Okay, so I am now aware that it is not Sunday, was rather confused by the Easter bank holidays and then some ludicrous hours at work and now I have finally managed to get this chapter out, very sorry : )
Sitting in the window seat in her rooms Hermione tore open a bar of Honeyduke's chocolate and flicked open her book. She had been sat less than an hour, which by her estimation was not long enough with a god book, when there was a knock on her oak door. She swept to the door and opened it with a smile. Her eyes took in the visitor, standing in the sunny corridor smiling broadly at her.
"Good morning Professor Granger, I'm sorry to bother you on such a beautiful Sunday morning, but I am struggling with my Potions essay and the thought of asking Professor Snape for help is rather daunting to say the least." Jacob McGivern was stood looking at her with pleading eyes and she had to resist he the urge to laugh.
"Of course, just a second," she disappeared into her room, leaving the door slightly ajar while she wrapped her chocolate back up and closed her book before joining Jacob in the hallway.
He was an intelligent boy with a caring disposition, but unfortunately, as it usually went with teenage students, he was unpopular because he was dedicated and spoke well.
So, together they walked to Hermione's classroom, where she helped him with his Potion's essay. She thought it was a particularly challenging topic for his year group, but she could see why Severus had set it and by the end of the hour she spent explaining it to Jacob, she knew he was a very talented teacher. The essay pushed Jacob's skill to the maximum, but without overstretching his limits.
"You've done really well Jacob, Professor Snape should be pleased with that," Hermione said as they entered the main castle again.
"Thanks Professor Granger, have a nice day."
"You too."
The sun was bright as it spilled into the Entrance Hall from the bustling grounds. Deciding to enjoy the rare British sun she summoned her book, chocolate and sunglasses and made her down the entrance steps. The grass around the lake was littered with scantly clad students trying to tan their pale English skin. Some of the older Gryffindor boys had organised an impromptu Quidditch match against the Ravenclaws that was now playing out above the lake. There were groups of students clustered under the wide trees, studying for their upcoming exams and their were young couples laughing and teasing flirtatiously. For a moment Hermione watched the care-free scene and relished in the easy smiles that took pride of place on each face. She knew now, looking at the teenagers around her that all the loss and pain of the war was entirely worth it because these students did not have to live in fear as she had. She stopped herself before she let her thought drift in the murky depths of her memories.
"Hey, Professor!" Hugh Baker called to her from her right.
She looked across at him, lounging on the grass, a pretty Ravenclaw sprawled across his lap reading a muggle novel and smiled broadly.
"Hello, Hugh, today's sun won't count as an excuse for no homework tomorrow, you know?"
He laughed at her mock stern expression, "Of course not, Professor," he grinned.
Hermione waved to the pair before turning towards the Herbology greenhouses. She meandered through more students before reaching her destination, a tiny patch of grass, barely big enough for a group of four, nestled behind the Herbology greenhouses. A young tree stood at the back of the grass and a thin arm of the Great Lake swirled at the front. She had stumbled upon this little haven in the confused aftermath of the war, when people wandered aimlessly around the school. From then Hermione visited this sanctuary often, finding she could find peace here when her dreams turned to harsher times or concentrate better here when her mind was sluggish. In all the times she had visited it there has never been anyone else present, but now a familiar figure stood at the water's edge. The long, lanky hair, billowing cloak and rigid posture were unmistakeable, yet seeing them in such an environment was hilarious to Hermione. She couldn't stop the explosion of laughter that cascaded past her lips and made his head snap round to find the source of the ejaculation. Silently, he raised his eyebrows before turning to face the water again.
"I'm glad to know I amuse you Granger," he said quietly.
Hermione walked forward on the soft grass until she was level with him about a foot to his left.
"You just look strange with all your cloaks on in such lovely weather," she explained trying to hold back more laughter.
He turned his head to look at her before speaking, "Well, some of us must remain professional," he said, his eyes travelling over her cut off jeans and light camisole.
For a moment Hermione was stunned at what she thought was a reprimand, but the glint in he eyes and his quirked eyebrow soon gave away the humour in his retort.
She played along, her mouth twisting slightly with amusement, "I always was a troublemaker, isn't that right Professor?" She stressed the last word and his eyebrow rose further into his hairline.
"Yes, I believe you were something of the sort."
Hermione finally burst and let her laughter float through the air around them with the pollen and the smell of the flowers. She looked at him as she laughed and thought that for a second a small, but genuine smile had graced his features. Then it was gone.
They stood, neither speaking, both gazing at the tranquil water before them. Hermione counted 56 beats before he turned to her
"Well, excuse me Granger, I have children to boil, essays to fail," this time their was no disguising his smile and she laughed. "And, it seems you have a book to read," he looked down at her hands, "surprisingly."
He walked away leaving Hermione laughing as she marvelled at his free use of humour and his tiny smile. With a small smile of her own she pushed her sunglasses onto her face and seated herself at the foot of the tree. Hermione spent the rest of the day reading, munching her remaining chocolate and soaking up the gentle sun. By the time the sun was beginning to dwindle she was approaching the last chapter of her book and her stomach was grumbling, anticipating the diner to come. Hermione made her way back to the castle, not reflecting on the literature in her hand, as she usually would, but on the small smile she had seen earlier on the face of her ex-professor.
Hope you all had a good Easter!
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