A Time for Understanding

Chapter 18: A Chase

The trees stood tall and towering. Deep-rooted residents of the forest, their itching branches rubbed together, whispering unintelligible nothings to those that lay beneath. They formed a curtain, denying outsiders entrance with a thick wall of twig and bark, tightly laden with leaves. And even as they forbade intruders, so too did they try to keep that which was of the forest to remain.

Five bodies made their way through the tangle of wild weeds, more a part of the earth than when first they had arrived due to a generous coating of plant and dirt. A recognition, an acknowledged belonging--their woodland dress an informal induction that caused the bushes and vines to clutch at cloak and cloth in hungry ownership. Confidently shrouded by shadows, the brambling shrubs of the forest floor rose up, scratching skin, tripping toes...doing their utmost best to let linger these new inhabitants who so plainly wished to leave.

Shaded in layers of overgrowth and gloom, the more dangerous details of the trees' nature were hidden from view. Grotesquely gnarled, an emergent root caught the tip of Hermione's shoe, dragging her down towards the earth. She made a surprised sound, reaching blindly as she prepared to fall. But instead of an unyielding ground, she struck the much softer form ahead of her, causing both persons to stumble.

Her savior's balance was far better than her own, allowing both to right themselves, shaky as the recovery may have been. Turning about, the inquisitive face of Ron Weasley peered at her from the darkness.

"You okay there?" he asked, hands on her shoulders in an effort to steady her.

She nodded, grimacing at her inelegance. "I'm fine. Sorry about that."

"No problem," he smiled, though strain was evident in his features.

They again began to walk, Hermione following behind, smoothing her robes as she went. Attempting to avoid another accident, she directed her eyes to the ground, only to see the tiniest slivers of light that had escaped through the foliage, dancing like the sun on water. Feet yet imperceptible, she sighed, her eyes returning to the spot before her. Her friend's ginger hair bobbed ahead, still visible in the darkness. Very visible, in fact.

"Ron," she said, her whisper sounding harsh upon the cool air. "I know Severus said we should all stay together, but I don't think he meant for us to be this close."

She waited for him to move away, but found her words to have the opposite effect. He moved closer, and she found herself shortening her steps so as not to again collide with him.

"Then who'd be there to catch you?" he retorted, not bothering to turn around.

Hermione frowned at his teasing tone, now having to mince her steps even as the pace of the group accelerated. She had the distinct impression that Ron was trying to protect her. While she appreciated the sentiment, she did wish he would mind himself rather than depleting his energies by worrying over her. She'd proven on more than one occasion that she could handle herself, Hermione thought, slightly insulted.

Suddenly, she felt a finger tapping at her shoulder, pulling her from her thoughts.

"Did you feel that?" Neville asked, his voice jarring in the quietude.

"Longbottom!" Severus hissed, hearing him even from the front of the line. He shot a threatening look at the offender before returning his attention to the landscape. Moving an arm to the side, he slowed them wordlessly, his eyes struggling to discern what lay beyond the trees.

"Feel what?" Harry whispered under his breath, his brows furrowed.

Neville glanced at Severus nervously before leaning forward, close to Harry's ear. "I think it's drizzling," he confided.

No sooner had the words passed his lips than Hermione felt a wet drop of water hit her head, bypassing the thick tangles of her hair to coldly drip down her scalp. It was soon followed by another, and then another.

The group gathered about their professor, forming a tight circle as they waited for his signal to begin moving.

"I can't believe this," Harry said bitterly, wiping a hand at the wetness on his forehead.

Hermione rolled her eyes. "It's not something to get upset over," she admonished. "We have more important things to worry about, don't you think?" She sent him a reproving look, watching as he crossed his arms resignedly.

"It is rather cliché," Severus noted, squinting as he probed the darkness with the brightly lit tip of his wand.

Hermione opened her eyes wide in surprise. Had he not been so preoccupied, Severus would never have allied himself with Harry, even on a subject as insignificant as this. Her lips twitched in a smile despite the gravity of their predicament. She flicked her eyes toward Harry to see if he shared in her amusement. He didn't.

"Rain on the day of battle. Wouldn't have it any other way," Ron announced with artificial cheer, turning his face upwards in order to be misted.

"Don't be ridiculous, Weasley," Severus said sharply, satisfied when the addressed went silent. "Now pay attention." He paused, making sure to meet their eyes, even through the veil of darkness and raindrops. "The land we've traveled on has thus far been protected. That is about to end. A foot further from our current location and we will no longer have the wards to shield us. For your safety, you must stay close together, be wary of--" He stopped short, blinking as a drop of water found its way into his eye. "For the love of...." he muttered, his words trailing off. Casting a water repelling charm upon himself, he glared at his charges. "I suggest you do the same," he stated tersely. He waited, continuing only once they had finished wish their wands. "The woods are not safe. I believe I was followed on my return this morning."

Hermione's head jerked up sharply at that. She furrowed her brows in confusion, Severus noticing her distress. He looked at her, offering in explanation, "There were other things that needed discussing."

There was a meaningful pause before he again addressed the group. "From this point on, it is imperative that you have your wands at the ready." He held his prominently by his side in demonstration. Nodding shortly, he began to walk, taking three steps before turning again to face them. "It is only ten minutes before we reach the castle. But those ten minutes...they will be long ones," he warned, "and dangerous." He turned around, calling over his shoulder, "I do hope you can keep your guard up for that length of time." Charging ahead of them, his long strides soon passed the limits of magical protection.

A shiver traveled up Hermione's spine as she watched him go. Clutching her wand tightly, she hurried to match his pace.

The travelers walked in silence for a while, the drumming of the rain on the fallen leaves taking the place of trivial talk. Ears straining to discern whether the many noises were of nature or foe, their heads turned often, their wands drawn at all times.

A stick shattered sharply under the weight of someone's boot, causing Hermione to jump, her shoulder bumping into Harry's. She apologized, but was met with a stony silence.

"Are you all right?" she questioned, her eyes still trained on their surroundings.

"Bit anxious," he admitted. "I know that before it seemed like I wanted to put this off, but now I just want it to be over, Hermione. I...I don't want to do this anymore. I don't think I can take anymore," he ended weakly.

Smiling sadly, she gave his arm a comforting squeeze. "You won't have to. We're all going to be able to start fresh after this. It ends today, Harry."

"I know," he answered, shrugging off her touch.

They passed the next few minutes quietly. Hermione divided her time between watching the trees and watching Severus. There was more light here, the leaves less densely packed. She could see him easily now, unimpeded by shadows. She studied his motions and movements, his expressions when facing in her direction. It had been gradual, but the speed with which he plowed through the brush had increased significantly, his head darting from side to side more rapidly as well. His wand was held forward and alert, far from the downward position it had taken when first they had started. She frowned at this, her rain-dampened fingers tightening around her own wand.

A few more paces and she saw Severus stiffen, cocking his head as if listening for something. Then, without warning, he turned and began to move, advancing towards them with urgency in his gait. Hair tangled and wet about his face, he was upon her. "Run," he commanded in a low voice, pointing towards a break in the trees.

Hearing his words, Hermione froze, even as Harry and Neville instantly obeyed their professor's command, their figures growing smaller as they sprinted towards the light.

A hand roughly seized her own. "Come on, Hermione!" Ron urged, forcibly pulling her down the sodden slope of leaves and grass.

Half dragged, Hermione struggled to be let free. "Severus," she yelled, fighting Ron's well-intentioned hands.

"Go!" Severus ordered loudly, running at a far slower pace behind them. Looking back, he sent a spell of dark red to cut across where they'd just been standing, watching as it darted behind the trees.

Hermione found herself continuing to move despite her protests. Finally breaking from the forest, she tumbled to the ground, Ron's arms bracing her from the worst of the impact. Scrambling to a sitting position, she did not hear the faint sounds of familiar voices--friendly voices--coming toward her. Instead, she remained oblivious and still, her eyes staring steadfast at the spot from which she fell.

Severus emerged from the woods many minutes later, panting as his legs slowed from their rapid pace. On alert, his eyes scanned the area warily, only to come across the shape of Hermione, collapsed upon the ground. He strode to her single-mindedly, bending to one knee in order to examine her. "Are you all right?" he asked, brushing the tangled hair from her face in order to see her properly.

She didn't answer, instead launching her arms about him in a fierce embrace. Severus felt a little jolt in his constitution at this display of feeling. Hands coming to rest at the small of her back, her hair tickling his fingertips, he allowed himself to hold her for only a little while before noticing the many sets of eyes upon him. He stiffened, and bringing Hermione with him, drew up to both feet, gently disentangling himself from her hold.

"Albus," he acknowledged solemnly, stepping away from her.

"Severus," the Headmaster returned, his eyes looking beyond the small group to the outline of trees. "I take it the woods are no longer safe?"

Severus examined his friend before answering, noting the evident weariness in his eyes. It seems the man had not returned from his prior ordeal completely unscathed. He scowled and then shook his head. "I was followed as I returned from Hogwarts earlier this morning. They are not just within the castle. I expect that many of the strategies we had planned will now be used against us." He looked back, taking in the moving shapes and shadows. "They are in the forest, Albus. There will be no retreat for us," he said, lowering his voice. He gazed at Dumbledore earnestly, willing him to fully comprehend his words.

The Headmaster returned his look with aged eyes. "There was never a plan for retreat, Severus," he answered quietly.

The younger man nodded in understanding, turning with Albus to take in the assembly before them.

Potter and Weasley were encompassed within a circle of Weasleys, all but the youngest seeming present. Minerva was there. Filius. Lupin. Moody. He took some time to examine some of the less familiar faces, recognizing a good many of them to be former students. Wonderful.

Moving to direct the crowd, he'd only gone a few paces before turning to see Hermione standing still, staring up at the very window he'd stood under just a while before. He frowned and walked towards the circle of copper-haired wizards. Coming to a halt just before them, he crossed his arms disparagingly. "Weasley," he drawled, not bothering to differentiate between the many of them.

Speaking with his parents, Ron turned at the sound of Snape's voice. "Professor?" he asked.

Severus simply jerked his head towards Hermione. Pleased as understanding filled Ron's face, he watched the boy move to join his friend.

"Ron, where are you going?" Molly asked anxiously, looking as if to chase after him. She appeared frayed and humorless, the cheerful pattern of her jumper not translating to the expression on her face.

"Just going to check on Hermione, Mum," Ron said, frustration lacing his voice. "The two of us will be right back."

"You shouldn't be here at all!" Molly shouted at the back of her son's retreating form, her wand hand trembling with emotion.

"Mum," Bill said, "Ron's of age now. He's not a child. If he feels strongly about this, he should be here...with the rest of us."

"He's the youngest, aside from Ginny. He's hasn't graduated yet. He hasn't lived yet! He is putting his future in jeopardy when it is not necessary! That's why all the rest of us are here...to protect the futures of all you young ones," Molly insisted, her voice become all the more shrill as she went on.

Severus sneered as he turned away. "Where there is a Potter, there is always a Weasley. I hardly think you'd be able to keep the boy away," he said as he merged into the crowd, a black speck amid a flurry of richly colored cloth.

Livid, Molly yelled after him though he was already a good ways away. "I don't want any of your sarcasm, Severus Snape. Now is not the time, believe you me!"

"Molly, calm down," Arthur said, rubbing her back. "Ron is here, and there is nothing we can do to change that. Let's be supportive, shall we? Let's be a family." Looking grimly at those around him, he drew closer to her, resting his hand on her waist.

"The children shouldn't be here," Molly reiterated in a mournful voice. "It's bad enough that Harry's here. But why does Ron have to be? And Hermione? You too, Bill. You've not started a family yet." Seeing Harry's down turned face, Molly bit her lip. "Oh, I don't blame you, Harry. Please don't believe I think that."

Harry nodded curtly, trying to stifle the guilt that had quite easily come to mix with an already abundant amount of anxiety. Turning to look at Ron and Hermione, both talking quietly a few yards away, he wished once again that he could spare them this.

Robes greedily drinking in the moisture of the earth, Hermione sat on the ground, watching as the professionals set about the business of reopening Hogwarts to those of the Order. Their softly recited incantations hummed in her ears, mixing with the louder buzz of wizards and witches, whose numbers had increased steadily since her own arrival.

Fingers playing with a blade of grass, she heard the pop of more apparations. The noises had first comforted her, knowing that each represented another that would help in the fight against Voldemort. Yet as they continued, the area filling soundly, what had been a group of friends now more closely resembled an army, which was causing reality to set in even further still. That, coupled with the damp Scottish weather, made Hermione shiver. Vengefully, she ripped a fistful of grass from the ground.

Tiring of the thus far fruitless magic display, her eyes turned towards Severus. She never thought to see him more commanding than in the classroom, but today he seemed in his element. Over the course of the past two hours, he had made rounds amongst every individual here, at least that she could see. Giving directions, answering questions. She knew he must feel more than responsible, being the only true authority on the habits of Death Eaters during battle. Surrounded by colleagues, she could see his finger pointedly jabbing at some spot on Harry's map, his hand moving quickly over the parchment.

She supposed he felt her eyes on him, for despite his focus elsewhere, he turned to meet her gaze.

Ron, who had been seated next to her, noticed the slight exchange, excusing himself as he recognized the look in Snape's eyes. "Professor," he acknowledge, brushing past the taller man as he strode towards his family.

Her gaze never leaving him, Hermione sent Severus a small smile, assuming he would again return to his work. Instead, he pointed once more to the paper, then handing it to Moody. He walked forward, and then to her utter surprise, gracefully sank beside her onto the rain-sodden grass.

He said nothing, turning his attention towards the rapidly working ward breakers. Confused by his silence, Hermione glanced at his face, but found his expression indeterminable. Making a downward journey, her eyes came to fall upon an artful hand resting by her side. Suddenly, a flashback came upon her, memories of innocent touches and a recession of loneliness--at least for one night.

A wave of fear rushed over her. This might be the last time she would sit with this difficult, taciturn man. If the war went badly, if one of them was hurt.... Imperceptible to any but the two of them, Hermione inched closer, letting the right side of her body gently graze his left. Taking comfort in the slight contact, she released a small sigh, causing him to turn his gaze towards her questioningly.

"I like this...sitting with you," she admitted. Black eyes meeting brown, she added, "I'm going to tell you something, but I don't want you telling me it's not too late to change my mind."

Severus looked at her, narrowing his eyes. Posture relaxed, legs stretched out before him, he still managed to look imposing.

"I'm scared," she said quietly.

He examined her for a moment, and then nodded his head. "That is a natural reaction," he said evenly.

"Preparing myself to come here, I thought I was scared. A healthy fear, you know? But that was just anxiety. What just happened in that forest--that was fear. I've already faced death...but...I don't know," she said, shaking her head. "It felt different this time." She stared up at him. "I'm a Gryffindor. Where is that bravery that I'm supposed to have?" she said, laughing nervously.

"You are frightened but do not allow that fear to change your course of action. There's your courage."

"I suppose," she capitulated. "I just don't feel particularly courageous right now." Looking down, she saw her hands grasping the folds of her robes rather tightly, the knuckles turning white. Loosening her grasp, she paused, looking at him appraisingly. "I suppose you are used to this."

Severus shook his head. "I may know more than most what is to transpire...but past experience has certainly not engendered in me an indifference towards battle. There is always a risk, as well as that bit of fear that will not be done away with, no matter what you may tell yourself." He paused, and then looking ahead, added, "And there will be times when that fear will be more pronounced than ever before."

"You mean now?"

He bowed his head, conceding.

"I suppose I'm in good company then," she said, smiling slightly. "So you've not felt this way before every battle?"

"No," he answered shortly.

She nodded her head. "It is different this time, being that it's the last--"

"No," Severus interrupted. "As far as emotions are concerned, at least for me, the last might feel the same as the first, if the risk is the same. But if you have something to lose...your feelings upon entering the battle will be much more powerful." He let out a loud breath and then said so softly that it could hardly be heard, "And today the stakes are higher than they have ever been."

Hermione nodded absentmindedly, watching as a series of indigo sparks shot from the wand of the tallest ward breaker.

"Personally."

"Pardon?" she asked, returning her attention to Severus.

His eyes also on the progress of the dismantling of the wards, he continued, not looking at her. "Personally. The stakes are higher than they have ever been...for me. Personally."

Hermione's head turned sharply, startled by his admission. Lips slightly open, she searched his face, which was, as ever, masking its secrets. His eyes evading her own, Severus slowly drew to his feet.

"If you must be with your friends, stay close to Weasley. I will be with you at first, but if I find I am being singled out, I will go my own way. Don't follow me, Hermione. No repeat performances of our walk," he said, though not without caring. "Potter will have Dumbledore with him, so you're not to worry for him either." His eyes swept over her, quickly absorbing any and all details. "I want you to take care of yourself," he finished.

For one small moment, those usually dark, shuttered eyes were open, translucent in their concern. Hermione could make out every detail of worry and caring that shone from them. "You too," she whispered, near tears.

Suddenly, what had been sporadic sparks of blue became a brilliant white light, illuminating the gloom that had settled upon the landscape at the onset of the rain. There was a crackling in the air from where the ward breakers were concentrated. Then there was silence.

The men stood back, watching the dying spark of light emanating from the tip of Dumbledore's wand. He looked at them solemnly and then nodded his head.

The steady murmuring and whispers died away as Dumbledore's posture became tall and straight. Facing the group, his eyes shone with a sorrowful determination. There was no need for words, no speech. Turning his back to them, the Headmaster's elderly eyes took in the sight of the castle, turrets and heavy stone standing high in the sky. There was an intake of breath, and then he began to walk, his feet sinking into the softening earth as he made his way toward Hogwarts.