Fame and Misfortune
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Harry Potter › Het - Male/Female › Snape/Hermione
Rating:
Adult ++
Chapters:
10
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7,631
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78
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Currently Reading:
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Category:
Harry Potter › Het - Male/Female › Snape/Hermione
Rating:
Adult ++
Chapters:
10
Views:
7,631
Reviews:
78
Recommended:
0
Currently Reading:
0
Disclaimer:
I do not own Harry Potter, nor any of the characters from the books or movies. I do not make any money from the writing of this story.
The Stalker's Identity Revealed
A/N "“ My apologies to everyone who is following this story. Thankfully, the site is back up. Yeah! I've been faithfully checking my edit function. Today is the lucky day. I shall be updating a chapter a day. This is the chapter we've all been waiting for. I hope. Feedback is greatly appreciated.
--
Chapter Eight "“
Opening her eyes, Hermione focused on the wooden beams above her and shivered. Most every bone in her body ached as though she had struggled with something. Shaking her head, she tried to organize her thoughts. What had happened? Where was she? Why did she feel like she'd been hit by the Knight Bus?
Answers shimmered into coherent thoughts and Hermione froze in panic. Neville! At least she had thought he had been Neville. Taking deep breaths, she realized the need to remain calm. The soft "coo" of pigeons directed her attention to the surroundings.
Judging by her companions and the chill in the air, she must be in an attic somewhere. They had Apparated somewhere "“ somewhere dark. The Neville look-a-like had become worried. Still under the influence of the Imperius Curse, he had poured a Sleeping Draught into her mouth and forced her to swallow it. That was all she remembered.
Hermione sat up in bed, the springs creaking in protest. The only light in the room came from a single lamp and some holes in the roof. Standing up, she walked around the room and started looking for a way to escape.
How could she have been so stupid? Why had she involved Severus in this harebrained scheme? He was in danger, undoubtedly being stalked as she had been. She had to warn him. Yes, he had survived Voldemort, but with the Dark Lord, at least Severus knew whom he was fighting against.
Hermione dashed the tears that had welled in her eyes. This was not the time to get emotional. She needed to concentrate and try to get away from her abductor.
Feeling along a dark wall, she grasped a doorknob and wiggled it. Of course, it was locked. She was naïve to think it would be anything but locked. She continued on her path, searching for anything that would give her a hint of where she was or how to escape.
A far away sound halted her movements as she listened to a clock chime. The sound of the clock sounded so familiar. Counting the chimes, she determined that it was eight o'clock.
"Okay, Hermione," she muttered, "you have determined that you have been abducted by a crazy person, that you are being held in an attic somewhere, and it is eight o'clock in the morning."
"That is what I've always loved about you, my love," a recognizable voice called out from a darkened corner in the room. "Your ability to stay calm in difficult times got us through so many rough patches in our fight against the Dark Lord."
Hermione gulped and distanced herself from the voice. "Show yourself," she whispered shakily, still suffering lingering effects from the Sleeping Draught.
"My dear," her kidnapper replied, moving out of the concealing shadow and revealing his true identity, "there is no need for alarm."
The smiling face of Gilderoy Lockheart appeared before her, his long, blond locks in disarray and his intensely blue eyes bloodshot. He looked like a totally different wizard than when she saw him last "“ a week before she was sacked from St. Mungo's. Back then he had been happily pampered by Healer-In-Charge Miriam Strout.
"I know you are distressed, my love, but all will right itself once I dispose of Severus Snape. The Love Potion will no longer affect you once that vile creature is put out of our misery." With each word, he took a step closer.
"I have missed you, Hermione "“ dearest, sweet Hermione. Once this unfortunate event is behind us, we shall get married and live happily ever after!" Her former professor waved his arms about in a fashion that reminded her of when he had taught at Hogwarts.
Hermione tried to speak but couldn't find the words. She could have never imagined the outcome of this ordeal. Not only was he her former professor, but her former patient as well. She had been responsible for the development of Lockheart's new treatment plan.
Healer-In-Charge Strout had coddled him, pampering him like the celebrity he had been. Once Hermione had explained her hypothesis to the medical board, they had given her permission to proceed.
Strout had been livid.
Hermione had proposed that all attempts of recovering his memory end. They were gone "“ an unfortunate incident he had brought about himself. Just because his memories had been Obliviated, didn't mean his magical abilities were too.
Given the proper remedial lessons, she had theorized, it would be possible for Gilderoy to become a productive member of the wizarding community once again.
In essence, the man had been a clean slate. Hermione had been three weeks into his lessons when she had been sacked.
"My love," Gilderoy gushed, moving toward her.
Instinctively, she jumped back.
A harsh look crossed his normally docile face and he pulled his manicured hand back. "Yes," he whispered as if answering a question. "Please forgive me, dearest. I almost forgot that you are still under the influence of that potion. Undoubtedly, the bastard Obliviated, you for no Love Potion can override the power of our love."
She didn't know whether to laugh or cry. "I don't understand."
With a snap of his disheveled robe, Gilderoy pulled out his wand and lit some of the candles in the room. "When I woke up and saw you, I knew. I knew then that we were meant to be together. My injury from the final battle didn't matter to you, dearest, sweet Hermione."
She listened to his insanity, her thoughts lingering on Severus' safety. "Wh-what injury?" she asked, playing into his fantasy.
A blush filled his cheeks and the wizard looked down. "You know," he reminded, hemming and hawing.
She needed to gain his trust. That was her only way out. "No, I don't know, Profess "“ er -- Gilderoy. As you said, I think Snape Obliviated me."
"Of course, of course." Gilderoy started to pace, excited over his fantasy finally talking back to him. He closed the small distance between them and gathered her hands in his. She recoiled as if she'd been struck, but he was so deep into the lunacy, he paid the rebuff little mind.
"I was injured in the final battle against You-Know-Who," he whispered, bowing his head and shivering in remembrance.
Hermione stood still, rigid and fearful.
This delusional man had been tucked safely away in the Janus Thickey Ward during the final battle. "Please, tell me," Hermione pleaded, hoping she sounded sincere.
Taking a shuddering breath, his bright blue eyes looked into hers. "I'm impotent," Lockheart muttered so quickly she almost hadn't heard.
She had been so focused on getting away to warn Severus, she had forgotten about her own safety and the possible implications.
One thing was for certain. Lockheart was harmless in that way, and for that, she was thankful.
Hermione held her breath, feeling as though her lungs would burst. A torrent of emotions ran rampant through her thoughts. The man before her was the cause of months of sleepless nights and worry.
His actions had frightened her and her loved ones. He had threatened her family and had harmed Crookshanks (although that had never been proven). She had married Severus because of him, for Merlin\'s sake!
The irony of her present circumstances left a bitter taste in her mouth. The vain celebrity had been turned into a harmless, memory-less twit. She had turned the harmless memory-less twit into a predator who had twisted her existence into one of ceaseless disquietude.
He pressed his lips against her hands. "We were to marry," he whined, "but he took you away from me. He poisoned you "“ took from me what is rightfully mine!"
Hearing the fury in Lockheart's voice, she gathered her tattered wits about her and studied him. Her abductor's anger and frustration revolved around her husband and not her.
Mumbling incoherently against her hands, Gilderoy trembled.
This man was more a danger to Severus than he was to her. She needed to remain calm and redirect his attention from harming her husband. Squeezing his hand, she shushed him like a mother would a small child.
His head snapped up and piercing blue eyes stared at her as though she was a stranger to him. It only lasted a moment. His cold gaze warmed and laugh lines gathered at the corners of his eyes as he smiled.
"My love," he gasped shakily.
Smiling hesitantly, Hermione realized that she would need to keep Lockheart occupied. If he left, he'd go after Severus.
--
Storming past the ugly dummy in the front window of Purge and Dowse, Ltd., Severus ignored Potter's protests. He existed for one purpose and one purpose only now -- finding his wife and killing the bloody bastard who had taken her from him. Anger coursed through his veins, steeling his resolve.
The only problem with that anger was that he didn't know who to direct it at. He was angry with himself because he had failed in protecting his wife. She had been snatched away from him while she was veritably under his nose. He was furious with Hermione. If only his wife had heeded his advice, she would be safe.
A red light whizzed over his shoulder and smashed into some bricks, startling the Welcome Witch and those in the waiting area of St. Mungo's Hospital.
Even though a Stunner had been aimed in her general vicinity, the Welcome Witch's smile never wavered. "May I help you?"
Severus ignored her and continued to walk down the hall.
"The next Stunner will not miss, Snape!" the breathless Auror warned loudly.
Spinning around with his wand raised, Severus glowered at his former student.
Harry glared at him. "You need to calm down, Professor."
"Do not tell me to calm down," he muttered through clenched teeth.
Potter continued to approach him. "Think, Professor. Calm down and think. Use your overly touted superior intelligence and think before you act."
If it weren't for the two Aurors running up behind Potter, Severus would have hexed the young upstart out of spite. He had a sinking feeling in the pit of his stomach and it was only getting worse. It was a spectacle "“ the hex and the shouting.
"She's my wife." Suddenly Severus felt every one of his forty-plus years.
Harry's fiery stare and defensive posture softened. "And Hermione is my friend."
"You needn't remind me," Snape snapped insultingly.
"Oh, that's rich!" Harry taunted.
Severus narrowed his eyes. He would be of no use to Hermione Stunned. Knowing Potter, the bloody prat was just waiting for him to turn his back.
Realizing they were at an impasse, Harry lowered his wand slowly. "Calm down and think, Professor Snape. Hermione's smart."
Sheathing his wand with a quick snap of his wrist, Severus stared at the boy. "What does my wife's intelligence have to do with anything?"
"She'll stay calm and focused, which is more than I can say for you."
Snape bristled with anger, ignoring the gathering audience around them. The two other Aurors had finally caught up to them. "You have no idea what you're talking about, Potter. These are circumstances beyond her control. What if she's hurt? Do you think she'll stay calm then? What if "“"
"My whole life has been beyond my control," Harry snapped.
"What if she's dead?"
The question hung in the air, neither wizard wanting to contemplate the possibility.
"Listen." Harry's voice was thick with emotion. "You just can't barge in, asking questions. It might make matters worse."
"What do you propose we do, then?" His patience was wearing thin, but Potter's words made him pause. His actions had already caused her harm. He should have never agreed to marry Hermione. It wasn't supposed to happen like this. The stalker was supposed to come after him, not her.
"Harry." One of the Aurors behind Potter cleared his throat. "We have the warrant."
Holding out his hand, Harry took the parchment and unrolled it, his gaze rapidly scanning the words. "Thanks, Dickerson. If Hermione's here, we'll find her. We'll start questioning the people in the Janus Thickey Ward. Neville was visiting his parents there."
*****
A/N "“ Congratulations to those who guessed the stalker's identity "“ Gilderoy Lockhart. I hope it makes sense. More explanation is to come. Thanks to all who have reviewed.
--
Chapter Eight "“
Opening her eyes, Hermione focused on the wooden beams above her and shivered. Most every bone in her body ached as though she had struggled with something. Shaking her head, she tried to organize her thoughts. What had happened? Where was she? Why did she feel like she'd been hit by the Knight Bus?
Answers shimmered into coherent thoughts and Hermione froze in panic. Neville! At least she had thought he had been Neville. Taking deep breaths, she realized the need to remain calm. The soft "coo" of pigeons directed her attention to the surroundings.
Judging by her companions and the chill in the air, she must be in an attic somewhere. They had Apparated somewhere "“ somewhere dark. The Neville look-a-like had become worried. Still under the influence of the Imperius Curse, he had poured a Sleeping Draught into her mouth and forced her to swallow it. That was all she remembered.
Hermione sat up in bed, the springs creaking in protest. The only light in the room came from a single lamp and some holes in the roof. Standing up, she walked around the room and started looking for a way to escape.
How could she have been so stupid? Why had she involved Severus in this harebrained scheme? He was in danger, undoubtedly being stalked as she had been. She had to warn him. Yes, he had survived Voldemort, but with the Dark Lord, at least Severus knew whom he was fighting against.
Hermione dashed the tears that had welled in her eyes. This was not the time to get emotional. She needed to concentrate and try to get away from her abductor.
Feeling along a dark wall, she grasped a doorknob and wiggled it. Of course, it was locked. She was naïve to think it would be anything but locked. She continued on her path, searching for anything that would give her a hint of where she was or how to escape.
A far away sound halted her movements as she listened to a clock chime. The sound of the clock sounded so familiar. Counting the chimes, she determined that it was eight o'clock.
"Okay, Hermione," she muttered, "you have determined that you have been abducted by a crazy person, that you are being held in an attic somewhere, and it is eight o'clock in the morning."
"That is what I've always loved about you, my love," a recognizable voice called out from a darkened corner in the room. "Your ability to stay calm in difficult times got us through so many rough patches in our fight against the Dark Lord."
Hermione gulped and distanced herself from the voice. "Show yourself," she whispered shakily, still suffering lingering effects from the Sleeping Draught.
"My dear," her kidnapper replied, moving out of the concealing shadow and revealing his true identity, "there is no need for alarm."
The smiling face of Gilderoy Lockheart appeared before her, his long, blond locks in disarray and his intensely blue eyes bloodshot. He looked like a totally different wizard than when she saw him last "“ a week before she was sacked from St. Mungo's. Back then he had been happily pampered by Healer-In-Charge Miriam Strout.
"I know you are distressed, my love, but all will right itself once I dispose of Severus Snape. The Love Potion will no longer affect you once that vile creature is put out of our misery." With each word, he took a step closer.
"I have missed you, Hermione "“ dearest, sweet Hermione. Once this unfortunate event is behind us, we shall get married and live happily ever after!" Her former professor waved his arms about in a fashion that reminded her of when he had taught at Hogwarts.
Hermione tried to speak but couldn't find the words. She could have never imagined the outcome of this ordeal. Not only was he her former professor, but her former patient as well. She had been responsible for the development of Lockheart's new treatment plan.
Healer-In-Charge Strout had coddled him, pampering him like the celebrity he had been. Once Hermione had explained her hypothesis to the medical board, they had given her permission to proceed.
Strout had been livid.
Hermione had proposed that all attempts of recovering his memory end. They were gone "“ an unfortunate incident he had brought about himself. Just because his memories had been Obliviated, didn't mean his magical abilities were too.
Given the proper remedial lessons, she had theorized, it would be possible for Gilderoy to become a productive member of the wizarding community once again.
In essence, the man had been a clean slate. Hermione had been three weeks into his lessons when she had been sacked.
"My love," Gilderoy gushed, moving toward her.
Instinctively, she jumped back.
A harsh look crossed his normally docile face and he pulled his manicured hand back. "Yes," he whispered as if answering a question. "Please forgive me, dearest. I almost forgot that you are still under the influence of that potion. Undoubtedly, the bastard Obliviated, you for no Love Potion can override the power of our love."
She didn't know whether to laugh or cry. "I don't understand."
With a snap of his disheveled robe, Gilderoy pulled out his wand and lit some of the candles in the room. "When I woke up and saw you, I knew. I knew then that we were meant to be together. My injury from the final battle didn't matter to you, dearest, sweet Hermione."
She listened to his insanity, her thoughts lingering on Severus' safety. "Wh-what injury?" she asked, playing into his fantasy.
A blush filled his cheeks and the wizard looked down. "You know," he reminded, hemming and hawing.
She needed to gain his trust. That was her only way out. "No, I don't know, Profess "“ er -- Gilderoy. As you said, I think Snape Obliviated me."
"Of course, of course." Gilderoy started to pace, excited over his fantasy finally talking back to him. He closed the small distance between them and gathered her hands in his. She recoiled as if she'd been struck, but he was so deep into the lunacy, he paid the rebuff little mind.
"I was injured in the final battle against You-Know-Who," he whispered, bowing his head and shivering in remembrance.
Hermione stood still, rigid and fearful.
This delusional man had been tucked safely away in the Janus Thickey Ward during the final battle. "Please, tell me," Hermione pleaded, hoping she sounded sincere.
Taking a shuddering breath, his bright blue eyes looked into hers. "I'm impotent," Lockheart muttered so quickly she almost hadn't heard.
She had been so focused on getting away to warn Severus, she had forgotten about her own safety and the possible implications.
One thing was for certain. Lockheart was harmless in that way, and for that, she was thankful.
Hermione held her breath, feeling as though her lungs would burst. A torrent of emotions ran rampant through her thoughts. The man before her was the cause of months of sleepless nights and worry.
His actions had frightened her and her loved ones. He had threatened her family and had harmed Crookshanks (although that had never been proven). She had married Severus because of him, for Merlin\'s sake!
The irony of her present circumstances left a bitter taste in her mouth. The vain celebrity had been turned into a harmless, memory-less twit. She had turned the harmless memory-less twit into a predator who had twisted her existence into one of ceaseless disquietude.
He pressed his lips against her hands. "We were to marry," he whined, "but he took you away from me. He poisoned you "“ took from me what is rightfully mine!"
Hearing the fury in Lockheart's voice, she gathered her tattered wits about her and studied him. Her abductor's anger and frustration revolved around her husband and not her.
Mumbling incoherently against her hands, Gilderoy trembled.
This man was more a danger to Severus than he was to her. She needed to remain calm and redirect his attention from harming her husband. Squeezing his hand, she shushed him like a mother would a small child.
His head snapped up and piercing blue eyes stared at her as though she was a stranger to him. It only lasted a moment. His cold gaze warmed and laugh lines gathered at the corners of his eyes as he smiled.
"My love," he gasped shakily.
Smiling hesitantly, Hermione realized that she would need to keep Lockheart occupied. If he left, he'd go after Severus.
--
Storming past the ugly dummy in the front window of Purge and Dowse, Ltd., Severus ignored Potter's protests. He existed for one purpose and one purpose only now -- finding his wife and killing the bloody bastard who had taken her from him. Anger coursed through his veins, steeling his resolve.
The only problem with that anger was that he didn't know who to direct it at. He was angry with himself because he had failed in protecting his wife. She had been snatched away from him while she was veritably under his nose. He was furious with Hermione. If only his wife had heeded his advice, she would be safe.
A red light whizzed over his shoulder and smashed into some bricks, startling the Welcome Witch and those in the waiting area of St. Mungo's Hospital.
Even though a Stunner had been aimed in her general vicinity, the Welcome Witch's smile never wavered. "May I help you?"
Severus ignored her and continued to walk down the hall.
"The next Stunner will not miss, Snape!" the breathless Auror warned loudly.
Spinning around with his wand raised, Severus glowered at his former student.
Harry glared at him. "You need to calm down, Professor."
"Do not tell me to calm down," he muttered through clenched teeth.
Potter continued to approach him. "Think, Professor. Calm down and think. Use your overly touted superior intelligence and think before you act."
If it weren't for the two Aurors running up behind Potter, Severus would have hexed the young upstart out of spite. He had a sinking feeling in the pit of his stomach and it was only getting worse. It was a spectacle "“ the hex and the shouting.
"She's my wife." Suddenly Severus felt every one of his forty-plus years.
Harry's fiery stare and defensive posture softened. "And Hermione is my friend."
"You needn't remind me," Snape snapped insultingly.
"Oh, that's rich!" Harry taunted.
Severus narrowed his eyes. He would be of no use to Hermione Stunned. Knowing Potter, the bloody prat was just waiting for him to turn his back.
Realizing they were at an impasse, Harry lowered his wand slowly. "Calm down and think, Professor Snape. Hermione's smart."
Sheathing his wand with a quick snap of his wrist, Severus stared at the boy. "What does my wife's intelligence have to do with anything?"
"She'll stay calm and focused, which is more than I can say for you."
Snape bristled with anger, ignoring the gathering audience around them. The two other Aurors had finally caught up to them. "You have no idea what you're talking about, Potter. These are circumstances beyond her control. What if she's hurt? Do you think she'll stay calm then? What if "“"
"My whole life has been beyond my control," Harry snapped.
"What if she's dead?"
The question hung in the air, neither wizard wanting to contemplate the possibility.
"Listen." Harry's voice was thick with emotion. "You just can't barge in, asking questions. It might make matters worse."
"What do you propose we do, then?" His patience was wearing thin, but Potter's words made him pause. His actions had already caused her harm. He should have never agreed to marry Hermione. It wasn't supposed to happen like this. The stalker was supposed to come after him, not her.
"Harry." One of the Aurors behind Potter cleared his throat. "We have the warrant."
Holding out his hand, Harry took the parchment and unrolled it, his gaze rapidly scanning the words. "Thanks, Dickerson. If Hermione's here, we'll find her. We'll start questioning the people in the Janus Thickey Ward. Neville was visiting his parents there."
*****
A/N "“ Congratulations to those who guessed the stalker's identity "“ Gilderoy Lockhart. I hope it makes sense. More explanation is to come. Thanks to all who have reviewed.