Deliver Me

Chapter XVII – Toxic/Lie to me


“What do you mean indefinitely?” Harry screamed at her.

“Sit down! You’re embarrassing me!” she scolded.

He sat back down and glared at her.

“What the hell do you mean indefinitely!” he wasn’t the most pleasant person to be around at the moment.

“Well I mean I’m leaving, I’m educated enough to work outside the wizarding world, and I think it would be good for me. I could go to a Muggle university or get a job and be just fine.”

“What about your life here?” he asked.

“You mean what about you?” she corrected.

“I’m not that selfish, Hermione.”

“Ron already knows I told him before I went to see Bryce. He’s okay with it. Not that I’m seeking permission from either one of you, but it’s nice to have a little support.”

“Ron loves you and so do I, but he’s more passive than I am and he would never ask you to stay,” Harry said.

“You wouldn’t ask me to stay either,” she added.

“What am I going to do without you?”

“Harry you’ll be fine. I’ll owl you all the time, I floo in ever so often, you can floo to see me. And let’s not forget we can apparate, Harry it won’t be that bad,” she tried to console him.

“Does anyone else know?”

“Only Dumbledore and McGonagall, I turned down my job with the Ministry and the Order,” she explained.

“Heavens, I forgot about the Order,” he looked up at her, “Hermione we could really use a mind like yours you know.”

“I know Harry, but I wasn’t born a witch and I don’t plan on spending the rest of my life as one.”

“But it’s who you are!”

“It’s only PART of who I am. Harry, I know I’m talented and intelligent, and I want to put all of that to use and experience the rest of my life in a place that’s not making me crazy or deluded.”

“And what did Ron think about all of this?”

“Why don’t you ask him yourself?” she asked.

“I want you to tell me,” he answered.

“Well Ron didn’t ask as many questions as you and he promised to visit me at least once a week for a tea date in the village on Sunday evenings,” she smiled.

“Three’s Company, yes?”

“Yes.”

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“Where have you two been?” asked Roger as Hermione and Harry walked back in to Mystic Mayhem.

“Three Broomsticks,” Hermione answered.

“What’s up?” asked Harry.

“Nothing, the usual. Oh and Fred and George are over there,” he told them pointing to two extremely white boys, dressed in leather pants and open vests, with kajal on their eyes and two girls with them. The four of them looked audaciously ridiculous. It seemed as if they look to evening’s theme to heart.

“Who is that? They? Who are they?” asked Harry referring to the girls with hair just as red as any of the other Weasley kin.

“That’s their new girlfriends, twins alike, Galina and Felicity, Irish Quidditch team cheerleaders,” he explained.

Hermione’s jaw dropped.

“You’re kidding?” asked Harry.

“Ha! I wish!”

“How did they, get girls like those?”

“According to Ron,” explained Roger, “Charlie’s new girlfriend, Christi, she plays with dragons for a living too, well those are her two younger sisters, twin sisters.”

“Well, isn’t that interesting,” concluded Harry.

“Oh yea,” added Hermione, very amused.

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“Dance with me!” Ron called, running to Hermione and pulling on her arms.

“Ron, I don’t feel like it,” she said glumly.

“Dance with me!” he grabbed her and pulled her on to the dance floor with him. He placed his arm around her waist and twirled her around until she looked like she was having as much fun as he was.

“I love this song you know,” she told him as a slower tune started, with her arms around his neck.

“I’ve never heard it,” he told her.

They moved ghostly through the smoke from the hookah.

“It’s called ‘Beautiful’,” she explained.

He raised a brow at her.

“It’s by a muggle named Christina Aguilera,” she added.

“Oh,” Ron nodded in understanding, “Is she hot?”

“I wouldn’t know Ron, I’m hetero, remember?”

“So, is she hot?”

“Why do you care?”

“So I can work my wizarding manly charms on her,” he said sheepishly.

She giggled, “You too much!”

“Kiss me,” he asked with the most serious look on his face.

“What?” she was almost appalled, had he lost his mind.

“Kiss me,” he was stern, “Right here,” he smiled and pointed to his cheek.

She laughed and kissed his cheek.

“Ronald Weasley, what would I do without you?” and she hugged him.

“Love, you’d probably be in a mental ward because I wouldn’t have pulled you away into inescapable fun and excitement, as not keep you from going mad!” he said over dramatically and spun her around.

“Probably so darling,” she giggled.

“And where is your delightful elderly lover this evening,” he asked coyly.

Her eyes narrowed at him, “He’s not elderly.”

“Hermie anyone older than my bro Bill is considered elderly,” he interjected, “So where is our most feared professor, eh?”

“Probably tormenting some unfortunate first year,” she answered.

“Here, here, probably,” he added, “Misery loves company.”

“That’s too true,” Hermione nodded her head, “Hey Ron?”

“Yea?”

“Have you ever had fire whiskey?”

“Yes.”

“Do they card here?”

“No.”

“Ron?”

“Yes?”

“Get me a shot of fire whiskey.”

“No.”

“Why not?” she stopped dancing abruptly.

“Because you can’t handle fire whiskey.”

“How would you know that?”

“Hermione,” he warned.

“I’ll get it myself,” and she stalked off.

He followed her in haste.

“One fire whiskey please,” she asked the bartender.

“What kind?” he asked.

“What do you mean what kind?” Hermione snapped.

“We have regular, lìmon, silver, the Jane Daniels specialty and X,” he answered.

“Oh, flavor X?” she asked.

“Don’t know, it’s a surprise!” he told her.

“One of each!” she proclaimed.

“Make that two,” Ron added coming up behind her, “I can’t let you drink on your own.”

She smiled and they downed five different shots each.

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“I didn’t know you could dance this,” Ron exclaimed as Hermione was shaking her tail feather on the dance floor to Britney Spear’s ‘Toxic’.

She was moving her hips and strolling her hands over her body.

“You haven’t seen all my moves,” she purred and he couldn’t stop laughing.

She crooked her finger at him silently calling him to her.

“Baby, can’t you see I’m calling, a guy like you, should wear a warning, it’s dangerous I’m falling,” she cooed at him.

“I don’t know this song either,” he screamed over the music.

“Britney Spears,” Hermione answered spinning around.

“Is she hot?” he asked.

“Does she sound hot?” she answered.

“Don’t know,” he was slightly confused.

“Intoxicate me now, with your loving now, I’m ready now,” she sang to herself.

“I think you’re intoxicated already,” he said below his breath pulling her towards him, and dancing them both towards Harry and the others to leave.

Hermione stopped walking and abruptly threw herself on Ron.

“Whoa,” he was startled.

“Ron don’t stop, let dance!” she exclaimed.

“I didn’t stop, you did,” he answered her, a little unnerved.

“C’mon let’s dance,” and she twirled herself around almost knocking him over.

He caught her and she kissed him fully on the mouth.

“Whoa there, Hermione,” and she kissed him again.

“You asked to be kissed Mister Weasley, so I’m kissing you, but no tongue Ronnie baby,” she babbled trying to kiss him a third time.

“No, I mean yes, I mean I was joking,” he stammered, trying to get her to stop wobbling and stand straight with her lips to herself.

“You say ‘live’, I lived!” she threw her hands in the air,
“You say be ‘happy’, I’m happy!” she put her hands on her chest,
“You say ‘kiss me’, I kiss you! And now you stop!” She tried pointing her finger at him, “You are so confused! Confused! Confused! Confused!” and her pointed finger went in all directions possible trying desperately to pin point him.

“Stop,” she was attempting to march back on to the dance floor, “Hermione c’mon stop,” and he pulled her in the other direction.

“I’m toxic baby,” she sang to herself before tumbling him to the ground this time directly at Harry and Parvati’s feet.

“Oh--my--mer--lin,” was all Parvati could muster to say at the sight before her, “I never thought I would see the day…”

“A little help here,” Ron screeched as Hermione put her arms around his neck and kissed his chin.

“You are too cute Ronald Weasley,” she sighed in dreamy satisfaction, “Confused, but cute,” and she pinched his cheek.

Harry pulled her up choking on a laugh, “C’mon Miss Toxic, I think we should get you back.”

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“Can you walk straight?” Ron asked Hermione as they left Mystic Mayhem. Harry had his hand on her waist guiding her forwards.

“Ob course I caann,” she murmured.

Ron, who was lucky to inherit a cast iron stomach when it came to liquor, as the rest of his family, was walking around perfectly fine. Hermione on the other hand, was not as lucky.

“Harry,” she spoke like a scared five-year old girl.

“Yes, Hermione?” he answered.

“Harry do you love me?” she asked.

“Hermione, yes, I love you,” he answered.

“Ron,” she called for in the same voice.

“Yes Hermione?”

“Ronald Weasley, do you love me?”

“Yes, Hermie, I love you,” he answered.

“Ron?” she asked her voice cracking.

“Yes?” he asked.

“Ron, I love you. Will you marry me in five years when I’m alone with a fulfilling career with no one to love me?”

He choked on a laugh, “Hermione you won’t need me to marry you.”

“I won’t?” She looked up at him like he had just saved her from near death.

“No, sweets, you won’t.”

She smiled and sang to herself, “The taste of your lips I’m on ride, you’re toxic I’m slipping under la do de da now.”

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“Hermione shut up!” Parvati shushed Hermione.

“Paarrrttyyy, I luub youu,” Hermione exclaimed hugging Parvati.

“It’s Parvati! And you’re drunk! Shut up!” Parvati exhaled.

“I’m not dunk. I’m perfectly capably able to hab dis conversation,” Hermione rebutted slowly.

Parvati rolled her eyes.

“Well, what do we have here?” an icy voice coming out from the shadows.

“Professor Snape,” Lavender jerked.

Hermione started swaying and smiling silly.

“Does something amuse you Miss Granger?” he asked putting up his best front. She was gorgeous, and barely clothed. If he had his way she’d never have gone out half naked, no naked. She was literally naked, save the way too tight pants she was wearing. And was that a diamond snake on her back? A snake. Slytherin snakes. Was it legal to wear top that low? That V-neck was near her belly button, no that couldn’t be legal, could it?

“I…” Hermione almost started laughing.

“Yes?” he asked, “I’m waiting.”

“She’s just really tired, sir, I think it’s making her a bit delusional,” Harry interjected.

“I do not believe I asked for your opinion Mister Potter,” Snape snapped.

“Too high can’t come down, it’s in the air and it’s all around, can you feel me now, with a taste of your lips I’m on a ride, you’re toxic I’m slipping under,” Hermione sang softly to herself with her eyes closed swaying to the music in her head.

Severus’ eyes widened, “Miss Granger?”

“Hmm, yes, pro-fess-ooor?” she asked.

“Is something wrong, Miss Granger?” he was a bit confused.

“Sir, I think we should get her back to the common room, she’s very tired, and I think she might be coming down with something,” Ron tried to explain.

“10 points from Gryffindor EACH, get out of my sight,” he snapped.

They all stood there in near stationary silence.

“Move!” he barked and they rushed into the portrait hole.

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“Are you sure you’re okay?” Ron asked Hermione tucking her into her bed.

“Yes, I’m suuree, Ronnie baby,” she answered lying down.

“Okay, I’m going to leave now, alright Hermione?” he asked covering her and placing a glass of water next to her bed.

“Yep. Ron?” she asked.

“Yes?” he answered.

“We have to do this more often, I had so much fun tonight. Do you know you’re a great dancer?” she asked sleepily.

“I had an idea of that, yes,” he smiled.

“Ron,” she called out to him before he left her side.

“Yes?” he asked.

“Thank you.”

“Sure sweets, anytime,” and he tip toed out the room.

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Hermione awoke no less than an hour later to complete darkness, a pounding headache and nowhere near being un-intoxicated. She was still very much so drunk.

“I need meds,” she thought to herself out loud as she made her way out of the tower to the hallway outside the portrait hole.

She couldn’t walk straight and the world was looking way too gray.

“Miss Granger?” a voice said coming up behind her.

She kept walking, seemingly in the direction of the hospital wing, missing it completely in the process.

“Hermione?” it asked.

She continued to walk.

A hand touched her shoulder she jumped and fell backwards into strong arms.

“Severus?” she asked, she knew those arms and that scent so well.

“Hermione, are you – are you drunk?” he was surprised at himself asking the question, Hermione Granger drunk? Impossible.

“No, I’m not drunk,” she managed to say, “Can you let go of me please?”

He did and she almost fell completely backwards, but he grabbed her again.

“Severus?” she asked.

“Yes?”

“Make the room stop spinning.”

Hermione Granger was indeed drunk.

He scooped her up into his arms and took her to his rooms.

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He laid her on his bed, took off her clothes and put one of his shirts on her, without even gazing once at her completely nude body, primary concern being her welfare.

“Drink this,” he handed something to her and she swallowed instantly.

“I don’t wanna,” and she batted her eyes at him unintentionally.

“Hermione, drink it.”

“Say, please,” she spoke to him like he was a child asking for a cookie.

He rolled his eyes.

“Hermione, will you please drink this.”

“What is it?” she looked at the liquid in interest and confusion.

“It’s going to make you sleep soundly and hopefully reduce the effects of a hangover tomorrow.”

“Speak English mate.”

“Will you just drink it!”

“Don’t yell at me,” her lips trembled like she was going to cry.

“Hermione, please drink this,” he asked her one last time.

“See it’s not difficult to be polite,” she smirked and took the potion from him.

As he was about to leave and she pulled him back to her in one strong tug, he nearly fell on top of her.

Severus looked at her unamused and tried to get up again when she tugged him back to her.

“Is there something you want?” he asked.

“Can you get me a cup of tea please?” she answered.

“Are you serious?”

“Isn’t that what I asked for? Are you confused too? Ron’s confused…” she said in her drunk-sing-song voice, shaking her finger at him.

Severus was back at her side within minutes with the strongest cup of tea she ever had, brewed so black that on the first sip she thought a couple of her brain cells popped on sheer contact.

“Is this how you drink your tea normally?” she asked twisting her mouth.

He nodded.

“It taste like tar,” she told him bluntly.

He showed no emotion that he heard her and just continued to look at her with one of his blank stern gazes.

“Severus?” she called out to him, finishing the cup in another swallow and resting it down on the bed table beside her.

“Yes?”

“Severus, if you don’t tell me you love me I’m going to leave you forever,” she declared dramatically and abruptly in her drunken state.

“You won’t,” he answered.

“That was your signal to tell me you love me.
‘I say, I will leave,
‘You say, no don’t leave because I love you.
‘Say you love me. Or I’m leaving you! Now it’s your turn,” she looked up at him half expecting that he would go along with her. Almost as if they were acting a Shakespearian play on stage.

“It was you, was it not, who said if it’s not meant from the heart it’s not worth saying?” he uttered dryly.

She thought about it for a second letting her eyes dart heavenward in her drunken sleepy state, “True.”

“Go to sleep.”

“Severus?”

“Yes?”

“Lie to me and tell me you love me, so I can leave you without feeling guilty.”

“Without feeling guilty?”

“Of course you silly head,” and she giggled like a little girl, “If you love me and I leave you, which I plan to do, it’ll hurt you. Duuhhhh. I want you to hurt the way your make me hurt. Then you can understand how I feel,” she spoke the words like they had no meaning. That they were just words and she had no idea was she was saying. She was intoxicated yes, but she knew, she definitely knew. The liquor just got rid of any reserves she had about telling him.

“Go to sleep, Hermione.”

“Severus?”

“I’m turning out the lights Hermione,” he said, exhaling and attempting ignore her

“Professor?”

He sighed, “Yes?”

“Lie to me.”

“I do not love you Hermione, now go to bed.”

And she was asleep.

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Hermione awoke the next day with a pounding headache. She felt like throwing up and her head was spinning. There was no way she trusted herself to eat anything without seeing it again…well maybe tea…tea was always safe.

She awoke in her own bed, although she remembered falling asleep in Severus’. Perhaps he moved her there during the night. She didn’t really remember their conversation though she didn’t really remember a lot of things. She remembered the club, and the fire whiskey, heavens she kissed Ron…twice! Then she remembered Severus’ tar tasting tea, and then that was it. She figured she probably just fell asleep.

She walked down to the common room to find Harry and Neville on the couch near the fireplace reading for Herbology.

“So how you feeling this morning?” Harry asked seeing her looking quite disoriented.

“Brilliant,” she said, sarcasm dripping from her words, “What are you guys up to today?”

“Studying for the Herbology test on Tuesday,” Neville answered.

She nodded and sat down beside Harry, “Where’s Ron?”

“Breakfast, where else?” said Harry.

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Hermione found Ron at the Gryffindor table in the Great Hall, but failed to notice Severus sitting at the Head Table watching every move she made.

Ron was sipping a cup of tea and reading the Daily Prophet.

“Hey,” she said sheepishly coming up next to him.

He looked up and a smile crept to his lips, “What’s up, Miss Toxic?”

She playfully hit him and sat down next to him, “Shut up, will I ever live last night down?”

“Probably not,” and he took a sip of tea.

“Ron?” she asked with her eyes downcast.

“Yea?” he didn’t look at her but continued to read the paper and when he noticed she didn’t continue he looked at her, “What is it?”

“About last night… at the club…” she took a quick glance at him, embarrassed she kissed him twice.

“Hey, it’s forgotten Hermie,” he shrugged and gave her quick squeeze.

“Thanks,” and she poured herself a cup of tea.

“No problem, sweets,” and he went back to reading his paper.

“Anything interesting this morning?” she asked leaning over to him letting her shoulder touch his without reservation.

“Not particularly,” he answered, “usual Voldemort-esq stuff. Another break-in at the ministry and such.”

“It’s funny you know,” she told him, “We talk about break-ins like a normal occurrence these days, when they really shouldn’t be.”

“I suppose so,” Ron exhaled putting the paper down he checked his watch, “Oh crap!” and he jumped out of his seat.

“What?” she asked.

“I’m suppose to meet Blaise and run to the ministry,” he explained.

“Blaise Zabini? Slytherin Blaise? With the red hair, green eyes and ‘bitch’ written all over her?” Hermione was wide-eyed.

“Yea, go figure, the ice princess and I are doing the same thesis project,” he explained further.

“You’re kidding me? Never would have dubbed the Snake Queen to be into the all Seeing Eye,” she commented.

“Seriously,” he nodded, “but she hasn’t been that bad.”

“If you say so,” she added, “you better go then, I’m going to head up to the common room before I have lessons with the His Grouchiness.”

Ron laughed, grabbed an apple, kissed her cheek and left, “Later Hermie.”

“Yea, bye.”

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Severus watched her exchange with Weasley in confusion and irritation. They were all over each other last night, and now again at breakfast. Something wasn’t quite right in his mind, she wasn’t herself.

But had he ever taken the time to get to know the “real” her? Or had he just fallen for her, fought it and pushed her away to the point where she ended up in the arms of one of the amazing trio?

He had to talk to her. She didn’t even glance to see if he was at the table like she usually did, she just walked in and went straight for the hotheaded red head.

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Hermione walked into the dungeons and began to brew the potion her syllabus specified. Snape wasn’t anywhere to be found regardless, so what did it matter if she started before him.

“Hey, Hermione.”

She looked up to find Ginny Weasley coming down the stone stairs towards her.

“What are you doing here?” she exclaimed, “If Snape finds you…”

“I know,” Ginny told her, “But he’s in the Great Hall talking to Dumbledore and Lupin, which is why I took the chance of coming to meet you.”

“Well hurry up, what is it?” she questioned, “I don’t want you to get caught.”

“Right,” Ginny answered, “Well Ron’s in a foul mood, and I need you to talk to him for me.”

Hermione twisted her head, “What do you mean? Isn’t he supposed to be off with Blaise?”

“Well yea, only she never showed, and then he got an owl, and now he’s in a foul mood and I need him on the Quidditch field to practice with me and he refuses too,” she told her.

“I can’t leave now, ask Harry,” Hermione told her, “Besides, it’s not life or death and you took a mighty chance coming down here.”

Ginny passed her hands through her wavy red hair, “I know, but we have a game on Friday against Slytherin and Madame Hooch specifically asked me to get Ron out on to the pitch with me, but he’s just being stupid!”

“Well, what time is it?” Hermione asked.

“I think a little past five,” Ginny answered.

“I’m suppose to be here until six, so I’ll see what I can do then,” she answered.

“Thanks Hermione, you’re a real pal, I’ll catch you later!” Ginny waved running up the stone stairs in hopes of missing Snape all together.

“Thesis lessons aren’t social scenes Miss Granger,” Severus’ voice slithered as soon as Ginny was out of sight.

“So you are here,” she replied not looking up and continuing with her work.

“As you see,” he answered.

And there was silence, she continued to work and he graded papers pretending not to notice her. Though the interesting thing was, she really wasn’t noticing him.

Six o’clock came sooner than later, Hermione finished up her potion, bottled it, and left without a word to Severus.

Whatever plan of action he had to speak with her would just have to wait. Maybe until she did her Head Girl rounds that night.

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Hermione found Ron in the common room, as she was making her way to her own room to drop off her things before dinner. He had a sour look on his face and only starred into the fire.

She was heading up the stairs to drop off her things, when his voice killed the silence of the empty space, “Fleur broke up with me.”

“I beg your pardon?” Hermione wasn’t sure if she heard correctly.

“Fleur owled me, it seems Charlie wasn’t for her liking, he was too rough. And I’m too risky and soft for her liking, and get this?” he said monotonously.

Hermione put her things down on the table next to the stairs and walked over to him, “What?”

“She insists that Percy is more of a man than I am.”

Hermione’s jaw dropped, “You’re kidding me?”

“Do I look like I’m joking?” his eyes didn’t move from the fire.

“Are you okay?”

“If your girlfriend, left you for your asshole brother, how would you be?”

“Ah ha.”

“Ah ha,” he repeated.

“Umm Ron?”

“Yea?”

“Can I ask you something?”

“What?”

“Well, I mean lately you didn’t really seem into your relationship with her, so I’m kind of surprised that you’re taking it this way…”

“Just because I wasn’t feeling the relationship doesn’t mean I okay with the principal behind it all.”

“So you’re angry at the principal then?”

“It’s not right!”

“I know, but Ron, c’mon. It’s Fleur – and Percy – what did you expect?”

“Ugh, I know.”

“And Ron?”

“What?”

“Ginny’s waiting for you on the Quidditch pitch.”

“And?”

“She asked me to tell you to go out there.”

“I’m in no mood for sports, I’d probably be more harm than good.”

“If you think so,” she added, “What are you going to tell Madame Hooch when she asks?”

“I’ll figure that out when the time comes.”

“As you wish Ron.”

“You know what I wish Hermione?” he asked, his eyes never leaving the blazing fire once.

“What?” she asked and he finally turned to her.

“I wish for it all just to work out.”

“It all?”

“You and His Snapper-ness, me, stupid Fleur and Percy, bloody Quidditch matches, Ginny breathing down my back and this way to long blasted war.”

“Me too Ron, me too.”

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Hermione and Ron walked to dinner in the Great Hall together and found seats next to Harry and a muddy Ginny.

“Where were you?” Ginny asked Ron crossly.

“Why?” he answered.

“Ron, I waited for almost 45 minutes for you to show!” she scolded.

“Sorry,” another short answer.

“Can we practice tonight?” she asked irritated.

“How about tomorrow, when I’m not in the mood to bash Percy’s skull in?” he asked sarcastically.

“Oh … that,” she said calming down her voice.

“What do you mean ‘oh that’. Did you know or something?” he asked.

“Would you be angry if I said yes?” she answered.

“If it’ll make you feel better, I knew too,” interjected Harry.

“Bloody hell, and no it doesn’t make me feel better!” Ron shouted.

“Calm down and sit down!” Hermione whispered sternly tugging Ron down next to her, “You’re bringing attention to yourself.”

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Severus watched her enter another meal for the day with Weasley. And again she was sitting next to him. Was that unusual?

She was touching him and Severus didn’t like that.

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“Fine,” Ron exhaled and sat back down cranky.

“Oh chill Ron, it’ll work out,” Ginny told him, meaning for the better than the way the words came out of her mouth.

“Yea, it’s Percy and Fleur. I mean, those two. They are screwed up enough to date each other and actually have it work out in the end,” Harry added trying to be sympathetic.

“And may I ask how the two of you knew before I did?” Ron asked grumpily as he bit into a roll of bread.

“Well,” Ginny started, “If you must know, I was the ministry visiting Percy last week, when I walked into his office unexpectedly to find the two of them … well mating with their clothes on.”

“Mating with their clothes on?” Hermione asked.

“Mating with their clothes on. In other words, a sight I would have rather not witnessed,” Ginny said making a face and sticking her tongue out in disgust.

“Oh,” Hermione answered.

“And well, I told Harry after that,” Ginny continued.

“You told Harry, but not your own brother! And Fleur’s boyfriend!” Ron exclaimed turning red.

“Calm down!” Harry prompted, “I happened to run into her after she them going at it, she just vented on me.”

“And when were the two of your planning on telling me?” Ron asked.

“Umm … soon?” Ginny said trying to smile.

Ron crossed his arms together and exhaled loudly.

Hermione gave him a quick hug and rubbed his back slightly, “It’s not the end of the world you know. Besides I thought you didn’t care?”

“I don’t.”

“Then?”

“Then what?”

“Then come off it,” she told him, “remember – live, be happy and kiss me,” she smiled at him.

He couldn’t help but laugh as he shook his head. It became their little inside joke. He thought the better of it, and bravely brushed his lips against hers for a moment. Hermione rolled her eyes at him, and turned away from him grinning.

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Severus saw him kiss her. Ronald Weasley kissing Hermione. His Hermione. Was she his? She was his. Had he told her that? In his own way, he did. What was going on? She was ignoring him.

Hermione wasn’t even paying him the little attention she used to pay him, before their ‘relationship’ took course. She was showing him the same indifference she showed everyone else she couldn’t care less about. The same indifference she showed Malfoy. Actually, she showed Malfoy more attention lately than she did him.

It had to stop.

It definitely had to stop.

And he would make sure of it.

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“I can’t,” Hermione said.

“C’mon Hermione, you have to study too!” Harry told her.

“No, really I can’t study for the Herbology test with you guys tonight,” she tried to explain again.

“Why not?” asked Neville as they made their way back to the common room.

“I have Head Girl rounds to take care of tonight,” she said.

“I thought yours were last night?” asked Harry as they climbed into the portrait hole.

“Nope, it’s tonight, I’m going to head up to my room, take a nap for like an hour or so and then do my rounds. So maybe tomorrow then?” she asked.

“Yea sure that’s cool,” Neville answered.

She nodded and made her way to her room.

Once inside she undid her robes and school clothes, putting on a large t-shirt and fell onto her bed in one thud. She was asleep instantly.

xxxxxxxxxx

Hermione awoke about and hour and a half later. She showered and changed into a comfortable pair of cotton pants with a matching tee. She put on her bedroom slippers, school robe and left.

The common room was pretty empty for the most part, save for Colin and Dennis who were chatting by the window and Parvati who was laying on her stomach by the fire reading for what looked like Transfiguration N.E.W.T.S.

She made her way out of the portrait hole and into the darkness of the hallways. Her wand was illuminated to light her way around as she passed the entrance to the Great Hall. It was always lit in there and amazing a couple of students were in it, some were reading, some were eating late night study snacks, while other fell asleep on themselves.

Hermione reached the end of hallway and turned left, heading towards the Ravenclaw Halls. The firelights seemed to have gone out and the hall was dark with only the light from the moon shining through the windows.

She muttered a spell, the fires were relit and she walked further down the halls when she heard a noise. She turned around only to be grabbed by two strong hands that pulled her into a corner.

When she looked up she saw him.

“Oh it’s you,” she said breathlessly, “Good heavens, I thought you were someone else.”

“Were you expecting someone else?” Severus asked.

“No of course not,” Hermione told him, “Don’t be silly. Why would I expect someone to grab me in the middle of the night and huddle me into a corner?”

“I don’t know, you tell me,” he answered bitterly.

“Tell you what?” she asked, “Don’t be ridiculous and take your hands off me, you’re smothering me.”

He pulled her towards him, “You use to like it when I had my hands all over you…touching you, every single inch of you.”

Her eyes narrowed at him and she pushed him off again, “That was before.”

He didn’t let go and moved in closer to her, “Before what exactly?”

Hermione let her body relax, and when she felt him release his grip a little she shoved him off of her and stomped into the halls, “None of your damn business!”

She ran down the hall only to be too slow. He caught her in no time, hauled her against him and took her into another corner, “Damn right, it is my business.”

She said nothing.

“Answer me!” he whispered darkly to her, she could feel his breath on her cheek - it was mint and cigar like.

“And I’m the violent one?” she spat at him.

He glared at her.

“You know,” she started, “the more I know you, the more the Death Eater side comes out.”

He said nothing.

“You fear not death nor pain, but you hold no reserves in inflicting it elsewhere.”

He continued his silence.

“Tell me, do you drown in your dreams? Because I feel like you’re drowning me.”

“Since when did this conversation become about me?” he asked.

“Wasn’t it always?”

“Forgive me, I was under the pretense I asked about you,” he sneered.

She was silent for a moment with her eyes downcast.

He was about to say something when she cut him off, glaring at him, much the same as he was glaring at her, “You are as damned as you seem.”