The Walking Wounded
folder
Harry Potter › Het - Male/Female › Snape/Hermione
Rating:
Adult ++
Chapters:
14
Views:
16,799
Reviews:
61
Recommended:
0
Currently Reading:
0
Category:
Harry Potter › Het - Male/Female › Snape/Hermione
Rating:
Adult ++
Chapters:
14
Views:
16,799
Reviews:
61
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.
Chapter Eight
Chapter Eight –
As I unpack my luggage, I look around the room and grimace. I am lucky to have found accommodations within my means so easily. I have the top corner room at the Leaky Cauldron. The windows shake as the train goes by, and it looks as though the cleaning lady has not cleaned this particular room for some time. I shall look for more permanent lodgings tomorrow and go to Gringott’s to request a transfer.
My stomach growls, reminding me that I have not eaten since my arrival.
Wiping the grime off the mirror, I stare into it and laugh. I look dreadful. I look thoroughly shagged. I wrap my scarf around my neck and leave to make my way downstairs.
I open the door and run into a solid chest.
“Careful, Miss Granger.” Snape’s signature snarl surprises me. As he holds me against him, I am amazed by how warm he feels. He smells of sandalwood and Remus.
“What are you doing here?” I ask snappishly, wanting to push him away. Instead, I bury my face against his coat and inhale.
Clearing his throat, he pulls away and steps into my room. “Surely you can do better than this,” he states, looking around the small room and sniffing.
One thing I learned long ago about Snape… He enjoys antagonizing people. But, I won’t rise to the bait. I can tell by his tone and demeanor that he wishes to fight. Maybe he had a row with Remus. I honestly don’t care. I am not going to let him bait me into an argument. I’m tired, hungry, sore, and could undoubtedly use a shower.
“I didn’t have time to call ahead,” I retort, holding the door open. “I was just about to go downstairs and grab a bite to eat.”
Acknowledging my silent request, he steps past me and into the hall. “I apologize, Miss Granger. Had I more time to prepare, I would have seen to your accommodations prior to asking… this of you.”
His apology hangs in the air. Honestly, I am in shock. I didn’t think I would live to see the day that Snape would apologize for anything, which leads me to wonder what else he wants of me.
As we make our way down the stairs I can feel the weight of his stare. I sit at a table in the corner of the crowded pub and motion for the waitress, who hurries to the table, pad and pen in hand.
I smile at the waitress and tap the menu with my fingers. I haven’t even looked at it. I know what I want. “I’ll have shepherd’s pie and a butterbeer.”
“And you sir?” the lady asks Snape.
“Firewhisky,” he replies.
I lean forward and drum my fingernails on the tabletop. I see no reason to beat around the bush. “So, what do you want?”
His thin lips curl into a smile. “The direct approach.”
The waitress returns with our drinks, and I give Snape a mock salute before taking a sip. “Life’s too short for any other kind.”
After sampling his drink, he sets the glass down and stares at me. “I want you to come back.”
I snort into my cup as I take another sip. “Why?”
“Lupin needs you.”
I roll my eyes in annoyance. “The full moon was last night. I have a few weeks before he ‘needs’ me again.”
“When he woke to find you gone, he was not pleased.” I can tell Snape is choosing his words carefully. Why, I have no idea.
“I don’t see why that is my problem,” I reply caustically.
--
I can see that she is not going to make this easy. I am treading on dangerous ground. One misstep, and Miss Granger will bolt. She isn’t ready for any emotional entanglements. She isn’t ready for Lupin’s insecurities and baggage, much less my… issues.
I need her. Correction. Lupin needs her. He wants her. He will be an unbearable beast unless he gets his way. Merlin’s balls! I’ve turned into a milksop. I can’t believe it. Surely, I would not recognize myself if I were to look in a mirror. How in Hades had I let this happen? My affection for Lupin has passed depraved and now borders on deranged. Blast that man’s hairy ass!
I despise romantic entanglements, especially ones where I must “play nice.” Lupin’s monthly cycle is worse than a woman’s. Next thing I know, I shall be sent out for ice cream due to some odd late-night craving.
I should cut my losses and run, but I won’t. There is something intangible that connects me to Lupin. Is it the past? Is it the carnal knowledge of one another he and I share? Perhaps it is Miss Granger? Is she the connection?
One thing is for certain. I must take things slowly with the skittish witch. I must heed the early advice I gave Lupin. There is no way she will respond to emotional outbursts or pleas. She is not ready for such awkward displays. I must approach her with something she would understand… logic.
“That is where you are wrong, Miss Granger.”
“Oh really,” she snaps, looking about the room, her eyes hopeful that her food will arrive soon.
“You have very little in your Gringott’s account and nowhere to go. Grimmauld Place is large enough to accommodate the three of us. Why not stay there while you look for more permanent lodgings. A week here, and your savings shall be exhausted. Lupin and I shall be on our best behaviors.”
“Why do I have a sneaky suspicion that this is your best behavior?” she asks, her gaze true and shrewd. “You’re manipulative to the core, Professor Snape. You do nothing for no one unless you have something to gain from it.”
I smirk. “You’re quite right, Miss Granger. I never go out of my way for anybody.”
She settles back into her seat and studies me. “So, I have to ask myself. What’s in it for you? Surely, it can’t be sex. You’re not a creature that is driven by such a basic need.”
My smirk turns into a wide grin. “Of course, if you wish to use me in such a manner, I shall be amenable.”
She chuckles. “The kind of sex you offer no longer appeals to me. I’m well acquainted with pain. I live with it daily and do not need to add to it.”
I am puzzled by her choice of words. I want to delve deeper into the mystery of this woman, but I shall not be able to unless I convince her to live at Grimmauld Place on a more permanent basis. “Very well.”
--
I must be crazy. I am actually entertaining the thought of living at Grimmauld Place, but Snape is right. I haven’t much money, and I’ve nowhere to go.
“I’m sure Ron wouldn’t mind putting me up for a few nights.” Yes, I’m evil. I can’t resist baiting the master manipulator.
His nostrils flare. “If you value Mister Weasley’s life, I suggest you do not make that suggestion around Lupin.”
“Remus doesn’t seem to have a problem sharing me with you,” I reply.
His eyes grow dark. “Like it or not, Miss Granger. You are mated to a lycan. You do not have the luxury of cuckolding Lupin anymore. I am part of the pack. I paid the price.”
My meal arrives and breaks the tension between us.
I start to eat, chewing my food thoughtfully. I only have enough money to stay at the Leaky Cauldron for two nights. Curse-breaker at Gringott’s does not pay well. I exhale sharply. “All right. I accept your invitation.”
--
TBC
As I unpack my luggage, I look around the room and grimace. I am lucky to have found accommodations within my means so easily. I have the top corner room at the Leaky Cauldron. The windows shake as the train goes by, and it looks as though the cleaning lady has not cleaned this particular room for some time. I shall look for more permanent lodgings tomorrow and go to Gringott’s to request a transfer.
My stomach growls, reminding me that I have not eaten since my arrival.
Wiping the grime off the mirror, I stare into it and laugh. I look dreadful. I look thoroughly shagged. I wrap my scarf around my neck and leave to make my way downstairs.
I open the door and run into a solid chest.
“Careful, Miss Granger.” Snape’s signature snarl surprises me. As he holds me against him, I am amazed by how warm he feels. He smells of sandalwood and Remus.
“What are you doing here?” I ask snappishly, wanting to push him away. Instead, I bury my face against his coat and inhale.
Clearing his throat, he pulls away and steps into my room. “Surely you can do better than this,” he states, looking around the small room and sniffing.
One thing I learned long ago about Snape… He enjoys antagonizing people. But, I won’t rise to the bait. I can tell by his tone and demeanor that he wishes to fight. Maybe he had a row with Remus. I honestly don’t care. I am not going to let him bait me into an argument. I’m tired, hungry, sore, and could undoubtedly use a shower.
“I didn’t have time to call ahead,” I retort, holding the door open. “I was just about to go downstairs and grab a bite to eat.”
Acknowledging my silent request, he steps past me and into the hall. “I apologize, Miss Granger. Had I more time to prepare, I would have seen to your accommodations prior to asking… this of you.”
His apology hangs in the air. Honestly, I am in shock. I didn’t think I would live to see the day that Snape would apologize for anything, which leads me to wonder what else he wants of me.
As we make our way down the stairs I can feel the weight of his stare. I sit at a table in the corner of the crowded pub and motion for the waitress, who hurries to the table, pad and pen in hand.
I smile at the waitress and tap the menu with my fingers. I haven’t even looked at it. I know what I want. “I’ll have shepherd’s pie and a butterbeer.”
“And you sir?” the lady asks Snape.
“Firewhisky,” he replies.
I lean forward and drum my fingernails on the tabletop. I see no reason to beat around the bush. “So, what do you want?”
His thin lips curl into a smile. “The direct approach.”
The waitress returns with our drinks, and I give Snape a mock salute before taking a sip. “Life’s too short for any other kind.”
After sampling his drink, he sets the glass down and stares at me. “I want you to come back.”
I snort into my cup as I take another sip. “Why?”
“Lupin needs you.”
I roll my eyes in annoyance. “The full moon was last night. I have a few weeks before he ‘needs’ me again.”
“When he woke to find you gone, he was not pleased.” I can tell Snape is choosing his words carefully. Why, I have no idea.
“I don’t see why that is my problem,” I reply caustically.
--
I can see that she is not going to make this easy. I am treading on dangerous ground. One misstep, and Miss Granger will bolt. She isn’t ready for any emotional entanglements. She isn’t ready for Lupin’s insecurities and baggage, much less my… issues.
I need her. Correction. Lupin needs her. He wants her. He will be an unbearable beast unless he gets his way. Merlin’s balls! I’ve turned into a milksop. I can’t believe it. Surely, I would not recognize myself if I were to look in a mirror. How in Hades had I let this happen? My affection for Lupin has passed depraved and now borders on deranged. Blast that man’s hairy ass!
I despise romantic entanglements, especially ones where I must “play nice.” Lupin’s monthly cycle is worse than a woman’s. Next thing I know, I shall be sent out for ice cream due to some odd late-night craving.
I should cut my losses and run, but I won’t. There is something intangible that connects me to Lupin. Is it the past? Is it the carnal knowledge of one another he and I share? Perhaps it is Miss Granger? Is she the connection?
One thing is for certain. I must take things slowly with the skittish witch. I must heed the early advice I gave Lupin. There is no way she will respond to emotional outbursts or pleas. She is not ready for such awkward displays. I must approach her with something she would understand… logic.
“That is where you are wrong, Miss Granger.”
“Oh really,” she snaps, looking about the room, her eyes hopeful that her food will arrive soon.
“You have very little in your Gringott’s account and nowhere to go. Grimmauld Place is large enough to accommodate the three of us. Why not stay there while you look for more permanent lodgings. A week here, and your savings shall be exhausted. Lupin and I shall be on our best behaviors.”
“Why do I have a sneaky suspicion that this is your best behavior?” she asks, her gaze true and shrewd. “You’re manipulative to the core, Professor Snape. You do nothing for no one unless you have something to gain from it.”
I smirk. “You’re quite right, Miss Granger. I never go out of my way for anybody.”
She settles back into her seat and studies me. “So, I have to ask myself. What’s in it for you? Surely, it can’t be sex. You’re not a creature that is driven by such a basic need.”
My smirk turns into a wide grin. “Of course, if you wish to use me in such a manner, I shall be amenable.”
She chuckles. “The kind of sex you offer no longer appeals to me. I’m well acquainted with pain. I live with it daily and do not need to add to it.”
I am puzzled by her choice of words. I want to delve deeper into the mystery of this woman, but I shall not be able to unless I convince her to live at Grimmauld Place on a more permanent basis. “Very well.”
--
I must be crazy. I am actually entertaining the thought of living at Grimmauld Place, but Snape is right. I haven’t much money, and I’ve nowhere to go.
“I’m sure Ron wouldn’t mind putting me up for a few nights.” Yes, I’m evil. I can’t resist baiting the master manipulator.
His nostrils flare. “If you value Mister Weasley’s life, I suggest you do not make that suggestion around Lupin.”
“Remus doesn’t seem to have a problem sharing me with you,” I reply.
His eyes grow dark. “Like it or not, Miss Granger. You are mated to a lycan. You do not have the luxury of cuckolding Lupin anymore. I am part of the pack. I paid the price.”
My meal arrives and breaks the tension between us.
I start to eat, chewing my food thoughtfully. I only have enough money to stay at the Leaky Cauldron for two nights. Curse-breaker at Gringott’s does not pay well. I exhale sharply. “All right. I accept your invitation.”
--
TBC