The Blowers Daughter

Hermione felt herself return to the real world, and gripped Snape’s arm for balance, but still fell to the floor. She looked up at him, who was smirking.

“Oh don’t give me that grin, I hate coming out of pensives,” she said before he had time to tease her. “Anyway, why did you send me that insane owl? You had me worried!” Hermione suddenly realized why she was in Snape’s room, and produced the letter he had owled her from her pocket. Snape suddenly remembered his run in with Lucius and his face became very grave.

“Hermione, Malfoy has escaped from Azkaban.” Hermione nearly dropped the letter as her jaw fell to the floor.

“What? How did he escape?” She was becoming frantic, “He’s going to kill me. How do you know this?” Snape approached her and grabbed her by her shoulders, trying to stop her from panicking.

“He came to my room. He’s an animagus; a tarantula,” he said, his voice strangely soothing as he held Hermione to his chest, “He is plotting something, but he wouldn’t tell me what. I have informed Dumbledore, but am concerned as he is able to now get into the castle in his animagus form. Dumbledore suggested that you either leave the castle, or move in with Remus or myself.” Hermione sighed and collapsed into an arm chair.

“If he catches me, he will kill me,” Hermione cried, “eventually.” Snape stood in front of her and took her hand.

“I won’t let him get you, and neither will Remus no doubt. Dumbledore will alert Remus to Lucius’s presence, but right now I suggest you stay with me,” he said, before going to the windows and closing them all. Hermione looked nervous and Snape rolled his eyes, “I’m not going to molest you Professor Granger! This is about keeping you out of the hands of a murderous psychopath.”

“Severus, I saw that glint in his eye when I sent him to Azkaban, he was never going to let this one go,” Hermione whispered, as she rubbed her hands nervously, “I don’t want to experience Lucius Malfoy’s idea of revenge.” Snape took her hands in his and looked into her chestnut brown eyes.

“What part of “I will keep you safe” don’t you understand Miss Granger?” he asked softly, “He won’t hurt you.” Hermione smiled weakly and fell against him, hugging him tightly.

“This is probably be a bad time, but is the apprentice offer still available?” she asked with a smile. Snape smirked.

“Well I’m just not sure. I did write to Longbottom to offer him the position instead,” he said teasingly. Hermione slapped his arm playfully and drew away from him, “Of course it does.” Hermione smiled and kissed his cheek.

“Right, good night Severus,” she smirked, before running into his bedroom and locking the door.

“Professor Granger? Granger! I want my bedding!” Snape yelled as he heard Hermione bolt the door.

Outside of the window, a large tarantula sat listening to Snape and Hermione’s conversation, a strange expression playing across its tiny mouth. Had anyone not known better, it would have looked like a grin.

DISCLAIMER: NONE OF THIS BELONGS TO ME. I JUST CREATED THE PLOT!