Potions and Killing Curses *COMPLETE*

Potions and Killing Curses

Chapter 2

Hermione entered the kitchen at 12 Grimmauld Place and was surrounded by the smell of a delicious breakfast being prepared.

“Good morning Miss Granger,” Severus greeted.

“Good morning Professor,” Hermione replied.

“Have a seat. Breakfast will be ready in a moment,” he said.

Hermione slowly sat down at the table. She was quite shocked to see the most feared Professor at Hogwarts, cook a five star breakfast. She smiled at the domestic sight.

“What are you smiling about?” he asked as he placed a plate of eggs, bacon, pancakes, and toast in front of her.

“Honestly, sir, you. No one would believe me if I told them that you cooked me breakfast,” she answered.

“It will be our little secret then,” he chuckled as he winked at her.

Hermione smiled as she poured herself a cup of coffee. Severus sat down across from her and did the same. Covertly he watched as she ate her breakfast. She had her hair pulled up into a high ponytail. She wore a tight lilac tank top, that showed off her perfect upper body. Her long legs were encased in tight light blue denim jeans. Her look was topped off by the black heeled boots she wore.

“Can I ask you something sir?” she asked.

“Go ahead,” he replied.

“I don’t want to seem rude, but why are you being so nice to me?” she questioned.

“I am capable of being nice. As to why, let’s just say I’ve had a change of heart toward you,” he answered.

Hermione just looked at him in confusion for a moment before returning to her meal. Severus smiled slightly as he too continued eating. After they had both finished eating,
Severus put their dishes in the sink, and the pair headed for the library.

“What are you researching for Albus?” he asked.

“Well, he asked me if I could find a spell, potion, or charm that would help protect the Order members against the Death Eaters,” she answered.

“Have you made any progress?” he questioned.

“I’ve found a few promising leads,” she said.

Hermione quickly gathered the books and scrolls from the day before. As she did, Severus picked up her notes and began going over them. What he saw shocked him. He knew she was brilliant, but he now knew just how brilliant.

“What do you think sir?” she asked tentatively.

“Miss Granger, if you can do what your notes theorize you can, you will make Wizarding history,” he replied, admiration and shock evident in his voice.

Hermione beamed brightly up at him. She set the books and scrolls down on the table and the two immediately got to work, both hoping that by that night, they would be closer to completing the research.

Four hours later they stood up and stretched. Severus watched as she walked over to one of the windows and peered out. He let out a quiet sigh as the golden sunlight washed over her bronzed, flawless skin. In his eyes, she looked like a goddess.

“When is the Order meeting?” she asked.

“Tonight at seven. Albus owled me this morning before you woke up,” he said.

Hermione nodded. Suddenly, a loud rumbling sound was heard. Severus looked down at his stomach, then back at Hermione, a somewhat embarrassed expression on his face.

“Let’s head into the kitchen and I’ll fix us some lunch,” she giggled.

He nodded. As Severus followed her into the kitchen, he thought about his own plan to protect her from Voldemort.

‘I know she will be at the meeting tonight. I hope she chooses my plan. If she doesn’t, though, then what will I do?’ he thought as he sat at the table. He took note, that like him, Hermione was quite the little chef. He smiled as she expertly whipped up a couple of chicken salad sandwiches with a side of chips.

“Lunch is served,” she said with a smile as she sat the plate in front of him.

“This looks delicious,” he replied.

She smiled and went to fix them some pumpkin juice. The two ate in a comfortable silence, both watching each other when the other wasn’t looking.

‘He really is a brilliant man. He’s also handsome in a dark and mysterious sort of way. Whoever can thaw his frigid exterior and win his heart will be one lucky woman,’ Hermione thought.

‘I wonder what she would say if I told her how I felt about her? Would she run away? Would she return those feelings? Would she laugh?’ he wondered as he finished his meal.

“Shall we get back to work?” Hermione asked.

“After you, Miss Granger,” Severus replied.

The two placed their plates in the sink then returned to the library. Severus felt they were close to finding something. For the rest of the afternoon they worked. About two hours later, Hermione gasped.

“Oh my god! Professor, I think I’ve found something!” Hermione gasped.

Severus put down the book and quill he held, and rushed to her side. He took her notes and read over the scroll she held, plus the calculations she had just done. His eyes grew wide.

“Sir?” she questioned.

Severus placed the papers on the table, grabbed her hands, pulled her to her feet, gathered her in his arms, and began spinning her around. Hermione held onto his neck as he began to laugh. A few moments later he placed her back on her feet.

“Forgive me, Miss Granger, but you’ve just made history! You may very well have found the one potion that will protect someone from the Killing Curse!” Severus exclaimed.

“Wh…what? You…you mean I did it? I really did it?” she asked in shock.

“Yes,” he answered.

“Ohhh!” she squealed.

A second later, Severus stumbled back a few steps as she jumped into his arms. He held her tight as her laughter rang in his ears. After a few minutes he set her back down on her feet.

“Oh my god! I can’t believe this!” she cried.

“Tonight we will tell Albus. Then you can begin brewing the potion,” he said with a smile.

Hermione and Severus sat back down and quickly began making a list of the ingredients they would need, as well as the brewing instructions. They had just finished putting away the books and scrolls when Albus, Minerva, Remus, and Sirius entered the library.

“There you two are,” Albus greeted.

“Hello, sir. We have some wonderful news,” Hermione beamed.

“Oh?” Albus asked.

“Yes, sir. Thanks to Professor Snape, I have found a potion like you asked me to,” Hermione replied.

“Miss Granger is being modest. She was the one who discovered, actually created, a whole new potion. If all goes as planned, this potion will protect whoever drinks it from the Killing Curse,” Severus explained.

The four adults just stared at Severus and Hermione in absolute shock. She nodded eagerly as she handed the parchment with the potion on it to Albus. The older wizard read over the parchment quickly then looked up at her and Severus.

“Merlin’s beard! Do you two realize what you’ve just done? You’ve just made history!” Albus exclaimed.

Minerva rushed forward and hugged them both. Remus and Sirius hugged and kissed Hermione’s cheek.

“We can celebrate later, right now, we have an Order meeting. Miss Granger, I want you to join us,” Albus said.

The six of them moved from the library into the kitchen. As Hermione sat down, Severus pulled out her chair. She smiled back in thanks. A few minutes later, everyone was present and the meeting began.

“We are here because Severus has discovered some upsetting news. It seems Voldemort wants to lure Hermione to his side. We must now find some way to protect her,” Albus explained.

“Isn’t she safe at Hogwarts?” Tonks questioned.

“Unfortunately, no. There are children of Death Eaters, as well as some sixth and seventh years that are Death Eaters. Even if we added extra security, there are too many opportunities in which they could still get her,” Albus answered.

“What about if she stays here? Remus and I could stay here and help protect her,” Sirius suggested.

“What would you two do if this place was discovered? Every Death Eater is searching for her. Just the two of you can’t possibly think you can protect her,” Severus shot back.

“Oh really? You think you can come up with a better plan Snivillus?” Sirius challenged.

“Yes. She can be moved to Snape Manor,” Severus answered.

Everyone began talking, or in Sirius’s case, shouting at once. Hermione just sat there. The only person not talking or shouting, was Severus. She looked up and their eyes locked.

‘Why is he looking at me like that? As if he’s hoping and praying I’ll accept his plan,’ she thought.

“Silence!” Albus roared. Everyone fell silent. “Now then, Miss Granger, do you have anything you would like to say? After all, this is your life we’re talking about,” Albus asked gently.

“Well, I do have a few questions for Professor Snape. Sir, no offense but, you are a Death Eater in Voldemort’s eyes. Wouldn’t I be walking into the proverbial lion’s den?” Hermione questioned.

“No, Miss Granger. The Dark Lord doesn’t know I own Snape Manor. I bought the manor after the death of both my parents. Only Albus has been there. Plus, it is unplotable,” Severus answered.

“Can you protect me if the Death Eaters do manage to find us and attack?” she asked.

“I can and I will protect you. With my life if necessary,” he stated.

Hermione fell silent, she thought about it. She knew she would need help with the potion, plus, he knew how the Death Eaters thought and operated. After about ten minutes, she came to her decision.

“I accept Professor Snape’s offer,” she stated.

T.B.C