Edited 2017-10
Everything except the storyline belongs to J.K. Rowling.
Chapter 9
The night's sleep didn't bring a solution, so Hermione spent breakfast playing with her food and repeatedly glancing towards Severus. He caught her eyes once and simply raised an eyebrow. Hermione fought the urge to growl.
She decided she would go for a run in the Forbidden Forest. Maybe the simpler mind of her animal form would allow her to make the decision she had already taken but refused to acknowledge. Hermione walked briskly towards Hagrid's hut and knocked on the door. Hagrid seemed happy to see her, offering her a cup of tea.
"No, thank you Hagrid," Hermione replied, "I was thinking about a run in the forest. Would you mind if I left my teacher's robes here and transformed in here? There are too many students out and I do not wish to be overseen."
"Of course, of course!"
Hermione smiled. "Thanks, Hagrid."
She draped her robes on one of the huge chairs and concentrated on her animal form. Soon, there was a small lynx standing in her spot. As always, Hermione was momentarily overwhelmed by the strength of her animal senses. She could hear the giant squid flap around his tentacles and the giggles of the children that were being splashed. Her ears twitched and her tail flicked.
She trotted after Hagrid, slipping out of the back door when he opened it. Once in the forest, she started running. She absolutely loved her speed and strength as a lynx. Her paws made no sound on the soft forest floor and her quick reflexes prevented her from running into obstacles.
After some time, she spotted a small clearing. She found a sunny spot at the edge and curled up to soak up the sun. With her head on her front paws, she softly started spinning in pleasure. Her thoughts soon turned to the dilemma at hand. As she had hoped, her animal mind had fewer problems with it. Mainly focused on self-preservation, it quickly agreed with Severus and him being the best option to guide her through the process.
Now, there was only the matter of when and where to tell him. She hated having to tell him he was right, again. Eventually, she settled on telling him on Tuesday after breakfast. It would give the illusion she had to think about it somewhat longer than she did but would give him plenty time to make some extra arrangements if needed. The students would leave on Friday morning, and after some final duties and a small 'end of school year' gathering during lunch, the teachers were free to leave.
Pleased with her decision, Hermione curled her tail around herself and decided to take a nap.
Tuesday after breakfast Hermione waited for Severus in the hallway. Although she had decided this was the best course of action, she was still in turmoil about it. Part of her was mortified about the living arrangement, part of her was absolutely thrilled.
She jerked out of her seemingly never-ending contemplation when the door swung open and the man she was waiting for appeared. He paused.
"Miss Granger."
"Professor," she replied. She took a steadying breath. "I am inclined to accept your offer."
He showed no reaction to her words. After a minute of silence, Hermione started fidgeting, unconsciously biting her lip.
"Very well, Miss Granger," Severus eventually said. "I'll expect you at the front gates at two in the afternoon, Friday. Elora will take care of your luggage, I will Apparate us."
He turned and strode away.
"Well, that went better than expected,' Hermione thought.
She had expected at least one snide comment. Shrugging, she made her way out of the castle. She had patrol duty outside for the next couple of hours.
The days leading up to Friday passed by quietly. Thursday evening Hermione packed up her things, carefully keeping her mind away from where she would be in less than 24 hours. Instead, she focused on the events of the next day.
After breakfast, the students would leave for the train. Some teachers were to accompany them, the head of houses were to check the common rooms for left behind items and/or pranks, and the remaining teachers were to scout the castle and the grounds.
At 12:30 there would be a last, informal lunch gathering of the professors, after which they were free to leave. Some stayed in Hogwarts, Professor Sprout, Professor McGonagall and Hagrid for instance. Most, however, went away for the holidays, like Professor Snape.
"No!" Hermione thought. "Don't think of that."
But no matter how hard she tried, her mind kept returning there.
