Adult-FanFiction.org : Harry Potter

The Prize	By : Kvarta Category: HP Canon Characters paired with Original Characters > Het - Male/Female Views: 3468 -:- Recommendations : 0 -:- Currently Reading : 0
Disclaimer: This is a work of fan fiction. Harry Potter is owned by J.K. Rowling. This story is purely for entertainment purposes, no money is being made from it.

Chapter List
- 22
- 23
- 24
NEW BOUNDARIES OF INSANITY
After media conundrum and settling down, Snape felt…not like himself. Not that he felt like himself since he woke up at hospital wing of Hogwarts, but, mood swings were getting unbearable, even by his own standards.
Most dominant emotion, much to his surprise, was mixture of self-loathing, dread and feeling of emptiness, nicely packed in a tight ball that pressed his chest. Not that those feeling were unfamiliar to him, just the reason behind them changed, changed so profoundly and it was hidden so deep that even he could not reach it. That unpleasant cannon-ball would press beneath his rib cage at any time night or day, appearing out of nowhere and lingering, leaving him to struggle to keep up his composure and cold appearance. And that was only thing he could do at the times, dreading the moment when he will lose the battle and fell apart in front of Katya and Tippy. Days were hard, but nights, nights turned in to a pure hell.
Brewing, more than in previous month, much to his dismay, he discovered that Dreamless Sleep had just a partial effect on him. If he took the potion, sure, he would fell asleep, but nightmares would plague him anyway, without possibility of waking up. Before the war’s end he had just one recurring nightmare – that he failed at his assignment. Before that – he dreamt of Lily. But now, each night would bring another terror, each night another person would visit his dreams and yell at him, cursing him. Oddly enough, he didn’t dream of Lily, not even once. But in his nightmares, he seen Lupin, Tonks, George, every single student that died in war. He would wake up, gasping for air, tangled in sweat soaked sheets – if he was lucky, if he didn’t take the potion. In the end, he stopped taking the potion all together, opting to read until his eyes started to sore and he would have sunk in to a tired slumber.
If he wasn’t battling an overwhelming desire to curl in a ball and stay hidden from the rest of the world, he was angry. His mood switching from empty, suffocating state to rage of such magnitude that, if given a chance, he could tear the world apart with his bare hands. On those moments, he would have locked himself in a laboratory and brew. Brewing seemed to be only thing that prevented him from taking his temper on Katya or Tippy. The blinding rage would hit him unexpectedly, no matter what he was doing or how he felt before, most of the times was unprovoked. He tried to blame it on Katya, on situation on moon and winter, but facing himself he didn’t want to lie – most of the times rage would grab him for no reason at all. He could go from honestly enjoying his cup of tea to smashing the cup to dust in a heartbeat. More than once he caught himself pouring a firewiskey to a tumbler before sending the glass to a fire, making it hiss. At those moments, he would often do something crazy, something so uncharacteristic to his usual self, when anger threaten to smother him, he would hold his hand over the candle until he could hear skin sizzling. That didn’t go unnoticed by Katya who called Poppy. Snape started to count the days before his loose grip of the reality is fully noticed, and he ends up in St. Mungo’s for good.
On a rare and odd days, he would be lulled in to sense of serenity, his thoughts would clear up, his mind would entertain idea of perfecting some potion or more often than not mulling over some of the lessons he had with Katya. He would be standing barefooted at those times, relishing the tremors and vibrations of the earth. After ten days of lessons she still kept him on earth element, contrary to his demand to teach him at faster pace. And, even if he continued to hiss and threaten, he understood why, most of the times they just meditated standing barefooted on the freezing cold floor. But after so many times spent in attempt to connect to the earth element, lately ha could feel it, albeit faintly, even through the soles of his dragonhide boots.
Only thing that stayed the same was his dour and acerbic nature, he still sipped ironic, poisonous words every time he opened his mouth. Words that were delivered in quiet, dry tone accompanied by smirk or scuffle, his displeasure delivered by narrowing his eyes. Ironic eyebrow would be raised at every uttered notion he was disapproving.
Katya was another puzzle that disturbed his life. By the beginning of December, she managed to cover few of the subjects planned for their studies. She went through all history books he planned for her and even more, covering a knowledge of a 6^th year student at that time. Basic laws were covered even faster. In theory, she managed to memorize most of the basic and advance spells, charms, jinxes and curses. Katya didn’t just learn those things, she exhibited profound understanding connecting events from the past to present developments, she connected the subjects, blending them to explain her surroundings. Only struggle she still had was the use of her wand, she was proficient at non-verbal spell-casting but every time he would force her to say incantation her magic would go haywire, threatening to destroy basement or even further. With cringe, he realized that he should contact Minerva and Filius and ask for their guidance. Finally, finding the excuse in fact that he is to send her final works to Minerva, appointed as official evaluator, anyway, he added small personal note to the essays.
Now he was sitting at The Leaky Cauldron, waiting for Minerva to show up. Choosing the table in a darkest, furthest corner of overcrowded inn. Growling and frowning on those brave enough to turn their gaze on him. Finally, Minerva shoved up, dusting the sod from the hem of her moss green dress, he glanced at her
- Minerva. – mumbled a greeting dryly, his back stiffening more
- Severus! – woman greeted him warmly, looking him over the rims of her glasses, reminding him for a brief moment at Albus – Thank you for meeting me here. –
- I know that you are visiting us, but what we must discuss is not for the ears of that meddling nuisance. -
   - Severus. – Minerva’s reproaching tone annoyed him and he glared at her – For once I was sure that you have student which is to your liking. –
- As a student, she might be less idiotic than most of the dunderheads I had to teach over the years, but she is not just my student, she is pest that lingers around me. – he looked at her taking care that his gaze would deliver his dissatisfaction with Katya
-I believe that this is the first time I hear you praise someone’s learning abilities. –
- She is not a child Minerva, she is a grown woman, educated at that. If her learning abilities are less than what she presented I would deemed her as unfit to learn at all. –
- I disagree with you Severus, - sharply replied Minerva – she has most amazing learning ability. In all my years as a teacher I only witnessed that kind of learning skills twice. Once when you were a student and second is Miss. Grainger. –
- Stooping to insults, Minerva. That is not your style. – he drawled
- Are you afraid of a little competition Severus? – she clipped in a dry tone and he smirked, the woman had a nasty sting worthy of Slytherin and he respected her for that – Trading poor judgments is not why are we here anyway. Commission reviewed her essays, she passed them with flying colors, in fact she outdone them, with the knowledge she exhibited we discussed the possibility of letting her take her OWLS and NEWTS. –
- You are aware that she submitted only one subject and theory in 3 more? – he smirked again – Or that detail slipped your sharp observation skills? -
- I am well aware of that… -
- She still has less than satisfactory, less than basic ability to use any kind of verbal spell-casting. And we didn’t even start with her lessons of aparating and flying. The way her magic goes rampant on her every time she tries to do verbal spells I am honestly afraid to even try teaching her aparating at this point. –
- Why? –
- She might end up splniched, all over the creation, and temptation to leave her that way is too big for me to let it pass. – he lowered his voice to an almost satisfied purr, conveying that idea held appeal to him
- Mhm. – Minerva glared at him disapprovingly – In your note you said that she is well versed in non-verbal and wandless magic. – he nodded – Did you try different approach? If she has different style of spell casting she might be lacking understanding of mechanic how the spell works. Try teaching her some basic arithmancy. – he grunted – I talked to Flius, he agrees with me on that. It is not easy to teach a new kind of spell-casting if you are proficiently trained in other. And if she proved to be skilled in arithmancy, you may submit her work on that subject as well. –
- May I remind you Minerva, that her requirements are severely below basic Hogwarts standards? -
- And you deem them below your standards too. Yes, I’m aware of that. However, her knowledge is high above standard Hogwarts standards. I cleared it with Minister already, and he approved it. –
- If, IF I even reconsider to put myself trough that ordeal, pray tell how can I acquire all necessary creatures for her DADA? Do you suggest I make a glasshouse for her in the middle of Diagon Alley in order to expose her even to minimum of required practical knowledge in herbology? Not to mention, that woman is Nymphadora Tonks, Shamus Finnegan and Neville Longbottom in one person! Do you know that she managed to blow up a pot of broth, and she was only trying to warm it up? – his voice never raised but Minerva blinked at him as he was barraging questions at her
- If you decide to that course of action, Hogwarts is extending its welcome to you and your pupil. We will arrange time for you two on weekends as well as stay. And you did manage to teach and, if I may observe, capacitate all those students to a satisfactory skill level. I have absolute confidence that with your guidance she will become proficient at potions as well. –
- Thank you, Minerva. – he clipped dryly
- I don’t say you have to do it, Severus. Just, give it a thought. That’s all I’m asking of you. –
- I will give it a thought, if I feel like it. Good day, Minerva. – he stood up and curtly bowed slightly, walking towards the fireplace, he nearly reached it when call stopped him
- Severus! I am glad to see you! – familiar voice of Arthur Weasley forced him to halt his advancement, flushed and smiling Arthur's face was approaching through the crowd – How are you, old man? –
- I am fine, Arthur, thank you for asking. – he squeezed, hoping that she would manage to shake him off fast
- I was meaning to owl you these days. Wanted to wait for dust to settle down. Molly wants to invite you to Sunday lunch at Burrow, your friend is more than welcome too. –
- All right Arthur, I’ll see if I can fit it in our schedule and owl you my reply. If you excuse me… -
- Just one moment, Severus. Molly has nothing against you, but – the man leaned to him and whispered – she knows the truth about her, you know how Ron can be. If you come and bring her, I wouldn’t leave her alone with Molly, if you catch my drift. –
- I do, and if you value your wife’s life, Arthur, neither would I. – drawled - Now, excuse me but I must go. Expect my owl and give my regards to your family. – with that he turned on the heel and walked in to the fireplace before somebody else managed to stop him.
Walking in the living room he saw Katya, Hermione Grainger and Ginny Weasley sitting and drinking tea, chatting. He growled at them
- Miss Granger, Miss. Weasley shouldn’t you be at school? –
- Good day, Sir. – sheepishly smiled Ginny
- Oh, no, Sir. I finished with my NEWTS today, Sir. I’m just waiting for results. – Granger girl smiled at him
- Miss Katya, what did I say about guests? Did you forget already? – he turned to Katya menacingly
- It appears that forgetfulness is going a lot in here today. – she looked him straight in the eyes defiantly – As I clearly remember what I replied to you. –
- Mhm. – he groused – See that, whatever you do here, do not disturb our teaching schedule. – he turned to Ginny – Miss. Weasley, I’ll be writing your Headmistress and see that you are accordingly punished for your misconduct. –
- But I have her permission Sir! – cried the girl – She allowed me to come home earlier and help mum. –
- I trust you are aware that your mother is not in my living room, Miss. Weasley? – he drawled, tossing a swift glance at the direction of kitchen
- I… I…. –
- Stop harassing my guests, Mr. Snape. – hissed Katya at him and he glared at her darkly, noticing that both girls sunken to their seats
- In one hour Miss. Katya, be on time. – hissed at her and walked away.
Much to his surprise, and not a small amount of annoyance, he did not mind the company Katya had. Every time she had visitors, Katya was open to share little bit about herself. Keeping her on her toes about visitors, was a way of ensuring that she will continue to inviting them, giving him what he needed in return. And presence of Miss Grainger was not total loss, given that girl was present when Katya performed her magic on him. He returned to living room, startling them
- Miss Grainger. -
- Yes, Sir? –
- May I have a word with you? In private? –
- Y…Yes, Sir. – the girl stood up, following him to the library, he walked in but she left standing in the hallway
- Well, Miss. Grainger? You may enter inside, wards will let you through. – he called her impatiently, she stepped in to the room, her eyes darting over the books on shelves – Do not touch anything Miss. Grainger. – he warned her
- You wanted to talk to me, Sir? –
- Yes. Please sit down. – girl looked at him wide-eyed, ungraciously plumping to the offered chair – Don’t give me that look girl! We are not in school, I am not your teacher anymore and I do not suffer from lack of manners. –
- Y…Yes, Sir. What did you wanted to talk to me? –
- Miss. Grainger, you were present when Miss. Katya saved my life. If I remember correctly, you told me in hospital that she performed a form of blood magic on me. – he started carefully
- I swear, Sir, I didn’t make up anything…. –
- As it turns, your assumption was correct. – he cut her off, and she glared at him open-mouthed – I have my suspicions what type of spell was used, but I would like to ask you for a favor. As a means to confirm my suspicion. –
- Uhuh. – he nearly growled at her response, at that moment she reminded him of Longbottom
- I would like, with your permission, to observe your memories. I did have access to your Pensieve memory, but – he raised his hand noticing that girl was taking an air – Pensieve memory can lack details, details we don’t see as important. However, our brain would retain even those smallest of details. With your permission I would like to perform Legislemency on you and see them for myself. –
- All right. – she nodded confused, her eyes never blinked – What do I have to do? -
- Just look at my eyes, do not blink and do not resist. – he drew his wand, noticing that girl was shivering – Calm yourself down, Miss. Grainger. I won’t harm you. – he pointed his wand at her and mumbled incantation
If nothing, the girl was huge help, drawing the memory up front for him. He focused on notions of one particular moment, soaking every bit of information. Of course, annoying know-it-all was keen in her observation and assumption. Her explanation to him, in the hospital, didn’t lack one single detail, even if her pensieve memory did. Pulling out he frowned
- Are you all right Miss. Grainger? –
- Yes. – she whispered
- You didn’t submit entire memory to pensieve, - he drawled – If I am to guess, you deliberately withhold part of memory. –
- Yes, well, you see, Sir, – she lowered her eyes on the hand she was kneading in her lap - I was afraid that it might get you in to trouble. I didn’t want that. –
- I see. How brave of you Miss. Grainger, lying to the Ministry and Wizengamot. – girl twitched – That is very…. Slytherin of you. – girl looked at him, spark of disapproval in her eyes, he gave he a sly smirk – Since you proved yourself to be capable of keeping a secret, I would like to give you a proposition. – the girl gape at him – When does your apprentice training in Ministry starts? –
- After end of the school year, Sir. –
- So, you do have some free time on your hands? –
- I do. But… -
- What I would propose is that you help me in my research given that you already have proclivity to stuck your nose where it does not belong. I already know the type of spell that is used on me, however, I lack details and proper literature on the part of the spell. It is sort of a consequence, a price if you prefer, and I would very much appreciate to have all the details. You are aware that your research must stay confidential. If you agree, I will see with Headmistress that you get full access to Forbidden Section of the Hogwarts library, and, if you conduct your research in the satisfactory manner, I will see to write you additional letter of recommendation for the Ministry. Would you be interested in such arrangement? -
- Yes, Sir! – she beamed at him
- Very well, Miss. Grainger. You may expect my owl after the New Year. That would be all. –
- Yes, Sir. Thank you, Sir! I won’t disappoint you, Sir, you’ll see! – she grinned widely and run outside. Soon enough he could hear squealing of Weasley and Grainger girls, coming from the living room. With frown, he conjured Arithmancy manual.
- 22
- 23
- 24
You need to be logged in to leave a review for this story.You need to be logged in to leave a review for this story.
Report Story

The Prize