The reviews for the last chapter were awesome, like always! I'm real excited that people like what I've done with Lucius. I'm hoping everyone likes this chapter. I'm writing these blindly…just so you know.
The next few weeks flew by with the normal abuse from Snape and Lucius. They were getting homework piled on top of each other. Hermione, Ron, and Harry figured it was so they couldn't get into any more trouble. Halloween was creeping closer and closer, and the ball needed to be planned.
Hermione had kept her distance from Snape ever since her detention, but she couldn't forget his body pressed against hers, his breath on her lips, and most of all, his warning. She had a lingering need to feel his lips against hers, and she just couldn't understand it. She really needed to stop daydreaming about Snape, she kept telling herself.
Walking down the hall way from advanced ancient runes, Malfoy and his posse passed by her. This was her chance to talk to him about the dance.
"Draco." Hermione called as she walked fast to catch up to him.
He spun around to the sound of his name being called. Spotting Hermione coming towards him, he sneered. "Granger, haven't you got anything else better to do?"
"This is not the time to get rude. We have to do something about the ball. It's only a week away. Have you thought about it at all?" she asked.
"And the last thing I want to do is be caught talking to you in the hall way pleasantly. Honestly, Granger, get away. I'll owl you later." Draco stalked off.
"What? And show people you're more than a git?" She called after him.
Turning around she almost walked right into Lucius. 'Great' she though, 'Another detention.'
"Miss Granger," Lucius said "Being rude I see."
"Nothing more than he deserves." she mumbled.
"I see." he replied amused. "You have occlumency lessons tonight at seven with Professor Snape." With that he started to walk away.
"But I don't want to do them with Professor Snape!" she called back.
Smirking over his shoulder he called back, "Nothing more than you deserve."
...
Hermione shuffled into Snape's class that night five minutes until seven.
"You're early." snapped a voice from a corner of the room.
Hermione squeaked and jumped. Turning to look at Snape, she had a hand on her neck with wide eyes.
"Ye…yes, Professor." she said breathlessly.
"Well, might as well start out now since you can't seem to tell time." Moving away from the cauldron that was simmering, he came to the middle of the room. "The first thing you need to know about occlumency is to close your mind. Build up a wall around any thought that you don't want that person to see."
Before she had any warning, she felt something push around her mind. She tried to fight it, but didn't last ten seconds before she collapsed.
"I do not need to know about your mixed feelings for the Weasley boy. Try again." he said.
Standing up she took a deep breath and thought about what she wanted him to see. Again, she felt the probing on her memories and thoughts. Gritting her teeth, breathing deeply, she fought it the best she could. After fifteen seconds she fell.
"Clear your mind. Though I'm sure the Dark Lord is not interested in your grades or the Halloween ball that you're supposed to be planning."
They continued for fifteen minutes. Each time she got a little bit further. But it was apparent that the lessons were not only mentally, but physically draining. Each time she stood up and told him to try it again, not wanting to give up. He had to put a stop to the lessons for the night.
"Alright, Miss Granger, lessons are over for the night." Snape said.
"One more time, sir." Hermione said determinedly.
"You can't take anymore of it. It's physically and mentally clear. Your energy is drained. Go to bed."
"Just one more time. I know I can last longer."
Snape stood directly in front of Hermione. She felt the faint brush of someone trying to get into her mind. She fought the best she could to keep him out. Him being so near to her brought memories and desire flooding back to her. Snape pulled back like she struck him. He'd read what was on her mind, and she knew that he had from the blush on her cheeks.
"Inappropriate thoughts about your professor, I see." Snape said.
"I should go now." she said as she spun around towards the door.
Hermione made it to the doorway before she was swung around and pressed against the wall. Looking up she saw something flash in Snape's eyes. Before she had time to contemplate it, his lips were crushing hers in a fierce kiss. Immediately Hermione grabbed a handful of his robes and held on. His hands were running over her ups and up her sides.
Suddenly his lips where opening hers while his tongue plunged into her mouth. Groaning he pressed his hips firmly into hers, massaging over her sides. Their tongues swirled against each other as he ran a hand over her jaw, pulling her into a deeper kiss. She had his robes open and running her hands over his shirt clad chest.
He could feel the heat of her hands on him, driving him crazy. He had dreamed of doing just this to her. He wanted to stop, needed to stop, but couldn't bring himself to do it. Instead he ran his hands through her hair, kissing along her jaw and down her neck. Her eyes fluttered closed, her breathing became rapid. Very slowly, he teasingly ran the tip of his tongue up her throat, blowing gently.
Hermione gave a small moan and shiver. Grinding her body into his. She didn't know what she was doing, she just knew she wanted him to keep going. She was feeling a desire she'd never known. Her hands were sliding over his back then around his waist. His body shuddered as he moaned, 'Hermione', breathlessly into her ear. She felt his teeth graze against her neck.
Next thing Hermione knew, her fingers were laced through Snape's, and they were pinned above her head. His mouth was leaving a hot trail of kisses along her collarbone, his tongue sliding over her exposed chest where her buttons were undone. She was panting and arching against his teasing mouth. He was caught up in the passion, nothing seemed to matter.
"Tisk, tisk." an amused voice floated through the air.
Both Hermione and Snape went still. Hermione's hands gripped Snape's tighter, her cheeks deepened into a dark red.
"Sleeping with students now, Severus. Good thing I don't have a daughter." Lucius was leaning against the door frame, his arms crossed over the other.
Slowly Snape slipped his hands out of Hermione's. Straightening the collar of her shirt, he stepped back. His eyes burned with a fire that Lucius had never seen. Smirking, Lucius took in a rumpled and embarrassed Hermione, compared to a cool disordered Severus.
"Ten points from Gryffindor." Lucius said absently.
"For what?" Hermione exclaimed.
"Why, for snogging your potions teacher, Miss Granger. I didn't take you as being that dense." Lucius said casually as he looked down at his nails.
"Ten points for Gryffindor." Snape growled.
"Just what for?" Lucius demanded.
"For doing good on her first lessons with occlumency." Snape answered.
"Ten points from Gryffindor again, what a shame." Lucius said mockingly.
"What did I do this time?!" Hermione asked.
"For scarring my eyes!" Lucius snapped.
"Then ten points back to Gryffindor." Snape irritated.
"Why?" Lucius asked glaring.
"For scarring your eyes!" Snape yelled.
Hermione stared with her jaw hanging open. Never before had she seen such an exchange between two men as cold as them. And much less over something that escaladed into something so silly! She wasn't sure what to do. Clearing her throat, she picked up her book bag.
"Perhaps I should go back to my dorm." Hermione said quietly.
Making her way through the door, she hurried past Lucius without so much as looking at him. She was too embarrassed.
"My, my, my. Looks like I'm going to have to watch the little Gryffindor Princess a lot closer around you." Lucius said laughingly.
"She is not yours to watch." Snape growled.
"And she's yours?" Lucius asked.
Snape glared at Lucius before turning and stomping into his office, leaving an amused Lucius.
...
The next day was Saturday. An owl appeared at Hermione's window tapping loudly. Sleepily she rolled out of bed and let it in. It dropped the note on her bed and soared back out of the window.
Granger,
Meet me in the library about ten. Don't be late.
Malfoy
Snorting to herself, Hermione started to get dressed. 'Nice to see him take time out of his busy schedule' she thought to herself. She decided to skip breakfast, not wanting to see either professor after what happened last night.
Walking into the library around ten, she spotted Draco in the corner reading a book. Taking a seat across from him, she gave him a small smile.
"Are you ready to plan this ball?" Hermione asked.
"Unfortunately." Draco murmured.
"The ball is this coming Friday. We'll need to plan everything today and assign all the Prefects their duties. Just so we know everything is going to be under control." she started out.
"Right. How about you plan, and I listen?" he asked.
Sighing irritably, Hermione set about the task of planning a Halloween ball with Draco half listening. Anytime she asked his opinion he'd say, 'Yeah, sounds great'. Or if she asked if it sounded fine, she'd get a, 'Uh huh'.
"The least you could do is help me with some of this!" Hermione cried.
"This is a bloody nuisance. Can't you just do it all on your own? I'll tell the Prefects what to do." Draco said easily.
"I can't believe my misfortune to be Head Girl with someone who shirks their duties. Never mind, Draco, I'll do all of this on my own. Don't worry yourself over it." she stood up to leave.
Draco reached a hand out and grabbed her wrist. "Sit." was all he said. Staring at him for a moment, she sat down. For the rest of the time, they planned the ball until the lunch hour rolled around. Together they got up and walked down to the Great Hall.
"So." Draco started out awkwardly. "When are you three going to look for more horcruxes?" he asked.
"I'm not sure. We haven't had much time to think about them with your father and Professor Snape slamming us with homework. But we need to start thinking of places to look again. If you can think of anywhere, we'd gladly take your help." she said softly.
"No, Hermione. You would, they wouldn't." They had come to the Great Hall doors and he stopped for a moment to look at her. "If I can think of anything, I'll let you know." Nodding his head, he went to the Slytherin table.
Shaking her head she went to the Gryffindor table. Draco wasn't all that bad. Not as bad as he wanted everyone to see. There was definitely a good side to him, and it was finally showing through. Ron and Harry were waiting for her at their normal seats. Before she sat down, she caught Snape's eye. His black eyes seemed to sparkle for a moment, then there was nothing. On Lucius's face, however, was a smirk.
"We're going to start the D.A. tonight." Harry said behind a mouthful of food.
"Tonight?!" Hermione asked shocked. "You just up and decide tonight! What about the coins?! Surely other people will want to join."
Shrugging Harry kept shoveling food into his mouth.
"I've been taking care of the coins." Ron said.
"You? No offense Ron, but do you think you've been doing it right?" Hermione asked doubtfully.
"I have!" he said stiffly. "Ginny has been helping. We started this morning while you were with Draco. I don't see why you have to spend anytime with him anyhow." Ron complained.
"He's Head Boy, I have to. It's unavoidable. And just what does it matter to you anyways?" she asked while fixing herself a sandwich. "Do you even know who wants to be in the D.A. this year?"
"Kind of. We told the normal ones to keep their coins from last year, and just charmed new ones for the new members. Everyone is going to meet us in the Room of Requirements at five." Harry answered.
"Do you think they will try to put a stop to it this year? Do you think we should tell our guardians?" Hermione asked slowly.
"No and no." Harry and Ron answered at the same time.
"I don't know about this. They were given the task of being our guardians for a reason…" Hermione started.
"Would you stop referring to them as our guardians!" Ron cried. "We shouldn't have to tell them anything about the D.A. They'd want to shut it down or run it themselves."
"He does have a point, you know." Harry said.
"I sure do hope you two know what you're getting yourselves into. If they find out, they'll more than likely be furious that they were not informed of this." Hermione chided.
"What are they going to do, lock us up in our rooms?" Harry asked.
"I don't know, Harry. But anything is possible with Lucius and Snape." she answered before taking a bite of her sandwich.
...
That night at five, students started to pile into the Room of Requirements. They had more students than they did the year before. The older students brought a few first years with them. Hermione was surprised to see Draco enter the room. She was even more surprised when Pansy Parkinson walked in behind him. Ron's ears turned pink and took a step to kick them out.
"No, Ronald. Everyone is welcome here." Hermione said.
"Fine." Ron mumbled.
"Welcome, everyone." Harry started. "This year of D.A. we will train harder. The war is right on top of us. We have to be able to fight back. If you can't listen to Hermione, Ron, or myself, then you need to get up and leave." Harry said. After waiting for a few moments he went on. "Tonight we will start with a few simple hexes, then going on to show the new members how to do a patronus. At the end of this session, we will give new members a D.A. coin. Now, if you'll all split up into partners we'll all start."
Hermione and Ron paired up while Harry walked around and instructed everyone. They showed how to do simple hexes to the first years. Some took longer than others, but this session proved to be promising. Only a few students couldn't seem to get the hang of it. Harry called a stop and had everyone line up side by side so they could show them how to do a patronus.
"Hermione and me will show you each how to do the patronus. This spell takes a lot of concentration. Don't feel frustrated if you can't do it the first few sessions. We don't expect you to become a mastermind wizard right away." he gave a lopsided grin.
Harry called out his patronus, a stag soared, shimmering in a soft bluish white around the room. All the younger students cheered. Next was Hermione's turn. Casting her patronus, she caught her breath.
"Bloody hell." Ron, Harry, and Draco breathed. No one else seemed to know what was wrong.
Hermione felt faint. Instead of the of her patronus being an otter, a graceful doe flew around the air. Dropping her hand down to her side. Her eye sight wavered for a moment, the room felt like it was suffocating her. She had to get out of the there.
Hermione took off through the door. She didn't want to face it at the moment. Harry, Ron, and Draco came charging after her.
"Bloody hell, Hermione! What was that?!" Ron yelled furiously.
"I don't know." Hermione said shakily.
"What has gotten into you. Snape's bloody patronus! Have you gone mad?" Ron was irate. His ears had turned a furious shade of pink.
"Ronald Weasley, I have not gone mad! I swear if you keep bothering me I'll…" Hermione didn't get to finish before Ron cut her off.
"You'll what? Cast Snape's patronus at me?" he shot at her.
"Hermione! He has a point. Snape's patronus? What is going on?" Harry asked.
She couldn't seem to think straight. Lifting her wand she threw a curse at the three of them. They dodged the curse, though it did cut through Ron's robes.
"She's gone bloody well mad!" Ron yelled.
"I'm going to hex you like you've never been, Ron!" she cried beyond reason.
Before Hermione could attempt to do just that; Snape, Lucius, and Remus came running around the corner.
"What is going on?" Remus asked worriedly.
"Hermione has gone bloody well mad." Ron said.
"What are you babbling about Weasley?" Lucius demanded.
"How did you know we were here?" Harry asked before Lucius could get an answer.
"The charms on your necklaces started to glow, alerting us. Apparently you're in danger, though I don't see any." Remus said puzzled.
Ron pointed at Hermione. "There's your danger! She's trying to hex us into oblivion!"
"What is this about, Miss Granger?" Snape asked. Noticing how distraught she was he took a step forward.
"Ask her to do her patronus." Draco said quietly.
"What does her patronus have to do with anything?" Lucius asked.
"Just ask, father." Draco shook his head.
"Well, Miss Granger." Lucius said.
"I don't want to." Hermione replied.
"We don't give a bloody damn what you want, just do it." Snape said irritably.
Looking Snape right in the eyes, she picked her wand up and cast her patronus. Tearing his eyes away from Hermione's hazel ones, he caught the sight of a doe. Snape froze in his place. Ron was shaking furiously while the rest watched in shock.
"Bloody hell." they all breathed again.
Hermione wanted the ground to open up and swallow her whole. But fate was cruel, she had to sit and endure five pairs of eyes on him.
"How many people know about this?" Snape asked softly.
"The whole D.A." Harry answered. "But only we understood it."
"Do you truly understand it?" Snape asked.
"Well…we all know that your patronus is a doe. If that is what you mean." Harry answered.
"That's not what he means." Hermione said quietly. Everyone turned to look at her. "What he means is, that your patronus is the same as the person you feel safest with, or in my case, it changes. That is why yours is a stag, Harry." she went quiet again.
"How could you, Hermione?" Ron asked desperately.
Lucius reached over and smacked Ron upside the head. "Don't ask stupid questions, boy. No one picks their patronus." Lucius sneered.
"I think it best if you call an end to your meeting for the night and all go back to your common room before curfew." Remus said quietly. "There appears to be no trouble."
Snape couldn't seem to keep a single thought in his head. Her patronus was his. He was furious, he was confused, he was secretly happy. Apparently Hermione harbored some secret feelings for him. He couldn't seem to let that thought go. Looking over at her, she looked faint. Her eyes were a little glassy from unshed tears.
No one seemed to be making an effort to move. Hermione looked at everyone for a moment, then hurriedly walked off. She had a lot to take in. She knew she felt something for Snape, but she thought it was a school girl crush that would soon pass. She just needed to get away.
When Hermione had vanished around the corner, Snape's eyes snapped to the three boys.
"Well, what are you waiting for? Get back to your rooms." he growled.
Turning on his heel, he marched off towards his rooms.
...
Okay! So, I would go on to the Halloween ball in this chapter, but that would just created a huge cliff hanger! That would be totally evil. Though, I was thoroughly tempted. I resisted! I hope you all enjoy this chapter. Let me know. .