35: A Breath of Fresh Air
Chapter 35 of 47
Fawkes_07Snape and Albus have a chat on the cliffs of Hogwarts before the next term begins.
Reviewed"Why are you all dressed up?"
"None of your business."
"You're going somewhere, aren't you?"
"Yes."
"Where?"
"Out."
Snape forced down the last bite of toast as quickly as he could, desperate to end this inane conversation. It had been two weeks since the Night With Narcissa, and though he had hoped Albus would summon him to Hogwarts (thus giving him an excuse to leave), no such request had come. Snape had run out of patience. His assignments frequently entailed unforseen dangers, but this Vow business was beyond the rank-and-file; he needed to discuss it. Not to mention that being cooped up with Pettigrew had him on the verge of rodenticide.
Licking blackberry jam from his fingertips, Snape gave Wormtail a final glower and headed toward the front door, but as soon as he was beyond Pettigrew's vision, he Apparated. Poor old Ratso disliked loud noises since the incident with the firecracker in his underpants. Snape's only regret was that, having already Apparated, he couldn't enjoy the expression on Wormtail's face at the cracking sound.
Snape's mood calmed as he entered the Hogwarts gates, pleased that the grounds were still peacefully free of students. Determined to enjoy his day out, he strolled to the castle at a leisurely pace, even taking a brief detour to the cliffward side to wave at the Giant Squid.
It rocketed from the center of the lake when it recognized him, leaving a roiling wake behind its streamlined limbs, but when it realized there were no sandwiches forthcoming, it poked its funnel from the water and shot a geyser of cold water at Snape's boots. "Ungrateful cur," he snarled, but without rancor; he and the beast had an honest relationship with well-defined mutual expectations. Had the tables been turned, Snape would resent an unfulfilled trip across the lake, too.
"Severus!" Dumbledore grinned impishly as he approached. "When I saw the squid barreling toward the cliff, I knew that either food was involved, or the poor fellow had lost the will to live. And sure enough, here you are."
Another gush of water splashed over Snape's boots. "Do you perchance have something I can feed him?"
Dumbledore took in the scene, nodding sagely. "He does seem to be trying to tell you something. I don't think a biscuit would be very good for him, though." He pulled out his wand and began Transfiguring a boulder into a picnic table and chairs as Snape stepped away from the balustrade. "I thought we might chat out here--your favorite time of day, I believe?"
"Pah!" Snape snorted. "You don't want me tracking squid spittle into your office."
"That also, my friend." Dumbledore gave him another crinkly grin as they settled onto the chairs.
"There is a problem, Albus," Snape began, too weary from pent-up anxiety to waste another moment. He described in precise detail the events of Narcissa's visit. Dumbledore frowned and nodded, but did not interrupt until the part about the Unbreakable Vow.
"Dear me, Severus! That was a bit rash, even for you! Well, we must get to the bottom of this right away--if you need to counter that Vow, then the sooner, the better--"
"No. I was a bit impulsive in my choice of Bonders. Bellatrix... Edified the Vow."
Dumbledore's brows launched. "Oh!" was all he said at first, then the headmaster blushed. "Well, then. So. I suppose you'll be doing it, whatever it is. Ahem." Snape had never seen the venerable wizard so flustered; it almost made the whole incident worthwhile.
"Indeed. But this is tricky business, Albus, for I'm already supposed to know what it is. Ergo, it will be awkward to investigate this further."
"My spy needs a spy, I see. Well, I shall endeavor to discover it with you." He paused, pursing his lips and drumming his fingers on the tabletop. "Does Lucius know?" he finally inquired.
Snape shrugged. "I don't plan to make a special trip out to Azkaban to tell him. But if I do, I will remind him to take this up with his dear sister-in-law."
Dumbledore nodded with a grim smile and clapped him on the back. "I'm sure he will eventually appreciate that you have, ahem, gone so far to protect his son."
Snape nodded in agreement, but something about the gesture unsettled him. He realized seconds later what it was: Dumbledore's other hand was rather conspicuously concealed in his heavy robes on this warm summer day. Snape glared pointedly at the headmaster's cuff, then fixed the old man with a concerned gaze. Dumbledore acceded to a pained grimace, then looked away, casually twisting in his seat in a way that pulled back his sleeve. Snape peered at the injured hand while Dumbledore chattered blithely about some administrative matter. They knew their roles very well, and dutifully created this memory for Snape's next submission to Voldemort.
When Snape felt he'd gathered enough "intell," he raised his eyes mournfully to his friend. The injury had grown since he'd last seen it four weeks ago; it had covered half his palm then, but now it extended to his wrist. His fingers were shriveled and curled, and Snape's stomach lurched as he realized that the tips appeared fragile and dry enough to break off. He did some mental Arithmancy. Assuming the curse spread at the typical exponential rate, Dumbledore would be blackened to the elbow before the students arrived.
"Albus..." he began, but Dumbledore raised his good hand in a halting gesture and shrugged.
"Come now, Severus, we both know that casualties are a necessary part of war," said the headmaster. "It is of no consequence; my wand hand is as strong as ever."
"Spare me the heroics, Albus; it will spread to your wand hand by Yuletide, assuming it doesn't turn your head to charcoal first. You must let me do something." But even before he could finish the sentence, Dumbledore closed his eyes and shook his head. Damn you, you old fool, what good is it to keep your secret if it kills you?
Snape opened his mouth to protest again, but snapped it shut as a thought struck him. "Headmaster," he said, signalling with his tone that he meant to create another harmless scenario to share with the Dark Lord later, "may I interrupt this conversation briefly? If you insist on sitting in the sun, then I require something from my chambers."
"Certainly, Professor Snape," said Dumbledore, a tiny but sincere furrow of curiosity upon his brow.
Snape made the trip to the dungeons quickly, avoiding the classroom; he didn't want to know who had replaced him as the Potions teacher until it was absolutely necessary. He found the Erlenmeyer flask of Sunban Potion, half full, just as he had left it when he'd run out of excuses to avoid returning home. He poured a jigger of it and downed it in one gulp; it tasted like coconuts. He then picked up the flask and took it up to the cliff, along with a teacup.
"Something for the sun," he muttered as he set the flask upon the Transfigured boulder, and offered Dumbledore the teacup. "One can't be too careful, you know. Amazing when you give it a bit of thought, that something so far away can burn one's skin. Seems quite strange, though we accept it so readily. How little we truly understand the nature of heat and energy. I believe the Muggles may have surpassed us in that realm."
Dumbledore studied him carefully, then took the flask and began filling his teacup. Snape twitched briefly when it was about two-thirds full. The headmaster righted the flask and replaced its glass stopper.
"Cheers, then, Professor," he said, and took an initial, tentative sip. Beaming in approval at the pleasant taste, he promptly downed the whole cup. Snape, however, returned to the balustrade before he finished, carefully observing the giant squid, who was chasing one of his own tentacles in a watery ring at the foot of the cliff. Between the wind and the splashing of the creature, he did not hear anything going on behind him, though he did register a tiny flash of blue light, as though a miniscule bolt of lightning had struck the rocks behind him. He waited a bit longer, then returned to the table.
Dumbledore had hidden his hand in his sleeve again, but there was no mistaking the gleam of gratitude in the old wizard's eyes. Never let it be said that I learned nothing of value from the Muggle side of the family.
Story Actions
To follow, favorite, like, and more either log in or create an account.
Leave a Review
Log in to leave a review.
Latest 25 Reviews for Fair Exchanges
909 Reviews | 6.76/10 Average
I've warned you that i will continue to harrass you about finishing this story until my dying day. And i always keep my word. Hope you are still around, that all is well for you, and that this story remains on your eternal to do list.
Response from Fawkes_07 (Author of Fair Exchanges)
Sigh. It is. It really is. I need a time machine.
Hello again! I don't know if you are even still around, but reading the rest of this story is on my bucket list, so while I still have breath in me, I shall continue to nudge you toward writing. Hope all is well with you and yours.
SPOILER Warning******In case someone has gone this many years without getting through the last book in the series****************************I hope this new turn in their relationship keeps her from wishing she could just hold hands with someone and walk around the lake. She's had a man now. I can't imagine, at least I hope she doesn't go back to boys. What are you going to do about the Ron thing? She can't go with Ron now. It would would be too mean to Severus! I hope she understands when Albus is killed. Poor Severus! There. Again I'm saying it! I don't mind his sacrifices if I know he will be rewarded with the love he deserves for what he has had to pay to rid the world of Tom Riddle. I hope you work this out so that he doesn't suffer at the end and you'd better not kill him off like the witch who kills small beloved pets like owls, and sweet dear magical creatures like house elves protecting their loved one, cruelly rends twins assunder with one on this side alone without his other half and the other one on the opposite side of the vale tellikng jokes without punch lines! Please tell me you will not follow that part of cannon. You are already forcing Severus to do things I don't know if Hermione can forgive him for. She must forgive him though.When are you going to work on this story some more? Do you know? Are you planing to finish this story or did the last cannon book kill your joy when she killed off our Potions Master in an incredibly un-Severus Snap like end. ....As if the Potions Master of all masters wouldn't have antivenin.
Response from Fawkes_07 (Author of Fair Exchanges)
You know, it's funny... DH actually kind of DID kill off a lot of my motivation to keep writing fanfic, even though I never really thought of it that way until just now. I wrote my own Book 7 for my kids--HP and the Heirs of Slytherin, it's here on TPP--starting in about 2006, just because I KNEW JKR was going to blow it. I just knew I wouldn't like her book 7. A lot of these fics kind of spun off during the process of writing HoS, including Fair Exchanges. HoS has a lot of legilimency/occlumency in it, and Hermione asks Harry not to look at her dreams. That sparked this story... Anyway, once I finished HoS, I kinda moved on to other projects and my unfinished fics have been sort of waiting on the vine for me. I know how they all end, and some of them are just a few chapters from complete. But part of the trouble with Fair Exchanges is that I hate DH so much I have no desire to read it carefully enough to make Fair Ex canon-compliant. It can't even be HoS compliant, because my alt. universe has even more trouble ahead for Snape. If it's any comfort, though, the last two chapters of this story were written LONG ago, and it wraps up the story in a way I really liked. I posted them on some other ff sites, if you want to go hunting for them. I kept them off TPP, though, because I wanted to post the whole thing properly here.
She is being a normal girl, unfortunately for Severus. Severus Snape requires a remarkable woman. Strong, forgiving, able to make her own happiness most of the time and able to consistantly see past the Death Eater Double Spy. He needssomeone who wants him especially because he isn't like any other man on earth. And he needs someone older than Hermione. I would be thinking just exactly what she is thinking. He is looking for a life time commitment. She just isn't there yet. I don't se how this can end well for either of them unless you figure out a way to turn cannon around soon. I hate the way things turned out in the cannon. She ruined everything! I can't stand it. I hope you can salvage this back story so that it comes out much better than the original. Severus deserves better. I hate feeling sorry for Snape, damn it! I want him to show them all. I want him to end up with the best end of any stick.
Poor Severus. I wish she'd run off to Polynesia with him. I hope she's worth it in the end. She has no real idea what he faces here. They are living in the moment when they see each other. He knows more about her than she knows about him. There is so much more to him than there is to Hermione at this point in her life. How old is she, 15 or 16? Well, at least he can have someone pure. I hope she never asks about his other lovers. I don't think she is ready for the answer. I'm not sure I'd be ready for the Centaura. And we know that in his youth he willingly committed rape in this story, though he reqrets it now. I don't know that Hermione could really handle that knowledge. She might be able to handle the idea that he had possibly been forced to do it, but not with certainty that he had ever willingly done it. He's so screwed is she ever finds out all the things he has to do, unless she is a very unusual individual and not very judgemental. I hope for his sake she is as remarkable as he thinks she is.
Hello! I think Draco just passed out! What do you do with this lie. How to explain that 2 men who appeared to absolutely despise one another were lovers on the low down. Would Draco even fall for that? I don't think he has been present at the OP meetings to observed the apparent mutual hatred. Draco doesn't know how much the murrauders stalked and abused poor Severus. Maybe he'll fall fore it. Poor boy wil be manipulated by the Uncle he trustes. That must taste like shit to Severus.
And Hermione can't know about Draco! She would not understand.
Severus Snape is the most adept spie of all the world if he pulls this off. He must feel like he can never get clean from lying regulary to those few who trust him, beastiality, cheeting on his overly homornal girlfriend that he shouldn't be with, but amazingly they actually love each other and trust each other. Now, add buggery in order to manipulate his godson. He must keep Hermione and Draco apart. And what would the dark lord or Albus Dumblebutt have to say about all of this distasteful activity. Dude, when this is all over you are going to need some serious counceling!
OK. What should he do now? I say, let the twirp kiss you so that you can get on his good side and find out his secrets. Hey! It's a dog eat dog world out there right now. Just hope that Hermione doens't find out you cheated on her with 4 Centaras and her worst enemy at the school and all in the same week. It's a fine edge you tread, poor Severus. I actually feel sorry for you.
Lucky in many ways it seems, our Severus. The Dark Lord needed a laugh. Oooooo, let a name slip in there that starts with an H. So who actually rescued the toad in the forest after all? Make up any answer you like. I had assumed it was Albus. But why he would bother is beyond me. Does Severus have to go back to fetch her?
So! Our dear potions master is hung like a stallion! Well of couse he is! Those naughty girls. It's a good thing Hermione doesn't know. And, isn't he terrified of being caught in the act by the stallions while making love to the mares? I'm sure they would kill him. I'm glad he gets some small reward for his hard work protecting Harry. It really is too bad they didn't kill Umbridge. I know Jkr needs her later in the story. I hope she has permanent damage though.
There's no way that will happen under these circumstances. I don't believe it. Girls need a mood or something to get then started.
Don't worry Hermione, dear. After you've been married for more than 3 decades you actually will grow together down there from lack of use. You see, the little man is victim to depression, high blood pressure, diabetes and sundry medications for said infirmities, but eventually this will only spark a sense of resigned bitterness. Dreams though few and far between will be a welcomed relief. So cry no more dear girl and by the gods grab him while you can! Perhaps in your world magic will make these things not so. If that is the case, get over it you silly girl. He must truly be desperate to put up with this. You all must be. I was quite emotional the first 20 years. It was dreadful! Now I am resigned to the fact that what ever you were fighting about the first 2 years are the same things you will be fighting about in 10 years until eventually you just look at him and shake your head. Put up with it or try to train a new one. Here is the most important thing you will ever know. They cannot be trained. Don't waste your time.
I love, "like a raisin through a guinea pig"! I take it you speak from experience based on your picture of Mr. Flibbert, I believe his name was. One of the things that annoyed the hell out of me in the movie version of TGoF was the hormonal Hermione whining and bitching in her high pitched self righteous girl BS. I think she was pissed off just like in this chapter for the entire movie. I realize it is true to life but it is still annoying. I have two drama queens of my own and it doesn't get better when they grow up. I am grateful for grandsons. They are loud and every game requires growling and yelling and running in the house, not to mention accidentally bumping into each other on purpose etc. but I am looking forward to much less drama as when they reach puberty. I look also look forward to Hermione in this story finishing her O.L.W.S. I'm hyper-sensitive from PTSD after raising two daughters.
Here it is 2014 and still no end in sight. Please finish this, it is too good and to frustrating to stop here,
Response from Fawkes_07 (Author of Fair Exchanges)
Sigh... I know. I really would like to finish it someday. Too many projects, not enough time!
You do know that as long as this story sits unfinished, I am going to pop in periodically and bug you, right? Now I am not pressuring you. I know that real life can be a bitch. All I'm saying is that I probably have a good fifty years left in me, and I am going to continue to encourage you until I take my last breath. Oh, but please don't wait that long as I do want to read the end, lol.
Hi Fawkes_07, I have enjoyed this so much! It is of course beautifully written and plotted. I think you've captured all the characters quite well. The sense of humor in this story is wonderful and was a great surprise. Love the interactions between H and Severus, and also between Severus & Draco. I see that it has been some years since you've updated. Please, please don't abandon this story! Happy writing!
Ah, I remember following this story every week. It's a shame RL got in the way and it's gone 3 years-ish without an update. I hope you're doing well and come back to it some day. Thank you for the wonderful half-fic, for what it's worth :)
What the what?? I followed you over from MNFF to see what I'd missed, holy mess!!!! I LOVE this story, it constantly shocks me!!
Response from Fawkes_07 (Author of Fair Exchanges)
LOL, yeah, MNFF had an issue with the human/centaur thing. Glad you're enjoying it... I hope to finish it someday if I ever get my life back.
wow, this story just gets creepier and creepier, in the most interesting and hilarious way possible. this has to be the best story i have ever read on any fanfiction site. u are an awesome writer; i have never laughed this much at a story. i now see why mnff just couldnt bear it, lol, way too many disturbing things. i just got used to the thought of draco being a sex god in other stories, now u make him gay! bwahahaha, talk about a monkeywrench. im sad snape gave that 16-year-old release to the mares. i wished my girl hermione had gotten a piece of that. now that would have been fun to read and write, im sure, hehe. again, u are brilliant!
Response from Fawkes_07 (Author of Fair Exchanges)
<laughs> Wow, glad you're enjoying it! Yeah, MNFF drew the line at the "bestiality" elements (though they don't seem to mind human/werewolf and human/veela). Eh, whatever.Hadn't thought of the 16-year gap ending with the ponies... I guess this is sort of a tragic story, huh?
More Please!?!?!? I so like how this story is going. Love the HG/SS relationship. I so can not wait for more.
Response from Fawkes_07 (Author of Fair Exchanges)
Sigh... I know. I really do intend to finish it, and the funniest stuff is yet to come. You just would not believe the times I've had the past couple years--broken ribs, my mom passed away, a new nonprofit opened in town and begged me to write their grants... I don't even READ fanfic any more, much less write it. But someday things will settle down.
I tried to read this story when I was 16 years of age, back then I could barely read English (not my first language) and I had to consult the dictionary every 3 minutes or so but I do remember little bits of it... This amazing first chapter for example. It's so well written and so true to the characters. It's a pleasure to be able to read it again.
Response from Fawkes_07 (Author of Fair Exchanges)
Wow! That's so cool! I'm glad you liked it well enough to come back to it! Thanks!
Aww, Snape's going to be a father. *snickers*
Response from Fawkes_07 (Author of Fair Exchanges)
Not after he gets that potion ready...
The age of consent in the UK is 16 not to mention the use of the Time-Turner so she's actually almost two years older than her peers. She could've consented before.
Response from Fawkes_07 (Author of Fair Exchanges)
Hmm, I suppose so. But she used the date to such a fine advantage... had to go with it.
You are a wonderful writer, and I always look forward to reading more of your story. This is byfar my favorite Snape/Hermione fanfic ever. I thank you soooo much for updating! I love love love everything about it! Are you though, planning to go canon and kill him off in the end, or will I have to wait and see? You make my week!
Response from Fawkes_07 (Author of Fair Exchanges)
Heh, well, I don't like to give out spoilers but I'll just say I don't consider DH as part of canon. So that may answer your question...
I went back and reread the last chapter to refresh the story in my brain. It has been a damn long time woman! Come back to the potterverse! We miss you. Im all sorts of confused about H's trouble in potions. Whatever could it be?
Response from Fawkes_07 (Author of Fair Exchanges)
Herms was totally upstaged by Harry in potions that year, on account of Harry having the HBP's potion text. She was pretty po'd about that--but she can't tell Snape or that would ruin Harry's surprise. But I think it's funny that she would be in such a good position to blow Harry's scheme out of the water...
ROFLMAO! Oohhhh noooo. Snape, you silly man. I was afraid something like this would happen. Can wizards and centaur breed with each other?! You really do love torturing Snape. It's a fun kind of torture, though.
Response from Fawkes_07 (Author of Fair Exchanges)
*snerk* It IS fun to torture old Sev. Maybe Voldy thinks so too, I dunno.