The Love of One Woman

Chapter Nine

Living a Lie


***

"Hermione, I've missed you so much," Harry whispered softly, and gentally pulled his wife into his arms, and slowly she relaxed against him. "I'm sorry that I was away so long. I just wanted London to be perfect when you got there."

Anger built up in her chest. He was acting as if nothing was wrong. That he never sent her angry, hateful letters. That he never hated that she was continuing the friendship part of her former relationship with Snape.

What Hermione hated right now the most was that he had discovered her in the Dungeons alone with Snape, and he wasn't even saying a damn protest. She felt like a fool in accepting his attention like this now. A stupid, foolish, school girl, that didn't know any better.

"I'm sure it will be." Hermione replied, rather painfully. Right then she had no attention of ever seeing London of course. At least not with her husband. Why can't you say you're sorry, Harry? Everything will be fine if you say your sorry. Then I'll have my excuse to forgive you.

Hermione frowned when Harry then ignored her and greeted Snape instead.

"Professor Snape, I trust you've been taking good care of Hermione for me?" Harry smiled forcefully, as he shook hands with the older man. "I know my wife can be a handful when she gets bored."

"That is one thing that Professor Potter has never been in my presence, Potter." Snape sneered delightedly. "Bored."

Hermione faught to hide a wide grin at his comment. Instead she found herself having to choke down a mighty laugh. Harry gave her a slight glance, but ignored her again out right.

"Um, that is good then." Harry lied. "Hermione, how about you show me to our rooms?"

Hermione jumped at his question. She felt a deep blush on her face for some reason. Also a feeling of a bit of guilt. Harry had no real idea as to why she was down here. It hurt a little in knowing he still hadn't asked her yet either.

"Of course." Hermione replied, trying not to look at Severus, as she started for the exit.

She felt as if she could no longer breath, and her body was no longer her own. She didn't want to leave the Dungeons. She wanted to scream at Harry for interupting them, if anything. But it felt like the normal thing to do. So she started toward the doors with her husband following her.

"Hermione?"

She froze at the sound of her name on his lips, and gasped for air. Her hand clutched the door knob before she turned around to look back at him. She could see the pain in his own eyes. It matched her own she was painfully aware of as well.

It was agony not to run to him and toss herself into his embrace to ease his pain.

"Yes?" She whispered.

"Can I see you again, later, to discuss lending you those texts?"

Her heart cried out in joy. You bloody brilliant, wonderful fool.

She could see him again later.

"Yes, I'll be back after supper in the Great Hall."

With that, Hermione and Harry left the dungeons.

***






~A short chapter. Sorry about that. But I promise to update often as I'm on a bit of a roll with the story, and I'm really enjoying writing it.
Also, Harry has something going on that Hermione doesn't know about, and it is very serious. I will admit to that. :D

This story will be kind of long, as one of the main plots hasn't happened yet, but will be revealed very soon. And take great comfort in knowing I'm a great Severus Snape fan, so I'll likely never do anything real horrible to him.

Look for the next update soon. ;)