Disclaimer: I, though it might seem hard to believe, own nothing of anything besides this insane voice in my head that keeps telling me to right this smut, lol. Blah, blah, legalities, blah, blah. Anywho! On with the show!
I want to thank everybody for your support and patience with my writing speed. I, in fact, am a very busy girl up here in my brain, so it's hard to focus my creativity. But you're reviews and emails help.
UPDATE: I've decided that I wrote so much, that I'd brake it into two chapters.
"Oh what a beautiful day," Hermione said to herself. She was walking in a field of grass, with rolling hills from horizon to horizon. The sun was bright, but a slight breeze made the weather pleasant, and Hermione kept having the urge to run as fast and as far as she could and did, many times.
She stopped once, on one of these exercises, out of breath and every muscle hot and relaxed. She decided to lie down and just stare up at the perfectly blue sky.
All of a sudden, a figure whizzed by her view in a flash of black. She smiled and turned onto her stomach just in time to watch Harry make a quick ascent. He went up about two hundred metres, before falling back to earth.
He came back to Hermione, and slowed down. "Come on, Hermione! Take a ride with me!"
She laughed at him. "You know how much I hate to—"
But the word "fly" was lost in a scream as Harry grabbed her arm and threw her on the back of his Firebolt and then made tracks as he sped it up to full speed.
The only thing she could do was wrap her arms around his waist and close her eyes. Hermione knew that, as long as Harry was at the reigns, nothing could go wrong, but that still didn't stop her from being afraid of being in the air.
But as soon as she started to feel comfortable with being on the broom, she could feel them coming back to the ground, but it was the abrupt descent that surprised her.
When she opened her eyes, it was because their movements became more agitated and unpredictable.
One look at the black mass of cloud and shadow in front of them made Hermione wish she had never took a peek.
Harry had already taken out his wand when they hit the ground, and he soon charged on the appearing figures from what seemed like a sudden, and local, black storm approaching them. Soon the entire sky was dark, and she could hear Harry shout. Where were Ron and the others? Hermione thought to herself. They needed to be here to help Harry.
By the time she got up to her feet, Harry and the entity had exchanged cries. Suddenly Hermione could understand what they were saying.
"Leave this place!!!" yelled Harry.
"You will see your end soon, Harry Potter, but right now we have other business to attend to." The voice was like poisonous silk. Hermione felt drawn to its hushed yet confident tones, but she knew that the man behind that slippery tongue was more evil than he sounded.
Harry wasn't going to budge. "You won't get anything done today, because I won't let you!"
"Stand aside, Potter," it said in an almost whisper, but it was strong and determined. Hermione felt herself whimper. Whatever it was could kill Harry in an instant, she could feel it, but it was the next line that made her legs turn to jelly.
"We want the girl."
Everything went in slow motion. Harry's head turned towards her, with a look of shock and wonder. Hermione couldn't believe how much fear she had at that moment, and it showed.
Harry saw her face; pale and stricken. And the anger started to build. He rushed around to fire a spell at the shadow, but just as he drew his wand up, a gust of wind lifted him up and right past Hermione.
Suddenly time sped up. There was nothing, now, between Hermione and the dark creature that, undoubtedly, was there to kill her. It closed in on her until all she could see was black. She remembered the warmth of the sun, and the way the white of the clouds made the blue of the sky all the more tantalizing and interesting. Now, all Hermione could feel was the cold and pitch black of the storm as it enclosed her.
She felt something grab her arm, but instead of being pulled towards the storm, it dragged her away. A power beyond all comprehension had now brought her to safety. The serpentine figure began to hiss and give blood-curdling screams, but they were getting quieter. She soon saw blue seep in with gray, and the green of grass started to appear under her feet. Hermione turned her head to her rescuer, intending to see Harry, but instead she caught a full head of black hair and porcelain skin.
Then everything faded.
"Hermione? It's time for breakfast, Hermione, and if we don't get down there soon, the boys will have eaten everything."
Hermione fluttered her eyes open to see a girl with a mane of red hair staring at her from above.
"Are you all right, 'Mione? You look flushed," said Ginny, a furrow set in her eyebrows.
Hermione sat up and felt her cheeks. They were indeed hot. "I guess I was hot underneath the covers. I'll just use the basin for a minute before I go down." She got up to use the basin on the other side of Ginny's room, which she was staying in for the holiday.
Ginny gave her another concerned look at the door, but Hermione just gave her a reassuring smile, and Ginny started downstairs.
Hermione poured water into the basin, and then splashed some on her face. That dream, she thought. How unusual.
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By the time Hermione got down the stairs, the dream was nothing more than flashes and bits of memory, and she barely thought about them. The truth was that she was overwhelmingly happy about being at the Burrow for the Christmas holiday. They had only been there a couple of days, but from the first moment that she had stepped into the house, she instantly felt the heat of the fire and the smell of baking embrace her and filled her heart with unconditional elation.
The weather outside never changed. There was snow everywhere, and it would never go away because light, new snow descended on the land once or twice a day. So along with that and the welcoming emotion of the festivities inside, everybody found the weight on their shoulders lifted and the worries of the world disappear.
"Here you go Hermione," Mrs. Weasley said, cheerfully, as she ushered her into a seat next to Harry and then started to pile up her plate for her. "Don't worry if you can't finish it all, dear. I seem to be so into the holiday spirit that I make more food than needed." Then she made an exuberant giggle as she walked around the table and took a seat next to Mr. Weasley, who gave her a big, loving smile.
Hermione felt that she too felt exuberant and thankful to be surrounded by the ones she loved. So what if my parents aren't here, thought Hermione, these people are as dear and important to me as if they were my real family. There was Harry, and Ron, but Ginny came along too. Fred and George had put a manager in charge of their joke shop on Diagon Alley so that they could spend the entire holiday at the Burrow, and even Charlie and Bill would be coming in the next couple of days to spend Christmas with the family.
The only one missing, sadly, was Percy, who still had not brought himself to apologize for his actions. It was hard to tell if Mr. Weasley would forgive his son for what he's done, even if he did come to apologize, but in the past two years the worst of the pain and sorrow afflicting this broken family had subsided and they didn't talk about it much. At least Percy had not rejected his mother's letters and gifts this year, Hermione thought to herself after chancing a look at Mr. and Mrs. Weasley's visage. If that had occurred, then it would be most certain that Mr. Weasley would have disowned his son.
Through all the warmth and the comfort of the home and the people, there were no long periods of time for which Hermione still did not feel the sadness of life and the threat of unseen danger.
When everyone went outside to experience the weather and play around in the snow, it was apparent that they were being guarded. The Order kept their members busy, so Hermione couldn't help but roll her eyes when Lupin or Tonks showed up "Just because we had some free time."
"Come on, Hermione, of course we wanted to see you guys during the holiday," remarked Remus as they walked with the rest down to the village.
"Are you sure you haven't gotten your verbs mixed up? You do mean 'watch' not see, right?" Said Hermione, giving him a playful smile to add to her sarcasm.
He gave an exasperated sigh, "Of course we have our orders, but that doesn't mean that we don't like spending time with—"
"Yeah, yeah, I know," interrupted Hermione, waving off the comment, "I would have never thought any different. I was just joking."
"So why the joke, anyways?"
Hermione groaned to herself. That's Remus, always probing for hidden emotion and meaning. Like she was really going to tell him what was bothering her. "Why is that when ever one of you shows up it's some lame excuse like, 'Oh, I was just in the neighbourhood,' or, 'I could smell your baking from Surrey, Molly, so I thought I'd stop by.' I mean... we aren't two years old! We know exactly what you are all up to. And it's insult to injury that you can't even come up with a half decent reason!"
Lupin laughed at this and Hermione couldn't help but laugh with him.
"Well you're right there."
Hermione gave him a smirk. "Oh yeah? Where?"
"Oh everywhere, I guess. You aren't two years old. In fact most of you are adults, and soon to be embarking on your own lives." Suddenly, he looked crestfallen and solemn.
Hermione knew what it was at once. She reached for his arm. "Now don't go thinking like that, Remus. We'll still be here. We're all going to start helping the Order at the end of term! We won't be going anywhere."
Lupin stopped in his tracks and looked at Hermione. His eyes were wide, and steely. "No. Listen to me, Hermione. Whatever happens, I want you and Harry and Ron to go to school afterwards. We all want you to study to become better wizards and don't want you involved with the conflict of this world until you are ready."
Hermione didn't understand. "But—"
"We don't need you to throw away your lives when you have the whole thing in front of you. Master a craft, and we will keep 'watching' you." He tried to give her his most comforting smile, but it was apparent that it was an empty sentiment.
Hermione knew that what Lupin said was logical, so she had to accept it, but she also knew that Lupin was desperately trying to cling to everyone like he was about to lose everything. This seemed to be the normal behaviour for him right now.
They were about to reach the town, and Ron and Ginny were yelling at the both of them to hurry up.
"By the way, Hermione, I know that both Harry and Ron have expressed an interest at being Aurors, but what have you decided on what to do after this last term?"
And without thinking, Hermione blurted out, "Potions."
Lupin's eyebrows went up, "Oh really?"
Hermione thought to herself. Why the hell did you say that? The fact was that Hermione was thinking about Severus at that moment. "Well, I've always been good at it I guess."
Lupin chuckled again, "But you're good at everything, Hermione!"
"Actually, I am torn between whether I want to be on the offense or defense. You know, Auror or Healer, but I guess both could use a strong background in Potions."
Remus gave her a quizzical look; "You've always been so decisive in the past. Why are you so unsure now?"
Hermione's face became stoic and distant, like she could spy the entire universe if she looked hard enough. "I guess nothing is for certain now-a-days."
Lupin didn't say anything. He just gave a nod in agreement and they both walked onto the street that signified the start of town. It was then that everyone wanted to split up, with which he gave an almost inaudible groan. She knew that he would have rather preferred them all staying together, but conceded to let Tonks go with the girls while he took the boys to the shops they were more inclined to approach.
"You won't catch me in there," Ron quipped as Ginny spied the Perfumery.
"Why not?! A little perfume for Maybel might be a good gift since you couldn't spend Christmas with her," shot Ginny.
Ron seemed to be swallowing this like the taste of bad medicine. He stared at the door to the shop as if it actually were the gates of Hell. "Well, I'll go in later."
"Fine, suit yourself," said Ginny and she grabbed Hermione's arm and pushed open the door, Tonks following.
The second Hermione walked inside, she had the strongest urge to gag. She thought there had been a leak or something, but with the smallness of the shop, the air had become a thick mixture of every different perfume on the shelves. Even breathing through her mouth didn't help. She could taste it, and her coughing reflex was kicking in.
Ginny and Tonks didn't seem to notice, though. They were diving into a display of newly released toilet from France. But, of course, Ginny and Tonks enjoyed this type of thing. Hermione didn't use perfume or makeup regularly.
"Uh, Tonks? I think I need to step out for some fresh air," breathed Hermione though she was trying her best to breath as little as possible. She didn't know if the Auror had heard her, but she quickly made her escape, taking an urgent gulp of air as soon as she was clear of the doors.
Hermione had to think of something right there. It wasn't that bad in the store. If it had been that hardened, then Tonks or Ginny most have recognized it too. And even with the fresh air in her lungs, Hermione still felt heavy. It was because she was thinking of Severus. Hermione had always scuffed at women who thought that wearing scents and face paint would attract the right men, but at the moment before she fled from the Perfumery, she had been thinking about what would have happened if she had done what other girls do to attract a man.
What if she had worn make-up and French eau de toilet? But once the clean air had reached her head, Hermione dismissed the topic. She started down the street, looking for a shop more to her tastes.
If Snape had been attracted to lures such as those, she thought to herself, than I would have most certainly not wanted that kind of company.
"Well what company do you expect you were keeping?" Said her conscious, scathingly.
"What?" questioned Hermione, out loud. Fortunately she did not say it loud enough for anyone else to hear.
"Think about it… you were both fooling around. There was no kindling of spirits, or exchanges of intellect. All you wanted was each others' bodies."
Hermione thought that they were right. She had been a hypocrite to her own beliefs. No, she didn't put on makeup or alluring smells, but she had gotten the same company that she swore she didn't desire.
"Don't beat yourself up, Granger. Remember what he said to Dumbledore. He's scum. Worthless, unimportant scum. And don't forget to stop at this bookshop."
Hermione stopped and swirled her head around. Sure enough, there was a sign that read "Hennessy's Books." She walked through the door and was welcomed by a dim room and the warm scent of worn books and aged paper.
idering the small buildings and set-ups along the street, she was surprised at the size of the bookstore. It was two stories high, and had nice, labyrinthine aisles. She knew she should have told someone where she was, but she was already immersing herself in the stacks as the subject of safety came and went from her mind.
After Muggle Studies, Hermione found a new look at the world with which she thought was the only one until she was eleven. The books she once thought were definitive, were now only perspectives of a bigger whole. She took a magical approach to everything now a days, so she was amused with the Muggleness of the books around her.
She saw a title that perked her interest and looked at the cover. After looking at, perhaps, over a hundred books in this fashion, Hermione had found one of interest and sat down in a big, leather Chas and read a little.
Hermione had no way of knowing how much time had passed, but she found the place darkening. Soon, someone would have to turn on the lights. But as she was thinking this, another thought emerged. The store had been curiously quiet since she had come in. That's odd for a holiday season, Hermione thought to herself. She stood and slowly made her way to the front of the store.
If she had been more perceptive, she would have realized that she wasn't alone in the store. Through some books, a dark shadow had been watching her the entire time. Hermione stopped a moment to peer at another book, before continuing for the register, hopefully to find the storekeeper. It was then that two, black-gloved hands inched towards her neck from behind.
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It was nearing suppertime, and everyone was finally being rounded up at the entrance of town. Lupin and the boys had already been there for several minutes, waiting for the girls.
"Oh, I'm not worried, Remus. Women are always late," stated Ron.
Lupin raised an eyebrow at the seventeen-year-old's unknown understanding of women.
Harry laughed at Lupin. "Oh come on, even I knew that."
"Yes, well Tonks is also in charge, and she knows how important staying on time is." He looked at his pocket watch again.
Harry and Ron both exchanged guilty looks, but it was Harry that spoke for both of them. "Thanks for the reminder."
Remus took on a pained expression and was about to give his apologies when he saw Tonks and Ginny running up to them from a side street. They were out of breath.
"Where's Hermione?"
Tonks took a couple deep breaths. "We looked everywhere. We can't find her."
"What?" yelled Ron.
Harry made a gesture as to calm Ron down. He looked right at both Ginny and Tonks. "Did you check every store, even the farfetched ones?"
Ginny nodded. "We went into every boutique, sporting shop and food market."
"Did you ask the store owners if they had seen her?" Responded Lupin.
Tonks spoke now. "Yes, Remus. Everyone was positive that they hadn't seen her."
"You're sure you checked every store?!" Spouted Ron.
"Yes, Ron. We checked every store that was open."
Remus had looked out at the countryside, thinking to himself, but at this he spun around and stared at Ginny. "What stores weren't open?"
"Actually, there was just one. A bookstore down the street. Uh…what was it called?"
Tonks interjected, "'Hennessy's books.'"
"And you're sure it was closed?" said Harry.
Ginny nodded her head. "It was all locked up. Closed for the day."
Remus's mind was racing a mile a minute. Something didn't add up. "Closed? On a Saturday afternoon during the holiday season?"
He and Harry didn't need any other reasoning. After telling Tonks to stay with the others, they quickly made their way through the crowds and people towards "Hennessy's Books."
After what seemed like forever, they had finally reached the front door. Remus tried the handle to make sure it was locked.
"I think I can see movement in there," said Harry as he spied through the front glass.
That was all Remus needed. He hurriedly took out his wand and quietly spit out "Alohamora" and rushed inside the store, with Harry, wand ready, quick at his heels.
"Hermione?" Remus spoke urgently.
There was no answer. The place seemed absolutely deserted.
Harry walked forward and spoke louder. "Hermione?"
They heard footsteps, and saw her appear around a shelf. Both of them let out a sigh of relief.
"Did you know the door was locked?" barked Harry.
Hermione had finally reached them. "No. But I've been the only one in here. The storekeeper must have locked it and didn't know I was here."
But Harry's anger didn't dissipate. "Well, Tonks and Ginny have been looking for you all afternoon!"
"I told her that I was getting fresh air."
Remus cut in before Harry could rant some more. "You should have told one of us where you were going."
"Look I'm sorry, I didn't mean to make you guys worry. I guess I didn't think about it."
Harry looked almost livid and she looked right at him. "Harry, I'm really sorry."
And with that his features softened and he gripped her shoulder. "Just don't do it again."
She nodded and he took her hand, and then escorted her back to where they had left the others. Everyone was relieved to see Hermione safe and sound and soon they were all back in high spirits, on their way to the burrow. The only somber note, however, was Remus, who trailed behind, still thinking about locked doors, dark shops, and absent-minded teenage girls.
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When they arrived at the house, Lupin announced, to everyone's surprise, that he would have to be leaving earlier than anticipated.
"Why?" Inquired Harry, a look of disappointment on his face.
"I forgot something I needed to talk with Dumbledore about."
Hermione could tell that he was lying. His words sounded too rehearsed to be genuine, but she didn't say anything.
So with a sad farewell, he left the Burrow, promising to come back in time for December 25th.
After dinner, everyone decided to do his or her own thing. Harry and Ron took up a game of wizard's chess, while the adults (including Fred and George) stayed in the kitchen to discuss the Order while Molly baked more. Ginny had decided to go upstairs and write to friends, so Hermione thought she would follow, and write a lengthy one to her parents.
It was a good thing that owls were more reliable than the regular post; otherwise Hermione doubted that an actual, stamped letter would reach them.
It was nearly midnight when everyone got ready for bed and tucked in.
Everything was dark. Hermione couldn't see anything. But she could feel someone close.
Then she felt it. Someone laid a hand on her shoulder. It was a gentle touch, and she heard a swirl of cloth as someone stepped in front of her.
She still couldn't see anything.
They now gripped her, firmly, on both sides of her hips, and she was slowly pushed back. All of a sudden she could see a strand of hair. It was her own. Somehow she was being placed in the way of moonlight; she couldn't see where it was coming from, but it started to drift over her face, and then, as she was still being pushed, it slowly revealed the figure in front of her.
As the moonlight fell about him, Hermione could start to make out features. A large, pointed nose, deep, dark eyes, porcelain skin, and long, silky, black hair.
She breathed, "Severus," and was instantly throwing her arms around his neck. He gracefully wrapped his own around her, placing his palms on her back.
Hermione didn't know how long they had held each other in the embrace, but eventually he stepped back from her, still cascaded in moonbeams, and kissed her softly.
She returned the gentle gesture and they both stood there, locked together by their mouths.
His tongue reached her lips, and she almost immediately parted them to let him in.
While he remained stoic and silent, Hermione's emotions came to the surface and she started to emit low moans.
He then placed one hand on her lower back and the other on her right shoulder and began pressing her down, backwards.
To her surprise, she found herself lying on her back on some elevated surface, completely in the dark. As she reached for him again, she was again amazed at how the once wool covered body was now naked flesh, warm to her touch.
He lied on top of her, and she was instantly aware that she too was unclothed, for she could feel his warmth on top of hers.
The only senses allowed Hermione was her taste and touch. She was in exquisite pleasure as she now had what her body wanted… Severus making love to her.
He still remained quiet, with both hands on either side of her, supporting his weight. He used his knee to coerce her legs apart, and as he positioned himself to enter, Hermione's excitement level peaked. She was remembering to come in contact with every part of him using her hands, as he carefully slid into her, filling every part.
She cried out loud as she could feel her walls surround him.
As he came down to kiss her again, she could see his face and the desire burning in his eyes. She closed her own to focus on the sensations coming from his thrusts.
Soon they became more urgent. He was moving faster, and she could hear herself giving words of encouragement. "Yes, yes, mmmmm, that's it. Oh, Severus."
His mouth found hers and he almost crushed her lips with his. His tongue now forced his way inside her mouth, and became fevering in his exploration.
Hermione became mildly aware of his pelvis grinding hers; she was too far beyond ecstasy to notice anything else. She didn't realize the darkness of her eyelids start to lighten, as rapture enveloped her and her breathing became more shallow. She felt herself explode around his penis, and as the orgasm started to ebb away, she finally opened her eyes to look at him as he too came.
But it wasn't Severus. The light had become brighter, and she could now see his body clearly.
It wasn't hard and masculine like Severus's, but scrawny and lean. The eyes were not dark, but almost blue, and instead of the head of luxurious black hair, it was a short, slicked back blonde, some strands escaping to fall around his face.
Draco Malfoy lay between her legs, with a malevolent smile on his face. Her face showed it's horror, and she froze.
"Fancied the fuck, mudblood?" He spewed at her, despise and loathing dripping with every syllable.
Before she knew it, the glow grew to unmask the entire room, and she soon found herself surrounded by everyone she knew. They were all in a circle, with her, Draco, and the square pedestal, she now realized she was on, in the centre. Dumbledore, her parents, Ron, Harry, Mr. and Mrs. Weasley, Lupin, McGonagall and the rest of the her teachers. And to more of her shock, there was also Lucius Malfoy and many other people, their heads hidden in Deatheaters robes. Her eyes widened even more to see Lord Voldemort himself and right next to him… Severus.
Hermione tried desperately to push Draco off and to hide herself, though there was nothing. What ever she did, they would all have that look of disgrace and shame. She started to cry and their eyes of pity and disappointment burned her skin, boring into her very being.
Only Severus still looked stoic and distant.
She sat there, alone on her pedestal, naked and exposed, trying to cover herself the best she could with her arms and legs, not knowing how she was going to survive with everyone now knowing the truth. All she could do was cry.
Hermione woke up with a start; sweat dripping down her face, her body hot underneath the covers, and her heart beating furiously. It was just a dream… just a dream, she thought. She put her head back on her pillow.
"Than why am I crying?" she whispered, fearful.
It was true. Once Hermione remembered the contents of the dream, she became emotional and started to cry. Her humiliation and hysteria was real, because the dream seemed so real. She could still feel a tongue in her mouth, and all the disparaging looks cast upon her exposed body.
Hermione sobbed herself back to a restless slumber, fortunately, with no more dreams.
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"Ginny-- Hermione! You're going to miss breakfast!" Called Mrs. Weasley from the bottom of the stairs. No sooner than she said it, however, did she see Ginny coming down the final steps. "Is Hermione coming down?"
Ginny stopped, "I don't know. She was tossing and turning in her bed all night, and when I tried to wake her up, nothing happened."
Mrs. Weasley's face shown with understanding and consideration. "Must have been a bad dream. We'll let her sleep in today. Poor girl."
By the time, Hermione had woken up, it was quarter to noon and she raced downstairs to see what had happened, but she was met with an empty house. She heard laughter outside and saw that most of them were again playing in the snow. Hermione approached the kitchen door to find a note atop the counter next to it.
Ginny told me that you weren't sleeping well,
so I let you sleep in and left some
breakfast leftovers in the oven for you.
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Sure enough, Mrs. Weasley had saved her some sausage and a couple of pancakes. Hermione ate them, quietly. She didn't know why, but she desperately didn't want to see anyone today. She still felt like they had all been in her dream last night or something. Even if they didn't know a thing, she still didn't dare meet any of their gazes.
Maybe she could go upstairs and knit. The boys never wanted to hear about S.P.E.W. anymore, so they would surely leave her alone if she said she was going to knit enough for all the house-elves at Hogwarts. Heck, she was getting pretty tired of spew as well. She would still try to help elves understand the importance of being on their own, but her heart wasn't in it like it used to be. Sometimes Hermione got so frustrated with it all. Elves could be free and were skilled enough to live for themselves, but servitude was so ingrained in their behaviour and ancestry that she didn't know how much effort and time it would take for things to change.
And, of course, people would have to want to change if anything was to get done, but most people were pleased with how things were. Hermione gave a snort. Typical, she thought inwardly, people could be so closed-minded most times.
Just as she was rehearsing her excuse for wanting privacy with her knitting, everyone came pounding into the kitchen; soaked head to toe.
"Oy, Hermione! Figured it was time to get up finally?" Remarked Ron.
Her voice fluttered as memories of lasts night's dream drifted through her mind, like the frosty air that blew into the kitchen as everyone entered and disrobed. "Yes, well, I guess I didn't really get enough last night."
Ron just nodded. Harry agreed with, "Yea, it's always great to sleep in."
Hermione made to start climbing up the stairs to hide in Ginny's room as Mrs. Weasley entered the house and spying Hermione said, "Hello Hermione, nice to see you up and about. We were going to make sandwiches if you were hungry?"
Hermione turned around, thinking about what she rehearsed, but forgetting the middle. She gave herself a mental slap for not focusing enough on it when she was alone. "Uhhh, I just ate the breakfast you left for me, and I was just about to go upstairs to—"
"Well don't be too long, dear, Arthur is going to start off this year's Christmas storytelling. Family tradition," interjected Molly.
"And we would never want to mess up that, now would we?" muttered Fred.
"How dare you say that, Fred. I love to hear the same stories year after year!" responded George.
Mrs. Weasley ignored them. She was looking at Hermione with that warm, motherly look, and at once Hermione changed her mind. There was no way she was going to get out of it.
"I'll just get my knitting so I can listen and finish some scarves at the same time."
"Ok, dear. We'll start lunch, and if you want anything, just ask." Beamed Mrs. Weasley.
As Hermione went upstairs to get her things, she decided that the dream was just that… a dream, and that she should not worry about the chances that it would become reality since she had officially put all that nonsense behind her.
She got an extra kick in her step on the way down to the first floor. She had her studies and her friends and family. She didn't need a relationship, and she surely didn't need Severus Snape.
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