Adult-FanFiction.org : Harry Potter

Beyond the Pale	By : goldhorse Category: Harry Potter > Het - Male/Female > Draco/Hermione Views: 81362 -:- Recommendations : 11 -:- Currently Reading : 17
Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter, JK Rowling does, lucky woman. I make no money from this, which is probably why I'm poor as a church mouse.

Chapter List
- 5
- 6
- 7
Hermione was trying desperately to get the hang of meditation. For someone whose mind ran full speed ahead every moment of the day, it was quite possibly the most difficult challenge she had tackled so far. Her eyes were shut as she lay on her bed but for the life of her, her mind would not stop spinning. Admittedly, the last two days had been incredibly overwhelming for her.

She was already getting over her modesty, having spent most of her time at Spinner’s End training in the pool. It was still hard to get used to seeing her normally stoic and buttoned up professor parading around in a black speedo that left nothing to the imagination. Then again, she didn’t need her imagination. She’d seen it all, which still made her want to crawl in a hole and die of embarrassment. She wanted to smack that gloating smirk off his face every time he caught her blushing. She couldn’t help it. The man was built better than most male models she’d ever seen. She hoped her mate looked like that…whoever he was.

It hadn’t taken her long to accept that Ron was not her mate. The news stung at first but the more time that she’d spent analyzing it, the more she realized they weren’t meant to be. Ron wanted a young Molly, someone to keep house, cook dinner, and have a whole brood of little Weasleys. She wanted a career. She couldn’t cook to save her life and since her diet change, had no desire to learn. Having children was strictly out now.

There was other reason she couldn’t meditate. Melody’s whimpers and the loud smack of the cane on her skin made it impossible to tune out. She’d tried to plead for mercy on Melody’s behalf but her words fell on deaf ears. Melody had assured her that it wasn’t quite the punishment that it seemed to be. It still made her a bit sick to think that she was the cause of it.

“Ten. Thank you sir, may I have another?” Melody’s hoarse voice cut through Hermione’s thoughts like a hot knife.

“No, I believe this portion of your punishment is over pet. You will not break my confidence again, will you?”

“No sir,” Melody croaked.

“Good my pet,” Severus crooned tenderly.

Sounds of the two snogging permeated the air. Hermione wanted to put her fingers in her ears but she knew that it wouldn’t help. Those two were worse than nifflers in heat, constantly at each other. It was annoying…and uncomfortably arousing. She had brought herself off to the sounds of their shagging more than a few times already. She felt like a slag but they hadn’t said another word to her since the first incident. That didn’t wipe that smirk off of her father’s face though.

“This is useless!” Hermione growled. “I’m going for a swim.”

“Cast a sunscreen charm,” Severus murmured before he apparently hit a very sensitive spot on Melody, if her gasp was anything to go by.

Hermione wanted to scream but it was no use. Having super sensitive hearing was not all it was cracked up to be. It was bloody annoying and the fact that she couldn’t tune it out was frustrating her to no end. Her parents said she just needed time. Sure it had only been two days, but she had never had such trouble learning new thing before. This was just like her disaster with brooms her first year.

She shook her head to clear it of her angry thoughts and stepped outside, wincing at how bright the morning light was. Severus had given her permission to use magic over the summer within reason. He assured her that since he was a wizard, the trace was harder to pinpoint here. It made her angry all over again, knowing that most children growing up in magical houses were able to use their magic without punishment. She gritted her teeth and cast the sunscreen charm before throwing her wand in a lounge chair and diving in.

The warm water relaxed her and brought happy memories of her training with it. She’d just learned how to successfully hover the evening before. Having the water under her quelled her fear of heights because it took away her biggest fear - falling. She lifted her arms and willed herself up and out of the pool, stopping to gaze at the water now a good three feet below her. The trick was to maintain concentration, which was why most vampires didn’t fly to hunt. It took up too much of their conscious thought.

She crashed back down into the water with a sharp cry of surprise, angry that she had lost concentration so soon, thoughts of other lessons taking over. She could easily glide across the pool now but other things had proven challenging, like not throwing a bowling ball through the side of the house. Honestly, all she had to do was lob it into her father’s waiting hands and she’d launched it clear to the neighbors…via the kitchen and the front room. Her parents had simply shrugged and repaired the damage but she was enraged at her clumsiness.

Hermione sighed and decided float on her back for a while. She gazed at the clouds, so fluffy peaceful. She remembered trying to make out shapes in them when she was little. Her shapes were always somehow academic and she’d quickly been labeled a nerd, which wasn’t as bad as the freak title they had pinned on her after her first magical incident. She hadn’t meant to throw her teacher through the blackboard.

Hogwarts was possibly the best thing that had ever happened to her. She smiled when she saw a cloud that closely resembled a snitch. Her first year had been rough but after that troll incident, she’d gained two very sweet and loyal friends. What would they think of her now? What would they smell like? Melody had mentioned that all the Weasleys smelled like sugar biscuits and lightening. She supposed Harry would smell like lightening too. Perhaps he would smell like chocolate frogs, or maybe the pumpkin juice that he loved.

Her throat was burning now. Had it been two days since she’d fed? Her parents were still going at each other so she didn’t want to interrupt them. She could last a little while longer…she hoped. Her throat hurt a lot more now than it did when she had first woken up. How bad would it be when she returned to school and had a veritable buffet at her fingertips? Her breathing sped up, fear taking over rational thought. She didn’t want to lose control and be a monster.

Her head hit the side of the pool with a sharp thud, reminding her that she shouldn’t kick that hard. She pulled herself out and plopped down on the chair, yanking her wand out from under her and casting a healing charm on the bump. Melody had been adamant that she learn healing charms. She had ranted and raved, claiming that it was unwise to let it heal naturally because it used up more blood.

She closed her eyes and tried to clear her mind of all thoughts food related, instead thinking of her friends. She missed them terribly. Neither of the boys would write to her, of course. They were notoriously bad about keeping up a correspondence but she felt guilty that she hadn’t at least written to Harry. His summers were usually horrible and since he believed Sirius to be dead, this one had to be the worst. How was he faring?

She was supposed to have gone to the Burrow a few weeks into the summer. That was probably why her parents had given in so easily when Severus extended his invitation to study. They appreciated studies much more than hanging out with her two male counterparts. The thought brought a smile and then a quick frown. She needed to get them out of the country as soon as possible. Instead of meditating, she should be researching more on memory charms. She’d bet galleons that Severus had a wealth of information in his personal library and he’d already given her permission to peruse it.

She’d have to ask to go into Diagon Alley soon and send a few owls out. The first would be to Molly, thanking her for her invitation but declining. The second would be to Harry…after she got his birthday present. Perhaps her new parents would also let her buy some clothes that actually fit. The ones in her trunk were much too small and Melody’s were too long.

“That’s not meditating,” Melody said, startling her so bad she fell out of the chair. “Well, maybe it is if you didn’t hear me come up.”

“I was thinking about all the stuff I need to get done,” Hermione said tersely as she pulled herself off the ground.

“But you blocked your hearing,” Melody countered. “It’s a step in the right direction, even if you don’t realize it. Ready for more training?”

“No,” Hermione said hoarsely. “My throat.”

“Oh,” Melody said, her eyes widening. “Time for chow. We’ll take the bikes. I’ve been dying to get out.”

“Alright,” Hermione said softly. “I’ll just…find something to change into I guess.”

“There are clothes laid out on your bed,” Severus said from behind her. She jumped and spun around, cursing herself for letting her guard down.

“That’s fun,” Melody said, a look of concern on her face. “Did you hear him?”

“No,” Hermione shook her head. “I wasn’t paying attention. I was thinking about dying on a motorbike…and how badly my throat hurts.”

“It isn’t uncommon for a newborn to have dulled senses when they are hungry,” Severus said softly. “Go get changed quickly. We’ll meet you out front.”

Hermione had never moved so quickly in her life. The sooner she got dressed, the sooner they could leave, and the sooner she could eat and make the horrible burning go away. She arrived on the front lawn only to promptly trip and fall on her face. If it wasn’t the loose step that got her, the sight of her professor in leather studded trousers and a vest did. He had his hair tied back and a black bandana on top. Melody was wearing similar garb, her long hair in a plait down her back.

“Are you alright?” Severus asked as he helped her up from the ground.

She squeezed her eyes shut in embarrassment. “Yes, I’m sorry. I don’t know what’s wrong with me.”

“Probably a combination of hunger and the shock of seeing sexy biker Sev,” Melody cut in. “His ass looks absolutely fabulous in those trousers.”

Severus sighed. “They protect my assets.”

“And what marvelous assets they are dear,” Melody replied cheekily. “Now, get your clumsy child over here and strap a helmet on her so we can feed her before she goes on a rampage.”

Severus hissed in annoyance but mock bowed anyway. “As you wish my queen.” He scooped Hermione up and jogged over to a rather intimidating looking motorbike. She teetered precariously on the seat while he fitted a helmet over her head.

“You look hot,” Melody said appreciatively. “We’ll have to get you some leathers though. Jeans only go so far.”

“They aren’t even my jeans,” Hermione grouched.

“We’ll stop by and get you some clothes then,” Melody said, looking embarrassed that she hadn’t thought of it. “Now, be sure to hold on to Sev tightly…and don’t worry about hurting him. He can take it.”

“Wait, what?” Hermione asked softly.

“Well, he does have to see to drive little one,” Melody teased gently. “Don’t worry. It’ll work two-fold. Your concentration will be on not dying and so you won’t notice all the delicious smells.”

“Where are we going?” Hermione asked.

“A little bar not far from here,” Melody said. “They are a 24 hour joint so there are probably a few hanging around at this early hour.”

“You’re counting on there not being many there,” Hermione said knowingly.

“Indeed,” Severus said before he slipped on his helmet. He slid one dragonhide boot across the seat and steadied the bike, scooting forward a bit to give her some room. “Hold on tight.”

Hermione didn’t have time to scream before he revved the bike and took off like a shot. She didn’t chance a glance around but she could make out the high pitched cackle coming from her mother behind her. Her throat still burned but at least now the sound of the wind drowned out all the annoying little noises like insects and birds chirping. Her nose was covered with the helmet and the only wafting smell she could detect was her father’s scent. It calmed her and she eased her death grip on him by a fraction. The ride only took a few moments, for which she was glad. The burning had gotten almost unbearable.

“Good, there isn’t a lot of company,” Melody said as soon as she pulled up.

Hermione was still too scared to move. She felt delicate hands pry hers off of her father’s waist, pull her up from her bike, and remove her helmet. A seedy looking biker joint stood in front of her, complete with blacked out doors and neon lights depicting semi-nude females on the windows. “Classy.”

“Beggars can’t be choosers,” Severus chided. “You have to gain control before you can go to the better places.”

“If they’re drunk, will it affect me?” Hermione asked. The smell of alcohol was overpowering.

“No. Vampires can’t get drunk,” Melody sighed. “Pity. I’ve never experienced being drunk.”

“Entirely overrated,” Severus assured her. “Now, let’s go find someone to eat.”

“Uh, can you not put it that way?” Hermione whined.

“What would you have me say?” Severus asked with a raised eyebrow.

“How about, let’s hunt, or something less…cannibalistic.”

Melody chuckled. “Two cannibals were eating a clown and one turned to the other and asked, ‘does this taste funny to you?’”

“Not funny,” Hermione groaned.

“On the contrary, it is my favorite joke,” Severus deadpanned.

Melody huffed. “Everyone is a critic.”

“Oi!” A male called from the corner as they walked in. “Who’s your friend, love?”

“Oh shit,” Melody said, barely resisting the urge to smack her forehead. “It’s Francis.”

“Who?” Hermione asked.

“A regular with a certain affinity for men in tight leather pants.”

“Sounds delightful,” Hermione croaked, her throat almost choking her it hurt so badly. She could detect a dozen smells, mostly food. It was intoxicating, her mouth watering at the prospect.

“Hey Francis,” Melody called. “How about you step in the back and I’ll introduce ya?”

“Bloody hell!” Francis almost squealed and stalked towards the hallway in the back of the bar. His pants were down around his ankles when Hermione followed him into the loo. She wrinkled her nose in disgust at the pale and rather hairy arse that was wiggling in front of her. Severus had already zipped past her and pinned him to the wall before she was able to peel her eyes away from the spot.

“Now, that’s not very gentlemanly like,” Severus breathed. “Melody, help Francis with his trousers.”

Melody snickered and flicked her wand to make the man’s clothing fly up off the floor and give him a first class wedgie. Francis shrieked like a girl but fell silent when Severus spun him and tightened the hold he had around his neck.

“Look into my eyes, Francis,” Severus purred and smirked when the man complied. Francis’s head quickly fell to the side, exposing the tender flesh for Hermione’s perusal. “Go on child. I know you’re hungry.”

Hermione didn’t need to be told twice. She was on the burly biker in a second, fangs already buried deep in his veins. The savory nectar filled her mouth and soothed the burning in her throat. A thudding heartbeat caught her notice. It was slowing down, a sign that she had to stop but she didn’t want to. She wanted to keep eating. A hand on her shoulder centered her thoughts again and she released in horror, licking her fang marks quickly and shooting backwards in terror. Had she killed him?

“He’s fine,” Severus assured her. “He’ll just have one hell of a headache when he comes to.”

Hermione nodded, still not entirely convinced.

“Are you still hungry?” Melody asked gently.

Hermione let out a frustrated sob and nodded. Her throat still hurt, not nearly as bad as before but it was uncomfortable. She hated that she was so weak.

“It’s alright little one,” Severus purred. “Your first few feedings will require more than average. You’re still training hard and getting used to your body. You’ll even out.”

“Much better little one,” Melody praised when she released a second man Melody had managed to catch and dropped him in the corner with Francis. “Now, can you stay there while Sev and I grab a bite?”

Hermione nodded and watched in awe as her parents fetched a couple more men, fed side by side, and then kissed, blood still coating their fangs. What should have been absolutely disgusting turned her on to no measure. She squeezed her thighs together, thoroughly ashamed of her reaction.

“It’s normal,” Severus snapped when he pulled away from Melody. “Stop getting embarrassed.”

“I can’t help it,” Hermione said in a tiny voice. “I’ve never been like this and I don’t know how to handle it.”

“It’s easier to manage with a mate,” Melody said with a sad smile. “Maybe we’ll find him before too long.”

“I don’t want a mate!” Hermione snapped. “I want to…to…”

“Find love?” Severus asked with a sneer.

“Would it be so bad?” Hermione asked softly and walked out leaving her stunned parents to gawk.

She parked herself on her father’s motorbike and strapped her helmet on, fighting back tears. She’d wanted Ron ever since she’d first seen him and now she knew he wasn’t the one for her. Who would be?

“I’m sorry,” Severus said, startling her for a moment. She knew he’d come outside but hadn’t expected him to talk to her, much less apologize. “I realize that the subject of mates is a sore one, but surly you must know how important it is to find yours. You’re susceptible to influence without him.”

“I thought you were supposed to be training me to resist it,” Hermione bit out.

“And I will,” Severus said softly. “But there is only so much I can do. Your pheromones will start seeking out a suitable mate soon, even if they are not your proper mate. Your libido is already almost uncontrollable. How much worse do you think it will get?”

“I don’t want to be a slag,” Hermione cried.

“You are not going to be a slag,” Severus snapped. “But you will be so frustrated you might not be able to think straight.”

“We should get her a toy or two in the meantime,” Melody mused. “Just to take the edge off.”

“Oh gods,” Hermione moaned.

“I’m just looking out for your welfare,” Melody assured. “Trust me. You’ll need something…or someone, and Sev’s taken.”

“I wouldn’t!” Hermione cried indignantly.

Melody chuckled. “I didn’t say you would. Nor would he, but I have to stake my claim every now and then. It feels good to be able to tell another person besides my dad.”

Hermione was brought up short by that last statement. “Where is your dad?”

Melody shrugged. “Around. He’s been searching for his mate for twenty years, hasn’t found her yet. I just got lucky.”

“Your mom wasn’t-?”

“His mate? No.” Melody snorted. “She smelled like vanilla and cinnamon...and would probably still be alive if she were meant to be his. He didn’t know it at the time though.”

“I’m sorry,” Hermione whispered.

“Don’t be,” Melody said a bit harsher than normal. “I never knew the woman; she obviously didn’t want me or my dad, so good riddance.”

Hermione kept her mouth shut as Severus climbed on in front of her. She couldn’t blame Melody for being bitter. She thought she’d feel the same way if her mother had done that. Severus once again took off, effectively removing her ability to think on it any longer.

“We’re here,” Severus said softly and pried her loose when they’d stopped.

“Where’s here?” Hermione asked.

“Open your eyes, silly,” Melody chuckled, obviously back in good spirits again.

“My home!” Hermione cried when she pulled her helmet off. “But…but I…what if-“

“Stop,” Severus said forcefully. “You just ate. You should be okay. We’ll be here to help and if it gets to be too much, just tell us. I want you to try though. You’ll never conquer your urges unless you try.”

“Okay,” Hermione whimpered. “We’re going to obliviate them today, aren’t we?”

“Yes, but not here,” Severus said softly. “We thought you’d want a chance to explain your new heritage and say goodbye. Then we will take them to another location to perform a reversible memory charm on them. This will circumvent the trace and discount anyone’s memories about our visit.”

“Wait… the trace? Why would we care about the trace?” Hermione asked.

“Number one, any magic activates the trace, not just yours,” Severus explained as he shuffled her to the front door. “Number two, you will help me erase their memories. That way, you can reverse them should I not be…available…afterwards.”

“Don’t talk like that!” Hermione snapped, unhappy that he was convinced he wouldn’t survive the war.

“It is a harsh reality that you need to come to grips with,” Severus said urgently. “I am a pawn.”

“No,” Hermione said softly. “Harry’s the pawn.”

Severus snorted. “Harry’s the bloody king and you know it.”

“Then you are a knight,” Hermione countered before she rung the bell.

“Wonder what that makes me?” Melody wondered aloud.

“The castle. Who else is he going to plunder?” Hermione asked with a smirk.

Melody was still chuckling when the door opened, revealing one purple eye and a shock of lime green hair.

“Julie!” Hermione cried in happiness.

“Hermione?” The girl opened the door and stared disbelievingly at her cousin.

Before she could come to her senses, a girl with bright pink hair shot out from behind her and practically tackled Hermione to the ground, kissing her soundly. “MINE!”

“Sorry to interrupt,” Melody said as she frantically pulled the girls apart. “Hermione’s taken ill. I think kissing should be out.” She shoved Hermione into Severus’s chest where she was enveloped in her father’s scent.

Hermione was trembling. It had taken everything she’d had not to jerk her head to the side and sink her fangs into her tender flesh. Now that her father had a strong hold on her, she could make out Julie’s smell as well, banana cream pie. Her throat wasn’t burning but her stomach clenched at the thought of tasting her.

“Oh goodness, I’m sorry!” The pink haired girl said softly. “I didn’t know.”

“It’s okay,” Melody said, her nerves almost shot at the close call. “Even her parents don’t know about it…which is why we’re here. Are Mr. and Mrs. Granger in?”

“I’m afraid they just ran out for a moment,” Julie said, stepping out onto the porch. Her Australian accent caught both her parents off guard. “They should be back in about half an hour. Can I ask who you are?” Her eyes were glued to Hermione’s shaking frame that was still clutching to the rather dark and brooding man still standing on the porch.

“I-I’m sorry,” Hermione said in a shaky voice. She was trying desperately to keep her emotions in check. Running into her cousin and her cousin’s girlfriend was rather unexpected. “Julie, Beth, this is my potion’s professor, Severus Snape and his, uh, friend Melody Bach.”

“Granger!” Snape snapped, eyes narrowed at her slip up.

“It’s alright Se-Professor, their witches,” Hermione said tiredly.

“Oh,” Melody breathed.

Julie grinned. “Yeah, it was a shock to realize our little Hermione was a witch. It was bad enough that I was one.”

Melody frowned. “What do you mean?”

“Julie is my Uncle Stan’s stepdaughter,” Hermione explained quickly.

“Yeah, my bio dad, the tosser, dropped my mum as soon as he figured out she was a witch. Stan didn’t bat an eyelash when she told him. We didn’t understand until we met little Mine.”

“Julie,” Hermione gasped, her eyes fluttering shut in embarrassment at her nickname. She discovered that as long as her nose was buried in her father’s robes, she could resist the temptation to attack.

“You’ve got some nerve, missy,” Julie said, her eyes narrowing at her cousin. “You’re upset that I say a term of endearment when you’re obviously cozy with your Professor.”

“Oh!” Hermione squeaked and tried to jump back away from her father but he held her tight.

“Perhaps we can take this conversation inside?” Severus asked tersely.

“Yeah, come on,” Julie said and nodded her head towards inside. “Neighbors are downright nosy round here.”

Everyone shuffled into the living room and hovered uncomfortably until Julie sighed and motioned for them to sit on the sofa. Severus sat down stiffly, Melody right beside him. It was then that Hermione realized he was wearing his glamour. It was a bit startling to see the older worry-lined face of her stern potions master again. Still, the smell of the girls was intoxicating and she practically threw herself in Severus’s lap, burying her nose to drown out their scents.

“So,” Julie started boldly after Beth flopped down into her lap. “When did you start shagging your teacher?”

“I’m not!” Hermione snapped, though her voice was muffled by Severus’s robes.

“And that’s why you look like you’re about to eat him?” Beth asked in amusement.

“Hermione, may we tell them?” Melody asked politely.

Hermione tensed up. She’d met Julie the summer after her first year at Hogwarts. They’d been thick as thieves ever since, sharing every detail of their lives with each other. They had no secrets, not when Julie had come out of the closet, not when Hermione had wanted to experiment with girls, and not now. They would keep her secret, she was sure of it. She gave a jerky nod and buried her head further into her father’s chest. She hoped that was the right answer.

“Tell us what?” Julie asked.

Melody took a deep breath. “I said she was ill.”

“What’s wrong with her?”

Hermione’s heart shattered at the intense concern leaking into Julie’s voice. Most of the time, the girl put on an air of indifference. Rarely did she let something affect her, so to hear the tenderness in her voice hurt.

“Hermione, do you want to tell her?” Melody asked.

Hermione nodded and pulled back only to shake her head and dive back into her father’s chest. The scents were too much.

“Sev, we’re going to have to cast it.”

“No, they’ll track it.” Severus sighed and motioned for Melody to take his charge.

Hermione practically flew into her mother’s arms and breathed in the clean scent of jasmine. She didn’t feel as protected in her mother’s arms, but she did still feel in control. She had expected it to be hard, but not this hard. She was failing.

“You’re not failing,” Melody muttered under her breath. “You would have been better if it was just your mom and dad because they are your blood. These girls are not, making their smell that much more tempting. We’ll help you. Just relax and trust us.”

“Hermione,” Severus said. His tone was sharp, commanding and she jerked her head up to look at him. “I want you to pull your hair up and kneel. Ignore them for the moment.”

Hermione’s eyes widened in fear. She stood, whole body trembling as she twisted her hair into a tight knot and secured it with her wand. Then she tip toed over to her father before falling at his feet. To her surprise, he snapped something around her neck. Immediately, the smells were gone. She heaved a huge sigh of relief before fingering the contraption.

“It’s a training collar,” Severus said softly. “It will block the most powerful sensations. Right now, that is the smell. Only I can take it off so don’t worry about being able to get around it. Now, up on the couch.”

Hermione sat back down, wedging herself between her parents. The training collar might have blocked her smell, but it didn’t mean she couldn’t do something else just as bad. Julie and Beth were staring at her with an open mouth and a bit of awe in their eyes. They knew how much she detested being a slave to someone.

“Well,” Hermione said softly and froze. Melody and Severus each grabbed a hand and started whispering encouraging platitudes in her ears that the girls couldn’t make out. She hadn’t thought it would be this hard to vocalize what had happened to her. She could say the word vampire all day long, call herself one, study them, and ask questions about them. But trying to actually put in words what had happened to her was the hardest thing she thought she had ever done.

“I can’t say,” Hermione squeaked. “It’s…too dangerous.”

“For what?” Julie asked.

Severus leaned forward, realizing his child’s fear. “You do realize her position in the war, do you not?”

“I do,” Julie whispered. “She’s number three on You-Know-Who’s hit list.”

“Number two actually,” Severus said softly. “And if he found out what she is having a hard time vocalizing, she would be number one.”

“She can come with us!” Julie said suddenly. “No one cares about Australia yet. She can hide there until it’s over.”

“No.” Hermione surprised herself with the fierceness of her answer. “No running. I am going to see this through to the end.”

“You stubborn bitch!” Julie seethed. “Why won’t you see reason?”

“Because she is a Gryffindor,” Severus sighed. “They are sadly lacking in reason.”

“I am not,” Hermione said hotly. “And besides, if I’m lacking it, you’ve missed the plot completely.”

Melody sniggered and cringed when Severus shot a glare at her. She huffed and crossed her arms when she found the strength to do so. “Well, she’s got a point. If you two want to know, you’ll have to take a vow of silence.”

“So where do we take it?” Beth asked quietly. “I want to know.”

“A couple of miles from here is a Ministry appointed apparition point,” Hermione said quietly. “You should be able to take it there without it registering.”

“Good, we’ll be right back then,” Melody said and hopped up. “Sev, you coming?”

“I believe so.”

“Wait, we only have two motorbikes,” Hermione protested.

“And that is why you are staying here,” Melody said.

“What? No! What if my parents come back?”

“You will be fine,” Severus said softly. “The collar will alert me if something should start to happen and I’ll be here in the blink of an eye.”

“But-“

“No buts!” Severus said sharply. “You need this time to spend with your parents.”

“Yes sir,” Hermione breathed sadly.

She snuggled under her favorite throw on the sofa and listened to the motorbikes rev and Julie’s shout of “this is fucking awesome.” She was a bit wary about revealing herself but if anyone would stand behind her, Julie would. She wondered if Julie would extend the offer of refuge to her parents. It would certainly make it easier. After all, Uncle Stan would certainly go along with anything that they needed to do, including pretending that Hermione didn’t exist…should it come to that. They would have family in Australia as well, a support system, and she’d be able to find them after the war.

A car pulling into the driveway gained her attention. She didn’t know how she knew it was her parents, but she did. At least she couldn’t smell them. That should make it a hundred times easier to be with them but she still worried about hurting them. Her strength was something she was still getting the hang of and one of the reasons she’d not embraced Beth back. The door swung open and her mother called out.

“Girls, we’re back. We got some take away.”

Hermione took a steadying breath and stood up. “Hello mum.”

“Hermione!” her mom shouted and ran to embrace her. “We weren’t expecting you home for a few weeks yet.”

“Change of plans,” Hermione said softly and stood stock still while her mother clung to her.

Her father walked up and gave her a pat on her shoulder and a kiss on her forehead. “Welcome home kitten.”

“Thanks daddy,” Hermione croaked. She was fighting back tears of happiness and sorrow. It was cruel, to reunite with her parents only to send them away again. Perhaps it was for the best, at least until she could control herself.

“What’s wrong kitten? You’re stiff as a board.” Her father was staring at her, as if he couldn’t believe it was really her. “You’ve changed.”

“Yes, I’m afraid so,” Hermione whispered. “Can-can we sit and talk a bit?”

“Of course!” Her mother cried and pulled her back over to the sofa. “Tell us all about this year and your summer studies. You said you were being tutored by the potion’s master. How is that going? I imagine you’re learning all sorts of fascinating things.”

“It’s been a learning experience,” Hermione said weakly. She really wished Severus and Melody would get back soon.

“Something is wrong,” her father said with a frown. “You’re normally bursting at the seams to tell us about your adventures. What is it kitten?”

“I’m afraid I’m not myself anymore,” Hermione said. The tears were threatening to come down now and she knew if she let them that she would be lost.

“How so?”

She took a deep breath and decided to go for it. “Mum, dad, I-something happened before the end of school and…well, I’ll never be the same again.”

“What?” Her parents asked in tandem.

“I…well…I’m a vampire.”

Hermione braced herself for screams but could only watch in shock as both her parents promptly passed out in the floor.

“Well, that went well,” Melody snickered as she walked through the door.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

Hermione gnawed a quill to bits as she tried to write her friends. Severus and Melody had agreed to take her to Diagon Alley today so she could send out a few owls. Try as she might, the right words just wouldn’t come. It hadn’t been this hard to give detailed explanations of her attack to her parents.

Her mind returned to that day a week and a half ago. Julie had volunteered to house her parents and keep them safe in Australia. She also made a promise to keep a correspondence with Julie, a few meaningless lines every now and then to let her know she was still alive. If they stopped coming, then she’d wait a year and reverse the memory charms herself.

Back to the task at hand, she cursed a blue streak when the ink dripped off her quill making a messy blot on her paper. Honestly, how hard was it to wish her best friend a happy birthday? Perhaps it was the fact that she knew Sirius was waiting for him at Grimmauld place. His godfather had regained consciousness a little less than a week prior and was busy healing. It hadn’t taken but one suggestion from Dumbledore to convince him that he helped himself.

“Hermione?” Melody called from downstairs. “You done yet?”

“Not yet,” Hermione sighed. “I just don’t know what to say.”

Melody swept into the room and hugged her. “Why not just wish him a happy birthday early, tell him and Molly you wanted to spend some more time with your family, and be done. You wouldn’t be lying.”

Hermione nodded and then smacked her forehead on her desk. “I’m going stir crazy. There’s only so much swimming I can stand.”

Melody laughed. “Well, your reaction to smells is getting better. How about I invite your insane cousin and her lover over after we go to Diagon alley and we can all hang out in the park. The stench should help. After all, dead fish is hardly appetizing.”

“They’ll probably be headed back to Australia already,” Hermione said softly. “And I’m not sure I can control myself yet.”

“Who better to learn with than two of your best friends who understand the immense pressure you’re under?”

“I still can’t believe they accepted it so easily.”

Melody chuckled. “They both looked like they wanted to fuck you into the mattress.”

“Why is that?” Hermione asked. “They’ve never been that forward before. I mean, sure we’re close, but not quite that amorous.”

“Because you are sexy,” Melody said a bit harsher than usual. “Get used to it. You look like walking sex, vampires smell incredibly good, and they already liked you before. They understand your predicament and I’d bet they’d help any way they can.”

“They’ve already agreed to shelter my parents,” Hermione cried. “I can’t ask any more of them.”

“You say that like it is this huge burden.”

“It is!” Hermione shouted. “I could kill them!”

“We won’t let you,” Melody said firmly. “Time to step it up little one. The only way to learn how to resist mortals is to be around them. You’ve gotten the basic vampire gifts down. By the way, dunking Sev in the pool yesterday, brilliant.”

“Not the punishment I got for it,” Hermione said, reaching back to rub her bum even though it didn’t hurt anymore.

Melody chuckled. “He did make your ass a very pretty pink color…and you liked it.”

“Gods, I’m such a slag!” Hermione cried.

“No,” Melody laughed. “You’re just a vampire who is gagging for it. Maybe Julie and Beth will give you a tumble.”

“But I don’t like girls that way,” Hermione all but whined. “It isn’t from lack of trying. I just don’t. Even when Beth kissed me, all I wanted to do was eat her. Shagging her never crossed my mind.”

Melody ran her fingers through Hermione’s hair, massaging her scalp and combing out the tangles. What was with vampires and hair? She caught herself doing it too, reaching up to run her fingers through Severus’s silky locks and contentedly braiding Melody’s long strawberry blonde tresses. Her fingers felt good though and she practically purred. This had to be the affection part of her family bond. She was able to smell her real parents for only a few moments, tooth powder and family. She knew then that they would be safe from her…but not Julie and Beth. Not until she learned control.

“Well, we can always hope to find a nice looking bloke in the alley. Come on then, wish Harry well, apologize to Molly, and let’s get this show on the road.”

Just as Hermione finished penning her name, she heard Severus hiss from downstairs. She quickly dropped her quill and raced to him, the trip taking less time than blinking an eye. He was clutching his left arm and cursing a blue streak.

“Go Sev,” Melody said sadly. “I’ll take her alone. We’ll use glamours.”

Severus nodded. “I’ll return as soon as I can.”

“Be careful,” Melody breathed and kissed his lips tenderly before she stepped back and watched him touch his wand to his Mark.

“He was summoned,” Hermione said hollowly.

Melody nodded, blinking rapidly to quell the tears. “It happens a lot, actually. We were getting worried that he hadn’t been summoned before now.”

“I imagine he was waiting until all the press died down from his spotting at the Ministry,” Hermione said quietly.

“Possibly,” Melody whispered. “He won’t be back for a long while. Let’s go. Staying here is too depressing. We’ll take the bikes. Wear your leathers.”

Hermione nodded and raced upstairs to change. She was thankful that they’d gone into Muggle London and bought her a new wardrobe. It wasn’t a large selection, but it was plenty to get by with including new leathers so she could ride the motorbikes without worry. She was back down in a flash, two letters and a small bag of galleons clutched in her hand. If she didn’t think about it, maybe she wouldn’t obsess over what was happening to Severus at the moment.

“Here,” Melody said and handed her a tiny hair clip. “This is a glamour clip. I have three I wear regularly because they are easier than polyjuice. They will stop working if you catch a finite just right so keep a sharp eye. Put it close to the scalp and make sure your hair covers it up.”

Hermione slid the brown clip into her hair and turned to look in a nearby mirror, frowning when there was no reflection.

Melody chuckled. “Charm only lasts about a week. The incantation is revelare lamia. You’ll want to jab straight at the mirror and then give a counterclockwise circular flick.”

Hermione pulled her wand out of her arm holster and concentrated on the mirror, following Melody’s instructions to the letter. Her reflection appeared moments later…only it wasn’t her looking back. It was a raven haired beauty with pale blue eyes and a button nose.

“Beautiful, isn’t she?” Melody sighed and gazed into the mirror behind her. “I call her Rain, because that’s the color her eyes are.”

“You created this?” Hermione asked.

“Of course,” Melody said as if it were the most obvious thing in the world. “I had to. Those standardized charms make it easy to spot and Sev wouldn’t let me out of the house if I looked like myself.”

“But you’ve been out of the house all week!” Hermione protested.

“In the muggle world, yes,” Melody said. “But the wizarding world was off limits so I created a series of these. This one is called Cara.”

Hermione watched in awe as Melody’s face melted into a slightly heftier frame. Her long red locks turned pale blonde and fell in short layers around her face, framing her caramel colored eyes. Hermione thought she was just as beautiful as Rain but she preferred Melody’s face.

“Well, best stop gawking at ourselves,” Melody said tightly. “We’ve got a date with Diagon Alley to find a present for the Chosen One.”

Hermione snorted and followed her mother out to the front where a gleaming Harley sat next to Melody’s usual motorbike. She frowned, wondering what was going on. “Do you need to put father’s bike up before we leave?”

“You know very well that isn’t your father’s bike,” Melody chided. “It’s yours.”

“What?” Hermione shrieked.

“You aren’t deaf child. That bike is yours.”

“But-“

“No buts,” Melody cut in. “Sev’s been teaching you how to drive. It’s time you went on your own.”

“But I’m not old enough yet!”

“Age is just a number and if we get pulled over just mesmerize them. You’ve mastered that one.”

Hermione couldn’t argue with that one. Her third feeding she had demanded to catch her own prey. She was extremely proud of herself that she’d caught on the first try. Severus said that it didn’t hurt that she was easy on the eyes. She’s been entirely too flustered to have an intelligent comeback for that assessment.

“Quit trying to make excuses and plant your ass on that bike,” Melody barked when she sensed another argument coming on. “Besides, boys like biker chicks. Perhaps we can pick one up for you to play with.”

Hermione sighed. “I don’t want a boy toy. I prefer monogamous relationships.”

“So you do want a mate,” Melody pushed.

Hermione growled low in her throat, angry at being caught. “I suppose.”

“See, that wasn’t so hard to admit. Trust me. Every girl wants a mate, someone to take care of them in every way possible. Some even get lucky.”

“How’s that?” Hermione asked, revving the engine just like her father had showed her.

“Some get to fall in love,” Melody said wistfully. “Now, stick close.”

Hermione kept the bike right behind her mother’s. Her stomach clenched as her thoughts turned to Severus. What if he didn’t return? He’d never told Melody how he felt. Not telling her because he wanted her to move on was ridiculous. In fact, she had a sneaking suspicion that her mother would end her life as well. Sorrow threatened to overwhelm her so she gunned the engine and tried to keep her mind on the road.

“What shall we get him?” Melody asked as they parked outside the Leaky Cauldron.

“I don’t know,” Hermione mused. “Maybe some dog treats for Sirius?”

Melody huffed. “Let’s poison them first.”

“Still no love?” Hermione teased.

“Pompous asshole,” Melody grumbled. “Didn’t even question. Tried to hex my mate.”

“And what did he get in return?” Hermione asked.

Melody sighed. “Boils on his ass…which he deserved. He hit my mate with an impotence spell.”

“I remember,” Hermione said, paling when she remembered Severus’s enraged ranting…and the celebrating afterwards when the curse was removed.

“Come on then,” Melody said and pulled her to the entrance.

Hermione froze. A million smells all hit her at once. They all smelled delicious.

“Oh damn,” Melody growled. “I forgot to have him put your collar on. Well, nothing for it but to go on. You just ate this morning. You’ll be fine.”

“But what if I’m not?”

“Then I’ll apparate us out, okay?”

Hermione nodded. She could do this. Maybe. Oh Merlin. Walking into the Leaky was like walking into the tenth level of hell. All she could smell was food; the soft whispers of the patrons were almost deafening. Tom was murmuring about how odd it was to see two of Snape’s girls together. Wait. Snape’s girls?

“What was that about?” Hermione hissed after they’d walked through the wall.

“I only have three clips,” Melody murmured. “Sev rarely lets me come here alone, despite the fact that I can take care of myself. Tom’s the only one who seems to notice.”

“Doesn’t Severus think you can take care of yourself?” Hermione asked.

“He knows I can,” Melody said softly. “He just prefers to be a possessive caveman about it.”

“Maybe he really cares,” Hermione offered breezily.

“He cares that no one else touches what is his,” Melody sighed and pointed to the quidditch shop. “Perhaps something in there?”

“No,” Hermione said with a frown. “He’s already got most of the stat books, a servicing kit, and more memorabilia that he knows what to do with. Perhaps his possessiveness shows how devoted he is to you? Let’s go to a sweet shop. Harry doesn’t get to eat a whole lot over the summer.”

Melody chuckled at the brilliant breakneck subject changes. “I suppose we can send him a few treats. Sev’s only devotion is to his cock…and her. How about a piece of jewelry with an undetectable extension charm in it? I bet Harry would appreciate something he could store that blasted cloak of his in.”

Hermione smirked. It seemed that Melody was going to play her game after all. “That’s a brilliant idea. I’ll get him a little snitch necklace and some chocolate. Perhaps he’s just wary of letting another person know how close they are to him? Dumbledore seems to be doing a bang up job of taking advantage of the last time he did that. Where is this jewelry shop that makes these things?”

Melody did laugh out loud at that one. “It’s just around the corner. And trust me, no one will ever get that close again. Now, how are you feeling?”

“As long as I don’t think about it, I’m fine,” Hermione said softly. “There’s just so many smells. I think that’s why it isn’t as bad.”

Melody nodded. “It’s amazing but it is actually easier in large crowds. It’s the small shops you have to worry about…like the jewelry store.”

“Great,” Hermione muttered and followed her mother inside.

Hermione was chuffed that the shopkeeper smelled like boiled cabbages and wasn’t the least bit appetizing. She picked out a beautiful thick chained silver necklace with a medium sized snitch. It had extension charms that were keyed to the user who recites the incantations. Once activated, only the user could retrieve the items stored in it. It also had a locator and sticking charm. It was perfect for Harry, who always seemed to misplace things.

“Was that necessary?” Hermione hissed when they got out of the shop. Melody had told the old man, Herbert, to put it on the Professor’s bill.

“Yep,” Melody said happily. “I’m under strict orders actually. If I let you pay, I get twenty lashes with a whip.”

“Why?” Hermione asked horrified.

Melody shrugged. “He is your father and no is not an acceptable answer. He takes care of what is his…and your parents only gave you so much. It needs to last you a while.”

Hermione grumbled as they made their way to the sweet shop. She didn’t like to depend on anyone else. It was preposterous that she was submissive, though she couldn’t doubt it. Every time Severus had told her to jump, she’d done it, not happily but complied all the same. She couldn’t deny it. An image of her kneeling in front of him nude was permanently fixed in her brain every time she thought about it. Why was she this way?

Melody started giggling. “If you think any harder, your eyes might just pop out of your head.”

“I can’t help it!” Hermione growled. “Why am I submissive?”

“Quite a shock, huh?” Melody asked softly. “Especially since you are the biggest control freak I’ve ever met in my life.”

“That’s it exactly!” Hermione said, ignoring the implied insult. “I want things exactly my way. I have a set schedule. I set schedules for other people. Why would I want to bow to someone else?”

“Perhaps your inner self wishes to just let go?” A voice purred from behind her.

Hermione spun around, wide eyed and preparing to bolt. There, only inches from her face, was the one person she could have lived her entire life without seeing, Draco Malfoy. His smell surrounded her and she felt her stomach do a flip and her core clench. He smelled of parchment and freshly mown grass…and home.

“Oh Gods,” Hermione whispered.

“Draco,” Melody chided. “It isn’t polite to listen in on other’s conversations.”

“I apologize for my forwardness Cara,” Draco said smoothly.

His voice went straight to Hermione’s pussy and she shifted away uncomfortably. It couldn’t be. Draco Malfoy was not her mate. He just couldn’t be. They hated each other…with a passion. Passion. Hermione sucked in a deep breath with the intention of holding it for a while so she didn’t have to smell him but that proved to be a big mistake. His smell filled her senses until all she was aware of was him…and an annoying tugging on her sleeve.

“I’ll ask you not to eavesdrop in the future, Draco,” Melody said softly and started dragging Hermione backwards. Something was extremely wrong and she wanted to get out of there, errands be damned.

“You know,” Draco said with narrowed eyes, “it is odd for two of Professor Snape’s girls to be out together.”

“No it isn’t,” Melody said warily. She knew Draco was sharp.

“It is when you’re all the same person.”

“That’s preposterous!” Melody squeaked and stepped in front of Hermione, finally breaking her trance. “Come on He-Rain. We’ll just finish shopping later.”

Hermione could only nod her head. Draco’s…no, damn it, Malfoy’s eyes had her practically pinned in place. Her whole body was trembling from his proximity. This was not good. Severus was right. She wouldn’t be able to resist him, not until she learned to accept and control her submissive nature.

“Then explain why Rain is four inches shorter than normal and hasn’t yet insulted my hair or my attire.”

“Shit,” Melody hissed.

“You’d best start talking,” Draco said, his voice pitched lower. “I know where the dear professor is right now and I won’t hesitate to let him know that his woman is stepping out on him.”

“Fuck you Malfoy,” Melody growled. “You don’t know one fucking thing.”

“Which is why I am clueless to the fact that every woman Professor Snape has been with since I have been born is the same one.”

“Look, he knows about Rain and I, alright? Drop it.”

“If he knows, then why do you both have fear in your eyes?” Draco purred. “You know, I really do like the professor a lot. I consider him more of a father figure than my own. I’d hate to see him when he finds out…or perhaps I can discuss this with someone else, someone with more…interest in his affairs.”

“No!” Melody all but shrieked. “Damn it Malfoy, alright. I’ll talk. But NOT here. Let us finish our shopping and we’ll meet you somewhere.”

“Where, pray tell, would you like to meet?”

“Nancy’s,” Melody said after a few seconds of struggle. “It’s a little muggle dinner just about a block from the Leaky.”

“Muggle!” Draco spat with disdain.

“Yes Malfoy, muggle. If you want to know, you’ll go there. If not…well…tell your fucking person of interest. Fat lot of good it will do you if you go pointing fingers without proof.”

Draco looked to be fighting a great battle internally for a few minutes before his face smoothed out. “Fine. We’ll meet at Nancy’s,” he spat with disdain. “I’ll see you at five sharp. Don’t think about standing me up.”

“Deal,” Melody said and turned with a flounce, dragging a still stunned Hermione with her.

AN: So, Sapphire Phoenix made me giggle...and I posted another chapter. (*cough*see how that words*cough*) You can all thank her for it. Little Hermione has met her mate, conniving little ferret he is. Wonder what they're going to discuss? *raised eyebrow Snape style* I actually hated the pace this story was on so I spent the entire weekend rewriting the chapters I'd already written. Hope it flows a little quicker now. As always, thanks to everyone who reviewed. I love each and every one. They are balm to my battered ego. ;) Keep them coming and let me know how I'm doing and if you see any errors. Until next time... Love you guys.
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Beyond the Pale