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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
- 7
- 8
- 9
Shattered

By Adriana

trixielou60@hotmail.com

Disclaimer: See prologue
*****************************************************
We're playing those mind games together

Pushing the barriers, planting the seeds

Playing the mind guerrilla

Chanting the mantra, peace on earth

We've all been playing those mind games forever

Some kinda druid dudes lifting the veil

Doing the mind guerilla

Some call it magic, the search for the grail
~From the song, "Mind Games" by John Lennon
*****************************************************
Chapter 8: Games
When they'd finally reached Hogwarts on Sunday afternoon, Hermione and
Severus had abruptly parted company, a tense silence between them. Making his
way to the Potions Lab, Severus rubbed his temples, trying to alleviahe
he
onset of a migraine. He allowed himself a moment from his frantic organization
of parchments and potions ingredients to contemplate what had happened earlier
that day.
He closed his eyes and remembered.
Sunday morning had greeted Severus all bright and sunny, as if the night's
storm had been only a dream. He'd sleepily lurched into the main living area
and was greeted by the sight of Hermione out on the balcony. She'd lifted her
leg to a chair was pulling at a stray thread on the hem of her robes, deep in
concentration with her task. It was a simple gesture, but the beauty of it
blinded Severus and for a moment he stood still to take in the sight of her.
Her body was curved gracefully against her leg and the sun caught glints of
gold in her otherwise dark hair. The backdrop of the ocean was breathtaking.
Finding himself regarding her without her knowledge once again, he wondered
about his tendency to spy on her. He inwardly cringed at the memory of watching
her and Draco Malfoy at that Italian restaurant. He'd transfigured himself into
a woman, for Godsakes!
Had he no pride?
Clearing his throat, he caught her attention and she looked up at him,
wide-eyed. For a few seconds Severus forgot his resolve of last night. She was
really beautiful. Why hadn't he seen it before?
"I can do this," he thought to himsel/p>
/p>
Forcing neutrality into his voice, he asked, "Did you sleep well?
She smiled. "Oh, very well, thank you."
There was a moment of awkward silence, and then she said, "Thank you
for yesterday. I don't know what I would have done if you hadn't been
there."
He waved a dismissive hand. "I did what was necessary."
Hermione couldn't hide her look of disappointment, but Severus chose to
ignore it before he did something monumentally stupid, like wrapping his arms
around her and kissing away her distress.
Instead, he said curtly, " We will be leaving within the hour."
For a very brief moment, her face fell, but only for the briefest of
instants. She quickly gathered herself, and straightening to her full height,
she jutted out her chin and looked at him in defiance.
"Of course, Professor Snape." Brushing past him without giving him
a glance, she went upstairs to pack.
He'd been left standing alone, a dull ache in his chest, where he supposed
his heart should be.
Shaking his head to the present, his thoughts were interrupted by Albus
coming through the door of the lab.
"Congratulations on your success! I'm very anxious to look at the Soul
Gathering Spell you retrieved from Belize."
"It's going to have to be modified," Severus informed him.
"The spell is hundreds of years old and the results were erratic at best.
Given what we've learned through the centuries, I'd say that we're going to
have to substitute incantations and adapt the spell from other sources. There
is much we don't know about how the Soul Gathering Spell works."
"Yes," Albus agreed with him. "It's going to take a lot of
effort. Professor Flitwick and Professor McGonagall are going to work on the
spell with me. Hermione was telling me about a device that she's developed
during the course of her research that is designed to break down a spell and
analyze its components. Remarkable, really. I'm sure it will be invaluable. By
the way, I gather you two had a chance to meet with Cristobel. How is the old
coot?"
Severus chuckled, despite himself. "You're one to talk. Cristobel was
incredibly helpful, he sends his best. He's an interesting fellow, almost as
interesting as you are."
Albus allowed himself a delighted grin. "Why, I believe that was a
compliment. I'll take it as such, anyway. So, did you and Dr. Granger make out
all right?"
"Interesting choice of words," thought Severus. Keeping his
face carefully inscrutable, he answered, "Fine."
"Just fine?"
"Albus, if you're looking for gossip, youget get none from me. We went
in, we found the spell and we came home. End of story."
"Hmmm," said the Headmaster. "So I take it there will be no
problems with your working relationship? You're going to be spending quite a
bit of time together, skipping dinners, late nights in the Potions Lab, sharing
triumphs and failures together." His voice trailed off.
"We'll manage," Severus grunted.
Albus looked at him thoughtfully. Despite himself, Severus couldn't help but
ask, "What are you getting at, Albus?" He knew the Headmaster well
enough to see the little wheels turning in his head and that he was being
baited.
Dumbledore smiled. "Oh, nothing. I just have a feeling that this is
going to be an interesting collaboration."
Taking a deep sip from his tea, Severus refused comment.
**************************************
Ron noisily searched Harry's cupboards for something to eat. Harry was
reminded of a Muggle film he'd seen in his primary school science class,
showing pigs rooting around for truffles. He couldn't help letting out a soft
laugh at the comparison.
"Blimey, Harry! Where's your food? I open your cupboards and I swear I
can hear the ocean. They're frightfully empty."
"Sorry, Ron. I haven't been around much. I usually grab something at
the Ministry. The food there is terrible, though."
Ron didn't hear as he had his head buried deep in Harry's 'fridge.
"These Muggle cooling machines are really brilliant," he said.
Pulling out an apple, he sighed. "I suppose this will have to do."
Seating himself at the table, he took a loud bite out of the apple.
"So," he said, thoughtfully munching. "What's been going on in
your life?"
Harry looked stricken.
Noticing the look, Ron sighed. "You spent the night with Ginny again,
didn't you?"
Harry shifted uncomfortably. "Honestly, Ron. How do you do that?"
"It's written all over your face, you're a terrible liar. Always have
been." Ron clucked in sympathy. "I suppose I should be angry, or at
the very least, I should defend my sister's honour. However, as the Muggles
say, it takes two to tango. Despite what my mum and my brothers think, she's a
big witch. Big enough to make her own choices."
"Too bad neither of us is capable of making good ones," answered
Harry.
"So what happens now?"
"I talk to her, apologize . . . tell her that I'm not worth the
trouble."
"Blah blah blah, Harry," Ron said mournfully.
"I know."
They sat in a contemplative silence for a moment, then Ron spoke suddenly.
"Voldemort has damaged us all, hasn't he? But I've got news . . .
something to give us hope. You know I've been secretly training with the
Ministry, right? I don't have to tell you how sensitive the information is I'm
about to give you, do I?" Ron's eyes shifted furtively, as if he were
checking for spying House Elves. "Are we alone?"
"Well yes, except for The Harry Potter Fan Club hiding in my closet,
we're completely alone."
Ron grinned. Letting out a tense breath, he said, "We've compromised
Voldemort's security."
Harry started. "What? How?"
"You know of Phineus Horton, do you not?"
"Voldemort's Head of Security? Yeah, he's scum."
"He's also got a taste for very young witches. Our intelligence
revealed that Horton frequents a certain brothel in Knockturn Alley called
"The Magic Finger."
"Interesting name," said Harry dryly.
"It caters to those 'ch 'childish' desires," Ron gave a shudder.
"Anyway, he likes to go to there alone, he doesn't like a crowd . . .
" He couldn't suppress a grin. "Performance anxiety or
something." Harry snorted and Ron started laughing. He took up the story
again. "We set up a young Auror to work undercover. She was able to, erm,
distract him while we broke the wards in the room. Dreadful place, all pink and
glittery, you know, sort of like Trelawney's classroom."
Seeing Harry's impatient look he continued, "Well, to make a long story
short, we caught him wandless and with his pants down. We were easily able to
cast a Stupefy, as he was in no condition to fight back. We were then able to
confiscate his wand and perform a Priori Incantatem on it. We've got every
spell he's cast in the last three weeks. Our analysts are scrutinizing them as
we speak. Most of the spells were elaborate wards, which are virtually
impossible to break, at this point. However, once they're identified, we can
work on the counterspells. Voldemort is a creature of habit, he's unlikely to
change how he does things."
"But what about Horton?"
"Oh, we cast an Obliviate on him, he hasn't a clue. Last I saw him, he
was happily shagging that Auror. Stupid git."
Harry crowed. "That's the best news I've heard in a long, long time!
Between Hermione's spell and potion and this breach in security, maybe we have
a chance after all!"
"I'm glad you're so happy about this. It's going to make what I'm going
to tell you next much easier." He hesitated. "Hermione's back."
"I didn't know she'd been gone. Where did she go?"
"Hell's bells, Harry! You'd better sit down. Hermione was in Paris with
Malfoy, and well . . . "
A few minutes later, the sounds of cursing and breaking glass could be heard
from the street outside Harry's house.
***********************************
Severus made his way up to the infirmary. He'd scoured his potions cabinet
looking for some extra vials of The Dreamless Sleep Potion, with the intent of
delivering them to the hospital wing. They'd depleted their stores in the
aftermath of the Death Eaters' attack in Hogsmeade, as many of the students had
been plagued with nightmares. However, delivery of the potion was just an
excuse to see Hermione andwellwell knew it.
Instead of finding Hermione, he found her assistant, Taryn Butler, bent over
a patient's chart.
"Professor Snape! What a pleasant surprise," she said, her face
breaking out into a charming smile.
"I thought you might be in need of some of this," he said, handing
her the vials. Looking behind her shoulder, he asked casually, "Is Dr.
Granger here?"
"Oh, no, she's not. She left with Draco Malfoy about twenty minutes
ago."
"Malfoy was here?" Again, he tried to keep his voice casual.
Taryn didn't seem to notice as she gushed, "Oh yes, and he brought
flowers. It was the most enchanting thing I've ever seen! I mean, after all,
they did spend the weekend together in Paris, or so I've heard, and here he was
again, sweeping her away for a romantic dinner. The whole castle is buzzing
about it!"
Severus felt his gut tighten.
"I'd like to think that we've got more important things to do around
here, rather than gossiping about Dr. Granger's love life, real or
imagined," he bit out harshly.
"Oh come now, Professor! With the threat of war, a little light-hearted
gossip is harmless, really. Besides, they make such a beautiful couple. He's so
handsome with his gorgeous gray eyes and she's just lovely with her pale skin
and dark hair. They're very striking. And they seem so much in love. They
couldn't keep their hands off each other."
Taryn seemed oblivious to the strangled sound Severus made in his throat.
He mumbled, "We really shouldn't be talking about this."
"I'm sorry, I've made you uncomfortable. I know you have to work with
Dr. Granger, and you probably couldn't care less about her love life. But it's
nice to see a little bit of happiness around here. Merlin knows we could all
use it."
Severus felt it best to change the subject. "So how are you faring here
at your new job?" he asked politely.
Taryn's pretty face lit up. "Oh, I just love it here. Dr. Granger is
very kind and I'm learning so much. I'm very happy, thank you for asking."
"Well, at least someone is happy here," he said sardonically.
Taryn broke out into what could only be described as a seductive grin.
"You know, Professor, you should take a page from Dr. Granger's book.
She's not the only one who deserves some happiness. I know a certain Potions
Master who spends all his days locked up in a drab lab, never getting out and
having fun."
"I've no time for fun, Miss Butler."
Taryn stepped closer to Severus, her body just inches from his. Reaching
down to where his hand was resting on the table, she allowed her fingers to
brush against his, her touch a gentle caress. "Then perhaps you should
take the time to have some fun." Her voice was a husky whisper.
There was no mistaking her meaning.
*********************************
Twenty minutes previously, Draco Malfoy had dramatically swept into the
infirmary, looking for Hermione and clutching his requisite bouquet of white
roses. Sneaking up behind her, he'd thrown his arms around her waist, burying
his face in her neck. "Hello, gorgeous. Miss me?" He nipped at the
soft skin behind her ear.
Hermione had yelped in surprise. "Don't do that!" she hissed.
"Why not? We're lovers, after all. At least, that's what we want
everyone to think!"
"Keep your voice down," she whispered harshly. "Taryn is in
the next room."
"Oh well, it looks like you're going to have to play along, then.
Follow my lead." Straightening up, he'd practically shouted,
"Hermione, my darling! I've missed you so!"
Hermione rolled her eyes in exasperation.
"I think this is the part where you throw your arms around me and tell me
you love me. Honestly, Hermione! Do I have to tell you everything? One would
think you've never had a boyfriend before. Oh . . . sorry. I guess you
haven't!" he whispered in glee.
Hermione let out an involuntary growl, but before she could retort, Malfoy
had grabbed her again for a passionate kiss, timing it for when Taryn walked
into the room. Taryn couldn't hide her delight at the sight of themnchenched
together in an amorous embrace.
Draco pulled back, only to begin raining kisses on Hermione's neck and her
chin. "Mmmmm, you taste so good!" Glancing at Taryn, he said, "
Oh, hello, whom do we have here?" He couldn't suppress an evil grin.
Hermione squirmed. She was so going to get back at Malfoy for this.
Stammering, she said, "D-Draco, this is my assistant, Taryn Butler. Taryn
this is my, erm, b-boyfriend, Draco Malfoy." Draco thought she looked a
little too pained at saying this, but he let it slide for now."
Oh, so you're the infamous Draco Malfoy! I've heard a lot about you."
"All of it good, I'm sure," Draco shot an amused glance at the
secretly seething Hermione. "Dr. Granger and I were just going out to
Hogsmeade for dinner. I'm sure you can manage things while she's gone?"
"Oh, it's not a problYou You two kids go out and have some fun. Everything
will be here when you get back."
With a grandiose gesture, Draco pulled Hermione's cloak off a hook.
"Come on, love. We've got reservations for seven." He clasped her
cloak in an intimate gesture, and putting his arm around her, he called out to
Taryn, "Don't wait up."
Her giggles were the last thing they heard when they left the hospital wing.
Once they'd been seated at the restaurant, Hermione had trouble keeping her
voice down. "Was that really necessary?"
Draco grinned. "Come now, my love!"
"Don't call me that!"
"Well, in the eyes of the wizarding world you are my love. It's
the only thing keeping me alive right now, thank you very much. I'd appreciate
it if you could remember that. And do try to be a little more enthusiastic. I
have a reputation, you know."
"Can't you be serious about anything?"
"I'm serious about staying alive. I'm serious about killing Voldemort
and winning this war. I'm serious about my father getting what's coming to him.
Any other questions?"
Hermione sighed. "No . . . I suppose you're right."
Draco absently fondled her hand, bringing it to his lips. "I'm going to
have to bring you up to speed about what happened in Paris." He braced
himself before continuing with his account.
As Draco began the story, Hermione heard a loud buzzing in her ears. The
only words she could make out were, "drunk", "fountain",
"naked", "arrested" and "shagging". She began to
feel faint.
"Hermione? Are you listening? Pull yourself together, girl! Everything
is going according to plan. You and Uncle Severus will be working on the potion
and the Headmaster has a team working on the spell. Best of all, Voldemort will
be distracted with thoughts of revenge on Harry Potter. We'll have to time
everything, of course, but really, things couldn't be going better. It's like a
chess match, all the pieces are falling into place . . . "
A soft, menacing voice interrupted them. "Too bad you suck at chess,
Malfoy."
Startled, Draco looked up. "Oh, it's only you, Weasley. For a minute
there, I thought it was someone important."
Ron stepped aside to reveal Harry standing behind him, a grim look on his
face.
"Oh, hullo, Harry," said Draco.
Before he could continue, Harry reached back and in a blur, his fist
connected with Draco's aristocratic nose.
To be continued . . .
***********************************
Oh what tangled web we weave . . . . things are getting complicated, don't
you think?
Thanks again to my beta, Elizabeth, who had been a wonderful sounding board
for this story.
- 7
- 8
- 9
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Shattered