Disclaimer: These things annoy me so much, but I keep doing it just so that everybody is perfectly clear that Harry Potter and Co. don't belong to me (so don't sue!) okay?
A/N: Oh my gosh everyone! I'm oober-happy (oober's a fun word- my challenge of the chapter for y'all is to tell someone they're oober-cool, lol) about the response you all gave me for the talent show. I was soooo nervous when I posted that, because I wasn't sure how good or bad it had turned out. I'm so critical of what I write, and can never seem to get it just right, but I don't think I do too bad, judging from your reviews.
A/N 2: Okay, don't kill me please? Cause then you wouldn't get anymore story. I know- this took ages to get out, so first off, thank you for your patience if you're sticking with this. With the baby-sitting schedule I have, I get up at 5 in the morning, go baby-sit for three kids starting at 6 in the morning, and get off from baby-sitting at 4:30 in the afternoon. By the time I come home, I am usually exhausted, and that's before I even begin my chores at home. I also hold another job on Sunday's, and on Saturday's I have to pack for college and all. So this is being written late in the evening. I warned you that updates might be slower, but they will continue. This is my last week of baby-sitting though, so that'll give me more free time, although I still have to do some major packing for college. But to make it up to you guys for waiting, there's a bunch of HG/SS interaction in the beginning, and some more cute little romantic touches here and there. It's about time right? Lol. Anyways, thanks again for all the reviews, and now on to what y'all really want, the story!
Take Time to Smell the Roses
Chapter Eighteen
"So what did you think of the performance?" Hermione asked her husband that evening after the show, seeking approval as she prepared tea in the small kitchen.
"You moved several of the female students to tears, and affected several others with your choice of song," Severus whispered matter of factly. "And you stand a good chance of winning the show."
"That's all well and good," Hermione noticeably stiffened. "But I want to know what you thought, even if you hated it."
"I didn't hate it, far from it, and I'm sorry if I somehow led you to believe that. The truth is that it touched me so deeply that I don't know how to convey how I feel," Severus stood up and moved behind her, placing his hands on her arms, turning her to face him. "I'm not very good with expressing myself, or so Albus says. The best way to put how I felt is that o one has ever paid me such a compliment, and I was deeply honoured."
"Oh Severus," Hermione was at a loss for words at the compliment that he had just paid her. "I meant what I said you know, or rather, sang. You have become my closest friend, and I know we don't always see eye to eye, but I picked that song because I wanted to say thank you for making me feel safe and protected when I'm with you."
"Hermione-" Severus began, and paled suddenly, swaying slightly on his feet.
"Sit down!" Hermione exclaimed, and helped him sit down in a near-by chair. "You need to get back into bed! You should've gone straight there once we got back from the show, especially since you're still not over that laryngitis completely. Remember, Madame Pomphrey said plenty of bed rest during the 24 hour period it lasts, and no overly exerting yourself, which is what you've just done."
Severus took her scolding good naturedly, especially since he was feeling too weak to argue. He allowed himself to be led to their bedroom and he took a seat on the bed before Hermione stepped out of the room to let him change.
"Severus?" Hermione called as she cracked open the door to see if he was done.
Opening the door farther she looked in and what she saw made her smile. Severus was fast asleep wearing his silk pants and shirt, curled on his side on top of the covers, his hair falling in his face. Lying on his side was Crookshanks, who was reaching a paw up every now and then and batting at some of the pieces of hair that moved gently with Severus' deep breathing.
"Oh Crookshanks, you know he would kill you if he was awake," Hermione quietly walked over and carefully picked up her cat, trying not to disturb Severus. "Go on now."
Crookshanks gave an indignant look as Hermione dropped him gently to the floor before sashaying out the door, presumably headed for the kitchens for a snack from the ever helpful house elves. Hermione turned back to Severus and pulled a quilt out of the chest at the foot of the bed and gently spread it over him. With a gentle touch, she ran her fingertips over the strong lines of his face. Most people looked so innocent while they slept, and he was no exception. The usual frown lines he had from glaring had softened into faint creases in the skin, and his usual frown had turned into a slight, almost sad looking, hint of a smile. Carefully, she moved her hand up to the locks of hair falling in his face and gently began tucking them back into place behind one ear.
"Goodnight Sev," she laid her hand on his cheek, and he unconsciously leaned his face towards the warmth. Feeling a burst of something inside her chest, she impulsively bent over and brushed a kiss on his brow before extinguishing the lights and going to sleep. She didn't know what she was feeling towards him, but she was looking forward to finding out.
On the morning of the first Hogsmede weekend, Severus was sitting at his desk grading papers when a timid knock sounded at the door. Cursing in annoyance, he walked over to and opened the door to find three of his least favourite people: Harry, Ron, and Ginny. Glaring at them he waited for one of them to speak.
"Uh, good morning Professor, is Hermione here?" Ginny said bravely after a nudge from her brother; Severus just continued to look at them with annoyance, but raised an eyebrow in question. "She was going to go to Hogsmede with us, and we wanted to catch the first round of carriages there."
"Hermione is still sleeping," he replied after a moment, and the three jumped, not used to hearing him call her by her first name.
"Well, could you go wake her up?" Ron blurted out. At Severus' glare he quickly added, "Please?"
"No."
"Well, could we…uh…maybe come in? And wake her up?" Ginny tried again, putting on a brave front once more.
"Please sir? We won't bother you or anything else, and we'll go right back out into the hall here after we wake her up, promise," Harry added.
"I hope she hexes you," Severus turned around, not wanting to be bothered with their pleading anymore and opened the door wider. "Well, are you going to stand there all morning or come in?"
"Oh, thank you," Ginny said, since the boys were too shocked that he was actually letting them in.
"Hmph. Now, don't touch anything, don't even think of touching anything, or there will be massive points deducted from Gryffindor besides the ten that you've already lost for disturbing me," Severus sneered as he briskly led them into his and Hermione's quarters and into the bedroom.
"GOOD MORNING!" Harry and Ron yelled, jumping on top of Hermione as she lay in bed Saturday morning. It was obvious that they had momentarily forgotten their potions professor's presence, but Ginny hadn't quite forgotten, and decided just to go stand by the side of the bed.
"Harry, Ron, Ginny, it's a Saturday morning…" Hermione said sleepily before shooting up. "WHAT ARE YOU DOING HERE?! SEVERUS WILL KILL YOU!"
"I would love to, but Albus might not be happy if I killed the boy who lived and company," Severus drawled from where he stood leaning against the side of the doorway.
"Severus," Hermione said warningly. "Why did you let them in?"
"I was hoping you'd hex them when they woke you," he replied with a smirk before walking out of the room.
"We came down to see if you were awake yet, and when he said you were still sleeping, we asked him to let us in so we could wake you," Harry answered.
"Actually I did the asking, they were too scared," Ginny smiled.
"As they should be," Severus replied bringing Hermione her breakfast on a tray. He stared impatiently at the two boys on the bed till they got the idea and sheepishly climbed off so he could rest the tray on her lap. "Unless I'm mistaken, which I'm not, I believe you were going to go right back to the hall and wait for her?"
"Oh! Sorry sir," Harry said as the three of them left, escorted by Severus who went back to grading papers after closing the door behind the three.
"Thanks for the breakfast tray Sev," Hermione called as she came out several minutes later to put her tray in the sink. She was dressed casually in jeans and a nice blouse under a plain black over-robe. "Why did you really let the three of them in?"
"Well I was honestly hoping you'd hex them, but you're right, there were other reasons. The first was that I didn't want to continue to listen to their pleading and gave in, secondly, I was about to wake you myself as breakfast was getting cold, and thirdly, I realised soon after Potter's birthday celebration that the three of them would be permanent fixtures in your life. It is only logical that I attempt to treat them with a modicum of courtesy."
"Oh," Hermione thought over what he had just said. "I guess that makes sense, it still just seems odd to picture you being nice to them Sev."
"Sev…?" He let his question hang. "And I won't be nice, I'll be courteous."
"Severus is a mouthful sometimes, do you mind?" she asked walking over to him.
"As long as it's only used in private."
"That was a given. Thanks for letting them in this morning," she leaned over and kissed him on the cheek, like she would have done with Harry or Ron, without thinking. "Oh sorry."
"Its fine," he said after a moment clearly startled. "I assume I'll see you sometime this afternoon?"
"Probably not till a little while before dinner, we usually stay the whole day," Hermione was still slightly flushed. "I guess I'll see you later Sev."
"I suppose so," he replied. "Oh Hermione?"
"Hmm?"
"Have fun, and be careful."
"I will," she gave him a smile before walking out, and that made him feel more comfortable saying something so completely foreign to his mouth.
"Took you long enough!" Ron said exasperatedly as she closed the door behind her. Ginny just shared a look with Hermione, knowing that fifteen minutes is not bad for a girl.
"Sorry Ron, I was putting away my breakfast tray and saying good-bye to Severus," she said as they made their way up to the great hall to grab a carriage.
"So what's the schedule for today?" Ginny asked once they were in the carriage.
"Quidditch store and Zonkos!" Harry and Ron yelled in unison.
"I need to visit the bookstore for a few books, Scrivenshaft's for a parchment refill and a new quill, Honeydukes for some chocolate liquorice, and The Three Broomsticks to pick up some more brandy for Severus," Hermione ticked off her list on her hand. "And before you guys say anything, no I can not buy you some. Madame Rosmerta knows that I'm getting it for Severus and that I'm the only one to do so, other than him."
"Bollocks," Ron pouted, but then got over it as Hogsmede came into sight.
The four of them spent the day going to all the stores they had agreed on, and then some. Hermione and Ginny had to almost forcefully drag the boys out of the quidditch store where they were drooling over something or another. After lunch they agreed to split up and meet later that afternoon to go back to the castle together. The boys headed off in the direction of the quidditch store again, leaving the girls staring after them, shaking their heads.
"All right, so where do you want to go?" Hermione asked a moment later.
"Dress shopping of course!" Ginny stared at her as if she had gone mad. "Why else would we split up from the guys?"
"What do we need dresses for?" Hermione asked confused.
"Oh, I guess you missed it, what with sleeping in this morning," Ginny explained, realising what had happened. "Professor Dumbledore announced that we're going to have another Yule Ball on December 22, for fifth through seventh years, and teachers of course. It's going to be from 7 until 11. Also, he said it's going to be super formal since it's just before Christmas and New Year's, and he wants everyone to wear mugglewear since he thinks wizards are too narrow-minded about muggles sometimes."
"Oh, sounds like fun," Hermione smiled as she linked arms with Ginny as they made their way to a dress shop. "But then again, any excuse to shop for a new outfit is always fun! And Ginny, since it's going to be held a few days before Christmas, I want to buy you any dress that you want as your present."
"Hermione-" Ginny began protesting.
"And don't even think of saying no, or I'll buy you something else that's horribly expensive. Severus has a lot of old family money that neither he nor I know what to do with at our disposal, so let me do this for you, cause you've always been so supportive of me in all this," Hermione pleaded, and moments later Ginny threw herself at Hermione in an ecstatic hug thanking her before they both dashed into one of the most exclusive dress and robe shops in the wizarding community: Ezerali Formalwear.
"May I help you?" a snooty woman came forward, looking them over with obvious distaste, presumably thinking them to be out of their league price-wise, especially considering that they were young looking, and dressed casually.
"Well that is what you're being paid to do," Hermione said coolly as she drew herself up and schooled her features into a look of superiority and calm indifference. "I am Lady Hermione Snape, and I'd like to speak with Mr. Ezerali about some gowns."
"Of course Milady, I'm sorry," the woman visibly paled at Hermione's use of her title. "Oh, if I might have your name Miss?"
"Virginia Weasley," Ginny answered after a moment, not realising the question was directed at her.
"If you'll wait one moment please?" She turned and quickly left the room through a nearly invisible door.
"I am Lady Hermione Snape," Ginny mimicked Hermione laughing. "That was bloody brilliant Mione!"
"Thanks," Hermione laughed too. "Severus told me not too long after we were married that using my title is almost like a special pass, it'll get me priority over others, and usually installs fear in lower people, like that snooty clerk for example. I try not to abuse it, but her condescending nature was just begging my evil side to retaliate."
"Lady Snape, such an honour, and Miss Weasley, I've heard of your father's work with muggles, simply wonderful to meet both of you," a short chubby man with dark features came gliding out through the door at that moment and gave a short bow. "Welcome to my humble establishment, I am Wahid Ezerali."
"The honour is ours Mr. Ezerali," Hermione replied graciously. "Your reputation precedes you in regards to your unique and one-of-a-kind gowns."
"Oh you are too kind Lady Snape. Now what may I help you with?" He asked as he led them into a large private fitting room with mirrors on two walls and a stand in the middle.
"Miss Weasley and I are in need of gowns for a formal Yule Ball at Hogwarts on December 22," Hermione told the man who at once began bustling around finding patterns and spell sheets while yelling for assistants to bring him fabric types and colour guides.
"Shall we start with you Lady Snape? If you'll step up onto the stand please, we can begin," Mr. Ezerali didn't wait for an answer, but quickly began holding up patterns in front of him, and comparing fabric types before pulling out his wand and said some choice, complicated spells. Moments later Hermione was clad in a light purple, slinky gown.
"Mr. Ezerali, I would like something simple, yet classy," Hermione looked at her reflection with a slight grimace. "Preferably in the colour red, with some silver accents as this ball is being held near Christmastime."
Mr. Ezerali once again waved his wand and the gown disappeared and for the next twenty minutes Hermione stood patiently as he tore up the room looking for something he apparently had in mind. With an excited yelp, he pulled something out of a drawer and read another complicated sounding spell.
"Perfect Mr. Ezerali, I'll take it," Hermione smiled with satisfaction as she looked at herself in the large mirrors.
The dress she was now clad in was exactly what she had had in mind. The strapless dress was made out of a deep red coloured satin. The bodice had very thin silver beaded swirls on it that caught the light when she moved. The skirt of the dress had strategically-placed gathers that gave the skirt the appearance of having four tiers. To complete it, there was a small train that trailed gracefully behind her when she walked.
"Oh I am so pleased that you like it!" He clapped his hands and an assistant came in to take the dress and pack it away in a large dress box to protect it. "Now for you Miss Weasley."
"I think I'd like a gold coloured dress, maybe with some red on it. Nothing too glitzy please, and not too much red either if you can help it," Ginny said, slightly nervous. She wasn't quite comfortable with making demands of people. To tell the truth, Hermione wasn't either, but she was good at pretending.
"Wonderful wonderful! I think I have just the thing in mind for you!" Mr. Ezerali walked around her several times talking under his breath to himself as he looked her up and down. "Yes, I've got it!"
"Oh it's better than I could've imagined!" Ginny gasped when he finished picking the fabric, colours, and saying the spells some half-hour later.
Ginny looked stunning in a two-piece halter top gown made of dupion silk. The bodice of the gown was modestly cut straight across the chest and was made of a dark ruby colour. Intricate sun-like shapes and leaves had been embroidered on the bodice in gold. A wide piece of gold ribbon formed the strap around the neck, holding it up. The skirt of the dress was made of a light gold silk with elegant lines. A detachable train could be added to give an even classier effect to the dress.
"Now, if you would please come back out front, we can settle up the costs?" Mr. Ezerali said once Ginny's gown had also been wrapped up and placed in one of the signature bags that was only given to choice customers and patrons.
Hermione and Ginny each took their respective bag and made their way out front. Ginny gasped as the cost of the two dresses amounted to 2,190 galleons, but Hermione gave her a look telling her she had better not protest as she simply told Mr. Ezerali to charge it to her account. Signing the charge slip, she took the proffered receipt and left the store. Once outside, Ginny burst.
"Hermione! I can't let you spend 990 galleons on a Christmas present for me!" Ginny protested.
"Why not?" Hermione hugged her friend. "If it wasn't the dress, I would've bought something else. I want to do this, and besides, your family members are all getting an expensive gift too, so don't feel bad. Please, keep it."
"Well if you're sure," Ginny tried one last protest. Hermione nodded and Ginny smiled brightly. "Okay, you don't have to ask me twice!"
"Oh, it's time to meet up with the guys, that took longer than we thought, we'd better hurry," Hermione said glancing at a nearby clock.
The rest of the afternoon passed quickly and before long, it was time to head back to school. Hermione said good-bye to her friends and received one last hug of thanks from Ginny before she headed down to her quarters. Undoing the wards, she walked in to a dark, quiet, and empty room. Shrugging, she lit some lamps and the fireplace, and put her dress away in her closet, hiding it in the back so it wouldn't be found by Severus, not that he went into her closet anyways.
"Oh, you're back," Severus walked in a few minutes later to find Hermione reading in front of the fire.
"I only got back a few minutes ago," she looked up at him.
"Did you know that Albus is planning to have another Yule Ball on the 22 of December?"
"Ginny told me this afternoon, so we went dress shopping. I spent quite a bit," Hermione looked guilty.
"We have plenty of money, so spend as much as you like," he waved his hand, showing his indifference to their wealth.
"Oh good, because I wanted to spend a lot on my friends this Christmas," Hermione looked relieved. "Change of subject, but where were you just now?"
"Fishing," he held up a tackle box and a rod, something Hermione hadn't noticed, and disappeared into the bedroom.
"Fishing?" Hermione wondered aloud. "Since when does he go fishing?"
A/N: Okay, kind of a funny note to end it on, at least I thought so. For some reason I had decided that Severus needed some sort of hobby to relieve stress from teaching, and from the days when he was a spy, and that got me thinking, "What hobby would be be-fitting of him?" And for some reason, fishing just seemed like the sort of relaxing, mindless hobby that Severus might partake in. I know you're probably ready to kill me for taking so long, but if you did, there wouldn't be any more updates now would there? So thanks for holding off the savage beating, lol.
Here are the links for Hermione and Ginny's dresses. Just replace the stars () with periods.
Hermione's dress: wwwwhiteroombridalcomau/large/p39largehtml
Ginny's dress: wwwcloudnine-weddingscouk/catherine-janehtml
I thought they just seemed kind of perfect for them, but maybe that's just me. Anyways, this was a longer chapter at over 3,500, so I hope it was also worth the wait, even though it was kind of a filler, but there were some cute parts I thought, like Sev and Crookshanks. My cat does stuff like that to me, batting at hair and lying on me, so I thought it'd be funny. As always, review if you want, you don't have to.