tampered | Log; Ongoing

Log; Ongoing

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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Severus quickly made his way through the drafty corridors of building five. The last thing he wanted was to leave Miss Granger waiting for him- Bella may find here there, or worse she may give up and leave on her own. She may not technically be his student any longer, but Severus still felt responsible for her. He refused to admit that he might actually like the annoyingly well studied young lady.

He stepped out on to the stoop just in time to see Miss Granger apparate onto the sidewalk.

“Yes, Miss Granger. If you would,” Severus pushed open the heavy door and made his way back inside, motioning for the young witch to follow him. He did not look back to see if she did.

Stepping up to his door, Severus noted that he should come out and make some repairs when he had the time- it was not a welcoming sight. Jiggling the door knob and muttering a soft curse as it stuck once again, he pushed open the door and stepped inside, casting a quick Lumos before finally looking to see if Miss Granger had followed him inside.

The frigid tone of the professor's voice was nothing new to Hermione; she was well aware that conversing with her was probably the last thing Snape ever wanted to do, and the situation must've arisen from necessity--or worse yet, it could've been a well laid trap. Nevertheless, what did not escape Hermione was the subtle hint of haste in his actions, almost as though Snape was wary of something. Brow furrowing at the observation--after all, if it really was a trap, Hermione doubted there would be anything for Snape to fear--and fingers still tightly gripping her wand, the young witch readily complied with the professor's command.

Closing the door behind her and making sure to leave it unlocked in case a hasty exit would be needed, Hermione then warily turned around to face the older man, eyes still narrowed with suspicion and confusion as she waited for him to speak.

Sighing in relief to see that the young witch had not fled yet, Severus made his way further into his flat. With a wave of his wand he set a pot of tea to brew and sat down at his rickety table. He would generally offer his guest a seat before taking one himself, but he knew that Miss Granger would be watching for anything that may be a trap. Severus did not want her to feel intimidated and flee- she was safer here than she ever would be alone.

“I had hoped that the worst we would see here would be the Malfoys. They can be cruel people, but they always serve themselves first. I had hoped that if they should find their way to this City, I would be able to convince them of the... lack of profit in continuing the Dark Lord’s crusade here.”

Severus kept his face void of emotion, studying Miss Granger’s reactions out of the corner of his eye. He could not help her if she did not believe and trust him. He also knew that she would never trust him until he explained his actions at the end of last term. He would attempt to build her trust through his actions now, drawing attention away from his seeming betrayal. The situation surrounding Headmaster’s death would be difficult for the young witch to understand, he knew- it would be even more difficult to explain.

“With the arrival of Bellatrix Black,” Severus continued, “the situation has changed once again.” Severus waved his wand yet again, sending the little tea pot hovering steadily over to rest on the table. Never taking his eyes off the weary young woman still standing by his doorway he summoned two cups and set about pouring the tea.

“Do come in Miss Granger. Would you care for some tea?”

Ignoring the professor's uncharacteristically gracious offer of tea and instead standing firmly, as though rooted to the ground, Hermione carefully processed Snape's words in her mind. They were believable, at least from what she had seen of both the Malfoys and Bellatrix, but Hermione still couldn't fathom why the professor had bothered to tell her all this information. Head still swimming from all the tumult that had occurred over the past few days, Hermione shook her head and rubbed her temples.

"To be honest, professor, I don't care about tea..."

Hermione took a deep breath; no matter what Snape told her, she knew that she wouldn't be able to rest or listen until he gave her some reason to trust him.

"Why did you do it?"

The words slipped through Hermione's lips before she was even able to catch herself, but there wasn't anything else she could ask. It was the last thing she wanted to think about, and the tears were already beginning to swim in her eyes, but she just had to know.

"I just don't understand. Why...? He... he trusted you..."

“Indeed, he did trust me, more than you will ever know.” Severus sighed. He desperately wanted to drop his gaze, to not have to see the tears lingering in Miss Granger’s eyes, to be able to continue pretending it had never happened.

But she would not allow that. This was why she had agreed to see him, because she had to know- a Gryffindor yet, endless curiosity that will eat away at their mind until they just have to know. Well, then she shall know.

“The Headmaster was injured. There was no one who could save him. He had been cursed while destroying the first of the Dark Lord’s Horcruxes, and the curse was eating away at not only his body but his very soul. I regret that I-“ Severus’ voice caught in his throat, and he did drop his gaze at this point. Clearing his voice with a small, raspy chough he continued, “I could not save him.

“Albus knew he was going to die, and he had sworn that he would do so while helping The Order.” At this Severus returned his gaze to the young woman before him. “When he learned of the Unbreakable Vow I was forced to make with Narcissa Malfoy and the Dark Lord’s order that Draco kill him, Albus devised a plan to save Mr. Malfoy of that fate, and to secure my place as a spy.

“I tried to convince him other wise, but he would not be swayed.” Severus took another sip of his tea, allowing the warm liquid to slither down his tight throat before deciding that this conversation would require something much stronger. He summoned the bottle of whiskey that Rukia had brought him- which he had charmed to be self-replenishing. Severus banished the weak liquid in his cup and refilled it with the alcohol, drained the cup again in one quick swallow before pouring himself another.

Hermione listened carefully during Snape's explaantion, still trying to mentally determine whether or not he was telling the truth. One thing was for certain; she had never seen Snape appear so broken before. Perhaps it was acting, perhaps it was something done in an attempt to distract her away from the truth, but Hermione could not help but feel a twinge of compassion while she watched Snape's expression contort into something entirely different from the cold, unfeeling mask he had worn all that time at Hogwarts.

That wasn't to say that she now entirely trusted his words. Indeed, his explanation was plausible, but Hermione could not see what Snape would gain from telling her all this. She had expected him to ignore the question, perhaps tell her that it was 'none of your business, Granger,' and being given an actual response was almost enough to knock her off her feet. Figuratively speaking, of course.

One sentence caught Hermione's attention in particular, although she did her best not to show it. A plan to save Mr. Malfoy of that fate...

Snapping out of her reverie as she noticed a bottle appear out of thin air and as the scent of alcohol reached her nose, Hermione frowned deeply and brandished her wand. "Accio bottle!"

The large bottle of whiskey slid easily out of Snape's hand and flew into Hermione's, sopping some of the liquid on the floor in the process, but Hermione found that she couldn't be brought to care.

"Professor, if it was indeed your intention to talk about a possible plan to deal with the Slytherins who have arrived in the City, then perhaps it would be best to stay away from the drink." Hermione set the bottle on the ground, as it was rather heavy. "I'm not going to say I trust your words altogether, but I do agree that the situation myself and my friends are in at the moment is tremulous at best, so I must take the risk. As much as I would love to save them on my own... I know I haven't the strength, nor do we have the numbers.

"What's done is done. Professor Dumbledore-" and here, an almost undetectable sob lodged in Hermione's throat, -"Professor Dumbledore isn't coming back, so shy of trying to brew some Veritaserum, which would take far too long, I cannot be absolutely certain if your words are the truth, but it would endanger everyone if I stall like I have. So please... I will accept your explanation for now, and would like to move on to the topic of the Slytherins."

Severus scowled as the bottle flew from his hand. He opened his mouth, a slew of curses ready on his tongue, but paused at Miss Granger’s words. Perhaps it was best to wait on the drink; it would do neither of them any good if he was not clear minded for this conversation, as much as he did not want to be.

“Very well, Miss Granger. I assume you don’t believe that you will be staying much longer, as you have yet to sit down, so I shall cut directly to the point.” Severus took a steadying breath before leaning back in his chair and folding his long fingers over his waist in the picture of grace and easy.

“As I said, with the arrival of Bellatrix Black, the situation has changed again. Bellatrix is not like the Malfoys. Do not think that she will not do anything she has to remain alive, and profiting, but she is quite dedicated to the Dark Lord. Her own hatred towards anyone who is not a pureblood wizard was solidified long before she joined the Dark Lord’s ranks.

“She will not be swayed from her course, and she will rally the other Slytherins for her cause, as I am sure you have already gathered. But she will not stop there. Bellatrix will work with the very people she despises to reach her end, before turning on those who have aided her as well. She has indeed already begun to seek out those from other worlds who fall in line with her beliefs.” Severus waited for this last bit of information to sink in before he continued.

“I can fight them from within, as I always have, but I can not do anything to help you if you do not work with me. They do not know of my allegiances, Miss Granger. I am thought to be as much one of them as I was during those first few years. Unfortunately, several of the people who they wish to eliminate believe this as well. It is always best that as few people as possible know of such intrigues, but I can do nothing if I do not have someone to pass information to.

“They will listen to you, Miss Granger.” Severus waited patiently for the young witch’s reply, silently praying to what ever gods may be that she believed him. He could not face the death of another innocent because of his lack of action. He would help her weather she wanted it or not, but it would be so much easier if they could work together.

Hermione paused at Snape's words, mind still wavering with doubt. To what purpose was Snape offering to help their cause? He had nothing to gain from what Hermione could see; the Headmaster had already passed away, the sole person whom Snape seemed to take orders from, and Voldemort wasn't in the City either, as far as she knew. Maintaining his position as a spy would greatly endanger Snape, with no apparent advantage or purpose. Could it be perhaps that the professor, the man who had always spat at her, looked down upon her with that derisive smirk on his face, was actually feeling compassion for her and her companions? Was he offering an alliance?

If he was sincere, there was no doubt that Hermione and the others needed the professor on their side. After all, what would a group of five fifth years and one sixth do against an ever-growing legion of Death Eaters?

"I have no doubt in your words about Bellatrix, sir," Hermione replied, voice wavering slightly. "And I realize that her arrival brings with it much danger for the City and my companions as well. If I were to believe in what you claim to be your alliance, of course it is very welcome. I had the utmost confidence in the Headmaster's judgment, and despite how what happened last year severely shook my faith, I still want to believe you."

Hermione dropped her gaze for a moment, contemplating the last sentence that had left Snape's lips. Would her friends listen to her, after what had happened with Draco? She was pretty sure that all of them felt her to be insane, perhaps at least immensely lacking good judgment, and the fact that all of them had simply left her in the Opera House during the arrival of the Slytherins only seemed to further that belief. Closing her eyes, Hermione rubbed at her temples, where a headache was already beginning to form, and tried to determine the best course of action. Harry and Ron in particular had never trusted Snape much, and she doubted that she could persuade them to as things were now.

"I'm not so sure that my companions would listen that carefully to my words, Professor," Hermione replied slowly, now running her fingers through the busy tresses of her hair. "My behaviour over the past few weaks has resulted in the majority of them having clear doubts about my clarity of mind."

The throbbing of her head slowly getting worse, Hermione made her way to the table and took a seat, elbows resting on its hard surface. "However, neither Harry nor Ron have experienced what happened in our sixth year, as both of them came from the summer before, so there is still a chance. I shall pass on whatever messages you send my way, but I might have to conveniently leave out your name; Harry and Ron have never manifested much trust in you, and if I try to persuade them too hastily, they would only think I'd gone mental..."

At this, Hermione's voice trailed off, eyes still closed in frustration as she tried to settle and organize the many thoughts surging through her mind.

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.

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.

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.”

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."

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.

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Log; Ongoing

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