"Hi!" Ginny walked to Hermione. "You spent the whole time in that potions store? I hope you found something good!"
Hermione nodded carefully, and silently wished that Ginny refrained from asking any more questions.
"Are you ready to eat?" the red head continued, "I'm starving."
"Yes, I am!" Hermione answered. "You have to tell me about everything you found!"
The girls walked towards The Three Broomsticks and went inside. The warmth from the fires immediately hit the two as they strolled towards a booth near one of the hearths. Ginny began to remove her coat and scarf.
"It feels so nice in here. It's cold out there." Ginny flagged a waitress and ordered butterbeers.
"Well," Hermione inquired, "what did you find?"
Ginny talked about the various purchases she found, and the waitress took their orders. As they talked and ate, Hermione grew more and more concerned that she chose the wrong present. Snape didn't wear necklaces, so why would he start now?
Stupid, stupid, stupid, Hermione thought to herself. It wasn't even about the money she could have spent on the pendant, she just wanted it to be perfect. She wanted something that he could have and always think of her. She loved how the pendant symbolized 'protection' (something he clearly needed when she wasn't around!). She loved the leather for the necklace. Most of all, she loved the beautiful emerald.
You're overthinking this, Hermione. It was true she was spending way too much time worrying about something that she knew he would love regardless. She could have picked out the ugliest sweater with a matching knit hat and he still would have worn both.
Ginny noticed Hermione's wandering thoughts. "Are you okay, Hermione?" she asked.
"Yes, just have a lot on my mind with the apprenticeship and all. Academics, the usual." Hermione lied.
Ginny squinted, "If you say so. You look so distracted. You know you can talk to me about anything, right?"
Hermione lightly grabbed Ginny's hand. "Yes, of course I know that. Thank you, Ginny."
Without missing a beat, Ginny continued. "I just can't understand how you can be around that insufferable man for so long. He must affect your whole outlook each day. Just looking at his cloak makes me feel dull."
Hermione took a conscious breath before responding. She didn't want to seem too defensive.
"Actually, quite the contrary, Ginny. Honestly!" she responded to Ginny's dubious stare, "It's not the typical classroom setting, so I think that relaxes him. Plus he knows I'm not some first year dunderhead. It's nice to spend time with him. I know you'd never believe me, but he's not the same Snape from Potions." Hermione finished and looked down.
"Well, I don't think I'll be inviting him over for tea anytime soon, but I'm not surprised the Hermione Granger has been able to break through the shell of the toughest and scariest professor." Ginny paused to take a sip of her drink, "Plus, a Death Eater at that!"
Hermione hissed, "Former, Ginny. And watch what you say around here!"
Indeed, some people began to look at the girls questioningly.
"Oops," Ginny mumbled, "I forget how fresh the wounds really are."
Hermione grabbed her drink, "You of all people should know, Ginny."
Ginny looked stunned, then saddened. Hermione noticed.
"I'm sorry, Ginny. I didn't mean to make it sound like that."
Ginny shrugged it off. "I know. And you're right, but this is how I deal with loss. Sometimes making light of the situation is what you need to do."
The two girls finished their meals and decided to continue shopping.
"How's everything at home, Ginny?" Hermione asked.
Ginny merely shrugged. "I hate being around everyone. Especially mum."
Hermione looked confused. "But why?"
"I just do. It's not the same since Fred died. George pretends everything is fine, but we all know he's just pretending. It's so frustrating because it's not okay." Ginny finished in a huff.
Hermione consoled her friend. "I understand that, Ginny, but you still have George and Ron and Charlie and dumb Percy- you still have a lot of family left and they want you to know that they're always going to be there for you."
Ginny shrugged. "I guess." She paused, searching for something else to say. "Were you really planning on spending all day here, Hermione?"
"No. It's almost 3 o'clock. We can leave now." Hermione laughed.
The girls headed back to their floo site and landed in Headmaster Snape's office once more.
Ginny stepped out of the fireplace and looked around.
"Whew," she breathed a sigh of relief, "he's not here."
Hermione rolled her eyes. "Ginny he's really not that bad."
They walked down the spiral staircase and into the hallway. After no more than two steps, Hermione heard him call her name.
"Ah, Miss Granger. Miss Weasley, I do not think you would mind if I borrowed Miss Granger for purposes of academia- would you?" Snape drawled.
Ginny spoke carefully. "Not at all, sir. See you later, Hermione."
Ginny walked quickly down the hallway and Hermione smirked after her. Once the red head was out of sight, Hermione turned to Snape.
"Hello, sir," she breathed.
His response was short, but strong. "Come."
Hermione followed Snape back up the spiral stairs into his office.
He motioned to the chair across from his desk, and Hermione sat quietly. He sat in his desk chair.
"Hermione I must ask you something. I believe we are at that point where we can be honest with one another and not keep things hidden." Snape looked directly into Hermione's eyes.
She chuckled. "Sir, you don't have to use Legilimency on me. I will always tell you the truth."
Snape softened his stare. "I would never do such a thing without your permission."
He paused and then continued.
"Part of the reason I wanted you to stay here over the holiday was to work on our potion, but there was also another reason." His voice grew softer.
Hermione cocked her head. "What's that, sir?"
Snape continued. "I want you to come home with me."
Hermione was genuinely confused. "Home?"
"Did you really believe this was my only home?" He snorted.
"Well- I um- I guess I had never actually thought about that before." Hermione's look was a mixture of embarrassment and intrigue.
"I own a home and I usually go home during the holidays to maintain its upkeep." He was serious.
"Sir, do you have any family?"
"No, Hermione." Snape started, "My mother and my father were my only family. I never knew any of my parents' siblings, and I don't intend to start at this age. I'm sure my presence wouldn't be too well received anyway."
"You don't know that-," Hermione started, but was interrupted by Snape.
"I do. And I wouldn't care to know anyone related to my father either."
Hermione changed the topic back to the house, "So you would like me to go with you?"
Snape nodded his head. "Yes, I would. I could understand if you did not want to, but I assure you will be treated with the utmost respect."
"I wasn't worried about that at all. I would be delighted to go with you." Hermione flashed him a bright smile.
Snape looked physically relieved. "Good. Pack for a week."
"A week?" Hermione asked shockingly.
Snape merely nodded his head.
"Okay. Do I need to bring anything specific? My work? Ingredients?" she asked.
Snape laughed heartily. "No, my dear. Just some clothes and yourself."
"Okay, I will be ready for whenever you would like to leave. Does Professor McGonagall know?" Hermione inquired.
"Yes. She has taken over duties as Headmaster and believes we are traveling to study a rare potion. I am certain you know it was no trouble to get her to agree to the task," Snape smirked.
"Not for a second. I bet she will hardly notice our absence."
Snape's floo activated and Hermione motioned to the flames.
"Sir, you have a guest. I'll take my leave now." Hermione got up and walked to the door.
"Have a good evening Hermione," Snape called after her.
Hermione smiled and left the office, clutching the wrapped gift under her robe.
Severus waited until he heard his office door close before he received his guest. Out walked a beaming Thomas.
"Good evening, Severus. I hope all is well," Thomas extended his hand.
Severus reached out and took it. "Yes, quite well. I do hope it is the same with you."
Thomas shook his head quickly and began speaking. "You are in luck. I was able to get the stone. I was on my way back from visiting another jeweler, so I figured I would pop in and tell you the good news personally. I should have the ring finished Friday and will make sure you receive it then."
Severus contained his excitement well. "Excellent news, Thomas. Thank you for the speedy process. Send me the figures when you calculate and I will have the money ready when you bring the ring. Is that amenable?"
"Yes, yes that is quite fine, Severus. I promise you will not be disappointed. I must take my leave now. Do enjoy the rest of your evening." Thomas stepped back into the floo.
Severus bowed slightly and Thomas was gone.
He was overjoyed. The perfect present for the perfect woman. He tried to picture Hermione's bright eyes as she opened the box, and her warm skin radiant with embarrassment from such a piece. It was the first real present he had ever purchased for someone he cared about. He never spent such precious time agonizing over a material possession, but this was for Hermione and she was worth it.
He started to wonder which finger she would wear it on. Should I place it on her finger or let her do that? If he put it on her, which finger was it appropriate to choose?
A frown spread across Severus' face. Why on earth had he chosen a ring as the first meaningful present in their relationship? She's going to think you're nuts, Severus. Trying to propose after only a few months. He slapped his hand to his face. It would have been one thing if she was a perpetual wearer of jewelry, but the woman hardly ever wore a necklace, let alone a ring.
A pendant would have been better. She could wear it even if she didn't like it because it would remain hidden under her robes.
Severus, don't be stupid. Hermione is a practical girl- she won't over think the matter.
It was true. Hermione wasn't the type who obsessed over small details. She will be surprised and she will love it.
"My boy," Albus' voice interrupted Severus' internal conflict. "Is there anything I might be able to help with? You look as if in a conundrum."
Severus rolled his eyes. "Albus must you offer assistance every time your portrait life becomes dull?"
"I only seek to help, Severus. You don't want to lose the girl- do you?" Albus chuckled.
Severus stood and faced the portrait. "Her present. An emerald ring. Do I put it on her finger or should she? Which finger would I put it on?"
Albus pondered the questions for a minute before he blinked slowly at Severus.
"I would like to say I grew accustomed to the characteristics of my students during my time at Hogwarts. Hermione was no exception. A gift as special as the one you have purchased will require your attention with regard to its placement. Hermione will surely ask for your assistance in that matter. As for the finger, well, that is entirely up to you however, I do not recommend using the finger where a ring of another sort will find its place someday." Albus' voice trailed off and his eyes began to twinkle.
Severus smirked. "Touche, old man. Yet wishful thinking."
"Not wishful at all in my opinion, boy." With a final smile, Albus walked out of his portrait.