Disclaimer: I wish they were mine, but they're not.
A/N: Thank you to Sunglow999 for beta reading.
Chapter 5 - Bombshells
"Close your mouth, Severus, you're gaping." Hermione murmured. His jaw clicked shut with an audible snap. His mind raced; his future mother-in-law had bought those sinful scraps of nothing for her own daughter? What was he getting into? Didn't they say that daughters turned into their mothers as they got older? Dear Gods! He'd have to get Hagrid to lend him Fluffy to protect his own daughters' virtue. Or perhaps a dragon would be better...
The door opened and a very attractive older woman stood there with a smile on her face. Severus blinked dazedly. This was Hermione's mother then; he could see the resemblance. Hermione would obviously age very well. She held out her hand and drew them both inside. She hugged her daughter and then held out a slim hand to Severus.
"Professor Snape. How nice to meet you at last."
"Mrs Granger."
"Call me Helen, please."
"Severus."
"Hermione, why don't you show Severus your room while I call your father in from the garden?" she smiled at them and indicated the stairs.
Severus followed Hermione up the carpeted stairs, admiring the way her hips swayed under the light summer dress. She led him to a spacious bedroom that was dominated by a large bed and bookshelves.
"How did she..?"
"I sent mum the Daily Prophet."
Ah, the celebration picture. He thought he'd hidden successfully behind someone when that had been taken, but obviously he hadn't been quite successful enough.
"This is nice." He was drawn to the bookshelves, wondering what else she read. Classic literature, Latin texts, dictionaries; both muggle and magical, a very battered copy of Hogwarts: A History, and a few thrillers.
He turned to see Hermione putting away their clothes by magic. He would miss his robes this week. For years he's worn them as a defence against the world, and he felt curiously naked without them. Carefully putting his wand on the bedside table, he sat down on the side of the bed.
"You're mother didn't seem too shocked."
"When you have a witch for a daughter, what do you expect? That she'll bring home an accountant?"
"Does she approve of magic?"
"Are you kidding? She couldn't wait for me to graduate so she can see what I can do."
"So she wouldn't worry about you Apparating in and out?"
"No." she laughed as she remembered Christmas.
"What's so funny?"
"I caught them making out in the living room at Christmas when I was practising. They spent the night at a hotel across town."
"So they wouldn't object to my sharing your bed?"
"No, but I'd make sure we have a silencing spell cast."
"We can abstain, if you prefer."
"Not for them, my love. It's for us. To stop us hearing them."
"Oh."
~~~
It was later that evening that "the talk" with Hermione's father took place. They had spent a very pleasant evening getting to know each other. Hermione's parents didn't disapprove of the age gap, seeing as how there was quite a gap between them. In fact, it seemed they thought he would need the advantage of experience to deal with their daughter. Hermione had squirmed with some of the stories that had been related to him; mainly about the way she'd dealt with bullies at her primary school before she'd got her Hogwarts letter.
Hermione's father invited Severus into his study for an after-dinner cognac. Swirling the amber liquid around the balloon glass, Mr Granger stared intently at him. He reminded Severus of Dumbledore, seemingly benign, but with a rapier mind that could dissect a situation in seconds. Determined not to back down, he raised his own glass to Mr Granger.
"So, Severus, you're Hermione's teacher."
"Was. I hope you don't object to her continuing her post-graduate studies at Hogwarts?"
"Not at all. The school has been good for her. I hope she will continue to be happy there." A subtle hint was given.
"I will do my best, Mr Granger."
"Call me John, please. So how long has this been going on?" Straight to the point, and Severus wasn't going to lie to him.
"Since she graduated. We've been together ever since."
"And her friends?"
"Don't know yet. We thought you and Helen should be the first to know."
"Thank you for that. It's a beautiful ring, you've bought her."
"Not as beautiful as Hermione."
"You're a lucky man, Severus. Hermione has never been one for having lots of boyfriends. We were worried she'd choose Ron, but she proved too sensible for that."
"I'm surprised. I would have thought you'd want a younger man for her."
"Not for Hermione. She's too bright for most men. She needs a challenge, and that young man, although nothing wrong with him, wouldn't last five minutes."
"And you see me as a challenge for her?"
"No, a very complex puzzle. From what I've heard about you, and it's a fair bit mind, there are enough layers there to keep her occupied for the next 50 years."
"You realise that wizards have a longer lifespan than non-magical people?"
"Yes, so it doesn't matter about the age gap. So tell me, have you set a date yet?" the change of subject came as a welcome relief. It seemed he'd passed the test.
They chatted over the brandy about Severus's work, literature and classical music. When Hermione decided he'd been interrogated long enough, she stuck her head round the door and asked if they wanted a coffee before bed.
They got up and made their way to the door. As Severus put his hand on the doorknob, John stayed his hand. Severus looked into steely eyes.
"If you ever hurt her, Severus, I'll have your bollocks for ear-rings."
~~~
"That went quite well, I thought." Hermione smiled as they snuggled under the light duvet. Severus frowned at the ceiling. He'd always slept in a four-poster bed, and this bed would take some getting used to.
"You didn't get threatened with castration." He grumbled, holding her hand on his chest as she twined her foot around his leg.
"Well he is my dad."
"I'll remember this when our daughter brings home a man. If I can make him feel a quarter of how your father made me feel, I'll be a happy man."
"Don't worry, my love. You'll probably have taught him. That'll be enough to put any prospective suitor off. He'll have to be made of sterner stuff." She shivered at the thought of them creating a baby. She sat up, suddenly.
"What is it?"
"Shit!"
"Language, young lady. What's the matter?"
"Shit! Contraceptives!"
"What about them?"
"I've not been taking any!"
"Hermione, you're a witch. Witches don't take muggle pills. They're too dangerous."
"I could be pregnant!"
"No you couldn't."
"Severus, we've been making love two, sometimes three times a day for the last month!"
"I know." He had a smug grin on his face.
"Well? I haven't had a period in all that time!"
"I know."
"Severus!" she was panicking now. It was too soon! She wanted him all to herself for the next year or so, not share him with a baby!
"Calm down, Hermione. I am a potions master, after all."
"What's that got to do with it?" she was nearly in tears. He sat up and turned her to face him, lifting her chin up. He leant forward and kissed her gently.
"In the wizarding world, there is such a thing as a male contraceptive potion. It prevents pregnancy, and delays the female menstrual cycle through the secretions. You'll have your period when you go to the Weasleys, I'm afraid."
"Is it safe?"
"Perfectly safe. I wouldn't take it otherwise." He watched her relax slightly.
"Does this mean I won't have another period while we're together?"
"If we carry on the way we are, yes. But it's not really advised. We'll have to take a break in order for nature to take its course, but this way you're hormones are controlled effectively."
"No more PMS?"
"No." he was glad he wouldn't have to handle a hormone-laden Hermione every month. He'd watched her mood swings over the last few months, and although they hadn't been excessive, he'd noticed a tendency to hit Ron more frequently surface. And Hermione was known for the strength of her slaps.
"Really?"
"Really."
"Thank God for the male contraceptive!"
"I'm so glad you approve."
"Muggles would kill for the formula!"
"Don't even think about it."
"I wonder if Harry and Ron know about it!"
"All six and seventh year boys are told at the beginning of term."
"Harry and Ron never said anything."
"I imagine they would have been too embarrassed. Isn't it the girls in the muggle world that usually have the responsibility?"
"Yes, but accidents still happen. How can the boys be relied on to remember to take the potion?"
"The potion lasts a month. There's an inbuilt charm that unless it's countered in certain situations, such as the mutual agreement to start a pregnancy, nothing will happen until a fresh potion is taken."
"You mean..."
"Yes."
"They can't get it up?"
"Yes."
"Wow. That is certainly a powerful incentive!"
"I thought you might think so."
"Sooo..you've taken yours?"
"What do you think?"
"I'd say you have...."
~~~
A week later, Severus and Hermione said goodbye to her parents. He had enjoyed their stay with them. They were easy-going, relaxed parents, and he knew they could have been a lot worse. It was also nice to see the way they were happy for Hermione to make her own decisions.
Her mother and then her father hugged Hermione. John shook Severus by the hand and then Severus turned to Helen. She reached up and kissed his cheek.
"Take care of my little girl, Severus."
"I will, Helen. Although I believe I owe you my thanks." He looked down at her meaningfully.
"You're quite welcome, Severus." She winked at him, and then they were gone, Apparating back to Hogsmeade.
"What was all that about, Helen? Should I be jealous?"
"No. Severus was just thanking me for Hermione's Christmas present."
~~~
"You'll owl me?"
"Of course. Just look out for Harry's owl."
"Every day?"
"I'll only be gone for a week."
"I'll miss you."
"I'll miss you too. Now I really must go. Ginny's expecting me to help her get something for Harry's birthday."
"So I'll see you next Saturday?"
"Early. Don't bother getting out of bed, Severus. I want to remember you just like this. It will see me through the week." Hermione was dressed for travelling and sat on the side of their bed, her eyes on his bare chest as he lay back against the dark green sheets. He lifted her left hand in his and ran his thumb over her ring.
"When will you tell them?"
"As soon as I get there. This ring will be hard to miss."
"If they give you a hard time, you will tell me, won't you?"
"Oh, don't worry. I know about the potion, don't I?" she smirked. She couldn't wait!
"Give me a kiss, then. And behave yourself!"
"Have you ever known me not to?"
"I can think of numerous occasions over the last few weeks; outside, the library...."
"But I only misbehave with you.."
~~~
"Hermione! It's so good to see you!" Mrs Weasley hugged her and then stood back to survey her. "You look wonderful!"
"Thank you, Mrs Weasley." Hermione smiled. Molly looked at her again.
"Is there something you'd like to tell me before the boys get here?"
"Errr.."
"I do know how to keep a secret, you know." Her eyes twinkled.
"How much do you know?"
"A little bird saw you and a certain potions master in Diagon Alley last week."
"Has it made the gossip columns yet?"
"No. Arthur just happened to spot you as you left the café."
"Oh."
"Have you come to tell Harry and Ron?"
"Yes. How do you think they'll take it?"
"I'm not sure. You know how they feel about Professor Snape."
"Yes. That's what I'm worried about."
"Is it serious, or just a fling?" Molly looked disapproving. Hermione lifted her left hand and Molly gasped.
"That is gorgeous!"
"We haven't set a date yet."
"That serious?"
"Yes."
"Well, congratulations. I never thought that man would ever find someone, but I'm glad it's you. You make a lovely couple." Hermione thought she was going overboard a bit there, but didn't disagree. She thought Severus looked delicious, but knew the majority of people didn't see past the greasy git front he put up.
"'Mione!" Ron and Harry came running from the back garden, only now noticing her arrival. They'd been de-gnoming again; a never-ending job over the summer.
They swung her round and round in exuberant circles, and she laughed. It was good to see them again. Ginny joined them and they piled into the house, all talking at once. Fred and George would be joining them later in the week, taking a few days off from Weasley's Wizard Wheezes. Hermione was looking forward to seeing what new products they'd invented.
Ginny dragged her off to her room to discuss Harry's birthday present, and then she caught sight of Hermione's ring.
"What's this, Hermione?"
"It's a ring, Ginny."
"What's it doing there?"
"Ginny, you're not stupid. What does it usually mean when a girl has a ring on the third finger of her left hand?"
"You're engaged? Who to? Isn't this a bit sudden?"
"Yes, I'd rather not say yet, and yes."
"It's Snape, isn't it?"
"How did..?"
"Ah ha! I knew you were up to something! I saw the way you looked at him when no-one was looking. Is that where you were every Friday night? With him? Was it good?"
"Ginny! Nothing happened until after I graduated!"
"Well?"
"Yes, I was with him on those nights, but not in the way you think I was. Prepare yourself." And she transformed into Cleo. She transformed back again as Ginny gaped at her.
"You...you're..."
"An Animagi. Severus was snake-sitting."
For once in her life, Ginny was truly lost for words. She visibly gathered her wits together, and Hermione could almost see the wheels turning in her brain.
"Does he know?"
"Not yet."
"Oh Hermione! He is going to be so pissed!"
"I know. That's what worries me. You won't say anything, will you?"
"Of course not. Your secret is safe with me. Will you tell Harry and Ron?"
"Only about us, not the snake thing."
"Who else knows?"
"Minerva and Albus, I think. And now you."
"So when's the wedding?"
"We haven't decided yet. Soon, I think."
"Has Mum seen your ring?"
"Yes."
"You know it'll be common knowledge by the start of term, don't you?"
"We knew we wouldn't be able to keep it a secret. Especially as I've moved in with him."
"Wow! Is he good in bed?"
Hermione had a smile on her face like the Mona Lisa.
"I never knew he had it in him!" Ginny was awed.
"I don't think he did, either."
~~~
"Will you come with me for moral support?" Hermione asked Ginny a while later.
"Of course. Perhaps I can help with the resuscitation." She grinned. Hermione grinned back and smoothed down her hair, taking a deep breath. She would now find out if the Dream Team's long-term friendship was going to survive.
They went outside to find Harry and Ron on their broomsticks, throwing an old quaffle around. Ginny yelled for them to come down and they landed neatly. Harry looked at Hermione, who was fidgeting a little and looking nervous.
"What's up?"
"I have something to tell you both. I'm going to be staying at Hogwarts, doing post-graduate studies."
"So? I always knew you were mental about books." Ron looked unconcerned, but Harry was watching her closely. There was something else. His seeker eye caught a flash on her hand, and he looked closer. A ring.
"What's this, 'Mione?" he held her hand up.
"I'm engaged."
"Not to Krum!" Ron and his quidditch.
"Idiot! That's been over for years, hasn't it 'Mione?" Harry stared at her again.
"No, it's not Viktor."
"Then who is it?"
"You're not going to like this." She warned. Ron frowned.
"It's not Malfoy, is it?"
"Nooo..."
"It's Snape, isn't it, Hermione?" Harry asked quietly. Ron leapt back from her as if she was contaminated.
"What the fuck are you doing, Hermione? Are you mental?" he yelled.
"No. I'm in love."
"He's used a potion on you, hasn't he? That's illegal!"
"No he hasn't, you prat. We love each other, and are getting married."
"When did this happen, Hermione?" Harry was taking this very calmly, she thought. Unlike Ron, who was muttering incoherently in the background.
"After graduation."
"I see. Are you happy with him?"
"Very. You're taking this very calmly, Harry."
"We all had to grow up quickly, Hermione, me more than most. I can understand how you feel. He is the only one who can match you, after all." Harry said wisely. She hugged him suddenly, a sob caught in her throat.
"I really appreciate you not making a big fuss of this, unlike some." She looked at Ron. Harry grinned.
"Don't worry, he'll calm down eventually." He had a thought. "Erm.. are you sleeping with him?"
"No, I think Susan would object."
"Not Ron! Snape?"
"Yes."
That caught Ron's attention and he turned green.
"Hey, Ginny. With Snape getting it regularly, his mood should improve. You'll be laughing in September." Harry said.
"Eeeuuww, Harry. That is not something I want to even imagine! Snape having sex!" Ron gagged.
"Do you mind? That's my fiancé you're talking about!" Hermione punched his arm.
"Hey, Hermione? Boxers or briefs?" Ginny asked slyly.
"That'd be telling....when he bothers with them, that is." Hermione smiled her Mona Lisa smile again as Ginny shrieked with laughter.
Oh, the fun they'd have come September....
TBC
A/N: Thank you to Sunglow999 for beta reading.
Chapter 5 - Bombshells
"Close your mouth, Severus, you're gaping." Hermione murmured. His jaw clicked shut with an audible snap. His mind raced; his future mother-in-law had bought those sinful scraps of nothing for her own daughter? What was he getting into? Didn't they say that daughters turned into their mothers as they got older? Dear Gods! He'd have to get Hagrid to lend him Fluffy to protect his own daughters' virtue. Or perhaps a dragon would be better...
The door opened and a very attractive older woman stood there with a smile on her face. Severus blinked dazedly. This was Hermione's mother then; he could see the resemblance. Hermione would obviously age very well. She held out her hand and drew them both inside. She hugged her daughter and then held out a slim hand to Severus.
"Professor Snape. How nice to meet you at last."
"Mrs Granger."
"Call me Helen, please."
"Severus."
"Hermione, why don't you show Severus your room while I call your father in from the garden?" she smiled at them and indicated the stairs.
Severus followed Hermione up the carpeted stairs, admiring the way her hips swayed under the light summer dress. She led him to a spacious bedroom that was dominated by a large bed and bookshelves.
"How did she..?"
"I sent mum the Daily Prophet."
Ah, the celebration picture. He thought he'd hidden successfully behind someone when that had been taken, but obviously he hadn't been quite successful enough.
"This is nice." He was drawn to the bookshelves, wondering what else she read. Classic literature, Latin texts, dictionaries; both muggle and magical, a very battered copy of Hogwarts: A History, and a few thrillers.
He turned to see Hermione putting away their clothes by magic. He would miss his robes this week. For years he's worn them as a defence against the world, and he felt curiously naked without them. Carefully putting his wand on the bedside table, he sat down on the side of the bed.
"You're mother didn't seem too shocked."
"When you have a witch for a daughter, what do you expect? That she'll bring home an accountant?"
"Does she approve of magic?"
"Are you kidding? She couldn't wait for me to graduate so she can see what I can do."
"So she wouldn't worry about you Apparating in and out?"
"No." she laughed as she remembered Christmas.
"What's so funny?"
"I caught them making out in the living room at Christmas when I was practising. They spent the night at a hotel across town."
"So they wouldn't object to my sharing your bed?"
"No, but I'd make sure we have a silencing spell cast."
"We can abstain, if you prefer."
"Not for them, my love. It's for us. To stop us hearing them."
"Oh."
~~~
It was later that evening that "the talk" with Hermione's father took place. They had spent a very pleasant evening getting to know each other. Hermione's parents didn't disapprove of the age gap, seeing as how there was quite a gap between them. In fact, it seemed they thought he would need the advantage of experience to deal with their daughter. Hermione had squirmed with some of the stories that had been related to him; mainly about the way she'd dealt with bullies at her primary school before she'd got her Hogwarts letter.
Hermione's father invited Severus into his study for an after-dinner cognac. Swirling the amber liquid around the balloon glass, Mr Granger stared intently at him. He reminded Severus of Dumbledore, seemingly benign, but with a rapier mind that could dissect a situation in seconds. Determined not to back down, he raised his own glass to Mr Granger.
"So, Severus, you're Hermione's teacher."
"Was. I hope you don't object to her continuing her post-graduate studies at Hogwarts?"
"Not at all. The school has been good for her. I hope she will continue to be happy there." A subtle hint was given.
"I will do my best, Mr Granger."
"Call me John, please. So how long has this been going on?" Straight to the point, and Severus wasn't going to lie to him.
"Since she graduated. We've been together ever since."
"And her friends?"
"Don't know yet. We thought you and Helen should be the first to know."
"Thank you for that. It's a beautiful ring, you've bought her."
"Not as beautiful as Hermione."
"You're a lucky man, Severus. Hermione has never been one for having lots of boyfriends. We were worried she'd choose Ron, but she proved too sensible for that."
"I'm surprised. I would have thought you'd want a younger man for her."
"Not for Hermione. She's too bright for most men. She needs a challenge, and that young man, although nothing wrong with him, wouldn't last five minutes."
"And you see me as a challenge for her?"
"No, a very complex puzzle. From what I've heard about you, and it's a fair bit mind, there are enough layers there to keep her occupied for the next 50 years."
"You realise that wizards have a longer lifespan than non-magical people?"
"Yes, so it doesn't matter about the age gap. So tell me, have you set a date yet?" the change of subject came as a welcome relief. It seemed he'd passed the test.
They chatted over the brandy about Severus's work, literature and classical music. When Hermione decided he'd been interrogated long enough, she stuck her head round the door and asked if they wanted a coffee before bed.
They got up and made their way to the door. As Severus put his hand on the doorknob, John stayed his hand. Severus looked into steely eyes.
"If you ever hurt her, Severus, I'll have your bollocks for ear-rings."
~~~
"That went quite well, I thought." Hermione smiled as they snuggled under the light duvet. Severus frowned at the ceiling. He'd always slept in a four-poster bed, and this bed would take some getting used to.
"You didn't get threatened with castration." He grumbled, holding her hand on his chest as she twined her foot around his leg.
"Well he is my dad."
"I'll remember this when our daughter brings home a man. If I can make him feel a quarter of how your father made me feel, I'll be a happy man."
"Don't worry, my love. You'll probably have taught him. That'll be enough to put any prospective suitor off. He'll have to be made of sterner stuff." She shivered at the thought of them creating a baby. She sat up, suddenly.
"What is it?"
"Shit!"
"Language, young lady. What's the matter?"
"Shit! Contraceptives!"
"What about them?"
"I've not been taking any!"
"Hermione, you're a witch. Witches don't take muggle pills. They're too dangerous."
"I could be pregnant!"
"No you couldn't."
"Severus, we've been making love two, sometimes three times a day for the last month!"
"I know." He had a smug grin on his face.
"Well? I haven't had a period in all that time!"
"I know."
"Severus!" she was panicking now. It was too soon! She wanted him all to herself for the next year or so, not share him with a baby!
"Calm down, Hermione. I am a potions master, after all."
"What's that got to do with it?" she was nearly in tears. He sat up and turned her to face him, lifting her chin up. He leant forward and kissed her gently.
"In the wizarding world, there is such a thing as a male contraceptive potion. It prevents pregnancy, and delays the female menstrual cycle through the secretions. You'll have your period when you go to the Weasleys, I'm afraid."
"Is it safe?"
"Perfectly safe. I wouldn't take it otherwise." He watched her relax slightly.
"Does this mean I won't have another period while we're together?"
"If we carry on the way we are, yes. But it's not really advised. We'll have to take a break in order for nature to take its course, but this way you're hormones are controlled effectively."
"No more PMS?"
"No." he was glad he wouldn't have to handle a hormone-laden Hermione every month. He'd watched her mood swings over the last few months, and although they hadn't been excessive, he'd noticed a tendency to hit Ron more frequently surface. And Hermione was known for the strength of her slaps.
"Really?"
"Really."
"Thank God for the male contraceptive!"
"I'm so glad you approve."
"Muggles would kill for the formula!"
"Don't even think about it."
"I wonder if Harry and Ron know about it!"
"All six and seventh year boys are told at the beginning of term."
"Harry and Ron never said anything."
"I imagine they would have been too embarrassed. Isn't it the girls in the muggle world that usually have the responsibility?"
"Yes, but accidents still happen. How can the boys be relied on to remember to take the potion?"
"The potion lasts a month. There's an inbuilt charm that unless it's countered in certain situations, such as the mutual agreement to start a pregnancy, nothing will happen until a fresh potion is taken."
"You mean..."
"Yes."
"They can't get it up?"
"Yes."
"Wow. That is certainly a powerful incentive!"
"I thought you might think so."
"Sooo..you've taken yours?"
"What do you think?"
"I'd say you have...."
~~~
A week later, Severus and Hermione said goodbye to her parents. He had enjoyed their stay with them. They were easy-going, relaxed parents, and he knew they could have been a lot worse. It was also nice to see the way they were happy for Hermione to make her own decisions.
Her mother and then her father hugged Hermione. John shook Severus by the hand and then Severus turned to Helen. She reached up and kissed his cheek.
"Take care of my little girl, Severus."
"I will, Helen. Although I believe I owe you my thanks." He looked down at her meaningfully.
"You're quite welcome, Severus." She winked at him, and then they were gone, Apparating back to Hogsmeade.
"What was all that about, Helen? Should I be jealous?"
"No. Severus was just thanking me for Hermione's Christmas present."
~~~
"You'll owl me?"
"Of course. Just look out for Harry's owl."
"Every day?"
"I'll only be gone for a week."
"I'll miss you."
"I'll miss you too. Now I really must go. Ginny's expecting me to help her get something for Harry's birthday."
"So I'll see you next Saturday?"
"Early. Don't bother getting out of bed, Severus. I want to remember you just like this. It will see me through the week." Hermione was dressed for travelling and sat on the side of their bed, her eyes on his bare chest as he lay back against the dark green sheets. He lifted her left hand in his and ran his thumb over her ring.
"When will you tell them?"
"As soon as I get there. This ring will be hard to miss."
"If they give you a hard time, you will tell me, won't you?"
"Oh, don't worry. I know about the potion, don't I?" she smirked. She couldn't wait!
"Give me a kiss, then. And behave yourself!"
"Have you ever known me not to?"
"I can think of numerous occasions over the last few weeks; outside, the library...."
"But I only misbehave with you.."
~~~
"Hermione! It's so good to see you!" Mrs Weasley hugged her and then stood back to survey her. "You look wonderful!"
"Thank you, Mrs Weasley." Hermione smiled. Molly looked at her again.
"Is there something you'd like to tell me before the boys get here?"
"Errr.."
"I do know how to keep a secret, you know." Her eyes twinkled.
"How much do you know?"
"A little bird saw you and a certain potions master in Diagon Alley last week."
"Has it made the gossip columns yet?"
"No. Arthur just happened to spot you as you left the café."
"Oh."
"Have you come to tell Harry and Ron?"
"Yes. How do you think they'll take it?"
"I'm not sure. You know how they feel about Professor Snape."
"Yes. That's what I'm worried about."
"Is it serious, or just a fling?" Molly looked disapproving. Hermione lifted her left hand and Molly gasped.
"That is gorgeous!"
"We haven't set a date yet."
"That serious?"
"Yes."
"Well, congratulations. I never thought that man would ever find someone, but I'm glad it's you. You make a lovely couple." Hermione thought she was going overboard a bit there, but didn't disagree. She thought Severus looked delicious, but knew the majority of people didn't see past the greasy git front he put up.
"'Mione!" Ron and Harry came running from the back garden, only now noticing her arrival. They'd been de-gnoming again; a never-ending job over the summer.
They swung her round and round in exuberant circles, and she laughed. It was good to see them again. Ginny joined them and they piled into the house, all talking at once. Fred and George would be joining them later in the week, taking a few days off from Weasley's Wizard Wheezes. Hermione was looking forward to seeing what new products they'd invented.
Ginny dragged her off to her room to discuss Harry's birthday present, and then she caught sight of Hermione's ring.
"What's this, Hermione?"
"It's a ring, Ginny."
"What's it doing there?"
"Ginny, you're not stupid. What does it usually mean when a girl has a ring on the third finger of her left hand?"
"You're engaged? Who to? Isn't this a bit sudden?"
"Yes, I'd rather not say yet, and yes."
"It's Snape, isn't it?"
"How did..?"
"Ah ha! I knew you were up to something! I saw the way you looked at him when no-one was looking. Is that where you were every Friday night? With him? Was it good?"
"Ginny! Nothing happened until after I graduated!"
"Well?"
"Yes, I was with him on those nights, but not in the way you think I was. Prepare yourself." And she transformed into Cleo. She transformed back again as Ginny gaped at her.
"You...you're..."
"An Animagi. Severus was snake-sitting."
For once in her life, Ginny was truly lost for words. She visibly gathered her wits together, and Hermione could almost see the wheels turning in her brain.
"Does he know?"
"Not yet."
"Oh Hermione! He is going to be so pissed!"
"I know. That's what worries me. You won't say anything, will you?"
"Of course not. Your secret is safe with me. Will you tell Harry and Ron?"
"Only about us, not the snake thing."
"Who else knows?"
"Minerva and Albus, I think. And now you."
"So when's the wedding?"
"We haven't decided yet. Soon, I think."
"Has Mum seen your ring?"
"Yes."
"You know it'll be common knowledge by the start of term, don't you?"
"We knew we wouldn't be able to keep it a secret. Especially as I've moved in with him."
"Wow! Is he good in bed?"
Hermione had a smile on her face like the Mona Lisa.
"I never knew he had it in him!" Ginny was awed.
"I don't think he did, either."
~~~
"Will you come with me for moral support?" Hermione asked Ginny a while later.
"Of course. Perhaps I can help with the resuscitation." She grinned. Hermione grinned back and smoothed down her hair, taking a deep breath. She would now find out if the Dream Team's long-term friendship was going to survive.
They went outside to find Harry and Ron on their broomsticks, throwing an old quaffle around. Ginny yelled for them to come down and they landed neatly. Harry looked at Hermione, who was fidgeting a little and looking nervous.
"What's up?"
"I have something to tell you both. I'm going to be staying at Hogwarts, doing post-graduate studies."
"So? I always knew you were mental about books." Ron looked unconcerned, but Harry was watching her closely. There was something else. His seeker eye caught a flash on her hand, and he looked closer. A ring.
"What's this, 'Mione?" he held her hand up.
"I'm engaged."
"Not to Krum!" Ron and his quidditch.
"Idiot! That's been over for years, hasn't it 'Mione?" Harry stared at her again.
"No, it's not Viktor."
"Then who is it?"
"You're not going to like this." She warned. Ron frowned.
"It's not Malfoy, is it?"
"Nooo..."
"It's Snape, isn't it, Hermione?" Harry asked quietly. Ron leapt back from her as if she was contaminated.
"What the fuck are you doing, Hermione? Are you mental?" he yelled.
"No. I'm in love."
"He's used a potion on you, hasn't he? That's illegal!"
"No he hasn't, you prat. We love each other, and are getting married."
"When did this happen, Hermione?" Harry was taking this very calmly, she thought. Unlike Ron, who was muttering incoherently in the background.
"After graduation."
"I see. Are you happy with him?"
"Very. You're taking this very calmly, Harry."
"We all had to grow up quickly, Hermione, me more than most. I can understand how you feel. He is the only one who can match you, after all." Harry said wisely. She hugged him suddenly, a sob caught in her throat.
"I really appreciate you not making a big fuss of this, unlike some." She looked at Ron. Harry grinned.
"Don't worry, he'll calm down eventually." He had a thought. "Erm.. are you sleeping with him?"
"No, I think Susan would object."
"Not Ron! Snape?"
"Yes."
That caught Ron's attention and he turned green.
"Hey, Ginny. With Snape getting it regularly, his mood should improve. You'll be laughing in September." Harry said.
"Eeeuuww, Harry. That is not something I want to even imagine! Snape having sex!" Ron gagged.
"Do you mind? That's my fiancé you're talking about!" Hermione punched his arm.
"Hey, Hermione? Boxers or briefs?" Ginny asked slyly.
"That'd be telling....when he bothers with them, that is." Hermione smiled her Mona Lisa smile again as Ginny shrieked with laughter.
Oh, the fun they'd have come September....
TBC