Disclaimer: Still don't own them.
A/N: I promise that I'll be trying to do faster updates since everyone's demanding them. Key word there: try. I am still in school and stuff, but I'll do my best. Happy readers = more reviews = happy author, etc. You get the picture. Thank you all! I'm glad you're enjoying it so far. ^.^
A/N2: I would like to apologize for the horribleness of this chapter in advance. In my haste to post I think I got carried away with random bits of shit. lol
Closer
During the next month, Minerva began teaching Hermione how to use wandless magic in her animal form. They had also started having weekly meetings with Severus and Draco on school policies.
Hermione slid into her seat by the Headmistress, smiling up at her mentor. The Slytherins entered close behind and seated themselves across from the two women.
Severus nodded at Minerva, then his gaze slid over to Hermione. His eyes raked over her figure, which had become increasingly more attractive. She'd always been pretty to him, well, minus the old buck teeth, but those were long gone. Her recent months of Animagus training had put her metabolism in overdrive. Her muscles were toned and she had all the energy of a crouching lioness.
She felt the weight of his gaze and looked up, her eyes meeting his. A shiver ran down her spine at the intensity she found. She blushed and looked away, trying to pay attention to what Minerva was now saying about how teachers are to take control.
"…different way to gain control in a classroom. What type of teacher you want to be will greatly affect how you treat your students. For example, both Severus and I prefer the silent, but firm style of teaching. Students know that the quieter we get, the more trouble they're in. Others prefer to simply send students out of the room when they're being unruly." She paused, noticing Hermione's distracted behavior. "Any questions so far?"
Hermione jumped slightly when she realized Minerva was looking at her, eyebrow raised She glanced at Draco, who was trying to stifle a chuckle, and then, rather stupidly, looked over at Severus, whose eyebrow was raised in a mirror image of Minerva's. Hermione shook her head.
Draco grinned. "I know you and Severus believe the 'strong, but silent' type works best, but how do we go about finding our own style?"
Severus smirked. "That is, unfortunately, not something we can teach you. The only advice I can give is to demand respect from the very first day. Do not try to be their friend." He threw a penetrating stare in Hermione's direction. "And if you happen to come across a know-it-all, simply ignore them."
Hermione blushed again, this time embarrassed, and silently berated herself for her reaction. "Now, Severus," Minerva chided the younger man. "If you can't learn to respect your future coworkers, how do you expect to be respected?"
The smirk was quickly replaced by a serious look. "I said nothing about disrespect, Minerva." His low voice washed over Hermione, causing her to squirm in her seat. "By not catering to show offs, you teach them patience." His eyes flicked to Hermione briefly before returning to Minerva. "I think it works quite well."
Minerva glanced at Hermione and allowed a small smile to grace her lips. "I suppose that method could work. However, that student should also be allowed to flourish so they can learn everything they can."
The corner of Severus' mouth twitched. "Any further questions?"
The two students shook their heads. McGonagall continued with their lesson, now focusing on dress code.
"Professor McGonagall!" The older witch turned around to see Hermione rushing towards her. She had just been on her way back to her office after a long day of classes.
As soon as Hermione caught up, she started. "I forgot to ask you after the lesson last night, but I was wondering if I was allowed to roam around outside in my Animagus form. I feel like I really need to just let loose."
Minerva smiled at her protégé. "I know exactly what you mean." She continued to walk to her office, motioning for Hermione to follow. "I will allow you to do so, but try to be careful. You haven't yet mastered wandless magic, so an unsuspecting student would have the advantage." She paused, having reached the gargoyle. "Our next lesson will include you at least learning some defensive spells you can practice with your friends, as those will be more helpful."
Hermione grinned widely. "Thank you so much!" She bounced off towards her rooms. "Good night, Professor!" Leaving behind a smiling Minerva, she rushed to put her books away, then dashed back down the stairs to the Entrance Hall. With an hour to go before her curfew, she made her way through the huge oak doors down to the lake. The rest of the students were already supposed to be in bed, so it was the perfect time to frolic. What she hadn't told Minerva, however, was her main reason for wanting to go out as a lioness. She knew she would never see the panther again if she went out in human form.
She had spent the past month trying to figure out who the panther was, but to no avail. He, or she, was obviously allowed on grounds. Minerva also trusted whoever it was, at least enough to trust them to wander around as a panther. This person was probably older as well, because the panther was very calm and collected.
She shook her head and morphed into her Animagus form, enjoying the now familiar feel of being on all fours.* Her stride lengthened and carried her quickly to the lake. Unaware of being watched, she cautiously dipped one paw into the water. Deciding it was the perfect temperature, she jumped in, quickly immersing herself. After about half an hour of swatting at fish and rolling around in the water, she reluctantly got out, hoping to have enough time to dry before she had to head back. As she was laying down, she caught movement from farther down the shore.
Her heart jumped. 'Could it be?' She lifted herself back up and prowled along the lakeside towards the black mass she had noticed. When she was a few yards away the panther rose, already facing her. She halted, afraid to come closer. "Who are you?"
The panther looked away from her and headed back to the castle.
Hermione followed. "Why can't I know who you are?" She tried lengthening her stride to match the panther's. Though she had been growing very fast, she still wasn't quite as long as him. "I don't even know if you're-" Her sentence, meant to question the panther's gender, was cut short as a breeze circled them, bringing around the distinctively masculine scent of the other cat.
Hermione's scent must have been carried to him as well, for he stiffened and began to lightly growl.** He threw one final glance at Hermione before running off to the other side of the castle.
Hermione was still watching the corner, dumbstruck, when heard a hiss from her left. Her attention immediately snapped from her increasingly warm feeling to the source of the hissing. A long, silver, King cobra had its head raised and its gaze was locked onto Hermione's. She growled, trying to warn off the other animal.
"Geezzzz woman. You could chill." The cobra slithered back a few paced.
Hermione's eyes widened. "Draco?" She morphed back into her human form and took a step back.
Draco was laughing as he appeared where the cobra had been. "Oh, man. The look on your facccccce." He clamped a hand over his mouth, causing Hermione to giggle.
"Well, how was I supposed to know it was you?" She grinned. "Though I probably should have guessed you'd be a snake."
Draco stuck his tongue out. "At least I blend in better."
"Yeah, in Egypt." Hermione smiled triumphantly, then remembered why she was out here. "By the way, did you happen to see the black panther that was out here?"
Draco nodded. "Yeah. He's a bit hard to miss."
"Do you know who he is?"
"Maybe."
Hermione let out an exasperated sigh. "You aren't going to tell me, are you?"
Draco grinned. "I would if I could, but then he'd probably kill me."
"Minerva said she knew, too. She also said I would find out 'eventually'."
"And that's exactly when you'll find out." He held the door to the castle open for her. "Don't stress it, alright? I have no doubt he'll tell you when he sees fit." They reached the bottom of the stairs. "Have a good night."
Hermione smiled. "Same to you, Draco."
That night Hermione dreamt of nothing but silky black hair that rippled across the panther's muscles.
*Yeah, I thought it, too. ;)
** Not the mean kind. :D
A/N: Yes, reviews really do help me. Especially when you ask me questions. I will eventually answer them in the story. Or in a pm. Whichever I fancy more. :)
Thank you in advance for your reviews!