Its alright. I'm fine to speak with you now. I was a bit shaken up, but no real need to worry. I'm now just fine."
Ginny dropped her hand, "Go talk in the living room, and I'll go get James from the twins. We can floo back home as soon as you're done." The tall redhead walked back towards the door to the yard.
Hermione stood up, and silently made her way into the Weasley's comfortable living room.
"Very well then, you too Severus."
He didn't fully understand what was going on, but he had an idea. He followed Minerva and his former student into the living room.
After they were all seated, he awkwardly next to Hermione on a small sofa, and the headmistress facing them in a cushy chair, Minerva began to explain herself.
"As both of you are decorated veterans of V-War 2, you no doubt understand how important it is for Hogwarts students to be trained in various types of magical defense, should another war – Merlin forbid – ever befall us again. The ministry and the Wizengamot began conducting research on what was most helpful during the war, and what wasn't quite up to snuff. With all of the injured veterans filling up St. Mungo's now, a common trend has been recognized. If everyone on the battlefield had been more skilled in basic magical healing, there would be far less long term injury. Too many witches and wizards had to wait, hurt during a battle, before they could safely get access to a trained healer."
She continued, "About a year ago, we petitioned the Wizengamot to fund a new area of study: magical healing. The process to add a new course to Hogwarts is quite rigorous, and it hasn't been done since the early years of Albus' reign as headmaster. The final approval has just come through, and even though the school starts in about two weeks, we were hoping to launch the courses this year. I'd hate to let another year go by without it!"
Hermione just sat in silence. Magical healing as a Hogwarts course, it was really quite brilliant actually. During the most safe, normal course of study any young witch or wizard was bound to incur injuries from time to time, and being able to assist each other with simple healing spells would greatly reduce the stress on Madame Pomfrey. Especially seeing as the medi-witch was getting older.
"So would you like me to help co-ordinate some kind of field trip to St. Mungo's for students who will study healing?" Hermione ventured a guess at where she fit into the equation.
"Not so much." Minerva sat up straight as a board. "You see Miss Granger…"
"Hermione is fine."
"…Alright then, you see Hermione, Poppy is too busy to actually teach classes as well as attend to the sick and injured. What we are looking for…"
"Is a teacher?" Hermione offered, some of her know-it-all spirit returning in the face of academic-related discussion. "Oh, I'd be more than happy to recommend some of the healers I trained under at St. Mungo's."
"No silly girl, we want you to be the new professor." Minerva blurted out.
She was stunned. "Me? But, I'm hardly qualified. I've only been a fully trained healer myself for about two years." The young voice full of genuine shock.
"Yes, and in that time you've also secured a mastery in potions, quite a brilliant bit to study on the side when one thinks of how closely related potions and healing are. You've patented how many new potions?"
"Seven."
"Yes, seven. And you've quickly gained the reputation of being beyond innovative and brilliant. As a teacher, you'd have more time available for research and study."
Hermione thought quietly. As much as she loved seeing patients, bedside manner wasn't her strong suit. Those who knew her well knew her true passion was behind-the-scenes. Inventing, researching. She was happy to allow those with more people skills to use her techniques and carry them out; she just loved the quest for new knowledge.
A new train of thought cropped up and she hesitantly spoke. "But, Headmistress McGonagall,"
"Minerva now, dear."
She gulped. "Ehm, alright, Minerva, I've no teaching experience at all, and the term starts in two weeks. How could I ever prepare in that time?"
Minerva frowned slightly. "Well, I do wish the Ministry had approved this much earlier than now, but it's still a great opportunity."
Severus Snape, who has been silent all this time, finally spoke up. "Minerva, if I may offer a suggestion?"
"Oh by all means Severus!"
"What if we were to introduce this new course as an elective, available only to 6th and 7th year students at first, and allow Miss Granger to start there? This way, the students being taught will be more eager to learn, and Miss Granger won't have to work as hard to dumb down her material for first year dunderheads."
"That's actually not a bad idea at all Severus. Students could at least get some exposure this year, and Miss Granger could use the free time to start designing lesson plans for next year."
"And, I do have some lesson plan ideas specific only to healing potions, that could be a start of the term Miss Granger, until you've had a few weeks to prepare your first original lessons."
Hermione's head was spinning. Teaching only upper level students, she would have plenty of free time to wean herself off her current patients at St. Mungo's. She could teach only those students who actually wanted to learn about healing. And Severus Snape was going to offer up some of his lesson plans to help her out at the beginning of term? This was all so shocking, and thrilling at the same time.
Hermione had always imagined as a student that she'd be back someday as a teacher. But what took the ministry years to research, Hermione was able to know immediately after war. There were not enough magical healers, and the techniques currently employed left too many maladies untreated. Just look at Neville's parents for example. Frank and Alice Longbottom had been rendered useless for decades because of the cruciatus. Hermione had decided even before leaving the final battle that she would go on to study healing.
She shifted uncomfortably in her seat, riddled with thoughts.
Severus Snape curiously stared at the witch beside him. The insufferable know-it-all playing grown up, he thought. Although, to be fair, she has always been brilliant and rightfully deserving of the brightest-witch-of-her-age moniker. She just always lets her bloody emotions sully her accomplishments. Whether an over-excited first year, or an angry spurned lover. He then unexpectedly imagined that if he were in her position, he wouldn't have been thrilled at catching the couple mid-tryst either. Oh, now I'm sympathizing with Granger? Ha. I've always been able to control my emotions, mask them with perfection. That's why I made such a great spy.
Severus was allowing himself to be proud of his accomplishments, a proud smirk crawling on his lips. He had become a much better-adjusted wizard after the war. Oh he was still sarcastic as all hell, but he was able to live his life on his own terms. He ran a side business brewing and selling the harder to make potions desired by wizarding populace. After all the fame and attention surround notable veterans of the war, he was glad to remain at Howgarts, somewhat sheltered from the media. He would always remain a rather private man.
"Do you have any other questions or concerns?" Minerva startled both occupants deep in though on the sofa.
"I would have to move into the castle almost immediately, right?" Hermione looked across.
"Yes, it would probably be most beneficial to come to Scotland as soon as possible."
Minerva then sat back in silence as the brilliant young witch weighed out the decision. Her gaze shifted to the tall professor next to her, and Minerva was amused to see a little smirk on his face. Perhaps he would warm up to Hermione after all. Knowing how much Severus loathed the Golden Trio in their youth, she was impressed that Severus had been so kind to Hermione today. Sure, he and Harry had become quite amicable with each other since the war. But that was different. Once Harry knew about Lily and Severus, he couldn't help but recognize the Potions Professor for his sacrifice in the name of love.
Hermione unconsciously shifted her weight, bumping her side into the imposing figure next to her.
The potions professor emitted a slight huff, and Hermione apologized, scooting further away from him.
No, Minerva could never expect a friendship between this witch and wizard the way Snape had somehow managed one with The Boy Who Lived, but Hermione's brilliant mind would make a good for match for Severus' own genius. Perhaps they could reach a formidable understanding as co-workers and academic peers. She hoped Hermione would agree to take the position.
"Minerva," Hermions started, still uneasy of the first-name basis. "Is it okay if I speak with St. Mungo's about arrangements for my current patients and owl you tomorrow? I think this opportunity is rather too good to pass up, but I have to make sure my current obligations are satisfied first."
"Certainly my dear. I'll expect your owl, say, Tuesday afternoon. That should give you a few days to mull this over, and if necessary start to make arrangements." She stood up to exit the Weasley's living room. She was quite sure they would be more than relieved if guests started to leave this rather awkward party.
Severus stood as Minerva did, but did not make his way to leave. Instead he asked his boss, "Minerva, do you mind if I have a minute with Miss Granger, after well, everything that has transpired here today?"
"Certainly. I'll be in the backyard whenever you're ready. Good day Hermione, I very much hope that you'll accept our offer."
"Good-bye headmistress. I'll owl you by Tuesday." Hermione waved as the tartan figure left the room. An uncomfortable expression took over her face. What on earth could he possibly want now? I have no desire to discuss what I saw.
Severus sat back down and faced a confused Hermione. As he made eye contact with her, the place on his arm she had bumped with her side started to faintly tingle. He absentmindedly rubbed it with his other hand.
His voice was quiet and serious. "I know you didn't use a blasting hex on that roof."
She didn't say anything, her eyes were asking how he knew though.
"I spent years as a spy for both the most brilliant wizard who ever lived, and the most powerful dark lord. Don't think I haven't borne witness to different types of magic. And don't think I couldn't trace the wandless you performed."
Silently, she put her hand in front of her; palm up she wandlessly, silently, summoned a book from across the room to her hand.
"How long have you been doing wandless magic?" He asked, voice steady disguising his surprise.
"When I was early on in my training as a healer, we were treating some serious emergency cases. I was healing some deep gashes, holding gauze in one hand, and my wand in the other. I wished so strongly that I didn't need my wand, so I could be dressing the patient with both hands. I guess that magical desire was strong enough, as I put my wand down, to gather more gauze I realized wounds were still closing up. The healing spell was still working without my wand. So, I started practicing at home, and I'm able to control it somewhat. Only for very simple spells."
"That's quite impressive Miss Granger. And the shed? Did you will a blasting hex upon the roof?"
She felt like she was his student again, the way he posed his questions. "No sir. That was just raw emotion getting the best of me."
"I see." He remembered that Hermione and the Weasel had been the two lovers of the Golden Trio. He had also vaguely known that Ron had moved away for some sort of professional quidditch career. He stood up to leave. "I should be going then. Perhaps if you accept Headmistress McGonagall's offer, this is something we could work on. I doubt you've ever formally studied Occlumency?"
She stood up as well. "No sir, I have no training at all in that field."
"Well, I daresay you could benefit from some education in the area of mental self-control."
Hermione grimaced. I guess I deserved that, she thought.
"But, your skill today at recognizing a suspicious situation, and catching them unnoticed, is to be commended."
She was surprised at the compliment; this certainly wasn't like him at all. "Thank you Professor, and thank you for all of your help today."
They walked to leave now, and head back outside when Severus stopped short and looked down at her, not in condescension, but the wizard was much taller than the witch.
"Yes, I suppose I happened to be in the right place at the right time. Don't worry yourself sick over today's events Miss Granger. You have far more to offer the wizarding world than a public display of lusty throes. I need to have a few words with Harry now, perhaps I will see you at Hogwarts this term." He quickly nodded, turned, and left.
Now really, two compliments in one day? Perhaps Harry is right when he says the Severus Snape he knows now is almost human. She chuckled slightly at the term lusty throes, and did rather agree that she had more to contribute to wizard kind than a public sex show. Poor girl, she thought about the exposed figure of Estrella Estrellando, she has to be mortified. Better her than me any day though, Hermione instinctively thought. Then her analytical side took over, and wondered if she did really mean that.
Heavy with decisions to make, Hermione pushed her way to the back yard, she sought Ginny and chance to leave as quickly as possible.