24 Hours Later [Hermione]

[SEVERUS SNAPE]

Pain. It hurt far more than he was willing to admit. How he managed to Apparate without splinching himself in the process was a question that not even Severus Snape could answer.

The sight of Grimmauld Place did nothing to improve his mood. The Order's Headquarters was the only option available to him. Even in the past, before the Dark Lord's supporters had started patrolling St. Mungo's, there had always been a huge risk in going to a hospital because of his status in the war. Merlin forbid someone see him in a state of weakness; such a thing was frowned upon because it was necessary to always to protect his mind and project a sense of power or control.

His control was slipping fast now. As soon as he entered his new safe haven, Severus breathed a silent sigh of relief. He couldn't completely lower his guard here (then again it was pretty hard for him to deal away with his Occlumency shields anyhow, but that was beside the point...), but it still gave him a sense of calm; something he desperately needed at the moment. He shuffled forward into the living room. The tranquility didn't last long for Snape soon felt his stomach rebel underneath the aftereffects of the Cruciatus Curse. The former Potions Master quickly made his way to the closest bathroom where he vomited up whatever was still left in his stomach by this point. When the turmoil finally eased and the slight tremor abated at last, he moved from the bathroom to the kitchen for some unknown reason.

The thought of food made him feel sick all over again, but he needed to settle his nerves and the only thing that seemed to work (besides Potions which were addictive so Snape tried to avoid taking them as often as he possibly could) was tea. He now sat at the table as he waited for the brew to steep in a mug of hot water, staring at it as blankly as ever.

---

Tag: Hermione
Words: 333
Location: Number Twelve, Grimmauld Place; Kitchen
Notes: Please don't kill me for injuring Snape. Also, I'm sorry this post sucks so bad. Gah.

[HERMIONE GRANGER]

She had come back. With the prospect of more information the young miss Granger had returned from the seemingly endless void of nothing that was her mind, long enough that she forced herself into apparating to the Order Headquarters. Under a glamour of course. She was not to be seen as the muggle born witch who had fought with the aurors and order members even in childhood. That would not do at all.

'The location of the headquarters of the "Order of the Phoenix" is at number 12 Grimmauld Place'

That one thought springing to her mind released the magic hiding the once purist household. letting it; before her very eyes force itself out between the two buildings either side of it. The buildings were not harmed, it was just magic. It was always just magic. Magic brought all the wonder and awe into her life, and it looked more and more possible that magic would be the thing that brought her the cold emptiness that would be her ultimate death.

Ever since her fourth year when she found that her friend, her best friend had been killed by the dark lord, the muggle born thought little more than of death. It was always there; taunting her. Dancing around the back of her mind, a constant reminder that at one point, she would be found. She would be taken in by the monsters in her world and she would most likely die, be it from the killing curse itself or some other cruel and barbaric method ... it chilled her to the very bone. But little else could be thought about when one was left alone with their mind for so long. Everything died in the end. Her life might just be cut shorter than fate intended.

replacing her wand in its holster she stepped over the thresh hold of the hold, taking a deep shuddering breath as she closed the door behind her. Forcing her back against the door in a form of last minute retreat. She knew she shouldn't be paranoid but ... needs must.

Quickly grabbing her wand again she muttered a hasty "Homenum Revelio"

[/color] and watched as the light wisp of colour directed itself toward the kitchen. Of course she shouldn't have been surprised. After all, this being Sirius' and Professor Lupins home there was more than likely going to be one of them about. She just hadn't expected them to be in the kitchen .... not when it was this quiet.

Slowly she found her way toward the kitchen, wand aloof and held out in a defensive position. Curses and disarming spells at the tip of her tongue as she pushed open the door. However, she was not met with the sight of Sirius, or of Professor Lupin. She did not expect to see her old Potions Professor ... making a cup of tea.

For some reason the normality of the action did not seem to fit in with the image Hermione had been fed of the Ex- now a spy for the order - loyalties unknown to all but Dumbledore -Death Eater/Potions master over the years. It did however give him a humanness about him. Gave him a look of mortality, not the untouchable being that she had conjured in the safe haven of her mind. She would never forget those years in her dorm, dreaming for years of her dark and surly potions master. His apparent flaws simply became endearing quality that she found herself drawn to.

But that was simply a secret fantasy that she kept very well hidden within herself. She was good enough at blocking those thoughts from her mind. Unless someone purposely attempted to breach that security she was able to hold her own.

"I always had you pegged as a Coffee drinker, Professor"[/color] She said in a dull tone, she hadn't expected to be happy in her voice, but at least something resembling pleasant would have suited. Alas, it had passed. [/blockquote]

[SEVERUS SNAPE]

He looked at his tea as if it was an extremely important Potion that he was working on rather than just... tea. After a moment or so, Snape finally lifted the mug to his lips and took a small sip. Then he waited because only time could tell him if this would agree with him; his body was still rebelling, but of course he hid it expertly as he had always done. The tea itself was rather good. It tasted like Chai -- there was a definite undertone of Cadamom (or Ginger) as well as slight hints of both Cinnamon and Nutmeg -- and he had read somewhere that Chai was supposed to help relax the nerves. He had boosted this ability with Chamomile and a touch of Honey. It was very good, but it wasn't exactly the tamest thing he should have...

Perhaps water would be better or maybe even nothing at all until he was sure that it wouldn't aggravate his current condition... And yet there was something about the brew that seemed to settle him... Snape stirred the tea with a small silver spoon as he continued to watch it, as if he was actually expecting it to do something. He raised his head somewhat as he felt a familiar spell whisper by his form. He wasn't entirely sure why various members still used the Homenum Revelio Charm because Grimmauld Place was always being used by people; usually Lupin and Black since the two were now unofficially in charge with the continued disappearance of Albus Dumbledore. Again, Severus didn't move. He simply stayed where he was as he had in the past and hoped that whoever had just entered would leave him alone.

Unfortunately this was not the case. Only moments went by before the sight of Hermione Granger greeted him. His dark eyes tracked the girl as she moved further into the kitchen. She seemed kind of surprised to find him with tea instead of coffee, which she quickly brought up. Her dull tone caused him to raise an eyebrow for a brief moment. Lately the girl was becoming more and more distant, even in her speech and it was not a pleasant thing for Severus to watch. He hated to admit it but he kind of missed her know-it-all attitude and constant stream of questions that he had in fact criticized her for during their years together at Hogwarts. At the thought of Hogwarts, he closed his eyes in remembered pain. It had not been easy for him to view the ruins of the once-grand castle, but he had suffered through it somehow.

"Really?" He remarked dryly. "Why is that?"

Coffee? Blech. It didn't appeal to him for some reason. He actually didn't drink a whole lot of caffeine; only using it when he absolutely needed to. He always crashed hard afterwards and he had no desire to be addicted to yet another thing. It was bad enough that he couldn't seem to stop smoking...

"Well, sit down." Snape finally drawled out. "What are you doing here for this time, Granger?"

His attention diverted from the mug of Chai Tea to the young Muggleborn who had decided to join him despite all the logic that had probably told her not to. A slight tremor once again appeared in his hand and he gripped the edge of the table for a moment, his knuckles turning white under the onslaught. Severus felt his stomach flip-flop and he swallowed hard in an effort to control what was happening. The aftereffects of the Cruciatus Curse were starting to take a toll and the tea obviously wasn't helping. He gave a slow blink before he lowered his eyes to the mug once again. Snape shivered then as the pain worked its way past his façade. His teeth clenched together as he swallowed again.

---

Tag: Hermione
Words: 637
Location: Number Twelve, Grimmauld Place; Kitchen
Notes: -Hides-

[HERMIONE GRANGER]

She shrugged. There was nothing but small logic that made her thinking the ever snarky potions master would take a preference over his cafinated beverages. "Knowing that I can't get through a day on my own without one, I always suspected you were the same. I have it far easier than you Professor." She said simply, the flatness to her voice a dull reminder of what she once sounded like. No longer was she the excitable buck toothed know -it -all. No longer did she dream of the magic that coursed through her body. At least ... not pleasantly. Nor did she think on the happier days anymore. It was rather a hard push to produce a patronus anymore. Any positive thoughts made her cringe at the hope that would attempt to break through her defenses. Hope was a weakness. She couldn't afford it."Plus, it has more caffeine than tea. Keeps you alert."

Looking around the seemingly dark kitchen, she was reminded of that night in her third year. How it could have been different. The night when Harry and Sirius finally got to talk about the future, how he wanted Harry to move in with him. To this very building. It was a shame he never got to see it, got to see the place where is Godfather grew up. Unhappy as it was. She didn't allow herself too many thoughts about harry anymore. They always made her chest constrict. Reminded her of all the things that were lost in that one moment, mainly ... for her; freedom. After that moment she was on high alert, ready to be taken away at any given second. Waiting for what was to be a massive raid on the school.

thankfully -or as thankful as one could be given the notion - it hadn't been while she was a student herself. She could help with the order, or at least, she liked to kid herself into thinking that she was helping.

Taking the seat that was indicated by the professors deep drawl. Hermione allowed herself a moment of reverting back on those old thoughts she visited now and again. There was no hope, there would never be hope for someone like her. Only surviving. But that little glimmer of happiness that was found whenever she listened to her old professor speak? it did her something good.

"seeing as I am so far out of the loop I don't even know that missions are halted i thought it prudent to check in at least once a month instead of simply sending owls. I was hoping to find the headmaster. The headmaster and Professor McGonagall are the ones who I have owled over the time of my absence. It seems they found it easier to simply exclude Order meetings from me also." there was a slight rasp in her voice by the end. A contemplation that she found brought her nothing but sadness. The headmaster and her old head of house she felt at times did not want her at the meetings.

However, as she looked up with a strange mix of embarrassment and shame over her selfish hiding she caught what she recognized as a flash of pain on her professors face. Abruptly she stood again, watching as he attempted to ... hide the pain? "Professor Snape ...?" She said, her voice sparking the long lost emotions it once held. But unfortunately, out of panic. "Professor, what do you need me to do. Broken bone? Internal bleeding? Curse?" she said, rather quickly as she hurried around the table and pulled out her wand once more. Over the time alone she had read many healing spells, but she was by no means a qualified medi-witch.

[SEVERUS SNAPE]

Pain management was something Snape had learned how to do from his early childhood and then onward. Tobias, his filthy Muggle father, had frowned upon a boy crying no matter what the age and so whenever the agony overcame the façade (as it was doing now), Severus was further punished until one of three events happened. One: Tobias's rage finally sated enough for the older man to stop and go back to drinking or pass out; Two: Severus went 'away' or into a semi-conscious state, which sooner or later caused Tobias to go back to option One; or Three: the ever rare appearance of Eileen broke them up.

Severus was then further trained by his position as a master Spy. Even back during the so-called First War, his stance had caused some raised eyebrows because he never seemed to lean one way or another and a few Death Eaters (as well as the Dark Lord) had taught him what it meant to be a traitor with the Cruciatus Curse or other interesting methods of torture that Snape didn't even want to think about anymore. Some of the more insane members - like Bellatrix and even Voldemort - knew how to target the pressure points and make the torment last as long as possible. Their sick entertainment lasted with Snape for hours sometimes, which was more than enough. Over time these 'loyalty tests' had degenerated into what they were now. He had already been labeled as a traitor and turncoat in their eyes apparently, but of course they still had to get him to admit it first... It was no easy feat.

But, back to the caffeine, the amount of it present in tea was enough for Snape and when it wasn't, despite the addictive qualities, he often resorted to Potions to keep alert. He would be half-mad otherwise, assuming if he wasn't already. Hermione's next comment of checking in on a regular basis made sense to him so he had nothing to say to that. He just nodded his head slowly. He didn't like the idea of her being involved with the Order at such a young age, but she was old enough to be considered an adult Witch now and he couldn't very well tell her what to do anymore. It wasn't exactly the best course either since he wasn't in a supervisory position over her. Plus, it wasn't like it really mattered either way because it seemed like Dumbledore was taking pains to keep Granger out of the war.

Snape attempted to hide his suffering, but apparently the agony was just too much for even him or the bright Muggleborn girl had noticed it regardless. Both seemed likely. He watched her with a wary sort of look as she quickly hurried over and pulled out her wand, asking a few questions as she went. Well... at least he was getting an emotional response from her, even if it was just from panic. The tremor from his hand was moving up into his arm, causing a muscle somewhere near his elbow joint to spasm randomly. He wasn't even sure what she could do for the aftereffects, if anything.

"It's the Cruciatus Curse. Aftereffects. Although I could have broken bones or internal bleeding as a result. I haven't really noticed past the residual ache that still lingers within." Severus spoke calmly, but somewhat darkly at the same time. He hated this; he loathed the game that he was playing and desperately wanted it to end...

Maybe he would be better off dead.

---

Tag: Hermione
Words: 587
Location: Number Twelve, Grimmauld Place; Kitchen
Notes: ---

[HERMIONE GRANGER]

of course it was. the one thing that was known to cause someone such unbearable pain was the thing that now afflicted her old professor. one of the few people in this world that she now felt remotely connected to. why was it that after all that he had been through, that he was still forced into such a cruel role? why had fate twisted his arm so? all for a simpler life.

she didn't know if she herself would be able to cope under the pressure he must have suffered over the years. what with being a potions master, working in hogwarts as a professor, being a death eater and spying for the Order ... why was he not given a break after all this time?

it had taken some time for her to warm up to the snarling, scowling 'greasy bat of the dungeons' . Hos insults still came thick and fast, her looks were a big target for bullying back then. And with no Harry to tell her otherwise or remind her of how intelligent she was ... her life had began to seem more reclusive even while she slept in the dormitories of Gryffindor tower. How anyone could cope with losing their best friend at 15 ... it was unthinkable. And for such a tragic outcome to be fueled by it. the continual rise of death eaters meant that, despite her N.E.W.T.s results, the young muggleborn was destined to a life of unemployment and fugitive living.

she never stopped studying. not when she was forced to evacuate the school, not when she was forced into hiding, not when she was in order meetings. at all times there was at least four new spells, curses or potions going through her mind. revising, studying, preparing.

should the time come, she would put up one hell of a fight before she finally was struck down in battle. that was her plan anyway.

"shit." she cursed quietly, putting a hand to her head, thinking furiously. Spasms of pain, lingering muscle spasm ... muscle spasm ... cramping pain ...'that's it!' she thought excitedly, turning aroun d and putting herself half out of the kitchen door, thinking hard. What was it she needed ... what was it called. "Sweet Almond Oil..." she muttered. Waiting until a seemingly innocent bottle appeared in her hand. Perfect.

"do you feel any broken bones anywhere sir? I don't want to hurt you more feeling for broken rips." she said evenly. At least she had trained enough for this

"Actually ... no. Professor. scale of one to ten, what is your pain like right now?" she asked sternly, placing the bottle on the table. The label reading 'Sweet Almond Oil: Massage Oil' in clear blue letters against the golden liquid inside. "Just ... tell me what to do!" she practically pleaded. her wand hand twitching, just ... craving to be put into use.

[SEVERUS SNAPE]

"Shit." She cursed.

Well that about summed his situation up nicely. Severus raised an eyebrow as she muttered something about sweet almond oil and then a bottle suddenly appeared in her hand. He couldn't help but to wonder if she would start taking off his clothes next in order to soothe his muscle spasms and cramps. The man couldn't help but to be amused at the sudden image that came into his head and a slight chuckle escaped from his lips as the thought played out for a moment. Merlin, he really was losing it...

Snape opened his mouth to reply to her first comment, but before he could Hermione changed track and decided to ask him a different question. It took him a moment to process both to be honest. "Mm... It's hard to concentrate... Nothing feels broken and I've been through worse. On a scale, I would say... six? Or maybe seven."

It didn't seem like much considering the constant twitch that seemed to be attacking his body now. Not even his Occlumency shields could stop it. His façade was breaking... or it had already broken. Neither one was a very good sign. "Just ... tell me what to do!" Hermione pleaded and Severus thought for a long while about that. He couldn't think straight and as a result he couldn't remember if there were any spells that might help abate the aftereffects. He knew there were a few Potions that may help with the pain and the tremors, but he didn't like relying on them. He hated admitting weakness. He wasn't even sure if he had replenished his supplies from the last time... He eyed Granger briefly, taking note that she was craving to be used in whatever way possible that would aide the situation. She didn't even care if it meant... Interesting.

"Several Potions might help. The Calming Draught or the Draught of Peace; both should aide in managing the aftereffects, but if something is seriously wrong underneath this then we would have a problem... They would inhibit the healing process of broken bones and so on." Snape was back in his teaching role again as he explained what could be done and the ramifications of following said orders. "You could always use the Quick Heal Charm. It should fix anything minor; scrapes, scratches, maybe some easy breaks like sprains and hairline fractures..." He paused for a moment and pursed his lips. "There is one other thing; a Potion I created myself in my earlier years of Spying due to the Dark Lord's tendency to use the Cruciatus on His followers... The Vigoratus Draft. It will completely eradicate the aftereffects as well as mend any underlining problems."

Severus gave her enough time to absorb all of this information before continuing: "I dislike using the Vigoratus Draft because it is extremely addictive; not only that, but it stops working well if you take it more than a few times. Needless to say that I've downed it more than once in the past."

---

Tag: Hermione
Words: 500
Location: Number Twelve, Grimmauld Place; Kitchen
Notes: ---

[HERMIONE GRANGER]

'Hermione Jean Granger get a hold of yourself! You are a nineteen year old of age witch! You can do this. Calm the heck down and get a grip!' she mentally scolded herself, looking down at her wand hand, she mentally went through every tomb of text she ever read, a furrowed line of concentration on her forehead as she recounted every charm, every spell, every potions ingredient, every curse ... anything ...

She of course, did listened to everything her old Professor was telling her. She had known over the years that to ignore him while he gave what could be vital information could be horrific in the long run. Everything he ever said to her was stored away in her head. Easily recounted as if he had spoken moments before, not years. Many of those comments she feared, where of course insults. Put downs against her showing off in class, her 'know-it-all' tendencies. After Harry died, she lost most of that same spark that made her raise her hand with gusto in class. She always answered the questions asked of her. But she would not volunteer her hand unless a perpetual silence had fallen upon a classroom. Even then she had lost the passion with which she spoke. She did not speak with the same love of learning as she once had. Each moment that passed served to remind her of just how much she had lost.

"Then we shall not resort to that unless you deem it absolutely necessary." She said quietly, raising her wand once more and closing her eyes quickly before muttering a drawn out "Epidiorth..." While casting her wand in gentle circles. Concentrating she focused on the figure of her professor in front of her, letting the magic that sped from her wand wrap around each injury, no matter the number. The spell worked as one that was generally used in battle, to successfully mend any injuries until a proper healer could look at them. They were by no means long term solutions, but good for when there was little much else could be done.

the spell itself was one she had felt herself. Tiny little imaginative hands, teasing together any breakages, knitting together skin with what felt like a breath of air, the simplest of touches it seemed was to minimalise the pain of the healing process. Much unlike its brother charm 'episkey'.

"Tell me if i hurt you. I can ease any pain if you let me know where exactly I am causing it. I don't want to try any pain reducing potions yet. I want you lucid." For the shortest of moments a blush flushed across her cheeks at the image that drew itself within her mind. For being such a prudish bookworm ... Hermione's mind was not always as innocent as people were led to believe. Her thoughts on her old Potions Professor ... her Potions Master ... such things should not be the focus of her attention right now. "What about now sir?" She said, almost a whisper. Her breath caught in her throat as she took another step toward him, inspecting for any areas where she might see anything of suspect.

'Merlin why must he always smell so good...' Her thoughts wandered.

[SEVERUS SNAPE]

Luckily for them both nothing was seriously wrong underneath the aftereffects of the Cruciatus Curse. Of course there was some bruising all over his body as well as some damaged nerves, but it wasn't nearly as bad as it could have been... Severus had definitely been worse.

The spell itself felt kind of weird. Tiny little hands worked on the few broken ribs he had sustained and then it moved onto the internal injuries. Snape winced for a moment. It wasn't as painful as the Quick Heal Charm, Episkey, but it wasn't exactly pleasant or ticklish either. In an effort to focus on something else, he turned his attention to the young woman before him and it finally occurred to him that Hermione Granger was all grown up. Whoa. When did that happen? It seemed like only yesterday that he had been teaching a bushy-haired first year on proper class ethnics. He couldn't help but to raise an eyebrow as he saw her blush faintly and wondered what that was all about, but - as usual - he didn't comment.

The spell had done nothing for his tremors because they were still there. Every so often a random muscle would spasm somewhere... It hurt far more than Snape would like to admit and that brought him to another hardly ignorable fact: it was still an excruciating experience. "My chest is a little tight, but it's manageable."

His throat was also a bit dry so he made a move for the tea, which was a bad idea... His limb felt heavy and it was hard to lift, but Severus was able to get his mug to his mouth somehow. Once that was achieved he took a sip from the drink within. The hot liquid burned and almost made him cough; however, as a Master Spy, he had more control than that. He soon set the tea down, the expression on his face one of intense disgust. It had done nothing to soothe the dryness of his throat. Although the pain wasn't nearly as bad as it had been just a few moments ago, Snape still sat tense and rigid. He never seemed to relax.

"That was an interesting spell, Ms. Granger. Perhaps you can tell me a bit about it..."

He needed something else to focus on and so of course the former Professor had turned to what had always captivated his interest: Magic. He gave her a smirk, but it was different from the one(s) most people saw. The usual smirks were of contempt; hatred; mild amusement; disgust; and so on. Mere flashes of deeper emotions... The smirk he bestowed on the Hermione though was one of his rare half-smiles. Severus hadn't smiled much ever since Lily had died, but apparently he still knew how. He then grew serious again as something else occurred to him.

"You must keep this whole incident to yourself, Granger. I don't want to come back here and hear half the Order blabbing about it... Do I make myself clear?"

---

Tag: Hermione
Words: 499
Location: Number Twelve, Grimmauld Place; Kitchen
Notes: ---

[HERMIONE GRANGER]

Nodding slowly at she watched his expression change during the workings of the spell, Hermione felt a short blush rise onto her cheeks. He was really a beautiful piece of human art if one were to take the time to actually see him. His nose, however much people commented on its 'beak-like' structure, was simply prominent, defined ... distinguished. Hermione, for all her quirks never truly saw a man as a whole, she noticed there were many parts of a whole. The nose, while not the most sexy to most people was something that the muggle-born was rather fond of. She enjoyed running her fingers over them, taking in their unique sizes ... everything about them was wonderful. then of course, there were the arms. Years of stirring potions and wand waving in duels meant that Hermione had a particular fondness of arms, and for the potions professor ... well. She could only imagine what lay under those many layers of black unflattering clothing.

Coughing gently a few times to clear her head, she forced the blush to fall again. Taking deep steady breaths. It was a mistake of course, she had leaned forward in the process of her casting, now close enough that she was able to take in the deep ingrained scent that was distinctly that of one Severus Snape. It was heady, dark and so enticing, It took everything within her to not simply close her eyes and inhale deeper.

'Hermione Behave! He is a grown man, he would think you nothing more than that same insufferable know-it-all that you were in school!' she mentally scolded, shaking her head and blinking to help the slight glazing in her eyes. "Tight chest? hmm ... I'm sure I know something that could help. Its a bit more ... muggle than I'd assume you would prefer however professor." She said, her voice thicker and somewhat more thickly laced with an emotion that at the moment not even she could identify.

She watched with rapt attention as he took a sip of his tea. However a frown quickly found its way onto her lips. Resulting in three very heavily set frown lines appearing on her forehead. She did not enjoy the thought of him in pain. But she dare not contradict him. She did not believe she could cope with being deemed insufferable right now. "I read it while I was still in Hogwarts. It was in a section dedicated to healing spells. Before I moved into the safe house i had been having wild and perhaps naive thoughts of being able to provide assistance to the Order. Even if it was only a few healing spells here and there. But I was never given the opportunity to train, I only know the theory. I dare not attempt those that are deemed more complex without proper training."She paused.

"Some of the consequence were said to be rather ... contradictory." she finished with a small voice, her shoulders falling slightly. Blushing again at having spoken rather fondly on the subject that had taken part of her interest not so long ago. All dreams of being a medi-witch were dashed the day she moved into her safe house. There was no way that she could ever conduct proper medi-witch training in such an environment. Therefore, could not provide an assistance to the order. Those in higher control belt it prudent that she not be seen. That she not be put to use, that she would be better simply hiding away.

Hermione disagreed.

However, she felt her face fall at the professors words. She would never ever say anything like what had happened. Of course he wouldn't want anyone to know she had helped him. He wouldn't want anyone to know he had been in a somewhat calm and pleasant atmosphere with her. It would do his reputation no good. "I would never breathe a word of this professor. I understand how much you value your reputation." She said rather forlornly. Oh how she wished she could tell someone. Anyone. "In any case, who would I tell. I doubt Crookshanks would be delighted to hear me speak of such a meeting." She attempted at a half smile, dropping one side of her shoulders to shrug before she looked back to the table. Seeing the bottle of oil still sitting there and returning her gaze to the professor.

Better now than never. "Professor, take of your robes and shirt. ... please."

[SEVERUS SNAPE]

"Tight chest? Hm... I'm sure I know something that could help. Its a bit more... Muggle than I'd assume you would prefer however Professor." Severus felt his curiosity spike at that in a way that was almost foreign to him now. He was all too aware of the fact that he had lost pieces of himself when Harry Potter was murdered, but he couldn't quite remember what those pieces were anymore. Despite his own lineage, he didn't know much about Muggles or the culture surrounding them. He had distanced himself partly because, in his youth, he had been afraid that all Muggles were like his filthy father and he knew it was silly to assume such a thing, but he couldn't help it at the same time. His view on Muggles had forever been tainted due to his own personal experiences. Not even meeting Lily's parents, who had been so supportive of her even though she was just as much a freak as he, had worked. Mr. and Mrs. Evans had only put on a show and that was all. It was kind of sad to think of it in such ways, but that was how things went sometimes...

"Really? And what's that?"

He was actually kind of curious to know. He once again focused himself on Hermione as she told him more about the spell she had used only moments ago. He nodded his head slowly. He could just imagine the girl studying up and the like before moving out into the real world, intending to employ her remarkable knowledge to aide the cause. She wanted to fight. Severus could see good and bad points with that. He could understand keeping her away from the battles, but he saw no point in letting her intelligence go to waste. She was quite a gifted Witch, after all; well versed in Healing spells apparently as well as Protective charms he knew.

"I would never breathe a word of this Professor. I understand how much you value your reputation." "Good girl. And would you please stop calling me Professor? I don't need a constant reminder of what I've lost... You can use my name if you'd like; Snape or Severus, whichever you prefer." He knew he was granting Hermione privileges that he rarely gave to anyone, but at least it was better than hearing his old title being thrown about so carelessly...

Snape gaped at the last comment, as if wondering whether or not he was the only one going crazy here... He followed her line of sight to the small bottle of almond oil that was still sitting there so innocently upon the table before them and something flickered in his eyes; a look of recognition or remembrance, almost. He realized it was purely for Healing proposes since his muscles were still tense and cramped, spasming every so often. He seriously doubted that Granger would want to see his bare and exposed chest for any other reason... [-Shifty eyes-] So Severus lowered his gaze to the first knot near his neck that basically held his robe a little open (it gave a lapel-like effect to his garment) and untied it. His deft fingers continued moving down, working on the buttons, until he finally had everything undone. He shifted slightly, moving the robe to the back of his chair, before going to the shirt next. He repeated the process with careful precision and then laid his shirt on top of his robe once it was off.

Surprisingly, despite his lean frame, Snape actually had some muscle mass underneath all those layers that he wore. Years of stirring Potions and lugging heavy cauldrons about had built up his arms, chest, and back. He also walked to keep fit, not wanting the rest of his body to lag behind while his top half got better treatment. He was definitely no Slughorn, that was for sure.

"Just get on with it."

---

Tag: Hermione
Words: 650
Location: Number Twelve, Grimmauld Place; Kitchen
Notes: Finally finished my post several hours later. Haha. Sorry about the wait, love.

[HERMIONE GRANGER]

With widened eyes and a partially opened mouth, Hermione blew out a slow breath as she watch her ex professor divest himself of his clothes from the waist up. The intense way in which he moved only seemed to cause more problems as she took in the way his nimble fingers worked each catch. She hadn't expected him to just ... do it! "Yes, S-Severus ..." She said heavily, swallowing thickly as she watched almost in awe as each button was dealt with, first the robe then his shirt. It took quite literally, all her extensive brain power not to simply stand there and ogle at what she hadn't realized was such a well defined body. His arms, they were far more muscled than his clothes had ever let on, and that body ... She found herself finding it difficult to simply formulate a sentence in her head, or indeed any singular thought that would stop her from gaping like a fish at her rather sexy ex-professor.

'Oh for Merlin's sake! You're acting like a Niffler in heat! You are a nineteen year old woman! the simple sight of a half naked man; no matter how delicious should not hinder you! Now take a deep breath ... In and Out. Now, the bottle ... the bottle. What was I doing with the bottle?' Her jumbled thoughts did nothing to stop her simple taking in every inch of the snarky man who, for the better part of her education put her down to the point where she all but gave up trying to impress him in class. She had of course, gotten an E in Potions for her N.E.W.T.s but that was simply due to throwing herself head first into her studies. Without which she would have struggled simply to pass any of her classes, never mind excel in any of them. Of which she did.

Of course, she was thrown back into a cognitive state of mind when she heard Severus' instructions to simple 'get on with it'. It deflated the young witches mind somewhat. Proving once again that in his eyes, she was no more than a silly little girl, an 'insufferable know-it-all'. 'Of course he wouldn't be thrilled about this. What part of a child having to see him in such a way would be want to be pleased about. I'm his ex-student for Merlin's sake. He probably just wants to get this over with so he can leave and be shot of me. What was I expecting? Bloody flowers and a declaration?! No, come on Hermione. You are a Gryffindor. Grab the chance while it's there.' She scolded herself gently. Letting his expression dip ever so slightly, making sure to never meet the mans eyes as she gently reached for the bottle lying on the table. "Yes sir." She said softly, keeping her head lowered.

With a gentle clearing of her throat, she shook the bottle gently, making sure the oil was properly prepared before she started. "Well, If i may be so bold Si- ... Severus. The after affects of the Cruciatus are commonly described in much the same fashion as cramping or tightness. Knotting sensations within the muscles. So; it is only logical to think that kneading them out slowly would ease the pressure and, if my theory is correct, the pain." she explained softly, raising her eyes very slightly. Her blush and lingering breaths showing rather innocently how much seeing the potions master in such a way was affecting her. That and how her hands shook ever so slightly of course.

"Sweet almond oil is the best for this situation. Its warm enough on the skin to neither burn nor chill, and its simply absorbs into the skin. It smells rather nice also so there isn't any lingering oily aroma. I took a summer course on it during sixth year. My parents thought it would be good to have at least something of a muggle degree under my belt should magic ever fail me. Looks like they were right." Her voice lowered almost to a whisper as she spoke into the empty kitchen. The area was possibly not the most inviting, but Hermione was never one to look a gift horse in the mouth as it were. "If I hurt you, even just slightly. you must tell me. Alright? I don't want to put even the slightest bit of unnecessary pressure on somewhere too tender to touch." With a raised eyebrow and a pointed finger in Snapes direction, Hermione felt a small twitch threaten to work into a smirk as she uncapped the bottle and put a small dollop into the middle of her hand, shifting a chair with her free hand once she replaced the bottle and sitting it in front of him.

As she sat down, she rubbed her hands together, working the oil onto her hands, the soft sound of the liquid being heated up was of course however, ignored as she once again found herself assaulted with a new wave of Severus' scent. It was far less diluted with his shirt and robes removed. But it would be no good to be distracted. No matter how much she wanted to be. Swallowing thickly one final time, she looked up shyly at the generally feared man. Asking for permission before she began. There would be no deterring her if she started now.

[SEVERUS SNAPE]

Severus tilted his head somewhat as he watched Hermione's reaction. He wasn't really sure what to think of it at first. Maybe she was just nervous because he had been her teacher in the past and perhaps she was afraid that he would fall back on his old ways again, but that option was no longer available to him so she had nothing to fear. She was blushing and stumbling over herself all the same though. Her hand was shaking plus she seemed to be having problems thinking clearly. She was also giving him an odd sort of glance every so often; however, he couldn't quite tell what it meant. He had never seen anyone look at him like that before.

Was she... attracted to him? Just the thought alone was enough to make him snort, but he stayed silent as he continued to think it through. After all, Snape never jumped to conclusions so he had to make sure he was right before he made any real decisions. He had seen the way girls would act around the object of their affections during his many years at Hogwarts. Some would blush while others would giggle uncontrollably or bat their eyelashes. Most were nervous - acting embarrassed and not like themselves - and a few went out of their way to get noticed - putting on tons of make-up or wearing far too much perfume. However, he couldn't imagine Hermione acting like a regular girl (this based on his previous knowledge of her) and he was pretty much incapable of picturing her being attracted to him.

Him of all people.

Severus had never thought of himself as handsome; then again, he had a low level of self-esteem so maybe his opinion didn't count... He nodded his head slowly while Hermione spoke. Yes, he had suspected as much. It only made sense that she was going to use the oil to try to ease his muscles; however, something suddenly occurred to him at the last minute: she wanted to give him a massage. Almost immediately after this entered his head, his body tensed even further. He sort of recoiled away from her as she worked with the oil upon her hands and placed his back against the chair. Why had he agreed to this again? He hated being touched! It was true that he did accept some physical contact. For example, he couldn't avoid a handshake very well and he wasn't as opposed if he was the one who initiated it so there were a few exceptions... What he feared was the unexpected or someone touching him in a forbidden location.

He began to breathe a little faster as Hermione continued to speak. She inadvertently relaxed his system somewhat when she said that she had taken a few Muggle classes to learn how to massage someone effectively. Snape also knew what was coming next, which seemed to help a little. He closed his eyes briefly and gripped the arm of his chair. He opened them again when he heard a thud nearby; Hermione had moved closer with her own seat so she could reach him easier. He gazed at her face for a long moment, steadfastly ignoring her now oiled hands. Somehow he wasn't able to envisage this going well...

"All right. Give me a second or two."

He had to make sure he wouldn't panic. That would hardly be dignified on his part. Slowly his breathing evened out again as he prepared himself. He began to erect a few basic Occlumency shields in his mind and a few of the lesser tremors still effecting him ceased under the façade. It was kind of remarkable in a way that Severus was able to control so much of his body; that he could push away the pain so easily... With his current mental state though it was never a good idea to ignore a certain aspect for very long or else he knew that he might lose it entirely. He had to hold himself together. It took a few seconds until he was sitting normally again, his back no longer pressed against the chair so heavily. He glanced over to Hermione as yet another personal aspect of his entered his mind.

"I should warn you that I have a... few... scars on my back so don't be too shocked if you see them and please don't ask me about them." They were the marks that Tobias had left behind, but Snape wasn't about to tell her his whole history here. "I think I'm ready now. You can go ahead and do... whatever."

---

Tag: Hermione
Words: 763
Location: Number Twelve, Grimmauld Place; Kitchen
Notes: Whoa, long post. Haha. And he didn't even say that much.

[HERMIONE GRANGER]

Nodding her head gently at his request for more time, Hermione backtracked, pulling herself away from him and blushing heavily. Of course, too quick. Far, far too quick. What a silly little girl she was acting like, making such a rush of things. did it make her seem too eager? Too willing to be near the dark man? To touch what was so forbidden and untouchable that it proved to be the source only of fantasies. For years she had dreamed of what lay beneath those heavy robes, what lurked deep beneath the cold stares and sneers. Had wished to seek a warmth that for so long had seemed impossible. She had never thought him as capable of showing warmth to someone like her. Despite his loyalty to the cause, everyones loyalty to the Order; Hermione always felt herself doubting their true allegiance to the war against blood purity.

It had been such a long time since it began, what was to say that most of the people fighting to defeat Lord Voldemort were doing so simply for that reason alone. Not to protect those who would fall under his gaze if he continued in power. So far she had been lucky. Her safe house wards were nigh impossible to break and it took every bit of her strength to take them down herself. But if anyone could do it ... he could. The one man she trusted implicitly with her life. With her well being. Severus Snape had earned her respect over the years, showing truly was he was about. Fighting to preserve life, not to condemn it. He had shown both her and the order itself that his true loyalties lay with those fighting to defeat what was the most evil and manipulative man in wizarding history.

But even now, she doubted her trust in everyone. She placed it too easily in his care, knowing - at least, hoping - that he would not abuse such trust and would simply turn her over to his fellow death eaters. It was one of her worst nightmares, those that plagued her constantly. Not that of her parents, however that too haunted her at all times. But the thought that she could have misplaced any and all loyalties and was, without knowing it simply putting herself on a silver platter to be handed over and killed by someone who believed her nothing more than a pathetic little Mudblood. Though she never let is show. That name truly wounded her more than she could have ever imagined. It was what was drilled into her head from those first few days at Hogwarts. it was a label she had been given since the day she entered the wizarding world.

And it was to that which she reacted during the battle of Hogwarts. A reaction that ultimately saved her life.

"We all have scars Severus. I'd be a hypocrite to question them. Merlin knows i hate mine being mentioned." She said humourlessly. The side of her mouth lifting ever so slightly to show her displeasure, it was true however. During her final years at Hogwarts and even during the Battle of Hogwarts and her time in the Order, Hermione had gained herself a multitude of scars. Some of which still pulsed with magic whenever she apparated. Others simply laying dormant. Providing a constant reminder of times when she was not quick enough, not a good enough dueler. One day she would show them all, she would show everyone just how much of an asset she could be. "You would be a lesser man for hiding them Severus." She added softly, tilting her head ever so slightly before she stood. His indication that she could begin giving her the all clear she needed.

Walking around behind his chair, she rubbed her hands together a little more, simply to heat them up so that the initial touch of her hands would not be a shock to his skin. that would be a bad start indeed. "Remember what I told you Severus. If you feel sore or tender you must let me know. I don't wish to hurt you." She said softly, reaching her hands forward so that she let her two hands rest against his left shoulder. Even standing she could see the height difference between them. she did not need to reach down far to get his shoulders. His wonderfully strong shoulders ...

'Behave ...!' Shaking off her thoughts she set about gently running her hands over the pale skin. It was surprisingly so, yet she assumed it was due to years of working in the potions lab in the dungeons and indeed living there for years. She could never really remember a time when she saw her professor out in the sunshine. Something which did not help the rumours that her Ex-Professor had been a vampire. It almost made her laugh, how silly everyone had been back then. joking and laughing like they had all the time in the world. like they had no troubles, that there was never a chance that any of them could be hurt. They were after all, only children back then.

Oh how wrong everyone had been.

Personally she had never believed herself safe. Not when she was at home with her muggle parents, not within the walls of Hogwarts and not in the village of Hogsmede. She never felt safe. Within her own mind she would argue with herself constantly, attempting to find some sort of intelligent conversation that did not once again end up on either Quidditch or the latest fashion article in Witch Weekly. She was always an outcast within her house, many times wishing to Merlin that she had in those first moments of school been placed into Ravenclaw. she would have been better suited. the hat had offered Ravenclaw. But no. She was the Bookworm Gryffindor. The know-it-all. The library dwelling teachers pet whose swotty studies were only good for copying work from.

At least her studying had resulted in her knowledge of at least a few muggle things that, right now were coming in very handy.

With a gentle pressure from her thumb the muggle-born worked her little hands over what she could feel of the knots and tense muscles bunched up under her ex-professors skin. "Sir ... this wont work if you don't relax." she whispered, leaning down so she could speak closer to his ear. Almost as if the statement were like a secret. In truly however she was simply letting herself take much deeper breaths. Taking in that wonderful scent. Merlin it was intoxicating ...

"Just try to relax ... I am in no position to cause you harm and here, well. Even we are safe here. Just let yourself un-tense. It will feel far better if you do." She had to hold back the grin that was threatening to spill over her face at the prospects of relaxing with The Severus Snape. Of course, Hermione Granger always did have such an overactive imagination. All the while, as she spoke she continued to gently press and release the knots, working them out. Soothing the skin with the palm of her hand and letting the oil be absorbed into his skin. He really was rather handsome. Even his back caused tingles to dance down her spine and over her arms. God, she hoped he could not feel how her hands shook or hear how her breathing became heavier. But, just the thought of him. It was almost too much for her to handle.

[SEVERUS SNAPE]

"I didn't even know you had any scars." Severus muttered; however, he supposed that this bloody God-forsaken war had left a mark on everyone.

Of course Snape had plenty on him that were not only from Tobias, but he had also been in many duels as a result of his precarious position either with Order members or even some Death Eaters. He was what some would call 'accident' prone since he usually seemed to get injured somehow no matter the magnitude of the battle. Things had only escalated since the murder of Harry Potter...

It made sense to him that he had so many scars on his body because he had survived the First War and was now in the midst of a second. The fact that Hermione had something to show for it as well kind of saddened him in an odd sort of a way. He sighed slightly at her next comment and just shook his head. He tried to hide what had happened to his body over the years. He didn't think that the old whiplashes on his back were handsome nor was he found of the ugly bite marks on his right leg, which Fluffy (Hagrid's three-headed dog) had given him a few years ago. He didn't like people asking him what had happened so he always wore as many layers as he could; protecting his body from ever being seen like this... As he sat there waiting from Hermione to start the massage, he felt naked and exposed. Why had he agreed to this again??

Severus's muscles tensed as soon as the younger girl placed her hands on his shoulder. His jaw clenched together as she rubbed her hands over him. To a normal person it might have felt pleasant at the very least or even romantic in the best way possible, but neither sensation came to the former Professor as she continued. "Sir ... this wont work if you don't relax." She whispered gently, her breath blowing past his ear. Snape swallowed hard, although not for the reasons one might think. He needed to gain control over himself again or else he would panic. What she wanted for him to do was easier said than done. He let out a dry snort - more like a 'humph' noise- as if hoping that would help.

"Just... Give me a moment..."

A shiver worked out past his façade. Hermione just continued to massage him, paying no mind to his plea for more time; not that it would have helped much anyway. It might have taken Snape forever to 'get ready.' The invasion of his personal space bubble really rubbed him the wrong way, but then something weird happened. She hit a knot of muscles somewhere on his back that caused him to arch slightly and give a small groan. It was hard letting go; however, the constant pressing as well as the oil actually seemed to help. Surprisingly enough, shortly after her hands had reached this spot, he began to relax a little and his breathing evened out again. Maybe a massage wasn't such a bad thing after all...

"Ah... That felt good."

---

Tag: Hermione
Words: 522
Location: Number Twelve, Grimmauld Place; Kitchen
Notes: Pay no attention to the sucky quality of this post.