Cokeworth, England, Great Britain
Spinners End
"Cissy! You mustn't do this! He can't be trusted!" Bellatrix said to her sister Narcissa as they were walking to Severus Snape's residence on Spinners End.
"The Dark Lord trusts him," Narcissa said back to her sister.
"The Dark Lord is mistaken," Bellatrix reiterated.
Narcissa turned around to see Bellatrix smiling. Narcissa had a shocked look on her face. If the Dark Lord had heard her say that he would have ended her life right then and there.
"Or so I believe," Bellatrix corrected herself.
It was raining cats and dogs as they made their way to Severus Snape's residence. Narcissa had to do this even though her sister may be right.
Knock, Knock*
"Wormtail!" Severus' voice launched to the rat that lived with him as per the Dark Lord. Oh how much he hated that man. He didn't know if he hated him more than James Potter.
The door creaked open as Wormtail opened it to see Narcissa Malfoy and Bellatrix Lestrange. Severus was reading the paper as they strolled into his study. He folded the paper and put it in his lap. "Run along, Wormtail," he cast a spell to shut the door on him.
"I... I know I ought not to be here," Narcissa stuttered, "The Dark Lord himself forbade me to speak of this."
"If the Dark Lord has forbidden it, you ought not to speak," Severus said as he looked at Bellatrix who was holding his items. Put it down, Bella. We mustn't touch what isn't ours," she turned around to look at him and put down the item. "As it so happens I'm aware of your situation, Narcissa."
"You? The Dark Lord told you?" Bellatrix asked.
"Your sister doubts me," Severus smirked. "Understandable. Over the years I played my part well, so well, I have deceived one of the greatest wizards of all times. Dumbledore is a great wizard, only a fool would question it."
"I don't doubt you, Severus,"
"You should be honest, Cissy. As should Draco," Bellatrix said.
"He's just a boy," Narcissa said softly.
"I can't change the Dark Lord's mind," he said, "But it might be possible for me to help Draco."
"Severus…" Narcissa said.
"Swear to it. Make the unbreakable vow," Bellatrix smiled devilishly.
Severus stared at them. He didn't want to do the unbreakable vow but if he must. "It's just empty words," Bellatrix whispered, "he'll give it his best effort, but when it matters the most he'll just slither back into his hole."
"Coward," she started to walk away from him.
"Take out your wand," he wanted to strangle Bella but it wasn't the time or place.
Severus grabbed Narcissa's hand as Bellatrix placed the tip of her wand onto the linked hands, acting as a witness. A small strand of light intertwined their hands for the connection.
"Will you, Severus Snape, watch over Draco Malfoy as he attempts to fulfill the Dark Lord's wishes?"
"I will," Severus breathed.
"And will you to the best of your ability, protect him from harm?" Bellatrix sat her chin on her sister's shoulder.
"I will," Severus twitched slightly that nobody saw.
"And if Draco shall fail will you yourself carry out the deed that the Dark Lord has ordered Draco to perform?"
Severus wanted to say no, there was no way he could perform Draco's deed nor wanted to but Draco was his godson and he would do almost anything for him.
"I will," he said softly and the string of light faded away from their hands.
Narcissa smiled as she let go of Severus' hand. What had he just done?
oOo
"Step up, step up, we've got fainting fancies, nosebleed nougat, and just in time to school:..Puking pastils," the Weasley twins smiled. Hermione smiled as she watched the twins grin at each other. They sure loved the new shop that they have opened.
"Hello, Ladies. Love potions, ey? Yeah, they really do work. Then again from what we've heard sis, is that you're doing just fine on your own," the twins smiled at Ginny.
"Meaning?" Ginny gritted her teeth.
"Are you not still dating Dean Thomas?"
"That's none of your business," Ginny was annoyed.
Hermione looked over to see Cormac smiling at her while she was holding a love potion, she put it down instantly.
"Let's go," Ron said after he heard the price go up from his siblings.
"How're Fred and George doing it? Half the alley's closed down," Hermione said.
"I'd reckon people need a laugh these days," Ron said.
"I reckon he's right," Harry said as they made their way down the alley.
"Oh, no. Everyone got their wands from Olivander's," Hermione frowned as they walked past Olivander's.
"Harry. Is it me or do Draco and Mommy look like two people who don't want to be followed?" Ron smiled as they watched Draco and his mum being suspicious.
oOo
Hermione was happy to get back to Hogwarts and back to see a certain someone. He hadn't written to her as much as she hoped. She wondered what happened to make him not write to her as much. At first, it was going well she would see a letter every two weeks and soon it just died down.
"So, what was Draco doing with that weird-looking cabinet?" Harry asked after we shut the door to our cart. "And who were all those people? Don't you see? It was a ceremony. An initiation."
"Stop it, Harry. I know where you're going with this," Hermione rolled her eyes.
"It happened. He's one of them," Harry said.
"One of what?" Ron asked.
"Harry is under the impression Draco Malfoy is now a Death Eater," Hermione rolled her eyes.
"You're barking. What would you-know-who want with the sort like Malfoy?" Ron chuckled.
"Well his father is a death eater why wouldn't he be?" Harry folded his arms and stared at his friends.
"Not all death eaters are bad people," Hermione interrupted.
"Says who?" Harry asked.
"Nothing, never mind," Hermione said.
"Are you still on about Snape being a good person?" Harry shook his head, "I don't know why you bother with that old git. He's nothing but trouble."
She hated the fact that her best friends hated the man she sort of had feelings for. She didn't know what it was especially if he only wanted their relationship to be strictly sexual and student-teacher.
"Do you have some sort of crush on him?" Ron chuckled. "I bet the man doesn't even know how to talk to a woman let alone kiss one."
Harry chuckled, "Bet he hasn't even gotten laid ever."
Hermione scuffed, "Not like either of you have."
"Coming from someone that is in the same boat as us," Ron said, "stop talking through those virgin lips, 'Mione."
"I would like both of you to know that you two are the virgins of our trio," Hermione puffed and stood up, "now I will let you dunderheads process what I just said, I will be back later." Hermione opened up the cart door and walked away.
Oh how much she wanted to rub it in their face that she was more experienced than them, but she didn't want them thinking it was Krum. What the hell, they probably already did think it's him, but it was better than them finding out about her and Severus. She loved calling him Severus and hoped when she got back he would still be okay with her calling him that.
After what felt like forever they had finally reached Hogwarts. Hermione didn't go back to her friends after she had told them off, she thought it would be best. She didn't want all of the questions of who it was.
She got off the Hogwarts Express and made her way to the entrance of the grounds.
"Mione," she heard from behind and turned around to see Ron.
"What do you want?" She questioned as she noticed Professor Flitwick standing in front with a piece of rolled-up parchment.
"Names?"
Hermione quirked an eyebrow as did Ron.
"Hermione Granger, sir," she smiled.
"Ronald Weasley?" Ron questioned.
"Off you both go," Professor Flitwick said.
Hermione and Ron both nodded and made their way up to the path where the carriages were picking students up to go to the castle. As she made her way to the carriage she noticed a dark figure in the corner of her eye. She turned her head to make eye contact with him but it was almost like he didn't see her. She tried not to overthink his actions but she wondered if he was done with her. Who was she kidding? She was an over thinker and she wouldn't stop until she got her answer.
oOo
They made their way into the Great Hall and sat down next to each other.
"Where is Harry?" Hermione asked.
"No idea," he said as he started to eat the jello in front of his face.
"Will you stop eating? Your best friend is missing!" She hit him with her books several times.
"Oi! Turn around, you lunatic!"
Hermione turned around to see Harry holding up a white cloth to his nose, obviously bleeding.
"He's covered in blood again. Why is it he's always covered in blood?" Ginny asked.
"Looks like it's his own this time," Ron said.
Harry arrives at the Gryffindor table and sat down next to Hermione.
"Where've you been, Harry? And what happened to your face?" Hermione asked.
"Later. What've I missed?" Harry asked.
"Sorting Hat urged us all to be brave and strong in these troubled times -- easy for it to say -- it's a hat, isn't it?" Ron shook his head.
"The very best of evenings to you!" Professor Dumbledore started to say, "First off, please join me in welcoming the newest member of our staff, Horace Slughorn," he said, "Professor Slughorn, I'm happy to say, has agreed to resume his old post of Potions master. Meanwhile, the post of Defense Against the Dark Arts will be assumed by Professor Snape," Hermione looked over at Severus who looked amused, but she did not clap as none of the Gryffindors were happy for him.
"Now, as you know, every one of you was searched upon your arrival tonight. You have a right to know why," he paused. "Once there was a young man who, like you, sat in this very Hall. Walked this castle's corridors. Slept beneath its roof. He seemed, to all the world, a student like any other. His name? Tom Riddle," the hall went more silent if that was possible. "Today, of course, the world knows him by another name. Which is why, as I stand looking out upon you all tonight, I am reminded of a sobering fact. Each day, every hour, this very minute perhaps, dark forces attempt to penetrate this castle. But in the end, their greatest weapon remains... you. Just something to keep in mind. Now, off to bed. Pip pip!" Dumbledore smiled.
Hermione smiled as she stood up from the Gryffindor table. As she was making her way out of the Great Hall she was stopped by a voice she had missed.
"Miss Granger," she turned around to see Severus staring at her with great desire.
"Yes, Professor?" She smiled.
"May I have a word?"
She nodded and turned to her friends. "I will see you in the common room," her eyes darted between Harry, Ron, and Ginny.
As Hermione and Severus made their way down to the dungeons it was extremely quiet. Neither of them spoke a word to each other on the way down. Severus opened the door and gestured Hermione in. "Thank you," she smiled as she walked past him.
Severus walked in and shut the door behind him. "I shouldn't be away from my friends for very long they will suspect something," Hermione had her back towards him.
Severus made his way behind Hermione and pushed his body against hers. He snaked one hand around her waist while the other made its way to her soft neck. He started to plant soft kisses on the side of her neck as his hand started to squeeze her waist.
Hermione started to moan slightly as his hand that was near her neck started to fully grasp her neck.
"Severus," she started to moan as his grip started to tighten.
"I like it when you say my name, Hermione," he softly said in her ear.
Hermione bit down on her lip after hearing her name roll off of his tongue.
"Wait, stop," Hermione pushed him away. "You don't get to do this when you don't write to me and you completely ignore me."
Severus sighed and pinched the bridge of his nose. "I didn't write to you because I have been extremely busy with important family matters and the Dark Lord. I also didn't mean to ignore you today but I was near my godson and I didn't want suspicions to arise," he said.
"Godson?" Hermione questioned.
"Draco," he put his hands in his pockets as he stared at Hermione.
"I didn't know that," Hermione said.
"I don't go around telling my students or staff my business," Severus said.
"I'm more than just your student," Hermione huffed.
Severus groaned and shook his head.
"You didn't tell me you got the Defense Against the Dark Arts position," Hermione said.
"Like I said, Hermione, I don't tell people my business," Severus rolled his eyes.
"You're right," Hermione huffed again, "I barely know anything about you. I want to know more about you, Severus."
He chuckled, "Why?"
"Because I would like to know more about the man that I am sleeping with," Hermione said.
"You don't want to know things about me," he said, "for one you already know I am your professor, I am stubborn and ugly."
Hermione scuffed again, "Well you see Severus, I've never thought of you as ugly. I've found you to be quite attractive. And if anyone or yourself thinks that then you are undoubtedly wrong. Sure, you are a stubborn pain in the arse but you sure aren't ugly by any means."
The corners of his mouth started to curl but soon went back to his normal face. "I would take points away from you and tell you to leave for calling me a stubborn pain in the arse but I would much rather you stay here," he walked closer to Hermione and wrapped his arms around her waist. "If you want to get to know me I think the best place to start is my library," he stopped holding her and grabbed her hand. He pulled her across the potions classroom and to his private chambers.
He opened the door and walked her to his library. "Here," he put his large hands on her shoulders and squeezed them. "I will make us some tea," he let go and walked away from Hermione.
Hermione smiled and looked at the many books he had. She didn't know where to start. She walked to one side and pulled a book out. The book was somewhat dusty so she blew off the cobwebs and sat down on his couch with her legs up to her chest.
She opened the book to see that there were words written on the first page.
'This book belongs to the Half-Blood Prince.'
Hermione quirked an eyebrow.
"What?" She looked up to see Severus staring at her.
"Who's the Half-Blood Prince?" She questioned.
"Me," he said.
oOo
The next morning Hermione made her way to the potions classroom. It felt strange going to the potions classroom without Severus being there.
"Welcome, students please stand around and we will get started! I have prepared many different potions for each of you to," Professor Slughorn was cut off and turned around to see Harry and Ron in the doorway.
"Harry m'boy! I was beginning to worry! And I see we've brought someone with us..." Professor Slughorn trailed off.
"Ron Weasley, sir. But I'm dead awful at Potions, a menace actually, so I probably should just be going —" Slughorn cut him off in the middle of his sentence.
"Nonsense, we'll sort you out. Any friend of Harry's is a friend of mine. Right then, books out."
"Um, sorry, sir, but I haven't got my book yet -- nor's Ron. You see," Harry started to say.
"Not to worry. You can get what you need from the cupboard," Slughorn said.
As Harry and Ron step to the cupboard, Slughorn resumed, gesturing to the cauldrons bubbling before him.
"Now, as I was saying, I've prepared a few concoctions this morning. Any ideas what these might be?" Hermione raised her waiting to get called on, "Yes, Miss...?"
"Granger, sir. That one there is Veritaserum. And that would be Polyjuice Potion. And that... is Amortentia! The most
powerful love potion in the world. It's rumored to smell differently to each person, according to what attracts them. For example, I smell leather, a hint of sulfur, and an apothe— and spearmint toothpaste," Hermione blushed and stepped back after making up the last item. She couldn't say apothecary without somebody wondering why she was attracted to that smell. Oh how much she wanted to go in a corner and hide but she felt if she acted normal she wouldn't feel as awkward.
Harry and Ron made their way over to their other peers and listened to Professor Slughorn talk.
"Now Amortentia doesn't create actual love, of course. That's impossible. But it does cause a powerful infatuation or obsession. For that reason, it is probably the most dangerous potion in this room," Slughorn said.
"Sir, you haven't told us what's in that one," Katie Bell pointed to the last vial.
"Ah yes..." Slughorn smiled, "What you see before you, ladies and gentlemen, is a curious little potion known as Felix Felicis. But it is more commonly referred to as --Liquid luck," he smiled again. "So. This is what I offer each of you today. One tiny vial of liquid luck... to the student who, in the hour that remains, manages to brew an acceptable Draught of Living Death, the recipe for which can be found on page ten of your textbook. You should know that in all the years of my previous tenure at Hogwarts, I have only had one student back in 1976, correctly make this potion on the first try. Now off you go!"
"How did you do that?" Hermione asked Harry as he put the liquid in from the Sopophorous bean.
"Crush it, don't cut it," Harry smiled.
"No. The instructions specifically say to cut."
"No, really," Harry smiled as he looked at his potions book.
Hermione was frustrated, to say the least since Harry had won.
As they were making their way out of the potions classroom for the end of class, Hermione was stopped.
"Miss Granger," Slughorn had said.
"Yes?" She turned around with a smile.
"Professor McGonagall would like to see you in her office, so better get there soon."
"Yes, Professor, thank you," Hermione smiled and turned on her heel making her way to Professor McGonagall's office.
oOo
Hermione smiled as she just heard that great news. She had been offered by Professor McGonagall to be a prefect this year.
"Here is a key to your chambers as you will get to your chambers at different hours than other students," she handed her the key. "You will make up your password when you get there and then you will no longer need this key."
"Thank you, Professor," Hermione smiled as she grabbed the key from her hand.
"You will also be a prefect with Ronald Weasley," she smiled, but soon Hermione's smile started to dissipate. "If you see him let him know to come to my office."
"I will, thank you."
"Did I mention your private chambers are in the basement?" Professor McGonagall stated quickly.
"Oh, thank you for letting me know," Hermione smiled.
Hermione made her way out of Professor McGonagall's office and made her way to her private chambers. She was excited, to say the least, that she didn't have to share a dorm with anyone else. She would no longer have to wake the stubborn Ginny. The only thing she wondered was why her private chambers were in the dungeons. Did they always have the Gryffindor prefects in the basement?
Hermione got to her private chambers and grabbed the key out of her robe. She opened the door slowly with a smile as she noticed it was as big as the dorm room but it was all to herself.
oOo
"So your own chambers," Ginny started to wiggle her eyebrows at Hermione.
"Shut up, and eat your lunch," Hermione rolled her eyes.
"Hermione, you can sneak boys into your room, maybe get those muscles loosened, and other things loosened if you know what I mean," Ginny giggled but that soon disappeared when her eyes went wide and she looked down at her food.
"What?" Hermione took a big of her sandwich and waited for Ginny to answer.
"Miss Granger, Miss Weasley," a dark velvety traveled up and down Hermione's spine.
"Afternoon, Professor Snape," Ginny still didn't look up as she took a bite of her food.
"When you are done eating and conversing with peers, Miss Granger, meet me in the Defense Against the Dark Arts classroom."
"Yes, sir, Professor Snape," Hermione said not turning around as she knew her face would be as red as a tomato.
Severus cleared his throat and walked past them.
"God," Ginny lifted her head, "why in the world is he always around when I talk about you getting laid?"
"No idea," Hermione said, "maybe it's a sign to be quiet."
"Not until you get some," Ginny said.
If only she knew, Hermione thought.