Love...War...What's the Difference *COMPLETE*

War…Love…What’s the Difference?

Hogsmeade Weekend

For the rest of October, Hermione continued to work hard. Ron was no longer speaking to her and glared at Harry and Ginny when they would sit with her at meals, in the common room, and classes in Harry’s case.

“Mione, you know how Ron is. Especially after you told him you didn’t feel the same way about him that he does for you,” Harry said at lunch a week before the first Hogsmeade trip.

“That’s no excuse Harry. He’s being completely immature about this,” Ginny added heatedly.

“Guys, it’s all right. He’s made his choice and now he has to live with it. Besides, I don’t want you two getting pulled into the middle of mine and his problems,” Hermione replied.

************************************************************************

Down in the dungeons, Severus sat staring at his notebook. He was so close to completing the calculations for his potion, but was missing something. He closed the book with a heavy sigh and headed for his 7th year potions class. He found the twelve students, which included Hermione, Harry, Ron, and Draco, already seated.

“Well, get started on your projects,” Severus sneered.

The students began pulling out books, quills, and parchment. Hermione of course was further along than anyone, but Draco wasn’t far behind. As Severus watched them, he suddenly got an idea.

“Miss Granger, come up here,” he ordered.

Hermione sat her book down and moved to his desk. “Yes sir?” she asked.

“I want you to go over these calculations and then tell me what is missing to make this potion work,” he instructed as he handed her a copy of his notebook.

Hermione nodded, took the parchments, and returned to her desk. Draco watched her, his face twisted in a sneer. Ever since last term, Severus had stopped favoring him and started favoring Hermione. As he worked on his project, he covertly studied Severus. That’s when he spotted it.

‘Well, well. Snape has the hots for the mudblood. He’s betrayed the Dark Lord. I need to send word to him. Then, I’ll be rewarded,’ Draco thought evilly.

************************************************************************

As the class left, Hermione stayed behind. Once everyone was gone, she approached Severus’ desk. “Here are those calculation back,” she said.

Severus took the parchments and looked over her work. His eyes widened in shock. She had found the answer. He couldn’t believe it. He looked up as she was about to leave the classroom.

“Wait!” he cried.

“Something wrong Professor?” she asked as she turned and faced him.

“How…how did you do it?” he demanded.

“Simple. You needed something that would balance the Phoenix tears and the unicorn blood. Using powdered Mandrake root would be the perfect ingredient,” she stated.

“Do you know what you’ve just done? You solved the puzzle. Now, I can begin brewing this potion. Once completed, it will protect the Order against most of the spells and curses the Death Eaters will be using,” he exclaimed.

“Really? I’m glad I could help the Order. Well, I’ll see you this evening,” she beamed.

Draco slipped into the shadows as Hermione exited the classroom. ‘The Dark Lord will definitely reward me for this information,’ he thought.

************************************************************************

On Halloween, Hermione made her way into Hogsmeade with the other students. She was in a great mood. Last night, she had finished the last of her research. Tonight, she would begin writing out the instructions for her potion.

‘Finally! If all goes well, this potion plus Professor Snape’s will really give the Order a heads up against the Death Eaters and Voldemort,’ she thought happily as she entered the village.

“Hey Hermione!” Lavender greeted.

“Hi Lavender,” Hermione said.

“We were heading to get some coco at Madame Puddifoot’s. Want to join us?” Padma Patel asked.

“Thanks, but I got a few errands to run,” Hermione answered regretfully.

“Oh. Well, maybe we can meet up for a butterbeer. Say around two?” Parvati suggested.

“That sounds great. I’ll see you at the Three Broomsticks at two,” Hermione smiled.

“Great! See you then,” Lavender waved.

************************************************************************

Severus entered the shop and looked around. “Well, Severus Snape. It’s been a long time old man,” the owner greeted jovially.

“Hello Frederic,” Severus said as he and Frederic shook hands.

“What brings you here?” Frederic questioned.

“Well, I need a special gift,” Severus answered.

Ten minutes later, Severus left the shop and headed down the street to the local Apothecary. He found Hermione standing at the counter waiting for the clerk to return.

“Good morning Miss Granger,” Severus said.

“Morning Professor Snape,” Hermione smiled.

“What are you buying?” he questioned.

“A few ingredients for my project. Last night I made a breakthrough. It looks as if I can begin brewing the potion about a month earlier that I originally planned,” she answered.

“Here you are young lady. Ah, Professor Snape. I’ll be with you in a moment,” the clerk said.

“Thanks. I need to look around a bit more, could you hold these for me?” Hermione asked.

“Of course. I’ll be right back with your order Professor,” the clerk answered.

“Well, have a good day Professor,” Hermione nodded as she headed off to another part of the shop.

“Here it is Professor Snape. It arrived yesterday,” the clerk said as he handed a wrapped package to Severus.

“Thank you Mr. Garrett. Put this on my account,” Severus replied.

“Yes sir. Have a nice day,” Garrett smiled.

Severus placed his package in his pocket and exited the shop. He made his way down the crowded streets, watching as the students laughed and joked with their friends, and busy shoppers hurried along their way.

“Hello traitor,” a voice sneered.

************************************************************************

Hermione had just left the apothecary when the screams filled the air. Suddenly, people were running in every direction. She looked down the street and her eyes widened in shock and fear. Severus was surrounded by four Death Eaters. She let out a scream as he was hit by four different spells. The Death Eaters apparated away and Hermione went running to Severus.

“Professor! Can you hear me? Oh god! Help! Someone help me!” Hermione cried as she knelt beside her fallen professor.

“Hermione what happened?” Sirius demanded as he, Remus, and Minerva pushed through the crowd.

“It was four Death Eaters. He was surrounded and then hit by four different spells,” Hermione answered tearfully as Remus checked for a pulse.

“He’s alive. Let’s get him to Poppy,” Remus said.

Minerva wrapped her arm around Hermione’s shoulders as the five portkeys from the village to the hospital wing. Hermione sat in a chair in between Remus and Sirius while Minerva and Poppy set to work on helping Severus.

************************************************************************

“Well?” Minerva asked.

“He’s going to be fine. He was extremely lucky. He’ll be staying here for at least a week,” Poppy answered.

Minerva nodded. She turned and stepped out from behind the curtain. She found Albus pacing while Remus, Sirius, and Hermione sat patiently; waiting for any news about Severus.

“How is he Professor McGonagall?” Hermione demanded as she jumped to her feet.

“He’s going to be fine. He’ll be staying here for at least a week,” Minerva answered,

“That’s a relief. Remus showed me the note you found. I will be calling an Order meeting tonight,” Albus said.

Hermione looked and quickly scanned the note.

Your days are numbered traitor. Enjoy it while you can

“He’s been discovered hasn’t he?” Hermione asked.

“Yes,” Albus replied somberly.

“Can I see him? Just for a moment,” Hermione pleaded.

Poppy walked up and led Hermione to the curtain that surrounded Severus’ bed. “If you want to talk to him, you can. He can still hear you,” the medi-witch smiled, then left Hermione’s side.

Hermione took a deep breath then entered the curtain. She felt her heart nearly stop as she saw him. He was paler than usual, a bandage was around his forehead, and his right arm was in a sling.

“Oh Professor. I’m so sorry. You deserve much more than what this life has given you,” she whispered as she brushed her hand against his cheek.

“I’ll…live,” he groaned.

“Hi there,” she smiled.

“Thank…you…for your kind…words,” he whispered.

“You’re welcome. Well, I better go and let you rest. I’ll come see you tomorrow. If that’s okay with you?” she asked.

Severus nodded. She leaned over and kissed his forehead, patted his shoulder, then left. Severus’ eyes fell closed once more as sleep washed over him. A soft smile on his lips as he slept.

T.B.C