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

War…Love…What’s the Difference?

Feelings, Revelations, and Spells

Hermione stood at the door to the potions classroom. When she had gone to thank Severus for his gift, Poppy told her he was well enough to return to his chambers. She raised her hand and knocked. A few moments later, Severus opened the door.

“What brings you here Miss Granger?” he asked.

“I won’t be long,” she replied.

Severus stepped aside and let her enter. After he closed the door, he led her from the classroom and into the study. He sat in his armchair, while she took a seat on the sofa.

“What did you wish to talk about?” he inquired.

“I just wanted to say thank you for the beautiful necklace. I’ll never take it off,” she smiled.

“You’re quite welcome,” he said.

“Also, about the end of your letter, when you mentioned the kiss,” she replied.

“Miss Granger, I know you’re probably revolted it even happened, but I felt I needed to be honest. I apologize if you’re uncomfortable about it,” he stated.

“I’m not revolted. Quite the opposite really. Like you, I haven’t been able to forget about it,” she countered.

Severus looked at the young Witch in surprise. He stood up and joined her on the sofa. “What are you saying?” he asked.

“I’m not really sure. All I know is after we kissed, my feelings towards you have changed. I mean, I’ve always respected and admired you as a professor and a wizard. Now, those feelings have grown into something else I can’t quite name,” she explained.

Without warning, Severus leaned foreword and gently pressed his lips to her. Like their first kiss, Hermione felt herself melting into him. She brought her right hand up and cradled his face. A few minutes later, they came apart for air.

“Wow. Has anyone told you that you’re an excellent kisser?” she asked.

“No they haven’t,” he said with a soft smile.

“Well, I had better go. I promised Harry and Ginny I would meet them in the library,” she stated.

Severus escorted her to the Potions classroom. After a soft smile and a wave, Hermione left. With a sigh, Severus retreated to his study. He felt even more confused about his feelings toward Hermione than ever.

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“Hey Mione. Sorry we’re late,” Ginny said as she and Harry sat down.

“It’s all right. I just got here a few minutes ago,” Hermione replied.

“Ron got pissed when we told him where we were going. He said Ginny and I have to choose. Him or you,” Harry added.

“Oh guys, I’m sorry you got pulled into this position,” Hermione sighed.

“Don’t be. Ever since dad became Minister and we no longer have to worry about money, Ron’s been acting like a snob,” Ginny stated.

“Ginny’s right. Besides, we told Ron that we choose you because we know you’re our true friend,” Harry said.

“Thanks guys. Now, let’s hit the books,” Hermione smiled.

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Lucius made his was toward his study. As he passed the library, he heard two voices. One belonged to his wife, Narcissa, and the other belonged to Voldemort. The door was opened just enough for him to see and hear what was going on, without being seen himself.

“You have done well Narcissa. Are you sure Lucius doesn’t suspect anything?” Voldemort asked.

“I’m positive. He still believes that Draco is his heir. We were lucky that Draco favored me and not you. Otherwise, Lucius would have started asking questions a long time ago,” Narcissa answered.

‘Draco’s not my son, but the Dark Lord’s?’ Lucius thought in shock.

“My dear, you have manipulated Lucius wonderfully. The fool still believes he’ll be at my right hand when we take over. Now, I need you to tell our son to continue watching the Granger girl and Severus. When the time is right, I will tell him what to do,” Voldemort instructed.

“Of course my Lord,” Narcissa said.

Lucius had heard enough. Silently he made his way to his private study and locked himself in. He quickly fixed himself a strong drink and sat at his desk. ‘So, I’ve just been a pawn. God, what do I do now? Who can I turn to?’ Lucius thought.

All he knew was that whatever he did, he needed to do it quickly. He had no doubt that once done with him, Voldemort would dispose of him without a second thought.

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Monday morning, Severus returned to teaching. He was surprised that Sirius had actually followed his teaching plans. During his seventh year class, he noticed two things. One, Harry had moved to the table beside Hermione, and two, Draco looked downright angry at the fact that Severus was back.

‘Suck it up Malfoy. It’ll take more than four Death Eaters to get rid of me,’ Severus thought.

Hermione had already finished the instructions to her potion, but wouldn’t begin brewing it until the next class. At the moment, she was finishing the last part of her spell to hopefully protect, or at least help protect Severus from Voldemort.

‘Tonight I’ll talk to the Headmaster. If this works, Severus will be a lot safer. Wait a second! Since when did I start thinking of him as Severus? Uh-oh, this is getting serious,’ she thought.

At that moment, she looked up and her eyes locked with Severus’. She smiled at him then went back to work. Draco caught the exchange, but he wasn’t the only one. Harry too had seen the look.

‘Hermione and Snape?!’ he thought. But after a few minutes, he realized something. ‘Well, they are both brilliant. I guess I could see them together. I’ll talk to Mione later. As long as she’s happy, that’s all that matters to me,’ he thought with a smile.

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Severus had canceled Hermione’s evening visits for the week, which suited Hermione just fine. Even though he was healed, he was still feeling a bit tired. While he continued work on his potion for the Order, Hermione and Dumbledore got to work on testing her spell. With the help of Arthur, they found a couple of test subjects. Courtesy of Azkaban.

“Oh my god,” Arthur gasped.

“Miss Granger, I think you may have found a way to protect Severus. You truly are the brightest witch this school has probably ever seen,” Albus beamed on Thursday night as Hermione’s spell was proven successful.

“Thank you Headmaster,” Hermione smiled.

“So, when are you going to tell Severus about this?” Minerva asked with a bright smile.

“Tomorrow night I think,” Albus answered.

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On Friday afternoon, Severus sat grading papers when his fireplace roared to life and Lucius stepped out of the green flames. Severus drew his wand and jumped to his feet, ready for anything.

“Don’t you fucking move,” Severus hissed.

“You don’t need that. I came here because I need you and Dumbledore’s help,” Lucius said.

“Why should I believe you?” Severus questioned.

“Because I have some information that could help against the Dark Lord,” Lucius answered.

T.B.C