A/N: Thanks for your continued support, I truly appreciate you all being here! Enjoy!
After a surprisingly romantic breakfast in which Severus made love to her slowly right before she absolutely had to leave, Hermione felt like she was walking on air. What else could explain this light, weightless feeling? It was like floating. And it was all because of one wizard. Her wizard. That felt good to say. During breakfast they had discussed in greater detail about wanting to have a go at a real relationship. Not just sex, but everything else. Things like love. Hermione knew that she was headed in that direction anyway and Severus only helped it along by being so sweet and sexy. In the weeks that followed their decision to date exclusively, he would do things like leave sunflowers on her desk when it rained so she could have some sunshine, or buying extra apricot danishes, or when they were alone at the office; telling her how beautiful she looked and how much he desired to have her.
They never crossed the line at work though. Severus was very disciplined in that regard. True, they might pull one another into a supply closet for a brief snog, but he refused to go as far as having sex. He told her it would be too distracting to create those kind of memories in the lab or in his office. Which of course, she could understand. They went on dates as often as they could, but lately they have both been so swamped at work. The closer they got to reversing the damage caused by prolonged exposure to the Cruciatus curse, the more time all the employees were dedicating their time to work. So much so that even her friends were starting to complain about her absence.
Despite her initial plans to move out of Grimmauld, Harry convinced her that she shouldn't waste money on renting a flat just yet. He also expressed a general fondness for having his "sister" so close after being away at university for years after the war. So like the slight pushover she was, Hermione stayed. It wasn't bad there anyways. Harry and Draco kept mostly to themselves, having busy schedules of their own. Harry was an auror and surprisingly Malfoy was working under Bill Weasley as a curse breaker. There were just a few occasions when the gang would drop in and the house would be too noisy to concentrate or when, like tonight, the boys drilled her about Severus.
"I just wish I knew who this mystery bloke is; that's all," Harry grumbled for what seemed like the millionth time that week. "I mean he keeps you out all night-"
"And morning," Draco interjected, grinning as he shoved chips into his mouth. "How many times have I caught you doing the walk of shame now? Six?"
Hermione rolled her eyes, pausing to take another bite from her burger, "I'm not ashamed of anything."
"Then why haven't we met him?" Harry prodded. "It's been what, three months now? That should be enough time for you to decide if he's worthy or whatever…"
"That's not it at all Harry. He's always been worthy. We're just enjoying our privacy and each other. I thought you understood that," she huffed, not in the mood for having this conversation; again.
Draco cut in, "He does Granger. We both do. I think Harry's just concerned. After all, you just got back and now you're in a secret relationship. One that sounds serious. Especially considering the amount of time you spend with him. And the way you smile to yourself when you think no one's looking…"
Hermione froze. Had they been watching her this whole time? She looked at Harry again and he was giving her that worried look that made her feel guilty. Sighing, she put her burger down and debated on what to do. "I'm sorry if I'm worrying you guys. I promise that he's definitely worth my time. He's an intelligent, honorable and brave wizard. I don't know if he's ready to meet you guys, but how about I bring it up to him and see what he says? Maybe we can all go out to dinner or something?" She offered and that seemed to placate both men for the time being. But inwardly she was worried about what Severus would say.
The next day Hermione had knots in her stomach. Her notes on their research were far less organized than her typical meticulously written work and she didn't even think of helping out in the lab. There was no way she'd put their potions at risk with her thoughts in such a disarray. A few employees were shocked by her behavior and she did her best to brush off any questions that got too personal. Hermione only had one person she needed to speak to today. She dreaded bringing up the whole coming out thing to Severus, but then again it had to happen sooner or later right? Either intentionally or one day they would be spotted. Even if all their dates took place in the muggle world, these things just have a way of coming to the light. Still, it felt like they had been in a bubble and now it was about to burst. Normally she would head straight to the break room for lunch, but instead she detoured to Snape's office.
The door was closed but if she wasn't mistaken she was sure she could hear laughter. And voices. Severus's distinct baritone mixed with a feminine one although hers was lower too. Almost sultry sounding. The words were muffled but Hermione felt decidedly uncomfortable. Who was he talking and laughing with? Not that he didn't have a right to do that, but she wasn't used to hearing that at work. And he often didn't laugh out loud. A smirk perhaps, sometimes a chuckle, but actual laughter? That was rare. Or maybe she wasn't capable of amusing him like whoever this woman was. She almost didn't interrupt, but curiosity got the better of her and if her heart was about to be broken she rather it happen now rather than after she was even more invested in their relationship.
Gathering all of her courage and casting what she hoped was a neutral expression on her face, Hermione knocked on the door. She heard him invite her in and she walked in to see a woman with dark, raven hair, a tall, slender frame and piercing gray eyes. She was beautiful. There was something dark and arresting about her and Hermione felt her stomach drop. "Sorry to interrupt Master Snape, I had hoped to speak with you in private sir. But I can come back later…"
"No, no, that isn't necessary Hermione," Severus said quickly, standing and much to her surprise taking her hand. She looked up at him sharply, her eyes wide in wonderment since he never acted so familiarly with her in front of anyone. Who was this woman? "Hermione, I'd like to introduce you to someone very dear to me. This is my sister, Salome. Salome, this is my girlfriend, Hermione Granger."
Girlfriend? She barely had a chance to register the title he used and what that means when the other woman rose and graced her with a beaming smile. "It's such a pleasure to meet you Hermione," The witch greeted and Hermione detected a faint accent. Italian perhaps? "Sev has told me a lot about you, but I didn't know that I'd be meeting you so soon."
Shaking off some of her apprehension and confusion Hermione shook her hand. "It's a pleasure to meet you too. Although this is quite unexpected ..."
"Yes I know. Honestly Hermione, I didn't even know that Salome was in town otherwise I would have said something. But apparently she had business here and decided to drop in. I've actually been thinking about how to bring her up to you so I guess this was as good a time as any. Now, what did you want to speak with me about?" Severus explained, his brows knitting together in concern as he looked at her most likely stunned expression.
Hermione couldn't help it though. Hearing Snape has a sister was just bizarre. And she felt a bit foolish for assuming the worst. But she was grateful that her fears were for nothing. Plus the way he willingly introduced them gave her hope that maybe he'd be more inclined to actually have dinner with Harry and Draco. But she didn't want to ask him now. It would be extra awkward if he said no or got upset with her. "I….it can wait. You obviously are busy and I'd rather have your full attention for this." She turned back to the dark haired witch and noticed that she seemed to be scrutinizing them both. It made Hermione feel a bit off kilter. "Once again, very nice to meet you Salome. Pardon me, but I must get back to work; and Severus, I'll talk to you later."
And then she left, wondering the whole way back to her desk about the timing of all this and what this meant in terms of their relationship. Could things be progressing a lot further than what she thought? And dare she hope that this meant what she thought it could mean?
His girlfriend.
She liked the sound of that.