AN: The final one. I'm not really satisfied with the outcome of this story, it felt more promising when I was writing the first part. Anyway, I think it's not that bad too, so please read and review. Enjoy.
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Intelligent witch: Glad I could help. Have fun with the last one.
Natsuyori: You really think he's totally OOC? I didn't mean to make him like that, but whatever, it works for this one.
Liz: Like I said I had it finished when I started posting, so that's the reason, normally it takes me much longer to update. I hope you like this one too.
Emma Snape: Voila, some more. But it doesn't really count now does it, I just had to post it. Anyway, I hope you like it.
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Chapter four:
That evening the two of them arrived late for dinner. A single table was arranged for the few that were present at Hogwarts and Severus as usually sat next to the Minerva, Hermione on his other side, and the Headmaster on Minerva's other side.
Soon he and Minerva were engaged in a heated discussion about his snakes and her cubs. After a while Albus tapped her arm. She looked at him and he said:
"Minerva, I demand that you end your relationship with that git right now!"
'He thinks I've got a relationship with that snake?' she thought, almost breaking into a huge fit of laughter.
"Albus, I don't Have a relationship with Severus, how then do you suggest I end it?" she chuckled.
"Then, pray tell, why have you been avoiding me for the past two weeks and why is he so happy?"
"That, my dear, I can easily explain. He, is so happy, because he found himself someone to talk with, someone who shares his interests in Potions. Hermione." He looked oddly at her when she said that, but she continued. "And I, Albus, have been avoiding you these past weeks, BECAUSE YOU FORGOT OUR SIXTYSECOND ANNIVERSARY!!!" she hissed at him, er voice dripping with venom.
By now, Albus was as pale as Peeves the last time he himself had reprimanded him.
"Uhm, yes, there you say something, anniversary..." he almost whispered.
"I'm sorry Minerva, allow me to make it up to you tonight?" he said giving her his best puppy dog eyes.
She couldn't be mad at him when he did that. It made her melt.
"Fine Albus, I forgive you, but only because it's only about the seventeenth time now. Don't try it again next year...!!!"
--
When dessert was finished, Severus moved over to Albus and told him about making Hermione his apprentice.
He also told the headmaster they made a batch of Veritaserum.
"Super my dear Severus. Exactly what I needed. Can you come to my office tonight to test it?"
"I'll ask her if she's alright with that. I she agrees, I'll see you tonight. Otherwise, I'll owl you as soon as I can."
--
After dinner, Severus asked Hermione if she agreed on testing the potion on the Headmaster.
"Huh, why test it on him?"
"Ahhh," he smiled, "Albus is quite skilled at countering the effects of it, so we made a list of questions. They are ordered by importance to him. If he really doesn't want to answer one, he tries not to answer it. Then we know how powerful the potion is."
"Fine, let's get it tested. I'd love to see that."
Minutes later, they were seated in Albus' office, and Hermione handed him the flask with the serum. He sat down in his chair and administered three drops to himself.
Severus started asking questions.
"Where are you?"
"At Hogwarts school of Witchcraft and Wizardry." Came without hesitation.
"What's your favourite colour?"
"Purple."
"What's your favourite sweet?"
"Lemon drops."
"How old are you?"
"One hundred and sixty-one."
"What's your name?"
"Albus Percifal Wulfric Brian Dumbledore."
"Nice work Hermione, usually he's suddenly called Pigwidgeon Tabby Turtleneck by know."
"What's your profession?"
"Headmaster of Hogwarts school of Witchcraft and Wizardry."
"Wow, amazing really..."
"Did you torture Grindlewald?"
"Yes."
"Hermione, you're a pro."
"Do you have any other professional occupations apart from being Headmaster at Hogwarts?"
"I'm head of the Order of the Phoenix."
"I don't believe this. Albus are you kidding?"
"No." He answered, his voice dull.
"Another question than. Are you married?"
"Yes."
"Amazing, truly amazing... To whom?"
"Minerva Catherine McGonnagall."
Severus chuckled and Hermione gasped. He already knew this, she apparently didn't. He had only one question left.
"Do you have children?"
"Maybe." Albus replied.
"Finally, Severus sighed. I feared you were going to tell me everything that happens in your bedroom too if I asked."
"Indeed a fine batch of Veritaserum Severus. Nine out of ten, that's a nice result. Did something special happen while brewing it?"
The two looked at eachother, smiling.
"No, not really headmaster. I suppose it's just the precise cutting of the ingredients."
"Fine then. You may go."
--
The holidays went by in a flash for Severus and Hermione. Their relationship grew, and by the time the ball came, they had a hard time separating.
"You do realise I can't be with you all night if we want to keep this secret don't you love? And we have to keep it secret. We're crossing the rules being together. You're still a student and I'm a professor." he said.
"Yes I do realise that Severus. If it weren't for Harry and Ron it wouldn't be so difficult."
"I know, but don't worry, at the end of the year you graduate and all of it doesn't matter anymore."
"You're right." He kissed her one more time and she left for the Gryffindor commonroom to prepare for the ball.
--
All students were back at school for the ball.
At eight, the Great Hall was packed, and she and Malfoy, being Head girl and boy, had to officially open the ball by dancing with the Headmaster and his deputy.
But apparently, Professor Dumbledore had mysteriously sprained his ankle moments ago and was currently being treated by Madam Pomfrey, so Severus fell in for him.
"You look stunning you know." His whispered to her, trying to keep a distance to not make things suspicious.
"Thanks."
"See you soon?"
"Tonight, I promise."
All too soon the dance was over and she passed the remainder of her evening with her classmates, from time to time longingly looking at Severus who was sitting at the headtable. She also noticed Albus was energetically dancing a cha cha cha with Minerva, his ankle miraculously healed by now. She had to remember asking Minerva about that one-day.
Around two, seemingly ages later, he couldn't take it anymore. He caught her eye and winked.
She got the sign. She finished her dance with Neville and without even saying goodnight to Harry and Ron, she left the ball. He followed a minute or so later.
She was waiting for him right outside the Great Hall. He kissed her lightly and together they took the shortcut to the Potionscorridor, more specific his private quarters.
--
Later that night in the Gryffindor seventh year dormitories.
"You know where Hermione is?" Ron asked.
"Not a clue." Harry replied sleepily.
"I didn't see her leaving the ball I think. You?"
"She went out around two I believe, but I don't really remember with whom."
"Now I remember, it was around two indeed, but don't really recall seeing her leave with a boy. She's probably long gone to bed. Alone."
"Yeah, probably."
"We'll see tomorrow. Goodnight."
"Goodnight."
-Finite-
Hehe, they should know...
You liked it? Tell me what you think of it, then I can make the next one better.
Sara