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Many Lessons to be Learned	By : Shay89 Category: Harry Potter > Het - Male/Female > Snape/Hermione Views: 36507 -:- Recommendations : 4 -:- Currently Reading : 5
Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter or any of the plots/characters that have come out of it. And I do not make any money from this work at all.

Chapter List
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Authors note: A LOT more back story and not so much into the fun stuff yet. But I promise in the next chapter there is both public nudity and plenty of other fun. Oh and once again I do not own these beloved characters or profit from these writings in anyway other than being highly entertained and mildly turned on. Enjoy!

Curiosity

            This wasn’t the first time her mind had wandered during potions, in fact it happened most days. Hermione sighed impatiently waiting for the dour professors arrival. He always waited until everyone would be seated before bursting in his black capes billowing behind him. Obviously he thought it was intimidating, but let’s face it that only worked on Neville still and Neville wasn’t in the advanced potion’s class; a fact which no doubt pleased Severus.



            At the sound of Harry and Ron sniggering beside me I turned my head to give them a reproachful glance. However when I saw what they were laughing at it was all I could do not to smile. The usually impeccable Malfoy had yet to realize there was a sign attached to his back that clearly read, “SPANK ME, I am a bad boy.” I peered closer to read the finer print beneath that “not to mention I like it.” At that added bit I let out an unladylike snort, which actually caught Malfoy’s attention.



            He turned in his seat slightly and I realized it wasn’t just the sign that was off, his usually slicked back hair was mussed and some hung loosely in front of his face, and he looked as though he hadn’t slept in days and might be in some immense pain. I schooled my face to keep the concern out of it knowing he would only take that as an insult. Since he had turned his back on the dark we had become respectable friends, good friends actually but he still managed to keep up a slight front in public. I thanked the Gods he had become head boy otherwise his house would’ve tormented him beyond belief after his “abandonment”.



            “What are you choking on Granger?” he sneered harshly at me.



            Giving him a cool ‘you aren’t even phasing me’ look I’d developed over the years just for him I considered being nice about the sign and telling him, but his sneer persisted and I changed my mind. “Oh nothing, it’s just, have you considered wearing less cologne?”



            The boys next to me laughed as Malfoy glared lightly back before turning back in his seat. Now that was definitely unusual, he always had a retort, always wanted the last word. I was considering him carefully when the door to the dungeon clattered open. Since I was sitting on the edge of a middle row I felt a breeze as he brusquely moved past us, and leaning slightly into it I felt the softness of his robe rub over my arm. Most the class had fallen silent and I just observed our new arrival. He looked almost the same as always. That black hair falling softly down, yes he was pale but it seemed to be his natural skin color. It was hard not to imagine what was under those robes, he was obviously a strong and powerful wizard, and though his robes literally left everything to the imagination I was lucky enough to have quite a vivid one. With his broad set shoulders I found my self sinking into what his tall body would look like out of said robes, probably lean and muscular. No doubt covered in battle scars showing exactly how strong he was inside and out to have survived such treatment over the years.



            Snape cleared his throat loudly and my eyes, which had just reached his groin, shot up to find him looking directly at me. There were two things I could do here I could pretend I was zoning out and just ignore his arched eyebrow and resume my train of thought. Potions came easy to me so I didn’t need to hear his no doubt insulting speech before he allowed us to begin. Or I could blush like I’d been caught, which I obviously had. Looking at him a second longer I opted instead to adopt the smirk I’d picked up from all my time with Draco and just looked away.



            If he was thinking anything he didn’t say it and class just went on. He was speaking in that soft silky voice about an antidote to strong passion potions and listing the ingredients. I mindlessly took notes and just let his voice sort of wash over me. I was extremely grateful that my mind had learned over the last seven years to manage more than one thing at a time. But his voice always served as a major distraction to me.



            This was the seventh year I’d sat in his class. It was the end of the sixth and that long hot summer that resulted in the demise of Voldemort. We’d been offered jobs and such instead of going back to school but Ron, Harry, Draco and I had all decided going back to school for the seventh year and having for once a calm and normal year was worth it. When Harry had gone off to watch the memories Snape had given him, and later to what he’d believed to be self-sacrifice I had lingered with the near dead body of Snape. He was passed out, bloody and clearly looked as if he was still in pain. Ron had run off to help his family but I lingered and frantically racked my brain for anything that would help, anything that could save him. The main problems had been the venom now pulsing through his veins and the blood loss of course. Gripping his body close to mine I apparated us to what was no doubt his house. Though he’d never shown any of us the home or even mentioned it I’d stumbled across it when I’d asked to use his personal notes for a project. That time had been spent in his office and it was there I first saw an image of the home. It was crinkled and well worn yet he had framed it and put it in a corner away from all other things.



            I’d managed to drag him to a couch and summoned the potions I knew I would need. As a potions Master I had no doubt that he would have a fully stocked supply in his house. Upon administering the first couple of potions he had regained a minimal amount of color and it seemed as though when he breathed he was taking in more air without as much pain. When I had done all I could physically and only had the venom left to deal with I carefully considered my options. There was one spell I knew but it would be incredibly painful for myself, and very risky it could actually kill me and I knew that.



            I carefully observed the mans features and brushed stray hairs out of his face. It was obvious that I would risk it, that I would take that chance. And it wasn’t because of some silly schoolgirl crush, though I knew I’d been fascinated by him for quite some time. He was this cool, distant and untouchable enigma. Somewhere in him was a different man, one not being pulled in two directions by two opposing Masters. One that never got the chance to show itself or experience happiness, joy or love and that I regretted for him. I wondered when the last time he smiled was, if his life had been this difficult from the very beginning or if that started later. I couldn’t help but wonder what the man would be like as a companion or even more so a lover. A warm blush claimed my cheeks at those thoughts of him.



Across the room was a desk dashing over to it I grabbed a piece of parchment and a quill and inkbottle he had to the side. Quickly I jotted down a few words because I knew I wouldn’t be staying for him to wake up.

Severus,

When you wake up, you’ll be free of both Master’s.

Don’t waste this second chance at a happy life.

You deserve so much more.



I hadn’t signed the note but I carried it over and laid it on his chest lightly. Leaning down once I’d placed a chaste kiss on his lips before gripping both his hands and beginning a chant. I knew it was in a sense dark magic, but its purpose even in that was healing. When the other was too weak to resist the assault of for example a snake’s poison this spell allowed another to take the pain and the venom into their own body and relieve the other. It was why I’d given him a nerve regenerating potion and blood replenishing. When the venom was no longer in his veins he would stay asleep weak and tired until his body had regenerated any loss.



The spell came to a close and I saw a bright green light glow brightly around our joined hands. The venom seemed to rise out of his body in coils and pass through this light as it weaved its way onto my body. In mere seconds I felt deep pain as puncture wounds were made on my right thigh, my left shoulder and my right arm. The pain was beyond intense and I knew I had only a short window where I could still focus long enough to apparate. I stumbled back and tripped falling hard into the ground. I realized the desperate pain sounds I was hearing were actually coming from me. Squeezing my hands into fists I let my nails dig into the flesh as I focused my thoughts on St. Mungo’s. I don’t remember doing it really, or how it had been possible but I was in St. Mungo’s and I managed to tell them snake, when the attending nurses had rushed to my side.



Two weeks before school I’d woken up finally after being asleep and actually in a great deal of pain for the previous three. Those bite marks were still evident on my body though most weren’t in places where people could see them. I traced the inside of my right arm lightly as I thought back to this. I would do it again if I had to.



“Miss Granger” his voice drawled out from the front of the room.



My head snapped up and took in his annoyed posture and expression. When I went to respond my voice came out more as a squeak than I intended “Sir?”



“While I am immensely grateful that for once you aren’t reciting textbook definitions or attempting to aid all those around you I do not tolerate distraction in my class.” He was glaring at me and for a moment I put my head down slightly ashamed. “What was the last ingredient I listed, and don’t you dare look at notes to get the answer.”



Defiantly raising my eyes to meet his I smiled brightly. He could do this all he wanted I always was prepared ahead at least by a week for his lessons. “It was salamander Sir.”



“What kind of Salamander?”



Now this was getting annoying “chopped.” My voice came out as more of a snap that time.



“And what are the instructions for adding it?”



For a moment I panicked realizing I really hadn’t been listening to his speech and hadn’t listened to his instructions. When I saw the mirth in his eyes I realized he wanted to make me flustered. Was actually enjoying my urge to give him the correct answer and using it against me. My eyes narrowed and I emptied my mind focusing solely on not answering him.



“Miss Granger I’m waiting” his voice was a slow drawl, still silky and though I remained annoyed I melted just a little bit and felt my unusual reaction to that voice. Harry elbowed me and I ignored the slight pain in my side just kept my eyes focused on him.



Draco had turned to face me and harshly whispered. “Just answer him Granger.”



Scowling for a second at him I returned my attention to the man at the front of the class. He maneuvered down the aisle and I sat completely still straight up attempting to look entirely unaffected by him. Oddly he didn’t have such an annoyed expression on. His features suggested he was angry, his eyes suggested he was mildly pleased and amused by my clear defiance. For a second I felt gentle probing in my mind and at that I laughed lightly. After his dreadful attempt at teaching Occlumency to Harry I had quickly mastered it and taught it too him myself. Snape had behaved dreadfully in some of their sessions and I could see that his approach simply didn’t work with Harry so I used another to get Harry warm to the idea and have him grasp the basic talent before throwing him curve balls and doing it with more intent.



Smiling I let him draw out an image from third year and watched his face scrunch up in annoyance after. It was from third year DADA when Neville made the boggart version of Snape appear wearing his grandmother’s clothes. Quickly he pulled out of my mind and I smiled a bit cheekily at him. Unfortunately that smile was wiped off my face as he leaned down and near me close enough that I could feel warmth radiating off his body.



“Insolent little know-it-all” his voice was a growl as he stood back up straight and made for the front of the room. “You will stay after class Miss Granger” he practically hissed my name. “Your lack of respect and obvious defiance are childish and bratty. Obviously you aren’t so superior to the others in this class as you try to seem. I’m sure I can come up with a suitable punishment. Fool.” The last word was said bitterly and I glared up to the front of the class. “You have an hour to brew this potion so I don’t know why you are all still sitting.” Everyone hopped out of their seats and set to making the potion at hand.



In 45 minutes I had a perfect batch simmering in front of me. Smirking I bottled all of it in the recommended dose and left the others laying on my desk as I approached Snape with one vial. Smirking slightly I placed it on his desk and felt slightly jilted when he didn’t even look up or acknowledge me at all. Attempting to hide my hurt at this I turned to leave.



“Miss Granger I will require the rest of your vials, Poppy will be needing a refill of supplies soon.” His words were not intended as validation but I took it as so and as I went to retrieve my robe, satchel and the bottles there was a little more bounce in my step. With everything packed up and cleaned I leaned over the table and reached for Draco’s back. He was just bottling his no doubt perfect potion. As I tore the sign off his back he spun around and I handed it to him with a small smile. He looked at it glared to the boys in suspicion and just turned back to his work.



I’d placed the rest of the vials on his desk and moved to turn and leave. “Where do you think you are going?”



Other’s were dropping off individual vials now and going to gather their things. “I – I am – done Sir.”



He chuckled darkly and I felt my insides melt at this, my legs weakened. He rose from his seat taking his eyes off whatever he had been grading before “time is up people, bottle whatever you barely managed to get together, turn the heat to low and leave the cauldrons with their contents. If you managed to do it correctly your potion will be used to restock the infirmary’s supplies.” As people began to slowly do as he asked he sighed heavily, “quickly you blithering idiots I do not have all day. And remember you have until Monday to approach the Professor with whom you would like to do your final project, that is if they’ll take you.” He was sneering as everyone moved more quickly; a little afraid of their potions Master still even after finding out he was a good guy.



I still remember that victory announcement. Once I’d woken up we were hounded and made to participate in press releases. I told Harry that we would only accept a few; always go as a trio and after that we would just ignore them. It worked well that way; the only person that truly enjoyed the fanfare and the attention was Ronald. Just another thing, which confirmed we were not right at all for each other.

We’d broken up the first week of classes, it had been slightly messy and public since dear old Ronald didn’t seem readily willing to accept what I was suggesting. He had spread obnoxious rumors about how prude I was and that I never let up and was truly just an annoying nag. Some had been worse than that but Harry stood by my side and refused to talk to Ronald while he behaved like such a child fully understanding my choice as he had gone through something similar with Ginny after all was said and done.

Eventually Ron had calmed down enough to apologize and beg for my forgiveness. He told everyone he had just been upset, but the rumors still circulated. I was glad we were friends again but sometimes it appeared as though he were just trying to get me back. Like as he dropped of his potion and walked back to his desk he attempted to grab my hand and ask when we were going to spend some time together like we used to. I rolled my eyes lightly and pulled away from him and just moved to the side of Snape’s desk.



Though he usually had a stoic mask on his face I saw Snape’s lips quirking at Ron’s retreating back and I almost wanted to smack him. How childish could he still be? He truly had no reason to still dislike us other than it was habit!



Harry dropped his potion off and it actually looked as if he had done it perfectly. They both politely acknowledged one another. Harry had come to terms with Snape at the victory ball. He’d actually flat out told Snape, “I know my Dad was a royal ass to you, I know you loved my mom and clearly she shared some love with you, I know everything you’ve done to help me through all of this and I could never possibly thank you enough. Since you aren’t a fan of outright gratitude and we clearly aren’t about to become best friends I wanted to at least let you know that you have my gratitude, my respect, and my trust. I underestimated you and doubted you before in such a childish and ignorant manner. You’ve given up more for this world than I could imagine and while I won’t give you sympathy I hope you’re able to find peace and happiness now. I know you aren’t the type to ever ask for help Severus but I clearly owe you.”

It had been succinct and to the point they had shook hands and parted ways and their relationship had been pleasant ever since. Several times Harry actually said he was going to spend time with Snape and he had. Perhaps they had bonded over the loss of his mother and a fragile relationship began between them, almost a fatherly one on his end.



Finally everyone was gone and I was admittedly annoyed at being left standing beside his desk for so long. Unwilling to show him any discomfort or dislike I stood still in my place as he finished grading the last paper he had been working on. Standing he moved to the door behind his desk and entered his office. Startled I followed him and took a seat in front of his private office desk. Post war it was a bit warmer though not entirely. There was a small lamp on his desk and wrapped around its base was a charm bracelet.

My face flushed as I realized what exactly it was. At the victory ball I had heard him discussing with Minerva that he did not know whom had taken him to his private summer home and saved his life and how he wished to find the girl who had. When asked how he knew it was a girl he mentioned a bracelet and it was then that I realized that I hadn’t just lost my bracelet it had fallen off in Snape’s home. I made Ron and Harry swear they would never tell. They were the only two who knew what I had done, Ron had been confused as to why I had but agreed and after a few well thought out question Harry just smiled knowingly at me before agreeing.

I knew Severus wouldn’t be pleased to learn that a student of his had done such a thing. His fingers came into view and unraveled the bracelet I’d been staring at from the lamp. He began toying with it in his fingers and I fought to turn my gaze away from the delicate bracelet my parents had given me on my sixteenth birthday.

When I finally pulled my gaze away I fought to keep my face straight so as not to give away that I recognized the jewelry. But when my eyes met his I saw a look in them I’d never seen before. I held a breath panicked that he would already know or that he would pry for the information no doubt extracting it easily from my now clouded and jumbled mind. His gaze was steady as I tried to calm my racing mind when suddenly it hit me what those dark obsidian eyes were swimming with.

Curiosity.
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Many Lessons to be Learned