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Summer Camp

Hufflepuff Cabin

Week 6: Spooky Stories

The sun has gone down, and it's time to gather around the campfire and tell spooky stories. You do have some, right? Task: Write about someone being scared

Author's Note: This is a standalone sequel to Celebrating Under Moonlight (five months)

Words: 1140

Hermione couldn't believe that only three nights before Severus and her had celebrated their five month anniversary. It was crazy how little time had passed and yet, the happiness and peace from that night had dissipated so fast.

He'd had to become colder towards her and act even worse in class in the anticipation that Voldemort might summon him. She had wanted to be brave for him, but the truth was, she was scared, downright terrified.

What if he was found out as a spy because they were together? What if he couldn't control his emotions well enough? Or even worse, what if his clothes weren't properly washed and Greyback smelled her on him? How would he even explain that? What would they do? What would she do if he never came back?

She had to stop there, otherwise tears would fall. She was currently in his quarters, waiting for him, despite his warnings that she shouldn't be away from the dorm. He hadn't been summoned the whole month, so today must have been important.

They were playing a dangerous game and she was aware that if anything happened, it would be her fault. She'd been the one that had convinced him that dating in war times was a good idea. That being together made them stronger. And it was true in so many ways. They'd both made each better.

However, running around and hiding from everyone… wasn't fun. You were always in this state of fear, what if the wrong person found out? They'd had to swear the house-elves serving his quarters to secrecy, and he'd had to remove the paintings that would report to Dumbledore about her presence in the dungeons.

She started pacing again. He'd been away since dinner. She'd seen him leave the Great Hall just before dessert. It wasn't really unusual, but she knew that fruit cake was his favourite, so he wouldn't have left. Besides, she'd notice the side eye he'd given Dumbledore. Severus had learnt not to grip his left arm, even if it hurt.

After several hours of pacing and worrying, trying to read a book and failing, Hermione decided that perhaps she should cook something for him. Or maybe bake. He'd cooked for her for their anniversary, now it was her time.

She would have never seen herself as a nervous-cooking type of person, but here she was. Severus' kitchen was fully equipped like a Muggle Kitchen, it just had… several wizarding spices. His utensils also resembled a bit the Potions equipment. But it couldn't have been any different for the Potions Master.

Hermione set out to make cottage pie and a banoffee cake. Severus didn't have all the ingredients for the fruit cake, but banoffee was his second favourite. She'd learnt to cook from her parents. Contrary to many people's beliefs, being dentists didn't mean they didn't like sweets. Or that they didn't eat sweets. It was just… they were moderate and they always gave people sugar free things. And she always had some sugar free things as well, since she was supposed to set out an example. But no, her parents, her mother specifically, baked some of the best cakes ever. Her father made the best cottage and shepherd's pies she'd ever eaten. They totally rivalled with the elves at Hogwarts.

Now, Hermione wasn't the biggest fan of cooking, but she had learnt how in order to surprise her parents. They never wanted anything bought, so she'd learnt to make them things.

Thinking about them, brought another knot to her stomach. She was constantly worried about them, scared that Death Eaters would go after them because of her. For now, they were protected, but once Dumbledore died… she would have to hide them. Send them somewhere far, far away. At least until everything was over. Hermione didn't have a doubt that it would be over one day.

Although, she had to admit, the prospect of Dumbledore dying was another thing that scared her. Hermione didn't agree with the man on many aspects, including having Severus kill him. But she understood him and knew it couldn't be easy for him either; knowing that your days are numbered. Her own days could be numbered already and she had no idea.

They were living in terrifying times, and yet, she wouldn't give up knowing about the Wizarding World, despite all its dangers. It had offered her friends, family and love.

The banoffee pie cake was ready and put on a cooling stasis charm. The cottage pie was also almost done. Then she heard it. The door opening, and the sound of steps from the living room. Hermione waited to make sure he was alone, although he always went to the Headmaster's office to brief him, and the old man never came to the dungeons. Sure thing, he was alone.

"Hermione?" he called out. "Hermione, are you here? I told you not to wait for me!" he said, but she could hear in his voice that he wasn't mad.

She came out of the kitchen, with the apron still tied around her.

"I was worried about you, Severus. You know it scares me whenever you are summoned."

He was still in his Death Eater robes, mask in hand, so she didn't dare come any closer, but she desperately wanted to hug him.

"Oh, love," he murmured and with a flick of his wrist, he took them off, leaving him in his normal clothes. "Come here, " he said, opening his arms and she didn't hesitate, launching towards him and wrapping her arms around his back.

"I'm so happy you're okay," she whispered. "You've been gone for hours!"

He broke from the hug and gave her a quick kiss. "I know, it's been a long meeting. I shall tell you later. I am just tired now. I see you've been cooking. I could smell it as soon as I entered. What did you make?"

Hermione chuckled. So that was how he'd realised she was around.

"Cottage pie and banoffee pie cake."

Severus smiled at her, and took her hand in his and entered the kitchen. "Amazing! I love those! Will you stay with me while I eat? I know it's late, but…."

She put her finger over his mouth. "Shh, of course I'll stay. I am done with all the homework and all for tomorrow. "

Hermione pulled up a chair and made him sit down while she put the food on the plates for both of them.

"How is it?" she asked after he took his first bite.

"You're a good cook," he answered, giving her a small smile. She put her hand over his, and leaned her head over his shoulder. She was so grateful that he was back home, safe this time. But she was still scared for what the future would bring.