Disclaimer:-The plot is mine,however, I neither own nor earn anything from this story.Harry Potter and his world are the intellectual property of J.K. Rowling and her affiliates.
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A/N:-Thank you to Golden Asp for her beta work on this chapter. Thank you also to everyone who offered encouragement and support after my admission in the first chapter's A/N. Bullying behavior should never be acceptable, and I'm pleased I realized just how many people enjoy my work. I will endeavor to ignore the minority of small-minded people in favor of staying. I hope you all enjoy this offering…
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Chapter Two - The principles of time management.
A very flustered Gryffindor witch gave one last glance to her reflection. The charms she had employed to clean and press her dress had worked well, and the grass stains were barely visible now. She smiled contemplatively at the mirror. This night has gone to some unexpected, but very welcome destinations, she thought as she examined her reflection. And to think, I thought he hadn't noticed me.
Hermione sighed, and she had to work hard to steady her shaking hand as she touched up her makeup after dispelling the evidence of her tears, but all seemed so surreal. Sweet Circes, if this is a dream I don't ever want to wake up... Then she laughed at herself. Mind you, the fact that I'm so flustered proves it's no dream. None of my nocturnal fantasies have me this clumsy. Taking a shaky breath to try and calm herself, Hermione jumped when a voice sounded unexpectedly in front of her.
"Don't be so anxious, dear."
"Bloody hell!" she squeaked, and her lipstick clattered into the porcelain dish in the vanity as she covered her heart.
"Sorry, dear," the mirror replied in a strangely comforting motherly tone. "I just wanted to say that you have no need to be apprehensive. You look lovely."
Hermione giggled uneasily and turned towards the door. She sighed heavily. I'm getting a secret wish, something I've only dared think occasionally throughout the year. It was almost surreal to remind herself that even though the night was half over, it had really only just begun for her. I'm walking, albeit for the second time, into my graduation ball, but this time, on the willingly offered arm of the man I wanted to escort me to this ball. She was so happy she wanted to squeal and shout, do a little happy dance, and even punch the air, but she settled for a silly grin instead.
On the other side of the door Snape was leaning into the shadows, waiting. Despite his bravado his thoughts were circling forebodingly. Can I do this? He started pacing in his hidden alcove. I want her so badly. He swallowed a groan before it made it to his lips. She's perfect. But I'm almost twenty years too old for her, and his doubts confessed to Dumbledore's portrait came back to haunt him. No one will thank her for having me as a partner. She'll meet a lot of difficulties because of my past.
Then the little voice inside his head he often referred to as the sly Slytherin entity entered the fray. What's twenty years? She's so much like you, it continued, you really are a well-matched pair. There's much she can do for you. In fact, if you allow her, you know she will be your source of happiness, just as you appear to be hers. Who knows, she may just be able to sew your tattered soul back together. Go on, you know you want to. How long have you wanted her? Now you can have her, and with no strings attached.
Severus sighed and ran his fingers through his hair. When it comes down to it you really don't have a choice. Remember the surety charm; you're destined. There's no fighting that, and if that's brought us together, then we are meant to be together. He knew that the traitorous voice was whispering the ultimate truth to him, and the words both terrified and elated him.
Severus was pulled from his thoughts when the door he'd been watching intently as he thought opened. Regardless of his doubts and worries—without even thinking he made his way to her side—his decision was made. She is beautiful. I doubt I'll never find the words, but I have to give her something. Wandlessly he conjured a rose. "I believe it is customary to present your date with flowers," and his eyes searched hers hungrily for approval.
Hermione extended a shaking hand. She was still smiling nervously, and her mind was swirling, but in this tremulous state she felt she really was in danger of actually swooning. Oh my, isn't that beautiful? she gasped, her eyes finally sliding from the rose to his face. He has the most expressive eyes. It was like she was seeing them for the very first time. How could I have ever thought them cold? I could almost drown… Never in a million years would I have thought those beautiful orbs would be trained in such a way on me tonight.
Hermione tried to draw enough oxygen into her lungs to stop her head spinning. I'd have never have picked him as a closet romantic either. Her fingers closed around the stem of the deepest scarlet rose she had ever seen, and it was not an insipid bud or a puny half open bloom, it was a luscious fully realised velvety blossom. The perfume was exquisite, and his hopeful smile created the perfect picture.
As if he'd read her thought, and in fact she wondered if he could have, he said quietly, "Only for you, dear one."
Now, she'd never been one for pet names. However, when he called her 'dear one' in his dark, liquid chocolate voice, she flushed. Perspiration dappled her upper lip and moisture of a very different kind dampened her matching lace underwear, and she thought resolutely, he can call me anything he likes.
Hermione still found it disconcerting to see his sensitive mouth curl into a smile where a scowl had always seemed the permanent fixture. Oh, Merlins britches, I want to pinch myself, isn't he... ah, she sighed happily. "Thank you, Severus," and her quiet words sounded loud the deserted corridor.
The next step required all her Gryffindor courage; inhaling a shuddering breath she slid her free hand up and around his neck to carefully pull his head towards her lips, and she kissed him tenderly in thanks.
When this kiss ended, they stood completely still, almost like time had ceased to affect them. The only signs of life were their restless eyes taking in every detail of each other.
Various thoughts circled in Severus' head. Just back her into the corner… she'll let you. But this made him Shake himself. No, that will ruin everything. She's worth so much more than a quick fuck in the hallway. She's most likely… No can't assume that, but think... This is your chance at happiness, fool, don't screw it up! You need to have some bloody control, file that plan away for another time when you finally have her as yours completely. He gazed at her intently. "Beautiful," he offered, his hand resting on her cheek.
Hermione's mind was still caught up in his changed demeanor, but she had no hesitation in thinking that Severus' smile was adorable. It transformed his distinctive Vulcan-like features completely. They appeared more in proportion as his face softened, even the deep furrow between his raven eyebrows loosened a little in this state, making his hawk-like nose fit better. Their eyes were caught together and he continued to allow her to see his affection for her shining through.
Hermione gazed longingly at her new love with her lip firmly gripped between her teeth, but suddenly realising she was immobile, she glanced down at the coat over her arm, and handed it back to him whispering, "You'll need this. Thank you for the loan, Severus,"and she grinned happily at him. I just love being able to call him by his name, even if I am repeating myself just to hear myself saying it.
She'd felt secure while in his arms, but as he released her to take his coat, all of a sudden her lip was being worried by her teeth. It was a look Severus had seen many times when the young woman was anxious. Putting his coat back on, he stroked her cheek and encouraged, "Relax, we'll be fine," and as he leant in closer the waft of air from his open jacket sent a pulse of his fragrance to her nose.
She sighed blissfully, and he smiled more broadly as he added, chuckling softly, "There are too many witnesses.".
His decadent voice's sinful laugh sent more tingles of delight fluttering through her stomach, and she wondered if it was possible to combust from what was currently coursing through her as she tittered nervously at his humorous comment.
Severus used his wand to fasten his many buttons. Then slicing the stem from the rose he'd given her, he charmed it to sit behind her ear. He shrugged as he put his wand up his sleeve and continued pragmatically, "They will either accept us, or they won't, it's that simple, and it's none of their business either way."
His eyebrow rose and both hands settled on her cheeks as he leant down to capture her lips tenderly. "So don't worry," and his words of reassurance were breathed against her lips, before he spent a moment playing with her bottom lip, nipping it gently, and then drawing it into his mouth to sooth it with his tongue.
Finally, he seemed to find the strength to pull away, and placing his hand in the middle of her back, he turned her and they started walking towards the hall. "If you don't wish to miss what remains of your graduation ball, I suggest we best get back there."
All Hermione was capable of was nodding, as she was amazed that her feet were actually working as she directed them.
Thoughts were still whizzing round his head as Severus contemplated finishing the deed that the Founders magic had obviously started, and he realised that even if he'd wanted to fight it he couldn't. However, his dark eyes abruptly turned serious when they arrived outside the great doors of the hall. He pulled her back into his arms and his gaze unerringly pinned her, and the intensity of it made her literally quiver.
"Hermione, even if I didn't know I was waiting for you, I do now, and if fate has seen fit to finally grant me a chance at happiness..." he said swallowing thickly. He drew breath and after a pause he said quietly, "I think it's only fair to warn you that I'm going to grasp this opportunity with both hands," and his thumbs moved to stroke her cheeks. "I've wanted this almost all year as well, but my hands have been tied, even though you are an adult."
Mirroring his actions, Hermione reached up to his face, her eyes still locked with his, and neither of them seemed to realise that they were in a very public place. She smiled as her heart twisted in her chest. "You're amazing," she blurted, and it was no use, she couldn't have held the words in if she'd tried. She had to say it, even if it was only whispered, "I love you, Severus."
There was absolute silence, and the words hung between them. Hermione's heart was thumping wildly. It was the only sound she could hear, like tympani booming in her ears. Suddenly it took all of her concentration to keep breathing, and her eyes were like saucers. Had she said the wrong thing? Her head started to lower and her fingers to slide from his cheeks unsure of his reaction.
Speak you idiot, she thinks she's said the wrong thing. Severus appeared to have stopped all together, but finally his body moved to action, grabbing her shaking fingers. His mouth formed words, and for a man with such control he felt all at sea. "Oh Hermione, I love you too."
Severus heard the words leave his mouth in almost disbelief. Not because he didn't mean them, but because he'd realised while waiting for her that they were true. They were words he'd never thought he'd have the chance to say to anyone, and up until this moment he'd been uncertain he would be capable of articulating them. His emotions felt raw and exposed, even if he knew he was only responding to what Hermione had already made true.
Their kiss this time was like an explosion; a mutual claiming. There was nothing tender about it; it was deep and passionate, and it said everything that their words had confirmed.
His tongue slid urgently across her bottom lip and she opened to him as his hand found purchase in her hair and held her head exactly where he wanted it.
Hermione moaned in the back of her throat, and felt his arms tighten in response and pull her flush with his body.
He heard her muffled squeak at being pulled against the evidence of his passion for her, and he forced himself to remain still. "Shh, it's all right," he managed against her mouth, and was pleased to note she relaxed a little and remained happily against him.
Then they became completely lost in the seductive slide of lips and tongues, taste and sensation, and wholly consumed in a world of their own. Hermione's hips were just starting to react instinctively, guided by Severus' failing control, when without warning, something changed.
Initially, neither of them noticed the sudden increase in the amount of noise accosting their ears. It filtered in slowly, along with a cold rush of air that signalled that the doors they were standing in front of had opened.
There may have been at least a slim chance they would not have been noticed—framed impressively in the doors as they were, locked in their passionate embrace—had it not been Ronald Weasley who'd opened the doors, and in his usual tactless style he shouted, "Blimey! 'Mione's snogging Snape!" thereby gaining the attention of everyone in the immediate area.
The intensely private couple startled badly as it filtered into their realisation that they were being watched, and this was compounded as the sound of gasp after gasp met their ears. The shock seemed to radiate in a ripple throughout the hall, and soon there was utter silence as they both flushed and moved apart, mortified at having been caught.
Minerva McGonagall held her breath and wondered if this thoughtless dolt had just ruined a carefully crafted plan, but she was immensely relieved when Severus' hand quickly found and enclosed Hermione's in both of his. She was so pleased to see that he wasn't having his usual reaction and backing off.
The couple in the doorway looked into the hall at large like deer in headlights, and surprisingly, even while he was thanking the Gods of voluminous robes for small mercies, it was Severus who broke the mood. His mobile lips pursed, then curled up at the corner. "I believe they know we're a couple now, don't you, my dear?" He turned to the still stunned Hermione and he arched a raven eyebrow, the perfect picture of sarcastic grace and brought her hand to his lips.
Recovering her composure, and buoyed by his declaration, Hermione smiled. The captivated witch replied in kind, "I believe they might, Severus."
Then together they turned their not inconsequential scowls on the hapless redhead. Gathering her indignation at his thoughtless announcement around her like a shield, Hermione looked down her nose and inquired, "Do you have a problem with that, Ronald?"
Their glares coupled with the discrete movement of Severus placing his wand within easy reach had the redhead back-tracking quickly, and an inarticulate noise was followed by his hoarse, almost falsetto pitched voice saying, "No, 'Mione you snog him all you want," he declared earnestly. "Sorry, Professor," he squeaked, gulping. He backed away, having lost all interest in going to the loo.
"Well I'm glad that's settled. Would you care to dance, Hermione?"
"Charmed," she replied, still glaring at Ron for his callous comment as the big brave Gryffindor in question cowered behind his girlfriend.
The new couple were just heading towards the dance floor when two more people burst from the crowd, both with distinct expressions. One was cold fury and the other a soppy puppy dog face which looked like she was about to cry. This time the headmistress wondered if she should intervene, and she sighed. She really did want this plan to work.
However, she soon decided that the fiery couple were more than a match for anything thrown at them, and Minerva stood back and kept watching.
Harry was the first to speak, and he accused Severus of everything from professional misconduct, to cradle snatching, to casting Unforgiveables in a heated flurry of words.
While Severus scowled at the boy-who-lived, Sybill Trelawney somehow managed to insinuate herself possessively around the Potions master's waist like an octopus, declaring that the Gryffindor witch had stolen her man.
Hermione could have laughed at the look on Severus' face at the clingy vine-like grasp of the Divination professor, and she ignored Trelawney, knowing instinctively that Severus would deal with her. Instead, her eyes slid to Harry and she glowered at him, standing with her arms crossed, tapping her foot in irritation.
"How dare you make a scene like this? This is neither the time nor the place," she told him. "Besides, I am not your personal property, Harry Potter. You even begrudged me the use of your arm into this hall tonight, and after everything I've done for you." Then she moved forward into his personal space to poke him in the chest. "You have no right to accuse Severus of anything."
Meanwhile, Snape was sliding out of his own personal boa constrictor's grasp like she had leprosy.
"Unhand me, Madam. You have no claim on me, and furthermore you have been told numerous times that I have no interest in you. Now, run back to your tower and make an alternative prediction," he told her, his voice dripping with scorn.
Severus turned away from Trelawney just in time to hear Hermione expressing to Potter, "...I'm Severus', heart and soul. You can either like it or lump it, Harry, because I'm not going to give up the one thing I've waited all year to have, just because you're not man enough to admit you were wrong about someone."
Hermione watched in growing horror as Harry ignored her words and examined her eyes closely. However, when he started checking her with his wand for signs of coercion spells her scowl deepened and she slapped his wand away. "Harry Potter, put that away before it becomes a permanent fixture of your anatomy," she hissed dangerously. "I am NOT enchanted, nor am I imperioed, or under the influence of any potion."
The embattled pair turned to one another in unison, leaving Harry spluttering into thin air, and Filius Flitwick making towards Trelawney, as he saw his chance for some female company while he comforted his fellow professor over her alleged heartache.
"I believe we were about to dance," Severus stated smoothly. He had to admit that he found her stares of resistance quite endearing.
She answered through tight lips, taking his offered arm. "Yes, I would like that very much."
However, Severus also saw her lip quiver and he felt her trembling as he led her onto the dance floor. How dare that pair of idiots upset her, and he glowered at both of them as Potter still stood there in scowling right back.
Hermione glanced at Ginny as she went by her. "I'm sorry, Gin, but Harry was out of line."
"I know, but don't worry, he'll see reason once he's processed it," Ginny replied, patting Hermione's arm. "You're perfect for each other. I'm really happy you've both finally seen what we've all hoped for all year."
The redhead pulled her friend into a hug but Hermione refused to let go of Severus' arm. "Thanks, Gin," she replied quickly, her voice shaking. Ginny also cautiously placed a single pat on Severus' arm and smiled up at him.
"Thank you, Miss Weasley," he felt moved to respond, seeing Hermione not trusting her voice.
As they continued on their journey to the dance floor they were also stopped by Draco and Pansy. "You've always known how to make an entrance, Godfather," the blond wizard chuckled, sizing them both up. "It about time the two of you realised you're made for each other," he drawled as Pansy nodded.
As they settled into their first dance Severus exhaled a breath he hadn't known he'd been holding as his eyes happily took in the woman in his arms. Hermione gave him a shaky smile in response, and he could see tears of emotion shining in her eyes. Pulling her closer, he cradled her head on his shoulder and sighed into her hair.
Hermione heard him mutter a notice-me-not and a silencing charm. "Don't cry, dear one, they're not worth it. Trelawney has always been delusional, and Potter will always hate me. It's a pity he chose right now though to air his paranoid side." Severus was kissing the hair around her ear as he spoke, his voice rumbling into her ear and it was making bolts of desire curl straight through her; it was also making her forgot to be upset.
"What shall we do to him, mmm?" he asked, his hands roaming over the satin of her dress. "His punishment shall be at my lady's discretion."
They kept moving to the rhythm of the music and his hands caressing her were making her almost incoherent. She was entranced, totally lost for words, and she just snuggled closer, causing him to chuckle. Finally she found some words, but they weren't anything about Harry.
"I've never felt like this before," she murmured, wonder in her voice.
"I'm glad," he smoothed, "That means you're all mine, and I'm a very possessive wizard." He sucked her earlobe into his mouth, and was elated with the moan his action produced.
They had kept dancing, both losing count of the number of times. However, eventually Hermione's stomach finally interrupted their bliss, and rumbled loudly. "Mmm, in all the excitement I forgot you hadn't eaten," and he abruptly cancelled the charms. "You'll need your strength for later," and the look that accompanied the comment sent more moisture onto her already soaked underwear.
Hermione giggled, and Severus led her to a vacant table. "Come, you must eat."
xox
The evening was drawing to a close, and Hermione and Severus were sitting, quietly talking after he had organised food for her.
It was as they were doing this that they found themselves being approached by the headmistress and her deputy, but Severus instantly felt Hermione tense.
His hand on hers tightened, "It's fine, love," he murmured, as the pair sat down with them.
"I been wishing to speak with you, Hermione," Minerva McGonagall started, finally convinced that her plan was assured. Filius and Severus watched on quietly, one knowing what was about to happen, and the other having a fair idea why.
"You have?" Hermione squeaked. Severus tightened his grip on her hand and stroked her knuckles to calm her. He knew what she was thinking, and tried to convey to her that it wasn't the case.
"Yes, indeed," the headmistress slash Transfiguration professor confirmed. "Since becoming headmistress, I've found the burden of teaching as well very stressful. Filius and I have been sharing the responsibilities of the head of the school, and I've been searching for some time for a suitable replacement to teach Transfiguration. Someone willing to extend themselves," and she paused and fixed Hermione with her astute eyes. "I was wondering if you might consider staying at Hogwarts and training with me as my replacement; an apprenticeship if you will."
The smile that graced the young woman's face was spectacular. "I've always considered teaching would suit me."
"Well, I think in view of some of the results you have helped your friends to this year, I think teaching would be a wise choice too," Flitwick encouraged.
"Yes, Miss Brown's Potions skills were about as dismal as Longbottom's, yet you tutored both to an exceeds expectations. That's quite an achievement," and there it was, after all these years, the recognition from her Potions professor, now her partner, that she had always craved.
Hermione thought she just might cry. "Oh, Severus," and her head came to rest on his shoulder. "You don't know how much that means to me."
His arm instinctively came around her. "I think I have a fair idea, love," he replied quietly, and he kissed her head.
Hermione was consumed with her thoughts while her eyes were fixed on Severus. There was silence for a moment before she straightened. "Yes," she said to McGonagall, but drew breath. "However, there's not just me to consider. Would it affect my relationship with Severus?"
"Not at all, I must admit to holding my breath with Misters Weasley and Potter's lack of tact tonight." She patted Hermione's hand, "I would not offer you a position that would have you working next to Severus, knowing how you felt about each other but forbidding you to express that."
Hermione's sigh of relief was quite loud, and she smiled at the raven-haired man with his arm around her, and he nodded. "Then yes, I believe that might work out well for me, may we discuss it tomorrow, Ma'am?"
"Excellent," the Headmistress replied. "Once we've seen everyone off we'll sort out the formalities," and she patted Hermione's hand once more. "We will see you both at breakfast in the morning."
Just then the orchestra started playing again. "Ah, the last waltz," Filius interrupted, "I must find..."
Hermione looked at Severus then the headmistress, "Surely not."
McGonagall raised her eyebrows. "I don't believe I wish to know," she stated imperiously.
Severus however was more pragmatic. "As long as he keeps that stick insect occupied and away from me, I don't care what they do," and all three laughed. "Good night, Minerva," Severus said, inclining his head to her and then turned to Hermione. "My lady," and he offered his arm. "This is the transition to the next phase of the evening," he murmured, as he led her back to the dance floor watching her closely, and he chuckled when she blushed. "A most becoming colour, my love."