Chapter 9 – Best Friends
Hermione met with Harry and Ron at a cafe in Diagon Alley. Nervously she fidgeted with her hands while they waited for the waitress to bring their cappuccinos. But then again, she didn't need to be nervous, right? These were her best friends. They had to support her no matter what.
"So, what's going on?" Harry finally wanted to know. "Why couldn't you tell us in your letter what you want to tell us?"
Hermione breathed deeply in and out before she announced: "I have a boyfriend."
"What!" Ron exclaimed, more shocked than angry.
"That's great!" Harry said and hugged her. "So why aren't you smiling?"
"He's someone that you know and don't like," she admitted.
"If you tell me you're dating Malfoy, I swear I'll never speak to you again!" Ron threatened only half-jokingly.
Hermione bit her lip. "No, not Malfoy. But…" She had no idea how to say it. She loved Severus and would forever stand beside him, but she knew Harry and Ron wouldn't take the news well.
Harry's eyes widened. "Don't tell me-?"
She nodded.
"No!" he gasped in shock. "You didn't! I thought you just admired him for his intelligence! And not like... that!"
"Who are you talking about?" Ron wanted to know.
"Snape!" Harry exclaimed angrily.
"No way!"
"Hermione, do you have no self-love at all?" Harry said. "I mean yes, in the end he turned out to be a hero, at least partially, but he has treated you like crap when we were in school."
"But after the war that changed," Hermione started to defend her choice. "He and I worked very well together, he was always civil and often friendly, and he helped me whenever he could. He really has changed."
"When you say boyfriend," Ron started in horror, "does that mean you ... snog and stuff?"
Hermione rolled her eyes. "Of course."
"Gross!" Ron exclaimed. "I mean to be friends with him, fine, but kiss? Ew!"
"Oh please, Ronald, we all had to see you and Lavender making out in the common room – that was gross!"
"But still, Hermione," Harry intervened, "even if you say he's changed, he still once was a Death Eater. Please be careful with him, okay?"
"Is this the I'm-your-big-brother-speech?" Hermione smirked.
Harry shrugged.
"Does that mean you'll still talk to me?" she asked hopefully.
Harry grimaced. "If he is the man you want to be with, who are we to stand in your way? Right, Ron?"
Ron still looked a bit green but said: "I guess."
"Oh, guys!" Hermione cried and hugged them both. "You are the best."
"But I never want to see you kiss him, please!" Ron said and Hermione laughed with relief.