Hermione had a horrible time concentrating the next day.
She had woken up, already flushed with memories from the night before, and touched her lips slowly, as if everything really had been a dream. She couldn't believe that Snape had actually kissed her- and it had been bloody good too. For a while she had to remind herself that the bird played some part in how that evening ended, but then remember the words he had spoken to her.
He had wanted to kiss her. She blushed as she thought about having his surprisingly soft lips on hers again. There was absolutely no way she was going to be able to ever go back from this interaction. In fact, she wanted so much more, however it had nothing to do with the stupid bird and everything to do with the fact that she wanted him. She wanted her forty-odd something Headmaster and apparently he wanted his twenty-one year old student.
Everything that was Hermione Granger shouted at her that this wasn't right, but that was the pre Voldemort battle Hermione.
The post-battle Hermione reminded her of how short and precious life really is- even without magic.
Even though wizards and witches were granted extended lifetime, they were not immortal and Voldemort proved that. Horcruxes couldn't even stop the inevitable. What would be would be- death would find you one way or another. She couldn't even fathom the thought of losing him again, and she would stay with him as long as he would allow her to. She tried picturing the rest of her life: a career, marriage, a family perhaps, and each scenario had one thing in common- Severus Snape. The only problem, well okay there was more than just one problem, but the biggest one seemed to be whether he would want any of those things. A career- yes. He valued her most for her intellect and would want her to do whatever she could with that gift. But marriage? A family? Those seemed like they would be foreign words to him.
She sighed, and was quickly brought back to her Transfiguration class with an order by McGonagall to see her after class. Harry and Ron looked confusingly at each other, but didn't dare to ask Hermione about the reasoning behind McGonagall's request.
After class ended, the two boys approached Hermione.
'Hermione, are you alright?' Harry asked carefully.
She sighed and turned to the two boys, 'Yes, I'm quite alright. I didn't get much sleep last night. I'm sure Professor wants to ask the same thing as well. I'll meet up with you two in a bit.'
Satisfied with her response, Harry placed a comforting hand on her shoulder, smiled, and herded Ron out of the classroom. Hermione stood up slowly and approached her Professor's desk.
The older woman peered over her glasses at Hermione, 'Hermione, dear, how are you feeling? You seemed quite distracted today.'
Phew, she thinks I'm still just shaken from last night. Hermione smiled softly at her mentor before replying, 'I'm sorry Professor. I suppose I didn't get as much sleep as I would have liked last night, but I am fine other than being a tad tired.'
She prayed that she could pull off that small lie just for today. Her prayer was answered when McGonagall nodded her head understandingly.
'Of course! Please take it easy today, Hermione. You don't want to fall ill from lack of rest.'
With that, Hermione murmured a 'thanks', smiled appreciatively, and left the room.
Thank the gods. I can't even imagine what would happen if she knew the truth about last night.
She was so caught up in her silent prayer of thanks, that she didn't notice the dark figure walking towards her.
'Miss Granger,' she was startled out of her thoughts, 'I don't suppose you were thinking about whether or not you should watch where you're going whilst walking through the corridors, were you?' His silky voice made her blush for what seemed like the umpteenth time that day.
'I'm sorry, Headmaster,' she gave a small bow of her head, which caused Snape to frown.
'Miss Granger,' he whispered, 'there's no need for such formalities, I assure you.' He looked kindly into her eyes. She smiled brightly and returned his gaze.
She needed him desperately.
Severus would never get over just how deliciously attractive Hermione was when she blushed on his account. And secretly, he hoped that he would never have to. The truth of the matter was simple now: he wanted her and she wanted him.
Unconventional, and inappropriate, as it seemed they really were perfect for each other. Even before she saved his life the first time, he always felt a small pull to the Gryffindor. He just needed to make sure he went about this relationship the right way, or put a great deal at risk.
'I was actually just coming to find you, Miss Granger. Would you mind following me to my office for a quick chat?'
'Of course, sir!'
The two walked silently to his office, never noticing the looks of sympathy from the on looking students, and professors.
Once they were inside his office, Severus motioned for her to take a seat in the chair across from his and started talking at once.
'Miss Granger, I'm sure you have some semblance about why you are here right now. Last night was…something that should not have happened.' He looked directly into her eyes and watched grief spread like wildfire over her features.
Silly girl, don't be so quick to assume the worst.
He continued, 'But I don't think I've been quite this happy in years. As we talked about before, whatever transpires in the months to come will have to remain discrete and completely private. You cannot tell anyone. Once your time at Hogwarts has ended then we can reevaluate the situation, but this cannot be shared between anyone but us. Do you understand?'
Hermione nodded furiously.
'As for the bird, you are going to have to be careful with what you say. Since your wishes are pure, I am almost certain that everything will be granted. You don't know when, but they will be fulfilled and it can cause trouble sometimes.'
He looked at her curiously. 'What are you thinking about?'
She started slowly, 'Well, sir, it's just that for the matter of what my deepest desire is- how will I know when that's been fulfilled?'
His smile was almost menacing, 'Don't worry, you will know. I cannot tell you how because it is different for everyone so I've read, but you will be left with something to remember your bonding.'
Suddenly, his smile disappeared and he turned serious again.
'Hermione,' he could sense her shiver slightly at the use of her first name, 'there is one more thing.'
'What is it? You can tell me anything, sir!' She stared desperately back at him.
'I need to know that this is what you truly want. I'm an aged man. I'm not young like I once was, and I'm certainly not anywhere near your age. Anything that changes in my life now is…,' he stopped talking to stare into her eyes, into her soul, 'well, it is permanent. I don't want to rush or scare you, but don't expect me to allow this to be treated like a high school fling. I don't do flings. This won't be a joke to me. If in the following weeks you start to feel differently, which I wouldn't hold against you, then you must tell me instantly.
I will not be forced to hold onto someone or something that no longer exists. I did that for my entire lifetime already, and I don't plan on doing it again. I will put as much into this as you allow, and will return your affections with as much meaning and sincerity as you do. Communication is going to be key for this- for us. Hermione, you can trust me with anything, tell me anything, show me anything- I am a confident, a friend, whatever you need. I will be here for you, I promise. Always.'
He breathed a long breath out before leaning across the table to gently brush the tears of happiness that Hermione had started to shed. When she composed herself, she responded,
'Sir that is absolutely the most meaningful thing anyone has ever said to me. You must believe me when I tell you that even before this silly bird, there already was nothing I wanted more than you. I tried to delude myself into thinking that it was just some school-girl crush, but eventually I had to realize that it wasn't. I know that we really know very little about each other, but when you speak and when you look at me, I feel- I don't know- connected? Almost like we are living and speaking through each other even though we're always apart.
I will never hurt you the way you have been hurt before. I couldn't. I've seen too much, done too much, lived too much to ever let anything happen that would drive you away. You're not a fling, you're real and this is what I want- bird or no bird. And, likewise sir, you can tell me anything.'
Their eyes met and they allowed a peaceful silence to flow through them.
'Very well, Hermione, I shall keep all that in mind. Now on a side note, you will start private potions classes with me next week. You'll need an apprenticeship to acquire any reasonable job after school, and I believe that is the area in which you should pursue. Is that satisfactory?'
Even though he asked it as a question, he formed it as more of a statement in his mind.
'Of course, Headmaster! Thank you for this opportunity!' She smiled.
'It would be my pleasure. Now I do believe I have kept you long enough. I am glad we were able to talk finally, and I look forward to starting next week.' He looked down at his hands, which caused Hermione to frown.
'Sir, what's wrong?'
'I'm afraid this was never my area of expertise,' he motioned his hand between the two of them, 'so I find myself wishing that I had some way of knowing that this was real.'
Hermione smiled, and rose from her chair. She walked slowly to where Severus sat and placed her right hand on his cheek. Carefully, she moved in closer and softly pressed her lips against his. Without a word, she brushed his cheek lightly, smiled, and left his office.
Merlin, she is going to be the death of me.
'Well, Severus. I daresay that you care terribly for the girl.'
Severus turned around to face the old Headmaster who was twinkling a little too much for a picture.