A/N: Thanks for the reviews, guys! Here comes the aftermath.
Enjoy!
Chapter 48: An Arrangement?
"Are you quite alright, Miss Granger?" Professor Flitwick asked.
Hermione snapped out of her daze and became aware of many sets of eyes on her. "Yes...yes, Professor." She left the fork that had brutally stabbed her breakfast on her plate and grabbed her serviette to puff over her lips.
The long table that was set for everyone, the teachers and the few students staying back, stretched in the middle of the Great Hall. Her Professors were eyeing her warily, Hermione noted. "My apologies. I was someplace else."
"Understandable," Professor Sprout passed her a smile. "Must be missing your friends."
Hermione nodded with a formal smile. She was missing a friend, indeed. Severus was nowhere to be seen, just as he had missed dinner. The last evening's conversation was playing again and again in her head. Had she overstepped a line? Had she pushed him away? Would he try to distance himself from her now? But whatever she had said had been the truth.
If nobody cared to release him of his guilt in so many years, she would. No matter how hard he pushed her away. She would not watch him suffer any further.
It pained her to see him troubled by the mishaps for which he blamed himself. It pained her to see him in pain. Just as now she could not help thinking if he had ordered anything from the Kitchens or was he simply punishing himself declining to eat.
"Severus, good to see you could attend breakfast," the Headmaster's voice had Hermione's head shooting up.
Indeed, Severus was coming in the Great Hall. Nothing in his appearance gave a sign of yesterday's altercation. He nodded to his colleagues and ignored the mumbled greetings of the students, and came to sit beside Professor McGonagall. If Hermione only swivelled her head a bit to the right, she could see him directly. Was it possible that she missed him already, despite seeing him just the last evening? Maybe it was because of the lack of warmth between them that she had recently gotten used to.
Hermione deliberately glanced several times in his direction. She waited for him to initiate a connection through their Legilimency but he never once paid attention to her. Maybe he found it too intimate to connect with her in a telepathic conversation after the preceding events.
With a sigh, Hermione busied herself conversing with Professor Flitwick about a Charm she had read in a Library book while Severus, too, never spared her a glance while conversing with Professor McGonagall and the Headmaster. Disappointment was stinging like a hollow in her chest.
Maybe, he was angry with her. Really angry. Was it because she had spoken against Lily Potter? But she did not regret whatever she had said. From her vantage point, Mrs. Potter's actions were uncalled for. Friends do not abandon their friends when they're needed the most.
"How is your Healer's training progressing, Miss Granger?" Professor Vector asked.
"It is going well, Professor," Hermione replied, glancing at Madam Pomfrey who sat a few seats away. "I am learning many new things in the course."
"Tell Professor Vector about the Charm you have been working on, Miss Granger," the Medi-witch prompted.
Hermione blanched. The Healing Charm was supposed to be a secret from Severus until she presented him the final work.
"A Charm?" Professor Flitwick looked interested.
"It's not finished yet," she tried to dismiss the matter.
"You have been talking about the finishing touches just the other day, Miss Granger." Madam Ponfrey seemed too eager to flaunt Hermione's achievements.
"Uh, it...it's nothing important really..."
"Fiddlesticks! She's just being modest," Madam Pomfrey said. "Miss Granger has successfully created a Charm, a Healing Charm, to completely cure headaches caused by a wide range of stimulus, from a simple migraine to the after-effect of a Cruciatus. And I must tell you, she has done all the research by herself. I have only guided the initiation."
"Really?" Professor Flitwick looked extremely pleased. "That is brilliant, Miss Granger. Creating such a complex Healing Charm at your age is commendable."
"That is an achievement, Miss Granger," Professor McGonagall said with pride. "You have outdone yourself this time, I must say."
"Thank you, Professors," Hermione mumbled without looking at her Head of House, beside whom Severus sat. She could not even come to assess how furious he would be. He hated being helped and Hermione had downright created a Charm for his use. This was not how she wanted to reveal it to him. She had thought of telling him on some nice, quiet evening while they worked in the Lab. Hermione had planned to go about it very carefully for she knew how he despised being looked after.
"This is good news, Miss Granger," the Headmaster said. "Such a Charm has never been created before. Where did you get the idea from?"
Colour rose to Hermione's cheeks. Pathetic. "It just...randomly came to me."
Professor Sprout and Vector, too, congratulated her. While they praised her efforts, Hermione was dreading Severus' reaction. He would not subject her to his anger, he would merely start avoiding her, she knew.
What a great timing, she huffed inwardly.
"In fact," Madam Pomfrey said, "Severus, this Charm can be very useful to you, too. You frequently complain of headaches. What do you think, Miss Granger?"
Hermione felt as if they were all playing with her that morning, pressing all the wrong buttons one after the other. "P-Perhaps."
"You must try, Severus," the Medi-witch insisted.
A terse hum was all the response he gave.
Hermione pushed her untouched plate away gently. "Excuse me," she got up on her crutches and left the table, unable to bear the palpable tension any longer.
UUUUUUU
Hermione Apparated alongside Professor McGonagall, outside the gothic building of the Grimmauld Place. Her Professor supported her until she re-established her balance on her crutches.
"You seem distressed, Miss G- Hermione," her Head of House said with an assessing look. "What is the matter?"
"Nothing important, Ma'am," Hermione tried to convince the lady.
"I can deduct points for lying, Miss Granger," the Professor said, but her eyes softened to indicate the lightness with which she had spoken. "If something is troubling you, you can find a confidant in me."
Hermione smiled gratefully. "Thank you, Ma'am..."
"Shall I make a guess?" The lady asked.
"A guess...?" Hermione bit her lip.
"It's regarding Severus, is it not?"
Hermione's face blanched. Her Head of House's use of the Potion Master's first name in front of her in itself meant something strange. "It's nothing really, Professor."
"No? But I was assuming it has to do something with the Healing Charm you invented for Severus and his refusal to accept it?" Professor McGonagall spoke boldly.
"How do you...know?" Hermione's eyes widened. "Did everyone figure it out?"
"Nobody did," the lady said with assurance.
"Thank God," Hermione mumbled, then averted her eyes down. It was a very awkward situation for her.
"You're not in trouble, child," her old Professor snorted. "It is not a crime to look after someone. Especially in your situation. Now, I'm sure, you are distraught over Severus' rejection to take help?"
"Yes," Hermione said slowly. She had no mind to elaborate the entire situation to her Professor, she understood the crux, anyway.
"I can only tell you this, Hermione," the lady said, "For some people, being looked after comes as a comfort. Severus is not like those people. Now I do not know why, that is for you to find out. But I do commend your efforts." Hermione had already figured out why. Because nobody had ever cared enough for him to make him comfortable with the idea. "I can offer some advice."
At that, Hermione looked up expectantly.
"You can present it to him on his birthday. I do believe Severus will be more accepting then," the lady said, her eyes sparkling.
"His birthday? When is it?" Hermione asked.
"On the 9th."
"January?" Hermione received a nod. "Oh, that's amazing. Thank you for telling me, Ma'am. Uh, Professor?"
"Yes?"
"Is it questionable if it comes into light?" Hermione asked carefully.
"I will not lie to you, Miss Granger, had I not been privy to your situation, I would have questioned your intentions, too. Ours is a rather orthodox society, beware."
"Right," Hermione nodded.
The Grimmauld Place was buzzing with people. With the presence of so many of them, even the desolated house seemed lively and cheery. Mrs. Weasley had still not removed the Christmas decorations, Hermione noticed. A huge Xmas tree stood covering Mrs. Black's portrait, keeping her curtains shut.
When she entered the kitchen with Professor McGonagall, the farrago of aroma reminded her strongly of The Burrow. Surely, wherever the Weasley gathered, that smell followed of delicious food followed.
"Hermione!" Mrs. Weasley was the first one to notice her and came rushing to hug her. Hermione returned the hug fondly. The Weasley mother looked her up and down, "I'm so happy to see you walking, Dear."
Hermione smiled.
"Hello, Minerva, how are you?"
"Very well, Molly. The house looks splendid."
Hermione looked around to find Moody, Kingsley, Diggle, Fletcher and Jones already seated. She nodded to them politely, although her interaction with Moody proved terse.
Hermione spotted Percy standing in a corner, away from the conversing group at the table. He still had his outdoor robe on, Hermione wondered why. She offered him a greeting smile, half expecting him to disregard her. But Percy not only returned the smile, but also shifted in a gesture to call her to the corner.
"Hello," she greeted. "How're you doing, Percy?"
"Well, you saw everything in the Infirmary," he shrugged. "How about you?"
"I'm fine," she replied.
"How have things been at Hogwarts?" He asked.
"They have been better," she said rather nebulously. "The Hogsmeade incident has shocked us."
"Yes, it has. Especially us. Anyway, how come you're already a member?" He asked.
"Professor Dumbledore's decision. Harry and Ron, too, are members," she told him. "How's work?"
"Tedious," he snorted. "But I'm glad to be home."
Hermione glanced at Mrs. Weasley who was now offering everyone some refreshments. "Mrs. Weasley had missed you the most. It was very wise of you to come back."
"But too late, as well," he said with a sad smile, suddenly more interested in his shoes.
"Better late than never, I would say," she smiled.
"Um, can I ask you what happened with your legs?" He sounded hesitant.
"I...fell," Hermione refrained from elaborating further. "I'm recovering."
"Oh, hope you..." Whatever he said she could not catch as the door was pushed open again. Hermione looked to find Severus storming into the kitchen with his deliberate, long strides. Hermione quickly looked away before Percy caught her staring.
"How's Ginny doing?" Hermione asked.
"She's way better now, but too upset at not being allowed out," he was amused.
"I'm sure she'll find a way," Hermione smiled. She took a clandestine peek at Severus. He was seated on the left to the Headmaster's empty seat, facing Kingsley and Moody. "I should go and meet her before the meeting begins."
"Of course."
But Hermione could hardly reach the door when a commotion of chattering and footsteps resounded coming down the stairs. The door opened to admit Harry, Ron, Fred and George.
"Here she is!" Fred perked up and came to take her in a one-arm hug. George copied from the other side.
"Hi, guys," Hermione returned the embrace blithely.
"You were sorely missed, My Love," George said rather dramatically making Hermione chuckle.
"How was your visit to your house?" Harry asked.
"Good," she said.
"So you can stay with us now," Ron suggested. "Not like you have anything to do at Hogwarts now. And this house does have a Library."
"Great idea! We're staying, too, until New Year's!" Fred grinned. "You're staying back."
Hermione met Harry's eyes, only he seemed to understand her plight. "Er, what about your duties with Pomfrey, Hermione?" He said purposefully.
"Yes," she said with relief. "Madam Pomfrey has delegated a lot of work to me. I'm sorry, I can't stay."
"What? But there's hardly anyone in the castle right now!" Ron frowned.
"There are other things I'm expected to do than patching up the students, Ron," she said. Though her heart was not in it. She wanted to really stay with her friends than going to stay in her empty dormitory.
She felt the weight of a gaze on her back. She turned to find Severus observing her. When their eyes caught each other, he looked away. It was becoming more and more awkward for her. "I was actually going to see Ginny."
"She's sleeping," George told her. "See her after the meeting."
They went to take their seats. She sat in the opposite row from Severus, but not facing him. Harry and Ron settled on either side of her.
"You really okay after the visit home?" Harry asked in a whisper.
"Yes." she reassured him, touched by his solicitude. The visit to her house reminded her of the beautiful time she had spent with Severus. And the very next day of sharing a space for two days, they had fought. And now, he was seemingly furious at her. It saddened her greatly.
Ron leaned closer to her. "You really can't stay?" His hand snaked its way to hold hers under the table. Hermione's eyes widened in shock. She had completely forgotten about Ron and his misconception about her in the past days.
She instantly recalled the pain she had felt after the kiss and pulled her hand away from him. "No, Ron!" When the pain didn't come, she sighed.
But then she realised she had almost shouted and for the second time that day, all eyes at table were fixed on her. Before blood could rush to her face, Hermione erected her Occlumency Shields up. "Pardon me," she cleared her throat but did not elaborate further. When the crowd went back to talking, she turned to Ron who wore a frown in disappointment. "I'm sorry, Ron, I am...ticklish..." She whispered quietly.
He obviously caught her lying and shifted away from her. "No, I'm sorry. I promised you to take it slow." It's such an embarrassing day. When Harry nudged her, she only shook her head.
She again felt Severus' eyes on him, assessing her. But before she had time to meet his gaze, he turned away as if nothing had happened.
She sat quietly until Remus and Tonks entered. They greeted the other members with politeness and enthusiasm, respectively. Tonks gave Hermione a fierce hug and Remus could only offer a small talk before Mr. Weasley came in, followed by Bill, Fleur and Charlie. Hermione was not aware that Charlie was in England.
"He has come to see Ginny," Harry told her. Percy, she noted, still maintained his distance from the others. Hermione, too, would have liked to go and stand beside him to refrain herself from glancing at Severus every two minutes.
Almost everyone who was residing at the Grimmauld Place asked her to stay. But every time, Hermione gave her excuses. Though she did want to stay with them.
The meeting finally commenced with the arrival of the Headmaster. He greeted the members and delivered a short welcoming speech.
"We must begin with a very important task," The Headmaster said. "We have, among us, a new member who would be joining the Order. Mr. Weasley, please, step forward." Hermione watched Percy hesitating in nervousness before he hastily regained his composure and came to stand beside the Headmaster. The other Weasley brothers, she noticed, were not happy with the development. Ron was scowling, Bill was muttering something to Charlie, and Fred and George simply did not look in Percy's direction at all. But Mr. and Mrs. Weasley were bursting with pride, it reflected in their eyes.
Professor Dumbledore bound Percy in the similar way he did them in the last meeting. Hermione passed Percy an encouraging smile, which he returned. Unlike the Weasleys, she believed that if Percy wanted to change, they should give him a second chance.
The meeting finally began after the small ceremony. Just as it had progressed last time, the members started giving an account of their areas. Hogsmeade, Diagon Alley, Knockturn Alley were all being monitored by different members. The attack on Hogsmeade was discussed at length. At the end, it was decided that two Aurors from the Ministry would be assigned to patrol Hogwarts permanently.
Kingsley and Tonks narrated the Ministry's stance at the attack. Percy added to this information with whatever he knew. Mr. Weasley told the Headmaster about whom he thinks can be ally at the Ministry and who might be a supporter of Voldemort. Bill talked about the new security measures Gringotts was taking to keep the finances of the Wizarding Britain safe from the Death Eaters. Charlie elaborated on the international support Britain could get in the long run. Fleur and Remus had little to contribute about her ongoing efforts to convince the Veela and Werewolf community, respectively.
Severus, for his part, went into details about his last few summonings. He carefully excluded to elucidate anything of Voldemort's wrath and remained focused on what information he had gained till now. He also revealed the identities of those who were captured recently by the Death Eaters. But even his information carried nothing vital.
Again, Hermione felt that the entire Order was displaced from their ultimate goal of bringing down Voldemort. Their focus was still the attacks and minor happenings. The fact that the dark wizard was quickly gaining power was never brought into light.
"I hate Order meetings," Harry muttered. "They're plain boring."
"And to think how eager we were to join it," Ron snorted.
This meeting was merely a follow-up. Nothing of essence was discussed except Percy's initiation. The Headmaster adjourned the meeting soon.
"Alright, dinner is ready," Mrs. Weasley. "Nobody leaves before that. Come now, boys, help me set the table." Ron, Harry, Fred and George left the table with a groan to follow Mrs. Weasley. The rest of them mostly dispersed to form smaller groups.
"I should take my leave, Headmaster," Severus got to his feet, which was so surprise because he never stayed for the meals.
"Stay, my boy," the Headmaster insisted. "There are still a few things I need to discuss with you and Kingsley." Before Severus could protest, he added, "We will not have the opportunity to have both of you present together, owing to each of yours busy schedules."
Severus scowled darkly, clearly not interested in staying in the gathering any longer. Hermione couldn't help but smirk in amusement as she remembered what he had said about the house: 'I will prefer not breathing in that infernal house any longer than strictly required'. As if he had sensed her, Severus eyes caught her. Hermione instantly sobered. She quickly got onto her crutches and excused herself to help Mrs. Weasley and the others.
"Let it be, Dear," Mrs. Weasley insisted. "Go and sit."
"It's totally manageable, Mrs. Weasley," Hermione assured her. The crockery followed her floating in the air obediently. Percy got up to help her set the plates and spoons in front of all the chairs. Her eyes kept trained on Severus, but only while he was looking away.
When she placed a plate in front of him, Severus did, if only for a moment, looked at her. They both eyed each other first time in the day. Hermione grabbed the opportunity and established the connection between them before he could resist.
'How angry are you?' Was the first thing that came to her mind.
Severus did not answer, as expected. Hermione moved on to put the plates before the others. When she stood right opposite to him, she mustered some courage and sent him a signal via their bands. Severus' head shot up with a frown. 'Please don't ignore me, at least. We can talk.'
"Here, let me," Percy plucked the hovering plates from the air, severing their connection. Hermione clicked her tongue to see Severus having moved back to pretend to focus on whatever the Headmaster was saying. Hermione could see he did not look interested in the discussion at all. So for the second time, she signalled him, half expecting him to avoid her altogether. But he did turn to her slightly.
'Stop this ridiculousness, Miss Granger!'
Hermione startled. Even though not said verbally, his words reached her with the anger he had sent them. This time, she broke the connection. Before the hurt that she felt could come to her face, she hid it beneath her Occlumency Shields. His bitterness stung her. She had come to see him as a friend, maybe more than just a friend if she was being honest. This abrupt change in his behaviour disconcerted her.
Was it wrong of her to have spoken against the woman Severus had loved? But Hermione had only objected to what he believed was right because he had been punishing himself for years, for something he was not to be entirely blamed for. She only had his good in her heart. Yet, he had shunned her.
Maybe Lily Potter had been a wonderful person, a highly intellectual witch, a loving wife and mother. No doubt she would have had some quality time with Severus. Hermione's only problem was with Severus' guilt and if this guilt stemmed from a dispute he had had with his old friend, Hermione wanted to make sure that he understood the matter was too petty for him to keep blaming himself.
"Hermione, come," Harry called her. She sat between him and Fred for dinner.
Everyone seated except Mrs. Weasley who was more adamant about feeding the others first. "I'm glad you stayed, Severus," Hermione heard Mrs. Weasley saying. The lady then went around serving everyone bigger portions that they asked for. Hermione noticed fondly how she gave an extra helping of steak to Percy and ruffled his hair affectionately. Percy's face coloured slightly but he gave a smile to his mother. Beside her, Ron made a face at their exchange, clearly against Percy.
"Next thing I know he's moving in with us." Ron huffed.
"He isn't staying here?" She asked.
"Hell no."
Mrs. Weasley finally came to sit beside Professor McGonagall.
"The food is very palatable, Molly," the Professor commented.
"Thank you. I am almost out of practice, though, to cook for so many people since this lot left The Burrow," Mrs. Weasley said, gesturing towards her sons.
"How is Miss Weasley faring?"
"Oh, much better now," Mrs. Weasley looked pleased. "Hermione, Dear, can you check on her once after dinner? Poppy couldn't come to visit."
"Of course, Mrs. Weasley," Hermione smiled.
"So good to have a Healer in the family, yeah, Ronnikins?" Fred quipped, elbowing Ron, whose face soon caught the hue akin to his hair. Hermione pretended not to have heard him and focused on eating.
"Can you share the room with Ginny, Hermione?" Mrs. Weasley suddenly asked. At Hermione's confusion, she added, "Don't worry, Ginny will not mind. She will love to have company."
"Mum, Hermione's not staying," George said.
"Why not?" Mrs. Weasley looked at Hermione with such shock that it made her want to squirm.
"I have...work in the Hospital Wing..."
"Oh, no, Young Miss, I will hear none of it," Mrs. Weasley was adamant. "Not even the Minister works on holidays."
"Our Minister doesn't even work on working days," Fred sniggered.
"Even Poppy cannot keep you at Hogwarts on holidays," the lady announced.
"Mrs. Weasley-"
"And besides, isn't Poppy, herself, leaving for her family home tomorrow? I wrote to her about Ginny when she informed me," the lady pursed her lips.
"It'll be a very happy New Year for someone" Fred grinned and elbowed Ron again.
Hermione's eyes met Harry's who was just at as big a loss as herself. So she eyed her Head of House, instead. Professor McGonagall was aware Hermione could not stay anywhere without Severus for more than twenty three hours at once.
"Molly," the Professor said, "I am sure Miss Granger has to catch up with her studies after her gap on account of her accident."
"No, Professor," it was Ron who spoke, "Hermione's caught up on everything."
"Decided, then, Hermione, you are staying!" Mrs. Weasley declared. "Minerva, it will be a great favour if you could ask a house-elf to bring Hermione's trunk here."
The situation had slipped out of her hand like sand. How would she escape this predicament now! It was truly a terrible day for her. With the corner of her eyes, Hermione caught Severus eyeing. He must have heard the discussion from where he sat. By the look of his untouched plate, he seemed to have had his attention only on them. He then eyed Minerva, who, too, could not come up with any excuses.
Great, another thing to annoy him. Ugh!
After the dinner, Hermione went to see Ginny. Madam Pomfrey had already taught her enough to conduct extensive scans. Although Ginny was still asleep, having taken her potions, Hermione successfully tested her friend. Colour had returned to Ginny's face, she looked healthier than she had after the attack. The scans, too, came clean.
When Hermione was going back to the kitchen, she abruptly stopped to spot Severus and Professor McGonagall on the landing. Hermione looked down the staircase, partially hidden behind the banister. Severus was incensed, a deep scowl marking his face.
"...Molly."
"I am not living in this house because Molly Weasley cannot... Other people's lives!"
Hermione leaned forward to hear properly.
"...and Miss Granger cannot deny her request, Severus."
"I am sure Miss Granger will find a way. Do not concern me with her matters."
"What has gotten into you, Severus?"
"Sense, I should say."
"It will arise suspicions! And Miss Granger deserves to spend her holidays with her friends."
"None of my business what she deserves or dislikes."
"Severus!"
"...and tell Molly...cannot...myself here."
Tears welled up in Hermione's eyes at his insensitive words. She had only ever seen Severus being considerate about her. But not today... Today, he was more angry than considerate.
"Think about it, Severus, what will she say to Molly if she...might even...don't you think?"
"I am not going to tolerate this bedlam of a place because of Miss Granger..."
Hermione moved away from the banister. She did not wish to hear anymore. She did not even expect Severus to remain at Grimmauld Place, but it was his words that appalled her. Hermione sat on the stairs and watched the pair quarrelling. This man was not the Severus she had come to know. He was not the man who had accompanied her to her house, watched a film with her, bantered with her, enjoyed with her. Or on whose shoulder she had slept peacefully... And it made her feel cold with despair. Hermione already missed their camaraderie.
"For Merlin's sake, Severus!" Professor McGonagall's voice echoed in the empty stairwell. "Consider it an order so as not to make the Weasleys suspicious."
"This is an asinine arrangement and you expect entirely too much of me!"
Hermione's face crumpled. An arrangement? Now what they had was merely an 'arrangement' for him? She clamped a hand down her mouth to keep the sobs from escaping.
She waited, hidden, until the two departed. Hermione was feeling pathetic. She was feeling like a pathetic childish witch to have considered their 'arrangement' anything more than what it was. One Severus Snape should never have had that impact on her in the first place! She should have known that it was merely about the wretched bond! For all her intelligence, that simple thing never struck her.
Fine, then. Hermione got to her feet. If it is an arrangement then arrangement it will be.
UUUUUUU
Hermione descended the stairs only after checking that nothing in her appearance showed her infirmity.
Hermione's trunk was already sitting at the bottom of the stairs. Crookshanks was snoozing on top of her trunk leisurely. All the Weasleys seemed pleased that she staying. Hermione tried to mimic their excitement. Harry threw her a worried to look to which she nodded, pasting a smile.
"Bill!" Mrs. Weasley called coming out of the kitchen. "Go and get the third floor guest room read. Severus is staying."
"What!" Ron spat. "Why is he staying?"
"Ronald Weasley!" Mrs. Weasley closed the kitchen door behind herself firmly. "You do not talk about your Professor like that. Professor Snape has errands to run in London."
Ron muttered something under his breath, rattled. Bill left to set the said. guest room. Mrs. Weasley inquired about Ginny from Hermione and, too, went upstairs.
"Maybe Snape wants to have some fun family time," George laughed. The twins waved to them and Apparated away to their room.
Hermione looked at Ron who was still annoyed about Severus and Harry who was more surprised than anything. "I'm going to bed," she said.
"Already?"
"I'm tired."
Pushing every thought about Severus away, Hermione went to sleep in Ginny's room, her familiar and her trunk hovering after her.
A/N: Yes, what a bastard he's being, right? I know. Don't worry, he'll redeem himself in time. He's a good guy, yeah, but quite complicated.
Waiting to hear from you! :)