Twenty
Chapter 21 of 22
lapitaSeven years after the death of Dumbledore, Hermione finally returns to Hogwarts. What will she find?
ReviewedMany thanks to my beta, Soul Bound.
Hermione put her quill down with considerable relief and rolled up the final parchment with great satisfaction. She was pleased with her recommendations and comments on the Divination and Ancient Rune curricula. The witch had worked solidly for five days to complete it, but it hadn't been a chore; in fact, she had needed to be still and concentrated after the trauma of Saturday night, and she felt better for it. The staff room was deserted and, apart from her single lantern, dark. All Hogwarts' staff would be getting ready for tonight, Hermione remembered with a start. She quickly bundled up the parchments into her arms, awkwardly turned off the lantern without dropping any, and set off briskly for McGonagall's office.
The corridors were empty. Today had been designated Victory Day, and in light of that, the students had been released from school to celebrate it with their families. The Ministry of Magic had announced the holiday yesterday morning after the final cell of Death Eaters had been mopped up. The officials had then declared rather imperiously that the official Victory celebration would be held tonight at Hogwarts' Great Hall, which generated a great deal of indignant spluttering from McGonagall. It would be complete with politicians, high profile witches and wizards, Order members and staff.
Hermione didn't even know if McGonagall would be in her office, but she knocked, and after a bit, the professor opened the door, resplendent in deep red dress robes and a matching hat.
'Wow, Headmistress, you look amazing,' exclaimed Hermione. The older witch's face looked more rested than she had ever seen it.
'Why, thank you, Hermione. These robes had been in my wardrobe for such a time, looking all festive, and now, thank Merlin, I can wear them.' McGonagall smiled. 'Come in. Oh, you've got the final installment of parchments, I see. Thank you, I will read these with great interest.'
Hermione handed them to McGonagall, who put them on her desk.
'I am heading over to the Great Hall now if you want to come?' the professor asked as she picked up her large, fancy handbag.
'Yeah, sure.' Hermione tried to sound enthusiastic, but here she was, going to yet another ball encased completely in masculine, black clothes again. And while Harry had declared from the start her and Snape's involvement in killing Voldemort, there was still a lot of disbelief and skepticism from within the Order. It hadn't helped that when Harry, Hermione and Snape had staggered out from the underground chamber on Sunday morning, Snape had taken Harry directly to the hospital wing while Hermione had returned to her rooms, reeling, and had fallen onto her bed, exhausted. Everybody had instantly assumed that when Snape turned up with a dead looking Harry, the wizard had finally hexed Harry to death. The rumor mill started working overtime, and within thirty minutes, the news had spread so far and so fast that no amount of damage control by McGonagall or Harry could contain it. The harm had been done.
'Come, my dear...it won't be as bad as all that. You will enjoy yourself once you are there, I know. 'McGonagall patted her affectionately on her arm.
'Yeah, I suppose.'
Hermione followed McGonagall out the door and waited while she warded it. They walked down the corridor side by side.
'Tomorrow our security restrictions on travel will be lifted,' commented the Headmistress quietly.
'Really? That's wonderful!' Happiness cascaded through her; then, realizing how she sounded, she hastily added, 'Not that being here...'
'...Now, now, you should know me well enough to know that I like truth over politeness any day,' the older witch cut in and then gently added, 'I know it hasn't been easy for you returning here, but you coming with your power and magic has altered the fates of everybody's lives here...whether they are aware of it or not. When you return to your people tomorrow, take with you my love and respect.'
Hermione's throat closed up and nodded. She finally replied after a time, 'I needed to come back in so many different ways, Professor.'
'And it is not as if I will not see you again, my dear. My workload seems finally to have lightened. Whatever you and Professor Snape did to Harry has directly benefited me. He has finally come into his strength. I would imagine there could be a fair few trips southwards in the future.'
'It will be Athena and Tonga's wish come true.' Hermione smiled.
They were nearing the entrance to the Great Hall, and throngs of sophisticated people dressed in formal dress robes milled about.
'Oh, God, look how everyone is dressed,' moaned Hermione, feeling completely underdressed for the occasion.
The professor tugged Hermione to a stop and gently adjusted Hermione's hat so it sat correctly on her head. Her eyes were soft and loving. 'You have a radiance that all those festooned people envy and which they try to recreate with fancy clothes and make up. You are mesmerizing, Hermione...remember that.'
'Oh,' said Hermione, surprised.
A beefy-looking wizard called out to McGonagall, and she excused herself and was quickly drawn away into a group of official looking people from the Ministry of Magic.
Hermione wriggled her way through the crowd and into the heat of the Great Hall. It had been completely transformed into a type of place she'd only ever seen in the movies, but with many magical touches. There was snow falling from the magical ceiling, which mimicked the Scottish skies of the last few days, and there was a slivery-blue light about the place that gave it a sophisticated air. And as big as she knew the Hall to be, it was bursting with more people than she had ever seen fit in it.
The witch scanned the crowd for Snape but couldn't see him anywhere. She hadn't seen him at all this last week, although he continued to send up food to her. Apparently, according to Harry, Snape was working with McGonagall and a couple of other inner circle Order members. It had taken a surprising amount of time for people to believe Voldemort was dead. But McGonagall, as soon as she'd heard the news from Snape, had used an elite group of Order members to press forward their advantage by attacking and eliminating the high ranking Death Eaters so they could not regroup. By the time the Ministry and the general wizarding community were finally convinced that Voldemort was dead, there were only the lower ranking Death Eaters to clean up.
'Oi, Hermione!' Harry bounded up to her out of the crowd, giving her a quick hug. 'Come over here...we have a coveted table reserved for us. Everybody wants one.' He rolled his eyes and added wryly, 'It must be because we are important or something.'
He linked arms with her, and as they weaved their way through the crowd, Hermione noticed envious glances at her from many a witch. Their small table was close to the podium, and because it was to the side, it afforded a good view of the crowd stretching down the hall. The other tables scattered about seemed occupied by sophisticated witches and wizards who Hermione was sure she was meant to know and be impressed by.
'Hey, what do you want to drink?'
'Um, butterbeer, thanks.'
'You sure? Remember you aren't a student, you know. The punch is delicious.' Harry winked.
'Oh, all right, a punch would be nice.' Hermione shrugged. It made no real difference to her, as she knew all the drinks would have the same metallic taste.
She watched Harry disappear into the crowd and quickly return, giving two awe-struck witches a cocky smile as he strutted by.
'How's Ginny?' Hermione took a sip...even she could taste the tons of alcohol through the metal taste and tried not to grimace.
'Getting there. Madame Pomfrey reckons she'll be in St. Mungo's for at least another two weeks or so.' Harry's twinkling eyes quickly sobered. 'The top curse specialist has taken her on, so she's in good hands, but it's difficult, you know.'
'Yeah, I know. She has a lot to deal with after what she's been through. It's so good she's got you and her family beside her.'
Harry took a swig of his punch. 'Bleck, too sweet for me,' he said, spluttering.
'Hey, do you know if Snape is coming?' Hermione asked while scanning the crowd below them.
'He bloody better be,' asserted Harry, but he quickly looked down and started fiddling with his red and orange robes.
There was an amplified clinking of a glass, and the crowd became quiet.
'Oh, God, it's speeches time again. Try not to fall asleep...especially during mine...okay?' muttered Harry quietly.
Harry was right...they were long, boring and unbelievably pompous. The amount of misinformation and plain untruths in them was staggering; the blatant self-promoting made Hermione shake her head in disbelief. A few times Harry caught her eye and looked skywards in despair.
But there was no way Hermione could not be impressed when Harry made his way to the front and started speaking. He blew all the previous speakers out of the water. The wizard looked the part, standing confidently in his red and orange, sparkly dress robes, and his rich voice made listening to him a true pleasure. Hermione couldn't help thinking that the king had returned, and when she looked at the awe on the people's faces, she knew she wasn't the only one. Harry told a more palatable, more believable version of how they had killed Voldemort, but in no way did he alter her and Snape's involvement in it. In fact, he conveyed his deepest respect and awe at the Southern magic practiced by her and Snape. Hermione had no idea Harry had been planning to even broach the quagmire of differing magic, but was amazed at how well he did it. The witch knew at least a few from this huge gathering would go away and scratch their head at the ideas Harry presented to them. And that was all it took for change to begin.
Harry was swamped with well wishers the moment he left the front; the lights dimmed, and the band struck up a fast beat tune...the true celebrations had begun. People's consciences had obviously been pricked, as Hermione soon found herself chatting to a number of different people. Professor Sprout and Professor Flitwick plied her with funny anecdotes and whisky, which she pretended to drink, before they got up to dance. She had a fascinating conversation with Professor Binns, who had done the unimaginable and had left his classroom for the first time in about seventy years. He asked her many intelligent questions regarding her magic and revealed that for many years he'd been actively discouraged from teaching this area of history, but the ghost assured her he would soon rectify that.
Harry tore himself away from a group of high society witches, declaring theatrically, 'Save me! You simply have to dance with me, Hermione!' He grabbed her by the arm, dragging her to the thronging dance floor, his robes flowing beautifully. Having been magically connected, they knew each other even better than they ever had, and their bodies melded together with the rhythm of the music. Harry smelt of a mixture of cologne, sweat and alcohol. Hermione was soon dripping under her heavy robes, but they danced two more songs until Hermione had to stop to catch her breath.
As they walked arm in arm back to their table, Harry perhaps swaying more than he should have, the wizard glanced down at her. 'I wish Ron were here celebrating with us...he so wanted Voldemort dead.'
'I wish he were too. I've been thinking of him all week actually.'
'Yeah, me too.' Harry looked steadily at her. 'I hear the travel restrictions are going to be lifted tomorrow.'
'McGonagall just told me.'
'I bet you're pleased.'
'I am actually. I mean, as much as I like it here, I just want to go home.'
'I can understand that.'
'And where are you going to dash off to after all these years?' asked Hermione curiously.
'You know what, and this is going to sound crazy, but I actually need to stay here. At least for a little while until things settle down.'
'Come on...really?' Hermione looked at him in disbelief.
'Yeah, really. There's still a heap to be done, and I can't leave McGonagall to do it all. That would be wrong. But it will be wonderful to be able to just duck out every now and then without having a whole posse of people following me. You could be the first person overseas I visit. The whole Southern thing has me fascinated now after what happened.'
'That would be just wonderful...I know you'll love it so much.'
Harry started suddenly beside her and instantly tensed up. Hermione looked to see why. Snape was standing upright and alone by their table, his formal black robes as out of keeping as hers in this brightly dressed crowd. The witch glanced up and saw Harry looking decidedly flushed, and she knew it wasn't from the heat or the whisky. Harry probably hadn't met Snape since the rites...This should be interesting, she thought.
'Good evening, Miss Granger, Mr Potter,' greeted Snape formally in his deep voice, looking down at them.
'Good evening, Professor Snape,' said Hermione with a smile...she was pleased to see him.
Silence. Hermione looked up at Harry, who had gone beetroot-red and was looking with considerable concentration at his red shoes, and realized this confident, great orator, this leader of the wizarding world, was tongue-tied.
'Er. Hello. Professor. Snape,' stammered out Harry finally. The young wizard lifted his eyes, and they became huge when they rested on Snape's face. There was a long, uncomfortable silence while Harry just stared at him. Snape stayed perfectly still. Hermione wasn't sure what to do.
'Your lips,' the young wizard suddenly blurted out loudly, 'they look... um... It wasn't the magic.'
Hermione's jaw dropped, but Snape's lips only twitched slightly. Smoothly, in one fluid movement, the tall wizard lifted to his mouth one of Harry's fingers and gave it a wet suck before releasing it. 'It is not what they look like...but what they feel like that is most important.'
Harry froze. Then turned tail and disappeared into the crowd.
'Professor!' Hermione couldn't believe what she'd just witnessed.
'What?' asked Snape, all innocence. 'He will soon recover...I doubt that will have any adverse affect on his manliness.'
Hermione swore she saw his shoulders moving with suppressed laughter. 'I suppose... I had better go and see if he's all right,' she said, not able to keep the astonishment out of her voice.
'No,' Snape said rather emphatically and then added, 'I am sure there is a whole gaggle of beautiful witches who will rush to tend his wounds and shoo away any frightful thoughts I might have infected him with.'
'Am I not considered beautiful enough to tend his wounds?' asked Hermione with fake affront. She had a compulsion to make it awkward for Snape in order to get some pay back for Harry, but then realized Snape was as likely to answer with his normal acidity. The witch braced herself.
Snape's lips twitched again. Actually, now that Harry had pointed them out, his lips weren't half-bad.
'Ah, your beauty defies definition, and it certainly transcends belonging to any gaggle of witches found around here,' he answered smoothly, and then shrugging, he said, 'and besides, I am selfish.'
'Oh, you're good, sir, very good,' said Hermione, shaking her head with exaggerated admiration.
'Why, thank you, Miss Granger.' Snape bowed his head sarcastically.
'There you are, Severus. I am pleased you could make it, and hello again, Hermione,' greeted McGonagall, who walked briskly up to them. Hermione wondered if she had seen or heard what had just happened to Harry. 'If you could excuse us, I need to have a quick word with Severus. You'll have him back shortly, my dear.'
Hermione thought that was an odd comment to make, but smiled and shrugged. Snape and McGonagall turned away and started talking in quiet undertones. The witch gazed about the Great Hall and realized she wasn't sad to be leaving. As much as Hogwarts and the wizarding community was a huge part of her life, she could now see it clearly, which, while not quite disillusioning, meant Hermione could never be completely in amour with it ever again. The witch saw Harry near the dance floor with a drink in hand, looking completely recovered and talking to a pretty, blonde witch. She would miss Harry, but it wouldn't be a heart wrenching type of missing...she'd already been through that once. Hermione knew that they would always have a connection just as there would be one always between Harry and Snape, but Harry's life was firmly here. Hermione looked at the back of McGonagall's luxurious robes...yes, she would also miss her too, but she knew she was able to maintain a connection of sorts via her sister. Hermione flicked her eyes up the pale-faced, hook-nosed Potions master the Headmistress was talking to, and she had a strange sensation down her spine. Yes, she would most definitely miss Snape the most when she returned tomorrow. Hermione shook her head at the humor of it all.
Professor McGonagall turned abruptly, blinking her eyes rapidly behind her glasses. 'Thank you for being so patient, Hermione. He is all yours now. I had better be off and continue with the required rounds of mixing and mingling.' The older witch pressed Hermione warmly on the arm, holding her eye for a second, before moving off into the crowd, sniffing into her lacy handkerchief.
The witch looked over to Snape, who was looking down at something he was holding, and stepped closer. 'What's that, sir?'
'A present from the Headmistress. It seems it is a bottle of Scotland's finest whisky,' he said, turning the bottle over in his hand.
'That's kind of her.' Hermione couldn't keep the curiosity out of her voice.
'Yes, indeed. This is a present of gratitude. I now officially find myself a man mercifully without allegiance, without master and without occupation.'
'Wow, really?' Hermione kicked herself at her slowness. Of course everything would change for Snape now that Voldemort was dead. He'd been as much a prisoner at Hogwarts as Harry had, if not more.
'Yes. I am finally released from all my oaths and obligations.'
'What are you going to do?' Hermione couldn't help asking.
Snape looked at her, drumming his fingers speculatively on the bottle. 'Right now? Enjoy the moment.'
Hermione respected his circumspection on telling her his plans. 'Well, I hope you got more than a bottle of whisky for all you have done.'
'Ah, yes, the goblins at Gringotts will be kept busy for a while. I would hardly want anything officially announced, although it would add to the celebratory mood for everyone if it was, I suppose. But the added bonus is that this whisky seems to be Muggle-made.'
'That's even kinder of her...all's forgiven.' Hermione laughed.
'So, Miss Granger, since it appears our presence is required for a while longer and there appears little likelihood of a party of people making their way over for a social chit chat, would you care to partake in a drop of whisky?'
'I couldn't think of anything that I'd rather do, sir. I'll get some glasses.'
It was true, noted Hermione as she made her way to the nearby drinks table, no matter what was said by Harry and McGonagall tonight, not a single witch or wizard came within spitting distance of Snape. But when she walked back towards him, she understood to a certain extent their reluctance...he looked stern and remote standing there.
'Here you are.' Hermione placed the glasses on the table and sat opposite him.
Snape sat smoothly down and poured out a measure in each glass. 'Cheers, Miss Granger.' He lifted his glass.
'Yes, cheers, Professor Snape.' Hermione touched her glass to his and took a mouthful, gagging at the taste. 'Phew...I'd forgotten how strong it is.'
'Hmm, it is rather,' replied Snape thoughtfully after swirling a mouthful around and swallowing. 'But it is smooth.'
Hermione held the glass up to her nose and sniffed it. 'Goodness, I haven't smelt this in years. It reminds me so much of my dad. He used to have a small glass of whisky when he came home from work. Apart from that, he never drank, not even socially.'
'And your mother?'
'No, not really. Unfortunately for her, in their social circles, it was traditional for women to be offered white wine...which she absolutely detested. Mum actually liked beer...but that was considered an unladylike drink back then,' said Hermione, chuckling and shaking her head. Then a wash of melancholy came over her...how she wished with all her heart that they were alive now.
Snape then did a very unSnapeish thing: he leaned across the table and placed his long-fingered hand over hers. 'I know words are sometimes a clumsy means of communication and cannot possibly convey the nuances needed, but they are my only way to express my sympathy for the loss of you mother and father,' he said quietly, 'and for what befell you afterwards...it should never have happened.' His dark eyes locked onto hers.
Hermione started. Snape knew. She glanced away. But strangely she found she didn't mind him knowing. 'It was a grim time...but I'm not the only person to have suffered at Death Eaters' hands.'
Snape stayed silent. Hermione looked down at his white hand on top of hers. 'But I do miss my mum and dad even after all these years...not many people know that.'
'These sources of hidden pain never leave us.'
'And it changes you. My life would have been very different if they were alive now. But then I think, I would never have encountered him, nor been with my boy, nor lived in the South. Nothing happens for no reason, I suppose. I also think coming back here was meant to happen on so many levels.'
'Most definitely,' agreed Snape rather emphatically.
'Killing Voldemort was the most obvious reason and restoring Harry's power as well, but also...' Hermione's voice trailed off; she was unsure how to articulate the feelings she'd had over this last week.
'Becoming more fixed in this realm, my lady?' asked Snape quietly, switching to the ancient tongue.
Hermione stared at him...was she that easy to read? 'Yes... but... how did you know?'
'Do not forget I witnessed your sadness before the rite on Saturday and have some understanding of the trauma you went through seven years ago,' he answered softly. 'If I may ask, how has it changed?'
'My longing to be with him has eased somehow, my friend. Before, I had a constant yearning to be with him that never left me...it was why I had to train as hard as I did...but it is no longer driving me as it did before. It's hard to explain. There is a peacefulness to our connection now. Of course, we will always belong together, and that will never change, but it is as if I now have a space that I never had before. It's most unfamiliar.'
'This makes you truly powerful, my lady.' Snape lowered his head in respect.
Hermione gave a self-deprecating shrug. 'It was his will.'
'And your skill, my lady, that brought about the change. Yes, you were meant to come for many reasons.' Snape straightened his posture, and his eyes lifted, coolly taking in the joyful crowd. 'And now, Miss Granger, it would seem I have been here a socially acceptable amount of time, so I will take my leave.' The wizard stood up.
'Oh.' Hermione didn't want him to go. There wasn't anyone here she wanted to spend her last evening at Hogwarts with.
Snape looked down at her. 'Unless Miss Granger you would like to join me. I have a bottle of red wine that I think you will find more palatable than the whiskey you have been pretending to drink.'
'Are you sure? It's just that...' Hermione turned her face up at the chatty wizarding crowd.
'I am,' replied Snape decisively. 'Did I not tell you the other day we have been tainted?'
'In that case, I would love to spend my last evening here with you,' Hermione said, standing up and straightening her robes. 'And that's not because I'm tainted, by the way.'
Snape's lips twitched, and they worked their way easily through the heaving crowd, which readily parted for them. Not one witch or wizard looked at either her or Snape; it was as if by associating with Snape again, any efforts they had made earlier towards Hermione had been forgotten. The witch was looking forward to returning home and being treated like a normal human in a sane society. Just as they were nearing the doors, Hermione saw Harry abruptly break from a group of important looking witches and wizard and move quickly towards them.
'Professor Snape, wait!' Harry bounded up to them, coming to an abrupt halt, his robes swirling around his ankles.
Snape stilled by Hermione's side.
'Yes, Mr Potter?' The dark wizard answered, standing poised and tall despite the growing attention from the surrounding crowd.
Harry looked flushed, but Hermione recognized a steely determination in his green eyes.
'I just heard from McGonagall that you're leav...'
'...Yes, Mr Potter, you heard correctly,' Snape quickly cut in.
Harry gave the quickest wink to Hermione before stepping up to Snape and kissing him fully on the mouth. Snape froze, but Harry held him firmly until the tall wizard leaned into the kiss and moved his arms so they rested on Harry's shoulders. They very slowly separated, plainly oblivious to the stunned silence around them.
Harry lifted his hand and ran it gently down Snape's cheek. 'You are right...how they feel is more important. And just for the record, it wasn't just the magic working before, either.'
Snape snorted and gave the shorter wizard's shoulder a squeeze. Harry turned quickly and moved off into the crowd, grinning wildly. Snape turned abruptly to Hermione and held out his arm as if the whole incident had never happened and a shocked, dazed audience didn't surround them.
'Shall we, Miss Granger?'
The witch had to suppress her laughter as she looped her arm through his and walked out the Great Hall with him for the final time.
The weather was icy outside, and Hermione quickly did up the buttons on her cloak.
'Well, that was interesting,' commented Hermione mildly as they walked carefully across a frozen courtyard arm in arm. The flag stones were slippery underfoot.
'Hmm, indeed. Mr Potter's power has truly been restored...it bodes well for this community's future.'
'My goodness! Can I believe it? A compliment about Harry has just passed the professor's lips,' exclaimed Hermione as they entered Hogwarts' darkened corridors.
'I have never opposed his role...it is his personality I react to, Miss Granger,' he pointed out a little testily.
'By sucking his finger, sir?' mocked Hermione, laughing, their footsteps ringing out in the dark passages.
Snape gave an eloquent shrug of his shoulder. 'But am I not correct in what I said to him, Miss Granger?' he asked, raising an eyebrow.
'About what lips feel like? Yes, I would agree with you,' Hermione replied, smirking.
'And since I heard Mr Potter's verdict, I am now curious about what your assessment is, Miss Granger.'
'Are you trying to corner me, Professor?' Hermione now knew Snape was flirting with her.
'Not at all, Miss Granger...I am asking a simple, direct question.' He pushed open the door, and they walked through the dusty, dull room.
'I would have to agree with Harry on what they look like,' she answered while he unwarded his door. The witch walked into his rooms with considerable relief.
'And?' he prompted as he lit the candles.
'It's just I can't quite remember what they feel like...there was a lot going on every time,' she confessed sheepishly, handing him her coat and hat. Snape disappeared momentarily into his room, and she walked across to the low embers in the fireplace, which she prodded with the nearby poker.
'That's strange...I remember well, but then I probably did not have as much to do as you,' Snape said when he reappeared again, handing her a glass of red wine.
'And your assessment?' Hermione sat down, rolling her shoulders in considerable relief at being away from the heavy magic but not daring to look at him.
'Perfect on both accounts,' he commented quietly. 'I wonder if it is appropriate to offer an opportunity for you to refresh your memory.'
Hermione looked up and saw his lips twitching in amusement, but his eyes were looking at her deeply.
'You mean free from magic and rites?'
Snape nodded.
'That would be an unusual experience for me, my friend.'
'And that is why I ask if it is appropriate...it is not something my grandmother instructed me on, nor is it the sort of etiquette a boy learns. I understand it may be considered improper, but tonight I act for the first time as a man free from agenda or masters.'
'But you understand I am bound to him and that will never change?' Hermione pointed out carefully. She understood he was asking more than the obvious offer, and her body tensed.
'Of course...how could I not? I have had you and him inside me.'
'And that doesn't bother you?' Hermione needed to check.
'As long as it does not bother you or him.'
'I honestly don't know.' Hermione sat still for a moment, looking at her wine. Part of her wanted to get up and run away, but she forced herself to lift her eyes and look steadily at him. Another wave of fear came over her, but she forced herself to witness the emotion objectively. Could she without him? ... Without magic? The witch knew Snape would not hurt her...their connection told her that. He was also the only person on earth to have experienced her and him within him, and so he would have an understanding that far surpassed any shallow verbal explaining she could do. Hermione looked at his straight shoulders and long legs...he had an agreeable body under those clothes. But could she? Was she ready?
Snape dropped his eyes. 'My lady, please forgive my forwardness...I do not want to offend.'
'Oh, no, no. It's not that,' the witch hastily assured. 'It's just... It's just...'
'Forget I ever said anything,' Snape cut in and quickly got up to fetch the bottle on the table to refill her glass. 'Let us just enjoy our last night here.'
'No...I mean...I actually don't know what I mean, but I'm pleased you said something.' Hermione looked down at her wine. 'It's just... It's just... It's just it's not really about etiquette or even him,' she blurted out, looking up at him.
Snape stilled. His eyes widened. 'My sincerest apologies...my lack of sensitivity is appalling. My intention was never to hurt you or cause you any pain. Yet again I speak without thinking.'
'It was along time ago... and you haven't... but I do... but I haven't... Oh, bloody hell!' swore Hermione, switching to English and burying her face in her hands. 'I'm completely stuffing this up... It's just that without magic... and without him... Oh, shit, I'm a prime bloody candidate for that stupid Marvin Gaye song,' she groaned to herself quietly.
'Perhaps that is what you need,' commented Snape softly.
How the hell did he know that song? Hermione looked slowly up at him in astonishment.
'It is also perhaps why you are sensing a space between you and him. He is allowing room for healing to take place.'
Hermione stilled, knowing the truth in the wizard's words and slowly nodding. 'Another reason why I returned maybe?'
'Quite possibly, but it has to be right for you...I am merely piecing what I know together.'
'No, you're right. In the end, I didn't want to join him. I wanted to stay and be alive and all the painful things being alive entails.' Hermione picked at her fingers. 'But it's hard, you know.'
'I know.'
'I mean to even think about it without magic and without him.'
'I would imagine.'
'But I know you, and I know you will not do me harm or hurt me in any way.'
'On that I give you my word.'
'And here you started off only angling for a mere kiss,' said Hermione with a smile. She couldn't stand the heavy conversation any longer.
'Anything with you could never be considered 'mere',' he quickly pointed out. 'And yet...'
Hermione looked at his lips moving as he talked, not listening, and on impulse...before she could do any more intellectualizing...she leaned over, put her hand behind his neck, drawing him down, and kissed him. Snape hesitated only for a second before kissing her gently back. He tasted right to her, and strangely, as their wet tongues entwined, Hermione remembered the kiss on Saturday night that she had completely forgotten about.
Drawing apart, Snape ran a hand down her cheek. 'What is it with you Gryffindors tonight?' he breathed, pulling her closer. 'And back to the question?'
'I agree with Harry...it is more important, but anyway, they are perfect on both counts, and it wasn't just the magic, either,' she said before kissing him all over his face, enjoying the feel of his skin on her lips. Snape stayed motionless, watching her through half-lidded eyes, obviously lapping up the attention. He then drew her in for another warm kiss, running his hands through her hair, unclasping it from its messy bun. The wizard wrapped his arms around her tightly, and instantly Hermione tensed...she was trapped and couldn't breathe. Snape released his arms from around her, resting them lightly on her shoulders, and Hermione relaxed, her surroundings becoming more real.
'Better?' He breathed inches from her face.
'Thank you.' Hermione knew she was right in trusting Snape.
'Any time you want me to stop, just let me know. Tonight is about you knowing there is pleasure as well as pain in being alive and human.' Again Snape kissed her, hungrily this time, but his arms stayed lightly on her shoulders. Hermione's bones melted.
'More?' he asked huskily.
Hermione nodded...her senses were reeling from all the colliding perceptions. She knew Snape, had been inside him and had touched him. The wizard had healed her, drawn her down, comforted her, had taken her into the earth through his water twice. And yet the differences she was experiencing now were a fusion of all that knowledge. It was like she was learning to hear through her eyes or see through her ears. She really loved learning, she decided.
'The bedroom is more comfortable.'
Hermione nodded, not quite up to talking. They got up, and Snape led her by the hand through the door into his bedroom. His bed was the usual Hogwarts four-poster, but actually the witch didn't notice much more than that as they tumbled onto it, arms entwined. It was soft. But they came to a grounding halt when they came to undressing.
'Bloody hell,' groaned Hermione. 'Buttons...bloody buttons again. I hate your tailor.' She worked her way down the top buttons of his shirt until eventually Snape could pull it over his head.
'Nice body...who would have known under all those layers,' complimented Hermione, and she couldn't help running her hands over his warm body, feeling his smooth skin.
'Thank you,' said the wizard. He laid her down and started methodically undoing her buttons until eventually her shirt opened. She wasn't wearing a bra.
'Nice body.'
'Thank you.'
'Neat stitches.'
'Thank you.'
There was a wet coolness as Snape's tongue started licking her breasts, swirling over her nipples. A raw hunger rose up inside Hermione. She pulled Snape over her, kissing him to let him know what she was feeling, running her hands up and down his hard back. The witch wanted him, and he responded by nipping, sucking and biting her voraciously, making her moan with pleasure. All thoughts disappeared into a cloud of heat, taste, touch and pleasure. She absently felt him pull her trousers down and pull away to wriggle out of his own, but soon his body was back, his long, lean limbs twining around her, encircling her with intensity and his musky odor. Snape stilled fractionally, and Hermione knew what he was asking.
'Yes,' she said between pressing light kisses on his sweat-sheened neck.
'Sure?' He looked down at her, his black eyes filled with arousal.
'Yes.' Hermione swallowed nervously, but at the same time was utterly assured by the solidness of his body around hers.
Snape rubbed himself against her, and every nerve in her body awoke, screaming to be fulfilled.
The wizard leaned down to kiss her, their lips and tongues gliding together, and moved into her.
Hermione stilled...this was so different without magic, more real somehow, more human. Looking up, she saw Snape's eyes filled with heat, hunger and concern as he remained motionless inside. She relaxed herself around him, and he began kissing her neck. He began moving gently; Hermione felt a buzz of sensuality touching the corners of her brain and wrapped her legs around him, arching her hips up into him. Snape responded, letting her set the pace, and soon all motion, feelings, and passions merged, and Hermione succumbed to the sensation of being alive.
.
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Latest 25 Reviews for Southern Magic
220 Reviews | 6.94/10 Average
That was a very intriguing set up. I like the mix of the magics and how they countered each other. And that kiss in front of the whole room between Harry and Severus... perfect. Very well done.
Response from lapita (Author of Southern Magic)
Thank you :)
This story drew me in and kept me reading it all day! It is wonderful. I liked how you had the different types of magic feel each other unpleasantly, that was neat. I liked the description of the houses as elements. I just all around really loved reading this story. Thank you so much for sharing it.
Response from lapita (Author of Southern Magic)
Thanks -- glad you enjoyed it :)
Response from lapita (Author of Southern Magic)
Thanks -- glad you enjoyed it :)
I can definitely relate to the taste of stuff in the food putting me off. Plastic taste in water from bottles comes to mind immediately.
Response from lapita (Author of Southern Magic)
Yes, it's certainly something that most people can relate to! Thanks :)
Response from lapita (Author of Southern Magic)
Yes, it's certainly something that most people can relate to! Thanks :)
This story captured me and I read it from the first chapter through the Epilogue in one sitting -- taking only bathroom breaks. You are a remarkable and talented author. I look forward to reading more of your inspired works. Thank you for sharing.
Response from lapita (Author of Southern Magic)
Thanks for your kind words :) Glad you liked it.
I love what you've done with the ritual here. This is one of my favorite stories, and I'll be sad to reach the end of it.
Response from lapita (Author of Southern Magic)
Thanks,
Response from lapita (Author of Southern Magic)
, glad you like it :)
There are a lot of questions left unanswered - but perhaps that is for the best. I have inferred (erroneously, or not) that Hermione was sexuallly attacked in some manner or form prior to leaving the 'North'; which somehow culminated in the birth of her cherished boy.Your ambivalent view towards sexuality and its implications are startling to me - I can't seem to wrap my mind around the concept of a bisexual Snape and Harry, regardless of what fandom presents. All in all, it was a very lovely read. Unconventional and completely off the beaten path, but all the better for it.
Response from lapita (Author of Southern Magic)
Thanks for your thoughtful review -- much appreciated. Yes, that is very much one interpretation of Hermione's background. I put a number of dots in the story and I wanted to give the reader the freedom to join them up how they want. The most important point was that her son was everything to her -- all the rest is really background. And...Snape and Harry...well, that was a mini challenge to myself lol. Once again thanks for reviewing.
This is wonderful. This is a cogent world arising from difference in perception and responses to the fundamental sources of magical power and the consequent divergence in the way it is expressed, channeled and used through human agency. You have brought me effortlessly into this world, and enabled my immersion in it as easily as if I had been born into water and always known how to swim. This is a rare talent and one I love above all things. The alternate world you have created is deeply believeable, like the a tree whose branches I can travel along; thinking, speculating and delighted by the difference I can see due to the shift in perspective I can see by climbing. You have the gift of a true storyteller, and I am delighted with this other part of the wizarding world that you have crafted.The richness of the backstory adds so much to this work. The difference in language and the complexity and subtlety of forms of address speak of a cultural richness of the type that evolves in an old civilization. I can see the Hindu and perhaps some Balinese influence behind the customs and expressions of respect of the southern realm, but there also seems to me to be more than a hint of an old female-power-centric religion here, with strong threads of shamanism, sex magic, the powers of the four elements, and one of the pillars/makers/masters of all the realms melded into a seamless whole. I enjoyed the revelation of Severus's and Hermione's characters, and that he recognized and acknowledged the maturity of her power and skill and was able to support it while still remaining acerbic and ironic, and more than a touch prickly at times. Hermione so strong and sure in power, but with some, perhaps, difficulties caused by her forthrigthness. The gradual growth and deepening of their magical and personal connection was well handled and natural, and I was so pleased that I couldn't tell if they would end up as magical partners and friends or as magical partners and mates. I welcome the complexity of an older Harry's character and his gradual maturing as his magic was healed and completed. It's refreshing to see him portrayed as a charismatic young man on his way to balanced adulthood, neither saint nor terminal twerp. I was amused by and enjoyed the public liplock he put on Severus. The unregarded trumpet sounding change in all the wizarding world?Loved the image of Hermione in company with Severus, looking like mini-me with a witch's hat, and I chuckled imagining her bouncing around Hogwarts in full Victorian fig including a hoop skirt.I am so glad you didn't tell us everything. Why was Severus taken to the north at such a critical time in the development of his magic? Why was he drawn into Voldemort's orbit? What impelled him to leave it? How did Hermione escape the Death Eaters? Did they deem her so crippled by her rape and the deaths of her parents that she was simply tossed away? How did she reach the south? How was her soul healing undertaken? When did the split between southern and northern magic occur and how did they come to be so antithetical? Mind, it doesn't trouble me if these questions are never answered, I'm delighted that they are sparked!Thanks for the great ride!
Response from lapita (Author of Southern Magic)
Goodness me, that must be the most comprehensive review I've ever received *blushes*. I am so happy that you enjoyed the story. Thank you for reading and reviewing :)
Response from lapita (Author of Southern Magic)
Goodness me, that must be the most comprehensive review I've ever received *blushes*. I am so happy that you enjoyed the story. Thank you for reading and reviewing :)
very poetic and quite intresting, and quite A WAY WITH WORDS .
Response from lapita (Author of Southern Magic)
lol thanks
Response from lapita (Author of Southern Magic)
:)
Response from lapita (Author of Southern Magic)
lol thanks
Response from lapita (Author of Southern Magic)
:)
Fascinating story! Well done!
Response from lapita (Author of Southern Magic)
Thanks :)
Response from lapita (Author of Southern Magic)
Thanks :)
That is a marvellous story you have written for us! Very moving... It's very original and the magic feels mature (not this jump-and-run-magic of DH). I admired Harry's pov, when he goes the last time to Hogsmead, it's truly moving. And the other Harry parts... Normally I'm not into slash, but this time! Hot!Your Snape felt very canon, but could transform nicely after you explained some of his issues. Hermione was lovely too.Also the space and the plotting of the story was very smooth, it was not chopped at all (and I read it in two goes). But I'm still curious about the little boy - I truly love the tiny bits you wrote about him - is there a chance of a sequal?Thank you very much!
Response from lapita (Author of Southern Magic)
Thanks
Response from lapita (Author of Southern Magic)
-- glad you liked it. Not sure about a sequal just yet; I always think you have to treat them with care. I am in the middle of writing something right now, although not HGSS story I'm afraid. (Snape features of course - he is my muse after all lol). To be honest, I hadn't realized how everyone was going to be so fascinated about the boy lol. Thanks for taking the time to write down your thoughts -- I appreciate it.
Such a well done, original story. I love how you blended canon and your own au in this. Thank you.
Response from lapita (Author of Southern Magic)
Thanks ric :)
Beautiful and hilarious and almost entirely satisfying. The 'almost' is the mysterious history of the boy that you left behind. The 'how' was confirmed, at least to my vision, but the 'by who' is a bit of a niggler. I can't see how what I imagine to have happened would be worked into the same story, though; it would divert the flow that you've already created very well. Oh well. Great job, I loved every minute of your creation. Hope to see more from you soon. Happy writing!
Response from lapita (Author of Southern Magic)
Oooh, you too are good at subtle. I think I know what you mean and the 'by who'? Well, does it really matter? Hermione loves the boy, which is the main issue. That's why I started the story and ended the story with the same sentence :) Thanks for writing your thoughts down -- very intresting.
I enjoyed the story but am still puzzled by a few things... If this was your intention. good job :) Thank you very much for writing and I hope you will consider a sequel.
Response from lapita (Author of Southern Magic)
Glad you enjoyed the story,
Response from lapita (Author of Southern Magic)
. I tried to tie up all the loose ends although there were some things I left intentionally vague and open to interpretation. Do feel free to ask about anything that you are puzzeled by. It would be interesting for me as well :)
I have, after not being too sure of the first couple of chapters, thouroughly enjoyed this story (and that hesitation was only because I wasn't sure if it would head towards the kind of story I usually avoid )
I'd really like to see some more of this AU of yours - something with a bit more backstory on her boy, perhaps? He is still very much a mystery. Or a bit more about Snape's Southern past? (Embarrassing tales of his toddlerhood come to mind)
Response from lapita (Author of Southern Magic)
Thanks
Response from lapita (Author of Southern Magic)
-- I really enjoyed writing this story as well. To be honest, I'm not entirely sure what I'll write next -- got loads of ideas perculating away, though :)
I've enjoyed your story very much. Certainly puts Severus in a different light. Thanks for your work!
Response from lapita (Author of Southern Magic)
Thanks for reading and reviewing :)
What an amazing story! I have really enjoyed reading it, and have checked for updates regularly. I really admire the way you have made the characters so believable, warts and all. The idea of southern magic is wonderful, and well thought out.I am sorry I haven't reviewed before now-I know that sometimes it is hard to keep going, not knowing if anyone is reading or enjoying it. I have started 2 fics and gave up when they got either flamed, or people not responding at all (which is even worse). Just know that I have been fascinated since the beginning, and am very pleased with the ending. I look foward to any other stories you write.Sincerely, Luca the V
Response from lapita (Author of Southern Magic)
Thanks -- glad you enjoyed reading it :)
So original in concept and vividly executed.
Response from lapita (Author of Southern Magic)
Thanks
Response from lapita (Author of Southern Magic)
:)
Really cool fic. It is very different from any that I have read but I really like it.
Response from lapita (Author of Southern Magic)
Thanks
Response from lapita (Author of Southern Magic)
-- glad you liked it :)
A very enjoyable story. I like the idea that 'southern magic' will be mentioned (maybe taught someday?) at Hogwarts.
Response from lapita (Author of Southern Magic)
Thanks
Response from lapita (Author of Southern Magic)
-- I wanted to create a sense of future developments with that :)
I have really enjoyed this story but I admit to being a little confused. Is Hermione the child's mother? If so who is his father?Other than that kudos on a excellent story
Response from lapita (Author of Southern Magic)
With 'the boy' I did leave it intentionally vague -- and it can be open to a few interpretations. But for me, what was most important about him was that Hermione loved him very deeply and to a certain extent the boy was the one who held her firmly to this realm.
Response from Anijade (Reviewer)
Ah ok thank you for the explaination
Wow. That was intense. I'm very much looking forward to your next update.
Response from lapita (Author of Southern Magic)
Thanks
Response from lapita (Author of Southern Magic)
-- yeah, it was a bit. Next chapter should be soon :)
Very intriguing tale so far. I look forward to the next installment. Will we ever find out just what 'The South' is geographically?Thank you for writing
Response from lapita (Author of Southern Magic)
Thanks
Response from lapita (Author of Southern Magic)
. When I started writing this story, I had intended to be more geographically specific but as I continued to write, what became more important, in my mind, were the attitudes and prejudices people have towards others living in different areas and that it happens no matter where you live. It is something most of us understand and have possibly experienced. So I thought I would leave it vague and let the reader fill in the gaps with their own personal experience depending on where they are in the world. But I am also happy to say where I was thinking about when I wrote it if you want -- I don't mean it to be a secret -- and it doesn't alter the story any.
Saliva or other liquid bodily products? Somehow I don't think Harry is going to take kindly to that suggestion.
Response from lapita (Author of Southern Magic)
But that's the fun, don't you think? Thanks for reading and reviewing.