Chapter 22
(I know this chapter is short, but I think you'll agree it serves it's purpose.)
Christmas morning found Harry celebrating with the Weasleys, Hermione with her parents, and the staff at Hogwarts chatting, laughing, eating and opening gifts in the great hall. Everyone took note of Snape's general amiable mood this year. He finally had a reason not to be snarky.
Too bad that reason would not be back until after New Years.
That morning, Severus had to endure the same conversation with Dumbledore that Minerva had with Hermione. Severus was actually relieved that things were out in the open. The silly girl had wondered if he would wait. Would he wait?
You daft, sweet, little vixen, of course I'll wait.
What else did he have to wait on? He was awoken from his pondering from Dumbledore who was waving a gift in his direction.
"I believe this one is for you, Severus," Dumbledore said lightly.
He took the gift. It was wrapped in silver and black paper. He opened the paper to find a beautiful black leather journal. He fingered the exquisite thin leather. He was genuinely touched at the fine gift. He opened the cover to find an inscription that read simply:
I'll wait for you. You are worth it.
Yours, Hermione
"That's a fine gift, Severus," Minerva said quietly.
"Yes. The best." Severus replied.