A/N: Yes, I know it is a very long chapter but, oh well… it's a good one. All the parts that start with a means Hermisia wrote it… k? Enjoy and review. Oh, and the -quotes- are my line breakers. If you don't like them, oh well, you didn't write the chapter now did you. Just kidding.
Chapter 8
Draco pushed Ginny against the wall. She felt so good. He buried his face in her neck and inhaled. Her scent of lilies intoxicated him, drowning out his senses. Nipping her jaw, he buried his hand in her silken red curls. Her moans of ecstasy only edged him on. He wanted her so bad his bones hurt. She whimpered as he trailed love bites from her jaw to her ear.
"Say you want me," he growled into her ear, biting her earlobe and smirking at her sharp intake.
"I…" she choked out as he grabbed her breast.
"Say it," he demanded as he ripped her shirt off.
"I want you," she growled, staring into his eyes and kissing him fiercely.
Draco shook his head, sat up, and rubbed the sleep from his eyes. He stood up and stretched his long body. He really needed to stop doing this to himself. Looking down at his large erection he sighed… jerk off or take a cold shower? Running his hands through her hair, he contemplated which one was the better decision. After contemplating for a few seconds, he freed his dick from his pants and, grabbing some lotion he had stashed away in his top drawer, he squirted some of it onto his hand. Savoring the lily scent of the lotion, he slowly stroked his manhood. Thinking of her tight wet sheath, he stroked harder… groaning loudly. His door flew opened and Draco quickly jumped under his covers. "What the fuck? Don't you people know how to knock?" he shouted.
"I believe the proper question, Draco, is don't you know how to lock your door?" Snape drawled, with a smirk on his face. "Really, Malfoy, isn't there some girl in the Slytherin house that would do you? Must you go solo?"
"Shut up," Draco snarled. "There isn't a girl in the Slytherin house that I haven't done and they are all boring. Why are you here?"
"Now, Godson, it won't do you any good to forget your manners," Snape said wagging a finger at him jokingly.
"Did you just make a joke?" Draco asked, momentarily shocked.
"Absolutely not," Snape huffed. "The headmistress wants to see you tonight at 11pm. Meet me at my classroom around 10:30… and try not to be late."
Draco watched in shocked as Snape rushed out, slamming the door behind him. He stood and started to walk to the bathroom still reeling from getting caught masturbating… of all the dumb luck. Well, at least it was only Snape and not Zabini or else he would have never lived that one down. Stripping off the remaining of his clothes, he turned the shower on to cold. Draco shook his head. I should have gone for the shower, he thought miserably as he stepped under the cold water.
-What do you do when your enemies are your friends?-
After the day Ginny had, she was glad to be sitting with a plate of food in front of her. She had definitely inherited the Weasley's appetite. Only Snape would do a pop quiz on a Friday so it was a good thing she had a knack for potions she thought, shaking her head. But then again, she couldn't complain only about Snape. It seemed that all the teachers had it out for her today. Professor O'Neil made her perform her patronus for the whole class to see and Flitwick assumed she would be the only one in her class to remember the charm he taught them yesterday. She was the only one, of course, but that was beside the point. Yes, roast turkey never looked as good as it did today. Cutting a piece and dipping it into some gravy, she moaned with delight.
"Geez, Ginny, stop that. You're making Seamus blush," Ron said, sitting down next to her. He grabbed a plate and began to fill it with food for himself. "Your first plate of the evening?"
"Second. You know that a girl's got to eat," Ginny replied, taking another bite. She moaned louder, just to annoy Ron, who just shook his head and stuffed a bite in his mouth.
"It must be good today," Harry said, plopping down on the other side of Ginny. "Second plate?" He, having the same idea as Ron, grabbed a plate and loaded it with food.
"Third," Ginny replied taking a bite of her roll. "You really worked me out during Quidditch." Smirking as Harry raised an eyebrow and Ron choked on his food.
"Hey guys," Hermione chirped as she sat down across from Ginny. "Looks good today. Number three, Gin?"
"Fourth," Ginny said through a mouthful of string beans. "All that studying we did today really worked my appetite." Hermione threw her head back and laughed, giving Ginny a good view of Draco Malfoy. Sighing, she popped a cheese biscuit in her mouth.
"Dear God, tell me you don't have the hots for Hermione?" Ron asked staring at his sister. She was unquestionably looking in Hermione's direction with a lovesick look.
"Huh, oh ya forget to tell you bout that. I was really hoping Hermione would tell you and all," Ginny said reaching across the table and grabbing Hermione's hand who was blushing a shade of red that would put Ron to shame. I hope this hides the fact of who I was really looking at and that Hermione just plays along. Much to Ginny's relief, her friend never said a word.
"Oh, well if that's what you want," Ron cleared his throat nervously. "But just to let you know, she nags an awful lot." He laughed and ducked from the biscuit Hermione threw at him.
Harry just smiled and continued stuffing his face. Ginny stole one more look at Draco. He was beautiful just sitting there playing with his food as if he had all the trouble in the world resting on his butch shoulders. Ginny licked her lips. She was certainly still hungry but not for food. Propping her head on her hands, she continued to stare while taking bites. What she would give for just one night, she thought. She watched as Pansy leaned over and whispered something into his ear. He looked up, noticed Ginny looking at him, smirked, and said something to Pansy who quickly looked away. Ginny tied her hair up and noticed him watching her. She smiled as she ran a slim finger down her neck before lowering the straps on her shirt. His eyes followed the movement of her fingers hungrily, staring at her lush bosoms. Blushing, she looked away only to find a pair of sky blue eyes staring back at her.
"What are you doing, Ginny?" Ron asked softly, his eyes jerking in Malfoy's direction.
"Seducing my girlfriend," she replied, blowing Hermione a kiss but not missing the shocked look on Draco's face, who seemed to think the kisses were for him.
"It's not working, seeing as how Hermione haven't removed her nose from the book she has been reading since the moment she sat down," Ron retorted.
"Well, you can't fault me for trying," Ginny sighed. "I best be going. I have lots of homework to get done before the break and I don't want to take loads home with me." Standing and picking up her bag, she said her goodbyes.
"Oh, Ginny, I almost forgot," Harry said handing her a letter.
"What's this?" she asked him, hoping it wasn't a love note.
"Don't know. McGonagall asked me to give it to you. And I know you were only trying to get on Ron's nerves." he whispered in her ear.
"What are you talking about?" she asked.
"You… Hermione… all an act. You've fooled your brother, but not me." Harry winked at her and settled back to finish his dinner.
"Oh, Ginny," Ron called, waiting for her to turn around and face him. "Don't forget to pack like you do every year… way too much." Laughing at the glare she sent him, he went back to his food.
Ginny shrugged and took the note, wondering what the Headmistress wanted with her. She walked toward her common room and noticed there were a lot more students in the hallway then usual. It was the day before they left for Christmas break after all. After a trying fight with the fat lady, who insisted that she kiss the first year standing under the mistletoe a foot away from her, she finally made it up to her bed. Lying down, she sighed as her head hit her comfy pillow. She pulled the note out of her pocket and opened it.
Ginerva Weasley, I apologize for the short notice but I must insist that you come to my office tonight at 11pm. The password is poison apples. Do not be late.
–Headmistress Minerva McGonagall
She frowned and reread the note. What could McGonagall want with her so late at night? Looking over to the clock she saw she had exactly three hours to get some of her holiday homework done. Groaning, she got to work, cursing the headmistress under her breath.
-I suggest you invest in some poison apples-
"Crucio," a voice shouted in the distance. Severus' body jerked. Pain… too much pain. His mouth opened to scream but no sound came out. Stop! Please make it stop! Laughter? Who could be laughing?
"Have you learned your lesson?" a voice snarled. Such a horrible voice. Afraid of more pain, Severus nodded.
"Answer me correctly," the voice shouted. Another bolt of pain racked through his already tortured body… muscles twitching. "Agree and it will all stop."
"Yes master," Severus whispered.
Snape uncurled from the ball he had folded himself into. His memories were becoming more and more graphic and it felt as if he were reliving them all over again. He had to figure out that potion. He had to think of a way to retrieve all the memories in one shot and not over a series of days. Grabbing his wand from his robes, he pulled a long silver wisp from his forehead and put it in a pensive. Wincing at his pounding headache and sore muscles, he decided that a warm bath wouldn't be such a bad idea. Standing up slowly, he walked to his desk and pulled a small flask out from on of the drawers. A little alcohol never hurt either. Glancing at his clock on the wall, he noticed that he still had about and hour and a half until he had to meet Draco and go to the Headmistress. Ok, a little bit of alcohol. Wouldn't do any good to show up piss drunk.
-One poisoned apple please-
Professor Lily O'Neil was still new to Hogwarts. Even though she had been here for a few months now, she was still very lonely. Yes, the other teachers were nice, well except for Snape, but she just wished they were a little younger. It was hard not having anyone to talk to. She sighed and leaned back in her chair, moving her curly brown hair from her face. It was ten minutes to 11pm and she had just finished the seventh year's essays on the proper way to kill a vampire. There were many talented students in that class but with the upcoming holidays they seemed to be slaking… except for Hermione Granger. Rubbing her hands against her chestnut eyes, Lily groaned. She missed home… her home in South Africa. Although born in Ireland, her parents moved and raised her with the wizards of the safari. She really wanted to sleep but not wanting to face Snape again, she figured she would just lie down and see if sleep would come on it's own. She knew it would not… it never did…. but she had to try. A tiny pop startled her from her musings.
"A message from the head mistress," a small house elf said, handing her a letter. Taking the letter, she marveled at how fast the elf disappeared. Really, they were very mystical creatures as she had never seen nor needed one when she was growing up. She twirled the letter around in her hands, wondering what the Head mistress could possibly want at this time of night. She opened the letter. She hoped it wasn't time consuming for she really did want to try and get some sleep.
Come to my office at 11. It is very urgent. The password is poison apples.
-Minerva
Must be important for Minerva to want her now, she thought, while tying her long curls up in a bun. She started to make her way down to the headmistress' office, wondering all the way about what was so urgent.
-Really I am only willing to pay two Knuts and no more-
Draco knocked on Snape's door and, after standing there for what felt like ten minutes, decided to go in. Looking around the room, he saw it was empty. Where was that man? He noticed a two empty bottles of whiskey lying on the desk and smirked to himself. Wherever he was, he was definitely going to need a sober up potion. Walking over to the professor's cabinet, he grabbed the potion and hurried out in search of Snape. Pausing when he heard a noise coming from the professor's private chambers, he contemplated if he should go in or not. Looking at the clock, he decided it was probably in their best interest if he did.
"Professor?" he called out as he entered the man's bedroom. Draco looked around when he heard no answer. Snape defiantly had taste, he thought, as he was expecting an all black bedroom. But the man had successfully blended mahogany, black, and sage together. For a man who appeared dull he certainly had good taste. Hearing water from the bathroom, he walked to the door to knock, but paused when he heard a sound.
"Hermione," Snape moaned.
Hermione? Draco thought. What the hell was she doing there with Snape? After clearing his throat, Draco called through the door. "Professor? We have to go soon if you wouldn't mind hurrying up in there." Draco heard a crash and a muttered curse. He knew Snape would not be too happy and decided to leave before his Godfather came storming out the bathroom.
-Come on in. Would you like an apple?-
Of all his rotten dumb luck. He had to get caught up in the bathroom when Draco showed up. Damn Granger and her long legs… and damn her lust for him. He saw a small hint of how the know-it-all felt about him and it surprised him… to say the least. Shaking his head, he threw on his robes. He was not looking forward to seeing Draco at that particular moment. He definitely didn't want to see Minerva either. Groaning, he entered his classroom… noticing Draco's back was to him.
"Here," the younger man said while throwing a vial to him. "I figured you would need that."
"Thank you," Snape muttered, looking down at the vial to see which potion it was. He smirked when he realized it was the sober up potion. Drowning the vial in one gulp, he winced at its awful taste. Feeling his senses become more alert, he looked over to Draco who was studying him with and odd expression on his face.
"What?" He asked, not used to being studied for such a long time.
"Nothing," Draco said, shaking his head and looking him over once more.
"Obviously something is bothering you. What… did I suddenly grow a mustache?" Snape's raised his eyebrow and brought one of his hands up to check his face for any sudden growths.
Draco just ran his fingers through his hair and pondered if it was worth bringing up… and partially wondered if Granger would walk out the door of Snape's bedroom at any moment.
"Granger sir," he said bravely. "You can tell her to come out."
"And where is it that she should be coming out of?" Snape asked with his eyebrows raised. He prayed that Draco didn't hear him in the bathroom.
"Wasn't she…I mean… I thought… I heard you say her name in the bathroom," Draco stuttered out, wondering why he had even brought it up.
"Well, she wasn't and will never be in my bathroom. So, let's go and put this nonsense behind us," Snape suggested as he walked to the door.
Draco followed quietly, not wanting to argue. After all, he was caught with his pants down early and certainly didn't want Snape to bring that up.
-Why the long faces? Did you not like your apples?-
Ginny hurried to the entrance of McGonagall's office. It was ten forty five and if she didn't hurry she would be late. But then again, she was late for almost everything. Wincing, as the words "Don't be late" came back to her, she realized that being late was definitely not going to put her in the good books today. She was running so fast around the corner that she didn't see the person before her. She slammed into the poor victim and hit the ground with a thud.
"What in the name of Merlin…" the other woman on the floor shouted. "Don't you look where you are going?" Rubbing her behind, the other person stood up slowly to look at her attacker.
"Sorry," Ginny mumbled. "I didn't see you." Pushing the hair from her face, she looked up to see whom she took out. She cursed herself when she realized it was Professor O'Neil. Great, her night was just getting better by the minute.
"Ginerva Weasley?" the professor asked. "What are you doing out of bed this late?" Crossing her arms across her chest, she stared down at the girl sprawled at her feet.
Ginny handed the other woman the note the Headmistress had given her, cursing slightly to herself. Standing up, she looked down at the watch on her hand. Damn it! It was five of eleven! She was never going to make it on time.
"Well, it seems we are going to the same place, Miss Weasley," O'Neil sighed. "Follow me and try to watch where you're going this time."
Watching the teacher walk away, it hit Ginny that maybe she should be following her. Running to catch up with her, she didn't see the puddle on the floor and skidded right into the arms of Draco Malfoy. Rolling her eyes and cursing her luck, she pushed off him only to stumble on the floor and brought him down on top of her. She felt the heat rush to her face. Malfoy had stretched his body along hers making her feel every muscle in his toned body. Lowering his head, he caught her lips in a soft kiss.
"Really, Miss Weasley, what is the deal tonight? First you take me out and now Mr. Malfoy," Professor O'Neil said, tapping her foot impatiently. Apparently, the professor had missed the small kiss.
"Yes, but unlike yourself, Malfoy seems to be enjoying it," Snape said behind her with a smirk on his face. Clearly, he DID see the kiss. "A little to much. Malfoy, get off Miss Weasley."
"What are you doing here, Professor?" O'Neil asked not hiding how annoyed she was.
"I could ask you the same question, Ms. O'Neil," Snape replied lazily.
Not missing the fact he didn't address her as an equal, Professor O'Neil just signaled for Ginny to follow and walked over to the entrance to the Headmistress' Office. She said the password and hopped onto the moving stairs. Ginny followed quickly, not wanting to be left alone with Snape and Malfoy… well, at least not Snape. What does Hermione see in him anyway? She thought to herself.
Draco headed toward the entrance when he felt Snape grab his shoulder to hold him back. Wondering what he wanted, he turned and looked at him with his eyebrows raised. Snape just smirked and nodded his head in the direction Ginny just went.
"If you don't say anything bout Ginny, Sir, I won't say anything about Granger," Draco sneered.
"Point taken," Snape replied and quickly walked off to the entrance.
-I planted a new apple tree in my back yard-
"I don't know what amazes me more, the fact that you all arrived at the same time, or the fact that you all arrived late," McGonagall said sternly to the four people standing before her.
"But we did get here," Draco quipped.
"Shut up, Malfoy," everyone said in unison. Draco looking slightly appalled about being yelled at by four people at one time so he decided it would probably be in his best interest to keep his mouth shut for the rest of the visit.
"Now, I'm sure you are all wondering why I have invited you here at this time," the Headmistress began. "Well, maybe not you, Severus. I guess I should start with the students. Ginerva Weasley and Draco Malfoy, you will be staying here for your Christmas Break. Your families have already been informed and understand the circumstances..."
"Sorry to interrupt you, Professor, but my only blood family is in Azkaban," Draco inserted.
"Yes well, I'm guessing you haven't heard the most recent news," she said as she glared at Severus, who seemed to have gained a sudden interest in the wall.
"Well, I was hoping I wouldn't have to do this now, but seeing that I have to…" McGonagall started, staring into Draco's eyes who was shifting a little uneasy. "Your father has escaped from Azkaban and though we do not know where he is, we didn't want to take a chance of him getting to you. So, I hope there are no objections for us keeping you here."
Draco cleared his throat and ran his fingers through his hair. He gave a quick nod of his head to show his agreement. Ginny, uncomfortable about hearing Draco's personal matters, shifted her weight from one foot to the other. Why the hell was she here anyway? Glancing over to Professor O'Neil, she could tell she was just as lost as she was. Well, thank goodness for that. At least she wasn't the only idiot in the room. Not that she was calling the Professor an idiot or anything. Sighing to herself, she figured she should stop while she was ahead.
"Not to be rude, Headmistress…but why are we all here?" Professor O'Neil asked studying the clock on the wall. "Especially at this hour?"
McGonagall's face tightened in a hard mask. She was not used to being talked to in such an uncouth manner. Snape noticed the expression on Minerva's faced and smirked. Oh these young ones, he thought to himself.
"Yes, well Professor, I need both you and Professor Snape here to talk about the events that will be occurring over the break. And, seeing that Miss Weasley is in your house, it is only proper to inform you of the need for her to stay over Christmas break," McGonagall said in a strained voice before turning to Ginny. "Do you have any objections to staying?"
"No," Ginny replied quickly, "As long as my parents are ok with it."
"I can assure you they are," the Headmistress said with a nod of her head. "Well, with that you and Mr. Malfoy can go. Professors, if you don't mind staying back a little longer." Draco and Ginny hurried out of the Headmistress's office as if it were on fire the minute they were dismissed.
"Now, Professor O'Neil, I guess it is time to fill you in," McGonagall said pointing to the chair she configured up for her.
-Take an apple I promise it will only kill you-
As soon as they left the stairs to the Headmistress' office, Draco pushed Ginny against the wall and kissed her passionately. Wrapping her arms around his neck, she ran her hands through his long hair… which she had pulled out of a ponytail. She melted into the kiss. Running his hands down the curves of her body, Draco sighed against her lips. Pressing their foreheads together and both gasping for air, she grabbed his face between her palms and placed a soft kiss on his lips.
"Draco," she whispered between kisses, savoring the feel of his lips on hers. She moaned as he wedged his erection against her, pressing up against her and spreading her legs.
"Tell me, did Potter ever make you feel like this?" Draco whispered against her ear and biting her lobe.
Ginny shuddered and tightened her grasp around his neck. She didn't answer his question because the answer was clear… Harry never made her feel like this. A gasp passed from her lips when he bit her neck. Silently, she willed him to never stop, enticing him with her hands. She opened the front of his robes, placing light kisses on his neck.
"Feel what you do to me," Draco groaned, grinding his hips against her and taking her lips once more.
"Really, Mr. Malfoy, you couldn't find a better place to do this?" Snape asked the lovers.
Ginny pushed Draco away from her in shock. She tried to run away but tripped over Draco's feet, landing on her knees and facing his crotch.
"What is going on here?" Professor O'Neil asked coming up from behind Snape. She saw Ginny on the floor in front of Draco.
"Ginny fell and I was just helping her up," Draco answered quickly grabbing Ginny's arms and lifting her to her feet.
Frowning, Professor O'Neil studied the teens before her. "She has been falling an awful lot lately." Ginny covered her face with her hands in mortification of being caught. Draco shifted uneasily not liking the smirk on Snape's face. "Ginny I'd like to come by my office around 10 am tomorrow," Professor O'Neil said covering a yawn. "I hope by then you and Mr. Malfoy will be done…oh and try not to trip on your way over dear."
Turning beet red, Ginny watched in mortification as Professor O'Neil turned and walked away. It didn't help that Snape had not stop smirking since the moment he found them either.
"Yes, well, why don't you escort Miss Weasley to her bed, Draco," Snape suggested. "Come by my office at 11am. I have some things I want to discuss with you." He turned to the direction of the dungeons and started to walk away.
Ginny, who was beet red, followed Draco to her Common Room. She was still a little frazzled from the heated kiss they had shared. How can he go on acting so unaffected? Draco hurried in front of Ginny, not wanting her to see the tent in his robes. He really needed to leave her alone. She was the last thing he needed right now what with his father's escape plaguing his mind. Pausing before the fat lady's painting, he felt her brush by him. Inhaling her intoxicating scent of lilies, he closed his eyes.
"Thanks for walking me," Ginny said as she pushed red curls from her face.
"We can't do that again," Draco strained out, taking in her hurt expression. "Just keep your distance from me and I will keep mine from you." He turned and walked away in the direction of his common room.
Ginny stared at his retreating back not knowing what had just happened. She scolded herself silently. Did she really think he would stay with her? Gosh, Ginny, you really weren't thinking this time, she thought as she entered her common room.
"Hey, how did it go with McGonagall?" Hermione asked from the chair she was sitting in by the fire.
"Well, it was odd," Ginny admitted, plopping down in the chair next to her. "She said I had to stay at Hogwarts for the Holidays and that it would all get explained to me soon."
Hermione frowned taking in what Ginny had told her. "Do you think it has anything to do with the Order?"
"I don't see how. It's not like I'm the right age or anything. But you know, anything is possible now a days," Ginny shrugged. "But you know what was weird? Draco Malfoy was with me in the office… along with Snape and O'Neil."
"Wow, she needed that many people to tell you that you were staying for the holiday break?" Hermione asked surprised. "I mean, I understand Professor O'Neil being there but Snape and Malfoy, really?"
"Ya, but Malfoy was being told he was to stay for the Holidays too," Ginny picked the up the book Hermione was reading and flipped through it. "It seems his father has escaped from Azkaban."
Hermione dropped the book she was holding. "Say that again, because for a minute I thought you said that Lucius Malfoy had escaped from prison."
"That's exactly what I said," Ginny smirked as she stared at the other girl's shocked expression. Hermione could really be dramatic when she wanted to.
"I have to tell Harry and Ron. They have to know about this," Hermione said as she walked to the staircase.
"I wouldn't bother with that, they would probably want to stay here and make sure nothing happened to either of us," Ginny called. "Do you really want to spent your holiday trying to avoid dumb and dumber?"
Hermione sat back down. "You have a point," she sighed.
"Besides, McGonagall is keeping Malfoy here to protect him from his father," Ginny said studying her nails and then looked up at Hermione with a small grin on her face. "Snape is staying, too." Hermione threw a pillow at Ginny's face. Laughing, Ginny caught it and threw it back. Giving her a mean look, Hermione punched her arm. Only to be shocked when Ginny punched her back.
"Oi, Ginny, don't kill Hermione. Maybe one day she'll change her mind and marry me after all," Ron called as he walked down the stairs from the boy's dorm.
"Shut up, Ron," Ginny laughed. "And just to let you know, she started it."
"I did not," Hermione huffed as she smiled sweetly at Ron. "I would never do a thing like that right, Ron?"
Ron threw his hands up in the air. "Don't bring me into this. I like my balls to stay where they are."
"What's all this talk about balls?" Harry asked as he descended the stairs into the common room.
Laughing, Ron turned to Ginny. "Done packing?"
"Haven't started," Ginny responded. "Matter fact, I'm not even going home for the holidays. Gonna stay here and get to know my future sister-in-law a little better."
"Stop playing, Ginny. Get your arse up to your room and start packing," Ron ordered in a very big brother voice.
"Language, Ronald," Hermione warned. "And Ginny was telling the truth. She will be staying her for the holidays. Your mother already knows."
"Bloody hell, does everyone know but me?" Ron asked Ginny angrily.
"I didn't know either," Harry quipped.
"Shut up, Harry," Ginny growled. "I didn't know until today, either. I just got back from McGonagall's office."
"Oh," Ron said. "Do you want me and Harry to stay back with you guys?"
"NO," Ginny and Hermione said together.
"Come on, Ron, they don't want us to stay," Harry laughed. "Probably going to do all girl things anyway. I mean, its not like they plan on seducing Snape and Malfoy and having wild crazy sex with them."
Ginny glance nervously over to Hermione who was doing her best to hide her shock. If Harry only knew how close he hit the nail he would probably kill them.
"I'm definitely staying now," Ron stated.
"No mate, you're not. Now, let's go to bed. We have to leave early tomorrow if we want good seats on the train," Harry said as he pulled a protesting Ron up the stairs to their dorm.
"Wow," Hermione said after a minute. "On that note, I think I'm going to call it a night. See you tomorrow."
Ginny said her good-byes and headed for her bed. She has had a very busy night.
-What, don't you trust me? I picked it from one of my apple trees-
Lily O'Neil had a headache the size of the Sahara desert. She really wasn't in the mood for the meeting she had arranged with Ginny Weasley, but she really didn't have a choice. Well let's hope she got over her little tripping problem last night, Lily mused.
"Hey Professor," Ginny said as she entered the classroom slamming the door behind her.
Lily winced at the loud noise. "Good morning, Miss Weasley."
Studying the girl who sat herself in the desk across from Lily's, she wondered how she would do this.
Swallowing, she started. "I'm sure you are wondering why it was so important for you to stay here for the holiday's and not be with your family."
"Yes," Ginny admitted after the professor had paused for a minute, wondering where this was going.
"I know this will be a lot to take in, but I want you to sit there and listen to everything I say before you talk, ok?" Lily looked Ginny in the eyes to express her seriousness. Ginny agreed nervously.
"The order needs your memories of Tom Riddle," Lily started ignoring Ginny's startled cry. "Professor Snape has developed a potion to release the memories and erase them from your mind… if you choose."
"How bad does the order need this?" Ginny asked softly hoping there was a way out of this.
"Desperately," Lily answered.
-What's wrong? Don't my apples taste delicious-
"I'm sure you know why I wanted to talk to you," Snape said to Draco when he entered his classroom.
"My father," Draco answered with a grim face sitting on a desk in the front of the room.
"That and one more thing," Snape said following Draco's example sitting upon his desk facing the younger man. "You have had a trying year, haven't you?"
Draco shifted in his seat, not entirely sure if he should answer his godfather's question or not. He cleared his throat and looked over to the wall of potion supplies. He was not ready to talk about all he had been through.
"Yes, well, that's not why we are here," Snape said noticing Draco's uncomfortable stance. "I need your memories of Voldemort."
Draco stared at Snape as if he had grown two heads, "Why in the world would you need them? It's not like I can remember half of them anyway."
"I'm sure you have heard of the Order of Phoenix," Snape started, he cleared his throat and looked as if he was thinking of the best way to say what was on his mind. "We don't want another Voldemort and your father is well on his way to being the new Dark Lord."
"I would do anything to destroy my father," Draco muttered darkly, his eyes glistened with hate. "But I'm afraid I don't know how to pull the memories from my mind if I can't really remember them."
"I have worked out a potion. It just needs some work. But, in a day or two, it should be ready. I will tell you when to meet me," Snape said standing up.
Draco sighed and also stood. "Good night, Godfather." He walked out the door with his shoulders hunched.
"Good night," Snape whispered as he watched the tired form of his godson leave the classroom.
What do you mean they have disappeared? Come in and tell me all about it and have an apple
(a/n: written by Hermisia for the simple fact that I didn't want to do it)
Hermione spent the first few days of Christmas break hanging out in her room. She only came out of her room for meals. Even then, she made sure that she ate her meal quickly and left again so she wouldn't have to look at a certain someone. She finished all her holiday homework early so she was left to just rereading most of the books she owned. Many times Ginny had tried to get her out and about but Hermione just wanted to be left alone to relax. The last thing she needed was to accidentally bump into him. She was trying to forget all about Snape and they way she felt whenever he was around. It was on the sixth day of break when she had had enough of her room and decided that a small walk around the castle wouldn't be such a bad thing.
She walked a few hallways, going into Head Girl mode the moment she stepped out of Gryffindor Tower, but ran into no one. The castle seemed quiet this year and she was glad of that fact. She was about to turn around and head back to her room when she noticed Snape coming out of a nearby classroom. She stepped into a dark alcove and secretly watched as he passed. He was mumbling something (she couldn't quite make out what) and kept rubbing his temples with his fingers. The only thing she heard was 'potion needs something' and 'need to figure this out and soon.' What potion was he talking about? And why was it so important to figure it out? As soon as Snape was out of sight, Hermione slowly crept into the classroom he had emerged from. It was the potion classroom. When did I get to the dungeons? She wondered to herself. She looked around and saw a piece of parchment on the professor's desk.
Cautiously, she walked over to the desk and looked down. It was the instructions on the memory finding potion they had worked on before break. I wonder what's wrong with it? What does it need? She read further and saw some notes at the bottom. In Snape's spidery scrawl was written 'why aren't the memories coming out at one time?', 'why are the memories more vivid while dreaming?' and 'need to find a way to release all the memories at once.' Hermione quickly reread the notes and hurriedly made her way to the library. She needed to help since she was the one to suggest they use herbs for euphoria. Maybe there was an herb that could be added to make the memories more accessible and all at once.
She walked straight to the Herbology section of the library and quickly pulled out a few books that she felt would be useful. About two hours later, she found a few herbs that could be of some use but there was only one way to find out. She'd have to bring up her findings to Snape and pray that he would accept her help… once again. She looked at her watch and noticed that it was nearing midnight. Well, I might as well clean up and head back to my room. I'll visit the Professor tomorrow. With a flick of her wand, the books were back in place. She rolled up her notes, on parchment that she had borrowed from the librarian, and made her way back to her room. That night, dreams of Snape and the way his head felt between her breasts, plagued her mind. It was a restless sleep but one that left a smile on the brunettes face.
-I've been thinking of opening an apple farm-
"Professor Snape, I was hoping to catch you before you left for breakfast," Lily called as she entered his classroom, seeing as he had just come out of his private chambers.
"And why would you require my attention so early in the morning?" Snape asked a little harsher then he meant to but hey, he never claimed to be a morning person.
"Early? It's past 9am and I have been up since 7," Lily huffed crossing her arms across her chest.
"Yes, well, how unfortunate for you," Snape said holding his head. "Now, I repeat, what do you need from me this early in the morning?"
"Just to know how that potion is coming," she inquired cheerfully flashing him a toothy grin.
"No, not yet," Snape sighed. "You're too cheerful right now and I am much to sober, so… if that is all you wanted, please leave."
"Really, Severus, has anyone ever told you that you are moody?" Lily walked over and slid her arm through his. "Let's go get some breakfast."
Snape looked down at her arm through his and then back to her face, catching her eyes. Removing her arm with a huff, she stamped her foot and walked to the door.
"Well, come on. You can't stay here brooding all day even if you are an intolerable prat," Lily called from the doorway.
Snape shook his head and made his way to the doorway. She really was an annoying chit.
A dozen poison apples for a galleon
Hermione woke the next morning feeling slightly flushed from her vivid dreams of Snape. She walked over to her bathroom and started the water in the shower. She quickly washed up, dried off, and dressed before heading out to breakfast. When she arrived in the Great Hall, the four house tables were transfigured into one long table. Ginny gestured for her to sit and she felt a wave of relief wash over her body as she made her way over to her best friend.
"Looks like you didn't get any sleep," Ginny stated as she poured Hermione some tea.
"I tossed and turned all night," she muttered back. She took a sip and closed her eyes as the tea warmed her up.
"Why?"
Hermione shrugged her shoulders. "I guess my dreams kept me up. But, before you ask, I can't remember any of them." She hated lying to her friend but she wasn't about to tell Ginny that all her dreams involved Snape in various positions. She shuddered at the thought but blamed it on the coldness of the castle.
"Alright, I won't press. You should eat something."
Hermione nodded her agreement. She went to grab some waffles when the doors opened. She looked up in time to see Snape briskly walk by and took a seat next to Professor O'Neill. She caught herself glaring at the young professor and mentally shook her head. Was she jealous? Why? She had no claim to him yet for some reason, seeing them together… and O'Neill smiling… made her insides turn. Hermione was no longer hungry and sat at the table… staring blankly at her plate.
Ginny put a hand on Hermione's arm. "You ok?" she asked.
Hermione forced herself to smile and looked at the red head. "Yes, I'm fine. I guess I'm just tired. I'm going back to the common room so I'll see you later?"
"Sure. Want me to bring something up to you to eat later?"
"Maybe some fruit?" Ginny nodded and Hermione stood and left. What she didn't notice was that Snape looked up at that moment and wondered where she was going. Shaking his head, he looked back to the other professor and put Hermione into the back of his mind.
-Of course, they died from eating my apple. They are poison apples you brought after all-
Ginny watched Hermione race from the Great Hall. What was that all about? She wondered. Shaking her head, she returned her attention back to her food. Her eggs looked amazing warm and oozing in cheese.
"Man, you Weasleys can eat," Draco said plopping down across from her loading a plate full of food.
"What happened to staying away from each other," Ginny asked with her eyebrows raised as she watched him stuff his face.
"Yes, well, seeing as no Slytherin stayed back and you are currently the only one eating, I figure I would give you company." He wiped his mouth with a napkin. "Had to fit in my one charitable act of the year, almost over you know."
Ginny rolled her eyes and went back to stuffing her face… ducking from the roll he threw at her.
"Didn't your mother tell you not to throw food," she said between bites.
"No, but the house elves did," he joked.
Laughing at his joke, she started coughing on her food.
"Didn't your mother ever teach you to finish the food in your mouth before you laughed," he quipped.
"Shut up," She muttered turning her attention back to her food.
I really don't know what the problem is? Just sit down and eat an apple
Hermione paced the common room for what seemed like hours but was only 20 minutes. Her notes from the previous night were clutched in her hand… disregarded for the moment. Finally, she took a deep breath and made up her mind to head out towards the dungeons to talk to Snape. She was acting foolishly and knew that whatever feelings she had for her professor were one way… hers to him. She had to squash this schoolgirl crush before it got out of hand. With a determined air… she made her way down. It only took her a few minutes… seeing as there was no rush of students now… and arrived at the potions classroom. She had no idea if he would even be here but she didn't know where else to look. She knocked on the closed door and waited.
"What is it?" came Snape's voice from the other side.
"Um… professor?" she said, trying desperately to not let her voice shake with fear.
The door opened and she steadied herself before she entered. She saw him at his desk… papers strewn everywhere. "What is it, Miss Granger?" he asked lazily.
"Well, I noticed that…" What? How could she tell him that she was snooping around and saw his notes on the potion?
"Miss Granger, I assume that you are down here to say something. If not, then you are wasting both of our time."
Hermione took another deep breath. "I noticed that you had some questions on the potion that we had worked on. I'm sorry if I've overstepped my boundaries."
Snape raised an eyebrow at her. "I see."
"It's just that… well… I went to the library last night and did a little research."
"I highly doubt that YOU did a LITTLE research… but, go on."
"I think I may have found an extra ingredient for the potion. It may help to extract all the memories at once instead of over time." She held her breath in hopes that he would want to hear what she had found out.
Snape seemed to take in what she said. "And?"
"I think if we add powered ash leaves, it may help. Ash leaves are used to refocus our thoughts so maybe they could help in refocusing on what the main objective of the potion really is."
Snape looked at her for a few seconds and she could have sworn she saw a small smile play on his lips before it disappeared as quickly. "Thank you, Miss Granger. I will… try… that."
It was all that she could hope for. She smiled, briefly, and relaxed… a little. "Thank you, Sir."
"Is there anything else?" he asked as he folded his hands on top of his desk.
"Uh… no, Sir."
"Well, then I assume that you have other plans…" he began.
"No, Sir." Why was she so hesitant on leaving? Could she ever get this man out of her mind or was she doomed to torture herself?
"Then, would you join me in adding the ash to our potion?"
Our potion? Did he actually say, 'our potion?' "I would like to," she said aloud. She followed her professor to his office as he brought the potion off his shelf and poured it into a waiting cauldron.
-I think I should get out the poison apple business, to many bodies, not enough ground-
Draco made his way to McGonagall's office. The day had finally come and, though he would not admit it, he was slightly terrified. He most certainly didn't want to remember anything about the Dark Lord no matter how useful it would be in bringing down his father. He also didn't want his father to go on not paying for what he did to his mother. No, his father would pay, even if he did have to relive everything he went through for the last 17 years.
"Dragon's Breath," he said when got to the gargoyle statue, wanting to get this over as soon as possible.
"Ah, your early. Good. I wanted you to go first anyway," McGonagall said when he came to the open door of her office. "Severus, close the door behind him."
This did nothing for Draco's nerves. Really, did the woman have to be so excited? Snorting to himself, he shook his head. Well, it wasn't her memories they were ripping out.
"Sit down, Mr. Malfoy," McGonagall said, conjuring up a chair for him. "Give him the potion, Severus, oh and Lily, could you keep a look out for Ginny? Wouldn't want her walking in the middle of this and getting scared.
"Relax, it only takes a few minutes," Snape said handing the wide eye Draco the potion.
Throwing the potion back, Draco thought he had never tasted anything so vile in his life. All a sudden screams ripped through his head… images of dead bodies, bright lights, and tortured screams assaulted him. Draco yelled for it to stop, scratching at his face. An evil laugh, a woman crying for her baby to be spared, begging her husband to save her son from the same fate resting on his shoulders. Hushed voices in the library, talks of the dark lord's return. His mother screaming for help, his father raping her, but yet not his father. A hand grabbing at the insides of his mind, reading his every emotion and thought. His body bending in torture, people laughing at him. One expressed angered, he had failed; the Lord wants to kill him. His father killing his mother, his father's snake eyes.
-I think I'll start a new business in burying the dead-
"Dragon's Breath," Ginny said to the gargoyle statue. She decided to walk up the stairs and take her time. Pausing at the top of the stairs, she heard a noise. Someone was screaming. Racing to McGonagall's office, she threw the door open only to be greeted with a screaming Malfoy on his knees, grating at his face.
"What are you doing to him?" She shouted, rushing forward to comfort him only to be grabbed by Professor O'Neil.
"His memories have been enchanted to cause great pain if they were to ever be extracted," the Professor explained to a shocked Ginny.
Breaking free from the Professor grasp, she rushed forward to Draco… drawing his twitching body close to hers. Stroking his face and arms she whispered soothing words in his ear. Suddenly, a long wisp of silver poured from his forehead, which professor Snape caught in a large jar like container. Draco went limp in her arms.
"Oh dear, I think it would be best if we got him to the hospital wing immediately," McGonagall said in a high-pitched voice.
Professor Lily agreed but told them to wait on Ginny till she got back. Ginny watched as she lifted an unconscious Malfoy with a wave of her wand and levitated him out of the office.
Ginny let Professor McGonagall lead her to a chair and sat her down. She accepted the small piece of chocolate that was handed to her. Munching on the chocolate, she thought over what she just saw and not liking any of the conclusions she got. Professor Lily reappear in record time and announced they could get started.
"Your turn," Snape smirked as he handed her the potion. "Bottles up."
A/N: (Hermisia speaking): I know this ended suddenly, but my friend as assured me that it will be explained in HER next chapter. My chapter will be all about Hermione and the upcoming Masquerade Ball. YES… finally… a chance for Hermione to do something other than act like a silly little schoolgirl. I hope you enjoyed this chapter and please… read and review or respond. Many thanks to all who did the last time and if you do this time I will personally respond back… if you leave a signed review. Much love to you all….