The happiness that Hermione felt as she held her wand was dwarfed by Severus disappearing shortly after they put their signatures in some procedural documents. Now her eyes were full of concern as she tried to locate him in the crowd. She saw her friends gathered in a small group and smiled. She wanted so much to talk to them, nonetheless her mind was preoccupied by his departure. What happened all of a sudden? In the hearing he was so poised. Whatever triggered his disappearance happened after the unexpectedly heated kiss they shared. Maybe that proved too much for him? Maybe it embarrassed him? Maybe she should have held back a bit?
-How could you have done that? You had absolutely no control over that kiss Hermione. You were adrift upon a wave he created that was so overpowering you could barely breathe-
She frowned at that silent admittance, which made her seem like a silly teenager in heat. The ever vigilant Granger who had an eye for tradition and propriety, melting away under the sensual touch of a former Professor…This was not like her at all…acting so frivolously in front of so many strangers, in front of her friends. Her usually brilliant mind at those few precious moments had become a stuttering fool, allowing all control to a deeper carnal part of herself she had forgotten ever existing.
Her cheeks flushed…but that thought was not allowed to blossom.
"Well, well, well…if it isn't Rowena Ravenclaw's understudy. The renowned Hermione Granger. One of the famous trio, the most brilliant mind Hogwarts had seen since the Ravenclaw Queen herself….the one who always stood up for the wronged…for the oppressed….for friends….for elves….for Muggle-borns…." Severus' assistant was standing in front of her arrogantly. Dressed in a black pencil skirt, a white shirt with a deep cleavage and high heeled boots, she looked both unimaginably sexy and also thoroughly professional. Something that was drawing the attention of most males in the close vicinity.
Hermione stiffened both at those words and at the unintended comparison her mind made. She felt ….diminished by the illuminating presence of this woman and that was nothing like her at all. She was never truly concerned about looks…if you exclude her feeble tries to lure in Ron when she was a love struck fool. Looking sexy and acting alluring always fell under her radar. So why did she feel so annoyed at this moment for looking so unkempt in front of this raven haired beauty? Her brow creased. "I wish I was Rowena's understudy, but in case you missed it I am a very proud Gryffindor." She said dryly.
"Alas….of course you are. Hmmm…I always said the sorting hat was making grave mistakes by taking into consideration the student's will. So many wrong choices….choices that could have changed the course of history." Max placed her hands on her small waist and smirked.
Hermione tucked her wand professionally in her sleeve and looked up sternly. "Did the sorting hat took your will in mind?"
"My mind, my heart and my soul all belonged in Slytherin. The sorting hat never had a doubt about me." Max said proudly.
"I bet" -Hermione couldn't hide her vexation- "Can I help you with anything or have you come to discuss the inadequacies of a magical hat that is history long-gone for both of us?"
Max humphed. "Always practical and to the point. You never disappoint."
Hermione raised her brow, demanding Max to explain herself silently. She had a very rough day. The last thing she wanted was to talk with this nauseating woman.
"I wanted to congratulate you for taking your wand back…" –Max stalled for a few moments before smirking- "And for choosing such an impressive companion."
The words were nice, but her caustic tone was not lost in Hermione. "Thank you." She said dryly.
"…Despite him being a very improper match for you." Max added.
Hermione's features became firm. "Improper?"
"He is double your age, trice your experience and the past has proven that Slytherins don't have the talent to woo Gryffindors. The particular man has failed in that task before …or don't you remember? He lost the Gryffindor he adored so easily…she just slipped out of his hands." Max's eyes glimmered with clear hatred.
Hermione's hands clenched. "That was too low of a blow."
Max raised her brow. "I am just looking out for him. That Gryffindor left many scars on him …he doesn't need another one to repeat the deed."
Hermione thrust her chin up confidently. "I don't see how my relationship with Professor Snape is any of your business, but just to clear things up…I am not out to destroy him. He is helping me through a very hard situation and I am here to offer my help also if he ever needs it."
"You? Help him? How do you think you are going to do that?" Max jeered.
Hermione scowled.
"You have neither the knowledge nor the strength it needs to help this man. The war really broke you, didn't it? Everyone expected your brilliant mind to be used in the Ministry. In some very important position…No one thought you'd become a simple nurse."
Hermione felt her eyes burning. Those words had hit close. "Your tries to offend my choices are useless. I always wanted to help people since I was a child…not enforce the law at them or rule them. You must be confusing me with someone else. Maybe even yourself."
Max's lips curled up in venomous smile. "Let me guess what it was that tore you apart. Let me see if I can assume correctly what it was that broke your momentum to the top of the Ministry. You felt guilt for being unable to heal your friends after the final battle. Had you been a nurse….or a mediwitch...they may have lived. Am I close?"
"Enough!" -Hermione spat, not caring for showing emotion. She inhaled deeply - "That is enough. I don't know what you want from me, but offending my profession, my choices or the man who today saved me from this nightmarish law only reflects badly on you. I thought the Keepers were noble and courageous…not as petty as you sound."
"We are all dark wizards and witches honey…undeceive yourself." Max retorted.
"And that makes you devoid of any dignity?" Hermione raised her brows.
Max looked at her coldly. "You should have chosen Longbottom or exile today. Your choice might end up destroying you… be forewarned. Snape is not a man that can belong to one woman. He doesn't know how to give part of himself to another human. He is heartless…soulless…a hunter…a shadow…a part of the Underworld inside and out. You have no idea what you have gotten yourself into."
Hermione returned an icy look. "A man who loved one woman his whole life is heartless?"
"The man who tricked the darkest wizard of all time is heartless…He is a master deceiver. You are naïve. Just a little more than a child…falling at the hands of an old man who is deviant beyond reason." Max rebuked slyly.
"I prefer to be a nurse than a choleric Keeper…and I prefer to be naïve than as vile as you." Hermione scoffed.
"He is going to crash you…you are not equipped to deal with the whole of him. You are too….feeble to handle his power." Max's features twisted in a horrifying mask of loathing.
Hermione eyed her disdainfully. "You assume too much. You have no idea what you are talking about. You don't know how he or I feel."
"Oh, I know well what I am talking about. That kiss didn't lie." -Max whispered and then wrapped her finger around one of Hermione's curls- "Don't say I didn't warn you."
Hermione's jawline flexed. When Max decided to leave, she allowed a shaking breath to escape her parted lips. "I won't." She whispered. Her need to find Severus became even more dire now…after this woman's cold-blooded words. Instead she saw her friends approaching in unison.
"Hermione! What was that?" Ginny smiled.
"Which one of all?" Hermione followed Maxine with her eyes until she joined…-surprise of all surprises- Lucius Malfoy.
"What happened at the Wizengamot? They were ready to have your head on a platter." Said Harry.
"Who was that?" Ginny added while looking at Max.
"I cannot believe that I am alive to witness you choosing Snape out of all the applicants!" Ron hollered.
They all spoke together, but Ron's words stuck out like a sore thumb. It seemed that no one appreciated what happened between her and Professor Snape today. –apart from me maybe-
"Maybe I should have chosen Lucius then?" She spat at him.
"Don't jest." Ginny scolded.
Hermione ignored her. "What do you want Ron? To cause trouble? Why did you come here in the first place?" She felt tired to the bone.
"Should have I stayed away then?" Ron's eyes thinned angrily.
"Haven't you done so ever since we broke up? You and your family forgot I ever existed." Hermione rebuked exasperated.
"That is so unfair of you! We were grieving the loss of my brother!" Ron snapped.
"And you think I wasn't?" Hermione felt all her fire blowing out.
Ron gulped.
"You think I didn't grieve Fred's loss….? Or the loss of so many others? You think this war didn't break me?" Her eyes teared up and she felt anger upon choosing the same words that vile Maxine had used to hurt her. –But they are so true-
Ginny embraced her protectively. "I think that is enough Ron!" She warned.
"No let him have his say…" -Hermione retorted heavily- "He is the only one who apparently got hurt in that final battle."
Ron shook his head. "That is not what I said."
"That is what you meant! I am too old and tired of your tricks Ron. Honestly…why did you come here after all this time? To enjoy the spectacle that I have become? To see the brightest star of Hogwarts, who ended up becoming a stupid nurse, kneeling in front of the Wizengamot? Well, I hope you enjoyed the show because as sure as hell I didn't!" She barked.
Ron looked flushed. "No you have this all wrong Mione."
"Don't call me that!" She exploded. The whole corridor turned to look at them.
"Calm down Hermione, please darling." Ginny begged.
Harry grasped Ron's upper arm. "I didn't accept you coming over so you could create an issue."
Ron pulled his arm free. "I am sorry that I am unable to comprehend how Hermione chose Snape's application instead of Neville's!"
"That is obvious." Hermione scoffed and wiped some sweat off her brow.
Ginny caressed her shoulder. "Look my love, I have no problem with what happened, but I would like to know how he ended up applying for you."
"I asked him to." Hermione said flatly.
That froze them all.
"You were there when he accepted to help in the alley Harry." -She said and Harry nodded- "He healed me, brought me to his home. He respected me, offered me shelter, he hid my trace, found me when I run away, and didn't falter when the press came down on him for me. That is why I asked him to apply. I feel safe with him."
"And you couldn't feel equally safe with Neville?" Ron frowned.
"I really don't want to get in the middle of this." Neville rejoined dryly.
Hermione exhaled and looked at Neville sorrowfully. "Neville I am sorry."
"Don't fret. I'd feel safer with Snape also." Neville said in good humor. Something she appreciated deeply.
"Alright I get it. Suddenly Snape shed his dark veil and became her knight in shining armor." Ron sneered.
"You sound bitter and mean." Hermione shook her head disappointed.
"I don't know what happened to you after the final battle Hermione, but I swear you are losing your mind. All those riots, all those protests, always against the law when you should have been part of it. All that withdrawal…from us…from your inclinations…from your gifts. All of that to end up choosing to marry the man who haunted us for years. A man who scared us shitless….a man who is twice your age! Did you ever think of that?" Ron hissed.
Harry's calm voice made him stop his angry attack. "He is also the man who protected us with his life for seven years Ron. The one who honored the loss of my mother…always. We are all imperfect so don't be so quick to judge."
"I know what he did for you in the past Harry. However I am talking about the present. I am talking about Hermione choosing that overgrown bat for a husband!" Ron growled.
"He is just helping me…much like Neville would." Hermione's eyes filled with sadness at witnessing Ron's mindless assault.
"You are fooling yourself Hermione. That kiss didn't lie." Ron crossed his arms.
Hermione felt her stomach dropping. That was the second time someone reminded her of that.
"I know it is not my place to say this, but Ron shut the hell up." Neville intervened.
They all looked at him dumbfounded. He turned to Hermione with a smile. "I am glad you have found closure to your problems. I know things won't be easy from now on. If there is anything I can do for you please feel free to contact me." He said politely.
Hermione's face lit up for the first time in a long time. "Thank you for being here for me."
His smile was honest.
Hermione turned to Ron and composed herself. "I don't know why you are so angry today. I don't even know why you came. You should have stayed away Ron….You don't belong here."
"I am part of this friendship!" Ron barked.
"I don't see you as a friend at this moment. I am not going to ask forgiveness for my choices Ron no matter how much they are angering you. I chose to trust Snape with my safety and that should be enough for you. Now this goes to all of you. I had a very hard day and I don't need this right now."
Ginny embraced her. "You are so right my love."
Ron's eyes spewed fire, but he remained silent.
"Listen Ron, I don't want to hear that you tried to harass the Professor….take care to keep your distance." Hermione warned.
"As if Snape can be easily harassed…" Ginny smirked, but Hermione ignored her. Her eyes were solely for Ron.
"Do you hear me?" Hermione repeated.
Ron swallowed heavily, but didn't say anything.
Ginny's face settled. "Don't mind my brother Mione, please. I will make sure mom learns his shenanigans here today."
Ron paled. "Don't you dare!"
"Then you apologize to Hermione and shape up! You came here to support her, not break her!" Ginny hissed.
The showdown between the siblings didn't go unnoticed by Harry who crossed his arms with a confident smile. He knew how formidable his wife could become.
After a few tense moments Ron took a step back. "Fine…Forgive me Hermione."
"That was not clear enough …" Harry spat.
"Forgive me Hermione!" Ron gritted his teeth.
"For being…" Harry waited.
"…for being a jackass." Ron was positively fuming.
Hermione closed her eyes and a sad smile ghosted her lips. She didn't care for apologies. She just wanted Severus to return from wherever he was hiding and take her home. Her home, his home…it mattered little.
-.-
Severus grabbed the edge of the sink with a hand that was trembling. He looked up and saw his reflection in the mirror. Dark eyes full of shadows, lips pressed thin by the effort of controlling the surging of the magic that was trying to escape from his body. His cheeks were hollow and sweat was running from his temples. His chest was undulating irregularly, his heart was palpitating. His knees were barely holding him up and his tattoo….the Eleventh key….his protective schematic…felt like molten lava on his skin. He didn't know what it was that fired up this chain reaction in him. Was it all the tension of the last few days? The treks in the Underworld, his fallout with Maxine? The press that was upon his throat once more ready to devour him? The fact that he was toying with the Wizengamot so carelessly without admitting that his reputation, his job and maybe his life were on the line? The fact that he allowed himself to be pulled into a game he couldn't possibly win? That he applied to become the spouse of a girl that was half his age and also a former student….or maybe that the little know-it-all and her kiss ignited a fire in him that he hadn't felt in ages?
He felt her…-damn all the Gods I felt her- demanding more out of him during that kiss. He didn't know if that scared him more or that reciprocated hungrily. His whole life depended on him being in control of his emotions and of his actions. However today he lost his precious control in front of so many strangers, his colleagues, his enemies, the Wizengamot and several of his former students. And he lost that control with a former student….which was the worst part of it all.
His grunt echoed between the empty stalls and his long fingers twisted painfully around the sink. The moment he felt the softness of her mouth touching his, all his wards melted to the ground leaving him unprotected…He tried to look unruffled long enough in order to sign the papers and when the doors opened he dashed towards the bathrooms. His rune had ignited with unprecedented force and he had been unable to control it….so now it was trying to burn through him. Its bright orange glow becoming a midnight blue veil as it slid over his skin….slowly enveloping him.
He closed his eyes and his jawline flexed as he whispered ancient words through his tight lips for a long time…trying to control the rune's blazing power. Just as he felt the burning force slowly dying out, he felt a soft breeze caressing his sweaty brow.
A soft finger slid down his temple. "Oh dear Merlin…the Master of the Underworld is ready to escape your tight grasp."
Severus felt his back crawling. "Max." He acknowledged.
"In the flesh." She smiled.
"What the hell are you doing here?" He opened his eyes and they were bloodshot.
"Didn't have anything better to do and I wanted to see how Granger would score with the Wizengamot." She rejoined.
His eyes were piercing, but his mouth was silent.
"She scored pretty high." Max flicked her brow, seemingly checking him out.
"I am not in the mood for your games." He shook his head and closed his eyes.
"She took back her wand, her lawful rights to use magic, earned a second home and one of the best dark wizards after Voldemort's demise. Pretty good for a Gryffindor with a knack for being too traditionally boring." Max jeered.
"I haven't missed your appalling ways." He glared.
"How could you have missed anything from me since this youngling was keeping you company?" Max's voice held a playful tone that struck a nerve.
He gritted his teeth.
"Who would have thought that you'd be into young girls my Master?" She smirked knowingly.
He felt his back tensing. "Tread with care." He warned.
"A man of your already burdened reputation…someone who followed Voldemort willingly….someone who never revealed what heinous acts he had to perform in order to be accepted by the Dark Lord…should tread with care instead. Don't act so honorable now Sev….this isn't you. You are darkness personified, not Granger's savior. She could have been your child…have you ever thought what people might think of all this? The Master of the Keepers applying for a former student of his. People are more than ready to tear you down."
"And I suppose you are warning me, because you care so much about me." He sneered.
"I care about the reputation of the Keepers." She rebuked.
"Even if you don't belong in them anymore? You are not fooling anyone Max." He trailed.
She walked around him and leaned against the sink. "I suppose you can be imprudent enough not to mind about your own reputation, but what about Granger. Have you ever thought how all this is going to brand her? The wife of Voldemort's second in command? Gryffindor's brightest star bedding the vilest gloom of Slytherin…and the poor woman is thinking you are there in order to save her. Foolish child."
Severus felt his back burning and his eyesight blurring.
"Tell me…is this youngling affecting you so deeply? I thought you are a man that never allows his feelings to come adrift. After Lilly you approached women only in order to satisfy your needs…superficially…like you did with me." Max's voice lowered.
His nose flared.
"Don't tell me that Granger has managed to dig up some dying embers in that cold heart of yours…." –She humphed- "No…that's not it. You are just hungry for her skin….yearning to have her….to make her yours. The man who stood next to the Dark Lord is waiting hidden under all that calm resolution, ready to pounce upon that girl…and tear it to pieces."
His throat rumbled with a low growl, which she ignored.
"I was not enough for you Sev…you needed fresh skin…untouched….the flowery scent of youth…." She continued the torment.
"You are sick." He spat and his fiery gaze fell on her heavily.
She raised her brows. "I am the one who is sick and not you….who applied for your former student? Alas she thinks too highly of you…poor thing is going to be disappointed."
The realization was sudden. His brow creased. "Have you talked to Granger?"
Max smirked.
The mounting of power in him was overwhelming. He moaned painfully. "Did you speak with her?" His voice dropped.
Max raised her brow and looked at him seemingly pleased with his deteriorating state. "What if I did?"
He closed his eyes and a hostile shadow covered the walls and the ceiling, which slowly expanded towards the floor. He felt the tremble under his boots and wave of pleasure captured his core. It pulsated along with his rune and with the blackness that seemed to have become an independent entity. The power was here…the one he never dared show Dumbledore…the one who Voldemort appreciated more than his venomous snake. It rumbled through his spine, rushed down his thighs and up his arms….and sipped venomously out of his fingers.
Max felt it too, for it was the first time her features lost their mirth. She backed up a bit towards the door and looked at the dimming lights in the bathroom.
"What are you doing here Max. Tell me the truth…what are you doing here in the company of Malfoy Senior?" His voice was a shadowed whisper that raised the hairs on her back.
She swallowed nervously. "Calm down Sev…pull it back." She stuttered.
He squeezed his eyes tight and felt his back screaming as his rune connected with the schematics he was trying not to call …they were floating unseen all around him….. "You took care to fire me up well and good and now you are telling me to calm down? What are you doing in the company of Malfoy?!" He barked.
She took another step back and raised her hands. She was unable to speak. She had lost every single drop of conceit.
"If I find out that you have spoken with Granger…." The warning was barely heard, but the rumble under their feet made her look down.
She inhaled sharply as the whole building shook slightly. "Stop it Master."
"Get out Max…get out and don't every approach me again for I cannot vouch for my actions." He warned.
She opened the door.
"Get out…" His whisper send another deep tremble through the earth.
She rushed out and closed the door behind. It took him several tormenting minutes to stop the lingering vortex that was sipping out of him, but slowly the veil pulled back from the walls and the ceiling. When he opened his eyes, he was panting. He declawed his fingers from the sink and touched his upper back. It was warm and stinging. He opened the faucet and allowed the water to run before splashing ample on his face and nape.
When he walked out, he looked totally disheveled. He saw Granger speaking with her friends and walked towards them. He searched the corridor and the ante-chamber thoroughly, but there was no sign of Max and Malfoy. People were chattering calmly, seemingly unaware of what had taken place in the bathroom. He wondered if anyone realized how close he had come to bringing the whole Ministry down in a pile of disgraceful rumble.
Today has proven to be too much for him, despite his usually endless patience. He was apparently too old to play these kinds of games. That thought made his skin crawl in combination with Max's words about the youth of Granger and what they did in that theatre. -That kiss-
All he wanted was leave….walk out before anything worse happened. He reached Potter's company and cleared his throat before addressing them. "Good evening."
Harry bowed slightly. "Master, I am so glad you are here. I thought I wouldn't have had the chance to thank you for what you've done for Hermione."
He knew Granger was watching him like a hawk…and he avoided her regard. "My pleasure." He sounded typical.
Ginny offered him her hand. "Professor you never disappoint. Thank you."
He shook it with a curt nod and looked at Longbottom.
Neville smiled nervously. "The best man won." He offered.
Severus tried not to cringe. He opted not to answer even though he felt the tension emanating from Granger.
"Hmmm…that can be debated." That was Weasly who spoke.
Hermione scowled and got ready to reply, but Severus intervened.
"Miss Granger…."
"Mrs. Granger!" Ron chimed in, annoying as ever.
"Ron for the name of Merlin!" Hermione admonished.
Severus pinched the bridge of his nose. "Miss Granger I feel the need to remove myself from these surroundings. You are not obliged to follow me. You are now thankfully a free woman…" –He looked pointedly at Ron- "Free from the laws of men and also from men in general. You can return to your home, to your friends or wherever your heart desires. I must bid you goodnight."
Hermione grabbed his upper arm. "Hey, wait a minute."
He turned to her.
She had a frown that he could have called adorable had he been in a better mood. "We are supposedly getting married soon."
"In the eyes of the law of course. In reality you are free as a bird." He rejoined.
Ron was looking at them with a raised brow.
"Won't the law become suspicious if I go back to my house alone?"
"I will take care of that. You need not worry." He brushed her off.
Her fingers tightened on his arm. "I think you have enough on your plate already Professor. I won't make things harder on you."
"You can come to our place Hermione. No one is going to question that." Ginny offered.
Hermione remained silent for a moment before turning to the Professor. "I prefer to come with you….if you don't mind."
He felt tackled down, confused, pained, tired….afraid. "The choice is yours." He said quietly.
A smile formed on her mouth. "That is my choice."
He remained silent. Trying to understand Granger…trying not to think of Max's painful words or how true they could be.
Hermione turned to her friends. Severus barely heard their goodbyes. He didn't even feel like he was inside his body as they walked into the elevator together. He didn't see all the people observing them closely. His ears stopped buzzing only when she addressed him. "Where did you go when the hearing finished?"
"Bathroom." Was the only thing he was able to answer.
She hesitated for a moment. "Did you feel that earthquake?"
He felt his stomach clenching hard. He nodded mutely. "Yes."
-.-
They apparated in his home half an hour later. This was his sanctuary, the place he yearned to come back to in order to lick his wounds and compose himself. Now she was with him and he didn't know what to do with everything. Whenever he looked at her he remembered that kiss and with it the words of Max. So he did nothing. He just stood like a moron in the middle of his living room gazing uncomfortably long at his couch.
Hermione seemed to recognize his awkwardness and took over. "So here we are then." She smiled, but he didn't see it.
"Here we are." He repeated mechanically.
"It's done." She sounded uncertain, probably yearning to hear a supportive word from his mouth.
"It's done." He repeated.
She sighed. "How can I ever thank you…"
He stopped her. "Don't…it was my pleasure." He sounded too typical.
A long pause ensued. "So what do we do now?"
He pressed his lips and forced himself to look at her as steadily as possible. "Now you will allow me the luxury to bury myself in my dungeon Miss Granger. I have a lot of work to prepare for tomorrow. Please make yourself at home."
Her lips turned down in dissapointment. "Not Miss Granger…Hermione…"
He felt his heart dropping. "Yes Hermione…now please excuse me." He said quickly and rushed towards his study. He knew that he was leaving her behind with a big question-mark, but he was unable….or maybe unwilling to do anything about it at that moment.
-Does that make me as vile as Max thinks I am?-