A month had gone by since Hermione's first letter appeared on the leg of a snowy Romanian owl explaining why she had left without saying goodbye. His heart melted when he could clearly see the ink washed with tears. Andromeda had been upset when she wanted to post a picture back but Severus said no. She had stomped in her room and didn't come out until the morning. How stubborn like her mother. Severus had thought at the time.
Now. He was sulking in the Great Hall at breakfast at Minerva's side. Mentally cursing all the students who were about to receive mail. He even envied the Hufflepuff boy who he knew to be getting a howler that morning. In fact that would be better than a letter. Even if she was shouting. Hermione's raised voice would be music to his ears.
He began playing with his scrambled eggs with his fork. Restraining himself from throwing the fork into the skull of the first person to receive an owl. He'd almost done it one day last week. To a Slytherin of all people. The letter had been from her aunt Hermione. His reflexes were instantaneous. One second to aim, one second to stop himself becoming the cold blooded murder Hermione had stopped him being.
"Who is Andromeda with today?" Minerva questioned out of the blue. Severus simply looked at her with disgust. Where had his social skills gone? "Is she with Ginny or Elizabeth" Minerva tried again rapidly losing patients with the boy. He had been mad that She wouldn't let him join the fight but had allowed his wife to go flitting off to god knows where.
"Ginny." He replied gruffly. The owls began fluttering in. He hated the sound of their flapping wings. They taunted him.
"Still no word from Hermione?" She questioned again. He just glared at her. "She might be right under Voldermort's nose dear boy. It wouldn't be good to be sending owls if she is. She'll get caught-"
"Or she is caught. Stupid little boy protecting her. He'll lead her to her death, and she'd follow." He spat bitterly.
"Your dear Hermione has more sense than that." She assured him as a bundle fell into Severus' lap. He recognised Hermione's neat but rushed writing on the bundle. His face lit up as if was Christmas. And it was, to Hermione at least. Inside the bundle were presents for himself and Andromeda. It was mid November, and she knew she wouldn't be home until after Christmas. His head stooped. He couldn't bring himself to read the letter. Minerva took the parchment from him and began reading aloud the letter to Severus. Her voice was soft. Severus could almost hear Hermione herself saying the words to him.
"My Severus. I'm missing you and Andromeda so much it hurts. I hope Andromeda isn't missing me too much and you're not spoiling her. We are in Moscow at the moment. It's so cold; I wish you were here to keep me warm. It's somewhere I would like us to visit when the war is over. Very romantic. Although, Oliver is sucking the romance out of the place. Whenever we rest all he does is complain about the cold and how he's missing valuable quidditch training. And if he isn't complaining he's checking himself out in windows and mirrors. Severus, I really wish you were here instead. Tell Minerva I apologise if Oliver comes home minus his limbs, I know how much she loves the boy who helped her win the quidditch cup, but he really is a dick." Minerva stifled a chuckle at this. Severus smiled broadly, he had nothing to worry about. "We have a lead as to where we can find Albus. However he won't be there until Christmas Day. I will not disclose the place in case this owl is intercepted. If all goes as planned we'll meet Albus on Christmas Day and we'll be together by New Year; I don't want to start the new year without you. All my love to you and our darling daughter. Yours forever, Hermione"
"Why can't she come home until Christmas then?" Severus questioned once Minerva folded the letter up again. She shrugged. "She can rest for six weeks."
"That's what I meant to talk to you about my boy. Surly Hermione will not be fit for teaching when she gets back. So perhaps we should think about getting a substitute teacher in. Hermione will not feel threatened will she?" Minerva asked.
"Of course not. And it is becoming a bit of a strain subing her classes with Christmas coming up." He wondered why Minerva didn't take the classes back on. But then he remember her ministry work. "Any news on Voldermort?"
"He seems to have gone into hiding. We believe he recruited almost half of the French students from Beauxbatons." Minerva explained. "Hermione was right. This was the best time for her to go looking for Albus. Lets just hope she gone unnoticed. I'll leave you, I have some things to attend to." Minerva stood and left the Great Hall. Severus repacked the bundle and went to follow suit when Professor Spout stopped him. He had dropped a small piece of parchment. A poem from Hermione to him. He sat and began to read;
"It goes without question
It goes beyond all doubt
This soul will remain faithful
To One and One alone.
While this heart
may betray, the darkness wills it so
The soul stays pure;
beyond corruption
The windows brave the light that sometimes blinds us" He hoped that no one saw him crying at the top table of the Great Hall.
********************
Severus entered his classroom calmly five minutes later, he had a class full of Slytherin and Hufflepuff's to teacher. However, he was still on a buzz from his wife's declaration. He reached his table, instead of sitting on the chair, he slid onto the front of his desk and smiled at his students, who lounged in their seats comfortably.
"What are we doing today Professor?" Asked one of the Slytherin fifth years. Severus noted a small amount of anxiousness in the young girls voice. Over the past few weeks he'd slowly regressed to sulky bat. Now he was back to relaxed teacher, of course they were confused. So was Severus.
"The history of love potions." He replied. His Hermione certain did have him under a spell. He thought back to the day he realised he loved her. The day she first appeared in his dungeon doorway, almost eleven years ago.....
*********************************************************************
"Professor Snape?" A young first year voice questioned after the sorting. She had managed to get away from her party and found his classroom. After spending two gruelling hours in the company of the school when he could have been here brewing much needed potions, he wasn't in the mood for entertaining a snotty first year who had lost her way. Turning round, he found an angel standing in his doorway, the young girl that had enchanted him when she was sorted into Griffindor. He could see why, he could sense her potential, her ambition and even her strength. This girl would make a mark in the wizarding world No matter how compelling she was, he couldn't let her get the wrong impression.
"Are you lost?" He sneered vindictively. She shook her head confidently. "Then please go away." He turned away.
"I'm here to see you Professor." She answered. She blushed as he turned and motioned for her to continue. "I don't know if you are aware, but I am a muggle-born. I wasn't aware of how much wiazrds and witches would know entering the school." She paused to make sure he was paying attention. He was, every syllable was noted in his mind accurately. He nodded for her to continue. "So I've been practicing. I brewed a few potions. Didn't please my mum and dad too much when I wrecked a saucepan." She found herself rambling. "Would you check my potions if I were to bring them to you?"
"Of course." Severus nodded mentally reminding himself that she was just a child. However, he couldn't help but be enchanted. He mind was so much older than her body and that was what enchanted him. He wanted nothing more than to have hour long conversations with the girl. He test the potions the next day to find that she had brewed them to perfection. He envied her ability....
***********
Severus' thoughts were interrupted when Andromeda stormed into the room, her face wet with tears. Severus picked her up, ignoring the class.
"What's wrong?" He questioned wiping away her tears.
"Aunty Ginny fell down, and she won't get up." Andromeda cried. "I would have come sooner but I couldn't open the door daddy." She hugged his neck. "I was too small. Will she be ok?"
"She'll be fine. Class dismissed." Severus stated, taking his daughter out of the class running to Ginny's home within the castle.
*********************************************************************
A/N: Don't really like this chapter. But it's a filler for what's about to come.
bunnyrabbit228: I wish I was! I could do with all that money right now. lol
Melwasul : Clever person you. You'll have to wait until cpt 8 to find out his response to the ring. Cookies for seeing that plot develop. Remus is teaching DADA although it hasn't been mentioned in this story. That will be fixed once I get the chance. Have you read you had me from hello? because it'll be interesting to find out if this works as a stand alone story.
Anarane Anwamane: Just written cpt 12 and she's just come home.
Crimson Regret177: Soon enough? What you think. I don't like this cpt
poetrychik: And possibly even Andy. I'm desperate to just post every cpt right now. The suspense is killing me. But you haven't even met the new character yet. mwhahahahahahaha
NeopianClayniac: What's probably even sadder is that I check about every 5 mins for reviews. lolololol No your not sad at all. I'm glad you are enjoying it. Thank you for explaining WAFF. Nope, none in this fic. Not intentional though. lol
indianoutlawlady: You are not the only one who didn't like it. going to fix it. Don't worry. lol
QueenBonnie: Andy is 4. I agree, and understand, with everything you said. I think it was Harry over reacting. He didn't want his goddaughter in the dark like he was. Also the fight of thunder and lightening might come up towards the end.
Ok I'm going to be bad again. mwhahahahahahahahahahaha
Preview*Preview*Preview*Preview*Preview*PreviewPreview*Preview*Preview
"With all due respect. You don't know my wife." He removed Hero's hand and pulled her up from the couch as he raised himself. "You don't know me." He led her to the door. "I apologised this morning. I gave you a chance, You fucked up again. You don't get another chance. Luckily, Hermione will be back in five days." She was out of his room.
Now. He was sulking in the Great Hall at breakfast at Minerva's side. Mentally cursing all the students who were about to receive mail. He even envied the Hufflepuff boy who he knew to be getting a howler that morning. In fact that would be better than a letter. Even if she was shouting. Hermione's raised voice would be music to his ears.
He began playing with his scrambled eggs with his fork. Restraining himself from throwing the fork into the skull of the first person to receive an owl. He'd almost done it one day last week. To a Slytherin of all people. The letter had been from her aunt Hermione. His reflexes were instantaneous. One second to aim, one second to stop himself becoming the cold blooded murder Hermione had stopped him being.
"Who is Andromeda with today?" Minerva questioned out of the blue. Severus simply looked at her with disgust. Where had his social skills gone? "Is she with Ginny or Elizabeth" Minerva tried again rapidly losing patients with the boy. He had been mad that She wouldn't let him join the fight but had allowed his wife to go flitting off to god knows where.
"Ginny." He replied gruffly. The owls began fluttering in. He hated the sound of their flapping wings. They taunted him.
"Still no word from Hermione?" She questioned again. He just glared at her. "She might be right under Voldermort's nose dear boy. It wouldn't be good to be sending owls if she is. She'll get caught-"
"Or she is caught. Stupid little boy protecting her. He'll lead her to her death, and she'd follow." He spat bitterly.
"Your dear Hermione has more sense than that." She assured him as a bundle fell into Severus' lap. He recognised Hermione's neat but rushed writing on the bundle. His face lit up as if was Christmas. And it was, to Hermione at least. Inside the bundle were presents for himself and Andromeda. It was mid November, and she knew she wouldn't be home until after Christmas. His head stooped. He couldn't bring himself to read the letter. Minerva took the parchment from him and began reading aloud the letter to Severus. Her voice was soft. Severus could almost hear Hermione herself saying the words to him.
"My Severus. I'm missing you and Andromeda so much it hurts. I hope Andromeda isn't missing me too much and you're not spoiling her. We are in Moscow at the moment. It's so cold; I wish you were here to keep me warm. It's somewhere I would like us to visit when the war is over. Very romantic. Although, Oliver is sucking the romance out of the place. Whenever we rest all he does is complain about the cold and how he's missing valuable quidditch training. And if he isn't complaining he's checking himself out in windows and mirrors. Severus, I really wish you were here instead. Tell Minerva I apologise if Oliver comes home minus his limbs, I know how much she loves the boy who helped her win the quidditch cup, but he really is a dick." Minerva stifled a chuckle at this. Severus smiled broadly, he had nothing to worry about. "We have a lead as to where we can find Albus. However he won't be there until Christmas Day. I will not disclose the place in case this owl is intercepted. If all goes as planned we'll meet Albus on Christmas Day and we'll be together by New Year; I don't want to start the new year without you. All my love to you and our darling daughter. Yours forever, Hermione"
"Why can't she come home until Christmas then?" Severus questioned once Minerva folded the letter up again. She shrugged. "She can rest for six weeks."
"That's what I meant to talk to you about my boy. Surly Hermione will not be fit for teaching when she gets back. So perhaps we should think about getting a substitute teacher in. Hermione will not feel threatened will she?" Minerva asked.
"Of course not. And it is becoming a bit of a strain subing her classes with Christmas coming up." He wondered why Minerva didn't take the classes back on. But then he remember her ministry work. "Any news on Voldermort?"
"He seems to have gone into hiding. We believe he recruited almost half of the French students from Beauxbatons." Minerva explained. "Hermione was right. This was the best time for her to go looking for Albus. Lets just hope she gone unnoticed. I'll leave you, I have some things to attend to." Minerva stood and left the Great Hall. Severus repacked the bundle and went to follow suit when Professor Spout stopped him. He had dropped a small piece of parchment. A poem from Hermione to him. He sat and began to read;
"It goes without question
It goes beyond all doubt
This soul will remain faithful
To One and One alone.
While this heart
may betray, the darkness wills it so
The soul stays pure;
beyond corruption
The windows brave the light that sometimes blinds us" He hoped that no one saw him crying at the top table of the Great Hall.
********************
Severus entered his classroom calmly five minutes later, he had a class full of Slytherin and Hufflepuff's to teacher. However, he was still on a buzz from his wife's declaration. He reached his table, instead of sitting on the chair, he slid onto the front of his desk and smiled at his students, who lounged in their seats comfortably.
"What are we doing today Professor?" Asked one of the Slytherin fifth years. Severus noted a small amount of anxiousness in the young girls voice. Over the past few weeks he'd slowly regressed to sulky bat. Now he was back to relaxed teacher, of course they were confused. So was Severus.
"The history of love potions." He replied. His Hermione certain did have him under a spell. He thought back to the day he realised he loved her. The day she first appeared in his dungeon doorway, almost eleven years ago.....
*********************************************************************
"Professor Snape?" A young first year voice questioned after the sorting. She had managed to get away from her party and found his classroom. After spending two gruelling hours in the company of the school when he could have been here brewing much needed potions, he wasn't in the mood for entertaining a snotty first year who had lost her way. Turning round, he found an angel standing in his doorway, the young girl that had enchanted him when she was sorted into Griffindor. He could see why, he could sense her potential, her ambition and even her strength. This girl would make a mark in the wizarding world No matter how compelling she was, he couldn't let her get the wrong impression.
"Are you lost?" He sneered vindictively. She shook her head confidently. "Then please go away." He turned away.
"I'm here to see you Professor." She answered. She blushed as he turned and motioned for her to continue. "I don't know if you are aware, but I am a muggle-born. I wasn't aware of how much wiazrds and witches would know entering the school." She paused to make sure he was paying attention. He was, every syllable was noted in his mind accurately. He nodded for her to continue. "So I've been practicing. I brewed a few potions. Didn't please my mum and dad too much when I wrecked a saucepan." She found herself rambling. "Would you check my potions if I were to bring them to you?"
"Of course." Severus nodded mentally reminding himself that she was just a child. However, he couldn't help but be enchanted. He mind was so much older than her body and that was what enchanted him. He wanted nothing more than to have hour long conversations with the girl. He test the potions the next day to find that she had brewed them to perfection. He envied her ability....
***********
Severus' thoughts were interrupted when Andromeda stormed into the room, her face wet with tears. Severus picked her up, ignoring the class.
"What's wrong?" He questioned wiping away her tears.
"Aunty Ginny fell down, and she won't get up." Andromeda cried. "I would have come sooner but I couldn't open the door daddy." She hugged his neck. "I was too small. Will she be ok?"
"She'll be fine. Class dismissed." Severus stated, taking his daughter out of the class running to Ginny's home within the castle.
*********************************************************************
A/N: Don't really like this chapter. But it's a filler for what's about to come.
bunnyrabbit228: I wish I was! I could do with all that money right now. lol
Melwasul : Clever person you. You'll have to wait until cpt 8 to find out his response to the ring. Cookies for seeing that plot develop. Remus is teaching DADA although it hasn't been mentioned in this story. That will be fixed once I get the chance. Have you read you had me from hello? because it'll be interesting to find out if this works as a stand alone story.
Anarane Anwamane: Just written cpt 12 and she's just come home.
Crimson Regret177: Soon enough? What you think. I don't like this cpt
poetrychik: And possibly even Andy. I'm desperate to just post every cpt right now. The suspense is killing me. But you haven't even met the new character yet. mwhahahahahahaha
NeopianClayniac: What's probably even sadder is that I check about every 5 mins for reviews. lolololol No your not sad at all. I'm glad you are enjoying it. Thank you for explaining WAFF. Nope, none in this fic. Not intentional though. lol
indianoutlawlady: You are not the only one who didn't like it. going to fix it. Don't worry. lol
QueenBonnie: Andy is 4. I agree, and understand, with everything you said. I think it was Harry over reacting. He didn't want his goddaughter in the dark like he was. Also the fight of thunder and lightening might come up towards the end.
Ok I'm going to be bad again. mwhahahahahahahahahahaha
Preview*Preview*Preview*Preview*Preview*PreviewPreview*Preview*Preview
"With all due respect. You don't know my wife." He removed Hero's hand and pulled her up from the couch as he raised himself. "You don't know me." He led her to the door. "I apologised this morning. I gave you a chance, You fucked up again. You don't get another chance. Luckily, Hermione will be back in five days." She was out of his room.