My Gift To You

Chapter 15

Snape stared at the students with an icy gaze.

Weasley and Potter look awfully happy, he thought.

Hermione studied her book with eager interest.

"Potter!" He snapped as the boy stopped talking and looked at him.

"Yes?" Harry answered as he mirrored Snape's expression.

"Lift your ass and take this to Professor Dumbledore," Snape said, not softening his tone.

Harry grimaced as he stood. A deep scowl etched into his features. Snape was ordering him around? He didn't like it. Not one bit.

He walked over to Snape and all but grabbed the parchment offered. He spun on his heel, giving Ron one last look as he turned to leave. He was halfway out the door when Snape stopped him.

"Oh, and Potter," he said as Harry turned to scowl at him,"I will be  timing you."

Harry let his breath out in frustration.

Damn you, he thought as he entered the hallway.

Snape watched the boy disappear. He looked at the Weasley boy, who lowered his gaze quickly. He smirked. Despite what had happened, they were still afraid of him. Weasley was anyway.

He waited impatiently for the Potter boy to return. His fingers drummed on his desk. Hermione shot him an irritated look before returning her attention to the book in front of her.

Where the hell is that boy? He thought as his scowl deepened and he stood. He walked to the doorway and crossed his arms as he waited for his return.

***

Harry walked as fast as his feet could carry him. The letter fluttered in his hand. He looked at it with curiosity. It must be important if he had to deliver it to the Headmaster.

Harry shrugged. He had a nagging thought at the back of his mind. What was it? Why didn't Snape take it himself?

Harry sighed as he said the password to access the Headmaster's office. The stairs started moving as Harry jumped up.

He knocked at the door, which opened after the first knock. Harry entered to see Dumbledore standing at his desk.

"Harry," said Dumbledore with a smile,"how are you?"

"Good, thank you, Professor," Harry answered as he walked toward him.

He handed the parchment to the Headmaster. Seeing his confusion, Harry spoke.

"Snape sent it. Speaking of...I need to get back," said Harry as he turned.

"No," said Dumbledore as he read the words,"this involves you too.

Harry frowned as he faced the old wizard. He shook his head in confusion.

"How?" Harry asked.

"It has to do with Miss Granger's safety," said Dumbledore as he looked at Harry.

Harry felt his stomach drop. He felt weak. Harry sat down hard.

"What do you mean?" Harry asked softly.

"Bellatrix LeStrange has set her eyes on the girl," said Dumbledore, "she will try to ruin Severus' life and the worst way to do that, she will attack her."

Harry thought about what he had just heard. Hermione was in danger. Bellatrix was after her. All because of Snape. Harry stood quickly.

"Snape. It's all his fault," said Harry as his expression turned to one of rage.

"No, Harry. Someone told Bellatrix about Hermione. Someone who knew. There aren't many that do. We need to find out who it was so that we can sever that link of information," said Dumbledore as he reached Harry.

"What do you want to do?"  Asked Harry.

"That's where you come in. You're going to find out who it was," said Dumbledore with a twinkle in his eye.
Harry nodded.

"Fine. But now, I need to get back. Snape wants me back as soon as possible," said Harry with a shrug.

"Right then, you better go. I will speak to you soon," said Dumbledore as he walked with Harry.

They greeted and Harry headed back to the dungeons. He knew Snape would be waiting for him.

***

Snape stood at the doorway, getting agitated. He had told the boy to be hasty.

As he readied himself to go search for him, he saw him round the corner.

Snape sighed as he watched the boy get closer. His scowl deepened as he was in earshot.

"Did I not tell you to make haste?" Snape snapped.

Harry faced him with an equal scowl.

"Dumbledore spoke to me. That's why I took so long," he snarled back at the professor.

Snape was taken aback. He had not expected the boy's outburst.

He recomposed himself. He straightened and deepened his voice.

"Fifty points, Mr Potter," he snarled.

"Taken or given?" Harry snarled back.
"Taken, you idiot!" Snape sneered.

Harry walked back to his seat, in a very foul mood. Hermione looked at him then turned to glare at the Potions master.

His eyes wavered as he noticed her expression. She was pissed. At him. Shit.

Just then her expression changed. Her face twisted into disgust as she tried getting up. Snape knew that face.

He ran toward her, helping her up and rushing along.

"Not in my class, you don't," he said as they rushed out the door. 

Harry and Ron stared after them. It couldn't be that bad...They faced each other. Harry saw Ron's face. Apparently it could, seeing how his friend's face had a green tint to it.

Harry threw his hands up.

"Not. On. Me." Harry warned his friend.

Ron smiled goofy-like before throwing up. Right on Harry's lap.

***

"Are you finished?" Asked Severus as he looked at Hermione.

"I think so," she muttered in frustration.

"Do you feel well enough to continue with classes? Or would you like to rest for the remainder of the day?" Asked Severus.

"I should be okay," said Hermione as she gave her hand to be helped up.

Severus lifted her slowly. She leaned against him as she steadied herself.  She breathed in his spicy scent. His minty breath.

She felt his chest rise and fall. His muscles tense and relax. His arms wrap around her. His head rest on top of hers.

Hermione smiled. She was honored to have him. His love and support. His...Everything.

She wrapped her arms around his waist as time seemed to stand still.

Time waits for no man...well, she wasn't exactly a man.

The smirk on her face made Severus wonder what thoughts ran through her head as they made their way back to class...

♡♡♡
What do you all think so far? Feel free to let me know. Love you all!