Everything belongs to J.K. Rowling, this is pure fanfiction, I don't make a penny on this.
English is not my first language, so apologies for that.
As always, please comment and don't hesitate to point out things you don't like or like, so I can become better in future.
- "Dialogue" -
- 'Thoughts' - or 'abstract meaning'
(Mid-story annotations)
There she was just in front of him, a bushy haired girl from yesterday, staring at him with her big hazel eyes, this time thou bloodshot and tired, with a hint of fear and gratitude.
- "We n-need to talk", - spoken with a trembling voice, so fast it seemed like an incantation of sorts, - "P-please" she stuttered, for unknown reason or maybe because of the fear lurking behind her eyes.
- "Good morning to you too miss Granger", - with courteous bow and not-fake-smile answered Corvus, - "I would love to chat, but I have Dueling Class", - taking out a silver, old, pocket watch with a lightning-shape crack on its glass, - "in about ten minutes, as do you, you're third year after all". - He tried to get past her but was, again, blocked by the girl's frame
- "P-please, it won't take much t-time, I p-promise", same look in her eyes with a tint of irritation this time.
- 'Definitely a stutter', - thought speedthrough Corvus's mind, it was strange as yesterday after a troll attack, she displayed nothing of that sort.
- "Be it your way miss Granger, mind if do this on the way to the class?", - a rhetorical question, as Corvus started to walk down the corridor slowly enough so they could talk, strange that Hermione kept the pace thou heavily limping on her right leg.
- 'Why she's limping, troll never hit her, did my Banisher was too strong?', - Corvus reduced the pace even more to almost a turtlelike speed, with a sound decision not to ask her of the 'injury'.
- "I w-wanted to thank you," - Hermione tried to keep up the pace, even if it was painfully obvious, she struggled, - "for w-what you did last night", again winces and limping, conscious got the better of Corvus, so he stopped, - "if it w-weren't for you, I'd be dead".
Again, those hazel eyes had a curious effect on him, it made him froze, unable to move a muscle looking in them like it was the only thing in existence. Alas he took control of himself, before it became too obvious, - "I only did what anyone would in my place, miss Granger", - the girl turned her face away, as of shame
- "Not a-anyone, and c-certainly not for me".
That was bad, she clearly had self-esteem problems, he tried to put his hand on her shoulder, but she flinched by the slightest touch, - "Sorry, I didn't mean to make you uncomfortable miss Granger".
- "N-no, you didn't," - widen her eyes responded the girl, - "and it's Hermione, I d-don't like my last n-name".
- "Okey Hermione," - hearing him saying her name made the girl blush and again, turning away her eyes toward somewhere else, - "as I was saying, I'd do it for any other student in danger, you're no worse or better than any other in this school", - it came out worse than it sounded in his head, none the less, Hermione smiled at him, which made the Slytherin prefect put his arm on her shoulder again, unintentionally, this time she didn't flinch - "So there's no need to thank me…".
Something happened, Corvus and Hermione eyes linked again, this time no one spoke, they just looked into each other eyes without a word or sound. Seconds passed, or it was minutes, Corvus couldn't tell, but something compelled him, pushed him closer and closer until his lips were inches away from Hermione's…
- "Mister Lestrange." - sudden voice from the corridor brought them back to reality with a sudden realization what they almost did.
It was professor Snape, who approached them at a fast pace, tall shadowlike figure was standing near them just second after.
- "Care to explain what is happening here, mister Lestrange and miss…", - tilting his head aside a bit, clearly waiting for an introduction from a third-year Gryffindor.
- "It's G-granger, sir", - with almost primal fear answered Hermione.
- "Do I need to repeat my question?", - irritation clearly visible in his voice.
- "Apologies professor", - putting himself between Snape and Hermione, in protective manner, and putting on his best 'smile' answered the boy, - "I was just showing Hermione the way to a duelling class, sir."
- "Is that right?" - tilting his head back straight, again Snape awaited an answer for Hermione.
- "Y-yes sir, t-that's the truth" - answered the girl showing slightly her head out of the Corvus's back, like she was hiding from a terrifying monster.
Few seconds of staring later, Snape, accepted the girl's answer and bid them to follow him. Both of them were on the 'think-train', Corvus on why it did happen again, just like last night, he couldn't move or speak, only the warm feeling and a strong need to kiss her, the girl he 'knows' for about a day. Hermione on the other hand, still terrified by professor Snape sudden appearance, was still thinking 'Why she didn't speak up sooner? Why she didn't tell him about the last night? Why she didn't tell him of what she saw? Of seeing Him, using a Killing Curse to save her life!'.
The duelling room was already full, Gryffindor and Slytherin student from third to sixth year were chatting and making noise, but as soon as professor Snape entered, all noise died down. The eyes of everyone followed not the professor thou, but a pair of students quietly separating themselves into their respective faculties.
The room was giant, capable of accommodating hundreds of students, with a dimmed light and sort of an octagonal arena in the middle. As Snape ascended on to the arena, he swiftly threw a glance on to the people in room. Students from third to sixth year were around him, Gryffindor on the right and Slytherin on his left.
- "Good morning students," - his voice but a whisper but loud enough, so the faculties would shut up and pay their full attention to the shadowlike man in the centre of the octagonal arena, - "welcome to the Duelling class, my name is professor Severus Snape, for those of you who doesn't have enough brain to remember my name," - sarcastic grin scowled his face, as professor scanned the room, - "I'm DADA professor and your Duelling instructor for this year."
Many students in the room started annoying growls or other sights of how unpleasant it was for them, mostly Gryffindors. Corvus never really understood their frustration about Snape, he wasn't the most pleasant person in the world, but nobody could have denied that Severus Snape, was one the most skilled and powerful duellist on the Isles, being instructed and supervised by him every week in the art of combat, was to be considered lucky, - "Gryffs' - muttered under his breath Corvus, with clear displeasure and annoyance.
Snape started to informing the new arrivals about the list of rules to follow, about a championship that was held for all students, from third to sixth year and so on. Corvus already heard them on his third and fourth year, but instead he darted his eyes in to Gryffindors direction, trying to find those hazel eyes, and he did.
She was there, standing amidst the shadows of the pillar in the room's corner, so sad all in her own taught, without paying attention to the surrounding world. Corvus was still analysing what happened in the corridor and last night, never he had felt those kinds of emotions before, not even with Pansy. On one side, he liked them, that warm feeling, like everything else not exist anymore, but at same time, he was afraid of it, what if she could get hurt, or used against him, what if SHE will use him in her own agenda? He was far to paranoid to exclude that last possibility, as Scion of House Lestrange, the possibility of manipulation and subsequential 'use', was far too great of possibility to just exclude, because the person had some kind of physical trauma and stuttered every third word. He should treat Hermione with caution, she's a Gryff, and that means dislike of Snakes a priori.
Snape ended his 'little' introduction, which got Corvus and everybody else attention immediately. - "From introduction, to more practical aspect", professor started to look for to candidate to showcase what will happen in a Duelling class most of the time. - "Mister Lestrange, Mister Weasley" - calling Corvus's name startled him, that was not what he needed right now, as its already enough attention drawn to him by the yesterday's event, and now this, and with one of the Twins.
- 'It's going to be a fucking mess' - Corvus knew that for a fact as he ascended the stairs, Twins didn't like their youngest brother, but he was family, and that means they would want to take revenge.
- "Don't do anything stupid", - but a whisper from Snape passing by him on the way to his place.
Weasley was staring at him now, it was Fred or George, he could never tell the difference between the two, - "Well, you know what comes next." - stating matter-of-factly Weasley, taking out his wand with a devilish grin, - "Ronniekins is not a best representative of our family, but still, he's family. That means you'll have to pay…"
Well, that was obvious that Weasley will try and hurt him, even thou Corvus doubted that the redhead could cause any serious or permanent damage, it still be damage non the less. The problem wasn't Weasley by himself, the Twins were formidable opponents when they worked in tandem, by themselves they were below an average fighters. The real problem was the damage he could have done to the Gryffindor and to his own 'image' of a brilliant student but a very poor fighter, that he build over four years in Hogwarts, but especially to 'staying below radar' doctrine Corvus was so zealously maintained.
Maintaining the eye contact, they were listening to Snape's countdown, as soon as it reached the end, without waiting a second, Weasley fired a Petrifying Charm followed by three consecutive modified Stinging Hexes, one more powerful then the previous. They smashed into brightly colour sparks, as soon as they hit the shield Corvus put just a moment before first spell hit him. Even this was difficult physically, as his right arm still hurt, from the wandless Killing Curse, he used against the troll. Again, another barrage of spells, more advanced this time, Stunners combined with odd Disarming and Petrifying Charms, all smashed at the shield, weakening it as it seemed to the crowd around the arena. But in reality, even if it was a weak Protego Charm, it wasn't even badging, not by those standard combat charms, then out nowhere, - "Reducto!", - Weasley fired an overpowered Reductor, that Corvus did not expected, it shuttered his shield into sparks, which made him flinch, and that was enough for his opponent to get an opening and continue with an overpowered Banisher. It connected straight into Corvus's torso sanding him straight to the wall ten feet away.
- 'Well, that hurts', - thoughts streamed through his mind, with a single purpose to dull the damage his pride was taking, with a corner of his eyes he saw Hermione, standing there motionlessly, yeays filled with interest.
- "What's the matter Lestrange, can't handle a real opponent?', - Weasley words rallied the crowd who was roaring and laughing, as Snape started to walk closer to his student to help him, - "What would your fierce mum tell, if she sees you right now?!"
Snape eyes widened, as he saw Corvus rising to his feet without saying a word, he knew what was coming, he saw it before. Everyone in the crowd suddenly went silent, even Weasley shut himself up, as of sensing something was off.
Corvus rose back to the arena, changing his wand hand, from damaged right, to a healthy left, adjusting himself in a duelling position, of that of a fencer, suddenly a smile appeared on his face, no, a maniacal grin as he rose his head to face the redhead, -"Let's finish this, Weasley".
Weasley tried to send a Disarming Charm at his opponent followed by a Stunner, but Corvus was faster. He caught the red spell into his right palm making a pirouette at same time dodging the Stunner, sending the Disarmer back at Weasley, followed at a lightning speed with a wordless Cutting Curse and a Banisher.
All three connected, Weasley's own spell left him with no wand, the second one cut his face and the Banisher sent him into a wall, with such power that it shattered, with a sound of broken stone and bones. But it wasn't enough, Snape watched as Corvus put himself into a very specific stance: half turned, with one hand horizontally to his torso, and the wand hand into an upper-hook motion. He saw that move before, he saw those maniacal violet eyes in the past too, he knew what was coming. The signature move that belonged to the fierce Bellatrix Lestrange, just moments before she cast a Killing Curse. The situation was critical, if Corvus would cast an Unforgivable in the presence of so many witnesses it will be over for him, and Snape. But that didn't happen, instead the boy stopped frozen-like, his eyes changed from maniacal to that of a scared child, and then back again to cold and lifeless in the matter of second, he lowered his wand, - "I believe the duel is finished professor" - tone was cold and body relaxed, as if whatever possessed the boy has released him. Slytherin were in awe, Gryffindors were in shock, and only Hermione was calmly watching the boy from the shadows, knowing full well what happened…
Hours later, after the curfew.
A knock on the door, - "Come in."
The door opened, Snape entered into a gloomy office, under screeching of the old man's bird and somewhat relaxed atmosphere that Dumbledore, loved to put when he had visitors, a little charm of his own making, to catch his guest off-guard if the need arises. There in his chair, was the greatest wizard of 20th century, looking as benevolent as possible.
- "Good evening, Severus, have a sit"
As per usual it wasn't a request but an order, so without further hesitation Snape approached the chair in front of the headmaster and put himself in it. It wasn't a surprise that he immediately strengthen his Occlumency Shield to its absolute maximum, as Dumbledore was a master Legilimencer, so cautious was Snape's primal objective for this, undoubtedly unpleasant, conversation.
- "Well Severus, let's get down to business. I need to talk to you about one of your students", - putting his 'Headmaster' persona, Dumbledore spoke with eyes far gone from that grandfatherly gaze he always used with students, - "Mister Lestrange, a fifth-year prefect if I recall"
- "What about him?", - Snape knew perfectly well 'what about', but tried to play dumb still.
- "As I have reports of his rather odd behaviour, to say the least", - he was doing that again, bating an information, but that trick wouldn't work on someone like Snape.
- "Odd as in…"
- "Severus please, don't play this stupid game with me" - there it was, a true Dumbledore, tough as stone, always getting the game before it even started, - "Over his four years at Hogwarts, Mister Lestrange, was a model student, good grades if some weakness in DADA department, exemplary conduct, made prefect this year. And suddenly, he's complete opposite of it."
- "What are you saying Albus? Mister Lestrange never did anything out of the normal in my eyes"
- "Again, I beg to differ Severus, his outburst at Mister Weasley on the duel ring, and earlier at Adrian and his friends, that's not something I would call a normal behaviour for a fifteen-year old student. I would rather presume his behaviour is much like that one of his mother as…"
- "I would like to stop you there Albus", - interrupted Snape, raising his palm, and showing, on purpose, his changed tone on the mentioning of Bellatrix, -"Let's not go there, as I can assure you, he's nothing like his mother or father to that extent."
- "And what about his outbursts? You surely cannot deny those."
- "Oh, come on now Albus," - Snape was already tired of those 'accusations', - "The night before he fought and adult bloody troll to save a fellow student, and killed it, being injured in the process, and I don't even want to mention the stress from such a situation.", - cocking his head a bit, and making 'duh' expression, the Potion Master continued, - "so no wonders he was a little rush on his judgment by dealing with Potter shenanigans, and after in the ring. He's just a kid for Merlin's sake.
That last phrase came out louder that supposed too, as for a second emotions got the upper hand, but it was quickly quenched, by Snape's Occlumency Shields.
- "I see, don't' you think that your fillings for his mother are clouding your judgment?
- "Enough", - that was a low blow, even for Dumbledore, - "if there's nothing else to discuss I would like to leave."
There was a slight pause, this was a button Dumbledore knew to push, to get Snape out of balance, there was clearly something. So, the old headmaster decided not to pursue the subject any further, for now.
- "Of course, Severus, you may go"
Snape didn't hesitate, and got up walking up to the door, he had another unpleasant conversation this evening, and he did not look forward for it. But before he reached the door, the headmaster spoke again.
- "You know, the thing that intrigues me, is that how a fifth-year could kill an adult troll by himself.", - it wasn't a question, but specific phrase thrown out at a specific moment, in hopes of gaining at least something out of this, obviously uninformative conversation.
Half turned, the Potion Master answered, - "When a person faces a kill-or-die situation, they may be capable of extraordinary things, you should know that better than most Albus. You have a good night."
With those words Snape left the headmaster's office, and Dumbledore was engulfed into his thoughts, something didn't add up. A fifteen years old student killing an adult troll by himself, the day after, injuring his fellow student, even if it was in a duel, still he did it far too ruthlessly than he should have, specially knowing, guessing, about his poor duel abilities. And that Granger girl, he saved that night. Something to consider and certainly to investigate.
Later, the same night.
Corvus, was standing near Snape's room, waiting for a conversation that should be a very uncomfortable experience at best. Minutes later, DADA professor showed up by the end of the corridor, quickly approaching, and in foul mood to boot.
- "Inside"
Corvus never uttering a word passed through the doorway into Snape's room. Not waiting to be asked, he sit on one of the chairs by professor's desk.
- "What a hell were you thinking?!", - Snape never bothered to control his emotions with Corvus, sitting by the other end of the desk, - "Do you even realize the consequences of today's actions?"
Corvus didn't answered, he knew full well, he messed up, major, and deserved every bit of scolding he was receiving and would receive.
- "You jeopardized, your persona in front of the entire school, drew attention to yourself, and almost killed a student in front of dozens of witnesses.", - Corvus saw as professor ire grew, but never dare to rebound, - "And don't think I didn't notice that last move you pulled out on Weasley"
- "I didn't…"
- "Silence!", - that was a mistake Corvus did, there was no point at interrupting Snape, and would lead to more scolding, - "Did you really thought that I wouldn't recognize Bellatrix signature move, before casting a Killing Curse? That was stupid and unresponsible, imagine what would happen after?"
His ire changed suddenly, to a more caring approach. Snape stood up and came close to Corvus, which too rose from the seat, - "You have to understand Corvus, that it is my duty, as your godfather, to protect you, but I cannot do it, if you will constantly put yourself in this kind of situation."
- "Are you worried because of me, or because of what my mum could do?"
Now that was an interesting question, Snape knew if something will happen to his godson, he will never forgive himself, but same, if something happens with Bellatrix son on his watch, she will torture him into oblivion.
- "Both I guess", - smiled creeped on Snape's face, - "Please be careful in the future, and stay alert as Dumbledore would likely to be interested you now."
- "I will, I promise."
- "Good, and try not to use a wandless Unforgivable in the future, that stunt you pulled with a troll, could have killed you."
- "I had no choice, I needed to stop that thing and to save Hermione…", - he let it slip, now he realized it, but it was too late now.
- "Hermione? I presume that's the name of a girl you saved yesterday, and the same one I saw you fancy today?"
Corvus never answered, just turned a little red around his cheeks averting his violet eyes. That was all the confirmation Snape needed.
- "Be careful around her, she's not how she appears."
- "Meaning?", he was intrigued by his godfather words, he never felt anything strange from the girl aside from some above average Occlumency Shield and strange allure he senses towards her.
- "I don't know what, but something puts me off with that girl, she may be a lot more dangerous than anyone think.", - Severus put a hand on his godson shoulder, - "just promise me you'll be careful around her."
- "I will consider you words."
- "That's all I ask. Now it's time for you to go, and don't worry I will write to your mother myself."
That wasn't a calming thought to bear, but none the less, Corvus said his goodbyes to his godfather and exited the room, Leaving Severus Snape, the Potion Master, in deep thoughts, how these events would unfold, and what Bellatrix would do, knowing what happened and how the situation is in reality. If Snape gets lucky, his godson will be out of danger, and Bellatrix would not murder him in most gruesome way possible.
Putting himself on the sofa by the fireplace, Snape drifted to sleep with one, constant thought.
- 'What a fucking mess.'