DISCLAIMER: I do not own Harry Potter.
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A/N: Thank you for the reviews and for hitting 'FAVORITE' and 'FOLLOW' buttons.
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CHAPTER 9
"Quietly, I've waited for the memory born of our first kiss. Patiently, I've waited for the moment you would take me to word that I, I've never seen that world before. Just tell me you love me; whisper words I so long to hear
Let this time not be borrowed. Let it be ours to share." -Just Tell Me You Love me (England Dan and John Ford Coley)
He still loves her, she thought.
Don't be silly, Hermione! said the rational part of her mind. He loves you. He's in love with you!
She sighed and laid on her stomach on the bed like her fifteen year-old self, pondering if she made the right decision to accept Krum's invitation to the Yule Ball.
Severus is sincere. He will not lie to you about his feelings and he has no reason to do that. Merlin, you could even hear his thoughts, Hermione! He adores you. He cares for you!
Should I go back to the library and speak with him? she asked herself. It has been more than an hour since she left him in the library and immediately went to her room to distract herself. She kept on convincing herself that she wasn't jealous, but as a matter of fact, she was.
And you're not making any sense, Hermione, she told herself. What if he only said Lily''s name because Harry reminded him of her? Go and speak with him to clear things out.
Yes! I should, she finally decided.
She got off of the bed and fixed her hair and wrinkled robe before going out of her room. Before she reached the stairs, she bumped into Mrs. Snape.
"Hello, Miss Granger," she greeted formally.
She nodded. "Hello, Mrs. Snape."
"Oh please, call me 'Eileen'." And she smiled at her for the first time.
She couldn't help but return the smile. "Then please call me 'Hermione'," she replied.
"Hermione," she said. "I haven't thanked you yet for your kindness to Severus. He admires you so much and I have never seen my son so happy before."
Her cheeks flushed at the older witch's words. "Severus is a good person. I don't have any reason to be unkind to him. He deserves to be treated with kindness."
"He can't wait to turn seventeen because of you, you know," she told her with a chuckle. "But he's being patient because you told him so. Lily Evans was his only friend; so I really am glad to know that you're here for my son."
"Thank you for the kind words, Eileen. I am enjoying Severus's company and please don't tell him but I am also looking forward to the day he comes of age."
Eileen grinned. "Good to know. Well, I believe that my son is looking for you; he's in the garden."
"I am actually on my way to see him," she replied. "See you around." With one final nod, she walked away to seek Severus. She found Albus, Alastor, Marlene and the Longbottoms in the kitchen, having refreshments. She briefly greeted them and went to the garden. It doesn't look like they will be having a meeting, anyway.
She found Severus under the oak tree they went to earlier, but he wasn't alone. He was with...
"Lily," she heard him greet her. They were standing face to face, both oblivious to Hermione's presence.
"Sev, I broke it off with James," said Evans promptly.
She placed a hand on her chest, as if her life depended on it and felt a pang of jealousy and anger. Is she trying to get him back?
"Why?" asked Severus with a grimace.
"I can't do that to you; I can't date the one who bullies my best friend," Evans said with tears. "I love you, Sev. You're my best friend. You've always been there for me, when I was completely ignorant to the wizarding world; when I thought no one would want me as a friend." When Severus did not reply, she went on. "I saw Hermione's- er, Professor Puckle- memories of Harry and she was such a loyal friend. I love you like she loves Harry, Sev. Like a brother and I don't want to lose you just because of an arrogant toe rag. Hermione loves you and I heard her tell Professor Dumbledore that she won't let anyone use you like a pawn. And I care for you, too. So, I'm here, to help. I also met the Longbottoms and their future son is Hermione's friend, too. They promised her that once all is well and she will have the chance to go back in time, they will make sure she will be friends with Neville again. I also want that. I want to make sure she will have Harry again."
"You still want to be a Potter, huh?" teased Severus.
Evans relaxed and threw herself to Severus's arms. He returned her hug reluctantly. "I'm so sorry for being a bad friend, Sev."
"You were not that bad, I assure you," he said with a jest. "I'm sorry too, Lily; for calling you a traitor."
She pulled away. "Oh, I deserved that. I allowed myself to forget my best friend for a good-looking Quidditch player,' she chuckled.
"Don't worry, you're meant to be his wife."
She laughed. "He's not giving up. But I want to teach him a lesson. If he swears that he won't bully anyone anymore, I will date him again."
"Well, you have to date him again," said Severus. "Otherwise, Hermione won't have Harry as her best friend."
They laughed. "You really love her, do you?" she asked.
"Yes, I do," he replied. "And if I have to be that pawn just to help her and save her, I will do it."
Hermione relaxed and took this opportunity to make her presence known. She cleared her throat. "Professor Puckle," greeted Evans shyly.
"Miss Evans," she nodded in return. And then she gave Severus a small smile. "Your mother told me that you were looking for me."
"I was," he confirmed. "Before Lily came."
"No worries," she replied. "I can see that you have some catching up to do. I will be in my room if you need me."
"Thank you."
Hermione couldn't help it anymore. She felt the need to express her gratitude to him, so she stepped forward and Evans stepped back. She reached for Severus's hand and gave him a peck on the cheek. "I'm so proud of you," she whispered and walked away happily.
In the kitchen, she found Albus sitting alone and drinking tea. "Hermione, my dear," he greeted jovially.
Hermione was in a good mood. "Hello, Albus. Driking alone?" she asked.
"The others were in the library and filling our new librarian some information she needs to know. I found myself tired after speaking with several people today,' he replied. "Have a seat and join me."
She took her seat across from him and found an unopened can of Butterbeer on the table. "Can I take this instead?" she asked.
"Of course!" he replied.
She opened the can and drank, wiped her mouth using the sleeve of her shirt.
"What's troubling you, my dear?" he asked with pure concern.
"Do I still have to go back to Hogwarts this year and continue as Horace's apprentice?" she asked.
"You'll be safer at Hogwarts, Hermione," he replied. "What's wrong?"
"Severus," she replied. "I'm falling in love with him like a normal teenager every. Single. Day," she croaked but unable to meet his twinkling blue eyes.
"You're an extraordinary teenager, Hermione and I'm afraid you won't live a normal life until this is all over," he said but not unkindly.
"I know," she replied. "For once, in this time, I want to be normal in one aspect. I want to express my love for the person I'm in love with."
"I can speak with Horace and limit your tasks to potions brewing and marking essays. You won't be teaching anymore," he suggested.
She looked up to meet his eyes and smiled. "That would be lovely, but you would have to find a substitute teacher in case Horace gets sick again."
"Of course, my dear. I will find someone to fill Horace's teaching post just in case but I really do hope that our Potions Master will be in good health this year. All you have to do is brew potions for the hospital wing and help him with paper works. Mr. Snape is the brightest in his year. Therefore, I am not worried that your relationship will affect his grades. However my dear, he is not yet of age, so you must still not be seen in public, even if you're not teaching anymore. Students will still see you as 'Professor Granger', Professor Slughorn's apprentice."
She nodded and reached out for Albus's hands and squeezed them. "Thank you, Albus. Thank you!" she said happily.
"It's the least I can do to show my gratitude for all the things you do and will do for our world," he said fondly.
The pair finished their drinks and Albus joined the others at the library while Hermione went upstairs to her room and waited for Severus. She grabbed a romance novel from the book shelf to kill time, but her mind wasn't on it. She cannot help but think about Severus. At last, she has one normal aspect in her life. At eighteen years old, she can fall in love like a normal teenager and without any influence of love potions.
At exactly four fifteen, she heard a knock on the door. She enthusiastically leapt off from the bed to open the door. Severus stood there with his sweetest smile. She stepped back to let him in. "Come in," she said.
Severus stepped into the room. She closed the door and faced him. "Hermione, you just left me in the library," he said gently. "Did something happened?"
She looked down to avoid his gaze. "You said her name," she admitted, biting her lower lip after.
Severus reached out to raise her chin with his index finger. "I apologise. I was merely thinking of my friendship with Lily after seeing you with Harry. That was when I decided to finally patch things up with her; to repair our friendship before it's too late."
She nodded. "I understand now. I'm sorry, it was so silly of me to think that way."
"Never doubt my love for you, Hermione," he whispered and leaned closer; their lips were an inch away from each other.
Hermione swallowed. Hard. She also closed her eyes, prepared herself for what's coming and allowed herself to relax. This is it. I asked for it: to be a normal teenager in love.
And she felt his lips to hers gently as his hands snaked around her waist. She did not hesitate to return the kiss and wrapped her arms around his neck to pull him closer. Severus deepened the kiss and his tongue was begging to enter. She opened her mouth and their tongues battled together. She moaned and couldn't help but place her fingers on his hair. Severus, on the other hand stroked her waist and placed a hand underneath her shirt to caress her smooth stomach. She moaned louder this time and he made a sound of lust as well, but they pulled away realizing that they made noise. Severus rested his forehead against hers and they both smiled.
"I thought you'd be mad," he teased.
She grinned. "Why would I? You're a good kisser. Tell me, how many girls have you snogged?" she teased.
"First, I don't snog. I kiss," he said, toying with her curls. "And second, I haven't kissed anyone. Apparently, you're my first kiss, Miss Granger."
She laughed, causing Severus to pull away and look at her with curiosity. "Something funny?" he asked with raised eyebrows.
She placed a hand on her mouth and her laugh turned to a giggle. "You sound like my Professor Snape."
"Ever dreamed of being kissed by your Potions professor, Miss Granger?" he asked, sounding amused.
She smirked. "No. I fancied my DADA professor in second year."
He scowled. "You have a habit of fancying your professors?"
She smiled playfully and placed her index finger on her temple, as if thinking deeply. "Let me see... There were only few male professors at Hogwarts- the headmaster, Professor Flitwick, Hagrid and you; you see, every year we have someone to look forward to: the DADA professor. In first year, it was Quirrell and he was scary; always stammering. Didn't fancy him. Second year, we have Lockhart and he was handsome so yeah, I fancied him, thinking that he was brilliant but ended up in St. Mungo's after a memory loss. Third year, the new one was brilliant and probably the best, but perhaps Remus Lupin wasn't my type-"
"Remus Lupin?" interrupted Severus in disbelief.
"Yes," she replied and went on. "In fourth year, it was Alastor so definitely NO. Fifth year, the DADA professor was a vile woman... and sixth year, hmmm... well, he's brilliant, dark and he has a sexy voice. Yes, I fancied him."
Sixteen year-old Severus Snape scowled like a jealous boyfriend. "And who was the lucky wizard?"
"Oh, his name's Severus Snape," she replied nonchalantly.
Severus's eyes widened. "I became your DADA professor?" he asked.
"Yes, in my sixth year. Professor Slughorn was back at Albus's request. Anyway, you'll learn more about that but I'm afraid it'll have to be tomorrow."
Severus relaxed and pulled her again against him. "I thought we're waiting until I turn seventeen?" he asked, changing the topic. "What changed your mind?"
She shrugged. "Jealousy?" she said, unsure.
He smirked. "Then I should make you jealous often," he teased, earning a playful slap on the arm from her. "Ouch! That hurts, woman! I can report you directly to your employer right now."
She giggled. "Oh I'm sure he will welcome your complaint with twinkle in his eyes."
Severus smirked and pulled her again against his chest. "I'm glad you did not wait anymore. I love you, Hermione."
"I love you too, Severus," she said solemnly against his neck.
Severus pulled away gently, just enough for them to look at each other's eyes. Clearly, he was surprised and happy at her declaration. He pulled her for another kiss and which she returned passionately, thinking that she's just an eighteen year-old teenager; not a professor; not a time-traveler; not an apprentice.
Just another woman in love.