Of Riddled Wanderings
Chapter 4 of 21
HanagasumeVoldemort just has the worst timing, right?
Chapter 4 - Of Riddled Wanderings
Snape paced his study. It had only been three days since he had been holed up with Hermione; in his own manor, no less. He had come to think of her as 'Hermione' lately, much to his dismay, but would never admit that to anyone. She was, after all, his student, and it would be inappropriate in any case.
Christmas was a whole gut-wrenching three days away. The snow had been falling in thick blankets throughout the whole countryside for two days up to that point, and after a first night of snowfall, the occupants of the manor on Spinner's End were snowed in. Snape turned away from the window when he heard the door open and saw Hermione slip inside.
'Sorry, Professor. I haven't interrupted anything, have I?' she asked softly, standing by the door in case he sent her from the room.
'No, of course not. Come in,' he replied dryly before continuing to pace as he had been doing only a moment ago. His mother had told him when he was a child that he would pace so much that he would walk a hole though the floor, figuratively speaking. Hermione noticed that as soon as her professor had again begun his silent tirade, he adopted the same passive look on his face that he had bore the whole morning.
'Is something bothering you?' she asked with genuine interest.
Snape opened his mouth to say something when his left forearm began to tingle in a most familiar way. The tingling sensation soon became a hot burning, and he doubled over slightly, gripping his arm. He had been wondering when this would happen. Hermione gasped and went to him as he groaned a little in pain.
'I am being summoned!' he ground out painfully.
'Must you go?' she asked idly, eyes growing frantically wide. He turned to look her in the eye and nodded sharply, then began to make his way to the study.
He strode out, ignoring now the pain in his arm as it stung all the way to his shoulder. Hermione accompanied him to his room and waited in his sitting area, practically livid and chewing her bottom lip nervously.
He came back out in his full Death Eater's attire, silver mask grasped in one hand. 'Miss Granger, I will need you to let Professor Dumbledore know the situation in whatever way you think would be fastest,' he said darkly, looking at the mask with disgust.
Hermione nodded. 'Do be careful, Professor,' she murmured quietly as he raised his wand to his forearm and disappeared.
Hermione rushed to the fireplace and muttered an Incedio, grabbing a handful of Floo powder and throwing it at the new flames to turn it to the desired shade of green. She stepped into the flames and took a deep calming breath.
'Albus Dumbledore’s office, Hogwarts,' she said in a clear voice.
A moment later she was standing in the headmasters' lavish, circular office, filled with the portraits of other former headmasters and headmistresses. Behind his desk, the old wizard sat with astonished, sparkling blue eyes fixed on the spot where she had appeared, apparently lost for words.
'Miss Granger, to what do I owe this... surprise?' he managed after a good five minutes.
Hermione moved forwards, resting her shaking hands on a chair to hold herself up, as her legs suddenly became very unsupportive. 'Professor Snape was summoned by Voldemort,' she said unsteadily.
'Oh dear,' the headmaster said softly.
Hermione waited patiently for him to say more, which he did after several minutes of careful thought. 'Please, Miss Granger, inform Professor Snape on his return that I shall be paying a visit tomorrow to discuss the situation,' the old man said, choosing his words purposefully.
'I will do that,' Hermione stammered. 'Good evening, Professor Dumbledore.'
Hermione Flooed back and sat in a seat. It wasn't long, though, until she was out of her seat once more. Snape Apparated back with a pop and slumped against the wall, holding himself a little awkwardly.
'Merlin!' Hermione gasped, rushing immediately to his side and letting him lean on her for support as she walked him to his bed in the other room.
His body was shaking violently, and his eyes were watering slightly from the pain. Hermione knowingly uncorked a vial of muscle relaxant, pouring it down his throat and dabbing at his forehead with a damp cloth that she had transfigured. After 10 minutes the pain died down and his pulse returned mostly to normal.
'Thank you, Miss Granger,' he managed to croak out, a bead of sweat sliding down from his temple.
'I'm glad you're okay,' she replied with a relieved smile. 'What happened? Is Riddle unhappy about something?'
Snape shook his head and was rewarded with a throbbing pain for attempting to move so soon. He pinched the bridge of his nose, squinting his eyes shut.
'On the contrary, Miss Granger, I would say he was exceptionally happy. Lucius Malfoy, however, is not the Dark Lord.' He spat Malfoy with venom and a sneer of dislike. Apparently he wasn't too fond of the Malfoys, despite common belief.
'Oh,' was all Hermione could manage as she brushed a lock of silky--wait. His hair was silky? In any case, she brushed it out of his eyes tenderly.
She was oblivious to what this gentle touch did to Snape. He relished her soft, nimble fingertips gently moving his hair about. He didn't respond to the gesture but he did, however, allow it.
'It is late, Miss Granger. Perhaps you should retire to your rooms,' he suggested, not really wanting her to leave but figuring that it was the right thing to do.
As if she had sensed his reluctance to let her leave, she remained on the bed next to him, folding her arms across her chest. 'Nonsense. Someone has to ensure that you recover properly. Who better than me?' she challenged in her no-nonsense tone.
'A certified mediwitch perhaps?' he teased in a slightly croaky voice.
Hermione snorted indignantly and chose to ignore the comment and stay exactly where she was. 'Professor Dumbledore said that he shall be coming here tomorrow,' Hermione said, remembering what the old wizard had said earlier. 'It's not something important, I hope.'
Snape shook his head slightly and ground out a 'No. It can wait until the morning, I am sure,' he said in a long sigh.
'That's a relief,' Hermione said, letting out a sigh of her own.
'Miss Granger?' he asked, causing Hermione to jump.
'Yes.'
'Why are you helping a Death Eater?' he asked with mild interest.
'Because I believe that you have never been shown the gratitude you deserve for everything you have done for the Order, and for me,' she replied softly.
'You place a great deal of faith in my mistake,' he replied gruffly, his voice becoming hoarser with every word.
Hermione chanced a wistful smile. 'You are incorrect, Professor. I place a great deal of faith in you.' Her words spoke volumes and touched even his cold heart. Whatever he had felt for her when they had first arrived, it had multiplied tenfold.
Hermione was also sure at that moment that she had become attracted to her professor. And then he laughed. It was not a loud, jolly one, more of a light chuckle really, but a laugh nonetheless. 'You are a strange girl indeed, Miss Granger,' he muttered sleepily.
'I know,' she quipped as he yawned. 'But I am sure that I admire very much that same strange quality in you.' Hermione knew she would never have been able to say that if he had been more than half-awake, but it felt good to get it off her chest and out in the open air.
'Goodnight, Miss Granger,' he mumbled, drifting into a light sleep.
'Goodnight, Professor Snape.'
And with that, she left his rooms and went to her own, positive that she would not be getting a very good sleep at all that night.
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Latest 25 Reviews for From Dire Circumstances
280 Reviews | 7.32/10 Average
Aw. I enjoyed it. I love sweet SS/HG stories.
Response from Hanagasume (Author of From Dire Circumstances)
Awww thanks. It's a terribly written onld piece from my early days, but one of the first multi-chapter fics I ever wrote, so I guess you could say it has sentimental value for me.
Response from Hanagasume (Author of From Dire Circumstances)
Awww thanks. It's a terribly written onld piece from my early days, but one of the first multi-chapter fics I ever wrote, so I guess you could say it has sentimental value for me.
That was really sweet!!
This was such a lovely story and I'mso glad I read it. I will now wait for the next chapter of the sequel.
Response from Hanagasume (Author of From Dire Circumstances)
Thanks so much!I am so glad you read it also!Thanks for the review on each chapter!;pxo.
Poor Severus. After all he's gone through, he must endure a comatose Hermione. But at least she's not dead.
Response from Hanagasume (Author of From Dire Circumstances)
Yep at least that.Thanks for the review!xo.
Oh NO Please don't kill her, because it will surely kill him as well.
I'm very impressed by Hermione dekivering death like she did.I would never have thought her capable of such a thing, except maybe if Severus was in immediate danger, or dead.
Response from Hanagasume (Author of From Dire Circumstances)
I thought it would be interesting.Hermione is often made into a bit of a damsel.I'm glad you don't hate her more vicious side!xo.
Response from snitchette (Reviewer)
I can't hate her: this is war and things are completely different.
Beautiful. Not overly graffic and not too sugary either. Perfect.
Response from Hanagasume (Author of From Dire Circumstances)
Haha thanks!I was a bit nervous about how ppl would view this scene.I am no writer of lemons!Lol.xo.
Wow - Severus went back to form quickly - what a snarky man he can be. Good writing - I cannot wait to see how you turn the tides so to speak.
I loved the watch - what a gift. The part about them holding each other and enjoying it more than they should is a nice touch - good work.
Ouch - the whole nose part made me cringe - sympathy pains I suppose - LOL. Good chapter - I cannot wait to see how their relationship progresses.
Sorry I have not reviewed lately - I took 2 months off to do a remodel...so here goes - great chapter. I love how you are slowly building up his feelings for her. The little internal war with him is a great touch and the little kiss was the icing so to speak.
Great chapter! And Snape was so sweet! Wonderful job! Can't wait for the sequel.~Jen
Response from Hanagasume (Author of From Dire Circumstances)
Lol. Thanks so much. I am glad you enjoyed this one. It's a good sign and I hope you continue to read the fiction that I post here and on other archives. xo.
Response from Hanagasume (Author of From Dire Circumstances)
Lol. Thanks so much. I am glad you enjoyed this one. It's a good sign and I hope you continue to read the fiction that I post here and on other archives. xo.
Wonderful story! I'm sorry I waited all the way up until now to leave a review! I dislike WIP's so I wait for stories to be completed before reading them. I love the way you wrote this and look forward to the sequel and seeing more! Keep up the good work.
Response from Hanagasume (Author of From Dire Circumstances)
Thanks a lot! It was really fun to write, and I think all reader's know how you feel about WIP's. Personally I hate not being able to post faster so that you didn't have to wait! Oneshot coming soon!!! xo.
Response from Hanagasume (Author of From Dire Circumstances)
Thanks a lot! It was really fun to write, and I think all reader's know how you feel about WIP's. Personally I hate not being able to post faster so that you didn't have to wait! Oneshot coming soon!!! xo.
Oops - she wakes out of a five month coma and goes home the next day? No exercises for stiff limbs and wasted muscles? No medical observation? I want to be a witch, too :-)
Response from Hanagasume (Author of From Dire Circumstances)
Lol. Yeah I realised my mistake after I posted this one. But I decided to let everyone just assume that the awesomeness of magic would be the solution. Thanks for following this story! xo.
Response from Hanagasume (Author of From Dire Circumstances)
Lol. Yeah I realised my mistake after I posted this one. But I decided to let everyone just assume that the awesomeness of magic would be the solution. Thanks for following this story! xo.
I wanted to say "That's it??????", but the moment I read of the sequel, I was totally happy!!! This was a great story and I'm really looking forward to the next one!!
Response from Hanagasume (Author of From Dire Circumstances)
Thanks so much! I am looking forward to posting the next one so we're in the same boat! I am really happy with the awesomeness of everyone who has read and reviewed here on TPP. Thanks a million and happy reading. xo.
Response from Hanagasume (Author of From Dire Circumstances)
Thanks so much! I am looking forward to posting the next one so we're in the same boat! I am really happy with the awesomeness of everyone who has read and reviewed here on TPP. Thanks a million and happy reading. xo.
Nothing like a bit of "physio" to mobilise those stiff limbs. *wink wink* :)
Response from Hanagasume (Author of From Dire Circumstances)
Lol. I never really thought about it that way but now that you mention it... Thanks so much for following. I hope you continue to do so in the future! xo.
Response from Hanagasume (Author of From Dire Circumstances)
Lol. I never really thought about it that way but now that you mention it... Thanks so much for following. I hope you continue to do so in the future! xo.
Ahh I cannot wait for the sequel. What is it called?
Response from Hanagasume (Author of From Dire Circumstances)
Thanks for following this story. I was amazaed at the amount of feedback I got here in comparison to ff.net. The sequel has been written already and can be found under the name "When Circumstances Change". Keep an eye out for other brandy01 fics. Lol. xo.
Response from irishredlass (Reviewer)
Is it posted here? I cannot find.
Response from Hanagasume (Author of From Dire Circumstances)
eeeep! Sorry I forgot to mention that I have only just begun posting it here and it is still in queue. You can read the whole story already posted on either fanfiction.net or the wiktt archives.
Response from Hanagasume (Author of From Dire Circumstances)
Thanks for following this story. I was amazaed at the amount of feedback I got here in comparison to ff.net. The sequel has been written already and can be found under the name "When Circumstances Change". Keep an eye out for other brandy01 fics. Lol. xo.
Response from irishredlass (Reviewer)
Is it posted here? I cannot find.
Response from Hanagasume (Author of From Dire Circumstances)
eeeep! Sorry I forgot to mention that I have only just begun posting it here and it is still in queue. You can read the whole story already posted on either fanfiction.net or the wiktt archives.
I really did enjoy that quite a bit.
Response from Hanagasume (Author of From Dire Circumstances)
Thanks so much! I appreciate you following the story! Keep a look out for the sequel! xo.
Response from Hanagasume (Author of From Dire Circumstances)
Thanks so much! I appreciate you following the story! Keep a look out for the sequel! xo.
What a sweet peaceful ending. I hope their love in the sequal will be just as enduring as it has been here. Looking forward to reading it as much as I enjoyed reading this one.
Response from Hanagasume (Author of From Dire Circumstances)
Love never fails in my fan fictions! Lol. I look forward to posting the sequel soon! Keep and eye out for my other fics! xo.
Response from Hanagasume (Author of From Dire Circumstances)
Love never fails in my fan fictions! Lol. I look forward to posting the sequel soon! Keep and eye out for my other fics! xo.
I love this story and am really looking forward to the sequel. It'll be interesting to see where their relationship goes now that Voldemort's gone.
Response from Hanagasume (Author of From Dire Circumstances)
Thanks for reading! Keep an eye out for my other works unrelated to "Circumstances" too! xo.
Response from Hanagasume (Author of From Dire Circumstances)
Thanks for reading! Keep an eye out for my other works unrelated to "Circumstances" too! xo.
Lovely story, sorry it had to come to an end though.But i'm looking forward to the sequel, dont be to long lol
Response from Hanagasume (Author of From Dire Circumstances)
x
Response from Hanagasume (Author of From Dire Circumstances)
I'm making a point to respond to all reviews for the final chapter.Lol. I've been a little slack. The sequel is written, sent off to my beta a couple of weeks ago.She is pretty busy so it might be a while. I will probably post the first few chapters on my own with my old beta's editing job done on it. Keep an eye out for me!xo.
Response from Hanagasume (Author of From Dire Circumstances)
x
Response from Hanagasume (Author of From Dire Circumstances)
I'm making a point to respond to all reviews for the final chapter.Lol. I've been a little slack. The sequel is written, sent off to my beta a couple of weeks ago.She is pretty busy so it might be a while. I will probably post the first few chapters on my own with my old beta's editing job done on it. Keep an eye out for me!xo.
what a wonderful story. thanks so much for sharing your time and talent. i look forward to any more stories you care to write.
Response from Hanagasume (Author of From Dire Circumstances)
Thanks for reading. I've got a oneshot waiting in the queue.Look out for it!xo.
Response from Hanagasume (Author of From Dire Circumstances)
Thanks for reading. I've got a oneshot waiting in the queue.Look out for it!xo.
I enjoyed the story, but I would love to see an epilogue showing a happy family. That miscarriage had to hurt.
Response from Hanagasume (Author of From Dire Circumstances)
Thanks for following.Epilogue coming soon.xo.
Response from Hanagasume (Author of From Dire Circumstances)
Thanks for following.Epilogue coming soon.xo.
A sequal! A SEQUAL! Yay! Brandy, I have so much enjoyed your story of how Severus and Hermione fell in love, and triumphed over the Dark -- with a little help from their friends.I thought the "homecoming" was lovely and just what I had hoped for. Thank you.BethPS- Can you tell me what the title of your sequal is? I want to keep an eye out for the first chapter!
Response from Hanagasume (Author of From Dire Circumstances)
Thank you so much for following the whole way. It has been a very exciting, fun, boring and frustrating journey.I liked finally ending it, and I had hoped that everyone would enjoy their homecoming. The sequel is called "When Circumstances Change".It is already in the capable hands of my beta and will be ready for posting in a little while. I hope you can be satisfied with a few other stories of mine to be posted in the meantime.
Response from braye27 (Reviewer)
Of Course!
Response from Hanagasume (Author of From Dire Circumstances)
Thank you so much for following the whole way. It has been a very exciting, fun, boring and frustrating journey.I liked finally ending it, and I had hoped that everyone would enjoy their homecoming. The sequel is called "When Circumstances Change".It is already in the capable hands of my beta and will be ready for posting in a little while. I hope you can be satisfied with a few other stories of mine to be posted in the meantime.
Response from braye27 (Reviewer)
Of Course!
And now let battle commence!