Disclaimer: If you really need one, please check other chapters. :)
Authors Note: It came to my attention that in a the chapter where Severus' parents are introduced that it seemed like Constance and Tristan were both Snapes, indeed this is not true. Constance Brown married Tristan Snape. I will go back and fix that, sorry for the confusion.
Chapter 15: A Letter
It had been a week since Severus told Hermione how he felt. He was sitting in his office. He was waiting for Hermione to come. The workstation was already set up and he wanted to ask her a few things without her knowing what he was up to. It was common knowledge that Hermione was helping him with the cure. The Monday after he told her his feelings, he announced in front of the class that Dumbledore had said that she was the only one able to help him. The class was shocked, mostly the Slytherins. They couldn't believe that Severus was going to work with a Mudblood on a cure for a werewolf. That did not bug Severus anymore, he could careless, and it was a time to be with Hermione, in private.
Severus knew Hermiones' birthday was coming up. He wanted to throw her a get-together. She had been talking about meeting his family all week. He knew they would all approve of her because it was Albus' doing. Well that is all except Donovan, he isn't very close to Albus. But I am his older brother he should be happy for me, Severus thought. Severus stopped that train of thought; he wanted everyone there no matter what. Friday is her birthday, I have a week to do this, Severus said out loud.
"A week for what Severus?" Severus jumped out of his skin; he knew whose voice it was.
"Albus, what can I do for you?" Severus was surprised he was so nice.
"Nothing dear boy, I was just checking up on you. What about a week?" Albus sounded truly curious.
"I want to throw a party for Hermione. I was wondering if you would let Hermione and me take the day off Friday. I want to introduce her to the family and throw a surprise party. She has been talking about meeting the clan for a week now." Severus had a childish glee in his eyes.
"I think we can make arrangements. I will tell Hermione's teachers that you are taking her to knockturn alley and Diagon alley. I'll have someone cover your classes. I might even try." Albus' smile reached both of his ears. He was very happy this was going so well.
"Thank you Albus."
"You are very welcome dear boy." With that Albus turned from Severus' office and left.
Severus got out his black parchment and green ink. He knew his sister hated those colours, but he used them anyway. Severus got everything ready to write, he just couldn't think of what to write. He sat dumbfounded for a few seconds then found what he wanted to say.
Dearest Gwendolyn,
Sorry I have not written in a while. Busy start to the school year, I actually have a project outside of school. Albus came to me and asked if I would help work on a cure for lycanthropy. I accepted and I am also working with a student. She is a fifth year, a miss Hermione Granger. It turns out that Albus had me working with her, because she is meant for me according to Albus. Albus has an uncanny way of doing things. We are trying out a relationship, and Friday is her birthday. I was just wondering if we could get everyone together to throw her a surprise party. She has been wanting to meet the family for a while now. Do you think you could help me? Sorry this is such a short and demanding letter. Please write back quickly.
With love,
Severus Sebastian
Severus folded the letter and sealed. He called for Simone. Soon she came soaring from his chambers and landed right on his desk. He gave her a treat and handed her the letter.
"Here you go Simone, please take this to Gwendolyn. Wait for a reply then come straight back." With that Simone left the office. Severus watched her until he couldn't see her anymore, then sat back down at his desk. He was getting impatient waiting for Hermione to come down. He knew it was only 5:30 and she was supposed to be there at 7:30, but he still couldn't wait.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Hermione sat in her dorm looking at ordering catalogues with Ginny. She had saved up all of her summer working money for two summers in her Gringotts account. Her and Ginny were looking for a nice birthday present. Hermione was looking at a beauty catalogue and Ginny was looking at dress robes.
"Hermione Look at these!" Ginny showed her a bunch of medieval looking dresses that were apparently dress robes.
"Those are nice. I don't know though. I want something shocking for some reason. Oh my gosh, look at this kit." Hermione pointed at a wizard make-up and hair kit. "It comes with everything, it's like a makeover in a box. What do you think?"
"Well it looks awesome. I think you should get it. That's all you have wanted, was a makeover. It is a gotta have." Ginny smiled at her friend. She knew Hermione had the 17 galleons it cost.
"Have you found any dress robes?" Hermione asked. "Maybe we should look at clothes, real dresses?"
"Here we go; Muggle Styles With a Witches Touch. Oh my gosh Mione look at this!" Ginny pointed to a dark grey dress with matching pea coat, and cloak. It was the prettiest thing Ginny and Hermione had ever seen. "Oh I wish I had something like that. You should definitely get it."
"How about an early Christmas present Ginny? What about it? Matching dresses you and me? Look there is even a maroon one. Grey for you and maroon for me?"
"I would love that, but it is a lot. It isn't right to let you do that."
"Nonsense Ginny, you deserve it. You might even catch Harry's eye with it. Come on, let me do this, I really want too."
"I guess." Ginny said with a sly smile.
"Ok, where is the order sheet? There it is, item number 559867, one grey, one maroon. Ginny what size are you?"
"Four."
"Ok, one four in grey and one four in maroon." Hermione finished up with a huge smile. She was glad she could do something for her friend. She got the order sheet for the beauty kit. Behind Ginny's back Hermione also ordered one for her. That would be something that she would get at Christmas.
"All done. My birthday shopping sure was fun, wasn't it?" Both of the girls laughed and cleaned up the catalogues.
"I guess it is time for us to get to dinner. Shall we go get the guys?" Ginny smiled and nodded in response, and they were on their way to the common room.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Severus decided he would skip dinner tonight, waiting for his sisters' reply was more important to him. He rang for a house elf. Despite what everyone would think Severus hated having elves do work for him. A house elf named doughnut came and got him his dinner. While waiting for his dinner Severus noticed Simone. She came flying into the window. She landed softly on his desk holding a brightly pink piece of parchment. That is most definitely Gwendolyn, Severus thought, always into pink.
Dearest Brother,
It is time you had another in your life. And I trust Albus to find you your ideal match. You will have to tell me more about her. But before we get into that, I would be glad to get everyone together. Donovan might be a tough one, but I will try. I guess there is another baby on the way. But with Don it might be a false alarm, just like the other five times. It is amazing they actually have kids. Bring the sweet lass over here at about 4pm Friday. Don't worry about a thing. I will get it all set up. You know how much I love this type of stuff. I have to go now, but don't be scared to write. See you Friday. Much love to you and Albus.
Much Love,
Gwendolyn Victoria
Severus was marvelled by how well Gwen took this. Also offering to do everything on this short of notice. He wrote a reply back expressing his thanks to his little sister, and of course about how much Hermione amazed him. Not long after Hermione came in. They had come to an agreement that no knocking was necessary. Hermione took a seat on Severus' lap. She gave him a sweet little kiss and a big hug.
"Hello!" She said almost to cheery for Severus' liking.
"What are you so happy about?" He asked in a cold tone.
"I have done a very good deed. Why weren't you at dinner?" Hermione asked with huge puppy eyes.
"I was waiting for a letter from Gwendolyn."
"I see. About what?"
"Well Friday, we need to take a trip to Diagon Alley and Knockturn Alley. I know it is your birthday, but we really need to go Hermione. And well I think we might have to stay the night in Diagon Alley. We have a lot that we need, that I don't have here at the school."
"A day with you on my birthday sounds like heaven." Hermione said with a sweetly innocent smile.
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Authors Note: Sorry for the long wait on this chapter. I hope everyone had a great thanksgiving weekend. Thank you for all of my reviewers. Your reviews mean a lot to me.
Marisa Raven: First of all, I think I would like to name a character after you if it's ok. Also love the two new stories. Hope you enjoyed this chapter.
Zoe: Thanks! I thought the other way was way too mushy too. I know I daydream a lot, so why can't Hermione.
Atalaya: I hope I answered your question. Thank you so much. Just in case I didn't Constance Brown married Tristan Snape.
Gorgegirl: Thank you so much. I am waiting for a new chapter from you. I love that story. Thank you again.
PrincessDarkness: Thank you, I hope you enjoyed this chapter too.
Starry-06: Thank you for the sweet review. As far as my writing has gone Lavender is not going to mess it up. That I think was just a suspense thing I added. It might come up again later. I haven't decided yet.