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 24

The next day Albus called Hermione and Severus into his office. When they entered they found Minerva, Harry, Remus, Ron, Sirius, Kingsley, Mad Eye and Tonks there as well. Hermione knew then that the final battle was at hand. It was time.

“I called this meeting because our other spy has sent us word of an attack Voldemort is planning.. According to his letter, Voldemort is planning on coming here to Hogwarts with the intention of capturing or killing Severus in Hermione.” Albus explained.

“So what do we do?” Harry demanded.

“We do nothing.” Hermione stated.

“What?!” Everyone cried.

“Albus, does our spy’s letter say how Voldemort plans to accomplish this?” Hermione asked.

“Yes. It seems that Voldemort has followers in Slytherin and possibly the other houses as well. They have reported to him that every evening before dinner, weather permitting, that you and Severus take a walk on the grounds. Voldemort plans to use all of his allies and followers. They will be coming in from the opposite side of the forest. He will also try to kill me as well.” Albus answered.

“Then we won’t disappoint him. Look, Voldemort isn’t expecting us to know this. You can summon every member of the Order, our allies as well as the Aurors. Send the students away to a safe place. I have a spell that will locate every person in this castle who bares the Dark Mark. We can capture those students and hide them. Then, you can have the members of the light pose as students.

“When Severus and I go for our usual walk, have Aurors and Order members hiding in Hagrid’s hut. Everyone knows Hagrid heads to dinner early and leave his lights on. Voldemort won’t be expecting it. As soon as they spot the Death Eaters they attack. Everyone else can be watching from the front doors.” Hermione Explained.

Everyone remained silent. Severus looked at his lover. Admiration and love reflected in his eyes. Albus smiled. It was a very good plan and could very well bring about an end to this war once and for all. It was Ron who spoke up first.

“I don’t like it. There are to many things that could go wrong Mione. What if the Death Eaters find out and attack before you and Snape get the chance to send the signal for the Order members and Aurors in the hut?” Ron asked.

“Ron, they will be watching. I have another spell that will allow them to see what’s going on without anyone seeing them from inside the hut.” Hermione answered.

“It’s still to dangerous. I don’t want you to do it.” Ron said.

“Well too bad Ron. I want to do this. This is our chance to end this war on our terms. Not Voldemort’s.” Hermione said as she stood up, faced Ron and crossed her arms across her chest.

“I agree with Miss Granger. It is a sound plan. The potion is complete. I will call for all the Order members, Aurors, and our allies to meet in two days. I will administer the potion and go over the plan.” Albus said.

Everyone nodded. Ron however was seething. One by one everyone began leaving the office, lead by Albus and Minerva. The last ones to leave were Ron, Harry, Hermione and Severus. Ron walked over to the couple.

“Yes Ron?” Hermione sighed.

“I don’t want you to do this.” Ron stated.

“Give it up Ron. She has her mind made up and I think it will work.” Harry replied.

“I don’t want her being left out in the open with this bastard!” Ron yelled as he pointed an accusing finger at Severus.

Hermione’s face changed from a look of annoyance to a look of anger. She stepped away from Severus and up to Ron.

“Ronald Weasley, how dare you say that.” she hissed.

“It’s true. I don’t even understand why you would want to spend you time with him. He’s not good enough for you. I can’t even believe that actually like to be around him.” Ron said.

“Ron. Don’t do this.” Harry warned.

“You had better listen to Harry and walk away now Ron. Otherwise you’ll say something that’s really going to set me off.” Hermione hissed.

“Oh really? You mean like the fact that I think you’re fucking him and it makes me sick?” Ron asked.

CRACK!!!!

Hermione stood glaring over Ron. Her eyes as hard as diamonds. Ron looked up in a mixture of shock, fear and anger while clutching his jaw, which he knew she had broken.

“You listen here. Severus is a brilliant, kind and extremely personal man. I have grown very fond of him these past few months. I will even state to you that I love him and he loves me. You still have not accepted the fact that I don’t return the so called love that you say you feel for me. MY HEART BELONGS TO SEVERUS. NOT YOU! SO FROM NOW ON, BUTT OUT OF MY LIFE!” Hermione yelled.

Hermione then stormed out of the office. Severus leaned down toward Ron with a smirk on his face.

“You are one lucky wizard Mr. Weasley. And not that I have to justify anything to you, but know this. Hermione belongs to me just as I belong to her. So heed her words and stay out of her business unless it directly concerns you.” Severus said.

Severus quickly left to find Hermione. Harry let out a sigh while he helped Ron to his feet. It took a few moments for Ron to get his bearings before he allowed Harry to help him walk out of the office.

“When will you learn. Snape is right, you are lucky. Let’s get you to Poppy and have her mend that jaw.” Harry said.

Severus found Hermione pacing in his sitting room. He could tell she was still angry. So he simply sat on the sofa and let her continue to pace. After thirty minutes she stopped and plopped down beside him.

“What the fuck was he thinking?” she hissed.

“He wasn’t. Now, why don’t I order us lunch. Then you and I can go for a jog around the lake. That will help you relax.” Severus said as he began massaging her shoulders.

Hermione sighed and nodded. Severus ordered them a light lunch. After they finished eating, they changed clothes and headed outside. As they reached the front doors they were stopped by Remus and Sirius.

“You punched Ron! Why?” Sirius demanded.

“Sirius, not here.” Remus stated.

The four quickly walked out onto the grounds. It was Sunday and pretty cold out. The students were in the Great Hall eating lunch or their houses or the library studying. Once far enough away from the castle Sirius began again.

“Why did you break his jaw?” Sirius demanded.

“Because Ron was acting like a little hot head and pushed me too far Sirius. I don’t regret it. It’s what he gets for insulting my lover.” Hermione hissed.

Sirius just stared at her then at Severus. The pieces finally falling into place. Harry had said that Ron kept pushing Hermione and now he knew why. He walked up to Severus, a cold look on his face.

“You hate me and I hate you. Just because you and Hermione are involved doesn’t mean that’s going to change.” Sirius said.

“I know that, Black. As does Hermione, I’m sure.” Severus replied.

“I may not like that the two of you are together but I will accept it. I care for Hermione just as I care for Harry. If you hurt her, I won’t hesitate to hex your sorry ass into the next century.” Sirius stated.

“If I hurt her, you’ll have to beat Hermione to it then.” Severus said.

Sirius nodded then walked away. Remus just chuckled and shook his head.

“You know how Sirius is. Well, I’ll see you two later.” Remus said.

“Lupin wait.” Severus said.

Remus turned and faced Severus.

“Thanks for your help.” Severus smiled slightly.

Remus smiled back and nodded. Hermione and Severus watched as Sirius and Remus walked to the gates and apparated away. Hermione took his hand and they continued toward the lake. Ten minutes later Ron and Harry came walking out. Ron spotted the pair. His face grew red and Harry could practically see steam pouring out of his ears.

“Face it Ron. She’s not yours and she never will be. Besides, they belong together.” Harry said.

Ron stared at Harry as if he had just grown a second head. Ron growled and began storming away. Harry just shook his head and sighed. He caught one last look at Hermione and Severus. He was happy that someone had seemed to finally reach Hermione and at least help her. He smiled slightly as he and Ron apparated away.

T.B.C