*Trumpets blare and confetti and streamers fly through the air*
I've reached the grand number of
ONE HUNDRED REVIEWS!
It's an honor I dare not dream of, but thanks to you, I did it! For some reason, some people like my story! Hmm... wonder why? Ah well. Oh yeah, someone requested fluff, there will be a (little bit) of fluff coming up! I can't stand pure angst, so it'll get a bit lighter, but, then, something happens! (sinister music)
How's this for quirky?
I made a 79 on my Math test (yes, mom, a 79! It's almost a B!) and I just shrugged it off.
I made a 95 on my Spanish test and went to make-up tutorials to raise my grade.
(Shows how much I like Spanish and detest Math)
I don't own Harry Potter or Beanie McGum. (*sigh* if only...)(You'd know what Beanie McGum is if you watch "Recess"- and it isn't mentioned in this fic)
"Your grade goes up to a ninety-five and a half. Thanks for coming!" - Mr. V, joking around about my test make-up thingy, after I had asked how much it would be raised. (If you're reading this, Mr. V, thanks- I really appreciate it!)
****Special Bonus to Celebrate 100 Reviews****
Another quote!
"Cassidy Hop!" – Me, playing Taboo- I meant to say Hopalong Cassidy, but I got a little excited. The answer was Lone Ranger, anyway.
On with the fic!
If there had been a change in Hermione, then there definitely had been one in Snape. Snape, however, hid his emotions. There was only a slight, subtle difference in his attitude and speech noticed only by Dumbledore. To the students Snape had gone back to the mean, nasty potions master he was before. The night of the Yule Ball, Snape was called into Dumbledore's office:
"You called, sir?"
"Please, Severus, have a seat. Now, tell me about Hermione."
"The Granger girl? She's just been acting depressed lately- you know that."
"Yes, but have you any idea as to why she's acting this way?"
"What are you getting at, old man?"
"My dear Severus, you know perfectly well what I'm getting at. I'd like to know what has been going on between Hermione and yourself- and not, may I say, with the apprenticeship."
"Why should I tell you if you already know? Nothing's kept secret from you in this castle."
"I could be wrong, you know, I have been before. I merely want to get my facts straight."
"This had better not cost me my job."
"Trust me, Severus, this is nothing compared to some things I've looked the other way on."
"Fine. Well, as you know, Miss Granger has been my apprentice since around Christmas. Sometime in late January, she admitted her um... ahem, growing feelings from me, and um... she... left the room suddenly. Then- what is that look for?"
"Come now, Severus. Tell me everything and think of me as a confidant, not as your boss or as the headmaster."
"All right, you mind-reader. She kissed me, and THEN told me of her grossly misplaced feelings."
"I'm sure 'grossly misplaced' are not the words she used. Go on, please."
"I told her I thought she should leave. She turned and fled the dungeons. The next few weeks we really didn't talk like we used to. Our only words were about the apprenticeship. And, as much as I hated and still hate to admit it, I missed her smile. And, strange as this may seem, I wanted to kiss her back. I had started to develop...feelings... for the girl."
"You say that like it's a bad thing."
"It is! I don't have any more of those...feelings! I got some sense talked into me. Oh, stop giving me that smug smile, Albus! Do you want me to continue or not?"
"Yes, please do."
"Anyway, it was driving me crazy, so I decided to throw everything to the wind and tell her my...feelings... This was on Valentine's Day. I met her by the late at midnight and I apologized. Yes, apologized. You don't have to look so surprised. Honestly. We kissed and she went back to the castle. I stayed behind for a while, then went to bed. Then, the next day, one of my old friends from school, actually my only friend, talked to me about her on the floo network and drove some common sense into me. I mean, come on, Granger's a student, she's ages younger than I, and it's probably just a little school-girl crush. Ending it was for her own good. I would've eventually ended and it would've hurt her more then than now. I decided to squash my silly ...feelings..."
"How do you feel about this?"
"What, exactly, do you mean by that?"
"Obviously you still care for the girl, more than a teacher. I don't agree with that friend of yours one bit- what was his name again?"
"His name is-"
"Minerva! What is it?"
"Come quickly! Hermione is swimming in the lake and won't come out!"
Snape and Dumbledore stood quickly, and Snape broke into a full run, going to the lake as fast as his legs could carry him. He arrived at the water's edge, and not pausing to think, dove in. When Dumbledore arrived at the lake, Snape was just walking out of the icy shallows, a blue and shivering Hermione in his arms. She made no struggle, but reached her arm longingly back towards the numbing water.
Dumbledore sat in a chair by Hermione's hospital bed as Snape paced around the room. Madam Pomfrey had taken one look at Snape's face and told them they could stay there as long as they liked. Snape was ranting and raving as Hermione slept and Dumbledore watched calmly. "What was she thinking? That lake was only a few degrees away from being frozen solid. She seemed to enjoy it! She's not a polar bear. The brightest young lady I've ever met goes and jumps in the lake! I don't think she was trying to drown herself, thank goodness." Snape peered down at her worriedly. He sank down into a chair and put his head in his hands. "It's all my fault," he thought. These past few weeks had been hell- he had to constantly remind himself it was for the best as he watched her health ebb away faster and faster each day- and the worst part was, she didn't seem to care. He heard Dumbledore get up. Snape opened and eye and saw him pause at the door. "You should love her wholeheartedly, Severus. That unfortunate incident long ago is nothing like this. Nothing. Tell her how you feel. "Dumbledore turned and left. Snape looked down at Hermione's sleeping form. Her face was relaxed and almost peaceful- Madam Pomfrey had given her a potion for deep, dreamless sleep.
"Professor Snape, if you would please move! We're having a bit of a crisis here!"
Snape awoke with a start. He was sitting next to Hermione's bed, holding her hand. He groggily looked around as someone pushed him out of the way. People were crowded around Hermione, yelling and shouting and saying incantations. He saw Dumbledore standing off to the side and Snape walked over to him, saying, "What is going on, Albus?"
Dumbledore looked at him sadly. "I'm afraid Miss Granger is going into a coma. She's lost the will to live, evidently. If goes into the coma, it'll be a battle between her heart and her mind. Her heart doesn't want to go on but her mind won't let her go." Snape looked at Hermione in amazement. The people that had been crowded around her moved away, shaking their heads sadly. Madam Pomfrey came up to Dumbledore and Snape. "I'm afraid she slipped into a coma, Headmaster. No telling when or if she'll come out of it, or what will happen when she does." Madam Pomfrey moved away from them and retreated into her office.
Snape briskly walked up to Hermione's bed and shook her, saying, "Get up, you silly girl. This had better not be some childish cry for attention or pity. Come on, now, wake up! You're going to make a lot of people very worried. Stop being-"
Snape's voice broke and he sank down to the ground, his head in his hands. Dumbledore quietly stood and left the room, not saying a word.
"For the last time, woman, I don't want anything to eat! Leave me be!"
Minerva McGonagall quickly exited the hospital wing, carrying a tray of food. Snape hadn't left Hermione's side since she had first came into the hospital wing. The other teachers were subbing his classes for him, and he hadn't eaten at all. It had been about a week since the ball and that fateful night. Snape sighed and gazed upon her sleeping form. She looked just like she did when he was carrying her to the hospital wing. She looked so beautiful and peaceful. He sighed and looked down at the floor.
Then, suddenly, a wracking cry escaped her lips, louder than a banshee- a sorrowful, mournful cry that made his hair stand on end.
"Severus!"
Snape looked up. She was sitting up in the bed. For a moment, he thought she had awoken, but no, her eyes were closed and she slumped back against the pillows, her face full of pain and longing. Snape looked away. It hurt to see her like this- helpless and aching. The part of him that he always pushed back, the part he didn't like to listen to, screamed at him that it was his fault. That all of it was his fault, and he could fix it all if he just told her he loved her. If he ignored common sense and threw everything to chance, then, somehow, it would work out for the best.
Love always finds a way, the voice inside him said.
"Love always finds a way," a voice behind him said.
Snape looked up quickly. Dumbledore stepped forward and sat opposite him, Hermione's bed between them. "What do you want?" Snape growled, irritated that Dumbledore could guess his innermost thoughts so perfectly. Dumbledore smiled and said, "Severus, I think you know what your heart desires. Listen to it for once, why don't you?" Snape scowled at the floor, thinking out loud. "But she has a little schoolgirl crush. My feelings far exceed hers. Albus, it's almost the reverse of... well, you know, that mishap that happened a while back."
A low moan came from the bed. Hermione was stirring fretfully. Madam Pomfrey came ran in and smiled. "She's coming out of it, Headmaster. It wouldn't be wise of you both to be here." Then, suddenly, Hermione's eyes opened. She was staring at the ceiling, but her eyes were moving and she was blinking. She was conscious again!
Snape was just about to lunge forward and hug her and kiss her and promise her the world when Madam Pomfrey made him leave, Hermione not even seeing him or Dumbledore.
A week later, Hermione was still in the hospital wing. She hadn't eaten much, and she knew that she couldn't leave until she did eat and sleep properly. She was starting to get restless, so she had planned to sneak out tonight- nothing major, just a chance to stretch her legs.
Hermione quietly removed her covers and slipped out of bed. She was already dressed, so she just put on her shoes and stole out the hospital wing's door. It was darker than dark out in the hall, it being around midnight. She stood still to let her eyes, adjust, then headed off in the direction of the Astronomy Tower.
Snape turned as he heard someone coming. He had come up to the Astronomy Tower to think- he didn't expect anyone to come up here, especially at this time of night! The person sounded out of breath, and their steps were heavy as if they were having a hard time climbing the stairs. Snape quickly stepped into a dark corner and waited. The door opened and a dark shape entered the tower. They were drawing breath with some difficulty, as if they had just gotten over being sick. The figure paused by a window, their silhouetted face profiled. Snape sighed with relief. He'd know that profile anywhere. He stepped out of the shadows. "Hermione," he called softly.
Hermione's heart recoiled in pain as she heard him say her name. Her first name, at that! What nerve! She turned to where his voice had come from and said coldly, "Don't call me that. I'm not even an apprentice to you." Curses! Why did her heart beat so fast? She suddenly was pulled forward into strong, sturdy arms. She gasped in surprise but didn't struggle. Snape continued to hold her as he said, "Forgive me, Hermione. I've been an idiot. I want you to be my apprentice again, and I do care about you. I've been afraid that you wouldn't make it, and I'd never be able to tell you how I feel. I've been so worried that your feelings for me are fleeting, while mine are- Hermione, dearest, I love you."
Hermione's eyes widened as she heard the words that she had been dreaming about for months came out of his mouth. Everything in her life turned from black and white to wonderful, vibrant color again. Her heart swelled with happiness and emotions flooded her system. She felt alive again, alive and exuberant.
A cloud uncovered the moon and the tower was filled with silvery moonlight. Hermione looked up at his face. He was looking at her with apprehension, as if he was afraid of her rejecting him. She smiled and reached up, tucking a stray strand of his hair behind his ear. "Severus, I don't just have some fleeting crush on you. I love you."
Snape looked at her beautiful face and he couldn't help but smile. Hermione practically melted- this was the first time she had seen him smile. "You look positively handsome when you do-" she was abruptly cut off by a warm, passionate kiss.
Snape watched Hermione as she put a forkful of hash browns into her mouth. He smiled slightly. He would have to remember to thank Dumbledore for his new regulations- that the Head Boy and more importantly, the Head Girl sit at the Staff Table at mealtimes. This way, Hermione and he could sit by each other and talk without arousing suspicions. Hermione, of course, had no idea Dumbledore knew about them or that he approved of their relationship. Snape watched her eat, his eyes twinkling. She looked up self- consciously. "What?" she asked "is there something on my face?" Snape just grinned, leaned forward, and whispered in her ear. "You look so cute when you eat." Hermione blushed and smiled, chewing a little at her bottom lip. Snape leaned in close so no one could hear and whispered something in her ear. She nodded, and then got up from the table.
A pair of dark eyes followed Hermione, then Snape out of the Great Hall.
Hermione and Snape walked side by side around the perimeter of the lake. The sun was out and the sky had just a few clouds in it. Hermione took a deep breath and said, "Severus, what was that thing that happened in the past?"
Snape stopped walking and looked long and hard at her. "Do you really want to know?" he asked.
She nodded, her face full of resolve.
"Walk with me. Now, Hermione, twelve years ago, I was training an apprentice. She was extremely bright and dedicated to her studies. She was like you, in many ways. I pursued her mind, testing her and making her work very, very hard. She handled all of my challenges beautifully. We grew to be good friends, and we accomplished quite a few things. One night, she kissed me and admitted her feelings for me, much like you did. I had to tell her that she was just a friend, and a student besides. I had to see her heart breaking over me. I was disgusted with myself and furious in that somehow I had mislead her or made her think I was interested in more than a friendship, as she knew about my disgusting past as a Death Eater, and the horrific things I did. She fool heartedly overlooked that. When I had to let her down, her sorrow quickly turned to anger and maliciousness. She spread many rumors around; everything from I was abusive to that she was pregnant with my baby. When I confronted her about it, she-"
Snape's face became stony and hard. His eyes got a stiff look to them, as he said,
"She took one of my potions bottles, smashed it against the desk, and she cut her wrists with the shards."
Hermione gasped. She wanted to take his arm, to hold his hand, to hold him and comfort him, but someone would invariably see them.
Snape continued, baring his soul and his innermost feelings. "It was all my fault. I've not allowed myself to get close to anyone again. I thought the deaths had ended when I denounced Voldemort, but I was wrong. I was so scared that it would happen again, with you."
Hermione stopped walking and looked deep in his eyes.
"I love you, Severus. No matter what happens, I'll stick by you. There may be obstacles, but we'll overcome them end up together. I'll forever love you."
He smiled an insecure, boyish grin. "Forever?"
"Forever."
Snape and Hermione sat in the dungeon, ensconced in leather armchairs. The chessboard was between them, and they were both thinking hard. Snape was about to move his piece when he stopped and smiled mischievously. Hermione looked up nervously. "What?" she asked. He stood up, and waved his wand. Soft, romantic music filled the dungeon. He held his hand out to her, and asked, "May I have this dance?" Hermione smiled and took his rough, callused hand. By now, though, the calluses were familiar. He wrapped his arm around her waist and pulled her close to him. She sighed happily and laid her head on his chest. He took a deep breath and smelled the scent of her hair. Heavenly. "I didn't get to dance with you at the Yule Ball, so I'm repaying you," he told her. She smiled.
They slowly swayed to the music, two souls born of different means, with different pasts, one innocent and one tainted, bonding and becoming one. The past was forgotten and forgiven, and for once, everything was perfect.
~*~
REVISED!
I just had to, seeing my diverse reviews:
snowieaddz: It's not the end yet! I don't know if someone's gonna die or not.
Kat097, Slytherin Sister: I have to eat! Eating and sleeping are the only things I'm good at!
Anubis'sLady: Hey girl long time no talk! Thanks, I'm glad you liked it!
Amy Lee/others/everyone: I don't think I'm rushing- I've been holding it back. You'd be surprised how things can flow in relationships. I AM dragging it out, really. Of course so much has happened! Things do! It took half of Harry Potter #3 to explain about one day! AND, to anyone who may be thinking this, SHE DID NOT TRY TO KILL HERSELF! It (or I) stated that the idea wasn't exactly unappealing to her. Hermione's too sensible to kill herself- I would never, ever even think of her doing that! Besides, of course she reacted like she did- haven't you ever been in love? (those who have or are will know what I'm talking about)
Wildmage: Touche on the Yule Ball part. I didn't think of that! Ah well, it's not like it was in July… still relatively close to Christmas… *sheepish look*
*Anna Black: Yahoo! Wow, I've never seen anyone review with all the chapters! ^_^ I'm so happy! Thanks for all your comments and support!*
EVERYONE ELSE: Thanks a bunch! I'll be sure to keep giving credits to people- I just don't have that much time!
I'm really happy- I've been e-mailed by people who want to put Broccoli on their site! Thanks to everyone- I still can't express how much reviews are pleasing [to] me. (inside joke- it's a Spanish thing)
I've reached the grand number of
ONE HUNDRED REVIEWS!
It's an honor I dare not dream of, but thanks to you, I did it! For some reason, some people like my story! Hmm... wonder why? Ah well. Oh yeah, someone requested fluff, there will be a (little bit) of fluff coming up! I can't stand pure angst, so it'll get a bit lighter, but, then, something happens! (sinister music)
How's this for quirky?
I made a 79 on my Math test (yes, mom, a 79! It's almost a B!) and I just shrugged it off.
I made a 95 on my Spanish test and went to make-up tutorials to raise my grade.
(Shows how much I like Spanish and detest Math)
I don't own Harry Potter or Beanie McGum. (*sigh* if only...)(You'd know what Beanie McGum is if you watch "Recess"- and it isn't mentioned in this fic)
"Your grade goes up to a ninety-five and a half. Thanks for coming!" - Mr. V, joking around about my test make-up thingy, after I had asked how much it would be raised. (If you're reading this, Mr. V, thanks- I really appreciate it!)
****Special Bonus to Celebrate 100 Reviews****
Another quote!
"Cassidy Hop!" – Me, playing Taboo- I meant to say Hopalong Cassidy, but I got a little excited. The answer was Lone Ranger, anyway.
On with the fic!
If there had been a change in Hermione, then there definitely had been one in Snape. Snape, however, hid his emotions. There was only a slight, subtle difference in his attitude and speech noticed only by Dumbledore. To the students Snape had gone back to the mean, nasty potions master he was before. The night of the Yule Ball, Snape was called into Dumbledore's office:
"You called, sir?"
"Please, Severus, have a seat. Now, tell me about Hermione."
"The Granger girl? She's just been acting depressed lately- you know that."
"Yes, but have you any idea as to why she's acting this way?"
"What are you getting at, old man?"
"My dear Severus, you know perfectly well what I'm getting at. I'd like to know what has been going on between Hermione and yourself- and not, may I say, with the apprenticeship."
"Why should I tell you if you already know? Nothing's kept secret from you in this castle."
"I could be wrong, you know, I have been before. I merely want to get my facts straight."
"This had better not cost me my job."
"Trust me, Severus, this is nothing compared to some things I've looked the other way on."
"Fine. Well, as you know, Miss Granger has been my apprentice since around Christmas. Sometime in late January, she admitted her um... ahem, growing feelings from me, and um... she... left the room suddenly. Then- what is that look for?"
"Come now, Severus. Tell me everything and think of me as a confidant, not as your boss or as the headmaster."
"All right, you mind-reader. She kissed me, and THEN told me of her grossly misplaced feelings."
"I'm sure 'grossly misplaced' are not the words she used. Go on, please."
"I told her I thought she should leave. She turned and fled the dungeons. The next few weeks we really didn't talk like we used to. Our only words were about the apprenticeship. And, as much as I hated and still hate to admit it, I missed her smile. And, strange as this may seem, I wanted to kiss her back. I had started to develop...feelings... for the girl."
"You say that like it's a bad thing."
"It is! I don't have any more of those...feelings! I got some sense talked into me. Oh, stop giving me that smug smile, Albus! Do you want me to continue or not?"
"Yes, please do."
"Anyway, it was driving me crazy, so I decided to throw everything to the wind and tell her my...feelings... This was on Valentine's Day. I met her by the late at midnight and I apologized. Yes, apologized. You don't have to look so surprised. Honestly. We kissed and she went back to the castle. I stayed behind for a while, then went to bed. Then, the next day, one of my old friends from school, actually my only friend, talked to me about her on the floo network and drove some common sense into me. I mean, come on, Granger's a student, she's ages younger than I, and it's probably just a little school-girl crush. Ending it was for her own good. I would've eventually ended and it would've hurt her more then than now. I decided to squash my silly ...feelings..."
"How do you feel about this?"
"What, exactly, do you mean by that?"
"Obviously you still care for the girl, more than a teacher. I don't agree with that friend of yours one bit- what was his name again?"
"His name is-"
"Minerva! What is it?"
"Come quickly! Hermione is swimming in the lake and won't come out!"
Snape and Dumbledore stood quickly, and Snape broke into a full run, going to the lake as fast as his legs could carry him. He arrived at the water's edge, and not pausing to think, dove in. When Dumbledore arrived at the lake, Snape was just walking out of the icy shallows, a blue and shivering Hermione in his arms. She made no struggle, but reached her arm longingly back towards the numbing water.
Dumbledore sat in a chair by Hermione's hospital bed as Snape paced around the room. Madam Pomfrey had taken one look at Snape's face and told them they could stay there as long as they liked. Snape was ranting and raving as Hermione slept and Dumbledore watched calmly. "What was she thinking? That lake was only a few degrees away from being frozen solid. She seemed to enjoy it! She's not a polar bear. The brightest young lady I've ever met goes and jumps in the lake! I don't think she was trying to drown herself, thank goodness." Snape peered down at her worriedly. He sank down into a chair and put his head in his hands. "It's all my fault," he thought. These past few weeks had been hell- he had to constantly remind himself it was for the best as he watched her health ebb away faster and faster each day- and the worst part was, she didn't seem to care. He heard Dumbledore get up. Snape opened and eye and saw him pause at the door. "You should love her wholeheartedly, Severus. That unfortunate incident long ago is nothing like this. Nothing. Tell her how you feel. "Dumbledore turned and left. Snape looked down at Hermione's sleeping form. Her face was relaxed and almost peaceful- Madam Pomfrey had given her a potion for deep, dreamless sleep.
"Professor Snape, if you would please move! We're having a bit of a crisis here!"
Snape awoke with a start. He was sitting next to Hermione's bed, holding her hand. He groggily looked around as someone pushed him out of the way. People were crowded around Hermione, yelling and shouting and saying incantations. He saw Dumbledore standing off to the side and Snape walked over to him, saying, "What is going on, Albus?"
Dumbledore looked at him sadly. "I'm afraid Miss Granger is going into a coma. She's lost the will to live, evidently. If goes into the coma, it'll be a battle between her heart and her mind. Her heart doesn't want to go on but her mind won't let her go." Snape looked at Hermione in amazement. The people that had been crowded around her moved away, shaking their heads sadly. Madam Pomfrey came up to Dumbledore and Snape. "I'm afraid she slipped into a coma, Headmaster. No telling when or if she'll come out of it, or what will happen when she does." Madam Pomfrey moved away from them and retreated into her office.
Snape briskly walked up to Hermione's bed and shook her, saying, "Get up, you silly girl. This had better not be some childish cry for attention or pity. Come on, now, wake up! You're going to make a lot of people very worried. Stop being-"
Snape's voice broke and he sank down to the ground, his head in his hands. Dumbledore quietly stood and left the room, not saying a word.
"For the last time, woman, I don't want anything to eat! Leave me be!"
Minerva McGonagall quickly exited the hospital wing, carrying a tray of food. Snape hadn't left Hermione's side since she had first came into the hospital wing. The other teachers were subbing his classes for him, and he hadn't eaten at all. It had been about a week since the ball and that fateful night. Snape sighed and gazed upon her sleeping form. She looked just like she did when he was carrying her to the hospital wing. She looked so beautiful and peaceful. He sighed and looked down at the floor.
Then, suddenly, a wracking cry escaped her lips, louder than a banshee- a sorrowful, mournful cry that made his hair stand on end.
"Severus!"
Snape looked up. She was sitting up in the bed. For a moment, he thought she had awoken, but no, her eyes were closed and she slumped back against the pillows, her face full of pain and longing. Snape looked away. It hurt to see her like this- helpless and aching. The part of him that he always pushed back, the part he didn't like to listen to, screamed at him that it was his fault. That all of it was his fault, and he could fix it all if he just told her he loved her. If he ignored common sense and threw everything to chance, then, somehow, it would work out for the best.
Love always finds a way, the voice inside him said.
"Love always finds a way," a voice behind him said.
Snape looked up quickly. Dumbledore stepped forward and sat opposite him, Hermione's bed between them. "What do you want?" Snape growled, irritated that Dumbledore could guess his innermost thoughts so perfectly. Dumbledore smiled and said, "Severus, I think you know what your heart desires. Listen to it for once, why don't you?" Snape scowled at the floor, thinking out loud. "But she has a little schoolgirl crush. My feelings far exceed hers. Albus, it's almost the reverse of... well, you know, that mishap that happened a while back."
A low moan came from the bed. Hermione was stirring fretfully. Madam Pomfrey came ran in and smiled. "She's coming out of it, Headmaster. It wouldn't be wise of you both to be here." Then, suddenly, Hermione's eyes opened. She was staring at the ceiling, but her eyes were moving and she was blinking. She was conscious again!
Snape was just about to lunge forward and hug her and kiss her and promise her the world when Madam Pomfrey made him leave, Hermione not even seeing him or Dumbledore.
A week later, Hermione was still in the hospital wing. She hadn't eaten much, and she knew that she couldn't leave until she did eat and sleep properly. She was starting to get restless, so she had planned to sneak out tonight- nothing major, just a chance to stretch her legs.
Hermione quietly removed her covers and slipped out of bed. She was already dressed, so she just put on her shoes and stole out the hospital wing's door. It was darker than dark out in the hall, it being around midnight. She stood still to let her eyes, adjust, then headed off in the direction of the Astronomy Tower.
Snape turned as he heard someone coming. He had come up to the Astronomy Tower to think- he didn't expect anyone to come up here, especially at this time of night! The person sounded out of breath, and their steps were heavy as if they were having a hard time climbing the stairs. Snape quickly stepped into a dark corner and waited. The door opened and a dark shape entered the tower. They were drawing breath with some difficulty, as if they had just gotten over being sick. The figure paused by a window, their silhouetted face profiled. Snape sighed with relief. He'd know that profile anywhere. He stepped out of the shadows. "Hermione," he called softly.
Hermione's heart recoiled in pain as she heard him say her name. Her first name, at that! What nerve! She turned to where his voice had come from and said coldly, "Don't call me that. I'm not even an apprentice to you." Curses! Why did her heart beat so fast? She suddenly was pulled forward into strong, sturdy arms. She gasped in surprise but didn't struggle. Snape continued to hold her as he said, "Forgive me, Hermione. I've been an idiot. I want you to be my apprentice again, and I do care about you. I've been afraid that you wouldn't make it, and I'd never be able to tell you how I feel. I've been so worried that your feelings for me are fleeting, while mine are- Hermione, dearest, I love you."
Hermione's eyes widened as she heard the words that she had been dreaming about for months came out of his mouth. Everything in her life turned from black and white to wonderful, vibrant color again. Her heart swelled with happiness and emotions flooded her system. She felt alive again, alive and exuberant.
A cloud uncovered the moon and the tower was filled with silvery moonlight. Hermione looked up at his face. He was looking at her with apprehension, as if he was afraid of her rejecting him. She smiled and reached up, tucking a stray strand of his hair behind his ear. "Severus, I don't just have some fleeting crush on you. I love you."
Snape looked at her beautiful face and he couldn't help but smile. Hermione practically melted- this was the first time she had seen him smile. "You look positively handsome when you do-" she was abruptly cut off by a warm, passionate kiss.
Snape watched Hermione as she put a forkful of hash browns into her mouth. He smiled slightly. He would have to remember to thank Dumbledore for his new regulations- that the Head Boy and more importantly, the Head Girl sit at the Staff Table at mealtimes. This way, Hermione and he could sit by each other and talk without arousing suspicions. Hermione, of course, had no idea Dumbledore knew about them or that he approved of their relationship. Snape watched her eat, his eyes twinkling. She looked up self- consciously. "What?" she asked "is there something on my face?" Snape just grinned, leaned forward, and whispered in her ear. "You look so cute when you eat." Hermione blushed and smiled, chewing a little at her bottom lip. Snape leaned in close so no one could hear and whispered something in her ear. She nodded, and then got up from the table.
A pair of dark eyes followed Hermione, then Snape out of the Great Hall.
Hermione and Snape walked side by side around the perimeter of the lake. The sun was out and the sky had just a few clouds in it. Hermione took a deep breath and said, "Severus, what was that thing that happened in the past?"
Snape stopped walking and looked long and hard at her. "Do you really want to know?" he asked.
She nodded, her face full of resolve.
"Walk with me. Now, Hermione, twelve years ago, I was training an apprentice. She was extremely bright and dedicated to her studies. She was like you, in many ways. I pursued her mind, testing her and making her work very, very hard. She handled all of my challenges beautifully. We grew to be good friends, and we accomplished quite a few things. One night, she kissed me and admitted her feelings for me, much like you did. I had to tell her that she was just a friend, and a student besides. I had to see her heart breaking over me. I was disgusted with myself and furious in that somehow I had mislead her or made her think I was interested in more than a friendship, as she knew about my disgusting past as a Death Eater, and the horrific things I did. She fool heartedly overlooked that. When I had to let her down, her sorrow quickly turned to anger and maliciousness. She spread many rumors around; everything from I was abusive to that she was pregnant with my baby. When I confronted her about it, she-"
Snape's face became stony and hard. His eyes got a stiff look to them, as he said,
"She took one of my potions bottles, smashed it against the desk, and she cut her wrists with the shards."
Hermione gasped. She wanted to take his arm, to hold his hand, to hold him and comfort him, but someone would invariably see them.
Snape continued, baring his soul and his innermost feelings. "It was all my fault. I've not allowed myself to get close to anyone again. I thought the deaths had ended when I denounced Voldemort, but I was wrong. I was so scared that it would happen again, with you."
Hermione stopped walking and looked deep in his eyes.
"I love you, Severus. No matter what happens, I'll stick by you. There may be obstacles, but we'll overcome them end up together. I'll forever love you."
He smiled an insecure, boyish grin. "Forever?"
"Forever."
Snape and Hermione sat in the dungeon, ensconced in leather armchairs. The chessboard was between them, and they were both thinking hard. Snape was about to move his piece when he stopped and smiled mischievously. Hermione looked up nervously. "What?" she asked. He stood up, and waved his wand. Soft, romantic music filled the dungeon. He held his hand out to her, and asked, "May I have this dance?" Hermione smiled and took his rough, callused hand. By now, though, the calluses were familiar. He wrapped his arm around her waist and pulled her close to him. She sighed happily and laid her head on his chest. He took a deep breath and smelled the scent of her hair. Heavenly. "I didn't get to dance with you at the Yule Ball, so I'm repaying you," he told her. She smiled.
They slowly swayed to the music, two souls born of different means, with different pasts, one innocent and one tainted, bonding and becoming one. The past was forgotten and forgiven, and for once, everything was perfect.
~*~
REVISED!
I just had to, seeing my diverse reviews:
snowieaddz: It's not the end yet! I don't know if someone's gonna die or not.
Kat097, Slytherin Sister: I have to eat! Eating and sleeping are the only things I'm good at!
Anubis'sLady: Hey girl long time no talk! Thanks, I'm glad you liked it!
Amy Lee/others/everyone: I don't think I'm rushing- I've been holding it back. You'd be surprised how things can flow in relationships. I AM dragging it out, really. Of course so much has happened! Things do! It took half of Harry Potter #3 to explain about one day! AND, to anyone who may be thinking this, SHE DID NOT TRY TO KILL HERSELF! It (or I) stated that the idea wasn't exactly unappealing to her. Hermione's too sensible to kill herself- I would never, ever even think of her doing that! Besides, of course she reacted like she did- haven't you ever been in love? (those who have or are will know what I'm talking about)
Wildmage: Touche on the Yule Ball part. I didn't think of that! Ah well, it's not like it was in July… still relatively close to Christmas… *sheepish look*
*Anna Black: Yahoo! Wow, I've never seen anyone review with all the chapters! ^_^ I'm so happy! Thanks for all your comments and support!*
EVERYONE ELSE: Thanks a bunch! I'll be sure to keep giving credits to people- I just don't have that much time!
I'm really happy- I've been e-mailed by people who want to put Broccoli on their site! Thanks to everyone- I still can't express how much reviews are pleasing [to] me. (inside joke- it's a Spanish thing)
