Disclaimer: It's not mine, so no, I can't give anyone to you for doing a great job on your test at school.
A/N: Hey y'all! Thanks for being so understanding. And to address a couple of reviews- I meant to write Severus' age as 42, not 52. I didn't even realise I had till I read some reviews talking about his age. So know that he's 42. I've also gone back and fixed that, or it should be. This chappie is dedicated to Solaris-Snape- Congrats! Do you know if it's a boy or girl? Also, I would like to extend my sincerest condolences and sympathy to those suffering from Katrina. I've given 500$ to help victims of its devastation- and wish I could afford to give more. I encourage everyone else to give too, whatever they can. Now, onto the chappie!
Playing Pretend
Chapter Seventeen: Moving Home
"I can't believe you have to go back already," Percy sighed, rubbing his thumb over the ring on Hermione's finger. They had been successful in not alerting the other family members about the latest development in their relationship. Not that either was ashamed of course, but Hermione and Percy were both hoping to escape Molly's wedding planning, especially seeing as there wasn't one quite in sight.
"I know. For once, I wish the summer didn't have to end. Usually I'm dying to get back to school," Hermione mused, and Percy couldn't hold back a laugh. "I mean, between spending time with you and Severus, it's been fun. I've learned so much from him, and I guess I'm afraid that'll all change once we're back at Hogwarts."
"Well, you'll be his apprentice, so you'll still plenty of time with him. And as his apprentice, won't you be able to sit with him at meals, if you choose?"
"Well, yes, but still, you know it's not the same."
"I know, if I'm being honest, I feel the same way," Percy leaned in and kissed her temple with a sigh. "I am going to miss you love."
"I'm going to miss you too," she tilted her head up for a kiss.
He obliged her, and pulled back with a smile. She settled more comfortably into his arms on the blanket they were sitting on. The Weasleys, Harry, Severus, Remus, and Tonks were spending the last night of summer having a picnic, and then a fireworks celebration. Currently, Percy was sitting with his back against a tree, Hermione in between his legs. He lifted her chin with a finger and leaned in to kiss her once more. One kiss turned into two, and two turned into three. Before long, neither of them was really paying attention to what was going on around them.
"Oi! Stop making out, please, I'm gonna lose my appetite!" Ron's voice finally broke through to them. They looked up to see everyone staring at them, most with amused grins.
"And that would be such a horrible thing, huh bro?" Ginny teased, patting Ron's stomach, which really didn't have any fat on it.
"Hey, I'm a growing boy," he said defensively, taking a seat at the table.
"How about a hand Hermione?" Bill walked closer and reached a hand down to her.
"Thanks Bill," she smiled, unthinkingly lifting her left hand so he could pull her to her feet.
"Oh my god, you're engaged!" He yelled out, seeing the ring. Percy quickly stood up and braced himself for the onslaught about to come.
"What? My baby's engaged!" Molly rushed over, along with everyone else.
"No, we just-" Hermione tried to explain, but Molly grabbed her left hand.
"Oh Percy," she squealed, clapping her hands together after dropping Hermione's. "You gave her Grandma Lydia's claddagh ring!"
"Well yes," he acknowledged, but of course was cut off. Hermione couldn't help but groan at all the ruckus, and buried her head into Percy's chest.
"I so call maid of honor!" Ginny yelled.
"I get best man!" Fred and George shouted simultaneously, then promptly got into a shoving match over who would get to.
"SILENCIO!" Severus yelled, seeing the pleading look in Hermione's eyes. Everyone turned to face him. "I'd apologise, but I can't say that I'd mean. You did after all, deserve it. I'll allow Hermione and Mister Weasley to explain, and then if I'm feeling charitable, I'll undo the silencio. Hermione?"
"Thank you," she smiled gratefully at him.
"All right, first things first- we…are…not…engaged!" Percy stressed each word.
"It's a promise ring," Hermione began to explain. "Someday, if Percy and I are still together, and if we are both ready, this will be replaced with an engagement ring. And assuming that happens, then yes you can be my maid of honor Ginny."
"And I'll ask Charlie to be my best man when and if it happens," Percy told the twins who immediately looked as if their owl just died. "And we're not even going to think about anything else as we're not engaged, is that clear?"
Everyone nodded. Molly still looked thrilled though, happy that one of her 'babies' was 'almost engaged' at any rate.
"Well, now that that's cleared up, let's eat," Hermione moved to sit down. A tap on her shoulder stopped her. She turned around to see Tonks gesture at her mouth. "Severus."
"Hmm?" He looked over at her, having just taken a seat at the end of one side of the table.
"I think they'd like to talk again," she stated, fighting the urge to roll her eyes.
"Oh, I suppose, if I must," he pointed his wand at Bill, Charlie, Tonks, Molly, Arthur, Remus, and Ginny, muttering the counter-charm. "There."
"And Fred, George, Ron, and Harry?"
"Must I? It's so much more pleasant when they're like this."
"I know, but just think of all the pranks they'll play if you don't. And I'll help them too."
"Damn you," he cursed at her, but with no malice.
"Severus!" Molly admonished, but she was smiling, still happy over the non-engagement.
"Don't be harsh Mum," Charlie grinned. "It's true, she's becoming entirely too Slytherin."
"Severus," Hermione stared at him pointedly. "Undo the spell now please, or I'll hex you?"
"Hmm, what hex?" He asked, mildly curious, but when she only further glared at him, he sighed and undid the 'silencio' on the four boys.
"Thank you," she gave him a sickly sweet smile before they all sat down to eat dinner.
"Now, listen up everyone!" Arthur called over the din. "The ministry is being kind enough to send over a car tomorrow morning. You three will be ready at precisely nine o'clock, is that understood?"
"Three of us?" Ron said through a mouthful of stew.
"Chew first, then speak," Ginny smacked him upside the head.
"And yes, just you, Harry, and Ginny will be taking the train," Hermione answered. "I'll be leaving tonight with Severus, so I can get set up in my quarters, and my part of the lab."
"Do you have a problem with that, Mr. Weasley?" Severus asked, his lip curled in a sneer, effectively silencing any questions or objections Ron might've had. "Good. I'm glad to see you've finally learnt something from all your schooling."
"Severus, really," Molly scoffed, but as before, she was so thrilled with the non-engagement, her scolding held no real emotion.
"Yes, really," he retorted under his breath, allowing only Ginny and Hermione to hear him, who both fought a smile.
The rest of dinner went without any further complications. Well…Fred and George did slip a canary cream into Harry's dessert, but things like that were typical in the Weasley home. Hermione and Severus excused themselves not to long after to carefully pack up some potion's supplies. There were a few that didn't travel well, and it was best to wait till the last minute possible. That finished, Hermione left for her room where Percy was waiting to say good-bye in private.
"I love you," were the words that greeted her as she walked into her room.
"I love you too," she walked over and let him encase her in his arms.
"I really wish the summer wasn't over already. I can't see you everyday anymore."
"Well, you'll get to see me every Saturday at Hogsmede, and during the week if you feel the need to, you can send me flowers and chocolates and love letters," she teased, kissing him gently.
"Oh I know, and believe me, I will," he teased back. "One flower every day."
A knock on the door turned their attention away from each other. "Are you ready to leave Hermione?" Severus poked in his head in, Itzal in his arms.
"Yes Severus. I'll be down in a minute."
"All right, make it a quick minute," he nodded, closing the door.
"We'd better head down. You don't want the family teasing us any worse for being up here…alone…" Percy tried to give a suggestive smile, but it came out more comical looking than anything else.
Hermione gathered together the few things she'd be carrying with her; namely a box with all her shrunk belongings, a basket that Phaedra was currently napping in, and her wand. Heading downstairs, she was happy to see Severus had already left as she didn't want to keep him waiting any longer. Hugs were given all around, even from Harry and Ron. Hermione couldn't help laughing at that, as she would be seeing them the following evening. So with one last kiss to Percy which brought a round of catcalls from his brothers, she flooed to Hogwarts.
"Careful," Severus caught her by arms as she fell out of the grate in the Slytherin common room. As he helped her regain her footing, he was acutely aware of how close she was to him- he could smell her rose scented shampoo. Fighting the urge to back away quickly, he schooled his features into his usual sneer.
"I hate flooing," she smiled her thanks up at him, apparently not affect by their closeness as he was. "Back to that now, are we?"
"What?"
"Your I hate children and teaching, and any mix of the two sneer," she reached a finger up and traced his lips as she said this before turning around to survey where she was. "So where are my quarters?"
He stood still, shocked by the gesture, his skin tingling where she had touched, before answering. "Your quarters are right next to my personal lab, which is next to my quarters. I'm adjoined to the Slytherin common room. I'm afraid you'll have to live in a rather close proximity to them. And as my assistant, if I'm not around when a problem arises, you'll be expected to attend to it, unless it's of a rather serious nature."
"Well that's going to take some getting used to. As head girl I don't particularly mind, but I doubt they'll be very pleased to know that I'm, in essence, their assistant Head of House," she commented dryly.
"Yes well, remember, if they give you any trouble, you'll be allowed to assign them detention or deduct points. Though I would implore you to remember that you attract more flies with honey than vinegar," he reminded her as he led her out of the common room and down the hall to where a tapestry of a snake entwined in a tree was hanging. "This is the entrance to my quarters. Should you need to access them, the password is 'Dum spiro spero' and I trust you'll keep that to yourself."
"Of course."
"And this is the entryway to your quarters," he announced as they stopped in front of a portrait of a Ukrainian Ironbelly dragon who was currently slumbering for the moment. "Zu!"
"Uh, is it really such a good idea to wake him?" Hermione asked hesitantly.
"Well, normally I'd say no, but he needs to know who will be living here. You have to remember the last person to stay here was me, and that was a little over two decades ago. Now ZU, WAKE UP!"
Severus' raised voice did it that time. The dragon slowly lifted it's head, opening it's eyes to reveal deep, blood-red eyes that seemed to bore into Hermione's soul. She couldn't help but shiver as he continued to gaze at her.
"Zu, this is Hermione Granger, your new mistress, and my apprentice. You will treat her with the respect she requires, and nothing less. Her password will be…?" Severus looked to Hermione.
"Mythology."
"Mythology," Severus repeated. The dragon Zu rose to it's feet, stretched it's wings out, then lowered his long neck and head in what might be considered a bow. Not quite sure what to do, Hermione gave a short curtsy back. Upon rising, she could've sworn the dragon winked at her before swinging open.
Hermione entered the room and couldn't hold back a small gasp of wonder. She was in a fair sized octagonally-shaped room. Across from her was a fireplace, burning cheerfully, with a cushy looking couch, and set of armchairs framing it. To her right was a door that Hermione presumed led to her bedchamber and bathroom, and to her left was another door that Hermione presumed led to the potion's lab. The four alternate walls held floor to ceiling bookcases that were completely filled, save for a few shelves for her to put her books on.
"Do you like it?" Severus asked, his voice only betraying a hint of his nervousness. "I made duplicates of a fair number of my books that I thought you might enjoy or find useful, as well as some of the books that Madame Pince said you check out frequently.
"Oh it's wonderful!" She managed to reply, still staring in wonder around the room.
"Well I'm glad you like it," he replied, pleased by her response. "I'll leave you to get settled in. Come through the lab to my quarters tomorrow at five o'clock and we'll head up to the welcoming feast."
Hermione didn't answer as she was enthralled with looking over the bookcases and examining the titles, which were conveniently organised by subject, and alphabetically within each subject. Taking her eyes away from the books, she decided it was best to explore the rest of her quarters. She poked her head into the lab and nodded with satisfaction. It was brightly lit thanks to magical windows, and had work areas. There were also three doors that Hermione was sure led to a supply closet, a materials closet, and Severus' quarters. Closing the lab-room door, she gathered her things up from where she had set them on the floor near the main door, and entered her bedroom.
She was once again very pleasantly surprised. The room she was standing in was large and airy, once again helped by two magical windows on the far wall. In between the windows was a desk with all manner of cubbyholes and drawers. To her left was a queen sized, canopy bed, made up with light purple and white checked linens, and various pillows in shades of white and purple. Heavy dark purple curtains were tied back to the posts, and she knew she would appreciate the warmth they would hold in on cold winter nights. The wall to her right had a fair-sized armoire, with an old-fashioned full-length mirror in the corner next to it. Looking back around, she noticed a door to the left of her bed, and correctly assumed it led to her bathroom.
The bathroom was large and decorated in warm yellow tones. The tub was a deep-set, Jacuzzi style one, and to its left, was a fair-sized shower. There was a vanity also, with an oval mirror set on it, with bright lights illuminating it.
Moving back into her bedroom, Hermione quickly enlarged all her things, and used a few choice spells to send them to their place. Throwing her shoes in front of the armoire that now held all her clothes and robes, she grabbed a pair of pyjammas, changed into them, threw her hair into a ponytail, and climbed into bed for a long night's sleep. So tired was she, she barely noticed when Phaedra settled herself on the pillow next to hers.
She woke up the next morning only to realise that it was in fact, almost afternoon. After taking a quick shower and braiding her hair, she pulled on some black slacks and a white sweater as it was rather chilly in the castle, regardless of the season. She left her quarters for the kitchen, and was promptly greeted by Dobby who was quick to bring her some toast and juice. Meandering back, she spent the rest of the afternoon organising her desk, her books, and reading over some of her class books. At precisely five minutes to five, she pulled on her low-heeled black boots, and made her way into the lab. Once inside, she saw that the three doors were labeled, and knocked on the one that was labeled Potions Master and heard him call out for her to enter.
"Ready to go?" She asked, looking around what appeared to be his study. There were several bookcases, a fireplace, and a desk that was currently covered with papers.
"Yes, but first come with me," he directed, and led her into the main sitting room of his quarters where there were a couple arm chairs and a couch, much like in her quarters. On one of the chairs there was a large white box tied with a dark red bow, to which he gestured to. "This is for you."
"Severus," Hermione looked up at him curiously. "What'd you get me?"
"Well I gather you'd have to open it to find out now, wouldn't you?"
"Oh stuff it," she retorted, but turned to the box and happily began to open. She pulled the lid off to see a pile of silky dark green velvet. She pulled it out to reveal a hand-made robe. "Oh it's beautiful!"
"I had two reasons really for purchasing it for you. The first, I thought you deserved an elaborate robe appropriate for most potions functions and the like. The second, as an integral member of the Slytherin family, whether you like it or not, expensive clothing will go a fair distance in helping to win over some of the house members," he said with a wry grin.
"They hate me because of my blood, but they'll at least respect me if I wear expensive clothes?" Hermione said in disgust, pulling the robe on.
The dark emerald green robe flowed around her, and she now knew how Severus managed to achieve that cape-like look. The long sleeves hugged her arms, and tapered to a point at her wrists so as not to interfere with stirring or anything. On the upper left chest was the Slytherin crest, and below it in silver embroidery, his crest of mastery. Just below her breast line was a silver clasp to keep the robe closed, of course, in the shape of a serpent.
"Well, do I look presentable?" She asked, spinning around, enjoying the way the fabric swirled with her.
"Quite," he nodded, but a hint of a smile graced his features. "Very Slytherin."
"I know!" Hermione groaned, lacing her arm through his as they left his quarters and started for the great hall. "I am going to be left with absolutely no friends because of this! I'm sincerely questioning my sanity and wondering what happened to my Gryffindor pride."
"Ha ha, Hermione, very funny," he rolled his eyes, and they finished walking up to the Great Hall in silence.
"Miss Granger!" She was greeted by Professor McGonagall as she and Severus entered the hall. "Wonderful to see you, but I'm afraid I can't talk. Students have just arrived at Hogsmede, and I need to retrieve the Sorting hat."
"Of course Professor, we'll talk during supper," Hermione returned the hug before joining Severus who had already sat down.
"Are you ready to make your debut as the evil greasy git's apprentice, and betrayer of all things Gryffindor?" Severus questioned as they heard the main castle doors open.
"I guess I have to be, don't I?" Was her response as she sat back and prepared for, as he entitled it, her debut.
OooOooOooO
A/N: Okay, that's it. Hope you liked it. It was fun for me, just cause of the wide variety of stuff going on. Next chapter we'll see what happens when all the students realise what Hermione's become (i.e. Snape's apprentice), and what happens when a lion enters the snake den. Oooh, so dramatic, lol. Reviews are appreciated, but not needed if you don't want to!