Chapter 11:
Severus Snape sat at the desk in his dungeon office when the owl arrived with his newspaper. Placing a Knut in the little pouch he unfolded his paper as the bird left.
Imagine his surprise at seeing Hermione on the front page. Recovering from this shock he quickly read the article below. As he read his temper flared.
"How dare that woman write such things?" He whispered in a deadly tone.
Closing his paper he swiftly stood and collected his cloak and a little bag of floo powder. He strode over to the fireplace and cast in the powder.
The minute the flames went green he stepped in and called out "The Daily Prophet." As he disappeared he thought he heard someone call to him.
Dumbledore stepped into the room just in time to see Severus step into the fire. He called out his name but he was barely too late.
"Oh dear," Dumbledore sighed, "I hope he doesn't do anything he will come to regret."
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Hermione spent the day with the Weasleys. She knew that with them she wouldn't have to endure scalding looks and evil glares from everyone she passed.
She did a lot of thinking about the article. Was she really such an awful person? She did feel really guilty doing this to Severus.
"Maybe he's learned his lesson well enough." She thought. "I'll go find him this evening and talk this over."
Smiling as she imagined what the evening would bring she went into dinner.
AS she sat down the Evening Prophet arrived. Opening it she saw that the article within contained a picture of Severus, with a wild look in his eye. He seemed to be yelling in the picture.
The article read,
Love no Fluke
By, Tammy Clarence
It appears the romance between Severus Snape, Hogwarts Potion Master, and former student, Hermione Granger is no fluke. Shortly after our article was released this morning we had a visit from a very angry Mr. Snape, Demanding that the article be retracted.
Ms. Skeeter would be doing this retraction article herself, but she came down with a mysterious ailment due to a cursed Howler. She is currently in St. Mungo's undergoing treatment.
The Prophet sincerely apologizes for any harm it may have caused to either party mentioned in the article. Our best wishes to you both.
Hermione was shocked. She never would have imagined him doing something this drastic. Usually he ignored the gossip. This really must have upset him.
'Maybe it is time to forgive him.' She thought.
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Severus sat at the Three Broomsticks later that evening, slowly nursing a small gillywater.
'What did I do that for?' he thought. 'I never pay any attention to what the paper says, why did I this time?'
Finishing his drink he called for another. He sat for the next half hour going through glass after glass. Madam Rosmerta finally refused to give him anymore.
"Are you telling me you refuse to serve a customer?" He asked looking blearily up at her.
"No, but I am refusing to let a good man waste his life on drink. Alcohol never solves problems, Severus, it just dulls the pain. When you get up tomorrow the problem will still be there and all you'll have is a splitting headache."
"Well said Rosmerta."Cheered Dumbledore as he came in the door of the pub. "Couldn't have said it better myself!"
He turned to the potions master with that benign smile on his face.
"Come, you'll want to be well rested for tomorrow." He said helping Severus to his feet.
"Why?" Severus asked wearily.
"You shall see my good man, you shall see." And with a wave to the barmaid, he led Severus out the door.
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A/N: Next scene is the reunion scene. Tell me how you want it. Calm and sweet or joyful and "busy", if you get my drift. Review!!