As the weeks passed, Hermione found herself settling into a steady routine, determined to maintain a sense of normalcy despite the whirlwind of emotions and changes in her personal life.
At meals in the Great Hall, she engaged in lively conversations with Ginny, skillfully steering clear of any topics that might hint at her suspected relationship with Severus. With practiced ease, Hermione deflected any curious inquiries and managed to keep her private life hidden from prying eyes.
In her classes, Hermione's dedication and hard work paid off as she excelled in every subject, her focus unwavering. She brewed effortlessly in potions, managing to keep a low profile and avoid drawing unnecessary attention to herself.
During her free periods, Hermione dedicated herself to tackling the homework that seemed to grow larger each day. With determination and diligence, she worked tirelessly, determined to stay on top of her studies and maintain her academic excellence.
In the midst of her busy schedule, Hermione found solace and joy in her regular meetings with Severus. They had established a routine, meeting three days a week—Mondays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays—and she cherished each moment spent in his company.
Their evenings together unfolded in the comforting embrace of a good book on the couch, the warmth of the fire casting a gentle glow over their shared space. Sometimes, they would venture into the privacy of the bedroom, where they could lose themselves in each other's arms, the outside world fading away as they reveled in their love and connection.
No matter where they found themselves, whether lost in the pages of a novel or tangled together in passion, Hermione treasured every moment she spent with Severus. In his presence, she felt safe, loved, and understood, and she knew that their bond would only continue to deepen with each passing day.
Hermione navigated their forbidden relationship with caution and discretion, knowing that the consequences of discovery could be dire. Only Draco was privy to their secret, and she took great care to ensure that their connection remained hidden from prying eyes.
She crafted careful excuses for their rendezvous, often citing library visits or the need to catch up on homework to explain her absences. She counted on the assumption that nobody would question her dedication to her studies, using her reputation as a diligent student to deflect any suspicions.
Occasionally, she would attribute her absence to detention, but she quickly abandoned this excuse when she noticed Ginny's increasingly suspicious looks. Hermione knew that she couldn't risk arousing any more suspicion, and she resolved to be even more cautious in the future, determined to protect their secret at all costs.
As Winter Break loomed closer, Hermione couldn't shake the sense of dread that settled over her. The silence from Ron since she sent out her rejection letter weighed heavily on her heart, and the thought of facing his relentless questioning during their time at the Burrow filled her with apprehension.
Despite her longing to be with Harry and the Weasley family, Hermione couldn't ignore the unease that gnawed at her. She wasn't ready to disclose certain details of her life, especially not to Ron in his current state. After finally finding stability in their relationship, the idea of spending weeks apart from Severus felt like a cruel twist of fate. Reluctantly, she accepted the necessity of the break, knowing that staying back would only invite further suspicions.
As Hermione sat at the breakfast table, surrounded by the cheerful chatter of her peers, she couldn't help but feel a sense of melancholy creeping over her. While everyone around her eagerly anticipated the upcoming holidays with their families, Hermione's thoughts lingered on her own painful reality.
Unbeknownst to anyone but herself, Hermione had been unable to locate her parents since obliviating them after the war. The absence of her parents during the holidays weighed heavily on her heart, intensifying her grief, and leaving her feeling more alone than ever.
With a heavy heart, Hermione made an effort to divert her thoughts, focusing on the conversation swirling around her. But the weight of her sorrow persisted, casting a shadow over her usual cheerful demeanor.
Despite the heaviness in her heart, Hermione tried her best to maintain a façade of normalcy. With a determined effort, she wiped away the solitary tear that had escaped down her cheek, refusing to let her sadness show. Taking a sip of her juice, she focused on Ginny's conversation, allowing herself to be drawn into the lively chatter around her.
As she listened to Ginny's animated recounting of her plans for the holidays, Hermione found herself momentarily distracted from her own sorrow. She laughed at Ginny's jokes and engaged in the conversation, grateful for the distraction provided by her friend's cheerful presence.
But even as she tried to immerse herself in the moment, the pain of her loss lingered in the depths of her heart, a constant reminder of the emptiness she felt without her parents by her side. Yet, in the midst of her grief, Hermione found solace in the company of her friends, knowing that they would always be there to support her through even the darkest of times.
As the morning mail arrived and the excited chatter in the Great Hall turned to hushed anticipation, Hermione's heart sank as a bright red envelope burst open on her plate, revealing a Howler inside. She felt a wave of dread wash over her as Ron's furious voice echoed through the hall, his anger palpable even from a distance.
HERMIONE GRANGER! WHAT IN THE BLOODY HELL DO YOU THINK YOU'RE PLAYING AT? I ASK YOU TO GIVE US ANOTHER SHOT, AND YOU DENY ME? AFTER EVERYTHING WE'VE BEEN THROUGH?
The Howler started to tremble with Ron's anger. The excited buzz from before quieted down immediately, eager to hear the rest of the Howler. With wide eyes, Hermione listened as Ron's voice filled the room, his words laced with anger and hurt. She could feel the eyes of her peers on her, their curious glances adding to her discomfort as she braced herself for the inevitable confrontation.
I PUT MY HEART OUT THERE, AND YOU JUST STOMP ON IT LIKE IT'S SOME INCONVENIENT BUG! WE COULD HAVE HAD SOMETHING SPECIAL, BUT NO, YOU DECIDE TO BREAK IT OFF LIKE IT'S NOTHING!
Nervous glances were shared between friends and Hermione could hear the light snickering. She sat petrified as the Howler continued to boom over the Great Hall.
I THOUGHT YOU CARED, HERMIONE! YOU SAY YOU WANT TO BE FRIENDS, BUT FRIENDS DON'T TREAT FRIENDS LIKE THIS! I EXPECTED BETTER FROM YOU, AND I DESERVE AN EXPLANATION!
Suddenly, the Howler crumpled, and Ron's voice faded away, leaving a stunned silence in its wake. As Ron's Howler came to an end, the silence that followed was deafening. Hermione could feel the weight of his words lingering in the air, the tension thick and suffocating. She knew that she would have to face Ron's wrath head-on, and she could only hope that she would find the strength to weather the storm that was sure to come.
Nausea crept up in Hermione's throat, threatening to overwhelm her, but she fought to suppress it, refusing to show any weakness in front of her peers. The intense gaze of those around her only fueled the flames of embarrassment and humiliation, scorching her deeply as they anticipated her response.
Anger surged within her, fueled by the intrusive stares of her classmates and the injustice of Ron's public outburst. With a sudden burst of defiance, Hermione refused to allow herself to be cowed by Ron's anger. "Show's over!" she bellowed, her voice cutting through the silence like a blade. Determined to reclaim control of the situation, she turned her attention to her food, attacking it with ferocity as she channeled her frustration and anger into something tangible.
"When I lay eyes on that freckled-faced moron, I swear I'll..." She violently skewered her target, concluding with a low growl, "...kill him."
Ginny burst into loud laughter at Hermione's words. "Hermione, you truly are one of the scariest people I've ever seen when you're mad."
As Hermione sat in silence, the weight of her omission weighed heavily on her conscience. She had neglected to inform Severus about Ron's attempt to revive their relationship, and now, with the news spreading throughout the school, she feared that her silence might appear as if she were keeping secrets from him.
With a sinking feeling in her chest, Hermione realized that her failure to communicate with Severus could have hurt him deeply. All thoughts of hexing Ron vanished from her mind as she realized the potential consequences of her actions.
Ignoring Ginny's curious gaze, Hermione dropped her fork and anxiously scanned the Great Hall, searching for Severus at the Head Table. Her heart raced with apprehension as she desperately sought to make amends for her oversight and ensure that Severus knew the truth about Ron's intrusion into their lives.
Driven by impulse and a pressing need to address the situation, Hermione abandoned her seat in the Great Hall and hastily pursued Severus as he made his way out. Despite his tall stature and lengthy strides, she was determined to catch up to him.
Finally closing the distance between them, Hermione felt a surge of urgency as she reached out and seized Severus's robes, compelling him to stop in his tracks. Her actions were ill-advised, especially in the middle of the bustling hallway, but she couldn't allow him to leave without addressing the matter that weighed heavily on her mind.
"Severus, wait," she implored, her voice filled with urgency and desperation. "There's something I need to tell you."
Severus swiftly pivoted, his displeasure evident as he loomed over Hermione in the corridor. His stern expression made it clear that he was not pleased to find her trailing him. "Leave me alone!" he thundered, his voice sharp with irritation. "Don't you have some homework to do?"
Hermione flinched at his harsh tone, but she refused to back down. "Severus, please," she urged, her voice trembling slightly with the weight of her emotions. "This is important. I need to talk to you."
Hermione's heart sank at the sharpness in Severus's voice, his words cutting through her like a knife. She had hoped for understanding, for compassion, but instead, she was met with anger and rejection.
"Severus, please," she pleaded again, her voice trembling with emotion. She reached out for him, her fingers brushing against his arm in a silent plea for connection.
But Severus recoiled from her touch, his expression hardening as he met her gaze with a steely resolve. "Don't call me that," he barked, his voice laced with bitterness and pain.
Hermione's lower lip trembled as Severus's harsh words pierced through her, but she refused to release her grip on his robes. Despite the pain and rejection she felt, she couldn't bear the thought of letting him go, of losing the connection they shared.
"Severus," she whispered, her voice trembling with emotion. "Please, look at me."
Her hand tightened on his robes, her fingers curling into fists as she fought to hold back the tears threatening to spill from her eyes. She knew she had to be strong, to find a way to break through the walls he had erected around himself.
"I didn't mean..." Hermione began, her voice faltering as she struggled to find the right words to express herself. She paused, taking a shaky breath as she gathered her thoughts, her heart heavy with the weight of the emotions swirling inside her.
But Severus cut her off with a fierce growl. "If you don't let go of me, you won't remain at Hogwarts."
With a forceful tug, he tore himself away from her grasp, leaving Hermione standing alone in the hallway, her heart heavy with regret and sorrow. She watched helplessly as he strode away, feeling a deep sense of loss at the rift that had formed between them.
As tears streamed down her face, Hermione watched Severus's departure with a heavy heart, feeling the weight of his rejection like a physical blow. Without a moment's hesitation, Ginny pulled Hermione into a warm and comforting embrace, offering her unwavering support in her time of need.
"This calls for another butterbeer outing," Ginny suggested gently, her voice brimming with empathy and understanding.
As Ginny led Hermione out of the castle and into Hogsmeade, Hermione allowed herself to be guided, her mind consumed by the events that had unfolded with Severus. She felt numb as she entered The Three Broomsticks, seating herself at a table with a solemn expression etched on her face.
Despite the lively atmosphere of the pub, Hermione found herself lost in her thoughts, gazing out the window with a distant look in her eyes. She wasn't in the mood for conversation, but the thought of drowning her sorrows in butterbeer was tempting, if only to numb the pain she felt inside.
As she watched the joyful students parading around Hogsmeade, Hermione couldn't help but feel a sense of isolation, the tears continuing to stream down her face unabated. The weight of Severus's rejection hung heavy on her heart, casting a shadow over what should have been a day filled with holiday cheer.
"Hermione, I know this can't be solely about Ron. You were ready to hex him in the Great Hall, so what's really bothering you?" Ginny inquired. "Please, tell me. We've been through so much over the years, and I'll stand by you no matter what." She handed Hermione a butterbeer, hoping that this time she might open up.
Hermione took the butterbeer from Ginny with a grateful nod, the warmth of her friend's gesture offering a small comfort amidst the turmoil of her emotions. With a heavy sigh, she swiftly drank half of it in record time, yearning for the cheerful buzz she felt during their last drink together. Setting the mug down and wiping her mouth with the back of her hand, she met Ginny's gaze with eyes filled with pain.
"It's not just about Ron," Hermione admitted quietly, her voice barely above a whisper. "It's... it's complicated." She paused, struggling to find the words to express the tangled mess of emotions swirling inside her.
"I... I made a mistake," she confessed, her voice trembling with emotion. "I hurt someone I care about deeply, and now... now I don't know how to fix it." Tears welled up in her eyes once more as she spoke, the weight of her guilt bearing down on her shoulders.
As Hermione spoke, her grip on her mug tightened until her knuckles turned white from the force. The pain in her heart was palpable as she wrestled with the weight of her emotions.
"I love him so much," she confessed, her voice filled with anguish, "but now it's irrelevant." The memory of Severus forbidding her to call him by his first name echoed in her mind, reopening the wound of his rejection.
Ginny watched with growing concern as Hermione drained her glass and tears continued to stream down her face. The ache in Hermione's heart was palpable, and Ginny couldn't help but worry about her friend's well-being.
Rising abruptly from the table, Hermione made her way to the bar without a word. Ginny followed her with her gaze, her worry deepening as she observed Hermione order another drink. Returning to the table with the second drink in hand, Hermione's eyes were red-rimmed, and her expression was weighed down by sorrow.
"Hermione, you can't sit here and drown your sorrows all day," Ginny remarked gently, her tone filled with concern.
"Watch me," Hermione retorted defiantly, her voice tinged with bitterness as she resumed her drinking.
Ginny's eyes narrowed with determination as she observed Hermione's stubborn resolve to drown her sorrows in drink. With a sigh heavy with concern, she reached out and forcefully took the mug from Hermione's hands, her expression a mix of frustration and care.
"Hermione, this isn't healthy," Ginny insisted, her tone gentle yet firm, as she held Hermione's gaze with unwavering concern. "You can't just sit here and drink your troubles away. Please, just talk to me. Let me help you."
Hermione's resistance faltered for a moment as she met Ginny's unwavering gaze. Swallowing hard, she felt a lump form in her throat as she struggled to find the words to express the pain and turmoil consuming her.
Hermione's voice was barely above a whisper as she confessed her painful truth to Ginny. "Ginny, I fell in love with someone I shouldn't have," she admitted, her words heavy with anguish.
Ginny's brows furrowed in confusion as she processed Hermione's revelation. "Why?" she asked softly, her concern evident in her voice. "I thought you were happy."
"I was... we were happy, Gin. I messed up. I didn't tell him about Ron reaching out to me, and it really hurt his feelings. He won't listen to me, and now I think our relationship is over," Hermione sobbed. "But, Gin, I love him so much. I didn't do it to hurt him, I swear. I didn't think the damn letter mattered. I was already going to turn Ron down, yet I guess I should have said something sooner."
Ginny held Hermione's hand as she poured out her heart, her own eyes moist with empathy for her friend's pain. She listened attentively as Hermione revealed the depths of her regret and sorrow. Her expression turned somber as she witnessed the sobs shaking Hermione's body. "Will you tell me now who it is?"
Hermione knew it was wrong to disclose it, but the pain overwhelmed her. "Severus," she whispered, her voice laden with sorrow.
Ginny's eyes widened in surprise at Hermione's revelation, her expression reflecting a mix of shock and concern. "Severus?" she repeated softly, her voice tinged with disbelief. "But he's your professor..."
Hermione nodded, tears still streaming down her cheeks. "I know," she admitted, her voice barely audible. "It's complicated, Ginny. I never planned for this to happen, but... I can't help how I feel."
Ginny suppressed the gasp that was about to escape her mouth. "Oh god, this is more complicated than I thought." She took a few minutes to collect herself, but she couldn't stop the confusion she felt.
Hermione nodded, her own confusion mirrored in Ginny's expression. "I know, Ginny. Believe me, I never imagined myself in this situation," she admitted, her voice tinged with regret.
Ginny took a deep breath, trying to process the information. "I mean... he literally is the scariest person in existence, and you willingly allow yourself to be with him?" Ginny questioned with doubt in her eyes.
"If you say he manipulated me, I swear to God, I will hex you," Hermione growled. She would not allow Ginny to speak ill of Severus, no matter how much he had hurt her with his actions. "Ginny, enough, please. I've already given away too much, and, as I said, it doesn't matter anymore."
"What are you going to do, Hermione?" she asked, her voice filled with concern.
Hermione sighed, feeling the weight of uncertainty pressing down on her. "I don't know," she confessed, her voice wavering. "I need to talk to Severus, but... I'm not sure how he'll react. After everything that's happened, I'm afraid he won't want to see me."
Hermione stood up wanting to leave. "I have homework to do."
Ginny shook her head. "No, you shouldn't be alone right now."
"I am fine! Everyone breaks up in life," Hermione countered as she felt her anger rise.
Ginny's concern deepened as she watched Hermione's sudden change in demeanor. "Hermione, I know this is difficult, but pushing people away won't make it any easier," she said gently, reaching out to touch Hermione's arm. "Hermione, I'm not that surprised that you love him because I heard you night after night screaming bloody murder for him. I knew I caught you ogling him a couple of times, but I thought it was just my imagination. Now I realize that you truly did care for him all this time."
Even though Ginny's words should have made her feel relieved, they hurt more. "So, what do I do now?"
Ginny reluctantly said, "When does Hermione turn down a challenge? Are you just going to willingly walk away from this?"
Hermione's eyes widened at Ginny's words. "Really? Why are you supporting this?"
Ginny smiled at Hermione and said, "I told you; I will be by your side no matter what it is. I may not understand it, but I know he must mean a lot to you."
Ginny let out a sigh understanding the frustration that Hermione was feeling. "I know you, Hermione. You don't give up on things that matter to you," she replied earnestly. "And from what you've told me, Severus matters to you. You can't just let this go without trying to fix it."
Hermione's expression softened slightly as she considered Ginny's words. "But what if he doesn't want to fix it? What if I've already ruined everything?" she asked, her voice filled with uncertainty.
"Right now, things may be hard, but you're brilliant. You will fix this," Ginny encouraged. "Or, I can just get out my wand and hex him," she said with an evil grin.
Hermione wanted to believe Ginny's words. "Ginny, I adore you and your positive attitude, but do you not remember who we are talking about?"
Ginny gripped Hermione's hands and dragged her out of the bar. Once away from everyone, Ginny said quietly, "He must care for you a great deal too, Hermione. As you said, he is risking his job for this relationship, and that is something that I didn't think Snape would ever do."
Hermione nodded, her eyes reflecting a mix of emotions. "I know," she replied softly. "It's just hard to believe sometimes, especially with everything that's happened between us."
"Is he worth it?" Ginny asked, a serious look in her eyes.
Hermione considered her words and said passionately, "Yes, he means everything to me. He may infuriate me all the bloody time, but he treats me great when we are just us. I can't just give up. I won't let him run away from me."
Ginny smiled at Hermione's determination. "Then go after him, Hermione. Fight for what you believe in and what makes you happy. And remember, I'll always be here for you, no matter what happens."
With a grateful smile, Hermione hugged Ginny tightly. "Thank you, Ginny. I don't know what I'd do without you."
"Anytime, Hermione," Ginny replied, returning the hug. "Now go find Snape and sort things out. And remember, I'm rooting for you."
With a newfound sense of resolve, Hermione released Ginny and set off to find Severus, knowing that no matter what happened, she had a loyal friend by her side.