Chapter 7

Snape suggested they go through the fireplace to Albus' office, but Hermione preferred to walk. Her cheeks still a tiny bit flushed, she must have wanted to compose herself. He was quite proud of that fact. It was easy enough to calm himself since he had learned that little trick about thinking of Mr. Weasley.

He was wondering if it would be possible to fill that fireplace in with cement when, a few yard from the stone gargoyle, Hermione asked, "I wonder what he needs to see us about?"

Snape chuckled, "With any luck, one of them got a hold of Potter."

She giggled. "Speaking of him," she said thoughtfully, "I didn't know you could do wandless magic."

He knew this was going to come up eventually and he was so taken with the other events of the day that he had almost forgotten about it himself.

"Neither did I," he replied. "I simply wanted him off my back and to shut his infernal mouth, and as much to my surprise as yours, he did."

Looking both amazed and concerned she asked, "Do you have any theories as to why?"

"It could have been a side effect of the potion," he said assertively as they reached the statue. "When you modify the brain's chemistry, other facets may be altered in ways that were not originally intended. Mars Bar." The gargoyle moved aside and they stepped onto the moving staircase. "I have not had time to experiment with the power, but so far it seems I can levitate, bind, and silence whomever I choose."

Snape smiled at Hermione who was again chewing her lip, her eyes widening. "I don't think that's all you can do," she said quietly.

"Why is that?" he asked just as they had reached the massive door with the griffin.

Whispering bashfully, she answered, "When you said those things you wanted to do earlier," she paused blushing slightly. "I could feel it."

Hermione laughed nervously and he felt a grin spreading across his face as the door opened. "Severus--Hermione welcome," Albus smiled. "Is something funny?"

Unable to suppress his grin, Snape said, "Yes, exceedingly." Placing his hand on the small of Hermione's back, he ushered her past Albus into the office.

A tea service was already set up on the table next to the fireplace. To his surprise, there were four cups. He did not have to wonder long to whom the extra cup belonged as the occupant of the armchair that was facing away from them stood to her feet. Before him stood Galena Erstwile, his former lover he had not seen in almost ten years. Stomach twisting as she crossed the room toward him, he fought the urge to run. Knowing nothing that might warrant her presence, he made a mental note to kill Albus, however in reality this time.

> > > > > > > > > >

The woman crossing the room was strikingly beautiful. Much taller than her, the woman had long, wavy black hair and a tan complexion that made Hermione feel instantly inferior. Well-defined cheeks and plump lips, as well as her large hazel-green eyes, made her look like a fashion model. She thought it was peculiar that the woman was walking toward them deliberately, as though she knew them.

Hermione looked up at Snape to discover him visibly shaken about something. He appeared to be queasy. Her concern was short lived when the woman kissed him on both cheeks and said in a markedly Spanish accent, "Severus my dear, it has been too long."

Snape flinched at her words as he said, "That is a matter of opinion." His annoyed scowl and his acidic tone were back in full force.

Hermione didn't have time to contemplate the meaning of these words when Dumbledore joined them, saying pointedly, "Galena, this is Hermione Granger. I believe she was the one you came to speak with?"

The woman turned her gaze onto Hermione and Hermione immediately did not like her. The haughtiness in her eyes was appalling.

"You are Hermione then? I did not expect you to be so very young," she said musically.

The seemingly innocent comment offended Hermione. Maybe she was being too sensitive, but the woman who had just kissed Snape was now looking at her with superiority in her eyes and Hermione did not take kindly to that.

Hermione said as evenly as she could, "Since I don't know who you are, how would I know what you might expect?" She heard Snape stifle a snort next to her and she felt a little more reassured.

"Perhaps we should sit and have some tea," said Dumbledore, who was evidently ignoring the animosity suddenly hanging heavy in the air.

"That is a splendid idea Albus," said Galena merrily as she led the way to the sitting area and situated herself on the small couch.

Hermione glanced back at Snape. He was staring significantly at Dumbledore who shrugged his shoulders slightly before sitting in an armchair. Left with only two available seats, Snape and Hermione had to choose between the couch next to the woman or the other armchair.

"Severus," that woman said sweetly, patting the seat next to her.

Anxiously, Hermione eyed Snape, waiting for his answer.

He answered coldly, "I prefer the chair." He glanced down at Hermione ruefully before falling into the chair and reinstating his piercing stare at Dumbledore.

A deep steadying breath later, Hermione sat next to Galena on the couch. She noted instantly that the woman smelled sharply of hyacinth. She wanted desperately to tell the woman that bathing in the perfume was an inappropriate application when the woman spoke.

"As I am sure you're wondering I am here on business. I have been seeking a person with exceptional skill to work in my company developing products for release onto both the wizard and muggle market. A Miss Ginny Weasley, who works in my advertising department, recommended I contact you." She gave a supercilious nod toward Hermione. "When I contacted Albus earlier this afternoon, he informed me that you just happened to be visiting the castle--how very lucky for me."

Hermione's dislike for the woman was steadily rising. "So, the concise version of all that would be, you're offering me a job," she said without emotion.

The woman's false pleasantness faded a bit. "Yes, that would be what I am doing."

"Thank you, but I already have a job." She looked to Dumbledore, "Is that all you needed Headmaster?" Looking in that direction, she could see Snape still staring daggers at the old wizard who was smiling benignly.

"Don't be so hasty," the woman interjected. "I know the company you work for and they will not pay you what I will if you truly are as skilled as I have been told."

A momentary flicker of interest sparked in her mind. She didn't want to stay in Chicago if she couldn't be with Snape, she knew that much. Perhaps it would be worth finding out a few facts before dismissing the woman entirely.

"Where is your business located?" she asked the woman. Out of the corner of her eye, she saw Snape rapidly turn his attention to their conversation.

"It is in Edinburgh," she answered. "You would be responsible for the entire potions division. I would be able to pay you twice what those people in Chicago have given you."

Tempted, she looked to Snape for guidance. His eyes were confusing. Was he looking alarmed because he didn't want her to accept or because he hoped she would?

Wishing she had learned Legilimency, she asked, "When do I have to give you an answer?" Hermione noticed that by the time she asked the question, the woman was watching Snape furtively.

"Oh, sometime before the end of the week," she said, clearly distracted. "Albus said you would want to think about it. Just tell him your answer and he will find me." The woman's attention seemed to linger on Snape. This did not please Hermione at all. Though she wasn't a jealous person, she could sense that there was more to the situation than she knew.

"Fine, then is that all?" Hermione asked Dumbledore.

Instead, Galena answered, "Yes, you may go."

Hermione and Snape rose from their seats, eliciting an offended whine from Galena. "Severus, where are you going? I did not dismiss you yet," she giggled.

"Neither one of us requires your permission," he snapped.

"I wanted to chat with you," she said as though everyone should have known. "Why else do you think I requested your presence?"

Hermione's mind was spinning. She didn't care what business the woman had with Snape, but she wasn't about to leave him alone with her. She trusted him, but she did not trust that woman at all.

"I was unaware you had requested my presence," he answered with emphasis on her words. "Otherwise I would not have come."

With his hand on Hermione's back, Snape steered her toward the door.

"But I thought we could catch up on old times," Galena said from behind them, "or have I caught you presently engaged in another conquest."

Snape stopped abruptly and let out a harsh sigh. Hermione was curious about what the woman meant and turned around to face her, Snape doing the same. Incensed, Hermione took the lead, "Excuse me, but did I just hear you refer to me as a conquest?"

The woman laughed pompously. "Severus, please tell me you have not chosen this little girl."

Hermione disliked arrogance but she hated being spoken around more. She said ardently, "I'm sorry, but I think I asked you a question and you still haven't answered."

"Listen to me, child," she said mockingly. "You are not what a man like Severus needs, so you may as well not concern yourself with our conversation."

Hermione felt a fury she had never felt towards another woman. If this was jealousy, then it truly was a green-eyed monster. She opened her mouth to speak, but she was caught off guard by Snape's sharp reply.

"Listen to me you vile woman, you will not speak to her that way. She is neither a child nor a pawn you can use to further your career. Then again, I will not speak for her." He looked down at Hermione and asked, "Would you like to work for this woman?"

"No," she said firmly.

"Good," he looked back at Galena. "There is your answer." He held his hand out to Hermione without taking his eyes from the other woman. She took it and he wrapped his fingers around hers, rubbing his thumb on top of her hand. He added, "Good day Albus."

On the staircase down to the hallway, he said regretfully "I must apologize profusely for that horrid situation. I truly had no idea."

"How do you know her?" Hermione asked quietly.

He sighed before saying, "We were involved a very long time ago for a very short period of time."

"So I shouldn't worry?" she asked anxiously.

Snape looked at her as though she were mad. "Absolutely not," he said with certainty. "She could only hope to be half the woman that you are."

As they reached the bottom of the stairs, he leaned down and kissed her lovingly. As they turned to leave the stairwell, the scarlet face of Ronald Weasley greeted them.

> > > > > > > > > >

Snape thought that this was getting extraordinarily ridiculous. Could they not make it through this day without confronting every devil from the past? Glancing at Hermione, he saw pure astonishment on her face.

"What do you think you're doing?" the boy asked furiously.

Hermione remained standing as still as Snape had ever seen her.

"To whom are you speaking?" Snape asked frigidly.

"Whoever wants to answer the damn question," the boy answered.

Still apparently dumbstruck, Hermione said nothing. "Kissing," Snape answered with a smirk.

"Don't be a jackass," Weasley retorted. "I could see that."

"You asked the question." Snape was trying hard to provoke the boy.

"What are you doing here?" Hermione asked quietly, finally finding her voice.

Weasley laughed almost callously, "Harry told me what was going on and I just had to see it for myself." Shaking his head he added, "I can't believe you, Hermione."

"Ron," she said, voice rising, "I owe you absolutely no explanations and you can go to hell!" She pulled Snape's hand and started walking hurriedly in the direction of the dungeons. The boy followed.

"Did you decide to make me mad by finding the most disgusting man you could get?" he yelled at her. "You did a bang up job on that."

Hermione skidded to a stop, released Snape's hand and punched the boy square in the jaw knocking him spectacularly to the floor. "That should tell you what I think of your opinion," she said furiously. "What I do is no business of yours and from now on you should watch your mouth because I'll be aiming much lower next time."

Stunned by the turn of events, Snape barely registered her grabbing his arm and tugging for him to follow. "Wait," Snape asked her, "please."

Hermione released his arm and he walked over to the prostrate Weasley who was staring at her in shock and wiping a trickle of blood from his lip.

"I really must thank you," Snape said with a smile. "With any luck, I will spend the rest of my life enjoying the woman you were ever too foolish to appreciate." Weasley just continued his shocked stare. Snape walked back to Hermione who was looking at him strangely. "Are you ready my love?" he asked serenely.

Quietly she answered, "Very."

The walk back to the dungeons was a quiet one. Hermione was still glancing at him surreptitiously with that same bizarre look. Snape was sure she was nervous about her show of aggression, but he was quite proud of her bravado.

He couldn't decide which encounter was more alarming. For him it was most certainly Galena, and he reminded himself to ask Albus what the hell he had been thinking. Why Galena had to choose that day to appear was beyond Snape. While they were sitting in the office, he tried to pry into Albus' mind, but the man kept his closed.

When they made it back to the sanctuary of his rooms, he asked her if she would like some tea. She nodded, still visibly shaken from the confrontation with the Weasley boy. No matter the luxuries that magic provided, he still preferred to prepare tea the old-fashioned way. A few moments later, he turned his attention back to Hermione, but she had disappeared from the room. Peering into the bedroom, he found her sitting on the edge of the bed and staring at her hands, clearly thinking on something.

"If you are worried about Mr. Weasley, I am sure he is fine," Snape said gently before adding, "physically anyhow."

"Did you mean that?" she asked quietly through what sounded like tears.

He thought back hastily to all the many and varied things he had said that day, but could not rest on just one. Rushing to sit at her side, he put an arm around her shoulders and turned her face up to his. There were sparkling tears in them that were just about to fall.

"Do you really want to spend the rest of your life with me?" she qualified in a tense voice.

"More than anything," he answered leaning in and kissing her forehead. Instead of calming her, his words caused her to sob. Worried he said, "Sweet woman, tell me what is weighing so heavily upon you."

"It's…" she hiccupped. "It's all so much to take in."

"I know," he said softly. "All those faces from the past have been quite unnerving."

"Not that," she hesitated. Terrified of what he was about to hear, he braced himself. She did not want him as he wanted her. It was all too much too soon. She was going to tell him that this was a mistake. Somehow, he knew it was too good to be true.

Looking up with bleary eyes, she said, "You…you're so much. You stand up for me, but you let me fight my own battles. You love me no matter who sees it." She laughed softly before saying in a teasing voice, "Where have you been all my life?"

"Waiting for you." He pulled her back onto the bed and kissed her delicately, her tears salty on his lips.

She cuddled up next to him, nuzzling her face into his neck. He thought that he could handle just about anything as long as he knew this would be waiting for him at the end.

> > > > > > > > > >

She was happy. For the first time that she could remember in so many years, she was actually happy. The man laying beside her wanted her for what she was, not what he wanted her to be. She could be smart and he respected her for that. She could joke with him and he joked back without taking offense. She hoped that he would still feel the same way in the morning.

Reprimanding herself for her emotional outburst, she wiped the remaining tears away. "I thought we were having tea."

"What if I do not want to let you go?" he asked innocently.

She laughed, "Maybe, if you think about it hard enough, I could just adhere to your side like some sort of odd magnet."

Snape laughed warmly. "That is always an option." She watched him leave the room from the marvelously cozy bed. Stretching out, she could tell it was a down mattress, yielding to her body like a pillow. She felt like Goldilocks when she finally found the bed that was just right. Reminding herself that there would be plenty of time to enjoy the bed later, she joined Snape in the sitting room. He had already taken a chair by the fireplace and was taking a sip from his cup. She thought she would love to see him like that everyday. Taking the chair across from him, she sipped her own tea from the cup he had prepared for her. It was incredible, as she somehow knew it would be.

"Your parents live in Australia," he stated smoothly.

"Yes," she said. "Brisbane."

"Are they nice?" he asked.

She answered smiling, "Yes…why?"

"Do you think they will like me?" he asked almost timidly.

Laughing she said, "Of course they will. They've heard a lot about you over the years."

He smirked, "That is not entirely reassuring." He paused pensively. "When this is all over, I mean when they have captured Fenrir and Lucius, will you go back home?"

Startled by the directness of the question, she replied, "I don't know. Are you going to go back to work here?"

Snape studied his tea, "I have not discussed it with Albus--who I am mad at right now by the way." She giggled as he continued, "But the offer has always been there."

An ungainly hush passed, both of them fidgeting slightly. She cleared her throat, surprised by her own nervousness, "What would you say if I wanted to come back?"

His eyes shot up as he said decisively, "You can have my desk." She laughed as he added, "As long as you leave it right where it is."

Unsure about his meaning, she eyed him searchingly. Did he mean what she thought he meant?

He sat down his cup and rose from the chair only to drop to his knees in front of her, placing his hands on her knees. "I know this is very fast, and I am sorry, but I have waited so very long for someone like you." His eyes were earnest and his voice steady. "I do not want to be without you, whether it is in Chicago or London or merely across the room." He cleared his throat quietly, "I am not asking you to marry me--that is too much to ask right now--but please tell me you will stay with me so my mind can rest for a while."

She wasted one moment thinking that perhaps he had read her mind. Struck by his honest words and overjoyed, she said, "I get to use the desk whenever I want."

His eyes were wide as he smiled, "Whenever, it is yours."

Hermione thought she had never experienced a day so full of surprises. Smiling at his openness and his unashamed need for her, she said, "As long as you know I'm only in this for the desk."

He laughed joyfully and threw his arms around her. She reveled in his embrace until he swiftly drew away. "We need to tell Albus," he said as he stood, holding his hand out to her and pulling her to her feet. "He will have to approve such an arrangement," he added as he reached for the Floo powder.

"From the look of the bedroom, I think he already does," she observed as the fire glowed a bright green. He led her swiftly into the fire and into Dumbledore's office.

The Headmaster was still sitting in the armchair by the fire except now he was reading a book. He looked up at them, smiling kindly. "To what do I owe the pleasure of another visit so soon?" Hermione was confident by the look on his face that in some way, he already knew without asking.

> > > > > > > > > >

Snape led Hermione to the couch across from Albus. Struggling with the joy he felt knowing Hermione wanted to stay with him and his irritation at his friend, he had to think hard about the order of his next questions. As they settled onto the couch, he looked Albus square in the eye and saw that maddening twinkle. How the man could know everything, he would never know.

"Albus, as you have no doubt noticed, I am no longer afflicted as it were," he said steadily.

"All thanks to you," Albus said, smiling at Hermione who blushed.

"Am I correct in assuming that my old job is still available?" Snape asked.

Albus shook his head slowly, "I am sorry Severus, but there is an issue we must discuss regarding your return."

Taken back, Snape eyed the man uncertainly, but Albus retained that knowing smile.

Snape was beginning to become anxious until Albus spoke again, "As you know in the last few years we have had an influx of students. Some of the classes are quite large and we have had to employ additional teaching staff." Albus smiled a little wider. "You may return as Potions Master, Slughorn will certainly be pleased, but I am afraid we will need to find someone to fill the secondary teaching appointment. They will be responsible for teaching the first and second year classes and supporting you with the more advanced classes when necessary."

Snape thought this was preposterous. He had never needed help before and he did not need help now. Besides, he would hate having someone else working in his lab. "I do not require assistance."

Albus continued his unerring grin, "In the years you have been gone, the number of classes has almost doubled. It is important that more than one potions class take place at once. Therefore, we must hire another person, no matter how difficult it is to find potions experts."

Arguing with Albus was pointless. He almost never wavered and he was almost never wrong.

"Fine," Snape conceded. "Whom do you suggest we contact."

Albus' gaze shifted to Hermione before looking back. The idea was so new, Snape had not even considered her, but she was utterly perfect. She was the only person he had ever enjoyed working with, and he had complete confidence in her abilities. He turned toward her to find she was flipping through a book that had been on the table, not actually watching the conversation.

When the quiet reached her ears, she turned her head toward them and started, clearly caught off guard by their smiling stares.

"Did I miss something?" she asked, putting down the book.

Albus and Snape both chuckled. "Did you hear what Albus just said?" Snape asked.

"Yes, you need a second person to teach potions," she answered.

She was normally so quick, Snape thought. "Yes, and who do you think would be the best person for the job?" Snape heard Albus snort in amusement.

"Well, there was a man I worked with in London." She narrowed her eyes in thought, "I think his name was Walton, or Wally. He would do a good job."

Snape could not hold back his laugh, "We were thinking of someone a little closer."

She wrinkled her eyebrows before exclaiming, "Me?" She looked skeptical, "I wouldn't know the first thing about teaching."

"Neither did Severus when he began," Albus said as he laughed. "Besides, he would probably injure anyone else we might hire to work with him."

Hermione smiled, "Injury would be the least of their worries." She and Albus both laughed loudly.

Snape was glad they thought it was so funny. He certainly did not because it was probably true. Once their laughter died down a bit, he asked, "Do you think you are willing to take the risk of working with me?"

Nodding her head, her smile wide she answered, "Yes."

"Splendid," Albus said happily. "Now I am sure you want to know why I didn't tell you of Galena's presence."

"I would love to know," Snape said pointedly.

"I do apologize for springing her on you like that. As you well know Severus, she is a persistent woman and she hears quite the amount of gossip. She said she had information on Fenrir Greyback, but would not divulge it until she had spoken with Hermione about the job and had seen you." He chuckled softly, "She had no idea of your relationship and I was sure if I told you she was here you would not come and you would persuade Hermione not to as well." He smiled cunningly, turning his gaze to Hermione, "To be honest, I wanted the information and I knew you would make a fine decision."

"What if I'd taken her up on her offer?" Hermione asked, giggling.

Snape snorted saying dryly, "I would have had to employ my supposedly infamous powers of persuasion."

Hermione laughed as Albus said lightly, "Now the only thing to resolve would be the living arrangements. Hermione, do you have an opinion on the matter?"

"Well I…we came here to…" she stammered awkwardly as she blushed again.

"Have you chosen to stay with Severus?" he asked still smiling.

"Yes," she said in what appeared to be shock. Snape thought she would eventually get used to his seeming omniscience.

"Then it's settled." Albus rose from his chair. "Severus, if you could give me a moment with Hermione."

Snape suddenly remembered something he wanted to ask. "Wait, what did Galena say? Was it useful?"

"We don't know yet. We won't know until morning," he answered. "Don't concern yourself with it tonight Severus. I will fill you in on what we find out at breakfast." Albus glanced at the fireplace, "Now Severus, if you will."

Knowing it was futile to argue with the man, Snape turned to Hermione. "I will see you in a few moments." He kissed her hand and walked to the fireplace. "Please do not keep her long Albus." His old friend smiled at him as he walked through the vivid green flames into his sitting room.

Wondering what they could be talking about, he went into the bedroom and fell across the bed. Thinking back on his account of the last few hours, tiredness swept him. It had been such a very long day already. As his eyes drifted shut, he imagined working side by side with Hermione. He knew there would be difficult days and trying time, but they would be well worth it. She was worth it, he thought, as he accidentally nodded off.

> > > > > > > > > >

Snape had only been through the fire for a second when Dumbledore sat next to her on the couch. Incredibly curious, she stared at him eagerly.

"Hermione, I am so glad you will be working at Hogwarts. Your talents have never gone unnoticed." Dumbledore smiled cheerfully.

"Thank you sir," she said. "I'm looking forward to it very much. Do you know when you will need me to begin?"

"As soon as this whole mess is cleared up," he answered. "You and Severus should enjoy the next few days because as soon as this is over, you will both be very busy."

She blushed all of a sudden. It was so very strange to be talking to the Headmaster about Snape. "Yes sir."

He looked at her intently, "I don't know if you're aware, but Severus is as close to a son as I have ever had. No matter the face that he shows to most people, he has an amazing capacity to love. That is the reason I trusted him so many years ago. I have waited a long time to see him find someone he could share that love with, as well as his mind. I had always hoped he would find someone that could truly appreciate him."

Hermione was almost brought to tears by his words. His eyes were so genuine and she could sense the admiration he had for Snape. "I will, Headmaster."

"Ever since that night he brought you back to the castle, I knew he admired you. Your intelligence, your power, your cunning, those are all things Severus holds in very high esteem." He smiled wisely, "I know you both very well and I have to say that I could not be happier."

Hermione smiled keenly. After dealing with Harry, Galena, and Ron, she was delighted to hear Dumbledore say that he approved.

"I'm sure Severus is impatiently awaiting your arrival, but before you go there is one more thing." He looked at her over the top of his spectacles, "I think it is high time you started calling me Albus."

"Thank you, Albus." she hugged him warmly before standing and walking through the flash of green fire into the living room. To her surprise, Snape wasn't waiting for her. "Severus?" she called. He didn't answer.

Peering into the bedroom, she found him sleeping soundly on his back in the middle of the bed. Exhausted from the many events of the day herself, she thought he had the right idea. When she lay down next to him, he wrapped his arm around her. Cuddling up beside him, she breathed in his scent and relaxed against his warmth. Listening to his steady breathing with her head on his shoulder, her eyes grew heavy.

She had no idea what the future would bring but she couldn't wait to find out. Absolutely everything about her life had changed in the matter of just a few days and she was so eager to explore. She breathed a deep sigh as she dozed off for the very first time in the arms of her love.