Hermione woke with the sun the next morning. She turned slowly and looked at the man sleeping peacefully next to her. She recounted the events from the day before. While she never would have said anything, it seemed strange that Severus did not just demand an answer from her regarding the protective charm.

In fact, Professor Snape would have all but dumped Veritaserum down her throat to get some answers. His interesting change in personality had not been lost on the witch. In fact, she was surprised just how calm he was able to be.

Maybe I'm not the only one using magic, she joked to herself.

Their conversation was difficult, and Hermione had a hard time forgetting how he accused her of not being honest with him.

She knew they were going to have difficulties with the relationship, but she didn't expect them to happen so soon.

How naive can you get, she thought, rolling her eyes.

Difficulties were exactly what she should have expected when dealing with the most difficult person she had ever met. Despite knowing that, she was always drawn to him.

The sharpness of his features and personality comforted her, which seemed crazy. Maybe it was because she craved order? Or because she had the same low tolerance for stupidity? One would think that every girl's dream man would be tender and romantic, but Severus was practical and blunt, and it drove Hermione crazy.

Still, she couldn't help but wonder whether his sudden reservations had anything to do with her. She thought about what would happen if she ever tried using magic on Severus without asking him.

She chuckled to herself, he'd probably know before I even got the spell out.

No, she wouldn't use magic, but she would need to figure out whether he was being the real Severus, unhindered by the thoughts and opinions of everyone around him, or if he was being the Severus he thought Hermione wanted him to be.

She frowned at that thought. It was true, Severus had never been particularly kind to Hermione at Hogwarts, but his mannerisms and the way he presented himself made her respect him. Where most people feared him, Hermione did not. What was there to fear? His intellect? His talent? His pointedness?

Hermione half wished she had his parts of his personality. Not the unkindness, but the ability to not care about what others thought about her. Severus knew what people called him behind his back, and he knew the terrible things they said about him, but he didn't care. And even if he did care, Hermione was certain the opinion of a lazy first year was of no consequence to him.

If only she had a sliver of his ability to remain unfazed, she might have had an easier time during the first years of school. She shuddered. The first years of school, even with Harry and Ron, were terrible. People either wanted to be her friend so she could help them with their coursework, or they wanted to make fun of her. There was hardly ever a middle ground.

Even as an adult, Severus had to endure ridicule from people because he reveled in being smart. He never had to flaunt his intelligence because he was never trying to prove anything to anyone. Hermione guessed that's how they were similar.

She didn't "know" everything to prove to everyone that she did; she genuinely loved learning. She couldn't care less if someone was bothered by her intellect because at the end of the day, it was the one thing no one could take from her.

Hermione sighed and snuck out of bed, wanting to make sure Severus continued to sleep. She planned on meeting Ginny early so they could have as much time as possible together. She wondered what was so important that Ginny could not have put in a letter, or waited until they got back to Hogwarts. Regardless, she could use some time with another girl.

It was hard enough that she didn't have a mum to reach out to, but she had few female friends to turn to for relationship advice. She was relieved that Ginny seemed to know about Severus, because she could really use an outsider's opinion on the situation.

Hermione dressed quickly, and proceeded downstairs to the kitchen. She started the coffee wandlessly, and opened the giant stainless-steel refrigerator. Reaching for a small carton of eggs, she decided she would make breakfast for Severus. She collected the loaf of brioche on the counter along with some vanilla.

French toast was one of her mum's favorite breakfasts, and it was one of the few dishes that Hermione was able to make from scratch without magic. She smiled at the memory, and aimlessly wondered how Bill was doing with his search for her parents. As far as she knew, there had been no progress made, but she remained hopeful.

Hermione added the last piece of toast to a plate, and muttered a warming charm. She found a piece parchment and began to write:

Severus-

I left early for Ginny's. I will be back tonight. Enjoy your breakfast.

Love,

Hermione.

She waved her wand over the note and watched the ink disappear. Another habit. She learned not to trust outsiders in case her owls were ever intercepted, so she regularly disguised her writing so only the recipient could read it.

Hermione took one last sip of her coffee and made her way to the fireplace floo in the living room. She grabbed a handful of floo powder, "the Weasley's house." She thew the handful and was gone in an instant.

"Hermione! Dear, how wonderful to see you!" Mrs. Weasley was, unsurprisingly, the first to greet Hermione. She remembered when she would spend time at the Weasley's that she hardly ever saw the woman sleep. She doubted much had changed even after the War.

"Good morning, Mrs. Weasley! I'm so glad you are up. I know it's early." Hermione brushed powder off her sweater, and walked into Molly's open arms. The embrace felt nice, comfortable. There was something about a mother's hug that felt different. Hermione wiped her eyes, which did not go unnoticed by Molly.

"Oh Hermione. Are you alright? I told Ginny you should have come here for the holidays. You should not be alone." Molly moved Hermione so she was at an arm's distance and looked into her eyes, "you are a beautiful, bright and talented witch. Things will work out, but let those who love you take care of you."

Hermione gave a soft smile.

"Now, enough of that. Come eat." Molly signaled to a full plate waiting on the table, and walked to the stairs to shout, "Ginny! Hermione's here!"

Ginny appeared a few minutes later, and sat down to the second plate put on the table.

"I am so glad you were able to come. How's studying?" Ginny was careful with her word choice. Hermione knew Ginny told her mum that she had to stay at Hogwarts for her potions apprenticeship.

Hermione responded in code, "it's been great. I have been learning a lot, but there have been some difficult brews I haven't quite mastered yet." She gave Ginny a knowing look.

Molly overheard this, "If there's anyone who can be a Potions Mistress, it's you, Hermione. I know Severus can be difficult, but he will train you better than anyone out there. Do not get discouraged." She moved quickly from the pans she was scrubbing, to remove the towels hanging outside from their line.

"We definitely cannot talk here," Hermione chuckled.

"You have no idea," Ginny replied with smirk. Hermione's eyes went wide at this remark.

"Ginny! What is going on?"

Ginny shook her head and laughed. "We'll head to Hogsmeade and chat there."

The girls finished their breakfast, and said 'goodbye' to Molly.

"Where are you brothers?" Hermione asked Ginny. They had just arrived at Hogsmeade, and could talk freely.

"George spends most of the time at the shop. He makes it home for supper mostly every day, but we don't see much more of him aside from that. Ron was sleeping, of course. Bill and Fleur are expecting again, and everyone is excited about that. Charlie and Percy are doing well." She shrugged. "We're doing about as well as we can."

Hermione knew she was referring to Fred. It hadn't been that long since the War, and she knew the loss was still fresh for everyone- especially George. She tried not to complain too much about her family around the Weasleys because at the end of the day, at least her parents were still alive.

"This looks perfect," Ginny pointed. A new shop had recently opened in the village that only sold tea. The girls' eyes grew wide as they stepped inside.

The walls were full of shelves which held thousands of glass jars containing various teas. There were teas from almost every country, and teas for almost any ailment. Ginny spotted a small table in a corner, and motioned for Hermione to follow.

Once they sat down, a beautiful blonde approached their table.

"How's it going there?" She was Irish, and had a beautiful smile.

Hermione matched her smile, "this place is brilliant! I'm not sure how we will make a choice."

The woman laughed, "well you can choose whatever is on the wall, or let me know how you've been feeling and I guarantee, I'll get you what you need."

Ginny smiled, "I'll take something for exciting news." She looked at Hemione and laughed at her bewildered expression.

Hermione thought for a second, and requested something for "clarity."

With a nod, the blonde left the girls and headed behind the bar to make their drinks.

"Honestly, Ginny I might burst if you don't tell me what is going on right this instant!"

Ginny looked down and countered, "well, it's not so much something to tell as it is more something to show."

The redhead placed her hands on the table and muttered, "revelio!"

Instantly, a large ring appeared on Ginny's left hand. Set in gold was large ruby surrounded by no less than fifteen smaller diamonds.

Hermione's hands went to her mouth in shock. "Ginny! I can't believe it! Congratulations! When did this happen? And wait, why are you hiding this?!" Hermione's excitement quickly turned to confusion.

"It was entirely my decision, not Harry's," Ginny responded.

"After everything that happened, we knew this was the right decision," she motioned to the ring, "but the timing wasn't quite right." Ginny was obviously thrilled, but Hermione could see the sadness. "I'm not sure when will be the right time," she continued, "but I figured we needed to let mum grieve a bit more."

Hermione reached for her hand. "Ginny, don't you think that maybe this is exactly what your family needs? Something to celebrate? Something to take their minds off that grief even for the shortest of time?" Ginny frowned. Hermione could tell she hadn't considered that.

"Do you really think that would be a good idea? Well, then there's the whole age thing which you know my father will have something to say about how I'm too young." Ginny rolled her eyes.

Hermione laughed, "Well, I think you'll have any easier go of that than I will."

Ginny blushed. "'Mione, I'm sorry, I didn't mean it like that!"

Hermione interrupted, "I know you didn't. Only joking!"

Ginny, looking relieved, continued. "Okay, good, because you will obviously be my maid of honor, and Snape will have be there."

Hermione couldn't even process what Ginny had just asked her, because she was too focused on Severus. She knew the wedding wouldn't be for a while, but the thought of revealing her relationship scared her.

"Oh, Ginny, wow that's wonderful," she stuttered awkwardly. "I'm so honored. I'm sure Severus will do his best to be there." Hermione breathed a sigh of relief with the blonde returned with their drinks.

Hermione tried to change the subject by taking a deep sip from her cup. "Wow, this is delicious. How's yours?"

Ginny wasn't fooled.

"What do you mean he'll 'do his best to be there'?" She took a sip from her cup. "I know Snape still doesn't particularly care for Harry, but you have to know that Harry would want him there anyway. He did a lot for Harry."

Hermione stared into her cup. "Maybe that's what I need clarity on," she said gesturing to the cup, "I'm not sure when we will be ready to make it public." Ginny noticed the witch in front of her looked sad.

"Hermione, what happened?" Ginny asked gently.

"Well," Hermione started, "I don't think Severus thinks I'm serious about the relationship. Or rather, I know he thinks that."

Hermione told Ginny the detailed story about the fire emeralds and the confrontation that ensued, leaving no detail out.

After almost twenty minutes, Ginny spoke.

"So, are you mad he used magic on you, or are you mad he thinks you're not serious because he used magic on you." Ginny took a long sip from her cup.

"I guess I didn't think about it like that," Hermione started. "Honestly, I'm not even sure I'm actually mad because I know I probably would have done the same thing if I didn't think he would have known immediately I had used magic."

"Listen," Ginny continued, "I can't tell you what to do, and I don't know a lot about your situation, but I can tell you this. There is no denying you care deeply about him. I would use 'love' but I don't want you to feel pressured to use that term if you haven't yet." She watched Hermione blush. "Well, I guess that answers my question," Ginny laughed, "and truthfully, I can't say I'm surprised. Love is not a maybe thing. You know when you love someone."

At that moment, Hermione realized something. Despite the uncertainty about their age difference, and the fear that people wouldn't approve- she never questioned whether she loved Severus or wanted to be with him.

It became clear that all her worries and fears seemed to stem from outside influences. Why should she hold back happiness for fear of what other people will think? Of course, Severus still thought she was unsure about their relationship, but she now understood that he was projecting his own fears onto her.

"Huh," Hermione thought aloud, "Ginny, I think you just helped me realize something important. Despite the concerns I have, I've never once actually questioned my feelings for Severus. I wonder if his questioning of my uncertainty is really just a projection of his own fears."

Hermione wasn't prepared for Ginny's laugh.

"Well, of course that's what it is!" Hermione looked confused.

"Hermione, think of it like this. Snape is a good twenty-something years older than you, and I would assume he's not looking for some meaningless fling. From what you've told me, and what I've learned from Harry, I don't think he's ever had anyone reciprocate his feelings- ever. Of course, course he's scared. In fact, I'd say he's so scared that he's continuously trying to give you an out without you recognizing that. He'd rather end it now than continue on for months or years and be devastated later. I know he's not as bad as he seems, but he still is Snape. He wants to get to the point."

Ginny was right. Somewhere during their conversations and the confrontation, she had forgotten that Severus had really never known love. She felt a twinge of guilt.

"What if he thought I needed to use that protective charm to even be around him?"

Ginny gave her a sympathetic look. "I would like to say 'I'm sure that's not the reason,' but really I don't know." Ginny shrugged. "I do know that you need to keep having conversations with him. I don't doubt your love or feelings one bit, but I'm sure you two still have a lot to learn about each other. Don't skip that part."

Hermione knew Ginny was right. There was still so much they needed to learn about each other, and they had plenty of time to do that.

Hermione was about to 'thank' Ginny, when something caught the corner of her eye: a tall redhead.

"Well, if it isn't the great Hermione Granger!" George Weasley had just entered the tea shop and was bounding toward them.

"Ginny! Ginny- your brother! The ring!" Hermione whispered fiercely.

By the time Ginny comprehended what was going on, it was too late.

George made his way to the table and his eyes instantly went from Hermione to Ginny's left hand.

"See, this is what happens when you miss one family dinner. War heroes come back, and your sister gets betrothed!" George's eyes looked sad behind the large smile he gave.

Ginny put her head in her hands.

"George…," she groaned. "Don't look like that. You're the only one who knows. Well, aside from Hermione."

George raised an eyebrow. "Oh? Do tell little sis." He grabbed a chair and sat at the table.

"Harry asked me on Christmas Eve. I told him I didn't want to say anything because I don't think mum is ready for this. And dad probably isn't either. I had to tell someone," she gestured to Hermione.

"And I am thrilled for you, Ginny." Hermione smiled.

George stroked his chin. "Hmm, and I supposed you'll want me to keep this a secret, too?" Ginny groaned. There was no way George was going to keep the secret, and he knew she knew that.

"No, George," she sighed. "You're coming over tonight and we can tell them together." She rolled her eyes.

Ever the comedian, George grabbed her hands and kissed them. "Milady, 'til tonight."

Ginny snatched her hands, while Hermione laughed.

"Now, I have a shipment of firecrackers to get back to ladies. I'll see you later." George smirked and took his leave with a formal bow.

Hermione chuckled. "He seems to be in better spirits today, don't you think?"

Ginny's eyes narrowed, "you're right, he does. But I won't question it, because I don't think I've seen him smile in months."

Hermione signaled the blonde, who arrived at their table with a smile. "Something else, lass?"

Hermione looked at Ginny and responded, "we're going to need two cups of some heavy courage."