SailorNeo: Forgive me. I had no real reason to kill a specific character, I simply opened my book to random pages and took the first names I saw. But Draco is not dead, no worries, he's just kind of...not really in the book. Please don't hate me?
After a celebratory shag, or four, Hermione settled into a deep slumber. Severus wondered if anything at all would be able to awaken his Sleeping Beauty. He smiled at her slim frame, looking so innocent underneath his green silk sheets. Her curly mass was spread out on the pillow behind, giving her an almost angelic appearance. He gently kissed her forehead, before laying down to wrap his arms around her.
But sleep did not come easy to Severus that night. He could not get those feelings off his mind. How had he fallen so hard, so fast, for her? He took that thought back. How he could he not have fallen for her? She accepted his every fault, both physical and emotional, with unwavering tolerance. She patiently listened to his every rant and rave, she sympathized and empathized with his every complaint. She knew how to quiet his fiery temper, with just one word. She filled him in ways he never knew he could be filled.
Suddenly, due to over-tiredness he hoped, Severus was struck by the idea to carve it everywhere...SS + HG LOVE. Such a schoolboy gesture, he knew from the experience of forcing young boys to perform reparation spells on many tree trunks and stone walls, but nonetheless, he did want the whole wide world exactly how strongly he felt for her. He wanted to stand atop the Astronomy Tower and sing his praises of the young woman...no scratch that, they would haul him off to Azkaban for damaging too many people, with that singing voice of his.
Why was she with him? It made no sense...a young, brilliant, joy-filled, gorgeous witch such as herself, proclaiming her undying love to a greasy, hook-nosed, contrary wizard twenty years her senior? Surely she was under some type of spell? No, the only spell she was under was love. But did Severus believe that? No...no he did not. It made no sense in the logical world, and Merlin knew Hermione was a logical girl. She deserved so much better than the little that he could give her. She should not be spending her precious youth on a waste of time like him...
Yawning and stretching after what felt like the best sleep of her life, Hermione rolled over to give her lovely Severus a good-morning kiss. She flopped on top of...a forest green blanket? "Severus?" she called gently, it was unlike him to be up this early, it was only nine thirty.
Pulling a dressing gown on, she padded softly out to the kitchen. Silence, and no Severus. Turning around slowly to face the table, she saw a piece of paper folded in two. Approaching it, she read her name, in his cramped handwriting, written on the folded side. She opened the letter and read.
My dearest Hermione,
You will no doubt hate me for this. But in time my love, I swear that you will see my reasoning. You deserve so much better than me. I love you too much to let you waste your life with an undeserving man such as myself.
I have left for now to spare you the brutality of a life with a sour, greasy, two-faced git. No one knows where I am, and no one should try to find me.
Go, be happy, and find a man who truly deserves you in all your beauty, intelligence and joyfulness. Fall in love with the right man this time. Also, you have an acceptance letter from St. Mungo's, they want you as a full-time Medi-Witch. Good luck in your life Hermione. I will never forget you.
All the love in my heart,
Severus
Hermione felt her legs go weak as she re-read the letter. He had left? He did not deserve me? She felt her body begin to lose all feeling as she entered a state of shock. He wasn't serious, was he? This must be his version of a sick joke, and any second he will pop out, perhaps with flowers, and tell her that he would never leave her for anything.
One hour later, she was still sitting in the chair, holding the parchment in her shaking hand. No Severus. She looked on the table at the other piece of paper. Picking that one up, she discovered that it too, was adressed to her.
Dear Hermione Granger,
I cordially extend my invitation to you, to join the staff of St. Mungo's Hospital for Magical Maladies and Injuries. We are in need of a Medi-Witch and you were personally recommended to us by Professor Severus Snape. I understand that you have had top marks in all of your years at Hogwarts, and you have also undertaken nearly a year of advanced Potions apprenticeship.
Your job would include brewing some of the more basic potions and tending to patients in the non-critical wing. While this may seem slightly asinine, it is required that we start each new Medi-Witch in the base position. There is a fair amount of room for promotion, and I imagine that we can expect great things from you.
Please respond within two days of receiving this owl.
- Marjorie Grumpkin, Head of Staff at St. Mungo's Hospital
"Where is he?" Hermione's voice was low and threatening as she glowered at the normally jovial Headmaster.
Dumbledore's eyes clouded over. "Miss Granger. What is the meaning of this storming into my office and asking for an unknown male?"
"You bloody well know what I mean! He's gone! And I know that you know exactly where he's gone!"
"Miss Granger, really you must calm down. I know Severus has left, but he would not tell me where he was going. I am sorry but I can not help you."
Fleeing quickly from his office, functioning only on instinct, Hermione hastily scrawled a note.
Dear Marjorie Grumpkin,
I am honored by your employment offer. I am willing to start immediately.
Sincerely,
Hermione Granger
Shag him then. She would go on fine without him.
POLL
What should (or should not) bring Severus back? I have many ideas, just wondering what you would like to see. Please let me know in your review, I am open to any and all suggestions!
