DISCLAIMER: STILL NOT MINE.
That night while the three friends were gathered in the common area of the Head dorm, the fire glowed green and a letter shot out of the fire place, landing at Hermione's feet.
Seeing the familiar handwriting of Professor Snape, Hermione opened it and read it to herself.
"So what does my godfather have to say?" Draco asked idly, having noticed the handwriting on the front.
Sighing, Hermione folded the parchment up and stood. "Apparently, my Potions lessons start tonight. However, I'm supposed to go to his office rather than his classroom since I'm not supposed to be having lessons with him. From his office we'll go to his private lab, and then he'll floo me home when we're finished." Rolling her eyes, she went to her room to throw on a school robe over her muggle jeans and shirt she had donned when they had gotten back to the dorm.
"Guess I'll see you later tonight, or tomorrow if he keeps me forever," Hermione said, waving.
"Have fun," both boys chorused as she walked out of the room.
XXX
Hermione knocked on Snape's office door and waited for him to say 'Enter' before she walked in. Snape stood by the fireplace looking like he had just ended a conversation, and turned to look at her as she walked in.
"Good evening, Ms. Granger. Forgive the late hour, but we must set up a schedule and plan for your lessons to come. Follow me," he said as he started walking towards a plain wooden arched door in one of his walls. He muttered some words she didn't hear but knew he was lowering the wards.
"Now, as frustrating as this seems for you, and time consuming it is for me, I'm forced to see reason and realize this might be for the best. You're already at a faster pace than the other students, and this will be a good time to challenge you," Snape continued, ignoring her gasp as they walked into his private lab.
Beautiful was the only word she could find to describe it. She knew that one day she wanted to have a lab just like this one. It had to be at least the size of the classroom. Everything was pristine and clean. Most work areas looked to be made of black marble, but he also had a few work tables made of other materials, like wood, stainless steel, granite, and even a small glass table. Each work table had a place for cutting and a place with burners, all perfectly aligned and clean. Lining the walls were shelves filled with cauldrons, made of everything from pewter and stone, to silver and gold. For every material a cauldron was made of, he had several sizes of each. In the back of the room was a wide door, and through it she figured had to be the potion ingredients.
"If you're finished gawking, Ms. Granger, we should get started. Pull up a stool," Snape said, already sitting at one of the marble slabs.
"Professor, this is wonderful! I've never seen a lab look like this!" Hermione said as she dropped onto her stool.
"Thank you. This is where I do all of my brewing, including the potions for the hospital wing and Lupin's wolfsbane. When you are in here you will listen to everything I have to say, and obey it. I don't normally let students in here," he told her, and waited for her nod of acquiesce before continuing. "We will meet here every Monday and Wednesday evening after dinner from 7:30 pm- 9:30 pm, and sometimes longer. You will be doing potions that will not only show up on your N.E.W.T, but also potions that are above it."
"Yes, sir. Thank you again for this. It seems I'm making a mess of everyone's year back," Hermione said.
"Ms. Granger, let me assure you, I'm used to much worse. Now, since we covered that, I really don't have much else to say. You are free to go back to your room, unless you have any questions," Snape stated, already rising from his stool.
"Actually sir, I do. I want to know about blood potions and rituals," she said abruptly.
"I should have clarified; any questions pertaining to your lessons," he answered.
"Well, it technically does pertain to my lessons since I have to have these private lessons because of whatever potion or ritual Lucius wants to conduct on me," she shot at him. For a second that seemed to hold a year, Snape stared at her. Then, he shrugged slightly and started pacing by the table.
"Fine, I will tell you what I can. First, you must understand the importance of blood. Can you tell me any properties it may contain to make it a powerful potion ingredient?"
"Well, it's a unique ingredient. No two blood samples are the same unless taken by the same person, or identical twins," she answered.
"Correct. Now, imagine the different types of potions. Not all potions made are meant to be ingested. Some potions can be turned to cream, such as the burn salve I make for the Hospital Wing. Some potions can be turned to a consistency of oil, meant to be rubbed into the skin. All potions, however, eventually make its way somehow into your body. Adding blood to a potion is some of the Darkest forms of magic. You'll remember that the Dark Lord used Potter's blood in the potion that was made to help him rise, and you'll also note that it was used like a bath, yet still soaked into the body. What the Dark Lord did was a form of Blood-Bonding, which is exactly how it sounds. He bonded his blood with Potter's, making Potter's protection run in his veins, thus making him more powerful. Whether I like to admit it, Mr. Potter is an extremely powerful wizard when he sets his mind to something. Combining his blood, which contains his wizarding cells, with the blood and cells of one of the most powerful wizards in history, you get exactly what Voldemort turned into."
"So is Lucius going to try to blood bond us? Another form?" she asked, trying to grasp it.
"Again, we can only speculate. However, we're fairly certain it will NOT be the same form the Dark Lord used. There is, unfortunately, a Dark ritual that we believe he may be leaning towards. It involves a…sacrifice," Snape said slowly.
"Sacrifice…meaning me," she answered meekly.
Nodding, Snape continued. "We believe that Lucius will use a different form of blood bonding, where he will sacrifice you and use your blood in a potion. During said ritual, spells and chants will be performed, attempting to raise the spirit powers of his fallen Master, and thus combine his blood with your own and some of the Dark Lord's. When the exchange and combining is done, Lucius will be extremely powerful and dangerous. He will have four different wizard's powers running in his blood."
"Who's the 4th? There are Lucius, Voldemort, and myself," Hermione said.
"You forget the beginning of our conversation. To whom did the Dark Lord originally bond with?" On seeing the dawning comprehension, Snape nodded. "Yes, since the Dark Lord had already used Mr. Potter's blood to rise, his blood is now tainted with both."
"But sir," Hermione started, looking confused again, "how is he going to get blood from Voldemort? He's dead, and we disposed of his body. Would he come after Harry?"
"No, we're sure he's not going to target Mr. Potter. While his power and blood may have traces in the Dark Lord's blood, Mr. Potter doesn't have traces of the Dark Lord. He never bonded himself to him; he was just the giver of the blood. As for the Dark Lord's blood, we aren't sure yet. There are many ways he could've gotten it, including during the chaos that ensued after the battle."
"So now he's just waiting for a good time to grab me," Hermione summed up.
"Precisely. Which is also the reason the Headmaster has decided you should remain at the school during the holidays and Hogsmeade visits, of course," he told her.
"WHAT? He didn't tell me that!" she yelled.
"Calm down, woman," Snape snapped, and Hermione realized who she had been yelling at and stopped immediately. "Even if he hadn't gotten around to telling you, are you actually surprised? It should've been obvious. Use that famed brain of yours."
Hermione just crossed her arms and pouted. "I hate Lucius Malfoy. Not only is he ruining my last year of school, but he's ruining my friends and professor's years, and now I can't even see my parents at Christmas time! Oh god, my parents! I haven't even explained to them; how do you put this in a letter?"
"I believe the Headmaster was going to write one, or pay them a visit. But that will be for you to discuss with him. I've already said more than I was supposed to."
"He didn't want me to know about the bonding?" Hermione guessed.
"He felt we should hold off until we knew more facts. However, I'm fairly certain we've hit the nail on the head. All we need to do now is keep you away from Malfoy," Snape said.
"You can't protect me forever, Severus," Hermione said quietly, looking at the table. "Eventually, I'm going to leave here. You guys won't be able to follow me around for the rest of your lives."
"Well, then, Ms. Gr-Hermione, it looks like we'll have to stop him before you leave, won't we? I told you that as long as Lucius is out there, I-we'll be right here protecting you."
"Always?" Hermione asked, her mouth curving in the corners, remembering the same line spoken between them at the Masque.
Snape's eyes snapped up to meet hers head-on, and she almost got lost in the black depths of them.
"Always."
XXX
Tuesday afternoon found the three friends in the Transfiguration classroom going over the basics of an Animagus transformation.
"What you all three must understand is that this is very advanced magic. I know Ms. Granger checked the registry back in your third year, so that should give you a rough estimate on how many witches and wizards even bother learning how," Professor McGonagall was saying. Upon seeing Harry and Hermione smirk, and Draco looking at confused at their smirks, she smiled slightly. "That registry, of course, does not include the few people who do not register."
Draco still looked confused so Harry leaned towards him in his seat. "My dad was an unregistered Animagus, along with two of his best friends, including my Godfather."
"And that horrible Skeeter woman, don't forget her," Hermione chimed in.
"Oh yeah; Sirius was a dog, right? I remember my dad seeing him on the platform back in 5th year. What was your dad?" Draco asked.
"A stag," Harry said, shrugging.
"Same as your patronus; I get it now," Draco said, nodding.
"Professor, will we know what animal we will transform into?" Hermione asked.
"Excellent question, Ms. Granger, and the answer is no. If you manage the transformation at all the first time, the form will be a surprise."
"Is there any way to nudge ourselves into something? Or, rather, into not being something?" Draco asked.
"Yes and no. It's a complicated process. The transformation comes from within. You'll find that a lot of animagi are very much like their animal they turn into. For example, I change into a cat, and I've been told I have the temper like one," McGonagall said, smirking slightly.
"Or Sirius! He had that bark-like laugh, and could be very rowdy, but was also really loyal," Harry said, smiling.
"And Wormtail was a rat, through and through," Draco added in.
"And Rita Skeeter's form was perfect for her to spy and get a good story," Hermione finished.
"Exactly. Since it comes from within, the magic coursing through your body will decide what you should be. In many cases when the witch or wizard transforms back after the first time, they say that they should've guess that particular animal or that they aren't surprised. Now, as for telling your mind what not to be, it won't help, I'm afraid. However, neither will telling your mind what to be," McGonagall explained.
"Looks like you're just going to have to hope the magic doesn't believe you have the personality of a ferret, Draco," Hermione said and stuck her tongue out at him when he glared.
"Let's not dwell on that subject; you have to make it to the transformation first. Not only is this difficult and advanced magic, but it can also be hazardous. You've all heard of splinching? Yes, well, think of that, but instead of leaving behind a body part, you're stuck half animal. Now, I believe that's enough for today; you all have the books I told you to read and I expect you to be ready on Thursday," McGonagall said, dismissing them.
Out in the hall, the three friends were taking their time walking around the castle. They had a little bit before their next class started (Muggle Studies for Draco and Hermione, and another free period for Harry who wasn't taking as many classes).
"I know she said not to dwell, but…really…it's kind of freaky not knowing what you'll turn into," Harry said.
"I know! I really don't want to put so much time and effort, not to mention my body, on the line just to finally transform and realize I'm a bunny or something!" Draco agreed, and Harry laughed.
"Oh, I don't know," Hermione chided in. "I think it's kind of cool; sort of mysterious. I think the concept of the magic actually taking from our personalities and souls is fascinating."
"I just don't want to be a stag. I mean, I love my patronus, but I'm not my dad," Harry said.
"No, you're not Bambi material, Harry," Draco told him, trying to sound smart with his muggle knowledge.
"Studying Disney movies, then?" Harry asked, the corners of his mouth upturned.
"About 2 weeks back, yeah."
"Ugh, whatever I turn into I just hope it doesn't have the physical characteristic of my hair!" Hermione said.
Harry started laughing and said, "Oh man, could you imagine Hermione as a poodle with her hair from 1st year?"
"Oh god, that would be a nightmare!" Hermione said as she joined in the laughter.
"Whatever I get, I hope it doesn't have my stupid scar. I know that your animal keeps some characteristics of you, but that would just be too much. Even if I turned into something extremely awesome, I'll be so pissed if I had to keep this thing," Harry added in, pointing at his forhead. "I mean, it wouldn't be hard to figure out who I am, would it? 'Oh look, an aardvark with a lighting shaped scar. Harry must've learned how to become an animagi!'"
"Why would you be an aardvark?" Hermione asked, laughing once more.
"I don't know! It was an example!"
"It sucks that we can't help our mind and body choose the animal. I've been trying to perfect thinking non-ferrety thoughts," Draco sighed, and the other two laughed.
XXX
"Honestly, this is just getting ridiculous!" Hermione huffed as she walked with Harry and Draco to dinner that night.
"More stares and whispers, I take it?" Harry asked. He had just spent his last free period riding his Firebolt around the quidditch field after their double Charms class they had that afternoon.
"Yes! All through Ancient Runes I had to sit there while pretending not to notice them! It's just ridiculous!"
"I know; it's like people have never heard of a student/teacher affair before," Draco said idly, picking a piece of lint off his robe.
Hermione smacked his arm while Harry hid his laugh behind a cough.
"So when do you think Dumbledore will be able to get a new DADA teacher?" Harry asked.
Last week Professor Moddell had had a nervous breakdown in class. It turned out that he couldn't stand students, and had started to crack under the strain of being their teacher. He knew that the Defense teacher was always replaced year after year, and he had started getting paranoid about a conspiracy involving the students being out to get him. Long story short, he had started smelling strongly of firewhiskey, and had finally attempted to duel his entire first year class, claiming self defense when Dumbledore showed up.
"Hopefully soon, I like that class and I don't want to get behind," Hermione said, ignoring Harry and Draco when they rolled their eyes.
"I think he set a new record for shortest time here, though," Draco added in.
As they walked into the Hall, Hermione ignored the stares and whispers and noticed a change in the scenery.
"Harry! It's Remus!" she said, pointing at the staff table. Indeed, the werewolf was sitting between McGonagall and Snape, while Dumbledore leaned forward to talk to him.
Taking their seats at their respective tables, Hermione and Harry waited for the food to appear. When it seemed like everyone in the castle had shown up and people were starting to get restless, Dumbledore stood up.
"Thank you for your patience. I had wanted to make sure everyone was here for an announcement before we stuffed ourselves silly with the elves magnificent food. I'd like everyone to welcome back Professor Lupin, who has to agreed, once again, to take over the post of Defense Against the Dark Arts for the remainder of the year. Let's give him a round of applause as we all thank him and wish him good luck," Dumbledore said as he started clapping his hands. The applause was fairly loud coming from the older students, 5th year and up, who had been at the school when Lupin had originally taught.
"Well, there you go, Harry; that should answer your question!" Hermione laughed.
"Thank god, because that Moddell guy was horrible. Now I can actually look forward to class again. Especially since that was the only class I was ever better than you at when Remus was our teacher," Harry added slyly and had to duck to dodge a piece of roast potato.