**Many thanks to besnaped, silverwing, and sarah, who have all given me
some excellent ideas. Besnaped: your own is a significant part of this
chapter. How do you like it? **
"Hermione, the real reason you're here is because, well, we have no Arithmancy professor and I was wondering if you'd take on Professor Vector's position at Hogwarts next year. We'd all be delighted to have you here with us as part of our school's future. Could you do that for me? For Hogwarts?" Hermione was dumbfounded. This was the job she had always wanted! Was he kidding? Of course, no words came out of her mouth, which was hanging open dumbly. All Hermione was able to do was nod.
"Excellent, Miss Granger. I'm very glad you'll be staying on with us this year. Most fortunately, our beloved Professor Trelawney has returned to Hogwarts as a ghost. She seems to have the hots for the Bloody Baron--very interesting. She claims her inner eye is only strengthened because she is no longer physically part of the mortal realm. Lemon drop?" His eyes twinkled as Hermione absentmindedly took one. "Hermione, there is one other thing we need to discuss." Finally, she found her voice.
"What is that, Professor Dumbledore?" He smiled, his eyes twinkling even more brightly as he stared at her. "Well, I was wondering how you and Severus were doing."
"Everything is fine, Professor, why do you ask?" Hermione felt a little suspicious about this. Surely he wasn't becoming a gossipmonger just like all of the reporters, portraits, the population of Hogwarts, and even the complete strangers she'd run into?
"Well...I was wondering if you two had discussed your future yet." Hermione just shook her head. "Frankly, sir, I don't know what he wants and I'm somewhat afraid to ask." Dumbledore laughed warmly, and then stopped, fixing Hermione with a very serious look.
"Severus loves you more than I can comprehend, Hermione. But he has his insecurities. I can tell you right now that he would love to spend the rest of his life with you, but he is afraid to ask because he doesn't want to hamper you in the future. Just be patient with him. Things will work out in time." Hermione just nodded. "Very well, Miss Granger. You are dismissed." Smiling at him warmly, Hermione left his office feeling just a little better.
~~
A few moments later, Severus Snape walked into Dumbledore's office, vaguely confused. As he sat down, he looked very preoccupied. "Albus, Hermione was just telling me that--"
"She's to be the new Arithmancy professor? Yes, I thought she would be the best for the job. I've never seen her so delighted. Wonderful girl--she knew she wanted to teach from the moment she got here." Severus just looked at the Headmaster for a moment.
"So, why exactly did you call for me?" Dumbledore allowed the smile to spread slowly across his face. "Well, Severus, I believe that you and Miss Granger need to have a very important talk. Isn't there something you'd like to ask her?" The Potions Master wilted visibly.
"Albus, you know my feelings on the matter, but I just can't interfere with her future. Please, don't make me go through this with you again."
"Severus," Dumbledore was suddenly stern. "You know that you cannot simply run away from Hermione like this. Besides, I have a feeling her response will be quite different from what you expect." Severus just shook his head. "Severus, I am warning you," Dumbledore's voice became more serious. "If you do not tell her your feelings on the matter, completely and honestly, before graduation, I will make sure to do it for you in the most humiliating and public manner manageable."
"Albus, are you threatening me?" Severus asked, shocked. The Headmaster looked thoughtful for a moment and then nodded, smiling. "As a matter of fact, I am. And I expect you to take my threat very, very seriously." With a sigh, Severus glared angrily at the Headmaster. His indignance was almost tangible.
"Fine." He rose and stalked from the office, leaving Dumbledore alone. He grinned and looked to Fawkes. "What do you think, old friend?" The phoenix sang a bit and struck a pose that teased laughter from the Headmaster. "Yes, I think it'll work out, too."
~~
As the year was drawing to a close, the seventh years were getting bolder and the teachers were all being put through their end-of-the-year pranks. Hooch's broom had sputtered and barely managed to get three feet off the ground when one student put a charm on it. Poor Hagrid wasn't sure what to do when Fang was temporarily transfigured into a pink rabbit.
Snape figured he was safe, so spent all of his time thinking about what he was going to do with Hermione. Graduation was coming up in just a few days, and before that there would be a formal ball for seventh years only.
Eventually, the last Gryffindor/Slytherin seventh year class came around, and as Draco was the only seventh year slytherin left, everyone present was able to feel slightly nostalgic. Witch Weekly was still publishing wildly about Hermione and Severus, and the magazine was crammed with candid photos of the Potions Master. Hermione didn't want to know how they managed to snap photos of him, but she had a feeling Lavender and Parvati had something to do with it.
Finally Snape burst in, as usual, and was shocked to see all of his students staring at him and....smiling? Suddenly, Harry Potter stood up, a copy of Witch Weekly in his hands. He made sure his robes swished as he walked boldly up to Snape.
The Potions Master simply watched Harry as he circled him appraisingly. Finally the boy looked up.
"Ah, Severus Snape. Our...new...celebrity." He held up the Witch Weekly so that Snape could see the pictures, and he was unable to prevent grimacing at the pictures of himself that said things like "yummy" and "We're jealous, Hermione." Harry wasn't done yet, though. He returned to the class and began reading from Rita Skeeter's latest article about them.
~~ "Who ever would have thought that the cold, cruel Potions Master of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, the sexy Severus Snape, could get so hot over one of his students? In a dazzling love story that can only be called the most incredible real-life romance in history, Professor Snape fell under the spell of valedictorian Hermione Granger.
In a Daily Prophet exclusive interview, he looked at Hermione adoringly as she told the dramatic story of how their love came to be, at times adding comments in that low, silky, seductive voice of his. Apparently the other students are also jealous of their classmate.
"Hermione must be the luckiest girl alive," gushed one Hufflepuff who wished to remain anonymous. "I've had a crush on Professor Snape since first year!"
Come on, Professor, when are you going to pop the question? One can only wonder what goes on in their well-concealed private lives. Speak up, you two lovebirds! All of the Wizarding World's women would love to know."
~~
By the end of this, Professor Snape was positively fuming. He was about to start roaring at Harry but Draco grinned evilly and whispered, "silencio" and "expelliarmus." Unable to speak, and definitely unable to resort to physical violence towards students, a very cranky Professor Snape was forced to listen to his students for once. Hermione was just sitting slightly apart from the others, smiling wickedly.
"So," continued Harry, reading from the Witch Weekly. "Mr. Snape, tell me how you manage to make Muggle lipstick last without having to reapply?" Snape glowered at him. "What is it, Professor? At a loss for words? Then tell me... what types of shading can you achieve with only two colors of eyeshadow?" Once again, Snape was speechless, but currently remembering his wandless capabilities.
"Ah, Professor Snape, I see you are a shining example of the mantra, 'Fame Isn't Everything.'" Finally Snape managed to break the charm and started roaring at his shocked students.
"MR. POTTER! WHAT DO YOU THINK YOU ARE DOING? DID YOU REALLY EXPECT TO GET AWAY WITH SUCH A RIDICULOUS PRANK! AND ALL OF YOU WILL MOST DEFINITELY SUFFER FOR HELPING HIM." The students started cowering as he advanced, looking at his wand and watching it fly from Draco's hand into his own. Even Hermione looked scared. His voice became a deadly whisper that everyone could hear.
"I have warned you all many times not to cross me, but now I have been pushed over the edge. I have never wanted to use my skills in foolish wand waving on a student, but now I am tempted to do so. Starting with Potter." The students looked genuinely frightened, and Harry's face paled yet another shade. His face was only inches from Snape's, and he was staring like a panicked animal into those blazing eyes.
Suddenly, Snape stopped, stood up, and backed away, relishing the confusion of his students. They took their time moving from their former positions, afraid that if they did he'd hex them all to kingdom come. Then, the unexpected happened. Snape began to laugh! Only Hermione didn't look surprised. She just kept smiling her secretive smile.
"Good luck in the real world, dunderheads," he smirked after his laughing died down. "You're going to need it. Class dismissed! If there are such things as miracles, I'll see you all at graduation."
"Hermione, the real reason you're here is because, well, we have no Arithmancy professor and I was wondering if you'd take on Professor Vector's position at Hogwarts next year. We'd all be delighted to have you here with us as part of our school's future. Could you do that for me? For Hogwarts?" Hermione was dumbfounded. This was the job she had always wanted! Was he kidding? Of course, no words came out of her mouth, which was hanging open dumbly. All Hermione was able to do was nod.
"Excellent, Miss Granger. I'm very glad you'll be staying on with us this year. Most fortunately, our beloved Professor Trelawney has returned to Hogwarts as a ghost. She seems to have the hots for the Bloody Baron--very interesting. She claims her inner eye is only strengthened because she is no longer physically part of the mortal realm. Lemon drop?" His eyes twinkled as Hermione absentmindedly took one. "Hermione, there is one other thing we need to discuss." Finally, she found her voice.
"What is that, Professor Dumbledore?" He smiled, his eyes twinkling even more brightly as he stared at her. "Well, I was wondering how you and Severus were doing."
"Everything is fine, Professor, why do you ask?" Hermione felt a little suspicious about this. Surely he wasn't becoming a gossipmonger just like all of the reporters, portraits, the population of Hogwarts, and even the complete strangers she'd run into?
"Well...I was wondering if you two had discussed your future yet." Hermione just shook her head. "Frankly, sir, I don't know what he wants and I'm somewhat afraid to ask." Dumbledore laughed warmly, and then stopped, fixing Hermione with a very serious look.
"Severus loves you more than I can comprehend, Hermione. But he has his insecurities. I can tell you right now that he would love to spend the rest of his life with you, but he is afraid to ask because he doesn't want to hamper you in the future. Just be patient with him. Things will work out in time." Hermione just nodded. "Very well, Miss Granger. You are dismissed." Smiling at him warmly, Hermione left his office feeling just a little better.
~~
A few moments later, Severus Snape walked into Dumbledore's office, vaguely confused. As he sat down, he looked very preoccupied. "Albus, Hermione was just telling me that--"
"She's to be the new Arithmancy professor? Yes, I thought she would be the best for the job. I've never seen her so delighted. Wonderful girl--she knew she wanted to teach from the moment she got here." Severus just looked at the Headmaster for a moment.
"So, why exactly did you call for me?" Dumbledore allowed the smile to spread slowly across his face. "Well, Severus, I believe that you and Miss Granger need to have a very important talk. Isn't there something you'd like to ask her?" The Potions Master wilted visibly.
"Albus, you know my feelings on the matter, but I just can't interfere with her future. Please, don't make me go through this with you again."
"Severus," Dumbledore was suddenly stern. "You know that you cannot simply run away from Hermione like this. Besides, I have a feeling her response will be quite different from what you expect." Severus just shook his head. "Severus, I am warning you," Dumbledore's voice became more serious. "If you do not tell her your feelings on the matter, completely and honestly, before graduation, I will make sure to do it for you in the most humiliating and public manner manageable."
"Albus, are you threatening me?" Severus asked, shocked. The Headmaster looked thoughtful for a moment and then nodded, smiling. "As a matter of fact, I am. And I expect you to take my threat very, very seriously." With a sigh, Severus glared angrily at the Headmaster. His indignance was almost tangible.
"Fine." He rose and stalked from the office, leaving Dumbledore alone. He grinned and looked to Fawkes. "What do you think, old friend?" The phoenix sang a bit and struck a pose that teased laughter from the Headmaster. "Yes, I think it'll work out, too."
~~
As the year was drawing to a close, the seventh years were getting bolder and the teachers were all being put through their end-of-the-year pranks. Hooch's broom had sputtered and barely managed to get three feet off the ground when one student put a charm on it. Poor Hagrid wasn't sure what to do when Fang was temporarily transfigured into a pink rabbit.
Snape figured he was safe, so spent all of his time thinking about what he was going to do with Hermione. Graduation was coming up in just a few days, and before that there would be a formal ball for seventh years only.
Eventually, the last Gryffindor/Slytherin seventh year class came around, and as Draco was the only seventh year slytherin left, everyone present was able to feel slightly nostalgic. Witch Weekly was still publishing wildly about Hermione and Severus, and the magazine was crammed with candid photos of the Potions Master. Hermione didn't want to know how they managed to snap photos of him, but she had a feeling Lavender and Parvati had something to do with it.
Finally Snape burst in, as usual, and was shocked to see all of his students staring at him and....smiling? Suddenly, Harry Potter stood up, a copy of Witch Weekly in his hands. He made sure his robes swished as he walked boldly up to Snape.
The Potions Master simply watched Harry as he circled him appraisingly. Finally the boy looked up.
"Ah, Severus Snape. Our...new...celebrity." He held up the Witch Weekly so that Snape could see the pictures, and he was unable to prevent grimacing at the pictures of himself that said things like "yummy" and "We're jealous, Hermione." Harry wasn't done yet, though. He returned to the class and began reading from Rita Skeeter's latest article about them.
~~ "Who ever would have thought that the cold, cruel Potions Master of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, the sexy Severus Snape, could get so hot over one of his students? In a dazzling love story that can only be called the most incredible real-life romance in history, Professor Snape fell under the spell of valedictorian Hermione Granger.
In a Daily Prophet exclusive interview, he looked at Hermione adoringly as she told the dramatic story of how their love came to be, at times adding comments in that low, silky, seductive voice of his. Apparently the other students are also jealous of their classmate.
"Hermione must be the luckiest girl alive," gushed one Hufflepuff who wished to remain anonymous. "I've had a crush on Professor Snape since first year!"
Come on, Professor, when are you going to pop the question? One can only wonder what goes on in their well-concealed private lives. Speak up, you two lovebirds! All of the Wizarding World's women would love to know."
~~
By the end of this, Professor Snape was positively fuming. He was about to start roaring at Harry but Draco grinned evilly and whispered, "silencio" and "expelliarmus." Unable to speak, and definitely unable to resort to physical violence towards students, a very cranky Professor Snape was forced to listen to his students for once. Hermione was just sitting slightly apart from the others, smiling wickedly.
"So," continued Harry, reading from the Witch Weekly. "Mr. Snape, tell me how you manage to make Muggle lipstick last without having to reapply?" Snape glowered at him. "What is it, Professor? At a loss for words? Then tell me... what types of shading can you achieve with only two colors of eyeshadow?" Once again, Snape was speechless, but currently remembering his wandless capabilities.
"Ah, Professor Snape, I see you are a shining example of the mantra, 'Fame Isn't Everything.'" Finally Snape managed to break the charm and started roaring at his shocked students.
"MR. POTTER! WHAT DO YOU THINK YOU ARE DOING? DID YOU REALLY EXPECT TO GET AWAY WITH SUCH A RIDICULOUS PRANK! AND ALL OF YOU WILL MOST DEFINITELY SUFFER FOR HELPING HIM." The students started cowering as he advanced, looking at his wand and watching it fly from Draco's hand into his own. Even Hermione looked scared. His voice became a deadly whisper that everyone could hear.
"I have warned you all many times not to cross me, but now I have been pushed over the edge. I have never wanted to use my skills in foolish wand waving on a student, but now I am tempted to do so. Starting with Potter." The students looked genuinely frightened, and Harry's face paled yet another shade. His face was only inches from Snape's, and he was staring like a panicked animal into those blazing eyes.
Suddenly, Snape stopped, stood up, and backed away, relishing the confusion of his students. They took their time moving from their former positions, afraid that if they did he'd hex them all to kingdom come. Then, the unexpected happened. Snape began to laugh! Only Hermione didn't look surprised. She just kept smiling her secretive smile.
"Good luck in the real world, dunderheads," he smirked after his laughing died down. "You're going to need it. Class dismissed! If there are such things as miracles, I'll see you all at graduation."