Adult-FanFiction.org : Harry Potter

Confinement	By : Lucreace Category: Harry Potter AU/AR > Het - Male/Female Views: 14059 -:- Recommendations : 0 -:- Currently Reading : 1
Disclaimer: I don't own Harry Potter, I dont make money from this.

Chapter List
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It snowed during the night. When Hermione awoke the next day and opened the curtains, the already picturesque surroundings had been transformed into a subdued blanket of white. It was truly beautiful and she was once more reminded how lucky she was to be able to stay there. The kids were going to be beside themselves. They were still young enough to enjoy the snow without feeling silly at playing in it but were old enough to know when they’d had enough.
As soon as she was dressed, she headed for the kitchen and began preparing everything for breakfast. Despite her protestations, she didn’t mind sorting the food out for the children. Not in the mornings at least. She busied herself with the preparations, absorbed in her own thoughts. It had only been a day, yet she was beginning to wonder what was happening back at the school. She’d heard nothing and dearly hoped everyone she cared about was safe and well. She hummed along to herself as she crossed the kitchen; pouring water into the pit, she began making the brew that would see her through the day.
Crisp footsteps made her look up and the smartly dressed Snape appeared in the doorway. A mild frown crossed her brow but she swallowed the remaining ire at him and forced it from her face. “Tea?” she asked doing her best to make amends for her previous lack of care. He opened his mouth as if to speak before closing it again. She watched the hesitation play over his usually impassive face before turning to face him. “It’s a cup of tea Mr Snape, it won’t hurt you.”
                “I’m aware of that Miss Granger but thank you for that shrewd advice,” he said crossing the kitchen. Ignoring the sarcasm, she poured them both a mug of hot tea and passed one over to him. He took it without hesitation, which she took to be a good sign and she watched as he wrapped his slender long fingers around the mug. “What are you looking at?” he said. She fought the flush that flooded onto her cheeks to no avail and shook her head.
                “Never mind,” she muttered looking down into her own cup. Why was she so flustered over his quip? She’d never been bothered by it before, he’d always made comments like that at her, why should now be any different? Did she expect special treatment now she was a professor rather than a student? If she did she certainly wasn’t getting it.
                “I must leave the house today,” he said all of a sudden. Hermione looked up into those dark eyes and nodded, “I doubt I will be back before sundown. You’ll have to ward the place in my absence.”
                “Alright, you’ll be able to return with them in place?” she asked.
                “I should hope not. Misty will know when I return and see me through,” he replied. Was that a compliment? Surely not! He didn’t elaborate or dismiss it so she accepted his words at face value and focused on her tea. The sound of footsteps made her head swing around to the doorway. There stood Clarice, her eyes still half asleep.
                “What’s the matter Clarice?” Hermione asked.
                “Lara’s been sick.” She muttered.
                “I think I’ll take my leave,” Snape said behind her. There were the traces of amusement in his voice as he spoke but she bit back the retort that rose on her lips. Instead she nodded and rose from the chair, following Clarice back to the girl’s room. Lara was laid in bed looking awfully pale. Sasha had her arms folded, an expression of worry etched onto her face. Hermione poked her head into the bathroom, pulled out her wand and muttered a cleaning charm before turning back to Lara.
                “What’s the matter?” she asked as she sat down on the edge of the bed.
                “Just don’t feel well,” the red-headed girl muttered. Hermione placed her hand on her pale forehead and shook her head slowly.
“You don’t have much of a fever,” she said. “Why don’t you rest up for the morning?” The girl nodded and she rose from the bed, hoping it was nothing contagious. “You girls get yourselves dressed and come to the kitchen.” They nodded and she left them to it. Crossing the hallway she listened at the boy’s door for a moment. She could hear their voices and so knocked on the door. Opening it, she informed them that breakfast would be ready in a few minutes and that they should dress. That done, she returned to the kitchen and waited for them.
The snow caused rather a stir among the students, with so few of them and such a large lawn for them to play on, they chattered excitedly about it. Many longing glances were sent in the direction of the large windows during the morning and so, for her sanity and the children’s energy levels, she agreed that the afternoon could be spend throwing snow around. The lessons passed soon enough and lunch was consumed with a state of excitement and anticipation. As Hermione was about to leave the kitchen, she spotted a small vial and a note. Picking it up she read the clipped hand that was quickly becoming familiar.
Leaving the children to their lunch, she popped her head around the door of the girls room, making sure Lara was alright. The girl looked up and did her best to smile. She looked more like a ghost than a girl, she was so pale. “I’ve something here for you.” She placed the vial next to the bed, “It’ll make you feel better.”
Lara took the potion and drank it down with a grimace. “Tastes rank,” she muttered.
                “The things that help us the most are usually the most disgusting.” Hermione said with a small smile. “We’re going outside for a bit to enjoy the snow.”
                “It snowed?”
                “Yes, there’s a good six inches on the ground,” Hermione said softly. Lara pouted for a moment, looking as though she was going to sit up, “Oh no, not you young lady, you need to get some rest and let that draught take effect before you go anywhere.” She flopped back on the bed and let her eyes close.
                “Maybe later?”
                “The snow isn’t going anywhere.” Lara nodded and Hermione withdrew from the room, still clutching the note in her hand. Opening it, she read the words once more:
“I’ve spent more than enough years dealing with sick students, give this to your girl, it will help.”
She smiled despite herself and folding the note tucked it into her pocket next to the other one he’d written. She’d dispose of them later. Slipping into her room, she changed into something more appropriate for the cold weather, including heavy boots. She grabbed her Gryffindor scarf and some gloves before heading back into the kitchen.
The kids were waiting for her. All of them excited and all of them ready for an adventure in the snow. “Come on then!” she said. There were a few cheers as they charged out of the warm house and into the garden.
As the children scampered off, the first thing Hermione noticed was the crisp cold air as it hit her lungs, robbing her of breath momentarily. She shivered and wrapped her arms around herself. Rubbing her arms, the next thing she noticed was how beautiful the ground was covered in the white blanket. The pure snow hung delicately from the surrounding trees and the grass crunched under her feet as she strode onto the lawn. She walked past the children to the back of the field and turned around. The sight stole her breath. The house was lit in the wane sunlight and the snow clung the fascia’s and archways, highlighting the designs within the stonework. The windows looked like dark eyes in the sun; Hermione brought her hand to her chest as she looked over the vista, glad to have been allowed to stay here despite who owned the place.
She was shocked out of her reverie when something cold, hard and wet struck her on the side of the head. Turning sharply, she saw Harrison laughing with Jack and Ryan. Frowning, she scooped up a handful of snow and chucked it at the boys. All-out war followed. Snowballs were hurled in all directions, alliances were made and broken in a matter of minutes and the participants were left covered in snow. The war lasted about an hour, when a truce was declared and everyone sat down on the snow covered steps. They were already wet through and hot from all the running around. Harrison and Jack fell back in the snow, panting for breath. Sasha and Clarice, at first unwilling to join in the game, were now the wettest of the group, Corby and Ryan sat chattering about using brooms to have a better advantage in a snowball fight and as they spoke, they cooled.
Hermione realised that if she didn’t get them inside, she’d soon have a bunch of very cold, wet and grumpy children. Besides, the sun was rapidly descending and tea would need to be sorted out. Standing, she ushered them all inside and set them to showering before seeing to the food herself. It was amazing how quickly she’d turned into a housekeeper; she couldn’t help think as she busied herself. Maybe she should send an owl requesting more help. The kids were first years after all and she wasn’t too trusting of their abilities. Knowing her luck, they’d destroy the kitchen and get her in trouble with Snape. Again.
The evening rattled away, the children were tired enough to be content with sitting in the lounge, chatting quietly and reading to each other. Hermione ensured the kitchen was spotless before wrapping her scarf around her once more. She threw on her heavy robes and informed the children that she was going to set the wards. A few murmured a response as she left.
Outside, the air was colder than it was before and the sky was heavy once more. The light from the house bounced off the snow, making it bright, almost as bright as the day. The snow crunched under her feet as she made her way to the gates. Once there, she set the first ward in place. They’d been protected during the day, but at night it was essential to reinforce them. She crossed the few feet to the next place and cast the same spell, then repeated the motion several times.
She’d made her way across half of the property when it happened. She heard a strange knocking sound coming from the small copse of trees. Keeping her wand in her hand, she ventured towards the bushes. In the back of her mind, she knew she should be going to opposite way. What if it was something that could attack the students? She slowly walked forward, keeping her feet as light as possible – which was rather difficult in the snow. The crunch gave her position away yet did nothing about the interloper in the trees. Holding a breath, she froze as a branch snapped. The pit of her stomach hollowed and her heart began to pound. What if it was a Death Eater in those bushes? Now, why would they be in there? She asked herself, telling herself to be serious for a moment. It was likely just a fox or something out for hunting. She shook her head, half convinced that this was the case. Still, she crept closer, determined to find out what it was making the noise.
She was about to enter the copse of trees when she heard a whisper behind her. Was that? Magic? Unsure, she turned around. The world went black, the last thing she knew was the cold snow hitting the back of her neck and seeping into her hair.
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Confinement