Disclaimer: It's not mine, I just enjoy toying with their lives.
A/N: Hello everyone! I'm back in the U.S. after traveling around Ireland- where I had a blast! Oh, and for the couple of people who asked; I went for a 12 day tour with C-I-E Tours International. It cost about 3,000 give or take, including airfare. The tour includes breakfast and dinner everyday, except for one dinner in Dublin which is up to you. Lunch is also up to you. The cost also includes gratuity for the hotels, since they unload and deliver the luggage to our rooms. It also includes a number of special tours and dinner opportunities. I'm also late cause my computer mad a minor crash, so Best Buy took three weeks to get it fixed. Anyways, now onto the chappie!
Playing Pretend
Chapter Fourteen: Summer Lovin'
"What on earth is that?" He stared at the kitten who was wavering on unsteady legs on Severus' rumbling, moving chest.
"That, Sevvie," Hermione smiled as he glared at her for the nickname. "Is your new pet."
"No," his answer was short and firm, but Hermione saw him eyeing the kitten curiously.
"Yes," she replied, just as firmly. "His name is Itzal, which means shadow. He'll be your little shadow and watch out for you, especially since I won't be able to bug you to eat every meal once school starts. And besides, I got one too."
"Really?" He looked up from the kitten who was now lying on his chest, purring.
"Her name is Phaedra," she set her kitten on Severus' chest next to Itzal. "Means light. I thought their names were rather fitting for them, although of course, if you want to change his, you can."
"No, Itzal is rather…fitting…for him," Severus said haltingly. "Brother and sister I suppose?"
"Yes, and the runts of the litter, so their mum abandoned them," Hermione walked around the bed and crawled over so she could rest on her side comfortably and play with the kittens.
Hermione continued to chatter on about the kittens and what she had bought for them. She also chattered on about the rest of the things she had purchased while in Diagon Alley. Severus though, heard none of it. When Hermione had lain down on her side, he had become all too aware of her…chest… (he settled on that word, trying to stay away from anything remotely sexual) pressing against his arm. Even more when she took a deep breath. Of course, it didn't help that when she reached her arm over to pet the kittens who were both now sleeping on his chest, her cleavage was pushed up against the low neckline of her shirt. Thankfully from all his years of training, he was able to control himself, but it was a near thing.
"His name is…Itazal…you said?" He turned his head slightly to look at the woman next to him.
"Yeah, but you can change it if you like Severus," she replied. "Does…"
"Does what?"
"Does this mean you're keeping him?" she asked hesitantly.
"I'm sure that I'll live to regret it, but I suppose so. I can't split up family now, can I?" He replied, and he felt his heart swell at the radiant smile that blossomed on her face.
"Thank you!" She leaned over and kissed him on the cheek. She would've hugged him, but the two kittens were sleeping on his chest and she didn't want to disturb them.
"Yes, yes, enough of that," he said sternly, although like usual, Hermione knew he didn't mean it. "Shouldn't you be heading down to eat lunch now?"
"Yeah, and so should you," she replied just as sternly. "I see you didn't eat hardly any of your breakfast, so you're going to come down with me. That way we can introduce the kittens to everyone."
Severus' lip sneered, as if he had smelled something foul, but knowing Hermione wouldn't take no for an answer, he acquiesced. Of course, he was finding he couldn't say no to her at all, no matter what she asked. Closing his book after taking note of the page number, he slowly sat up, one hand bracing himself, the other gently moving to grasp the kitten. Hermione had already taken Phaedra and was holding her against her shoulder, so she was able to watch him. She found herself amazed at the tenderness he showed towards the feline. She had wondered how he would react to the fact that she took it upon herself to get him a pet, knowing full well he probably didn't want one, so it was touching to see him this way. Yes, she had seen him exhibit tenderness in a way, such as when brewing a potion; everything he did was careful and precise, and in some ways, tender. Though this of course was an entirely different matter.
"Hermione?" His voice had a slight questioning ring to it, one she had never heard.
"Hmm?" She shook her head and looked at him. She had to fight back a laugh; he was standing by the bed, but the cat was still being held in his hand, his fingers wrapping around Itzal's midsection, with no other support.
"How should I hold him?" Severus was looking at the thing as if it were an alien.
"Come now Sevvie," she chided, sliding over on the bed closer to the edge. "You've seen cats before."
"Seen them, yes. Held them, no," he stated firmly.
"Well, just gather him close to your chest, using both hands. Put one under his rump, and the other you can stroke his head and back with," Hermione demonstrated with Phaedra, who immediately began purring at the petting. "He'll wiggle around till he gets comfortable."
"Oh," Severus mimicked her actions.
The cat settled for a moment, and Severus allowed a brief smile to show at his accomplishment. However, the smile disappeared a moment later as the cat began wiggling, and then extended his claws, using them to pull himself up Severus' robes to his shoulder. Almost falling down Severus' back, Itzal finally got himself turned around so he was sitting on Severus' shoulder, looking very much like a prince surveying his subjects.
"What is he doing?"
"Sitting, can't you see Sev?" Hermione laughed as she climbed off the bed and patted him mockingly on his other shoulder. "I guess he just wants to get a better perspective on things."
"Lovely," he sneered, following her out of his rooms and down the hall to the kitchen. Without even realising it, he reached a hand up every few steps to make sure the kitten was comfortable and not in danger of falling off. Severus also shortened his stride, smoothing out his gait as he walked.
"Hello love," Hermione greeted Percy with a kiss, sitting down next to him.
"Who's your friend?" He reached a finger over and lightly scratched the kitten behind her ears, much to her delight.
"This is Phaedra, from Greek mythology for light," she explained, seeing Harry, Ron, Ginny, Fred, and George's clueless expressions.
"And yours Professor?" Ginny asked Severus, surprising her brothers with her amiable tone, and the fact she was talking to him.
"Itzal," he supplied the name. Seeing blank expressions once again, he further explained, rolling his eyes. "Shadow."
"Oh, he's cute Professor, can I hold him?" Ginny asked.
"If you like," Severus nodded his consent.
"Oh he's a sweetheart!" Ginny smiled as she walked over and scooped the kitten off of Severus' shoulder.
"He's not too bad for a furball," Ron reached a hand over to pet the kitten, and was sharply bitten for his trouble. "OW!"
"Smart kitten," Severus smirked as Ron nursed his bleeding finger.
"He suits you perfectly Severus," Hermione laughed as Ginny let the kitten go onto the table, where he promptly ran back to Severus and hopped back up onto his shoulder, looking smug. "He even loathes Ron, just as you do."
"What can I say? He's a smart kitten."
"Not nice Severus," she gave him a reproving glare.
"And your point is?"
"You should be nicer to us!" Ginny chirped, a smile on her face. Her brothers turned to look at her as if she were about to be killed for her comment to Snape.
"Maybe to you Ginny," he conceded, having seen the looks on her brother's faces, and wanting to shock them further. "Therefore, would you care to assist me with a potion this afternoon as my apprentice will be otherwise occupied with her significant other?"
"Honestly Severus," Hermione laughed as he mock-glared at her. "I am entitled to a night off once in a while. Especially when my boyfriend and I haven't spent hardly any time together recently."
"Yes," Percy agreed. "Between my working at the ministry, and you apprenticing to Professor Snape, it's been a while. Which is why you and I are going out later."
"Ooh, fun!" Hermione exclaimed. "When are we going, where are we going, and how should I dress?"
"We'll be going just before dinner, where is a surprise, and dress comfortably," he replied. At her look, he continued. "Casual, jeans and a shirt are fine."
"You're not going to tell me, are you?" Hermione pouted.
"Nope, so find something else to do till we leave," Percy laughed.
Hermione spent the next few hours doing some studying for potions, as she liked to be prepared for anything Severus threw at her. She went to the library with Phaedra tailing her, only to also see Severus there reading. She gave him a smile before she let herself become immersed in 'Hogwarts; A History' for the 79th time. A few chapters in though, she was interrupted by Percy asking if she was ready to go, Harry, Ron, and Ginny behind him to say good-bye.
"Sure, just give me five minutes to grab my shoes, and then we can head out," Hermione smiled at him, and handed her cat to Severus. "Watch her for me, thanks!"
"So where are you taking her?" Harry asked as they heard Hermione clamber upstairs.
"That's for me to know, and her to find out," Percy grinned mischievously.
"All right love, I'm ready," Hermione came back into the room wearing jeans and a pink tank-top with lace around the neck-line, and pink flip-flops on her feet.
"And you look lovely," he stood up, kissing her quickly.
"Take care of my apprentice," Severus glared at Percy, handing Phaedra over to Ginny.
"Oh don't worry Professor," Ginny gave him a knowing smirk. "I highly doubt that Percy's gonna do anything to even remotely endanger Hermione. Now come on, you said I can help you with a potion."
"I…but…" he began to protest, but was silenced by Hermione covering his mouth with her hand.
"Don't worry Sev," she kissed his cheek, causing Harry to pale, and Ron to look nauseated. "I'll be fine. I've got the medallion, we've both got our wands, and we both know how to apparate. Try to not worry. It doesn't suit you."
"As your teacher, I am responsible for your welfare," he crossed his arms. "Especially as your parents are no longer with you."
"Yes, but you can't protect me all the time," she reminded him gently. "Now, go impress Ginny with your potion brewing skills, and try and have some fun."
"Doubtful," he muttered, but stood up and nodded to Ginny to follow him as Percy and Hermione disappeared out the door, presumably to apparate away.
"She can't go with you!" Ron exclaimed, staring incredulously at his sister.
"And why not Ron?" Ginny stared him down, hands on her hips, frown on her face, looking eerily like Molly Weasley.
"Yes," Severus interjected silkily, one eyebrow raised. "Do tell Mr. Weasley."
"Never mind," he mumbled, not meeting either of their gazes. "Just don't blow yourself up Gin."
"Don't worry Ronniekins," Ginny said with a grin. "Just because I'm friends with Neville, it doesn't mean that I enjoy melting cauldrons like him."
Ginny ruffled his hair, much to his displeasure. She ducked his swatting hands with a giggle as she followed Severus down the hallway to his lab. He opened the door, allowing her to precede him in. As he made to set up for a potion, she sat herself on a stool that appeared near the table, absently scratching Phaedra behind the ears. Severus conjured up a soft cushion, and set Itzal on it, and Phaedra wiggled till Ginny let her go, before running over to join her brother. Ginny smiled at the kittens before she turned and watched him for a moment, curious.
"Are we really making a potion?"
"I am in need of more headache remedy potions," he replied, not looking up. "However, no, I don't need your help particularly for this potion. I simply wanted to further annoy your brother."
"And you did a great job," she smirked, remembering the appalled look on Ron's face.
"Thank you," he looked up and shared in her amusement before turning back to the cauldron.
"You know Severus," she started, the name slipping out. "I can call you Severus, right? Mione does."
"No."
"Okay, thanks Severus," she ignored him.
"Hermione's a bad influence on you," he grumbled.
"Nope, probably the other way around," Ginny laughed. "But as I was saying. You know, Hermione's right, you're not that bad."
"Really? And what else has my apprentice had to say about me?" Severus tried to sound nonchalant, but Ginny grinned, knowing he was curious.
"That you're a great friend, a wonderful teacher, and you've got a wicked sense of humour, even if it's mainly dry sarcasm."
"Hmm," Severus conceded with a slight nod.
Ginny saw his lips twitch into a brief smile at the compliments before he quickly schooled his features back to his usual indifference. She held back a victorious "yes!" as she saw that smile. She had been right- Severus was fond of Hermione. At the picnic, she hadn't been totally sure if he had been watching her because of his concern for his apprentice, because she was his friend, or because he wasn't sure what his feelings were for her other than the fact he felt something. This smile, along with the way he only let Hermione touch him, or only ate when she made him, confirmed the fact that he liked Hermione, whether or not he realised it. And from what she knew of the man in front of her, which wasn't a lot she admitted to herself, he had to know. He was the type of person who was always acutely aware of what they were feeling. Why else, she concluded, would he always be schooling his features to that of indifference if not to hide his emotions?
Now the challenge was to only make him admit those feelings, and encourage him to pursue Hermione. At that thought, Ginny felt a slight twinge of guilt inside. Hermione was dating her brother, which of course posed a problem. However, while Percy loved Hermione, and Ginny believed he did, she wasn't quite so sure of Hermione's feelings. Oh of course, Hermione said she loved him, but Ginny knew that Hermione also loved Harry, and Ron, and on occasion, Fred and George, but that wasn't nearly the same thing as being in love with a person. And Ginny also knew that while Percy treated Hermione like a queen, and did truly love her, he wasn't her soul mate. Ginny firmly believed that Hermione, who was relishing the attention, needed more. She was the type of person who was so in love with learning, she would need a partner who could match her in wits, and continuously challenge her. Percy was smart and could do that to an extent, but somewhere during their relationship Ginny knew they'd simply bore each other.
That's not to say it wouldn't work between them of course. After all, things can work between a number of people, but it doesn't make it the most perfect match for someone. If Hermione and Percy got married, Ginny knew they'd be happy. Percy would love her, and take care of her, and Hermione would do the same for him. They'd live happily in a house somewhere, with a couple of children filling the house with laughter and smiles. They would grow old together, content in each other's company, and live out their marriage peacefully till the day they died. Ginny wanted more for her brother and her best friend. She wanted them to have a partner who would challenge them; physically, emotionally, mentally, spiritually…on all levels of life. And with each other, they couldn't. Percy was simply too absorbed in his job and being groomed to be Minister of Magic someday. He needed someone who would dote on him, be able to play politics alongside him, and be able to tolerate his tendency to be slightly snobbish. Hermione's perfect match was Severus, as far as Ginny was concerned. Severus was older and more mature, matching Hermione's personality perfectly. He had had some of the highest N. E. W. T. S. ever as Hermione had told her once, and he wouldn't coddle her. He would be able to make her feel feminine, loving and doting upon her, but at the same time, embrace her fiery independence. He would be perfect for her.
The only problem was making him see that.
OooOooOooOooOooOooOooOooOooOooO
Okay, how's that for the newest update after sooooo long? Hope it meets your expectations, though there's not a ton going on. Lots of Ginny's thoughts though, which was necessary to the plot in my opinion. Kinda sets up why, in time, Hermione might end up with Severus. Also explains why Hermione could end up with Percy. I think I'll keep you all guessing till the end. Anyways, next chapter, I warn you all now, will have a fair amount of Percy/Hermione and their date. So stay tuned!