Disclaimer: It's not mine, I just enjoy messing with their lives!
A/N: Hello everyone! Thank you so much for the wonderful response to the last chappie. I had fun writing it, because if you hadn't figured out by now, I'm a hopeless romantic at heart. And I enjoy writing fluff, as evident from the last chapter. Also, no one has said anything, and just to make sure people don't- PLEASE, no one leave a review saying that Severus is out of character. Truthfully, we have no idea if he is or isn't, because it's not like J.K. Rowling (God bless her!) has ever written him as anything other than a snarky potions master. So it's my literary right to write him how I see fit. I will do my best, as I have said, to keep him in character as much as I can. Anyways, this chapter dedicated to Natsuyori. The puppy-dog eyes worked, and here ya go. Now onto what y'all really want, the story!
Playing Pretend
Chapter Five: Facing the Music
The next morning, Severus was the first one up as usual, especially since he hadn't even tried to go to bed at all last night. His thoughts were running rampant, much like they had been after every single encounter he'd had with her. Once again, almost as if it were becoming his mantra, he couldn't believe that girl. Young woman actually, as she no longer appeared to look like a mere girl. He had been…dare he think it…nice? No, not nice. He was never nice, but perhaps, soothing, and complimentary, maybe? He didn't really want to think about the fact that woman was having on him. He was eating more; he found that whenever she brought him food, he suddenly became ravenous with hunger. She must spell it or some sort of trickery. And when he was around her, he found that he didn't feel quite so lonely or depressed. He felt…a need almost…to take care of her. Well, maybe not take care of her, after all, that's surely what her friends did. But he couldn't help but care a little about her, as it seemed she might care about him a little bit too.
As he stepped off the last step onto the first floor though, that last thought that she might care about him flew out of his mind as he glanced into the living room. The young woman who unwillingly crept into his thoughts now and again, was unwillingly in his line of sight.
She was lying on her side, wedged between the back of the couch, and Percy's side. Percy, who was flat on his back, had his left arm around her back, his hand resting on the place where her thigh joined her waist. Hermione's head was resting against his shoulder, and Percy's head was resting against hers. From where he was standing he couldn't help but see that her right arm was curled up against her stomach, causing her chest to move enticingly with each breath she took. Her left hand and Percy's right hand were clasped together, fingers entwined, and resting over his heart.
Looking at them, looking so bloody content with each other, he was stunned to feel a flash of anger run through him. It was quick, hardly even noticeable, but it surprised him to no end. He came to the conclusion that he was angry with himself for daring to think that she might care. Obviously, from the display in front of him, she was bestowing her affections upon Percy.
"Quiet!" he snapped as he heard heavy footsteps on the stairs behind him. Again he was angry with himself for continuing to take care of her when he had no real reason to.
"Whatever for Professor?" Charlie asked, confused. "Everyone's awake upstairs cause of Fred and George charming the alarm clocks to squirt water on our faces at seven. They'll all be coming down in a minute anyways."
"Well then go upstairs and tell them to stop their needlessly noisy actions," Severus drawled. "Unless of course, you want to wake up your brother and the formidable Miss Granger?"
"What d'ya mean-oooh!" Charlie finally took note of the romantic scene in front of him.
Charlie walked back upstairs and quickly and quietly as he could, and Severus could hear him shushing his family and telling them to go look, quietly, in the living room. Minutes later, he heard much softer footsteps coming downstairs. First were Misses Weasley and Lovegood, followed by Molly and Arthur, then Charlie, Bill, Harry, Ron, and Fred and George last of all. They spread out next to him in the double-doorway, staring at the two. Molly was the first to break the silence with a clap of her hands and a barely contained squeal. Everyone shushed her, but it was too late. The two on the couch had heard, and were beginning to stir.
"Good morning you two," Ginny said with a smirk that could rival his…almost.
"Good morning," Hermione yawned, not moving other than to open her eyes. "Percy, we've got company, wake up."
"I'm up, good morning love," he turned his head some more and pressed a kiss to her forehead. "Good morning nosy family of mine."
"Good morning Percy, Hermione," Fred and George chorused together, large grins on their faces. "Did you sleep well?"
"They had better have only slept," Ron mumbled under his breath, and Harry nodded his head in agreement. The idea of this girl they saw as a sister doing something with their brother was just gross.
"Yes, we slept quite well, thank you very much," Hermione pushed herself up into a sitting position. "And we had a lovely time at the ball, thanks for asking."
Of course at that moment, the Daily Prophet came shooting out of the fireplace and straight into Severus' hands. He untied it and unrolled it, only to have it promptly snatched from his grasp by Bill. The reason? On the front page, taking up the whole front practically, was the headline, "Assistant Minister Weasley and the Future First Lady of Magic?" and two photos; one of Percy and Hermione with the Minister of Magic, and the other of them kissing.
"Last night's ball was an extravagant affair," Bill began reading out loud after showing everyone the pictures. "The ball was to honor the promotion of Percival Weasley to the position of Assistant Minister of Magic. The Assistant Minister, who is favoured by all to become the next Minister of Magic, was looking resplendent in his choice of attire. Accompanying him was the breathtakingly beautiful Hermione Granger, Head Girl at HogwartsSchool of Witchcraft and Wizardry. The perfectly coordinated couple was kind enough to pose with Minister Killengren for a photo, and also consented to share an intimate kiss in front of their adoring public. They neglected to share any details about their relationship, but judging from their affectious nature towards each other, this reporter predicts wedding bells soon!"
"Well, I didn't know that we had an adoring public, did you?" Hermione laughed as she stood up and stretched, smoothing the wrinkles out of her gown.
"No, although I have to agree that you were breathtakingly beautiful," Percy smiled, and Molly clapped her hands again happily.
"Okay lovebirds, do you want to explain this?" Charlie looked back and forth between the two of them.
"We're involved," Percy said slowly, looking to Hermione for confirmation and support as he took her hand.
"We decided that we're going to see where 'this' goes," Hermione nodded, motioning between themselves. "But we don't want any of you trying to force anything on us. We're going to take it slow, and see what happens."
"Is that clear?" Percy looked each of them in the eye, his mum especially.
"I'm sure that your family could care less about such trivial things such as your love lives," Severus sneered, and the brunt of it was directed unconsciously towards Hermione. "Now, I believe it is time for breakfast? Molly, if you will."
"Oh! Of course," Molly immediately perked up at having something to do since she wasn't allowed to bother Percy and Hermione.
Molly, followed by the majority of her family, disappeared into the kitchen to begin cooking breakfast with the help of Ginny and Luna while the boys set the table. Severus had gone upstairs to his lab as usual, forgotten in the rush to get food. Hermione and Percy both headed upstairs to their rooms to change out of their formal wear, and in Hermione's case, to remove the make-up and hair products. After hopping out of the shower, she threw on a pair of jeans and a tank-top, and left her room and went downstairs. Before she took more than a few steps towards the kitchen though, the sound of breaking glass and profanity stopped her. She immediately turned around and headed towards Professor Snape's room and lab. Knocking, she only heard more cursing, and without getting a reply, went ahead and opened the door.
"Professor Snape, what happened!" Hermione exclaimed, rushing over to him. He was standing near the window, blood running from several bad cuts on his right hand which was clenched in a fist.
"Nothing," he managed to get out through gritted teeth.
"Well it's obviously something seeing as you're bleeding!" Hermione snapped at him, quickly pushing him into a nearby chair. She disappeared for a moment, and returned carrying a basin of water, a cloth, cream of some sort, and bandaging.
"What are you doing?"
"I'm going to clean that wound while you tell me what happened," she said as she placed the things on the desk nearby.
"I hit the window," he said.
He left it at that as she took his hand and gently forced him to open his fist. Grabbing the cloth and wetting it, she began to gently sponge off the blood and the cuts. Letting it air dry, she took a pair of tweezers and carefully pulled out the shards of glass she had seen in some of the cuts.
"That was obvious," Hermione looked at him. "Why did you hit the window?"
"That stings!" Severus hissed, trying to jerk his hand back as Hermione dabbed on some of the antiseptic cream.
"It's to prevent infection sir," Hermione stared at him as if he were a petulant child, which he was acting like at the moment. "Again, why did you hit the window?"
"Because I was angry, why do you think you stupid girl?" He couldn't stop himself from insulting her. "Why do you care anyways?"
"Because you're not one to act like an imbecile," she replied calmly and matter-of-factly as she took the bandage and began to wrap his hand.
"Watch you tongue," his eyes narrowed.
"Then you watch yours," she narrowed her eyes right back at him, meeting his glare head on with one of her own. "We're not in school right now professor, and since I'm trying to do what any friend would do and help you, the least you could do is show a bit of gratitude. Or at least pretend to. I thought you had some degree of kindness in you, especially after last night and the past few days."
He was surprised by her comments, especially the one about doing what any friend would do, although he didn't know why. She had constantly been surprising him. First with forgiving him, then turning down the apprenticeship, then brining him his meals, and last night and right now, where she willingly touched him. The last person who had done that was Albus, but he did so with everyone.
"Make sure you fix your window," Hermione told him as she stood up and gathered the supplies together, and headed to the door.
"Miss Granger," he called, just as she was about to leave his room.
"What Professor?" she stopped, but didn't turn around.
"What did you mean by 'trying to do what any friend would do'" he spat out, his curiosity overpowering his desire to stay silent. She turned to look at him for a moment before speaking.
"Exactly what I said; that I was doing for you what I would do for any of my friends. And I'd like to be your friend. After all," she continued on when he made to interrupt her. "Professor McGonagall and I are friends even though she's my professor, so why can't we?"
"I don't like you, and you don't like me," he stared at her as if it were obvious.
"So? Ron and I don't like each other, but that doesn't stop us from being friends," she placed her hands on her hips.
"I don't know how to be a friend; I've never had one," he slapped himself mentally as he let that emotional side show itself.
"Well I guess you're going to learn then, aren't you?" Hermione replied with sarcasm, knowing he wasn't comfortable. "Oh, I've also changed my mind about the apprenticeship. I've decided to accept it."
"Fine," was all he said, but Hermione could hear the tinge of approval in his voice.
"Breakfast is ready by the way," she turned to go again. "If you don't come down, I'll bring a plate up for you and we can discuss what my apprenticeship will entail."
Severus nodded, and Hermione reminded him once more to fix the window before leaving him in solitude. He sat staring at the door for a moment, before deciding to actually join the other occupants of the house. Looking down at his bandaged hand, he had to stop his lips from curling up at the ends. He had been right in his thoughts that morning; she did care about him. That thought alone was enough to help force back the pressing walls of depression that threatened to overwhelm him at times.
"Good morning," Severus greeted quietly as he walked into the kitchen, startling most of it's occupants into silence, especially since he was almost never seen.
"Good morning Professor," Hermione greeted, and the others followed suit.
"Did you want some coffee Severus?" Molly asked as he took a seat next to Ron who audibly gulped.
"Black," he nodded.
"Here you are," Molly set it down in front of him, and gasped. "Severus! What happened to your hand!"
"I cut it on some glass earlier," he replied nonchalantly, and he could practically hear Hermione thinking 'that was an understatement' down the table. "Miss Granger assisted me in bandaging it."
"Good girl," Molly beamed at Hermione as she set a plate of food in front of Severus. "Now if you were at Hogwarts, Severus could've given Gryffindor points for once."
"Before or after he deducted points from Gryffindor for my calling him an imbecile," Hermione said aloud absently, taking a bit of toast.
"You called him an imbecile!" Fred and George stared at her like she was the next best thing since sliced bread.
"After he called me a stupid girl," she replied, glaring down at Severus who glared right back. They both knew that neither meant it maliciously, although to those watching they looked genuine.
"Well you were acting like one," he raised an eyebrow. The battle of wits was on.
"And you were acting like an imbecile," she replied calmly, taking a sip of coffee.
"10 points from Gryffindor," he said out of habit.
"10 from Slytherin," she said right back.
"You can't do that," Severus smirked, thinking he had the upper hand. By now, everyone had stopped eating and was looking back and forth from one to the other. Ron, in fear, had edged his chair as far from Snape as he could, and was practically sitting in Harry's lap, their chairs were so close. Most of the other table occupants also looked at Hermione as if fearing for her life.
"Why not?"
"I am no longer a student."
"Maybe so, but you're still a Slytherin and besides, this'll even things out after all the years that you unfairly took points from Gryffindor," Hermione crossed her arms and sent a smirk right back to him.
"Bloody head girl," Severus cursed lightly as he took his mug of coffee and stood up, heading for the door. He had long since finished all that he desired to eat.
"Bloody professor," she smirked, and Ron's jaw dropped at her Snape-like smirk, and her casual use of a cuss word.
"Insufferable know-it-all," Severus called over his shoulder as he left the room.
"Smarmy git," Hermione said out loud.
"I heard that!"
"You were supposed to!" Hermione called back before promptly breaking down into a fit of giggles as she heard him stomp upstairs.
"Are you all right love?" Percy inquired after she calmed down and began to eat again, not realising everyone was still staring at her almost in fear and reverence.
"Of course, why wouldn't I be?" She looked up, confused.
"You just argued and insulted with Professor Snape! And you're still in one piece, and laughing about it!" Ron exclaimed, gesturing wildly with his hands.
"Oh, that," Hermione took a sip of her coffee.
"That's all you have to say?" Harry stared at her.
"Mm hmm," she nodded. "We've come to an understanding, especially since I'm going to be his apprentice."
"Well that's nice dear," Molly said approvingly. "I think it'll be good for him to have you around. Keep him on his toes."
"Speaking of my apprenticeship, I have to go talk to him about that," Hermione said standing up. Walking around the table, she ignored everyone as she gave Percy a short hug and a quick kiss. "See you for lunch?"
"I'll meet you in the living room at one," Percy confirmed with a smile. He was taking her out for lunch so they could talk some more with out worry about interruptions.
"See you all later," Hermione said to the rest of the group, and then left, heading upstairs to Severus' rooms once again.
"Come in," he answered to the knock on his door.
"Hello again Professor," Hermione greeted him, taking a seat.
"For your apprenticeship, you will assist me in several ways. The first is that you will aid me in continuing to keep the infirmary stocked of all necessary potions, and any special ones that are needed. Any specific potions projects that are needed will be done by both of us, even if you're only observing. You will also help grade papers, and serve as substitute for any classes that I am unable to attend. Is that clear?" Severus explained, getting straight to business.
"Yes sir, perfectly," Hermione said happily, excited about the things she would get to do.
"Good. I will also request your assistance during the next few weeks on some projects, if you don't mind?" Severus asked.
"Oh I'd be happy to!" Hermione jumped at the chance to have more work to do.
"All right, I'll expect you here tomorrow evening after dinner," Severus nodded. "That's everything, close the door on your way out."
"I'll see you later Professor," Hermione said with an answering nod, and left.
A/N: Okay, kind of a weird place to leave it, but it's already around 3,000 words, and I want to save Hermione and Percy's lunch date for tomorrow. Anyways, from my reviews I think I'm converting some people to the Percy/Hermione ship. Not fully anyways, but it seems people think it's cute, so yay for me! In this chappie, both SS/HG and PW/HG shippers should be happy, cause I had the whole lovey-dovey part between Percy and Hermione in the beginning, and then a bunch of different Severus and Hermione parts. My favourite personally was when she was helping him, and then again at the breakfast table where they had their 'battle of the wits' going on. As always, review if you want, it's cool if you don't!