Hemlock

Don’t own, don’t sue, and don’t care. Oh well.


Sorry for the delay. I’ve been laid up with a broken hand. But fear not! Even if I’m covered from head to toe in bandages I shall still type with my tongue! It may just take a little longer =d.

Anyhoot, lets get on with the story!

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Severus was in a foul mood for the rest of the day. He was taking points left and right and even took points from his own house (albeit not many, but still shocked the Slytherins). That little whore was the one who got Hermione in trouble and the way she treated him…he did not want to even dwell on it any longer.

Storming down to his rooms he unwarded his door and immediately went to his liquor supply. He grabbed two bottles of firewhiskey and plopped himself unceremoniously into his chair in front of the fireplace. He knocked back a three shots in a row until he began to cough violently from the burning in his chest.

He put the bottles down and picked up a book that was lying on the table next to the chair. He ran his fingers over the hard cover and embroidered lettering, A Compellation of the Dark Arts and Other Essays. The Potions Master sighed and opened up the book. It was hallowed out and inside was a small bag that clinked when he picked it up. Tossing the book aside he caressed the soft fabric before opening it up and pulling its contents out.

He rolled up his left sleeve, gazing blackly at the ugly mark still present on his arm. He grabbed one of the contents from the bag and tied it tightly around his upper arm, flexing his muscles as he did so.

Severus looked at the syringe in his hand that was now full of amber liquid. The light from the fireplace made it glow and dance across the Potion Masters strong features. With another big sigh he place the tip of the syringe into his arm. Before he could release his contents however his fireplace turned green and Albus Dumbledore’s head popped into view. Severus groaned and scowled at the wizened wizard.

“Ah Severus! Still trying to kill yourself with that stuff I see,” he said in an all-too chipper voice. Severus put the syringe and tunicate back in the book and slammed it closed. “What business is it of yours old man?” he replied with an angry and irritated look. Albus chuckled again, “My dear boy I only look after your health. It will do you know good to continuously dwell on the past. You have a bright future ahead of you and I would like to see that it is fulfilled.”

Severus scoffed and looked longingly back at the dark colored liquid. He would wait until Albus left and then fix himself up so he could go back. Go back to a time when things were simpler. A time when there was no Dark Lord, no spying, no having to remove himself from all thought and feeling. A time where he could remember what love felt like.

He was snapped out of his thoughts by Albus clearing his throat, “Severus, please. What was in the past should remain in the past. You’ll only give yourself more heartache and sorrow. That is, unless, you feel like changing that?” Severus cast a curious glance at the ancient man and replied, “Do please enlighten me old man.” Suddenly there was a twinkle in Albus’ eyes. Oh how he loathed that stupid twinkle. “Come to my office my boy. We have much to discuss,” it was more of a command than a request.

Albus’ head disappeared from the fireplace just as Severus stood up and fixed his clothes. He walked over to the floo and grabbed a handful of powder. “Headmaster’s office!” And in a flash of light was gone.

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Hermione was cold, so cold. She was shivering even though there was a heat charm placed on her bed. Finally, realizing she wasn’t going to get warm enough, she tossed the covers aside and stood up. She wrapped her arms around her small frame and began walking down the corridor of cots toward the doors. She peeked inside Poppy’s office to make sure the mediwitch was asleep before slipping out.

It had been so long since she walked the halls of Hogwarts but she felt comforted by the ancient building and the ghosts that smiled kindly at her while they passed. Not many of them recognized her and threw quizzical glances her way. She smiled and waved at them nonetheless. Suddenly a flourish of colors zoomed by her almost causing Hermione to fall backward. She then heard a high-pitched laugh and cringed.

“Well, well, well! If it isn’t the buck-toothed, bushy haired, know-it-all; Whiny Grangy!” the ectoplasmic blob guffawed. Hermione tightened her fists and gritted her teeth, “Hello Peeves.” The poltergeist flew around in circles and came to a stop 2 inches away from Hermione’s face. He stuck out one of his pudgy fingers and poked her nose. “I knew it was you! You look different though. Yes you do! Look like a 2-penny whore on Knockturn Alley you do! Ha!” he continued laughing. Hermione’s blood began to boil now, but Peeves did not let up his assault, “Oh! Are we getting mad now? Oh I’m so scared! Don’t hurt me whore! I don’t want no mudblood diseases!”

That was the final straw. Hermione reached for her wand, but to her dismay, realized she did not have it on her. This only caused Peeves to laugh harder, “Woo! A witch without her wand? Dumb mudblood! Dumb, dumb, dumb mudblood! Hahaha! You can’t do anything to me now!”

Hermione began seeing red now. Her breathing became quick and blood was beginning to drip from her hands. Peeves continued to laugh and berate Hermione. It became too much for her and Hermione snapped.

All of a sudden he stopped and looked at the witch glaring blackly at him. “Hey, what are ya doin’! You can’t do that! Mudbloods can’t do that!” he screamed. He turned and tried to fly away but found he could not move. His body began to bubble and searing pain like he had never felt before filled him. He tried to scream but no sound came out.

“Apologize,” Hermione said in a low voice. Peeves’ eyes widened and nodded. “And if you even try to tell the Headmaster or anyone else about this, I swear I will turn our sorry excuse for an existence to the most rancid, piece of shit, low-life thing on the face of the Earth. Do we have an agreement?” she continued. Peeve nodded frantically again and was suddenly let go. He began feeling himself all over to make sure nothing was missing. Then he took one last look at Hermione Granger and fled into one of the portraits.

Hermione’s body relaxed and her breathing became normal again. She looked around to see if anyone was looking and quickly retreated back to the infirmary. Little did she know though, someone was watching her. A dark smile slipped onto his face as he disappeared back into the shadows.

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How was that? Sorry I can’t type more but I just took my meds and feeling kinda sleepy. I’ll update as soon as I’m feeling better!

-Aggie