Damaged Goods

Damaged Goods

Part 17

"In the End, we will remember not the words of our enemies, but the silence of our friends." - Martin Luther King Jr.

The nervous energy had returned twofold. Hermione woke long before dawn Monday and headed out onto the grounds for her daily walk. Soon the long strides had turned into a jog and then a desperate run. She ran full force, her heart beating wildly, fear gripping at her. Restlessness coursed through her veins, driving her, screaming for some sort of resolution. Finally she collapsed by the edge of the lake, gasping painfully for air, her legs shaking. 'What is wrong with me?' she thought wearily, not understanding the sharp pang of emptiness that seemed to permeate her soul. Closing her eyes, she rolled onto her back, trying to ease the blinding headache that had erupted behind her eyes.

A golden haired child sat in his crib talking gibberish to a flopped eared toy rabbit he was holding. "Morning Kenny," a petite blonde woman said to the child as she entered the room. "And how's Mama's big boy?"

"Mama" Kenny stood up in his crib reaching out towards his mother. The woman picked up the boy, hugging him close as she gave him a kiss on the cheek. "And who is two years old today?" she asked the toddler. "Kenny!" the child replied happily.

The woman carried the boy into a kitchen where she placed the child in a high chair. A radio announced that the traffic was heavy today in the greater Los Angeles area and to expect delays up to an hour if you were headed downtown. "And what would Kenny like for breakfast this morning?" the woman asked opening a cabinet door. "Bananas or peaches with your cereal?" Picking up a jar of baby food, she started to open it when a doorbell chimed.

"I bet that's grandma," the woman said happily as she left the kitchen.

"Mom...oh hello. May I help you?"

Kenny looked around the kitchen, jumping when he heard his mother scream. His bright blue eyes saw two men enter the kitchen. He began to cry as one of the men picked him up and spoke a word of magic. They were gone.

"Yer alright Hermione?"

Hermione jerked awake and looked into the concerned face of Hagrid. "Oh, Hagrid. Yes, just fine," she said shakily, getting to her feet. "Just resting a bit."

"Been noticing yer walking every morning. Good for what ails ye I say, 'specially after this weekend." He gave a long sniff and wiped his eyes with his sleeve.

Hermione nodded, puzzled over the odd dream she had just had.

****

"Severus, a word," Dumbledore said, caching up with Snape outside the Great Hall as he was headed for breakfast. Albus motioned him into a classroom.

"You are still planning a trip today?" Albus asked

Severus raised an eyebrow. "Yes, though I hardly call a quick jaunt to the Apothecary a trip."

"Excellent. Severus, I would like you to take Miss Granger with you today."

Severus leaned against a desk, crossing his arms. "All right Albus, what is going on?"

Albus held out the Daily Prophet. Severus took it, reading the headlines.

MUGGLES SLAUGHTERED: MINISTRY SEEMS UNCONCERNED

Could it be that the Ministry is actually supporting You-Know-Who?

The unfortunate deaths of eight more Muggle families occurred Saturday night. The wizarding community seems unperturbed about the recent events that have left a total of 21 Muggle families destroyed. "What business is it of ours?" Cornelius Fudge replied when I interviewed the Ministry of Magic hours after the last massacre.

It is 'our' business, for the families that were killed happen to have children who attend Hogwarts School of Magic. Coincidence? This reporter thinks not. Rumors were that the Dark Mark, the fearful symbol of You-Know-Who, appeared in the night sky over each of these residences.

Severus scanned the rest of the article his eyes stopping on the last paragraph.

It would seem that the Ministry might actually be in support of You-Know-Who's attempt to weed out the Muggle-born in our society. Their lack of concern speaks volumes.

"I could have told them that," Severus muttered sarcastically. He handed the paper back to Albus. "Interesting, but this doesn't explain why you want me to take Miss Granger with me today."

"It would seem that the Ministry needs to save face. I received an owl this morning informing me that delegates from the Ministry and reporters would be arriving at noon to speak with the children who lost their parents," Albus explained, looking intently at Severus. "They also want to have a private audience with all Muggleborn students to reassure them that they are doing everything they can."

"And Lucius Malfoy will be leading this little public display," Severus said dryly. He knew Malfoy would use this opportunity to win the public's favor and to learn whatever he could about the situation at Hogwarts by playing the concerned humanitarian.

"Exactly. I realize that Miss Granger is strong, but after what happened last week, I just want to spare her from being around Lucius. Do you not agree Severus?"

Severus frowned. Hermione needed to confront her fears when it came to Lucius. Being surrounded by fellow students and staff would give her strength this time, yet he wanted, along with Albus, to spare her if just this once. She already had enough to deal with, as had the other Muggleborn students.

The weekend had once again brought the deaths of more Muggle families. The raids had not gone as planned, for the charms the Order had placed on the homes of the students' families had been effective in alerting in alerting the Order however there had been too many at once to contend with. Four raids had been thwarted as the Death Eaters were faced with apparating Phoenix members.

Voldemort had been livid at those failures, and that one of his Death Eaters had been captured.

Severus had been secretly relieved that his activities of the weekend had been resigned to working on making the vast potion demands that Voldemort had requested, sparing him from the vicious punishment Voldemort had meted out on those who had failed.

It was because of the demands of the large amount of potions Voldemort wanted that Severus had exhausted his private stores and needed to go to the Apothecary in Diagon Alley. Normally he would have just owled his requests to restock.

He also needed to go into Knockturn Alley to procure some Henbane Black, an outlawed herb necessary for a potion the Dark Lord had requested. Severus was not comfortable with the thought of taking a student into that shady street.

"Also, I do believe that this will give us the opportunity to announce the 'summer school' program that will take place at Hogwarts." Albus eyes were sparkling in amusement as he continued speaking. "Of course the Ministry will get full credit once I explain to the reporters. And stop looking at me like that," he said, noting Severus glare.

"The gods must be smiling upon me today. I have the option of enjoying the company of a little slip of a girl who cannot get a rein on her emotions or prostrating before a herd of Ministry morons."

"That's what I like about you my boy. Always able to see the bright side of a situation. And Severus, do not be too discrete when you ask Miss Granger to accompany you today."

Nodding, Severus knew that it would be an excellent opportunity to concrete the rumor of his relationship with Hermione.

****

Severus waited outside the doors to the Great Hall as students filed past from breakfast. Hermione soon passed through the doors flanked by Ginny and Harry. Ginny gave her a small nudge and Hermione noticed her eyes were wide as she nodded her head towards the side of the hallway. Hermione understood her reaction when she heard a familiar silky voice. "Miss Granger, a word if you please."

Students were still milling out and Severus led her to a corner near the doors. He noted Pansy and Millicent making an effort to get closer to them as Millicent deliberately dropped her book bag, spilling its contents. She and Pansy bent to pick up the scattered supplies, and Severus smiled wryly knowing they were straining to hear what was being said.

"Miss Granger, because of the new summer agenda, it has become necessary to restock the potions supplies. Since I cannot read your excuse for legible writing," he thrust the supply list she had done during her detention at her, "I believe you will need to go with me to the Apothecary today."

Hermione's cheeks flushed in anger. Her writing was very legible and she started to open her mouth to retort, when she noticed the slight nod he gave her, his eyes staring at her intently. Oh.

"I will expect you at the entrance hall in one hour."

"Yes, alright."

"Till then," he said silkily, loud enough for the two girls to hear.

****

Severus and Hermione walked through the gates of Hogwarts an hour later. Hermione was feeling nervous, not sure what this was all about, though she trusted the man beside her. She was not sure why she felt so secure around him. Maybe it was because he had opened up to her, or maybe it was because he worked with Dumbledore in Order. Whatever the reason, she felt safer when she was near him than anytime in the past few months.

Harry had turned positively green around the mouth when Hermione told him she would be going with Snape to pick up potion supplies. Studying him, she couldn't help but ask, "Harry, you...I mean, you really don't believe what the Slytherins told you and Ron, do you?" She looked at him with pleading eyes.

"Course not," he said briskly. "It just doesn't help matters you going off with him like this."

"No, perhaps not, but I am sure there is a good reason for it. I will see you at dinner. And thanks."

They stopped a few feet outside the gates. Severus turned to Hermione, who was looking at him quizzically. "I am aware that this may seem a bit odd, Miss Granger. Things will be explained later, but for now we will be Apparating into Knockturn Alley." He saw the look of surprise on her face. "I expect you to stay close to me and do not ask me anything until we enter Diagon Alley later. Is this understood?"

She nodded.

"Good," he said, taking her hand. "Do not be afraid of Apparting. It will feel a bit strange, but not unlike using a Portkey, which I understand you have used before. Please try to clear your mind."

Hermione closed her eyes as she tried not to think of anything. She heard him murmur a few words,then heard a sharp crack as a feeling of intense pressure ran up her body, pulling and tugging, knocking the wind from her lungs.

As quickly as it had started it was over. She opened her eyes to see they were standing in a dark, dirty alley. A strange looking woman, with straggly blue hair was leaning against the wall, staring at the two people who had just appeared in front of her. She was dressed in a low cut crimson robe that clung to her body, leaving little to the imagination. Hermione blushed as she realized she could see the woman's body through the robe.

"Five galleons," the woman crooned to Severus, who was frowning at her, "seven if the chit wants to stay."

Hermione gripped Severus' hand, as he told the woman what she could do with her proposition before pulling Hermione out into the street. She heard Severus muttering under his breath, something in the nature he was insane for bringing a student with him.

They crossed the small street and headed towards a store, Hermione still holding his hand. A man's voice halted Severus. "Snape old boy, what a pleasant surprise."

Severus turned around. "Avery."

A balding middle-aged wizard approached them and Hermione felt Severus' hand squeezing hers in warning as he pulled her close to his side. Avery stopped before them, his eyes fully upon Hermione, as he looked her up and down. Hermione felt as if he were trying to undress her and moved inches closer to Severus.

"Thought school was still in session Snape. Who is your lovely companion?"

"Both are none of your business Avery," Severus said coolly, stepping slightly in front of Hermione. He could feel her trembling.

Avery chuckled. "No harm meant Severus. If you want to take a day off for a bit of frolic who am I to judge?" His eyes were still fixed on Hermione. "A bit young Snape, a student of yours?"

"Again what business is it of yours?" Severus' voice was sounding very dangerous now to Hermione and she hoped he wasn't going to attack the man.

Turning his attention to Severus, Avery held up his hands. "I take the hint Snape. I have seen nothing," he said giving him a suggestive wink. "Just curious. Will you be bringing her to the summer solstice gathering? You do owe me after what you did to the other one..."

Severus released Hermione's hand and struck. He grabbed the shorter man's robe around the neck, pulling him into another small alley between the buildings. Hermione hurriedly followed, praying Professor Snape was not going to do anything rash.

"You foolish man," Severus hissed. "Shall I tell the master that you stand on a public street announcing to the world what we on about?"

"Put me down you idiot!" Avery said angrily. Severus released the man, putting his hand in his robes, his fingers closing over his wand.

Avery smoothed his robe. "Really Snape," he said, a sly grin appearing on his face, noting the wand now in Severus' hand. "You do need to calm that temper of yours." He looked at Hermione and winked. "Take care of your professor girl, he needs a bit of release." Severus opened his mouth but with a pop Avery had disapparated.

Hermione stood there, uncertain what to do as she saw the rage on Severus' face. He looked at her, a flicker of panic crossing his features. Sighing, he reached out and pulled her to him, hugging her tightly.

Confused, Hermione didn't know what to do. She was a bit uncomfortable, she had never seen him need comfort before, and knew that is why he held her as she put her arms around his waist returning the hug. "Professor," she said shyly, "I think we need to go."

Severus straightened up quickly. "Yes, of course," he said, embarrassed that he had reacted that way. Images of what Avery would do to Hermione if he got his hands on her flashed through his mind and he had just wanted to reassure himself that she was there. 'Damn, you are getting soft Severus,' he chided himself. 'A dangerous thing indeed.'

They entered the small dark shop where a snaggled-toothed old man met Severus with a knowing smile. "Do not touch anything," he warned her as he stepped to the back of the shop to talk with the man.

When the man had left to retrieve the ingredients he had requested, Severus stole a covert glance at Hermione. She stood in the same place he had left her, staring wide-eyed around the shop. He could almost see her curious mind assessing the objects.

'Damn her,' he thought, feeling irritated at his behavior in the alley. Why do I even care what happens to her?

She was the most annoying student to pass through his class in the last ten years. He had had his share of Longbottoms, those who couldn't make a potion correctly if their life depended on it, but never had he had one who always knew the answer and was quick to let him and everyone else know this. And she was a Gryffindor.

Albus and his damn 'bonding' idea for combined classes. Slytherins and Gryffindors did not get along because of the competition. Both houses were glory hungry though each set about accomplishing this in different manners. Put them together and it was like watching two rutting stags fighting over the same doe.

True, he had felt pity for her; empathy even, for what she had went through in Lucius' hands. He had spoken truthfully when he told Albus she didn't matter, that he wouldn't want a beast treated as she had been. Then why did he find himself thinking of her so often?

Tucking the small parcel the man had given him into his robes, Severus took Hermione's hand as they left the shop, reasoning with himself that if he did not she would surely manage to get into trouble somehow.

****

After Severus had placed a rather large order for potion ingredients at the Apothecary's in Diagon Alley, Hermione was surprised that he led them into the Leaky Cauldron. Once Tom, the barkeep, had brought them their lunch order, Severus explained to Hermione why he had brought her with him today.

Her cheeks flushed as she thought about what he told her. "I do not know whether to be angry or embarrassed that everyone thinks I am a spineless coward when it comes to Malfoy," she said indignantly.

"Be angry," Severus said smoothly. "There is nothing to be embarrassed over. Anger is a more useful emotion." He gave her a wicked smile as he took a drink of coffee.

****

"Morning Professors." Hagrid's booming voice greeted them in the still morning darkness.

"Hagrid." Albus smiled at the big man. "I trust we have not inconvenienced you?"

"Not at all Professor, got everything ready for yer just as yer asked. Don't mind tellin' yer that I am a might curious about it though."

"Just an experiment Hagrid," Albus said off-handley. "However it is a bit dangerous so I want you to promise you will not come down until I return."

"Of course Professor,' Hagrid said, handing Albus a large woodcutters axe. "Been meaning to sharpen it..."

"Quite alright Hagrid."

Severus' followed Albus curiously to the Quidditch Pitch. They had spent Friday mornings in the wee hours before dawn honing Severus' elemental magic for weeks. They usually met in the large Charms classroom, enhanced with protective safeguards so not to cause any damage. This morning however Albus had brought him here. "Last day of term," Albus sighed. "I will miss the children."

Severus snorted. "I highly doubt that Albus. We still have sixty to contend with this summer."

As they stepped onto the Quidditch Pitch, Severus saw a pile of logs stacked high at each end. A huge boulder had been placed in the middle.

'I have placed concealment charms on the area," Albus told him. "Ready to begin?"

Severus nodded. They had been experimenting with the Incendia Orbus. Reading through Flamel's records, he noted that the spell could be delayed, or cast to go off at a designated time, allowing the caster time to leave the area.

Severus smiled as he twisted the ring on his left hand. Opening the tiny pinhole on top of the silver ring, he produced a minute blue flame. Dumbledore had been astounded at Severus ingenuity over the ring. It was filled with a drop of Ever Burning Oil, the oil used in the many lamps in Hogwarts.

Albus had told him he needed to carry a candle or lump of coal at all times. His power drew on the fire and he needed to be able to produce a flame. Severus had thought this inane. He had studied enough to know he could extract the fire from the ground itself. With his first attempt at this, he learned how taxing it was. He had passed out at Albus' feet and awakened with a splitting headache that lasted for days. Still, Severus thought it a weakness to have to pull an object from his pocket and hold it in his hands to produce a flame if none was available.

Directing his gaze towards the logs, Severus summoned the spell. Unlike Albus, he relished in the fact that he did not have to speak an incantation. The ability to conjure the magic without anyone being aware of it was empowering. A tiny point of blue light lay up on the ground at the base of the pile. "Five minutes," he told Albus as they waited.

The blast of the spell shook the ground slightly under their feet, when after the five minutes the Incendia Orbus detonated. "Bravo," Albus said excitedly, squinting through the smoke to see that nothing remained of the rather large pile of wood. Only a scorch mark on the ground indicated that something had once been there. "Your powers are rather astonishing, Severus. You have gained in power most rapidly."

Severus smiled smugly. He had not told Albus that he had continued to practice drawing the fire power from the ground itself. It had taken weeks before he was able to extract even the minutest flame from the ground, but now he felt confident in his ability to do so. He could now invoke the fire from both the flame of the ring, and from the earth, creating a much more powerful result.

"If you feel up to it, I wanted to test the intensity of the fire power you possess, Severus," Albus said pointing to the large boulder.

Severus looked at the boulder, understanding what Albus was asking. Concentrating, he raised his hand and directed a blast of flames at it. The blue flames were soon tinged with red, as Severus drew the power from the earth, his head pounding as he forced the power through him.

"Enough," Albus said sharply, watching Severus intently, noting the sweat pouring from the man, the look of pain on his face. Severus lowered his arm, trembling slightly as the power ebbed from him.

A large pool of molten rock lay on the ground where the boulder once stood.

"Incredible," Albus muttered, realizing his suspicions were being confirmed before his very eyes. Never had he seen an Aestus mage melt rock before.

Wiping the sweat from his face, Severus looked at the old man suspiciously. "I take it that my performance was satisfactory."

Albus nodded absentmindedly, going over to pick up the axe he had laid against the remaining woodpile. "More than satisfactory my boy," he said, handing Severus the axe. The sky had changed from a dark inky black into a soft gray, hinting at the beginning of the day.

"I want you to take the axe and chop some wood," Albus instructed him.

Puzzled, Severus did as he bade, hefting the heavy axe up high and bringing it down. It vibrated in his hand as it struck the log, barely chipping the wood. "Dull is an understatement," he muttered, lifting the axe to bring it down again. After several attempts the log showed it was more resistant than the dull blade.

"What is the point of this Albus?" he asked, squeezing his fingers to stop the throbbing in them.

Albus took the axe from him and concentrated. Handing it back to him he explained. "We have the ability to enchant items, weapons, with our powers. Each elemental mage contributes a different essence. Go ahead, try again."

Sighing, Severus grasped the axe firmly, heaving it up only to find himself falling backwards as the momentum carried him over. The axe was now completely weightless.

Chuckling, Albus helped Severus up, brushing off grass from the disgruntled man's robes. "Most useful don't you agree?"

Severus glared at him. "It does not help the fact the thing would not cut butter, though I will admit it would be less tiring."

"Then I suggest you give it a whirl, add your own power to it."

Concentrating, Severus truly had no idea how to give 'power' to the axe, however he felt the tingle as something was transferred to it. Turning to the log he had been hacking on, he brought the axe down, astonished at it cut through cleanly, driving through the other wood beneath it and all the way until it struck earth.

"Useful," he agreed as he looked at Albus' beaming smile, "but I fail to see the point."

"The point is the power that enchanting a weapon would afford. Especially if the enchantment is done by a Custosratis Elementum."

Running a hand through his sweaty hair, Severus shook his head. "Albus we are wizards, we use magic, not weapons."

"Do not be so narrowed minded Severus," Albus scolded gently. "Of course we use magic. I could not imagine wielding a weapon in battle other than my wand, however there may be times, situations when someone will need to wield a weapon and would it not be better to use an enchanted one?

"The Custosratis Elementums powers granted on an object of agreement can produce the most extraordinary of weapons. Aer can make the weapon light so as not to tire the user. Aestus gives it the ability to slice easily through any resistance. Terrenus is used to plant the user's feet firmly so not to slip. Fous gives a calmness by quenching the thirst and nerves and the Aetherius can give the weapon a bond with the wielder, thus making him impervious to harm."

Severus raised his eyebrows at him. "And this has been done before?"

"Several times. I suppose the best example would be the sword that Arthur Pendragon wielded."

"Legends," Severus snorted. "Really Albus..." but his words died as he saw the intense glare Albus was giving him.

****

Hermione stood quietly waiting to the side of the Entrance hall for Harry that morning.

"I wish I could stay," Harry said bitterly. He had thought with Dumbledore allowing so many students to stay over the hols he would be able to also, but no, once again he must face another miserable summer with the Dursleys.

"Me too." Hermione looked at him, a wistful expression in her eyes.

"Look Hermione, I will work on Ron. He's just being so unreasonable..."

"Let him be Harry," she sighed. "I am alright with it. If I could just tell him what's been wrong this year, I would. I just can't, not right now."

Harry gazed at her. He understood carrying around weight that seemed too heavy to bear especially since Sirius' death.

He had been barely able to control the rage he had felt the last few days as taunts often followed Hermione. Draco and the other Slytherins had dubbed her 'Slytherin's slut', however it was the Gryffindors that had riled him beyond reason, when a drawing of Hermione kissing a large bat had been hung over the fireplace with the same words written in bright red letters. Harry had torn the picture down ripping it to shreds, shaking as he yelled loudly at those gathered in the common room. Hermione had simply squared her shoulders and left the room.

"Probably running to him," Ron had muttered.

It took all of Harry's resolve not to beat Ron into a bloody pulp that night, opting to sleep in the common room afraid that he would go off if he returned to the dorm.

The students were bustling about getting into the carriages now.

"Write me often, okay?"

"If they will let me," Harry said glumly. "I guess I better be going."

"Harry." He turned to see her blinking back tears. "I am really grateful that you have stood by me this year."

Giving her a small smile, he hesitated, and then hugged her tightly. "You are one of my best friends Hermione."

"You too and I love you, you know."

Harry's face turned red as he released her. "Me too. See you next term."

****

In Dumbledore's office, Minerva and Albus finished going over the contingency plan for the summer. Sighing, she picked up a small silver paperweight, toying with it. "It will be a very long summer I am afraid."

"Nonsense. I am sure the students will keep you on your toes," Albus said gently, taking the paperweight from her and sitting it back down on the desk.

Minerva looked up at him, her eyes bright, feeling very uneasy. "Come back to me old man," she said affectionately pulling on his beard.

"Don't I always?" he said putting his arms around her.

****