Mistaken Intent

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~o 15 o~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Mistaken Intent

~S~

“As it was, it was all I could do to – enjoy my evening with her,” Severus stated as he accepted the morning edition of the Daily Prophet from the house-elf.

Lucius unfurled his copy, looking at Severus as he did so. “You’re not accustomed to sharing your bed, Severus. You’re well known as a passionate and skillful lover but not exactly a caring and giving man. I don’t believe any woman has ever shared your bed for more than an hour.”

“That’s not true,” Severus said, controlling the inflection of his voice.

“All right, two hours,” Lucius stated as he casually turned the page. Narcissa entered the dining room and gracefully sat down, acknowledging both men with a polite greeting.

Severus smiled graciously at Narcissa before turning to Lucius with a scowl and opening the paper with an agitated flick of his wrists. Lucius chuckled softly, but Severus chose to ignore him. He scanned the front page, furious about the articles in the Daily Prophet that morning. He nearly choked when he read that Hermione had been seen requesting the annulment papers from the Accidental Magic Reversal office and then scowled as he read the next article, apparently written by Rita Skeeter, stating the same information along with her insipid gossip. “If that’s her decision, fine,” he snapped, slapping the paper on the table.

Narcissa looked up from her shopping list, not even flinching at his outburst. “You haven’t exactly given her time to get to know you…”

“I’ve known the insipid girl for seven years,” Severus hissed, controlling his outrage.

“As her snarly, sneering, condescending professor… You have quite a reputation from your teaching years,” Lucius stated, turning the page of his paper. “It says here she respects you and even admires you, but has a deep sense of guilt for trapping you in this Bonding and feels like a failure… According to Rita Skeeter, the girl really thought it would work out. Imagine.” Severus scowled and Lucius laughed at him.

Narcissa calmly observed Severus as she sipped her morning tea. “And I’m sure I can guess how you looked upon her? Draco told me how you treated her…”

“Draco knows nothing! She is a Gryffindor, Potter’s friend, and she was a constant thorn in my side,” Severus snapped, then carefully controlled the timbre of his tone. “I was sworn to protect Potter. Thus, by default, I had to protect her, and she did everything she could to make that nearly impossible to do!”

“Why didn’t you keep her here with you when you went to retrieve her in the first place?” Narcissa asked, trying to keep her tone calm and serene.

“She is convinced that you loathe her and that you would kill or torture her,” Severus replied, looking directly at her.

“Severus, I won’t lie and tell you I am pleased with this match, and I would never approve of her under any other circumstances,” Narcissa said with a sly smile. “But as she is your Bonded mate, I would have been hospitable toward her. She would have been shown every courtesy my station and obligation as her hostess would have demanded. Who knows, I might even have come to – respect her in time.”

“Very magnanimous of you,” Severus said with a slight sneer, pushing his plate aside, suddenly having lost his appetite. “Please excuse me.” He rose from his seat. Lucius made as if to rise as well but was stilled by a gesture from Narcissa.

“Don’t get snarly with me,” Narcissa said with an inflection of controlled anger coloring her voice when she caught up with Severus in the foyer. “It would be expected of me to be polite. To do anything less toward someone invited to stay in my home would be unheard of. I could – and would – make her feel at home. I may have been… If you intend to remain Bonded to Miss Granger, I promise to be gracious towards her.”

Severus wanted to laugh but thought better of it. “And she would see right through such pretences.”

“You didn’t when Lucius first brought you into our home all those years ago,” Narcissa stated with a cunning smile. “I knew of your blood status, as well as your love for that Mudblood. I was furious, at first, and resentful. However, in time I grew to like and respect you.”

“Thank you,” he said, hiding his surprise behind a subtle sneer. Narcissa had never given him any such indication that she’d ever looked down on him.

“Severus, if you think you could grow to like this girl, you must win her back. If you are truly meant for each other, as I suspect you are, it will not be as difficult as you seem to believe. Remember, I was matched with Lucius under such a spell, and if you hadn’t assisted me with the potions I needed to conceive… I owe you so much. You’ve always been a dear friend, and you were always there when I needed you. Let me do the same in return.” She handed him a small, dark brown book that Severus immediately recognized. “It’s Charmed. Lucius used this to – charm the young women he dated. If you need advice on a particular woman or need anything to help woo your witch, place something from her, like a lock of her hair, in the pages. Then when you write inside it, the book will answer you back. Once you reset the password, only you will be able open it with your wand.”

Severus looked at the gift with a sense of awe. He remembered seeing this book a few times before. The title embossed in fine gold script was, Consigliare ab Hector Savinien de Cyrano de Bergerac. “I apologize for my rude behavior at breakfast, Narcissa.”

“You have been through a considerable amount of misfortune these last few months. I have actually been waiting for another of your infamous outbursts,” she replied, turning to go. “Just please refrain from taking your temper out on the furnishings.”

“I promise,” Severus said, watching her go. He fingered the fine dark leather of the magical book, thoughtfully. Win her back… I never had her in the first place. Still, the spell did match us, and she believed we were supposed to be compatible… and I can use the dreams… He pulled a pair of Hermione’s knickers from his pocket and shrunk them so they’d lie within the pages of the book. “Magnanimous,” he stated, touching his wand to the cover, watching the books cover glow slightly then fade.

He felt restless, frustratingly annoyed, and he needed to think.

Severus paced the foyer a few times, turned and wandered around the manor for a while before deciding to enjoy the extensive grounds and gardens. Once outside, he followed the path through the rose garden, chagrined by the sheer number and the myriad of fairies that flittered in and among the blooms. He could smell the night jasmine and rosemary in the air that made up the hedges around Narcissa’s garden. As the warm breeze carried the scents to his sensitive nose, he was overwhelmed by a sense of déjà vu.

He followed the path until it split at the pergola, turning either left or right. Just to his right he knew he would find a bench between two pillars of the pergola, shaded by the climbing clematis and wisteria vines that grew over the old stone. He headed toward the bench, stopping before a familiar pillar wrapped in thick, twisting branches of the wisteria vine. One knurled branch caught his eye, and he couldn’t help smiling. It was the branch from his dream, the one he’d propped Hermione on when he’d made love to her here.

He scoffed at his musings. Not love – sex. His head dropped, and he sighed loudly as he recalled his actions toward her since the consummation of their Bond. If I am to win her back, this is not going to be easy – unless her mind is already made up. I’m simply going to have to get her alone and access her feelings. But not here… I’ll take her home. He laughed at the idea. That will make her mind up for sure.

Kingsley entered his office and picked up his interoffice notices. Maggie Whitmire was once again inquiring regarding Hermione’s decision. That woman could strain anyone’s patience! he snarled angrily to himself.

Marvin Maretbell informed him that Mrs. Snape had in fact come by his office to pick up the annulment request forms. So she’s decided to file for an annulment after all. He sighed, setting the parchment aside. Bollocks, I’d hoped they’d have worked it out. But I suppose it was not meant to be. I can’t see her with Weasley, but Hermione is Muggle-born and independent – hell, Severus is the independent type, too. They would have been a good match.

He picked up the next packet of parchments. Lawrence McDonough, Administrative Officer of the Hogwarts School Governors, wrote to inform him that Severus Snape had been approved as Headmaster and that Minerva McGonagall would resume her role as Deputy Headmistress, unless Severus declined, in which case she would be more than happy to fill in as Headmistress until her retirement. Kingsley was surprised that Minerva had apparently announced a retirement date. He wondered briefly how much longer she would remain at Hogwarts. It’s well known that she’s been at the school during its most difficult time, but she is still a spry seventy-something, or so he thought. Well, maybe she just wants a quiet life after all she’s been through lately. I don’t blame her.

Professor Slughorn had reluctantly agreed to teach one more year of Potions and that Kenneth Brandstone would be teaching Muggle Studies. John Dawlish had finally decided to retire as an Auror since his injuries from the war had never truly healed properly. He had been asked to teach Defense Against the Dark Arts, and Kingsley was very pleased to see he’d accepted. Kingsley signed each sheet and set the packet in his tray to have his secretary forward his approvals to the governors. The rest of the messages dealt with the reorganizational suggestions for the Ministry, new department assignments, and new hires. Kingsley weighed each proposed appointment, deciding on which he needed more information on before approving and which he considered appropriate and signed. If the growing stack was any indication, he’d have meetings the rest of the week regarding these appointments. At the bottom of the pile was his Daily Prophet. Kingsley nearly swore as he perused the wizarding paper.

Severus Snape: war hero or lucky, one headline read, expounding on the highlights of Severus’s trial and the judgment of the Wizengamot. He was hardly surprised. The journalists and commentators were still milking it for all it was worth.

News that Mrs. Snape was seen once again in the Ministry of Magic came as no surprise to this reporter, however the reason of her visit seems suspect. After a brief meeting with Minister Shacklebolt, Mrs. Snape was seen in the Magical Law Enforcement and Accidental Magical Reversal offices that same morning…

Kingsley swore softly and scanned the next article, swearing again.

Sources in the Accidental Magic Reversal office have confirmed that Mrs. Snape has, in fact, procured her forms for the annulment and has been asking questions regarding the dissolving her Bonding to Severus Snape…

Word from Maggie Whitmire in the Magical Marriage and Birth Registration Office of the Magical Licenses and Certificates Department has kindly confirmed that neither Severus Snape nor Hermione Granger-Snape has confirmed the registration of their Bonding as of yet, however it’s only a matter of time after all, my informed sources tell me.

The Minister’s extension for the request of annulment or signing the necessary confirmation is still in effect, regardless of the department’s inquiry into the status of the extension. No reason has been given regarding the continuation of the hold, assumed to have been initiated pending the outcome of Severus Snape’s trial. However, the hold on the file is still in effect and the extension still…

Kingsley’s eyes narrowed in anger. He knew he’d have to say something to keep Maggie Whitmire from stirring up trouble, but this article proved that she was, in fact, supplying information to Rita Skeeter. I will have to redefine exactly what information she will be allowed to reveal to the press in the future or have her dismissed. But somehow I have to curtail that woman’s incessant need for spreading gossip. There has to be a way to force her to mind her place… Maybe a new secretary in the office wouldn’t be a bad idea – someone young or one of the pool who’d like a change of position. I’ll ask Maybelline to inquire discreetly or see if she has any suggestions. And if I can’t get her to behave – I’ll fire her!

The next article, however, made him smile, even if the article reported the new assignments he’d just signed approval for that very morning. So the Ministry isn’t the only one with eavesdropping reporters and internal leaks.

After careful consideration and extensive investigation of Severus Snape’s conduct and actions during his first year as Headmaster, the governors have decided to clear Severus Snape of abandonment of the school on the first of May and have voted to reinstate him as Headmaster of Hogwarts…

Kingsley picked up his quill to draft Lawrence a quick note, suggesting he apply an Insect-Trapping Hex and Animagus Identifying Jinx on the meeting chambers of the school governors as well as their private offices. To aid his friend, Kingsley wrote out the spells and wand movements carefully. His smile was almost wicked as he added his note to the appointment approval packet for Hogwarts. That should curtail a certain beetle quite nicely. I wonder who will trap the pest first, me or Lawrence. I hope it’s me. I want to get her – oh, how I want to get her…

Severus waited outside Grimmauld Place under a Disillusionment Charm and surrounded by Anti-Muggle and Avoidance Charms as he waited for Hermione to return home. His Polyjuice Potion had worn off a while ago, but he knew that the elf hadn’t lied to him. There was no reason for the elf to have lied to Arthur Weasley, and there hadn’t been any resentment in the elf’s tone of voice. Therefore, Severus sat comfortably on the bus bench, watching the street where the door to Harry’s house would appear, waiting patiently, staring at the pavement, and glaring at the passersby.

As the sky darkened and the street lamps turned on, Hermione arrived, carrying two large bags and several packages all bundled together as she confidently walked up the steps, obviously having done a lot of shopping at Diagon Alley. Severus moved quickly, coming up behind her before she opened the door. He simply said, “Hello, Hermione,” before he took hold of her arm and Disapparated with her. Her scream filled the room the instant they appeared in his sitting room, and her packages fell to the floor, several of them landing on his feet.

He waved his hand and the single candelabrum illuminated the room. The sitting room still smelled of old parchment and dusty books, but at least he’d been given back all of his family’s heirlooms. She drew her wand the instant the packages fell, but Severus, having anticipated that reaction, merely snatched it from her hand, handing it back to her the moment she realized who she was with.

Still the outrage in her eyes didn’t dim any as she backed away from him while she tried to assess her surroundings. “You – you… How could you?” she stammered, stamping one foot petulantly.

He smirked at her childish action, but didn’t take his eyes off her face. Angry, she’s actually rather pretty, although not as lovely as when she’s in the throes of passion. “Easily enough,” Severus replied in a languid drawl, then simply smiled and waited, enjoying the display of her natural tendencies of self-preservation. She has honed her instincts well, he thought with a sense of admiration. So far so good – no apparent display of temper or childish tantrums.

“Why am I here – where is here?” she asked, clearly frightened. She was looking around quickly, and Severus knew she was taking in everything: the well-worn rug, a few rickety tables, some threadbare furniture, and that the room was completely lined with bookshelves. The only aspect of the room appealing to her, if he judged her expression correctly, was the books.

“This is our home, Mrs. Snape,” he said with a sweep of his hand, indicating the single room. “Since you were so nervous and uncomfortable in my friend’s home, I decided to bring you here instead. Unless you wish to copulate on the ground somewhere – like the orchard perhaps, a park, or a phone box, or any other location of your choice?” he asked with a sneer.

For a few heartbeats, Hermione was silent, possibly overwhelmed by the sheer number of books in the room or taken aback by the shabbiness of his furniture. Severus couldn’t be sure, unable to judge the lack of expression. Suddenly she turned on him and yelled, “You mean you brought me here – abducted me off the street – to have sex with you?!”

Severus had initially taken her silence to mean the room disgusted her, but her outburst infuriated him. “All things considered? Yes. And to talk, since apparently, if I’m to believe what the Daily Prophet prints, you’ve yet to make up your mind about us. Oh, yes, wait – you did procure the annulment parchments, did you not?” he asked, still sneering at her. “However, dear wife, I also believe that you’ve yet to submit them. I thought that I could possibly make the decision a bit easier for you,” he said, the edge of his resentment barely evident in his tone, but his attempt to control his emotions made his words sound a bit harsh. No matter, she’s made her decision. Seeing this place will only cinch it for her.

He waited until she lowered her wand and slipped it into her pocket. “So, wife, let me show you your new home,” he said. Taking her by the hand, he opened a concealed doorway in the bookshelves. “This doorway leads to a kitchen and dining area and my potions lab,” he stated as he dragged her along, giving her barely enough time to assess the small kitchen, dirty Floo, and worn mismatched chairs around a small scrubbed wooden table. He opened the door to his lab, and her eyes grew large as her gaze swept the room, taking in his efficient layout, ample workspace and storage shelving.

He pulled her back into the dining area of the elongated kitchen. “There is another room off the kitchen area, just a few crates and old trunks that leads into a converted sunroom, although all the plants died long ago.” Severus quickly pointed to a door across from the Floo. “There is a back door; however, I strongly suggest avoiding the back garden unless you wish to become plant food. It’s completely overgrown, and the plants have grown quite wild.”

“There’s more.” He grabbed her hand, dragging her back into the sitting room and through another door that opened to expose the landing of the narrow staircase, pulling her to follow him to the upper floor.

On the stairs, she finally found her voice again. “Why are you surprised that I was uncomfortable at Malfoy manor? They hate me. They tortured my friends and me when we were taken there. They killed Dobby and…”

“They consented to allow me to bring you there since that is where I have been living since my near fatal snake bite. Lucius was most amused, but he granted permission for me to bring my wife there,” he said coolly. “You would not have been tortured. Unless you consider copulating with me torture?”

Hermione fell silent, possibly not wanting to offend him by answering, and he glowered at her silence.

There were three doors on their right and one on their left as they entered the upstairs hallway. “A box room, my old room, loo,” he said, pointing to the doors on her right before he tugged on her arm to follow him into the room on the left. “My parents’ room,” he said, shoving her slightly to make her enter the room, then closing the door behind him. There were two windows, a large bed that sat across from a small fireplace, two small chairs, and two crates he’d enlarged as bedside tables, as well as two plain wardrobes. The available walls were covered with dusty bookshelves that also held grimy jars and bottles at random intervals. The room had the look of not having been used in quite a while. The huge bed was properly made, although it still had that unkempt look, and the dusty hangings were tied back. Hermione turned around to look at the room, her face impassive. She watched, her expression turning to apprehension as Severus casually removed his robe and kicked off his shoes. “So now you’ve seen the house.”

Hermione simply nodded, intimated by his casual stare as he continued to undress. She turned to face one of the bookshelves, biting on her lip nervously.

“Well,” he said, moving to stand close to her. To her credit, she turned her head to look at him but didn’t back away. He reached out to touch her face, but stopped when she flinched and dropped his hands to his side. “I’m not going to rape you, but I would rather you gave yourself freely. It’s more enjoyable that way.”

Hermione lowered her gaze as she slowly removed her robes, letting the garment fall to the floor, and slowly unbuttoned her blouse, then stripped off her jeans. Finally, she stood before him in only her knickers and socks.

With a wave of his wand, the covers on the bed pulled back on their own, revealing old sheets and flat pillows. He indicated the bed, and she sighed as she walked over and sat down. He reached out to cup her face and leaned down to kiss her, pushing her down to lie beneath him. She barely moved as he caressed her, until his mouth covered her beast and his fingers found her clitoris. He slid two fingers inside her as he savored her breast and then waited for her to relax. Using his thumb, he stimulated her, pleased when she began to whimper and moan. Soon she was writhing, her breathing ragged, and he raised himself up to watch her as he brought her to climax, enjoying the expressions she made during her orgasm.

His penis twitched, painfully engorged as he continued to stimulate her. She began to protest, trying to shove his hand away, but he laughed softly and lowered himself to stroke her sensitive clit with his tongue. She cried out and grasped his head, clutching his hair painfully in her fingers, but he continued. He reveled in the fact he could elicit such a response from her. Feeling her clench around his fingers, he hummed against her clitoris, sending her beyond control, giving her another orgasm. He rose and positioned himself, entering her in one smooth thrust, feeling her clamp down on him again. She was so tight that she was nearly painful and so wet and hot he could barely control his own body’s reactions. His balls were so taut and his penis so hard that it didn’t take long for his own release to come. “Miss – Hermione, I – I can’t… I’m… sorry,” he gasped suddenly as his release came, feeling like he was emptying everything he had inside her. He collapsed on her, feeling completely spent. He rolled onto his back and fell asleep in only a few minutes.

Severus woke up and saw Hermione curled up in a chair, reading. Several of his books were piled up on the bedside table next to her. She watched him above the book in her lap, as if trying not to stare. “I couldn’t get out,” she said, breaking the silence. Severus made no attempt to cover himself, smirking when her eyes darted down to his growing erection and back to his face.

“My wards,” he said casually, amused that his nudeness seemed to intimidate her. “I’ve had to reinforce them since the Aurors were in the house, ransacking my belongings.” He leaned on one elbow. “So, do I take you back to Grimmauld Place, the Burrow, or the manor?”

“The manor?” she asked, alarmed. “I cannot go there.”

“There is no food in the house, so unless you wish to dine on potion ingredients, I suggest we eat somewhere else,” he stated casually, watching her nose crinkle at his suggestion. “I haven’t been here in a long time.”

“I noticed. I tried to – tidy up in the loo, but…” she said and then blushed.

He noticed that she fidgeted with her toes under his watchful stare. “Sorry about that, I don’t own house-elves, and I’m a true bachelor – clean only what’s necessary and then usually by wand. The last time I was here was just after your sixth year.”

“So this isn’t really your home,” she said, shifting in the chair.

Severus never really liked seeing people, especially the students, sitting with their feet in the chairs, but with her, the pose was almost adorable. At least she’d had the courtesy of removing her shoes. “I lived at Hogwarts nearly ten months out of the year and wherever the Dark Lord needed me to be the other two and a half. I am currently staying with the Malfoys, although I will have to decide what to do with this place,” he said with a wave of his hand.

She looked surprised. “You’ve another option?”

He smirked wickedly. “I always have an option,” he stated smoothly. “I am very frugal and have little need for things. I have few expenses besides my potions ingredients of course, and many of those I can find or procure myself. And, as you can see, my affinity for books. Besides books and potion utensils, I have few personal possessions.”

“This house has potential if you cleaned it up some. The sunroom would be nice and bright…” she said, her voice trailing off when he raised his eyebrow.

“But it smells like death,” he said, and she nodded. “I won’t tell you why.” He shifted his legs to alleviate the pressure on his lower anatomy. The move wasn’t lost on Hermione. “Actually, if I had any reason to, I suppose I could fix the place up.”

“Why haven’t you?” she asked, trying to keep her gaze on his face and failing, much to his amusement.

“This was my father’s house,” he said more sharply than he intended. “It was magically altered by my mother to suit our families’ needs.” He decided to change the subject to avoid uncomfortable questions about his family. “So what do you plan on doing?”

“I’m returning to school,” she answered with a tone that challenged him to deny her right to go.

“I know that,” he snapped. “I meant about us?”

“What do you think I intend to do about us?” she answered his question with her own.

So you want to dump this decision on me, do you? “I think you should know that under the circumstances, you have no future with me,” he said sharply. “I may have been pardoned, but I will carry a stigma the rest of my life that will reflect on you should you choose to remain in this Bonding. Although I’m sure that with your war status and being Potter’s friend that may or may not impede your career in whatever field you choose to pursue. But I am also twice your age, and as you can see, I have little to offer you,” he stated harshly. “You’d be a fool to want me.”

“Do you want me?” she asked, worrying her lip.

The question surprised him even more than her earlier remark about his father’s house. He watched her bottom lip as it slipped out from under her front teeth as she slowly released it. It made him want to nibble on it as well, which only made his penis twitch again, reminding him of his irrefutable physical attraction to her. “I have you, Hermione. You made the arrangement, which we consummated. In regards to wanting you, I am inclined to say yes, but I’m still deciding,” he stated coolly, but his lower regions were clearly demonstrating the exact extent of his attraction in opposition of his tone. He chose to ignore that fact as he continued. “Technically, the decision was made the moment we came together in the pond, although I was under the influence of your spell. I would have taken on the entire Weasley clan and Potter to get to you. If you’d read any of the books on the spell you’d have known this.” She blushed, and his eyes narrowed. “Where did you read about the spell in the first place? You are terribly ignorant of what you have done.”

Her head snapped up, and her expression was angry. “I am very well aware of my ignorance of the spell at the time when I cast it. I’m not sure exactly why we thought it would be a good idea. I suppose after all the fighting, the loss of life, the realization I could have died, too… It hit me rather hard. I suppose I wanted something good to look forward to. I wanted love in my life – well, I had that, sort of, but I wasn’t entirely sure. I suppose I wanted it confirmed. To know I had someone I could really connect with, someone who loved me with the same kind of love my parents have. The thought that the spell would show me my soul mate sounded good at the time. I didn’t think it would link us – I thought you were dead! I saw you die! I wouldn’t have left you there if I thought you were alive. I would have tried to help you, get help, get you back to the castle… Something other than just leaving you there! But Harry said you’d died – I thought you’d died. I’m sorry. I should have checked, or something, since we were so obviously wrong.”

“You stupid girl! If you had taken me back to the castle, you would have alerted the Dark Lord and his followers you were there. If you’d tried hauling me though that crawl space of a tunnel, I’d have only slowed you down and you might have been captured. I’m assuming you were using Potter’s cloak? It wouldn’t have covered the three of you while you tried to drag or carry me – you would’ve been seen! And even if you had managed to get me to the castle, I was a traitor in everyone’s eyes,” he snarled. “I would have been left to rot until after the final battle or killed. Lucius knew where I was, and, apparently, he sent Narcissa to help me. He simply had to wait until the Dark Lord left the shack. You have no idea how close you and Potter were to the Dark Lord – he was right outside the door!”

She honestly looked abashed, and he momentarily regretted being so harsh with her.

“How did you survive, if I may ask?” she asked softly, almost a whisper.

“The Dark Lord started using Nagini to kill anyone who displeased him. I assume he grew tired of the Killing Curse. He still enjoyed using the Cruciatus and had even been perfecting a variation of it, the Atrociatus. Lucius, I found out, had come to the realization he’d been wrong about the Dark Lord, especially after living with him in his home. He grew wary, witnessing the Dark Lord’s dementia and fearing daily for the lives of Draco and Narcissa. We made a plan to protect ourselves – not only against the Atrociatus, but from Nagini’s bite.”

“What is the Atrociatus?” she asked, and he looked at her annoyed.

“I thought you wanted to know how I survived?” he asked, annoyed by her question. He didn’t want to talk to her – or anyone about the Atrociatus Curse. Luckily, only a handful ever saw the curse used and, of those, only two surviving Death Eaters knew about it – him and Lucius Malfoy.

“No, I’m sorry – please continue,” she said, blushing, holding his book on her lap with both hands.

“We knew we had only a slight chance of surviving the Atrociatus Cruse, so we focused on the Dark Lord’s other favored way of dispensing with those who angered him – Nagini’s bite. Lucius, Narcissa, and Draco were given my antivenin, and we all carried a vial of it, as well as a dose of Draught of Living Death at all times. What you saw was the effects of the potions. I would take the antivenin whenever I was summoned unexpectedly to the Dark Lord just in case. I used a Muggle technique of a capsule, shrinking a full dose of the Draught of Living Death into it, which I held in my cheek. When Nagini bit me, I bit the capsule, swallowed the potion, and let it seem as if I was dying. I barely had enough time to tell Potter what he needed to know, so I forced my memories from my mind. That is what you saw.”

“But how did you do it – give Harry your memories without a wand?” she asked.

“The same spell used to remove memories with a wand, Divelliexponere. Only without a wand the memory just leaks out of any orifice of the head,” he explained. He could tell she was impressed, and he felt a twinge of smugness. “So, either come here,” he said, patting the bed, “or if you’re hungry, we’ll leave.”

Hermione dropped her feet to the floor, placing the book on the pile next to the bed, and for a moment, he thought she would actually choose to come to him. “I’m actually hungry,” she said softly, and he felt a wave a disappointment.

“Fine, I’ll dress.” He rose and wandlessly summoned his clothes. He dressed slowly, watching her from under the shield of his hair. She was watching him and wasn’t even trying to hide her curiosity. “So which will it be, dinner with me at the manor or returned to Grimmauld Place?”

“Grimmauld Place,” she said with absolute certainty.

He forced his face to assume his usual mask of indifference to cover his disappointment. “Fine.” He walked past her and down the stairs, opening the concealed door to allow her into his sitting room. He levitated her packages and helped her collect them. “I can manage them,” she said as she reached out to take the ones he held. “I just have to Apparate back to the front of the house, and Kreacher will help me.”

“You cannot Apparate from my home, Hermione,” he said softly, keeping his tone neutral. “I will take you back.” He wrapped his arm around her waist, and in a few seconds had her standing on the stoop of Harry’s home. He pulled her tighter to him and kissed her, nearly making her lose her balance. “I want to see you tomorrow. We apparently need to come to a decision. I’ll owl you when I will come to get you.”

“I’ve already made arrangements with Ginny and Luna,” she replied.

“What time?” he asked, handing her her packages.

“All afternoon,” she replied.

“I’ll be here at six, and I expect you to be ready. You and I still need to talk – about a lot of things,” he said and left before his urge to hex someone – anyone – became an unfortunate accident.

~ T B C ~>

Author’s notes:

I want to thank my betas, MadBrilliant and Shugg, for giving this a read and helping me clean up all my mistakes. I really appreciate it very much.

Atrocitas is Latin for: frightfulness, cruelty, harshness, and barbarity.

Consigliare is Italian for: advise.

Divello is Latin for: to pluck apart, tear asunder, break up, destroy, interrupt; to distract, pull away, remove, separate.

Exponere is Latin for: to put outside, cast out

As usual, my favorite site for Latin wording is: http://www.freedict.com/onldict/lat.html

Consigliare ab Hector Savinien de Cyrano de Bergerac is the full name of the infamous Cyrano de Bergerac. Yes, all right, I figured Severus might need the help of a professional. Besides, Narcissa didn’t think he’d had a lot of experience wooing a witch, and Hermione is a bit unusual in that the usual most likely wouldn’t work.