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Shattered	By : Adriana Category: Harry Potter > Het - Male/Female > Snape/Hermione Views: 11986 -:- 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
- 4
- 5
- 6
Shattered

By Adriana

trixielou60@hotmail.com

Author's Note: And the saga continues. I hope I capture some of the beauty
of Belize, it's an incredible place.

**********************************************************************

You can have my isolation. You can have the hate that it brings.

You can have my absence of faith.You can have my everything.

Help me, you tear down my reason. Help me, it's your sex I can smell

Help me, you make me perfect. Help me become somebody else.
From the song "Closer" by Nine Inch Nails
************************************************************

Chapter 5: Closer
The trip to Belize had been tiring, to say the least. Hermione had fought
down the feeling of motion sickness by the time they'd finally Apparated to a clump
of mangrove trees located near the beach in Settee Point. They had taken a
rambling path from Hogsmeade to Belize, Apparating first to Edinburgh,
Scotland; then to Lisbon, Portugal; then on to the Azores Islands; on to
Bermuda and finally to Belize.
"You're looking a little green, Dr. Granger."
"Was all that Apparating really necessary?"
"Tsk, tsk . . . that sounded a little petulent." Snape's tone was
teasing, however. "We couldn't Apparate directly, you know that. We would
have splinched for sure."
Hermione took in her surroundings. "Oh! It's breathtaking!"
It was early evening and the sun was already setting, the sky a dazzling
array of purple and pink. Settee Point was located on the east coast of Belize,
and while they couldn't enjoy the sunset over the water, Hermione had the
feeling that the sunrise was quite spectacular. The beach was white and
infinite and the sand was very, very fine. The water rolled to the shore in
gentle waves, crashing in the timeless sound that began before man or wizard
even walked the Earth.
There wasn't another person in sight.
Hermione took off her shoes and dug her toes in the sand. She quickly
flicked a glance at Snape, then looked away before he noticed her incredulous
look. She had been standing in Harry's living room, waiting for him, when the
front door had quietly swung open. Snape had impatiently shrugged off an
Invisibility Cloak and Hermione barely had time to register his appearance
before he'd taken her hand to Apparate to Edinburgh.
She took a good hard look at him now and was secretly pleased at what she
saw. He was wearing a white cotton shirt, the material rather rough and
textured. It clung to him like a second skin and she had been startled by the
Potions Master's lean, but surprisingly muscular build. It seemed that he�d been hiding a few things
under his robes. However, the most amazing thing was the black denim pants and
dragonhide boots he was wearing, which gave him a rather rakish appearance.
Hermione was reminded of illustrations she'd seen of some of England's more
notorious buccaneers.
He'd left his long, lank hair unbound and small strands had escaped in the
gentle breeze coming off the barrier reef. His usual guarded countenance had
given way to a more relaxed, at-ease expression. Hermione suddenly had the urge
to run her fingers through his hair.
"You're staring again, Dr. Granger."
"Erm, I'm sorry Professor, but I have to say that you look nothing like
the man I remember from my school days. Oh, I didn't mean that you usually . .
. that you look . . . " she stammered uncomfortably.
Snape's mouth twitched. "You can thank Minerva for my make-over. She
seemed to think that severe black robes would stand out in Paradise. I take it
you approve?"
Hermione grinned. "If I didn't know better, I'd say you were fishing
for compliments, Professor."
"I'm not. But to change the subject slightly, I find your calling me
'Professor' rather incongruous, given that we're half the world away from
Hogwarts. I will call you Hermione, for the duration of our trip, anyway. And
you may call me Severus." Hermione inwardly shivered at the silky timbre
of his voice.
"OK, S-s-severus."
�This is going to take some practice,� Hermione thought.
Suddenly, they heard a soft popping sound behind them and they whirled in
unison. Hermione noticed that Severus had placed a protective hand on her arm
and had stepped in front of her, his movement an apparent instinctive reflex.
"Dr. Granger and Professor Snape, I presume?"
Standing before them was a small, rather shriveled old man. His face was
dark and leathery and deep grooves ran over his forehead and along his
prominent cheekbones. Long silver hair hung gracefully to his shoulders. His
inky black eyes regarded them thoughtfully over his prominent nose, and Hermione
thought that if she stared into his eyes too long, the history of Belize would
be found in that gaze.
"You must be Cristobel," Snape said smoothly. "Albus told me
about your history with him. I'm having a hard time picturing our Headmaster on
a jaguar hunt."
Cristobel chuckled. "Ah yes, I remember. Jaguars are sacred to my
people, but this particular jaguar was attacking children in the village. The
people were wild with fear. It was fortunate that Albus was here, studying some
of the wizard ruins. He has a real way with the wand. But that was at least a
hundred years ago. Seems like only yesterday."
"But sir," said Hermione.
"Call me Cristobel." His voice was rather thin.
Hermione grinned, "But Cristobel, if Albus was here, why didn't he know
about the Soul Gathering Spell?"
"Ah, that's easily explained. The Soul Gathering Spell can only be
obtained by those with the right credentials. It's a very ancient, secret magic
and it's closely guarded at the Temple of Ix Chel."
"But if that's the case, then how are we going to get to it?"
Snape looked worried at this revelation.
Cristobel's eyes twinkled that universal "old man's twinkle." He
gave Hermione a knowing look. "I have a feeling that you won't have a
problem. Now, I'm sure you're both very tired. I'll take you to your
rooms."
**********************************************************
Hermione had been surprised to find their quarters to be very luxurious, not
to mention, very extensive. The hacienda was set on a cliff overlooking the
beach and a narrow stone staircase lead from the house down to the water. Plush
floral couches decorated the main living room and potted palms were scattered
throughout. Hermione noticed a vase of beautiful red flowers on a small table
by the couch and made a mental note to look them up in her handbook, "The
Flora and Fauna of Belize". Cristobel explained that this house could not
be seen by the average Muggle, in fact, when Muggles looked at the cliff, they
only saw some palm trees and native bushes.
They learned that Settee Point had a wizarding community located on the
outskirts of town. Cristobel told them that all Mayan healers had been wizards
and that except for healing purposes, wizards and Muggles did not mix. He added
that he'd come from a long line of wizard healers.
"Your English is quite spectacular," Hermione complimented him.
"Too much muggle TV," said Cristobel. "I learned from
watching re-runs of Gilligan's Island and Green Acres." He chuckled at
Snape's look of disbelief. "It's a weakness of mine. I may be an old Mayan
healer, but I still love the television."
They were seated on a balcony off the central living room and Cristobel had
thoughtfully conjured up a plate of figs, papayas, chunks of fresh coconut and
some grapes. He also had conjured a bottle of red wine and some Ogden's Fire
Whisky. He smiled at Snape's raised eyebrow. "I'm just trying to give you
all the comforts of home. I can supply you with something more substantial, if
you wish," the old man added.
Hermione and Severus looked at each other and reading her thoughts, Severus
said, "No, thank you, Cristobel. I think it's best if we eat lightly
tonight. All our apparating has apparently given Dr. Granger a sour
stomach." Hermione looked at him gratefully.
Cristobel smiled. "I understand. Feel free to explore the house, it's
rather nice, isn't it? I'll take my leave, you have a big day tomorrow. I'll be
by in the morning to take you to the temple. We'll have to go by canoe."
Hermione gaped at him. "Canoe?"
"I'm afraid that we can't Apparate directly to the Temple of Ix Chel,
Dr. Granger. It's rather like your Hogwarts, I gather. The temple served the
wizarding community in central Belize for hundreds of years and it's unknown to
Muggle society."
"This is going to be interesting," Hermione muttered to herself.
********************************************************************
Severus woke early the next morning and quickly ascertained that Hermione
was still asleep. He smiled to himself. He was secretly enjoying her company
more than he ever thought possible. He knew her to be very intelligent, but
more than that, he was very pleased to find that she had a gentle humor. He had
expected her to fall back on her old Gryffindor ways, but instead he had been
surprised to find that she no longer had the annoying habit of chattering on
about all the things she'd read, eager to show off her knowledge.
Not that he�d ever let the chit know she didn�t irritate him so much
anymore.
He had taken a room next to hers, when they'd said their goodnights to each
other. He'd tried not to imagine her roaming around in her room, wearing some
sort of silky nightgown. He pictured her in something slinky, the colour of
deep Slytherin green.
A wizard could fantasize, couldn't he?
�Don't go there, Severus Snape,� he thought. �We're here on
business.�
Besides, he doubted that he was emotionally equipped to deal with the
rewards of a soft, beautiful woman. He thought briefly of his horrible life and
knew that Hermione deserved better than a middle-aged wizard with a very dark
past.
As if she'd even consider him.
He sighed.
Taking his coffee to the balcony, he was rewarded by the sight of the sun
peeping up over the horizon of the ocean. Hermione should be here to see this,
he thought.
"It�s lovely," said a soft voice behind him.
He turned and tried not to stare. All right, so her nightgown wasn't green,
but instead it was a light lavender colour. She wore a matching robe over it,
tied at the waist. The colour looked perfect against her dark, chestnut hair and
he could see the soft curves of her breasts and hips.
He quickly averted his eyes.
Hermione took in his expression and realized that Severus Snape was actually
embarrassed. It amused her to no end.
Clearing his throat, he said, "Yes, it's really beautiful isn't
it?" Severus looked at her and thought, "Yes it is indeed
beautiful."
Hermione gave him a shy smile. "It's spectacular. It makes me wish we
didn't have to go back so soon. I think I could get used to this place."
The stood together in silence and watched the sun rise.
**************************************************************************
The canoe trip turned out to be quite enjoyable. They'd Apparated to a
location on the New River, and had floated peacefully down the river to the
lagoon, which was situated near the ruins of Lamanai. The shores were dottwithwith Red and Black Mangrove, as well as Buttonwood trees. Cristobel had waved a
lazy wand and the boat had propelled itself down the middle of the river.
Howler monkeys screeched a warning to each other and Hermione had been
entranced at the abundance of animal life all around them.
Cristobel was telling Severus about the magical creatures that roamed the
jungle. "We have our share of acromantulas, but unlike those of the
Forbidden Forest, they're quite colorful," he said. "They have
voracious appetites, of course, and should be avoided at all costs. Most of the
creatures are harmless, but I must warn you about the Hualthici.
"Oh! I've read about those!" Severus glared at her and she gave
him an apologetic look. He merely rolled his eyes.
"Yes, they're quite vicious. They are unmistakable when you see them.
They have the body of jaguar and the head of a crocodile and unfortunately, the
gods saw fit to also equip them with the wings of the Laughing Falcon. They fly
in flocks. If you see them, it's best to get out of their way. Their teeth are
very sharp."
Hermione couldn't hide her look of anxiety.
Severus abruptly changed the subject. "I would like to collect some
fresh flowers of the sapodilla tree. I believe that they have properties that
will be useful in our potion. They're rather hard to find in Britain."
Cristobel nodded. "You'll find the trees dotted around the Temple of Ix
Chel. I'm sure you'll be able to find what you're looking for."
Once the canoe landed, they walked along the path to a clearing in the
forest. There, in splendid majesty, was the Temple of Ix Chel. The pyramid was
perfectly intact, as if immune to the destructive forces of the harsh sun and
creeping jungle. There had to be at least a hundred steps to the top.
"I leave you here, my friends. I can go no further," said
Cristobel.
**************************************************************************
The climb to the top was grueling and Hermione found herself panting
alongside Severus. At the top of the temple there was a door carved with the
figure of a priest in elaborate headdress. He was clutching what Hermione
recognized to be a Soul Tube against his chest. She had read that the Soul Tube
was a piece of hollowed out wood, usually made from a branch of black poison
wood. The ends were adorned with two white lilies. The Mayans believed that the
Soul Tube guided the Soul from the Earth to the Afterlife at the time of death.
How fitting.
As they made their way into the altar room, they were stopped by two fierce
looking Mayans, who were guarding the entrance. They both wore matching
headpieces of colorful feathers and their chests were adorned in beads of deep
green jade.
And they didn't look happy to see them.
Snape uttered a couple of words Hermione didn't recognize and their scowls
deepened.
"What did you say?" she asked.
"I asked them for the Soul Gathering Spell, of course. Albus had me
practicing my Yucotec Mayan before we left. You look surprised."
Before she could answer, one of the warriors pointed at her and began
talking excitedly to the other. Hermione realized that they were pointing at
the sapphire pendant around her neck.
She had instinctively worn her robes of the Order of Chiron, although she
couldn't say why. It became evident that this had been a wise choice as the
warriors lead her to a large mural on the west side of the Temple. The Goddess
Ix Chel had been painted on it and Hermione gasped to see her wearing a
matching sapphire pendant, with rays of light coming out of the gem.
"Oh! That's what Cristobel meant when he said we wouldn't have trouble
obtaining the spell!"
Walking over to a large recess in the wall, one of the warriors pulled out a
parchment from a clay urn, which was decorated with large pieces of amethyst
and malachite.
Snape was pleased. He examined the delicate parchment. "It appears that
our mission has been a success. I can decipher some of the hieroglyphics, but
Albus is the real expert."
He looked into Hermione's excited face and couldn't help giving her a
tentative smile.
He didn't remember ever having the urge to smile so much in a twenty-four
hour period.
"What are you doing to me, Dr. Granger?" he thought.
***********************************************************************
Going down the steps was certainly easier than going up them, Hermione
decided. Once they reached the bottom, Severus began to scout the area for
sapodilla. "We're looking for a variety of evergreen, Hermione," he
said. "The flower is small and white and very fragrant. They're not hard
to miss. I think it's best if we split up, it'll go faster that way."
Hermione pulled out her wand and found a path leading towards the lagoon.
Scanning the trees, she noticed what looked to be the correct tree about fifty
meters from the temple. She was so excited to see it that she didn't notice the
jungle getting very quiet.
She was reaching for a blossom when the air was pierced by the sound of
high-pitched screeching. Looking up in horror she realized that a flock of
foul-looking creatures were descending upon her. She pointed her wand but it
was too late, they attacked with a single-minded frenzy.
Hualthici!
One of the creatures reached her as she gripped her wand, it's crocodile
jaws snapping with ferocious menace. As she swung her arm in defense, her wand
dropped to the ground.
"Severus!" she screamed.
She continued fighting them, but they dove at her, tearing at the flesh of
her arms as she tried to protect her head. "Severus!"
He was there in an instant. Wand blazing, he cast a spell that caused them
to instantly incinerate in a huge ball of green fire. They sho showered with
ashes, and the dying screams of the animals echoed throughout the jungle.
Hermione was lying on the ground, whimpering in pain and fear. Severus
gathered her in his arms.
"It's alright. I'm here. I won't let anything else hurt you, I promise.
Hush now. I'm here . . . I'm here." He clutched her tightly.
When Cristobel found them, they were still holding each other, Severus
softly cooing to her as she cried.
To be continued . . .
******************************************
Author's notes: Gee whiz, that took a lot of research! I hope it was worth
it. By the way, Ix Chel is the Mayan Goddess of Childbirth and Healing. Her
name means, "She of the rainbow." Pretty cool, huh?
As always, please review. I really want to know what you think! And thanks
to those of you who have taken the time to review . . . I appreciate it very
much!
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