Chapter 19
A few days later nothing had changed. Hermione was feeling down and Severus boiling with anger – at his own stupidity. How could he have almost kissed her in front of Dumbledore? Where had his brain been?! Well, he knew where it had been but that didn't make it better. He had never lost control before and it kind of scared him that Hermione had this power over him…
It was late at night but Severus didn't want to go to bed, yet. He knew he couldn't sleep. The last days, he had spent the better part of the night staring at the dark ceiling and thinking about the whole situation and especially Hermione. So instead he sat in his armchair in front of the chimney and just stared into the flames. The more he thought about her, the more he felt the urge to throw his glass of wine into the burning fire – but he couldn't stop thinking about her…
An owl pecking at his window distracted him from his bitter thoughts. He stood up, opened the window and took the letter from the tiny owl who hooted at him shortly before flying away again.
Severus sat back down, opened the letter and smiled. It was from his friend Marcus, a wizard he knew from the Potions Club which met twice a year to discuss the latest discovery in the complex science of potion-making. They had met last week but Severus hadn't been feeling well enough to go…
.
Dear Severus,
I was very disappointed by your absence last week – I had hoped to discuss with you the new idea by Professor Mettlethought and his Boomslang-Potion. I just hope you didn't feel unwell or were even sick but that you only had no time for us.
Anyway, the reason I am writing is because of our newest member. Her name is Charlotte of Avenham. She finished her university diploma in Potions last summer and was one of the best. She is really a charming young lady, 27 or 28, I guess – and she wants to meet you! I told her a lot about you and she seemed quite interested in you. I know that you always say you don't need a woman in your life – but Severus, everybody does! So I told her only the best of you and she'd really liked a date with you… She is handsome, intelligent, confident, quiet (I know how much you hate loud, babbling students) and just lovely. She's interested in reading, cooking, fantastic animals and potions brewing and researching, of course.
So, old chap, if you are interested just write her an owl – she is rather the uncomplicated type of girl. And I personally think you two would make an excellent match – she being one of the few women in the world who could be the one to make you happy again, and there is nothing I wish more deeply.
Take care, old friend,
Marcus
PS: I kill you on our next meeting if you don't ask her out!
.
Severus chuckled at that last statement. Marcus always tried to find him a wife, for he was happily married.
But then his smiled faded away and he started into the flames. Loud and babbling students… Should he do it? Should he go on a date with Charlotte? She seemed perfect for him – but what about Hermione?