Part 36
Exams went well, Hermione spent her usual abundance of hours pouring over every note she had taken and textbook, squirreled away in the library, or in Severus' office, when the library became too crowded. He loved watching her quietly, seeing so much of the student he remembered himself to be, dedicated, precise, focused, it made him smile. He left her be while she studied, but when she did look up and away from the papers, every once in awhile, he was there to offer her a kiss, or the reassurance she so desperately craved, that she was going to do just fine.
The ten-day period simply flew by and when all the stress was done with, there were preparations to make for the party; and quite a few beleaguered owls skimming in the windows at breakfast to drop off parcels from Hogsmeade, in pretty purple boxes.
Ministers began arriving mid afternoon, and parents and family members around the dinner hour, the stream of carriages back and forth from the train station seemed endless. The halls of the old castle rang with happy laughter, and cheers, and the noise itself seemed to awaken the place to its full glory.
Molly and Arthur arrived from Hogsmeade with George and were greeted by Ron, Ginny, Harry and Hermione at the front doors. It was a sea of familiar faces; and though Harry worried about how Hermione might react, confronted by the presence of so many people she had fought with, and the memories of so many who were not there, he needn't have. Hermione sparkled with happiness, and for just a moment, Harry allowed himself to forget the impending prophecy, and enjoy the fact that she was happy. She would be spending the holidays away from Hogwarts, and that provided him with a measure of comfort as well.
The great hall was decorated as a crystal palace, everywhere there were enchanted ice sculptures, fountains of diamonds, softly falling magical snow that did not melt or accumulate, and clear blue flames lighting every corner. The house elves had outdone themselves in its beauty, and in the presentation of a banquet fit for royalty. The Weasleys et al had a large table to themselves, where they sat and visited and remembered the wonder of the school, now finally restored. Hermione cast a glance now and then to the dais, where the professors sat with the ministers. Severus generally looked bored with all the political niceties he was likely being subjected too, but every so often she caught his eyes looking back at her, and for that moment she could see the change in his face; though she remained cautious.
After dinner came speeches of thanks from the Headmistress and the ministers, and rounds of applause, and more thanks. And then finally, as dishes were magically cleared the band began to play, and couples drifted to the dance floor. Arthur took Molly, who seemed genuinely enchanted by the chance to dance with her husband again, and Harry followed suit with Ginny. Alice came by the table to see if Ron wanted to dance, and though he was still awkward with his footwork, he agreed, which left George and Hermione.
"Dance with me Hermione, just for fun ok?" She was in a wonderful mood and agreed with a smile.
Everyone was out on the dance floor, even the first years, and Hermione imagined that an aerial view of them all would have been spectacular.
"You are well still Hermione?" George asked.
"I am."
"And that other matter?"
"Perfect."
"So you haven't come to your senses yet?"
"No, and I don't imagine I will either."
"I suppose if he makes you happy then."
"He does George."
"Then let me give you your Christmas present early Hermione." She was confused, but allowed him to lead her about on the dance floor, still in step, to where Severus was actually dancing with Professor McGonagall.
"Excuse me Professor Snape, I was wondering if I might cut in?" he smiled the broad conspiratorial smile that always looked so natural on him, and held out one hand to take Minerva's as he handed Hermione's to Severus.
"Why of course George." And they smoothly traded partners, George winking at them both, just out of sight of Minerva, who he had spun around.
"You have some very good friends Maya." Severus whispered to her.
"I do indeed, don't I?" The feel of his hand on the small of her back was so comfortable, as was his grip on her own.
"You do look so beautiful tonight, just like I knew you would Maya."
"Thank you Severus. You always look charming to me."
"I am glad that we have had the chance to dance again. I cannot wait until the time when I can show the world how much I love you."
"I feel the same way, even though it is only a few more months it feels like an eternity."
"Not an eternity, just a little more time, which will make it all the sweeter when me start to make our home and our family."
"I love you Severus."
"I love you too my beauty." He held her just a little bit tighter then. "Will you be able to come and see me, just quickly before you have to leave?" Hermione was going to be spending the holidays at the Burrow with the Weasleys; there really was no way around that.
"I'll find a way Severus. I couldn't leave without one last embrace and kiss from you."
The party was wrapping up as many families were preparing to make their ways home for the Christmas holidays. Molly and Arthur had gone on ahead, Molly wanting to give the house one more once over before everyone descended. George was given the task of shepherding the last of the Hogwarts portion of the clan; including Harry and Hermione back to Hogsmeade where they could apparate to the Burrow. But he seemed in no particular hurry to leave, so Hermione thought that she might be able to slip away just long enough to see Severus and wish him a Happy Christmas and give him the little gift she had bought him before she would have to go.
She had slipped out of the Great Hall and made the turn towards the Slytherin tower when a familiar voice stopped her.
"Good evening Hermione Granger." She turned to see Firenze.
"Firenze! How wonderful to see you. Happy Christmas! It has been wonderful having you around the castle again these past few days. I'm sorry we haven't had much time to catch up." He was holding out his hands and she took both.
An odd look crossed the centaur's eyes and Hermione got a strange feeling in her gut, as if he was trying to look into her mind.
"Firenze?" The look changed to a happy smile and he grasped her hands more firmly.
"Hermione, I must offer you my congratulations."
"For what?" She didn't think she had recently accomplished anything of note, and she had not yet heard from St. Mungos, so she looked at the centaur with confusion.
"On the child you are carrying." His smile became even greater. "I had no idea you had even chosen a mate."
Hermione's hands went ice cold and she felt as though she might faint.
"Child?" Firenze's voice brought her back from the nauseating swirling in her head. "Oh my dear, you did not know did you?" Firenze seemed genuinely concerned at her shock. "I must offer my apologies. Females of my kind become aware of when they are with child very early on. It is a part of understanding nature the way we do." Some color was returning to her cheeks but he continued to hold her hands for fear that she might collapse.
"Should I summon someone to help you, are you ill?" That was about the very last thing Hermione wanted at that moment and so she tried to paste on a smile that would reassure Firenze. He was not convinced by it.
"I'm sorry Firenze, the news was simply a shock to me."
"But is it not a good thing Hermione?"
"It is, a most wonderful thing." She was not convinced of that, but she hoped desperately that the panic didn't show in her voice.
"It is a wonderful thing for our herds as well. The arrival of a new life is a time of great celebration, it is so with humans as well is it not?"
"It is."
"I have been so concerned that something terrible was going to befall you, I have seen it for months, but perhaps Harry has managed to avert this fate. It would seem that something of great joy has happened instead."
It was hard for Hermione to process everything that Firenze was saying; something terrible? With Harry trying to prevent it? It could not be a coincidence that Harry professed to having had a dream about her, and Firenze revealed that he had had a vision. Obviously he had shared his concerns with Harry, who had tried to change her fate. But the ramifications of all this knowledge were beyond her ability to see at that time; all she could focus on was the fact that she was pregnant. She managed to grasp one thing, out of the need to protect Severus and herself.
"Firenze, you won't mention this to anyone will you? I would like to be the one to share the news with my friends."
"Yes, of course, that privilege should be yours Hermione. I will happily respect your wishes. You must bring your child to meet the herd when you are able. They will also be pleased."
"Yes, I will." She had no idea if she could keep that promise.
"I hope that I will see you in class in the new year?"
"Yes, I look forward to it, and thank you Firenze."
"Be certain to congratulate your mate for me as well."
"I will." Hermione turned, hoping she didn't seem rude, but knowing that her mask of calm was about to crack. It took her a moment to reorient herself as to where she needed to go. But her step was no longer as lively and a feeling of dread was settling into her chest.