A/N: I'm not even going to try and explain the past month, so please enjoy this chapter.
Disclaimer: I don't own anything, except perhaps quite a large amount of angry readers.
SSHGSSHG
*Continued Flashback*
Severus stepped out of the fireplace and into the Headmaster's office. Casting a quick cleaning charm on his robes, he made his way over to the chair in front of Albus' desk. The elderly man was giving him an odd look; a hybrid of joy, concern, and mischief twinkled within the blue orbs.
"Thank you for coming my dear boy. I understand that it's your first day back, that you're probably quite tired, and..."
"Cease with the neccesities, Albus. The point, if you don't mind." The headmaster could detect the stress in his voice and, for once, did as he asked.
"If you insist, Severus, I shall come right out and say it." Dumbledore paused he for a moment, still uncertain about being blunt with this topic. The look in the Potions Master's eyes, however, gave him more than enough motivation to speak.
"I know about what happened with you and Ms. Granger last night, Severus."
Whatever Severus had expected to come out of his mouth, that was certainly the farthest thing from it. He just sat there, jaw dropped from astonishment and black eyes wide with surprise. It was a few moments before he managed to collect himself and attempt a response.
"Albus, I..."
"There's no need to worry, dear boy. You're not here to be punished."
"Not here to be...? Albus you had better start making sense right now, so help me."
"Severus, I approve. I think what happened between you and Hermione is a good thing, a very good thing in fact. I think that she will be good for you. We're all going to need some happiness in these upcoming months. In these dark times, and the even darker ones still to come, she will provide a light that no other can for you m'boy."
"...Albus. I... I'm not interest in her that way. What happened last night was a one time thing. It only happened because it was beneficial to both parties. I most certainly wouldn't have done it otherwise."
"Come now, Severus. We both know that you care for the girl. You have for quite some time, if it's not too bold for me to say. I know you, Severus. You're like a son to me. And if anyone can read your emotions and feelings, it's me."
"Albus, you've..."
"Severus, please. Just try it out. Get close to her, take her out on a date, cook her dinner- you are quite a wonderful cook if I remember correctly- just see if you like it. I know that the two of you could be wonderful together. You just need to make the first..."
"Albus! Have you finally gone off your rocker?" By now Severus had gotten to his feet, and began pacing in front of the Headmaster's desk."For Merlin's sake Albus, she's a bloody student. Not to mention a damnable know-it-all, the-boy-who-lived-to-be-a-pain-in-my-ass's best friend, and a fucking Gryffindor to boot. Albus, I will not, as you so politely offered, make her dinner or take her for a night on the town! You've finally lost it old man, you've finally gone senile."
"As much as i'm sure Minerva would love me job, i'm quite sane, Severus. Feel free to have me tested, if you so desire. As to the aforementioned undesirables about Ms. Granger's person, we both know that you thought them through last night, as well as this morning upon your arrival back here. And before you even start upon all of the 'It's illegal for teachers to date students' nonsense, it is not illegal for you to be with Hermione, as she is overage and completely capable of making decisions for herself."
Severus just stood there, staring at the Headmaster, not really knowing what to say or how to respond.
"You are excused, m'boy. I'm sure you'd like some time to yourself before the students return tomorrow evening. Enjoy your night."
With those parting words, Severus spun on his heel and flooed straight back to his quarters. The moment he emerged in his rooms, he made a beeline for the nearest bottle of firewhiskey.
*End Flashback*
SSHGSSHG
"Hermione, I think that if you care about him, then nothing should stop you."
"But Ginny, I"
"Yes, you do. And yes, I always know what's up with you, even before you do sometimes. I know that you have feelings for him, dont' even try and tell me that you don't. It would only be a waste of air. This whole situation wouldn't be bugging you as much if your heart wasnt' part of the mix. If it was just your hormones, then we'd have a completely different story on our hands. But, as it is, I think that you should do anything and everything you can to make something more out of last night. Make him see what a wonderful person you are, and he'll have no other option but to be with you."
"Oh Ginny, what would I do without you?" Hermione threw her arms around her best friend, grateful beyond words for the sincerity in her actions.
"That's one question that can be easily answered. You'd make a huge fool out of yourself by jumping random teachers in the hallways."
Hermione pulled back and noticed the gleaming look of mischief in the redhead's eyes. Drawing back her arm, she gave Ginny a playful punch to the arm.
"Now, now Gin. I don't think I'd let it get that far." Ginny gave her a condesending look.
"Just keep telling yourself that, Granger. Just keep telling yourself that.
Laughing, both girls got up and went to their room, one much happier than she had been before. They settled into their beds, sad that it was their last night in Headquarters, and both exited and anxious for the day tomorrow would bring.
SSHGSSHG
That night, the two one-time lovers met yet again in their dreams. Neither one wanting to admit their attraction for the other, yet neither could bring themselves to let the other go. Hermione turned over in her bed with a sigh, and Severus struggled to get comfortable in his wingbacked chair, having passed out from drinking copious amounts of firewhiskey. Tomorrow night would certainly be interesting.
