Chapter 9 - Don't Stop Me Now
Monday evening of the final week of the holidays saw Hermione curled up on her favourite armchair, sleeping peacefully. A certain potions master was seated next to her with his arm wrapped loosely around her shoulders. Severus Snape's eyes were closed and for one of the first times in years he was completely and utterly relaxed. Something about Hermione's presence helped him to forget all of his past troubles. Although he hated to admit it, he actually felt happy. Even elated. Well perhaps that description was going a bit too far.
Before he could think more on these realisations there was a knock on his door. Both Snape and Hermione's eyes flickered open and the professor hurriedly jumped out of the chair and seated himself in the one opposite. "Enter." The door swung open to reveal Albus Dumbledore. He remained in the doorway and began to speak. "Good evening Hermione. Severus I was wondering if I could have a word with you." Snape looked slightly worried but stood up and headed towards the door. Hermione then began to stand but Dumbledore shook his head. "I'm sorry Hermione but we must speak alone." Hermione nodded solemnly and watched the door swing shut.
"What is it headmaster? Has something happened? Have the Deatheaters done anything?" Snape asked all of this extremely quickly. "Calm yourself Severus. I merely wish to speak with you about our young Gryffindor friend. How is she?" Snape thought he knew where this was going. "I believe Herm- err Miss Granger is doing as well as could be expected." Dumbledore smiled. "She's lucky to have a friend like you. In fact you're both extremely lucky to have found each other." Severus frowned. "You seem to be mistaken about the context of our… relationship." The headmaster's eyes twinkled. "Oh I don't think I am. I've noticed the way you talk about her. And the way in which the two of you behave around one another. And the fact that practically neither of you has left your room since the night of Voldemort's demise speaks for itself."
Snape's eyes were wide and his face was reddening. "Headmaster, I never-" Dumbledore interrupted the professor. "It's okay Severus. I'm happy for you. For both of you. I just advise you not to publicly advertise what is happening between you as it is… What's the phrase? Highly inappropriate." He winked at Snape's scarlet face. "Of course headmaster." Dumbledore nodded approvingly before speaking again. "Oh and one more thing. Can you talk to her about what she wants to do next year. I suggest that she completes her NEWTs in private, away from the questioning eyes and mouths of almost all of our students. You could even be her academic mentor if you would like to." Snape nodded. "I'll make it a priority to speak to her about it." The headmaster's eyes continued to twinkle brightly. "I feel as if I should make a comment on the topic of young love but that would cause me to fear for my safety." Snape narrowed his eyes. "You assume too much."
When Severus returned to his quarters he was bombarded with questions. "What did he say? Has something happened? Have the Deatheaters done anything?" Snape smiled at the similarities between himself and Hermione. "Thankfully no. He just wanted to talk." He paused for a moment, trying to find the right words. "He knows. About us." Hermione looked worried. "Don't worry, he doesn't mind. He just doesn't want us to go shouting about it from the rooftops." The young woman giggled. "Well that puts a dampener on my plans for this evening." Snape grinned before returning to his place beside her.
He wrapped his arm around her shoulder once more and held her tightly. After giving her a soft and lingering kiss on the cheek he began to speak. "Dumbledore also wanted to know of your plans for next year. He suggested that you complete your NEWTs in private, perhaps with my help." Hermione nodded in agreement. "Yes, I've been thinking about what I'm going to do. That sounds like an excellent idea." She paused before continuing. "I'm also thinking about making potions my main focus. I've really enjoyed all of the potion making we've been doing during the holidays. Especially because I've had such a competent, skilful and knowledgeable teacher." Snape chuckled. "You forgot handsome." Hermione giggled more vigorously this time before snuggling against her favourite professor. As he ran his fingers through her untidy hair she said, with a smile on her face, "I could never forget that."
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I do love Dumbledore. He's probably my all time favourite Harry Potter character. Even with the revelations of 'Deathly Hallows' I could not help but find myself endlessly endeared by him. The anger towards him that had collected throughout the book was immediately abolished with that one chapter (I'm sure most people reading this will know which particular chapter I'm talking about).
Just because I can, I'll tell you that 'Don't Stop Me Now' is my favourite Queen song, along with 'Somebody To Love'.
I must thank you all for your extraordinarily kind and generous reviews. They really make me happy.