What the Mirror Saw: Hermione's Story by Bandgeek252
Chapter 8c- Christmas
"Severus," Hermione called out holding the letter from Harry and Ron. Part of her desperately wanted to say no. The couple had only spent a pocketful of moments together. She didn't feel like having those idiotic boys though she love them ruining her Christmas.
"Yes, Hermione." he answered coming in from the bathroom in nothing but a towel that hung around his slender waist. For a moment Hermione couldn't breathe. She just stared wide eyed at her soon to be boyfriend half naked in front of her. A flash of frustration ran through her. Damn awful time to be sick! She silently cursed.
"Um, Severus. It wasn't that big of an emergency." she blushed as he looked down and realized his lack of clothing was effecting her. I'm really not used to having company. He thought with a snort.
"I'll be back in a moment," he turned back into the other room to dress himself. Hermione took a deep breath and released it slowly. Damn Damn Damn! This really is a lousy time to get sick. Those long legs and slender waist. He may be slender, but those muscles... so that's what he's been hiding under those robes all this time. I bet those girls wouldn't turn their nose at him if they got to see that every day. Which I do... so good for me!
By the time he returned fully dressed Hermione had collected herself and calmed her blush. She was partly saddened by the sight of those heavy black robes, but for this conversation she knew he'd need to be fully clothed.
Severus cleared his throat when Hermione was just staring blankly at him. She quickly shook her head and smiled at him. "Was there something you wanted Hermione?" he asked.
"Yes, well rather something I wanted to ask you about." He took that moment to sit down on the chair next to his bed. "I just received a letter from Ron and Harry. They wanted to see me before Christmas. I was wondering if it would be alright with you if they stopped by for a little visit. I wouldn't be up for too much entertaining, but I would like to see them. I wanted to ask since this is after all your room."
Severus sighed. He really wanted to say no, but then a thought occurred to him. I haven't gotten her a present yet. I was going to go get her parents, but when she got sick I couldn't leave. If I can trust those dunderheads for a few hours I could go get her Christmas present. "I suppose that would be alright. Just please make sure that those two idiots don't touch anything of mine." he said gently.
"You do realize that they aren't complete idiots. Maybe not as brilliant as you, but they aren't completely stupid." Hermione reminded him. To this he smiled.
"Ever defending your friends, my Gryffindor." he said gently caressing her cheek. She leaned into his touch. He leaned forward and gave her a gentle kiss on her lips. She tried to pull him into her, but he wouldn't move. "Not right now. You are still recovering."
Hermione sighed and leaned back into her pillow. I swear I'm going to jump his bones the minute I'm better! I'm starting to feel so sexually repressed. Damn being sick! She promptly wrote the boys back and agreed to short visit in the afternoon.
HGSSHGSSHG
Harry, Ron, Ginny, and George all arrived at Snape's door several hours later all holding their gifts for Hermione.
"You know you didn't have to come along, George?" Ginny scolded. Having her brothers hang around her while she was spending time with her boyfriend and friend wasn't her ideal. George merely grinned.
"I wanted to see Hermione just as much as the three of you. So deal with it, I'm here!"
"You two didn't have to come at all if all you're going to do is bicker and argue." Ron hissed at them. "And why did you two want to come anyway. Snape's going to be there. And you know what a git he is!"
"Hermione said he agreed to this. I'm sure he'll be on his best behavior." Harry tried to convince not only the group, but himself. Ron wasn't buying it.
"I'll bet." he snorted in disbelief. "I bet he offers us tea and biscuits as well. I'm going for Hermione. Why is she even down here anymore? You'd think Pompfrey would have a fit and had her up in the hospital wing by now."
"I don't know, but let's just get this over with. We came to see Hermione not Professor Snape." Ginny reminded the boys as Harry knocked on the door to Snape's rooms.
Severus Snape let the three Weasleys and Potter in without sneer or snarky remark. He wasn't going to be around long, thankfully.
"You four better not wear her out. If she says she's tired you are to leave. I will be out for a few hours this afternoon. I trust you not over exert her in any way. Floo is right there in case you need Poppy." Snape drilled them as the four just gulped. It was just like when they were all students.
"We won't tire her too much, sir." Potter said respectfully. While he didn't like Snape, he still respected the man.
"Also, don't touch any of my things. And I do mean you Weasley," he glared right into George's eyes. To this the elder Weasley blushed slightly.
"We won't sir." Ginny spoke for the group. And with that Severus led them into the second half of his bedroom where Hermione lay on a huge four poster bed. Ginny tried not to think of that as Severus' bed and more a bed for the sick. It was just easier for her mental images.
Hermione smiled warmly at her guest, but she looked incredibly pale and weak.
"Here are your friends. I will be out. Do not over exert yourself!" he said sternly. Harry and Ron's stomachs clenched at his touch, but Hermione merely smiled.
"It must be because she's sick," Ron whispered into Harry's ear. Harry simply nodded in agreement. And with that Snape left his rooms and his love with those idiotic Gryffindors. Just don't cause her to relapse or destroy my rooms and I'll be grateful.
As soon as the door closed the three boys immediately launched into a series of questions.
"What's it like living in the dungeon?" Ron asked.
"How's the old bat been treating you? He better treat you well." Harry added.
"So no chains, I see. Guess you were lying about that." George chimed in.
"Will you three pipe down?" Ginny scolded them in perfect Mrs. Weasley fashion. The only thing missing from her was was an apron and ladle.
"Sorry," chorused the three.
Hermione couldn't help but chuckle at the sight. "It's good to see you all again. Thanks for coming. In answer to your questions. Living in the dungeons is quite comfortable, Ronald. Severus is not an old bat and has been treating me wonderfully. I was only joking George Weasley." she smiled. "Now are you quite through with your questions?" To this the group nodded.
"Sorry Hermione." Harry said, "We just wanted make sure you were getting better. It's Christmas tomorrow after all."
"I know which is why I need Ginny to do me a favor. Go to my room and there should be a large burgundy bundle sitting on top of my trunk. Would you bring it here, please?"
"Sure, if you can trust these idiots." Ginny grinned at her friend. "Password still the same." Hermione shook her head.
"It's 'Why is a Raven like a Writing Desk?'"
"Alice in Wonderland?" Harry asked with a raised eyebrow. Hermione colored slightly.
"I happen to like 'Through the Looking Glass.'" she defended.
HGSSHGSSHG
Severus enjoyed the brisk walk to Hogsmeade. The cold air felt good on his face. It felt refreshing after being stuck in that dungeon for so long. His legs enjoyed the stretch of the walk, but his mind was puzzled at to what to get her. She's not like most women who would want diamonds or pearls. A book would suit her, but not ideally what I would want to get her for our first Christmas together. Our FIRST Christmas together? Are we even together? It'd like to think so. I sincerely doubt that would the most romantic gesture I could make.
Pondering what shops to visit he journeyed past the shops. Which ones to stop at first. I do prefer the sensible gift, but maybe not just sensible. Perhaps two things. I should have just brewed her something. Or given her some kind of protection. She doesn't seem interested in beauty products. Thank Merlin! With that he walked into one of the shops.
HGSSHGSSHG
"I got it!" Ginny said brightly as she lugged the giant bundle into Snape's chambers.
"Thanks Ginny!" Hermione opened the bundle to reveal several presents. "Here you guys go. You can open them tomorrow if you like. I know it won't seem like Christmas without me there, but I'm sure you'll manage."
"Thanks Hermione!" the four chorused. They put their presents away and each pulled out one for her.
"You guys are so sweet. Facing big bad Severus," she teased as the boys colored and Ginny snickered.
"I'm sure glad to see he took off for a bit. Wonder what's he's up to?" Ron asked.
"I think he just figured that I'd be more comfortable without him glaring at you for two whole hours."
"Oh Mione, you really think he'd be that... kind?" Ron said in a whine. If Hermione hadn't been in such a good mood she would have given him a tongue lashing like no other, but she didn't have the energy to spare.
"Yes he is." was all she said. That shut the boys up about Severus. Thank God! "So how's Auror life?" And with that the boys drifted off into the comfortable conversation of their jobs. Hermione enjoyed their yammerings and light conversations, but she was quickly becoming tired.
"Sorry everyone, I think I'm going to collapse. I still need rest." Hermione said under a yawn.
"Right then. Well Happy Christmas Hermione!" Ron and Harry said giving her a light hug.
After everyone said their goodbyes she drifted off into a pleasant sleep. So pleasant that she didn't even hear Severus enter ten minutes later.
He leaned to brush her hair out of her face and kissed her gently on the forehead. "Sleep now, my dear. Christmas will be here before you know it." Hermione sighed calmly in response. Merlin, that woman has no idea what she does to me.
December 25, 1998
The fire was low, but warm as Hermione woke up the next morning. She felt better than ever. After her friends' visit she slept straight through the afternoon and night. Seventeen hours of sleep was just what she needed to enjoy Christmas.
It's our first Christmas together. She thought dreamily. How I would love for us to celebrate every Christmas together. I can just see it. A little tree not too over decorated in that corner over there with our gifts under it. Maybe even a little charm to make it look like it's snowing on the tree. Maybe some lights around the hearth. I wouldn't want to clutter this room too much. It really doesn't need a lot. The room is quite comfortable in its own respect. She sighed at her dream. I don't even know if there will be another Christmas. At least next Christmas I don't want to be bed ridden. Oh doesn't Severus look dear. So relaxed and peaceful. She noticed a sigh coming from the grouchy professor's makeshift bed. I bet he would love his bed back. Maybe I can give it back to him tonight. Just for one night... Wish he could be here with me. She thought longingly as she reached out to brush Severus' hair back.
"Good morning, Hermione." he said with a yawn.
"Happy Christmas," she replied brightly. "Present time!"
"Do you think I could get a cup of coffee before we start Christmas?" Severus asked desperately hoping he wouldn't have to embark on the holiday cheer.
"Of course. Do you want to go up for the Christmas breakfast?" she asked hoping he would say no.
"And miss out on your abundance of holiday cheer," he teased, "never." She smiled warmly at him as she got up to use the loo. It was Christmas and she wasn't about to be gross and sickly.
A quick wash and her hair pinned up in a loose fitting bun she felt clean and fresh. I hope Severus likes his gift. I am excited to see what he thinks of it. If I wasn't here to see it for my own two eyes I probably wouldn't get an honest response out of him. Well I'm going to get it this year at least!
After Severus cleaned up they sat by the fire with a cup of coffee and toast comfortably. Severus stiffened at the realization that this was the first Christmas in twenty years he had somebody to share it with. Has it been that long? Hermione noticed his stiffness.
"Something wrong Severus?" she asked taking a sip of her weak tea.
"Oh nothing," he said softly. Hermione gave him a look that showed she wasn't buying it. "Let's just say that it's been a while since I've spent Christmas with someone."
"I had no idea. How long?"
"About twenty years. I was just out of Hogwarts and my mother was sick and died shortly after the New Year 1979." he said with pain in voice, but his eyes were dry. Hermione felt hot tears form behind her eyes.
"I'm so sorry. I know it must have been hard on you. Losing your mother like that." she placed her small warm hand on top of his.
"Thank you, she was probably the only living soul that ever loved me unconditionally." he confessed. Hermione's heart nearly broke. 'I love you' the words were caught in her throat. She couldn't say them from the heart, but she truly felt like she meant it. Do I love him? Hermione wanted to say that she did love him and that there were others who must have loved him, but the horrible thing about it was that she knew saying it would be a lie. Until she was certain, she wasn't going to say it to him. I want to be sure. He's been hurt enough!
"Do you want to tell me about her?" she asked giving him the option to talk about his mother if he wished. He shook his head. No need to bring her down on Christmas. Some romantic I am!
In an attempt to change the subject she handed him her present. "Here, Happy Christmas!" Severus picked up the fairly large package wrapped perfectly in silver wrapping with a large emerald green ribbon wrapped around it. The man smirked at the colors.
"You chose the colors specifically for the Slytherin in me, didn't you?"
"Well I figured you would prefer that to Gryffindor colors. Should I have wrapped it up in gold and red?" Hermione teased him still caressing his hand.
"Not on your life." he said with a grin as he proceeded to rip the package open.
"I thought you might like to start writing your own potions books. Now that you're free to do what you want. Your Half-Blood Prince book was pure genius. I figured you could improve potion making all around." she finished her face flushed.
Severus held up the empty potions journal in awe. He had always thought about writing, but never had he ever thought that he'd live to pursue it. The brown leather bound potions journal was thick with well over 300 pages for him to perfect potions making much like he had already started doing in his 6th year. To contribute to the world of potions besides just educating the next generation was something he had never hoped before he'd ever be able to do. This was a gift towards his future. Not sacrifices, no penance for the past, no guilt swallowing his life whole; just a girl he loved more than any living or dead person who had ever walked the earth handing him a dream he had long forgotten.
"Hermione, I don't know what to say." he breathed. The words were not enough. They were small compared to enormity he felt.
"Thanks would be a good start," she smiled.
"Thank you," he whispered.
"I hope you like it." she said uncertain if he was upset or thought the gift was so stupid, but he didn't want to hurt her feelings.
"Oh, I like it. A lot. It's just... you don't understand." he started. She squeezed his hand gently encouraging him to continue. "I always wanted to... create and improve potions. I was always inventing something new. It was a way to pass the time." To this Hermione snorted. Severus looked up confused and momentarily hurt.
"I'm sorry... it's just weren't you busy with school. It is a load all by itself." she clarified.
Severus smiled lightly and continued, "Yes it was, but I was fairly bright and worked ahead of my classmates." Hermione's eyes lit up.
"I did the same thing."
"My early Death Eater days were alright. There was a lot of initiation obligations to endure, but for the most part... people left me alone. I was so hopeful that I was finally going to get to work on the sort of things I wanted to. Well that and what the Dark Lord commanded me to make for him, but after he started targeting Lily... it was all over." he caressed the journal with his other index finger.
"I was too busy trying to save her life, their lives if I had to. Potion creating, improving, and experimentation were all off the list of options I had. The only options I had were those that Dumbledore and the Dark Lord gave me."
"It was horribly unfair what they did to you. What they commanded of you was awful. I think it took a lot of courage to do what you did." she praised him. Not out of pity, but out of sincerity.
"Not courage... well at least not at first." he said waving off her compliment. "It was guilt."
"Guilt over Lily dying?" she asked. Part of her was dying to know more about Lily and his relationship. She had such an impact on the man's life, Hermione felt left out in the cold, but she knew he would tell her when he was ready.
"Yes." he said with an air of finality. She knew he didn't want to talk about it anymore. "Now where are your presents?" he asked. Hermione then noticed that she had a fairly large number of presents.
"Well I'll be... six presents. That's considerably more than last year." she joked.
"Hard to receive gifts when you're in the middle of the wilderness." he grinned at her slyly.
From George she received a box of firewhiskey filled Chocolate Cauldrons with a note.
Hermione,
Happy Christmas! I did as you asked and set an age limit for some of the products as requested. Yet if you're still wanting to rip out your extremely curly hair... I recommend these. Well that or get old Snape to give you a snog... or more!
George
"I'm going to kill that Weasley!" Hermione steamed.
"Which one... there are so many to choose from." Hermione couldn't contain herself at Severus' comment. She laughed so hard her ribs hurt.
"George!" she said when her laughter had subsided.
"What's next?"
From Harry she received a book Grow Your Own Potions Ingredients. She was thrilled at the idea of learning more about growing raw ingredients, but she wasn't sure when she'd have time or space available to do it. She'd probably have to wait until her mastery was over, but that would be another year and a half from now. Ron's gift had been a simple box of Sugar Quills. Ginny's gift had been instructions for the Contraceptive Charm with a note that said, 'Just in case.' Hermione went red at the idea of them actually having sex. Not that she didn't want to, as she hid Ginny's gift, but she was worried about taking things too fast. First times were often noted as painful in the books she had read and she wanted it to be when she was healthier.
"I believe you still have two to open." Severus said handing her his presents to her. She smiled warmly at them.
"I saved the best for last. Wait, you got me two presents?"
"Yes, just open them Hermione and don't argue." he said calmly.
One was a large package with pretty red paper. She grinned at him. "Gryffindor colors?"
"It was the only paper available at the time. I thought Christmas colors instead of House colors." he said defensively.
She opened it to see a book Moste Potente Potions. It was an older copy with weather worn pages, but it's smell is what caught Hermione's attention first. It smelled of old parchment, but with a touch of peppermint. She sniffed it to see if she was wrong.
"Why does this book smell like peppermint?" she asked.
"That is so the pages will be preserved better. It was mine." he said. Hermione looked up at him wide eyed.
"This is your copy?" she asked as she flipped through the pages and saw all his marginal notes. "These are all your notes!" The ideas, the possibilities were endless as to what she could accomplish with these notes.
"Yes. You are my apprentice and should have something to help inspire you." To this Hermione frowned slightly. She didn't want to seem ungrateful for such a gift, but she had hoped that she meant more to him than just his apprentice. "You still have one more to open." he said handing her a small box that fit into the palm of her hand.
She opened the tiny box and saw a beautiful gold necklace. It was a simple chain with a pendant no larger than her time turner from her third year. It was oblong shaped glass case and in it held a little hour glass.
"Severus, I love it, but what exactly is it. It looks like a time turner, but it isn't right?"
The man put it on her neck. "It isn't a time turner, but a locator. If you simply spin the hour glass I'll know how to find you. Given the amount of trouble you have found yourself in, I figured it would be helpful yet whimsical."
"I do try to stay out of trouble, you know." she huffed lightly.
"Yet somehow trouble always seems to find you." he teased gently. She reached out and gave him a light kiss on the cheek.
"Happy Christmas Severus."
"Happy Christmas Hermione."
TBC
AN: Okay so chapter 8 is finally done! Geez, I didn't think this would be a three part-er. It kind of threw me off my schedule... well that and family issues plus being sick. I'm confident that this story will be finished. At least hopefully by the end of the summer. I don't think I'll have my other story finished this summer like I planned, but it will be fun to play around with.
Thank you Reviewers! Thank you Readers! For sticking with me through this journey. I have enjoyed myself so far, but now the story starts to heat up! Hope you all enjoyed it! It's a little weird to write about Christmas when it's 80+ degrees outside. Thank God for AC! I had to watch Bing Crosby's White Christmas just to get into the holiday spirit to write this chapter. I do love the music and dancing ^^ I seriously need to stop reading Harry/Hermione fanfiction and get to writing!
REVIEW! Thanks and Happy Reading!