You Know What They Say about Necessity...

A/N: Thanks as always to my awesome reviewers. "You've Got Your Troubles" is by the Fortunes.

Disclaimer: JKR owns it all. I'm not making any money and am only borrowing.


Chapter Ten: You've Got Your Troubles


Hermione gulped. Severus seemed unruffled, until she looked in his eyes. It was faint, but there was definitely… apprehension? Whatever it was, it didn’t show in his voice as he greeted Dumbledore.

“A pleasure to see you as well, headmaster,” Severus drawled. “Do come in and have some tea, won’t you?”

“Don’t mind if I do, my boy, don’t mind if I do,” Dumbledore beamed, seemingly oblivious to the potions master’s sarcasm. He inclined his head. “Hermione. I trust you are well?”

“Yes, professor,” she answered Dumbledore, wang ang as he seated himself next to Severus. “Oh, breakfast as well. Lovely. I am a bit peckish,” Dumbledore said cheerfully, as he helped himself to a plate and began adding sausages, toast, and fruit to it. When he was done piling his plate, he rummaged around in a pocket of his robe. “Now, what did I do with them... ah, here we are,” he proclaimed, removing a tin of candies. “Lemon drop, Hermione?”

“Oh. Thank you,” Hermione replied, taking a sweet from the proffered tin.

“Quite welcome, my dear.” He held the candies out to Severus. “Severus? Lemon drop?”

“No thank you, professor,” Severus answered.

Dumbledore’s smile returned, wider than before, but with an edge. “Severus? Lemon drop?”

Severus sighed. “Certainly.nk ynk you, headmaster,” he said dryly as he lifted a candy and popped it in his mouth. He could tell what kind of mood Albus was in, and knew it was best to humor him at times like these.

“Good, good. Now, about what happened this morning,” Dumbledore said serenely. “Hermione, I should like for you to give me an account, please.”

She blinked. “Beginning your pardon, sir, but why me? I wasn’t involved.”

“Which is precisely why I want you to tell me what happened,” he told her as he began eating. “Don’t be afraid to tell me the entire truth, my dear.”

“But sir, I don’t know if I know the entire truth,” Hermione answered uneasily. “I mean… I believe Harry and Professor Snape might have had some… words while I was not present.”

Dumbledore nodded. “Of that, I am almost certain,” he said merrily, while Severus rolled his eyes and snorted. “However, telling me what happened here at breakfast will be a wonderful start. Unless, Severus, you have an objection to me knowing? Harry did not, but if you prefer…”

“Fine with me,” Severus replied curtly. If Potter could take it, so could he. “Miss Granger, do regale the headmaster of the happy goings on here in our cozy little home.”

Hermione nodded. “Yes, sir.” She told Dumbledore everything, from the moment Snape had entered to the point where the headmaster had made his presence known. As she talked, Dumbledore continued eating: his expression never altered, not even when she got to the name calling or how Harry had grabbed Severus’ chair and threatened to make him regret it if he ever insulted Ginny again. By the time she had finished, the ache in Severus’ legs had evolved into fierce pain, and he winced, hands curling into fists.

Hermione noticed and gasped. “I’m so sorry sir. Let me get your medicine!” She hurried off, returning a moment later with his pill bottle. He nodded at her and took two pills, chasing them down with the last of his juice. Dumbledore had now finished with his food and was regarding both of them thoughtfully over the rims of his glasses.

“Hermione, my dear, would you please excuse us? I would like to speak with Severus for a bit.”

Hermione nodded. She felt both relieved and apprehensive. But as she’d said, their quarrel had not had anything to do with her, and she really didn’t want to stick around to hear the dressing-down Dumbledore was probably going to give Severus, and Harry as well. “I’ll be out with Harry, if you need me,” she told them, and quickly departed.

The silence that stretched on in her absence was unbearable. Finally, Severus sighed. “Go ahead and say it, Albus.”

The headmaster’s eyebrows rose and his eyes widened innocently. “Say what, Severus?”

Severus sighed again. “Go ahead and say how I really need to get over this bitterness of mine, that Harry might be James’ son but I shouldn’t despise the son because of the father, and on that note isn’t it about time I stopped hating a man who’s been dead for nearly twenty years just because he was an idiot in school whose sole pleasure was making my life hell.”

Dumbledore’s eyes had that twinkle again. “Do go on.”

“I know I’m a bastard to Potter. I know I detest him for reasons that aren’t entirely his fault. But Albus… every time I see him, I see James. I can’t help it. And so I see Black, and Lupin, and all the students who laughed as they hexed me. And I remember my father, and how he treated my mother and me, and…” Severus trailed off, squeezing his eyes shut.

“You’re in pain still,” Dumbledore said gently.

“Not from my legs,” Severus whispered.

Dumbledore nodded, reaching out a hand and resting it on Severus’ shoulder. tho those reasons are true, and I’m not disputing their validity. But Severus… we both know the biggest reason why you feel that you hate Harry. Don’t we.” It was not a question.

“I don’t want to discuss that, Albus,” Severus said, and his voice was as close to pleading as the headmaster ever heard it.

“I know you don’t, my boy. But in the end, you must deal with it. You’ve spent years allowing these torments to poison your soul, Severus. Voldemort is gone, and your life is ahead of yI imI implore you; don’t waste it on hatred and bitterness. You deserve to be happy.”

Severus opened his eyes. “So you tell me,” he smiled tiredly.

Dumbledore patted him on the head. “And rightly so. I’m glad we’ve had this little chat, dear boy.”

“And what about Potter?” Severus asked.

“I will be speaking to him. His actions were unreasonable and unacceptable—”

“I’m glad you realize that,” Severus interjected.

“But not entirely unfounded,” Dumbledore finished. His pale blue eyes became stern. “Whatever quarrels you have with him or his father, you should not have brought Ginny Weasley into them. Nor should you bring anyone else into them, if you take my meaning.”

Severus did not reply, only scowled as he looked down, feeling very much like a first year under that gaze.

“Furthermore, you should not have provoked him where there was no cause. Unless Harry precipitated all this by doing you some grievous turn in the bathroom that I am unaware of?”

“No, he didn’t,” Severus replied grudgingly.

“Then you will attempt to control your feelings. Both of you. You are here to recuperate, Severus. And Harry and Hermione are here to help. This feud between you and Harry must, if nothing else, be put aside for now.”

“I will do my best, Albus,” Severus answered dryly.

“Good.” The headmaster rose. “I will send Hermione in while I go speak with Harry.”

Hermione had gone outside when she left the dining room. She knew where to find Harry. Sure enough, he was lying on the ground in the garden, arms folded up under his head and staring up at the surprisingly blue sky.

As she approached, he said: “How loud?”

“What?”

“How loud are you gonna yell at me? Could you at least transmogrify some ear plugs for me first?”

In spite of her anger, she smiled. “Professor Snape didn’t get any.”

“Aren’t I special?” he asked.

“Quite,” she replied, lying down next to him.

He sighed. “Ok, Mione, look. I know I got way out of line when I threatened him. I shouldn’t have lost my temper. But the way he was acting just brought everything I’ve always hated about him back to me, you know?”

“I know,” she said quietly.

“And I know he’s had a rough time with this. I know he’s in pain and upset. But Mione… he was a prat years before this happened.”

“Like in school, when he was spying? Like when he lived with the fear of Voort ort or Death Eaters finding out about him? Like when he had to act like he hated all Gryffindors so as not to rouse suspicion on himself?” Hermione asked angrily.

“Mione… he does hate Gryffindors,” Harry protested.

“No, he doesn’t. He doesn’t hate Professor Dumbledore, or Professor McGonagall.”

“And he doesn’t hate you,” Harry said quietly.

She looked down quickly.

“But he hates me, Mione. He always has, because of my dad. And you know that. you you know it’s not right.”

“No, it isn’t right,” she agreed. “But it’s not right that you keep acting the way you do, either! You both need to grow up, Harry.”

He laughed bitterly. “Sure. Snape can do that, no problem. And right after that, I’ll turn into a cow and jump over the moon.”

“Harry…”

“Don’t you get it, Mione?” Harry asked, angry himself now. “It will never change. Snape likes hating me. It gives him something to do, a way to get back at my dad. Nothing I ca wil will ever change it. And I don’t know that there’s anything he could ever do to make me stop hating him. He didn’t kill Sirius, Mione, but he called him a coward. And Sirius took it to heart. Coming from Snape, he shouldn’t have. But I know he did. And Sirius died because he didn’t want to stay back that night. Because he wasn’t a coward.”

Hermione sighed. “I know, Harry. All I’m saying is… would you please try to control yourself? You can’t go around threatening him when he makes you mad, or any other time, for that matter. It’s wrong.”

“I know it is,” he answered sulkily.

“Then don’t. Be the bigger man, Harry. Don’t let him get to you.”

He scowled at her. “All right, I’ll do my best.”

“Good.” Hermione smiled.

Harry shook his head. “I never thought I’d see the day when you took his side instead of mine.”

“I’m not taking his side!” she protested. “I gave him a talking too as well, I’ll have you know.”

“Wish I could’ve seen that,” Harry smiled.

“Harry, you and Ron are my best friends. I’m not taking his side over yours. I just want you to do what’s right.” Hermione said plaintively.

“Ok, ok,” he said.

“Thank you,” she smiled, hugging him fiercely.

Dumbledore appeared in the garden as if by magic. Hang on, Harry thought, it is by magic. He stifled a laugh.

“Ah, children. I thought I might find you here. Such a lovely summer’s day and all. Hermione—”

“Yes, sir, I’ll go and keep Prsor sor Snape company while you talk with Harry,” she said quickly as Harry released her.

“Wonderful, my dear,” he grinned. “We’ll be in shortly.”

Hermione went inside. “Professor?” she called.

“In the library,” Severus replied.

She walked in hesitantly, but he appeared to be calm, sitting near the window with his nose in a book. He glanced up as she took a seat opposite him. “Where is the headmaster?”

“He’s talking with Harry right now,” she said.

“Oh, goodie,” Severus intoned. “Probably giving him the same ‘kiss and make up’ speech he just gave me.”

“Did it work?” Hermione couldn’t resist askin
“H
“Hermione, were I given the choice between kissing Harry Potter and being subjected to Crucio a hundred times in a row by Voldemort…”

“Yes?” she grinned.

He made a sour face. “All right, I would kiss Potter,” he muttered reluctantly. “But it was a very tough call.”

“I’m glad to know that your grudges don’t supercede all your common sense,” she giggled.

His lips twitched upwards. “Just most of it.”

She smiled at him. “I’m going to get the book from my room. I’ll be back in a moment.”

“Don’t rush on my account. I’m not going anywhere,” he said, with a trace of bitterness.

Hermione paused. She had an idea. Whether he’d be interested in it or agree to it was another story. “Severus… why don’t we go outside for a while?”

“Outside?” he echoed.

“Yes. As in, not in the cottage. It’s a beautiful day and you’ve not truly seen the garden yet. I think it would be good for you.”

“Not buying into the myth that I’m really a vampire, are you, Hermione? Trying to expose me to lethal sunlight?” he asked with another twitch of his lips.

“Well, I’ve seen you out in daylight many a time before, so I stopped believing that was the case years ago,” she replied, keeping her face as expressionless as possible. “But I am trying to expose you to fresh air and a lovely garden, and who knows what sort of effects those things have on you.”

He chuckled, the sound so rich and soft it gave her goosebumps. “Who knows, indeed. Very well, Hermione, once the headmaster departs we shall go out. But don’t expect me to be all giddy about it,” he added. “Blue skies and sunshine do not addle my brain.”

“I’d say not,” she answered. “But I can imagine you sitting under a tree reading a book all day.”

He stared at her. No one had ever said such a thing to him before. “Can you?” he asked. His voice was still soft, and colored with something she couldn’t define that nevertheless made her heart seem to skip a beat. She swallowed hard. What the blazes was wrong with her?

She was saved from trying to articulate a response by Harry and Dumbledore coming in. Harry looked sullen, and Dumbledore looked calm. “Well. Now that we’re all here, Harry has something to say to you, Severus,” Dumbledore said lightly.

Harry composed himself and slowly turned to face Severus. “I apologize for my behavior, sir,” he said stiffly. “It was very wrong to react the way I did.”

Severus considered Potter as the conversation with Albus ran through his head. It was tempting to make a snide remark, but that, of course, was how it had all started to begin with. And Severus was no longer in the mood to be spiteful. For the time being, at least.

So he nodded. “I accept your apology, Mister Potter.” He glanced at the beaming Dumbledore as if to say there, are you happy, Albus? And Dumbledore did indeed look pleased. But he was also giving Severus another look. Your turn, it said.

Are you out of your mind? was the stare Severus gave him in return. But no, he was not. And Severus knew what would happen if he didn’t volunteer the return contrition. Bloody hell. I’m going to apologize to a Potter. Well, I needn’t worry about my legs, because this is a sure sign that the apocalypse is nigh.

“I am… sorry as well, Potter,” he managed to get the words out without choking. I should get a medal for this. Wait, I have a medal. Another one, then. Bigger. Much bigger.

Harry nodded. “Thank you, sir. I accept your apology.” The only consolation Severus had was that Potter looked almost as ill over their coerced mutual requests for forgiveness as he felt. Well, that’s one thing we have in common, Potter, Severus thought. We both despise having to get along with each other.

“Wonderful!” Dumbledore exclaimed merrily. “Now that all this nonsense is settled, I’m afraid I must be getting back to Hogwarts. I will, of course, stop by once or twice a week to see how all of you are doing.”

Make sure we aren’t killing each other, more like, Harry thought, smiling faintly. He was amazed to see a similar look on Snape’s face.

“Oh, I do believe I forgot to mention,” Dumbledore went on, “that Remus will be stopping by tomorrow evening.”

Harry grinned at this news, Hermione smiled, and Severus glowered.

“Well, enjoy your day, all of you,” Dumbledore said, shooting Severus a pointed glance. The headmaster hugged Harry and Hermione and clapped Severus on the back. “I can see myself out… but Harry, if you would?”

“Of course,” Harry smiled.

“We’re going outside for a bit,” Hermione told Harry, hoping her voice sounded casual. “It’s a lovely day.”

He nodded. “All right. I think I’ll read for a while, maybe see if Ron wants to come by.” He left with Dumbledore, who eyes were now twinkling like star sapphires.

“He reads?” Severus asked in surprise.

“Yes, he reads,” Hermione retorted. “And not just about Quiddich.”

“Do be quiet, Hermione, the idea that Potter is capable of reading a book is making my head hurt,” Severus groaned.

“Funny,” she said, but she was smiling. “Now, let’s go outside.”