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Angelica's Sorrow	By : devsgma Category: Harry Potter > Het - Male/Female > Snape/Hermione Views: 4541 -:- Recommendations : 0 -:- Currently Reading : 0
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
- 35
- 36
- 37
A/N - had to come back and fix a typo so I thought I'd add the following thanks -

Deb - Harry will try - enjoy.

Claribel - So nice to hear from someone who's been reading. Thank you. I don't know that Severus wins - best to let you read it.

CHAPTER THIRTY-FIVE

She'd withdrawn slightly when another dark-haired wizard appeared. A tentative touch in his direction revealed too much, too quickly. That much suffering shouldn't have been allowed in one so young. Emotions were scattered, uncontrolled in their fury. 'Directed at Severus. Why?'
r. Pr. Potter. So glad you decided to overcome your reluctance and join me."

"Save it, Snape. I'm here to help Professorbledbledore, no other reason."

"Make no mistake, Mr. Potter, if there had been another solution available, your lofty presence would not be necessary," Severus goaded, hoping for a suitable retort. He took the opportunity to walk over to the desk, fingering the papers left on the surface.

"How can she stand to be around you, let alone kiss you?" Harry asked, following in his wake.

"Excuse me?" Severus asked, turning to face him.

"You heard me, you sadistic bastard."

"Sorry to disabuse you, but my parents were in fact married."

"Could'a fooled me. You only have a chance with her because Ron died in your place. If he'd had an opportunity to think, I'm sure he wouldn't have done it."

"Fortunately for me, thinking was never his forte, now was it?"

This last statement, delivered in Snape's deadly, give a damn voice, while folding his arms and sneering - was too much.

"You - you -"

"Yes, Mr. Potter, I do believe that is a letter of the alphabet, normally followed by V, as in Victory, which I have and you do not. She is mine and I am hers," Severus purred, while thinking 'Shouldn't take much more, almost there.' He continued, "Your spoiled, selfish friendship with her will be ruined if you continue on this course. I will assist you in this endeavor if you like. Nothing would please me more than to see the last of you once and for all."

"Don't think you've won that easily, Snape! She'll see you for what you really are and leave your sorry arse."

"She already has, Mr. Potter. Isn't it ironic how it drove intointo my arms, not yours? It appears she has gained impeccable taste these last few months."

Severus watched in fascination while Potter's face blanched and then grew an alarming shade of - perhaps a light puce? 'Yes, the goal is in sight,' he decided, fingering his wand in anticipation. 'Relax, be ready - now!'
'

Harry's wand was drawn and a spell of "Stupify" cast at the same moment Severus dropped and rolled behind the desk. It flew harmlessly over the top of his head.

"Honestly, Potter. Is that the best the great hero of the wizarding world can do? A little stupify spell? Of course without the proper backup, what more could you expect?" he intoned rising with wand in hand. "I would have anticipated more of an effort from Longbottom."

Unbridled fury burned in Harry's eyes and his mouth began to form another spell. Hands were suddenly clasped to his ears as he fell to his knees, screaming, "Stop!" and toppled forward on the floor, lying still.

"Potter! Trickery will not work. Stand and fight."

"He cannot hear you, Severus."

"Angelica?"

"Now, who else would it be?"

"What did you do? Is he injured?"

"Don't fret so, he's merely unconscious."

"The day I fret over Potter will be the day they bury me. My system would never stand the shock. Why did you interfere?"

"He intended to harm you."

"Your concern is appreciated, but completely unnecessary. The situation was well in hand."

"Didn't appear that way from my perspective. Are you going to allow him to remain on the floor?"

"You're the one who laid him out."

"Severus! That young man is greatly disturbed and needs assistance. The scars on his soul are immense and you weren't helping."

"Very well, Madam," he said, wearily.

Transforming the desk into a hospital cot took only a moment. He levitated Harry's body over it, but couldn't resist releasing the spell a mite early and allowing the body to drop further than was needed. 'Potter's nursemaid, yet again.'

"Accio, Potter's wand."

After placing Harry's wand inside his robe, Severus dropped down in the easy chair and said, "I want an answer to my question, Angelica. What did you do to him?"

"I only yelled at him to cease the nonsense."

"Why did it render him unconscious?"

"Since he was unaware of my existence it was fairly easy. I only managed it twice on Salazar. Bastard learned to stay shielded after that."

"How long will he be out?"

"Not long."

"Why wasn't I informed of this ability before now?"

"I didn't realize you had become my keeper as well as my grandson."

"Please! If I recall correctly and I always do, I informed you he was to remain ignorant of your existence. Now some sort of explanation will be in order and Albus will not be pleased. I sincerely wish you hadn't felt the need to meddle."

His head was far too heavy for his neckthe the moment and it was allowed to drop back on the chair.

"I hardly think he would have been pleased if I hadn't. One of you could have ended up dead."

"I wouldn't have allowed it."

"Does 'Avada Kedavra' mean what I think it does?"

"What?"

He sat up in shock, looking to the cot. 'Not the boy wonder?'

"I thought as much. It was on the edge of hiss ans and I could feel mr inr in his heart. He wishes you dead, Severus. Perhaps you should leave and send Albus to deal with him instead."

"No, it's best finished now, between the two of us. No more interfering, Angelica."

"If you behave, it won't be necessary. He's coming round."

"He hasn't twitched."

"Severus, he's going to have a fierce headache."

A moan found its way out of Harry's throat and his hands flew to his head.

Severus smirked and said, "He's parceled out a number so it's only fitting he should be on the receiving end for once."

"I thought you wanted to settle things. Give him one of those potions you're always carting around with you as a peace offering."

"I don't recall saying anything about a peaceful settlement," he drawled, raising an eyebrow.

"Hermione and Albus will not be pleased with anything less."

"Who mentioned Hermione?"

"I may not have an attached brain anymore, but I'm hardly stupiSheShe's the crux, isn't she? Besides, you need him to open the room."

"Indeed."

"You're going to have your hands full in a moment. He's almost conscious."

Lightly twirling his wand, Severus watched with some amusement as Harry groaned again and tried to sit up. He managed to do so only after the third try, cradling his head in both hands.

"Ready for another go round, Potter?"

Harry's head jerked up and he grimaced in pain.

"What the hell did you hit me with?"

"You're the bloody boy-who-lived, you tell me," Severus snarled, angling for what he remembered. 'The situation might yet be salvaged.'

"If I knew I wouldn't be asking. Gods, my head!" Harry's eyes closed and both hands went to his temples to try and work out some of the pain.

"I'd offer a headache potion, but I'm sure you'd refuse. After all, it might be poisoned."

"At this point I don't think I would mind," he admitted.

"Hurts that badly, does it?"

"Do I have to beg?"

"That might be amusing, but not necessary. ilitility and reason are the only requirements at the moment, Mr. Potter. Do you think you could manage those? No more pitiful attempts at a killing curse today."
ry'ry's eyes opened and his mouth grudgingly said, "Agreed."

Severus rose from the chair in one fluid move and pulled a tiny vial from inside his robe. A quick "Engorgio" restored its full size. Harry eyed it suspiciously when it was presented to him.

"Do you really think I would be enough of an cilecile to poison you?" Snape asked, eyebrow raised in disbelief. "Believe me, I would utilize an untraceable method. I've had several in mind for years."

"I suppose I should say, thank you," Harry said as he accepted the vial and drank. Relief flooded his features as the headache receded.

"It would be the civil response, wouldn't it?" Snape said in his best teacher's voice.

"Thank you, Sn - Professor."

"I'm sure you're aware how happy I am to be of assistance, Mr. Potter. Have you recovered sufficiently to open the room? The sooner it's done the sooner we may part company."

"Who were you talking to when I was out? Did Albus come down?"

"You and I are the only ones present."

"I could have sworn I heard you talking to someone."

"Hallucinations often seem realistic."

"An aftereffect of the curse you threw at me?"

"It would not be unusual. Are you able to stand o yoo you require further assistance?"

"I can bloody well stand on my own. Lead the way."

Severus again smirked and said, "I know we're being civil, Mr. Potter, but I sincerely hope you'll understand if I decline. We will walk side by side to the middle of the far wall."

"Afraid to turn your back?"

"Afraid, no. Cautious, yes."

"Hold on. Where's my wand?" Harry asked, standing and searching.

"It will be returned shortly before flooing back to the Headmaster's office."

"I want it back now."

"We could go there now and explain to him why I have it or you could save what little dignity you have left by cooperating."

Harry gritted his teeth in frustration and started walking. Snape accompanied him and tapped the stone in question.

"As you can see, this is the entrance. Hopefully, merely telling it to open will be enough."

"Back off a bit, will you. I have to concentrate on the engraving."

Severus withdrew a few steps wai waited. Soon a few hissing words emerged from Potter's mouth and they both retreated as a section of the wall started to move. A faint whispering of moving air could be heard and the stale odor of old unventilated air enveloped their nostrils.

"Thank you, Mr. Potter. I'm sure that will be sufficient for now. Please, accompany me and I will return your wand. I would appreciate your asking Albus to join me."

"I want to see -"

"Not today, Mr. Potter. I'm sure Albus will allow you to see everything later," Snape lied as he grasped Harry under the elbow. The sound of the stone grating against stone continued. He wanted Potter out of there as soon as possible.

"Bugger off, Snape. I want to see what's in there," Harry said, twisting in his grasp, slightly surprised at the strength displayed.

"I thought we had agreed to be civil as well as sensible? Do you really think Albus will allow anyone to poke around in there before it's thoroughly inspected?"

Harry quit struggling and allowed himself to be lead to the floo, admitting, "I really hate it when you're right."

"That goes without saying, Mr. Potter. This floo has a single connection, straight to his office," Severus said, thrusting the floo pot in his direction. "Since you are being somewhat civil and finally sensible, here is your wand."

Taking the proffered wand in one hand and a bit of powder in the other, Harry met his eyes and stated, "This isn't over, Professor. Not yet."

"I thought you loved her?" he asked, head tilted to the side with a hand stroking his chin, looking back with narrowed eyes.

"I do! With all my heart."

"Then why would you want to wound her so badly."

"I only want what's best for her."

"She came back this morning quite distraught. Think about what she said before you try to continue. Yes, she told me all, Mr. Potter, don't look so startled. It's not a becoming look on your face. She is very concerned about you and I happen to think her theories are sound. Now, go in peace before I change my mind. I really don't like to see her suffer and will do anything in my power to prevent it," he stated, glad to see the message find its mark.

'Finally, thought the bloody prat would never leave,' Severus thought as he turned away from the floo. The gaping hole on the other side of the room held his gaze as he strode forward. A section of stones had been pulled forward and slid to the side.

"I'm pleased with you, Severus. That was adequately handled. A softer touch would have been better."

"There are some people in the world who require being blunted over the head, my dear. He is one of them," he stated, approaching the newly opened portal. He cast a revealing spell over the door and was relieved to find nothing in place, stepping through as he heard the sound of the floo. Thousands of books were shelved around the room, but what held his attention was in the center. A stone bier with its top shrouded in glistening, rotating strands of light. He slowly circled the bier, hugging the shelves casting revealing spells on every inch of the space between him and the object of his fascination. Several times he was required to stop and disable an ancient trap. He finally made his way back to the door.

"How many?" Albus inquired from just outside the door.

"Six so far."

"So far?"

"I haven't check the bier itself or the area above it."

"I don't care for the appearance of the strands, Severus. I've only seen their like one other place."

"Where would that be?"

"The castle's core."

Minerva was clearing her office desk of clutter when Harryppedpped through the door. She looked up, smiled a greeting and walked over to embrace him.

"This is my luceek.eek. First Neville and now you."

"Could I talk to you for a few minutes, Professor?"

"Only if you call me Minerva."

"Would you mind if I shut the door?"

"Not at all. You must have something serious in mind."

"Yes, you could say that," he said, closing the door.

"Have a seat. Would you like something to drink?"

"Only if it's alcoholic."

"Sorry, tea or pumpkin juice is all I can offer."

"Nothing right now, thank you." He declined as he sat down across from her desk and Minerva chose the other chair next to Harry.

"What's wrong, Harry?"

"I can't let her go," he said, addressing his folded hands.

"Who?"

"Hermione."

"Why would you have to let her go? She's still your friend," Minerva replied, patting his hands.

Harry raised his head and met her gaze. "You don't understand. This morning I told her I loved her and wanted to marry her. She turned me down flat. Apparently she prefers Snape."

"Ah, I see. You're having a difficult time accepting the fact they're in love, aren't you?"

"How can she be in love with him? He's got to be at least thirtars ars older than her."

"I think it's closer to twenty than thirty. Other than someone being of age, why should that be a consideration?"

"You've got to be kidding, right? How could she fall in love with an old man like that?"

"You mean the way I fell in love with Albus when I was twenty and he was seventy?"

"You and Professor Dumbledore?" he asked, astonished.

"Yes, Harry."

"So that's who she was talking about. I figured she was making it up to distract me."

"Sounds like you had quite a conversation."

"More like a miniature war. She didn't pull any punches, either. Seems to think I'm only asking her to marry me because I'm afraid to lose her like - like the others."

"Is she right?"

"I don't know anymore," he sighed. "She's the only anchor left in my life. The Weasleys are great, but not the same. She's been with me since the beginning and she's threatened to end our friendship if I continue to press her about marriage. I couldn't stand that, but what else can I do?"

"I don't doubt you love her, Harry. Anchors are good. They can steady your passage through life if utilized in the correct fashion, but they can stall your progress as well. You won't like hearing this, but you have more in common with Severus than just Hermione. He recently tried to bury himself in the past, as well."

"I'm not trying to bury myself in the past. I want a future, with Hermione."

"Unfortunately, we don't always have success in getting what we think we want. Someday you may find that is indeed a blessing, Harry."

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Angelica's Sorrow