Whoo!!! This took me absoloutly ages to do but i think it's turned out okay! I hope eyevone's enjoying it! Oh and i thought i'd let evryone know...i've posted a trailer for this so please please please go check it out. It's on youtube an it's also my first fan trailer. So check it out and leave a comment. The link it on my profile page at the bottom xxx
Chapter 10 - Christmas
3 weeks. It had been three weeks since he had even laid eyes on her. She was ashamed and most of all guilty. Then again what reason had she not to feel guilty? She had dragged him up to her quarters and served him wine, her best wine at that. Then she had walked down to the entrance hall with him, almost touching, and kissed him on the lips. And when he kissed her back so pulled away!
A fool she called herself. She buried herself in her work and hardly travelled to the Great Hall for her lunches and dinners. Dobby, the old house elf she and her friends had befriended, was kind enough to bring her up a meal every day.
The times when she did see him, left her feeling empty and cold. He completely ignored her existence and stormed past her with his black robes billowing behind him, giving him the air of mystery. That was one of the things she liked about him, you had to dig deep to find out about him. And she had almost reached the part where he was actually telling her different things, but now she had gone and ruined it all.
Albus and Minerva told her that he was just being stubborn and that he would come round eventually. But she shook her head, one wasn't stubborn for so long.
Ginny told her he was being a stupid arse whole. Hermione had apologised and explained herself and he was still being stupid about it.
Harry told her he wasn't worth it to begin with and he had hurt his mother also.
James drew her a small picture, which made her smile when he saw she was upset.
Over all the past few weeks had been really shitty to her.
The Christmas holidays were closing in soon though, and seeing that hardly any students were staying over for the holidays she told Albus that she would be returning to her flat for a week and arriving back at Hogwarts after Christmas. After all Christmas with the Potters was a tradition.
Putting some of her clothes into her trunk she sighed as she thought back to that night. His arms felt so good around her and his lips….she couldn't even get the dreams from her mind! He had snagged her with a hook and wasn't planning on letting her go. She had of course gotten him a gift in hope that he would forgive her but her hopes weren't that high.
Suddenly a knock at her door brought her from her thoughts and she gave a shout.
"Come in!"
Footsteps sounded in the living room as her portrait closed.
"Hermione!" Minerva's voice yelled. Hermione smiled and popped her head out of her bedroom door.
"In here Minerva!" she exclaimed, walking back to her bed.
Minerva opened the door fully and smiled at the young healer before entering the room and sitting beside the trunk on the bed.
"How are you faring Hermione?" she asked. Hermione sighed again and dropped one of her jumpers into the trunk before sitting beside the old witch she had considered a Grandmother.
"Not bad. I'll be better when I see Harry, Ginny, James and everyone else again." She explained. Minerva nodded.
"You must all come visit us. This castle needs a good night of humour and jolliness," she said, Hermione smiled.
"I must admit Minerva, the students have been excited," she told her, Minerva grinned.
"I mean us Professors Hermione. I haven't seen you smile since Halloween and I won't stand for it any longer. You will return to Hogwarts Christmas Eve," she told her. Hermione frowned.
"I'm sorry Minerva, but I am staying with the Potters over Christmas. James insists," she explained. Minerva smirked.
"Then my invitation also includes the Potters along with you. Albus has yet to meet Harry after all these years and he made sure to ask me to invite them too," she said. Hermione chuckled and looked into her hands. Minerva smiled sadly and placed an arm around her shoulders.
"Hermione dear. If he is causing you this much grieve then forget him. He isn't worth the amount of sorrow you hold," she said. Hermione shook her head.
"I know Minerva. And I've tried but every time I do I just find myself thinking about him more and more," she exclaimed, throwing herself back onto the bed. "He's being a stupid stubborn man and I hate myself for it!" she cried. Minerva patted her knee.
"Severus has always been this way Hermione. But you have to break past that. I always find that breaking the ice is better than melting it…if you understand me," she explained. Hermione looked up at her and nodded a grateful smile on her face.
"Thanks Minerva," she said sitting up and pulling the woman into a hug. Rubbing her back Minerva pulled away and stood. Walking to the door she stopped suddenly and turned.
"Also Hermione, if I may remind you, Today at breakfast an announcement was made that there will be another Christmas Ball…." She gave Hermione a pointed glance which Hermione blushed at, "…and most of the students are staying…so we will need you to return before that anyway to help with decorations and what not," she said, a smirk on her face before leaving the room, a shocked Hermione sat on the bed.
'Bloody Dumbledore and his meddling,' Severus thought, storming into his office after his last class of the day. He'd thought he would have a little peace over the holiday, what with all the children going home and her leaving for a week. But no, Minerva and Albus had organised a bloody Christmas Ball for Christmas Day.
He had always despised ball even when he was a boy. He never had a date when he was at school and supervising only made it worse when you were a professor. Balls were just a silly excuse to have a drink and get with you boyfriend or girlfriend…well in the students view it was.
Also Minerva had been happy to tell him that the Potters were coming and they were to stay in the quarters off the Teacher's lounge. This was where he was most content, also where most of the Professors met on Christmas morning to exchange gifts and have a Christmas drink. 'With Hermione and the Potters there this year' he thought 'I'm sure to have an even crappier time than I already do!'
Shaking his head he walked to his cabinet and reached in for the bottle of whisky he usually kept there, but then growled when he found it empty. Of course, she had emptied them all when she had revived him. That was also the last time he had spoken to her.
She had obviously opened her big mouth and told Albus and Minerva all about what happened, because every time he looked up at them they gave him disapproving stares and shakes of the head. She must have told them a cock and bull story of how he had forced himself upon her and when she had pulled away in fright. Of course…that was half true. He did 'force himself upon her' but she kissed him back so that was a two way kiss. And when she had pulled away it was in confusion…or so she had said. Maybe he had frightened her.
Shaking his head he slammed the cabinet doors shut. Why couldn't he get her from his mind? The feel of her lips and the feel or her hands running through his hair and across his shoulders made him shudder in want. She was a bloody minx and he was sure she tantalised him on purpose.
But he had been a royal bastard to her these weeks. On more than one occasion she had tried to talk to him but he had turned a blind eye and focussed on ignoring her. But seeing the hurt in her eyes from the corner of his own, and hearing the sigh of disappointment coming from her luscious lips made him cringe inside and his heart squeeze its self.
Running a hand through his hair he dropped into his chair behind his desk and placed his head in his hands. A prick he was and alone he would stay.
Suddenly a knock sounded on his office door making him jump. Calming himself down he took a deep breath, hoping that when the door opened it was the woman he could not throw from his mind.
"Enter," he said.
The door creaked open and the tip of a purple had poked through the gap making him sigh in disappointment. "Albus? What can I do for you?" he asked. A chuckle came from behind the door and it opened fully to find the jolly old man enter the room.
"Severus my boy! How are you?" he asked, Severus sneered.
"Never better," he said sarcastically, "What do you want?" he asked again. Albus smiled.
"I have never implied that I wanted anything…I may have come down here for a nice little chat!" he exclaimed, Severus snorted. "Okay…I need you to attend the ball this year Severus…if I remember rightly you didn't attend the last one and well Harry's coming this year…it'll be special!" he explained. Severus sighed.
"You know fully well why I didn't attend the last ball Albus," he said and Albus nodded and smirked.
"I remember quite well Severus…in fact I think it was one of the times in all my years of knowing you had I ever seen you blush!" he exclaimed and Severus frowned.
"I did not blush!" he said but Albus chuckled.
"I remember Poppy gushing about it! She would not tell me why because she considered your privacy but she told me you looked cute when you blushed!" he told him. Severus sighed; thoughts of Hermione entered his mind again.
"Was there another reason Headmaster because I hope to retire tonight!" he said sharply. Albus sighed and placed a hand on the man's shoulder.
"Why do you do this to yourself Severus?" he asked sadly,
"I do not know what you mean?" he said
"I think you do Severus. Hermione is a nice girl and I hate to see her upset, the both of you in fact. I will tell you this now. If you have not spoken to Hermione by the end of the Christmas Ball then you shall be suspended!" he said gravely. Severus gasped in anger.
"You cannot do that! You are blackmailing me!" he exclaimed. Albus frowned.
"When it comes to one of my staff Severus then I can!" he told him. He growled.
"And why have you not told her this?" he asked. Albus sighed walking towards the door.
"Because she has tried to Severus and every time you dismiss her she grows further and further distant. Stop being childish." And he closed the door behind him.
"Finally! I never thought you were going to come!" James childish voice rang out over the snow as Hermione walked down the path to the Potter's home, her trunk floating behind her. She giggled as she stepped into the warm hallway, shrugging her thick coat off followed by her scarf and gloves.
"Have you been a good boy this year James?" she asked, kneeling to pull the boy into a hug. He squeezed tightly.
"Yup! Daddy says Santa will defiantly come even while we're at Hogwarts!" he exclaimed, excitement laced in his little voice. Hermione laughed. She and Harry had brainwashed all the kids into believing in Santa because they were both brought up with the tradition. It allowed them to get excited around Christmas, except when James had asked Ginny why he'd never seen such a magical person. He was confused that year and sleepy when he'd tried to stay up all night so see him.
"Hermione darling is that you?!" a voice rang from the living room.
"Yeah Gin! I'm here!" she yelled back, floating her trunk into the room. Standing up with James still latched onto her hip she walked into the roasting room and found Harry and Ginny sat on the couch with the fire blazing. Hermione sat down in her usual chair with James in her lap.
"Ooh that's nice," she sighed, content with the comfort and the warmth. Harry chuckled and looked over at his friend.
"How've you been Herms?" he asked, Hermione smiled.
"Great. It's so nice to have a break from things. My Parents have adopted a little child called Charlotte so I've had to quickly get her a small present along with the presents for my Mum and Dad." She explained. Ginny gasped and sat up.
"You mum and dad have adopted?" she asked. Hermione nodded with a small grin.
"Yeah they said it weren't the same with out me running around the house anymore so they decided to adopt an orphan!" she told them. Harry smiled, he was glad that there were parents out there that were willing to take in an orphan out of Love. But Hermione grinned even more, "That's not all…Charlotte's mother and father were…a witch and wizard!" she exclaimed. Ginny gasped.
"You're kidding!" she yelled. Hermione shook her head.
"No! Apparently they contacted Dumbledore and asked if there were any wizarding orphanages and he gave them an address of one in Norwich and they went about two weeks ago and adopted one. They told them that I was a muggleborn witch and had handled the bits of accidental magic before." She explained. Ginny grinned.
"Oh Herms that's great! Hey and she'll have an older sister to teach her everything!" she said and Hermione nodded. Turning to James she smiled.
"You know James, when you're in Hogwarts and Charlotte's in 1st year you'll have to look after her for me," she said, James nodded.
"How old is she Herms?" Harry asked.
"Three, so when she starts Hogwarts James will be in his 3rd year." She calculated. Harry nodded.
"Well give them our love from us," he said. Hermione nodded.
"I'm going to go see them New years so she'll have settled in even more. Why don't you all come with me?" she asked. Harry frowned.
"I'll be back at work then. I get all Christmas off and I'm back on New Year's Day," he said, grumbling. Ginny laughed.
"James and I will come. I haven't seen your Parents for a while," she said. Hermione nodded and pulled James closer to her.
Soon, Friday came and it found Harry, Ginny, James and Hermione packing for the weekend at Hogwarts. Sighing she looked through her trunk for something she could wear for the night after. Ginny walked into clothes being thrown across the room.
"I thought we were packing?" she asked, making Hermione jump.
Spinning round Hermione gasped then glared when her friend laughed.
"Don't do that Ginny Potter! You almost gave me a heart attack!" she exclaimed. Ginny chuckled and moved to sit on her bed.
"What are you doing?" she asked. Hermione sighed.
"All this time I have been on holiday and not once did I consider what I'm going to wear tomorrow night!" she exclaimed. Ginny grinned.
"If I didn't know any better I'd think you were anxious about seeing a certain someone…" she said. Hermione frowned then sighed running a hand through her hair.
"Am I that obvious?" she asked. Ginny nodded and placed a hand on her stomach.
"Herms you need to relax!" she commanded. Hermione stood and began to pace.
"I know Ginny but what if I see him and look like a complete tramp…or what if I look too over dressed and I thinks I'm after a shag…or what is-"
"Herms! You look gorgeous in whatever you wear now sit down, calm down and I'll help you find something!" Ginny exclaimed. Hermione sat down and took a few deep breaths. Opening her eyes again she smiled.
"Ok Gin, Work your magic."
2 hours later Harry, Ginny, James and Hermione were sat in the Great Hall eating a delicious feast and conversing. Albus had been thrilled to see Harry again and pulled him into a warm Grandfatherly hug which Harry greatly returned. He admitted he had missed the old man's humour and twinkling blue eyes. Sitting in between Minerva and Ginny Hermione looked over the excited students.
"They've been really excited," Minerva whispered. Hermione giggled.
"I remember the last Christmas Ball. It took Harry ages to ask Ginny to the ball poor bloke." Ginny chuckled from beside her and grinned.
"But he finally did it didn't he!" she exclaimed. Hermione grinned.
"Yeah, only because I threatened to hex him if he didn't!" she said. Ginny laughed.
"At least I weren't with my brother," she said with a pointed glance then frowned. "But when I last looked, he was chatting up Lavender Brown which I yelled at him for, then he said you'd run off somewhere….where did you actually go?" she asked. Hermione's stomach dropped.
"Um…outside," she said, turning back to her meal.
"With whom?" she asked.
"Erm….I was alone," she lied quickly. Ginny snorted.
"Oh please Hermione, you can't lie to me…Come on, tell me who you were with?!" she exclaimed. Hermione sighed.
"It isn't important Ginny," she said.
"Hermione-"
"Severus! Alright!" she whispered sharply. Ginny glanced at the brooding man on Minerva's other side and sadly looked at her best friend.
"Oh Herms, I'm sorry…"
"It doesn't matter…I've spent the best of Christmas forgetting about it…I'm not going to start all over again now," she said, biting at her chicken, but all of a sudden she wasn't interested.
Silently listening to their conversation, Severus sighed when he heard Hermione mention she'd been trying to forget about what happened. It was funny, whilst she had spent the better part of Christmas trying to forget about him, he'd spent the better part of it remembering all the best times they'd shared. She was one of the few people who he could relate to and her intellectuality met his at the same time.
Ever since Albus had given him the order to speak to her, he'd been mulling up the courage in his mind. What would he say to her? And what would he do?
He'd decided, the 1st thing to do, to make sure he still thought about her, was to get her a gift for Christmas. It was wrapped carefully in his quarters and he'd twisted it over in his hands many times. Then he thought he'd speak with her at the ball, when everyone was dancing and drinking and no one could hear what they were talking about.
This he had dreamt about over the many nights. He imagined her shock when he walked over to her. They would talk about what had happened and then agree that there was something there and then she would pull him into her warm arms again, whispering how much she had missed him. Then he would pull away and place his lips against her own, replenishing his soul in her aura.
It had sound perfect and simple in his mind, but he had no idea how she would react in reality.
He had made his mind up many years ago that the Woman's mind was a very complex thing. That and their hormones.
With Lily he had hardly any idea how to address her. He spoke shyly to her when they were kids but when he gained confidence she always said he had some sort of an arrogant tone to his voice, which he never heard. Sometimes he would try saying something to compliment her but she would end up telling him that he was acting stupid and he was always trying to hurt her feelings. No, even though Severus was a very smart man, the woman's mind was one thing he just couldn't twist his fingers around.
Sighing he looked over to Hermione and decided he felt how she looked. Sad and alone. 'But tomorrow would make a difference,' he said to himself with a little reassurance.
The morning after, found Hermione being woken by a tremendous bounce on her bed and yelps of excitement. It was obvious James had woken and Harry had told him tot wake her up 1st in the morning.
"Auntie Mia wake up! Santa's been!" he yelped bouncing on her bed making her shift about.
Hermione sighed in annoyance and slowly sat up, the light from the curtains invading her tired eyes. Rubbing said eyes she yawned and smiled softly at they young boy.
"Well Mr Potter, why don't you go wake your Mummy and Daddy up and let me get dressed," she said. He sat down and frowned.
"get dressed! On Christmas! We always stay in our jarmies!" He exclaimed. Hermione laughed.
"Yes, that's when we're at home!" she told him. He shrugged.
"So! Mr Dumbledore told me last night that we could stay in our jarmies this morning because it's a special day! Even he said he would and he said he'd get everyone else to!" he explained. Hermione sighed and looked down at her nightgown.
It was one of the silk red short ones that Todd had gotten her as a joke before they had started going out. This was when they were flirting with each other. He said it was from a raunchy American underwear store called Victoria's Secret and he thought it would look good on her. And she admitted it did. She didn't wear a bra with it and she got some lacy red French knickers with it. Ginny had loved it and insisted she let her borrow it, but Hermione refused, who knew what her friend would have done in it!
Nodding she pushed the quilt back and pulled on her white fluffy night robe. If there was one thing she loved about her mother's presents was that she always received night clothes, and the white robe was her favourite. Stepping into her white slippers she pulled her hair out of the messy bun she let it cascade in ringlets down her back.
Opening the door to the room she was staying in next-door to Harry and Ginny's room in the teacher's lounge she stepped into the lounge where a beautiful sight met her eyes.
A large Christmas tree decorated in baubles of all shapes and colours was stood in the middle of the room with the comfy couches and chairs halfway around it. Underneath it's branches were presents in all shapes and sizes which the house elves must have set out that night. It looked absolutely spectacular!
"Isn't it pretty Auntie Mia?" James exclaimed. Hermione smiled and nodded, pushing him a little towards his parents' room.
"Go on James. Wake up your Mummy and Daddy and I'll meet you out here," she said. He nodded and ran towards their door.
"Save me a seat next to you!" he yelled running through the door. Hermione laughed and slowly walked towards one of the couches.
Placing a leg underneath her she sat down and arranged her robe so it covered her. It was comfy and she placed her head on the back of the couch closing her eyes at how content she felt.
"Oh," a voice said from the doorway.
Opening her eyes she looked up and gasped quietly at who stood there.
Severus was stood wearing a black robe over grey pyjamas and black slippers donned his feet. It was obvious Albus had made sure that all staff had to wear their pyjamas to the lounge because the look on Severus' face was not a happy one. In fact the look on his face and the clothing he was wearing made Hermione giggle.
He smiled a little at the noise but then it soon left as he walked over and sat beside her. She immediately stopped giggling.
Staring into his black eyes her breath caught in the back of her throat. He looked so vulnerable in his pyjamas and his hair mussed as though he had just woken. It really made her think of how much she missed him.
Staring into her brown eyes Severus' own breath caught in his throat. To be honest she looked as beautiful as every. Her long hair was thrown across her shoulders and her eyes were a little red from just waking up. Her pale skin looked touchable and like porcelain. It made him realise how much he needed her.
"Hermione I-"
"Professor Snape!" James' voice rang out from his parents' door. Hermione frowned and turned quickly at the boy who had just interrupted the moment. But she took a deep breath and calmed herself, he was only excited.
Running over he planted himself on Hermione's lap and grinned up at the Potion's Master.
"Merry Christmas Professor Snape!" he exclaimed, patting his shoulder. Severus blinked and glanced at Hermione who was grinning happily.
"Merry Christmas Mr Potter," he said quietly. James laughed.
"That makes me sound like my Daddy! Call me James!" he yelled. Severus nodded.
"Are your parent' coming James?" she asked.
"I blame you Hermione Jane Granger! You've taunted my child's mind into thinking that getting up at 6 o clock on Christmas Morning is all part of Tradition…well it isn't!" Ginny's voice rang from behind her. Hermione chuckled as her friend sat down beside her.
"Where's Harry?" she asked.
"I'm a coming…I'm a coming," a voice mumbled from behind them. James giggled as his father sat beside his mother, placing an arm around her shoulder and yawing into his hand. Looking at his wife he frowned, "he gets it from you side of the family you know," he said to her. She snorted.
"Please, we stayed in bed till at least 9…and that was pushing it!" she told him, rubbing her eyes and placing a hand on her stomach.
Suddenly she noticed who was sat beside Hermione.
"Professor Snape!" she exclaimed, glancing at her best friend. Hermione grinned a little. Severus nodded a little.
"Mrs Potter," he said formally, she laughed.
"Please Professor it's Christmas…Call me Ginny," she told him. He was silent for a moment then nodded.
"Then you must call me Severus," he said. She nodded and pulled James onto her lap.
"Of course."
Once everyone had arrived, grumbling and complaining that they had to walk around the castle in their pyjamas, which James was happy about, they started opening the presents.
Everyone watched as James excitedly tore through the ones that 'Santa' had brought him and squealed at everything. Running over to Hermione and planting a big wet kiss on her cheek when he opening her present she laughed. It was a picture of Harry, Ron and Hermione when they had 1st started school. Harry was in his Quidditch robes and was holding a snitch and they were all laughing happily. That was taken after his 1st match.
"Wow Auntie Mia! You look really little then!" he exclaimed. Everyone chuckled.
"Do you know young James, I knew your Aunt and your Father when they were at school and they were little troublemakers!" Minerva told him, making him laugh.
"I can't see my Auntie Mia being naughty! Mummy said she's a miss goody two shoes!" he told everyone. Harry laughed.
"Of course she was son! When she wasn't setting Professor's robes on fire and making illegal Polyjuice potion before our 3rd year!" he exclaimed. Hermione's eyes widened. Severus frowned.
"It was your 1st year that my own robes caught a fire…and your 2nd when I had ingredients missing from my stores….miss Granger you can't tell me that it was you who…"
"Why don't you open the rest of your presents James!" Hermione interrupted glaring at a grinning Harry. He was so dead.
After James had opened all his presents he waited patiently whilst all the professors and his parents opened theirs.
Everyone had gotten things to do with the baby which she cried over a few times. Harry had gotten old pictures and the sword of Gryffindor off Dumbledore which made him gasp. Hermione had received many books off her colleagues and a beautiful expensive hair clip and earring set off Harry and Ginny. But the last present surprised her. It was a long shape box in silver wrapping. Ripping into it she pulled the box from the paper and slowly opened it and gasped.
In side was a long gold chain with diamonds within ever two links. It came together and in the middle it had another small chain dangling down with a red sapphire twinkling up at her. It was absolutely stunning!
Pulling it from the box she showed Ginny who gasped at the beauty of it.
"Oh Herms! Whoever got you that must like you very much!" she exclaimed. Hermione nodded, speechless. Harry glanced at the paper.
"Who got it you?" he asked. Hermione shrugged and turned it round in her hands.
"Ginny, will you put it on for me?" she asked. Ginny nodded and took it from her hands clipping it around her neck. It hung just below her collarbone.
"It looks lovely on you my dear!" Minerva exclaimed, Hermione grinned.
Dumbledore nodded. "Yes Hermione, whomever must have bought you this will love you very much!" he said, a smile on his face. Hermione looked at him curiously and shrugged smiling at the way it felt warm around her neck.
After the Christmas meal Ginny and Hermione had left James and Harry to amuse themselves as they set off to get ready. It was 5 and the ball started at 7.
Pushing Hermione into a chair Ginny pulled her wand from her pocket and looked at her thoughtfully.
"I think I'll but your hair up because we'll want to show off that beautiful necklace of yours and you'll want to show your shoulders off," she said. Hermione grinned and stared at the necklace in the mirror as Ginny set to work on her hair.
"Isn't it gorgeous Gin?" she asked. Ginny smiled and nodded.
"I must say I'm a little jealous. Harry has never bought me anything like that!" she exclaimed. Hermione frowned.
"No but Ginny he has given you so much more. A love, a family and a future! I envy you!" she told her. Ginny snorted.
"Oh please. You're free to do whatever you want…here I am with baby number two on the way and a son who…oh bollocks who I love with all my heart and a husband who I would die for…okay so I am happy," she said. Hermione grinned.
"I would do anything for a family…" she said, Ginny laughed.
"If you find the guy who gave you this…then you may have your family," she whispered. Hermione grinned and patted the small sapphire again.
It was quarter to seven and Severus was sat in the Hall at the head table waiting for Hermione to enter. He was relieved that she had loved the gift he had chosen for her and planned to tell her exactly who sent it her tonight. He donned his black dress robes and watched as the students started to fill in taking places at tables dotted around the back of the room. The four House tables were cast to the side again just like last time and the Hall had been beautifully decorated by Filius and Minerva. He had insisted he'd help but Minerva would not have any of it and locked the Hall doors. Girls and boys were walking in hand in hand which made Severus sneer. Of course by the end of the night it would be him patrolling outside the charmed rose bushed seeking out rouge teenagers who wanted a quick fumble. Who would plan to go out there in the cold and do…that he had no idea but he figured they were bloody crazy.
Harry and James walked into the hall and Severus snorted. 'James will be gushed over by so many women tonight' he thought. He had little dress robes on that he looked uncomfortable in and his Father had combed his hair as best he could. They look completely identical walking up to the head table and as they took a seat beside Severus James started to fidget. Harry frowned.
"I know you don't like it James but you know what your mother is like," he told the boy, who slouched and folded his arms. Severus leaned over to the small boy.
"You know James many of these young women will have their eye on you tonight. You look very charming just like your father had in his fourth year," he smirked. Harry nodded.
"You see…even Professor Snape says you look good!" he told him. James thought for a moment, looked at all the girls awing at him then smiled. Severus shook his head, he was just like his Grandfather.
"Where may I ask, is the lovely Mrs Potter?" he asked the boy he used to torment over his Hogwarts years. Harry smirked and looked at him with bright green eyes.
"I'm sure she's trying to get Hermione to come out of her room with the dress she chose out for her." He chuckled. Severus' breath hitched when he thought of the dress Hermione wore that year in her 7th. She looked beautiful then, barely a woman, what would she look like now?
Suddenly his thoughts were answered when a startling beautiful woman entered the hall in a gorgeous red dress. It was floor length and showed each and every curve on her body. Sleeveless it was a bube-tube style top which clung to her body in silk. The top was decorated in red gems that sparkled in the light as she walked in red high heel shoes. Her hair was pulled up into twists and turns and held together with the pretty clip that Harry and Ginny had given her. And on her neck shone the beautiful necklace that he himself had gotten her. She was the most beautiful woman in the room.
When they reached the table, Hermione smiled shyly at them.
"Good afternoon," she said. Harry grinned and stood up pulling her into a hug.
"You look gorgeous Herms. And you too my Darling," he said, kissing them each on the cheek. Hermione sat next to Severus as Ginny sat beside her husband holding his hand.
Once everyone had finally entered the hall and sat down at the tables with their partners, Dumbledore stood in robes of god and silver and clapped his hands.
"May I say that everyone looks absolutely stunning tonight!" he exclaimed "Please, everyone enjoy their meals and then have fun dancing!" he yelled, clapping his hands as the tables became laden with food.
As Hermione served herself her dinner Severus did the same and then looked back at her. Feeling she was being watched she looked up and smiled.
"You look lovely Hermione," he said softly. A small blush appeared on her cheeks.
"Thank you. If I may say so, you look very handsome yourself!" she told him, her nerves fluttering. He smiled a little and nodded digging into his dinner.
Once everyone had finished eating a small stage appeared and The Weird Sisters took their place as the school band and started playing some music. Harry smiled and stood, holding out a hand for his wife.
"If I may have this dance milady?" he asked. Ginny rolled her yes and giggled.
"I'd be honoured kind sir," she said, taking his arm and allowing him to lead her to the dance floor. Hermione watched them and sighed. At least this time Harry weren't stepping on her feet.
Laughing to herself a bit she looked to her right and found Severus staring at her again.
"Is anything the matter Severus?" she asked. He shook his head and stood.
"Before we must start patrolling Hermione….Would you like to dance?" he asked. Hermione gasped and nodded, putting her hand in his and allowing him to pull her to the dance floor. Feeling his hand on her waist she placed her own on his shoulder and gripped his hand tight as they began to dance around the Hall. He was a very talented dancer and it felt right to be in his arms.
Glancing over at the new couple on the dance floor Ginny grinned at Harry and nodded in their direction.
"I knew they would get back together soon. They are so right for each other," she said. He nodded and lead her on.
Another couple who were grinning at them was Minerva and Albus. He watched them fondly and he felt his pride boost to the young man who had captured his healers heart. 2I hope everything will turn out right for them Minerva," he whispered to her.
Minerva nodded and watched them both.
After a few dances with him Hermione felt herself growing tired. The last time she had danced that much was at a charity ball Harry had taken them to at the Ministry and every bachelor had asked her to dance.
"Shall we go for a walk Severus?" she asked. Severus looked down at her with his dark obsidian eyes and nodded, liking her arm in his and leading her towards the double doors.
The entrance hall was much cooler and she sighed in relief when the cool air brushed against her face.
Spotting a couple of students sat on the steps kissing she giggled when Severus cleared his throat. The students quickly pulled away from each other in shock and ran into the hall wide eyed before he could take points. Sighing he lead her outside shaking his head.
"Let me guess…randy teenagers?" she asked. He smirked and nodded.
Walking in complete silence Hermione suddenly realised where they were actually walking. They were walking towards the hill where they had sat that year when she had deserted Ron and needed some fresh air herself. Smiling she looked up at him.
"You do realise where we are walking you know," she said. He looked down at her and nodded.
"It had been my plan to make it look unconscious but you are too smart for that," he whispered. She giggled and nodded. Sitting down they looked up at the moon, just as they had done that night long ago.
"Hermione I need to say some things to you. Some things that took my four weeks to work out." Severus started. Hermione looked at him and nodded, listening intently. "I know I confused you at Halloween and I apologise for my behaviour the morning after. You see I was confused myself. I had been experiencing different feelings that month and the closer we got the more confused I got. When you kissed me…I thought my thoughts were confirmed and you liked me…but I had to make sure. Hence why I was in the hospital wing late at night. When you pulled away I was shocked and again confused. I had thought you liked me but I said to myself I had thought wrong. That was when my confusion turned to anger, and the only way I calm my anger is drinking. But I must say I drank too much that night and, as you saw, passed out at my desk. That was another reason why I was angry the next morning. It wasn't Albus or Minerva who had found me like that like they usually do, but it was you…the one person who I really didn't want to see me in such a state. I was drunk and stupid. I had hoped you'd come to tell me that you were sorry for pulling away and you wanted to like me but when you said you didn't know I must say I was hurt. I had let my imagination get the better of me. Ignoring you was wrong and childish of me also. You must have tried many times to seek me out and talk to me but I was stubborn and stupid and completely ignored you. I am truly sorry for that. The truth is Hermione, I have realised that I do have feelings for you…and I always have done, ever since that night exactly 8 years ago when you kissed me on my cheeks. You are the reason I bought you this beautiful necklace, because it symbolises the whole of you…beauty. I know this is no big romantic speech, but it is what I have been thinking about ever since that night on Halloween….and I am so sorry," he finished. Hermione felt tear slide down her cheeks as he stared at her, finally with remorse and guilt in his eyes. She was so relieved.
Suddenly she pulled him into a hug and cried onto his shoulder, the guilt of the weeks blasting from her. He rubbed her back and her hair as she cried freely and he whispered comfort in her ears. He liked her. He really liked her!
Pulling back she grinned and he smiled a full smile.
"You know…" she whispered, "Over the past weeks I've been wondering how to make it up to you. I realised that I confused you and hurt you when I pulled away. I didn't know what I wanted then but now…now it's a whole lot clearer. I do like you. And like I said, I have always liked you from when I was 17." She said. He sighed in what sounded like relief and pulled her closer. She looked deep into his eyes and smirked.
"We have unfinished business Severus Snape," she whispered. He frowned confused but then understood when she slowly put a hand behind his head and pulled him closer.
Tilting her head a little she never took her eyes of his, until she closed them when their lips met.
A sudden spark erupted between them and his arms went around her, pulling her into his lap. Her hands were everywhere, in his hair, over his shoulders, his arms, and his chest. It was like she wanted to memorise every crevice of his body through his robes. He slowly stroked her back through her dress and ran his tongue along her bottom lip.
And this time….no one pulled away.