Raised with Magic

Chapter Thirteen: First Impressions

When I got home Luna and Dad still weren't home yet. I had invited the boys over, knowing that Mum and Dad had said they were always welcome, but they declined knowing their Mother would be getting worried soon. With this in mind I convinced them to part ways with me when my house was in view instead of dropping me off and going nearly ten minutes out of their way. Being a very lowly populated area with next to no wildlife threats it was easy to convince them. Besides, Bill walked backwards and watched me until I had gotten into the door.

I entered the unlocked door and only glanced over the closed door of the lab. That was were Mum would be, I concluded as I took off my shoes. I put the green bag by the door and when I looked up there was a man dressed in all black standing in the kitchen entry way. Everything happened at once, or maybe faster then that.

I screamed. My magic felt like a ball of cool air was being compressed by crackling electricity. The man was sent flying into the kitchen by an unseen force as I was surrounded by a very solid barrier.

When Mum had come running from the depths of the lab I couldn't breathe. I know that there is a term for when panic makes a person unable to breathe properly but I couldn't care less at that moment. My barrier still holing strong until my vision dulled to black and I passed out from not having access to oxygen. It wasn't pleasant.

The first thing I realized when I 'came to' was there was a wet cloth on my forehead. The next thing was there was a dip in the mattress next to me, indicating someone was sitting there. I fought urgently to open my eyes. For all I knew I had been kidnapped. My Mum's face made me breathe easily again, apparently I need to work on regulating my breathing patterns. That wasn't important though, what was important was that my Mum caught me in her arms as I flung myself at her, hugging her for all that I am worth. Many more then two hugs to be certain.

"How are you feeling hunny?" She asked, running her hand through my hair. She must have taken down my pigtails.

"Man?" I mumbled into her shoulder. Allowing myself to stay snuggled against her for a while longer. I think the circumstances warrant me being a bit clingy.

"That man is Professor Snape. He is the Potions Master at Hogwarts and both a colleague and friend of mine. We're currently working on a potion together."

"Sorry." I would have pulled away from her but I didn't want her to see my face.

"It's understandable. Professor Snape is downstairs if you want to apologize." She hinted. I had already planned to apologize when I got my heart to stop racing. I pulled away from her to sit without her physical comfort. It was wrong of me to feel even the least bit betrayed that she was rushing me to see this man, but I did.

"I do want to apologize to him Mum." I admitted honestly. I just really tried not to show how upset I was that it would occur right now.

When we reached the bottom floor Professor Snape was sitting on one of the couches in the living room. When we entered he stood up and waited until both Mum and I sat before he sat down. He had a big bruise on his temple and there was a discarded ice pack on the table that Mum most likely had forced on him. His forehead was a bit shinny so I guess that the abandoned ice pack is alright because the bruise paste should take care of the injury. Not that I didn't still feel bad. He did not look like a friendly fellow by any standards, but he didn't look angry. At least he didn't seem angry at me, so I assumed that my Mum had explained my behavior on my behalf. I took a moment to feel as if I failed the Headmaster. At least it was to one of his professors, surely he wouldn't hire a man he didn't feel he could trust.

"I would like to apologize Professor Snape. I reacted without analyzing the entire situation." I said sincerely only after sitting for a few seconds. I felt like if I didn't rush out my words when I had the ability to then I might never get myself to say it.

Professor Snape raised an eyebrow, mostly likely at my wording, before he responded, "Your apology is unnecessary, but accepted none then less. That was an impressive display of magic." His words weren't nicely spoken, but for some reason it meant a lot. Only moments after that thought did I realize his words and quickly froze. I already knew he would know, but knowing and being impressed with power were two entirely different things. Mum knew what was wrong, she always knows. Or at least always knows the general direction to poke at.

"I know what Albus said about not telling anyone about your talents." My worries nailed on the head just not as deeply hit. "You know how Albus told you that the Weasleys were among the few that were completely trust worthy." It wasn't a question but a lead way. I nodded anyway, remembering what the Headmaster said about those he knows are loyal and who stood against Voldemort. What worries me is the way he speaks about loyalty and hiding my talents makes me think that Voldemort is not gone for good. That or someone equally as nasty is hanging out on the horizon. "Well, Severus is one of those people. He may not seem the part, most people would disagree with me, but he is loyal, even if that is not a point to broadcast. But Hermione, know this, Severus will never do anything to hurt you." The way she said the words more then the words themselves was what struck me. Mum did not mimic someone else's sentiments, but told me her own. Her tone was what made me know that her words would stick with me until the day I die. More then that, I don't think I could ever question the integrity of those same words.

"I apologize again Professor." He nodded and he looked as horrible unpleasant as he had the first moment I had seen him, but somehow I knew he was impressed with me. I have a feeling that it was my caution more then the magic which was the cause of that respect. I also believe that it is hard to impress him. I fought the urge to fire off a thousand questions. If only because my head still hurts.

I froze when the man sitting across from me drew his wand. I made my barrier not come up, but I was ready to draw it if I needed to. My headache disappeared in unison with the completion of his spell. "Thank you." he didn't respond and only went down into the lab.

"Don't mind him, he's not a very tolerable man to most people."

"I think he was incredibly pleasant given the circumstances." Mum grinned at my confession.

"I still have notes to compare with Severus for a potion we are working on. Would you like to come down and read?" Mum loves having me there when she works. It's kind of like Dad passing his interests to Luna. Mum wants me to follow or at least stay interested in potions. I nodded wanting to finish my book on caldron properties. The book was border line alchemy and that thrilled me.