Chapter 4 ~ Changes, Changes
Hermione spent the rest of the morning in Dumbledore's office with Severus and Sybil. The Divination teacher was full of apologies and remorse, but it wasn't enough.
"Sybil, you attempted to cast an unforgivable on another staff member. Most of your previous hexes were thrown with drink involved, but you made a sober, conscious effort to harm the Spells Mistress. As you know, Unforgivables are immediate grounds for serving a life sentence in Azkaban," Albus said, his eyes dark.
Sybil let out a moaning sob.
"I will attempt to convince the Ministry to give you a lesser sentence…but it is likely you will have to spend a number of years there regardless. You should have held your temper, Sybil," the Headmaster said.
Despite being Sybil's intended target, Hermione felt horrible for the witch. Azkaban?
"Headmaster, I did say some things that were very hurtful to Sybil," Hermione said, "I might have driven her to it."
"A noble attempt at compassion, Spells Mistress, but wasted," Severus said silkily, his eyes resting on Sybil coldly. "It could have as easily been the Killing curse. They are all considered one and the same. She deserves Azkaban."
Sybil looked at Severus with wide eyes.
"How…how could you say such a thing, Severus…after all we've been through together…" the witch began.
"Sybil…we've been through nothing. I despise you and warned you all of your flagrant spell casting would catch up to you. You've overstepped your bounds on numerous occasions, and you've gone too far this time. You are getting what you deserve, and I for one am happy to see you go," the Potions Master said coldly.
There was a knock on the door. Sybil let out another sob.
"Come in," Albus said.
Two Aurors walked in.
"We are here for Sybil Trelawney," one of the Aurors said soberly, looking from Hermione to Sybil. He looked back at Hermione, eyeing her for a moment before his eyes fell back on Dumbledore. Quite a pretty little witch there.
Albus nodded toward Sybil.
"This is Professor Trelawney," he said, his voice sounding old and tired as he turned over his Divination teacher of many years to the Aurors.
Albus wondered if he shouldn't have let her go years ago. But the witch had no one. He didn't want to turn her out into the world alone. Now he realized he had made a mistake.
The Aurors walked over and helped the sobbing witch to her feet. One Auror pulled out his wand and placed shackles on her hands and feet.
"Oh, is that really necessary?" Hermione asked, her eyes glistening at Sybil's plight.
"Standard procedure," the Auror replied as Severus handed him Sybil's wand.
The Auror snapped it in half, Sybil crying out as she saw it.
"Can you at least disillusion her, so the students won't see her leaving in chains?" Hermione implored.
Severus looked at her narrow-eyed. Typical Gryffindor.
The Auror looked at Hermione for a long moment.
"All right," he said, casting a disillusionment spell on the witch. Sybil disappeared, a slight shimmer the only proof she was still there. "But only because you asked me so sweetly."
Severus rolled his eyes.
"Thank you," Hermione replied, blushing a little.
"Sybil, I will be at the Ministry this afternoon to see if I can influence them. I can't promise you anything, my dear. I am so sorry to see you come to this," Albus said, his blue eyes dark with sadness.
Sybil sobbed in answer, then the Aurors led her out.
Severus let out a sigh and leaned back in his chair, a very smug and satisfied look on his face. Finally Sybil Trelawney was out of his life for good.
Hermione, on the other hand, looked stricken. She had someone sent to Azkaban, possibly for life. Why hadn't she just kept her mouth shut? Then Sybil wouldn't have tried to cast the curse on her.
Albus looked at the witch sympathetically.
"It's not your fault, Hermione. Sybil knew Unforgivables meant Azkaban," he said to the Spells Mistress.
"Yes, but if I hadn't goaded her…" Hermione began.
Severus let out an exasperated sigh. He didn't want to hear all this senseless self-incrimination.
"Miss Granger…I was there. Sybil goaded you and when you told her what you thought, rather than respond in like manner she chose to try and hex you when your back was turned. With an Unforgivable no less. You are not at fault so shut up about it," he said coldly. "It's over with."
Hermione frowned at the pale wizard.
"You're just happy she's gone," she said to the wizard.
"Happy isn't the word. Ecstatic is a more fitting description, Miss Granger," Severus replied with a dark smirk. "I must say it is an emotion I haven't felt for a very long time, and I have you to thank for it."
The Potions Master stood up and gave Hermione a little bow, the witch scowling at him. He then turned to face the Headmaster.
"I take it you have no further need of me, Headmaster?" he said to Albus, who waved him off.
The wizard cut his eyes toward Hermione once more then exited Albus' office.
When the door closed, Hermione looked at the Headmaster.
"Professor Snape really is a piece of work," the witch said, still scowling. "He's really glad Sybil's gone to Azkaban."
"Yes, he is," the Headmaster agreed. "Sybil was an aggravation to the wizard to be sure. I did my best to keep him from doing her harm. I never thought the witch would end up causing her own downfall."
Hermione looked thoughtful.
"Well, he did protect me from her," the witch said, "So he can't be all bad."
The Headmaster looked at the witch.
"Most likely his response was reactionary, rather than noble, Hermione," the Headmaster said. "Severus rarely extends himself for anyone, unless there is some benefit in doing so."
Hermione considered this. The Headmaster was probably right. No need trying to attach anything noble to Professor Snape since his spying days were over. He had done nothing for anyone since. Then Hermione realized something. She hadn't thanked the wizard for stopping Sybil.
Well, she'd do it later. He probably would just grunt at her anyway, if that. Hermione looked at Albus.
"If that's all, Headmaster, I need to go. Have to visit my parents for lunch. Mum hates it when I'm late," the witch said.
"Yes, that is all, Hermione. I only hope you don't blame yourself for this. As Severus said so bluntly, Sybil brought this all on herself," he said softly.
Hermione nodded.
"Yes, sir," she replied, exiting the office.
It was going to take a little while to let all of this sink in. Sybil getting sacked would be one thing…but going to prison…that was what was so hard to take in all this. Hermione was more of the mind that Sybil needed psychological help rather than Azkaban, but there were no wizarding psychoanalysts. A muggle psychiatrist would have her on drugs the minute the witch started talking about the magical world.
Hermione sighed at all the drama of the day. As she made her way down the shifting staircases, she knew there would be even more drama went she saw her parents. She headed back to her rooms to get her traveling cloak.
"Well mum, this is it," the witch said to herself as she headed up the corridor into the main hall and out the main doors to the grounds.
She felt a bit as if she were heading for sentencing.
*************************************
"Where is she? It's five minutes after twelve and I told her lunch was to be served at precisely twelve noon. I swear, Hermione is just so thoughtless," Jane Granger seethed, pacing back and forth in front of the dining room table.
Hermione's mother was short and chestnut-haired just like Hermione, but she had blue eyes. She was also rather stout in middle age, just the way John Granger liked her. Hermione's father was a big, broad man, six-foot in height, with thick blonde-grayish hair, amber eyes and a big, slightly hooked nose. He was seated at the table, watching his wife stalk back and forth, working herself up as normal.
John was a rather quiet man. He had to be, otherwise Jane would be all over him. He found out over the years it was better to let his wife rampage then try to reason with her. Jane believed she knew the answers to all the world's ills, if people would just listen to her advice and follow through. She was an excellent dentist, however. Her patients knew to listen to her…or else.
Suddenly the front door opened and Hermione walked in, her hood up.
Jane stopped pacing and immediately put her hands on her hips.
"Oh, so you finally made it, young lady. The food is lukewarm now, thanks to your tardiness," Jane said, frowning at her daughter. "Now get over here and sit down. I'm starving."
Hermione lowered her hood and her mother gasped.
"Hermione Jane Granger! What did you do to your teeth?" her mother demanded, appalled. "I thought we agreed that you would not use magic to straighten them."
Hermione sighed and looked at her mother before crossing the flat and sitting down at the table. Jane sat down across from the witch, studying her face and hair.
"What have you done to yourself?" her mother asked her.
"I got tired of looking like a one-browed, bucked-toothed troll, mum. I got a makeover," Hermione said, looking down at the greasy fish and chips. She couldn't eat that.
"A troll? A makeover? Hermione, what has gotten into you? Nothing was wrong with the way you looked. You looked fine. Now you look like some kind of …well…hot little piece," her mother said. "How will men respect you for your mind, looking like that?"
Hermione didn't say anything, and she didn't eat. John Granger was looking at his daughter. Personally, he thought Hermione had done admirably following their directives for all these years without much visible improvement in her teeth. He also thought she looked good, damned good. He cut his eyes at his wife for a moment, then looked down at his food.
"Mum, everyone respects me for my mind, but laughed at me because of how I looked. You have to admit I was a fright," Hermione said, still not eating.
"You were…natural," her mother said.
"I'm natural now, mum. I just had my teeth fixed and my unibrow separated. My hair is all natural as well," Hermione replied.
"You call using magic natural?" her mother spat at her.
"For me? Yes, mother…being that I am a witch, magic IS natural. It's about time I took advantage of it. I look good and I feel good now. You should be happy for me," Hermione said, then she looked down at her plate. "I can't eat this mum."
Jane glowered at her.
"What do you mean you can't eat it? You've always eaten my fish and chips. What, now that you've prettied yourself up you're too good to eat my cooking?" her mother asked her, frowning blackly.
"No, mum. It's not that. It's just that it's too greasy. Greasy foods make my skin blotchy," Hermione said, "See the improvement? That's because I've cut back on it."
Jane sniffed.
"After I've gone through all this trouble," she said, sounding hurt and trying to make Hermione feel guilty. The witch didn't.
"I can't eat it, mum," Hermione said again.
"Fine," her mother said, jumping up and snatching the plate of food from Hermione and storming off into the kitchen. Hermione looked at her father, who sighed.
"If it's any consolation, I think you look wonderful. I don't blame you for fixing your teeth, kitten. You tried to do it our way for years. Smile for me," he said.
Hermione gave him a smile.
"Whoever did it did a fine job," her father said, smiling at his daughter.
Hermione stood up and walked over to him and gave him a kiss on the cheek. Her father blushed.
"Thanks, dad," the witch said, love shining in her eyes. "I wish mum was more supportive."
"Your mum just has a hard time letting go, Hermione. She loves you but doesn't want to admit you're all grown up. Every independent move you make takes you farther and farther away in her opinion. This is her way of trying to keep you close," her father said as Hermione returned to her seat.
Jane Granger returned, carrying a bowl of lettuce, tomato, cheese and ham. She slid it in front of Hermione.
"Here. This won't ruin your complexion," her mother said, sitting down and scowling at her. "I only added a touch of vinegar and oil along with some herbs."
"Thanks mum," Hermione said, smiling at her mother.
She might not like the changes Hermione made, but at least she was being supportive in a snarky kind of way.
Jane looked at her hair.
"Your hair is so curly. Maybe you should straighten it a bit," she suggested.
"Maybe," Hermione said, digging into her salad.
Hermione wasn't going to touch her hair. It was fine as it was.
"I still wish you would have continued using the retainer," Jane said, looking at her mouth.
"Mum, eight years is long enough, really," Hermione said, "You say you want grandchildren. How am I supposed to give them to you when no wizard would come anywhere near me? They probably thought I'd bite their lips off if they kissed me."
John brought a napkin to his mouth to hide his grin. But his eyes were smiling and Jane scowled at him.
"Don't encourage her, John," Jane said.
"All right dear," John replied, mirth in his voice.
Jane sighed. Her husband was no help. She looked back at her daughter, who was smiling at her father. She really did have quite a pretty smile. Hermione didn't smile often when her teeth were bucked. Maybe it was good she had it done. She seemed happier.
"Ah well, it's done now. I suppose it's irreversible," Jane said wistfully.
"Definitely," Hermione responded.
Like she'd ever change back.
Jane studied her daughter for a moment, then shrugged.
"It'll take a little while, but I suppose I can get used to it. Anything that moves me closer to becoming a grandmother can't be all bad," Jane said, smirking a bit as she cut a piece of fish and ate it.
Hermione felt all warm inside. Her mum had accepted the change with a minimum of fuss. Thank the gods. Happily she tucked into her salad, thinking this was the best visit she had with her parents in a long, long time.
Sybil was delivered to the Ministry and booked, the two Aurors handing her over to be processed, then going their separate ways. The tall, brown-haired, brown eyed Auror who disillusioned Sybil at Hermione's request looked thoughtful as he walked down the corridor towards the break room to have a well-earned cup of coffee. Obviously the pretty, curly-haired witch he encountered in the Headmaster's office was a staff member of Hogwarts. Not only was she pretty, but compassionate. Compassion was a nice trait in a witch. In anyone, really.
The wizard was just about to turn into the break room when someone hailed him.
"Hey Justice!" a black-haired Auror called to him, "Want to stop off at the Three Broomsticks for a drink after work tonight?"
Justice Forall looked at his fellow Auror for a moment.
"No, I have something else in mind for tonight, Jason. Maybe tomorrow night," he replied.
"All right then," Jason said smiling and walking off.
Justice entered the break room where a fresh pot of tea was waiting for him. The wizard fixed himself a cup then folded his tall frame into one of the chairs that surrounded a number of white tables and thoughtfully took a sip. He wanted to know who the witch was, if she were married or single, and if single to find out if she might consider going out on a date with him. There was only one way to do that.
Go back to Hogwarts this evening and make inquiries.
Hermione returned to Hogwarts in good spirits. When she entered the castle the students all looked at her curiously, but she didn't seem to notice or care as she made her way down the dungeon corridor. Someone was walking ahead of her. She squinted her eyes. It was Professor Snape. He seemed to be reading something as he walked. Thinking to get her thanks out of the way, Hermione quickened her pace. Normally, she wouldn't have been able to catch up to the Potions Master before he reached his office. The wizard took long strides when he walked, but since he was reading, his pace was slower. Hermione managed to get within ten meters of him when the Professor suddenly spun, his black eyes looking at her rather accusingly.
"It is never good to run up behind me, Spells Mistress," he said in a low, dangerous voice, his eyes glittering. "Please keep that in mind so there will be no…accidents."
Hermione swallowed at the predatory look on the Professor's face. The wizard turned and started to walk again. Hermione skittered to catch up.
"Um Professor, I just wanted to thank you for stopping Sybil from hexing me," she said to the wizard, who looked at her sideways, scowling.
"It was purely reactionary, Miss Granger," he responded. "She might have hit me instead of you, she was in such a state."
That really wasn't the case. The Professor had purposely protected Hermione, simply because her back was turned. If the witch had been facing Sybil and able to draw her wand, he wouldn't have interfered at all. But he didn't want Hermione thinking he had done something noble. He had just got rid of one fawning witch. He didn't want another on his pale hands. Not even one as curvaceous as the Spells Mistress.
Hermione frowned at him for a moment. Selfish git. But still…he had inadvertently kept her from getting Crucio'd.
"Still, thank you," she said rather stubbornly.
Severus stopped walking and turned toward the witch.
"If you really want to thank me, Spells Mistress, then when I come to your labs to be poked, prodded, pinched and the gods know what else, you will try to make it relatively painless," he said silkily.
Hermione looked at him perplexed.
"What are you talking about, poked, prodded and pinched?" she asked the dark wizard, her brow furrowed.
Severus stared at her a moment. Was it possible she didn't know Albus had assigned him the task of lab niffler?
"Yesterday Albus informed me you would be using me to test the Dark Mark. That cadaver limbs were no longer suitable and you needed some living flesh to diddle with," the wizard said, watching for her reaction.
"Oh Albus," Hermione breathed, clapping her hand to her forehead for a moment. Then she looked at the pale wizard.
"I told him that yes, I couldn't go any further with the dead limbs, but I never asked for you, Professor," Hermione said.
"Very few do, Miss Granger," he replied, quirking an eyebrow at her. "Despite the fact you didn't ask for me…you now have me…regardless how I feel about it."
Hermione didn't want a test subject under duress or one as snarky as the Professor. It would be difficult enough work without him bitching and moaning and asking all types of questions as she worked.
"Perhaps I could find someone else more…er…willing," Hermione said.
Severus looked at her.
"How many deatheaters do you know, Spells Mistress?" he purred at her.
Hermione looked thoughtful.
"Well, there's Lucius Malfoy…" she began.
Severus snorted.
"Lucius would no sooner allow you to touch him than the Giant Squid," Severus replied, "His opinions about muggle-borns haven't changed. He would never work with you."
"Maybe…maybe a prisoner from Azkaban," Hermione suggested.
Severus shook his head.
"Too much trouble with secrecy and security. Plus the Ministry is not willing to help with transport or lend Aurors to watch them," the Potions Master said.
He was getting the distinct impression that the Spells Mistress did not want him for a subject. For some reason he found that appealing.
"There has to be some alternative other than you," Hermione said, a little desperately.
"Well, if you can think of one, let me know," the wizard said, turning and heading for his office again. "Otherwise, I expect you to give me notice before you bring me into your chamber of tortures."
Severus let himself into his office and closed the door behind him, leaving Hermione standing in the corridor looking after him.
Chamber of tortures? Is that what he thought her lab was? Hermione scowled blackly. The gods only knew what horrors he brewed up in his lab.
Shit. She had to talk to Albus. Severus Snape was the last person she wanted to work with.
Albus told Hermione pretty much the same thing he told Severus. He was the best option, and he was who she would be working with. End of story. Completely miffed, Hermione walked down the spiral staircase and ran right into Justice Forall, who was coming to ask the Headmaster about her. The tall Auror looked down on the witch.
"Good evening," he said smiling at her.
"Hello," Hermione said, obviously distracted. Then she looked up at him in recognition. "You're one of the Aurors who took Sybil this morning."
Justice nodded.
"Yes I am. My name is Justice. Justice Forall," the wizard said.
"I'm Hermione Granger," Hermione replied, wondering about his odd name. "How is Sybil?"
"She's fine. The Headmaster came down and spoke in her behalf. She has to do three straight years in Azkaban. She's very, very lucky," Justice said.
"Three years," Hermione breathed.
That was much better than a life sentence. She looked up at the Auror again.
"Well it was nice meeting you, Mr. Forall. I've got to head to my rooms now and get ready for supper," Hermione said, starting off. Justice turned and followed her.
"Um, Miss Granger," he called to her. Hermione stopped and turned to face him.
"Yes, Mr. Forall?" the witch responded.
Justice looked a bit awkward.
"The reason I came back here tonight was to try to find out if you were married or not, because if you aren't, I would like to invite you out to dinner," the Auror said, turning a bit red.
He certainly didn't have the confidence of Marcus Delaluci, though he was just as handsome in Hermione's estimation.
"To dinner, Mr. Forall?" she asked him, a little knot of apprehension forming in her belly. This was, in her opinion, the first time a wizard was asking her out seriously. Marcus didn't count.
"Yes," the Auror said, swallowing a little. "Nothing too fancy mind you…just a casual dinner. I would really be honored if you said yes."
Hermione looked up at the wizard. She knew nothing about him except he was an Auror for the Ministry. But that was good, wasn't it? It meant he was of good character and unlikely to act badly. But then again, what witch knew what she was getting into before she accepted a date? Dates were the way you got to know a person, weren't they?
"When would you like to go out, Mr. Forall?" she asked him.
Justice looked a little more hopeful now.
"Would this Friday be all right? If you have another date, we could make it next Friday," he said, trying to be accommodating.
Hermione smirked. Obviously he thought she dated often. Justice had no idea he was the first wizard who ever asked her out.
"I think, Mr. Forall, that Friday would be fine," the witch replied.
Hermione was scared, but excited. She wanted to go out. An Auror seemed safe enough for a first date.
Justice beamed broadly. He had a very nice smile. Hermione couldn't believe how happy the wizard looked at her acceptance.
"All right. I will pick you up here at seven o'clock Friday night. As I said, it will be casual. Do you like seafood?" he asked as they both started walking toward the shifting stairs.
"I love seafood," Hermione replied.
"Great, so do I. I know the perfect place," the wizard said enthusiastically.
Hermione smiled up at him.
Justice escorted Hermione down the dungeon corridor to her rooms. Severus was about to walk out of his office door, saw them and pulled it back, cracking it and peeking out. Wasn't that the Auror who took Sybil away this morning? Yes it was. He was back.
Severus shook his head slightly. Some wizards would hit on a witch no matter the circumstances. Imagine using an arrest as a common jump-off point. And obviously by the way she was smiling, Hermione had leaped.
"All right, Miss Granger. I will pick you up at seven on Friday night," Justice said. He hesitated for a moment, then lifted and kissed her hand. Hermione fought back a giggle as his warm lips softly met her flesh.
"Goodbye, Mr. Forall," Hermione said, drawing her kissed hand up into her chest and letting herself into the room, the Auror watching her with a huge smile until she closed the door. Then he pumped his fist.
"Yes!" he said out loud, then strode down the corridor, humming.
Severus let him get a ways down before he exited his rooms. He was scowling slightly. That Auror was handsome enough, but probably had as much in common with Hermione intellectually as a flubberworm. But most likely the witch wouldn't be thinking with her brain when out with the wizard.
It wasn't hard to tell that Hermione Granger was most likely untouched. She hadn't been an attractive witch, and very devoted to her studies. Now all the restraint was bound to pop wide open, and so were her legs when the first wizard got her juices going. She had no idea she was like a sheep walking into a forest full of hungry wolves, all ready to take a chunk out of her.
Well, that wasn't his affair. Miss Granger could get gangbanged and it would make no difference to him, so long as she could still use that big brain of hers to work on the Mark, hopefully with as little pain as possible. Again, he felt it was his misfortune to be foisted on the witch while she went through late puberty.
The wizard sighed. Still he had to do it. With a billow of robes he turned right into the main hall, scattering a few startled students before turning down the corridor that led to the staff entrance to the Great Hall. The moment he entered, the Potions Master was descended upon by Minerva and the rest of the female staff.
"Severus, what happened to Sybil?" Minerva demanded of him as he sat down and looked up at the anxious witches, scowling.
"She's been sent to Azkaban, hopefully for the rest of her life," he responded, then ordered his meal as the witches gasped.
"Whatever for?" Minerva pressed.
"Can't you ask Albus about this?" Severus said. He didn't want to be rude to Minerva…she had known him since he was a student at Hogwarts, plus she was the Headmaster's paramour.
"He won't tell us anything," Minerva said, looking toward Albus, who was eating tomato soup and holding his beard out the way.
"Maybe there's a reason for it," Severus responded as his food appeared. He had slices of braised goose, rice with gravy and asparagus. A large glass of wine appeared next to it. "As you can see, I'm celebrating my new freedom," he purred at Minerva.
The witch went thin-lipped for a moment, then continued to press the wizard, who put his fork and knife down in exasperation.
"Fine. Sybil tried to cast the Cruciatus curse on the Spells Mistress when her back was turned and I stopped her with an Expelliamus spell. Now may I eat please?" the Potions Master said, his brows drawn together blackly. It really wasn't a request.
The witches all moved back to their seats, cackling among themselves as to why Sybil would do such a thing.
"I always thought Sybil was one egg short of a full dozen," Pomona said, sniffing slightly. The other witches readily agreed and quickly launched into an animated discussion of all Sybil's faults.
Severus heard them and shook his head.
"Bunch of old buzzards…mauling Sybil's warm carcass," he thought, slicing into his goose, swirling it in gravy and popping it into his mouth.
Ah, so good. It tasted even better now that he could sit and eat in peace without a pair of magnified dragonfly eyes staring holes through him. He sighed rather happily.
Bless Hermione Granger's righteous indignation.
With Sybil's sudden departure, Albus found himself without a teacher for Divination class, and had to rotate teachers until he found a replacement. Sybil didn't keep a lesson plan and winged it for the most part, so the substitutes had nothing to work with and had to wing it as well, using books for ideas.
Every teacher taught at least one class, of which Severus was by far the worst instructor. In his class he had the students try to predict how many points he was going to take from them when they got the answer wrong. A catch twenty-two if there ever was one, but at least Albus took him off the rotation which was what the snarky Professor was aiming for in the first place.
Hermione's new look soon grew old, and the witch was able to return to her spell work with some slight changes. Now when she walked the corridor loaded down with books, usually several older male students would come to her assistance, fighting over the tomes and the winners carrying them, pages all askew, down to her lab for her, then trying to lounge about. She sent them straight off, the young wizards protesting heartily as she told them she had work to do.
The witch set about getting her notes and research in order. Since she had to work with Severus, she thought it would be easier to do if the wizard had some idea what she had accomplished and what she hoped to accomplish with a living test subject. Dead limbs couldn't describe what they were experiencing. She needed someone who could react to her experimentation and give her information about those reactions. More than that, she needed someone who could answer a summons.
The Professor was going to absolutely love that, she was sure.
Severus tossed and turned in his sleep. He was dreaming, but gods he hadn't had a dream like this in a very long time. He was fucking the shit out of someone against a dungeon wall. He couldn't see who it was but the witch was shrieking like a banshee. In reality, the wizard had a death grip on his cock and was working it to a frenzy in his sleep. Suddenly he came with a groan, but didn't wake up just then.
In his dream, the witch slid down off the wall and looked up at him with glistening amber eyes…
"Gods, Professor…" she said in a husky but horrifying familiar voice.
The Potions Master sat straight up in the bed, blinking and looking wildly around the room.
"Wha…?" he began, then felt the stickiness all over his loins and looked down.
He had come all over himself. He hadn't done that since he was a student at Hogwarts. Severus scowled and slid over, discovering as he reached for his wand on the nightstand that his hand was all sticky too.
"Circe," he hissed, grabbing his wand and scourgifying himself then the bed sheets. He put the wand back and slid back over into the bed, lying down on his back and staring up at the ceiling. He hadn't had sex in quite a while, but still…he shouldn't have dreamed what he dreamed. He shouldn't have. There was no reason to.
"No, that couldn't have been who I thought it was…it's madness," he said to himself, "Pure unadulterated madness."
He rolled over and tried to push the dream out of his mind.
Sleep was a long time coming.
Friday evening rolled around and Justice picked Hermione up promptly at seven. He was dressed in a striped brown and white dress shirt, a brown blazer, belt, brown Dockers and brown shoes. Hermione was dressed in a knee length, long sleeved slightly flared cream print dress, covered in autumn leaves. She wore brown low heeled shoes and a brown cloak. No jewelry. She hadn't yet purchased any. It was actually autumn and the nights were getting cooler. Her curling hair fell softly around her shoulders and smelled of Jasmine. Justice looked at her appreciatively.
"Wow, you look absolutely lovely," the Auror breathed, offering Hermione his arm as she blushed at his compliment.
"Thank you," she said shyly.
Justice walked her up the corridor and into the main hall. Marcus Delaluci came striding from the DA corridor just in time to see Hermione leaving with Justice. His violet eyes narrowed. So the witch was dating now, eh? He checked Justice out. Handsome bloke. Ah well, Marcus could bide his time. It didn't matter if he wasn't first, as long as he was in line.
Marcus was on his way out to hit the Knock-Knock club. He wanted to get there early while ladies were still drinking free. He could hit on them without having to spend any money for at least two hours. If he were lucky, he would have seduced one before the drinks started costing galleons again. He let Justice and Hermione precede him, then followed them out.
"So where are we going tonight, Mr. Forall?" Hermione asked him, trying to make small talk. She felt awkward being out with a strange wizard she knew next to nothing about.
He looked down at her, thinking how pretty she looked in the moonlight.
"It's a surprise," he said, patting her arm.
They exited the gate and Hermione turned to him, expecting them to apparate, when the wizard reached in his pocket and pulled out a tiny broom. Then he pulled out his wand.
"It's such a lovely night, I thought we'd fly there," the wizard said, flicking his wand at the broom. It grew to proper size. It was a third generation Firebolt.
"I…I'm not completely comfortable with flying," Hermione began.
Justice smiled at her as he mounted the broom and offered her his hand.
"I'm an Auror, Miss Granger. I am trained in transporting people on brooms. You'll be fine," he said persuasively.
Hermione hesitated, then mounted the broom side-saddle, Justice pulling her back so she nestled against his strong body. Hermione felt all fluttery inside as she felt his warmth and his arms on either side of her protectively as he gripped the broom. The Auror pushed off smoothly, but Hermione still gasped and leaned back against him even harder.
Justice grinned. Going by broom gave him an opportunity to get close to her. As they flew, he sniffed Hermione's hair surreptiously. It smelled wonderful…like flowers. Jasmine.
"Now, this isn't so bad, is it?" Justice asked her as they flew past the full moon. It was beautiful and Hermione felt as if she could reach out and touch it. She felt safe surrounded by the Auror's strong sure arms.
"No, it really isn't," she agreed. She wasn't cold either. Justice must have cast a warming spell as well.
Presently they came to an area filled with tiny lights…a town. A large lake bordered it. Justice angled the broom down and they landed in front of a little rustic looking restaurant right on the edge of the lake. Justice reduced the broom as Hermione read the name of the restaurant.
Charlie's Seafood
It was a quaint little place, rather small, but had a large deck with picnic type tables and torches ringing it. There was a pretty view of the lake, lights twinkling on the other side of the water. There were a few patrons eating. It smelled wonderful.
Justice led her to a table and helped her sit down on the long bench, then sat opposite her. There were menus already on the tables. Justice picked his up and smiled at Hermione, encouraging her to do the same.
Hermione browsed the menu. Yum, fried shrimp…but she couldn't have those. Her skin was cleared up completely, smooth and even for the first time since she was fourteen. She wasn't about to ruin it.
"Do you see anything you like?" Justice asked her.
"Yes. I'd like the shrimp cocktail and the crab legs, if that's all right with you?" she said to Justice, feeling odd that he was buying food for her. But this was a date. She couldn't expect to split the tab.
"Anything you'd like is fine with me," Justice replied. He hadn't stopped smiling since he picked the pretty witch up. He felt like he had won the Wizarding sweepstakes.
Suddenly the Auror let out a loud whistle, startling Hermione.
"Why did you do that?" she asked him.
A brown haired waitress walked up. She wore jeans with an apron over it that read "Charlie's Seafood."
"Hello Justice," she smiled at him, then she looked at Hermione. "Good evening, Miss."
Hermione smiled a hello.
"I was just calling Charlie Jr. here. This is her dad's place," Justice said looking at the waitress fondly. Charlie smiled back.
"What can I get you tonight?" she asked politely.
"The lady will have the shrimp cocktail and crab legs. "I'll have the fried flounder, if you have it," he replied.
"We've got it," Charlie said writing everything down. "And this comes with small potatoes, boiled corn and a small salad."
"Fine," Justice said, his eyes on Hermione, who blushed for absolutely no reason.
"She blushes quite a bit," Justice thought as he looked at her. He wondered…no…no, not at her age. She had to be at least twenty-five.
They sat in silence for a little while…the curse of the awkward first date upon them. Presently Hermione said, "I like this place, Mr. Forall. It's quaint and open. I especially love the view of the lake, with the moon reflected off the water."
"Yes, it is nice. Not too snooty, good food, good people," he said, looking at her. It was time to get acquainted. "I guess this would be a good time to tell you a bit about myself."
Hermione looked at the handsome Auror, interested.
"Well, I attended Hogwarts, graduated in 1990. I was in Hufflepuff house and a decent student. I'm a half-blood My father is a muggle American and my mother an English witch. He was in the military when they met, and fell for my mum like a ton of rock cakes. Fred Forall and Irma Goodall. I still catch them snogging to this day," he said with a fond smile. "My dad has an awful sense of humor, and he is proud to be an American, hence my name, Justice Forall.
"As in 'Justice For All,'" Hermione said smiling.
"Right in one," Justice said. "No need to tell you how much teasing went on behind that name, but it's all right now. When I graduated Hogwarts, I joined the Aurors immediately. I've got a few years under my belt now, good security, good position and a good wage. Now, I'm just looking for a good wife."
Hermione's eyes widened at this. Justice Forall certainly didn't pull any punches…he was looking for a wife? Good gods.
Justice saw the deer-in-the-headlights look on Hermione's face. He laughed.
"Oh, don't let me frighten you, Miss Granger. I haven't set my sights on anyone yet. Just interested is all. I still date casually. It's just that I'm getting older and would like a wife and little ones somewhere in the near future," he said smiling. "I won't be whipping out a ring at the end of our meal."
Hermione sight with relief. The witch could imagine her mother turning somersaults all over the restaurant's deck if she could hear this conversation.
"Now, tell me a bit about yourself," Justice said as Charlie returned with two glasses of water and some plastic wrapped crackers.
"Me?" Hermione said, not knowing where to begin.
Justice nodded encouragingly.
"Well, both of my parents are muggles," she began, "I was eleven years old when I found out I was a witch. It explained a lot of strange things that would happen around me when I got upset or excited…"
As they were talking, two people strolled on to the deck.
"I tell you, Bozo, I'm just dying for some oysters," Rita Skeeter said to the chubby photographer following her. "Things are so dull in the news area these days…nothing to sink my teeth into since Voldemort's gone. Oh, there's the occasional deatheater attack here and there, but they are so far between and the angles are all used up. I need something fresh…something the will entertain the public.
The blonde, heavy-jawed witch sat her ample bottom on the bench of a table quite close to Justice and Hermione. She picked up the menu with her mannish hands.
"You're paying for your own meal, Bozo. Things are tight enough to choke a basilisk," the reporter said, scanning the menu.
"I was and remain a good friend of Harry Potter…" a voice drifted over. Rita stiffened immediately. She knew that voice…and hated it. Hermione Granger.
"Bozo, switch seats with me," the reporter hissed.
The photographer stood up and walked around the table as Rita did the same. She looked over at the table at Justice and Hermione.
"Dear gods, what's happened to the unibrow and bucked teeth?" she whispered. Bozo started to turn around to look.
"Don't look you idiot. I don't want her tipped off," the witch said as she studied the new and improved Hermione Granger.
"My, my. Isn't she looking scrumptious, Bozo? Obviously she's had some kind of face job…well, well. Do you think the public might be interested in this, Bozo? Interested in seeing the beast turned to a beauty? Yes, yes I think so. I think so. Do you think we have any old pictures of her, Bozo? We must…she was in the news quite a bit a few years back…with Harry Potter. We could cut her out and show a before and after of her. Yes…yes that sounds good. Come on," Rita said, rising from the table.
Hermione was telling Justice about attending university when suddenly she was blinded by a bright flash. Justice turned around scowling. He scowled even more when he saw who it was. Rita Skeeter and her little roach of a photographer.
"What's the meaning of this?" Justice demanded.
"Oh, the public just wants to know," Rita said, looking at Hermione hungrily as the witch's eyesight came back.
"Rita," she hissed, frowning at the witch.
"In the flesh, and speaking about flesh…yours is looking quite delectable, Miss Granger. Muggle facelift? A little nip and tuck? A glamour? You can tell me," she said.
Justice looked at Hermione strangely.
"What's she talking about Miss Granger?" he asked the witch.
Embarrassed, Hermione decided to tell him the truth.
"I…I recently had a makeover, Mr. Forall. I didn't used to look like this," she said, her voice wavering a bit.
"I'll say she didn't," Rita said, overjoyed that Hermione's date didn't know he was out with the wizarding world's own ugly duckling. "She was a real piece of work. I doubt if you would have looked at her twice."
Justice's brows furrowed as he looked from Hermione to the reporter and back.
"I don't understand," he said.
"Don't worry…you will tomorrow. There will be a before and after picture in the Daily Prophet," Rita said.
"No," Hermione said weakly.
"Oh yes, Missy. You are like a living miracle. The public will want to know about this. The best thing you can do is tell me where you got the makeover," Rita said.
"At Lovebites Beauty Shop, I won a contest," the witch said with a defeated voice.
"Ah, you went to the vampire, Adam Sweetmeats. He's a real miracle worker. If no one believed it before, they're going to take one look at you and believe it now," Rita gushed as her quick-quotes quill wrote down the information quickly.
"So, have you been checking out the assortment of beefcake since your transformation? Getting on the shag wagon?" Rita asked Hermione who blushed furiously.
"Now hold on there. That's no question to ask a witch, particularly in mixed company," Justice growled, standing up. "I think you should go, Miss Skeeter."
Rita frowned up at the wizard.
"And who do you think you are that you can order me about?" she asked the wizard. He certainly was a looker.
Justice reached in his pocket and flipped out his Auror badge. Rita read the name on it and blinked up at him.
"Well, Mr. Forall, I'm done anyway and…"
Just then there was a loud crack of apparition. Both looked at the place Hermione was sitting. The witch was gone. Rita smiled up at the shocked Auror.
"Looks like you're done too," she purred.
A/N: Man, what a way to have a date end. Rita is a real bitch isn't she? Poor Hermione. But what about our Severus…gunking up his bed with wet dreams. Ooh. It starts. Anyway, please review.