Disclaimer: I don't own Harry Potter
Life For Rent
Chapter 14
Last chapter of Life For Rent:
Jean and Mark looked at each other and then at Severus. Hermione was holding her breath and squeezing Severus' hand so hard it had to have hurt but he made no motion to pull away. Finally, Jean looked at Severus with narrowed eyes, eyes that were brown and shaped just like Hermione's. "Do you love my daughter? I have to know. I want to know everything that is going on in my daughter's life because I feel her slipping away and that means knowing if you love her."
Hermione's sucked in her breath and looked at Severus. His eyes betrayed no emotion but his jaw was clenched slightly. He realized in the last few moments that there was a lot about Hermione he really didn't know and they were going to have to talk about what kinds of secrets they were keeping from each other. What her mother wanted him to say out loud though, was something else entirely. Of course she could not know that he had never said it to Hermione before, but this isn't the way he wanted her to hear it.
Sighing deeply he looked Jean in the eye and said, "Yes, I love her." And then he turned to a wide eyed Hermione and said more tenderly, his eyes softer, "I love you."
Hermione found herself wishing that he really meant it, and that it wasn't just for show.
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Hermione's heart was leaping from her stomach to her chest and back down again. She really did want Severus' words to be real but she figured they probably weren't and she wasn't going to say them back until she knew for sure how he really felt. She needed to know how she really felt too. She was undeniably falling for him but Hermione was still a little hesitant to let her feelings completely take over.
"Severus, I--," Hermione started to speak but her mother interrupted.
"Well that was sweet." She said reaching for her husband's mimosa, "I suppose you could do worse, Hermione."
Hermione rolled her eyes and stood up to take her mother's mimosa. "I think you have had enough for one morning, mum."
Hermione's father, who had watched the whole exchange with bewilderment, shepherded Hermione's mother out of the living room. Hermione wondered what her father was thinking. Her mother was going to get an earful from Hermione later about her intrusive and embarrassing behavior, but it she still couldn't really tell what her father thought. He seemed to like Severus enough but Hermione was not sure.
Severus was still sitting back in the chair not looking at anyone. He couldn't believe he'd just told Hermione he loved her right in front of her parents. It wasn't a lie but he could tell by the look on Hermione's face that she thought it was. He needed to decide if he should set her straight right away or tell her again some other time when she was more likely to believe it. He wasn't a romantic man by any means but that was the first time in his life that he had uttered those words to a person before and it felt ruined somehow.
"Severus, I am so sorry about my mother. You really shouldn't have had to put up with that." Hermione said.
Hermione's words stung a little and that surprised him. He wasn't expecting a declaration of love from her but to dismiss what he said did hurt. Of course, she could have no idea how important it had been for him because she didn't know that he'd never told anyone those words before. "It was not a problem." Severus said awkwardly still not looking at her.
Hermione reached for his hand and started tracing the lines of his veins with her finger. "I just feel bad that you felt like you had to do that to satisfy my mother. It was kind of awkward. I know I told you would have to act like we weren't together for a marriage law but I didn't think it would go that far."
Severus sighed deeply and finally looked in Hermione's eyes. She was looking at him apologetically. Severus reached out to touch her face, looking into her eyes intensely. "I wasn't acting, Hermione."
An explosion of butterflies jockeyed for space inside Hermione's stomach. She was profoundly aware of his eyes on hers as she struggled for something to say. This isn't the moment she had imagined either for saying the words. A lot of the romance had been taken out of their courtship simply because it had started with a contract. Hermione felt a bubble of happiness and relief burst in her chest at the realization of how lucky she was to even care about the wizard she was set up with let alone love him and have him love her too.
Severus was still looking at her the gentleness in his eyes slowly being replaced by angry embarrassment as she continued to work her mouth as if trying to decide what to say. Severus thought the appropriate response would be easy but, maybe he was wrong. Maybe he did feel more for her than she did for him. Severus dropped his hand and started to look away when Hermione trapped his face with both of her hands and bent forward to kiss him. For a moment he was tempted to pull away but she deepened the kiss and Severus felt himself melting into her.
After a moment, Hermione broke away smiling. "I love you too, Severus. I really do. I have to admit that I didn't really realize until now, and it just hit me how lucky we are to be set up with each other. We could have come out much worse in this situation than we did."
Hermione immediately shut her mouth and bit her lip when she realized she was rambling. Severus didn't always say what was on his mind and she didn't want to push the declaration of love thing too far. Severus' lips quirked at the corners in a small smile when she stopped talking and started chewing on her lip nervously; she was more endearing than she knew. He wanted to kiss her again, and again, and make love to her right then. She loved him, he was sarcastic, an ex-Death Eater and spy, and one of the people who made her life at Hogwarts miserable and she loved him anyway.
"Don't chew your lip, you'll bite right through." He said using his thumb to pull her lip out from between her teeth. He traced her lips with his thumb before kissing her again.
"Ahem. Would you two care to join us in the dining room?" Mr. Granger said from the doorway. He was frowning slightly but his tone was not angry. Hermione's face turned a deep shade of red at being caught by her father. In the moment she had completely forgotten where she was. Apparently Severus had too because he had crossed his legs and adjusted his shirt quickly to hide the embarrassing swell between his legs.
"Coming." Hermione said quickly jumping up to follow her father into the other room. Mr. Granger looked at Severus for a moment who had made no move to get up.
"I'll be along in a moment. I just need to use your facilities." Severus said smoothly. He had faced a lot of things dangerous and scary in his lifetime but getting caught snogging the woman he loved by her father was by far the most embarrassing. Mr. Granger looked at Severus coolly for a moment before Hermione pushed him through the door.
"Stop trying to look menacing, Dad. It's not working." Hermione said laughing.
Her father just smiled down at her and pulled her into a hug. "You do seem happy together, as unorthodox as it seems. He has nice teeth."
Hermione laughed loudly at that one. Her father always noticed teeth but if they had seen Severus a year ago they would have kicked him out of the house based on his oral hygiene alone with all of the yellow stains and crookedness. That was different now that Severus' teeth were perfectly aligned and white and she was glad her parents hadn't met him before.
"You're right, he does have nice teeth."
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Severus paused beside one of the winged boars flanking the large, black gates in front of Hogwarts castle. He stared up at the castle his eyes involuntarily searching the skyline for the astronomy tower. Once he located it Severus allowed a moment of anguish to wash through him as he pictured his beloved mentor and friend fall to the ground. Oh, how Dumbledore had disappointed him in the end with all of his manipulations and scheming regarding Potter, but that hadn't made it any easier to kill him. The curse that was coursing through Dumbledore's body would have done him in soon but it still hurt Severus deep in his core that Dumbledore would disregard the state of Severus' soul and ask him to commit a murder. Some people called it a mercy killing but Severus would never be able to see it that way. For him it was murder, pure and simple. The only small comfort he had was that Draco no longer believed in the Pureblood prejudices anymore. So in that sense, Draco's soul had been saved and that was after all Dumbledore's goal.
The momentary anguish that Severus had allowed himself to feel evaporated quickly as he saw a large man lumbering his way toward the gate. Hagrid had always been one of his favorite people at Hogwarts so he was glad to see him. Nobody knew of course, the soft spot Severus had for Hagrid but over the years Severus had to turn to him for potions ingredients and they had got on well. Hagrid was the first to tell Severus he was sorry that he didn't believe in him after Dumbledore died and should have known that he would never betray Dumbledore a second time. Severus understood of course, and held nothing against the great bear of a man.
"G'morning Severus." Hagrid called through the gate when he was in talking distance.
Severus lifted a hand in acknowledgement but said nothing. Now that he was about to enter the castle again for the first time since he was found in the Shrieking Shack memories of what his life had been like flooded through him. He recalled his first day as a student standing in front of the sorting hat with his fingers crossed behind his back while Lily got sorted. He remembered how disappointed he was when she was sorted into Gryffindor. More memories of Lily passed through his mind until they passed near the tree by the lake where James and his friends had taunted him. Then he recalled with perfect clarity the last day Lily had ever spoken to him. He had entered the castle as a lost boy and he left the castle a lost man. His life had truly come full circle the day that snake bit him.
Now though, his life was different. He was learning who he was without the threat of death looming over him. He had allowed himself to fall in love and with a woman that was moving in with him that very week. Severus had no idea why Minerva McGonagall wanted to see him but he doubted she would be able to recognize him now. Not by his face, for he still looked mostly the same, but because he didn't have it in his heart to be the towering bat of the dungeons that he used to be. The darkness inside him was fading and Severus wondered what it would be like to be in that castle again, teaching and protecting students once more.
"How you been Severus. You're awfully quiet, not that you were ever one to talk much." Hagrid chuckled to himself as they walked the halls leading to the Headmistress's office. Severus was looking around him pangs of nostalgia lighting his awareness of his surroundings as he went. Gods, he had loved that castle when he lived there, it was his home and he loved it still. The halls were the same and he was glad to see that the restorations from the battle were direct replicas of how the castle used to be, the only difference being the addition of plaques honoring the fallen students who fought in the war.
"I have been very well Hagrid." Severus replied politely as they reached the gargoyle guarding the familiar office.
"Well it's been good ter see ya Severus. I hope ter see more of you around." Hagrid said clapping Severus on a shoulder making his knees buckle. Severus watched him walk away before saying the password and heading up to the office.
Once Severus reached the top of the stairs he swallowed deeply before knocking. He hadn't been inside the office since he was headmaster. He had thought many times about coming to visit Minerva and to speak with Dumbledore's portrait but he had never been able to summon the courage or a good enough excuse.
"Come in." Minerva McGonagall's voice sounded through the door before his fisted hand had even reached the door. Smiling he turned the knob and entered the room where he had spilled more secrets then he wanted to think about.
"Severus you are looking well." Minerva commented pleasantly as Severus took his seat. Dumblelore was peering over her shoulder at him and nodding in agreement, his light blue eyes twinkling as usual.
"Thank you, Minerva. I feel well." Severus said settling into a chair. The office was now a tartan nightmare and Severus had bite back a laugh at the décor. There were tartan curtains hanging from the windows, and a tartan cloth thrown at an angle over every table.
Minerva watched Severus eye her office for a moment before suppressing a chuckle of her own. She could tell that it was taking Severus a considerable effort to keep from making a comment.
"It is a bit different than you remember it I imagine." She commented holding out a biscuit tin.
Severus took a ginger newt from the tin and finally allowed the chuckle loose from his lips. "It is a vision in plaid."
Minerva raised an eyebrow at him. "You're different Severus. If I didn't know any better I would say you were happy."
"I do believe a life unencumbered by war and espionage does agree with me. Why did you ask me to come today, Minerva?" Severus said not unkindly.
"Well, I see you still dislike small talk. I asked you here today because I want to retire. I would like to retire in as little as a year and I am offering you the position of headmaster." She stated directly.
Severus stared at her in shock for a moment. "I don't imagine that the school governors would want me back in the school." He said dumbly. She was offering him headmaster? His heart was singing. He wanted it, he really did. He'd always wanted to be headmaster of Hogwarts and the year he had the job was tainted by the situation. He tried to keep his face impassive as she explained herself.
"You are a hero whether you like to be referred to one or not, Severus. The school governors all agree that you would be a sufficient replacement for me. But there is one other thing. Slughorn wants to return to retirement so we will need to find a potions instructor. I would like you to assist with the selection. I am afraid that there have been no applicants that match your caliber, or Slughorn's for that matter so I was hoping you might have a recommendation." She finished offering him another biscuit.
Dumbledore was leaning forward in his chair waiting for Severus' answer. Severus missed all the conversations he'd had with the portrait during his tenure as headmaster. Although it was just a portrait the presence of some form of Dumbledore was a constant comfort during the final year of the war. He would love to come back and teach potions himself but the prospect of headmaster was much more appealing. But he was to be married in a matter of months and that would make things difficult. Unless…
"The offer is tempting Minerva, but you might not have heard that I am currently engaged to be married. I have fallen subject to the marriage law and am quite happy to say that my match worked out quite well for me. I fear that if I were headmaster it would not bode well for my future wife unless she too was at Hogwarts which I happen to know is a dream of hers, to teach here that is." Severus said.
Minerva raised an eyebrow at him. "I heard rumors that you were betrothed. I've also heard rumors that you have been seen in public a few times with Rita Skeeter. Please tell me that you are not happily betrothed to that woman. She will never be allowed to reside in this castle."
There was a very audible snort of laughter from Dumbledore's portrait. Severus shot the old man a scathing look and the laughter quickly turned into a fit of coughing, Dumbledore's eyes twinkling with mirth all the while.
"Of course it is not Rita Skeeter." Severus snapped. "Although I think you very well know that. She would be crowing every one of my secrets to the world if she was privy to any of them and I am sure you would have heard of the engagement by now. No, I was matched with someone else that you know, and I happen to know that I could train her to be a very efficient potions master. She has all the qualities necessary to teach, intelligence, the desire to learn and help others, and infinite amounts of patience."
"She sounds wonderful. I however, don't have infinite amounts of patience so I would appreciate it if you would tell me who it is so that I might consider the idea."
"It is Hermione Granger of course." Severus said leaning back in his chair waiting for the bomb to go off. It was highly unlikely that Minerva's dear Gryffindor favorite would have been her ideal choice as a mate for Severus. Minerva had gone stone still as she stared at Severus as if waiting for him to say 'gotcha!' Dumbledore was sitting in his chair smiling knowingly as if he knew all along that Hermione was the perfect woman for Severus. Severus wouldn't have been surprised if that were true.
Sighing deeply Severus got up and went to Minerva's liquor cabinet. He poured her a generous amount of scotch and shoved the glass into her still hand. "Drink Minerva. Then speak. I assure the situation is not as it might seem to you. I realize the match is unorthodox but we are very compatible."
Minerva downed the scotch in one fluid movement. She savored the burn as it went down her throat. "I apologize Severus, I was just shocked I admit. I never imagined you with anyone, no offense, but now that I think about it I can see how your intelligence and mystique would be quite attractive to her."
"She is quite attractive to me as well, Minerva."
"Yes, you are different. The old Severus would never be so open about something like that. The position here at the school would unbind you from your contract though, you know that right?" Minerva commented pouring herself some more scotch and pouring a glass for Severus as well.
"Yes, I believe you are right." Severus said thoughtfully. He couldn't help but wish for a moment that he was offered this position before his deadline with the Ministry had arrived. Then he felt a twinge of guilt for thinking it because he did love Hermione and he was very happy with her. Working at the school was not only what he wanted to do but what she wanted to do as well. The situation was quite perfect, if only he could get Minerva to agree. "I am not looking for a way out of the contract. I might have in the beginning but I admit I am quite satisfied with my match."
"You are in love with the girl, aren't you?" Minerva asked dumbfounded. She never thought she would live to see the day when Severus Snape fell in love with someone else. He had pined over Lily for years and it was refreshing to see him moved on. Apparently Dumbledore agreed because he was still nodding and smiling earnestly.
Severus scowled at both the portrait and the Headmistress before answering. "Yes, I am in love with her. Enough so that I would want to be with her without the contract. I cannot, however, speak for her. If you would be willing to allow me to discuss the potential job openings with her I would appreciate it. If she wants out of the contract I will of course, step aside. Either way I believe she would want to work here, it is a dream of hers."
Minerva just nodded, dazed. They spent a few more minutes discussing the details of the position and then Severus left. He had not spoken one word to Dumbledore but he didn't feel upset about it this time. Hopefully there would be plenty of time for that later. For now, he had a lot to discuss with Hermione. He had no doubt she would like to hear about the job opening but he was worried about how she would react to being able to leave the contract. He truly hoped she wouldn't want to.
Back in the office Minerva rounded on Dumbledore's portrait. "You were awfully quiet."
Dumbledore just laughed, blue eyes sparkling brightly. "Sometimes, with Severus, I have learned to keep my mouth shut. I feared that if I verbally endorsed his relationship with Miss Granger his natural instinct to rebel would take over and he would end it instantly."
"Oh, you're an old codger." Minerva sighed. "I hope the best for them both."
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A/N: Well, here is my first update after the move. I arrived on Monday, still haven't finished unloading the moving truck and had some apartment issues so I will be staying in a hotel for awhile, which means, joy of all joys, I will get to move my crap all over again soon! Anyway, I apologize if this chapter is a little blah but I wanted to update.
Special thanks to whoopsydaisy who found some particularly confusing sentences in this chapter and I am glad she did.
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