DISCLAIMER: This story is based on characters and situations created and owned by JK Rowling, various publishers including but not limited to Bloomsbury Books, Scholastic Books and Raincoast Books, and Warner Bros., Inc. No money is being made and no copyright or trademark infringement is intended.
Author Note: I've included some more extensive notes at the end of this chapter, as I didn't want to detract from the contents of this second part. Again, this chapter isn't betaed, though if you find any glaring errors, I would be grateful if you let me know what they are, so that I can fix them. Many thanks to Shiv5468 for her continued support, and Brit-picking skills. Any mistakes you find within the chapter are mine alone.
The Last
Secret - Part II
Thankfully, Minerva had already arranged for Hermione to use the small guest suite next to her rooms. Hermione really did not feel like knocking on Minerva's door again asking where she was staying for the night. The last thing she needed was a ribald comment to just ruin the evening entirely. Hermione liked Minerva, a lot, but she was damned sure she didn't want her budding relationship with Severus to turn into a spectator sport. Sighing, Hermione stood in front of Minerva's door and hoped that Severus would settle down and not make a huge issue of Minerva's teasing. 'I could never be that lucky,' she thought to herself ruefully. Too tired to think about it and too wrung out by all the things that had happened in the last twenty-four hours, Hermione turned and walked to the next door on the right. Opening the door, she was surprised to see a small sitting room and another open door through which she could see what looked to be a very large and very comfortable bed. Deciding to simply go to bed and sort out Severus in the morning, Hermione pulled back the thick covers, and then went into the bathroom to have a shower and try and relax the tension in her shoulders.
Waking just before dawn, Hermione felt as though she hadn't slept at all. The Headmaster's letter, along with Minerva's probing at dinner and Severus' moodiness, effectively meant that she'd spent the whole night trying to sort out what to do. Rising sluggishly, Hermione called for a House Elf to bring her a light breakfast, and then sat in the armchair facing the large arched window looking out towards the Forbidden Forest to think and plan just how she could stop Minerva's intrigues. If she was truthful, Hermione was worried that Severus would use Minerva's questions as a way of pulling back from her, and that really was the last thing she wanted. All Hermione really wanted to do was to see Severus, wrap her arms around him and snog him senseless. Snorting softly at the turn of her thoughts, Hermione was startled to see a small silver tray appear on the small nest of tables to her right. Standing from her chair, Hermione buttered her toast and poured a steaming cup of tea, before heading back to the armchair. When she could no longer put it off, Hermione wandered into the bedroom, enlarged the clothes she'd stuffed carelessly into her backpack, and once she'd decided on what to wear, went into the bathroom to shower and wake herself up. Hermione was just rinsing her mouth when there were several loud knocks on her door. Spitting out the water, Hermione hastily wiped her face with a towel and then quickly went to open the door. Both Ron and Harry more or less pushed their way through the door together as soon as she had released the latch. All three of them simply looked at each other awkwardly, until Ron gave a low whistle as he looked Hermione up and down. Feeling self conscious, Hermione crossed her arms over her chest before she realised just exactly where Ron's eyes had settled.
Huffing in anger, Hermione asked pointedly, "Do you think you could look at my face, Ron, instead of my tits?"
Hearing a snort behind her, Hermione turned to find Harry helping himself to the remains of her breakfast.
Seeing the sharp look of annoyance on Hermione's face, Harry said, "oh, sorry, Hermione, but we haven't had breakfast yet and this just smells too good."
Harry, at least, had the grace to look sheepish at Hermione's glare, and put the toast back on the plate, before wiping his jam covered fingers on his robes.
Ron, meanwhile, was looking at Hermione like a starving man in front of a feast.
"You look great out of uniform Hermione….really grown up and all."
"Thank you, Ron," Hermione said uncertainly.
"I mean, well, you look good. So, are you seeing anyone, 'cause, you know, we could….?"
"I wasn't interested last year Ron, so I think it holds true that I'm not at all interested this year. Is that why the pair of you are here – to chat me up?"
"No, Professor McGonagall asked us to come and get you and take you up to the Infirmary," Harry said absently, not looking at Hermione as he said it.
"What's happened? Is it Professor Dumbledore?" Hermione asked urgently.
"Yeah, it is," Harry said. "Apparently he's worse than yesterday. He's got this horrible rattling sound in his chest, and they think he hasn't got long to go."
"Oh," Hermione half gasped. "I need to go now. Are the pair of you coming with me?"
"Snape's there too," Harry stated coldly. "I don't want to be in the same room as that greasy tosser, and I can't understand why Professor McGonagall lets him stay anyway."
"Minerva contacted Severus herself yesterday, so I'm quite sure she wants him there," Hermione said emphatically, without thinking of the implications of calling Snape by his first name.
"Severus?" Both Harry and Ron shrieked. They both looked disgusted at hearing his name dropped so casually by Hermione.
"What the f…" Ron started, but Hermione interrupted.
"Don't you dare swear at me, Ron. I haven't seen either of you for over a year, even when you both knew I was unconscious and it wasn't certain if I would wake up. Neither of you took the time to come and see if I was all right."
"Bu…"
"No, Harry, I'm not interested in your excuses. You're both here because Minerva wanted you to know about Professor Dumbledore, but you have absolutely no say in my life. I was more upset that both of you just deserted me after it all, and that you went on to your own personal conquests without even looking back. I've made a life for myself that doesn't include the pair of you, and you've both got a bloody hide to even question me about anything."
"We just don't want you to get hurt," Ron said, though he made it sound less caring and more something said by rote.
"Well, perhaps you should have thought that maybe I needed my two best friends around me last year. I had to cope with the murder of my parents on my own, and then the realisation that you only wanted to get in my knickers, Ron. You didn't care about me for who I am, you just cared enough to try and get what you wanted. When I didn't give into your generous offer, you had no hesitation in calling me frigid!"
"I didn't mean it, 'Mione."
"Well, if you didn't mean it, you shouldn't have said it," Hermione said shortly, as she patted her jeans checking that she had her wand.
"Now, if you're both finished reminiscing, I'd like to go and see Professor Dumbledore before it's too late."
Hermione didn't give either of them a chance to say another word. She opened the door quickly and started walking towards the Infirmary. She didn't look back even when she could hear Ron's last parting shot.
"You reckon he's getting his end in, Harry?"
"I don't know," Harry said menacingly, "but I intend to find out. Come on, let's go."
Too angry to think clearly, Hermione didn't slow her pace even as she reached the entrance to the Infirmary. 'Warded,' she thought to herself as she felt the gentle probing near the open door. Walking in, Hermione didn't see Madam Pomfrey standing just inside the doorway, until she felt someone tugging at her sleeve.
Startled, Hermione turned to Madam Pomfrey and consciously tried to tamp down her anger when she saw the Medi-witch put a finger to her lips in order to quiet her. Nodding at her, Hermione understood immediately that this was not the time to go storming about muttering dire threats about what she'd like to do to Harry and Ron. Hadn't she told Severus much the same thing yesterday? Looking hastily towards the screens to her left, Hermione felt Madam Pomfrey let her sleeve go, before she patted her arm gently. Walking slowly around the screen, Hermione suddenly realised that there was a silencing charm in place on the screen itself. She was greeted by the sound of loud stuttering, laboured breaths coming from Professor Dumbledore, and a horrible gurgling noise as he breathed out through his open mouth. He hadn't woken, but she couldn't see any trace of the small smile he'd had on his face yesterday. He was lying on his back, propped up on several pillows. Severus was on the other side of the bed and Minerva was holding Professor Dumbledore's hand, as she wiped her eyes with a handkerchief. Stopping next to Minerva, Hermione reached out gently to touch her arm, before she moved forward enough to turn around and envelop the older woman in a hug. Not knowing what to say, Hermione felt Minerva loosen her hold, but before she could let go completely, Hermione hugged her again more firmly, before standing back. Minerva patted her cheek, nodding slightly to Hermione, all the while looking pointedly over towards Severus.
Hermione turned then and looked over at Severus standing stiffly, his arms hanging rigidly on either side of him.
Tightly controlled was perhaps the best way to describe Severus' rigid stance. He looked so tense, and Hermione wondered if perhaps he was unsure of just how he was supposed to show his grief, if at all. His head was bent forwards and his hair fell about his face like an impenetrable curtain, stopping Hermione for an instant. Resolutely, Hermione moved from Minerva's side over towards Severus, though she nearly stopped as he turned to glare at her. Mentally reassuring herself that his glare wasn't directed at her personally, Hermione stood next to him and reached out gently to place her right hand over his left as it rested in a fist stiffly at his side. Severus flinched and his whole body stiffened even more. He tried to pull his hand away, but Hermione refused to let go. Rather than force the issue, Severus gradually relaxed his hand so that their fingers could intertwine, his thumb gently rubbing back and forth over the side of her hand after several uncomfortable minutes.
From the harried look as Madam Pomfrey came around the screens, Hermione guessed that Harry and Ron had finally arrived. Hermione saw her lean over and whisper in Minerva's ear, a soft nod the only answer Minerva was able to give. Hat in hand, Hermione saw an old man come around the screens, falter and then press on towards Minerva resolutely. He said nothing, just stood at Minerva's side with his hand on her shoulder. Occasionally Hermione saw him wipe a tear away with the back of his right hand, but he said nothing to identify himself. As Hermione was looking at him, no doubt with a questioning look on her face, she saw the faintest twinkle in his eye – a very recognisable twinkle. Severus had one more half hearted attempt at disengaging his hand from Hermione, but she refused to let it go. It was left to Hermione to surmise that he knew the identity of the visitor, and then the knut dropped into place.
Aberforth Dumbledore had come to see his older brother one last time.
Minerva would never have expected Aberforth to come, and indeed she wondered how he'd found out. Looking over at Poppy, Minerva knew the answer to her unspoken question, and though she didn't know how to convey it, she was grateful for Aberforth's silent support. Too locked in her own grief, Minerva simply continued to hold Albus' hand, occasionally moving her fingers gently over it as if hoping he'd regain consciousness one last time. It was not to be.
A sudden grunt of anger behind her, made Minerva turn sharply, dislodging Aberforth's hand from her shoulder in the process. Harry was there, with Ron beside him, and both of them were staring daggers at Hermione and Severus. Behind them, Madam Pomfrey looked furious as she stepped forward to intervene. Before either of them could say anything, she pulled both of them away from where they were standing near the screen, until they were back around the other side. Hermione didn't need the silencing charm in place to know exactly what the pair of them were saying. Sighing to herself, she clasped Severus' hand more firmly, looked at him carefully and than back towards Minerva and Aberforth.
She didn't know how long she'd been standing by Professor Dumbledore's bedside, but the gurgling sound was getting louder and his breathing was very erratic. Just as she was thinking back to his letter, and the whole business with Arcanus and her diary, Hermione heard a single shuddering breath released…and then nothing.
The next thing Hermione was consciously aware of, was that Severus' shoulders were shaking, and that she had tears falling onto her blouse and the floor in front of her. Turning to Severus, Hermione let go of his hand and manoeuvred herself to stand directly in front of him. She put both of her arms around him, hugging him closer, as she bent her head towards his chest. It felt like forever before Severus moved his arms around Hermione and placed his cheek on the top of her head. Both of them then stood there together completely unaware of their surroundings. She didn't know how long they stood holding each other like that, but when straightened herself and stepped back, Hermione was aware of the pressing need to blow her nose. Severus released his hold on her then, staring coldly at something over her left shoulder. Hermione, staying close, turned to see what Severus was looking at. Harry and Ron were standing near the screens, looking disgusted. Ron's face was beetroot red and his jaw was moving stiffly back and forth. Hermione surmised that he would grind his teeth into nubs at the rate he was going. Harry also said nothing, settling instead to grace her with a look of such pure loathing that Hermione couldn't help but flinch under his stare. Severus took a step back, and then turned on his heel and went to stand in front of the large window at the end of the Infirmary. Resting his hands on the edge of the windowsill, he bent his head slightly forward, as he looked out silently towards the Forbidden Forest. Hermione went over to stand next to him quietly, after first staring back at Harry and Ron with a warning look. Unsure of whether or not to try and talk to Severus quietly, Hermione shifted from foot to foot, before she looked back to where Harry and Ron had been. They weren't there and Hermione could only guess they had either left of their own accord, or Madam Pomfrey had thrown them out again. Fishing in her pockets for a handkerchief, Hermione turned away from Severus and blew her nose. Stuffing the handkerchief back in the pocket of her jeans, Hermione turned to Severus once more, and placed her right hand on his forearm, squeezing it gently until he looked at her. Trying to smile, to reassure him as well as herself, Hermione leant up and kissed him on the cheek, before she let go of his arm and walked over towards Minerva and Aberforth. Nodding to Aberforth, Hermione then turned to find Minerva still sitting staring at the Headmaster. As far as Hermione could tell, she hadn't moved since Harry and Ron had been evicted the first time, but Hermione stood next to her, bent over and whispered her condolences. Receiving only the barest nod of recognition, Hermione then walked towards the edge of the silenced screens and off to have words with Harry and Ron.
It didn't take long to find them, though the noise of squealing from more than one seventh year student was bound to be a giveaway. Harry and Ron were standing in the midst of a crowd of students heading into lunch near the Great Hall, talking and regaling them with the story of Fluffy. Seeing Ron slap Harry sharply on his arm, they both turned towards her as she kept walking out the main doors and towards Hagrid's hut. Thankfully, they both took the hint. Hermione didn't think she could grab them both by their collars as she'd seen Madam Pomfrey do, but she was counting on their need to confront her. She didn't have to wait long.
The sound of heavy footsteps crunching leaves and twigs underfoot behind her, told Hermione that they were following her. Detouring from the path towards Hagrid's hut, Hermione decided to head over towards the disused garden near an old and dilapidated greenhouse. Casting several charms to stop any unwanted students either looking on or hearing anything, Hermione rounded on the pair of them, but before she could say anything Ron had opened his mouth and started to spew invective at her.
"So, is he a good shag, Hermione? I can't believe you turned me down for…that!"
"I turned you down, Ron, because you made me feel cheap, as though I was just going to be one more notch in your wand. And for your information, I am not shagging Severus."
"Could have fooled me," Harry added tartly. "You both looked really chummy back there."
"Yeah, like she wanted to comfort him, eh Harry?" Hermione bristled at the way Ron made it sound so grubby.
Harry just nodded, without looking away from Hermione.
"I thought I knew you, Hermione," Harry started to say, "but maybe it was just that you were too good at hiding things from us. I wouldn't be at all surprised if you didn't do most of your studying flat on your back."
"What, like the pair of you, Harry?" Hermione shot back, annoyed with herself for descending to their level.
Harry practically snarled. "At least we didn't sneak around fucking a greasy bastard of a teacher. That hard up are you?"
"How dare you? How dare both of you stand there and accuse me of that. You don't know me, and what hurts most of all is that I thought you were my friends, my best friends. Perhaps I was wrong?"
"Perhaps you were at that, Hermione," Ron said with quiet menace. "Perhaps if we'd known you had a soft spot for Snape, we'd have been much more careful about hanging out with you? No wonder you hardly ever got detention."
"Argh! I refuse to continue this if the pair of you simply won't listen to me. I like him, Severus, as a person. I like the fact that when I was grieving for my parents last year, he helped me. We share something, he and I, and before you ask, I can't tell you what it is. It certainly isn't as sordid as the pair of you are making it out to be either. I don't know what the future holds for us, but I'm willing to stick around and find out – and that, as far as I'm concerned, is all the pair of you need to know."
"I suppose the greasy git put a spell on you, …" Harry started to say, but one icy look from Hermione stopped him completing the sentence.
"Never mind, I don't want to know," Ron said dismissively, shrugging his shoulders. "Let's leave her too it, Harry. After all, we mustn't keep her away from him for too long. He might come looking for her and then we'd have to put up with them getting mushy."
Harry and Ron both gave her one final hard look, before turning around and walking back towards the castle. Too shocked to think, Hermione merely waved her wand haphazardly over their heads and removed the charms she'd placed on the area. Slumping to the ground, Hermione dropped her wand next to her side and simply stared at the two of them as they walked off, chatting to each other as though nothing had happened.
The next thing Hermione was aware of was someone standing quietly next to her, casting a long shadow in front of her. Looking over at the black polished boots and upwards into Severus' eyes, Hermione straightened her legs and gingerly tried to stand. Helping her up, Severus bent down and picked up her wand, handing it back to her carefully.
"Do I want to know why you're sitting on the cold ground staring off into space?"
Hermione just shook her head wearily, not looking up from the ground.
"I thought not. Minerva is looking for you. She wants us to have dinner in the Great Hall tonight, as she has to tell the students about the Headmaster. She said she could do with a few friendly faces around her."
Hermione screwed up her face wondering what that odd statement meant.
"It seems," Severus continued, "that Weasley and Potter couldn't help but give their condolences without a few pithy words about your taste in men. As far as I can tell, Minerva threatened to turn the pair of them into pin cushions for the second years to practice on."
Through a half snort, half sob, Hermione looked up into Severus' face, as he squinted into the setting sun.
"As for myself; once I found out, I promised the pair of them that if they couldn't control themselves around either Minerva or yourself, I would make sure there wasn't enough of them left to scrape into a wand case. I believe they understood my point," he said calmly, with no change in his tone as he looked off into the distance. "They've left the castle, Hermione, but they'll be back tomorrow for the funeral."
Reaching for him then, Hermione was taken aback when Severus stepped away nimbly, shaking his head slowly. Taking a closer look at him, Hermione suddenly realised he was standing before her wearing nearly all black, and except for a cloak, Severus was dressed as he had been for all the years Hermione could remember him teaching her.
"Why are you dressed like that, Severus?"
"I decided to dress for dinner, and nothing says dressed better than this," he quipped with a half smile gracing his lips. "I suggest you change as well, Hermione. It's probably going to be a long night, and I know Minerva is planning to have drinks in the Staffroom at some point."
"You're dressed like that so you can scare the students, aren't you?"
"That would be a beneficial side effect, for sure, but it's one of the few things I managed to pack yesterday," Severus said with a shrug.
"Oh! You know, I have no idea what I've packed. I wasn't looking too closely this morning," Hermione said absently. "I suppose I can Transfigure something after I've had a shower. What I do know, Severus, is that I'd like a 'proper' greeting at some stage today."
"Hmmm…I suppose that could be arranged, but not on such open ground, if you don't mind."
"If I told you I could arrange for you to give me said 'proper' greeting without an audience, would this open ground be all right?"
Not waiting for an answer, Hermione cast the same series of charms she'd used to shield the area prior to her confrontation with Harry and Ron. Dropping her wand on the ground next to her right foot again, Hermione looked at Severus intently, and then, stepped closer to him. She placed both hands on either side of his head, before moving them around to the back of his neck. Nudging him forward, she turned her face just so and kissed him directly on the lips. Too startled to do anything at first, Severus swiftly wrapped his arms around Hermione and returned the favour. Moving her fingers experimentally, Hermione stroked the skin of Severus' neck, revelling when he shuddered every so often. He didn't let go, and nor did she, but she felt his arms slowly slide gently down her back as they came to rest on her hips. Moving closer still, Hermione continued to explore his mouth, their tongues twining together, as she enjoyed the sensation of both of them moulding themselves to each other. Eventually Severus drew back, but not before he'd moved his face to her left side and placed an open mouthed kiss on her neck. Keeping his hands on her hips, Severus straightened up, smiled openly and said, "I hope that counts as a proper greeting, Hermione."
"Oh, yes," Hermione countered, slightly breathless, "though I think you might have to do it again, just to make sure."
"I'm afraid it will have to be later, or you'll have to explain to Minerva just why we missed dinner. After last night, I don't fancy that, not that I think Minerva's in any fit state start prodding us again for tidbits, but it doesn't hurt to be safe rather than sorry."
"I suppose you're right," Hermione mock pouted, "but if you think I'm going to bed without a goodnight kiss, you'd better think again, Severus."
"I'll take it under advisement, Hermione. Now, you'd best take down the shields before anyone comes looking for us. You should have just enough time to change before dinner."
Walking into the Great Hall with Severus beside her was nerve wracking. Severus allowed her to precede him past the student tables and up to their places next to each other on high table. The Headmaster's chair was empty, with his wand laid gently across the plain white plate. Minerva was sitting in her customary place on the right and Severus and Hermione in the two extra chairs placed directly to the left of the empty chair. Hermione could hear the rustle of voices around her and she supposed they; the students and other teachers, were all wondering just why she and Severus were eating at high table on a school night. Hermione hadn't packed anything suitable for dinner, but she managed to transfigure her navy jacket into a navy set of robes, under which she'd managed to find a skirt and blouse to match…with a little help.
All the upset over the course of the day had left Hermione exhausted and not in the least bit hungry. Having watched Severus eat a large roast and then line up for pudding as well, just two nights ago, Hermione realised just how stressful the day had been for him as well. He just picked at his dinner, whilst looking out over the student tables every so often. Seeing a slight smirk out of the corner of her eye near the end of the meal, Hermione surmised that he'd caused some poor unfortunate student to flinch and turn away. It took all of Hermione's willpower not to lean across and whisper in his left ear for him to behave. Whilst his contrite look would have been priceless, it was something better left to a time not filled with so much sadness. The last thing Hermione needed was for Severus to get annoyed with her again and exit from the Great Hall as soon as was polite or possible. Minerva would never let her hear the end of it for one thing, but the tittering and whispering of the other staff and students would have been even worse.
Hermione's thoughts were interrupted with the scraping of chair legs on the stone of the floor. Looking past Severus, Hermione saw Minerva contemplate standing fully, leaning both hands heavily on the table in front of her, only to sit again quickly as she reached out with a knife to tap the edge of her empty wine goblet. The noise of the students all chattering gradually subsided into silence, though Hermione could still hear the occasional whisper from the Hufflepuff table in front of her. Minerva continued to tap her glass; never varying the strength of the steady tapping until there was absolute quiet in the Great Hall. Looking to her left towards Hermione and Severus, Minerva turned back to face the student tables, took a deep breath and began to speak in a croaky, hushed voice.
"Students of Hogwarts, it is my unfortunate duty as Deputy Headmistress of this school, to inform you of…about Professor Albus Dumbledore's absence this evening. As many of you are no doubt aware, he has been ill in the Infirmary since yesterday evening. This morning his condition deteriorated and at a little after eleven o'clock this morning, he died, with his closest friends and family in attendance."
Taking a deep breath, Minerva paused, as much to steady herself as it was to accommodate the wave of noise from the students in front of her. Allowing them some time to chatter amongst themselves, Minerva again tapped her glass, though she did not need to do so for nearly as long the second time.
"The funeral will be tomorrow afternoon and all students are excused from classes to attend if they so wish. I would ask that you not make too much noise in the castle prior to the funeral, as we are expecting many mourners to arrive later this evening and in the morning. I would also ask that you not crowd some of the more recognisable guests unless they give you their express permission to approach them. That is all," Minerva finished hoarsely.
The knife that Minerva had been holding clattered onto the wooden table loudly a she leant forward suddenly, her face in her hands.
Both Madam Pomfrey and Severus stood at almost the same time, though Severus allowed Poppy to move past him first as he made his way over to stand at Minerva's left side. Reaching out gently, his right hand hovering for an instant above her shoulder, Severus gently laid his hand on her shoulder as he looked out over the quiet whispering throughout the Great Hall. Minerva nearly dislodged his hand when she slumped back suddenly in the chair. Poppy Pomfrey then moved to cup Minerva under her right elbow. Severus mimicked Poppy's action and they both managed to help Minerva stand unsteadily from the table. Hermione, though slower to rise, had both hands on the back of Minerva's chair and with a nod from Severus, whisked it away lest Minerva trip over it. Walking slowly, Poppy and Severus helped the mute and unsteady Minerva out of the Great Hall, where the staircases, as if sensing their haste, combined to allow the three of them to make their way as quickly as possible to Minerva's quarters.
Once Severus and Poppy had steered Minerva into the bedroom, Severus left the room, closing the door quietly. Moving woodenly over to the single armchair, Severus slumped into it, letting out an exhausted sigh. Sitting forward on the edge of the chair, Severus scrubbed his hands over his face several times, before leaning back into the comfort of the chair. Suddenly, he stood abruptly as he realised that Hermione had not followed them upstairs. Relaxing gradually, Severus realised that Hermione was probably still trying to get away from some of her former teachers. Sitting down again, Severus debated whether or not to wait for her here or go back to his guest chambers in Ravenclaw Tower. As if thinking about her had made Hermione aware of his internal debating, there was a soft knock at the door behind him. Severus stood and opened the door just as Hermione was lifting her hand to knock again. Looking at each other intensely, Severus stood back so that Hermione could come in. Unknown to the pair of them, Poppy Pomfrey was watching their interaction with each other quietly from the open doorway leading to the bedroom. Closing the door with a quiet click, Severus and Hermione both looked over to see Poppy moving towards the fireplace. Ordering supper for the three of them, Poppy moved to Severus' recently vacated chair. Whether by accident or design, that left Severus and Hermione to sit on the lounge facing Poppy's armchair.
"How is she?" Severus asked quietly.
"Resting with the aid of some Dreamless Sleep. She'll need all her strength to get through tomorrow," Poppy answered just as quietly.
"Yes," was all that Severus could say.
Hermione's contribution was to try and stifle a yawn, though she wasn't very successful.
Poppy tutted at her and added, "I don't suppose I could convince you to take a dose as well, Miss Granger?"
"I'll be fine, Madam Pomfrey. I just need a good night's sleep after all the stress today."
"So I heard."
Hermione looked at Madam Pomfrey pointedly before turning sharply as Severus snorted.
"How…"
"I think you'll find, Hermione, that Poppy has a far better idea of the things that go on in this school than many would give her credit for," Severus interrupted smoothly, not taking his eyes off the Medi-witch.
"Just so," Poppy said, "though you'll also find that I rarely repeat what I've been told."
Hermione could only nod, before she saw Madam Pomfrey rise quickly and take the tea tray from the elf standing silently near the fireplace.
Placing the tray on the coffee table in front of them, Poppy resumed her seat.
"I'm not letting either of you leave until you've had something to eat and drink. As much as tomorrow will be an ordeal for Minerva, it will also be trying for the pair of you."
Hermione could see Severus open his mouth quickly to protest, but Poppy continued undaunted.
"No. Severus, it is poor form for you to pass out at a funeral. I watched both of you as you pushed your food around your plates at dinner. You both have two choices – a night in the Infirmary with Dreamless Sleep, or tea and cake now?"
Letting out a breath loudly, Severus leant forward without further argument said dryly, "Shall I play mother?"
Hermione giggled nervously, causing Severus to turn and look at her warningly. Deciding that discretion was the better option, Hermione leant forward to pick up the milk jug, before silently pouring some into each cup as she saw Madam Pomfrey's slight nod. When neither Severus or Hermione looked as though they were going to be the first to eat, Poppy huffed in an exasperated manner, as she stood and cut two large slices of sponge cake, before handing them over with an arched look on her face. Both Hermione and Severus sighed quietly at the same time, as they reached out to take the plates being thrust in front of them. Poppy was true to her word. She sat back in her chair and sipped her tea as they both ate, and though she would never have said anything, she was delighted when they both; without prompting, each cut themselves another slice.
"Now, that wasn't so hard, was it?" Poppy asked lightly as both Hermione and Severus set down their empty plates.
Severus' only response was to scowl at Poppy's smile, whilst Hermione suddenly realised not only that she had been hungry, but that she was close to falling asleep where she was. Another yawn, which Hermione did not even attempt to stifle, saw Poppy stand in front of the pair of them tutting.
"I've half a mind to put you in the Infirmary for the night anyway, Miss…Hermione. You don't mind if I call you Hermione, do you?"
"Of course not, Madam Pomfrey."
"Best you call me Poppy then. Madam Pomfrey makes me feel horribly old, and everyone who is not a student calls me by my first name. As you're no longer a student, Hermione, well, just call me Poppy."
Hermione yawned again and then stood wearily, all the while nodding as Poppy spoke to her.
"Now, it's off to bed with the pair of you. The morning will roll around far more quickly than either of you realises. Minerva will need some distraction in the morning if she's going to be in any fit state to make it through tomorrow afternoon. They'll be all and sundry wandering through here tomorrow and I'd ask that both of you make sure she doesn't tire herself out too much."
Severus and Hermione cast a sideways look at each other as Severus stood slowly as well. Inclining his head once to Poppy, Severus touched Hermione lightly on her right elbow and they both edged their way around the table and towards the door to leave. Neither of them turned around as Poppy tidied up the tea things, the sound of crockery being moved was the only noise in the stillness.
Opening the door for Hermione once again, Severus did not remove his hand from her elbow as he closed the door behind him and they both continued slowly to Hermione's rooms next door. Stopping, Hermione simply turned the door handle and opened the door. Waiting for some scathing words from Severus about her lack of wards, Hermione was more surprised that he said nothing. Letting go of her elbow, Severus made to leave, but Hermione tugged his sleeve, causing him to turn around with a questioning look.
"I meant what I said outside before, Severus."
Looking at her blankly, Severus was about to ask what she was talking about, when it occurred to him exactly what Hermione meant. Turning his head to look up and down the corridor, Severus gave Hermione the barest of smiles. Leaning forward slowly, Severus moved his head to kiss her cheek before he stood back. Hermione smiled ruefully, and then tugged him by the shirtsleeves inside the door. Warding it, she turned around and moved closer to him, saying cheekily, "Whilst that was indeed a kiss, Severus, it's not exactly what I had in mind."
"Oh, well, let's just put it down to fatigue then, shall we?"
Reaching up with her right hand, Hermione let her fingers ghost across his cheek, as she stepped closer and put her left hand on his right shoulder. Taken aback by her enthusiasm, Severus mimicked her movements as they moved closer to each other. This time though, Severus leant forward and kissed Hermione on her forehead, before moving his hand so that he could kiss her on each cheek. Moving his head back slightly, Severus changed direction to kiss Hermione just below her left ear and then alternately nibbled and flicked his tongue down her neck, before he planted another open mouthed kiss where her neck met her shoulder. Hermione groaned softly at his last kiss and Severus quirked one side of his mouth into a smile at her obvious appreciation. Deciding that he wanted to hear that sound again, Severus languidly kissed her in the same spot again, flicking his tongue at the same time. Hermione's groan was louder and she clung to him even as he tried to stand up straight again.
"Is that the sort of goodnight kiss you were after Hermione?"
Hermione could only nod clumsily, fully aware of the heat in her face and neck. Severus took both his hands away from her upper arms, but then changed his mind and ghosted them over her cheeks one last time before he started to move around her towards to door. Hermione could only turn and look at him drowsily. Neither of them said anything as Severus opened the door, stopped one last time to look at Hermione, and then left, closing the door softly behind him. Lightly touching the side of her neck, Hermione's smile turned into a yawn as she turned to make her way to bed. Poppy was right – tomorrow was going to be a very long day.
Severus, true to his word, had knocked lightly on her door just after eight o'clock the next morning and Hermione had only then realised just how deeply etched the dark circles under his eyes were. She knew she'd slept better, if only through exhaustion and the overload of emotions she'd endured the day before with Harry and Ron, as well as their silent vigil at the Headmaster's bedside. After a thorough good morning kiss, Severus had stayed to have breakfast with her, before both of them left her rooms, and again found themselves knocking on Minerva's door. They both stayed with Minerva all morning, leaving only to escort her down to stand in the open doors of the main entrance in the early afternoon.
Hermione was surprised to see such a large number of mourners on either side of the open hearse drawn by two thestrals. The mourners had arranged themselves in an honour guard that almost reached the school gates, before veering off towards the Forbidden Forest. All of the teachers were standing on the steps and Hermione saw Aberforth Dumbledore standing a little apart from everyone else at the bottom of the steps. Hermione was startled out of her observations as Minerva turned to her, hugging her firmly, before she turned and did the same to Severus. Walking slowly down the steps, Minerva linked arms with Aberforth as Severus offered his arm to Hermione. As they moved down the steps, Hermione could hear the shuffling of the teachers as they followed them. It was only later that Hermione understood that as they passed, the mourners lining their route to the grave site had fallen in behind them, forming a huge snaking procession of black.
Hermione had never realised that a funeral could be so exhausting, and though the words said at the graveside had been thankfully brief, she couldn't wait to leave and quietly return to her guest rooms, preferably with Severus. Most of the mourners had already adjourned to the Great Hall for the wake, but several had stayed to quietly talk to Minerva. Hermione had not seen Harry or Ron amongst the mourners, but she also knew that she had not actively looked for them in the sea of faces either. Looking over at Severus as he stood talking to Aberforth Dumbledore, Hermione watched quietly as the two men shook hands firmly before Severus turned and walked over towards her. As he came closer, Severus put out his left arm, clasping Hermione's right hand, before he raised their joined hands to his lips and kissed her gently on her knuckles.
Additional Notes: Firstly, my apologies to anyone whom I have inadvertently upset with the contents of this chapter. I did, however, owe it to the characters to keep the story as true to my original plan as I could – canon shafted though it is. I have never found it quite as hard to write a chapter, as I have this one. I have invested a huge amount of myself into this very long two part chapter, and I have to admit, I never ever thought I would draw on my healthcare background quite so much. It is my firm belief that everyone deserves the upmost dignity and respect on their way out of this world, as they usually receive on the way in. I am hoping that I have managed to convey that theme throughout the chapter? I will not know the answer to that question unless you; the reader, tells me if the chapter has worked, or flopped.
All comments, constructive criticism and/or reviews are most welcome.