Hermione seemed to walk a little lighter now knowing that Ron didn't hate her. She seemed to bounce as she made her way to Severus' private quarters. There were no students in the hall and she was secretly grateful. She had enough of awkward glances for one day. Hermione smoothed her robes as she knocked on Severus' door. Only a few moments passed before the door swung open. Severus motioned for her to enter, with a wide sweep of his arm. She smiled and walked in, and he closed the door behind her.
"Weasley has already been to see you, I take it?" Severus walked back over to his chair, and sat down. He motioned for her to sit across from him. She looked around as she sat; his rooms appeared to be exactly as they were when she had last been in them.
"Yes." Hermione nodded, drawing her attention back to Severus. "It went surprisingly well as a matter of fact."
"Indeed?" Severus placed his fingertips together and nodded slowly.
"I'm still rather shocked about it, if I were to tell the truth." Hermione shook her head as she crossed her legs.
"What did Weasley have to say?" Severus asked, and Hermione sighed.
"It was really odd; he thought I was calling off our engagement because he'd been cheating on me. Of course you and I know, I had no idea of course." Hermione shook her head, "He was rather taken aback when I delivered the news, that I preferred you and not him."
"Weasley was seeing someone else?" Severus seemed to struggle momentarily with the idea Ron had two girlfriends at once.
"Yes, and he said he's in love with her too. You'll never guess who he's seeing." Hermione smirked.
"I'm sure I have no idea." Severus replied returning the smirk.
"Lavender." Hermione raised her eyebrows and leaned back awaiting his response.
"Lavender?" Severus repeated the name.
"Yes." Hermione nodded.
"Lavender….Brown?" Severus furrowed his brow.
"Yes, or I would imagine that's who he was speaking about. I don't know any other Lavender." Hermione shook her head. Severus remained pensive and quiet. "What's wrong?" Hermione finally asked, the silence was deafening.
"Hermione, I am not sure how to tell you this, because I haven't the foggiest to why Weasley would tell you what he did….but….Lavender Brown died." Severus shook his head.
"What?!" Hermione cried.
"Miss Brown was among the casualties of the final battle. Weasley knows this; he attended her funeral...with you." Severus still looked concerned.
"Why would he say that then?" Hermione shook her head.
"I don't know, and I am a bit concerned about it." Severus stood up and began to pace. Hermione slumped down in her chair.
"Well I hardly ever know why Ron does what he does, maybe it's just another Lavender, and I assumed wrong." She crossed her arms.
"Perhaps." Severus stopped and looked into the fire, he turned back to face Hermione, his arms at his back. "I would feel more comfortable if we knew for sure."
"What reason could he possibly have to lie to me? He probably just made up a girlfriend to show he loved someone else, I probably hurt him and this was his coping mechanism." Hermione shrugged.
"That is another possibility." Severus nodded his head again and continued to pace. "I think this calls for some looking into. It is peculiar."
"Well I'll get in touch with Harry and ask." Hermione shrugged again.
"That would be wise." Severus sat back down in his chair. "Minerva came by earlier."
"And?" Hermione asked.
"She was perplexed about the goings on of earlier today, as she should be." Severus reached over and poured them each a cup of tea.
"What did you tell her?" Hermione suddenly felt a little nauseous.
"As little and as much as I could. I informed her that you and I were seeing each other. She expressed concern for Weasley, as well as the differences in our ages. She also wanted to know how long it had been going on, as well as why you showed up in her private rooms. She suspects the time turner, but I do not think she has a problem with that, merely you and I." Severus handed her the cup which she took gratefully. "I told her that you and I had just expressed our desire to explore a more personal relationship, today."
"Did she believe that?" Hermione took a sip.
"Indeed. She will come by and speak to you I'm sure." Severus took a sip of his tea and sat the cup back down on the table. "She fears that you do not know me, or my past. She is right, to a certain degree at least. We will remedy that though."
"I never thought anyone would be so interested in you and I." Hermione shook her head.
"Yes well, we are quite the scandal. The fact that I was you professor and all will certainly raise some eyebrows. That and I am also sure there are those who would believe me to be a eunuch. Don't make that face," Severus laughed. Hermione blushed; she didn't realize she had made a face. "I assure you I am not a eunuch."
"Didn't say you were." Hermione mumbled with a smile as she brought the tea cup back to her mouth.
"If you don't mind, I have a request of you." Severus watched her set her cup down and look at him intently.
"Anything." Hermione replied.
"I would rather us, not engage in any physical relationship until everything is sorted out." Severus raised his eyebrow.
"That's fine." Hermione looked to the floor.
"I fell in love with you, but I do not know you, at least not who you have become. I would rather we focus on that at the present." Severus appeared to be concerned.
"I think it's a good idea, Severus." She smiled and his concern seemed to soften slightly.
"Then it's settled." He nodded.
"It's settled." Hermione smirked. "I'm content to know you're alive and to just be near you, at the moment." Severus reached over and placed his hand atop hers.
"I am glad to be near you as well." He squeezed her hand. "I think you should apologize to Neville, though. You were quite hard on him."
"Apologize? You're one to talk, Severus Snape! You were always cruel to him." Hermione's eyes went large.
"Yes, however we're talking about you and not me. It would not do well to purposefully isolate your friends right now Hermione." Severus let go of her hand and sat back in his chair.
"Fine. I'll apologize to him." Hermione huffed.
"Don't pout, it's not becoming." Severus laughed. "I merely suggested you apologize, I will not force you."
"I know, but you're right. I'm probably about to lose a few friends, so you made your point." Hermione exhaled slowly. "I'll go and speak to him tomorrow."
"Tomorrow is Saturday." Severus continued to drink his tea.
"What's your point?" Hermione shook her head.
"You and I have plans; we're not on duty tomorrow. We will not even be on the premises." Severus sat back and looked into the fire.
"Oh, we have plans?" Hermione asked.
"Yes, but I am not telling you what they are. You will meet me by the front gates at seven tomorrow morning." Severus stood up and reached out his hand to Hermione, which she took and stood as well.
"Seven?" Hermione asked. Severus nodded.
"Yes, and it is already approaching eleven. Go and rest, I shall see you in the morning." He kissed her chastely. Hermione sighed; she wished she hadn't agreed to hold off on anything physical as it was quite evident he was going to act the part of a gentleman with her. He walked her to his door, and watched as she walked out into the hall. She turned to look at him briefly. "Good night, Hermione."
"Good night, Severus." She replied as she made her way back to her rooms, her thoughts lingered on Ron, Lavender, Severus and the following day's plans. Suddenly she felt mentally exhausted and went straight to sleep upon returning to her rooms.