Log; Ongoing

[leviosa-spell.livejournal.com]

When; Right this instant; very early Sunday morning
Rating; G
Characters; Hermione Granger (leviosa_spell) and Severus Snape (snape_1960_1_9)
Summary; Hermione and Severus meet to discuss the sudden influx of Slytherins in the City.
Log;

With her nerves as jarred as they were, Hermione couldn't help but wonder if she was truly fit to Apparate, feeling her stomach twist and fists clench at the impending meeting she was to have with her former Potions professor. The events of the past year at Hogwarts had all but slipped from her mind, a familiar, burning sting rising to the corners of her eyes as unwelcome memories seemed to flash before her. The shrieks of her classmates as the Death Eaters invaded the building. The ominous glow of the Death Mark upon the sky. The bright light of curses passing just a hair's breadth away from her face. The salty tears making their way down her face as an arm wrapped around her shoulders, trying to offer whatever comfort it could.

All those years, Hermione had defended the man she was about to meet, had put her trust in him despite his clear dislike for her. She believed and had faith in Dumbledore's judgment; if the Headmaster insisted upon defending Professor Snape, there must've been a good reason for it. But after what had happened...

Shaking her head and growing very aware of the fact that her stationary situation by the fountain was anything but secure, Hermione calmed her nerves and shut her eyes, concentrating on the desired destination and appearing within the blink of an eye. Slightly disoriented, Hermione's hand quickly slid into her pocket, where her fingers wrapped around her wand as a defensive measure.

She cleared her throat. "You wished to speak with me, Professor?"

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[snape-1960-1-9.livejournal.com]

Severus watched as the young witch made her way to the table and sat down heavily. He had heard about some of the issues between Miss Granger and the other two of the Golden Trio, of course- he was still a spy after all- but he had not realized the depth of the situation until just now.

He was certain that Miss Granger was the only person he could trust with the information he would gather. Lupin was a good man, though Severus would never admit this aloud. He was a good man, but with Black hanging over his shoulder Severus highly doubted that anything he said to Lupin would not soon be pushed aside. They were both still so young, not yet made weary by the times ahead, they could not see that far.

He might be able to approach Evans. Thinking back over his last few years in Hogworts, Severus sighed. Had he known that someday he would be trying to help these people, he never would have tried so hard to alienate them in his youth. Curse his temper. He had allowed Black and Potter to get to him in his youth, even to continue riling him now, and it would cost him dearly.

“Miss Granger, I would suggest that you make amends with Potter and Weasley. And quickly. This is not a time for you to be alone. As much as I doubt their ability to maintain a clear mind, they would not leave you in a time of need- and that just might be your saving grace.” Severus gave the young witch a pointed glance.

“If we are to work together to stop Bella, you will need them. I can make contact with the Death Eaters, work my way further into their good graces and trust. I can gather information to help not only you, but Miss Evans, Potter, and those not of our world who are in danger. If you can not make amends and insure that this information will not be wasted, I shall find someone who can.” Severus reached for his cup, remembered that the little urchin had taken his bottle, and placed it back onto the table.

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Hermione smiled sadly at the mention of her friends; everything was still so tumultuous, so uncertain that even her seemingly unbreakable bond with Harry and Ron was already being put to the test. She still had not managed to meet with Ron after their argument, and the mere thought was already causing her stomach to tie in knots. They had fought endlessly at Hogwarts, but it had never been over an enemy.

Nevertheless, Hermione could not deny the fact that Snape's words rang true. The two of them alone could not stand up against the legion of Slytherins without either failing or at least revealing Snape's true alliance. If they wanted to get out of the situation relatively unharmed, Hermione knew it would require unity. Even if she had to physically knock some sense into Ron to ensure that it would happen.

"I can make amends," Hermione replied, the resolution clear in her voice. "Harry and Ron are my best friends, and I'm sure we'll manage to fix things somehow. Meanwhile... it might be helpful for me to learn Occlumency..."

Her brow furrowed at the thought. It was never a real question of bravery, but instead of ability. A spy who couldn't do his or her job, no matter how willing, was always a key weakness.

[snape-1960-1-9.livejournal.com]

Severus attempted to hide his smile, but he could feel the edges of his mouth twitching. He only hoped that it appeared to be an ironic smirk rather than the evidence of his approval. If Miss Granger was going to take this seriously they just might have a chance of getting something done.

“I would be more than willing to teach you Occlumency, Miss Granger. It is one of the most useful aspects of magic- certainly an invaluable talent in such situations as ours,” and it just might be the one way out of this dreaded City. Severus left that last part unsaid- he still had research to do ahead of him on that point.

With that thought, Severus felt a sudden flash of weariness overcome him. There was so much to do, and he knew that his time would only become more pressed as the days wore on. He was already tired, and things had barely begun. Perhaps he was getting too old for this life- then again, it really didn’t matter. Things needed to be done, and he was- as usual- the only one willing to do them.

“I suggest we continue this conversation at a later date. For now, focus on making amends with Potter and Weasley and find a safe place to stay. Do not tell anyone what we have discussed here today. The lines have not been clearly drawn as of yet- we do not know who we can and can not trust.” Severus gave Miss Granger his best death glare, lingering a moment on his last sentence to insure that she understood him. Finally, Severus stood and made his way to the door, intending on showing the young witch out.

Halfway there, a thought occurred to him: Miss Granger had been running when he happened upon her. She was intending on leaving the Opera House and seeking refuge... she did not know where.

Severus had assumed that Miss Granger would easily be able to find a safe place amongst her Gryffindor friends, but if this falling out ran as deeply as she had indicated, perhaps she did not have anywhere to turn at the moment.

Sighing, Severus turned around again to face Miss Granger. He could not simply allow her to walk out of his flat and into danger. His conscience- damnable thing that it was- would not allow her to leave until he was certain that she would be safe.

“You do have someplace where you will be safe to turn to, do you not Miss Granger.” Severus asked, pausing for just a moment before continuing- he did not want to give the young Gryffindor a chance to spout off some lie that could get her killed. “If not, you are, of course, more than welcome to stay here until other arrangements can be found- or I can assist you in finding a secure place.”

[leviosa-spell.livejournal.com]

Hermione could not stop herself from raising an eyebrow at the professor's request, briefly wondering if perhaps he had been placed under the Imperius Curse. Severus Snape? Being nice to the 'insufferable know-it-all,' the bookworm of all bookworms, and a Gryffindor on top of that? Fortunately, Hermione hadn't given anything away that would endanger the lives of her and her friends--or at least, she didn't think she had.

"Of course I won't reveal what happened here to anyone," the young witch snapped, slightly irritated. "I'm very aware of the danger and uncertainty before us."

Upon seeing the fatigued look on the Professor's face, however, Hermione felt a slight backlash of remorse. "Look, Professor, as much as I appreciate the offer and all of your help, I think it would be in my best interest to get to Harry and Ron as soon as possible. In the event that I need a speedy escape, I can always Apparate." A slow sigh escaped her lips as Hermione rubber her temples again, the perpetual headache unable to escape her.

"If you'll excuse me... I think I need some time to sort my thoughts."

[snape-1960-1-9.livejournal.com]

Severus breathed a sigh of relief. Later he would curse himself for even offering to allow the insufferable Gryffindor to stay in his flat, but at the moment, he just wanted her to get somewhere safe so he could stop thinking about it. Moving towards the door again, Severus replaced his mask of cold indifference.

“Of course, Miss Granger,” Severus pulled the door open with a high-pitched sweak. “Do let me know if you wish my help in learning Occlumency.”

Severus waited as Miss Granger made her way through the door and out into the hallway before speaking again. “Ah, Miss Granger- when I said tell no one, I was including Potter and Weasley. Try to remember that they do not know as much as you do about this situation. You would not want them running into danger without truly knowing what they are facing.”

Quickly, Severus closed the door before the girl had a chance to jump to the defense of her friends. It had been a long day, and from the looks of things, his days were only going to get longer from here on out. I am getting too old for this.