Our Paths Cross Again

Author’s Note: Hermione is going to be a bit dark. This doesn’t follow with OTP or HBP. Sirius Black is alive and in my story Severus is a pure blood. Just so you know.

Disclaimer: I don’t own anything you recognize. So please don’t sue.

Summery: It’s been six years since Hermione left Hogwarts. She’s been doing a secret mission for the Order. Suddenly she and Severus are thrown together. Will they be able to work together or will they end up killing each other? R/R

Our Paths Cross Again

Chapter 11

The week of Christmas flew by. Hermione had gone with Minerva to Diagon Alley on the morning of Christmas Eve. She wanted to get Severus the perfect gift. To thank him for helping her as well as hopefully showing him what she felt toward him.

“There’s been a change in you my dear.” Minerva said as they walked through the busy street.

“What do you mean?” Hermione asked.

“You seem…I don’t know. More relaxed. Almost like you were as a student.” Minerva answered.

“Oh. I guess I have changed. Severus has been helping me with some inner demons. I guess it’s working. But, I‘m still a bit harsh and can be rather unpleasant at times Minerva. I’ve become quite hard these last six years Minerva. I’m not the innocent and naive girl I once was.” Hermione explained as they entered a shop.

Minerva remained quiet the rest of their trip. Hermione wasn’t lying. No one, not even Albus knew the things she had done in the name of the Light and the Order. She was just as cold hearted and ruthless as any Death Eater when she needed to be. Severus had uncovered a side of her she had almost forgotten she had.

Once back at Hogwarts Hermione returned to her rooms to put away the gift for Severus. She then went in to check on the potion. Severus was nowhere to be seen. She stirred the potion and headed for her study.

‘What are you going to do when Severus finds out the truth? About all the things you’ve done? Is he going to hate me? Treat me like a leper? Be disgusted? I’m not ashamed of what I’ve done, for they needed to be done, but what’s he going to think of them?’ Hermione thought as she poured herself a glass of Jack Daniels and sat in front of the fire.

That was how Severus found her two hours later. He just stood at the door way watching her. She was sipping her drink and staring at the dancing flames. He had bumped into Minerva and Albus in the hall and Minerva had told him what Hermione had said. About her not being the innocent and naive school girl she once was. This worried Severus slightly.

“Hermione.” he said.

“Come on in. Care for a drink?” she asked without looking away from the fire.

“Yes please.” he replied.

With the wave of her hand, an empty glass and the bottle of alcohol came flying to her. She placed her glass on the stand next to her chair, poured him his drink, sat the bottle on the stand and grabbed up her glass once more. Severus sat in the chair beside her.

“Minerva told me what you told her in Diagon Alley.” Severus said.

“Nosey old bat.” Hermione grumbled.

“I agree. But she’s worried about you and hoped I could do something about it.” he said.

“That is something I’m not ready to talk about. Yet. I will tell you this, when I do open up to you and tell you, it won’t be pleasant. I will probably even show you my memories. Just prepare to hear and see the worst.” she replied.

Severus nodded. They finished their drinks and headed to the Great Hall for the Christmas Eve feast. Hermione put on a happy face and chatted with her former professors. Occasionally she caught Minerva sending nervous looks her way, but she ignored them. She finished her meal and headed to check on the potion.

“Did you talk with her Severus?” Minerva asked.

“Yes. She told me she is not ready to talk about it and I won’t bug her about it. And if you wish to stay in one piece, I suggest you don’t bother her about it either.” Severus hissed as he stood up and walked out of the hall.

“Albus?” Minerva asked.

“My dear, I would heed Severus’s warning. Hermione has been on her own for six years. I don’t even know what all she’s done. All I know of is her work on potions. Nothing more. When she is ready to confide in someone, she will seek out Severus. And not before.” Albus said.

Severus stood at the entrance to the lab and watched as Hermione stirred the potion. In his pocket was her Christmas Gift. He hoped she liked it. He also hoped it would express what he felt for her. Hermione had felt his presence at the door but said nothing. She finished stirring the potion for the day, wrote down her observations and turned to face him.

“How long did you know I was standing there?” he asked.

“Since you reached the door.” she replied.

He smirked. He reached his hand out to her. She placed her hand in his and let him lead her into his sitting room. He sat her on the sofa and then sat beside her. He looked into her eyes before he spoke.

“Hermione, I hope you like this. You must understand it’s been many years since I’ve bought a gift for anyone. Especially a woman.” Severus said as he removed the box from his pocket and handed it to her.

Hermione smiled gently as she began to unwrap the box. Slowly she opened the black box. She gasped as she saw what was inside. It was the most beautiful necklace she had ever seen. It was sterling silver with a pendant. The pendant was a blue sapphire. What made her gasp was the setting of the gem. The setting was in the form of the Greek god Ares. God of War.

“It’s beautiful. Thank you.” she said.

“I’m told this particular necklace will keep you safe during battle.” he explained as he removed the necklace from the box.

“I was also told that in ancient times, sapphire was used to banish envy and jealousy, and to promote chastity in virgins and fidelity in marriage.” he added as he fastened the necklace around her neck.

“Did you say fidelity in marriage?” she asked as she faced him.

“Yes.” he answered.

“I don’t know if I’m ready for marriage yet. Someday I will be, but not now.” Hermione said with a smile.

Severus smiled back. She then reached in her pocket and withdrew his gift as well and handed it to him. He, like her, slowly opened it. Inside was a necklace as well. The chain was sterling silver and it too had a pendent. It was a blue sapphire. It rested in the middle of an intricate Celtic Knot. It was the shield knot which was used for protection and warding.

“Hermione, this is beautiful. Thank you.” Severus said.

“I hope it will bring you protection. So that when this war is over, you will return safely. To me.” Hermione said as she attached the necklace around his neck, though the last two words were spoken softly.

Severus turned and stared into her brown eyes. It seemed she had the same thoughts he did. That there was a chance for them to be together once this war was over. He stood up, pulled her into his arms, carried her into his bedroom and kicked the door closed.

They were not seen until dinner Christmas night. Both losing themselves in each other and enjoying the best Christmas that either had had in a long time.

T.B.C

Author’s Note: Sorry this chapter is so short. I wanted to devote it to the gifts. Both the stones in their necklaces were said to have been stones for protection. And to show that both had the same feelings toward one another. I hope you enjoy!

Tiff