Chapter 11: Answers and Comfort From a Friend

Tears began to form in the young woman's eyes as she stared at the beautiful diamond and emerald ring that the professor was holding out to her, she didn't know what to say, for once in her life she was struck completely silent by a simple question.

Hermione's hand shook as she reached out to touch the ring, her mouth was hanging open and her eyes were filled with unshed tears as she looked into the eyes of the Potions Master kneeling in front of her. "Oh my, S-s-Severus are you sure?" she asked voice quaking. He nodded back to her, holding his breath, heart racing. He wondered what she was thinking; he didn't know if he could bear it if she said no.

"Well, love if you're absolutely sure about this then…" she paused, taking one of his hands. "YES! Oh Severus of course I'll marry you!" she cried and lifted him into her arms kissing him passionately.

Severus pulled back and lifted her left hand gently placing the ring on her finger before kissing her again. "I was hoping you'd say that!" they spent the rest of the day in Hogsmeade with each other before returning to the castle for dinner.

Hermione was positively glowing when she entered the Great Hall, she was so happy about the turn of events of that day and she couldn't help but looking at the delicate ring that now graced her finger. She was smiling all throughout dinner.

"What's got you smiling all of a sudden Hermione?" Ginny asked as she walked up to the older girl to sit beside her. She looked down at Hermione's hand and gasped, "Oh my goodness, he didn't. When?" She asked smiling along with the brunette now.

"Today in Hogsmeade after we had lunch in the Three Broomsticks, oh Ginny I'm so happy, I was silly though I cried when he asked me, I guess I was just so shocked and happy. I've never felt like this before. Oh what am I going to do your brother and Harry really will want to kill us now, I really don't see what the big deal is. It's just Severus, and you'd think that they'd just be glad that I'm happy, why can't they accept this?" Hermione suddenly frowned looking at her plate then back at the fiery redhead next to her, Ginny always knew what to do, she'd accepted Hermione's relationship when the others wouldn't. All she had to see was that they were happy together.

Ginny knew that Hermione could make Severus a better man, and she watched as it happened, Severus was getting better. She could also see that they were perfect for each other, Severus or still to Ginny, Snape, was Hermione's perfect equal, both in intelligence and wit. They were meant to be, even a blind man could tell that. Until Hermione came along Snape never laughed and he didn't smile; now it was contagious. Before Snape Hermione was always bound to her books and her studies although she never needed to be; now she made time for him, for fun, and for excitement in her life that didn't have to deal with causing the fall of Voldemort. Their lives were better now that they had each other, so Ginny was happy, happy both for her friend and her Professor.

"Hermione listen to me, the boys are idiots, but they'll come around eventually, they cannot keep denying the fact that you need to be happy. They can't hold their grudge forever, just give them time. I'll try to help make sure that they don't find out about your engagement for as long as I can, but they'll need to find out eventually. They're still your best friends, but you know them, they don't forgive and forget so easily, especially not after all you guys went through over the past few years together." Ginny said consoling the girl sitting next to her, Hermione was spending a lot of her time when she wasn't with Severus worrying about the boys, they still hadn't forgiven her and she was about ready to give up all hope that they ever would.

"Think about it 'Mione, they always thought that it would be you three, forever the grand Golden Trio. They never expected this, and they're a bit hurt by it. They just need time to adjust."

"I suppose you're right Ginny, but it's been about two months now, I never expected it to last this long." Hermione sighed getting up to go back to their dormitory Ginny following close behind. The young girl couldn't argue; she knew Hermione had a point but she held onto the hope that the boys would soon see what was in front of their eyes. A light that shone from Hermione whenever she was around Severus, a friend who was now happy, happier and better than she'd ever been before. She hoped that they'd see; it was something Hermione needed, after everything she'd been through, to love and to be loved. And there was only one person who could eternally give her this, Snape.

Once they were back in their dorms, Hermione waved goodbye to Ginny and fell instantly asleep. She didn't know what tomorrow would bring, but she had a feeling that hurt, comfort, and profound revelations would happen.

When she woke up Hermione got up, showered and dressed for the day. As she walked into the common room she bumped into someone, she quickly apologized before picking herself up and turning to help the other person, who had managed to fall as well in the impact. "Oh…" was all that she could say as she met the eyes of none other than one Ronald Weasley who was now staring incredulously at the emerald and diamond ring on her hand. He was staring as though it were poison; there was so much disgust on his face. Hermione turned a bright and burning crimson as they stayed there like that for what managed to seem like eons…

A/N: Okay so please don't kill me, I mean aren't we glad that she still has a friend. I always thought of Ginny as the understanding type, you know the one who sees the light even in what others perceive as the darkest places. I'm actually liking the way this story is turning out. I expected it to be a lot shorter than I've made it, however all things must end and this one shall soon, much to my dismay, only a few more chapters to be added plus and epilougue that will leave, no room for a sequel unless i so choose to make one, I don't plan on it but you never know, I can surprise you. Thank you so much for the reviews and sticking this out with me as I write it. Now please show your love or hate by Clicking the pretty review button below!

Love, Vamps