-=Thank you for reading everyone. I don't own Harry Potter and never will.=-

A Talent for Death

Apologies Apologies

~*~

The holidays went by in a rush. In Severus and Hermione's join venture, they managed to get take out fifteen total Deatheaters by the end of December. It would have been more, if Snape hadn't been called away to see Voldemort, they were readying themselves to at the time. He wouldn't permit Hermione to go, “there would be too many Deatheaters in attendance and the Dark Lord himself would be there. Too many things could go wrong and there'd be no way to control the outcome.” Severus commanded.

Hermione didn't take kindly to Snape's intervention. She'd pay him back in kind. Hermione was a passionate person. When her emotions were being toyed with or she was angry she was capable of most anything, if it meant she could level the playing field.

The last two owls he sent were returned with the legend, 'Sod Off,' written boldly across the front of the unopened letters. On New Years' Eve the weather was unusually mild so she decided to walk the six blocks to the green grocer for last minute party items. Her parents usually hosted the party for everyone who worked for them at the dentistry practice. Hermione wasn't planning on joining the festivities, it wasn't really her sort of thing.

The walk was really nice the air was crisp but there was no wind which made it quite pleasant. The canvas shopping bag swung merrily with her steps. Inside her coat she clutched her wand. She knew she had been followed, and was reasonably sure who it was. She slowed her pace, then turned. Oh, Bother. Snape was mad as she's ever seen him. Practically incandescent with fury. Irritated she slouched waiting for him her hand still curled around her wand. “What is it now?” She demanded.

“You're coming with me.” Snape stated clearly and determinedly.

“Like hell I am. I've got things to do,” waving the shopping bag with the unoccupied hand. Continuing on to the store he took up the space beside her.

“You've got a lot of nerve Granger.” Giving Hermione a dirty look. “You're lucky I didn't apparate into your house and carry you out by main force.”

She actually laughed at that. “I have my own wards you know, and they only permit me to apparate in and out. Only me, so you would have no luck in any case. Perhaps you know that,” she looked him up and down. “What body part are you missing?” Nothing obvious was missing.

Snape fumed, “I have half a mind to turn you into the authorities. It's completely unconscionable, and spankings are going to be the least of it.”

“What body part are you missing, and how long has it been missing?” Hermione asked dispassionately.

Snape grumbled something. “Sorry I didn't get that Snape.”

“A testicle, since the evening of the last letter you returned.” Severus snapped.

Hermione winced, “uh Sev there might be a problem.” Snape jerked her to a stop. “I can try to reattach it, but I can't make any guarantees.”

“WHAT?” Rage and disbelief fought for supremacy. “They're a set, they belong together. Matched side by side perfectly.”

She turned on him, displaying her own fury. “Two things you need to know. One those wards were put up long before you pissed me off, and two is you got what you deserve for crossing the line.” Pointing dramatically at her chest, “I can take care of myself, which is something I feel you have neglected to grasp. You can sharpen a knife on the raw rim at the bottom of tea cup, did you know that? An Austrian sausage maker showed me how. It's a great example of something that doesn't quite seem possible but is regardless. Just like you not wanting me to go with you that night because it's too dangerous for me. Not to have a Gryffindor parade or anything but I was perfectly capable of judging the situation for myself. I've not rushed headlong into any of our attacks, I've never put myself or anyone else at danger. Still you insist on treating me like a child, well that's just insulting. I just want you to leave me be. It's going to be a New Year and what worked last year won't work this year.” Hermione walked through the store collecting the items on the list while Snape shadowed her.

On the return walk Snape was still there. “You still don't get it do you? We are supposed to be on the same team. We are supposed to be working together.” Snape insisted.

“Do you hear yourself?” Hermione rolled her eyes. “From what I can tell, this whole thing started because,” she poked a finger into his chest, “you wanted a piece of ass. Don't you dare get high and mighty with me. I'm on the high road here. My purpose is pure and simple and to the benefit of all decent people. The only thing I wish to gain is a world free of Voldemort. That's it. And I don't mind saying that I could have brought that nearer to reality if I had gone that night. As many as you say were there, who would have missed a dozen or so? Who?” Stopping him once again. She waved her hand in the air and snapped her fingers. “There. You're in one piece now.” She walked the rest of the way home without saying another word.