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In Their Hands Complete	By : Desert_Sea Category: Harry Potter > Het - Male/Female > Snape/Hermione Views: 19649 -:- Recommendations : 1 -:- Currently Reading : 2
Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter or any other characters/things/places created by J.K. Rowling. I make no money from my fan-fiction.

Chapter List
- 14
- 15
- 16
A/N: Oracle – I’m glad this chapter met with your approval (you do have extraordinarily high standards after all). ‘Like Hermione, I'm eagerly awaiting Snape's breakthrough. What is he hiding?’ – well, it’s like this . . . nah only kidding ;) ‘Betrayal comes in many forms.’ – too true and very insightful. ‘And Snape can't hold out either.’ – Ahhh, I like that you made the connection. ‘tintinnabulation’ – was my grade 6 teacher’s favourite word so it needed to turn up at some stage. ‘And it's a sunflower, possibly the most hopeful of flowers.’ – and also my favourite flower. I have Van Gough’s sunflower painting in the foyer (not the original I don’t think). ‘I loved this whole piano part.’ – well you always said you wanted a guy that could play the piano right? ‘Have you ever seen that cartoon of Bugs Bunny where he's playing the piano and Dr Jekyll comes up behind him and Bugs spazzes out?’ – Bahahahah, I don’t specifically remember that but I do remember the whole Jekyll, Hyde transition with some sort of potion. Spazzes out – I don’t know why I love that so much, I just do. ‘This seems major. He's giving her access to one of his most vulnerable areas.’ – Yes, he clearly wants this but, as you say, it is still with the safety of the piano ‘between them’ to provide a little distance. ‘Let's just call it a draw’ – this was so pythonesque it made me laugh (is this the ‘black knight’ scene from the Holy Grail?). ‘Hermione's opening him up for trust, and he's opening her up for life's pleasures (and ass-rattling chord progressions).’ – beautiful summation and the chord progression made me snort. ‘extra curricular fun’ – I hope it was a successful endeavour ;)

Maral – Thanks for your thoughts. Yes Severus and Hermione are both showing their vulnerabilities through these chapters and the professional lines are definitely blurring.

Robin – You must be reading my mind . . .

Lovey_reader – Glad you enjoyed the performance ;)

Chapter 15 - In His Hands

“What happened to your face?”

Hermione stopped chewing and frowned at George. “What do you mean?”

“There’s something on it. I’m not sure what it is.” George slid into the seat opposite with his mug of coffee.

“Where?” Hermione wiped at her cheeks.

“Oh, wait a minute, I think I’ve worked it out.” He raised a finger. “It’s a smile. I just hadn’t seen one for a while. I didn’t quite recognise it.”

“Very funny,” she muttered, taking another bite.

“And by the way you’re devouring that banana, I think I might have worked out the source of your high spirits.” He winked, before folding his hands behind his head and grinning.

“George . . . “ Hermione murmured, a note of warning in her voice as her eyes flickered over to where Ellory stood, spreading marmalade on her toast.

“Better nutrition,” he exclaimed loudly. “I knew you hadn’t been eating enough lately.”

Hermione shook her head, slitting her eyes at him, before popping the last of the banana in her mouth.

“Obviously you’re priming yourself for the mass trek up the mountain today.” He took a slurp from his mug.

She looked at her watch. “What time are we heading off?”

“Luna’s been ready since six but I think Lynch said ten.”

Hermione smiled. “Does she still think she can beat Shaun?”

“She’s been talking herself up,” he smirked. “But mainly to rib Mollison I think.”

“And what does he think?”

“You know Shaun. He’s a pretty quiet character—just smiles that thoughtful smile and seems pretty happy to go along with whatever she says.”

Hermione nodded toward him. “I think others could take a page from his book—learning to smile quietly and do whatever the woman says.”

George leaned forward over his mug. “I’ve been following her instructions to a Tee,” he murmured under his breath. “Where do you think I got this tongue blister from?”

She snorted and raised her hand. “Too much information.”

“So you don’t want to see the friction burns on my . . . “

“George!”

“Call yourself a sex therapist,” he muttered, grinning into his mug before taking another swig.

***

When Hermione entered the activities room just before 10am, everyone else was already there. While most were dressed in hiking gear, ready for the walk to the lookout, Snape stood, arms folded, wearing his usual formal black attire. His aloof demeanour still presided but Hermione could feel him watching her like a hawk as she moved around the room, making light conversation with the others.

In the corner, Dennis and Sarah were sitting at the piano and Hermione could hear that he was teaching her ‘the lost song.’ It was such a beautiful, poignant moment that was only marred by Dennis’ sudden exclamation, “Hey George! There’s something wrong with the piano. The keys keep sticking.”

Hermione closed her eyes as a wave of mortification consumed her.

When she opened them, Snape was appraising her with his trademark smirk. It was the first time she’d seen it since he’d arrived at Galladdon. It was a good sign in terms of his progress but less so in terms of her embarrassment.

Drawing a deep breath, she crossed her arms and casually sidled over without looking at him.

“Is something amusing you, Professor?” she murmured, pretending to be interested in something out the window.

“Just thinking about how much damage you’ll do next time.” His voice was so low that she could barely catch what he was saying.

“Next time?” She leaned in a little closer.

“Yes.” He turned ever so slightly toward her. “I intend to open up the case, transfigure it a little, and squeeze you down between the strings and the hammers, legs spread. Then every note I play will hit you . . . right where I want it to. Some of those chords progressions can get rather . . . intense,” he breathed. “But I thought ‘chopsticks’ might be the one to bring the house down . . . so to speak.”

Her hand stretched across her lips as she tried to cover her dropped jaw. She knew she shouldn’t have approached him. Now she was going to have to climb up the mountain and back with a gusset ‘as wet as a mermaid’s wet bits’, as George would say.

“Let’s hit the trail, you lot,” Lynch called as he opened the front door. “I understand there’s bragging rights at stake. My money’s on Ms Lovegood to take line honours.”

“Sorry Mollison,” Luna grinned. “But when you’re hot, you’re hot.”

Shaun smiled and gave a resigned nod.

Hermione let out a shaky breath and headed for the door. She knew Snape was watching her every movement and suddenly became aware of a definite hip-swing. Was she doing it for him? Or had that changed too? ‘Damn it!’ she thought. He was right. She had had a fucking truncated gait.

***

Everyone was in high spirits, talking loudly, as they sloshed through the leaves that blanked the forest floor. Luna led the way, wearing long sleeves, pants and a hat to protect her damaged skin from the sunlight which now poured through large breaks in the clouds, adding a gilt edge to the landscape. Hermione had been astonished by Luna’s progress, both physically and psychologically. Her sleep had improved considerably, her strength had increased with training, and she seemed to always be engaged in conversation with someone—often George who had her laughing constantly. And then there were her scars, which seemed to be undergoing a remarkable transformation. Whatever Snape was brewing for her, it was working wonders, allowing her greater freedom in her movement and, more importantly, freedom from constant pain. Shaun followed her. He was still terribly thin but, without the cruciatus wracking his body, he was able to walk with purpose, striding out confidently.

Hermione walked behind Dennis and Sarah. He was animatedly describing something to her and she was laughing and nodding in response. Hermione thought back to Dennis’ halting, apologetic speech pattern when he’d arrived. Now he was one of the most talkative of the lot. And although Sarah was still a woman of few words, when she did speak, it was usually considered and often profound. She and Dennis had become practically inseparable, their gentle and, somewhat, innocent energies, a therapeutic blend for the both of them.

Ahead of them were Snape and Sprout. He held branches aside for her to walk past, his voice too low to decipher, while she cackled and conversed loudly. They already knew each other well from their time at Hogwarts, but since arriving at Galladdon they seemed to have grown even closer, spending lengthy period of time walking and talking together. Hermione would often see them engrossed in conversation. Were they the discussing Herbology? The past? His return to Hogwarts? Perhaps she would ask him at their next session.

Behind her, Ellory and Lynch spoke quietly as they walked together. Hermione realised that Ellory had been particularly reserved over the past week. Had something happened? She was trying not to think of any link with Snape but he was so enigmatic and so determined not to be defined by convention that she couldn’t rule it out.

George followed only a few paces behind Luna and Shaun. Hermione wasn’t surprised to see him there. Despite his constant levity, she knew that he cared deeply about the patients and that he was concerned that both Luna and Shaun should be given all the help they needed to complete the steep trek. It would be an important milestone for both of them.

Over the next hour and a half, they wound their way up the rocky path that led to the lookout which was really a broad ledge off the side of the mountain. On their frequent stops, Luna would rub more potion into her feet while Shaun stretched his fatiguing muscles, and the rest chatted or turned to behold the magnificent vista of forests, rivers and distant mountains that rolled out before them.

Luna was always the first to recommence their ascent, often with George providing a backhanded word of encouragement. But as they reached the final climb, Luna suddenly grabbed Shaun’s hand and they completed the trek together, step for step, both hurdling the final rock and touching the top in unison. Luna flung her arms around Shaun’s skinny shoulders and planted a kiss on his cheek while everyone cheered.

As each climber reached the rocky ledge they found themselves a boulder to recline on to enjoy the crisp air and unseasonal sunshine. Chatting, they shared snacks and drinks before Luna stood and addressed the group,

“As you all know, I don’t mind a word.”

George cleared his throat. “We have noticed. Although I think sometimes you could afford to take a leaf out of Sarah’s book.” He winked at Sarah and squeezed her shoulder good-naturedly. She smiled in return, more than happy for him to tease both of them, they were best friends after all.

“And you could take a leaf out of Shaun’s book,” Luna responded.

“Touché.” George nodded to Shaun.

“So I just want to let you all know how grateful I am that you could share this special moment with Shaun and myself,” Luna continued. “We have both come such a long way in the past few weeks and absolutely couldn’t have done it without the incredible support from every one of you.” She turned to Lynch. “Mr Lynch, the Galladdon Retreat is an inspiration and you should be so very proud of what you and the rest of your wonderful therapists have achieved here.”

There was applause and words of acknowledgement from everyone.

“And I would finally like to say a special word of appreciation to Professor Snape.” Luna’s voice turned husky as she was clearly overcome with emotion. “What you have managed to do for me with your immeasurable talent in potions has been nothing short of miraculous. Thank you, Professor.”

Hermione turned to see Snape, who was leaning against a rock, nod in acknowledgement, a small smile of appreciation curling his lips.

“And there’s no-one else you’d like to specifically thank?” George asked pointedly.

“I’ll deal with you later,” Luna muttered as she resumed her seat.

As murmurs and snorts rose from the group, Shaun rose on thin, pale legs.

He cleared his throat nervously and looked around at the group.

“I . . . I’d just like to say a few things too. Um . . . as Luna said, we are grateful to you all for your support over the past weeks. This really is an amazing place and I feel very lucky to have been here.”

He paused for a moment and took a few deep breaths.

“Unlike most of you, I requested to be part of this group.”

Hermione looked up from where she had been tracing her finger through a patch of fine gravel. She hadn’t known that. Most patients who came to Galladdon were referred for treatment.

“There was a particular reason I wanted to be here,” he continued. “Something happened that I hadn’t been able to come to terms with. But this place has finally given me an opportunity.”

He licked his lips, a slight twitch capturing them.

“I like . . . I liked . . . to watch people. I enjoyed watching certain people. I used to get off on it.” He twitched again. “There was one particularly beautiful woman who I used to watch. I’d sit and look at her through her bedroom window. She never knew.”

His neck suddenly convulsed sideways.

“She wasn’t just beautiful though. She was sweet and gentle and kind. I’d follow her around and watch her and . . . I just knew she was a special person. But one night after I’d finished watching her, I went to leave and flicked my cigarette butt away. As I started walking down the hill, I saw that the roof had started smoking. It was on fire. I could have done something then. I should have tried to put it out. But I didn’t. I was scared of being caught. So I ran. I just ran away.” He swallowed and his slight frame billowed with his laboured breaths. “She, the woman, was really badly burnt. And it was my fault. I did it. I wanted to show her that I would suffer with her. That’s why I came here. But I now know that there is only one thing I can do that will go some way toward making up for what I’ve done. I just hope that one day you can forgive me, Luna. Until then . . . “

And he started running.

Everyone was in too much shock to process what was happening. It was all so quick; there was no time to react. He raced toward the sheer edge of the rocky outcrop and jumped.

“No!” Luna screamed.

And he fell.

But only a small distance. Then he stopped, suspended. And was dragged back. Some unseen force had captured him and was pulling him up inch by inch, returning him to the outcrop. Hermione glanced around to see Snape, arms raised, moving slowly towards the edge, guiding Shaun back. He clearly had him in a full body-bind, arms and legs strapped to his sides and had managed to wandlessly levitate him, pulling him closer and closer until he was able to position himself beneath Shaun’s motionless body, allowing him to drop into his arms.

“Come on, Shaun,” Snape murmured into the young man's ear. “Let’s get you back.”

Then he turned and walked back the way they had come. A lone black figure striding down the rocky trail, with Shaun Mollison curled against his chest like a child.
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In Their Hands *Complete*

In Their Hands Complete