Warning

This story is not suitable for readers under the age of sixteen. It contains sexual content, including some non-consensual, and may offend some readers. If this subject is offensive to you, please do not read this story.

Chapter 49 – Another Change of Plan

Saturday morning found Hermione going into the Great Hall for breakfast with only Harry and Ginny. Ron had decided to make good use of the free time, by planning a romantic day with Parvati. They had eaten an early breakfast, and set off into the grounds with lunches provided, to Hermione's silent disapproval, by the house-elves.

"There's a spot by the lake, where it's lovely and quiet, and the view across the water is beautiful," said Ginny, dreamily.

This raised a smile from Hermione, who wondered if that was where she and Severus had accidentally witnessed Ginny and Harry's first kiss. From the look on Harry's face, she had to assume that it was a reasonable guess.

As they took their seats at the Gryffindor table, they were soon joined by Neville and Seamus, with Colin and Dennis Creevey.

"Hiya," said Dennis, cheerfully. "Heard the news?" Malcolm Baddock's in the hospital wing."

Hermione froze on hearing the name. Anything to do with that particular Slytherin gave her a bad feeling. "What happened?" she asked, trying to sound only casually interested.

"Don't know all of it," said Seamus, helping himself to boiled eggs, "but I heard he tried to hex his brother, and it backfired."

Neville leaned closer over the table, and lowered his voice a little. "Natalie McDonald had to go to the hospital wing this morning, to have that rhyming charm reversed, and she said he was covered with huge boils. Even on his ears!"

"That would be funny to see," laughed Harry. "Alistair's okay, for a Slytherin," at this he winked at Hermione, remembering the rose, "but I've heard his brother's about as devious as Malfoy."

A voice came from behind him, and he turned to see Malfoy approaching, tailed, naturally, by Crabbe and Goyle. "Someone mention my name, Potter?" he sneered. "You want to watch what you're saying about Slytherins. You never know who might be listening."

"Get lost, Malfoy," said Hermione, with a grimace. "We were talking about you, not to you."

Malfoy turned to her, with a contemptuous gaze. "Maybe I'm not the only one who's being talked about, Mudblood!" With that, he turned and stalked away, his henchmen following in silence.

Hermione turned her back on him, and forced a laugh, but her mind was racing. What could he have meant by that? Were things being said about herself and Severus?

No.

She forced herself to think rationally. This was Malfoy. He was probably just winding her up. She hoped.

She joined back in the conversation, to avoid seeming too concerned, but she could not help worrying. As they finished eating, however, something took her mind away from the more devious members of the Slytherin house.

Owl post arrived, and a large Hogwarts owl deposited a heavy package before, Hermione, accepted the toast it was offered, then flew off.

"That looks interesting, Hermione," said Ginny, who had received no mail, but was making a fuss of an excited Pigwidgeon, who had flown in with the other owls, for some attention.

The wrapping fell apart to reveal a book. It was thick, and bound in blue leather, bearing the title "Milestones in Magic", by Grendel Moldbury Arkletan.

Excitedly, she opened the cover, and read the words from the first page aloud:

"Milestones in Magic

"A history of the events and discoveries that provide the foundations for today's magic

"By Grendel Moldbury Arkletan

"(Order of Merlin, First Class)

"With

"Miss Hermione Granger"

She flipped excitedly through the pages, stopping in the middle of the book.

"Look at this!" she exclaimed, happily. "My project. It's here!"

The others crowded around her, looking over her shoulder at the pages.

"This is great, Hermione," said Neville. "It's got your name at the start of the chapter."

"And a foreword by the other bloke, saying how good it is!"

"You're published."

"Brilliant!"

Through the bodies of her friends crowding around her, Hermione caught a glimpse of Snape and Dumbledore talking together at the top table. Both glanced in her direction – the former's expression composed, but the latter's cheery.

Finally – Hermione, the bookworm, had her name in print. True, it was only one chapter so far, but it was a start. And it felt wonderful.

- - -

"First of all, Miss Granger, I would like to congratulate you on your incredible achievement. You are an asset to the school."

Hermione beamed at Dumbledore's words. He had called her to his office the day after she had received her copy of the book, and was now sitting across from her, behind his large desk.

He indicated the bookcase at the side of the office. "I also received a copy, as did Madam Pince. The shelves of our library bend under the weight of the works of many former Hogwarts students, but none before have graced our collection while the author has still been a pupil. I confess that have never seen our History of Magic Professor looking so close to being not dead."

"It's wonderful to have something I wrote actually published, Professor," Hermione replied, proudly.

Dumbledore smiled. "Then perhaps you will have no objection to another opportunity to see your name in print, in an article for The Daily Prophet?"

Hermione was more than a little skeptical. Her experience with reporters had not been good. "Really?" she asked, warily.

"I realize that articles in the past have caused you a certain amount of – shall we say 'embarrassment' – but I think you will find Ms. Skeeter's attitude to be vastly improved, since your previous dealings with her."

The mere mention of the name was enough to cause Hermione a surge of irritation. That woman!

Dumbledore continued. "For the past two years, her pen seems to have been decidedly less poisonous. Coincidentally, Miss Granger," he regarded her over the rim of his spectacles, "the sudden transformation occurred shortly after her run-in with a certain young witch."

The student turned a look of innocent puzzlement on the teacher. "Really, Professor?"

The twinkle in his eyes gave Hermione the impression, not for the first time, that the headmaster could read minds, but his words gave no indication. "She will be arriving on Friday, so I made arrangements, unless you object, for her to interview you during the afternoon, and then attend the end-of-year feast."

Resigned, Hermione nodded her consent. After all, she had handled the venomous witch the last time – she could do it again. "Very well, Professor. I'd be happy to meet with her." She was about to push herself up out of the comfortable chair, but held back, wanting to say something and not quite sure how. "Sir," she ventured. "I wanted to thank you. For your confidence in me over my project … and for everything else."

The headmaster said nothing, allowing her to continue.

"I know how uncomfortable you have been over my relationship with Professor Snape, and I appreciate the fact that you have been so … understanding."

"I very nearly fired him."

A lump formed in Hermione's throat. "I know. I'm sorry that we put you in such a difficult position."

Dumbledore sighed. "Hermione, when I first learned the truth, I assumed that it would be over within a few months. I was wrong. I have my concerns about this, but I am happy, at least, to see Severus in love."

"I love him very much. It's like we're … soul mates."

As Hermione watched the headmaster's face, she was sure that she could detect a hint of sadness there, but a second later it was gone, and he smiled.

If it had not been for the fact that her thoughts were occupied with the thought of a meeting with Rita Skeeta, she might have been more worried about the fleeting expression on the teacher's face, but by the time she reached Severus' rooms that evening, she had put it from her mind.

- - -

Marking exams was not one of Snape's favorite pastimes, and he needed a break. If all his students were like Hermione – or even Gem and Bale – it would not be so bad, but having to see just how many students had failed to grasp the simple concepts that he had drilled into them was depressing. He was a good teacher, he knew, and all the staff felt the same way when it came to exams, but he just wished that he could find some way to get their heads to hold more of what they had learned, instead of allowing all to drain like water through sand.

As the end of term drew close, he had certain routines that he always carried out to ensure that he left everything as it should be over the summer. Not that it usually mattered – over the past few years he had spent almost all his holiday time at the school – but this year, he had no plans to be anywhere but Haven. His office and classroom needed a clear out, and his precious stores needed to be re-stocked with anything that would keep, and ingredients that would not keep had to be removed.

Allowing himself a break from the students' scrolls, he stepped out to the grounds. There were only two items that he needed right now – both from the greenhouses.

It was a beautiful day, and he turned his face to the sky, drinking in the fresh air and scent of the grass. The night's light rain had left the grounds smelling of damp earth, and the bottom of his robes caught up the drops from the wet grass. Usually, his taste was more for the crispness of autumn, or the somber days of winter, but today he found the damp, clean morning air refreshing.

He gathered what he needed, and was heading back towards the castle, when he glanced over towards Hagrid's hut. The huge teacher was sitting outside in the sun, looking over his garden in satisfaction. Determinedly, Snape changed course, towards the hut.

"Good morning, Hagrid," he called, in the friendliest manner he was able.

Hagrid, unfortunately, lost all appearance of his former contentedness at the approach of the other teacher. "I 'ave nothin' to say ter yeh, Snape!"

He stood, and made as if to go inside his hut, but the smaller man stepped quickly in front of him.

"Hagrid – this is ridiculous. We cannot go on acting this way."

The step that the half-giant took towards Snape brought them to within two feet of each other, and many people in that position – straining to look up into the hairy face – would have been intimidated, but Snape stood his ground as Hagrid spoke. "I've made my peace wi' Hermione – well kind o' – I know now that none o' this is 'er fault. But you – Professor Dumbledore should never 'ave trusted yer. Get out o' me way!"

Snape continued to stand firm. "I have no intention of going anywhere until we have settled this," he growled.

"Then y'll be standin' there a long time, 'cos there's nothin' ter settle!" Hagrid's face was red behind his beard. "All them years I stood up for yer. I trusted yer 'cos Professor Dumbledore trusted yer – and yer let 'im down. Well, he might forgive anythin' but I won't. Not when it comes to a kid like Hermione."

It seemed hopeless, but the younger teacher was forced to continue. He had to find some way to make this stubborn fool accept them. "Hermione and I love each other. How can you say that is wrong?"

Out of the corner of his eye, Snape saw a group of students coming out of the castle and across the grounds. They were heading for the lake, but it would not do for the two teachers to be seen arguing like this. He stepped back to allow Hagrid into the hut, and followed him inside.

As soon as the door was closed behind them, Hagrid turned. "I can say it's wrong 'cos she's a student an' yer a teacher!" he roared. "Yer far too old for her, and she's goin' ter end up gettin' hurt!"

"I have no intention of hurting her!" Snape snarled. "Whatever you may …"

"Yer sleepin' with a student! How can yer even try ter defend yerself?"

The Potions Master was growing tired of this. If he had not wanted so badly to make things right for Hermione, he would have given up on this long ago. It was clear that the issue would never be resolved. They would all just have to learn to live with that. "I love Hermione!" he stated, giving this one last try. "The only thing that is going to hurt her is if you continue to act this way."

At this, Hagrid's anger grew. "Ger out!" he shouted. "Hermione deserves better than you. Ye've got no sense of decency!"

Finally convinced that his efforts were futile, Snape turned to leave. As he stepped out into the brightness, the door was slammed behind him, and he strode, enraged, towards the school.

- - -

Snape was heading towards the dungeon past the library on Wednesday afternoon, as Ginny Weasley stepped out of it, followed closely by Madam Pince. The librarian nodded curtly to the Potions Master, and Ginny gave him a faint smile.

"Miss Weasley," he rumbled. "I would like to talk to you about your Potions exam."

Ginny stopped walking and turned to the teacher. "Yes, Professor?"

Madam Pince continued on her way, and Snape watched her go. "I finished marking your paper this morning, and I was very pleased with the result. Your work has much improved this year, and you deserve credit for your hard work."

"Thank you, Professor."

Snape paused, feeling awkward. He was not accustomed to complimenting students in this manner, and he was sure that the girl knew it. He also suspected that she knew he had another reason for wanting to talk to her. Just get on with it, he told himself, sternly.

"I … also wanted to ask you about … Hagrid. I know that you have spoken with him before, and I wondered if …"

Ginny looked up at him, sadly. " … if he was still upset about your argument yesterday?" She ignored Snape's slightly surprised look. "He's calmed down a bit. He still says you're too old for Hermione, and you have … erm … 'no sense of decency or honor', but I think maybe he's accepting the fact that you're not going to hurt her."

With a sigh, Snape nodded. "I intend to make her happy! I assume that your brother told you that she has accepted my proposal?"

The expression on her face, however, showed that this was news to her – and welcome news, at that. She broke into an overjoyed smile. "Congratulations, Sir. When's the big day?"

"That has not been decided," Snape explained, wondering how he had managed to slip so easily into a friendly conversation with the girl. It was unlike him to volunteer information like this, but it seemed natural. "We will probably wait until she has left school next year."

It was pleasant to see the expression of genuine brightness on Ginny's face. So much of his relationship with Hermione had been clouded by disapproval and anger, and to see someone truly happy for them was refreshing.

"From the way the two of you seem to feel about each other, I'm surprised either of you can wait that long," she laughed.

For a moment, Snape gave Ginny a faint smile, but then something made him pause. She was absolutely right. Why would they wait? There was no reason other than other people's reactions, and even if they married, it wouldn't necessarily mean they had to tell everyone. In a few days, Hermione would be moving to Haven with him, and they would be together. Why shouldn't she go there as his wife?

Oh, God!

He stared at the girl in front of him, who returned the gaze in puzzlement at his sudden change.

"Are you okay, Sir?"

He ignored her question. "Miss Weasley," he said softly, "you are truly a wonder!"

With a gentle movement, he reached out to take her hand, and raised it lightly to his lips. Then he spun on his heel and hurried away down the corridor, leaving the mystified Gryffindor staring after him.

- - -

Crookshanks watched Hermione's face intently as she talked.

"I know that it will be different from going home – well, back to my parents' place anyway – but you'll like Haven," she was explaining. "It'll be strange starting to think of it as Home, at first, but I think we'll get used to it very fast. You'll have lots more room to roam about outside, and no having to be cooped up in a cage on the train."

The cat stood and stretched, on the bed, then moved to rub his head against his mistress' hand. She was organizing her things, getting ready to leave on Sunday – the day after the rest of the students – but with the amount that she had been talking to the cat, she had actually got very little done.

Hermione smiled down at the animal, stroking between its ears, which produced a contented purring. A movement at the fireplace caught her eye, and Severus stepped out. He had not been in her room very often, as they had thought it best for the Head of Slytherin to stay out of the Gryffindor Tower, and he seemed somehow – too large for the room. It was not his physical size, but his – presence. A dark tower of black robes, he stepped over to her, and took her in his arms.

The cat jumped off the bed in a huff, as Hermione's attention was taken by the intruder. They kissed deeply before he finally released her, and pulled back to look into her face.

"Hermione," he said softly, not taking his eyes from hers. "Marry me!"

She laughed. "Of course, Severus. Didn't I already agree to that?"

But his face was serious. "No, my darling – I don't mean that. I mean now! I want you to marry me tonight!"