The Ties that Lead to Trust

Chapter 14~ What Friends Do
While being escorted up to Gryffindor tower, all the people Hermione encountered scuttled away. She was reasonably certain this was due to the menacing glares Severus aimed at everyone in her path, but she also realized she was the subject of gossip throughout the school. People would have already formed their own opinions about what had transpired earlier that day. Once in sight of the Fat Lady, they heard the portrait cry out. “There you are! I’ve heard some most upsetting stories from nearly everyone who’s come up to the tower this afternoon. I’m glad to see you’re alright dear.”

Severus scowled at the painting. “And you have been adding to these stories no doubt.”

“Of course not, Professor. I’ve just been concerned.” the Fat Lady insisted.

He raised a speculative eyebrow, but chose to ignore the portrait and turned to Hermione. “I trust you can make it to your common room safely now, Ms Granger. I advise you to be on time this evening.”

She nodded, “Yes sir.”

“Good.” He turned in a flurry of black robes and marched briskly down the corridor and out of sight.

The Fat Lady tutted, “What an unpleasant man.”

“He has his reasons. Medias Res.” she told the picture and it swung open.

Inside, everyone fell silent when she entered. It was quite unsettling to have everyone staring at her, but she chose to ignore them and sat down in a chair saved for her with Harry, Ginny and Neville. People close by listened intently in the hopes of hearing what had transpired earlier. Noticing this, Hermione spoke louder than necessary to her friends, “Of course I won’t talk about it. It’s a matter for the professors now and I’m not allowed to discuss it. Now if you don’t mind, I have some Arithmancy to work on.”

With that, those gathered close by began chatting again, knowing they wouldn’t hear any secrets divulged just then. She expected her close friends all knew anyway. Hermione had told Harry about the run in with Draco on their way across the grounds to Herbology, and it was unlikely he hadn’t passed the story along to Ginny. Together they easily plowed through the first day’s assignments before supper.

The Great Hall was just as alive with gossip as it had been when Harry had been announced the fourth Triwizard champion. The whispers and stares quickly became hard to take, and she ate dinner quickly so she could leave for the library. Harry refused point blank to stay with her in the library, and she insisted that Madam Pince would be sufficient protection. In the wonderful quiet of the library, Hermione began pulling out books and looking up references for her term papers. Even she had to admit it was a little early for starting her research, but it was a soothing activity, methodical. After an unsettling day, it was the perfect way to calm down and it had the added bonus of giving her a head start on her project.

When Hermione glanced up from her work she noticed she only had five minutes before Severus would arrive and she frantically began packing up her notes and gathering the books stacked up on her table. She apologised to Madam Pince for leaving behind a slough of books for her to shelve. After a panicked search for materials last term, Hermione had learned the coding system for the library and usually helped return the books she had been using. There was no time for that tonight.

She picked up her bag and looked out into the hallway to see if her escort had arrived. Striding towards her, robes billowing and scowl in place was Professor Snape. He didn’t stop or even slow his pace as he passed the library, and when he spoke, it was in his usual harsh tone. “Your duties during the pre-curfew patrol are generally to maintain decorum and alert students to the time. Points are to be taken off for inappropriate behaviour, such as fighting, only. Beyond curfew, any student found out of bounds is to have house points deducted, regardless of their reasons. Any difficulty with a student should be reported to that student’s Head of House or the Headmaster, depending on the circumstances. You will often find that during the first couple weeks your duties will include directions or escorts to younger students who are lost in the castle. Points deducted in these cases are-”

“Subject to my personal judgement. Guidelines for point deduction can be found on chart 4b found at the end of this chapter.” she recited breathing heavily. “You couldn’t slow down at all, could you?”

He turned his head and noticed she was jogging along side him in an attempt to keep up. He slowed, and Hermione’s deep breaths began to ease until they were steady again. She smiled slightly and said, “Professor McGonagall was to accompany me tonight anyway, wasn’t she?”

Severus stopped altogether and looked about the hallway. Seeing no one, he spoke quietly and less harshly than before. “Yes. It is usually the Head of House who takes a Head Boy or Girl on their first couple patrols. Since we had already arranged to meet, she gave the task to me.”

Hermione nodded. “That makes sense. Anyway, I have read the Hogwarts Head Girl’s Guide I was provided with. I am quite aware of my duties.”

“I expected you would be, now if we can continue...” he gestured to the corridor ahead of them and began to walk, but at a slow pace. “Except in special circumstances, you will not be required to patrol more than once a week, nor scheduled beyond nine thirty. Your schedule is generally provided on the first Monday of every month.”

They continued to walk without talking much. Occasionally they would come across a student and remind them that curfew was approaching quickly and Severus would comment every now and then about situations that frequently occur and places to monitor especially. The first student they encountered out of bounds was in the hallways near the kitchens. Severus was about to take charge, when Hermione lashed out at him. “Matthew MacMillan! Curfew was fifteen minutes ago. Twenty points from Hufflepuff! Now get back to your common room.”

The young boy dashed away and Severus was looking at her in disbelief. “A little harsh for a first year, wasn’t that?”

Hermione couldn’t help laughing. “I wouldn’t say that. He should know better by the time he’s in third year. You should know, you teach him. He’s Ernie MacMillan’s younger brother. Probably thinks he can get away with things because Ernie is Head Boy.”

He looked slightly abashed, “He looked quite small, and I’m afraid I find it difficult to remember all the younger students names and relations. I’ll admit I’m a bit taken aback. A first patrol is usually quite lenient.”

Choking back her laughter she said, “I’ll never believe I just heard you say that. I’ve done more after hours exploring on these grounds than I’d ever care to admit. You don’t have much leniency left after being dragged around by a couple of boys bent on killing themselves.”

Raising his eyebrows in amusement, he nodded and they continued on through the empty corridor. By the time her patrol was over, they had wound their way back up to Gryffindor tower. The hippogriff in the painting outside her room was pacing impatiently and glared at her is if to chastise her lateness. Hermione smiled at him indulgently and shook her head. “You look so much like Buckbeak. Fly Free.”

The painting swung open and she stood looking at Severus. Glancing up and down the corridor she saw no one and asked him to come in for a moment. He looked at her curiously, but followed her inside. “It would seem you have done some decorating since I was last here. Not quite what I had anticipated, however.”

Hermione gestured nervously to one of the chairs by the fireplace and chided him. “What did you expect? Gryffindor red? Hardly relaxing in my opinion. I love this burgundy colour, my favourite in fact. Professor McGonagall helped me get everything just right.”

Pointing to the painting above the mantel he observed, “That’s one of hers, isn’t it?”

She nodded. “I have a couple she gave me. They make the place feel more like home. Anyway, I... Well I have some questions about... after what happened today...”

Severus noticed her struggling and tried to help. “Is this about the Adulterous spell?”

Face flushing she replied, “Yes. I didn’t care about it before, but after what Draco said to me, well... I was wondering about its effects.” She shook her head, “No, that’s not what I mean. I was wondering if there was a way to counteract the effects... should something happen.”

He understood what it was she was asking and tried to find a delicate way to answer her. “As an unwilling party in such activity, the effects are still present, however, to the best of my knowledge less severe. Either way they can be counteracted by... displays of faithfulness to your spouse.”

Her face was still crimson, but she nodded understanding. “Well, I suppose that’s not so bad. No worse than what I did to Marietta Edgecombe two years ago.”

“That was you?” he inquired.

Hermione smiled proudly, “I jinxed the paper that everyone in DA signed on the first day. No one knew I had though. I figured it would serve the person right if they ever found out.”

Severus gave her an appreciative look. “It seems there is a great deal I don’t know about you, Hermione and I believe I would quite like to learn more. I know you want freedom, and likely wish to have little more to do with me. However, I am hoping you might consider a continued friendship.”

His voice had gone quiet and she was certain something akin to hopefulness was reflected in his eyes. He had just payed her quite the compliment and she wasn’t certain what to say. “I’m not sure what you will find that is intriguing, but I can always use a friend. I don’t know about how appropriate it is while I’m a student though.”

“I expect our situation is well past propriety by this point, but I understand that your studies come first, as they should. Perhaps an occasional evening?” he asked.

She gave him a small smile. “Of course. Whenever you’d like.”

“On Friday,” he blurted out, colour creeping into his sallow cheeks. Taking a breath to regain his composure he politely enquired. “Would you care to have dinner with me on Friday?”

“Alright,” she answered confidently. “What time?”

“I believe you are scheduled for Potions on Friday afternoon. You could just stay after class.” he suggested.

Hermione smiled more broadly, hoping to cover her own awkward feelings about the situation. It felt like everything was beginning all over again, but then again, she had no one watching her actions now. Severus Snape had always been a curious individual to her, full of secrets. She knew that if he had offered friendship without marriage in the equation she would have leapt at the opportunity. There was no real reason to avoid him as she had planned to initially. Nodding in agreement she said, “That sounds fine. Friday then.”

Severus had a small smile on his face. “Yes, Friday.” He stood up, “It’s late. I’d best be going. Goodnight Hermione.”

As he moved to the door, she couldn’t resist a joking, “What? No goodnight kiss?”

He turned and looked at her, slightly taken aback. She rushed to say, “I’m only teasing.”

“No, I think you are quite correct.” His eyes looked quite determined. “I don’t like the thought that Mr Malfoy was the last person to have his lips on yours. Hardly pleasant, I’m sure.”

“I’m fine now, really.” she told him, but somehow her voice didn’t sound as confident as it had a few minutes ago.

Taking her by the hand, he helped her stand. The cuff slid back and he caught a glimpse of a darkening bruise beneath. He pushed back the fabric. “You’re hurt. Are their any others?”

“They didn’t show earlier. I have one on my other arm and just above my left knee. They’re nothing, really.”

His hand went to her other arm and explored the bruise there. He could see the individual finger marks there and shook his head. “In the morning, you should have Poppy see these. Not because they need healing, but to be put on record. I’m surprised Minerva didn’t bring you herself, but I imagine she was quite busy at the time. Are you sure there is nothing else?”

Hermione felt a bit irritated by the questioning. “He didn’t get the chance to do anything. The bruises on my wrists are where he held them and the one on my leg is from his knee. My head hurt a bit at the time from the stone wall, but I feel quite well now.”

Gentle fingers traced over the bump on the back of her head. “I always knew you were hard headed.”

She couldn’t contain a giggle at that comment. She had almost anticipated it. “Well it has to be good for something.”

“Indeed.” He kissed each wrist softly, then held her face in his hands. Leaning in closer, he placed a tender kiss on her mouth. Not long. Just enough to warm her lips with his. Pulling away, he stroked her cheek with his thumb and she leaned against it. He was smiling now, quite unconscious of it.

Severus dropped his hand and walked to the door. Turning back, he watched her for a moment longer. “Sleep well, Hermione. I’ll see you on Friday.”
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The remainder of Hermione’s first week back was reasonably uneventful. That is, if you could ever call the mere act of attending classes at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry uneventful. Someone wasn’t paying close attention in Flitwick’s Spellcraft class and managed to cause the feathers they were using to multiply tenfold every few seconds. After trying to counteract the charm for five minutes, they had to abandon the classroom that was rapidly filling with feathers. Professor Flitwick dismissed the class and escorted Hermione to her rooms. Before leaving, he gave her a small package wrapped in brown paper.

“Your photos, my dear. I only had a quick look through them, but you look lovely.” he told her.

Shortly after the feather incident, Hermione was called to a meeting in the Headmaster’s office to give a formal statement on the Malfoy attack. Madam Pomfrey had been there to examine and record her bruising. The process had been exhausting, but she felt relieved in the end that it was over with. Professor Dumbledore told her that given her statement and the physical evidence at hand, Draco Malfoy would be suspended for the Fall term, but would be permitted to return in January under strict conditions. Hermione felt reasonably satisfied with that result, but could sense the Headmaster’s frustration. Lucius could not refute a suspension, but a full inquiry would be held for an expulsion. Such an inquiry would play right into Lucius’ hand.

By the time she arrived in Potions class on Friday afternoon, Hermione was decidedly on edge. She hadn’t said more than two words to Severus since Monday evening and those had been in class. She knew his cold manner in class was a facade. Though his words were never cruel as they had been in the past, no one would have guessed they spoke companionably enough privately. It appeared that the student body was completely oblivious to their -liaison- and Malfoy had said nothing of it to Slytherin house before leaving the school.

At the end of Potions class, most students rushed to put away their cauldrons and leave the presence of their irritable Potions Master, and for a moment, Hermione felt like it too. She dawdled with her ingredients packets and cleaning her desk while most of the class hurried out of the room. Harry, who knew she was staying behind, also took his time cleaning up, as if he were trying to give Hermione an opportunity to leave if she changed her mind. When all the students had left, she told Harry, “It’s alright. You can go. Do try not to get yourself into too much trouble after Quidditch practice tonight.”

Harry blushed at the insinuation and picked up his bag. With a quick glance at Professor Snape, he departed the room in haste.

Severus was gathering together the hazardous ingredient assignments from earlier that week. Looking up from the papers he inclined his head towards the door. “Still acting the hero is he?”

Hermione let out a small sigh in exasperation. “He can’t quite let go, and the whole Malfoy thing... well he takes it personally. Still, I don’t suppose it’s a wise idea to let one’s guard down.”

“Very true. Shall we?”

Hermione nodded and cast a distraction charm on her robes. “You see? I even remembered discretion.”

They moved through the dungeon corridors quickly until they stood in the middle of the armour-lined hallway. “Granite Gate.”

Hermione felt curious, “How often do you change your password?”

He looked back at her, already making his way through the concealed passage. “I don’t. The door is charmed to open for only three voices in this castle. Myself, Dumbledore, and now you.”

“I’m flattered, I think.” she told him as the door opened on his inner sanctum once more.

After lifting the distraction charm, the first thing Hermione noticed about his chambers was a change in furniture. The armchair that had sat in front of the fireplace was moved to the corner by the bookshelves and in its place was a similar long leather sofa. Noticing the direction of her glance he explained, “I am quite attached to my old armchair and somehow don’t think it can withstand continued transfiguration.”

The message this statement sent to Hermione was a bit overwhelming. First his sentimentality over a piece of furniture and then the implication that the need for more than one seat would be required more often now. She felt awkward to be insinuating herself into his life and personal space, but the pleasant look on his face displaced any concern she felt about it. He seemed pleased about the change. Walking over to the new sofa she dropped her bag and sank into it. Soft enough to be inviting, but not so without structure as to be lost in it. In fact, it felt quite like the armchair had when she transfigured it. Looking over her shoulder, she saw him watching her closely. “Quite a good match, I’d say. It’s as comfortable as the chair.”

“I chose it for that reason.” He strode over to the shelf full of novels and picked out one without hesitation. “I believe it is my turn to select a work. Have you ever read any of this author’s works?”

Hermione took the book that was handed to her and smiled. J.R.R. Tolkien. “Of course I have. Who in Britain hasn’t?”

“I don’t expect you have read this work, however. It was never published for a muggle audience. Very different from its muggle counterparts for it is an historical account as opposed to fiction.” Severus said as he settled on the cushion beside her.

As Severus began to read, Hermione couldn’t help but smile at her own clever idea. Perhaps they were hiding a bit behind the book, but ultimately reading would lead to conversation. The discomfort was gone. Sitting close, Hermione leaned over to follow along while Severus read, enjoying his deep voice rumbling and the warm arm about her shoulders.

When it was time for dinner, they left the book on the table with every intention of returning to it, but the conversation struck up over dinner continued long after. Muggle versus Magical history was the topic and they debated events of the past hundred years heatedly. The vacuum cleaner tone of Professor Binns was enough to stifle any student’s desire for lively discussion and as a result anything she had learned about had been by wrote and never questioned. Knowing this, Severus goaded her into supporting her opinions the same way she would about any other subject. He didn’t know much about the muggle side of events and couldn’t help but laugh occasionally at what Hermione had been taught about cause and effect in school prior to Hogwarts. Even so, every so often she would surprise him with tantalizing tidbits of information he hadn’t heard about and the debate would rage all over again.

It was well past curfew when the conversation lagged for the first time in hours. After glancing at the clock he smirked at Hermione. “It seems the Head Girl is out quite late tonight.”

Hermione squeaked and jumped up, already reaching for her bag. “Oh goodness, I hadn’t even noticed the time! I should get back.”

Severus’ eyes went dark when he spoke, “Or you could stay.”

Unnerved by the look in his eyes, she tripped over the coffee table and thudded to the floor. Severus sprang to his feet to help her up and she glared at him while surreptitiously rubbing her posterior. “You really shouldn’t startle me like that.”

The smirk was gone, but the intense look in his eyes remained. “I hadn’t intended to. I was only pointing out your options. I’ll walk you back to your rooms, of course, but you could just stay.”

“Um... well...” she couldn’t mistake the hopeful look on his face. “I don’t have any of my things...”

Instead of deflecting his offer, the comment made him more determined. “You can borrow mine or I could send a house elf up to your room to fetch whatever you’d like.”

Hermione tried to remember the comfort she had felt with him not five minutes ago, but it was rapidly fading. Before she lost her nerve entirely she asked, “Why do you want me to stay?”

“Not for anything inappropriate, I assure you.” he said, avoiding the question.

“That isn’t what I asked.” she pressed him for an answer and was inwardly pleased that he looked as uncomfortable as she felt right now.

Letting out a deep breath, he slumped into the couch and closed his eyes. “Before, when you stayed, I slept very well. I don’t usually when I know I’m not alone, but that time, I did. It was more restful than I had experienced in a long time.” Colour was creeping into his cheeks and he looked phenomenally embarrassed. “I’m sorry. I don’t mean to push you to something you don’t want. Let me take you back to your rooms and just forget I suggested anything.”

Hermione felt like she had when he told her about his youth. He was completely open and she felt like an intruder. Sitting down beside him, she put a hand on his arm. “It’s not that I object to the idea, I’m just surprised by it. Is it friendship you want, or something more?”

“It doesn’t matter.”

“I think it does, as long as you are honest.” she countered.

He snapped at her, “I don’t know!”

She drew back a little, but continued to press. “You wouldn’t let me get away with that, I won’t let you either.”

“I enjoy your company,” he began tersely, “and I’m not sure why I asked you to stay. Let’s just leave it for now. It’s late.”

“If that’s what you’d like, that’s fine. You’re right it is late.”

They left his quarters and walked back to the tower in silence. When she reached the painting and gave it the password it swung open and he could see the inviting room beyond. Severus wasn’t listening when she spoke but it had obviously been a question.

“Pardon?” he asked.

“Next Friday, do you want to have dinner again?” she inquired again.

Shaking himself from his revery he answered. “Oh, of course. That is, if you’d like. Same arrangement as today?”

Hermione nodded and took his hand. “I had a lovely time and I’m looking forward to continuing the book. I’ll see you in class.”

Pushing herself up onto her toes, she gave Severus a small peck on the cheek and whispered, “Goodnight.”

Before he could respond, Hermione entered her rooms and closed the portrait behind her. Suddenly alone, he looked at the already dozing hippogriff in the painting, slightly dazed. After a moment, Severus turned on his heal and swept down the corridor in his usual manner.
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