A/N: Why I have to wait until this Wednesday to buy a copy of 'Chamber of Secrets' I have no idea, but because it is my birthday I am willing to forgive the gods of merchandising!
Alexial, Marsden Chicklet, Jasmine Black, MadAboutHarry, notsureyet, paranoidelusionalscitzophenic, snapefan51, Scotland the Brave, Sinister Papaya Fondue, Strega Brava, Tracy, Zoe, Thanks!
Beth Ann – Yes, I'm evil g
Chisihiono Tenshi, Michelline – It will be soon….
Luna Writer – As it happens, the story will be ending on Hermione's Graduation Day, apart from a couple of looks into the couples future. It is inevitable anyway at the end of some stories that there will more fluff than angst….
Part 33
Once the Quidditch game was over and Hermione had convinced the world to stop whirling around her, Harry asked her how the meeting with the Serpent Council had gone, and who they were.
[Well, Harry, it was organised by the father of Severus, who could have written the book on cold-blooded nastiness.]
"It was all right," she said in a deliberately off-hand tone. "They were a group of Slytherins to whom Professor Snape had sent a report of my bracelet to."
[They alternated between treating me like a child and trying to intimidate me.]
"They just wanted to check that my bracelet was genuine."
[Do you want to see the bruise on my arm after one of them decided to do his 'checking'?]
"I don't think that they will be coming back for a second opinion, though."
[Severus came and put the fear of Snape into them. After Severus' father called me a mudblood, Severus was this close to challenging him to a duel. His father disowned him because of me….]
Harry sensed that she wasn't quite telling him everything, but let it lie. He had the feeling that this Serpent Council had thought Hermione would be an easy mark, and had been shown the rough end of the stick instead.
[Do you think I am someone worth disowning for, Harry? Do I want to think that?]
* * * * * *
The next morning when the seventh-years had dressed and come down to the common room there was a pile of scrolls with their names on them, tied by official-looking ribbons.
"It's our results!" Ron exclaimed, half with excitement and half with trepidation. With that there was an undignified rush to the table.
"Here's yours, Harry – I bet you passed!"
"Please say I've passed….."
"I can't find mine – where is it? Maybe I failed!"
"I'm sure you haven't, Neville – here it is."
"Thanks, Hermione!"
Hermione managed to find her scroll and standing aside untied the ribbon and then opened the scroll with slightly trembling hands. Put the sheaf of reports from her teachers aside. Find the paper, the defining paper with the final marks upon it…..there.
It was a Pass – With Honours.
Hermione let out a shaky sigh of relief. High marks indeed. She looked up and saw Ron watching her with narrowed eyes.
"Let me guess – you passed," he said snidely. Hermione counted to five.
"Yes. Yes, I did," she said calmly. "And you?"
Ron grunted. "I did all right," he said shortly, turning to Harry, but the way his shoulders were set indicated to Hermione that perhaps he hadn't done as well as he had anticipated.
There was a sound of a sniffle from Neville that developed into a few noisy sobs.
"Neville – what's wrong" Hermione exclaimed as she and the others crowded around him in consternation. Her heart sank – clearly Neville had failed, and he had tried so hard too. She had often assisted him in his work when he faltered, when she had been able to do so without detection.
"It's not that bad, is it?" Harry said tentatively, his green eyes concerned under his unruly black hair.
Neville lifted his face and there was a smile amongst the tears. "I passed!" he said proudly, wiping his nose. "I just managed to pass – Gran will be so pleased," Neville said in relief.
There was a collective lifting of tension. "You had us worried there for a minute," Harry grumbled, but it was in a good-natured way and he lightly punched Neville on the shoulder.
At breakfast the Great Hall was full of the buzz of excited students discussing their results and dull conversation from those who had failed, or had done poorly.
Draco had a sullen look on his face, with Crabbe and Goyle sitting in lumpish gloom at either side. There would be no schooling prizes awarded to them.
All the teachers were up at the head table and Hermione noticed that Severus had regained his intimidating poise, though his shoulders were slightly hunched. As he if felt that she was watching him, Severus looked in her direction. The delight of having passed her exams still coursed through her and Hermione felt herself beam at him.
His face twitched and then he lifted his coffee cup to her slightly in a sardonic salute, his eyes glinting, as if he had read her mind and was saying Of course you passed, my silly girl.
"I saw the way you two looked at each other," Hermione heard Lavender mutter from beside her.
"So?" Hermione retorted quietly.
"Well, just warn me when you do something like that, OK?"
The remarks had been made lightly, but Hermione heard the unease behind her friend's voice. Hermione wondered how she would react when she found out about the engagement – which would certainly be brought out in the open before tomorrow was over. It was just a matter of both of them finding the right moment……
When Hermione looked up at the head table again she saw that Professor McGonagall was holding forth, making brisk gestures at various parts of the hall. It looked as if she was discussing various ways to decorate the hall for tonight's Graduation Ball, Hermione thought, interested as to what theme they would have. There were looks of consternation on the faces of some of the other teachers, as if they were trying to think of excuses to be elsewhere today. Severus had a malevolent look on his face that indicated if anyone tried to make him hang balloons, they would have another thought coming.
"This afternoon Hermione, I'll be doing a makeover on you!"
"What?" Hermione said, startled as her attention was brought back to Lavender.
"Well, you'll need to look your best for tonight – and something has to be done about your hair."
"What's wrong with my hair?" Hermione said, affronted.
"Well, it's a bit too bushy, and there are a few too many split ends – they will have to go," Lavender said matter-of-factly, though there was an avid gleam in her eyes that would not have looked out of place on Voldemort as he hatched a new plot.
Parvati who had been listening, nodded with a cheerful look of anticipation on her face. "You'll love it!" she carolled.
Feeling unexpectedly helpless to resist, Hermione nevertheless looked warningly at Lavender. "I'm not having beads in my hair again, and that's final!"
Lavender pouted. "You're no fun."
Because tomorrow was the day that the seventh-years left Hogwarts forever, they were determined to spend the time left to them in ways that mattered, and left the hall as soon as possible once breakfast was over. Even though Hermione and Harry were staying, they too were caught up with the rest, with Hermione sending a quick apologetic look in Severus' direction. It appeared that today they would not have much time to be together, to her regret. It seemed that by the sour look Severus was giving Professor McGonagall, he had been roped into helping with the decorations for the dance after all.
This was obviously Minerva's revenge for absenting himself from the exam grading yesterday, Severus thought with displeasure as he contemplated the role he would have in (the indignity of it!) helping to decorate the hall for the dance. He was behind in his various potions experiments and had tartly said so, but Minerva had been determined to counter his every argument. When Dumbledore had jovially pointed out that he was sure that Severus would enjoy the exercise of his talents after days of marking exams, it was difficult to back down without serious offence given. Unfortunately. He could not plead tiredness, for he had had a full nights sleep for a change and the shadows had faded from under his eyes.
Despite the odd disconnected feeling he had inside of him because of his father's disownment, he was coldly determined not to give in to his father. He had received a letter this morning from his father that had the audacity to state that if he had not received confirmation within a week from Severus that he had cast aside 'his mudblood', then legal papers would be drawn up denying Severus any of the vast family estate upon the deaths of his parents. There had been an added postscript from his mother deploring the 'shame' he was bringing upon the family name….
The pay that was awarded a professor at Hogwarts was barely enough to live on comfortably, and finances would not be easy with a wife to bring into the equation, but Severus was grim in his resolve not to give in or ask for a single galleon from his parents. He and Hermione would at least have a roof over their heads, and even if they would not have an extravagant lifestyle, he was determined to ensure that she would not live as one destitute.
He had been anticipating the chance to spend some time with Hermione today, but now it seemed that this would be denied him if Minerva had anything to say about it. From the austere look she had given him she had obviously witnessed the brief interaction between him and Hermione. He was not averse to reminding her if he had to that it was not wise to interfere in the matters of a Slytherin, he thought icily.
From the apologetic look Hermione had given him before she had left the hall with her friends it appeared that she would be hard-pressed to find the opportunity to spend time with him today anyway, which only made it more frustrating for him. But he could wait. He would be patient. After tomorrow there would only be a few people left in the castle……and then she would be his, for always.
Armed with cameras the Gryffindor seventh-years set out to cover as much of Hogwarts as they could from the bottom to the top. The seventh-years from the other houses had obviously the same idea, and though there was tension when Slytherins ran into other groups, there was a grudging truce, sweetened by the thoughts on both sides that with luck they would rarely run into the others again after tomorrow.
Despite smiles and teasing amongst the Gryffindors, they were all aware throughout the day of an era that was coming to an end, and that they would always remember the good times as well as the bad. They paused to reminisce at the scenes of past battles and glories, remembered fellow students who had fallen.
On a reckless dare from Ron they waited until the Great Hall was empty and then they rushed to pose at the head table for a group photo (having set the camera to automatically take a picture. Other students came passed and decided to have a turn as well, with much excitement, laughter and the flash of camera bulbs until Filch poked his head into the hall and bellowed at them to get out so the hall could be prepared for the dance.
Much was made of the fact that Harry would be Dumbledore's apprentice, the subjects he would learn and the status he would gain. Harry as always was embarrassed by the attention and tried to downplay it as much as he could.
"So, where are these new quarters of yours, Harry?" Seamus asked with interest, and Harry smiled.
"Come on, I'll show you," Harry said, and they all trooped off after him. Near the spiral staircase that led up to Dumbledore's office was an ornate wooden door that already had Harry's name written with neat gold writing upon the door (which they oohed and aahed over).
The room was of a generous size with plain but well-polished furniture inside, and doors that led to a bedroom, a tiny kitchen and a bathroom, which they wandered around and exclaimed merrily over.
"Aren't you lucky!" Ron said, trying to hide his envy.
"Look, I won't be sitting around twiddling my thumbs," Harry said self-deprecatingly, trying to placate his friend.
"Yeah, I guess so," Ron muttered, and then he turned to Hermione.
"So, Hermione, has your precious Snape got a room set up for you?" he said snidely.
Hermione flushed, and there was an uncomfortable silence all around.
"Cut it out, Ron," Harry said in a low voice. "Look, we've only got another day together – let's not fight, all right?"
Like the other teachers, Severus had a spare room nearby for potential apprentices to use, but in obvious disdain he had turned it into a spare storage room. As much as she scorned Divination, Hermione knew what the likely reaction from Severus would be if she preferred to use that room instead of his own quarters. The thought of sharing his living space made her tremble inside with anticipation and excitement, but she did not show this on her face.
Lavender coughed. "Look at the time," she said brightly. "You guys don't have to worry, but we girls have to get ready for the dance. Come on, Hermione."
Feeling almost relieved for an excuse to leave, Hermione followed Lavender and Parvati out of the room. Lavender was still talking.
"Remember, you want to look good for Harry tonight," Lavender said cheerfully as they headed towards their tower. "After all, he'll be staying on at Hogwarts like you - and who knows what might happen!"
Hermione felt a chill inside her. It was clear that Lavender was implying that Hermione should set her sights on Harry. She stopped in her tracks.
"Harry's just a friend," she said emphatically.
Lavender coughed delicately. "Look, I'm just saying that you could set your sights on someone who would know how to treat you right," she said.
Her eyes kindling, Hermione crossed her arms over her chest and said coolly, "Severus doesn't snap at me all the time, nor does he mistreat me. He seems to enjoy giving me roses – all right, so they're the dark kind, but it's the thought that counts."
There was an instinctive look of 'eww' on Lavender's face when Hermione had used his first name and Hermione held her hands up in exasperation. "Fine. Look, just forget it – I'll get ready for the dance by myself," she said with irritation.
There was consternation on Lavender's face, and then appeal. "Look, I didn't mean to offend you, it's just that…….I don't like the thought of leaving Hogwarts and feeling that Snape's got you in his clutches. I just think that you could do better."
Hermione wondered how she could make Lavender understand. When you had friends you should be able to discuss boyfriends with them, they way they made you feel, the little things they did for you, the way you felt when they kissed you.
"He hasn't got me 'in his clutches'," she said wearily. "I've told you before that you read too many gothic novels." Lavender was fond of reading historical novels with delicate-looking heroines on the page swooning in the arms of heroic, not-too-bright-looking men, with plots usually featuring the heroine being rescued from villains with evil designs on their virtue.
"I don't think I could be happy with a life without him," Hermione said simply, with a look on her face that said that she wasn't going to hear any more on the subject.
Though Lavender sighed and gave up, she took a revenge in her own way by making sure that Hermione's face was cleansed within an inch of her life. Her indignant complaint when her face was slathered with a 'special face mud' as well was met with the directive to 'keep quiet or it will crack'.
The problem with Lavender was that once she grabbed an idea she ran with it enthusiastically, Hermione thought ruefully when it came to the clothes, as she patiently but firmly explained why she wouldn't be going with the Disco Witch Queen look. The students had been advised that they would be allowed more freedom in their choice of outfits for the dance – within limits, of course (however, Lavender was determined to stretch those limits).
Appearing as a belly dancer had a surprisingly naughty appeal, but looking as if she was about to perform the Dance of the Seven Veils any moment would not give the right impression to the others. Although it would be worth appearing that way if Severus had been attending the dance just to see the look on his face, she thought impishly.
In the end Hermione had decided upon a burgundy-coloured dress that clung gently to her curves with a slit up the side that somehow managed to avoid screaming Slut Gryffindor of Hogwarts. She wore an overdress of the same colour of fine net that had tiny golden bells that chimed gently. On a whim she had transformed a pair of her sensible shoes to that of gold coloured, high-heeled shoes with thin gold straps that laced up her legs. She had to admit that Lavender had done wonders with her hair – it rippled down her back as if it had a life of its own and there were streaks of copper and gold in it.
On impulse she had taken off the necklace in a moments privacy in her room and after running her fingers gently over the silver engagement ring, she had decided to put the ring on just to see how it looked.
However, it seemed that the ring had had a mind of its own, for once she had slid the ring upon her finger it had refused to budge, almost as if it had grown impatient in the time it had spent around her neck. What was it with Slytherin jewellery, Hermione thought with exasperation and slight alarm. She could not go out there with the ring before people knew *why* she was wearing it, and so she had quickly placed an Invisibility charm upon it….for now.
Hermione was filled with a nervous excitement and even her bracelet seemed to recognise the mood of its mistress for it shimmered with an added radiance tonight. Lavender professed herself pleased with Hermione's appearance, saying that she looked like 'the living embodiment of Gryffindor', which made Hermione flush. Lavender and Parvati had decided to go with the Disco Witch Queen look with their tight silver outfits (looking as though they just needed an enchanted disco ball floating above their heads).
Dinner for them was light food hastily eaten from trays sent up to them by house elves. When at last the girls came down, there were appreciative whistles from the guys, who in a stunning display of non-originality, had decided to wear their dress robes to the dance.
In the common room Harry approached Hermione, tall and handsome with a smile in his green eyes. "You look amazing," he said sincerely and gave her a tiny rose bud to be placed upon her dress with the help of a touch of MagicGlu! (that would enable the rose to stay on and be removed easily at a special word). The colour was a delicate, almost insipid pink; a colour that he no doubt thought would be appropriate for her. Hermione could not help but compare it in her mind to the rich darkness of the roses Severus had given her – but no, that wasn't fair, she thought. Harry meant well.
"Thanks, Harry," she said kindly and placing the rose carefully near the top of her dress, took his offered arm and went downstairs with him and the others to the dance.
Later on, Severus felt justified in his decision to avoid the Graduation Dance after being obliged to help decorate the hall when he found several young couples snogging in secluded corners. After pointed comments from him they quickly hurried away and he continued his patrol. Yet time and time again he would find himself walking in the direction of the Great Hall, only to recall himself with irritation back to his duty. He had decided it was best not to be distracted by thoughts of Hermione, but his treacherous imagination supplied images of her in dance finery anyway. Perhaps her shining hair would be piled upon her head, exposing the creamy column of her neck that he knew was smooth to touch, her figure arrayed in something quietly beautiful…..
She would be better off dancing with her friends than with a stiff dancer such as him, Severus told himself coolly. Then his imagination supplied images of her dancing in Potter's arms…..smiling up at him the way she did to Severus. There was no cause to be jealous, he growled to himself, shaking his black head impatiently as he paced along the dark corridors. He could see there was only the affection of a brother and sister between them.
But still…..perhaps there would be no harm in a swift observation of the dance, from a discreet distance. His real reason for doing so of course, would be to see if any other students were sneaking away for illicit thrills. The Potions master was part of the shadows themselves as he approached the Great Hall. The huge bronze-coloured, double doors had been thrown open and light of silvery green and blue spilled out into the corridor, with the sound of waves crashing gently upon a shore to be heard. Why Minerva had decided to go with a sea theme he had no idea, Severus thought irritably. He had suggested some eminently suitable themes only to be told by her that the idea was 'not to depress the students, thank you'. A hovering globe near the ceiling cast a soft, dream-like light over everything and so Severus felt unobserved as he silently slipped into the hall, standing at the back.
A spell had been cast upon the floor to make it seem as if it was covered in tiny white shells made from mother-of-pearl and the ceiling had the shimmery look of the surface of the lake seen from down in its dark depths (his idea, of course). The students in the hall (mainly the female ones) looked like an explosion in a paint shop, he thought sardonically. Although many of the students (and some of the teachers) were dancing, some lone students hovered near the walls, trying not to look as if they cared no one wished to dance with them.
Then he saw Hermione and his heart seemed to skip a beat. She looked breathtaking, he thought in amazement. Just noticing how far the slit in her dress went up threatened to make the clothes were too tightly buttoned up to his neck. But then he felt like the proverbial Ugly Duckling. Hermione was dancing with Potter of course, who seemed to have made his hair look like something other than a berserk black haystack. They were both light on their feet and she was laughing at something the wretched boy said…..
"She's been looking out for you," a quiet voice spoke to him from nearby.
"What?" Severus snapped, turning his dark head swiftly to the speaker. It was Remus in his usual shabby looking robes, with a mild smile on his face. He went on, unperturbed by the glower on his colleagues face. "Hermione has been busy dancing with Harry and sometimes Neville, though that lad does need more practice," (Severus' eyes narrowed at the thought of Neville dancing with Hermione) "but she often looks at the doorway as if she's waiting for someone."
"I did not say I was coming to dance with her," Severus said stiffly in the end.
"That does sound like you," Remus said easily, "but since you're here, why not dance with her."
TBC
A/N: Yes, it's wrong to end it there but I'm nearly up to eight pages and it's late at night (looks apologetic). I will be away this Easter too so I won't be able to post again until the following week….happy holidays….
