Animal Magnetism

Disclaimer: I, sadly, own nothing of the Harry Potter 'Verse. I just like to play with them time to time. Especially Severus.

A/N: Thanks, of course, to everyone who has reviewed thus far. Each one goes a long way to cheering me up ^_^ And please, don't forget to review some more!

Chapter 13

She spent her morning hours in the Room of Requirement angrily battling enchanted opponents instead of having breakfast with Dumbledore and the rest. It'd just be too difficult now- like it had been the first day or so since she'd woken up from the incident at Black Lake. Both because of the madness creeping back up on her with her usual stress relief no longer working, and because of her irritation at the dream. And with that blasted old wizards unerring insight and advice, she didn't need him in her head telling her to follow those instincts. Merging personas? What a joke, The animal side overwhelmed her, took her by surprise, and usually at the most inconvenient times- like with Snape. At least she'd been doing a decent job at avoiding him like he'd avoided her. With one or two exceptions.

Was it that the dominant side was cowed by him and his darker, more dangerous nature? Or the fact that her more reasonable human side [what was essentially her, right?] was finally asserting itself? Did it recognize the clear threat to her sanity, her heart and soul? She winced at the last thought. No, she wasn't afraid of the last two at all. Except that maybe if her… instincts had been given free reign they would've been squashed and the embarrassment would've killed her. That's it. It was laughable to think he could be a threat to anything but her sanity. He wasn't affected at all by her new abilities it seemed, still thought her simply a nuisance and 'insufferable know-it-all.' That scene in the alley was a drunken mistake. Though when her impulses had made her kiss him in the hallway by his portrait, he had kissed her back for a full three seconds… And despite the snarky behavior afterwards, his words about still lingered. Him? Prey?

Was he calling her out about her stalking, or was it a subconscious admission on his part that he was huntable/felt captured by her? No, that'd be even more ridiculous than imagining he posed a risk to her heart. Him taken by her? Hypnotized? Him actually wanting her or her kiss or admitting a potential weakness? What had she been thinking? The misunderstanding was much more plausible. Her mind eased a little now she answered some of the more difficult questions. She delivered a spin kick to a dummy Death Eater and signaled for the program to shut down. She'd been at it for a few hours now, well, more like six or seven, and needed a meal and small break. The room could provide both, eliminating the potential risk of exposure to Snape and the risk of venturing out, she debated.

With that hunger so close to the surface, it would be ideal. But weighed with the knowledge that her friends would worry and come looking for her if they hadn't already, it gave her pause. They thought she didn't know about their 'honor guard' but once more they underestimated her and her abilities. She'd requisitioned the Marauders' map in secrecy, but they still had methods, people… Hissing, she ran a hand through her hair and trudged out, sticking her wand in the back pocket of her loose robe. But as she did, she belatedly realized that she might need to wash up. And a luxury bathroom appeared seconds later. 'Much more enjoyable than a spell,' she thought, pleased. And it gave her another excuse to delay in finding her friends for lunch.

Stripping slowly, still frustrated, she turned to step inside when she caught her reflection in the mirror. The sight still startled her, having worked to avoid looking all this time, wanting to believe she was yet her old self. Those eyes [she didn't consider them hers, exactly] stood out starkly against her angular face, a haunting reminder of what she'd become. Large, glowing gold orbs, hair that was honey mixed with russet and ruby tangled about her shoulders, a body that was so much thinner and leaner than she'd been used to for so long. She splayed a hand across her rib cage. How had she not noticed this much of a difference? Denial was truly a powerful thing. She'd never been overweight exactly, but her ribs had never jutted out from her skin before.

She angled her head, inspecting herself in the fogging mirror. It wasn't only weight-loss either. Her body was toned now, muscles sharply defined as they'd never been before, vitality humming from her skin. Not bad, she concluded. Just not her. But did she really miss her old self? The shadow everyone had overlooked? A shadow Snape overlooked? Her hands curled into fists at her side and she fought the urge to punch something. It didn't matter. Shouldn't matter. It was irreversible anyway. Stepping into the shower, Hermione let the water pound against her skin and time stopped as she washed her hair. The warm liquid permeating her body relaxed her muscles and a sigh slipped from her lips. Just what she needed. As her hands ran over her body, slick with soap, she pictured Severus and her hormones raged. 'Fun time.'

It was at least a half hour before she stepped out and wrapped herself in one of the fluffy white towels, still tingling from another sort of physical activity. Rubbing down her hair, it took another moment to realize her jeans and tank-top were gone. She grew agitated until she realized there was a little red dress in their place. Eyes widening a fraction, she remembered thinking she needed a cooler outfit to wear after her work-out. 'Be careful what you wish for, right?' she thought with bemusement. Especially as the Room of Requirement seemed to have a weird sense of humor at times. Part of her approved but the other part was shocked and appalled. That was worse than the shorts and camisole she wore so often due to her high temperatures. Maybe something that covered better and provided more mobility…

A red corset-like top that laced down the front appeared with tight leather pants sporting the same laces nearly up to the hips. She was about to complain that the leather might not be as cool, but she feared what the room would decide to provide her with next. "At least the laces make it a bit more… breathable," she murmured. 'It would be very easy to take off…' the voice in her head whispered back. She paused, blushing. "What?" 'Just try it,' it coaxed. 'One minute, I promise you'll like it.' Hesitating, she complied. Well, if it was just a minute… It wasn't her, but the effect in the mirror was stunning. She looked like a sleek jungle cat. 'One more thing.' "Hold on, why is this necessary?" 'Trust me.' Sighing, she applied the make-up, assessing the glossy pout and smoky eyes. 'Perfect.' Ok, now she was ready to face the world.

The reactions from those she passed in the hall were almost as entertaining as the ones she got strolling into Dumbledore's office [after getting her summons]. The wily old wizard was wearing a look between amusement and analyzing, her old Transfigurations teacher seemed scandalized but curious, her two friends stunned but interesting and Snape… all that was clear was the spark in his eyes. His brow barely even twitched. Somewhat anti-climactic. Until she saw his gaze trail hotly over her like Ron and Harry's had.

She hid a smile. 'See, it wasn't for nothing.' She didn't bother asking it why she was trying to impress Snape. He still thought her insufferable. He still scared her. 'Wait and see.' "You wanted to see me Headmaster?" The words poured out like warm honey and Hermione could almost feel the effect of it ripple through the room. "Simply concerned, dear girl. You've been one half the day." "Not gone… just occupied," she replied almost defensively. "I was… working off some intense energy with a little physical exercise." Her gaze lit on Snape and she thought of what she'd done in the shower. He looked away as if he knew what was on her mind. 'Victory.'

Glancing back to Dumbledore pointedly, she raised a brow. "Is that it? Are we done with the health check now?" He cleared his throat, shaking himself as if from a dream, "Yes, well I believe that answers that. Just please keep us informed next time." Hermione nodded and quickly turned to leave, hair swinging about her shoulders, though everyone else stayed still. "Voldemort is active again." That one sober statement from Harry stopped her dead in her tracks. She spun back around, hellfire in her eyes. "What?" Dumbledore stayed silent, and Ron was looking at the brunette as if he wanted to shut his friend up. Worried for her mental health again?

A deep growl rumbled out of her, lips pulled back into a snarl and fangs flashing. "Where?" Spoken in a low tone drawn out over several ice-coated syllables, it was something to inspire fear. "Hogsmeade. He's getting bolder with his attacks." Her breath escaped her in a hiss. Far too close to home. Harry was right, he was growing overly bold. Or simply foolish. "Casualties?" Clipped and to the point. "Over a hundred," the redhead finally replied in a tired and hollow tone, eyes glazing over. Right away she knew his brothers, with their joke shop, were gone. And maybe more of their friends. Her nails sharpened, biting into her palm, energy crackling around her. "Measures taken?"

"The Order has been briefed and Aurors have been dispatched to help the survivors. A few are following any leads." Her eyes, which had closed in difference to her friends' grief, slowly opened again. "And that's it? Why aren't we there chasing those bastards too?" The words burst out angrily. She remembered all too clearly her parents' murder and how little the Aurors had helped. "Hermione, there is not much that we can do at this point-" Dumbledore tried to calm her. "Bullshit! There's plenty we can do! There are specific tracking spells, known hide-outs-" "You are still in an unstable condition and Ron-" "Ron's fine! He has his magic back, and I'm sure he wants to see those responsible dead too!"

She looked back to the other 18-year-old, "Aren't you?" He barely had time to reply with more than a hesitant nod when she turned back to her former mentor, "And I am far from an 'unstable condition!' I feel better than I have in a long time!" "Hermione-" the old man tried again. "No! I'm done with this tip-toeing crap, I'm outta here. Anyone who has the guts can follow me." Nobody moved. "Fine, I guess I'm on my own." Eyes glowing so brightly they hurt to look upon, she stormed down the stairs and out the main doors, fully intent on facing the band of Death Eaters herself. She'll show them all up for underestimating her and bailing out on the chase. Safety didn't win wars.

Next Chapter:

She could've died then. She could've died in that hellish in-between place too. She never would've known what hit her. Never would've seen his face looking at her with concern or desire. Never would've felt the things she did for him, bad or good. Never would've touched him, or tasted him. 'If you care at all for any of them, you will end this before they get hurt. Before your hunger or your recklessness kills them.'