Fame and Misfortune
folder
Harry Potter › Het - Male/Female › Snape/Hermione
Rating:
Adult ++
Chapters:
10
Views:
7,632
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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:
7,632
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.
Chapter Nine
A/N "“ Kathy Rose and Larilee rock! It takes a special kind of person to beta read.
--
Chapter Nine "“
Patience was a virtue he did not possess. Observing Potter question the Trainee Healer was growing tiresome. The wizard did not even know who Hermione was. He had replaced her. A few residents had even grown tired of the interrogation and had wandered off. Some were still irritable that their utopia was being invaded.
"Gordon, stop picking at it!" the Trainee Healer shouted at a man who had obviously taken too much Swelling Solution.
"Are you certain, Healer Robinson?" Harry asked, his inflection calm and calculated.
The wizard nodded his head. "Yes, sir."
Severus motioned toward Harry. \"Do you know who he is?\"
"Professor," Harry huffed in irritation.
Robinson looked worriedly between Severus and Harry. "Yes," he answered. "He's Harry Potter."
"Do you know who I am?" Snape snapped, wishing for a bottle of Veritaserum.
"Professor," Harry warned. "If you cannot remain quiet, I will have to ask you to leave."
"You're a professor," the young wizard guessed.
"I asked if you knew who I was, not what I was. How is it you know who he is, but you do not know who my wife is?"
"That does it!" Harry growled.
The blonde wizard jumped. "Should I know your wife?"
Motioning to the other Aurors, Harry scowled. "Escort Professor Snape to the Visitor's Tea Room."
--
Looking around the drafty attic for a possible avenue of escape, Hermione nodded in agreement at whatever the lunatic was saying. She was sitting on the bed and he was circling it like a vulture. She gasped when he stopped in front of her and knelt down.
"Then you do see!" Gilderoy shouted excitedly.
Recoiling as he touched her arm, Hermione closed her eyes and focused on remaining calm. "See what?"
"That we are meant to be together," her former patient muttered sullenly, realizing that his beloved had not been listening.
She could feel him pull away "“ emotionally and physically. A gnawing sense of panic scurried along her spine. She had to keep him occupied while she searched for a means of escape. He had magic and she didn't.
Hermione cursed under her breath. If only she had listened to her parents and had taken those Muggle defense courses. Revulsion over what needed to be done curdled in her stomach.
Putting her hand over his, she did her best to portray a repentant lover. "Please forgive me, Gilderoy," she whispered shakily. Being a Gryffindor, she'd always worn her heart on her sleeve. Acting like she was in love and actually being in love were vastly different. Did she have the skill to persuade Lockhart? Wait a minute"¦
Being in love?
The phrase rattled in her brain like a passage from a book that begged to be memorized.
"I'm in love," she gasped.
"Yes," Gilderoy replied hopefully. "You remember, don't you."
She didn't feel his hand caressing her arm. Nor did she anticipate what came next.
"I'm in love with"”" Hermione would have said Severus' name, but Gilderoy's lips were on hers, desperately pressing for entrance.
--
"What is the meaning of this?" Healer-In-Charge Miriam Strout huffed, walking into the Janus Thickey Ward.
Harry rolled his eyes, his frustration over the constant interruptions mounting. First Snape! Then various residents! Now Miriam Strout! And he hadn't even finished interviewing Healer Robinson.
"I'm conducting an investigation, Healer Strout," Harry stated, "into the disappearance of Hermione Grang"”er"”Snape."
"Robinson," Strout snapped at her trainee, "go fetch Gilderoy. He's wandered off again."
The young wizard snapped to attention and accepted his mission wordlessly.
"Why are you looking for her here?" Miriam questioned resentfully. "She was sacked ages ago."
Listening to the matron\'s tone, Harry had a good idea of who had Hermione fired. "Madam Snape received several threatening letters. We have reason to believe she has been abducted."
The old witch blanched. "W-what makes you think you'll find her here?"
Agnes, a witch with a fur-covered face, barked excitedly. She had been observing Harry ever since he had arrived.
"Be quiet, Agnes!" Strout commanded.
Running to the nearest bed, Agnes jumped onto it and bounced up and down. "That dog! I can't believe he did it!"
"Shut it, you mangy mutt!" the Healer shouted.
"Who did it?" Harry focused on the fur-faced woman, trying to ignore the ranting and raving of Healer Strout.
"The most famous war hero," replied Agnes in a singsong tone. "Loves her, he does. Says he's going to marry her. Ask the matron in the portrait. She did all the spying." She pointed to the wall and Harry saw the figure in the portrait move quickly out of frame.
"Who?"
Realizing the truth would arrive soon, Miriam Strout wailed, "You mustn't hurt him! He's still not right. It's all her fault, anyway. We never should have shown him who he really was. Embarrassed him to no end."
"Who!" The question echoed through the ward, disturbing several of the residents, including Agnes. Harry's patience had worn thin.
"The fake celebrity," Agnes stage-whispered as she cowered beneath a blanket.
Harry glanced around the ward, noting very subtle changes to the ward since the last time he had visited it shortly before Sirius had died. Frank and Alice Longbottom were still in the ward, as was Agnes. There were a few additions to the long-term residents, and he couldn't help but notice the absence of one.
"Where is he?" asked Harry in such a serious tone that no one would deny answering the question.
Miriam whimpered and backed away. "I don't know."
Wishing for a bottle of Truth Serum, Harry fingered his wand and resisted the urge to hex the hag in front of him. "Where is he?"
Seeing that the coast was clear, Agnes sat up in bed and wrapped her blanket around her like a shroud. "I know where he goes," she giggled.
"Where?"
Sobering, Agnes frowned. "I can't say. Took a wizard's oath, I did."
--
Hermione shoved with all her might, trying to push Lockhart off. Yanking him by his hair, she moved to kick him. But he was too fast for her. She was trapped beneath him, feeling suffocated and scared. She gagged as he forced his tongue into her mouth. She bit down as hard as she could, ignoring the taste of blood and bitterness.
Rolling off her and onto the floor, Lockhart cursed. "You whore!" he raged, raising a hand to slap her.
Hermione put her arms up to block him, but the pain never came. Looking up, almost afraid of what she would see, she gasped in surprise. Her stalker was holding an embroidered handkerchief up to his mouth and dabbing at it as though he had not even heard his own violent outburst.
"You must be hungry," he stated calmly.
Hermione blinked worriedly. It was as though he were playing the perfect host, like he were two different people. Tears welled in her eyes as hysteria crept into reason.
He moved toward the door and she jumped off the bed.
"No!" she pleaded, hesitantly stepping toward him.
Gilderoy turned around, his wand drawn, his stance that of a classic wizarding duel. His gaze raked up and down her body and he scowled. "You also need a change of clothes."
Seeing the determined, crazed look in his eyes and fearing for Severus, Hermione lunged.
"Incarcerous!"
Thick ropes shot out of his wand and wrapped around her, effectively tripping her and causing her to fall. She kicked and twisted with all her strength, but the magical bindings would not ease. Hermione screamed and a gag appeared in front of her face and muffled her protests.
"I'm sorry, my love," the demented wizard apologized. "But I really must be going. I'm sorry I had to resort to such primitive tactics. I shall return."
Her horror grew as she watched Lockhart walk out of the room and ward the door behind him. She was helpless to do anything, but she kept struggling against her bindings.
--
Glaring at the two Aurors who had so graciously escorted him to the Tearoom, Severus demonstrated remarkable control. He made no snide comments and did not hex them. He waited for them to leave so he could start his own search for Hermione.
Just the thought of her name sent a dreadful shiver down his spine. What if they were too late? What if she were suffering? Potter's words did little to comfort him. Yes, his wife was intelligent. That was one of the attributes which drew him to her.
Swearing softly under his breath, he sipped his tea and continued staring at the young Aurors. He set his cup down. "As you can see, I am not going anywhere. I'm sure you could be of use elsewhere," he stated sarcastically.
One Auror turned to leave while the other eyed him skeptically.
Severus stared at the young wizard, his gaze unwavering, testing his keeper's resolve.
Seemingly satisfied that the Potions master would stay put, the Auror started to walk away.
Lifting his cup to his lips, Severus scanned the room, waiting for the Aurors to get far enough away so that he could begin his own investigation into Hermione's disappearance. It was late at night and there was hardly anyone in the Tearoom with exception of staff and a few patrons. One tall, blonde-haired wizard stood in the shadowy entrance and watched the Aurors leave.
Years of observing people tripped an alarm in Severus' subconscious. There was something about the way the wizard carried himself that made him uneasy. A disruptive noise from the hall broke his concentration and he forgot about the stranger.
The two Aurors ran past the Tearoom, causing a mix of dreadful hope to rise.
"He's still in the Tearoom, Harry!" one shouted as he ran past.
As Severus jumped out of the chair, a breathless Potter ran up to him.
The few people in the room stared at the disruptive spectacle.
"I know who took her!" Harry panted as he held a hand to the stitch in his side.
Time seemed to slow and the wait seemed like an eternity to Severus as Harry gulped air before speaking again.
"It's Lockhart." Harry grimaced as he tried to catch his breath. "Gilderoy Lockhart."
Glass shattered and Severus felt the warm sting of a Stunner in the back. Falling forward, he was helpless to catch himself and he fell onto the table.
"You can't have her!" Severus heard from across the room.
Severus was pulled off the table and to the floor. The silent rage boiled into fury as he struggled to free himself from the hex. In all the pandemonium, he finally realized it was Potter who had pulled him out of harm's way.
"Ennervate!" shouted Potter.
Surely, the young wizard would have helped Severus to his feet, but Potter was already running after Lockhart.
--
Hermione shivered as a cold draft whistled through the rafters. Her tears had long since dried. She couldn't cry anymore anyway. Her wrists were raw from trying to free herself from the ropes. The ropes, just like her guilt, gnawed at her. If Severus were hurt, she would never forgive herself.
Refusing to surrender to exhaustion but closing her eyes anyway, Hermione\'s memories taunted her. All she had ever wanted to do was help people. Lockhart was no exception.
Remembering the expression of dismay and disappointment on his face as she showed him the clippings and books, she shuddered. He was so much like a child "“ a lost child who had found a home. Once he had accepted who he was, he had made great strides at remediation.
She had even taken him to Ollivanders to help him pick out a new wand as his had been lost. Hermione scoffed, slightly amused at the irony of the situation. She had no one to blame but herself.
--
Having managed to keep Potter in his sight, Severus was able to follow him into Lockhart's attic lair. A sense of calm washed over him as he climbed each flight of stairs.
Hermione was alive. He could feel it. He knew it to be true. He would dispose of Lockhart and collect his wife. He would wrap his arms around her and never let her go.
Oh, Gods! What a maudlin sentiment!
A door slammed open and shouting ensued.
"Let her go, Professor Lockhart!"
"He can't have her!"
Severus was unprepared for the sight that greeted him. Lockhart was standing against a wall, using Hermione as a human shield and pressing his wand to her temple. His wife's arms were tied behind her back and her mouth was gagged.
Her eyes widened when she saw him and she tried to mumble something through her gag.
"You shan't have her, Snape!" shouted Gilderoy as he tightened his hold on Hermione.
"All right, Hermione?" Potter asked softly.
She tried to answer the question, but wound up nodding her head up and down. She winced when Lockhart grabbed her by the chin.
"She's mine!" the lunatic ranted, pointing his wand toward Severus. "You poisoned her with one of your love potions!"
Severus put his hands up, knowing full well that he could take Gilderoy on. But he did not want to harm Hermione.
"Calm down, Professor Lockhart," Harry said soothingly. "You don't want to hurt Hermione."
The crazy wizard seemed to have a moment of clarity and his grip on Hermione's chin loosened. "No, no," he mumbled, "I wouldn't want that."
Severus could see worry and pain as he stared into her moist brown eyes.
"Let Hermione go, Professor." Harry held out his hand, which panicked Lockhart, judging by the defensive shift in his posture. "You're hurting her."
Lowering his hands, Severus moved to unsheath his wand.
"I'm sorry, my love," sobbed Gilderoy as he kissed the side of her head. He flicked his wand toward Severus and started to cry. "Tell him to leave!"
Taking a step backward, Severus said nothing. Yes, he wanted to pin the fraud's hide to the wall for hurting Hermione, but Lockhart was too unpredictable. The irony of the situation did not escape him. She had married him to flush her stalker out.
"He's her friend." Harry tried to reason with the disturbed wizard, motioning for Snape to stay where he was. "Their marriage isn't real. Hermione wanted to find you."
Severus flinched. If he had to do it all over again, he would do things so much differently. Whereas his media problems were more an inconvenience, her problem was real. He had taken advantage of her "“ exploiting her lack of employment for his own gain. He would right those regrets as soon as this nightmare was over.
Desperately grabbing at slivers of logic, Lockhart started to mumble. "Yes. I remember you." He pointed to Harry. "You helped me defeat the Dark Lord."
Harry lowered his wand as a sign of good faith. "Yes, Professor Lockhart. It was an honor," he added, playing into Gilderoy's delusions. "I've lowered my wand. Why don't you lower yours. You're hurting Hermione."
Hermione winced as her abductor tightened his grip.
Eyeing Severus warily, Gilderoy yanked Hermione sideways. "No!" he answered gruffly. "He did it! He poisoned her "“ gave her a Love Potion! I have to kill him to free her."
Doing something he had never done before, Severus started to back away and placed his trust in another person. Seeing he was only exacerbating the situation, he knew Potter was the only chance Hermione had.
"I can't "“" Lockhart huffed, turning red in the face. "I just can't do it, my love."
"What are you talking about?" Harry asked, trying to keep the crazy wizard talking.
"I can't free her," cried Gilderoy. "I can't kill him, yet. I don't know how!"
"You don't want to do that anyway," Harry countered. "Killing Snape will only guarantee you a one-way ticket to Azkaban. Hermione would miss you."
Hermione squeaked and shook her head, tears spilling onto her cheeks.
His wand still pressing against Hermione's head, Lockhart glared at Snape. "I may not be able to kill you, but I can ease her suffering."
In all his years of spying for the Order and maneuvering his way through Death Eater ranks, Severus had never felt so helpless. Gilderoy Lockhart's intentions were clear.
He intended to harm Hermione.
A blur of hexes flew across the room, Severus and Harry aiming to disarm and stun the wizard, Lockhart's hex aiming to make Hermione forget -- "Obliviate!"
Both Severus and Potter watched in horror as abductor and hostage fell to the ground, Lockhart groaning and Hermione remaining eerily still.
*****
A/N "“ Kudos to JuneW for guessing what was going to happen next. Yes! Lockhart Obliviated her! I didn't even see that one coming until it showed up on my screen. Thanks to all who reviewed. The bunny thanks you.
--
Chapter Nine "“
Patience was a virtue he did not possess. Observing Potter question the Trainee Healer was growing tiresome. The wizard did not even know who Hermione was. He had replaced her. A few residents had even grown tired of the interrogation and had wandered off. Some were still irritable that their utopia was being invaded.
"Gordon, stop picking at it!" the Trainee Healer shouted at a man who had obviously taken too much Swelling Solution.
"Are you certain, Healer Robinson?" Harry asked, his inflection calm and calculated.
The wizard nodded his head. "Yes, sir."
Severus motioned toward Harry. \"Do you know who he is?\"
"Professor," Harry huffed in irritation.
Robinson looked worriedly between Severus and Harry. "Yes," he answered. "He's Harry Potter."
"Do you know who I am?" Snape snapped, wishing for a bottle of Veritaserum.
"Professor," Harry warned. "If you cannot remain quiet, I will have to ask you to leave."
"You're a professor," the young wizard guessed.
"I asked if you knew who I was, not what I was. How is it you know who he is, but you do not know who my wife is?"
"That does it!" Harry growled.
The blonde wizard jumped. "Should I know your wife?"
Motioning to the other Aurors, Harry scowled. "Escort Professor Snape to the Visitor's Tea Room."
--
Looking around the drafty attic for a possible avenue of escape, Hermione nodded in agreement at whatever the lunatic was saying. She was sitting on the bed and he was circling it like a vulture. She gasped when he stopped in front of her and knelt down.
"Then you do see!" Gilderoy shouted excitedly.
Recoiling as he touched her arm, Hermione closed her eyes and focused on remaining calm. "See what?"
"That we are meant to be together," her former patient muttered sullenly, realizing that his beloved had not been listening.
She could feel him pull away "“ emotionally and physically. A gnawing sense of panic scurried along her spine. She had to keep him occupied while she searched for a means of escape. He had magic and she didn't.
Hermione cursed under her breath. If only she had listened to her parents and had taken those Muggle defense courses. Revulsion over what needed to be done curdled in her stomach.
Putting her hand over his, she did her best to portray a repentant lover. "Please forgive me, Gilderoy," she whispered shakily. Being a Gryffindor, she'd always worn her heart on her sleeve. Acting like she was in love and actually being in love were vastly different. Did she have the skill to persuade Lockhart? Wait a minute"¦
Being in love?
The phrase rattled in her brain like a passage from a book that begged to be memorized.
"I'm in love," she gasped.
"Yes," Gilderoy replied hopefully. "You remember, don't you."
She didn't feel his hand caressing her arm. Nor did she anticipate what came next.
"I'm in love with"”" Hermione would have said Severus' name, but Gilderoy's lips were on hers, desperately pressing for entrance.
--
"What is the meaning of this?" Healer-In-Charge Miriam Strout huffed, walking into the Janus Thickey Ward.
Harry rolled his eyes, his frustration over the constant interruptions mounting. First Snape! Then various residents! Now Miriam Strout! And he hadn't even finished interviewing Healer Robinson.
"I'm conducting an investigation, Healer Strout," Harry stated, "into the disappearance of Hermione Grang"”er"”Snape."
"Robinson," Strout snapped at her trainee, "go fetch Gilderoy. He's wandered off again."
The young wizard snapped to attention and accepted his mission wordlessly.
"Why are you looking for her here?" Miriam questioned resentfully. "She was sacked ages ago."
Listening to the matron\'s tone, Harry had a good idea of who had Hermione fired. "Madam Snape received several threatening letters. We have reason to believe she has been abducted."
The old witch blanched. "W-what makes you think you'll find her here?"
Agnes, a witch with a fur-covered face, barked excitedly. She had been observing Harry ever since he had arrived.
"Be quiet, Agnes!" Strout commanded.
Running to the nearest bed, Agnes jumped onto it and bounced up and down. "That dog! I can't believe he did it!"
"Shut it, you mangy mutt!" the Healer shouted.
"Who did it?" Harry focused on the fur-faced woman, trying to ignore the ranting and raving of Healer Strout.
"The most famous war hero," replied Agnes in a singsong tone. "Loves her, he does. Says he's going to marry her. Ask the matron in the portrait. She did all the spying." She pointed to the wall and Harry saw the figure in the portrait move quickly out of frame.
"Who?"
Realizing the truth would arrive soon, Miriam Strout wailed, "You mustn't hurt him! He's still not right. It's all her fault, anyway. We never should have shown him who he really was. Embarrassed him to no end."
"Who!" The question echoed through the ward, disturbing several of the residents, including Agnes. Harry's patience had worn thin.
"The fake celebrity," Agnes stage-whispered as she cowered beneath a blanket.
Harry glanced around the ward, noting very subtle changes to the ward since the last time he had visited it shortly before Sirius had died. Frank and Alice Longbottom were still in the ward, as was Agnes. There were a few additions to the long-term residents, and he couldn't help but notice the absence of one.
"Where is he?" asked Harry in such a serious tone that no one would deny answering the question.
Miriam whimpered and backed away. "I don't know."
Wishing for a bottle of Truth Serum, Harry fingered his wand and resisted the urge to hex the hag in front of him. "Where is he?"
Seeing that the coast was clear, Agnes sat up in bed and wrapped her blanket around her like a shroud. "I know where he goes," she giggled.
"Where?"
Sobering, Agnes frowned. "I can't say. Took a wizard's oath, I did."
--
Hermione shoved with all her might, trying to push Lockhart off. Yanking him by his hair, she moved to kick him. But he was too fast for her. She was trapped beneath him, feeling suffocated and scared. She gagged as he forced his tongue into her mouth. She bit down as hard as she could, ignoring the taste of blood and bitterness.
Rolling off her and onto the floor, Lockhart cursed. "You whore!" he raged, raising a hand to slap her.
Hermione put her arms up to block him, but the pain never came. Looking up, almost afraid of what she would see, she gasped in surprise. Her stalker was holding an embroidered handkerchief up to his mouth and dabbing at it as though he had not even heard his own violent outburst.
"You must be hungry," he stated calmly.
Hermione blinked worriedly. It was as though he were playing the perfect host, like he were two different people. Tears welled in her eyes as hysteria crept into reason.
He moved toward the door and she jumped off the bed.
"No!" she pleaded, hesitantly stepping toward him.
Gilderoy turned around, his wand drawn, his stance that of a classic wizarding duel. His gaze raked up and down her body and he scowled. "You also need a change of clothes."
Seeing the determined, crazed look in his eyes and fearing for Severus, Hermione lunged.
"Incarcerous!"
Thick ropes shot out of his wand and wrapped around her, effectively tripping her and causing her to fall. She kicked and twisted with all her strength, but the magical bindings would not ease. Hermione screamed and a gag appeared in front of her face and muffled her protests.
"I'm sorry, my love," the demented wizard apologized. "But I really must be going. I'm sorry I had to resort to such primitive tactics. I shall return."
Her horror grew as she watched Lockhart walk out of the room and ward the door behind him. She was helpless to do anything, but she kept struggling against her bindings.
--
Glaring at the two Aurors who had so graciously escorted him to the Tearoom, Severus demonstrated remarkable control. He made no snide comments and did not hex them. He waited for them to leave so he could start his own search for Hermione.
Just the thought of her name sent a dreadful shiver down his spine. What if they were too late? What if she were suffering? Potter's words did little to comfort him. Yes, his wife was intelligent. That was one of the attributes which drew him to her.
Swearing softly under his breath, he sipped his tea and continued staring at the young Aurors. He set his cup down. "As you can see, I am not going anywhere. I'm sure you could be of use elsewhere," he stated sarcastically.
One Auror turned to leave while the other eyed him skeptically.
Severus stared at the young wizard, his gaze unwavering, testing his keeper's resolve.
Seemingly satisfied that the Potions master would stay put, the Auror started to walk away.
Lifting his cup to his lips, Severus scanned the room, waiting for the Aurors to get far enough away so that he could begin his own investigation into Hermione's disappearance. It was late at night and there was hardly anyone in the Tearoom with exception of staff and a few patrons. One tall, blonde-haired wizard stood in the shadowy entrance and watched the Aurors leave.
Years of observing people tripped an alarm in Severus' subconscious. There was something about the way the wizard carried himself that made him uneasy. A disruptive noise from the hall broke his concentration and he forgot about the stranger.
The two Aurors ran past the Tearoom, causing a mix of dreadful hope to rise.
"He's still in the Tearoom, Harry!" one shouted as he ran past.
As Severus jumped out of the chair, a breathless Potter ran up to him.
The few people in the room stared at the disruptive spectacle.
"I know who took her!" Harry panted as he held a hand to the stitch in his side.
Time seemed to slow and the wait seemed like an eternity to Severus as Harry gulped air before speaking again.
"It's Lockhart." Harry grimaced as he tried to catch his breath. "Gilderoy Lockhart."
Glass shattered and Severus felt the warm sting of a Stunner in the back. Falling forward, he was helpless to catch himself and he fell onto the table.
"You can't have her!" Severus heard from across the room.
Severus was pulled off the table and to the floor. The silent rage boiled into fury as he struggled to free himself from the hex. In all the pandemonium, he finally realized it was Potter who had pulled him out of harm's way.
"Ennervate!" shouted Potter.
Surely, the young wizard would have helped Severus to his feet, but Potter was already running after Lockhart.
--
Hermione shivered as a cold draft whistled through the rafters. Her tears had long since dried. She couldn't cry anymore anyway. Her wrists were raw from trying to free herself from the ropes. The ropes, just like her guilt, gnawed at her. If Severus were hurt, she would never forgive herself.
Refusing to surrender to exhaustion but closing her eyes anyway, Hermione\'s memories taunted her. All she had ever wanted to do was help people. Lockhart was no exception.
Remembering the expression of dismay and disappointment on his face as she showed him the clippings and books, she shuddered. He was so much like a child "“ a lost child who had found a home. Once he had accepted who he was, he had made great strides at remediation.
She had even taken him to Ollivanders to help him pick out a new wand as his had been lost. Hermione scoffed, slightly amused at the irony of the situation. She had no one to blame but herself.
--
Having managed to keep Potter in his sight, Severus was able to follow him into Lockhart's attic lair. A sense of calm washed over him as he climbed each flight of stairs.
Hermione was alive. He could feel it. He knew it to be true. He would dispose of Lockhart and collect his wife. He would wrap his arms around her and never let her go.
Oh, Gods! What a maudlin sentiment!
A door slammed open and shouting ensued.
"Let her go, Professor Lockhart!"
"He can't have her!"
Severus was unprepared for the sight that greeted him. Lockhart was standing against a wall, using Hermione as a human shield and pressing his wand to her temple. His wife's arms were tied behind her back and her mouth was gagged.
Her eyes widened when she saw him and she tried to mumble something through her gag.
"You shan't have her, Snape!" shouted Gilderoy as he tightened his hold on Hermione.
"All right, Hermione?" Potter asked softly.
She tried to answer the question, but wound up nodding her head up and down. She winced when Lockhart grabbed her by the chin.
"She's mine!" the lunatic ranted, pointing his wand toward Severus. "You poisoned her with one of your love potions!"
Severus put his hands up, knowing full well that he could take Gilderoy on. But he did not want to harm Hermione.
"Calm down, Professor Lockhart," Harry said soothingly. "You don't want to hurt Hermione."
The crazy wizard seemed to have a moment of clarity and his grip on Hermione's chin loosened. "No, no," he mumbled, "I wouldn't want that."
Severus could see worry and pain as he stared into her moist brown eyes.
"Let Hermione go, Professor." Harry held out his hand, which panicked Lockhart, judging by the defensive shift in his posture. "You're hurting her."
Lowering his hands, Severus moved to unsheath his wand.
"I'm sorry, my love," sobbed Gilderoy as he kissed the side of her head. He flicked his wand toward Severus and started to cry. "Tell him to leave!"
Taking a step backward, Severus said nothing. Yes, he wanted to pin the fraud's hide to the wall for hurting Hermione, but Lockhart was too unpredictable. The irony of the situation did not escape him. She had married him to flush her stalker out.
"He's her friend." Harry tried to reason with the disturbed wizard, motioning for Snape to stay where he was. "Their marriage isn't real. Hermione wanted to find you."
Severus flinched. If he had to do it all over again, he would do things so much differently. Whereas his media problems were more an inconvenience, her problem was real. He had taken advantage of her "“ exploiting her lack of employment for his own gain. He would right those regrets as soon as this nightmare was over.
Desperately grabbing at slivers of logic, Lockhart started to mumble. "Yes. I remember you." He pointed to Harry. "You helped me defeat the Dark Lord."
Harry lowered his wand as a sign of good faith. "Yes, Professor Lockhart. It was an honor," he added, playing into Gilderoy's delusions. "I've lowered my wand. Why don't you lower yours. You're hurting Hermione."
Hermione winced as her abductor tightened his grip.
Eyeing Severus warily, Gilderoy yanked Hermione sideways. "No!" he answered gruffly. "He did it! He poisoned her "“ gave her a Love Potion! I have to kill him to free her."
Doing something he had never done before, Severus started to back away and placed his trust in another person. Seeing he was only exacerbating the situation, he knew Potter was the only chance Hermione had.
"I can't "“" Lockhart huffed, turning red in the face. "I just can't do it, my love."
"What are you talking about?" Harry asked, trying to keep the crazy wizard talking.
"I can't free her," cried Gilderoy. "I can't kill him, yet. I don't know how!"
"You don't want to do that anyway," Harry countered. "Killing Snape will only guarantee you a one-way ticket to Azkaban. Hermione would miss you."
Hermione squeaked and shook her head, tears spilling onto her cheeks.
His wand still pressing against Hermione's head, Lockhart glared at Snape. "I may not be able to kill you, but I can ease her suffering."
In all his years of spying for the Order and maneuvering his way through Death Eater ranks, Severus had never felt so helpless. Gilderoy Lockhart's intentions were clear.
He intended to harm Hermione.
A blur of hexes flew across the room, Severus and Harry aiming to disarm and stun the wizard, Lockhart's hex aiming to make Hermione forget -- "Obliviate!"
Both Severus and Potter watched in horror as abductor and hostage fell to the ground, Lockhart groaning and Hermione remaining eerily still.
*****
A/N "“ Kudos to JuneW for guessing what was going to happen next. Yes! Lockhart Obliviated her! I didn't even see that one coming until it showed up on my screen. Thanks to all who reviewed. The bunny thanks you.