The Halloween feast had gone well. Severus and Hermione had talked a little on their own, but mostly as a group with the other professors. The glances they cast at one another told of their affection, though. Once the feast was over and the students began filing out of the room, Minerva had taken Severus aside and had spoken to him about her plans for the year. He was to join them again for the Christmas feast before the holiday break. He gladly accepted the invitation before bidding her farewell. Before he walked out the door, he had looked up at Hermione one last time. Once she glanced his way, he had given her a gentle nod and raised his hand in farewell. She had done the same with a small, sad smile on her face.

A few days later, he had taken a break from his brewing for some lunch when the pile of unread letters caught his eye. He finished his meal quickly and hesitantly approached the letters, wondering what she had tried to say. Opening the first, he found a long letter full of sweet words, apologies and wishes that things had gone differently or that she could go back in time to fix things. Most of the other letters said the same things in different words. Towards the end, she joked about hunting down a Time-Turner to resolve things. The last couple letters were shorter and less passionate; he wondered if she was running out of words or had been giving up hope. Either way, he had known that it was time to respond.

Dear Hermione,

Please forgive me for my lack of responses to your letters. It was most inconsiderate and I wish I had not waited so long. On that note, perhaps we should call it even on past regrets.

I cannot say that I understand completely the reasons that you rejected me, nor can I say it didn't cut me deeply – however, I understand that you had your reasons and, if you still wish to, I would be willing to learn why things happened the way they did.

Hoping to make amends,

Severus

Dearest Severus,

You cannot imagine how happy it made me to receive your letter. I understand why you didn't write to me at first, and though it hurt, I don't resent you in the least. You had your reasons.

As for my reasons – Severus, I would love to accept you one day. I would love if you would ever propose to me again someday, I really would. My only reason for not accepting was because I felt it was rushing things. Our relationship has been rocky at best and it felt as though we'd only really settled into something resembling a relationship for a few days prior to the ball.

I really wasn't trying to reject you – I'd simply like to wait a bit before making such a commitment. It would hurt us both worse, I think, to be that committed if anything should happen where we no longer wish to be together. I would love a relationship with you, Severus. Ever since that first time we kissed, I've had feelings for you. I adore you and miss you terribly. I hope you can find it in your heart to forgive me.

Yours,

Hermione

Hermione-

I suppose that holds some validity. I forgive you, and hope, in return, you can forgive me of my ego.

-Severus

Dear Severus-

You are a man of few words I see. I do of course forgive you.

May we start again? I very much would like to get to know Severus Snape.

Yours,

Hermione

Dear Hermione-

Anything you wish to know, I will tell. And I would very much like to start again. It may be difficult for a while, as I am very busy filling orders before the holidays.

Perhaps I can treat you to a drink sometime?

Severus

Dear Severus-

I understand. Things are quite busy here as well with the end of the term. I've heard from Minerva that you will be attending the Christmas feast – is this true? If so… perhaps you would stay for the holiday break? Or I could come and stay with you? If this is too much too quickly, I apologize.

Please let me know.

Yours,

Hermione

Dear Hermione-

I would love nothing more. I will take you home with me after the feast, then.

Yours,

Severus

They did not see each other between the Halloween and Christmas feasts, but wrote many letters back and forth. Each letter he received from her made his heart beat a little faster. He looked forward to reading her words and responding.

The night of the Christmas feast he had taken much too long to get ready for his taste. He obsessed over everything – was his hair clean enough? Did he smell alright? Was that a spot on his robes? He eventually growled at himself in the mirror and stalked downstairs, quickly downing a glass of Firewhiskey for his nerves before Apparating away.

The Christmas feast was beautiful. Perhaps he missed Hogwarts and that was why it looked so beautiful whenever he saw it – it was just an old castle after all. But he felt warmly towards it no matter his school years or time teaching Potions. It may not have been his first choice of a class but he did enjoy making Potions and was rather good at it. Either way, he felt a calmness settle over him as he entered the Great Hall and made his way up to the head table. Sitting there between Minerva and Filius was Hermione, looking even more exquisite than usual. His heart thumped erratically as he made his way to the seat beside her, feeling elated to be the recipient of her bright smile.

"How long have you and Severus been together?" Hermione choked on her tea and looked up at Minerva, startled.

"W…what?" She stuttered, wiping tea from her chin. Minerva smiled knowingly.

"A woman knows these things, Hermione." Seeing her confused expression, she went on. "You absolutely lit up at the Halloween feast when you saw him. You've been writing letters non-stop, distracted… classic love-sickness." She smiled again as she took a sip of her tea.

"Well, well I… but… I don't…" Hermione fumbled for the right words, unsure what to say.

"My dear, it's quite all right. I won't out to you to anyone. I am, perhaps surprisingly, an advocate of love myself. If it's love, you must fight for it. Life is short – even for us magical folk." She said with a wink. Hermione chewed her lip.

"I don't know if it's love." She admitted.

"Do you want it to be?"

"I think so, yes." Hermione blushed.

"Then it is worth the fight. Trust me." Her face took on a weary, saddened expression. Hermione furrowed her brow at the older woman. "I myself was in love. Unfortunately, I made the mistake of not fighting for it. And I lost it."

"I'm sorry." Hermione whispered.

"Nonsense, there's nothing to be sorry for. Just make sure you don't make the same mistake." Minerva took a deep breath and plastered a smile on her face, winking at the young woman before her.

Hermione had left the office feeling a bit confused, but knew Minerva was right. The feast was right around the corner and she would be spending the holidays with him. She needed to take advantage of the situation and do exactly what Minerva said – fight. He was worth it.

The night of the Christmas feast, she took extra care with her appearance. Ginny knew all about Severus coming and had demanded to help her get ready. As a student, she had to wear her school robes, but her face was beautifully made up and her hair was intricately braided.

"Alright, sit down and close your eyes. I'll tell you when I'm done." Ginny announced. Hermione felt a bit unsure about giving Ginny total control, but relented in the end. She sat back in her vanity chair and let the younger witch go to work. What seemed like hours later, Ginny told her to look in the mirror. She did as she was told and gasped at her reflection.

She didn't look anything like herself. Her hair was straight, tumbling down to her mid-back. Her eyes had been lined with white eyeliner and complimented with white and black mascara and a light blue eyeshadow. The result made her eyes look frosted. Her lips were a pale pink and her cheeks lightly dusted with blush. It was stunning. She turned to thank Ginny and found her holding up a light blue dress – it had many straps, an extremely low-cut back, it was knee-length and made of a slinky silk material.

"I can't wear that!" She exclaimed. Ginny rolled her eyes and pulled some dark blue robes off the bed.

"You'll wear it under these, silly." Ginny teased. Hermione smiled at her friend. This was perfect – Severus would love it.

When he entered the Great Hall, she could feel him. It was like something deep in her stomach pulled and when she looked up, there he was. Her heart beat excitedly as he made his way towards her, his eyes never leaving hers.

"Good evening, Hermione." He said quietly as he sat on the open chair between her and Minerva.

"Good evening, Severus." She breathed. Having him at this proximity made her skin tingle.

"You look beautiful tonight." He said. Hermione blushed and smiled.

"Ginny made me up."

"I'll have to remember to thank her." He said with a smirk as Minerva rose to deliver her speech. Hermione snorted but sent Ginny a quick smile.

A few hours later Hermione and Severus had eaten their fill, enjoyed some wine and talked to most of the professors at the head table. Hermione had also spoken to Harry and Ginny before they headed to the Burrow for more festivities. They invited the two of them to join the Weasleys for Christmas, but much to Severus's relief, Hermione had politely declined, announcing that they would be spending the holidays together. Ginny sent a wink Hermione's way as they left.

"Shall we?" Severus asked smoothly, holding out his hand rather than the crook of his arm. Hermione smiled warmly up at him.

"We shall." She took his hand, feeling a warm tingling travel through her hand and up her arm. He gave her a rare smile and led the way out of the castle and to his home.