Toxic Part 4
I want to send thanks and (((HUGS))) to my beta Smiling cow. And also to all those who have read and reviewed. Thank you. You are the ones that make it all worth wild.
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Repercussions
Part 4
Down the hall from the library Sirius Black’s mother bellowed from her picture frame. She had awoken upon their arrival. Severus had hoped she wouldn’t start in on one of her “Mudblood” rants. But she was nothing in comparison to the fury Hermione had unleashed upon him. This little kitten had claws.
Why damn him? Why had he done it? Was it because of what he had witnessed outside the Great Hall? Or was it the fact that since he had grazed her hand in class today he couldn’t get her out of his mind?
`Come now, Severus. You know you couldn’t bare the sight of Wood’s hands on her.` The little Death Eater in him said.
Looking back, Severus should have realized Hermione would read him the riot act. For hell hath no furry like a self-righteous Gryffindor. `Ok, Snape, old boy, focus. Or you will never get a word in. This Gryffindor must learn her place.`
Hermione`s tirade had reached its crescendo now, “And further more, there was no reason to act like such an arse in front of Oliver!”
That was the proverbial lacewing that melted the Potion Master’s cauldron. Snape felt his cool mask of indifference fall, at the mention of Wood. He felt an urge to curse her suitor with every unforgivable he could think of.
“Miss Granger, might I remind you that you need to mind your manners?” His voice was an inky cloud of blackness that wrecked havoc on her senses.
“I...um...it’s the truth!” Hermione`s voice faltered and she knew she was loosing much needed ground.
He had taken all he could stand, really whom did she think she was speaking to? Severus rose from his seat as fast as a thunderstorm in summer. Closing the gap between them in mere strides. Snape pinned her to the study wall by her shoulders, his body pressed close to hers.
His face was inches from Hermione`s; his eyes shone like hellfire. “You, silly little girl! Do you think I have nothing better to do than baby-sit a love sick puppy?” With his initial anger subsiding, Severus realized that he was pinning her with most of his weight. He tried to move; yet his body had a mind of its own and just the scent of her at this distance drove him mad, cutting off all ability to think.
Hermione squirmed against him in her weak attempts to loosen his grip. Her breasts rose and fell with every breath she drew into her lungs. He was watching her through heavily lidded eyes. The sight of her made him take in a harsh breath.
She stilled her movements realizing a little too late that she had aroused him. Yet, Hermione could not hold her tongue.
“Professor, you have no need to involve yourself in my love life. Besides, you are not the only one put out by this arrangement.”
Hermione managed to break away from him, moving just out of reach. Severus felt the room spin as she pulled away and emptiness settled upon him once more. He watched as she wrapped her arms about herself; as if to keep his warmth against her body. Her actions caused a smile to pull at the corners of his lips.
How had it escalated so fast? After all he had goaded her into this fight. Hermione was just venting her venom, not anything that hadn’t happened to him before. Yet she looked to him like a goddess standing there.
`No this isn’t right. Miss Granger is a student. Damn, don’t I have even a trace of honor?`
Severus gave her an appraising look from where he stood; when had Hermione taken off her robes? Further more why did the sight of this pint sized McGonagall, standing there in utter defiance of him, set in motion the stirrings of desire.
`Damn, Albus for this temptation.` Severus thought as his eyes took in her hair framing her face in amber ringlets, after all he could only hold out so long. Hermione`s eyes flashed with anger, bringing to mind the image of Persephone as Hades took her to the underworld.
“Miss Granger, I only involved myself, because you were not conducting yourself in a becoming manner.” Snape noted how she was fighting back the hot retort that hung on the tip of her tongue.
Severus, old boy, you’ve still got it. “Where may I ask, is your uniform?” He tilted his head to one side as if to get a better look.
Hermione stood stock still, hands on her womanly hips, until she found her voice, “No, you may not ask. Its none of your bloody concern. Goodnight Professor.”
As she stormed out of the room, Hermione had not failed to brush against him. The feel of his robes against her exposed skin sent a wave of heat through her.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Minerva paced her chambers in Hogwarts, worry clear on her face. She had been like this when Albus had gone to the Owlery to send a letter to Hermione, and she was still pacing now.
“Your pacing isn’t going to do any good. Come sit and talk with me.” Albus was trying to calm her, even though he knew it was futile.
“What have we done? He is a grown man, my love.” Her eyes moved over his face, watching for something. “She’s just a child, you know.”
“Minerva, weren’t you just a child when we fell in love? And do not argue he is her Professor, because I was yours. Lemon Drop?” He said offering her a sweet.
“Really, Albus that was very different. You are more like Lupin, than Severus.” She cared deeply for the Potions Master, her cousin, but he was a man to be reckoned with, and Hermione was still just a child.
“You, my dear, are starting to sound like Severus. Miss Granger will be more than capable of handling him.” A smiled tugged at his lips.
“But he's a Slytherin?” That was it her last ditch effort.
“I believe that fate does not see house lines. Besides Severus has showed us he is just as courageous as any Gryffindor.”
Albus was right of course and Minerva knew it. She also knew that Professor Snape must have some feelings for the girl; at least after what she saw tonight. “Did you see Severus when he saw her in Mr. Wood’s arms. It was like...”
“Yes, I know. Severus is dealing with emotions he has never faced before.” Dumbledore hoped that they could’ve eased into this new arrangement. But Hermione and Severus were too much alike, yet different all at once.
The Headmaster rose from his seat and extended his had to Minerva, “We have done all we can. They must do the rest for themselves. Come, let’s go to bed. Perhaps I can take your mind off the whole thing.”
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Hermione slammed the door to her room, causing Mrs. Black to start her ranting once again. Slowly she glanced around the room and with the flick of her wand, the room changed. Hermione wanted everything to be just right, knowing this would be her home for the next few months.
Against the far wall sat a mahogany four-poster bed; its burgundy velvet drapes hanging to the floor. She realized that it was much bigger than her bed at school and was thankful for the comfort. After all, one could only stand a twin sized bed for so long. Hermione liked to move around in her sleep, to get comfortable.
Slowly her eyes came to rest on the desk next to her. There sitting on a stack of books was what she had been looking for. A parchment envelope addressed in emerald green ink to:
Miss Hermione Granger
Order of the Phoenix
Hermione reached for it and noticed her hand was shaking, probably due to the adrenaline that still rushed through her veins. No doubt Severus would have no trouble sleeping this evening. As she broke the seal on the envelope, Hermione wondered when he stopped being Snape, her greasy git of a Potions Master, and had become Severus.
Dear Miss Granger,
I am pleased to inform you that the ministry of magic has approved the use of magic by all Order members. Under age or not. As there will be much that you will not be able to acquire without it.
I would also like to ask you to watch over Severus during the holiday. As I assume you already know that he is still within the ranks of Voldemort`s Death Eaters. He has been spying for the Order for many years now, and I fear he could be found out. It would cause great sorrow to loose someone as valuable as he. I have a great deal of hope that if anyone can help him it is you. I must also ask that you never tell Severus that I ask this of you, I fear he would never forgive me.
Much hope,
Albus Dumbledore.
Hermione folded up the letter, placing it in her trunk under some of her school things. All she could think as she absentmindedly dressed for bed was how Severus Snape was risking his life for everyone she loved. When had he stopped being a prat and started acting the part of a hero?
Slowly she got into bed and pulled the covers over herself; trying to fight the chill that her silk and lace camisole let in. Hermione`s head was filled with thoughts of Dumbledore’s letter as sleep claimed her.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Today like any other, Severus was up before dawn. He made his way to the kitchen to make a cup of tea, only to notice that tea was already on the fire. There by the back door stood Hermione. It appeared as if she were longing for something. Maybe home, or her friends? Maybe Mr. Wood?
Severus pushed the thought from his mind, there was no time to think of last night now. He was her professor nothing more. That’s how it would be and the job at hand would get done.
Hermione didn’t seem to notice him walk up behind her. “Sandalwood. No Sage. Maybe it’s patchouli.”
He heard her murmuring to herself and could not help wondering what she was talking about. She didn’t turn or start when he leaned into her to speak, his breath against her ear. “What, pray tell, is so interesting that you did not hear me enter the room? You never know who could sneak up on you.”
Hermione turned then, her hair brushing lightly over his lowered face. “I knew you were there.”
Snape noticed that her cheeks brightened slightly, that’s when the
realization of her muttering was made clear to him. He had caught her trying to
figure out what it was he smelt like. Merlin, she never stopped amazing him.
“Well, perhaps after some tea you would be ready to start working. We have a lot of text to cover.”
Severus` voice held a hint of impatience to cover up his thoughts of her. Was she trying to drive him mad, standing there in just a bit of silk and lace? After all he was only a man. One that was holding on to honor by a thread.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
A week of holidays were already gone and Ginny only received owls from Hermione in answer to her own. She was beginning to worry about her friend. Oliver and his reports of life at Grimmuald place didn’t help things. He said Hermione seemed good, but that Snape wouldn’t allow him more that a half hour with her a day.
Gods, what was going on? Professor Snape had no right to Hermione. Yet, he acted as if he was her father, not allowing her to see Oliver. Really, what was he up to?
Oliver said she didn’t even argue with Snape, she just went along with whatever he said. He feared Hermione was drawing away from him. But, Ginny knew that was just how she was when there was research to be done. Besides, if Oliver didn’t realize that Hermione had been pulling away from him before now, he was blind.
Something was definitely up, and Ginny knew just how she was going to find out. She knew Hermione wanted someone to talk to about all of this. Ginny also knew that her friend didn’t have an owl of her own. That was when a plan formed in the youngest Weasley`s mind.
Ron and Ginny were to meet Harry in Diagon Alley by noon that day. They would be shopping for Mione`s birthday present. Ginny had talked them into getting her an owl. She was going along to help them pick it out.
Ginny was anxious to know why Mione seemed to act so cold to Oliver that last night at school. It had to be something more than her not feeling for him as much as he did her. Even now it seemed she didn’t want him. Besides if it wasn’t Oliver that Mione was all dreamy about since the end of last year, than who?
Not to worry, Ginny Weasley was on the case, and she intended to find out what was going on.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Somewhere in the ruins of a castle, deep in the woods of Albania at that same moment, Lucius was plotting.
“Malfoy, how much longer before we are ready?” Voldemort`s voice escaped in a low hissing sound.
The eldest Malfoy stepped forward. “Master, all is in place. We are awaiting word from Severus. He is the only one close enough to Dumbledore to know about the wards on Hogwarts.”
There was a significant pause, then the Dark Lord spoke, “What has kept him, Malfoy?”
“Milord, please, I think our Severus has an infliction of the heart.” Lucius` eyes shone bright with his hatred.
“Make sure he does not fail me in this, or he will have no heart left to worry about.” Voldemort had no more time for mistakes. Mistakes Severus seemed to be making a lot of lately.
Yet there was no reason for him to believe a word Malfoy spoke. Wasn’t it just the other day he said it was himself and not Severus who deserved to sit at his right hand? No, Voldemort would put his follower to his own test.
With a wave of his hand, Voldemort dismissed Malfoy. Lucius left his master to think of the news he had brought. He knew before he came that the Dark Lord would not doubt Severus` loyalty without proof. If the dung beetles hit the fan, Lucius would make sure that Severus was the one to be brought before the Dark Lord.
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Repercussions
Part 4
Down the hall from the library Sirius Black’s mother bellowed from her picture frame. She had awoken upon their arrival. Severus had hoped she wouldn’t start in on one of her “Mudblood” rants. But she was nothing in comparison to the fury Hermione had unleashed upon him. This little kitten had claws.
Why damn him? Why had he done it? Was it because of what he had witnessed outside the Great Hall? Or was it the fact that since he had grazed her hand in class today he couldn’t get her out of his mind?
`Come now, Severus. You know you couldn’t bare the sight of Wood’s hands on her.` The little Death Eater in him said.
Looking back, Severus should have realized Hermione would read him the riot act. For hell hath no furry like a self-righteous Gryffindor. `Ok, Snape, old boy, focus. Or you will never get a word in. This Gryffindor must learn her place.`
Hermione`s tirade had reached its crescendo now, “And further more, there was no reason to act like such an arse in front of Oliver!”
That was the proverbial lacewing that melted the Potion Master’s cauldron. Snape felt his cool mask of indifference fall, at the mention of Wood. He felt an urge to curse her suitor with every unforgivable he could think of.
“Miss Granger, might I remind you that you need to mind your manners?” His voice was an inky cloud of blackness that wrecked havoc on her senses.
“I...um...it’s the truth!” Hermione`s voice faltered and she knew she was loosing much needed ground.
He had taken all he could stand, really whom did she think she was speaking to? Severus rose from his seat as fast as a thunderstorm in summer. Closing the gap between them in mere strides. Snape pinned her to the study wall by her shoulders, his body pressed close to hers.
His face was inches from Hermione`s; his eyes shone like hellfire. “You, silly little girl! Do you think I have nothing better to do than baby-sit a love sick puppy?” With his initial anger subsiding, Severus realized that he was pinning her with most of his weight. He tried to move; yet his body had a mind of its own and just the scent of her at this distance drove him mad, cutting off all ability to think.
Hermione squirmed against him in her weak attempts to loosen his grip. Her breasts rose and fell with every breath she drew into her lungs. He was watching her through heavily lidded eyes. The sight of her made him take in a harsh breath.
She stilled her movements realizing a little too late that she had aroused him. Yet, Hermione could not hold her tongue.
“Professor, you have no need to involve yourself in my love life. Besides, you are not the only one put out by this arrangement.”
Hermione managed to break away from him, moving just out of reach. Severus felt the room spin as she pulled away and emptiness settled upon him once more. He watched as she wrapped her arms about herself; as if to keep his warmth against her body. Her actions caused a smile to pull at the corners of his lips.
How had it escalated so fast? After all he had goaded her into this fight. Hermione was just venting her venom, not anything that hadn’t happened to him before. Yet she looked to him like a goddess standing there.
`No this isn’t right. Miss Granger is a student. Damn, don’t I have even a trace of honor?`
Severus gave her an appraising look from where he stood; when had Hermione taken off her robes? Further more why did the sight of this pint sized McGonagall, standing there in utter defiance of him, set in motion the stirrings of desire.
`Damn, Albus for this temptation.` Severus thought as his eyes took in her hair framing her face in amber ringlets, after all he could only hold out so long. Hermione`s eyes flashed with anger, bringing to mind the image of Persephone as Hades took her to the underworld.
“Miss Granger, I only involved myself, because you were not conducting yourself in a becoming manner.” Snape noted how she was fighting back the hot retort that hung on the tip of her tongue.
Severus, old boy, you’ve still got it. “Where may I ask, is your uniform?” He tilted his head to one side as if to get a better look.
Hermione stood stock still, hands on her womanly hips, until she found her voice, “No, you may not ask. Its none of your bloody concern. Goodnight Professor.”
As she stormed out of the room, Hermione had not failed to brush against him. The feel of his robes against her exposed skin sent a wave of heat through her.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Minerva paced her chambers in Hogwarts, worry clear on her face. She had been like this when Albus had gone to the Owlery to send a letter to Hermione, and she was still pacing now.
“Your pacing isn’t going to do any good. Come sit and talk with me.” Albus was trying to calm her, even though he knew it was futile.
“What have we done? He is a grown man, my love.” Her eyes moved over his face, watching for something. “She’s just a child, you know.”
“Minerva, weren’t you just a child when we fell in love? And do not argue he is her Professor, because I was yours. Lemon Drop?” He said offering her a sweet.
“Really, Albus that was very different. You are more like Lupin, than Severus.” She cared deeply for the Potions Master, her cousin, but he was a man to be reckoned with, and Hermione was still just a child.
“You, my dear, are starting to sound like Severus. Miss Granger will be more than capable of handling him.” A smiled tugged at his lips.
“But he's a Slytherin?” That was it her last ditch effort.
“I believe that fate does not see house lines. Besides Severus has showed us he is just as courageous as any Gryffindor.”
Albus was right of course and Minerva knew it. She also knew that Professor Snape must have some feelings for the girl; at least after what she saw tonight. “Did you see Severus when he saw her in Mr. Wood’s arms. It was like...”
“Yes, I know. Severus is dealing with emotions he has never faced before.” Dumbledore hoped that they could’ve eased into this new arrangement. But Hermione and Severus were too much alike, yet different all at once.
The Headmaster rose from his seat and extended his had to Minerva, “We have done all we can. They must do the rest for themselves. Come, let’s go to bed. Perhaps I can take your mind off the whole thing.”
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Hermione slammed the door to her room, causing Mrs. Black to start her ranting once again. Slowly she glanced around the room and with the flick of her wand, the room changed. Hermione wanted everything to be just right, knowing this would be her home for the next few months.
Against the far wall sat a mahogany four-poster bed; its burgundy velvet drapes hanging to the floor. She realized that it was much bigger than her bed at school and was thankful for the comfort. After all, one could only stand a twin sized bed for so long. Hermione liked to move around in her sleep, to get comfortable.
Slowly her eyes came to rest on the desk next to her. There sitting on a stack of books was what she had been looking for. A parchment envelope addressed in emerald green ink to:
Miss Hermione Granger
Order of the Phoenix
Hermione reached for it and noticed her hand was shaking, probably due to the adrenaline that still rushed through her veins. No doubt Severus would have no trouble sleeping this evening. As she broke the seal on the envelope, Hermione wondered when he stopped being Snape, her greasy git of a Potions Master, and had become Severus.
Dear Miss Granger,
I am pleased to inform you that the ministry of magic has approved the use of magic by all Order members. Under age or not. As there will be much that you will not be able to acquire without it.
I would also like to ask you to watch over Severus during the holiday. As I assume you already know that he is still within the ranks of Voldemort`s Death Eaters. He has been spying for the Order for many years now, and I fear he could be found out. It would cause great sorrow to loose someone as valuable as he. I have a great deal of hope that if anyone can help him it is you. I must also ask that you never tell Severus that I ask this of you, I fear he would never forgive me.
Much hope,
Albus Dumbledore.
Hermione folded up the letter, placing it in her trunk under some of her school things. All she could think as she absentmindedly dressed for bed was how Severus Snape was risking his life for everyone she loved. When had he stopped being a prat and started acting the part of a hero?
Slowly she got into bed and pulled the covers over herself; trying to fight the chill that her silk and lace camisole let in. Hermione`s head was filled with thoughts of Dumbledore’s letter as sleep claimed her.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Today like any other, Severus was up before dawn. He made his way to the kitchen to make a cup of tea, only to notice that tea was already on the fire. There by the back door stood Hermione. It appeared as if she were longing for something. Maybe home, or her friends? Maybe Mr. Wood?
Severus pushed the thought from his mind, there was no time to think of last night now. He was her professor nothing more. That’s how it would be and the job at hand would get done.
Hermione didn’t seem to notice him walk up behind her. “Sandalwood. No Sage. Maybe it’s patchouli.”
He heard her murmuring to herself and could not help wondering what she was talking about. She didn’t turn or start when he leaned into her to speak, his breath against her ear. “What, pray tell, is so interesting that you did not hear me enter the room? You never know who could sneak up on you.”
Hermione turned then, her hair brushing lightly over his lowered face. “I knew you were there.”
Snape noticed that her cheeks brightened slightly, that’s when the
realization of her muttering was made clear to him. He had caught her trying to
figure out what it was he smelt like. Merlin, she never stopped amazing him.
“Well, perhaps after some tea you would be ready to start working. We have a lot of text to cover.”
Severus` voice held a hint of impatience to cover up his thoughts of her. Was she trying to drive him mad, standing there in just a bit of silk and lace? After all he was only a man. One that was holding on to honor by a thread.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
A week of holidays were already gone and Ginny only received owls from Hermione in answer to her own. She was beginning to worry about her friend. Oliver and his reports of life at Grimmuald place didn’t help things. He said Hermione seemed good, but that Snape wouldn’t allow him more that a half hour with her a day.
Gods, what was going on? Professor Snape had no right to Hermione. Yet, he acted as if he was her father, not allowing her to see Oliver. Really, what was he up to?
Oliver said she didn’t even argue with Snape, she just went along with whatever he said. He feared Hermione was drawing away from him. But, Ginny knew that was just how she was when there was research to be done. Besides, if Oliver didn’t realize that Hermione had been pulling away from him before now, he was blind.
Something was definitely up, and Ginny knew just how she was going to find out. She knew Hermione wanted someone to talk to about all of this. Ginny also knew that her friend didn’t have an owl of her own. That was when a plan formed in the youngest Weasley`s mind.
Ron and Ginny were to meet Harry in Diagon Alley by noon that day. They would be shopping for Mione`s birthday present. Ginny had talked them into getting her an owl. She was going along to help them pick it out.
Ginny was anxious to know why Mione seemed to act so cold to Oliver that last night at school. It had to be something more than her not feeling for him as much as he did her. Even now it seemed she didn’t want him. Besides if it wasn’t Oliver that Mione was all dreamy about since the end of last year, than who?
Not to worry, Ginny Weasley was on the case, and she intended to find out what was going on.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Somewhere in the ruins of a castle, deep in the woods of Albania at that same moment, Lucius was plotting.
“Malfoy, how much longer before we are ready?” Voldemort`s voice escaped in a low hissing sound.
The eldest Malfoy stepped forward. “Master, all is in place. We are awaiting word from Severus. He is the only one close enough to Dumbledore to know about the wards on Hogwarts.”
There was a significant pause, then the Dark Lord spoke, “What has kept him, Malfoy?”
“Milord, please, I think our Severus has an infliction of the heart.” Lucius` eyes shone bright with his hatred.
“Make sure he does not fail me in this, or he will have no heart left to worry about.” Voldemort had no more time for mistakes. Mistakes Severus seemed to be making a lot of lately.
Yet there was no reason for him to believe a word Malfoy spoke. Wasn’t it just the other day he said it was himself and not Severus who deserved to sit at his right hand? No, Voldemort would put his follower to his own test.
With a wave of his hand, Voldemort dismissed Malfoy. Lucius left his master to think of the news he had brought. He knew before he came that the Dark Lord would not doubt Severus` loyalty without proof. If the dung beetles hit the fan, Lucius would make sure that Severus was the one to be brought before the Dark Lord.