Chapter 10

Chapter 10

"Severus, as Deputy Headmaster, I wanted you to be aware that Roland Duvall will be returning to Hogwarts immediately."

Severus arched an eyebrow. "Why are you letting him return?"

"I would think that you, of all people, would understand the need for second chances."

Severus scowled at the Headmistress as he stood up, then glared at her incredulously. "Minerva, this is lunacy. There is a huge difference between my circumstances and Duvall's. The boy fought with everything he had against us. He belongs in a cell, not walking the halls of the school."

Minerva looked at him crossly. "He was influenced by his father. He deserves the chance to right his wrongs."

Severus frowned. He knew more about Duvall than Minerva did. The young man didn't need any prodding from his father to be the ruthless fighter he'd become on the night of the battle.

"It is ultimately your decision, Minerva, but I don't think that boy should be let anywhere near Hogwarts."

"I've made up my mind, Severus. He will get a second chance, and that's final."

So, Roland Duvall, son of a Death Eater, leader of a group of Slytherin students who'd fought viciously against the Order and fellow students during the battle, would now be given a second chance. It seemed that youth's misdeeds were oftentimes forgiven easier than those done in adulthood, no matter what the circumstances. He hoped that Minerva hadn't made a terrible mistake in her decision.

The next morning, Severus stalked along the grounds, his head bent down and a scowl on his face. He was still at a loss as to why Minerva had allowed that Slytherin boy to return to Hogwarts. To top everything off, she'd let him come to the school almost two weeks before classes started. Minerva had believed his obvious lie about wanting to start fresh. His plea to escape his now dismal home, unbearable since his father's early demise, had tugged at Minerva's heartstrings. She'd granted him early access to the school. Severus couldn't believe Minerva's gullibility.

A falcon flying overhead brought Severus back to the present. He scowled as Red landed on his shoulder and butted his cheek with her head.

"I'm not in the mood today, falcon," Severus snapped at her.

The bird sat silently on Severus' shoulder as he quickly paced along the lake. Severus kept his head bent down and fumed to himself. Finally, he began to sputter to himself.

"She is foolish for letting him come! The boy will be nothing but trouble."

Red bopped him with her head, and Severus stopped mid-stride. He looked to the bird and extended his hand for her to hop where he could see her better.

"Minerva has allowed Roland Duvall to return to school."

Red tilted her head quizzically.

"He's a Death Eater!" Severus glared at Red. "At least, his father was before his death in the battle, but Duvall follows in his father's footsteps. Nothing good will come of his return!"

Red spread her wings out and screeched at him.

Severus narrowed his eyes at her. "I know I was a Death Eater also, but I did not gather every Slytherin I could find to fight against us!"

Red folded her wings, hopped up his arm, and bopped her head against Severus' cheek. Severus relaxed some.

"I don't trust him," he spat.

Red sat quietly on Severus' shoulder and listened to his rant. It took a while for Severus to finally calm down enough to look at the bird again. They had covered a lot of ground in his frenzied walk. Severus looked into the bird's eyes and sighed. He motioned for Red to get off his shoulder. The bird flew to the ground, and Severus sat down beside her.

"You think I'm being paranoid, don't you?"

Severus could have sworn he saw the bird shake her head. He took his hand and patted her head. "Well, thanks for listening anyway. Minerva couldn't be bothered to hear what I had to say. She's made up her mind."

Red hopped into Severus' lap. She looked into his eyes and screeched. He smiled at her. "If only you were human. I'm sure we'd have the most wonderful conversations," he mused.

The bird settled into Severus' lap. They sat quietly, neither seemingly eager to move.

"You have a calming effect on me," Severus muttered. The bird butted his chest with her head. Severus smiled and absentmindedly caressed her feathers.

They continued to sit for quite some time. Finally, Red rose and flapped her wings.

"Yes, I suppose you have things to do other than baby-sit me and listen to my tantrums."

"Screech!"

"Be off with you then!"

The bird soared into the sky and soon disappeared from sight.

You've caused a fine mess, haven't you?

Hermione lay on her bed, worrying her lip. Her encounters with Severus while she was in her bird form were becoming too much for her, yet she couldn't make herself stop. She looked for him every day, and he was there... every day. She felt drawn to him like a magnet. The more she got to know him, the more she respected him. The more she respected him, the more she wanted to spend time with him. Unfortunately, every minute spent with him brought her closer to his finding out her secret.

She now regarded him as a friend. A very good friend. She wasn't sure how he felt about her. He never seemed put out that she chatted with him. Well, almost never. He had his days when he sat sullenly, lost in some regret. She'd come to the conclusion, though, that his sullen moods had little to do with her. He was still working through so much. She wished she could wave her wand and all his depressed thoughts would disappear. Unfortunately, even magic couldn't cure what he needed to work through on his own.

In general, though, he'd been... civil.

Could I label it friendly? Yes, friendly for Severus Snape. He hardly says two words to anyone else. He's always talking with me.

She sighed. He won't want to speak to me when he finds out I'm Red. He probably won't even look at me.

Tears formed in her eyes, but she blinked them away. Merlin, I'm being the fool. He's become too good a friend to me. I feel the same kinship with him as I do with Ron and Harry. She shook her head morosely. Look what I've done, though. I've destroyed our friendship before it even started. I should have told him. I can't tell him now, though, because he'll never understand. I'll never be able to bear the revulsion in his eyes. He won't ever understand why I didn't tell him I was the falcon. He'll never forgive me.

She knew her time wasn't long with him. She still intended to do her Transfiguration from falcon to teacher on the first day of classes. He'd find out then. She just hoped that would be enough time to help him overcome his grief. She hoped that when he found out, he'd someday be able to understand... and forgive. Unfortunately, she was all too aware that his forgiveness would probably not come for a very long time. Maybe not even in this lifetime. She would lose his friendship. She'd no idea that would hurt so much just to think about. How would she ever handle him shunning her in reality when it hurt so much just to imagine it?

Hermione soared through the sky, enjoying the feel of the air gliding over her wings. Truly, this was heaven. Lowering herself, she glided over the lake, her keen eyes taking in the movement beneath the lake's surface. A fish swam along, oblivious to her shadow, which was quickly approaching. Her talons readied. In a quick dive, she grasped the fish in her claws and soared away from the lake. If she could, she would have smiled. Before gaining too much height, she released her claws from around the fish and watched it drop back into the lake. She saw its body gyrate back and forth before it made a splash and disappeared from the non-aquatic world.

I bet he's thanking his lucky stars, she mused.

Hermione found she actually enjoyed hunting. She never ate anything she caught, but just the act of stalking prey and successfully wrapping her sharp talons around it gave her an incredibly satisfied feeling.

This whole being-a-bird thing had actually surprised her. Having disliked riding a broom, she'd not expected to enjoy being a bird so much. As a bird, though, she instinctively knew she wouldn't fall. She was in control, and she loved every minute of it. There was nothing quite like soaring through the sky with the wind rustling her feathers.

Her birdlike mannerisms had taken some getting used to. The desire to swoop down and snatch a rabbit or other small animal had taken some time to control. One thing that had excited her was her ability to see so sharply. She could spy a squirrel foraging for nuts from very far away. Right now, she could make out Severus walking along on the grounds. She wondered what he was doing as he usually only walked in the mornings when she would visit.

Perhaps he'd like some company?

She altered her flight to speed toward him. She tried to gauge his mood from his posture. He was bent over a bit with his hands behind his back. His hair hung in front of his face, so the only thing she could see as she approached him was the tip of his nose. She'd grown very fond of that nose. Large as it might be, she couldn't imagine Severus Snape without it.

Circling overhead so he'd know she was there, she cried out until he looked up. He extended his arm, and she alighted onto it. Gazing at him with a cocked head, she chattered at him softly.

"Yes, I know we've already met up today. I actually wasn't expecting to see you on this trek," he explained.

Pointing at the Forbidden Forest, where he was heading, he told her what he was up to.

"I need some fresh belladonna. I find that which is sold at the apothecary is substandard to that which I can grow on my own." He motioned for Red to move to his shoulder, which she did, butting his nose with her head as she did so. Severus smiled and patted her as she settled in. "I have a cultivated patch deep in the forest, away from where students could stumble upon it. It grows year-round so I harvest it monthly."

Hermione listened to Severus go on about the benefits of fresh belladonna, eagerly taking in everything he was willing to give. He was so knowledgeable, and even though he spoke with her readily when she was a human, he was never this detailed in his descriptions. She drank it all in and wished for more.

It didn't take long for them to reach his patch of belladonna. Hermione flew down onto the ground so he could harvest it. Severus pulled a bag out of his pocket and carefully took out his wand. Kneeling before the patch of green, he swished his wand over the small plants, cutting them from the roots. Then he levitated the plants into the bag. Once they were secured, he put the bag and his wand away. Sitting back on the ground, he looked around at the tall trees that surrounded them.

"Despite its nasty reputation, I always feel peaceful in this part of the forest. Maybe it's because few wander here."

Hermione hopped over next to him, her wings extended for balance. Hopping into his lap, she butted his cheek. She swiveled her head around so she could get a good look at their surroundings. Without even realizing it, she'd turned her head almost completely around.

That's something new! She thought as she twisted her neck back around to its original position.

"That's quite the trick, Red. Are you sure you're not part owl?"

Hermione laughed internally. Severus had a propensity for dry humor, which she'd just become aware of recently. It was too bad he didn't see how much fun he was to be around.

She stared off to the left as his hand came down and stroked her back. She always thrilled at his touch. Understanding quite well that he wasn't the demonstrative type, she coveted those simple caresses that he'd give her. She was sure this contact was probably the only physical contact he received on a daily basis. Her heart felt heavy at the thought.

"Maybe I should just build a shack and live here when I'm not forced to teach dunderheads," Severus muttered.

Hermione looked at him. Expecting him to have a pained look, she was surprised at how calm he seemed. Maybe he was right. Maybe she did have a calming effect on him. She certainly hoped so.

"Would you come visit me if I holed up here, Red?"

"Screech!"

He smiled. It was a genuine smile, something he never did in the company of humans. He'd only smirk devilishly, never gracing his face with a genuine smile. She wished he'd feel comfortable enough around people to use that smile. Granted, people might fall down dead if he did, but it would be well worth it to see his face light up like that. He was always so serious around everyone.

He patted her on the head. "Just ignore me and my silly fantasies. The Centaurs would go to war if anyone tried to build a home in the forest." He sighed. "It was nice to ponder upon for a little bit though. Unfortunately, I'm still stuck in my stone jail."

"Screech."

"Oh, yes, it's quite beautiful in its own right."

Hermione loved how Severus would just come up with things to say to her, as if they were actually having a two-way conversation. The funny thing was, he was usually right about what she was trying to convey.

"But even the most beautiful place can be a jail when one is forbidden to leave it."

Hermione turned her head around and gently grazed Severus' hand, which had stilled on her back. He looked down at her.

"I don't think I'll feel truly at home until I'm allowed to move from this place and go on with my life."

Hermione twittered at him again, causing Severus to grin at her. "Would you come with me, Red? I could use a smart bird like you around. You're highly superior to the owls that flit around here as if they own the place."

She cocked her head at him, causing his grin to widen. "Now you're just humoring an old man."

"Screech!"

He rolled his eyes. "What did I say now?"

"Screech!"

"I may not look old, but I feel it."

Butting his chin, she pulled back and looked at him crossly. She was sure her expression was lost on him, though.

"When the time comes, I hope you'll consider it," he finished, looking at her with affection. "I do enjoy your company."

Hermione rushed into the Three Broomsticks, a smile on her face. She spotted them right off and headed for their table. They were standing with their arms wide before she even reached them. Suddenly, she found herself encased in two sets of arms.

"Ron! Harry! I've missed you both so much!"

"You too, Hermione," the cried in unison.

The trio separated and gathered at the table where Ron and Harry had been sitting. She looked from one to the other excitedly.

"You both look great!" she exclaimed.

"My mum's been feeding us until we burst," Ron explained.

"Why didn't you bring Ginny?" Hermione asked curiously.

"She's visiting Bill and Fleur," Harry explained. "Fleur is expecting. Isn't that brilliant?"

Hermione nodded and smiled broadly. "That's wonderful news!" She found now that she was reunited with her boys, she couldn't stop smiling. "Tell me about Auror training," she demanded.

Harry chuckled. "It's going great. Of course, we've only been there a week, but it's so much better than the book-learning we had to do at Hogwarts." He got a worried look on his face. "Not that that wasn't important too!" he cried, trying to mollify Hermione, who was frowning at him.

"I'm glad you see it that way, Harry. Without all that 'book-learning', as you put it, you wouldn't be in training right now."

"You have to admit, Hermione, chasing bad guys is much better than just reading about them," Ron piped in.

Hermione rolled her eyes good-humoredly. "Yes, I suppose that's much more exciting, but I've had enough of chasing the bad guys to last a lifetime. Besides, have you even had the chance to chase a bad guy yet as real Aurors?"

Ron beamed. "We were assigned to apprehend a thief yesterday. Our first assignment. Of course, we were monitored by our superiors, and it was just a robber, but blimey, it was great!"

They chatted on excitedly, Hermione telling her best friends what she'd been up to. She quietly told them about her Animagus training. She wasn't quite ready to be registered yet, so she didn't want it to be public knowledge.

"Wow, Hermione. That's... that's amazing!" Harry exclaimed. "And here we thought you hated flying."

She nodded. "I did until recently." With a giggle she explained how wonderful it was to fly. The boys both smiled at her.

They continued chatting for a long time. Finally, they seemed to exhaust topics.

"We'd best get going," Hermione said absently. "I have to be present at dinner. It's Hogwarts rules."

Ron glanced at Harry. He nodded and excused himself. Hermione stared after him curiously before she felt Ron's hand on hers.

"Hermione, there's something I need to tell you."

She looked at Ron. He seemed agitated.

"What is it, Ron?"

"I know we shared that kiss during the battle..." he said as he looked to the table.

"I sense a but coming," Hermione murmured.

"It's just that... Well, we kind of talked about it after everything settled down. You said you didn't want to rush into anything."

She nodded.

"After you left for Hogwarts, I ran into Lavender at the Ministry."

Hermione arched an eyebrow.

"We've been seeing each other every day since then." He squeezed her hand. "Look, Hermione, I wasn't trying to lead you on. I felt something for you. It's just that after all the dust had settled, you wanted to go your way, and I wanted to go mine. I got the feeling that you weren't comfortable with what had happened. If I were to be totally honest, neither was I." He sat back and folded his arms. "Is this making any sense?"

Hermione smiled ruefully and nodded. "Ron, after that kiss, it just felt awkward between us." She frowned. "You don't know how long I'd wanted you to kiss me."

"I can imagine. I wanted to kiss you, too, for what seemed like forever."

"When it happened, though..." She shook her head. "It wasn't what I'd expected." She reached out quickly for his hand. "Not that it wasn't a good kiss, it really was!" She smiled reassuringly.

"Hermione, I know. I felt it too. Well, I guess I didn't feel it."

He grasped her hand in his again. "I've been so worried. I felt like I was betraying you by going back to Lavender."

Hermione shook her head vehemently. "No, Ron, I pulled back because I was confused." She shrugged. "I'd just always assumed we'd be together. Everything pointed to that. Then after that kiss, I wondered what we really should be to one another."

Ron nodded. "Me, too. When you left, I felt as if you'd rejected me, but then I couldn't reconcile my feelings either. I was really confused. When Lavender started coming by, things became clearer."

Hermione snorted. "I know I should be seeing red, but I'm actually happy for you, Ron. For me, it was the distance that helped. I've been thinking about our relationship and examining my feelings. I love you, truly I do, but not like that. I think we're too different to make something like that work between us."

Ron nodded again. "I've been kind of feeling the same way."

She smirked. "I'm sure Lavender helped quite a bit."

Ron grinned and shrugged. "What can I say, there's something electric between us."

The two friends chuckled just as Harry returned. "I'm glad to see you're in one piece, Ron. I was sure she was going to hex off your privates."

That just caused Ron and Hermione to burst into further fits of giggles. After collecting themselves somewhat, the three of them rose and hugged each other once again.

"Don't be strangers," Hermione chided. "I know I'm just a lowly teacher, but I would appreciate a visit from my important Auror friends."

"Oi, Hermione, we know you're the most important one of us all. We won't forget you," Ron assured.

"Yeah, Hermione, we've seen you mad. We definitely don't want to get you angry with us."

Severus watched Hermione enter the Great Hall and sit down. She had a huge grin on her face. He noted the curious look in Minerva's eyes.

"Why so happy, Hermione?" she asked.

"I just visited with Harry and Ron," Hermione explained.

There was a flurry of chatter then. Minerva asked how the two men were, and Filius nattered on about what wonderful students they'd been, sure that they would be stupendous Aurors.

Severus rolled his eyes. "I suppose they already think they're the best Aurors that ever lived."

Hermione's head snapped around. "No, not yet at least."

"I'm sure they'll be spouting off how wonderful they are in no time."

Hermione sighed but let the comment pass. Severus was irked and didn't know why. He scowled into his plate, trying to understand the annoyance that was coursing through his body. Glancing over at Hermione, he noted she was still smiling to herself as she ate. Minerva had said something about Weasley and Hermione dating. That would explain the smile. He was surprised that she hadn't paraded him around on her arm to show off her ability to attract a man.

His eyes returned to his plate as he swished his mashed potatoes around absentmindedly. He knew Hermione wasn't vain like that. She wouldn't flaunt a relationship with Weasley. He tried to beat down the put-out feeling he had. It really was no business of his who or what Hermione dated.

"Severus, have you heard of the Desino spell?"

Severus shook his head.

"Harry was telling me about it. It's used as a deterrent for repeat offenders, compelling them to behave legally. He said it's only used in severe cases."

"I suppose they're thinking of using that on me?" Severus said gravely.

Hermione's hand came up and grasped his. "Of course not, Severus. You are a hero, not a criminal."

Severus stared at her hand until she removed it awkwardly. He looked up into her eyes. She seemed afraid she'd overstepped her bounds. She had, of course, but he had been more shocked that she would have the fortitude to touch him than the fact that he was being touched.

"I'm sorry," she said hastily. "I didn't mean to invade your personal space."

He nodded curtly but within himself he was amazed by her gesture. Of course, she could never know that.

"How does the spell work?" he asked in order to end the awkwardness between them. Half listening to her, he watched her animatedly explain the spell and what it did. Once again he recognized how well-spoken she was and how much he enjoyed conversing with her. His sudden anger earlier seemed to clarify itself. Certainly he wouldn't have these stimulating conversations if she were hanging all over Weasley. Suddenly he was thankful that the couple had decided to pursue different careers. He'd miss her constant insight if she were absorbed with explaining things to the ginger-haired simpleton. He was suddenly very glad that Potter and Weasley had decided to become Aurors.

A/N: Many thanks to slytherinlaurel for her wonderful beta work.

Thanks for your interest in this story, dear reader.