A/N : Once again, sorry for the delay in posting this. This chapter was hard to write for me and work has been taking over my time constantly. Here's quite an emotional chapter for you. Hope you like it!

Thanks to my beta Christine for her support!

25. Confessions

"What is it, Hermione, please tell me," Severus repeated. He now really began to fear she might just break up with him again and was frightened to tell him so. The very thought of this possibility was almost too painful to bear.

"Would you like to cancel our evening together?" Severus couldn't help but ask. That seemed to get through to Hermione and she finally looked into his eyes, confused.

"What? No, Severus," she replied, sounding absolutely baffled. Which calmed Severus instantly.

"Then tell me what seems to frighten you so much. Please," he added quietly.

"Can we please leave, I don't want to do this here?" Hermione asked and nodded shortly into the corner of the kitchen where Molly was still hovering over something on the stove. She really loved Molly but she couldn't talk about her most inner conflict with Severus in her presence.

"Of course, Hermione. Let me help you into your coat, then."

They didn't speak as they left The Burrow and Severus side-along apparated her directly into London as soon as they had left the wards.

When they appeared in London, Hermione stayed in Severus's arms longer than she would have needed to regain her balance and gathered her strength. She should have known that she would not be able to hide anything this significant from Severus, nor should she. If she really wanted to have an honest relationship with him, she should tell him the truth about her feelings. Even if she had only discovered them days ago herself. It still troubled her how she could have not noticed them being there at all for months.

Severus didn't seem willing to let go of her either and held her in his embrace as long as possible. Finally, he let go to look into Hermione's face and it was obvious she seemed to have calmed down a bit.

"Shall we?" He asked and took her hand to lead to her through the Muggle neighbourhood in London. She only nodded and silently followed him along.

Severus now could only congratulate himself to his decision to have drinks before dinner. He sincerely doubted that Hermione would be able to eat anything before they had talked about what seemed to be troubling her so severely. He didn't want to push her any further and kept silent, waiting for her to start talking. She seemed to be a different woman from the last time he had seen her.

Finally, they reached the pub Severus had selected for their drinks. They stepped inside and Severus was relieved that the place was not too crowded and quiet enough for talking.

"What would you like to drink, Hermione?" He asked her after he had helped her out of cloak.

"A glass of dry white wine, thank you," she said and smiled at him.

Hermione sat down at a table in a quiet corner and gathered her thoughts. She was thankful that Severus hadn't pushed her to talk or had filled the silence with chatter. I must have really frightened him when he saw me. So much that he thought I would split up with him already. I really have to apologize first. And he has shown such patience, although he really must wonder what is going on with me. How could I ever have come to the conclusion I should keep silent about my feelings?

Severus returned with their drinks. He had bought himself a Guinness and also brought some peanuts to go with their drinks.

Hermione waited until he sat down and then grabbed his hand over the table. He looked at her, astonished.

"Severus," she began, "I am sorry that I frightened you with my behaviour earlier. I really am. I can't imagine what you must think of me now."

"Hermione, you are sorry that you frightened me? I thought that you were afraid of me from that look you gave me when I arrived. I admit I was thinking that you might call this off," he said, gesturing between them, "but most of all I was worried what might have happened between Tuesday and today."

"Then I am sorry to have caused you worry, and I have to admit I was frightened, and I still am because I have to tell you something." Merlin, I am babbling.

"And I really don't know how to start, but please don't think I want to end what has only just begun. I don't want to call this off, " she said while squeezing his hand and gathering a deep breath and some more courage, "because I think I love you."

There – it was out. And now she only had to explain it. But the sight of Severus' face immediately shut her up again. His eyes were widened and his mouth was hanging open and he was blushing. It seemed he was bereft of any ability to speak and just sat there, staring at her, his drink or any surroundings forgotten.

Which was fine because Hermione still had her part to tell him.

"Now I wasn't afraid to tell you this, specifically, but the details around it. You see, when I returned to The Burrow on Tuesday night, I was so tired and happy that I fell asleep instantly. And I slept better than I have in ages, thanks to our evening, I think," she continued and had to smile because his expression still hadn't changed.

"On Wednesday morning I rushed straight to my new flat and I only had a moment for myself in the afternoon, after Molly had given me a thorough questioning of our evening together. After quite a long inner debate I had to ask myself honestly what I am feeling for you. I admit I acted on impulse on Tuesday evening and I still think it was the right thing to do, but I hadn't asked myself before what I really felt for you. Prior to my visit to you, I only thought about what you might feel for me. And the longer I looked into my feelings, I slowly found out that I've been in love with you for a longer period of time that you might think … appropriate." Gods - this is hard, his expression betrays nothing and I don't know what he's thinking. But I've come this far, now out with it.

Her pause seemed to break Severus from his state. "What do you mean - appropriate?" He asked, looking confused now.

"I think I've already fallen for you when I was still mourning Ron, Severus. I didn't acknowledge or recognize my feelings then. I think only mom did, really, but I feel like I betrayed you both.

You, because I didn't even recognize what I felt and still mourned Ron at the same time. Ron, because I shouldn't be able to fall in love with anyone else while I was still mourning him. I feel guilty and ashamed and I really don't know what you think of me now and I would understand if you might want to end things now," she ended, exhausted, and tears welling from her eyes. She closed her eyes and tried to shut out the world. Severus just had to be horrified now.

She felt his hand squeezing hers and gently caressing it with his fingers. He didn't pull away like she had expected him to.

"Hermione, please, look at me." His voice was low and gentle.

Ever so slowly she opened her eyes and looked straight into his. Never before had she seen a more warm and gentle expression in them.

"You love me?"

"Yes, Severus, it seems like I do."

"And you really think it inappropriate that you have loved me for several weeks or months now and weren't even aware of it?

"Yes."

"I don't see your point." He said, now openly smiling at her.

"You don't?"

"No, Hermione. It is perfectly normal to feel guilty when you have lost a beloved person and fall in love with a new one. Don't you think this has happened to others before? I also think it's perfectly normal to only recognize your feelings for me when you were really ready for it, and not earlier. You didn't betray me or Ron, your mind and heart handled this perfectly, don't you see?

And don't you think I didn't feel guilty about my feelings for you when you were in love with Ron and mourning him afterwards?"

Could he be right? His arguments sounded sensible enough, but the guilt doesn't go away that easily. And he felt guilty all the time as well? I guess we both have to learn how to be in love again.

"It is perfectly alright to feel the way you feel, just like you said, we need to take this slow, until you feel more comfortable with me," Severus interrupted her thoughts.

Oh – he has gotten this completely wrong.

"But that exactly is the problem, Severus. I feel so good when I am with you that I am forgetting everything else when I really shouldn't. I've never been kissed like that before," she said heatedly and so loud that several people turning towards them, listening in. Hermione was blushing heavily from her admission.

"I do feel comfortable with you," she continued in a more quiet tone, "more than I should. More than I've ever felt with anyone." And that brought back on the guilt, again. She sighed.

Severus's mind was reeling with everything she had confessed. She loved him. Something he had never thought possible. She had never felt like this with anyone, not even with Ron. Of course she felt guilty about that. He could relate to that. But that didn't stop him from being the happiest person on the whole bloody planet right now. He had to tell her that, even if he made a fool of himself.

"Hermione, do you realize that you've just made me the happiest man on earth?"

She looked at him, confused, and he decided there had been enough talking. He leaned over the table and kissed her. The spark between them was back on instantly and her lips tasted of wine, life and happiness. And despite of all the things she had said, she responded to the kiss, and seemed to let go of her emotions. He could feel her love in the kiss and hoped she could feel his, too.

Hermione's brain instantly shut down when Severus kissed her. And the feeling of rightness and happiness overcame her again and she didn't seem able to do anything about it.

When Severus finally broke the kiss and sat back down again, his face was flushed and he was smiling happily at her. It was a sight to behold.

"Oh Severus, I can't seem to think straight now but I will think about what you've told me. Perhaps you are right. I still do fell guilty but I also feel truly happy for the first time in ages. I'm sorry for being such an emotional mess," she said, feeling ashamed. "I must seem like a teenager to you," she added quietly.

"And I must be an old grumpy man in your eyes. Could we now please stop the self-depreciation for the evening and proceed to our dinner?" He asked her with a gleam in his eyes she had never seen before. I really make him happy. And I feel happy too, despite the guilt.

"Yes, we can. And you're definitely not old, just grumpy sometimes," she said with a smile and finished her wine.

The little Italian restaurant Severus had found had small cosy tables hidden in small niches, only lit with candle light. She would have never taken Severus for the romantic type, but the sight of their table clearly changed her opinion. It seemed Severus knew how to have a romantic dinner, after all.

Conversation over dinner was light and easy and Severus couldn't remember an evening in his life where he had to smile that much. It felt unreal.

Hermione conveyed her excitement about her upcoming apprenticeship at St. Mungo's and her flat for which she still had to do some shopping. Severus promised to help her move in and build some furniture if she wanted him to.

He told her about the potions he had already brewed for the Hogsmeade apothecary and the ones he planned to develop in the future.

They didn't discuss their feelings again and for the evening they were happy enough how things had turned out, despite all the obstacles that still existed in their minds.

It was almost ten in the evening when they finally left the restaurant. Together with their homemade pasta, Severus and Hermione had finished a bottle of red wine and Hermione felt slightly tipsy now, but also very happy. The cold November night air felt good against her warm skin but she used it as an excuse to hug Severus as soon as they had exited the restaurant.

"Thank you for this wonderful evening," she said quietly into his chest. "I haven't felt this happy since I've got my parents back. Thank you, Severus."

"You're welcome, Hermione," he whispered back and held her tight in his arms. "I've never had a better evening, either."

And I never want this evening to end, was all Severus could think about while he held Hermione in his arms. Hermione didn't seem to want to let go either and snuggled deeper into his embrace. Severus hadn't known that hugging could cause such a deep feeling of content, happiness and yes – even optimism for a short while.

Finally, Hermione stepped back, although she looked entirely unwilling to let go of him.

She smiled at him.

Severus couldn't help but lean down and kiss her deeply.

They went for a stroll through London's theatre district and enjoyed being able to walk anonymously amongst the Muggles of London. Around midnight the temperature dropped considerably and all cast warming charms couldn't keep Hermione's feet warm. It was time to return home to The Burrow.

Severus apparated them both back to the apparition point near the house but didn't let go of Hermione. He simply wasn't able to as he suddenly feared they would never have such a perfect evening again. Where the thought had come from, he couldn't say, but he held her tightly in his arms and just enjoyed her warmth and her closeness. Hermione didn't seem to mind.

Eventually he pulled back and looked into Hermione's smiling face in the pale moonlight. She stood on her toes and kissed him goodnight.

"Goodnight, Severus," she said quietly and turned to go back to the house. Severus grabbed her arm and pulled her to him for another intense kiss, which left Hermione entirely breathless and slightly wobbly on her feet.

"Goodnight, Hermione. I love you," Severus said. And apparated home.

Severus opened the door of his house after he had pulled down the wards absent-mindedly. He still was in awe about the whole evening and his own courage and stupidity to tell her that he loved her.
He instantly went upstairs and prepared for going to bed. His thoughts went wild as soon as he closed his eyes to get some sleep.

I am such a fool. Confessing my love for her and letting myself fall so deeply for her. How long will it last? How long can this last? She will find a younger and more cheerful man soon and I shouldn't have let her see that much of my feelings. But I can't seem to help it. I should enjoy it while I can. She will be gone soon enough.

The happiness and joy he had felt throughout the evening lessened considerably and he fell into a disturbed and restless sleep after hours of lying awake in self-doubt.

Hermione woke up on Sunday, feeling refreshed and happy. Her thoughts went back to the prior evening immediately.

He really loves me. I wonder how long he had to work up his courage to say it. I do wonder how I found the courage to say it yesterday. But it had been the right thing to do, to be open and honest with her doubts and feelings. And it hadn't stopped them from having a wonderful evening together.

As soon as she appeared in the kitchen for breakfast, she realized that she had slept right into the middle of this Sunday. Molly was already preparing lunch and Harry and Ginny had already arrived to join them, as they did on most Sundays.

Molly shot her a pointed look, which of course held the question how the evening had ended after the rather rocky start when Severus had picked her up. Hermione just smiled and said nothing, which told Molly enough. She smiled back and continued preparing lunch.

"Hey, Hermione," Harry greeted her and kissed her cheek. "You've never slept that long during our Hogwarts time," he added. "What did you do last night?"

"I was out yesterday night," she offered.

"Alone?" Harry asked innocently.

"Not exactly," she said, waiting for Harry to come to his own conclusion.

"With Severus?" Ginny asked before Harry was able to even think about his next question. She grinned at Hermione. She only nodded and couldn't help but grin back.

"You were on a date with him?" Harry asked incredulously.

"Yes, Harry, I was. And we were getting along rather well."

"And you're his girlfriend now?" Harry couldn't help but ask.

"I don't know if he would call me that, but yes, I think I am. And I can't help but being happy about it."

"Well, if he makes you happy, then I suppose we don't have a say in it," Harry said.

"I told you he's smitten with you, Hermione. I'm sure you will be good together," Ginny added, shooting an almost angry look at Harry. "And you should be happy, too, if he makes Hermione happy."

During the next couple of weeks, Hermione and Severus met as often as possible, but mostly didn't manage more often than twice a week.

Severus was always happy to see Hermione and they spent wonderful evenings together, with him cooking for her or going out for dinner in one of the small and cosy pubs on Holy Island. He was now well known in the small village and most people greeted him in a very friendly way. Hermione was happy for him that he had made some new acquaintances in his new home.

Hermione had finished moving into her flat with Severus's, Harry's and Ginny's help. She had also started reading on her material for her start at St. Mungo's and Severus kept teasing her that she could just skip the first trimester of her apprenticeship with all the preparation and reading she was doing beforehand.

Christmas drew nearer and Hermione looked forward to her parents visit. Of course she had told her parents in her letters that she and Severus were an item now (and the reaction to that had been very positive... more like "finally") but she didn't tell her mother that she and Severus had yet to become intimate or that she felt him holding back something since their wonderful first date.

He was attentive and their kissing had become even more heated but he didn't seem to want to take it any further which left Hermione both relieved because she still had problems with her feelings of guilt, although they had lessened considerably, and frustrated at the same time.

She was about to explode if he didn't to anything anytime soon.

The nights she spent alone in her new flat didn't help either. She and Severus communicated by owl and Patronus on those nights they weren't able to see each other.

Hermione couldn't wrap her thoughts about what might be wrong. She had asked him several times but he always answered the same way. "It's nothing, Hermione."

He also hadn't repeated his confession to love her since that first date. Of course, she didn't need to hear it every time she saw him but some reassurance would have been nice.

The evenings they did spent together were always wonderful and Hermione she was happier with Severus than she had ever been with Ron. But as long as she didn't know what was wrong with Severus, she kept the thought to herself and had to deal with her comparison of Severus and Ron on her own.

His potions business seemed to be a downright success. The Hogsmeade apothecary was ordering all the healings potions from Severus and he was mostly busy until deep into the nights. But he also kept their planned evenings together strictly free of work. She wondered how they would manage to see each other with the shift work at St. Mungo's.

Harry often had dark circles under his eyes because he didn't deal well with shift changes, especially with the night shifts. He couldn't sleep when it was day outside and had still trouble getting used to it. But the work made him happy and he was looking forward for Hermione to join him soon.

Finally, Christmas week arrived and Hermione's parents were due to arrive on the twenty-third. Severus seemed quite nervous about seeing them again.

On the Saturday before Christmas, Hermione and Severus sat on the couch in his living room, enjoying the roaring fire and each other's company.

Severus found it harder and harder to not just pick Hermione and take her upstairs and seduce her. She seemed to be as aroused as he was most of the time but the fear of losing her again had become ever so present in his mind that he didn't dare to take it further. He expected her coming to her senses soon, even if she still seemed very happy to be with him.

They had been together for a month now and – despite all the dark and heavy thoughts Severus had – he had never been happier in his entire life. It was confusing but he wasn't able to push his doubts away.

"Severus?" Hermione interrupted his thoughts.

"Mmh?"

"Please tell me what is going on? I know you have something on your mind and I know it's wearing you down and you always say it's nothing but I know it's not. You know, when we started this, only four weeks ago, although it feels much longer for me, we wanted to be open and honest. And we were until after our first date. I was, but you aren't. So please tell me what's wrong, Severus. I can't stand this and I deserve to know."

He sighed. She was right of course, but telling her about his doubts would chase her away faster, he guessed. So he tried for a compromise. He would tell her, but only after Christmas. The first anniversary of Ron's death was only days away now and she should be able to spend a happy Christmas with her parents. And get through this first anniversary.

"You are right, Hermione. And I promise I will tell you. After Christmas."

"You promise?"

"Yes, I do."

"Alright then, but there's no escape for you after Christmas," she said and kissed his cheek.

"You know, Severus, I really am happy with you. I love you," she added quietly but the admission made his heart ache. I love you, too, he added silently in his mind.

Perhaps, she will stay after all? His heart offered hope.

His mind pushed it down again. Look at me, I am a miserable old git, why would she?

The way I behave right now… why would she, really?

It was time to stop brooding or he would push her away even faster.

Hermione's thoughts moved into a similar direction.

If he doesn't change his behaviour soon, I will have to make him tell me what's wrong. I can't stand this. Or perhaps it's just the sexual tension between us…

The day before Christmas, Hermione was so excited about her parent's visit that she ran around The Burrow like a nervous wreck. They had said they would come with a surprise but had kept Hermione entirely in the dark about what the surprise could be.

Her parents had told her they would come to The Burrow by car. They would rent one at Heathrow Airport and drive over to Ottery St. Catchpole and were due to arrive around noon. Arthur had told them how to find The Burrow, that was normally hidden from sight of Muggles, in a separate, warded letter. They had to take an old country road and drive right through what looked like a fence, very much like platform 9 ¾ at Kings Cross. After they would had crossed the fence-ward, they would be able to see The Burrow at the end of the road.

It was one o'clock now and they had to arrive any minute now.

Severus would come over for dinner tonight although she had to convince him to come over. He didn't want to disturb the first evening that she had with her parents in months. She reassured him several times that he didn't intrude and practically belonged to the family anyway, which seemed to convince him somewhat.

At last, Harry heard a car approaching. "They`re coming, Hermione!"

Then she could hear it, too, and ran outside. It was raining heavily but she didn't care. Her parents were here.

The little SUV they had rented finally stopped in front of the garden fence and the doors opened.

"Mom! Dad!"

She closed the final distance between her and her mother and caught her in a tight embrace.

After her parents had been able to catch their breaths, they all stumbled back into The Burrow's kitchen for some early tea. Julie and Vincent Granger were shivering because the English winter weather was much too cold for people who just had escaped the Australian Sun.

"I'm so glad you're finally here," Hermione said with a large smile on your face. "You have to come and see my flat tomorrow. It's really nice and cosy now that I finally have all the furniture and decoration."

"We'll do that, Hermione. After we had a good night of sleep. The thirty-six hour flight was horrible. I would give everything to travel so fast like you wizards do," her Dad said. "It would be much easier to visit more often," he said and shot a meaningful look into the direction of his wife.

"How long can you stay? Every time I asked you told me that you still had no confirmation for your replacement for your practice and how long they could take over," Hermione asked.

"A couple of weeks," her mom answered vaguely. "Don't worry, we'll stay definitely until after New Year's."

The afternoon was spent with lots of tea and cookies and a nap for Hermione's parents. The long journey had really worn them out and Hermione had to remind herself that they weren't wizards although they really seemed to be comfortable in a magical home like The Burrow was. Her mom had been watching the dishes wash themselves for nearly five minutes because she had never seen a more fascinating thing.

Severus had been nervous all afternoon to meet Hermione's parents again. He remembered the good conversation he´d had in Australia with Vincent Granger and the resemblance of Hermione and her mother. He remembered how much he had come to like them in such a short time and how much he had wished to be a part of Hermione's family one day.

And although he was much nearer to his dream coming true now he was also afraid to see tonight what he would be missing if Hermione didn't stay with him. He had nearly spoiled a potion with all the brooding he had done in the afternoon.

Now, he was dressed in Muggle clothes again and stood in front of the door of The Burrow.

At seven o'clock sharp, there was a knock on the door and Severus arrived. Harry and Ginny had arrived in the late afternoon as well and the house felt cramped with all the people.

Hermione almost instantly opened the door and flew into his arms.

"Severus! Finally, you're here. Come inside," she said and kissed him fully on the mouth, with the whole family watching. Still, he couldn't help it and responded to the kiss.

"Hermione, let him go, he's getting all wet in the rain," her father said, laughing.

"No, he won't. Water repellent charm," she answered smugly.

But she stepped away and let her parents greet Severus. Her mother even dared to hug him and he accepted it with a hesitant smile. He seemed to be genuinely happy to see her parents again.

When all members of the Weasley and Granger families and Harry and Severus were finally sitting at the dinner table and Molly was about to start bringing the soup for starters, Vincent Granger stood up and cleared his throat loudly. Hermione hadn't known that he had planned a speech of sorts and Severus shot her a questioning look as well.

"Now we're all here together, Julie and I have something to announce. First of all, I'd like to thank Molly and Arthur for their generous invitation. I must admit that I do love magic after all I've seen today. Hermione never used much of it when she was at home with us. Except that one time." A silence followed and Hermione felt guilt welling up again about the obliviation of her parents. "But that's all naught and forgiven and we've realised in the last couple of weeks how much we've missed in the life of our only daughter. She may be grown-up now but we'd like to see her becoming a doctor, or healer like you call it and see her more than once a year for a couple of weeks like it was when she attended Hogwarts. We'd like to see her live her life."

Hermione held her breath. Was her father telling her that her parents would stay in England?

"That's why Julie and I decided to move back home. That car outside only contains small parts of our luggage. Most of it is in a container somewhere on the ocean right now and will be shipped to our old home in the next couple of weeks. We sold our practice and the house in Perth. We're coming home, Hermione. That's our Christmas present for you," her dad ended his little speech and gave his daughter a look full of love and joy.

Hermione couldn't stop her tears from falling. She stood up and hugged her dad, then her mom and all others present applauded.

"This is the best present you could have ever given me," Hermione said quietly when she could speak again.

"I admit we will miss the Australian sun," her mother said, "but nearly not as much as you. It was an easy decision, really."

Dinner was delicious and after everyone was supplied with coffee and desert Hermione and her mom found the first chance to talk privately.

"You seem really happy with Severus," she began.

"I am, mom. And I really love him. It isn't always easy to push away the guilt I'm still feeling about Ron sometimes, but it's getting better. I am so happy when I am with him and it really feels good to just spend time with him. You were right, mom. It's much better to stick to the feelings and not think too much," she added, looking pensive.

"What is it, dear?"
"I don't know, mom. Sometimes he seems distant like he is worrying over something and he really looks unhappy then. And he doesn't touch me much. We kiss but … nothing more," she admitted.

"But you want more?" her mother asked.

"Yes, I think I do. But he won't tell me what is bothering him. He promised he would after Christmas, but now I am really worried it's something serious.

He is also the most attentive and gentle man I've ever met. I never knew he had such a side."

"You really do love him."

"Yes, mom."

"But?"
"He hasn't said it anymore since our first date."

"And that bothers you?"

"Of course it does. I know he loves me but what keeps him from saying it again? It certainly would be nice to hear it again, especially with his behaviour in the last couple of days. I know we've only been together for a short time and I thought we could tell each other everything, but I really fear he is keeping something major from me."

Vincent waited patiently for Harry finishing his talk with Severus. As soon as Harry went to find Ginny, he approached Severus. The poor guy looked somewhat unhappy.

"Severus, it's good to see you again."

"Vincent, it's good to see you again, too. Hermione's really happy that you're staying," Severus said, feeling foolish for stating the obvious.

"Yes, I guess she is. But I think she is even happier with you," he replied.

Severus didn't know what to say.

"Is she?" he asked very quietly after a while.

"Of course she is. Look at her, she is looking healthy and happy again. All thanks to you, I guess, so I should thank you for it. You know, I had my doubts when Julie told me you had feelings for our daughter after you left us. But Julie is always right in such things. You make her happy. Full stop.

And now tell me what is making you look so unhappy because I can see you love my daughter."

Severus nearly choked on his glass of wine.

Straight to the point. And I still can't hide my feelings. Sometimes I do wish my Occlumency back.

"You are certainly not beating around the bush, Vincent. But I should have known where Hermione learnt to be so … direct."

"So tell me, Severus. What is it? Are you not happy with her?"

"Vincent, I don't know how to tell you what I'm feeling, I really am no good at this. I didn't even tell Hermione."

"She doesn't know what's troubling you? Hasn't she guessed?"

"She knows there is something and I promised to tell her after Christmas. You really think she's happy with me?"

"Is that the problem?"

"I… fear that she will soon find someone else younger and more suitable for her," was all Severus could admit. But Vincent understood instantly.

"So you keep yourself from feeling happy out of fear it might be over soon, anyway?"

"Yes," Severus admitted so quietly that Vincent almost couldn't hear it.

"Severus, I mean no offense, but you are a stupid man. After all I've heard about you, I did think you were a very intelligent man," Vincent said, grinning. But then his smile faltered.

"And I thought you knew our daughter better than that. If she loves, she loves thoroughly and deeply. It wasn't easy for her to accept her feelings for you, especially with all the feelings she still had for Ron.

But believe me, Severus, between you and me, I've never seen her so happy and she never spoke about Ron the way she speaks about you. If you ask me, there's a good chance she will never leave you again. Not if you are honest with her and tell her what's up. This behaviour will only push her away. Now go and tell her. This is a direct order, Severus. I am still older than you," he finished with an evil smirk on his face.

Severus didn't know what to stay. It felt like the weight of the world had been lifted from his shoulders. He watched Hermione talking with her mother in the kitchen, looking worried over something. But when she found him looking at her, she smiled openly.

Yes, she really loves me. And I am such a fool.

"I promise I will talk to her tomorrow, but now it's time for me to leave. It has gotten late and you should have some more time with your daughter alone, Vincent. Thank you, I will keep in mind what you've told me."

"Be sure that you do, Severus," Vincent replied.

He kissed Hermione goodnight but invited her over for breakfast. She was surprised about his invitation because they would see each other for the Christmas dinner tomorrow anyway, but didn't hesitate to say yes.

"Goodnight, Severus." She had been surprised by his rather abrupt leaving, having hoped he would stay longer. She joined her parents in the kitchen. Everyone else already had gone to bed.

"Vincent, Hermione, I fear I can't keep my eyes open for longer than five more minutes. Goodnight, Hermione," her mother said, rubbing her eyes.

"Go ahead, dear, I'll follow in a moment," Vincent answered and kissed her forehead.

"What would you say to a final glass of wine for the day with your old father?" Vincent asked his daughter, pouring a small amount into her empty wine glass and then refilled his own.

"Are you not tired, dad?"

"I am, but not as much as your mom, and there's something I need to talk to you about."

"What about, dad?"

"Severus."

"Oh. I've seen you two talking earlier. What was it about?"

"I found out he can be quite stupid."

"Severus? Are you sure we are talking about the same man?"

"The poor man is head over heels in love with you but fears you will lose interest in him soon for a much younger and more handsome guy. So he forbids himself to be truly happy with you and more or less waits for you to come to your senses."

"WHAT?" She couldn't help but shriek.

"I've just told you he's stupid."

Suddenly it all made sense to Hermione. His retreatment, his hesitance to touch her or take things further, his not saying I love you anymore.

He really was stupid. How can he think he's just a temporary thing? After all we've been through together? I have to talk to him. Right now.

"Hermione?" Her father interrupted her thoughts.

"Thanks for telling me, dad. He really is stupid. There are several things I need to say to him. Goodnight, dad," she said and kissed his check, and then went for her coat.

"You're going now? But you'll see him in the morning anyway. And he wanted to tell you in the morning, he promised it to me."

"He did?"

"Yes, he did. And I made him see that you aren't going to leave him any time soon, because I can see how much he has come to mean to you."

"Am I that obvious?"

"You are, and I am happy for you after all you've been through. He might not be the man your mother and I imagined you with, but we like him. That's enough, I guess."

Hermione couldn't help but hug her dad. He really was the best dad in the world.

"Thank you, daddy. I'm so happy you'll stay here. I don't know how I survived without you and mom."

Minutes later, Hermione apparated to Severus's house. Of course it was warded and she couldn't just walk in and talk some sense into him. All lights were out and he seemed to have gone to bed already. Shouldn't I wait until the morning, if he wants to tell me anyway? Perhaps I should just apparate back home…

The front door opened and Severus suddenly stood right in front of her. He hadn't switched on the lights and just stood there, in his pyjamas, his wand lit with Lumos.

"Hermione? What are you doing here in the middle of the night? Has something happened?"

"Well, sort of. I've just had a talk with my dad."

His eyes widened.

There were a lot of things she could have said to convince him of her feelings. She could have shouted at him for his stupidity. Somehow her mind seemed to forget all this and her heart spoke.

"I wanted to ask if I could…stay the night?"