Disclosure: JK Rowling created and rightfully owns Harry Potter. I simply aim to give you a few happy minutes waiting for your friend to show up at the restaurant, as we imagine our favorite book characters living on past Deathly Hallows.
May 1999
Sunday, 2 May 1999
Dear Hermione,
You are indeed moving up the ranks of know-it-alls. I have no problem whatsoever bestowing you the title of goddess know-it-all. You are a sometimes grouchy, chocolate loving goddess.
When do you want to travel to Australia? I am assuming you will wait until after the Anniversary Party. When does term end for you? I say a fond farewell to my hooligans on Saturday, 12 June.
My aforementioned hooligans were able to brew Wolfsbane successfully on Thursday night. All of them. Yes, I'm proud. No, I'm not going to tell them that again. They would go into shock.
Sleep well, goddess.
Yours,
Severus
Severus re-read his letter and chuckled to himself.
"You're losing it, Severus. What are you laughing at?" drawled Phineas Nigellus.
"I think I'm flirting with Hermione," Severus mused, rolling up the parchment.
"You think?" Phineas asked incredulously. "What did you say?"
"I called her a goddess. Three times, even. Does that qualify as flirting? I haven't flirted in a very long time."
"It's nauseating, so yes, I would qualify that as flirting," Phineas said in a bored tone. "It's ridiculous, so I'm sure she'll love it," he added.
Severus nodded and stood coming to lean against the mantle by Phineas' portrait. "It is ridiculous."
"But you're not going to stop," Phineas added.
"Doubtful," he said.
Phineas regarded him levelly and shrugged. "Well, you are neither the first nor the last man to turn himself into an idiot for a woman."
Wednesday, 5 May 1999
Dear Severus,
I am absolutely in awe of your students. What a great accomplishment. Please tell them that I'm proud of them. I'm even more impressed with you, though. You have taught them so much this year! And that's not just the chocolate talking. Thank you for thinking of me and brewing chocolate for me. Your time is so much more valuable than brewing my silly chocolate, but it makes me feel special.
My term ends on Friday, 11 June. I have made plans to stay at the Burrow for the week after term before the Anniversary Party. They are having a graduation party for Ginny. I will travel to Hogwarts with the Weasleys and meet you at the party. I will be the goddess in the burgundy robes. I have also made arrangements to leave on Sunday, 20 June to travel to Australia. Minerva has invited me to stay at the castle after the party and portkey directly from Hogwarts to my parents' home.
I hope to have very good news for you next week. I am almost done with Transfiguration. I miss you so much, Severus.
Be well, my Severus.
Yours,
Hermione
Sunday, 9 May 1999
Dear Hermione,
I've told you before: I am happy to have someone that I actually want to take care of. I enjoy brewing the chocolate for you. I thought you would be so upset when I did it the first time to tease you. And of course, you were. But I had no idea that you would actually enjoy something I made for you. If it makes you feel special, then it is not silly.
I am jealous that the Weasleys get to spend time with you before I do, but my beautiful witch friend is hinting that I might get to take her to the Three Broomsticks soon, so I will be happy with that.
I have confirmed with Minerva that I, too, can leave on 20 June. I look forward to meeting your parents. Are you more like your mother or your father?
Sleep well, beautiful one.
Yours,
Severus
Wednesday, 12 May 1999
Dear Severus,
First things first: I am done with Transfiguration. You owe this witch a date in Hogsmeade! When are you coming to get me? I cannot wait!
I am a solid mix of both of my parents. My father is calm and methodical. My mother is strong willed and tenacious. They are both loving and both intelligent. These last two years have been so very difficult. With parents, it is hard enough figuring out how to change your relationship to one that is adult to adult. It is even harder when you've modified their memories and eroded eighteen years of trust. Maybe this summer will be a little better.
I know that your parents are no longer alive, and I know that you didn't have a good relationship with your father. Do you have any good memories of your mother? You don't have to talk about it if you don't want to.
Now, back to the important part: when are you coming to get me?
Be well, my Severus.
Yours,
Hermione
Sunday, 16 May 1999
Dear Hermione,
Congratulations on finishing Transfiguration. Since you will be here in two weeks, how about we celebrate your accomplishment after the Memorial event?
I enjoyed your last letter and the description of your parents. I will tell you about my parents some other time. It's not a story for today. Speaking of your parents, do they know I'm coming?
I have attached some additional notes about the moon phases, and I've included a book. I had to make a trip to my house to retrieve it, but it was well worth the time. I don't know how it fits yet, but I feel it's important. I keep coming back to your original notes about the phases and possible theories. There's something we're missing.
Sleep well, my beautiful friend.
Yours,
Severus
Another first. He considered all of the things he had done for the first time in his life this year, and here was another one: he had planned a surprise visit. As he landed in the Apparition Lobby, he had butterflies in his stomach. He faced the Dark Lord countless times without this much apprehension. He didn't know if he could successfully surprise Hermione, or if she would be happy to see him. He was reasonably confident that she would be happy, or he wouldn't have taken the risk, but the more prudent course of action would have been to set up a time. What had Hermione done to him this year?
It was close to lunchtime when he arrived at Bristol. The receptionist allowed him entry, and he decided to start at the Library. He weaved his way to the table where he had found her so many months ago, and his worry faded. There was Hermione. His Hermione. He smiled and just as he did last November, he pulled out the chair next to her and sat down.
"Severus!"
When he heard the excited tone in her voice, he couldn't help but smile. She immediately reached out to him and hugged him tightly. Awkward as the hug was with both of them sitting, Severus could not remember ever feeling so cherished.
She released him, but held both of his hands tightly instead, as if she was afraid he was a mirage. "What are you doing here? Have you come to take me to Hogsmeade? Are we going today?"
Her reaction was worth every moment of doubt and every moment of apprehension. "You promised me a date, so here I am."
She smiled largely at him. "I can't believe you did this!"
Severus stood and pulled her to standing and drank in the sight of her. The thought that he could make someone this happy was overwhelming. She squeezed his hands and brought him out of his reverie. "Are you able to go now," he began, "or do you need to do some things first?"
"Let's go to my dorm. I need to put my books away." She then took her hands from his and ran them through her hair. "And I probably need to," she began, but Severus stopped her.
"You look absolutely beautiful, Hermione."
She grabbed her book bag and smiled at him again. "Well, then, let's get out of here."
They climbed the stairs to her floor and made their way to her dorm. Hermione stopped suddenly in the hall by her door and laughed.
"What?"
She patted the pocket of her robe. "You won't be getting this letter!"
"Why not?"
"Let's just say, it was my turn to write a terse letter."
Severus coupled his smirk with one raised eyebrow and held his hand out for the letter.
After a moment's hesitation, she sighed and took the letter out of her pocket. She handed him the letter, which he quickly scanned.
He laughed and put the parchment in his pocket. "The lady does not like to be kept waiting, I see. Lesson learned."
Hermione laughed. "You're taking this pretty well for someone who just received a grouchy letter!"
"I'm used to it," he deadpanned.
Hermione rolled her eyes at him and smiled. She undid her wards and they stepped inside just long enough for her to drop off her book bag then went down to the lobby. Severus took out the teacup and they were at once at the gates of Hogwarts.
"How's your knee?" Hermione asked.
"It's fine. I'll probably pay for all of these portkey landings tomorrow, but it feels fine right now." He offered her his arm, and she tucked her hand around his elbow. They began the walk to Hogsmeade. It was a beautiful day and they felt no need to rush.
Halfway to Hogsmeade, Hermione stopped walking and Severus turned to look at her, confused.
Hermione surprised him as she stood on her tiptoes and placed her lips on his. The kiss was chaste and over before he knew it.
"What was that for?" he asked, not unkindly.
"To thank you for surprising me. I wanted to see you so badly. I needed a break, to see a friendly face."
Severus didn't know what to say, so he smiled softly at her and nodded. She squeezed his arm and they began walking once more.
Arriving at the Three Broomsticks, Severus held the door open for Hermione and they went in. They found a table in the back and sat down. Madam Rosmerta came by their table to talk to them.
"Hello Severus, hello Hermione! I haven't seen either of you in here for ages. Welcome back! Minerva tells me good things about both of you. And of course, I did hear about New Year's Eve, too," she teased, and both Hermione and Rosmerta smiled at each other and laughed.
"Yes, thank you, Rosmerta," Severus said dryly. "I see I need to have a talk with my gossipy Headmistress."
The women laughed again. Rosmerta took their orders and left them.
"It's good to be back, isn't it?" Hermione mused. "Are you happy, Severus?"
"I'm very happy, Hermione," Severus said seriously, looking at her. His intense look made Hermione blush.
Madam Rosmerta returned with their lunch and Severus and Hermione talked about Hermione's Transfiguration class as they ate. Her letters of late had been short because she had been working so hard, so she had many stories to tell him. He was happy to listen to her stories; it meant that he could listen and nod and laugh without having to think of things to say. He probably couldn't have talked just then. His mind was still on the road to Hogsmeade.
Severus paid for the meal. Hermione looked like she was about to protest when Severus gave her a quelling look.
"Thank you for lunch, Severus."
"You're welcome, Hermione. Are you ready to go?"
"Where are we going?" she asked innocently.
"You know full well where we're going – it was your idea!" he said jokingly.
Hermione laughed. "I didn't want to presume. But since you offered, lead the way!"
On the road back to Hogwarts, he told Hermione about his classes and students. When they reached the halfway spot where Hermione had kissed him earlier, he stopped walking. Hermione grinned and look altogether pleased when Severus dipped his head down to give her a soft, lingering kiss. When the kiss ended he noted that she looked like the Cheshire cat.
"Aren't you going to ask me what that was for?" he asked in a silky voice.
"You don't need a reason, trust me!" she joked.
Severus chuckled lightly and she squeezed his elbow as they began walking again. He had never felt so comfortable with Hermione. They were finally, finally on the same page. He had no doubt that Hermione felt the same way about him that he did about her. He knew she didn't want to talk about it, though. She had a month left of school and it was going to be hard enough on both of them. Talking about it would make the next month completely unbearable and probably distract Hermione. They could manage the status quo for another month.
When they reached Hogwarts, they went first to Minerva's office. She was pleased, as usual, to see her surrogate daughter. She told them that she expected them to join her in her office for tea later. They agreed and left to go to Severus' quarters. Once there, he happily watched as Hermione looked over his library like a kid in a candy store. How had he found the only witch in the world who was more interested in who he was today than who he had been in the past? Then he remembered: she found him. Had she been looking for someone like him? Somehow, he doubted it. But here they were. "A wise man turns chance into good fortune."
"Thomas Fuller." Hermione answered distractedly, still looking at books. "What brought that up?"
Severus was not aware that he had spoken that quote aloud. Telling Hermione that she was his good fortune would be pretty for another time, not for a day when they were avoiding the topic of "them" like the plague. He walked over to a bookcase and grabbed a book that he knew would intrigue Hermione. "Did you see this one, Hermione?" Quote forgotten.
"Come sit, Hermione. You're already carrying a dozen of my books that you don't think you can live without," Severus teased.
Hermione smiled at him. She sat on the couch next to him. He put his arm around Hermione and she went through the books one by one. They discussed the books and the authors. It was yet another moment with Hermione that he wanted to memorize: the feel of his arm around her, relaxing with her in his quarters, listening to her voice wash over him. Merlin, if only this could be called normal. That would be his good fortune. Life with Hermione is what he longed for, what he would do anything for.
After an hour or so, Severus reminded Hermione that they had promised tea with Minerva.
"Do you want to take any of those books, Hermione? We probably won't come back here. After visiting with Minerva, it will be time for dinner, and then I'll take you back to Bristol."
Hermione went through the books on her lap and made a large stack to put back and decided to borrow two. She shrunk those two and then she and Severus shelved the remaining titles.
Once they were done they walked to the door. Severus was about to open the door when he looked at Hermione. "I don't need a reason?" Severus asked.
Hermione grinned at the rhetorical question and Severus bent his head down to kiss Hermione once more, memorizing the feel and warmth of her soft lips.
They made their way to Minerva's office for tea, and as expected stayed there until dinnertime. All three of them made their way to the Great Hall. Hermione chatted with Severus and Minerva and the other professors, as well. As Hermione was talking to Professor Sinistra on her right, Minerva leaned over to talk to Severus discreetly. "Hermione belongs at Hogwarts, Severus."
Severus looked back at Minerva. With all seriousness, he answered, "That is something that you need to start thinking about now, Headmistress."
"Understood, Severus."
Severus turned his attention back to Hermione. As they talked he looked out at the students. Some smiled when they caught his eye. It would never do for him to smile back, of course, but he did nod to them in acknowledgment. All of a sudden, he felt Hermione's hand on top of his, hidden under the table. He looked at Hermione. She was giving him a knowing look and whispered, "Look who's the favorite professor…" He scowled at her and she gave him a small smile and let go of his hand, but not before she gave it a playful squeeze.
After escorting Hermione back to Bristol, he entered his quarters to be barraged immediately by Phineas Nigellus. "When the hell did that happen?"
"When did what happen?"
"You kissed her!"
"I did indeed, Phineas. Three times, in fact. The first two were on the way to and from Hogsmeade. Actually, she kissed me the first time and I kissed her twice after that."
"Does she love you finally?" Phineas asked dryly.
"Yes. It's the proverbial elephant in the room right now, though. And it's going to stay that way until after she finishes this semester. I don't think she wants the distraction right now."
"Oh yes, you kissing her is not distracting," Phineas drawled.
"She started it! She only has herself to blame if she is thinking about me day and night." Severus had not felt this light and unencumbered in ages.
"Oh, please. You're the one who will be up all night thinking about her, and we both know it. She'll probably be fine!"
Severus laughed as he walked into his bedroom to retire. "Too true, Phineas."
Sunday, 23 May 1999
Dear Hermione,
Are you going to stay at the castle Friday night or Saturday? I meant to ask you that yesterday, but you distracted me. A pleasant distraction, to be sure.
I'm going to see if Nicholas Flamel Hufflepuff will mail this letter for me. You still have Columbina, and I don't fancy a walk up to the Owlery.
I enjoyed your company yesterday.
Sleep well, my Hermione.
Yours,
Severus
Tuesday, 25 May 1999
Dear Severus,
I got your letter via school owl, so my guess is that Nicholas Flamel Hufflepuff did you that favor. He was probably happy to do it for you, once the shock of you talking to him wore off.
Before I forget: I have mentioned to my parents that you will be coming with me to Australia. I left it open whether or not you might stay as our guest for a few days.
It was my pleasure to distract you, by the way.
I will not be able to stay overnight at Hogwarts for the dedication. I find myself a little behind on my Potions requirements. You see, I had a very strong wizard kidnap me last Saturday and whisk me away from my studies. He took me to a faraway land and locked me up in a castle. But unfortunately, he had to bring me back.
Be well, my Severus.
Yours,
Hermione
Thursday, 27 May 1999
Dear Hermione,
I would be happy to stay with you and your parents in Australia for a few days, if they don't have a problem with it. We may have to just see how it goes once we get there.
The dedication is at 2:00 p.m. I will pick you up at 1:45 p.m. and return you directly after the dedication. I know that you are working very hard, and I'm proud of you. I know you will finish strong. Also, the full moon is the next night, so I will need to start brewing immediately after I return from Bristol. It works out for the best.
That's a very fantastical story you told me. Should I believe you? I wonder: whatever did you do to get the wizard to let you go?
Sleep well, my beautiful distraction.
Yours,
Severus
When Columbina flew into the Great Hall during breakfast Saturday morning, Severus was alarmed. He was expecting to see her in less than five hours. Was she not coming to the dedication? Did something happen?
When he read the tiny parchment, he smirked and shook his head at her daring.
Saturday, 29 May 1999
Dear Severus,
I kissed him.
Yours,
Hermione
Later that afternoon, Severus found Hermione waiting for him in the Apparition Lobby. She came over to him and kissed him.
"You look absolutely lovely, Hermione. Are you ready to go?"
She smiled largely at him. "Yes, I'm ready. You look quite handsome yourself." Her brow furrowed softly as she looked at him. "Something is different. What is it?"
"I have no idea what you're talking about," Severus deadpanned. He held out the teacup, and they landed at Hogwarts.
Her eyes were narrowed at him. "Hmmm… we're going to have a talk about this."
"I have no doubt, Hermione."
She smiled and tucked her hand in his elbow and they followed the meandering crowd to the East Courtyard. She gasped when she saw the fountain and the Memorial Garden. "Severus, it's beautiful."
Severus smiled softly at her. "This is your doing, Hermione."
Hermione shook her head. "It is most certainly not! This is your doing. I'm so proud of you."
They stood with the students and guests as Minerva and Kingsley took turns addressing the crowd. The names of the veteran students were engraved on the fountain in alphabetical order. Hermione perused the names, remembering her dear friends that fought in the war with her. It did not include Hermione, Harry or Ron's names because they technically weren't Hogwarts students last year.
"Are you all right, Hermione? Does it bother you that you aren't on the fountain?"
"No, not at all! That's the point of this fountain – our names are plastered on many memorials, but these students were here at Hogwarts, working just as hard as I was. They fought, just like I did. They deserve to be honored."
Severus nodded but inwardly marveled the woman in front of him. "Neville Longbottom's here today, did you know? I know he would like to see you."
"Wonderful! I haven't seen him in ages."
They continued to mingle among the students and professors. They spoke to Kingsley and then spotted Neville.
Neville hugged Hermione and then shook Severus' hand. Hermione and Neville chatted and caught up with each other's lives and then Neville left as Professor Sprout waved him over for an introduction to some Ministry officials.
"He seems so different," Hermione said after he left. There was almost a tinge of sadness in her voice.
"He is different, especially from the last time you were in school together. We spoke at length last night during dinner. He is changed, just like all of us. He is doing some interesting work in Herbology. He is consulting with Pomona on some projects, and helped with the design of this garden. I'm very impressed."
Hermione's eyes grew as wide as saucers.
"I know, Hermione. Just another thing I found when I fell down this rabbit hole with you."
Hermione's smiled at him, but then her eyes narrowed. All of a sudden, she pulled Severus over to the side of the crowd. "You fixed your teeth! I can't believe you!"
Severus rolled his eyes. "Yes, Hermione. Lower you voice! We're at a dedication event."
Hermione covered her mouth and looked to see if people were looking at her. She relaxed when she saw that no one was paying her any attention. "I was just shocked. You look wonderful. Did you do that for me? You did not have to do that! Was it painful?"
Severus chuckled at the barrage of questions. "Thank you. Partially. Yes, I did. Yes, it was."
Hermione laughed. "I'll stop the questions; you tell me the story."
Severus got serious. "Do you remember back in November when you told me that I could have the life I wanted?"
Hermione nodded solemnly. He offered his arm and she tucked her hand into his elbow. They started walking slowly around the Hogwarts grounds.
"I did a lot of thinking. It led to some changes. Outwardly, I changed my hair; I changed some things inwardly, and professionally. I wanted to fix my teeth, as well. I did need to do it. I just wish Madam Pomfrey could have done it when I was knocked out with that concussion. It was painful for a couple of hours, but it's done now."
"Severus, I've said this once, but I'll say it again. I like who you are, period. If you never improved any other thing about you in the future, of if you had never fixed your teeth or hair, I like who you are." At this she stopped walking and stood on tiptoes to kiss Severus, just as she did on the way to Hogsmeade.
Severus smiled. "I seem to recall a witch kissing me like that once upon a time. I had her locked up in a castle, but then I had to let her go." He paused. "I hated letting her go."
They walked some more in companionable silence. It was nearing time to take Hermione back to Bristol, so they altered their path back towards the memorial. When they worked their way back to the East Courtyard, they ran into a group of Fifth Years who particularly wanted to talk to them. The Fifth Years thanked them for being a part of the memorial and told them how they were excited about the chance to be in Potions Club next year. It was all Severus could do to be respectful and polite. His mind was miles away from Hogwarts. As the Fifth Years left, he looked across the large courtyard and saw one of his Seventh Years, and was reminded of something he had wanted to do.
"Hermione, before I take you back to Bristol, I have someone I want you to meet. I've been looking forward to introducing you."
"All right, Severus. Who is it?"
"It's one of my Seventh Years, he's in Potions Club. He is brilliant in Transfiguration, just like someone else I know. You two have quite a bit in common. I think you'll like him."
Hermione looked confused and hurt. "I don't want to meet him."
Severus was shocked. "What?"
Hermione had the grace to look embarrassed at her uncharacteristic reaction. "I'm sorry. I mean, why do you want me to meet him?"
"It's a surprise," Severus answered, now wondering if this was such a good idea. "Come on, he's over there."
Hermione walked silently next to Severus. Severus glanced at Hermione, completely at a loss for what was going on in her head.
Just then, his student saw Severus walking with Hermione and he met them halfway.
"Hello, Professor Snape," he said excitedly.
"Hello, Mr. Thorne. Hermione, this is Nathan Thorne. Mr. Thorne, this is Miss Hermione Granger."
Mr. Thorne shook Hermione's proffered hand. "I'm so happy to make your acquaintance, Miss Granger. Professor Snape has told me so much about you!"
"I'm happy to meet you as well, Mr. Thorne." The words came out of Hermione's mouth, but Severus was shocked at the icy tone.
"Hermione," Severus began, "I wanted you to meet Mr. Thorne because he has decided to go to Bristol next year. He is muggle-born, as well. We have spoken at length about your experience, and he's decided to attend University. He will continue what you have started, opening doors for muggle-borns."
Hermione immediately returned to normal, but Severus could tell she was blushing. "Oh! That's wonderful, Mr. Thorne!"
"Thank you, Miss Granger. Professor Snape has been very honest with me about the problems I might face, but I think I'm ready for the challenge. I will be studying Transfiguration, Arithmancy and Ancient Runes."
"Not Potions?" Hermione asked, looking between Severus and Mr. Thorne.
Mr. Thorne laughed. "No, not Potions."
"Mr. Thorne feels like his strengths lie outside the Potions Lab," said Severus in a calculated tone.
Mr. Thorne chuckled. "I'm the one that blew up the Potions Lab, Miss Granger."
Hermione laughed. "Well, I'm sure you'll be successful at Bristol. Do you know what career you would like?"
Mr. Thorne looked at Professor Snape, who answered instead. "Mr. Thorne would like to return to Hogwarts to teach Transfiguration. Our current Professor is on loan from Beauxbatons. She is very skilled, but she wants to go back to France. She will stay on for two more years, and then both Minerva and I are hoping that Mr. Thorne will be ready to take her place."
"But it will be hard filling Professor McGonagall's shoes," Mr. Thorne added.
"No doubt," Hermione mused. "A very worthy goal."
"Well, it was a pleasure meeting you, Miss Granger. I look forward to seeing you in the fall." Mr. Thorne then nodded at Professor Snape and they said their goodbyes.
Hermione smiled at Severus, but then looked at him sheepishly. "Sorry about all that."
Severus offered Hermione his arm, and she took it. They began walking together silently through the garden and back inside the castle. "Would you care to explain what that was all about?" he asked gently.
"You won't be impressed," Hermione answered.
Severus chuckled. "Try me," he said lightly, as they reached the gargoyle. He said the password and they went up to Minerva's office.
Once inside the office, Hermione took a deep breath. "For a moment, I thought you were trying to set me up, romantically, with Mr. Thorne."
Severus could not hide his shock and was about to say something, but Hermione interrupted him. "Before you think I'm crazy, you were using the exact same words Ginny Weasley always said before she introduced me to new boys. I was confused, to say the least."
Severus looked at the witch blushing furiously in front of him. He was actually flattered at the vehement, though ridiculous, reaction she had to meeting Mr. Thorne.
Severus closed the gap between them and gently took Hermione's face in his hands. He kissed her passionately and relished the feel of her soft lips. He felt her hands hold his waist, clenching his robes as she kissed him back, allowing him to deepen the kiss. He had wanted to do that for so very long. He ended the kiss and smiled softly at her as he shook his head. "Brightest Witch of the Century…"
She grinned at his teasing.
With a voice filled with both determination and sadness, he said, "Three weeks, Hermione."
"Three weeks," she repeated softly.
"Finish strong, and then come back to me."
She nodded, but then she reached for his neck, softly pulling his head down to her. Their kisses were at once heated and lingering. Severus let his hands roam over her back and her hair and pulled her tighter to himself, no longer trying to conceal the evidence of his longing. After several long minutes, their kisses became more tender, and they both seemed to know that it was time for Hermione to go. Promises and anticipation hung heavily in the air, unspoken. Stepping back and looking into his eyes, Hermione nodded again, and Severus removed the battered teacup out of his pocket, turning it in his hand to look at it. Only love for this woman could possibly persuade him to let her leave yet again. Before he could change his mind, he held it out to her, and when she touched it, he muttered, "Portus."
As they landed in the Apparition Lobby, Severus' knee buckled. Hermione grabbed his waist to help him get steady. She released his waist and they stood for a moment, silent. Hermione recovered her senses first. "Goodbye, Severus," she said evenly, and she kissed him softly.
"Goodbye, Hermione." He took a step back and then tapped the teacup. When he landed at the gates, he was flooded with desire to immediately go back to Bristol and find Hermione. Steeling himself, he entered the gates. Once inside the castle, he made the miserable walk down to the dungeons alone.
After he brewed the Wolfsbane potion, he continued to brew medicinal potions for the Infirmary long into the night until he was in a better frame of mind. He could do this. They could do this. Just three more weeks and she would be back at Hogwarts. Home. She would be home.
Sunday, 30 May 1999
Dear Hermione,
After I returned last night, I brewed for you, and for Teddy. I think of you often.
Sleep well, my Hermione.
Yours,
Severus
Author's Note: We are headed into their summer months and the last three chapters (June, July-part 1 and July-part 2). As they get to visit each other more often, the letters diminish significantly, which is bittersweet to me.
Thank you again for the reviews. To rephrase one of my reviewers, your reviews are like PMS chocolate. As Hermione would say, "I think I actually squealed in delight."