Severus, Redux: Chapter 25
(In which futures are discussed and a party attended)
Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, 23 November 1996, 1:14 PM
"Are you planning to go to Slughorn's Christmas party?" Severus tried to pose the question nonchalantly, as if he didn't really care one way or the other, then inwardly sighed as it came out too casual. He really hated being so transparently needy, even though he'd come to trust that Hermione was not the manipulative sort. Thankfully, the day was relatively nice and the Ravenclaw common room was nearly empty. Only a few third-years were playing a game of some kind on the other side of the room, not paying attention to them in the least.
To Severus' relief, Hermione didn't seem to realise. Her answering look was surprised. "I had assumed you'd be my date, actually." She hesitated, then asked, "Did you not want to go? I know you don't care for Professor Slughorn much, or the Slug Club."
Severus lifted a shoulder. "I suppose," he mumbled, "if you want to attend." He did want to go to the party. Quite badly, to be honest, though he would rather not have to admit that to anyone. Professor Slughorn had an extensive network of friends and contacts who were rumoured to be coming: ministry officials, important business owners, and even a professional Quidditch player or two. Going to Slughorn's Christmas Party was the event to see and be seen at this year; the benefits of being a Slug Club member-or the date of one-paid off with dividends.
Another sideways glance at Hermione through his hair had him sighing a little. She had relaxed back against the couch next to him, but had a troubled look on her face, as if she were not entirely certain she wanted to go.
"It's a bit galling," Severus admitted quietly. Hermione's attention snapped back to him, a confused look on her face, and he awkwardly explained. "Professor Slughorn has a knack for networking. He chooses the students that he knows will do well after Hogwarts, and connects them to each other, to the important people he's taught before, and to the most promising generations that come after. He's the very epicentre of the 'old school tie' of the British wizarding world.
"I've always wanted to be something...more. I'm smart, Hermione. Smarter than most of the people at this school, I think. I've always told myself that I just need to get through school, get the best marks, and someday...someday everyone would see it, too. I've blamed Slughorn's lack of vision in me on being the poor, ugly, half-blood son of a witch who gave up her right to the name."
He shrugged a little and met Hermione's eyes. "My mum was a member of the Slug Club, when she was in school. Obviously, she didn't pan out for him," Severus said bitterly. "Instead of being...whatever it was he saw in her, she left the wizarding world entirely, married a Muggle, and didn't even protest when my father burnt her wand. She died young, especially for a witch. So I decided that it was her fault-my parents' fault that I didn't gain the notice, the connections I felt I should have had. I decided I'd have to just make the important connections on my own. I was so proud when Lucius Malfoy took notice and informed me that I might just maybe be worth his time, and therefore the time of Lord...You-Know-Who."
Severus laughed self-deprecatingly, then looked away, choosing to hide behind his hair and stare at his hands instead. He felt stripped bare, admitting this to her. "You're a chosen member of his precious club, of course. Professor Slughorn would be an absolute, blind fool not to include you. But me…" Severus squirmed uncomfortably. "As an adult I turned out to be a powerful wizard, but I didn't protect the only person I cared about. I barely escaped time in Azkaban. And all I do is hide away in a school dungeon and teach potions because of it all. I never became anything at all, and Professor Slughorn was justified in ignoring me.
"Now...now I can start over. I'm thought to be pure-blooded, my teeth are straight, I've got top marks and I even have a girlfriend. Not just any girlfriend, but a pretty one, whose intellect matches mine and is the best student in the school." Severus peeked out through his hair to see how his compliment landed, and was gratified to see a pleased look steal across Hermione's face before her expression settled back into attentive concern.
Severus sighed, not wanting to continue, then painfully pushed the words out. "But even with all these changes, I still don't rate." He caught her eyes again, and finished softly. "It's difficult to admit that it isn't anyone's fault but mine. I am, perhaps, simply not good enough and never will be."
Hermione shook her head and threw her arms around him fiercely. "Yes, you are. You are most certainly good enough for anything and anyone, Atreus! You are so smart, and I'd trust you to guard my back in a duel over anyone else, even Harry.
"I think we should go to the party, even though Professor Slughorn is a bit of a bore. We'll meet important people and stick our noses in the air if anyone so much as hints that we shouldn't be there." Her chin lifted as if to punctuate her statement, giving him such a falsely supercilious look that Severus couldn't help but snort in laughter and hug her tightly against him again.
Hermione snuggled into his chest and murmured, "Someday this whole stupid war will be over, and we're going to show everyone we're both good enough for anything. Even if you're not a Slug Club member and I'm a Mudblood."
Her words were like a healing balm on his raw, exposed insecurities, even as the final word made him flinch. "Don't call yourself that," he said gruffly. "I don't like...Please, just don't."
She pulled back from his arms briefly and gave him an intense look. "I know it's supposed to be a horrific slur, but in the end it's just a word. If that's the worst insult that my adversaries can come up with…" She snickered. "It's really silly, when you think about it. Calling me a Mudblood is tantamount to saying that they can't find anything about me that's actually inadequate." To Severus' surprise, her lip trembled briefly. "I love my parents; more than they will ever know." Her chin lifted. "I won't let a stupid word meant to insult the people I love make me feel like I'm worthless."
Severus returned her stare, desperately wanting to dip into her thoughts and see if she really meant it. It wasn't often that he was at a loss for words, but doubt, past regret and a strange hope that he couldn't really explain warred inside him. He cleared his throat, trying to unstick his vocabulary, then cleared it again. "What if… What if it was Potter who called you that? Or Weasley? You know, a friend. You really wouldn't be angry?"
Hermione's brows furrowed, surprise clearly writ on her face. "Well, yes, of course I would be. That's a bit different; they're my friends. I wouldn't expect that sort of behaviour from them, and after everything, they'd deserve the hex I'd give them." She shrugged. "It wouldn't be the first time one or the other has been a complete prat, though. I'm sure we'd eventually get over it, so long as the idiot who said it didn't actually mean it."
Severus mulled her words over. According to the professor, Lily had not forgiven him, nor had she accepted his friendship again. Did Hermione simply have a rosy outlook because it hadn't actually happened to her, or was it just a fundamental difference between the two girls despite sharing the same background and house? He was fairly sure that he would never repeat such a horrid mistake, but he couldn't help but be hopeful that if he were to lash out in anger in some way it wouldn't automatically mean the complete destruction of their relationship.
Uneasy, Severus hugged the girl in his arms and steered the conversation back to safer grounds. "What exactly do you want to do when you graduate?"
Hermione settled deeper into the couch, tucking her head against his shoulder. After a moment she groaned in indecision. "To be honest, I'm not entirely sure. We had career consultations with our heads of house last year, but it wasn't very enlightening. There is so much that sounds interesting, and I couldn't really narrow it down. Ten or fifteen minutes with one person isn't very long to gather information, much less multiple options. It's unfortunate that Hogwarts doesn't really have a career fair for its N.E.W.T. students to attend," she groused.
She was quiet for a long minute, then said thoughtfully, "Possibly a barrister? There is a lot of Ministry legislation I'd like to change, or at least challenge. Especially in relation to other magical beings or minorities like elves and Muggleborns. I also like the idea of being a Healer. Not the garden variety kind that fixes broken bones and hands out sweets, though. More of the sort that's in a highly specialised field or doing trial research-like whatever the wizarding version of a neurologist is, you know? I also really like Arithmancy. It might be fun to work with that in some way, though I'm not entirely sure how."
"Hmmm. Ambitious of you." He smiled into her hair, unsurprised her aspirations were so high. He did not ask whether she also saw herself starting a family. He hoped the answer would be no. Though she'd be brilliant at it. But at least not right away. Not that he would necessarily mind having a kid. Maybe. Someday. His heart fluttered nervously, and his nerves pricked with a slight edge of panic. Not anytime soon of course. Hades, was he really considering all that? Now? He wasn't even legally an adult yet, and he was practically buying a picket fence.
Thankfully, Hermione continued on, her pragmatic discussion of her future calming him down as nothing else could have. "Absolutely. Makes choosing your N.E.W.T. classes hard, though. I'd rather not do the Time-Turner route again, but if I don't choose a career soon, my chances of picking the right electives are shot straight to hell. I'm already taking a chance dropping Care of Magical Creatures. It's rather necessary if I want to work in the Magical Creatures and Beings Department. How about you?"
"Me?" Severus repeated stupidly.
She shifted in his arms to look up at him quizzically. "Yes, you. What do you want to do when you 'grow-up'?" Her fingers cocked in air-quotes as she said it.
He smiled, and admitted, a little shyly, "I think it would be interesting to go into private warding and security. Setting up or breaking down wards and rites on important buildings, objects and homes of the wealthy for a really, really hefty sum. I like the idea of curse-breaking, but not working for someone else's firm or taking the chance that I'll get used as a Rent-an-Auror. I'd probably make an exception for Gringotts-their security measures are legendary." He chuckled softly. "I've always been good at defence and, uh, let's call them morally grey spells. Doing something like that would be an actual, legitimate way to play with curses, blood magic and general mind-fuckery," he joked.
Hermione giggled and punched his thigh with a fist, pretending exasperation. "It would suit you, but it would be a really unfortunate waste of incredible Potions talent. You made a potion that duplicated yourself and time-travelled before your sixth year, Atreus! The IPGA would probably collectively cry if they knew."
Severus chuckled softly, pleased. "Maybe I'll do both. It would be fun to work with experimental potions." His nose wrinkled and he glanced down at her. "I don't want to do something mundane like manufacturing or having a dinky apothecary.
"I could see myself having a high-end, made-to-order sort of business. Like an apothecary for strictly difficult potions that most people can't make or afford, but will always have a market. Stuff like Felix Felicis or Oculi Aquilae. Or doing research." Severus paused thoughtfully, thinking of the professor's own research, Sangre de Drago, and the wealth of other plants that only existed in the South American rainforests. "There have been some incredible discoveries in the last twenty years that I'd like to explore more."
Hermione traced a small circle on his knee with her index finger. "I'll bet there are plenty of people Slughorn's invited who would be good backers or customers for either venture."
"So...we're definitely going, then."
"Hmm. Yes. We're going. Even worse..." Hermione glanced up and gave him a mocking look of despair, "I think we're going to have fun, Atreus."
The third years on the other end of the common room looked up, startled, as Severus threw back his head and laughed.
Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, 20 December 1996, 7:44 PM
Severus anxiously shifted his weight outside the portrait-door of the Gryffindor common room, feeling unaccountably nervous. He had never been invited to, much less attended a proper, formal party before. The brand-new dress robes he was currently wearing were the first he had ever owned.
The professor had kept him after class three weeks previously, eyed him with distaste, and then curtly informed him that he would be receiving a parcel from a tailor for the occasion. The older man had looked down his nose and added with a sneer, "It occurred to me that you likely do not have the appropriate garments and your presentation, of course, reflects upon my… guardianship. Do try to keep them clean until then."
Shocked into stillness, Severus had only been able to nod and quickly thank the professor before another irritated look had sent him swiftly retreating from his older self's classroom. "It had occurred," indeed. Perhaps Professor Flitwick had said something. As Atreus' head of house, he probably noticed such things as a matter of course.
Nervously, Severus turned his attention back to the portrait in front of him, rolling his shoulders slightly. He wasn't entirely certain what to expect, but he had practiced his "stunned surprised" look a couple of times before heading over. He might not have ever had a girlfriend or gone to a formal party before, but even he knew that girls expected their dates to be blinded by their beauty when they made the effort to dress up.
He had seen a few other party-goers on his way from Ravenclaw tower to Gryffindor tower, and was at a loss to understand what the current style might be. Luna, who had left the tower approximately the same time he had to meet Potter, had appeared to be wearing a chandelier. There had been another Gryffindor couple he had passed, and the girl's dress had been so tight and scant, he was certain it was only held in place with Spell-o-Tape and luck.
The portrait door finally swung open, and there she was. She was...radiant. Beautiful, sexy and so unbelievably different than his Hermione, he was a little scared to touch her. Her rich blue dress was suitably tasteful for an adult party, with a flirty full-skirted hem falling to her knees and a modest neckline. It made her collarbones look delicious and lickable-an area he had never considered sexy before. She'd done something to her hair-gods only knew what -but her riot of generally over-brushed corkscrews were shiny and defined, pulled back into a loose chignon and looking as elegant as the rest of her.
She pursed her lips for a moment, and Severus belatedly realised that he was just standing there with his mouth ajar; he hadn't given her his practiced look or said anything at all. Scrambling to recover, he said quickly, "You look...incredible, amazing...I...wow."
A tiny smile graced her reddened lips. "Thank you. Do you think you might help me down, though? I don't much fancy sitting on the edge of the portrait where everyone's feet go, and I haven't quite mastered the art of jumping out in heels like some of the others. Honestly it's not fair. The other houses get actual doors."
"Oh, of course!" Severus hurried over and extended his arms to help her out of the portrait. She gratefully leaned into his support, and Severus suddenly realised that he had misjudged her dress horribly. The frock that had appeared so demure in the front plunged in a deep, wide V in the back, revealing almost the entire length of her spine. It was so unexpectedly sexy that he had trouble formulating thoughts.
Her grin widened. "You like? The rest of it is so dainty, Ginny reckoned it wouldn't be too much."
"No, not too much at all...it's...you're...Christ, Hermione."
She giggled. "Compliments and Muggle swearing." She sighed happily. "Success!"
He offered his arm, the way he'd seen others do when escorting ladies to events, and Hermione tucked her hand into his elbow.
Professor Slughorn's office, already overly large and opulent by office standards, had been enlarged even further. The two of them entered and stopped short, taking in the sight of tent-like hangings, flickering red fairy-lights, roving drink trays and haze of pipe smoke. Then Hermione muttered, "Good lord," and they both dissolved into chortles. "I swear, usually his gatherings are more tastefully decorated," she gasped.
Severus waved a hand. "At any moment I expect burlesque dancers and cigar girls." Amused with himself, he found the scantily clad girl he'd seen on McLaggen's arm earlier and pointed her out. "Ah, there's one, now." Helplessly, Hermione laughed again. Severus grinned, feeling like a king. "Shall we mingle, drink the free champagne and pretend we're in a twenties club?"
Face flushed, she smiled up at him, "Let's." They meandered further in, and Severus found himself locking gazes with Professor Snape across the room. His older self grimaced slightly and his eyes slid to Hermione. His gaze was distinctly disapproving; almost angry. Unnerved, Severus snagged two glasses of champagne and handed one to Hermione, resolving to ignore the older man and his blatant dislike of his girlfriend. Oblivious to the exchange, Hermione continued to wander with him through the room, and after a moment, she tilted her chin and said, "Look, there's Harry. Is that...is that a vampire with him?"
Severus glanced in the direction she was indicating, and saw that indeed, Potter was standing next to a man who looked distinctly vampiric. "He certainly looks the part, doesn't he? Perhaps we should avoid that corner. He looks peckish." Hermione looked like she might protest, her curiosity clear, but reluctantly allowed him to steer her towards an elderly witch talking with the most heavily-tattooed wizard Severus had ever seen. Colourful ink in a myriad of lined patterns, runes and glyphs covered his hands and incongruously bare arms, and climbed up from under the collar of his sleeveless shirt to wrap around the left side of his neck. There was even a small tattoo on his right cheekbone, a runic symbol denoting master-class status in his chosen field.
"Unless I miss my guess, you'll be interested in meeting these two." Severus murmured. Hermione looked at him with a puzzled, disbelieving look, and he explained. "A wizard with that much ink can only mean one thing. I'll eat my boots if he isn't an artist, and trust me, a wizard with a mastery in tattoo artistry is someone you will at least find interesting." Hermione still looked skeptical, but followed him.
The elderly witch was gesticulating firmly as she spoke. "It's not that I don't appreciate your work, Ashton, you know I have the highest regard for your talent and skill. I wouldn't have let anyone else do mine. But even you must admit that the Ministry doesn't regulate your field the way it should."
The wizard grimaced. "Yes, that is exactly what I would like as an artist, more laws and red tape stifling my creativity," he answered sarcastically.
The witch shook her head. "The regulations that are already there aren't being enforced. There are too many artists who think that because they can shade a dragon beautifully and happened to take an O.W.L. in Runes, it qualifies them to do bindings and lines under the table."
"I know it happens, I've been told as much, but I just can't imagine anyone stupid enough to have an unlicensed artist do runework." The wizard was clearly appalled.
"A lot of idiot decisions are made in order to save a galleon or two. Just two weeks ago I had a young couple admitted who had decided the best way to help maintain their wedding budget was hiring an unlicensed artist to do binding tattoos. The fellow in question took artistic liberties at the couple's request, but instead of the usual bindings, he tattooed the grace and fidelity runes as mirror imaging, so that one set was in negative. By the time they got to St. Mungo's, the groom was half dead from magic depletion and irretrievably bound in servitude to the bride.
"A month before that, we had a girl who had got herself some ward tattoos from gods know where, and had actually managed to make herself so soul-sick that we had to call in a specialist from Azkaban. When she finally regained consciousness and was asked where she had gotten them, the moron looked pleased and bragged about how little the damn thing had cost."
"Beg pardon," Severus interrupted, "we couldn't help but overhear. You, sir, are a Master Class artist, are you not?"
The wizard inclined his head, and said politely, "Leo Ashton, at your service. This is Madam Alayna Chatham, Healer-In-Charge of Saint Mungo's Spell Damage ward. Are the two of you interested in my services or my field in general?"
Severus bowed. "I am Atreus Prince. Allow me to introduce my girlfriend, Hermione Granger."
The wizard studied Hermione appraisingly, and then pulled out a pad of paper and a sketch pencil, working quickly to create a design. As he worked, he said idly, "Horace has mentioned you-Muggleborn, are you not? Yes? Allow me to explain, then.
"Anyone can be an artist, of course, though the demand for strictly artistic tattoos is not as prevalent in the wizarding world as the Muggle. To make a real living as an artist, one has to be licensed for rune work. Runic tattoos are used in most binding contracts-marriages, adoptions, apprenticeships, House-elf bindings, personal wards, power augmenting and bindings, and even large business deals. It can be very dangerous, however. Tattoos are permanent. If one does not understand runes extremely well, the consequences can be horrific. Licensing in runic work requires a difficult apprenticeship, just like any other magical trade."
He studied his completed drawing for a moment, and then handed it to Hermione and lifted an eyebrow, waiting for her to comment.
Hermione took it, her eyes widening as she noticed the details. "This is...this is so elegant. It's very traditional Celtic, but you've included, what, three different rune alphabets without compromising the design! It doesn't look dry or boring, no wasted lines…" Hermione shook her head and said wistfully, "with more study I could learn to do rune lines like this, perhaps, but not with this degree of beauty. I'm afraid I'm not incredibly artistic."
The wizard looked pleased with her praise, and responded mildly, "Artistry is the first requirement of being an artist I'm afraid. Still, it is always an unexpected pleasure to find someone who can see the elegance of a merged runeline without added flourishes to disguise it." He inclined his head again. "Perhaps professional warding would be a good fit for you. Or," he gave his companion an amused look, "healing the botched attempts of the unlicensed."
"It is a path I'm considering," Hermione admitted, giving Healer Chatham a shy look. "I'm particularly interested in medical research or specialising."
The healer's lips quirked. "Arithmancy and Runes will be excellent in furthering that ambition, but you'll not likely get into a healing program without good marks and an excellent understanding of both Charms and Potions."
Hermione beamed. "I took top O.W.L.s in both; I expect to do well on my N.E.W.T.s-"
A sudden commotion by the entrance cut her off, and they all turned to see Draco Malfoy at the door, looking sulky, his arm caught firmly in Mr. Filch's grasp. "-trying to gatecrash, alright?"
Professor Slughorn had made his way over to them, jovially inviting Malfoy to stay, to Filch's clear disappointment. Slughorn was cut short by Professor Snape joining them, the disapproval in his features palpable. Severus drifted closer, attempting to hear. In short order the professor left the party, Malfoy in tow.
Severus wasn't the only one whose attention had been caught by the minor altercation. Many in the room had taken notice, and were murmuring about it. With a start, Severus realised his date had snagged Potter by the arm and seemed to be having a furiously whispered debate.
Curious, Severus approached and nodded toward the other boy. "Potter. What's going on?"
Potter pursed his lips mutinously, and glared half-heartedly at Hermione, who only raised her eyebrows as if to say, "Well?"
"I don't think Malfoy was just trying to gatecrash. I think he's up to something, and Snape knows what. Hermione thinks I should just leave it alone, but I want to find out what is going on between those two."
Remembering the memory he had eavesdropped on a few weeks earlier, Severus shrugged a little and nodded. "I agree, actually." He looked at Hermione meaningfully. "I would be interested in knowing, too."
Potter looked torn for a moment, trying to decide if he should trust Severus' support, then nodded.
"Ugh, be careful, Harry." Hermione rolled her eyes in resignation.
Severus quirked his lips and added, "Try not to get caught."
Potter grinned back like he was telling a particularly funny joke. "Don't worry about me; I've got it covered." He quickly disappeared after the professor and Malfoy.
A/N: Thank you, everyone, for being patient as the real world took over my life for a while. The last three months (April in particular) have been quite difficult. I lost a family member, had some semi-serious pregnancy complications, and finally, I am happy to report the birth of Wee Tiny Song #2 on May 17. Happy Norwegian Independence Day to me. :-)
I am also humbled and proud to say that this story has broken 1000 reviews...something that I would never have imagined happening when I started this story. Thank you so, so much everyone! Special thanks and chocolate in particular to Adelaide Archer and Stguik for taking the time to make my words presentable for readers. I'm blown away by the love you have all shown. Please tell me your thoughts on the latest chapter, if you are so inclined. -Tyche
Addendum: Unfortunately, I uploaded the chapter with beta notes on accident instead of the revised copy at first. Thank you to the two reviewers who took the time to alert me! Please excuse the "double post" email alert. :-/
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Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, 23 November 1996, 1:14 PM
"Are you planning to go to Slughorn's Christmas party?" Severus tried to pose the question nonchalantly, as if he didn't really care one way or the other, then inwardly sighed as it came out too casual. He really hated being so transparently needy, even though he'd come to trust that Hermione was not the manipulative sort. Thankfully, the day was relatively nice and the Ravenclaw common room was nearly empty. Only a few third-years were playing a game of some kind on the other side of the room, not paying attention to them in the least.
To Severus' relief, Hermione didn't seem to realise. Her answering look was surprised. "I had assumed you'd be my date, actually." She hesitated, then asked, "Did you not want to go? I know you don't care for Professor Slughorn much, or the Slug Club."
Severus lifted a shoulder. "I suppose," he mumbled, "if you want to attend." He did want to go to the party. Quite badly, to be honest, though he would rather not have to admit that to anyone. Professor Slughorn had an extensive network of friends and contacts who were rumoured to be coming: ministry officials, important business owners, and even a professional Quidditch player or two. Going to Slughorn's Christmas Party was the event to see and be seen at this year; the benefits of being a Slug Club member-or the date of one-paid off with dividends.
Another sideways glance at Hermione through his hair had him sighing a little. She had relaxed back against the couch next to him, but had a troubled look on her face, as if she were not entirely certain she wanted to go.
"It's a bit galling," Severus admitted quietly. Hermione's attention snapped back to him, a confused look on her face, and he awkwardly explained. "Professor Slughorn has a knack for networking. He chooses the students that he knows will do well after Hogwarts, and connects them to each other, to the important people he's taught before, and to the most promising generations that come after. He's the very epicentre of the 'old school tie' of the British wizarding world.
"I've always wanted to be something...more. I'm smart, Hermione. Smarter than most of the people at this school, I think. I've always told myself that I just need to get through school, get the best marks, and someday...someday everyone would see it, too. I've blamed Slughorn's lack of vision in me on being the poor, ugly, half-blood son of a witch who gave up her right to the name."
He shrugged a little and met Hermione's eyes. "My mum was a member of the Slug Club, when she was in school. Obviously, she didn't pan out for him," Severus said bitterly. "Instead of being...whatever it was he saw in her, she left the wizarding world entirely, married a Muggle, and didn't even protest when my father burnt her wand. She died young, especially for a witch. So I decided that it was her fault-my parents' fault that I didn't gain the notice, the connections I felt I should have had. I decided I'd have to just make the important connections on my own. I was so proud when Lucius Malfoy took notice and informed me that I might just maybe be worth his time, and therefore the time of Lord...You-Know-Who."
Severus laughed self-deprecatingly, then looked away, choosing to hide behind his hair and stare at his hands instead. He felt stripped bare, admitting this to her. "You're a chosen member of his precious club, of course. Professor Slughorn would be an absolute, blind fool not to include you. But me…" Severus squirmed uncomfortably. "As an adult I turned out to be a powerful wizard, but I didn't protect the only person I cared about. I barely escaped time in Azkaban. And all I do is hide away in a school dungeon and teach potions because of it all. I never became anything at all, and Professor Slughorn was justified in ignoring me.
"Now...now I can start over. I'm thought to be pure-blooded, my teeth are straight, I've got top marks and I even have a girlfriend. Not just any girlfriend, but a pretty one, whose intellect matches mine and is the best student in the school." Severus peeked out through his hair to see how his compliment landed, and was gratified to see a pleased look steal across Hermione's face before her expression settled back into attentive concern.
Severus sighed, not wanting to continue, then painfully pushed the words out. "But even with all these changes, I still don't rate." He caught her eyes again, and finished softly. "It's difficult to admit that it isn't anyone's fault but mine. I am, perhaps, simply not good enough and never will be."
Hermione shook her head and threw her arms around him fiercely. "Yes, you are. You are most certainly good enough for anything and anyone, Atreus! You are so smart, and I'd trust you to guard my back in a duel over anyone else, even Harry.
"I think we should go to the party, even though Professor Slughorn is a bit of a bore. We'll meet important people and stick our noses in the air if anyone so much as hints that we shouldn't be there." Her chin lifted as if to punctuate her statement, giving him such a falsely supercilious look that Severus couldn't help but snort in laughter and hug her tightly against him again.
Hermione snuggled into his chest and murmured, "Someday this whole stupid war will be over, and we're going to show everyone we're both good enough for anything. Even if you're not a Slug Club member and I'm a Mudblood."
Her words were like a healing balm on his raw, exposed insecurities, even as the final word made him flinch. "Don't call yourself that," he said gruffly. "I don't like...Please, just don't."
She pulled back from his arms briefly and gave him an intense look. "I know it's supposed to be a horrific slur, but in the end it's just a word. If that's the worst insult that my adversaries can come up with…" She snickered. "It's really silly, when you think about it. Calling me a Mudblood is tantamount to saying that they can't find anything about me that's actually inadequate." To Severus' surprise, her lip trembled briefly. "I love my parents; more than they will ever know." Her chin lifted. "I won't let a stupid word meant to insult the people I love make me feel like I'm worthless."
Severus returned her stare, desperately wanting to dip into her thoughts and see if she really meant it. It wasn't often that he was at a loss for words, but doubt, past regret and a strange hope that he couldn't really explain warred inside him. He cleared his throat, trying to unstick his vocabulary, then cleared it again. "What if… What if it was Potter who called you that? Or Weasley? You know, a friend. You really wouldn't be angry?"
Hermione's brows furrowed, surprise clearly writ on her face. "Well, yes, of course I would be. That's a bit different; they're my friends. I wouldn't expect that sort of behaviour from them, and after everything, they'd deserve the hex I'd give them." She shrugged. "It wouldn't be the first time one or the other has been a complete prat, though. I'm sure we'd eventually get over it, so long as the idiot who said it didn't actually mean it."
Severus mulled her words over. According to the professor, Lily had not forgiven him, nor had she accepted his friendship again. Did Hermione simply have a rosy outlook because it hadn't actually happened to her, or was it just a fundamental difference between the two girls despite sharing the same background and house? He was fairly sure that he would never repeat such a horrid mistake, but he couldn't help but be hopeful that if he were to lash out in anger in some way it wouldn't automatically mean the complete destruction of their relationship.
Uneasy, Severus hugged the girl in his arms and steered the conversation back to safer grounds. "What exactly do you want to do when you graduate?"
Hermione settled deeper into the couch, tucking her head against his shoulder. After a moment she groaned in indecision. "To be honest, I'm not entirely sure. We had career consultations with our heads of house last year, but it wasn't very enlightening. There is so much that sounds interesting, and I couldn't really narrow it down. Ten or fifteen minutes with one person isn't very long to gather information, much less multiple options. It's unfortunate that Hogwarts doesn't really have a career fair for its N.E.W.T. students to attend," she groused.
She was quiet for a long minute, then said thoughtfully, "Possibly a barrister? There is a lot of Ministry legislation I'd like to change, or at least challenge. Especially in relation to other magical beings or minorities like elves and Muggleborns. I also like the idea of being a Healer. Not the garden variety kind that fixes broken bones and hands out sweets, though. More of the sort that's in a highly specialised field or doing trial research-like whatever the wizarding version of a neurologist is, you know? I also really like Arithmancy. It might be fun to work with that in some way, though I'm not entirely sure how."
"Hmmm. Ambitious of you." He smiled into her hair, unsurprised her aspirations were so high. He did not ask whether she also saw herself starting a family. He hoped the answer would be no. Though she'd be brilliant at it. But at least not right away. Not that he would necessarily mind having a kid. Maybe. Someday. His heart fluttered nervously, and his nerves pricked with a slight edge of panic. Not anytime soon of course. Hades, was he really considering all that? Now? He wasn't even legally an adult yet, and he was practically buying a picket fence.
Thankfully, Hermione continued on, her pragmatic discussion of her future calming him down as nothing else could have. "Absolutely. Makes choosing your N.E.W.T. classes hard, though. I'd rather not do the Time-Turner route again, but if I don't choose a career soon, my chances of picking the right electives are shot straight to hell. I'm already taking a chance dropping Care of Magical Creatures. It's rather necessary if I want to work in the Magical Creatures and Beings Department. How about you?"
"Me?" Severus repeated stupidly.
She shifted in his arms to look up at him quizzically. "Yes, you. What do you want to do when you 'grow-up'?" Her fingers cocked in air-quotes as she said it.
He smiled, and admitted, a little shyly, "I think it would be interesting to go into private warding and security. Setting up or breaking down wards and rites on important buildings, objects and homes of the wealthy for a really, really hefty sum. I like the idea of curse-breaking, but not working for someone else's firm or taking the chance that I'll get used as a Rent-an-Auror. I'd probably make an exception for Gringotts-their security measures are legendary." He chuckled softly. "I've always been good at defence and, uh, let's call them morally grey spells. Doing something like that would be an actual, legitimate way to play with curses, blood magic and general mind-fuckery," he joked.
Hermione giggled and punched his thigh with a fist, pretending exasperation. "It would suit you, but it would be a really unfortunate waste of incredible Potions talent. You made a potion that duplicated yourself and time-travelled before your sixth year, Atreus! The IPGA would probably collectively cry if they knew."
Severus chuckled softly, pleased. "Maybe I'll do both. It would be fun to work with experimental potions." His nose wrinkled and he glanced down at her. "I don't want to do something mundane like manufacturing or having a dinky apothecary.
"I could see myself having a high-end, made-to-order sort of business. Like an apothecary for strictly difficult potions that most people can't make or afford, but will always have a market. Stuff like Felix Felicis or Oculi Aquilae. Or doing research." Severus paused thoughtfully, thinking of the professor's own research, Sangre de Drago, and the wealth of other plants that only existed in the South American rainforests. "There have been some incredible discoveries in the last twenty years that I'd like to explore more."
Hermione traced a small circle on his knee with her index finger. "I'll bet there are plenty of people Slughorn's invited who would be good backers or customers for either venture."
"So...we're definitely going, then."
"Hmm. Yes. We're going. Even worse..." Hermione glanced up and gave him a mocking look of despair, "I think we're going to have fun, Atreus."
The third years on the other end of the common room looked up, startled, as Severus threw back his head and laughed.
Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, 20 December 1996, 7:44 PM
Severus anxiously shifted his weight outside the portrait-door of the Gryffindor common room, feeling unaccountably nervous. He had never been invited to, much less attended a proper, formal party before. The brand-new dress robes he was currently wearing were the first he had ever owned.
The professor had kept him after class three weeks previously, eyed him with distaste, and then curtly informed him that he would be receiving a parcel from a tailor for the occasion. The older man had looked down his nose and added with a sneer, "It occurred to me that you likely do not have the appropriate garments and your presentation, of course, reflects upon my… guardianship. Do try to keep them clean until then."
Shocked into stillness, Severus had only been able to nod and quickly thank the professor before another irritated look had sent him swiftly retreating from his older self's classroom. "It had occurred," indeed. Perhaps Professor Flitwick had said something. As Atreus' head of house, he probably noticed such things as a matter of course.
Nervously, Severus turned his attention back to the portrait in front of him, rolling his shoulders slightly. He wasn't entirely certain what to expect, but he had practiced his "stunned surprised" look a couple of times before heading over. He might not have ever had a girlfriend or gone to a formal party before, but even he knew that girls expected their dates to be blinded by their beauty when they made the effort to dress up.
He had seen a few other party-goers on his way from Ravenclaw tower to Gryffindor tower, and was at a loss to understand what the current style might be. Luna, who had left the tower approximately the same time he had to meet Potter, had appeared to be wearing a chandelier. There had been another Gryffindor couple he had passed, and the girl's dress had been so tight and scant, he was certain it was only held in place with Spell-o-Tape and luck.
The portrait door finally swung open, and there she was. She was...radiant. Beautiful, sexy and so unbelievably different than his Hermione, he was a little scared to touch her. Her rich blue dress was suitably tasteful for an adult party, with a flirty full-skirted hem falling to her knees and a modest neckline. It made her collarbones look delicious and lickable-an area he had never considered sexy before. She'd done something to her hair-gods only knew what -but her riot of generally over-brushed corkscrews were shiny and defined, pulled back into a loose chignon and looking as elegant as the rest of her.
She pursed her lips for a moment, and Severus belatedly realised that he was just standing there with his mouth ajar; he hadn't given her his practiced look or said anything at all. Scrambling to recover, he said quickly, "You look...incredible, amazing...I...wow."
A tiny smile graced her reddened lips. "Thank you. Do you think you might help me down, though? I don't much fancy sitting on the edge of the portrait where everyone's feet go, and I haven't quite mastered the art of jumping out in heels like some of the others. Honestly it's not fair. The other houses get actual doors."
"Oh, of course!" Severus hurried over and extended his arms to help her out of the portrait. She gratefully leaned into his support, and Severus suddenly realised that he had misjudged her dress horribly. The frock that had appeared so demure in the front plunged in a deep, wide V in the back, revealing almost the entire length of her spine. It was so unexpectedly sexy that he had trouble formulating thoughts.
Her grin widened. "You like? The rest of it is so dainty, Ginny reckoned it wouldn't be too much."
"No, not too much at all...it's...you're...Christ, Hermione."
She giggled. "Compliments and Muggle swearing." She sighed happily. "Success!"
He offered his arm, the way he'd seen others do when escorting ladies to events, and Hermione tucked her hand into his elbow.
Professor Slughorn's office, already overly large and opulent by office standards, had been enlarged even further. The two of them entered and stopped short, taking in the sight of tent-like hangings, flickering red fairy-lights, roving drink trays and haze of pipe smoke. Then Hermione muttered, "Good lord," and they both dissolved into chortles. "I swear, usually his gatherings are more tastefully decorated," she gasped.
Severus waved a hand. "At any moment I expect burlesque dancers and cigar girls." Amused with himself, he found the scantily clad girl he'd seen on McLaggen's arm earlier and pointed her out. "Ah, there's one, now." Helplessly, Hermione laughed again. Severus grinned, feeling like a king. "Shall we mingle, drink the free champagne and pretend we're in a twenties club?"
Face flushed, she smiled up at him, "Let's." They meandered further in, and Severus found himself locking gazes with Professor Snape across the room. His older self grimaced slightly and his eyes slid to Hermione. His gaze was distinctly disapproving; almost angry. Unnerved, Severus snagged two glasses of champagne and handed one to Hermione, resolving to ignore the older man and his blatant dislike of his girlfriend. Oblivious to the exchange, Hermione continued to wander with him through the room, and after a moment, she tilted her chin and said, "Look, there's Harry. Is that...is that a vampire with him?"
Severus glanced in the direction she was indicating, and saw that indeed, Potter was standing next to a man who looked distinctly vampiric. "He certainly looks the part, doesn't he? Perhaps we should avoid that corner. He looks peckish." Hermione looked like she might protest, her curiosity clear, but reluctantly allowed him to steer her towards an elderly witch talking with the most heavily-tattooed wizard Severus had ever seen. Colourful ink in a myriad of lined patterns, runes and glyphs covered his hands and incongruously bare arms, and climbed up from under the collar of his sleeveless shirt to wrap around the left side of his neck. There was even a small tattoo on his right cheekbone, a runic symbol denoting master-class status in his chosen field.
"Unless I miss my guess, you'll be interested in meeting these two." Severus murmured. Hermione looked at him with a puzzled, disbelieving look, and he explained. "A wizard with that much ink can only mean one thing. I'll eat my boots if he isn't an artist, and trust me, a wizard with a mastery in tattoo artistry is someone you will at least find interesting." Hermione still looked skeptical, but followed him.
The elderly witch was gesticulating firmly as she spoke. "It's not that I don't appreciate your work, Ashton, you know I have the highest regard for your talent and skill. I wouldn't have let anyone else do mine. But even you must admit that the Ministry doesn't regulate your field the way it should."
The wizard grimaced. "Yes, that is exactly what I would like as an artist, more laws and red tape stifling my creativity," he answered sarcastically.
The witch shook her head. "The regulations that are already there aren't being enforced. There are too many artists who think that because they can shade a dragon beautifully and happened to take an O.W.L. in Runes, it qualifies them to do bindings and lines under the table."
"I know it happens, I've been told as much, but I just can't imagine anyone stupid enough to have an unlicensed artist do runework." The wizard was clearly appalled.
"A lot of idiot decisions are made in order to save a galleon or two. Just two weeks ago I had a young couple admitted who had decided the best way to help maintain their wedding budget was hiring an unlicensed artist to do binding tattoos. The fellow in question took artistic liberties at the couple's request, but instead of the usual bindings, he tattooed the grace and fidelity runes as mirror imaging, so that one set was in negative. By the time they got to St. Mungo's, the groom was half dead from magic depletion and irretrievably bound in servitude to the bride.
"A month before that, we had a girl who had got herself some ward tattoos from gods know where, and had actually managed to make herself so soul-sick that we had to call in a specialist from Azkaban. When she finally regained consciousness and was asked where she had gotten them, the moron looked pleased and bragged about how little the damn thing had cost."
"Beg pardon," Severus interrupted, "we couldn't help but overhear. You, sir, are a Master Class artist, are you not?"
The wizard inclined his head, and said politely, "Leo Ashton, at your service. This is Madam Alayna Chatham, Healer-In-Charge of Saint Mungo's Spell Damage ward. Are the two of you interested in my services or my field in general?"
Severus bowed. "I am Atreus Prince. Allow me to introduce my girlfriend, Hermione Granger."
The wizard studied Hermione appraisingly, and then pulled out a pad of paper and a sketch pencil, working quickly to create a design. As he worked, he said idly, "Horace has mentioned you-Muggleborn, are you not? Yes? Allow me to explain, then.
"Anyone can be an artist, of course, though the demand for strictly artistic tattoos is not as prevalent in the wizarding world as the Muggle. To make a real living as an artist, one has to be licensed for rune work. Runic tattoos are used in most binding contracts-marriages, adoptions, apprenticeships, House-elf bindings, personal wards, power augmenting and bindings, and even large business deals. It can be very dangerous, however. Tattoos are permanent. If one does not understand runes extremely well, the consequences can be horrific. Licensing in runic work requires a difficult apprenticeship, just like any other magical trade."
He studied his completed drawing for a moment, and then handed it to Hermione and lifted an eyebrow, waiting for her to comment.
Hermione took it, her eyes widening as she noticed the details. "This is...this is so elegant. It's very traditional Celtic, but you've included, what, three different rune alphabets without compromising the design! It doesn't look dry or boring, no wasted lines…" Hermione shook her head and said wistfully, "with more study I could learn to do rune lines like this, perhaps, but not with this degree of beauty. I'm afraid I'm not incredibly artistic."
The wizard looked pleased with her praise, and responded mildly, "Artistry is the first requirement of being an artist I'm afraid. Still, it is always an unexpected pleasure to find someone who can see the elegance of a merged runeline without added flourishes to disguise it." He inclined his head again. "Perhaps professional warding would be a good fit for you. Or," he gave his companion an amused look, "healing the botched attempts of the unlicensed."
"It is a path I'm considering," Hermione admitted, giving Healer Chatham a shy look. "I'm particularly interested in medical research or specialising."
The healer's lips quirked. "Arithmancy and Runes will be excellent in furthering that ambition, but you'll not likely get into a healing program without good marks and an excellent understanding of both Charms and Potions."
Hermione beamed. "I took top O.W.L.s in both; I expect to do well on my N.E.W.T.s-"
A sudden commotion by the entrance cut her off, and they all turned to see Draco Malfoy at the door, looking sulky, his arm caught firmly in Mr. Filch's grasp. "-trying to gatecrash, alright?"
Professor Slughorn had made his way over to them, jovially inviting Malfoy to stay, to Filch's clear disappointment. Slughorn was cut short by Professor Snape joining them, the disapproval in his features palpable. Severus drifted closer, attempting to hear. In short order the professor left the party, Malfoy in tow.
Severus wasn't the only one whose attention had been caught by the minor altercation. Many in the room had taken notice, and were murmuring about it. With a start, Severus realised his date had snagged Potter by the arm and seemed to be having a furiously whispered debate.
Curious, Severus approached and nodded toward the other boy. "Potter. What's going on?"
Potter pursed his lips mutinously, and glared half-heartedly at Hermione, who only raised her eyebrows as if to say, "Well?"
"I don't think Malfoy was just trying to gatecrash. I think he's up to something, and Snape knows what. Hermione thinks I should just leave it alone, but I want to find out what is going on between those two."
Remembering the memory he had eavesdropped on a few weeks earlier, Severus shrugged a little and nodded. "I agree, actually." He looked at Hermione meaningfully. "I would be interested in knowing, too."
Potter looked torn for a moment, trying to decide if he should trust Severus' support, then nodded.
"Ugh, be careful, Harry." Hermione rolled her eyes in resignation.
Severus quirked his lips and added, "Try not to get caught."
Potter grinned back like he was telling a particularly funny joke. "Don't worry about me; I've got it covered." He quickly disappeared after the professor and Malfoy.
A/N: Thank you, everyone, for being patient as the real world took over my life for a while. The last three months (April in particular) have been quite difficult. I lost a family member, had some semi-serious pregnancy complications, and finally, I am happy to report the birth of Wee Tiny Song #2 on May 17. Happy Norwegian Independence Day to me. :-)
I am also humbled and proud to say that this story has broken 1000 reviews...something that I would never have imagined happening when I started this story. Thank you so, so much everyone! Special thanks and chocolate in particular to Adelaide Archer and Stguik for taking the time to make my words presentable for readers. I'm blown away by the love you have all shown. Please tell me your thoughts on the latest chapter, if you are so inclined. -Tyche
Addendum: Unfortunately, I uploaded the chapter with beta notes on accident instead of the revised copy at first. Thank you to the two reviewers who took the time to alert me! Please excuse the "double post" email alert. :-/
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