Chapter 25
Disclaimer: don't own it.
Vswimming12 is the best beta in the world.
"Nice try Hermione. We'd know your scent anywhere. Let's head back to the castle and you can explain it to us there. Remus, my quarters are closer and Albus gave me some of that oak matured mead. What about it?" asked Severus.
I just followed along as Remus nodded his head in agreement. We arrived at Severus' quarters quicker then I thought possible. We changed back and sat down in his sitting room. Severus, in his winged backed armchair on one side of the fire and Remus, on the other one, while I sat on the sofa which was facing the roaring fire.
I stared unseeing at the fire. Watching the flames lick at the logs, causing them to hiss and crack as they burned.
I jumped when Severus nudged my hand with a glass of mead. I took it and tried to focus on the situation at hand instead of memories from the past.
"I couldn't go home. I told the others I was flooing home from the Three Broomsticks, but I was really just staying here for the Christmas holidays. I didn't want their pity or to put them out. It's a time for family, and I'm not. I just wanted to spend my last Christmas at Hogwarts on my own. That's why I didn't tell anyone," I said and took a sip of the mead.
"You could have stayed with me," said Remus. I looked up and into his brown eyes and felt the guilt and hurt wash over me. I had disappointed him and yet he forgave me.
I glanced up at Severus from under my eyelashes and could see the understanding in his face.
"I'm sorry," I said and took another sip of mead. "Well that's enough. You'll stay with me for the remainder of the holiday. I believe you should be going Remus. It's late and I'd like to keep some of my stores of mead for myself," said Severus, as he rose from his chair to show Remus out.
I leaned back on the sofa and closed my eyes and placed my hand over them. I was tired and stressed out. I didn't think it was such a good idea for me to stay with Severus. I wanted to be alone and reflect on my memories of my mother.
It hurts to think about her, but I miss her so much. Life just hasn't been the same. Dad hasn't been the same.
I jumped when I felt a hand pulling at my arm to remove it from my face. I let him. I never heard him re enter the sitting room.
He gently caressed my cheek with this thumb. Tracing a line from the corner of my brow down to my lips. I heaved a sigh and opened my eyes. I stared up at the ceiling, watching the light play against it.
I turned my head sideways and looked at him. His mask was down and his eyes were filled with concern. He looked both very tired and lonely. I smiled and curled up into his chest, wrapping my arms around him.
He wrapped me in his arms and buried his nose into my hair. I was content.
Millie, the house elf, popped in and deposited my bag beside us and popped back out again. "You really want me to stay?" I said.
"Yes," was all he said. I nodded and extracted myself from his arms. "I need to get changed. Can I use your bathroom?" I inquired as I moved to pick up my bag of clothes.
He nodded, got up and took my hand, pulling me towards his bathroom. I went in, and got changed into my pajamas as he did the same in his room.
After brushing my teeth, I exited the bathroom only to be met with a mouth watering sight…