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Kiss The Serpent	By : indigonightowl Category: Harry Potter > Het - Male/Female > Snape/Hermione Views: 32590 -:- Recommendations : 0 -:- Currently Reading : 9
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 List
- 9
- 10
- 11
Authors: Note: I really need a beta to help me develop the ending. Please let me know if you are interested. This chapter has some minor edits since posting. Thanks to the reviewer who spotted them. See why I need a beta?

This chapter was beta'd 6 years ago before I lost my inspiration. Thanks to Wartcap and Chartreuse from Ashwinder for their hard work back then.

********

Saturday

“Oi, Hermione, hurry up, we’re off to Hogsmeade in ten minutes!” Ron yelled up the stairs to the girls dormitories. Harry was sitting in a nearby armchair, lacing his sneakers.

Lavender Brown was sauntering down the curving stairwell. Ron found himself admiring the view. The young woman had filled out in all sorts of interesting places.

“No point shouting for Hermione, Ron, she’s not there,” she told him with a smile.

“Really?” He looked puzzled. “Where’d she go? It’s Hogsmeade visit today.”

“Said she’s not going. Said she has homework to finish…in the library.” Lavender rolled her eyes and wandered past, heading out the portrait hole.

“Oh, OK. Thanks Lav.” Ron offered, his eyes now watching her curvaceous retreat. He turned to find Harry watching him, an amused expression on his face.

“What?” Ron asked quietly. “I’m allowed to look, aren’t I?”

Harry shook his head and laughed. “Just don’t get your hopes up, Ron,” he muttered.

Ron, turned, a confused frown on his face, and watched the shapely blonde leave the common room. Shrugging, he said, “I’ll be back in a bit. I’ll go see what’s keeping Hermione.”

He left the common room at a jog, heading for the fourth floor. He found his studious friend holed up in one corner of the library, reading a book.

“Have you gone completely mental?” he demanded.

She didn’t even look up. “Good morning to you too, Ronald.”

“Go on, get your bag, we’re off to Hogsmeade.” He reached out to take her book away from her.

“I’m not going.” She shook her head, pulling the book out of his reach, her eyes still scanning the page.

“Why not? It’s the first one of the term…we might not get another one for ages. Oh c’mon, Hermione, you can’t have that much homework!”

Hermione closed the book with a soft thud. Quickly checking that the library was empty, she whispered, “I have to go to Diagon Alley today. Professor Snape is taking me. The homework story is what I’m using to put everyone else off the track.”

Ron opened his mouth…and closed it again with a sigh. His face creased in utter misery. “Things aren’t going to be the same after tomorrow, are they?”

“I’m not dying, Ron. I’ll only be gone one night.”

“Yeah, well, some things are worse than death, aren’t they?” He stomped out of the library without looking back.

Hermione breathed a heavy sigh. She could have done with some reassurance herself. Tomorrow was still an unknown quantity, and she couldn’t tell what was going to be on the other side of it.

After another ten minutes had passed, she packed away her things and returned to her dormitory. Checking that her classmates had gone and only the lower years remained, she made a discreet path to the potion’s classroom in the dungeons, where she found Severus bent over a boiling cauldron.

Intent on his task, she was certain he had not realised she was there. She hovered in the doorframe and waited, not wanting to break his concentration. Methodically he stirred and counted and Hermione found herself wondering what had happened to the vicious Potions Master she once knew…or thought she knew. He still appeared to be the same sarcastic, buttoned-up teacher, but something had changed. She wasn’t sure if it was her perception of him, or his behaviour towards her, but something had definitely changed.

She watched him lower the stirring rod, dimmed the flame and covered the now simmering cauldron with a metal lid. Then he turned to face her.

“Good morning, Miss Granger. I’ll be ready in five minutes,” he dipped his head politely.

She shook her head “Are you ever going to call me ‘Hermione’?”

“Of course,” he dismissed, but he still didn’t use her name.

Hermione closed her eyes and sighed as he retreated. He returned from his office moments later, wearing a traveling cloak.

Deep into the dungeons he guided her. A blank section of wall caught his eye and he tapped several stones in order. A door appeared and he motioned her through.

“This route will take us unseen from the castle,” he told her as she peered into the darkened passage.

“Lumos!”

They each lit their wands and proceeded up the dank passageway. It took eight and a half minutes to reach the end. The exit deposited them at the edge of the Forbidden Forest, out of sight of the castle.

Severus offered Hermione his arm. Grasping it firmly, she felt that familiar squeezing sensation and, with a crack, they were gone.

In Diagon Alley it was bustling business as usual. They had appeared in front of Flourish and Blotts. Severus immediately began scanning the street. Crowds appeared to make him nervous.

Hermione realised, now they had arrived, that while she had wanted his company for this outing, her few errands were actually better done without him.

She bit her lip as she considered her options.

“If you have changed your mind about being seen with me publicly, perhaps we should return to Hogwarts,” he said in a chilly voice.

“How did you know I was thinking—?”

“You bite your lip when you are worried, Miss Granger,” he pointed out. “And what else would you have to worry about at this precise moment?”

Hermione readjusted her mouth, releasing her abused lip. “Actually I was thinking that perhaps you wouldn’t wish to accompany me on these particular errands.”

“And what might they be?” he asked, a little less frostily.

“First, I need to go to the Apothecary for…women’s things. Then I need to buy some underwear.”

He grimaced and closed his eyes briefly. “You may have a point,” he conceded. “Perhaps you might like to run your errands alone and meet me back here in half an hour?”

“May I have an hour?” she asked, and at his curt nod, hurried away. She had several things to do.

First stop was Madam Malkin’s.

The shop sold wonderful gowns and robes…and under-things. Hermione had never been frivolous about underwear, but she was just vain enough to care about what she would be wearing when the time for intimacy came along. She wanted something a bit nicer than her plain cotton bras and knickers and it kept her mind off the actual ‘intimacy’ itself.

Madam Malkin was delighted when Hermione explained that she needed several items of underwear, and perhaps a more grown-up gown. She whipped out her magical measuring tape, which immediately began measuring Hermione’s body all by itself, squeaking the results to an enchanted quill which scribbled down the numbers on a hovering piece of parchment.

Holding out her arms as directed, Hermione was awkwardly pointing out things in the enchanted catalogue while the enchanted tape squeaked, “don’t move! Don’t move!” Between them they decided on various pieces, the auto-quill noting her choices, including the colours and modifications suggested by Madam Malkin herself.

Within half an hour, she had chosen a new dress, a new set of robes, a new traveling cloak, and underwear for every day of the week. Not one piece of which was white cotton.

Hermione paid and thanked Madam Malkin for her help, arranging for her purchases to be floo’d to Hogwarts. Madam Malkin simpered prettily, assuring her they would arrive that afternoon.

Hermione glanced at the clock on the wall, realising she only had fifteen minutes left.

Bidding Madam Malkin a hurried goodbye, Hermione scurried out of the shop and across the road to Slug & Jiggers Apothecary. This errand was the one she would enjoy the least.

The apothecary was a skinny, aged man, with thin grey hair and glasses so thick, they kept slipping down his long nose. He was hunched over his work bench when Hermione entered the dimly lit shop.

“Good day, young miss,” he greeted her cheerfully in a wheezy voice. “How may I help you?”

“Hello, Mr Jiggers, I need a contraceptive potion, if you have one.” Hermione struggled to keep the blush off her face.

The old man raised his scraggly eyebrows. “Contraception?” he questioned, “not much call for that these days. Everyone is too busy procreating. I’ve got gallons of fertility potions, are you sure you don’t want some of that?”

Hermione shook her head emphatically. “No! Er, no, thanks just the same. I really do need some contraception.”

“Hmmm…contraception…” He scratched his thinning hair thoughtfully. “Hold on a bit, I’ll have a geezer out the back.”

He disappeared behind a faded curtain in the rear of the shop and Hermione could hear dull thuds and scrapes coming from the back room.

“Aha! I’d forgotten about these,” he announced, returning to the counter with a tiny black leather case. There was a smear of dust on his nose. “Not a bad potion this – each vial prevents conception for three months. I can give you four vials at a time, beyond that they start to lose their efficacy and I can’t guarantee them. So you come back for a refill in a year, all right?”

He opened the case and nestled in navy blue satin were four 2 oz. vials each holding a pale yellow liquid.

Hermione nodded, not prepared to admit that it only had to last for the weekend. She didn’t think it would sound very good.

“How quickly do they take effect?” she asked, hoping she hadn’t left it too late.

“From the minute you drink it, missy. Takes about ten minutes to full effect.”

“Do I need to know anything about side-effects or things that interfere with potency?” she asked as she peered at the instructions on the side of one of the vials.

“Side-effects? Can’t you read?!” he demanded, pointing to the Apothecary Sign above the window. The fine print under the shop name declared ‘guaranteed no side-effects for over 100 years’. Hermione wondered if that was 100 years from ingestion, or 100 years of past history.

“Sorry,” she apologised quickly.

The apothecary harrumphed, and began wrapping the case in brown paper.

“Mind you, you might want to take them with food,” he muttered as he handed her the package. “They don’t taste so good.”

Hermione paid him and tucked her parcel inside her robes. She made it back to Flourish and Blotts with 15 seconds to spare.

Severus was standing on the step waiting for her. “All done?” He eyed the bulge in her robes but did not ask for any details.

She nodded, a touch breathless from rushing, and smiled up at him. “Could we get something to eat?”

He looked at with an inscrutable expression on his face, and then pointed her towards the Leaky Cauldron.

Severus scanned the dining room of the old pub as they entered. He ushered Hermione to a corner table at the back of the room. When Tom came over, he ordered Butterbeer and sandwiches for both of them. Their lunch arrived within ten seconds.

He was still looking around the room, slightly distracted.

“Is anything wrong?” she mouthed, as Tom placed their sandwiches down in front of them and commenced wiping down tables nearby.

He shook his head and attended to his lunch.

*********

Severus was nervous. After they sat down it occurred to him that perhaps this hadn’t been the best idea. There were eyes everywhere. A teacher taking a student shopping might be explained away, but eating together? If we can just get through this meal, we will leave for Hogwarts immediately, he told himself.

Today, luck was not on his side. No sooner had he completed the thought, a haughty, nasal voice rang out from across the bar.

“Severus, old boy! What on earth are you doing in this frightful place?” Lucius Malfoy had appeared out of nowhere, his blue eyes narrowing on Hermione.

Severus resisted the urge to grind his teeth. This was just typical.

“Lucius,” he nodded grimly.

“Are you actually eating here?” Malfoy senior sniffed with disdain as he inspected their meal. “Surely you could take your young friend somewhere better?”

Cold grey eyes flowed over Hermione’s bent head. She was trying to conceal her face without being too obvious about it. It wasn’t working.

“It’s Miss Granger, isn’t it?” he raised one blonde eyebrow. “Well, well, you sly dog, Severus. Taking students out to lunch, are we? This has to be a first.” His smile was pure evil and didn’t reach his eyes. Hermione recognised it as an advanced version of Draco’s. “I wonder,” he drawled, as though struck with an inspired idea, “why don’t you bring her along to our little celebration next week?”

Years of training were all that held the Potions master together. Malfoy had just invited a female Muggle-born student to the Revel, which only meant one thing. She was expected to be part of the entertainment.

He searched for some reason to fob off the blonde letch. Unfortunately the only thing he could think of was going to get him into trouble.

“That is a very kind offer, Lucius, however my fiancée will not be available that weekend, I fear. Family commitments, you understand,” he drawled in a bland voice.

Hermione’s eyes widened and Severus willed her to hold her tongue.

“Fiancée?” Cold grey eyes swept her from head to toe again, noting her bare hand, his lip curling at what he saw. “This is rather unexpected, Severus. Isn’t she still at school?”

“Not for much longer. We are just on our way to purchase her ring now.” Severus added, seeing the direction of Lucius’ gaze. “And I do not share my possessions, as you are well aware.” He resisted the urge to look at her, and prayed that she knew better than to open her mouth.

Lucius understood immediately. “I see. Well, in that case, I shall look forward to an invitation to the big event.” Suddenly his eyes narrowed. “I was actually hoping to convince you to provide me with one of those wonderful potions…just like in the old days.”

One dark eyebrow quirked. “Which particular potion? I have brewed many."

Lucius nodded once, a smirk marring his handsome face.

Ah, THAT potion. Damn.

Severus’ thoughts were lightning fast. If he admitted to being able to brew that particular potion, he’d be nailing his own feet to the floor. But if he lied, and then was caught in that lie, the consequences would be even worse. He couldn’t hide that sort of information from the Dark Lord.

“When do you need it?” he asked, trying to play for time.

“At your convenience, dear boy. But you can let me know how it is getting along when we next meet with the...others.” The words were casual enough, but the glint in the older man’s eyes was sharp. “So you are still able to brew it then?”

Lucius knew one of the ingredients required for the potion was Virgin’s Blood, which Snape usually provided. That was why he was asking.

Severus decided the truth was the lesser of two evils. “Of course, Lucius. You shall have it within the week. It takes time to brew.” Severus reassured him, politely.

Lucius was staring at Hermione again. “And you still have no difficulty with making it?”

“Of course not. However that will not always be the case, will it?” Severus voice was laden with meaning. He tried not to notice Hermione’s blush.

Lucius nodded, a frown marring his smooth skin.

Severus got slowly to his feet and picked up Hermione’s cloak. “It was good to see you again, Lucius. But if you will excuse us, we have an appointment to keep.”

Hermione followed his lead. She collected her things, allowing him to drape the fabric about her shoulders and, nodding politely to Mr Malfoy, preceded Severus from the building.

They left Malfoy staring after them, loathing twisting his face.

Severus placed his hand at Hermione’s waist and directed her down Diagon Alley. He cursed violently under his breath, forcing Hermione to practically run to keep up with his long strides.

“Oh Gods, I am so sorry. It’s all my fault.” She whispered frantically. “If only I had eaten breakfast. What are we going to do now? What potion was he talking about? I can’t believe he just showed up like that, anyone would think he had been told we would be there. This is just awful, we’ll have to tell Professor Dumbledore. Maybe this will change things now. Do you think he’ll act sooner than we expected? What if—“

“Enough!” he snapped, stunning her to silence. He cursed his own stupidity at eating in such a public place. One look at her lovely smile and he had broken every rule in the book. Stupid, stupid, stupid!

After they had been swallowed up by the crowd of shoppers and were well clear of the Leaky Cauldron, he dragged her into an empty alleyway and waited for the inevitable barrage. He didn’t have to wait long.

Her eyes were huge with shock and dismay. “I can’t believe you told him we were engaged!”

“I had no choice! Didn’t you hear his invitation?” Severus hissed, glancing along the dank passageway.

“He invited me to a party. You could have just said no,” she pointed out.

“A party? He invited you to the Dark Revel,” he said in a harsh voice, “where you would have been on the menu, rather than an honoured guest.”

She turned horrified eyes to his. “You mean…? So why tell him I was your f…fiancée?” She stumbled over the word.

“Because it gave you a different status in his eyes. It makes you untouchable.”

“Even though I am a Mud…” she started.

“Don’t you dare use that word!” he growled. “You said it yourself at the meeting, the excuse of using you to get close to Potter is a plausible one. Lucius knows exactly what I am doing. Did you hear his questions about the potion?”

She nodded.

“The potion he requested is a Dark Arts brew that requires the maker to be a virgin, and use their own blood in its making.”

Her eyes flared in understanding. “And you said you could brew it, so he knows you are still…?” she bit her lip.

“Yes,” he breathed harshly. “He knows. And it means I am running out of time.”

*********

Hermione’s mind was spinning. Things had spiraled rapidly out of control.

“So, what do we do now?” she asked him.

The Potions master stared at her for several long moments, and then appeared to come to a decision. He grasped her right hand between his, and took a breath. “Miss Granger, I find I have no time to spare for my dignity at present. Circumstances dictate that we must make a decision that might determine my entire future – if I am to have one at all.” He shook his head bitterly. “Therefore I must ask if you are still genuinely prepared to consider the path that was put before you at the last meeting of the Order?”

She stared at him, bewildered. “What are you asking me?”

“Miss Granger, will you do me the honour of becoming my fiancée…publicly?” he asked her through gritted teeth.

Her eyes widened. It was all meant to be a secret. No-one would know and, once it was done, the “marriage” was to be terminated. The only reason it was meant to have happened in the first place was to protect her reputation if anyone found out.

“Please,” he added in a much gentler voice.

That one word was her undoing. She knew how hard it had been to ask her, how difficult and embarrassing this whole situation was for him. She realised his life was in the balance, and everything else ceased to matter.

He was waiting for her answer, but she didn’t know what to say. This had been an unconventional relationship right from the start. They didn’t love each other, and she certainly wasn’t starry-eyed over him. But she didn’t want to say “Yes, thank you” as though she were accepting a slice of cake. Nor, did she want to say “Of course,” since he knew as well as she that neither of them really wanted this. Instead she settled for the middle road.

“What type of a ring were you thinking of?” she asked him, with a rueful smile.

His breath left him in a rush, and he pulled her to him. She was enveloped in a fierce hug that took her by surprise. She found herself released just as suddenly, and looked up to find him straightening his robes to cover his embarrassment at the spontaneous gesture.

“Thank you, Miss Granger. You are doing me a great service and I will not forget it.”

She nodded silently. She was committed now and she was determined to make the best of it.

When he had composed himself, he tucked her arm into his as they left the alley and led her to a small jewelers shop a short distance away.

The shop assistant was a young dark-haired woman in her mid-twenties. At Severus’ request, the woman brought out a silk-lined tray filled with sparkling rings. “Choose whatever you like,” he told Hermione.

She pored over them for a few minutes, but nothing stood out.

“I’m looking for something a bit different,” she told the assistant, ignoring her new fiancé’s raised eyebrow. “Perhaps something with a protection charm or something similar?”

The young woman looked to him for approval. At his nod she whisked out her wand. The first tray disappeared to be replaced with a blue velvet box. Inside the box were several rings.

“This one,” the assistant said, pointing to a heavy golden band, “has a fidelity charm on it. It’s a big favourite of women whose new husbands have a roving eye.”

Hermione frowned and shook her head.

The woman picked up a wide silver band, engraved with celtic knotwork. “This is a beauty. This ring holds a fertility charm. It’s a big seller for women marrying older men, and,” she lowered her voice a fraction, “pureblood ladies who are having trouble conceiving.”

Severus’ eye developed a sudden tic. Hermione noticed. The ring went back in the velvet box.

“A love charm? A beauty glamour?” She asked, pointing out differently charmed rings.

To Severus surprise, Hermione shook her head again and again.

“What about those?” She pointed to a pair of simple white gold bands.

“Ah, beautiful rings, but surprisingly they are not one of our best sellers. They can be used as wedding bands, or simply as matching Promise rings. It’s a pity that no-one is particularly interested in their specific magic,” the assistant explained, taking the rings from the case. “These are Portkeys, vocally keyed to each other. If you activate one, the wearer is transported to the location of the other ring. The novelty of such closeness rapidly wears off for most people. After six months they are usually trying to get away from each other. We don’t sell a lot of these.”

But Hermione was looking at the rings with delight and raised questioning eyes to his. He was astonished by her choice. The advantage was clear. This would give him the means to escape should anything go wrong at the Revel. It was the one thing that had been worrying him. If things went awry, he had no way out, nor any way for them to find him. Now they would have both.

Hermione nodded her approval to the assistant who ducked off to fetch their box.

“You selected these…for me, didn’t you?” He asked quietly, staring at the rings resting in her palm.

She admired the metal bands. “Yes. And they’re quite lovely, don’t you think?”

He raised black eyes and searched her face.

“Beautiful,” he said, looking at her rather than the rings. The sight of her made his stomach hurt.

He had never received such a gift. She had chosen something that gave him an escape route…and returned him to her? His mouth went dry and he swallowed hard.

They bought both rings. The assistant wrapped them carefully and explained the charm.

“The portkeys become active when placed on the finger. You must be wearing it to activate it, so there are no accidental portkey incidents – we certainly don’t want one ring disappearing without the wearer. To activate the spell, the charm is duos fio unus.” Two become one translated Severus idly.

*******



It was dark when they returned to the edge of the Forbidden Forest. The hidden passageway led them easily to back to the dungeons.

“I have to see the Headmaster. Go to your dormitory,” Severus instructed.

“Can’t I come—” she began.

“No!” he snapped. At her worried and guilty face, he relented slightly. “I will speak to you tonight after I have seen him. Come to my office immediately after dinner,” he said in a much calmer voice. He suddenly surprised himself by reassuring her. “This was not your fault.”

Hermione struggled to contain her fear. She nodded and watched silently as Severus swept away. When he was gone, she started the long walk back to Gryffindor Tower.

********

The gargoyle in front of the Headmaster’s office leapt aside as Severus gave the password, “Pepper Imp”. The office door was already open, and Dumbledore sat by the fire, his floral teapot happily pouring two cups of tea.

“Come in, Severus,” he welcomed, holding out one cup.

Severus took it by force of habit, but immediately set it aside, causing a huff of disappointment from the pot.

“Headmaster, we were seen.”

“Yes,” Albus smiled at the frown on the younger man’s face. “Mundungus was also in the Leaky Cauldron. Congratulations on your engagement.”

He might have known. “I had to come up with a plausible excuse, Albus. Miss Granger has agreed to the farce. She is…” he broke off.

“Yes?” Albus prompted him.

“She is a remarkable young woman,” he admitted tightly, “for a Gryffindor.”

The Headmaster hid his smile beneath his beard.

“So what now?” Severus asked.

“Nothing. Indeed, this was perhaps a fortuitous event. Already you have cast doubt in Lucius’ mind. When the time comes for confrontation, your proof will be even more plausible since he has the evidence of his own eyes.” The Headmaster’s words comforted him. “And your happy marriage will cement it.”

“You misunderstand, Headmaster. Miss Granger has merely agreed to play a temporary part. I have no intention of remaining married to the girl, any more than she intends to remain married to me.”

Albus simply regarded him, speculatively and said no more.

Severus thoughts returned to the problem, his eyes narrowed. “Would it be useful to feed the same information back through other channels?”

“Such as Draco Malfoy?” Albus suggested.

“Such as Draco Malfoy. I still have to establish exactly what he knows about the Dark Lord’s plans, to find out how close he is to the inner circle. If he should happen to catch Miss Granger and myself in a more personal moment, he would take the news straight back to Lucius.” He stroked his bottom lip, thoughtfully. “Indeed, it may happen that Lucius drops this plan altogether and then everything can go back to where it was.”

Albus was nodding. “It can only help at this point, Severus. Do as you see fit. Tomorrow, I shall speak to Miss Granger about the arrangements.”

***********

The sound of snapping twigs caught Draco’s keen ears as he waited at the edge of the Forbidden Forest, concealed in the darkening shadows. The sun had gone down while he waited patiently for his father.

At lunch, he’d received an owl. The letter was simple. “Sunset is lovely in the Forbidden Forest. L.”

Draco knew precisely what that meant.

As the lengthening shadows slowly disappeared into night, the hairs went up on the back of Draco’s neck. He did not move. “Hello Father.”

“Well done, Draco. Your sixth sense is remarkably improved.” Lucius indicated a fallen log, and both of them sat. “How is school?”

“Since when did you call meetings in the forest to ask about school?” Draco’s amused voice echoed his father’s.

“True. Actually I had an interesting encounter this morning. What can you tell me about young Miss Granger?” Lucius tone feigned indifference. Draco had heard that tone before. Something was up.

“Granger?” Draco sneered. “She’s nothing but a filthy Mudblood.”

“And yet she is touted to be the smartest pupil the school has seen in years,” Lucius observed, watching his son’s reaction closely.

“Only because she spends her whole life with her nose in a book,” Draco countered.

“Not quite her whole life, Draco. Apparently she spends at least part of her life having lunch in the Leaky Cauldron.”

Draco shrugged.

“With Severus Snape.” Lucius’ voice held a sharp edge.

Draco’s eyes widened.

“There is something going on here, my son, and I want you to find out what it is. I don’t plan to look like a fool in front of the Dark Lord.” The older man’s eyes were cold and flinty.

“Of course, Father. Though I can’t imagine what Snape wants with the Mudblood.” Draco’s forehead furrowed thoughtfully.

“What do any of us want with a Mudblood, Draco?” Lucius’ laugh was cruel. “Just find out what you can. I’ll be in touch.”

The older man stood, brushed an invisible speck of dust from his cloak, and disappeared into the shadows of the Forest. Draco made his way up the grounds towards the Castle. He was unaware of cold black eyes observing him.

*********

During dinner, Severus watched Draco’s every move. Draco’s sojourn in the Forbidden Forest could only mean one thing. Lucius had been here. Which meant that Draco knew far more than was good for any of them.

The boy spent more time watching the Gryffindor table than his plate, causing Severus to frown. How could he use this opportunity to exploit the young Slytherin’s curiosity?

After dessert was finished, Severus waited until he was certain Draco was watching before he got to his feet and swept down the room. He had no need to speak to Hermione, they had already arranged to meet. Patience was not her strongest attribute, and he knew her curiosity would guarantee she followed almost immediately. Indeed, he was relying on it. Draco only had to wait one minute before he would observe Hermione get to her feet and quietly leave by the same door. When he saw that, he was bound to follow.

Severus hid in the shadows and waited. He caught Hermione to him as she passed under the archway leading to the dungeons. He lowered his head towards hers and whispered, “wait…” Hermione opened her mouth to question him, but he placed one finger against her lips. Her breath hitched fractionally at the unwitting caress.

Out of the corner of his eye, Severus saw the doors of the Great Hall crack open and allow a white-blonde head through. He waited only a moment before pulling Hermione through the archway and out of sight. The boy was a Slytherin. It would be enough.

They followed the stone corridors to the dungeons, and entered his office. Severus cracked the door open an inch and drew her away to the centre of the room, positioning her with her back to the door.

“Are you going to tell me what we are supposed to be doing?” she whispered.

“Baiting the Malfoy hook,” he whispered back, apparently listening for something. “Forgive me, but…”

He bent her back over his arm, his mouth claiming hers, forcing her to grasp his shoulders to maintain her balance. To anyone observing it was an extremely passionate embrace.

And there was someone observing.

Ice grey eyes peered through the crack of the open door, narrowing at the fervent kiss. It seemed to go on endlessly.

Severus brought a dazed Hermione upright again. Stepping away a fraction, he brought her fingers to his lips.

He had surprised himself. His body had reacted painfully quickly to their staged embrace and he found his arousal distracting.

“Forgive me, I cannot spare any time this evening, despite our arrangement, but I do have something for you.” He pulled a small object from his pocket with a flourish, as though showing her for the very first time. His hand opened to reveal the two glowing bands. Grasping her left hand in his, he fitted the ring on her finger, watching as it resized by magic. She lifted her hand up into the light and stared at the ring glowing warmly on her finger. The candlelight glinted off it in a dramatic fashion.

She looked back to the ring still sitting on his open left palm and raised her eyes in question. At his brief nod, she took it between her fingers, and slid it onto his left hand, which he obligingly held out for her. As the two rings fell into place, a soft chime sounded; the Portkey Charm was active.

Still playing his part, he bowed low over her hand and kissed the ring. “Until later then, my pet,’ he told her in a warm voice, noting the little shiver that ran through her at the deliberate endearment.

Hermione blinked at the velvet in his voice. She nodded, wide-eyed, not quite trusting her vocal cords to work properly. She realised she was giving a fairly good impression of what the Imperius curse looked like in action.

Severus led her carefully to the door, giving their hidden visitor a chance to conceal himself. In the doorway, Severus paused and caressed her face with long, gentle fingers. She followed his unspoken lead, bid him goodnight, and left without question. He was proud of the way she had handled herself, though without doubt she would question him tomorrow.

Severus waited in the doorway until Hermione disappeared from view. Then, he whirled on his heel and glared at the exact place he knew Draco to be hiding.

“Show yourself” he demanded, in a voice like ice.

With only the smallest hesitation, Draco stepped from the shadows, a grin on his face.

One eyebrow raised in question. “Mr Malfoy, to what do I owe this pleasure?”

“Hello, Professor. I was just on my way to see you. I didn’t realise you had company.” Draco’s grin widened.

Severus pointed towards his office, and Draco preceded him in.

“So, Uncle, playing with the students, are we?” Draco jeered.

“While at this school, you will address me as ‘Sir’,” Severus rebuked him. “And what I do here is none of your concern.”

“Oh, I think it is. What on earth would the Dark Lord think if he knew one of his favourites was playing in the mud?” All the humour had gone from the boy’s voice.

Severus sighed. “Draco, we all make sacrifices for the cause. I happen to be using every weapon at my disposal to give my Master what he desires.”

Draco nodded slowly, understanding dawning on his face. “Potter,” he declared.

Severus fixed him with a calculating look. “How do you know about that?”

Draco’s smile was pure arrogance. “I have my ways.”

“It’s a dangerous thing to know too much of the Dark Lord’s business, Draco.” Severus warned. The boy was much too familiar, despite their relationship.

“Information is power…as you know. I also know the real secret of the Dark Lord’s survival,” he boasted.

Severus was astonished at the boy’s conceit.

“Stop having delusions of grandeur, Draco. If you knew anything about how He has survived, you would also know how He can be destroyed. He would never let you live with that knowledge,” Severus observed dryly. “Only a select few of us are allowed that information.” That should make him think that I know what he knows.

“I would never reveal the Dark Lord’s secret. I know where my loyalties lie. When I take the Mark I will protect Him and His secret with my life.” Draco’s sincerity was fierce.

Black eyes narrowed in speculation. “Admirable sentiments, but the Dark Lord does not trust easily. What makes you think you will be accepted into the Circle at all?”

“Father has arranged it, and I am worth more to Him alive than dead, especially since I know about Nagini,” he admitted archly.

Severus eyes flared. Foolish, proud boy. How much does he know? What does Nagini have to do with this?

“Indeed, a brilliant plan, was it not?” Severus drawled in a knowing voice.

“Yes, no one would ever have known the old Magic would keep him alive as long as his mate survived. The Horcruxes are a brilliant ruse. Should the idiots even discover their existence, they’ll be sadly disappointed,” Draco laughed coldly. He was so like his father.

“Beware Draco! The walls have ears and this is not a discussion to be held lightly,” Severus hissed. “It is getting late. Perhaps you should return to your dormitory.” His mind was whirling.

The Slytherin boy had almost reached the door when Severus remembered, “What was it you wanted to see me about?”

“That doesn’t matter now. It’s getting late. I’ll speak to you another time. Good night Sir.”

“Good night, Mr Malfoy.”

Severus waited ten minutes after Draco left before casually making his way to his personal library. It did no harm to be additionally cautious.

He had a sinking suspicion that he knew what Draco had been referring to – the old magic had saved Potter as a baby. His blood, Lily’s blood, had been infused with power at her loving sacrifice. It had deflected the killing curse and remained in him still.

But what had Draco said? Nagini was Voldemort’s mate? That would mean that the Dark Lord was also an Animagus, which was not particularly surprising, and that he took the form of a snake, again, not unforeseen. In that form, he and Nagini had mated, forming some bond that kept him alive, and would continue to do so as long as she survived. But is that what saved him at Godric’s Hollow? Or was this only in his new form?

Either way, if Draco was correct, then they had to destroy Nagini at exactly the same time they killed Voldemort and absorb their souls, otherwise neither would be truly dead. The Horcruxes were potentially meaningless.

Trembling with suppressed excitement, Severus scoured his shelves until he found an old, dusty tome on the old Magic, and settled himself down to read. He would speak with Albus as soon as he had confirmed the theory.

*********

Red hair was visible over the back of the armchair by the fire where Ginny was curled up, waiting.

“Finally,” she grinned.

“Hi,” Hermione said, flopping into the opposite chair. She was exhausted, and more than a bit stressed. She tried to focus her attention on the red-haired girl who had already started an animated monologue.

“Hey, nice ring! I haven’t seen that before.” Ginny peered at the gleaming band upon her friend’s finger.

Hermione resisted the urge to thrust her hand into her pocket.

“Oh, this?” she dismissed vaguely. “It was a gift…from my parents. It’s junk jewelry – nothing special. Now you were going to tell me something important about the holidays,” Hermione distracted her skillfully. They hadn’t had enough privacy the last time Ginny tried to share her news.

“Oh, yeah,” Ginny blushed, the ring forgotten. “I wanted to tell you that…I got kissed.”

Yeah, me too, Hermione thought dazedly. She raised an eyebrow. “Ginny, you’ve been kissing boys since second year. Or was it a girl this time?” she teased. After talking to Harry, nothing would surprise her now.

Ginny laughed and shook her head. “No, silly, I got kissed by him.”

Hermione stared, trying to work out who she meant. “Him, who? Santa Claus? Cornelius Fudge? Lord Voldemort? Sorry, but you’ll have to be more specific. I’m a bit too tired for puzzles this evening.”

“It was Harry,” whispered Ginny with a crooked little smile.

Oh, Gods. Harry had kissed Ginny. GINNY was the kiss that had helped him realise he preferred boys. And Ginny evidently thought that the kiss had been something special.

No, please don’t make me do this. I won’t break her heart. I won’t betray his trust. And I absolutely won’t be caught in the middle of this.

“Really?” she said non-comittally.

Blushing, Ginny nodded. “I love him, Hermione. I always have. Now that we’ve kissed, he’ll see that we’re meant to be together. We can get married when I finish school. I want a big wedding…a full traditional Handfasting with all the trimmings and all my family there. You can be my Maid-of-Honour and Ron can stand up with Harry. It’ll be perfect,” she sighed.

Oh dear.

“Um, Ginny, things don’t always turn out the way we plan. I wouldn’t read too much into one little kiss,” Hermione told her. It was as close as she would go to warning her off. Harry would have to deal with this one by himself.

Ginny wasn’t listening. She was fantasizing about her wedding. Hermione sighed and crossed her fingers that things would be okay when the truth came out.

“I’m off to bed, Ginny. I’ll see you later.”

Her only reply was the vague wave of a hand.

The Girls Dormitory was dark and silent but for the gentle snores of her roommates. “Silencio.” She cast the charm on her shoes, which had a tendency to creak a bit, crept into the room and got ready for bed.

Ginny’s words rang in her ears. No so much about Harry - that was their problem, not hers - but about her fantasy wedding. She thought about what she would be settling for if she was required to become Mrs Snape.

When did I give up all my dreams?

It was the last thing she ever expected to be doing. Lying in her bed, she tried hard not to think about what the next day was going to bring.
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Kiss The Serpent

Saturday