Primero

Forbidden Obsession

Primero

Two years later, Hermione Granger, Harry Potter, and Ronald Weasley were sitting in the kitchen of Number 12 Grimmauld Place, waiting for a meeting of the Order of the Phoenix to begin. They had already begun their seventh year so they resided at Hogwarts like all students, but would return to the old Black residence for the meetings.

After Sirius' death, Harry had inherited everything belonging to his Godfather, including the house. Harry had agreed that the Order could remain there under one condition: that he, Ron, and Hermione would be treated like adults and information would not be withheld from them. After much negotiation, it was agreed that the three would become adult members of the Order in addition to spending their summers at Grimmauld Place.

The members of the Order were on edge, silently waiting for Severus Snape to arrive. Everyone was very aware of the seriousness of the role Severus played and showed their appreciation of him whenever they could – everyone, that is, except Harry, Ron and Hermione. They still hated Snape as much as he despised them. Although Hermione made a valiant attempt at times to remind her friends of the crucial role Snape played for the Order and the respect he deserved from them, she wandered every time he insulted her why she persisted in trying to give Snape the appreciation she felt he deserved. Even though she only spoke of it with her friends, Hermione felt as though her dislike for him was a betrayal of their valued ally. Snape's ongoing harshness, though, kept her antipathy at a constant low boil.

At last, Severus entered the kitchen wearing his trademark black robes that billowed behind him as he strode into the room. He hurriedly made his way to the front, making it clear in the minds of all present that he did not have a second to waste. It pleased him to find everyone in attendance, waiting for him, confirming and acknowledging his vital role to the group.

Albus Dumbledore stood to welcome Severus as he approached, his light blue robes and the white beard that blended with the intricate embroidered pattern on his front, contrasting with the severe, solid black of the Potions Master's clothing. The half-moon glasses balancing on the tip of Albus' nose moved slightly as he greeted Severus with an appreciative handshake.

Severus leaned in and whispered something to Albus before letting go of his hand and continuing to the front of the kitchen. Albus shook his head in acknowledgement and murmured, "Of course, Severus," but said nothing more.

"The bat almost looks human tonight," Ron loudly whispered, turning to face Harry and Hermione.

A 'SMACK!' echoed throughout the kitchen, followed by a "Shhhhh!" as Molly Weasley heard her son whispering just as Severus was about to speak, and reaching across two people she smacked Ron on the back of the head. Ron gave his mum a dirty look, but didn't say another word.

Snape's eyes darted in their direction and he scowled at them for a moment before turning his attention to the rest of the group. It was no secret that there was discord between Snape and the three students, but because they were working on the same side, they tacitly agreed to stomach the others' presence for the sake of harmony within the Order.

"Severus, please inform us of the latest developments concerning Tom," requested Albus, attempting to direct the attention of those present back to the purpose of the gathering. It wasn't often that Severus attended meetings, so, when he did, it was clear he had information the others needed to be informed of.

Severus nodded and before he spoke, his eyes scanned each of the members silently commanding all of their attentions. They gave it to him, even Harry, Ron, and Hermione. His voice was quiet and smooth with an underlying authoritarian quality that compelled everyone to listen to him intently as the words flowed from his mouth...

"The Dark Lord is currently planning an attack on Azkaban. He wants the rest of his Death Eaters by his side."

During their sixth year, the Death Eaters had attacked Hogsmeade, but in an impressive battle, the students that were present and mainly members of the D.A., were able to fight them off until the Order arrived.

A group of students decided that they needed to learn how to protect themselves due to their belief in a few years ago when Voldemort returned many wizards and witches refused to believe it because the Minister of Magic, Cornelius Fudge, denied the claims that were made by Albus Dumbledore and Harry Potter. There were a few students who did believe that Voldemort had returned and felt they needed to be prepared to defend themselves. The current Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher was Delores Umbridge. Umbridge, by orders from Cornelius Fudge, did not teach the students defense spells and curses, so with the persistence of Hermione, Harry formed a club that taught defense spells and curses. The students who joined became known as Dumbledore's Army, the D.A.

During the attack on Hogsmeade, several Death Eaters had been taken into custody, and all had proven to be powerful, loyal servants to the Dark Lord.

"The specific intricacies of the Dark Lord's plans have not been made available to me as yet, but I am aware that the raid on Azkaban will take place during the next full moon." Severus' eyes flashed to Remus Lupin, searching for his reaction. Voldemort's most recent attacks had all occurred during full moons, preventing Remus from fulfilling his duties as an Order member.

The gray streaks through Remus' light brown hair had become more evident over the past two years, just as the lines of stress had deepened on his face. Remus Lupin was a well-liked man amongst those who knew him well, but, generally, those around him misunderstood him due to his lycanthropy, which had proven itself to be more than just a physical curse. Remus' affliction had controlled his life to the point he believed that he had lost everything: his friends, his rightful life, and his desire to exist. With his defeatism came the burning need to fight his frustrations out on the battlefield. In his mind, he had nothing to lose; his existence was something he was willing to sacrifice for those who did know him, those who showed that they cared.

Hearing Severus emphasize the date of the next attack once again made him feel redundant. Clenching his fist, Remus forced himself to calm, not wanting to give Severus the satisfaction of seeing his rage and frustration. Remus returned Severus' gaze, knowing it would it would annoy Severus. He unclenched his fist and controlled his outward reactions.

Severus saw Remus' fist clench and quickly relax. The corner of his mouth curled. Maintaining eye contact with Remus, Severus took a slow, deep breath, utilizing the energy from Remus' emotions before continuing.

"The Dark Lord believes that it will be most advantageous to attack during the full moon, because the Esbats celebrations bring power and inner strength, increasing the powers of the Dark Lord. He wants three of his Death Eaters returned to him, Lucius Malfoy and both Bellatrix and Rodolphus Lestrange. The others are expendable and he doesn't care whether they are returned to him - they have failed him too many times."

Severus' eyes moved to meet Remus' again, confirming his heightened negative emotions due to Severus' baiting.

"Now that the Goblins are in full control of Azkaban, it will be very difficult to get in," Molly offered.

Molly had noticed after Sirius' death that Severus would remain at the house slightly longer than before. It may have been only an hour or two more, but it caused Molly to be concerned with even the most minor details when preparing for a meeting. She held a deep respect for the caustic wizard, and even though she knew it was unlikely that Severus would eat while in the Black house, Molly made sure that all Severus' preferred foods and beverages were available. She, along with several of the other members of the Order, recognized Severus as being an integral part of their plans to defeat Voldemort, and she was willing to do the extra work to let him know that he was appreciated.

Albus stood up and turned to face the group. "Yes, it will be more difficult for Tom to successfully release his Death Eaters. The Goblins agreed to take over Azkaban on the condition that they have full control, which includes fighting to any degree necessary to keep the peace. It will be a violent battle."

"Severus, what strategy is Voldemort using to access Azkaban?" asked Kingsley Shacklebolt in his deep slow voice. The tall, black Auror, who sported a single gold hoop earring and dark brown robes, was a key player within the Order because of his connections inside the Ministry.

Severus respected Kingsley for his ability to fight and the level of intelligence he displayed, but still held a grudge against Kingsley for leading the Ministry astray in its search for Sirius Black, shortly after his escape from Azkaban.

"He told his Death Eaters to use any means available to us to return his servants," Severus answered in a cold voice.

The meeting continued with the laying out of different strategies which, they hoped, would cover all angles of attack while protecting as many Order members and Goblins as possible. At the conclusion of the meeting, Harry, Ron, and Hermione stood and made their way to the buffet table.

Ron and Harry were no longer scrawny boys, both having filled out in all the right places. Their increased height and weight gave them the appearance of two bodyguards standing over Hermione. Ron was slightly taller than Harry, and both were heartthrobs among the ladies. Hermione was tall and slender, her hair longer but just as bushy as it had been her entire life. The extra length allowed her to tie it back and keep it out of her way. She had also filled out in all the right places, but kept it hidden underneath her robes. She didn't want or have time for a boyfriend. The three were still inseparable, best friends tried and true.

It was close to midnight when dinner served. The three youngest members of the Order were all very hungry, but Ron was so completely famished that he rushed to the buffet without decorum, to quell his stomach's protests.

"Okay, I understand mum's motive to provide Snape's favorite foods, but bloody hell, the bat never eats here," spouted Ron in between bites of apple crisp and pudding. He was always the first to fill his plate and the first to start eating, even if they weren't sitting at the table. "How does mum know that he even likes this if he's never eaten here?"

"She spoke to the house elves at Hogwarts," whispered Hermione. "Dobby informed her of the foods he prefers, but it's a waste if you ask me. He doesn't even thank her."

Harry silently watched the members of the Order make their way to Snape, expressing their gratitude and appreciation, yet Severus seemed to be unmoved by the gestures. It was clear that Severus was enjoying the position he held in the group, in his usual smug manner.

"Come on Harry, fill your plate," insisted Ron, handing one to him. "Mum is too busy gushing over the bat to even notice her children are starving."

Harry looked back at Ron and then down at the plate that was being shoved into his abdomen. "Thanks," he muttered, taking the plate and filling it with the delicious foods Molly had spent all day preparing. Glancing back, he noticed that Snape was leaving without even glancing twice in Harry's direction. He was grateful for Snape's quick departure, but insulted at the same time, considering that it was at his house the Order was based. He would have liked some kind of acknowledgement from the man. The only thing Snape ever offered was an occasional snide comment about Sirius.

"Come on, love," snapped Ron, taking Hermione's hand, "Let's go sit at the table and enjoy what mum made, even if it wasn't for us." She willingly followed, carrying her plate in her other hand.

"Your mum means well," she said, taking that seat the Ron pulled out for her.

Sitting down heavily in his chair and sighing, he said in a calmer voice, "I know, Hermione. I'm sorry, but it just makes me mad that she goes out of her way to do something nice and doesn't get the recognition she deserves, even if it is from Snape."

"Don't take it so personally, Ron. It isn't like Snape ever gives a compliment," said Harry, joining the two.

"I know, Harry, but hell, this is my mum and I only want what's best."

Hermione suddenly stood up and announced, "Well, maybe he was never taught good manners, but I certainly was." She took her cloth napkin from her lap, laid it on the table, and left before Ron and Harry could say one word.

"Oh gods, she's going to lose points from Gryffindor," moaned Ron.

Harry smiled at her, watching her determinedly catch up with Snape. "Leave her alone," he said with an amused tone in his voice, "she knows what she's doing."

Ron shook his head and went back to eating his food. The thought of Hermione facing off with Snape was something he would rather hear about than witness since both had tempers that could not be reasoned with. Just as Severus was opening the front door to leave, Hermione called out.

"Professor Snape, may I have a word with you, please?"

His hand was on the doorknob, when he heard her call. He cringed. 'Gods, and I was mere seconds from a clean getaway,' he thought. Turning to face her, he closed his robes while crossing his arms in one smooth movement. Silently glaring at her, he cocked one eyebrow, implying that she was wasting his time.

Standing tall and proud, she said matter-of-factly, "Professor Snape, you are a man of intellect, one who pays attention to detail, so of course you have noticed that Molly Weasley, once again, has gone out of her way to prepare an array of delicacies to please your sophisticated tastes. Yet you never stay to enjoy them, or even acknowledge her efforts."

Severus was impressed with her bluntness, but keeping his expression solemn, he leaned closer to her, maintaining eye contact, and said in a smooth, deep voice, "Did it ever occur to you that it might not be the food, but the company I would have to keep?"

Hermione's eyes narrowed as her fists clenched at her sides. Her face turned red from anger and her mouth opened to speak, but she quickly closed it, forcing herself to remain silent. She saw the corner of his mouth curl and realized he seemed to revel in her angry reaction. Forcing herself to calm down, she took a deep breath, noticing that he too took a deep breath, as if they were in sync with one another. As quickly as she noticed it, though, he had nodded and left.

Hermione turned and stomped back to where she had left Ron and Harry who were busy eating. Flopping down in her chair, she crossed her arms and glared in the direction Snape had left.

"Let it go, Hermione," coaxed Harry, "he's not worth it. You have better things to spend that pent up energy on."

"Like what?" she snapped.

"Like the transfiguration essay Professor McGonagall assigned us."

"Oh gods, I still need to research the differences between organic transformation and inorganic transformation," she squeaked. Jumping up from her chair, she kissed each boy on the cheek, grabbed her book bag and left.

Ron and Harry looked at each other and laughed. They had finally learned a surefire way to distract Hermione when she was fuming: just remind her of a current homework assignment. So far it had worked every time.

~TBC