Power in All its Glory
Chapter 34: Time to Face the Music
The office was once again quiet. Everyone but Professor Snape and the headmaster had left.
Hermione had not even looked at him as she walked by, and he wondered what she was thinking. He was not a coward. He would talk to her, but first he had to settle things with Professor Dumbledore.
"Headmaster," he began solemnly. "Let me explain …"
"There is really no need, Severus," he replied. "As you stated so eloquently earlier, I do trust you. And I trust Miss Granger. In fact, I think you both complement each other perfectly. A sort of balance, if you will."
Snape was surprised by his employer's speech. It was definitely not what he had expected. Certainly, he was not saying that he approved, was he?
"However, and on this point, I am afraid, I must insist," Dumbledore continued, "you must keep your relationship with Miss Granger professional until she graduates."
"Of course, Headmaster."
"Allowing, of course, a moment for you to explain yourself to her."
"Thank you, sir," he replied, turning to leave before the elder wizard could change his mind.
"Oh, and Severus …"
Snape turned around, even more nervous when he saw the twinkle in the headmaster's eyes.
"You do deserve to be happy, so please don't let … well … you … get in your way."
*************
Hermione looked behind her at the stairs to the headmaster's office. Snape had obviously stayed behind. Her mind was in chaos from his earlier declaration.
He was in love with her.
Of course, now everyone would know. Although, maybe not. She didn't think those in the room wanted their own secrets divulged. Trelawney and Draco Malfoy? Really? Who would have guessed?
Not that she cared if everyone knew. The most important thing was that Severus loved her, and she loved him. Now she just had to tell him. Although she had professed her love before … she wanted him to know that it was not just a school girl crush. She really loved him.
"Even though I screwed everything up," Neville said. "I think it will all work out, Hermione."
"You just got lucky, Neville," she replied. She was not yet ready to completely forgive him.
"I know," he said with a shy smile. Then, indicating the couple in front of them, he added, "It is actually surprising that it worked out the way it did. I could not have anticipated that happening."
His thoughts seemed to mirror her own, as they watched the Divination professor and Draco Malfoy walking silently besides each other.
"Do you think Professor Snape will hurt me?" he asked at last, and Hermione knew that this was upmost in his mind.
She thought about letting him suffer …
"No, Neville I don't." She looked over at him. "I think he will have enough to occupy his mind. And after all, as you have said, it will all work out … in his favor." She said the last bit with a smirk.
"I am surprised you aren't going to wait for him."
"There's really no need. Professor Snape will find me … when he is ready. Of this, I have no doubt."
****
Draco walked beside Professor Trelawney in silence. She had not said anything to him, and he wondered what she was thinking. He was happy about how things had worked out. Of course, he would never have guessed Longbottom for the culprit. The thing he had worried about the most, besides Professor Dumbledore, was Snape. He thought the Potions professor would tell his dad about Sibyll. Now, he knew he had nothing to worry about. Even with the headmaster's blessing, it would not be good for others to know Professor Snape was in love with a student. Not good at all. And that would be all he needed to ensure his Head of House's silence.
It had actually worked out quite well. Now all he needed was to talk to Sibyll. He looked over at her, and smiled to himself. She still seemed to be in her own little world.
****
The hallway was empty when Snape left the headmaster's office. He needed to talk to Hermione but suddenly found that he was nervous. She already knew how he felt, thanks to his spontaneous utterance. He, however, did not know how she felt. He thought she cared for him but he wasn't completely sure. Of course she had already said she loved him … but that was just a school girl crush. Over the last few days they had really gotten to know each other better. Did she love him now? Truly? He knew he had to find out. And although he was not usually one to cower, he had to admit that he was anxious.
****
Professor Dumbledore sat back in his chair and put his hands together in thought. Even he had been surprised by the day's disclosures. But in the end it had all worked out for the best. He knew this would actually help the young Longbottom make better choices in the future. He was no longer worried he would turn toward the Dark Arts.
He had been honest with Severus. He thought that the Potion's professor and Miss Granger would do well together. She would be able to balance out Severus's usual negativity.
As for the Sibyll and young Malfoy. Well, he didn't know what to think about that. He smiled to himself.
Sometimes things just had a way of working out.
