Authors note: a short chapter, but more to come. Disclaimer: don't own the characters or the HP world.
CHAPTER TWO"How could you think to just escape without a word?" Minerva was fuming, her cheeks stained red with fury. "What did you expect me to do in the morning? You should have come to me for help weeks ago."
Snape grimaced. "I had thought I would have had longer. I would have, had my prospective matches not sent such prompt rejections."
Minerva pinched the bridge of her nose but said nothing. He would not want her condolences, nor her pity. The public had not been kind to him in the wake of Rita Skeeter's publication about him, even though he had been exonerated of his war crimes.
Hermione frowned. She had been of the opinion exoneration was not enough. He should have gotten an Order of Merlin for his sacrifices, the same as Harry, Ron, and herself.
"Well, there's nothing we can do about it now," Hermione shrugged. "What's done is done, and we will have to be married by the end of the month. Will this have any impact on my enrolment in Professor Snape's classes?"
"Practical as ever, Miss Granger," Minerva smiled at the young woman, grateful for the diversion. "Of course, you must continue - we can't allow your NEWTS to be penalized for this decision. I will, however, organize for another member of staff to grade your assignments and exams. I wouldn't have your grades being called into question."
"Small mercies," Severus muttered under his breath, looking out the window at the grounds and avoiding the Headmistress' sharp look.
"I think it best if I also revoke his ability to give or deduct house points from you as well, my dear," she said, her voice directed at his immobile form. "That would, of course, be entirely inappropriate."
Hermione agreed, and they discussed a few more details regarding conduct, wedding dates and accommodation while Severus glowered into the darkness.
"I'm sorry, Professor McGonagall," Hermione said, stifling a yawn. "But it's getting rather late, and the Professor and I should still discuss a few things by ourselves. Like what we're going to say to - Oh Merlin, how am I going to tell Harry and Ron?"
"Marry in haste, repent at leisure is how the saying goes I believe," Professor Snape gave her a half sneer and she glared at him.
"You be kind to her," Professor McGonagall directed at him sharply, but Hermione just rolled her eyes. If she had not become accustomed to his snark after this many years, she would be doomed, after all. Besides, she didn't believe there was any venom in it.
"We'll be fine," Hermione assured her mentor, and roughly linked her arm with her fiancé, yanking him towards the door with a jolt.
His expression, she thought, was priceless.