When Hermione Fights

Conflicts

Chapter beta: Dani

Chapter translator: Aivy

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I took a quick look at Harry and the Twins with a side glance at Ron, who was looking at the sinister figure with his mouth open, and I tried to tell them to keep Ron calm, whatever the circumstances. I saw how all three of them grasped my demand at the same time and they nodded unanimously, for it would pull the rug out from under Ron's feet seeing what else I would do or, to be more precise, had to do, as I knew how good-humoured Severus was after today. This was also the first time the others saw Severus again after learning what had happened between us, yet they all held back wisely.

Smoothly, I straightened up again. I did not usually curtsey before him, but knowing his excellent state of mind I would not take any risks, so I paid him my respect.

"Severus, what a joy to see you again. Can I offer you a drink?" I asked politely, making eye contact while I put down my glass on the table. I looked without fear into his motionless, mask-like face, which once again didn't show any emotion. Only his very straight posture and his shadowed eyes were evidence of his miserable mood. In the background, I heard Ron stuttering to Harry in a somewhat distraught manner.

"Come here," he only ordered coldly and I didn't ask, just walked right up to him, stopping right in front of him. I had hoped that he would ignore Ron, which he did. "What was all that about earlier?" he asked in an icy whisper while staring blankly at me. He hadn't looked at any of the others so far.

"You know it yourself, Severus, that I had to stop this! The Dark Lord is getting attentive," I defended myself, laying my hands without shyness on his chest, which was well wrapped in many layers of cloth as usual. I stroked gently with my fingertips, causing him to raise his eyebrow in disdain. The collective, frightened gasping when I came so close to our professor registered only peripherally and I hoped they would keep silent from now on. It would be hard enough to calm him down. According to my new insight, I would use and exploit my effect on my men. Let them become the puppets; I didn't want to bow to them in this respect any more.

"Ron, shut up immediately," George hissed very angrily and I heard his younger brother's mouth close loudly after he had been snapped at so gruffly.

"You know that's not what I meant, don't you?" Severus breathed hoarsely. His mask sat and looked as if it had been sculpted. I grinned up at him now and shook my head.

"Of course I know what's bothering you, but please stop it! Just because Remus and the others haven't come to terms with THAT yet, you don't have to get upset all the time. I was just defending myself," I remained calm.

"You are testing my patience," he warned viciously and I shook my head desperately. I still remembered his threat perfectly and I took it seriously, but I would not let it frighten me any more, damn it, I swore to myself.

"I have done nothing wrong. You are being unfair! But tell me, what is it that really gets you so worked up?" I asked him, tilting my head. Giving him an intense, warm look, I now laid my hands flat on his chest and heard the restless whispering of the others in the background.

"HE was here the last few days, no doubt. Then you will know what you have set in motion with your action. Yes, I am not happy about it, not at all! The best thing would be to grab you and Potter right away and throw you both at his feet," he almost hissed and grabbed me roughly by the upper arms. He shook me roughly, making me gasp for air.

On the sidelines, Fred cast a Body-Bind Curse on Ron. When the younger redhead's howling stopped in mid-yell, I was sure that they had also put a Silencio on him and had thus silenced the bound wizard. Well, he wasn't supposed to find out about all that this way. The others might not like it either, but without my okay they wouldn't dare to intervene, that would only make it worse. That Ron, on the other side, was about to have a heart attack, I could only imagine too well.