As Hermione's eyes slowly cracked open, she found herself momentarily disoriented, the hazy fog of sleep clouding her senses. Blinking away the remnants of dreams, she struggled to orient herself, momentarily forgetting where she was and what had transpired the night before.
The unfamiliar surroundings of the room slowly came into focus, the soft morning light filtering through the curtains casting gentle shadows on the walls. As the events of the previous night began to resurface in her mind, Hermione felt a rush of warmth flood her cheeks, a shy smile tugging at the corners of her lips.
Taking a deep breath, she allowed herself a moment to savor the lingering sensations of their shared intimacy, her heart fluttering with a mixture of excitement and apprehension at what the new day might bring. With a sense of newfound clarity, Hermione pushed aside her initial disorientation, ready to face whatever challenges and adventures lay ahead.
Shaking off the remnants of sleep, Hermione's thoughts quickly turned to the day ahead. With a sense of purpose, she reminded herself of the responsibilities awaiting her, including her upcoming class. Aware of the importance of punctuality, she resolved not to let anything deter her from arriving on time.
With practiced efficiency, Hermione rose from the bed and began to prepare herself for the day ahead, her mind already racing ahead to the lessons she would have. Gathering her essentials, she made her way to the bathroom and turned on the shower, the sound of running water filling the space as she waited for it to reach the appropriate temperature.
As she stepped into the warm cascade of water, Hermione let out a contented sigh, allowing the soothing sensation to wash away any lingering traces of sleepiness. The gentle pressure of the water against her skin served as a welcome wake-up call, invigorating her senses, and energizing her for the day ahead. As she stood beneath the steady stream, the warmth enveloping her, Hermione found her thoughts drifting back to the unexpected union she now found herself in. Despite the lingering traces of uncertainty and apprehension, there was also a burgeoning sense of connection and intimacy that she couldn't deny. Reflecting on the events of the previous night, she couldn't help but feel a mixture of emotions swirling within her – curiosity, excitement, and perhaps even a hint of apprehension about what the future might hold. Lost in contemplation, she allowed the rhythmic patter of the shower to soothe her mind, finding solace in the familiar routine of her morning ritual.
After completing her shower, dressing in her school uniform, and carefully styling her hair, Hermione stood before the bedroom door, her hand hesitantly gripping the handle. With a mixture of anticipation and apprehension, she braced herself for the interactions awaiting her beyond the threshold – encounters with both her friends and her newly recognized husband.
Taking a deep breath to steady her nerves, Hermione reminded herself of the strength and resilience she possessed. Though uncertainty lingered in her heart, she knew she couldn't let it dictate her actions. With resolve firming her resolve, she steeled herself for whatever lay ahead.
Hermione turned the handle, the door swinging open to reveal the hallway beyond. Stepping out into the dimly lit corridor, she felt a rush of anticipation mingled with trepidation as she began to make her way toward the living room where the portrait hole awaited.
Each step forward felt like a small victory, a testament to her resilience in the face of uncertainty. As she moved through the familiar surroundings of their shared living space, Hermione couldn't help but wonder what the day held in store for her. Would her friends react with understanding and acceptance? And what of Severus, her unexpected partner in this newfound journey – how would he greet her on this new day?
As Hermione stepped into the living room, her gaze immediately fell upon Severus, who stood clad in his potions robes. A surge of nerves washed over her at the sight, her apprehension heightened by the reminder of their shared circumstances. Despite her efforts to remain composed, she couldn't shake the unease that settled in the pit of her stomach.
Feeling a mix of anxiety and determination, Hermione squared her shoulders and met Severus's gaze with a steady look of her own. She could sense the weight of their situation pressing down upon them, the reality of their unexpected marriage looming large in the air between them.
Severus regarded her with a thoughtful expression, his dark eyes betraying a hint of concern beneath their usual mask of stoicism. Despite the gravity of their circumstances, there was a subtle warmth in his gaze, a silent acknowledgment of the bond that now bound them together.
Severus's presence loomed large in the room, his demeanor inscrutable as ever. Hermione couldn't help but feel a twinge of uncertainty at the prospect of facing him after the intimate encounter they had shared the night before. Though they had crossed a threshold together, the reality of their situation still weighed heavily upon her mind, casting a shadow over their interactions.
Hermione's attempt at breaking the tension with a simple greeting hung in the air, a delicate offering of normalcy in the midst of their extraordinary circumstances. The words, though seemingly mundane, carried with them an undercurrent of significance, signaling her readiness to engage with Severus despite the complexities of their situation.
Severus regarded her with a measured gaze, his expression unreadable as he acknowledged her greeting with a terse nod. The air between them crackled with unspoken words, each hesitant to breach the silence that lingered in the space between them.
Hermione felt the weight of Severus's silence like a heavy cloak, suffocating and oppressive. His stoic demeanor, coupled with his inscrutable expression, left her feeling unsettled and uncertain. Despite her attempts to bridge the gap between them with a simple greeting, the palpable tension in the room lingered, casting a shadow over their interactions.
She longed for a glimpse beneath the surface of Severus's guarded facade, a fleeting moment of vulnerability that would offer reassurance and understanding. Yet, his enigmatic presence remained impenetrable, leaving her to grapple with her own insecurities and doubts.
With each passing moment, Hermione's frustration grew, a simmering undercurrent of frustration and longing. She yearned for a connection forged through open communication and mutual understanding, but the chasm between them seemed insurmountable.
Pointing to the portrait that was on the wall that led to the corridors of Hogwarts, Hermione asked, "Should we go to breakfast? I would hate to be late."
Hermione's attempt to break the silence with a practical suggestion was met with a slight nod from Severus. Without a word, he gestured for her to lead the way toward the portrait that served as the entrance to the Hogwarts corridors.
Despite her growing unease at Severus's silence, Hermione opted to keep her thoughts to herself. Suppressing the urge to question him further, she directed her attention to the portrait on the wall, quietly uttering the password to gain access to the corridors of Hogwarts.
As the portrait swung open, revealing the familiar dimly lit hallways, Hermione mentally prepared herself for the shift in dynamics that awaited them. With Severus now by her side, she understood the need to maintain a professional demeanor in public areas, where he would resume his role as her professor and her as his student.
As they walked through the halls, Hermione maintained a discreet distance from Severus, feeling the weight of his solemn presence. She observed the reactions of the other students as they passed, noticing the apprehension in their eyes as they shrank back from the imposing figure of their Potions professor. The atmosphere around them seemed to grow tense, and Hermione couldn't help but feel a pang of sympathy for her classmates, knowing all too well the intimidating reputation Severus carried with him.
Upon reaching the doors to the Great Hall, Hermione maintained her silence, her steps measured as she made her way to her designated table. Seating herself among her peers, she busied herself by loading her plate with an assortment of breakfast foods and taking occasional sips of pumpkin juice. Her mind was preoccupied with thoughts of the awkward situation she found herself in, but she focused on appearing composed and unaffected by the events of the morning.
Raising her eyes from her plate, Hermione met Harry's piercing green gaze. "Good morning, Harry," she greeted with a warm smile. She was determined to maintain a sense of normalcy, not wanting to add any unnecessary tension to the already delicate situation.
Harry looked at Hermione, guilt evident on his face. "I am sorry, Hermione, for yesterday," he began earnestly. "Ron and I were just not expecting that. We've been through so much, and I should've been more understanding. I may not like it nor do I agree with it, but I see that you didn't have a choice."
Hermione's smile grew. "Thank you, Harry, for your apology," she replied sincerely. Frowning slightly at not seeing Ron anywhere at the table, she added, "Is Ron alright?"
Harry shook his head. "He was angry and crying all night. I tried to bring him for breakfast, but he refused," he explained with a somber tone.
Hermione scowled, feeling slightly peeved by Ron's behavior. "I don't understand why he is acting this way. We mutually agreed that we were better off as friends. There was no chemistry whatsoever, and sure we may have kissed a few times, but after everything we've been through, I do not see myself ever being with Ron. I didn't even consider the fact of asking him to marry me after I found out about the law," she explained, frustration evident in her voice.
Harry shrugged and said, "Maybe you didn't see it going anywhere, but I think Ron still has feelings for you."
Hermione, unable to contain herself, exclaimed, "He doesn't own me, Harry. It's been months. If he wanted me, he could've said so. I am not a mind reader, and I sure as hell was not going to sit idly waiting for him to speak."
Feeling remorseful for snapping at Harry, Hermione took a sip of her pumpkin juice and took a deep breath. "Sorry for snapping at you. I just have a lot going on right now, and Ron being completely distraught about all of this isn't helping the situation."
Harry stared at Hermione with curiosity and unwavering support. "Please tell me the prat has been at least decent toward you." Harry didn't wait for her to respond, instead, he kept on speaking. "I will murder him myself if he's not."
Hermione chuckled at Harry's words. "I would like to see you try, but to ease your mind, yes, everything is fine." She held firm to her belief that their personal life was theirs alone, not to be shared with others, especially considering Severus's likely disdain for such disclosures.
As breakfast came to an end, Hermione took one last sip of her pumpkin juice. She picked up her school bag and slugged it over her shoulder. She followed Harry to the Gryffindor common room while she waited for him to grab his school bag.
While she waited, Hermione mentally reviewed the schedule for the day. First up was Transfiguration, followed by Charms. Then came a free period, during which she resolved to complete her potions essay. After that, she had Defence Against the Dark Arts, and finally Potions. The prospect of facing her husband's sour demeanor in class made her stomach churn with apprehension.
Hermione's thoughts were interrupted as Harry and Ron approached. She frowned at the sight of her red-eyed, blotchy-cheeked friend. Feeling the need to apologize, she cleared her throat and said, "I'm sorry, Ron. I know my apology won't fix everything, but I value our friendship deeply. I don't want to lose you as a friend."
Ron barely met her gaze, his somber attitude a stark departure from his usual demeanor. Hermione frowned at his lack of response to her apology, feeling hurt by his distant behavior. Without another word, she turned around and headed out of the common room.
Hermione's resolve remained steadfast despite Ron's distant behavior. She was determined not to let this rift ruin the strong friendship they had built over the years. She had fought alongside Ron and Harry tirelessly, and she wasn't about to let this small disagreement tear them apart.