Chapter 4
Chapter 4 of 14
irishredlassChapter 4
A/N: I checked all through my thesaurus and I could not find a single word that would accurately express my gratitude, to you--the reader. I am humbled by your praise and encouragement. In addition, I will forever be grateful to Lariope and Ladyinthecloak for their patience and support. Not to mention their amazing grasp of fanfiction and the English Language; without them you would never see this story. Irish
Disclaimer: The world of Harry Potter belongs to J.K. Rowling. I simply take them out to play. I promise that I will return them in like new condition.
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Two days later, Hermione again found herself lost in thought…
What had happened when they were in Severus’—no, Professor Snape’s, she must think of him as such—sitting room? It was dangerous to think of him as Severus. If she was not careful, she would slip and call him Severus in casual conversation. What would Harry and Ron think?
Hermione had not confided in her two best mates that she was harboring a known criminal and a dead man. It had been difficult to keep this information from the boys when she had visited at Grimmauld Place, but it was a necessity. No one must know until they found a cure. She was beginning to feel as if she was being torn into pieces.
Upon returning from his private lab, Professor Snape had been as acerbic as ever. “I presume you have had enough time to invade my privacy. Shall we return?” he had snarled.
But before, it had been as if he were a different person, not softer, yet more approachable. When he looked at her with those bottomless dark eyes, she had almost kissed him! Ever since, she had been wondering what it would have been like. Would those thin lips, which were so often drawn into a sneer, soften under her own fuller lips? Most likely he would have pushed her away with some scathing remark about her impetuousness. Honestly, Hermione counted herself lucky. Professor Snape had had little to say to her that did not revolve around their brewing.
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You have no business lusting after a child, Severus castigated himself again. Ever since that encounter in the sitting room as Spinner’s End, he had caught himself watching her. He knew that she had almost kissed him. He wished that she had.
Fortunately, the necessity of brewing kept them from voicing their personal internal wars.
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Dumbledore watched in silent approval as his two former pupils danced around each other. He hoped that both would lose their internal battles, so they could win the war. Having Hermione’s input and assistance with the potion would be invaluable, but what she could do for Severus, the man, had the potential of a lifetime.
Severus was justified in his concern. If a cure was not found soon, Dumbledore knew the end would come. The monthly transformations he had endured since the end of the war were taxing even for young wizards, and he had seen more than a century of life. He did not fear his own death. Like his friend, Nicholas Flamel, he looked upon it as the beginning of the next great adventure. What he feared was how Severus would handle it. Would he blame himself as he did now? Or would he be able to let go and go on with life? He hoped that the budding friendship and—dare he hope romance?--between Severus and Miss Granger would help the younger man, should his death be inevitable.
The Potions master was the son that he never had, and he loved him as such. He did not want his death to haunt the younger man throughout his life. Dumbledore felt it was a rather fortuitous turn of events when Severus relented to contacting Miss Granger. If anyone could help the young man, Dumbledore believed it was this bright young witch.
Hermione posed the same drive and thirst for knowledge that Dumbledore remembered of the young Severus, who used to haunt Hogwart’s library. Yes, there would be spirited discussions and opinions that did not always match. This was to be expected when two formidable and intelligent people communicated. Oh, how he would love to watch them grow together.
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Severus gazed upon the near-full celestial body glowing luminously in the sky. He had always found beauty and peace in gazing upon the night sky. Now, as the dimmer lights of the stars faded next to the brilliance of a near-full moon, he felt that an ax was hanging over his neck. This would be the first Transformation since they had taken up residence in the Granger house. The first time that Hermione—no, Miss Granger—would witness the progression of his crimes. Why had Albus not just left him to die?
“Professor, come quick!” Hermione’s shout brought him out of his thoughts. Swearing, he hurried into the kitchen to find Albus unconscious on the floor, and a frantic Hermione trying to revive him. With a flick of his wand, he levitated the Headmaster’s near lifeless body up the stairs to the room that he now occupied. Settling him on the bed, where he looked more dead than alive, he summoned a phial from the basement potions lab.
“Miss Granger, if you would elevate his head, he needs to ingest this draught.”
Hermione moved to the head of the bed and, with surprising ease, lifted the frail man’s head and shoulders to rest upon her own upper body.
With his left hand, Severus gently opened the older man’s jaw, tipping the contents into his mouth as he massaged his throat, to induce swallowing.
When the task was completed, Hermione resettled the Headmaster, and they both left the room.
Silently, they descended the stairs, both lost in thought, and returned to the kitchen. Hermione automatically began to brew tea as the somber professor sat at the table with his head in his hands. Setting a cup before the still-silent professor, she stated softly, “I think you need to tell me what to expect.”
“Isn’t it apparent?” he snapped. “He is dying.” There was no response, so he continued. “The Headmaster is not a young man; each transformation is taxing his magical and physical energy more and more. He never seems to fully recover from one month to the next. The potion I just administered will keep him asleep until the change is complete tomorrow night.” He continued in his best lecturing voice, “Once he has changed, I will give him the first dose of a modified, Wolfsbane. The new version uses Ginko Biloba to enhance mental clarity. He will be quite lucid in his werewolf form and even able to communicate.”
“But that is amazing!” Hermione interrupted.
“It is not enough,” he cut her off. “We have to be able to stop the Transformations completely, or he will die.”
“You can do this—we can do this! You are so close,” she stated emphatically. “You have already found a way to maintain mental clarity.”
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A/N: I know this chapter is quite short. It is more of a transition. I promise more to come soon. Irish
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Latest 25 Reviews for Require Your Assistance
271 Reviews | 6.4/10 Average
Really great
This story was so much fun to read! And there's a Mrs. Dumbledore?!? Even funnier.
Response from irishredlass (Author of Require Your Assistance)
Thank you for the lovely review
Response from irishredlass (Author of Require Your Assistance)
Thank you for the lovely review
It's a wonderful story! Thank you!!!
Response from irishredlass (Author of Require Your Assistance)
No thank you!
Response from irishredlass (Author of Require Your Assistance)
No thank you!
"a foul-tempered Professor Snape "thats redundant 
like it so far...Cheres MoepiAKA Michèle
Response from irishredlass (Author of Require Your Assistance)
Thank you I am glad you are enjoying
The Quibbler interview was very amusing. Especially with Luna fainting. I really enjoyed the story.
Response from irishredlass (Author of Require Your Assistance)
Thank you so much I am glad you liked it. The Quibbler was a lark and I am glad it worked for you. Irish
Response from irishredlass (Author of Require Your Assistance)
Thank you so much I am glad you liked it. The Quibbler was a lark and I am glad it worked for you. Irish
what a terrific story and i am so glad i was along for the ride. i look forward to your further efforts with delighted anticipation. thanks so much for sharing you talent. 
Response from irishredlass (Author of Require Your Assistance)
Thank you. I am glad you enjoyed. Did you venture on to see his thoughts about his marriage in Contemplations?
Response from irishredlass (Author of Require Your Assistance)
Thank you. I am glad you enjoyed. Did you venture on to see his thoughts about his marriage in Contemplations?
Absolutely wonderful story!!!!
Response from irishredlass (Author of Require Your Assistance)
Thank you so much did you venture on to see his thoughts of marriage in Contemplations?
Response from irishredlass (Author of Require Your Assistance)
Thank you so much did you venture on to see his thoughts of marriage in Contemplations?
I enjoyed that.
Response from irishredlass (Author of Require Your Assistance)
Thank you! Glad to hear it. Irish
Response from irishredlass (Author of Require Your Assistance)
Thank you! Glad to hear it. Irish
A lovely ending to a lovely story!
Response from irishredlass (Author of Require Your Assistance)
Thank you I am glad you enjoyed it. Irish
Response from irishredlass (Author of Require Your Assistance)
Thank you I am glad you enjoyed it. Irish
Lovely final chapter. I think you captured Luna perfectly!
Response from irishredlass (Author of Require Your Assistance)
Thank you so much. Yanno I worried about the Luna bit... I do not tend to do doty very well... Hermione is more my style. I am glad you enjoyed it. Imperio you to go on to Contemplations. Irish
Response from irishredlass (Author of Require Your Assistance)
Thank you so much. Yanno I worried about the Luna bit... I do not tend to do doty very well... Hermione is more my style. I am glad you enjoyed it. Imperio you to go on to Contemplations. Irish
Thank you for giving us a wonderful story! A job very well done!!!
Response from irishredlass (Author of Require Your Assistance)
Thank you so much I am glad you enjoyed it! Irish
Response from irishredlass (Author of Require Your Assistance)
Thank you so much I am glad you enjoyed it! Irish
Perfect ending.
Response from irishredlass (Author of Require Your Assistance)
Thank you :D
Response from irishredlass (Author of Require Your Assistance)
Thank you :D
Oh, Irish! I love this story and this ending. I am so glad that Severus and Albus were really alive, and you told their story very well, indeed.I enjoyed RYA from beginning to end, and thank you for giving us this journey!Now I'm off to read Contemplations.Beth
Response from irishredlass (Author of Require Your Assistance)
Beth, Thank you so much! I love all of your reviews and am so happy you found pleasure in my story. I hope you enjoy Contemplations... to me it is the icing on the cake.HugsIrish
Response from irishredlass (Author of Require Your Assistance)
Beth, Thank you so much! I love all of your reviews and am so happy you found pleasure in my story. I hope you enjoy Contemplations... to me it is the icing on the cake.HugsIrish
Oh, lovely:)I have been following this story all along and it's been great:)Warm regards,Fizzabella
Response from irishredlass (Author of Require Your Assistance)
Response from irishredlass (Author of Require Your Assistance)
, Thank you so much. I have enjoyed each and every review you have sent and find myself guilty of watching for them. I hope you take a moment to look at Contemplations. I, personally, think it rounds out Severus' state of mind much better than this ending, but I am prejudice. Hugs Irish
Response from fizzabella (Reviewer)
I took a peek at it already but I have my grandson here for another few days and don't really have time to read yet.Reading all your work is on my mental "To Do" list:){{hugs}}Fizzabella
Response from irishredlass (Author of Require Your Assistance)
oooooh now I am really excited :) I cannot wait to know what you think... much of what I have posted is original!
Response from irishredlass (Author of Require Your Assistance)
Response from irishredlass (Author of Require Your Assistance)
, Thank you so much. I have enjoyed each and every review you have sent and find myself guilty of watching for them. I hope you take a moment to look at Contemplations. I, personally, think it rounds out Severus' state of mind much better than this ending, but I am prejudice. Hugs Irish
Response from fizzabella (Reviewer)
I took a peek at it already but I have my grandson here for another few days and don't really have time to read yet.Reading all your work is on my mental "To Do" list:){{hugs}}Fizzabella
Response from irishredlass (Author of Require Your Assistance)
oooooh now I am really excited :) I cannot wait to know what you think... much of what I have posted is original!
What a surprising ending! Having Albus back was a interesting twist. Hopefully Severus will be happy back teaching 'dudnerheads'.
Response from irishredlass (Author of Require Your Assistance)
I think now that he has something positive in his life to balance all of the negative happiness is not only possible but probable. I believe a person is only truely and completely unhappy when there is nothing in their life which is positive. A happy home life can make a negative work environment bearable just as a positive work environment or job you love can make a less than happy homelife tolerable. It is all about balance. Thank you for reviewing. Hugs Irish
Response from sinbad (Reviewer)
Sounds good to me. Will there be an epilogue?
Response from irishredlass (Author of Require Your Assistance)
The "epilogue" if you will was published about mid-way through RYA... it can be found under the title Contemplations on TPP
Response from irishredlass (Author of Require Your Assistance)
I think now that he has something positive in his life to balance all of the negative happiness is not only possible but probable. I believe a person is only truely and completely unhappy when there is nothing in their life which is positive. A happy home life can make a negative work environment bearable just as a positive work environment or job you love can make a less than happy homelife tolerable. It is all about balance. Thank you for reviewing. Hugs Irish
Response from sinbad (Reviewer)
Sounds good to me. Will there be an epilogue?
Response from irishredlass (Author of Require Your Assistance)
The "epilogue" if you will was published about mid-way through RYA... it can be found under the title Contemplations on TPP
thank you for wrapping it up so neatly how sweet and you wove a tale that was wonderful from beging to mendthank you again love and chocolates
Response from irishredlass (Author of Require Your Assistance)
mmmmm chocolate... hopefully the rich dark kind that as Subversa wrote "taste like Severus' voice sounds" can you guess what story that is from? It is the story that hooked me into fan fic. Thank you for reviewing.Hugs Irish
Response from irishredlass (Author of Require Your Assistance)
mmmmm chocolate... hopefully the rich dark kind that as Subversa wrote "taste like Severus' voice sounds" can you guess what story that is from? It is the story that hooked me into fan fic. Thank you for reviewing.Hugs Irish
Thanks for the story it was a joy to read, and I will check out Contemplations. Look forward to more from you.
Response from irishredlass (Author of Require Your Assistance)
Thank you. I am glad you enjoyed RYA and I hope you equally enjoy Contemplations. Irish
Response from irishredlass (Author of Require Your Assistance)
Thank you. I am glad you enjoyed RYA and I hope you equally enjoy Contemplations. Irish
Great story! I loved it!!!gab
Response from irishredlass (Author of Require Your Assistance)
Thank you I am so glad you enjoyed it.
Response from irishredlass (Author of Require Your Assistance)
Thank you I am so glad you enjoyed it.
I'm really enjoying this, but I've been wondering what was Harry's message. Did I miss something?
Response from irishredlass (Author of Require Your Assistance)
No you are not really missing anything... as Harry's message was not imparative to the plot it was not revealed. I imagine he was nagging about Hermione's absence. Thank you for reviewing.
Response from Merlina Thalia (Reviewer)
Ok, lol, thanks, I just was curious:)
Response from irishredlass (Author of Require Your Assistance)
No you are not really missing anything... as Harry's message was not imparative to the plot it was not revealed. I imagine he was nagging about Hermione's absence. Thank you for reviewing.
Response from Merlina Thalia (Reviewer)
Ok, lol, thanks, I just was curious:)
Oh! Another story done! I enjoyed this one as well! I can't wait to read your next stories!
Response from irishredlass (Author of Require Your Assistance)
Thank you. I am glad you have enjoyed it. My exchange fic is next on the writing block so it might be some time before you see it posted here, but eventually. Irish
Response from irishredlass (Author of Require Your Assistance)
Thank you. I am glad you have enjoyed it. My exchange fic is next on the writing block so it might be some time before you see it posted here, but eventually. Irish
A very nice wrap up to the story. I've enjoyed it very much.
Response from irishredlass (Author of Require Your Assistance)
Thank you so much. I was nervous about the "wrap up" as I did not want it to seem rushed, but I consoled myself with the knowledge that my readers could always pop over to Contemplations to see how Severus felt on his wedding day.Reviews from people such as yourself, who have made such a huge impact in fandom, are the greatest reward. I admire your writing and thank you from the bottom of my heart for taking the time to offer your opnion and support.Irish
Response from irishredlass (Author of Require Your Assistance)
Thank you so much. I was nervous about the "wrap up" as I did not want it to seem rushed, but I consoled myself with the knowledge that my readers could always pop over to Contemplations to see how Severus felt on his wedding day.Reviews from people such as yourself, who have made such a huge impact in fandom, are the greatest reward. I admire your writing and thank you from the bottom of my heart for taking the time to offer your opnion and support.Irish
A lovely ending. I especially liked the bit from the Quibbler (and the description of Luna's reaction).
Response from irishredlass (Author of Require Your Assistance)
Thank you! I was really nervous about The Quibbler bit. I am no newspaper writer. I am glad it worked for you. Irish
Response from irishredlass (Author of Require Your Assistance)
Thank you! I was really nervous about The Quibbler bit. I am no newspaper writer. I am glad it worked for you. Irish
Good wrap up, Irish :)
Response from irishredlass (Author of Require Your Assistance)
Thanks I am glad you liked it:) Irirsh
Response from irishredlass (Author of Require Your Assistance)
Thanks I am glad you liked it:) Irirsh
Oh no! This is the second fic in a row tonight that I've read where this is the last chapter! I hope the alert for the next story I get isn't for another last chapter! I absolutely loved this story, and I still firmly believe that Severus Snape is alive! :D
Response from irishredlass (Author of Require Your Assistance)
Let me guess you have been reading Sage by lady_rhian? I too believe he is alive and will live on in my writing! Thank you for your wonderful review. You can always check out how he felt about his wedding by reading Contemplations. HugsIrish
Response from hermione278 (Reviewer)
Yup, Sage it is! :PI think I shall go read that now :D
Response from irishredlass (Author of Require Your Assistance)
Let me guess you have been reading Sage by lady_rhian? I too believe he is alive and will live on in my writing! Thank you for your wonderful review. You can always check out how he felt about his wedding by reading Contemplations. HugsIrish
Response from hermione278 (Reviewer)
Yup, Sage it is! :PI think I shall go read that now :D
Great chapter, I'm sorry it took so long to get back to you but real life has been quite hectic.
Response from irishredlass (Author of Require Your Assistance)
Hey it is NEVER too late to post a review, especially one that has sooo many pretty stars (pats the stars and preens). Thank you Irish
Response from irishredlass (Author of Require Your Assistance)
Hey it is NEVER too late to post a review, especially one that has sooo many pretty stars (pats the stars and preens). Thank you Irish