AN - I own nothing! I'm just borrowing from J.K. Rowling!

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Chapter 12

It was early in the morning; the sun had just risen above the farm. Inside her bathroom, Hermione was leaning on her sink with her arms as she look at the small black velvet pouch that she had placed there last night when she unpacked her things.

Inside the pouch was a white gold pendant that hung around a chain. The pendant was shaped into a rose, and in the middle of nestled a small pink diamond. At the back of it, there was an engraving that read My Rose and S.S. Yes, it was a gift that Severus had given to Hermione, specifically on the last birthday that she celebrated when they were still together.

The only times she wore it was when she was on the farm and then only taking it off soon after she arrived back from the city. This place— the farm, was where good memories were remembered. Memories of when her life was happy and full with her friends from the past and most of all, Severus. She would hang on to those memories as they remained close to her heart, and were still buried deep inside.

Now, as she stared at the pouch, she remembered her recent times with Severus. There were moments in which he was nice to her, but then she remembered that it was all because of Alan, and that he paid him to keep an eye and take care of her. She remembered his words of anger and hate towards her. It seemed that he no longer recognized the love that they once shared. What did it matter? She was the one who faulted after all. He moved on with another woman, and similar to the past eight years, all she had were memories, and nothing more.

Hermione finally reached for the pouch and opened it, putting the piece of jewelry on. Alice's offer too was what kept her thoughts running. She was still as lost as she was last night. It was time to get out and try to enjoy herself out in the open air. A little work, or maybe some horseback riding would make her feel better and clear up her thoughts.

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It was a Hogsmeade weekend. The grounds were clear of students around Hogwarts as Hermione marched angrily towards the farther part of the Black Lake. It was an area that students were too lazy to get to, and with the trees, it made it more secluded. The place became a special spot of her and Severus, seldom watching sunsets, sunrises, and even having a small picnic on occasion.

She sat herself down, leaning back against a tree, hugging her knees as she stared at the lake through her tears. Hermione and Severus had just had a fight, and it was their first actual fight since they had become a couple. Six months of perfection seemed to be thrown out the window quickly. And to make things worse, it was exactly six months in their relationship. Did he even know?

They argued over potions again, like they always did. But before, they would always debate around the subject and be okay with things later on. They divided a line between potions and their love lives. Earlier though, Severus just snapped at her and crossed the line—calling her a stupid little girl because of her mistake.

Hermione felt really hurt. Like she had been brought back to her own school days when he used to ridicule and humiliate her in front of class. Was she still seen that way to him? Would he ever see her as an equal on the potions field, and respect her? Or was that too much to ask from Severus Snape, the greatest potions master that lived today?

"I left for a reason," Hermione said brokenly as she heard the rustling of footsteps in the grass nearby. She knew it was Severus without a doubt, and she didn't want to see or deal with him at the moment.

Severus didn't say anything, nor did he listen to Hermione, knowing that she didn't want him around. He felt guilty, and he felt his chest tighten earlier when he realized what he had said and done to her. He knew he had to apologize as he tried to figure out how to begin as he wasn't one to apologize. Well, at one point, he also thought that he wasn't one to fall in love, but Hermione changed him. The impossible became possible. If he could become more human and fall in love, apologizing couldn't have been that hard. And for Hermione, he would do anything for her. He sat himself down right next to her, and stared at the grass between his boots.

From the corner of her eyes, Hermione could see Severus clearly. He was silent for awhile and she couldn't stand it when his hands started to fidget. What was he here for? What was he going to say? Fed up and not willing to wait a second longer, she stood up on her feet, only to be stopped gently by his hand, making her sit back down.

"Hermione…" Severus spoke, unable to continue. The words were choked up in his throat. Apologizing was harder than he thought, harder than saying that he loved her. He had to swallow his pride and it wasn't easy.

"What Severus?" Hermione questioned. "Is that how you still see me, a stupid little girl that you're teaching? Me being a student at Hogwarts, and being your apprentice, is it all the same? Will you continue to belittle me so?"

"No, of course not," Severus replied, turning to look at her. "You are great with potions, there is no doubt. And one day, you will be a very good potions mistress. I respect you highly, believe it."

Hermione snorted, not believing him. "You certainly have a way of showing it and giving me praise."

"I snapped Hermione, okay. I've been stressed a lot lately. Students are being hard headed, and all. I really hate it when it's NEWTS time. And with the research I'm doing. Extra work, stress, everything. And with you as my apprentice, it just adds more into that. You know me, I tend to snap when I'm stressed or angry, and it's something that I'm not proud of."

Hermione understood. She witnessed those times when he would lose his cool in Grimmauld place when he was still a double spy. She knew his behavior, character and personality, and in the end, she still fell in love with him. "You can stop apprenticing me if it's too much Severus, really."

"What? Don't be absurd," Severus said softly in surprise. He pulled her with both his arms and made her sit astride his lap. "I can handle it Hermione. It's nothing like my spying days, but still stressful," he murmured against her temple. He kissed her brow softly and sighed placing his head on her shoulder. Her simple embrace made him relax, making him able to apologize. "I'm sorry. Forgive me."

Hermione felt her heart tighten at the sincerity of his voice. He was true to his word, and seeing a softer side of him did take her breath away. Rare wasn't the right word, but over time, he continued to open up to her more, and she really felt touched by it. "You're forgiven Severus. Next time, it's better to talk things out. I know it's hard for you, but try."

"I will."

Hermione lowered her head, and kissed the skin of his neck. "You should get your mind off things for a bit. What do you want to do tonight? Eat out someplace nice? I'll even give you a nice relaxing body massage before you sleep? It's our six month anniversary."

"Oh shit!" Severus cursed softly, pulling away.

Hermione gave him a small smile. "You forgot didn't you?"

"I had things planned out two weeks ago. Dinner at a hotel and a room to spend the night in. It slipped my mind. I'm sorry My Rose."

Hermione cupped Severus's face in her hands, kissing his nose and then his lips. "It doesn't matter where or how we celebrate, as long as I'm with you. Even being just here with you is enough." Her lips met his another time, kissing him deeply. She felt him shift her, and soon found herself lying back on the soft grass.

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Hermione touched the grass at her side with her hand, as her feet and legs were submerged in the cool water of the stream at the back of the farm. It was a nice place to have breakfast since it wasn't too hot in the day. She was having a breakfast picnic alone, as the horse that she rode earlier was tied up to the tree nearby, probably eating the rich grass. Biting into her bacon and egg sandwich, she remembered how they celebrated their sixth month anniversary.

They had gone to watch a movie in muggle London, and then had a simple dinner at a pub nearby. She was more concerned about him and his stress, wanting him to enjoy the night with a beer or two. When they had gotten home, she not only massaged him but brought him to orgasm as she pleasure him with her hands and mouth while he just laid down and relaxed.

It was before she slept she heard him say the three words, "I love you."

She missed those words painfully, just as much as she missed him calling her 'My Rose.' She couldn't forget the night that he arrived in her home. Those words were replaced with 'I hate you' and 'I pity you.'

Hermione wondered and asked herself if she was to ever hear words of love come out of his mouth. She couldn't help it, even though she knew that he was engaged, she wanted him so much. A part of her heart still hoped and believed that there was a chance, and she was willing to wait an entire lifetime if she had to. Like she told herself before, she was willing to have him around regardless of how he treated her. Love was worth the pain, wasn't it?

Her heart was already broken long before. Whatever was left, continued to break since he started to work with her. In the end, she wasn't so sure she could handle him walking away, never seeing again. Over eight years ago was tough, and the second time around would only be tougher.

"Good morning Hermione," Dean greeted her as he walked towards her.

Disrupted from her thoughts, Hermione turned to the direction of Dean's voice. She smiled from cheek to cheek, seeing the most adorable little puppy in his arms. "Puppy! It's so cute!"

"I just got him this morning," Dean informed as he sat down right next to her, handing her the little one. "He's a chocolate Labrador that I bought at Edison, a town just north from here." He chuckled and watched as Hermione cooed the little one, and giggled when it licked her chin. "He likes you."

"What's his name?" she asked.

"Haven't really thought of anything yet. Watch it," he warned, seeing the puppy start to eat Hermione's sandwich.

"It's alright, I wasn't hungry anymore," Hermione said as she stroked the soft fur on the puppy's back. She frowned as she watched it eat her sandwich, seeing him only eat parts of it. There was no bacon left, only bits of bread and a whole lot of egg. She raised her head up and saw the same look on Dean's face. "I think Bacon's a good name."

"Bacon it is," Dean laughed, watching Bacon walk to the side of the water and drink when he was done eating. "Hermione," he started, "I know I'm not one to intrude, but I have to ask… Love life bugging you again?"

Hermione sighed and shook her head. "What did Alice tell you?"

"She didn't tell me anything," Dean replied. "Sometimes you're an open book, and your broken heart is written all over your face."

"So everyone else knows?"

"Yeah, a few years I guess. It's not just me."

"Shit!" Hermione cursed. "That's the downfall of small towns… Everyone knows everything."

"What about this farm? Are you going to buy it?" he asked changing the subject. The look on her face about her love life was sad, and he didn't want to sadden her further. Obviously, the previous subject at hand was a very sensitive and personal matter.

"Alice told you about it?" Hermione asked. Just to be safe, she thought it was a private subject between her and Alice, not wanting the others to find out, fearing that she would cause a conflict if they didn't know.

"No one else knows about Alice selling, just Philippe and I," Dean replied.

"I told Alice I need some time to think about it."

"Honestly Hermione, Philippe and I are with Alice. Wouldn't want her to sell to anyone else but you. She might even sell to some corporation without even knowing. I hate it when farms are taken over by corporations. It changes everything, not just the farm, but the town itself. Greedy scum bags, thinking about themselves and not the people. It isn't right."

Hermione thought for a moment, and felt slightly pressured to take Alice's offer. "You think I'll do well?"

"Just as good as Alice, or even better," Dean replied. "Even your hybrid ideas blew me away."

Later, after their small talk, Hermione accompanied Dean into town to buy things for Bacon. She drove his pickup truck, while Bacon stayed on her lap. It was very obvious that the little puppy took well to Hermione, better than he had taken to his owner. Dean wasn't going to complain.

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AN – I love bacon! I could eat it all the time. I'd probably die early though. Haha! Review!