Chapter Six: Investigations
Chapter 6 of 23
sunny33Severus and Hermione do a little snooping around the school after hours.
Disclaimer: They are not mine, and if they were, I would not be sharing them!
Chapter Six: Investigations
"So, Seth. How are you finding it here? Any problems so far?"
"No, thank you, Jim. It took a week or two to find everything and assess where my students are at academically, but things are going well now that is sorted out."
"How is it compared with your previous position? A boarding school up north, wasn't it?"
"Yes. A small private school. I doubt anyone here has ever heard of it. Hogs... er... forth Academy."
"No, can't say I've heard of that one. Mind you, there are so many of those private academies around nowadays. Did you enjoy it there?"
"It was... challenging. Yes, I suppose I did enjoy the teaching, all except the occasional explosion. There were definitely some students who were more satisfying to teach than others."
"Explosion?"
"Er... temper tantrum."
"Yes. We've all had to put up with those. Adolescents the same everywhere. Hey, Mike, come over and join us!"
"Mornin', chaps. How are the teenage terrors today? I hear you have a little fan club going, Seth. You'd better watch out; those senior girls can be a real trial once they decide you're worth chasing."
"It sounds as if you've had experience with that yourself, Mike."
"Not for a long time, mate. I'm a bit old and crusty for them now I'll leave fending off the students to you young bucks."
"So, tell me, Mike. What do the live-in staff here do for entertainment after hours?"
"Are you bored already, Seth? I'm sure young Marie wouldn't say no to a round of drinks at the local pub. Just don't get seen under the influence the bloody kids will always find out and make your life hell."
"No, I was thinking more along the line of special interests. Sports, hobbies etc. Does anyone do anything interesting?"
"Apart from the usual sports coaching, there's a chess club, debating society, and a drama group. Of course, you know about the choir and orchestra. Nothing out of the ordinary, really. We're quite a boring bunch around here."
"Speak for yourself. Just because you teach Physics. Come and sit in on one of my Art classes one day. The kids have a lot of fun, and I bet Seth's lessons are entertaining."
"Oh, you arts types are all the same. Just because you don't understand science, you think it's boring. I'll have you know my senior class is building a rocket for their special project. Much more fun than mucking around with paint and fiddles! Still, we may need to borrow some paint to finish it off, so I suppose you have some uses, Jim."
"Thanks. I think. Do you suppose you could arrange some appropriate music when this old coot's class take off for the distant yonder, Seth?"
"Er... Certainly. I think Also Sprach Zarathustra might suit your mission well."
"Also... what?"
"See, Seth. Science types. No culture!"
"Indeed. Mike, I was wondering how many new staff you take on each year. Everyone seemed to know each other already when I arrived."
"Oh, that's because you are the first new staff member for two years. Not a lot of turnover here. Most people stay once they settle in. It's a nice lifestyle, not too rushed, and a very pleasant place to live. Fancy a coffee? I'll fetch one for you while I'm over there."
"Thank you, I will."
***
"Sorry I'm a little late. I had to shake off Amelia. She was determined to come to the library with me once she knew you were letting me in. She spent ten minutes telling me how much she admired your intellect, your musical talent, your wit, your sexy body... I nearly vomited."
"Nice to know someone has taste. I'm sure we'll miss her delightful company. Perhaps she can join me another evening?"
"I'll be sure to pass that on, sir."
"Don't even think about it, Granger. Do you want to lose all Gryffindor's points when we return to Hogwarts?"
"Hmm. Might be worth it."
"Of course, I could let it slip to Ewan that you have a thing for redheads."
"You wouldn't dare!"
"Try me."
"Okay. Truce. No Amelia and no Ewan. And stop smiling. It's creepy. That's better, the glare I can handle."
"Hmmmph."
"So, how do we get inside the building? It's all very well having the key to the library, but..."
"I have the key to the side entrance. All the staff who live on site have one. Here, this door. After you, Miss Granger."
"What? No stalking ahead. You're going soft, professor. What are you doing? I thought we weren't allowed to use our wands?"
"I'm checking for magical residues on this lock. This is one of the Magical Law Enforcement spells Kingsley gave me and will leave no trace of magic to disrupt any evidence."
"Why are you checking here, particularly?"
"Think about it, Miss Granger. Kingsley told us the magic was tracked down to this main building. The witch or wizard using the magic has to enter the building somewhere, and his or her illicit activities are unlikely to be taking place during the day in front of hundreds of Muggles."
"Of course. And to get into the building after hours, they would need to cast Alohomora or something similar. All we need to do is check every outside door on the ground floor. Wait a minute. What if the culprit is a teacher? He or she would have a key and wouldn't need to use magic to get inside."
"We'll worry about that possibility if we don't find any evidence tonight. Now follow me and cease your interminable chatter."
***
Hermione
How many bloody doors does this place have? I've counted sixteen so far, and we're only halfway around. And we haven't been to the library yet. I really do need that book!
Seventeen. Nothing.
Eighteen. Come on, Snape, I don't want to be stuck here all night alone with you.
Then again, why not? I'm sure we could entertain ourselves.
It's Snape!
True.
Nineteen. As usual, nothi... Hey! There was a faint glow there. Someone really has been using magic in this school!
Now, where's he off too? I wish he would talk to me. It's not like anyone else is around to hear.
Ah, I see. Good point test all the locked doors in the corridor leading from that entrance. He's like a great, black, hunting hound, sniffing the trail of his prey. Or perhaps a vampire, although I never did believe those rumours. Just because his skin is so pale and he seems to never sleep at night. On that basis a third of the sixth year boys here would qualify. Those without sports scholarships, that is. I've never seen such a bunch of nerds in my life. They make Ravenclaw boys look positively sociable.
Where does that door go? It certainly doesn't look as if anyone uses it often, tucked away between the Maths storeroom and the cleaning cupboard. Magic here too. So it wasn't just our imagination.
Wonder if someone is still in there?
Oh, bugger. He hasn't thought of that. Get back here, you idiot!
***
Snape
Stop sighing, Granger. This is not exactly my idea of a fun evening either. I'm sure I could think of a few more interesting activities...
Pervert. Concentrate on the job.
Finally! Now, to track down where our mysterious culprit goes to. No, not that way. There, that corridor seems to be holding a small, residual magical charge.
Come on, Granger. Keep up! Gods, she's just like a little puppy, trailing after me with her big, brown eyes watching my every move.
Found it. I suspect our answers might be waiting for us behind that nondescript door.
Oh, what does she want now?
***
"What?"
"You can't just go in there, sir. Whoever is using magic here could well be in there already."
"Your point being?"
"They might not take kindly to being interrupted, Snape. Don't you think you should proceed with caution?"
"I hardly think a Gryffindor would be in any position to advise a Slytherin on caution, Miss Granger. However, your concern is duly noted. Now, stand back."
"What, are you going to blast down the door?"
"You've watch too many Muggle movies, Granger. Now watch an expert in action."
"Okay, smart..."
"Shhh!"
...
"There's no-one here. Is there any trace of magic in here?"
"Just a faint glimmer over here in the corner. Look, under those cloths."
"This looks like clay. Why would someone need to use magic to model clay? Surely, if they were that bad at it, they'd find another hobby?"
"Not just any clay, Miss Granger. Look."
"Wow. It sparkles and shimmers. What is it?"
"It's a special type of magical clay, enhanced with quartz powder. It's commonly use for making protective rune stones, although it has been put to some less than savoury uses in the past. One of which is for coercion. If the clay has been shaped into a particular rune and had a Submission Charm placed upon it, the wearer would effectively be under an enchantment no less powerful than the Imperius curse."
"But isn't that dangerous? Surely if that sort of use became common knowledge, it would cause mayhem."
"Thankfully, it is not well known. It was one of the vile ideas Tom Riddle developed. Only one of his followers would know of it."
"That means there's a Death Eater in this school?"
"Don't look so concerned. I suspect whoever has been working in here is merely a pawn. There are no active Death Eaters left now. They were either killed in the final battle or imprisoned in Azkaban. One or two have been set free, but Kingsley assured me they were among the minor offenders and have been stripped of their wands and any ability to perform magic. They are exiled from the wizarding world indefinitely."
"But wouldn't that make them more dangerous?"
"How so, Miss Granger?"
"You take people who have already shown contempt for the law, morality, and compassion, remove their most precious commodity their magic and cast them out where they are no longer under observation. What do you think would happen?"
"They would be forced to get on with life as a Muggle. I can't think of a more appropriate punishment."
"I think some are more likely to become resentful and want to find a way to get back at the system that has wronged them in their eyes. Maybe there is someone out there using a student for his own nefarious purposes."
"Don't you think you are extrapolating a little far, Miss Granger?"
"No. I don't. And don't you think we can drop the Miss Granger? We're currently snooping around the school after hours and working on a mission as supposed partners. I would have thought you could call me by my first name, or at least drop the Miss."
"Very well, Granger. I've noticed you use Snape as often as you use sir."
"Only when you annoy me. Which is most of the time."
"I hope you will remember your manners when we return to Hogwarts, Granger."
"Yes, yes, I know. Points will be deducted for impertinence. Play another record, Snape. That one's scratched."
"I suspect all that camping you did last year has addled your brain, girl. You used to be the respectful one. Don't think I didn't notice."
"Not addled cleared. I realised some time over the last few weeks that you, dear sir, are not as scary as you would like people to believe. Most of the time, you are just an ill-tempered misanthrope who couldn't behave pleasantly even if he wanted to. However, you do have the occasional moment of humour which redeems you."
"Has it ever occurred to you, Granger, I might actually enjoy being an ill-tempered misanthrope?"
"You'd really prefer me to believe that? Especially after watching you over the past two weeks. Do you realise I've seen you smile more often this week than over the entire previous seven years? Much as it goes against your entrenched habit of surliness, you actually appear to enjoy being fair and reasonable."
"Damn. My secret is out. I can see the headlines now. Ex-Death Eater Snape Caught Smiling at Student. Parents Write to Complain."
"You'd scare the firsties. Well, the second-years at any rate. The first-years won't have a basis for comparison. And Neville. He'd have a heart attack if you smiled at him."
"Ah. The inimitable Mr Longbottom. I suppose I will be blessed with his presence in my classroom when we return. Pity. I was enjoying the peace and quiet."
"But he doesn't do N.E.W.T. Potions."
"Which is being taught by someone else. I'm returning to the Defence position."
"But, I thought Potions was your real passion?"
"It is, Granger. Researching and brewing, at least. However, I despise teaching Potions. Defence is far more... fun."
"Only you would think watching students hex each other is fun, Snape. You are seriously warped."
"And you like me like that."
"I think I might. But don't tell anyone I said that."
"I wouldn't dare. I've heard about you and your canaries."
"Good. So long as we understand each other. Now, what are we going to do about this?"
"Nothing tonight. We've proven there's something amiss. Now, we need to find out who is behind it. Any suggestions, partner?"
"We have to assume it's a student, given they used magic to get inside. Are we able to put a ward on the door so we're alerted when they next turn up, or is that against Kingsley's ridiculous no magic rules?"
"I shouldn't think it was a problem. He was more concerned about overt displays in front of Muggles and contaminating the scene."
"As if we are stupid enough to do that. However, a drying charm for my hair after I've showered would be a real luxury. Standing around wrapped only in a towel for ages is a real nuisance."
"Hmmm. Do you think we can change the subject? I'm not sure I should be contemplating my student dressed only in a towel."
"My, my, professor. I believe you're blushing from the thought. I've seen you dressed only in a towel, and it didn't make me blush."
"That's only because you were too busy staring at me. Yes, I noticed. See, now you blush."
"Well, what girl wouldn't stare, seeing a man who usually is wrapped up in so many layers half naked? If you must insist on walking back to your bedroom in a towel, you'll have to put up with the occasional once-over. Oh, give over. I'll bet you enjoyed it."
"Maybe. Maybe not. You'll never know, Granger. Back to the matter in hand. Yes, there is also an alarm ward among the spells we can use. It will notify me when the door has been breached by magic, and I will investigate."
"We will investigate. We're a team, remember, Snape."
"I will endeavour to inform you. But if it is late, it may not be possible."
"Just make sure the ward alerts both of us. Then we can arrange to meet outside beneath that oak tree on the corner and go from there."
"Very well. If you insist."
"I do."
...
"There. Done. Now, shall we leave?"
"No way. I still need that book. If I return without it, Amelia is sure to assume we've been meeting for less-than-educational purposes."
"She would be correct, as usual."
"Still. There's no need to foment rebellion. It's bad enough she told all her friends in the boarding house where I was going and with whom, but if she thinks there's anything going on... Oh, stop smirking! It won't make them stop trying, you know. In fact, they'd probably try even harder to get your attention."
"Merlin save me! Come along then, and let's fetch the bloody book. I wouldn't want to encourage speculation."
"Ooo, Seth. Can't we stop for a teensy snog on the way? A little snuggle?"
"Stop that, Granger. You're scaring me."
"Sethy, sweetheart, don't run away. You know you want to!"
***
A/N: This was written for the Severus Big Bang Birthday Bash on LiveJournal. Many thanks to karelia for the beta, and the girls at work for all their ideas over morning tea.
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Latest 25 Reviews for Can't Take My Eyes Off You
315 Reviews | 7.0/10 Average
Just here for a reread as I was due for some lighthearted entertainment, and I loved this all over again. I'm still floored that reading dialogue only didn't become tedious or confusing. It's times like this I wish I had some talent, because this story would make some great fan art. I miss reading new fic from you. Are you retired forever?
Response from sunny33 (Author of Can't Take My Eyes Off You)
I'm still reading fanfic at times, but at the moment music consumes all my time. The only thing I write now is basslines!
I adored this! One of the best things I've read in ages! Well done!!
Response from sunny33 (Author of Can't Take My Eyes Off You)
Thanks! :)
perfectly complementary dialogue! :)
Response from sunny33 (Author of Can't Take My Eyes Off You)
Thanks. :)
Yes, I have read this story. Loved it. I did like the whole concept of Severus and Hermione having to attend a Muggle school as pupil and teacher. I have always imagined Severus if in a Muggle role as a long haired musician, tight jeans, leather jacket with dark t shirt with some logo on it. I think you did a grand job of this whole fic.
Having the story from Severus and Hermione's POV was a superb idea and hearing the two sides of each situation was hillarious.
Thanks for writing and posting .
Response from sunny33 (Author of Can't Take My Eyes Off You)
Thanks. I'm glad you enjoyed it. I had a ball writing it! :)
You had me dying w/ some of the dialogue, it was so fantastic!! :DExcellent work!
Response from sunny33 (Author of Can't Take My Eyes Off You)
Thanks for all your reviews so far. xx:)
Response from sunny33 (Author of Can't Take My Eyes Off You)
Thanks for all your reviews so far. xx:)
Perfect ending, thank you so much, for this funny,light hearted, story .
Response from sunny33 (Author of Can't Take My Eyes Off You)
Thanks for all your lovely reviews. If you like humour, might I suggest Carrot Tops and Unspeakable Plans or Don't Stop me Now if you haven't already read them. :D
Response from mick42 (Reviewer)
Thanks I will.
Response from sunny33 (Author of Can't Take My Eyes Off You)
Thanks for all your lovely reviews. If you like humour, might I suggest Carrot Tops and Unspeakable Plans or Don't Stop me Now if you haven't already read them. :D
Response from mick42 (Reviewer)
Thanks I will.
At long last love has arrived.
Response from sunny33 (Author of Can't Take My Eyes Off You)
Hehe. Took her a while! :)
Response from mick42 (Reviewer)
Yes, but he's worth it, and so is she. { I/m sure Sev /Seth would agree} if I haven't said it before, thank you.
Response from sunny33 (Author of Can't Take My Eyes Off You)
Hehe. Took her a while! :)
Response from mick42 (Reviewer)
Yes, but he's worth it, and so is she. { I/m sure Sev /Seth would agree} if I haven't said it before, thank you.
Are the owls in the right order? Put it together Hermione=
Response from sunny33 (Author of Can't Take My Eyes Off You)
Nope. They are all mixed up deliberately. :)
Response from sunny33 (Author of Can't Take My Eyes Off You)
Nope. They are all mixed up deliberately. :)
What the hell,is Draco up to?
Response from sunny33 (Author of Can't Take My Eyes Off You)
Mischief? ;)
Response from sunny33 (Author of Can't Take My Eyes Off You)
Mischief? ;)
Poor sevvie, everyone is picking on him. Go get him Hermione.
Response from sunny33 (Author of Can't Take My Eyes Off You)
He needs to be picked on occasionally. :)
Response from sunny33 (Author of Can't Take My Eyes Off You)
He needs to be picked on occasionally. :)
Great that they are together, at last. Trust Severus to do the noble{ and dumb } thing. I hope Minervia can talk some sense inti him.
Response from sunny33 (Author of Can't Take My Eyes Off You)
You'll see. ;)
Response from sunny33 (Author of Can't Take My Eyes Off You)
You'll see. ;)
WILF! and she's wearing it, will she explain it to molly?
Response from sunny33 (Author of Can't Take My Eyes Off You)
Not bloody likely! :)
Response from sunny33 (Author of Can't Take My Eyes Off You)
Not bloody likely! :)
Love the banter with the boys, Harry and Ron come very close to the mark, even though, they think they are joking. The hug at the end , awwww, just perfect.
Response from sunny33 (Author of Can't Take My Eyes Off You)
Thanks. :)
Response from sunny33 (Author of Can't Take My Eyes Off You)
Thanks. :)
OMG, that man is hard work, it's a good thing he's worth it. I loved the first year speech, the girls were a bit cheeky asking him, but he did it. Run Severus, stick your head in the sand, it matters not, Hermione has you in her sights, and she will have her way.
Response from sunny33 (Author of Can't Take My Eyes Off You)
Indeed she will. :)
Response from sunny33 (Author of Can't Take My Eyes Off You)
Indeed she will. :)
oops, I got so caught up, I forgot to review. Katrina is so young, and alone in the muggle world, easy prey, for someone like Edgely.Wonder what Sev's new Patronus is?
Response from sunny33 (Author of Can't Take My Eyes Off You)
I wonder too. Can't remember now, I wrote that story so long ago! LOL
Response from sunny33 (Author of Can't Take My Eyes Off You)
I wonder too. Can't remember now, I wrote that story so long ago! LOL
KINGSLEY!!! spoil-sport, oh well ,there may be more PDA's to come. "The girls" are getting an education,aren't they. Love the duel, and the banter, they are well matched, in more ways than one.
Response from sunny33 (Author of Can't Take My Eyes Off You)
LOL. Kingsley wasn't quite up with the play there. :)
Response from sunny33 (Author of Can't Take My Eyes Off You)
LOL. Kingsley wasn't quite up with the play there. :)
Glad Hermione has someone to talk to, but I hope the girls don't get caught in the crossfire.
Response from sunny33 (Author of Can't Take My Eyes Off You)
;)
Response from sunny33 (Author of Can't Take My Eyes Off You)
;)
Lovely, hugs and kisses,just what they both need.Love the way Hermione, lies by telling the truth.
Response from sunny33 (Author of Can't Take My Eyes Off You)
She's almost Slytherin...
Response from sunny33 (Author of Can't Take My Eyes Off You)
She's almost Slytherin...
"It'll be canaries for him" If severus knew what she is thinking, it would wipe that smirk, right off his face.
Response from sunny33 (Author of Can't Take My Eyes Off You)
Sure would. :)
Response from sunny33 (Author of Can't Take My Eyes Off You)
Sure would. :)
They are both as bad{or good} as each other. If you will excuse me ,I think I had better turn the fan on, it's getting a little warm in here.
Response from sunny33 (Author of Can't Take My Eyes Off You)
Hehe! :)
Response from sunny33 (Author of Can't Take My Eyes Off You)
Hehe! :)
So much fun, in this chapter,flirting, dancing , ogling, { I don't know who has the biggest, inner pervert, Severus ,or Hermione}
Response from sunny33 (Author of Can't Take My Eyes Off You)
Me neither! :)
What a Birthday present! and with extra vitriol, just the way we like it.
Response from sunny33 (Author of Can't Take My Eyes Off You)
No-one does vitriol as well as Sev! :)
Response from sunny33 (Author of Can't Take My Eyes Off You)
No-one does vitriol as well as Sev! :)
The dialogue reminds me of the screw-ball comedys. wonderful, that last line made me laugh so much, I cryed.
Response from sunny33 (Author of Can't Take My Eyes Off You)
Response from sunny33 (Author of Can't Take My Eyes Off You)