What the Mirror Saw: Hermione's Story by Bandgeek252
Disclaimer: Apparently I must remind you that I'm not profiting off this story and all characters belong to J.K. Rowling and company. This disclaimer stands for the entire fic. This way I don't have to mindless repeat myself.
September 1st 1998
To say that standing at the Heads Table watching the students of Hogwarts enter the Great Hall for the welcoming feast was surreal would be the understatement of the century especially considering all that had happened in the century. When the slightly bushy haired know-it-all graduate arrived at the castle she was immediately welcomed as a member of the staff. She had basically Head Girl authority to report bad behavior to the Heads of Houses or to deduct points, but once she was a full fledged professor then she would be called the proper title of 'Professor' and would have all the power that comes with it.
Nervously she fiddled with a loose string of her black standard apprentice robe sleeves as Flitwick with his little chin held up high proudly ushered in the first years. A wave of momentary nostalgia crashed over her as she thought back to her first year and her turn with the notorious sorting hat of the houses. She sat next to her master of Potions and ignored his particularly gloomy scowl on his face. The first ten days had been awkward at best and horrid at the worst. She was shaking like a leaf when she started working on the year's supply of Pepper-Up potion so badly that she ruined half the stock. Snape and Hermione had to pull an extra 8 hours on Sunday just to make up for her mistake. Even through his sneers and harsh critical comments, Hermione was determined to get it right. At about day 8 she was able to complete the task of the year's supply of blood replenishing potions in one go. Severus' temper cooled after he saw that. For three days he wondered if she had it within her to make a potions mistress, but he hung onto hope that she was just nervous and needed time to get over it.
She hadn't felt like a potions apprentice until that day and now here she sat at the Heads Table watching the students from a position she never dreamed of holding. She understood why the teachers stayed as long as they did. Deep inside, she hoped at that moment she truly was a professor. The swell of pride and admiration that radiated off the student body was to say the least intoxicating. Hermione never dreamed of being a teacher before. She had bigger, much bigger dreams, but at her first Welcoming Feast as an apprentice she could see herself there for many years to come. She quickly shook her insanely curly hair trying to bring herself back down from her day dream. First she had to achieve a mastery in potions and then she could consider what to do next. A small frown drifted on her face as she realized she may have picked the wrong apprenticeship if she ever wanted to teach. Professor Snape was the youngest member on staff and was not going to retire any time soon. Pushing that gloomy prospect out the window she looked up to see Ginny sitting with the Gryffindors as she gave her a small smile, the red head perked up winking at her and then Hermione noticed her face started to match her hair. Confused Hermione turned to see what Ginny was blushing about when she saw Severus' face pale white. "He thought Ginny was winking at him, I don't know how to break it to him," Hermione thought with a inner giggle threatening to make a sound.
She quickly leaned to whisper into Severus' ear, "She was winking at me." To this Snape looked over at her with a harsh scowl. Some things never change. She sighed at his apparent annoyance.
"Could you please remind your friend not to wink so carelessly, someone might mistake it for theirs and not yours."
"Well considering you're the only man up here under the age of 80, you're the only one who would take it that way." she argued back quietly trying not disturb the sorting.
"Oh don't forget Mr. Weasley." he snapped back in hushed tones glaring at Bill.
"That's Professor Weasley, Severus. Show some respect." she criticized. It still amazed her to see Bill Weasley sitting at the Head Table with her. His time with the Order and curse breaking for Gringotts, Bill was an excellent choice for the Defense Against the Dark Arts position, at least in Hermione's opinion. She was sure, however, that Severus didn't feel the same way which is why he was ignoring Bill's title. When Hermione had seen Bill on her first day at the castle, she asked him why he chose to be at Hogwarts instead of Gringotts headquarters or Egypt. Bill merely smiled at her and said he needed action, but he didn't need action. Fleur, one afternoon at tea, stated that Bill didn't have the heart to fight anymore, but he didn't want to be saddled with a desk job so this was the best of both worlds. Fleur had been living with Bill in the castle since mid summer. The sneaky couple hadn't told anyone about it until after Hermione arrived at Hogwarts. To say the least Molly was less than pleased which of course Ginny found to be hilarious. Molly didn't care for surprises much these days.
Despite the fact that Bill and Fleur were around Hermione had no time to really spend with them. Bill seemed to be dealing with his grief the same way Hermione did, through work. Bill had spent most of his time during the last ten days of break preparing for his classes. She knew Bill was talented, but she had no idea he was so dedicated. This made Snape sneer all the more with a few mutterings of 'Gryffindor' under his breath at meal time when he was forced to see him.
When the sorting had concluded McGonagall stood prim as ever with rosy cheeks betraying her nervousness. This was her first year as Headmistress and Hermione knew she wanted live up to Dumbledore. The red headed Scottish woman stood tall and her mouth in a firm smile.
"Welcome Student to a new year at Hogwarts. Over the past several years we have been at war, lives have been lost, family and friends and while the battle is over the scars both physically and mentally are still there. A moment of silence, I ask of you for those who are not here, but should be." she paused as the entire hall stood silently. A few sniffles could be heard, but never had Hermione ever heard the Great Hall full of returning students be so silent.
"A new year and new beginnings. Hogwarts still stands firm ready to welcome you all back thanks to the Ministry of Magic, our wonderful board of governors, and a few hard working individuals who gave their time this summer to helping us rebuild. I would like to welcome you, eighth year students back as you are a fairly large group you will be assigned your own quarters and your year will be your house. You may join the Quidditch team of your original house, see your Head of House for more information. A few changes in staff. Bill Weasley has kindly accepted the post of Defense Against the Dark Arts as a decorated member of the Order of the Phoenix and a talented curse breaker for Gringotts, I'm sure you will all make him feel welcome." She stopped for the cheering was so loud that she couldn't continue. Hermione was clapping loudly trying to maintain some decorum at the Heads Table, but if she had been a student she would have been whooping with Ginny like all the other students.
"Another change to staff, Miss Hermione Granger after completing her NEWTS with the best scores this school has seen in twenty years," to this Hermione blushed. She was proud of her hard work, but she never liked it flaunted in front of others. "has been accepted by our Potions Master Professor Severus Snape as his apprentice. She will have the authority equal to a Head Girl until Christmas when she will begin teaching the first through third years. Then she will have full authority of a Professor at Hogwarts. You are to respect her accordingly. Now the Forbidden Forest is exactly that... forbidden." McGonagall continued on, but Hermione wasn't listening. She was simply basking in the glow of this opportunity that she found for herself. For the first time since the battle she felt like she had a direction, a path to follow. Severus noticed her dreamy eyed look and couldn't help but smirk.
"It's just a welcoming feast. You didn't act this dreamy eyed when we were at the Celebration Ball." his lips curled teasing her lightly as McGonagall droned on for a minute more before ending her speech and allowing the food to appear.
"I know that! It's... to be honest, it's surreal to me. Being on this side of things. Oh don't tell me that you didn't have this feeling when you first started teaching here after just being a student here."
"I did no such thing," he admonished.
"Oh that's right," she said with a roll of her eyes, "you don't have feelings." He knew she was teasing, but for a moment hurt flashed across his black eyes. If Hermione hadn't been looking at him at that exact moment she would have missed it entirely. Her teasing eyes softened.
Ignoring the apology in her eyes he cleared his throat, "Do you know what project you would like to under take?" he asked taking a bite of his Shepard's pie. He finally felt he could be comfortable asking that of her. After a rough ten days she had finally started to get comfortable with the idea of being an apprentice rather than a student. It was another 'hope moment' for him. A moment where he could see the future the Mirror and his heart laid out before him coming to fruition. She was his apprentice just like the Mirror had shown. Her robes were plain tight fitting black apprentice robes with the Hogwarts crest on them just like the Mirror had shown. Each small step inching him toward the belief that she would love him as he would love her in return. He was pleasantly surprised how easy she was to converse with once she left her friends' side.
"I don't know which to pick. There are so many things to choose from. I was hoping I would have a month or so to figure out what I want to be my final project." Hermione admitted.
The man in black's eyebrow rose in a 'oh really' sense. "Hermione, while I appreciate your desire to examine every option to the fullest, you will still need a final project and you will need your entire two years to do it. Take a tour of the library while I'm in class with the Seventh year Gryffindors and Slytherins tomorrow. I'll give you until the end of the month to decide, but after that you'll need to have an outline and plan formulated."
"I see." Hermione paused unsure of what she wanted to do, but a poke around the library sounded like a good start. "I'll start in the morning."
"I haven't seen you this dreamy eyed since the ball." he commented lightly.
Hermione turned her head to see if he was being sarcastic or if he was sneering. To her surprise he was being neither. "I'm just excited to start. I was a little worried for those first few days when I had the brewing capacity of a first year, but now that I've found my groove, I am enjoying this experience so much more."
"So much, I would say I haven't seen a letter from your illustrious friends." he commented lightly again. Distracted by her own apparent sadness at no letters from her would be friends, she didn't notice how probing her former professor was being.
"They are busy, I imagine." she whispered softly. She knew that Ron and her didn't end on the best of terms, but she had hoped to hear from him by now. Maybe he was just busy like she was and didn't have time to write.
"So have you finally come to your senses and dumped that red headed bag of meat they call Mr. Weasley?" Taking another bite of his dinner.
"Hey! That is not true! He is more than a bag of meat. At least he has... meat." Hermione blushed a painfully brilliant red at her remark. Unsure of where her vocal courage came from, but seeing Severus' reaction of sheet white wasn't making her question it all that much.
"I highly doubt that for as boastful that boy is he is well endowed. Braggers never measure up." Not missing a beat, he saw her blush fade a touch as her shy grin turned almost mischievous
"Oh my, Severus! I had no idea you were an expert in Male Genitalia." Hermione pronounced rather loudly as Bill snorted into his drink and Minerva held her hand to her blushing face to cover her uncontrollable laughter. All Snape could do was glare death into Hermione honey brown eyes. He was torn between wanting to rip that cocky* grin right off her face or kiss those soft pink lips into oblivion.
"Well, Miss Granger. I was worried about you when you told me you had accepted Severus' apprenticeship, but now I have no fear. You will do splendidly, I'm sure." McGonagall commented trying to control her laughter.
"If Mr. Weasley's genitalia was remotely all you had fantasized about," he said leaning into her ear to whisper, "I highly doubt you would be here." He glared at her as her cheeky grin faded and her soft eyes flashed red at him. Severus stood and promptly stormed out, his black robes billowing leaving an enraged young apprentice at the Head Table.
It wasn't that she hadn't expect her snarky master to fight back, hell she knew he was going to fire back, but she hadn't expected such a low blow as to insinuate her lack of sex with Ron. Ron and her relationship was on thin ice as it were and before there was hardly anything sexual going on. A few snogging sessions here and there, but Hermione had just been so busy trying to deal with the end of the war that she had completely forgotten that she even had a relationship. They had never had sex despite Ron's constant pleadings. Most days she didn't process the fact that she was in a relationship. Never breathing a word about it before, she suddenly felt very naked to realize that someone had seen it. Someone who had no business knowing that.
"Never mind that old sour grapes. He just doesn't like the fact that he was bested by you. I better dismiss the students." McGonagall muttered to Hermione who simply smiled meekly. She wanted to give that dark bastard a piece of her mind before she laid her head down.
"Oi, Hermione." Bill called to her as they exited the Great Hall. "That was brilliant. I've never seen Snape so mad."
"Yes well the feeling is mutual." she snipped coolly. She loved Bill like a brother, but all she wanted to do was go down the dungeon and snap that frustrating man in half, and then get some sleep for the exceedingly long day ahead of her. "Bill, I appreciate your compliments, but honestly all I want to do is... go to bed." she lied. She didn't want to continue the conversation any further than absolutely necessary. With a smiling nod he took off taking his wife's hand and heading down toward their chambers.
Hermione refused to be nervous about telling him what was what. She could feel her old school girl tendencies creep up on her, but she quickly swallowed it and summoned her Gryffindor courage. If she was going to go to such lengths as calling him Severus and working as his apprentice then she better be willing to stand up to him. "Here we go," she breathed as she knocked rather loudly on his door.
"Enter," a brusque voice bellowed.
"Alright, let's get one thing perfectly clear. We are in a working relationship and if that working relationship is to be successful then there are few things we must go over."
"Yes, over-achiever, what did you have in mind," Severus said looking up at the enraged witch before him. He had to force himself to keep his mouth from dropping. He had seen her love and acceptance in the mirror, he had seen her joy and curiosity during the ball, he had seen her concentration and frustration in her first ten days in the castle, but her anger was something else to behold. Her unruly hair matched her untamed spirit. Hermione's cheeks were red with anger which Severus could handle a lot better than her 'embarrassment blush' that she showed far too often. Her soft honey brown eyes were lit with a fire that couldn't be put out, not that Severus had any intention of doing so. She looked down right sexy with that flickering passion and drive. The raven haired man knew his female guest's temper was holding on by a thread, but part of him was tempted to see what would happen if he were to goad her just a bit farther.
Ignoring his little jab she continued full of more rage than she had ever had at Ron. "First, you don't discuss my relationship with Ron Weasley at all! That relationship is MY business!"
"I can assure you I have no interest in your 'relationship' if you can call it that with Mr. Weasley." he sneered watching her temper flare.
"See that is my problem. You assume there is a problem. We are quite happy thank you!" she snapped back.
"While I am amused," hell he was turned on, "by your childish temper. Denial is most unflattering on you. If you were so amorously happy with the ginger you wouldn't have left with me the night of the ball."
Hermione groaned loudly completely infuriated with the man. "God, you read far too much into things. Maybe it's all those years of playing double agent, but that night, I'll have you know," she stated pointing one of her petite fingers at him, "I was merely taking advantage of an opportunity."
"Amazingly enough that opportunity meant more to you than dancing with your boyfriend. Speaking of which did you even dance with Mr. Ronald Weasley? I know you danced with George, but did you even try to make time with your esteemed love?" he sneered enjoying watching the shades of anger flash across her face.
"I didn't see him. We were planning on meeting up after the awards, but then I got... side tracked." she said quietly realizing what a horrible girlfriend she was.
"And the ball aside. If you were so happy with him then why are you here?" he asked raising an eyebrow in curiosity.
Hermione blinked at him. God, he was right! It wasn't just the ball. Everything about this past summer spelled it out for her. They were slipping away. Ron was jealous, not of Snape or any other man, but because he could sense the relationship was dying. Of course he went about it all the wrong way or maybe the right way... the right way to end the relationship that is. Maybe they should just call it quits, but then her head snapped back to reality. She loved Ron. He may not be as smart as say Severus, but he was still sweet and brave when it mattered. He was loyal and while he slipped up now and then, it was endearing to see him try. Severus was not as sweet. Wait why I am comparing Severus to Ron. Ron is my boyfriend and Severus is my master. I'm not thinking of Severus in a romantic way, am I? No! Gods that would be too strange... even for me.
"Correct as you may be... for the moment I would appreciate you not discussing my relationship with Ron at all. It's none of your business." she snapped back.
"I assure you my interest only goes so far in to see that you don't let his fluttering come between you and this mastery. It will require all your concentration and skill to complete this. There will be no time for silly little romantic dramas. Either you commit yourself fully to this task or we'll end this now." With the threat of her apprenticeship Hermione's eyes grew wide and in the next instant hateful.
"You are truly a detestable man,"
"I never claimed to be anything less."
"But if it will ease your horrid stirrings, I will not let a romantic relationship interfere with my apprenticeship, I promise."
"That is acceptable."
"And as long as my work does not suffer I suggest you keep your fairly large nose out of my private business." And with that she huffed out of the room slamming the door behind her. Red faced she knew she shouldn't have talked that way to her master, but she couldn't help how he rilied her up so. God he was worse than Ron when they fought. Ron always fought so petty like, but Severus knows exactly where to strike. Ugh, I detest that man. She left the dungeons and sought out her rooms not too far away from the dungeon on the second floor too angry to notice a pair of smoldering black eyes watching her as she stormed off.
Snape walked back into his rooms feeling the he had just rolled around in an oven. The heat crawling up his neck forced him to unbutton the first three buttons of his coat. Frustrated and annoyed he took a shot of Firewhiskey and proceeded to his rooms to relieve himself of his very hard problem. "It's going to be a long two years." he breathed as he began to rub his length imagining it under Hermione's ministrations.
The Great Hall, the next day, was filled with anxious students ready to start the new year. Hermione could feel their energy as she smiled into her oatmeal. Her mind was preoccupied with ideas for various potions products. She was thinking of creating her own potion or possibly improving several different potions. Like increasing the time limit of Polyjuice Potion or improving the taste of the Wolfsbane Potion, she just couldn't figure out what she really wanted to focus her time on when the post came. Dozens of fluttering fluffy birds flew about the place dropping letters on the laps of their recipients. Hermione jumped in surprise when she saw she had two letters.
Hermione,
Auror training is over! Thank Merlin. Now I can get some action. Passed the test with flying colors, I'm sure you're surprised as always. I miss you! At least when you were working at Hogwarts and Gringotts you'd always be back in the evenings and we could spend time together. I've been working so much I hardly see anyone anymore especially with you and Ginny gone. And Bill too! Man, did Ginny luck out this year. Having her favorite older brother (don't deny it, we all know it) as her Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher is going to totally work out in her favor. How's Ginny? Bill? Fleur? I imagine she is pretty excited to be able to live in Hogsmeade and go to the castle whenever she wants.
Got my first assignment yesterday. We're going to stake out after this one wizard who keeps popping up on the dark side counter. It's a device that Aurors have been using since the second war to keep track of dark magic. Sadly it doesn't give us specific locations so partners have been assigned to deal with the different locations. Speaking of partners guess who I got paired with? Tonks! Well I guess I could just call her Lupin, but I don't want to remind her of Remus. Damn tragic to leave a new mother all alone. Thank Merlin she has had her mum around to help with little Teddy. I just feel so bad for her. You wouldn't even recognize her if you saw her. Did you know her original hair color is mousy brown. It would look almost cute if it wasn't for the constant frown on her face. I figure the last thing she wants is some kid like me to babysit, but I try to keep the mood light.
How's the apprenticeship going? Hopefully he isn't a total prick to you! I know I may not have the same level of admiration for the bloke as you do, but I do trust you. I hate that I always come off as a such a jealous git. It's just that you're so talented, you can do anything you wanted. I guess I don't understand entirely why you chose Potions over everything else you could have done, but it's your choice to make. For some unknown reason you have an affinity for impossible dreams. I just wanted you to know that I love and support your choice. I don't know when I'll have a break, but the minute I do, I'll owl you.
Try not to overuse that brain of yours, haha. And if the greasy git is mean to you, you have two highly trained aurors ready to take him out.
Love,
Ron
Hermione couldn't help but tear up as she read over his letter one more time. That was all she had wanted out of him during her last day at the Burrow. She wanted his understanding and support. He didn't have agree or even like the Professor, but Ron always had a problem with confessing his feelings. If he hadn't then they would have probably started dating in their third year, but things always got in the way. Maybe this was just one more thing. Trying not to think about it more she turned to Harry's letter.
Hey Hermione,
Just finished up Auror Training. I moved out of the Burrow. It's a bit lonely here in this big house all by myself. I finally know what Sirius felt like during the Order days. Can't say as I blame him for his restless behavior, the house gets to you after a while. I feel bad that Ginny can't sneak away like she could before she went back to school. Thanks for covering for us by telling Molly she was with you at Hogwarts. I owe you!
Speaking of Hogwarts, how's the apprenticeship going? Heard that Bill made Defense Against the Dark Arts Professor. Brilliant move by McGonagall. Heard he'll be the Head of Gryffindor as well. Hopefully Snape isn't chaining you up to a cauldron and making you recite potions properties until you drop. I'm sure you're glaring at me right now for insulting your favorite professor.
I'm sure Ron's already mentioned his new partner, Tonks. I was a bit blown by that, but I'm glad she's paired with him right now. If you could see her, Hermione, you'd cry. It's like all her joy and pink hair died with Remus. I understand why he did it. I know it wasn't fair to Tonks, a fully trained and dedicated Auror to be locked up in the house and guilt tripped into staying behind, but I know if that was Ginny and I... I'd have locked her in a closet. It was hard enough with her there at all. I'm sure if anyone can keep Tonks from any crazy suicide mission it's Ron.
When's the next Hogsmeade visit? We'll try to get away and see you!
Love,
Harry
She smiled warmly at Harry's letter. Ron's had warmed her heart as well, but she was still reeling from their last encounter. Shaking her head of her conflicting emotions she set out to the library for some serious study time. She needed to figure out what she wanted to do for her mastery project. First she wanted to paw her way through the potions section of the library as well as the Restricted Section to brainstorm. She thought about health and healing magic. Once, a long time ago, she had considered becoming a Healer.
She waved amiably at the librarian, Madam Pince, before seeking out her old hideaway. Thankfully all the students were in classes right now so she had the library all to herself. Taking a deep breath of nostalgia she settled in for she knew it was going to be a long day. Gathering her books she began to brainstorm furiously writing all her ideas on her ever growing bit of parchment. Improved Polyjuice Potion? No, I could probably do that on the side, but that's not really challenging enough to dictate a mastery. Improving the tastes of the Wolfsbane sounds like a good idea, but without Remus around... it's just too painful right now. A cure for Lycanthropy would be better, but I have zero ideas on how to go about it. That might not even be a potion, but let's put that on the list anyway. What about healing magic. I do like the idea of becoming a Healer... eventually, but what?
For hours Hermione sat there only getting up to retrieve books or use the loo. By mid afternoon she had realized she had completely skipped lunch and decided to pack it in when a chipper little red head leaned over her shoulder.
"Hey there Hermione!" Ginny shouted which only earned her a glare from Pince.
"Ginny!" Hermione hugged her friend. "How are your classes going?"
"Really well. I only wish I had you for Potions." She said rolling her eyes at her apparent dislike for the Potions Master.
"What did he do this time?"
"Oh what he does every single time. Threatens the Gryffindors while the Slytherins get nothing but praise and admiration. You'd think given his abhorrance of children that teaching would not be the profession for him." To this Hermione giggled slightly.
"I'm sorry, it's just that I asked him almost the exact same question when we were dancing at the ball." Hermione's cheeks suddenly felt very hot at the memory of his strong hands wrapped around waist gliding her across the floor. Ginny's eyes perceptively noticed her friend's colored cheeks, but didn't exactly know what to make of it. She simply raised an eyebrow and continued to walk her out of the library.
"Let's go to your rooms, Hermione. I haven't seen it yet." Ginny tugged her friend's arm encouraging her to leave the library. "You must have been in here all day. I didn't see you at lunch." Hermione nodded.
"I just have no idea what to do about my Mastery project. Either it's too easy or impossible." Hermione groaned in frustration. When they arrived on the second floor Hermione led her friend to a painting of a beautiful brunette shepherdess holding firm with her staff and lambs.
"Password," her matronly voice spoke.
"Hockety Pockety" Hermione spoke her password to Ginny's puzzled look. "Don't let anyone know you know my password. I can only imagine what fresh hell Severus would pay me with if he knew. Not only that but Minerva would be greatly disappointed."
"Okay I promise, but what's Hockety Pockety?" Ginny asked as she stepped into the wide sitting room Hogwarts had graciously offered the young apprentice.
"It's from a Muggle movie. You should watch it sometime. It's a funny story about Merlin."
"Muggles know about Merlin?" Ginny seemed shocked.
"Yes, but most doubt his existence or at least that he was magical." Hermione hung up her robes and bookbag with all her notes and led Ginny into her large sitting room. Ginny's eyes lit up when she saw a warm fireplace with a couple of cozy arm chairs decorated in royal blue. The rugs were blue with sea foam green woven in around the edges. At least it wasn't Slytherin green, Ginny thought.
"How's it feel having your own luxurious rooms?" Ginny grinned slyly.
"I love it! It was a bit lonely here in the castle without all the students, I imagine I'll be sick of it before too long."
"Why do you say that? I mean you're just going to be learning from Professor Snape and working on your project right?"
"Not entirely. You heard McGonagall, I will be teaching half the student body before the end of the year. I will need time to observe Severus' classes before I take them over. That's why I need to figure out what the bloody hell I'm going to do for my Mastery Project."
Ginny gasped lightly, "I have never heard you swear like that before."
"Well this is driving me crazy. First I was so busy dealing with NEWTS, Gringotts which thankfully is now resolved and I never want to go back in there for as long as I live. Do you know that they charged me an extra quarter..."
"Hermione, you're rambling."
"Oh sorry well anyway I've been so busy with that and Ron." she paused to gauge her reaction to a small jab at her brother. Ginny kept a blank face out of kindness for the couple, but inside she was chopping at the bit to tell her exactly how idiotic she thought her brother was being. In the red head's heart she knew they wouldn't last, but being the good friend she was didn't have the heart to tell her.
"Yeah he can be a jealous prat, eh?" was all that Ginny offered.
"Yes and then Severus was making wild accusations about our relationship." she huffed.
"What? When?"
"Last night. He saw that we weren't serious about each other and when I defended it, Severus pointed out all these flaws I hadn't noticed before."
"Flaws? Like what?"
"Well how busy I was during the summer and how I danced with Severus at the Celebration Ball and left with him."
"You were busy all summer trying to deal with all this. Why do you think I'm still at school? We all have to find a way to grieve that doesn't keep us clutching to our hankies. Working yourself to the bone is the way you deal. And as for dancing with Professor Snape, well that I can't really say. Do you fancy him?" To this Hermione immediately blushed... hard.
"Not in the way you'd think."
"Then in what way?" Ginny asked
"Well... I fancy his intelligence, his knowledge. He is a Master of Potions, one of the most complex fields out there, and he is brilliant at it. I think the only more intelligent man I know is Dumbledore and since he is no longer living, I find Severus to be the smartest living man I know." Hermione confessed her cheeks hot with embarrassment.
"So you have an intellectual crush on him?"
"A What?" Hermione screeched out of shock.
"An intellectual crush. Not a sexual one, but a crush on their brain." To this Hermione's eyes immediately softened and her breathing became regular once more. For a minute she had me going there. A crush... fancy... Severus? Really, what is the world coming to? I love Ron... right?
"So what are you going to do about this project?" Ginny asked pulling Hermione out of her mental quandary.
"Well I'm not sure. I just don't which topic to choose from. They all sound interesting enough, but not... wow!"
Ginny, while a decent student, was not brilliant at potions and didn't understand much about improving potions or creating new ones. She could give little advice to her conflicted friend. "You should do something you care about. Even the really impossible projects can seem possible if it's something you're passionate about."
As if a light had turned on in Hermione's mind, she beamed at her friend in pure excitement. "Ginny, you're a genius! Thanks so much. I have to get to the library. I'll see you at dinner." And without another word she rushed out of her warm room to bury herself further into the library's massive collection.
TBC... I will post another chapter soon. I promise ^_^
AN: I know originally Tonks is dead, but after thinking about it for a bit. There is no way Tonks should have been at that final battle at all. She had just given birth to Teddy and if Remus were any kind of a man (which I am sure he would have been) he should have locked her in a house and not let her leave. No military operation would ever have a mother of a month old baby out in the battle field. Not just because of the fact that she has an infant to look after, but also because after having a baby you're physically, emotionally, and hormonally spent. Look at this way new mothers are expected to wait six weeks (not saying I did ^^) to have sex again. A new mother's body needs time to heal. No way would a new mother be allowed on the battle field. J,K. Only put Tonks out there to die so she could make the book sadder which annoys the crap out of me. That is why DH is my least favorite book. Things are made much more tragic and difficult then they could have been. Okay I'm done with my rant.
So what did you think? In case anyone didn't realize... Ron and Hermione are technically still together at this point, but I assure you that won't last long. Kind of like when high school kids go off to college or different paths. It just wasn't meant to be! Can anyone guess what the Hockety Pockety comes from? Winner will be announced next chapter so let the guessing game begin!
*Pun intended, Severus you just got verbally served ^^ It is sad when I sat there laughing for five minutes as I wrote that.
This is laying the ground work. Ground work chapters aren't as much fun to write, but I do hope you enjoyed reading it! The next one I hope will be a bit more exciting.