Chapter 1: The Predicament
Chapter 1 of 35
SubversaNow Complete! ~Winner Rd 3 Quill to Parchment for Best Fanon Het, Best AU, Best WIP!~ Hermione is cursed by the Death Eaters, and Dumbledore believes Professor Snape is the only one who can help her and keep her safe. Hermione is 18 years old in this story, but she is still a student.
ReviewedA/N: Thanks and love to DeeMichelle for beta-reading, MagicAlly for Brit-picking, and Sshg316 for alpha-reading and cheerleading.
Chapter 1: The Predicament
Severus Snape, Potions master of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, stood before his headmaster with a look of enraged astonishment on his pale, drawn face. The carriage clock over the mantelpiece showed the time to be near three o'clock in the morning. Thankfully, the fire in the room, hastily augmented upon the arrival of his visitors, dispelled much of the natural cold and gloom of the wee hours of a November night.
The headmaster, Albus Dumbledore, sat in a burgundy leather wingchair placed at a pleasant angle to the fire. Its twin, which Severus usually occupied when the headmaster came to visit, was empty, for the Potions master was towering over the seated, fatigued old man. Dumbledore's robes were both wet and muddy to mid-calf; his silver hair was wildly windblown and untidy; his ancient face was etched with exhaustion both physical and magical. Frankly, he looked like crap, and it unnerved Severus to a profound degree.
The third occupant of the room was not participating in the conversation; in fact, if Severus had not verified for himself that both respiration and heartbeat were present, he would have believed that Dumbledore had arrived at his rooms bearing the dead body of Hermione Granger. Still, the Head Girl lay upon the matching leather sofa in a boneless heap, wan as a ghost, her usually rampant brown hair a drenched and bedraggled mess about her head, her body wrapped as tightly as a swaddled infant in a plaid blanket of crimson and gold.
'Would you mind repeating that, Headmaster?' Severus inquired, his usually smooth voice low and ragged with fury.
Dumbledore sighed and raised his hand to his face, pinching his glasses from his nose so that he might rub tiredly at his weary blue eyes. 'I had a message from Tom a request to meet him at a specific spot along the road leading from Hogsmeade up into the hills. He said he had one of my students whom he wished to return to me and that if I did not come alone, he would be leaving a dead child, rather than an unconscious one, at my feet.'
'Why didn't you tell me?' Severus interrupted roughly.
Dumbledore replaced his half-moon spectacles and gazed at Severus steadily. 'I did not tell you because you would have argued with me about going alone and I was anxious to retrieve my student.'
Severus simply glowered more darkly, so Dumbledore continued his tale.
'When I arrived there, Tom walked right out of the mist with the girl Levitated before him. He was laughing.'
Severus noted the pain in the headmaster's tone, and for a moment, his concern overcame his anger. Wordlessly, he Summoned the decanter from the sideboard and a goblet as well, and poured for his employer three fingers of Firewhisky. Dumbledore gratefully accepted the drink and took a lengthy swig.
'Tom allowed Hermione to collapse on the ground between us, and he told me what he had done that she had been cursed with Eternus Perturbatio because, and I quote, "Even an old goat like you, Dumbledore, should have a willing wench in your bed.'" Dumbledore's mouth twisted in disgust as he repeated the Dark Lord's taunt.
'Why would he do such a thing?' Severus snarled.
'Oh, he was kind enough to share his reasons with me,' Dumbledore said bitterly. 'First of all, Hermione was chosen because of her relationship with Harry.'
'Potter ought never to have taken a girlfriend!' Severus said angrily.
Dumbledore shifted in his seat, sitting straighter; the Firewhisky was apparently warming and calming him, for now he spoke with his accustomed even tones. 'Severus, no one who knows them believes that Hermione is Harry's girlfriend she is no more his girlfriend than Ronald Weasley. But she is his best friend, and she is integral to Harry's past successes and the planning of his future endeavours. To see her in distress would be very distracting and disturbing for Harry. Tom realises this.' Dumbledore rested his elbows on the arms of the chair and steepled his fingers before him. 'The second reason for his actions is that he wishes to humiliate me.'
A mulish look settled upon Severus' face, and he leant against the mantle, his hands shoved into his trousers pockets. He sneered but did not speak.
'Severus, you know my situation,' the old wizard said firmly. 'I cannot be placed in such a position with this child.'
Severus jerked himself from his place against the mantel with barely suppressed violence. 'Then give her to Potter or Weasley!'
Dumbledore's voice became thunderous with disapproval. 'And put this girl at the mercy of a boy too young to know his own mind? Too young to know how to protect her from herself and others? Too young to honour and respect her in spite of her infirmity?' He rose from his seat, seemingly fully recovered from his excursion into the cold Scottish night, and spoke with authority. 'You know you are the only man to whom I can trust her. You will do what must be done, and when the time comes, you will set her free to live out her life as she would have done if your Master had never interfered with her!'
Severus flinched at the mention of the Dark Lord in this context, and stood erect upon the hearth, his pale face mottling with mixed shame and suppressed violence. The headmaster, as always, played him like a violin, with the touch of a virtuoso.
'I won't do it!' he shouted, his fists clenched helplessly at his sides. 'You speak of your humiliation of your position what of me! What of mine?'
'If she imprints on me, there will be no way to hide it from the staff or the Order and eventually, the Ministry would become involved,' Dumbledore said implacably, as if Severus had not spoken. 'If she imprints on you, no one will notice. You are solitary, and no one comes to visit you in your rooms.'
Severus stared at the sleeping female on his sofa. 'She is just a child,' he whispered.
'She is eighteen well past the age of adulthood,' Dumbledore replied briskly. 'Severus,' he added, and waited for his Potions master to turn to him before he continued to speak. 'If you do not do as I wish, I will be forced to ask Lupin.'
'That werewolf!' Severus spat with disgust, tearing his eyes from the Head Girl.
'Yes,' Dumbledore replied inexorably. 'And if Lupin is the one upon whom Hermione imprints, she will be forced to leave school to be near him, for we cannot have him here. Nymphadora will have to be informed of the situation. Hermione's parents will also have to be apprised; they might even insist upon removing her from the wizarding world altogether.'
'Where she cannot be protected at all!' Severus ranted. 'And those Muggles will never understand her behaviour they will likely have her clapped up in some sort of mental institution!' He advanced upon Dumbledore angrily. 'How can you even suggest such a thing?'
Dumbledore stepped forward to meet him. 'Then you will do it?'
Severus felt the searing pain of the bone-crushing clamp as Dumbledore's trap was neatly sprung. He stared at his mentor, his lips moving but no sound issuing from his throat.
'She'll be able to keep on with her schoolwork,' the headmaster said soothingly, his hand reaching to clamp upon Severus' shoulder. 'No one need know if she visits your rooms frequently, for we can connect her Floo to yours. I know you will be discreet, and that you will teach her the necessity of discretion, as well.'
Severus gave a last feeble struggle against the snare in which he was caught. 'She will be horrified,' he whispered brokenly.
Dumbledore grasped his other shoulder and gently shook him. 'She will not be horrified,' he said quietly. 'She will fix upon you, and you will become her touchstone, Severus. She will not know what is happening to her, or why she feels as she does, until you explain it to her. You must find it in your heart to be kind to her emotionally kind in addition to caring for her needs. Keep in mind that it is not her fault she is in this situation and see if you cannot look upon your part in this as another contribution you are making to the war effort.'
Severus jerked away from the headmaster, his eyes blazing. 'Is not my entire life enough of a sacrifice?' he demanded. 'Must you have my soul, as well?'
Dumbledore did not answer, but turned away to the door. 'I will leave you to it, then,' he said.
'Headmaster!' Severus said desperately. 'Wait until she is awake wait until I have spoken to her. Stay, to back up my story.'
Dumbledore simply shook his head, turning to address Severus from the door. 'We cannot risk having another person present when she awakes. She must imprint upon you if we are to keep her safe and out of harm's way.' He opened the door, pausing in the doorway. 'If you find that you need someone to verify your story, please feel free to bring her to see me tomorrow but I feel quite sure that she will be too distressed in her mind to doubt you. She will be very much inclined to believe anything you tell her, providing her needs are met. The first few days will be the worst, you know.'
The door closed behind the departing wizard, and Severus resisted the urge to hurl the decanter of Firewhisky at the door for the mere pleasure of watching it shatter. Instead, he Summoned the straight chair from his desk and sat down beside the girl who lay in an enchanted sleep in his sitting room. In slumber, she looked impossibly young and unspoilt; the mobile mouth, too wide for beauty, was more comely closed than when open for her prattling, in which she seemed to be engaged during every waking moment. The skin of her face was smooth and unblemished, her lashes dark against her cheek. She was not a beauty, but she also was not unattractive.
And in the very near future, she would lose what innocence she retained to her Potions teacher.
A/N: The title is from the song The End by The Beatles, from their Abbey Road album:
And in the end the love you take
Is equal to the love you make.
Eternus Perturbatio is a Latin bastardization of "endless passion."
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 The Love You Take
1365 Reviews | 6.59/10 Average
Poor Hermione, and poor Severus too but I trust you to lead them to safe harbor.
That was wonderful. I love your work.
Never in my many years of devouring fan fiction have I come upon a more perfect work! I was enthralled from start to finish! You truly have a gift & I thank you for a most enjoyable read. I have neglected all responsibility, but I have not one regret! I look forward to reading more of your work.
Ahhh, i love those roses.. I was a florist for a few years and worked with them daily, they're tied with anther type for my favorite ever. EVER. Lol
Don't worry, I speak some German, and honeybunch is correct, merry Christmas. :) enjoying the story so far, even if the plot has taken over the porn lol. No really, i don't mind, the story keeps you interested in things beyond three scope of their bed.
Love this story. I've read it so many times. Good characterisations, good plot & very hot!
Mmm, gotta love the chapters with eye candy. Yum!
For a moment I wondered why Morgan would fight to get someone who clearly didn't feel the same way about her. How could she possibly think she could screw Severus Snape over and win him at the same time? For that matter, why would anyone be in a relationship with someone who loathed them even if they could force them? But then as quick as I could click my mouse to the next chapter, I thought about all the stupid, silly things women think they can change in a man and realized she thinks that if she can just get Severus for herself, she can make him want her, she can change him. First of all, the slag has too hight of an opinion of her self. Second, the stupid cow hasn't been on earth long enough to learn what this old hag, who has been married to the same man for 33 years, knows. That is, you can't change anything in a man, no matter how long you wait. Not one single thing. You either take him as he is, because the benefits out weigh the bull shit, or you need to move on while you still have your youth and your looks.
Well, I hope Hermione learned an important lesson about life that I needed to be reminded of with regard to "great men". Many, many better men have been willingly sacrificed on the alter of their great master, even though he were a lesser man, in vain. It is the way of power and politics. If one can't change the situation, one possible choice is to resign one's self to his place in the game and do his duty with honor and valor. Ha! Severus Snape is not truly resigned when it comes to Voldemort. "Revenge is a dish best served cold," indeed! Our mighty Potions Master is patiently working his master's demise. Once that is accomplished his other master will hopefully leave him to live his life as he pleases, only Severus doesn't expect to live. He may have resigned himself to the part of a pawn, but he will take The Dark Lord with him on his way down. Severus' original creator was no better than Voldemort or Dumbledore. Thank heavens, worthy bard, that you have seen fit to make his end more sweet.
The first time I read this I had thought that Viktor had coupled with Hermione, but now I see he was gallant enough to stop when he saw her crying and rock her instead. He isn't like that swine, Ronald. Please let me know if I'm incorrect. It is very handy that Viktor was knowledgeable about Hermione's condition, was non judgmental, saw that is wasn't anything personal, Hermione wasn't rejecting him, and he understood compulsions spells. She really needed someone who understood and wouldn't judge at that moment. It was also very handy that Viktor's presence ending up forcing Severus to face his feelings when he was attacked by the green eyed monster. (And, I'm on referring to Lily.) I'm very glad Viktor didn't get in trouble for casting the imperious. He did it out of compassion. 5 stars to Viktor Krum. I'm also very glad Severus has sorted himself out. I'm sure Hermione is too.
Response from Subversa (Author of The Love You Take)
You are correct. Viktor did not force himself on Hermione when he saw her distress.
Response from Subversa (Author of The Love You Take)
You are correct. Viktor did not force himself on Hermione when he saw her distress.
Albus asks too much of Severus Snape. He is only human. By giving him permission to have a relationship with Hermione after graduation, is Dumbledore recanting the order to let her go when the curse is lifted? If Severus wasn't so distraught wouldn't he hear permission to become emotionally attached to Hermione in Albus' words? It's so tragic that a man like Severus Snape must sublimate he very feelings, his thoughts, his future and every thing he is or will be to a Master. Albus tells him what to do, how to do it, how to think and how to feel. He is nothing more than Albus Dumbledore's secret weapon. Severus' life is worse than that of a house elf to the Dark Lord. I imagine that Voldemort dosn't give two shits about what his house elves think or feel or what they do in their free time, as long as they do their job. Poor Hermione. She is a good girl. She is sweet, forgiving and level headed. She didn't ask for this, but she has done the best anyone could ever be expected to do under these circumstances. She doesn't want to be a burden to Professor Snape. I can't remember if she knows that Severus has been ordered not to become too attached to her because he has to act as if this never happened when the curse is removed. If she knew this maybe she could speak to Professor Dumbledore about letting her and Severus work that out on their own. Severus is gallant and won't force himself on Hermione if she doesn't want him. Dumbledore knows he wouldn't. There is no way for this to end well, except for these two to end up together. Surely Dumbledore is beginning to see this.
They are both daft not to already know they are hopelessly in love with each other. I can't believe the level of denial Severus manages to maintain. I guess he doesn't want to get his hopes up. But what now? Is he convinced? I'm not surprised Hermione followed him and I'm not surprised he knew she was there. I'm not surprised he didn't want to upset her but I'm a little surprised he thought he could actually get away with the whole thing. He should expect more from Hermione. She may not be Slytherin but she isn't stupid. Silly silly man! How many times will he continue to underestimate her?
Mighty kinky fun to be had doing the naughty with your hunky Professor under the feet of your friends if they were to look. I do think that Viktor's willingness to cast the imperious charm was to help Hermione. And he did apparently do her. I think he was also trying to give her some surcease from sorrow and getting a little delight of his own. I do think Viktor cares for her. But, the big BUT, she belongs to Severus Snape and the sooner he gets them promised to each other the better. Many marriages have be built on so much less than what these two have in common as people and what they have suffered together. All he needs to do after Voldemort is dead is have Hermione look in the mirror. If she sees her and Severus getting married, he will know that is the greatest wish of her life after the curse has been lifted.
I must say good night!
Response from Subversa (Author of The Love You Take)
I want you to know that I am reading your reviews and enjoying them very much. I'm so glad you're enjoying this story; it is very, very near to my heart.
Response from Subversa (Author of The Love You Take)
I want you to know that I am reading your reviews and enjoying them very much. I'm so glad you're enjoying this story; it is very, very near to my heart.
my cat won"t let me type. 
What-an-Ass! Men are so stupid. Maybe if he promised to put a good word in for him, Ron would give him a blow job when he finished his duties to Hermione and they could be mates. If he promised never to cum in Hermione again maybe Ronald would let him bugger him after he was finished with Hermione. Ronald could become he right hand. Snape wouldn't be able to tell the difference between his own hand and Ron, but it would help him alienate and humiliate Hermione even more effectively.
It's been years, and I still need therapy for the mishandling of Severus Snape's fate in the DH. I don't know what I would have done if it were not for you, gentle writer, and those like you who have faithfully continued to craft a life befitting of Severus Snape and rubbing out JKR's embarrassment and shameful invention of such an Un-Snape-like demise. Nimue's colossal crystal dildo!!!! As if the greatest potions master in the world, supremely puissant wizard and preeminently consummate, hard core and lifelong spy would have allowed himself to be killed by the venom of Voldemort's familiar, known assassin and a weapon Severus Snape had had years to prepare against. 
PA-LEESE!
And for the sake of every god known to man, Hermione Granger would never SETTLE for Ronald Weasley as her mate for life!!!!! 
BLESS YOU, MY DEAREST THERAPEUTIC CRAFTER OF THE WRITTEN WORD! 
I wonder if she is too innocent to recognize his fury as the jealousy it is? I know he is worried too, but he is passed the "I was worried for your safely" type of anger. I know she is thinking, "why does he have to be so mean about it?" I wonder if he will ever believe she wants him on her own. There are enough chapters for that to happen, I think. Thank Merlin Dumbledore go hold of the map! I hadn't thought of it, yet.
So much happened in this chapter! The most important is obviously the fact that she mentioned before sleep. In the storeroom she wanted him again "...just me wanting you,- without the curse." Perhaps now she can remember to use the coin. It was a wonderful wonderful chapter!!!!! My neuropathy is killing me but I couldn't stop reading. I must go lay down now. I love this story. I wish I had the time to comment further. Maybe later.
The picture is magnificent! I have to admit that Severus Snape took on a whole new persona when the trailers first came out and I found out that AR was going to play Snape. I remember the first trailer when my heart jumped into my throat. That was the instant when I became obsessed with this character and this actor. I had found him attractive before but never was he so sexy. I was delighted and scandalized that there was already some fan fiction with this couple. I had never read smut before and had never been attracted to bad boys, though I was 40 years old. But the combination of Severus Snape imagined as I thought AR would play him was my undoing.
Back on topic: The chapter was tender and compelling. My heart is well and truly engaged with this Severus and Hermione and their plight. You have done a masterful job of making your reader become quite emotionally affected by what they are experiencing. What a relief that they have come to some kind of understanding! Hermione, now knows he desires her. Poor Severus knows only that for now, she needs him and wants him to desire her. I can't imagine all the fears and insecurity that must be racing through their hearts and minds regarding the future. How can they help but become attached. To fall in love. What Severus doesn't know is that women fall in love with men whom they respect and Hermione has great respect for him. How could he know that a good woman can come to love any man who is good to her. He has no idea that a good woman would find it very hard to resist the love of a man that finds her beautiful and intelligent, and who makes her feel desired and cherished when he makes love to her? I am hoping that Hermione's obvious admiration of his body in moments when she isn't in the grip of the curse will convince him that she sees him as more than a convenient shag in time of need. And need I tell you that your writing is extremely sexy without being vulgar? That it is the epitome of erotica? Surely not.(Not that I don't enjoy well written vulgarity.)
I'd venture, never did anyone wish more that Monday would never come. How long can one make a Sunday evening last without being too tired for another day at work, just waiting for clock out time, only to become so absorbed in one's work as to stay late anyway. It happens to me all of the time, though never have I passed such a charming Sunday evening as Severus and Hermione. What I would give to be on that work bench... I am certain I would never stay late at work again unless under severe duress.
Dear poor Severus! It's only the second time I've said it I think. Pitiful! Down right pitiful! He's well and caught in this as I expected he would be. I hope young Hermione will take pity and not insult his pride without meaning to. I suppose it's only a matter of time before his tongue and lips won't be sufficient. They must call a truce and get over the reason they are here and just accept that it is thus for the foreseeable future. Hermione will hopefully express some gratefulness at his thoughtful care even if he didn't want the job. I am beginning to think that this curse also has some affect on the one the victim is fixed upon as well. He seems quite perceptive. On the other hand, maybe he's just that good.
I hope he becomes more cooperative. I totally understand the way he has approached this problem. His is being gentlemanly and is intent on not taking advantage of this young woman. However, they will both do better in the long run, I think, if after he has assured her he has no desire to take advantage of her sexually, he goes with the flow and gives her what she wants. His clinical approach will be even more embarrassing to Hermione but is the proper thing to do until they work out some relationship that isn't simply student and professor. I hope that doesn't take too long. Hermione would feel less embarrassed if she wasn't the only person behaving so wantonly.
I shall try my best not to write "poor Severus" with my every review. I don't know why I feel more sorry for him than I do for Hermione at the moment. Her condition is horrible. Most horrible for the fact that she isn't in control of what happens to her. Even if it wasn't sex magic she would not be able to resist the compulsions another has placed upon her and must rely heavily and exclusively on some one else. It is made worse only by the fact that being sex magic, she will be humiliated when she can realize that Professor Snape is being forced to help her when she has a moment of lucidity. I suppose my sympathy lies with Severus because of his vulnerability. He is vulnerable to Voldemort. He is vulnerable to Dumbledore and between he and Hermione, I think the potential for a truly broken heart that can't be unbroken resides more strongly with him. I shouldn't assume Hermione to be so shallow though. She is the same age as he was when his heart was broken possibly permanently by Lily Potter. I say "possibly" due to my hope and expectation that the reason you have written this story is so that Severus can have the love he deserves and will find it with Hermione. Merlin!!! How much worse it would be to be fixed on Dumbledore. Besides the fact that he is not sexy in the least and Severus is sex incarnate, he's gay and would not enjoy her attentions at all. At least if Severus can allow himself to enjoy his new fate, Hermione won't have to feel so terrible that he is forced to do this against his choosing, though willingly. How happy the circumstance is that they speak the same language and he could use the book to tell her what the situation is and that she would be able to understand and appreciate that approach. Unfortunately, they will both be mortified for a while, I think.
"...and when the time comes you will set her free to live out her life as if Your Master had never interfered with her." Fuck that, Dumbledore. Poor Severus. Every thing he can never have has been dumped at his feet. I am hoping that Hermione will love him and he will let her. At least I hope Snape isn't likely to die in this version of Tom Riddle's demise. A bang up start!!! I'm hooked!