A/N – It's update time again. I'm nearly at the end of my story, which is
sad, because I've enjoyed writing it and reading the feedback. However, I
have a few other story ideas in my head, so I doubt this will be the last
time I write about Herm & Sevvy!
Bertie Wooster – I'm assuming that girls at Hogwarts have crushes on Sev because I know I would (and just look at the amount of stories here devoted to S/H).
BethAnn – Watching HP on video was research, not grounds for detention m'dear g.
Enfleurage – At this part of the story things are bound to be a bit sappy at times, I'm afraid…
Gabriele, Mara 456, Saerry Snape & Silver*Chime – I'm glad you found the last chapter entertaining g.
Mediterranean Queen – I'm glad you like my story!
Silmarien – Here's an update, don't die on me all right? g
Unstable – Yes, no one has a voice like Alan Rickman! I'm glad you liked the last chapter.
Other Nice Reviewers™ - Thank you!
Part 15
As she headed towards the Gryffindor Tower Hermione told herself firmly that confronting her fellow Gryffindors would not be at all like the near- fatal encounter with Voldemort.
The living portraits whispered and pointed at her excitedly as she walked past, some of them murmuring "saviour…deliverer" which made her feel a bit uncomfortable. She didn't want to be put on a pedestal – she had just been a wizard doing what had needed to be done - but would this mean she would have to put up with people pointing and whispering 'Defeater of You-Know- Who!' at her like Harry had? Harry had never enjoyed being the centre of that kind of attention…
After climbing the many narrow stairs she finally reached the secret entrance guarded as usual by the Fat Lady in her portrait, whose eyes widened as Hermione approached.
"Password my dear?" the Fat Lady asked respectfully.
"Fairy cakes!" Hermione said firmly and the portrait swung open to reveal the short passage to the Gryffindor common room. But when she walked through…she found the room was empty and silent, though a fire had been lit in the fireplace that radiated cheerful warmth.
[Talk about an anti-climax!] Hermione thought ruefully as she walked over to the fire to warm her hands, her long hair glinting in the firelight. A sound made her turn to see Ron peering anxiously at her from the balcony above, then he rushed down the spiralling stairs and skidded to a stop before her, relief on his face.
"Herm – you escaped. I knew you would! Harry said You-Know-Who is destroyed because of you. Wicked! You'll be one of the greatest Gryffindors ever!"
Hermione couldn't help smiling at the eager looking Ron, though she was feeling as though she had just missed something.
"Thank you Ron – but what do you mean, I 'escaped'."
Ron blinked. "Why, from Professor Snape of course – Harry told me everything. I reckon he put a spell on you; probably the Imperious one or something nasty like that so you would do his bidding when he needed help! But I can't see any trace of a spell on you though" he added in confusion (Ron had gained an unexpected talent in spotting people under the influence of coercive spells).
Taken aback, Hermione stared at Ron. "Ron – he didn't put a spell on me – I helped him because I wanted to!"
Ron shook his auburn head stubbornly, avoiding her gaze. "He must have done something to you – Harry says you love Snape. That's terrible!"
Hermione grabbed Ron by the shoulders forcing him to look at her. "Ron – Professor Snape and I are soul bonded – we had been for a while now and didn't know it until today! I didn't know it until Dumbledore pointed it out to me. It's not terrible either!" she added forcefully.
At those words Ron's shoulders slumped in defeat. "A soul bond?? I've read about those. Oh, Herm, that's worse because it can't be removed. Ever. Now you'll be bonded to the Head of Slytherin for the rest of your life."
Hermione sighed. At the moment she could see the chain of light running from her chest down into the floor as both she and Severus were currently at different levels in Hogwarts. After experiments with the link before in his quarters, they had come to the conclusion that telepathy between them would only occur when there was a genuine need, such as when he had called to her for help. The chain pulsed gently and there was no feel of wrongness or taint to it. It felt…right.
Feeling helpless, Hermione let Ron go. How could she convince him?
"Look," she sighed, "he's not that bad, deep down. Being under Voldemort's influence…twisted him inside. Now that Voldemort's really dead he's not as uh, cranky."
It was true, Hermione realised. While she doubted that his basic personality (sardonic, complex and proud) would suddenly 'change' (and would she want it to?) perhaps now some of his bitterness would fade.
"And I suppose this is the time when you say you're both going to live happily ever after!" Harry mocked as he walked down the staircase and into the common room.
Hermione turned and stared at her friend. "I see you didn't waste time spreading the news…and this isn't a fairy tale, Harry!"
"No it isn't" Harry said softly as he walked towards her. "In fairy tales the villain and the heroine don't fall in love."
Hermione glared at Harry, Ron glancing uneasily at them both. "Severus isn't a villain!" she snapped.
Harry looked at Ron, his green eyes glinting behind his glasses. "See? Already she's calling him by his first name. All this time I thought Hermione disliked Snape like I did, but she probably liked him all along, didn't you?"
There was pain in her heart but Hermione kept her voice steady. "Harry, try and understand..."
"No, I can't" Harry bit, his green eyes flashing. "I can understand you wanting to rescue him because even I wouldn't want him in the hands of Voldemort. But I don't understand why you love him - and I don't want to know. I'll suppose you'll want to be a Slytherin now, too."
"Harry, that's low!" Hermione snapped then she looked at him pleadingly. "Harry, we've fought before but it doesn't change the fact that you're my friend. Don't let our friendship be destroyed now."
Harry stared at her, his shoulders slumping. "Herm, I don't want our friendship ruined, but I'm feeling like I don't know who you are anymore."
Ron looked upset. "Harry, stop it, will you? The bottom line is that You- Know- uh, Voldemort is dead thanks to Hermione and Snape. She's still a Gryffindor! As for Snape, well, when you think about it he is on our side after all." Ron shrugged and looked at Hermione questioningly. "Is it true that Dumbledore doesn't…mind about um, you two?"
At that, Hermione smiled dryly. "Mind? He's acting as if it was his idea all along!"
Ron looked rueful. "If Dumbledore approves then maybe it might not be so bad after all, I guess." Then he looked hopeful. "Does this mean he won't be handing out so many detentions from now on?"
Harry threw his hands up in defeat. "I can see I'm being outnumbered!" Then he looked at Hermione wearily. "Look, I won't hassle you anymore because you're obviously not going to change your mind – I know you! But…don't expect me to understand why you love Snape. Don't expect me to start liking him either."
Hermione was silent, and sad. In the end, perhaps it was too much to ask these things of Harry. A kind of truce had been reached, and with that she had to be content.
Suddenly the door burst open and Parvati, Ginny, Seamus, Dean and Neville rushed in, smiling.
"Herm, you kicked Voldy-ass! Unbelievable!" whooped Seamus.
"Cool" said Dean.
"Are you really getting a silver statue made of you and er..Snape?" questioned Neville. Ginny, who was at Harry's side, looked intrigued.
"Don't talk to me about statues!" Hermione said through gritted teeth.
"Hermione you sly dog – I've had a crush on Snape for ages – how did you grab him?" Parvati sighed.
"What??" said the guys, startled.
Parvati rolled her eyes in amusement. "Come on you guys, half the girls in school have crushes on him."
"They're mad!" Harry muttered.
"Huh?" said Ron and Neville, confused.
Seamus and Dean looked at each other and shrugged. "Girls!" they commented, as if that explained everything.
For the rest of the afternoon other Gryffindors and students from other houses trooped into the common room to congratulate Hermione for the death of Voldemort and being brave enough to rescue Snape. Several people expressed interest in travelling through the Mirror of Erised. There were times when Hermione could see the thought 'traitor' in the eyes of other Gryffindors as Draco had mentioned earlier, but they (fortunately) kept silent, obviously feeling it was outweighed by the welcome fact that Voldemort was dead because of both her and Professor Snape…
Some girls after thanking her wistfully said she was 'lucky' (Harry snorted at that).
Hermione got the feeling from many that there was an unspoken opinion that whatever was going on between her and Snape well, surely it wouldn't last long, would it? She would soon see it was a big mistake.
Teachers came to thank Hermione also, some with tears of relief threatening to spill from their eyes, for losing students to Voldemort over the years had taken a toll on them. Professor Trelawney fluttered dramatically around Hermione when she visited the common room, assuring an embarrassed Hermione that she Knew all the Time that She Had a Special Destiny and that she Had Known about Hermione and Professor Snape "For a Long Time my Dear!!" the Professor added mistily.
Hermione wondered how Severus was coping with his well-wishers, and whether the other Slytherins were trying to convince him that allying with a 'mudblood Gryffindor' would be scandalous…
A/N – That was a slightly tricky chapter to write, but for those who wanted a better 'kiss-and-make-up' scene between Hermione and Harry, I don't think that the thought of Hermione and Severus together would be something that Harry could get used to in a hurry…
Bertie Wooster – I'm assuming that girls at Hogwarts have crushes on Sev because I know I would (and just look at the amount of stories here devoted to S/H).
BethAnn – Watching HP on video was research, not grounds for detention m'dear g.
Enfleurage – At this part of the story things are bound to be a bit sappy at times, I'm afraid…
Gabriele, Mara 456, Saerry Snape & Silver*Chime – I'm glad you found the last chapter entertaining g.
Mediterranean Queen – I'm glad you like my story!
Silmarien – Here's an update, don't die on me all right? g
Unstable – Yes, no one has a voice like Alan Rickman! I'm glad you liked the last chapter.
Other Nice Reviewers™ - Thank you!
Part 15
As she headed towards the Gryffindor Tower Hermione told herself firmly that confronting her fellow Gryffindors would not be at all like the near- fatal encounter with Voldemort.
The living portraits whispered and pointed at her excitedly as she walked past, some of them murmuring "saviour…deliverer" which made her feel a bit uncomfortable. She didn't want to be put on a pedestal – she had just been a wizard doing what had needed to be done - but would this mean she would have to put up with people pointing and whispering 'Defeater of You-Know- Who!' at her like Harry had? Harry had never enjoyed being the centre of that kind of attention…
After climbing the many narrow stairs she finally reached the secret entrance guarded as usual by the Fat Lady in her portrait, whose eyes widened as Hermione approached.
"Password my dear?" the Fat Lady asked respectfully.
"Fairy cakes!" Hermione said firmly and the portrait swung open to reveal the short passage to the Gryffindor common room. But when she walked through…she found the room was empty and silent, though a fire had been lit in the fireplace that radiated cheerful warmth.
[Talk about an anti-climax!] Hermione thought ruefully as she walked over to the fire to warm her hands, her long hair glinting in the firelight. A sound made her turn to see Ron peering anxiously at her from the balcony above, then he rushed down the spiralling stairs and skidded to a stop before her, relief on his face.
"Herm – you escaped. I knew you would! Harry said You-Know-Who is destroyed because of you. Wicked! You'll be one of the greatest Gryffindors ever!"
Hermione couldn't help smiling at the eager looking Ron, though she was feeling as though she had just missed something.
"Thank you Ron – but what do you mean, I 'escaped'."
Ron blinked. "Why, from Professor Snape of course – Harry told me everything. I reckon he put a spell on you; probably the Imperious one or something nasty like that so you would do his bidding when he needed help! But I can't see any trace of a spell on you though" he added in confusion (Ron had gained an unexpected talent in spotting people under the influence of coercive spells).
Taken aback, Hermione stared at Ron. "Ron – he didn't put a spell on me – I helped him because I wanted to!"
Ron shook his auburn head stubbornly, avoiding her gaze. "He must have done something to you – Harry says you love Snape. That's terrible!"
Hermione grabbed Ron by the shoulders forcing him to look at her. "Ron – Professor Snape and I are soul bonded – we had been for a while now and didn't know it until today! I didn't know it until Dumbledore pointed it out to me. It's not terrible either!" she added forcefully.
At those words Ron's shoulders slumped in defeat. "A soul bond?? I've read about those. Oh, Herm, that's worse because it can't be removed. Ever. Now you'll be bonded to the Head of Slytherin for the rest of your life."
Hermione sighed. At the moment she could see the chain of light running from her chest down into the floor as both she and Severus were currently at different levels in Hogwarts. After experiments with the link before in his quarters, they had come to the conclusion that telepathy between them would only occur when there was a genuine need, such as when he had called to her for help. The chain pulsed gently and there was no feel of wrongness or taint to it. It felt…right.
Feeling helpless, Hermione let Ron go. How could she convince him?
"Look," she sighed, "he's not that bad, deep down. Being under Voldemort's influence…twisted him inside. Now that Voldemort's really dead he's not as uh, cranky."
It was true, Hermione realised. While she doubted that his basic personality (sardonic, complex and proud) would suddenly 'change' (and would she want it to?) perhaps now some of his bitterness would fade.
"And I suppose this is the time when you say you're both going to live happily ever after!" Harry mocked as he walked down the staircase and into the common room.
Hermione turned and stared at her friend. "I see you didn't waste time spreading the news…and this isn't a fairy tale, Harry!"
"No it isn't" Harry said softly as he walked towards her. "In fairy tales the villain and the heroine don't fall in love."
Hermione glared at Harry, Ron glancing uneasily at them both. "Severus isn't a villain!" she snapped.
Harry looked at Ron, his green eyes glinting behind his glasses. "See? Already she's calling him by his first name. All this time I thought Hermione disliked Snape like I did, but she probably liked him all along, didn't you?"
There was pain in her heart but Hermione kept her voice steady. "Harry, try and understand..."
"No, I can't" Harry bit, his green eyes flashing. "I can understand you wanting to rescue him because even I wouldn't want him in the hands of Voldemort. But I don't understand why you love him - and I don't want to know. I'll suppose you'll want to be a Slytherin now, too."
"Harry, that's low!" Hermione snapped then she looked at him pleadingly. "Harry, we've fought before but it doesn't change the fact that you're my friend. Don't let our friendship be destroyed now."
Harry stared at her, his shoulders slumping. "Herm, I don't want our friendship ruined, but I'm feeling like I don't know who you are anymore."
Ron looked upset. "Harry, stop it, will you? The bottom line is that You- Know- uh, Voldemort is dead thanks to Hermione and Snape. She's still a Gryffindor! As for Snape, well, when you think about it he is on our side after all." Ron shrugged and looked at Hermione questioningly. "Is it true that Dumbledore doesn't…mind about um, you two?"
At that, Hermione smiled dryly. "Mind? He's acting as if it was his idea all along!"
Ron looked rueful. "If Dumbledore approves then maybe it might not be so bad after all, I guess." Then he looked hopeful. "Does this mean he won't be handing out so many detentions from now on?"
Harry threw his hands up in defeat. "I can see I'm being outnumbered!" Then he looked at Hermione wearily. "Look, I won't hassle you anymore because you're obviously not going to change your mind – I know you! But…don't expect me to understand why you love Snape. Don't expect me to start liking him either."
Hermione was silent, and sad. In the end, perhaps it was too much to ask these things of Harry. A kind of truce had been reached, and with that she had to be content.
Suddenly the door burst open and Parvati, Ginny, Seamus, Dean and Neville rushed in, smiling.
"Herm, you kicked Voldy-ass! Unbelievable!" whooped Seamus.
"Cool" said Dean.
"Are you really getting a silver statue made of you and er..Snape?" questioned Neville. Ginny, who was at Harry's side, looked intrigued.
"Don't talk to me about statues!" Hermione said through gritted teeth.
"Hermione you sly dog – I've had a crush on Snape for ages – how did you grab him?" Parvati sighed.
"What??" said the guys, startled.
Parvati rolled her eyes in amusement. "Come on you guys, half the girls in school have crushes on him."
"They're mad!" Harry muttered.
"Huh?" said Ron and Neville, confused.
Seamus and Dean looked at each other and shrugged. "Girls!" they commented, as if that explained everything.
For the rest of the afternoon other Gryffindors and students from other houses trooped into the common room to congratulate Hermione for the death of Voldemort and being brave enough to rescue Snape. Several people expressed interest in travelling through the Mirror of Erised. There were times when Hermione could see the thought 'traitor' in the eyes of other Gryffindors as Draco had mentioned earlier, but they (fortunately) kept silent, obviously feeling it was outweighed by the welcome fact that Voldemort was dead because of both her and Professor Snape…
Some girls after thanking her wistfully said she was 'lucky' (Harry snorted at that).
Hermione got the feeling from many that there was an unspoken opinion that whatever was going on between her and Snape well, surely it wouldn't last long, would it? She would soon see it was a big mistake.
Teachers came to thank Hermione also, some with tears of relief threatening to spill from their eyes, for losing students to Voldemort over the years had taken a toll on them. Professor Trelawney fluttered dramatically around Hermione when she visited the common room, assuring an embarrassed Hermione that she Knew all the Time that She Had a Special Destiny and that she Had Known about Hermione and Professor Snape "For a Long Time my Dear!!" the Professor added mistily.
Hermione wondered how Severus was coping with his well-wishers, and whether the other Slytherins were trying to convince him that allying with a 'mudblood Gryffindor' would be scandalous…
A/N – That was a slightly tricky chapter to write, but for those who wanted a better 'kiss-and-make-up' scene between Hermione and Harry, I don't think that the thought of Hermione and Severus together would be something that Harry could get used to in a hurry…
