Needless to say, neither showed up for dinner that night or breakfast the next morning. It started the rumor mills turning, but none in the accurate direction.
When a group of over eager seventh year Hufflepuffs was heard betting on what methods of his glare he had used on her (judged by her behavior, obviously), she knew she had no choice but to show up for diner. Besides that, he stomach was continuously making the most unpleasant sounds now.
First off, however, she knew Severus deserved some form of apology for what happened. She sat herself down, took a deep breath, and began to write.
The letter floated in delicately, landing like a summer butterfly in front of him. He picked it up, ignoring the Minister's letter about the school's defenses temporarily, and read.
Severus,
To put it simply, I am not quite sure how to, or even if I should, address the issue of what happened yesterday afternoon. However, I have a nagging suspicion that I owe you an apology. I am sorry, Severus. Truly sorry. I have no idea what I was thinking when I did what I did, but I more than likely wasn't thinking at all. I can understand if you don't accept the apology, but I just wanted to establish a sense of closure upon the event. Good day.
Ms. Granger
Her handwriting flowed like a lost art down the page, the ink still wet in some places. For the second time, he was impressed. He had expected them both to just ignore it altogether. Her bravery surprised him, though it shouldn't have.
She was a lion.
He was a snake.
There was a distinct difference in the behaviors of the species, and they weren't always flattering. It startled him that the recognition of that fact made him saddened beyond that with which he had been sad in the last few years
Hermione at her dinner without really tasting it, probably for the first time in the history of Hogwarts. She was too focused on the chair three down from hers that sat empty. The Headmaster's chair.
It unnerved her to think of the formidable man receiving her note and rejecting it entirely, only growing more angry. The fact that all of that anger would be directed mainly at her made her shiver in fear. She may have grown into her house, but that didn't mean she enjoyed having to be courageous.
Just then, a note inconspicuously floated into her empty hand. She put down her fork and opened it.
You're forgiven.
It was all she could do not to scare the students with her grin of relief. Just then, a bunch of the school's owls decided to deliver mail to the staff, odd for this time of day, but not unheard of. A letter landed in front of each one, the seal stamped with the mark of the Headmaster.
After a quick scan, her heart dropped out of her shoes. She didn't want to see anyone in the Ministry ever again. They were rude and obnoxious and...rude.
Now she had to go to a ball with them.
Short. I know. That's becoming my theme again. Anyway, it's still something and I'd appreciate a review if you could do so!