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Chapter Ten:/b

Hermione and Snape pulled away from each other. Slightly embarrassed, Hermione was blushing furiously. Her hair had fallen out of the perfect French twist Ginny had done for her, framing her face perfectly. Snape offered his hand and helped her off of the table. He wasn't quite sure of what to say. She looked nervous, and upset.

"Hermione? I shouldn't have done that. I--"

"No! It was my fault!" Hermione stammered, "I wanted it, don't blame yourself--"

"Regardless, I am the adult and---you wanted it?" Snape stared at her.

"Oh, um…yes. Yes I did…" Hermione muttered.

"Are you sure about his?" he asked quietly.

"About what exactly?"

"About…us…like this." Snape said, gesturing to the table.

"Oh. That. Yes, I'm sure." Hermione mumbled, "But I understand you don't want--"

"I do." Snape interrupted her.

""You do? You want…?"

"Yes, I do." Snape smiled, he pulled her into his arms, whispering, "I don't think Dumbledore will approve, though."

"He doesn't have much of a choice." Hermione said, "I'm of age, and you're not really my teacher, as I took the exams…. you're just my…. Well, nothing really. Until I start my apprenticeship."

"You're right. Thank God."

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Hermione received her diploma by owl post the following morning. She was an official Hogwarts graduate. Hermione was a little upset she didn't get to graduate with her class, but the fact that she was out of school and eagerly embarking on a new life and relationship made up for it.

Hermione ran through the halls of Snape Manor, calling Snape's name loudly. He came barreling out of a concealed door to her left, running with his wand raised. When he saw her standing in the hall smiling, he lowered his wand and his shoulders dropped. He looked at her incredulously.

"I iwas/i working, you know!"

"It's here!" Hermione squeaked, ignoring his comment, "It's here! It's official!"

Hermione shoved the diploma in his hands. Snape unrolled it and read it, a smile lighting his features. He wrapped her in a strong hug, kissing the top of her head.

"We can tell him now." He said.

"He already knows."

Snape and Hermione turned to see Albus Dumbledore standing behind them, his beard glinting in the torch-lit hallway. He was smiling benignly, and his eyes had regained their familiar twinkle.

"And he's very happy for you."

"Thank you so much, Professor!" Hermione gushed, throwing her arms around the old mans neck.

Hermione quickly pulled away from him and returned to Snape's side. His arm tangled around her waist and she rested her head on his chest. Dumbledore shook his head slightly, laughing to himself, and turned. Before they noticed, he had gone.

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"HERMIONE!" Ginny bellowed.

Hermione ran from the library when her friend's voice reverberated through the large house, reaching her rooms just as Ginny came running out of them. They threw themselves into a quick hug, and pulled away. Both talking in quick, rushed voices, neither seeming to pay any attention to the other. Snape entered just behind Hermione, and watched them in amusement.

"Are you understanding anything you're saying to each other?" he asked dryly.

"Yes. Harry and Ron are at the Burrow and they still have no idea where I am, Dumbledore told them I had graduated and they are quite upset I haven't written, Ginny has another boyfriend, this one has--" Hermione stopped her quick tyrade when Ginny stomped on her foot.

"Don't tell him THAT!" She hissed.

Snape took one look at them and burst out into a fit of laughter. Hermione and Ginny glared at him for a moment, before turning on their heels and heading through her door simultaneously, slamming the door behind them.

"The nerve of that man!" Hermione hissed, acing back and forth between her couch and bed.

"You love that man." Ginny pointed out.

"Oh, shut up, Gin! You're supposed to be on my side!"

ibIt is funny. /b

Shut up, Frank!

bHow did I see that coming?/b

HaHa! Very funny, Frankie!

bFrankie? FRANKIE? The nerve!/b

I win.

bShut. Up. Hermione./b/i