Remember When It Rained
Chapter Twenty One
Afterglow and Afterwards
In a small copse of trees, deep within the Forbidden Forest, the rain soaked bodies of the new lovers lay entwined as each tried to regain their breath. All around them the sounds of the creatures that occupied the forest began to sound again, as the rains stopped and the creatures emerged from their shelters. Neither one of them noticed, rapped up as they were in their own thoughts.
'Finally,' she thought, snuggling tighter against him. She felt safe in his strong, pale arms, his body against hers. She brought her hand to the arm that lay across her waist and stroked the skin. She felt his deep sigh, and smiled.
His eyes were closed, his face buried in her hair. Even wet, he thought, it smelled like carnations. Delicate and strong at the same time, it was a flower that suited her. His Hermione, he thought, with a sigh as her hand stroked his once marked arm, his alone, and consequences be damned.
"Hermione," he said aloud. "We should be getting back; it will soon be dawn."
She turned in his arms and kissed his lips sweetly. "I don't want to go back, I'd rather stay here."
He returned the kiss, only with more passion as his hands roamed her bare back and fire ignited in his veins. It would be so easy to run away with her, he thought. Just get up, transfigure her torn garments and take her far away.
"I know, but you have your NEWTS to finish and the end of term to see through, Hermione. I have a duty to Albus to complete, as well," he finally replied. She sighed and pressed herself against him wanting nothing more than to have him inside of her again, and in a sudden fit of boldness she told him as much.
He reluctantly untangled himself from her and stood, ignoring the lust filled stare she was giving him as her eyes raked his nude form, lingering on his erection, without the slightest bit of shyness.
"But Severus," she whispered in a husky tone. "I would be remiss in allowing you to return to the school in that condition. It must be uncomfortable."
He looked down at her and smirked, "How kind of you, dearest, to be concerned." He extended his hand to help her up, which she reluctantly took. Bending down to retrieve her sodden robes, she grimaced at their condition. Smiling at his arched brow, she extended the robe toward him. Two flicks later it was dry and clean, and she shrugged herself into it with an air of disappointment.
They walked out of the forest and into the gentle pink light of the rising Sun, side by side, each wrapped up in their own thoughts.
"Severus?" she asked eventually. "What happens now?"
His hand shot out, grabbing her by the elbow to steady her as she tripped over a stone. He drew a breath and stopped.
"You are mine now, Hermione," he answered in a velvet tone. "As to what happens now, that is a matter best left to discussion this evening."
She nodded her head and turned back toward the school. "I suppose that you and I are going to be in a great deal of trouble," she sighed. "It's funny but I'm more concerned about you getting sacked than I am about being expelled."
"I will handle Albus," he said, as he placed his hand on her shoulders. "You will certainly finish the term, of that you can be sure. As for me, Hermione, do not worry. I will be able to take care of myself, and you as well."
She looked back at him with a startled expression and he laughed. "What?" he asked. "I'm not a pauper, Hermione, and to be frank I have never really liked teaching. But this is a subject best left for tonight."
He pulled her into a tight hug and kissed the top of her head. "Now, back to the school with us, and do not worry yourself. I promise that it will all work out."
"Tea, Severus?" Albus Dumbledore asked mildly from behind his half moon spectacles.
"Yes, thank you, Headmaster," was Severus'stiff reply.
Albus poured the steaming Darjeeling into a china cup decorated in red roses and gold swords, while observing his Potions master in the early morning light that filtered into the tower windows. "Dear boy,' he thought. 'He looks just like a student in trouble.' Albus repressed a sigh and felt all of his one hundred and fifty years of age. Severus Snape was the son that Albus often wished he had been blessed with, and now that boy needed him, needed him even more than he had on the night he had pledged himself to The Cause.
"Headmaster," Severus began, shattering the silence. "I know that you-Albus I am here to tender my resignation."
Albus took a sip of his tea and eyed the man over the rim of the cup. "I will not mince words with you Severus," he said. "You and Miss Granger are both aware of the standards of conduct, here at this school."
Severus met the older man's eyes and saw no anger or disappointment in them. He was surprised but kept his features blank.
"I took advantage of a student, sir," he said softly. "And I do not regret it in the least."
"I know, my dear boy, I know.
Albus gave a short bark of a laugh at the startled expression on Severus' face and continued, "Miss Granger is what I would have wished for you if I were your father, Severus. What's more I think that she is perfect for you, and you for her."
"Sir, I-"
"Severus, my dear boy," he interrupted. "I am happy for you. Please do not think that I am disappointed in you or her, although I would wish that you both had waited until the end of term. No, I am happy that you have found love. I am proud of how you have conducted yourself over these many years, and so very honored to call you my friend. As I said in the Infirmary, you have redeemed yourself, son."
Severus was for once in his life rendered speechless. He rose from his chair and paced the room, as was his habit when discomfited. Albus merely looked upon him with patient affection and allowed a few minutes to pass before continuing.
"I expect you to finish out the term, of course. It would not do to leave your classes right before NEWTS. As to the rest, well, I expect you to keep in touch with me and I also expect you to keep up Miss Granger's apprenticeship with you, for you needn't be here to continue that."
Severus stopped his pacing and stood at full height in front of his friend. "And Miss Granger?" he asked.
"Severus," he said in resignation. "She is of age and besides I care for her too dearly to expel her. She will finish her education here with the rest of her class."
The dark wizard suppressed a sigh of relief. "Thank you Albus," he said quietly.
"I don't need to tell you that I expect decorum until the end of term, do I, Severus?"
"No, sir. I will speak with Hermione about this tonight."
Albus gave him a smile and said, "Don't fret, Severus and tell Miss Granger the same. There isn't but a month till the end, and then you may have a new beginning."
A/N Sorry for the wait. My computer crashed and I had a major case of writers block. Of course this is what happens when your muse likes Cosmpolitans too much! Please leave a review, I hate to beg, but I really love getting them. Live long and prosper, Titania