The Apparation Test

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The Apparation Test

~Spring 1977~

Severus had plans to meet Lily in the Entrance Hall, so they could go down to Hogsmeade for their Apparation test together. Unfortunately, when she came down the marble staircase, she was followed by Potter, Lupin and Black as well. Sighing, Severus ducked behind the Hufflepuffs, who were also entering the Entrance Hall at the same time, and managed to come up behind Lily, grasping her arm so that she turned around, and he could pull her aside in the throng of students. As luck had it, Marjorie Reynolds chose that exact moment to say hi to Lily, and Severus watched with a sly smile as the Gryffindor trio passed by without noticing him. Lily looked up at his smug grin and smiled back, finally realizing that he was the one holding her hand as he waited patiently while she exchanged pleasantries with the dark-haired Hufflepuff. Severus didn't mind the rambling inane comments of Reynolds, since she'd just been party to his plans, and created a convenient diversion from Potter, Black and Lupin for him.

Unfortunately, his luck didn't hold out for long. On the way down to gates, Black turned, saw Severus, and hit Potter on the arm, giving Severus a wicked smirk as he drew his wand. Immediately Potter drew his as well, turning to see what had caught Black's attention and grinned malevolently. On reflex, Severus drew his wand, holding it casually in his finger, but fully ready to fight if either Black or Potter even lifted their wands at him. Lupin quickly moved between Severus and his friends, his move imitated by Lily.

"Oh, no, you don't!" Lily admonished them. "I'll take house points from you. Wands down."

"Not here, guys," Lupin started to say as Reynolds began to gasp loudly, "Wait! Don't fight, not now! The professors! They're watching!"

Severus rolled his wand in his fingers in a deceptively casual manner as if he wasn't at all prepared to defend himself. "I'd reconsider the circumstances. This isn't the most opportune time for this, considering," he said smoothly, watching four of his housemates walk past them, although, thankfully, they didn't see him standing there with Lily.

"Oh, this is bloody ridiculous," Lily said, pulling on Severus's arm to walk away. "I'm early on the list, Sev. Let's go. I don't want to be late."

Severus allowed her to guide him and Reynolds away, although he kept a wary eye on the Gryffindor trio as they continued towards the gate. Next time. Choose your fights, and choose your locations... Malfoy had said before his last year, he remembered while he continued to roll his wand in his fingers as Reynolds once again picked up her idle chatter. Circe, does this girl ever shut up? he thought as Lily looked up at him with a smile, then answered Reynolds' question, giving Severus a subtle squeeze on his hand.

Nevertheless, when they all reached the school gates, Severus clearly heard Professor Ethelridge scold Black, informing him that since his birthday was still several days away, he did not have permission to go to Hogsmeade. Severus held back a snicker as Professor Ethelridge admonished Black soundly, deducted five points from Gryffindor, and told him to return to his lessons.

Professor McGonagall, who'd been checking students off her list, approached Professor Ethelridge. "What is the problem, Robert?"

"Not of age, I'm afraid," Professor Ethelridge stated, blocking Black from passing the gates and causing a hold up.

"My birthday's in a few days," Black said, annoyed, "surely..."

"Not," Professor Ethelridge said adamantly.

Professor McGonagall shook her head. "I'm sorry, Mr. Black, the Ministry did not grant your request for special compensation to take the test. You will have to go back to the castle and return to class."

Professor McGonagall nodded to Severus, Lily and Reynolds as they passed through the school gates, checking their names on her list. Severus's grin widened as he continued to Hogsmeade, still holding Lily's hand, followed by Marjorie Reynolds and her incessant chatter.

~Spring 1997~

Holding the leaflet Common Apparition Mistakes and How to Avoid Them in her hand, Hermione walked casually down the corridors and through the large oak doors to head down to Hogsmeade. The leaflet had been alarming with all its ridiculous warnings and no acceptable explanations. She'd spent most of her weekend in the library trying to research out the answers to all the questions the leaflet left unanswered and unexplained.

"Oh for Merlin's sake, Ron! It's Hannah Abbott!" she snapped, irritated that he once again hid behind her when he saw a girl, any girl, appear. So far Hannah was the ninth he'd ducked from that morning. Not only that, Hermione was still agitated that Harry was somewhat miffed that she hadn't wanted to go to Aragog's funeral, even for Hagrid's sake. Truth was she had a desire to go to the tower tonight. Besides, burying an eight-foot spider seemed like such a pointless thing to get a detention for if they got caught.

As they passed the gates, Professor Snape checked their names of a list on his clipboard, his dark eyes staring at Hermione a few seconds before another student distracted him. Hermione smiled inwardly, and she and Ron walked down to the test site and passed through the roped off area. Mr. Twycross and Mrs. Ferrero from the Ministry were lining everyone up according to another list in alphabetical order. Hermione waved to Ron and mouthed, 'Good luck,' as he was shuffled away.

"Deliberation, determination, divination, no, desperation, uh, and destination..." the girl behind her kept muttering.

Hermione turned around. "It's destination, determination, and deliberation," she said kindly to her.

"Indeed," Severus said smoothly as he strode casually down the line of students. "Pay attention," he snapped at someone in the front of the line. He walked past, and she watched the way his robes billowed in his wake, knowing exactly what was hidden underneath and blushing as that thought distracted her.

"Oh, they would have him here, wouldn't they? I'm nervous enough as it is without him scowling at me," the girl said, breaking into Hermione's imaginings.

"Just remember, fix the place where you want to go to firmly in your mind. Be determined that it's the place you want to be, and be deliberate when you cast the spell, and you'll do fine."

"Can you say that again?" the girl asked. Hermione smiled, repeated her suggestion again slowly, and turned her back on her as the line moved forward.

"Miss Granger, you are next," Severus said. "Please walk over to Mr. Twrycross."

She looked up at Severus, seeing the briefest of winks before he schooled his face into a mask of indifference.

Hermione stood on the marker listening to Mr. Twrycross tell her where she was to Apparate to. Taking a deep breath, she focused on the site on the train platform and turned deliberately, determined to be on the exact spot specified. When she opened her eyes, she found herself standing at the train depot platform and smiled. I've done it! I've passed, she congratulated herself, taking the slip of parchment from the testing coordinator on the platform. Now to find Ron!

She ran all the way back to Hogsmeade. She arrived in time to see Ron move forward in the line. "Ron, you'll do fine," she encouraged him quickly. "Just remember to fix the place you want to go firmly in your mind, be determined that that's the place you want to be, and be deliberate when you cast the spell."

He nodded as Severus strode down the line again. "Congratulations, Miss Granger. However, please remove yourself from the line. Mr. Weasley needs to concentrate."

"Yes, sir," she replied, mouthing, 'Good luck,' to him again as she backed up to stand next to the Three Broomsticks. When his time came, Hermione tried to listen to the destination Ron was given. She wasn't sure, but she thought he'd been told the post office, and she ran quickly down the street to watch him appear. She'd just stopped when a crack sounded and Brian Weathers, from Ravenclaw, appeared. A few seconds later another crack sounded, and Ron appeared. He did it! He... Oh, gods! He's bleeding! She quickly ran up to him. "Ron, Ron!" He looked shaky, and she quickly clamped her hand on his forehead.

"Miss Granger," Severus said, suddenly appearing next to her. "Bring Mr. Weasley here to me."

Hermione complied, helping Ron walk over to Professor Snape while still holding onto his forehead. Blood was oozing from under her fingers. Severus had his wand ready, uttered a quick cleaning charm, and then shook his head. He pulled a bottle from his pocket and poured some essence of Dittany on a square piece of flannel. "Mr. Weasley, sit down," he ordered. Ron sat on a chair Hermione hadn't seen seconds before.

"Remove your hand."

She did, and the blood began to flow down Ron's face. Severus did another quick cleaning spell, and he quickly placed the flannel on Ron's forehead where his eyebrow used to be. "Miss Granger, hold this in place, please." Hermione's fingers slid over Severus's as she replaced his hand with hers, and for a moment his eyes darted to hers with an odd look before he pulled another bottle from his robes. "Blood-Replenishing Potion, Mr. Weasley. Drink." He handed Ron a teacup, and Hermione took the offered potion, holding it up to Ron's lips. Severus uttered a spell while flicking his wand across Ron's forehead. "I'll be back. Keep pressure on his wound, Miss Granger."

Hermione nodded, but he was gone before she could answer him. A second crack later, Severus was back, holding Ron's eyebrow. "Half an eyebrow, Mr. Weasley. I'd say you've failed, but the decision will be up to Mr. Twrycross."

~Spring 1977~

Severus was elated; he'd passed. Well, he really hadn't had any doubts that he would. Nevertheless, he was holding his Apparation parchment, and it said he was now licensed to Apparate. He hurried down to the Three Broomsticks to meet up with Lily. She was standing outside Madam's Secret Enchantments, looking at the window display, holding a small bag. "Hi, there," he said, dropping his voice slightly and rolling each word carefully.

She turned around, grinning. "I love it when you talk like that."

"I know. Are you ready to head back?" he asked, using the silky drawl again with a grin.

"So I am to guess or are you going to tell me?" she asked as they walked.

"Tell you what, Lily love?" he teased her, saying her name slowly deliberately.

She looked up at him and raised her eyebrow. "Did you pass, or what?"

"Yes, of course I passed," he replied, grinning. "You had any doubts?"

They talked about the others that she knew, discussing who she knew passed and those who hadn't. As they'd left Hogsmeade, they passed several students who'd splinched, lined up for the mediwizards, or in clusters around a Healer or teacher, several of them covered in blood. "Although, thankfully, no one splinched too badly today. I was reading..." Severus spotted Potter, Lupin and Pettigrew walking across the grounds and pulled Lily back beside green house three, hidden from view by the twisted trunks of the Death Angel Trumpet vine.

"Ouch!" Lily exclaimed, stubbing her toe, making her trip and fall against him. "Sev?"

"Hush! I don't wish to be dangled upside down again," he explained in a whisper.

"Oh, let me up." Lily tired to push herself out from behind the angel trumpet trunk where he was trying to make her crouch with him. "Aren't you being a little paranoid?"

"No." He covered her mouth and pointed his wand at her throat. "Silencio Infantis," he hissed to prevent her from giving them away. She squirmed and fought against him, but he held her tightly until Potter, Lupin and Pettigrew were out of sight. Is it my imagination, or did they come from the Whomping Willow?

Lily was silently shouting at him now, her expression angry, and her cheeks flushed. She kind of looked cute, her hand on her hip, the other pointing at him as she silently berated him, her eyes flashing angrily.

"Lily, you have to calm down for me to reverse this," he stated, his wand held level with her throat.

She struggled to her feet, turning at him, pointing her wand at his chest.

"Okay, I can try to take it off – but you have to calm down."

Her hand made a quick sweep as she pounded her foot, still trying to yell at him. If Potter and Black are anywhere near, they'll hear her. He took a quick look over her shoulder and pointed his wand at her throat. "Finite Incantatem. I don't suppose..."

"How dare you!" she snarled, storming off toward the castle doors.

Unfortunately, Potter saw them. "Hello, Evans," he said, smiling, as they neared the great oak doors. "Pass, did you?"

"Of course I passed," she said, eyeing him. "Did you?"

"First try," Potter replied smugly, turning to eye Severus, his gaze sweeping him from head to toe. "Don't see any blood on you, Snivellus, so I assume Evans must have cleaned you up already."

Pettigrew snickered at his comment. "Cleaned him up..."

"He passed, if you must know. First try," Lily said proudly, shoving past them.

Potter was keeping pace with them, and Severus knew that this didn't bode well. Halfway up the stairs, Black stepped out from castle and approached. As soon as he saw Severus, he drew his wand. "Oh, no you don't," Lily warned. "I mean it Black – I'll take points from you if I have to."

"What, I was just waiting for them to come back," Black said, waving his wand between Potter and Lupin, who was coming up behind them.

Great, ambushed, Severus thought as he slipped his wand casually from his sleeve.

"No need to draw wands," Lily warned as Black raised his wand and pointed it at Severus. Severus had his held at the ready as Potter lifted his arm, his wand already in his hand. "No, guys, no! Don't. I'm warning you..."

Twin pulses of light shot simultaneously from two wands, which were immediately followed by more flashes of color from the other two. Severus managed to fire two spells almost a heartbeat apart while ducking: one, a Stunning Hex at Potter and the other, a Protective Shield in front of Lily. Black flicked his wand, ducking as Severus effortlessly blocked a jinx and fired a Leg-locker toward Black.

Lily tried to stop fighting and moved in between Potter and Severus and was hit by a hex, falling to her knees, just as Lupin grabbed hold of Potter's arm. "Hold on," Lupin shouted. "Lily, are you okay?"

Severus grasped her arm to help her up, but she shrugged him off. "Leave me alone, all of you," she shouted. "Just leave me alone!" She quickly turned and ran into the castle.

"See what you've done," Potter called after Severus as he ran after Lily. "Snivellus..."

He didn't care. Lily was hurt and he had to help her. He caught up with her just as she entered the Entrance Hall, and he pulled her aside toward the stairs that led to the dungeons. "Lily, are you all right?"

"No," she snapped, "I'm not and... and you're bleeding!"

"It's nothing," he said, trying to see where she was hurt. "Where does it hurt, Lily? What did they do to you?"

She wasn't listening but was digging into her pockets. "Get your robes off so I can see your shoulder," she said. She pulled a small vial of essence of Dittany out and a lacy handkerchief. "Come on sit down and remove your robe. I need to stop the bleeding..."

"It's just a scratch," he said, pulling his robe off as he sat on the steps. He could hear Potter's voice complaining in the Entrance Hall above them. "Lily, are you sure you're okay?"

She tugged at his shirt to expose the shoulder and grimaced. "No, I'm not. My chest hurts and my left leg is sore from that hex. As soon as I stop this bleeding, you and I are going up to the hospital wing." She dabbed the Dittany on his wound, and he winced as it stung. "Why do you always have to fight them? Why, Sev?"

"I tried casting a Shield Charm on you and got this because I was distracted," he said, wincing again as she added more Dittany to his cut. "I didn't want to fight, but I didn't want you hurt either. Black and Potter..."

"Enough," she snapped, flustered. "Okay, the bleeding's stopped. Help me up to the hospital wing then if you're so concerned. Merlin's balls, I wish the four of you would grow up. I'm getting tired of this. I don't like the fighting, Sev. I wish you'd all just call truce or something."

He stood. "It wasn't my fault. Black was..."

"Enough," she said, annoyed. "Look, I recognized the Shield Charm, and I thank you. I know you tried. But this is really getting old." She sighed. "Come on, let's go. My leg is still prickly as if it's asleep, and I want to get it checked out."

~Spring 1997~

On her way up from Hogsmeade after Apparation testing, Hermione turned to Ron and told him that she wanted to go over to Hagrid's hut to console him and to explain why she couldn't come to Aragog's funeral. It had plagued her that Hagrid hadn't been at either breakfast or lunch, and she figured that Hagrid was taking the death of the creature a bit personally. So she figured a brief visit in the afternoon, to offer her sympathy was the least she could do. "And it's on the way to the castle, just a quick detour," she said, as if needing to explain her change of heart to Ron. "Is that all right with you?"

Ron nodded, still smarting from his failure to pass his test and wasn't really paying attention to her. She could have led him into the lake, and he'd likely not have noticed until his shoes got wet. Possibly not even then.

"And where do you think you are going?" she heard the silky voice of Severus ask from behind them. "Mr. Weasley, I believe I made it clear you were to return to your common room for the rest of the day."

"Ah, err, right," Ron stammered, looking up at Professor Snape, and his ears turned red. "I was just..."

"Going to see Hagrid for a brief visit," Hermione finished for him. "He lost his, err, pet, and we wanted to give our condolences." Severus must have followed us to see what we were up to... she thought, looking at Ron. He was still a bit pale, but he seemed fine enough.

Severus's lips almost curled into a smile. "Miss Granger, if you feel the need to console Professor Hagrid, by all means, proceed. However, Mr. Weasley is to return to his common room and rest," he stated firmly.

"Mione, I'll be fine. Give Hagrid my, I mean, Professor Hagrid – tell him, I'm sorry about Aragog," Ron stammered, backing away, uncomfortable under Severus's stare. "I'll just go."

That wasn't very nice, she wanted to say, but held back.

"I believe," he said with an amused glint, "you were going to see Professor Hagrid."

Hermione nodded, walking in the direction of Hagrid's house, and was surprised to see Severus follow her. Several times she glanced over her shoulder, acutely aware that he was still walking with her, but unsure why he chose to accompany her. "Sir, I wasn't aware you ever visited Hagrid," she started to say but was cut off when he quirked his eyebrow up a notch.

He made a deep chuckle, watching her with a sardonic grin. "We are collogues. Occasionally I ask Hagrid for assistance." He offered no other explanation, sweeping his hand to indicate she should continue.

As they approached Hagrid's house, Hermione could see the Acromantula in the pumpkin patch, apparently balanced on its legs, which were curled up underneath it, and propped upright with rocks. She stifled a laugh. Of course Hagrid wouldn't want his pet lying on his back. That would seem undignified to the kind-hearted man.

Hagrid was energetically digging a hole, standing waist deep in his pit as he flung dirt onto the pile next to him. He paused, turned and looked at Severus, his eyes opening wide in surprise. "Professor, nice to see yeh. What brings yeh down to see me? Oh, hello, Hermione. I didn' see yeh there. Did yeh need anythin', Professor?"

Hagrid climbed out of pit as Severus spoke, "I believe Miss Granger has something she wanted to say to you, Hagrid. I simply came by to see if you needed assistance. I was unaware that your..." he paused to look at Hermione before continuing, "pet – was an Acromantula."

Hagrid looked from Severus to Hermione, a sad smile spreading on his face. "He was my pet when I was in school. We've been friends since, Aragog and me."

Hermione felt something scratchy begin to fill her hand and looked down to see a fist full of wild flowers materialize. "Hagrid, I wanted to come down and, well, I won't be able to come tonight. But I wanted to tell you how sorry I am and..." She had no idea what to say. "But I wanted to give you my condolences," she said while Severus stood watching, arms crossed, with a smirk on his face.

"An' yeh brought 'im flowers?" Hagrid asked, tears welling up in his eyes.

"They are from us," Hermione stated, holding them out, and Severus looked at her, his eyes narrowing for a brief second before he turned back to Hagrid.

"He is a spectacular creature, Hagrid. I know it's unseeming for me to request, considering your fondness of the creature, and his untimely death," Severus said, moving closer. "But might I ask a boon with you?"

"Sure, Professor," Hagrid said, still looking at the flowers Hermione had handed him.

"You see, Acromantula venom is a very expensive and a very rare ingredient, used in some rather tricky healing potions," Severus said with the upmost respect in his voice. "I was wondering if maybe you'd allow me to collect his venom?"

Hagrid looked up and smiled. "Oh, sure, Professor, o' course. I think ole Aragog would be proud to know his venom could be used to help someone," he said.

Hermione was stunned that Hagrid had agreed to let Severus collect venom from Aragog, even more so that Hagrid would think that the Acromantula would have been remotely pleased by the suggestion. Hagrid disappeared into his house and returned with a very large pitcher, and Severus actually smiled as he accepted it.

"Thank you, Hagrid." Severus turned to Hermione. "Well, Miss Granger, do you care to learn how to milk an Acromantula?"

Not passing up such an opportunity, she quickly followed Severus and watched attentively as he showed her how to collect venom. It was amazing to see how much venom came from only one fang. Severus transfigured the pitcher into a large jar and then transfigured a rock into another equally large pitcher. "All right, you try," he said softly. "Watch your fingers. The fangs have burrs and the tips are quite sharp."

Hermione carefully copied each step Severus had shown her, following each direction as he spoke it. The pitcher was quickly filled as the venom almost poured out of the Acromantula's venom sack. Once the large pitcher was full, Severus carefully transfigured the pitcher into a jar and nodded to Hermione. She grinned, pleased that he'd allowed her the opportunity. They stayed a while to listen to Hagrid bemoan Aragog's admirable qualities, although Severus eventually ended the wake, saying that he had to escort Hermione back to the castle, so Hagrid should resume digging Aragog's grave.

All the way back up to the castle Severus asked Hermione various questions about Acromantulas and their venom's properties, filling in some of the gaps of her knowledge and suggesting she write a brief summary to some of the questions she didn't know. Still, it was a very enjoyable walk up to castle, and she was sorry to reach the castle steps so quickly.

*

That night, Hermione and Ron tried to sneak out and go down to check on what was taking Harry so long at Aragog's funeral. She'd been so distracted lately, she'd completely missed the obvious solution to Harry's problem. Harry had told them Dumbledore wasn't having any more lessons with him until he got Slughorn's memory, and Hermione had been racking her brain trying to figure out how he could get it. Only that wasn't true. Her thoughts kept drifting onto other subjects, such as Severus Snape. Therefore, it had been Ron who'd thought of the perfect solution: Harry's Felix Felicis Potion.

They had managed to slip through the castle and down past the staircases to the first floor when they ran into Mrs. Norris. "Shite," Ron swore and pulled Hermione down the corridor. They had just about reached the marble staircase when Severus's shadow loomed around the corner. Ron quickly ducked behind tapestry just as Severus appeared. Hermione turned, knowing she was caught, and decided to simply face the consequences bravely.

"It's a little late to be wandering the halls, Miss Granger," Severus said coolly.

"Yes, Professor," she said, hoping he didn't see Ron's feet under the tapestry.

Severus looked down the corridor, then back at Hermione. "You are now out after curfew, Miss Granger. I suggest you follow me," he said, indicating the way with his hand. "Now, please."

She had no choice. She numbly followed him along the corridor. She was surprised that, although he didn't speak to her, he was guiding her the long way back to her common room, instead of taking the most direct route. "Have you started on my summaries?" he asked, breaking the silence, startling her.

"Er, yes, Professor, I have," she replied as they climbed the stairs. "I've nearly finished them."

His brow furrowed before he looked away. "You do realize I will have to give you a detention."

"Yes, sir," she replied, mentally swearing under her breath.

He paused just before entering the corridor that led to her common room. "I expect those summaries on my desk when you arrive for your detention," he said, looking down at her intently. He reached out his hand and cupped her face, looking into her eyes. "I was quite pleased with your Apparation today." His lips grazed hers in her softest of touches. "You were given the longest distance for your test. Although with you, I'd have expected nothing less than a perfect Apparation." He teased her lips, nipping at her bottom lip before fully kissing her.

She wrapped her arms around his waist, her fingers stroking his back as she tried to move closer to him, and he chuckled, his hands still cupping her face, keeping a gap between their bodies. His kiss was teasingly gentle, sensuous, but she wanted to feel his body pressed against hers. He moved one hand into her hair as he tipped her head back, and she took a step backwards to keep her balance, discovering the wall at her heels. She'd not even realized he'd been moving her backwards. She leaned against the cool stone as he loomed over her, his mouth never leaving hers. His fingers began to trail down her front, caressing her breasts as his tongue flicked on her upper lip and delved into her mouth. She stroked his tongue with hers as her fingers explored the buttons on his frock coat.

"Not tonight, Hermione," he said softly, "and certainly not here." His soft lips brushed against hers in a slow, luxurious kiss, titillating her senses and arousing her. She wanted more, wanted him. His leisurely caress of her body sent shivers down her spine and to her toes. She wanted to feel his skin. She pouted as he pulled away from her, his dark eyes deep, fathomless pools against his fair skin. "Circe, girl, I know better than this. You make me forget myself."

She smiled up at him. "Does that mean I get out of my detention?"

"Oh, no," he said, his eyes staring at her libidinously. "You'll serve your detention – under me, Hermione." He kissed her again, then he stood back watching her, a smirk on his face. "You won't get off that easily. Go on, now. Get to bed with you."

"Good night, sir," she said, turning to go.

"Good night, Hermione," he replied softly in his silky drawl. "Pleasant dreams."

Ron was in the common room already, waiting for her by the fire when she entered. "'Mione, did the greasy git give you a hard time? Did he do anything to you?" he asked, coming up to her quickly.

"Not yet, Ron, no," she admitted, trying to hide the grin on her face. "I've detention again, though, tomorrow."

"Git," Ron snarled.

~ T B C ~>

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Author's Notes: