Bonded to her

Chapter 7

I expected Hogsmeade to cheer me up and pull me out of the bad mood I had been in lately. I found myself just wandering aimlessly while the happy couples and groups of friends enjoyed themselves laughing and smiling together.

I was angry at Ron so didn’t want to talk to him, but Harry and Draco had snuck off to a secluded corner somewhere to hang out uninterrupted. I found myself going into my favorite place, an old bookstore at the very end of Hogsmeade that was neglected and no one ever went in. The books it held were unique and high quality, not like the newer book stores low cost knock offs.

I went immediately to the spells section and looked for anything that could help me in my task. I was looking to explore the idea of using existing spells to combat multiple people at once and I was sure there had to be a workaround.

“Want some hot coca dear?” The kind old store owner offered bringing me a cup to help me warm up. It was freezing outside and I was wearing a petticoat and my school skirt since I couldn’t find any outfit that worked nicer. The only thing that gave my legs anything warm was black thigh high stocking I put on. I had spelled them to stay warm, but the charm had worn off about an hour ago.

“Thanks so much. I’m freezing.” I said taking the drink gratefully. She watched me for a long moment not immediately leaving.

“You remind me so much of my granddaughter. Your hair has those same curls and all. What are you doing here alone?” She asked curiously. I smiled with an ironic snicker.

“I’m here alone because…I’m here, aren’t I? No boy wants a bookworm.” I said amused at her ridiculousness.

“I suppose your right…a boy wouldn’t want a bookworm…a man though…” She said trailing off with her own knowing smile. I choked a bit on my hot chocolate realizing her innuendo. She seemed so sweet and innocent.

“Oh gosh.” I mumbled to myself blushing thankful when she left me alone in the middle of the books again. I sighed looking at all the options trying to find one that would suit my needs. I had read most of them, or at least glanced through them and decided they weren’t worth it.

I looked at the top section of the bookshelf realizing in my short stature I was missing out on a whole realm of books.

INTRODUCTION TO THE DARK ARTS

I would never normally consider dabbling in the dark arts. It was forbidden and I knew how dangerous it was, how addictive it could become. I was desperate though and I knew if anything held the answer, that was the most likely option.

I grabbed the stool and reached up to grab it. Even with the stools extra height my fingers barely grasped the worn book. If I was just two inches taller…
A hand popped up snatching the book before I could get it and I almost toppled over in shock.

“We really must stop meeting like this. You climbing on things…” A familiar silky voice said from behind me. I felt my blood run cold realizing I had been caught by him.
I turned to Snape who was holding the book I had been trying to grab, his expression dark and fearsome.

“Practicing to become a death eater?” He asked with no small amount of anger. I was at least his same height for once on the stool for one of our arguments.

“If I was, who would you be to judge?” I snapped taking a drink of the hot chocolate trying not to act worried at all. Internally I was panicking.