Chocolate and Sandalwood

Chapter 3: Chocolate and Sandalwood

Disclaimer: I don't own anything.

A/N: Many thanks to my betas. I appreciate all the hard work, girls! Cheers!

It had been two days since Hermione's meeting with Pansy, and she hadn't gotten anywhere in her research. Hermione sighed in frustration. She had been eager to begin her research right away, but had of course forgotten that she wouldn't have the Hogwarts library at her disposal. Hermione had put together a small library herself over the past five years since she had entered the Wizarding world, but she had soon realized that she hadn't accumulated anything to aid her in this particular research. She came to this conclusion while sitting on the floor of her bedroom, the contents of her small library strewn about her.

Deep in contemplation concerning what her next move might be – if indeed there was one – Hermione did not hear her mother's knock upon her closed door. And so it was that Karen entered to find her daughter still on the floor surrounded by her books.

'My dear, what are you doing?' Karen Granger asked in surprise.

'I'm trying to do some research for school, but it's hopeless!' Hermione complained, her head tilting up to regard her mother from her place on the floor.

'I thought you already finished your summer coursework,' Karen said in response to Hermione's exclamation.

'I did,' said the young witch as she began to stack her books into neat piles. 'I'm working on an independent project with a... friend of mine from school. The problem is that I am used to having the library at Hogwarts to work with, but I just don't have the right books or the right information to get the research done.'

Karen Granger watched her daughter thoughtfully. Hermione had inherited Karen's thirst for knowledge, so she understood how frustrated her daughter was at present. Once either one of the Granger women became absorbed in something, they would pursue that line of thought single-mindedly. As a child, whenever Hermione had a question about something, her parents had encouraged her to find the answers on her own. As a result, much of her time growing up was spent 'researching' with her parents.

'Couldn't you order the books you need from that bookstore in Diagon Alley?' Karen asked.

'I'm sure I could, if I knew what I was looking for. All I have is a name to go on, so I have no idea which books I would need,' Hermione answered in a tired voice.

'A name? You're doing research based on a name?' Karen asked, feeling a spark of interest. 'Is it a wizard's name?'

'Well, actually, Mum, I'm not sure – it's probably a wizard. The same friend I'm doing the project with overheard a conversation in which the name was mentioned, and we got curious.' Hermione answered, choosing her words carefully. She didn't want her mother to find out exactly what she may be getting involved with. She had, of course, told her parents about Voldemort and the current troubles in the magical world, but she didn't want them to worry about her more than she knew they already did. She had always tried to avoid telling them about how dangerous her relationship with Harry could be.

'Mum, have you ever heard the name Morgaine?' Hermione asked, desperate at this point for any information. 'Only, I thought it sounded familiar when I heard it.'

'Morgaine?' Karen asked in surprise. 'As in the Sorceress in the legend of King Arthur?'

Hermione's mouth dropped open in surprise.

'Of course!' She cried. 'I knew it sounded familiar!' She had read the story of Camelot in primary school, so of course the name had registered, but she hadn't been able to place it.

'Wait,' Karen said holding up one of her hands. 'So then -- they are real? I thought it was just a story!' she exclaimed. She had been fascinated with this world that Hermione had entered from the beginning and enjoyed learning as much as she could about such things.

Hermione was slowly shaking her head in thought. 'I don't know how much is truth,' she said, 'but I do know that Merlin was a real wizard, one of the most powerful in history, actually.' Suddenly filled with determination, Hermione stood and said, 'Mum, I need to go to the library and research the Muggle version of the legend; it will give me somewhere to start in my research.'

'Hermione,' Karen said in a teasing voice, 'have you forgotten about the existence of the internet?' She gestured to the forlorn laptop sitting on Hermione's desk, looking rather small and forgotten.

'Of course!' she said, hitting herself softly on the forehead. 'I'm so used to using books and libraries during school that I forgot all about using the internet for research.' While speaking, she had opened her computer and logged on to the internet server. Karen smiled as her daughter started muttering to herself, already deep into 'research mode.'

'I'll leave you to it, dear. And, try to remember to take a break for dinner later on tonight.' Karen said jokingly she left her daughter's room.

Hermione looked up from her computer three hours later with a slight twinge in her neck. She felt like she knew almost everything she could know about Morgaine from a Muggle's perspective. In the stories of King Arthur, Morgaine was an evil Sorceress, sister to Arthur, who eventually helped to destroy the Kingdom of Camelot. Perhaps Morgaine had invented some Dark magic that Voldemort was planning to make Pansy do? Hermione had learned that when it came to the Muggle legends about wizards, it was hit or miss. Some legends were surprisingly accurate, but some were simply ridiculous – the Wicked Witch in 'The Wizard of Oz' being an ideal example of the latter in Hermione's mind.

The stories about Morgaine matched a lot of the information that Hermione knew to be true about Merlin and his account of the events, but she was still skeptical. She knew that if they were true, if Morgaine was truly an evil Sorceress, then Voldemort had some powerful Dark magic to draw from. The accounts Hermione had read painted Morgaine in a terrible light. Almost from childhood the witch had manipulated the people around her, including her brother, the future king. Morgaine had been trained in the Order of Avalon, and her teacher had been the 'Lady of the Lake,' who, the legend told, created Excalibur for Arthur. The Order of Avalon was an order for witches who worshipped the Goddess Mother, creator of the earth. Witches from the Order were said to be very powerful. Morgaine was said to have fought Merlin himself. The legend said that Morgaine eventually turned against the teachings of Avalon and used her powers to seduce Arthur and later raise their son to take down Arthur's Kingdom.

Hermione did find a few websites that told the legend from the opposite perspective and put Morgaine in a good light, as someone who had simply been caught up in the events around her. Hermione found herself doubting the truth of these websites. It wouldn't be logical for Voldemort to be researching a witch who was on the side of the Light. He would be looking for Dark magic to bring about his victory. Nevertheless, Hermione printed out both sets of information. She hoped that she would be able to find some books on the subject when she was next in Diagon Alley.

***

The same day that Hermione had met with Pansy in London, an owl had arrived from the Burrow, inviting her to come in one week's time and stay at the Burrow for the remainder of the summer--Harry as well. So it was a week later that Hermione stood outside the Leaky Cauldron, saying goodbye to her parents and promising to write at least once a week. Hermione had asked her parents to drop her at the Leaky Cauldron early that morning so that she could look for some more books before Flooing to the Burrow at noon.

After greeting Tom and asking him to stow her trunk and a very disgruntled Crookshanks in his carrier behind the bar, Hermione made her way to Diagon Alley.

As soon as Hermione stepped through the brick archway, she noticed the difference. The Leaky Cauldron had been empty, but that wasn't too unusual for this time in the morning. Now, however, Hermione realized the quiet stillness at the Leaky Cauldron existed along Diagon Alley as well. Diagon Alley was no longer the bustling, busy street that Hermione remembered as being one of her first views into the magical world. The street was silent, and the few people who were there moved quickly about their business, not stopping to chat or linger any longer than necessary. Almost every window was plastered with purple Ministry posters or pictures of the Death Eaters who had escaped Azkaban. As Hermione passed by a sneering rendition of Bellatrix Lestrange, the young witch had to suppress a shudder as she recalled that Bellatrix had just recently been in Pansy's home.

Hermione quickened her pace in reaction to the eerie silence of Diagon Alley and headed into Flourish and Blotts. Hermione, familiar with the bookstore from her many pre-Hogwarts shopping trips, let herself wander a little and enjoy browsing through all the different books.

An hour later, Hermione hadn't made any progress finding books that would aid in her research, but she did end up purchasing a new Potions text and the latest issue of Transfiguration Today.

Hermione left Flourish and Blotts, her book bag now significantly heavier with her new purchases inside, and headed down Diagon Alley. She felt a bit uncomfortable walking alone down the silent street, but she was determined to find another bookstore that she might have more luck at.

Hermione had been walking down the street for a few minutes now and was about to turn back when she saw it. It was a small shop near the corner where Knockturn Alley intersected with Diagon Alley that seemed to be shoved between two larger buildings. It had no Ministry posters or displays in the window, just a small sign that read 'Books' hanging above the door. Hermione felt a little apprehensive, but decided to check it out. Glancing at the stacks of books barely visible in the storefront window, she warily stepped up to the store and pushed the door open.

As soon as she stepped inside, Hermione's apprehension was forgotten. She stood in the entrance transfixed with what she saw. Books, everywhere she looked. There were books stacked precariously on the floor, on tables and chairs; every flat surface in the room was covered in books. There were high shelves bulging with books in no apparent order. There were even books lying on top of the shelves. The books of this shop weren't the shiny, flashy books like one would find in Flourish and Blotts. These were obviously old and used, as the majority were dusty and bound by battered leather; the titles printed on their spines were faded, some to the point where they were almost imperceptible. To Hermione, this was heaven. She inhaled deeply, loving that smell of old leather and parchment. Her face broke out into a wide smile as she moved toward the first shelf and started to look around.

Hermione was gazing around so intently at the wonders before her that she jerked in surprise when someone addressed her.

'Well, what do we have here?' said a silky voice from behind. Hermione turned to see Professor Snape standing rather close behind her.

'Professor Snape!' she cried, tilting her head back to look him in the eyes.

'Miss Granger,' Snape said, his low voice contrasting almost humourously with Hermione's small squeal of surprise. 'How surprising to find you in a bookshop,' he continued derisively.

'Oh yes, sir, it's fantastic! She had obviously missed his sarcasm. 'I mean, I've only ever been in Flourish and Blotts, but this is much better. I feel as if I could find anything I needed here.'

'Yes, well, if you have the time and patience to deal with the complete chaos Mr. Yosh leaves this place in, you can find some very interesting reads,' Snape answered her, scowling as he looked around at the cluttered stacks of books.

It occurred then to Hermione that she had never had a conversation with Professor Snape outside the Potions classroom, and even then they consisted solely of his taking points from Gryffindor or giving out detentions. Hermione was so distracted by her discovery of the book shop that she had forgotten to feel her usual apprehension around the Potions master. It occurred to her that he probably appreciated books as much as she did. If nothing else, it was one thing she found she could respect about her professor. She noticed then that he was holding a few books at his side.

'What books did you find, sir?' she asked, always willing to find something new to read.

He looked down at the books and then reluctantly held them out to her.

'It's really none of your business, Miss Granger, but I know you can't resist the allure of the written word.'

As he leaned in to hand her his books, Hermione caught a light whiff of the professor's scent of chocolate and sandalwood. For a brief instant it occurred to her fleetingly that chocolate seemed an unusual scent for her Potions master, that he ought to smell of common potions ingredients such as fluxweed or aconite. Hermione quickly dropped that line of thought. What does it matter if Snape smells like chocolate?' she thought. 'I shouldn't be noticing!' But she let herself inhale the chocolate smell once more as she held out her hands for his books and looked them over.

Bound in worn black leather, each looked extremely old. The thickest of them was called The Curse of Avalon and Hermione had to fight to keep her face blank. Professor Snape's researching for Voldemort's project! He also had a book called A Witches Magic and Communicative Theory, but Hermione was interested in the largest tome; she needed to find a copy of that book! She turned each volume over once, yet she couldn't resist opening the largest to look at the pages inside.

'If I could have my books back, Miss Granger, I don't have the time to wait as you peruse my books at your leisure,' growled Snape. His voice, low and menacing, interrupted her thoughts.

'Oh! Sorry, sir, and they just look so interesting. Hermione handed back the thick tomes, eyes lingering for but a moment more on the thickest before she asked with a voice of casual curiosity. Had you been looking for something particular today?'

If possible, Snape's scowl became more pronounced as he looked down his large nose at her. It was then Hermione noticed that rather than his greasy hair falling forward to frame his face, Professor Snape had it bound back at the nape of his neck. His eyes appeared even darker and more piercing without his hair surrounding his lean face. For many moments he was silent , and Hermione held her breath as his eyes raked over her.

'No, nothing in particular,' he finally answered in a curt voice, startling her slightly after the long pause. 'Now, if you will excuse me, Miss Granger, I must be going.'

Before she could reply, he turned from her and walked to the counter at the front of the shop. It was then that she noticed the man sitting behind the counter, silently reading. Hermione watched as Snape made his purchases and left the store, his customary black robes trailing behind him.

After waiting a few minutes to make sure Professor Snape had gone, Hermione took out a quill and parchment and wrote the names of his books down. She needed to get her hands on a copy of the one on Avalon.

She approached the man at the counter, who was engrossed again in the book he had been reading before Snape had left. She assumed he was the owner of the shop.

Hermione cleared her throat to get his attention. He looked up with an irritated grimace on his face; clearly he hadn't wanted to be distracted from his book again.

'Hi, my name is Hermione Granger, I'm one of Professor Snape's students,' she said, gesturing to the door that the professor had just exited.

Hermione guessed the man to be close to forty years old. He was slim and had messy brown hair and a scruffy goatee. He wore a pair of wire-rimmed spectacles that lent him a scholarly air. He rolled his eyes in response to her introduction.

'Why would that concern me?' he said in an arrogant voice reminiscent of Draco Malfoy.

'Er... I was just wondering if you had any more books like the one that the professor purchased; the one about Avalon?' Hermione asked uncertainly, trying to ignore his rudeness.

Closing his book with a snap, he answered, 'We rarely have copies here. You should go to Flourish and Blotts if that is what you are after.'

Hermione sighed, then replied with a hint frustration in her voice, 'Well, he showed me his books and that one just looked so interesting. I was just really hoping to get one on Avalon, Mr....' she said, trying to get him to introduce himself.

The shopkeeper looked at her impassively for a second before answering, 'Mathius Yosh. And, I may have something for you.' He stood up, and she realized that while he was very lean, he wasn't that much taller than she. He skirted around the counter and walked briskly towards the back of the store. Hermione assumed he meant for her to follow. He walked straight towards a stack of books in the back corner of the room and pulled out the third book from the bottom. She was amazed that he seemed to know exactly where a specific book was in this general scattered mess of tomes.

He handed her the rather thick volume and said, 'The Curse of the Goddess is about a witch of Avalon.'

After saying this, he headed back towards his seat at the counter, opened his book, and was immersed once again. Hermione looked at the book in her hands. It was bound with worn leather and the title was embossed in a faded gold. As she lightly traced the embossed title with her finger, she gasped in surprise. The title The Curse of the Goddess was changing before her eyes. The words seemed to dissolve and a new title appeared. The book was now entitled The Blessings of a Witch.

Hermione's mouth dropped open in surprise. She wondered if Mr. Yosh knew the book would do this. She quickly walked towards the counter and set the book on the counter in front of him.

'I'll take this one, please, Mr. Yosh.'

She hesitated for a minute as he put his book down and picked up a ledger and quill to record the sale.

'Um... what's the book called again?' she asked, conscious of how stupid the question sounded. He looked at her incredulously and put his finger under the title.

'The. Curse. Of. The. Goddess,' he said in a mocking voice. 'Can't you can read?'

She nodded in response but was looking down at the book where his finger had been. She could still see The Blessings of a Witch, emblazoned across the front, but he obviously couldn't see that the words had changed. Feeling confused, she handed him her money, thanked him for the book, and hurriedly left the shop.

This book was special. She couldn't believe how lucky she was that she had found an enchanted book about Avalon. She was sure that this would be exactly what she needed for her research. She couldn't wait to start reading!

Hermione looked at her watch and yelped - The Weasleys would be expecting her.

Harry and Ron were not going to let her sneak away and read. They would insist she play Quidditch with them and 'have fun for a change.'

***

Professor Snape clutched his new books tightly in his hands as he walked briskly out of Yosh's bookshop. He couldn't believe he had run into the Granger girl here of all places. He wasn't surprised that she had found the store, for the 'brain' of the Dream Team was well known for her affection for reading. He couldn't count the number of times he had seen her walking in the hallways of Hogwarts with her nose stuck in a book, not paying attention to where she was going. It usually gave him license to take away a good number of points.

Severus sighed in frustration; she had been utterly fascinated and had stood in the entrance of the shop for a full minute staring at the books. He understood the way she felt, for he had felt the same way when he had first discovered Yosh's bookshop.

Snape assumed that was why he let himself get caught up in a conversation with the girl. Normally he would dismiss her without even a greeting, but the temptation to talk with someone who shared his passion for books was overwhelming. He probably would have stayed longer if she hadn't asked about his purchases and reminded him of why he had gone to Yosh's in the first place.

Snape sighed as he recalled the night before. He had been summoned by the Dark Lord and assigned a research project. Voldemort had ordered Snape to take over when the Dark Lord realized that Goyle Sr. wasn't the right man for the job. Severus smirked at the thought of that mindless lump doing research. Sometimes Voldemort could be pretty thick. Can Goyle even read? Snape thought to himself. He smirked with amusement.

So the Dark Lord had summoned Snape and told him to find out as much as he possibly could about Avalon and the witch Morgaine.

Severus wondered what Voldemort was up to now. More often than not, the Dark Lord just led his Death Eaters in quick raids ending in death and destruction. Death and destruction were both easy enough to plan, and as a result, people tended to forget how intelligent and shrewd Tom Riddle could be. At Hogwarts, the Dark Lord had achieved top marks, rivaled only by he, Snape, and perhaps Miss Granger. It worried Snape more to think that Riddle could be using his considerable brain power and planning something that would be much worse than the standard raid.

Up until a few weeks ago, Snape had been enjoying his summer. He had only been summoned once and that had been right after the debacle at the Department of Mysteries. After that, Wormtail had moved in on Voldemort's orders, and they were both left alone for a number of weeks.

Snape knew that Wormtail was spying on him, and the shuffling, whiny little rodent was irritating to say the least. However, the company of the annoying little rat was preferable to suffering the Cruciatus from Voldemort, and Snape had enjoyed this reprieve. He had caught up on some much needed sleep and even put on a few necessary pounds after yet another stressful school year had left him feeling like a skeleton with skin.

His peace had only been broken when Dumbledore had Flooed him just days ago in desperate need of a potion. Snape grimaced at the memory. He had brewed the potion for Dumbledore and it had served its purpose, but it wasn't enough.

Dumbledore had been hit with a terminal curse when he had attempted to destroy one of Voldemort's Horcruxes. All Snape could do was slow the process of the curse. Both Severus and Albus knew the potion wasn't a cure. Dumbledore had a year at best unless they discovered a remedy.

Snape cursed under his breath. Instead of finding a cure to save his best and only true friend's life, he was stuck doing research for Lord Voldemort. His hands tightened convulsively around his books as he came to a stop near the entrance into the Leaky Cauldron. He hated feeling so helpless.

In addition to the research, Snape had another thing to stress about; Voldemort was getting suspicious. Snape scowled. Usually the Dark Lord would confide in Snape about his plans, but lately.... Severus didn't want to think about what would happen if his treachery was discovered.

The Potions master sighed; he needed to go report to Dumbledore about this research. Maybe Dumbledore could figure out where Voldemort was going with this Avalon business. With a scowl on his face, Snape Disapparated.

Seconds later, he re-appeared in the outskirts of the Forbidden Forest and looked up at the castle he had come to think of as home. Severus took a deep breath and walked towards the familiar gates of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.

***

Well, there is Chapter Three (Please Review!). I couldn't help but bring Snape in on this one. What do you think makes him smell like chocolate?

Anyways, sorry about the wait on this chapter, real life and the gift exchange got in the way. I promise to update at a faster rate from now on!