In The Life Of A Potions Master

Chapter 3

Hermione looked at Severus, he was down on one knee a small gold band set with an elegant little princes cut diamond in his out stretched hand. It wasn’t hard to see he was nervous. His hands were shaking; his eyes were darting to the ring and back to Hermione’s eyes. He was sweating as if he had just played a full day of quidditch in the summer heat. It was kind of cute to see the formidable potions master so nervous over her.

“Of course, I’ll marry you, Severus.” She was beaming with joy as he slipped the simple gold band onto her finger.

She threw herself into his arms, embracing him tightly, her arms squeezing him until a small wheeze was all that escaped his throat. “Sorry, love, when? Where? Oh gods what will I wear?”

“A wedding gown. Whenever you wish. On the small hill over looking the lake.” He smiled at Hermione, watching her face glow with a tinge of embarrassment over her reaction.

“Um… yeah a wedding gown, right. Um, why the hill?” Her cheeks were shaded red; she was flustered by the simplicity of his answers.

“It is the one thing I wish, love. And you can be as happy as you wish, stop blushing. It’s where I wanted to get married the first time.” He lifted her head to look at him. “You can have anything else you wish, but that is the one thing I want.”

“Okay, do you want to get married before school begins again, or do you want to wait ‘til school ends?”

“Let’s get married before school begins, grab life by the porns, like the muggles say.”

Hermione burst into laughter; her eyes were tearing at the force of the giggles that racked her body. “Lover, its horns, not porns. I really should teach you muggle sayings.”

“What in the name of Merlin is a porn to begin with?” He watched Hermione giggle, her face turning redder and redder.

“Well, um… it’s, well, it’s adult entertainment. You know . . . erotica.” Her face went crimson as she saw understanding flash across his face.

“Well, I am glad you told me before I said the same to Albus.” He couldn’t help but feel embarrassed as a crimson blush crept upon his cheeks.

“I am sorry, love.” She managed to get out between giggles. She composed herself and took a few deep breaths. “Is there anything else you want, my love?”

“Just you, woman.”


Hermione spent the next week and a half making the arrangements. Minerva, Molly, and Ginny helped her with everything; the four of them were inseparable for that time. Every meal, they were together huddled over books and scrolls. Severus took great joys watching Hermione planning their nuptials, she was elated, and it made his heart soar, even the jokes from the staff hadn’t dampened his spirits, they were harmless and childish at best anyway. He was in a good mood they could joke about that all they wanted.

Hermione had finally cornered him and showed him the plans. Not that he wasn’t interested, he just felt it was better left to her. He was happy enough to marry her and have lots of little Snapes as Albus had put it.

“Um, Hermione, my love, my darling, what is this about me wearing bloody purple robes?” You could see the aggravation imprinted on his face; the tone of his voice was incredulous.

“Oh, well, um…” Hermione put on her sweetest smile. “You see we thought that it would be nice for you to wear something besides black.”

“And just where am I to pick up these robes?” His look was scorching.

“Hogsmeade, there are some lovely robes shops there that you could go to.”

“I am not allowed in any of them.” A look of embarrassment passed over his face for a moment.

“Why not?”

“I have been asked never to return, something about making too many sales people cry.”

Hermione couldn’t help but giggle at the thought -- Severus raiding the robe shops for basic black, belittling clerks into fits of tears. Her laughter was quickly killed by the scathing look on Severus’ face.

“Why not Diagon alley? Surely you’re still allowed to shop there?”

“It has been sometime since I was actually there; I take care of most of my business by owl. I am not fond of so many people, you understand, I trust.” He hated his insecurity over something so simple as a crowd, something so inane, something so commonplace.

“Well if you prefer, you could just wear black I suppose.” He could see the shimmer of hope fade from her eyes and felt himself cave.

“Very well, love, I will wear purple. For you. I will also go to Diagon Alley. For you.” He stressed each pronoun, letting his discomfort show through. And with a quick kiss Hermione was back to explaining the plans that had been made.


Hermione decided to go with Severus to Diagon Alley, an overture he was grateful for. He had been in this house of torture for three hours and he was no closer to finding something acceptable than if he had stayed home. It had taken Hermione and a deep violet to finally robe him. They were simple, satin, and dark enough that he didn’t feel quite as odd as he would have. The violet of the robes seemed to suit his form well though; the cut of rob robes, and the fall, when combined with the violet just seemed to fit him.

It hadn’t taken long to fit the robes to his athletic build and they were on their way. The alley was full of witches and wizards; something he had been told was quite normal, but then he only came here at night, and only when absolutely necessary. It didn’t come as much of a surprise that he was getting quite a few looks from passers by, he had expected nothing less. He found it amusing, even laughable that even after all the Daily Prophet interviews, and kind words of the other Order members, he was still looked upon as an evil man.

Hermione wandered into Flourish and Blotts intent upon purchasing a new book. Severus had decided to wait outside to enjoy the afternoon air. He sat on a small bench, thinking about how his life would soon change. It was amazing to him that in a few short days he would be married again; not just again, but to someone who wouldn’t die in his arms a few moment after she said I do.

He looked around the alley and noticed two men talking quietly by Eelops Owl Emporium. Under any other circumstances he would have dismissed it as nothing to worry about; however, they were pointing at him. He watched the two men with a vague interest; they were discussing something and seemed very animate about it.

One of the men walked toward Severus, he suddenly got that sinking feeling, that feeling a coming storm. Severus stood up, preparing himself for what ever was to come. His hand went to his wand and gripped the wood of the handle.

“Ay arn’ ya tha Death Eat’r?” The man’s speech was slurred with intoxication; his breath smelled of cheep fire whiskey.

“And if I am?” Severus kept his voice even, his tone an unheeded warning.

“Ya are ain’t ya, knew it, bloody scum. Ge’ out of here ya fuckin’ scum.”

A small crowd had gathered and was watching the altercation. The man took a wild swing at Severus, connecting solidly with his jaw; Severus fell to the gro his his hand instinctively moving to his mouth. He tasted the tinge of copper and could feel the hole left by two now missing teeth.

Severus suddenly remembered every beating he had ever taken, every punch that had landed on his body, every time he had been abused. His eyes flashed with silent furry, his fist balled, the wand hidden in the sleeve of his robes forgotten. He started to his feet when a foot connected solidly with his ribs. He felt the familiar crush of ribs cracking, heard the distinct snap as he felt the sharp pain in his right side.

He was up in a heartbeat, blood rushing through his veins. He looked around quickly, a feral gaze searching for his prey. The man stood less then a foot away, laughing at the staggering form of the Potions Master. Severus moved quickly, his taunt body moving with an unknown grace. He held the man by his hair, his knee connecting solidly with the drunk’s abdomen.

The drunk doubled over holding his stomach, Severus drew back his hand and without warning felt the sting of a stunning spell, his hand dropped to the man’s skull, his rage blocking the pain and the spell out of his mind.

The crowd rushed Severus, holding him from the drunk, stopping his need for justice, for vengeance. The drunk was lying on the ground, his hands wrapped around his head, his blond hair spotted red with blood. Severus felt himself return, his control once more in dominance.

“Let me go.” His voice was low and deadly, a soft growl that held promises of pain for those that refused his demand.

The crowd held fast, only compounding his anger. It felt like so many other times, so many bad memories, so many nightmares. He struggled against the group holding him to the wall, so many hands pressed against him.

Suddenly, he was surrounded by a bright blue-white light; it seemed to come from every part of him. The crowd that had surrounded him was being tossed about; people flying through the air landing twenty yards away. He felt himself floating, and could see things moving. He was moving down the street, people running away from his glowing form. He could hear the screams.

“SEVERUS STOP!” He heard Hermione’s voice, it sounded distant and weak to him; but the command tore through his mind.

He abruptly fell to the ground, his body burned with pain. He felt soft hands on his back, familiar hands. He loved those hanHe rHe rolled over and looked at Hermione, her eyes were full of concern; he could see the beginnings of tears. Then he felt blackness surround him, felt his eyes close, and then there was nothing.


“Is he okay?” Hermione looked at Severus; he had been unconscious for four days now.

“Yes, dear, he is just resting.” Poppy smiled at Hermione.

“What happened, one minute he was floating and looked like a lightning bug, the next he fell down and was out?” Hermione was starting to calm down; she had been on a roller coaster of emotions since she had gotten him back to Hogwarts.

“He just used too much energy dear, he should come around soon.”

“I’m around now. It’s bloody impossible to sleep with all this babble. I see you fixed my teeth, thank you, Poppy.” Severus sounded distant and weak, but awake.

Hermione wrapped her arms around him holding him tightly. Tears of joy were washing the dried trail of old tears away. Severus wrapped his arms around Hermione, pulling her to him.

“I’m fine, love. For now anyway, loosen your grip and I will stay that way.” Hene lne let him go and covered his face with kisses. “Woman, what is this fetish with attempting to hug the life out of me?” He was smiling and happyr lor look of embarrassment forced him to stifle a laugh.

“Sorry, love, I guess I just get carried away,” she said shyly.

“Hermione, I am giving you a hard time. Have you ever known me to let an opportunity to do so pass?”

“If you weren’t in the hospital wing I’d punch you.” She was smiling and happy, something she hadn’t been for days. “You’ve been down for days, love. You should have seen our wedding it was lovely. And you looked great in your purple robes.”

“Good, I was worried I would trip and fall on my face, glad I missed it.” Severus felt a hand connect with the back of his head.

“Severus, you behave, tomorrow you will make a lot of witches very unhappy.” Poppy smiled at him.

“What are you talking about, Poppy?” Severus was rubbing the fake pain in the back of his head.

“Well you can leave as soon as you eat.” She held out a plate of eggs and bacon, and a small bowl of oatmeal. “Here is your breakfast.”

“Where did you get that from? I’ve never once seen a house elf bring you even the smallest of trays.” Severus was looking into Poppy’s eyes.

“What you don’t know always hurts you, now eat.”

Severus began to ehilehile Hermione filled him in on what had happened after he had passed out. A group of aurors had shown up. Much to Hermione’s delight, Tonks was leading the group sent to investigate the release of magic. The man who had assaulted him was arrested and later released after a thorough tongue-lashing. Tonks had helped get him back to Hogwarts and under the care of Poppy. Besides that she didn’t have much to tell him. The wedding was on hold until he woke up. The guests were staying in the many rooms the castle held. Hermione had taken care of the potions that needed to be brewed before school started, ordered the supplies for his classes, and cleaned up the classroom.

“Thank you, Hermione. You didn’t have to.” Severus brushed a stray hair out of her eyes.

“I know how you hate to get behind. Severus, what happened to you?”

“I got angry. It’s as simple as that love. I lost control and my magic decided to have some fun.” Severus smirked at Hermione’s raised eyebrow. “Why don’t you go and see to the final arrangements so we can be a happily married couple. I want to see Minerva glare at Albus.”

Hermione laughed at the thought and left Severus to finish his bacon. He watched her go, following her with his eyes. He would have liked to follow her back to his rooms, but he knew Poppy would never let him leave if he didn’t finish the food on his plate. He ate a little faster and thought about the insanity of some people. It wasn’t bad enough in the world right now, no people had to go and make things worse.

Why get drunk and start trouble in the middle of Diagon Alley? What, so you look like a tough guy when you beat up a professor? He hated the way some people acted because they thought they could.

He dressed in the fresh set of robes Hermione had left for him and left the infirmary before Poppy could come back and find another reason to make him stay. He walked the halls thinking of his latest dream. It had been about his childhood. Something he was not happy to think about let alone have dominating his dreams. Having his dreams invaded by memories he wished were forgotten and dead was disconcerting to say the least. The most perverse torture a dead man could leave behind for him.

He walked through the halls of the school, the place where he had grown, loved, lost, and now, found love again. For the first time in his life he was just strolling, no real purpose in his walk, just a wish to enjoy the day. He suddenly remembered it just hit him like a brick at a Death Eater wedding; Hermione and he needed to see Albus for the rest of the spell.

As if on cue, and as usual, Albus was standing in the hall talking to Hermione. The old wizard looked up and smiled. It was a good thing Albus had such a knack for being where he was needed, Severus thought to himself. A few more days without the completion to Volemort’s spell and Hermione might believe he had no redeeming qualities. It was hard to imagine what she must be thinking seeing all his worst memories without any light at the end of the tunnel. He couldn’t even fathom why she would stay with someone so dark. But then, he thought, she must know there is more then she is seeing.

He walked up to Albus and Hermione; his standard Potion’s Master scowl firmly in place.

“How do you do that old man?” He watched Albus’ eyes sparkled with mirth.

“I just have a wonderful sense of timing, Severus. I understand you are in need of a spell, no potion will help, Severus?” Albus smiled at Severus’ scalding stare.

“No, there is no potion, Albus, aft after your foolish wand waving, I think I will let Fawkes hold your wand on a burning day, just to see what happens.”

“Severus! That’s not nice.” Hermione looked thoroughly distraught at the idea.

“I’ve never been nice, and I was joking of course. Yes, Albus, any help would be appreciated.”

“This is going to hurt you know, but I guess you won’t mind much. Hermione please stand next to Severus and take his hand.”

Hermione moved to Severus’ side and took his hand. Albus waved his wand, the motion cutting a sharp L stroke followed by a figure eight. Severus watched amused, he could feel the slight twinge of pain but nothing more. Then he felt Hermione’s hand tighten, her grip becoming stronger, almost crushing. She sank to her knees, every muscle tight and distressed with pain, tears rolled down her cheeks and dropped to the floor. Then she screamed, the sharp noise emitting from her, long and hoarse.

Severus closed his eyes knowing not to break the contact. He watched Hermione’s life flash before him, watched her as a child, watched her first day at Hogwarts, felt the fear she had held during her first potions class, the fear when she saw the basilisk in her mirror. More over he saw all the pains he had caused her. He felt the sting of so many hurtful words, the anger and humiliation of his ignorance toward her enlarged teeth. He felt he would vomit soon. He hated himself for all thi things he had said to her. More so he wondered why she would love such a pathetic cruel creature such as himself. He saw her stun him after catching Black, felt her fear for Harry when he disappeared in the maze, he saw her fight in the hall of mysteries. His heart sank as he watched her sixth year. He was watching her father lying in bed, pain racking his body as he tried to fight cancer, his body thin and broken. He felt her despair as the man uttered his final words.

“This really sucks sweetheart, be strong, and don’t let your mother grieve. I’ll be here, just not physically.”

Severus watched as Hermione held his hand as his breathing slowed and his eyes fluttered closed, he felt the heartacs Mrs Mr. Granger drew his final breath and then was still.

Just as suddenly as it had begun it was over. Hermione was hanging from his hand sobbing; her robes stained with blood, her gentle face bruised. Severus knew too well how much she had gone through in a few seconds. He suddenly noticed an odd pain in the small of his back; he reached around and fet, st, soft and furry. He had a bloody tail.

Hermione looked up at him, eyes red and swollen from crying. She started to laugh. “Here kitty, kitty.” She scratched behind his ear and he couldn’t help but smile.

“You two should go the infirmary, I’m sure Madam Pomfery still remembers how to reverse the effects of polyjuice.” Albus started to walk away, laughing softly at the sight of his potions master.

“Are you okay, Hermione?” Severus watched her, concerned about what she had gone through. He had never looked into a mirror after a revel or beating but he was pretty sure this was far worse. Every bruise, bump, scratch, scrape, pimple, and boil he had ever had in his life seemed to have manifested on Hermione.

“Your life totally sucked! Albus could have said we were going to get the crap kicked out of us. Owww!” Severus had readjusted Hermione in his arms, her back seamed to find the most uncomfortable position possible. “Voldemort really was a sick man. Why did he like to carve up your back like that?”

“Oh, because it was me, in an odd way he loved me. Guess you hurt the ones you love.” He tried to smile but it was small and faked, even the untrained eye could s tha that.

He set Hermione down in a bed gently and went to get Poppy to heal them. It had taken quite sometime to heal all the wounds that spread across her body; Severus’ healing had only taken a few minutes, a small potion that quickly righted the fur and tail. He had laughed at Hermione’s out rage at the ease of his reversion. It had taken her a month of painful hairballs and dozens of potions to be restored. He had simple reminded her that five years had passed and things changed. In reality, he had created a potion three years ago when he planned on having a class brew polyjuice potion for a class project. As soon as they were whole again, they left to his chambers and ate a quiet meal in comfortable silence.

They retired to bed, both content to let the memories of the other sink in before discussing them. They had their whole life to talk about the pains of their past, right now they both just wanted to sleep. Ses pus pulled Hermione close, wrapping his strong-arms around her and was quickly claimed by sleep.

Hermione sat in Severus’ arms, listening to his soft breathing. She watched the dungeon window as the grass swayed in a slight breeze. She was trying to fight off the darkness that tried to claim her. She was tired but was afraid to sleep; she was suhat hat if she slept she would see her lover, her soon to be husband, tortured again. She wanted to cry at the thought of his pain, and slowly her tears fell to the pillow. The darkness claimed her and she slept.

A/N: Miss spelling in the drunk’s speech/ Yes the words are miss spelled, but only to show his drunken state. Just thought I would let you beautiful people know! Thanks for reading please review.