Part Thirty-Four: Hermione Settles In

Hermione took off her shoes and collapsed into an armchair.

It had been such a tiring day as she unpacked her things, figured out where they would all go, and, of course, tried to ignore the dull ache inside her.

She sighed and took a sip of her honey tea. The sky outside was darkening on the last day before her new job.

She was too tired to be excited.

But she knew she had a few things to do before she could go to sleep.

Accioing parchment and writing utensils, Hermione sat up and turned on a lamp.

Dearest Severus-

Well, I made it! I love my new place and it looks even more amazing with all my new furniture and my things in it.

I just thought I'd let you know

I miss you already

I hope you're not too lonely tonight without me.

I can't wait until you come and visit

Hermione growled in frustration and scrunched up her piece of parchment before beginning again:

Dearest Ginny-

Well, I'm all settled in Rome now. I haven't had anytime for sightseeing but I've been promised by the owner that I'll get a full, and free, guided tour when he returns.

I start work tomorrow – I wonder what it will be like. I'm sure I'll love it as the people here have been so nice to me over the last few weeks. I do know that I can't wait to immerse myself in the language and become a part of Italian life. It's all so exciting!

I can't wait until you come and visit – I'll let you know how I get on tomorrow.

Well, I must go to bed before I fall asleep and forget to send this to you.

-Hermione.

She sent the letter off with her owl, who was eager to go out and find herself some dinner, before taking her empty tea cup to the kitchen.

Standing at the window, watching her owl fly off into the distance, she felt a twinge of regret. Well, more than a twinge really.

The last time she was standing in front of the kitchen window, she was in Severus' house and he was standing behind her, his arms wrapped around her waist, kissing her neck while trying to soothe her doubts about fitting into Italian culture.

Hermione sighed deeply and hugged her arms around herself. Closing her eyes she tried to conjure Severus up with her thoughts.

A moment later, Hermione opened her eyes and looked around at the empty kitchen. The only sound came from the melancholy ticking of the clock on the wall.

………….

Ahh…it's been so long. I apologize profusely my fine friends. I had a lack of good ideas and also was busy settling into college life. I have a feeling updates will be less frequent from now on but hopefully not too far apart.

Please, if you have any ideas, drop me a line! They can be plot ideas, or just short tidbit ideas.

I was just going back through my chapters to see what I had written recently and realized there hasn't been any kissing for a very long time. :( That's a nuisance…

And of course, I would update right now but my internet is down so I am forced to not read other's fanfiction nor to drool over sexy Severus and Hermione art on deviantart dot com but to sit here actually writing something. He he. I'm sure you're not in the least bit upset by that, ey?

I do apologize that the chapter was short and uneventful. I can see the ending nearing and I'll probably do a lot of time jumping from now on. Hopefully I'll get a better chapter to you shortly.

Thanks for hanging in there with me folks. Until next time!