Summary: The secret relationship isn't as secret as they thought.
A/N: It's almost time to send Hermione home, unfortunately. They've got a little time still, though.
Chapter 11
Severus and Hermione had holed up in her quarters for most of the weekend, only coming out for meals to make sure no one asked questions they couldn't, or wouldn't, answer.
Hermione had found it hard to concentrate in classes on Monday. She just wanted to spend as much time as she could with Severus. With less than two weeks before she'd go back to her own time, she silently worried that her return would not bring Severus back to life. Or as time moved on... keep him alive.
The day had passed slowly, but finally, they were in the lab with Lily Evans, working on their brews. Lily was helping with Pepper-up once again, and Severus was working on his memory draught. He'd successfully created a formula that helped people remember things from their past, but he still was working on the more detailed cure for dementia and other memory health issues. He hoped that with this last tweak in the potion, it would work. He knew there were spell-damaged witches and wizards that would benefit from this if he could only get it right.
He glanced up in between stirs and saw Hermione watching him. She looked at him as if she wanted to devour him. His insides stirred with her heated look. He gave her a searing one of his own, causing her to blush and look down at the essays she was correcting. He smirked and went back to his potion.
Several more times, their eyes met, and they gave one another heated glances. Severus finished up his potion and decanted it. Going over to Hermione, he advised her as such.
"Who do you have lined up to test this on?" she asked.
"I'm using the same elderly woman as before. I felt that keeping her as the trial person would keep the study valid."
"Sounds good," Hermione acknowledged, smiling beguilingly at him.
He arched a brow and leaned in, whispering in her ear.
"I can't wait to be alone with you, love."
She blushed three shades of pink. Their moment was shattered though, when Lily piped up.
"Okay. What's going on with you two?"
Both their heads snapped over to Lily, who they'd somewhat forgotten was in the room.
"What are you talking about, Miss Evans? There's nothing going on with us."
"Oh, no, no, no. I see the way you two look at each other. There's definitely something going on."
Severus and Hermione exchanged glances. Hermione gave a slight nod to him, and as they stared into one another's eyes, they seemed to have an entire conversation. They turned back toward Lily.
"You must promise that anything said in this room stays in this room," he admonished.
"Of course," Lily said, looking excited to be in on something secretive.
"We are a couple," Severus continued.
"I knew it! You guys have been acting sneaky for weeks!"
She rushed up to Severus and threw her arms around him.
"I'm happy you've found someone, Sev. You deserve it."
His arms surrounded her. "Thanks, Lily. That means a lot from you."
She pulled back and took a couple steps back. Looking at Hermione she gave her her congratulations too.
"Professor, you seem like an amazing woman. I hope you're both happy for a long time."
"Thank you, Miss Evans," Hermione said.
"So, why aren't you announcing your relationship? There are no rules against of-age people dating at Hogwarts no matter what their position."
"We are aware," Severus said. "We just would rather it not be announced. There are forces that might look upon our relationship as a negative thing."
Lily narrowed her eyes. "You mean Slytherins because of Professor Granger's blood status."
"Right, Miss Evans."
"Also, as a spy, I don't want to have anything for anyone to be suspicious of."
"You're being careful, right Sev?" Lily asked.
He nodded. "Yes, and this is part of being careful."
Lily nodded. Her eyes went from Severus to Hermione, then back to Severus.
"I understand. I'll make sure no one thinks you two are a couple if I hear any musings about it."
Severus looked at Hermione. "And we will need to be more careful. I think we feel pretty comfortable here because it's just the three of us. I would hope that we haven't been quite so noticeable to the main student body."
"I hope not," Hermione said with a sigh.
"I don't think others have noticed. I mean, if anyone in my House thought anything was going on with you two, everyone would hear about it. A Gryffindor Professor dating a Slytherin. It's basically heresy."
Hermione chuckled. "That's for sure."
"Well, I guess I'll leave you two lovebirds and go get my Charms assignment done." She wiggled her eyebrows at them. "You two have a good night."
She gathered her things and left, while the two watched her go. Severus turned back to Hermione after the door was secured and a Muffliato placed.
"Well, that was unexpected."
"That's for sure. I guess we'll have to be doubly careful that we are not broadcasting our relationship to everyone," Hermione mused.
"We will be more cautious from now on. You will be gone in less than two weeks, and there will be nothing to see after that, so I'm not really worried."
Hermione chewed her bottom lip. "What will you tell her when I leave?"
He shrugged. "I'll figure out something. Maybe we'll be in a long-distance relationship because you had to return to care for your invalid father in… France."
She nodded. "That would work."
"Now… where were we?"
She arched a brow at him. "You were being suave and enticing me with all sorts of promises for when we were done here."
"And I believe that we are now done, are we not?"
"I know I am."
"Then, let's be off."
He took her hand and kissed it before helping her to stand. His eyes never left hers as they made their way out of the lab. Unfortunately, they had to separate and act normal as they ascended to her quarters on the third floor. They almost ran all the way.
Making sure the hall was empty, Hermione opened the door and pulled Severus in with her, closing it quickly behind them. Their eyes never left one another for the rest of the night.
oooOOOooo
It was early Saturday when Severus leaned over and awakened Hermione with sultry kisses. She slowly awoke and returned his affections.
"Good morning," she said finally.
"Good morning," he said with a smile.
"Happy Saturday," she said. "What shall we do today?"
"I have plans for us, as it's our last full day together."
"What are we going to do?"
He grinned at her.
"I have gotten permission from Dumbledore to take you on a date."
"Oh, really?" she asked coyly.
"Mmmhmm. And we are headed to London."
"Yeah? What are we going to do there?"
"Well, I got my hands on a Muggle newspaper, and there's a movie that's been out for a while that has great reviews."
"Oh, really? What movie?"
"It's some space movie called Star Wars. It sounds interesting."
"You want to go see Star Wars? I didn't know you were into that sort of thing!"
"You've seen it?"
"Everyone has seen Star Wars."
"Well, I haven't!" he ground out.
"Do you see Muggle movies often?"
"When I'm home for the summer my mum and I go when my father is at work."
"We've not really talked about your father. You've only mentioned your mother."
Severus frowned. "I'd rather not ruin our day by talking about him now."
Hermione reached out and caressed his cheek. "Okay. You can tell me some other time. All I know from my time is that he wasn't a good man."
"He's not." Severus turned onto his back and stared at the ceiling.
"He's a drunk, and he beats my mother."
"Oh, no. Has he ever done that to you?"
"Many times."
Hermione moved into his embrace, resting her head on his chest. "I'm sorry, Severus. No one should have to live with abuse like that."
He shrugged. "It is what it is. As I said, I don't want to sully our day, so let's talk about something else. Is this movie good?"
"It's amazing."
"Then I am happy we are going to see it together. Let's get ready, grab breakfast, and be off."
oooOOOooo
They exited the movie and Apparated to Diagon Alley, where they had an early dinner at the Leaky. They were now sitting across from one another with their meals in front of them. Severus had chosen the Guinness Stew and Hermione was having Cottage Pie.
"Good movie, right?" Hermione asked.
"Indeed."
"What did you like most about it?" she asked him.
"Obviously when they destroyed the Death Star."
"Obviously," Hermione mimicked. "What else?"
"Well, Luke and Leia, of course. Leia was quite spunky. She reminded me somewhat of you. They left the relationship with Luke and her a bit open. Do you think they'll work out?"
Hermione was taking a sip of pumpkin juice when he made that remark and she barked out a laugh, almost spilling her drink all over herself.
"Umm… We learn more about them in the sequels."
"There are sequels?"
Hermione nodded.
"Do tell. Do they go around the galaxy defeating bad guys together?"
"Well, yes, something like that."
"Tell me what happens."
"Severus, I don't want to spoil it for you."
He waved his hand at her. "I don't care. The next movie won't be out for a while. Just tell me."
Hermione looked around and cast a Muffliato. Leaning in, she whispered, "Leia is actually Luke's sister."
"You're kidding me," Severus said.
"No. They're twins. Unknown to Darth Vader until late in the series."
"Well, that gives that kiss a whole new meaning now, doesn't it?"
Hermione chuckled. "That's for sure."
They finished their lunch while discussing the movie further. Soon they had Apparated back to Hogwarts and were walking around the lake. Severus had grown quiet as they ambled.
"Oh, look, the Giant Squid," Hermione remarked as she pointed out over the lake.
Huh? Oh, yes," Severus said in distraction.
Hermione looked over at him. "Severus, what's wrong?"
He looked over at her with a pained look.
"You will be leaving tomorrow. I don't know how I will go on without you."
Hermione wrapped her arms around him and hugged him tightly.
"I wish you wouldn't have to spend all those years without me. I'm so sorry, Severus. Maybe…"
He pulled back a little and looked into her eyes.
"Maybe what?"
She frowned. "Maybe it would have been better for us not to have gotten involved this way in the first place. It's just going to bring you heartbreak."
His brows furrowed as he looked off in the distance.
"Hermione, we love each other."
"I know, but wouldn't it be easier if we didn't?"
His eyes moved back to her. "Easier, yes, but worthless. My life would be nothing without you in it. I would spend my life pining away for a woman who had no romantic feelings for me. Hermione, you've saved me, even if you will be gone for years."
She searched his face for any deception in what he said. She only found love reflected in his obsidian eyes.
"I'm sorry. I shouldn't have suggested that. I would be miserable if we hadn't gotten together, too. I love you, Severus, and that will never change. I'm glad we're together, but I wish the upcoming years wouldn't be so hard on you."
"Me too. I think the hardest part will be when you leave. I will need to work hard to not fall into depression. I'll think of you every day. I'll find a way to go on. I don't know how to yet, but I will move forward, and when you return, I'll be waiting there for you."
She kissed him lovingly.
"You're so strong, Severus. I know this will be hard, but you will be all right."
"I will. I just don't want to do it without you. Unfortunately, I have no choice."
They sat down on the sofa. Severus looked into Hermione's eyes.
"I love you, Hermione. I will make it work."
Her hand reached up and she cupped his face. "I know you will. I love you too… so much."
They embraced each other and held one another for the rest of the night, enjoying their closeness while they could.
