How could he possibly divulge such personal information without even consulting me?!
Hermione was livid. She didn't want to think that someone as private as Snape would willingly let slip those secrets, but as headmaster maybe he had a duty to protect the students in that way?
She was so confused. For once, she thought they were on a great page and ready to move forward, but she was not so sure.
She knew he would be in the dungeons working on something to assign her this week, and wasn't surprised to find the potions classroom door wide open. Without saying a word she quietly slipped inside, closed and warded the door, and cast a quick muffliato.
Snape didn't have to look up to know that her presence was near.
"To what do I owe the pleasure of your company, Hermione?"
"How dare you!" Hermione spat.
Snape's head shot up instantly at her unusual tone.
"She knows everything! How could you tell her without even consulting me?!" Hermione was directly in front of Snape now. His onyx eyes showed nothing but hurt and confusion.
"Miss Granger, I assure you that whatever it is you think I did, you are incorrect. I also will not tolerate this tone. Now, what on earth are you so upset about?"
Snape calmly sat down in the chair behind the teacher's desk and waited for her to speak.
"I had a meeting with Professor McGonagall and she knows." Hermione's voice squeaked a little at the end.
Snape's eyebrows rose a bit, "Knows what?"
Hermione's face went red with frustration before she embarked on her tirade.
"About us! The ministry contacted her with potential jobs for me after graduation and so she wanted to discuss my future today. At every single moment she could possibly find, she made some remark about us! Then, when I gave her my decision it was practically an oral confession! How could you possibly tell her anything when I don't even know what to tell myself about us!"
Hermione calmed herself by taking a few deep breaths and waited for Snape to retort. His response was not quite what she expected.
"What was your decision?"
Hermione's train of thought was obviously sidetracked by this question. Her mouth bobbed open like a fish, "Wha-what?"
Snape leaned forward over the desk and stared into her eyes, consuming every ounce of pride she entered with.
"What. Was. Your. Decision."
Hermione couldn't believe that that was all Snape cared about, when their entire relationship was on the line. She looked back at him defiantly with hurt in her eyes,
"Everything that we have sacrificed to try to be together is at stake, and all you care about is the damned Ministry?"
Hermione was close to tears now. How could he be so insensitive- so selfish?
By this point, Snape had lost all patience with the girl and threw himself out of the chair, moving around the desk until he was standing nose to nose with Hermione.
In a heated whisper, Snape spoke.
"You silly girl. Why do you think I care so much about your decision? Every single one of those opportunities would take you away from me. I purposely did not attend that meeting because I do not want you to throw away a future for me. Your intelligence should be available for the world to see, not hidden away in a dungeon. You belong in a challenging position where you can expand your knowledge.
I would do anything to give those things to you, but unfortunately I cannot. You must take advantage of every opportunity you can. You are young. You should travel the world and research, learn new ideas and take chances. I would do nothing but hinder that. I told McGonagall nothing. I believe her intuition has yet again surpassed her attempts at subtlety. I would never misplace your trust in that manner. I would never do anything to hurt you. I do hope you understand that."
Hermione stared deep into his eyes. He was telling the truth. He really only wanted what was best for her, and she was the selfish one. She slowly took his hands in hers.
"I declined them all," Snape's audible gasp shocked her.
Did he honestly think I'd leave him after everything we've been through?
"You did what…?" Snape could not contain his surprise at her confession.
"I told Professor McGonagall that I wanted to finish my apprenticeship with you. I'd like to become a Potions Mistress," Hermione looked into Snape's eyes softly, "and I would like to do so under your tutelage."
For a moment, Snape stood in front of her unable to speak or breathe, so Hermione continued.
"How could you possibly think that I would choose a career over you? After everything that we've been through- the war, the bird, the attack- I was stupid enough to keep this hidden for so long already, why would I throw it away?
You challenge me every day. You show me new things and teach me foreign ideas. It is because of you that I am the student I have grown into. I love potions because of the passion and sincerity you hold for the subject. I love it because it reminds me of you. Every chop, slice, stir- everything. Each minute, every concoction pushes me closer to knowing you and understanding who you are.
I'd be foolish to give all of that up for a fluffy title that screams 'War Heroine'. I don't want any of that- I only want you. I may have no idea where we stand, but I know that I don't want to stand with anyone else."
Severus could hardly believe his ears. She chose him on her own.
He moved his hands from hers and placed them on either side of her face.
"You chose me? You gave up title and power for me?" His eyes searched her features for some sign of betrayal.
Hermione smiled softly, "I think we both know that I never wanted either of those things- they just came along with being Harry's best friend."
"Hermione- I don't know what to say. I wanted you to choose me, but I haven't given you a lot of hope in us. You trust me enough to put all your faith in us?"
Hermione mimicked his hands, placing hers on either side of his face.
"I don't just trust you- I adore you. I have faith that you want what I want just as much, and that you will be there with me every step of the way. We knew a relationship wouldn't be easy, but that doesn't mean I'd give it up. I already told you, I am in this for the long haul. Or at least until I get that damned bird off my case," she teased.
Severus smiled softly at her words. She really does have genuine feelings for me.
Slowly, he brought his lips down to meet hers. If he wasn't able to fully express how he felt in words, then he would have to show her with his actions.
He needed to find a way to give back to her more than she had already given to him, and with the holiday season approaching in a few weeks time, he knew exactly what he had to do.
Severus was brought out of his reverie with a chuckle, "Severus? Are you okay? You seem more intent on thinking than snogging," Hermione teased.
Severus smiled, "Would you forgive me if I told you I was only thinking of you?"
Hermione blushed. "Yes- er- well I suppose that would be more than alright with me."
"Hermione," Severus started, "I want to thank you for everything that you have done- from saving my life twice already, to choosing to stay with me. I know you did everything on your own accord, but I will remain forever grateful for your courage and dedication. I have not been the most outright when it comes to our relationship with one another, but I promise you that will change. I am a man who stays good to his promises. I will never let you down and you will no longer have to wonder about anything."
"Severus, it doesn't matter to me how long I have to wait, just that you know I will wait. It's worth it- you're worth it. And honestly, I do love potions. I think I'll find more happiness in that career than in any Ministry position. I just never want you to think you have to hide from me. I won't judge you and when it comes to feelings, chances are I share yours."
Severus pulled the girl tightly to him.
"Hermione you are a wonder, and bird or not I will make sure your wishes are granted. You deserve nothing less."
"Speaking of wishes, I do believe I've been wasting precious opportunities to get what I want!" Hermione smiled mischievously at Severus.
"Oh? Well then, I suggest you start taking advantage of your bird, no?"
Looking into those onyx pearls she loved so much, Hermione whispered, "I wish you'd kiss me," and instantly Severus' lips were on hers.