Adult-FanFiction.org : Harry Potter

...After Happily Ever After	By : Lissa & snowblind12 Category: Harry Potter > Het - Male/Female > Snape/Hermione Views: 25739 -:- Recommendations : 4 -:- Currently Reading : 5
Disclaimer: I am in no way affiliated with Harry Potter or J.K. Rowling. I make no money off of these stories. This is just fun for me.

Chapter List
- 19
- 20
- 21
Author's Note: Oh, guys. Please, please, please forgive me that this took so long. Also, please forgive me that it's a crappy chapter. I struggled with this one so much. Between Spring semester ending and Summer semester starting and a major brain block this took a week longer than I wanted it to. I hope I didn't lose all you guys. :o/ I'm already part way into the next chapter, so I hope to have that up by the end of the day on Monday. We're getting really close to the rough stuff, and I think my brain is balking. Thank you for being patient with me!
Pretty pretty please leave me a review? Lots of love! XLissaDream
Chapter Nineteen
The celebration Yule ball was being held for all Hogwarts attendees, families, and alumni to celebrate the completion of repairs and end of the suppression felt under Voldemort’s regime on the Saturday before Christmas. It was a chance for everyone to come together as one and attempt to put the past where it belonged. It was a bittersweet day for Hermione for one reason only – she couldn’t attend on the arm of the only person she wanted to. Therefore, she was attending alone, and she knew it would be wildly speculated on – she would be the only member of the Golden Trio with no date.
Lizzie and Hermione had planted the seed in Ron’s head about Susan Bones – and he had decided to pursue it. He’d been happier and more at ease the last few days then she had seen him in a long time, which lightened her heart perceptibly.
She sighed as she looked at herself in the fogged mirror over her vanity in her private bath. Even though she was sad she would not be able to attend with Severus, he was still going to be there. She was hoping that they would at least be able to find a way to sneak in a dance. And…she was dressing for him, which at least made the preparation fun.
“Her-my-oh-knee!!” Ginny’s sing-song voice came as she heard her chamber door creek open.
“Bathroom!” Hermione called back, wrapping a towel firmly around her hair.
She pulled open the bedroom door to find both girls almost ready for the dance – just a few touches of makeup and accessories left to accomplish. Ginny was in a true purple high-low halter robe-gown that crisscrossed in the back and sported a belt that was covered in beads and crystals (which also covered the straps of the halter and cascaded over the tops of her breasts). The chiffon material was ruched over the bust with a pretty teardrop cut out right in the middle of her cleavage – subtle but sexy. Under the belt, the same flowy material spilled to her knees in delicate folds that dropped to just above her knee before circling back and touching the floor in a short train. She wore a pair of flat, crystal sandals that caught and reflected light at every angle. Her hair spilled over her shoulders, loose, in a riot of styled curls. She wore a pair of crystal teardrops in her ears and a diamond bracelet Harry had given her for her seventeenth birthday.
Lizzie looked absolutely stunning in a Muggle gown – she was sure Draco wouldn’t know what to think of it. It was an ice blue sleeveless and backless dress with a sweetheart neckline. The bodice was fitted to her slight curves and beaded with clear crystals. But this is where the ordinariness of it ended. The under layer was made of lace and sprawled out to just above the floor in a beautiful pattern of embroidered fabric studded with more tiny crystals. Over this was a chiffon layer that swirled with every movement. She had simple pearl earrings in her ears with no other jewelry. Her hair was pulled back in a halo braid with curls pinned up in the center of it. A few tendrils had escaped to frame her lovely face.
Hermione stared at her friends, opened mouth. “You look amazing!”
“Thanks!” The girls answered together before smiling at each other.
“Your turn!” Ginny insisted. “Go get your knickers on and come back!”
Hermione turned back to the bathroom and slipped on a pair of black lace boy shorts with a black silk strapless bra. She donned a pair of black lace stockings that reached her thighs and used a sticking charm to hold them in place. Pulling the towel out of her hair, she reentered her room, using it to scrunch more water out of her soaked tendrils. The girls were setting up an array of makeup and products on her dresser with their backs to her.
She crossed to the door to lock it, when it opened unexpectedly.
“Yeep!” She squealed, attempting to cover herself as much as possible with the small hair towel, as Harry opened the door to her room.
He met her startled eyes as both Ginny and Lizzie whirled around to see what the commotion was. “Harry! Close the door!” Hermione snapped, as her friend of over eight years stood gawping at her in her underthings.
“R-right!” He exclaimed, and the door slammed shut.
Lizzie and Ginny burst into a round of uncontrollable giggles as Hermione pulled her bathrobe out of her wardrobe. Once it was secure, she sent Ginny to the bathroom to hide (so Harry didn’t see her before the dance) and reopened the door.
He didn’t meet her eyes as he scurried past her into the room. “What do you need, Harry?” she asked him as he stood awkwardly, shifting from foot to foot, gaze glued to the floor.
“McGonagall asked me to double check with you that the decorations were completed to your satisfactory, Lizzie,” he said, still not looking at anyone. Lizzie had headed the decorating committee and Professor McGonagall had been too swamped with paperwork for the student’s trip home for the holidays to supervise.
“Yes.” Lizzie answered, trying to hold back a fresh wave of giggles. “Everything is good, Harry!”
His eyes darted to hers, then over to Hermione’s who was standing with her arms crossed, one toe lightly tapping the floor. His cheeks and the tips of his ears were red.
“I’m saying this, because I know that sometimes girls need to hear things like this,” he said quickly. “And I know my loving girlfriend agrees!” He raised his voice to make sure Ginny could hear him through the door. “Snape is one lucky man, Hermione.”
Hermione’s eyes widened before a blush flushed across her face. “Enough!” she muttered. While she was secretly pleased, she was also quite mortified that her ‘brother’ had walked in on her in her skivvies. Her face was beat red. “Is there anything else?”
“Yes, one thing.” He cleared his throat. “Can I talk to you alone, ‘Mione?”
“Sure, step into the hall?”
He nodded and Lizzie went to retrieve Ginny while they stepped out into the corridor.
“What’s up?”
“This.” She barely heard him, but watched him fumbling in his pocket. He pulled out a velvet ring case and popped it open, revealing a stunning diamond and garnet ring set in platinum or white gold. “Muffliato,” he said hastily, pointing his wand at her door so Ginny and Lizzie couldn’t overhear.
Hermione’s throat closed and her eyes flew to her best friend’s face. “You’re going to propose?” She breathed. “Harry!” She wrapped him in a tight hug. “When?”
“Tonight.” He cleared his throat. “The ring was my mum’s. Do you think she’ll like it?”
“She’ll love it!” Hermione assured him. “Oh, she’ll love it, Harry. How could she not?”
“I’m nervous.”
“Why? You love her, you know she loves you. Does anyone else know?”
“I asked Mr. and Mrs. Weasley for her hand.” He smiled at her, looking devastatingly handsome in his black dress robes that were quite similar to the green ones he had worn in fourth year.
“And they said yes?”

“After making me promise the wedding wouldn’t be until after Ginny graduates. Ron knows, too.”
“Of course he does! Where are you going to do it?”
“In front of everyone.”
This made Hermione pause. “That doesn’t sound like you, Harry. No wonder you’re nervous.”
“It’s not me.” He shrugged. “But it is Ginny. I know she’d love for all her family and friends to be there. It’s a special occasion. We’ll be dressed up. It will be an amazing memory, so I’m willing to shove my discomfort in the background for her happiness.”
Hermione accepted this explanation with no hesitation. Of course, Harry would do anything to make Ginny’s dreams come true. “I’m so happy for you, Harry,” she whispered, touching his face gently with her finger tips. “You deserve a lifetime of peace and happiness.”
Harry gave her a crooked smile. “Keep it a secret?”
“I’d take it to the grave with me.”
Harry snorted before leaning over to give her a kiss on the cheek. “Thanks, Hermione.”
“Just let me know if you need me to help in any way.” Hermione grinned at her best friend as he tucked the box back in his pocket.
“You better go get ready! You don’t have much time left, only about an hour.”
“Crap! Okay. I’ll see you at the feast.”
By the time Hermione entered her chambers, Ginny and Lizzie were completely ready to go. Hermione had a Prefects meeting in the early afternoon to organize the holiday departure the next day, which was why the other two had decided to start without her.
“Do you step into your dress or does it go over your head?” Lizzie got straight to business.
“Step in.”
“Sit.”
Thirty minutes later, Hermione didn’t even recognize herself. Lizzie was truly magical with her wand when it came to hair. She hadn’t even used any Sleekeazy’s. Hermione’s usually thick, tight, and frizzy curls were relaxed and loose, leaving her hair so long it almost reached her hips. There was no trace of fizz or poof, it was sleek and shiny. Ginny had made up her face lightly, giving her a natural look with a touch of smoky eye.
“You’re wizards, both of you!” She breathed, looking at herself in the vanity mirror. “I don’t even look like me.”
The girls laughed.
“Witches, not wizards! Let’s get you in your dress.” Lizzie gestured for Hermione to stand.
Hermione agreed and her friends held her dress as she stepped into it before zipping it up the back for her.
“Oh, Hermione!” Ginny gasped. “He’s not going to know what hit him!”
Lizzie was grinning. Hermione’s dress was quite mature, as it was her mother’s from a couple years back when she and her father had gone to Paris for their twenty-fifth wedding anniversary. She had worn the gown to the opera. Hermione had to transfigure it a bit in order to make it fit, but not much. The dress was off the shoulder with sheer lace sleeves that came to a point at her wrist. The lace made up a sweetheart neck line and covered her bust completely and circled her back just above the bra line. Then, the material turned into a patterned silk that fit her hourglass figure like a glove to the hips. Here, the fabric flared to the floor straight in the front and gathered in the back to spill out in a small train. On one side, there was a slit that came to mid-thigh. She slipped into a pair of strappy, black stiletto heels that she charmed to be much more comfortable.
The color of the dress was a deep, blood red. “It’s not too much?”
“There’s one thing I think we should change,” Lizzie said slowly after a moment of gazing at her friend. “Do you trust me?”
“Yes!” Hermione answered with a smile.
A quick twirl of her wand, and the dress turned a deep, dark Slytherin green. One more flick and a touch of silver thread wound its way through all the lace, making the sleeves and bodice shimmer. All three girls gasped. “Oh, Lizzie!” Tears swam in her eyes, but she blinked them back quickly. “It’s perfect. There had been something off about it from the beginning that I just couldn’t put my finger on. This was it! It was the wrong color.”
“I take back that he’s not going to know what hit him,” Ginny said with an evil smirk. “He’s going to have a hard time keeping his hands off you.”
Hermione laughed. “I promised him I’d go see him before going to the Hall,” she said. “I left the earrings and bracelet I need down there on accident, anyway.”
“We’ll see you in the Hall.” Ginny winked at her friend and the two girls left to find their dates.
Five minutes later, she opened the door to his office, relieved to find him not in it. She wanted to put her jewelry on before showing off for him. She closed her door gently behind her and plucked the onyx tear drop earrings that had belonged to her mum out of the small jewelry box along with the matching bracelet. She had her black beaded clutch already prepared with lip gloss and tissues and slung it over her shoulder.
“Hermione?” She heard Severus call.
“I’ll be out in a moment!” she called back. Then turned to give herself one more once over in the mirror. She didn’t think she could look any more perfect. She opened her door.
Severus stood waiting for her, in formal wizard robes of all black with a dark green, silk cravat at his throat. When he saw her, she watched his face go carefully blank, but this reaction did not disappoint her. She knew that he only adopted that look when emotion was overwhelming. She gave him a soft smile and crossed the room, watching him swallow hard.
“You look dashing!” she told him, placing a hand on his bicep. She barely had to prop herself up to kiss him with the addition of her four inch heels. He returned the chaste kiss automatically, then took her hand and stepped back, gesturing for her to turn.
She gave him a dazzling smile and did an assisted pirouette, making sure her leg slipped out of the slit so he could see the lace stockings and high shoes.
“Bloody. Hell.” He choked out, eyes widening as they trailed up her stilettoed and laced leg. “You’re sure we have to attend this asinine thing tonight?” He pulled her to him, encircling her waist with his large hands and capturing her lips in a searing kiss. Hermione had to fight to keep her composure. She gave a breathy laugh and used both palms on his chest to push back.
“Don’t muse my makeup,” she chided sweetly. “And, yes. We must go. We are two people who will very much be in the spotlight tonight.”
“You are absolutely breathtaking, Hermione Granger,” he murmured against her throat.
Hermione could almost not believe her luck when she realized she had been seated next to Severus at the head table. She threw an elated grin over her shoulder and, even though he did not answer her smile, his eyes glimmered.
“Miss Granger.” He nodded his head politely and pulled her chair out for her. She felt like swooning - it was almost as if they were on a real date.
“Thank you, Professor!” She responded, smoothing her dress over her bum as she sat. He took up his place next to her and turned to speak to McGonagall to his right.
Harry was seated in the middle of the table with Ginny to his right and Kingsley to his left. Next to Kingsley was Ron and Susan. Hermione sat next to Ginny, Severus next to her. She realized the probable reason they had sat Severus and her together was because they were the only two Order of Merlin, First Class recipients who didn’t have dates. Neville and Luna were on the other side of Ron and Susan, then teachers surrounded them all to each side. Below the head dais was a slightly shorter raised platform which held ministry personal and Order of Merlin, Second and Third Class recipients. Round tables dotted the Hall throughout, holding families, students, and alumni.
There was a succession of speeches while they dined. Kingsley discussed the reason for the event, Minerva talked about the completion of the restoration of the school. A few people had been invited to memorialize the fallen; a few more talked about how magical communities were being put back to right. Finally, Harry was asked to speak.
He looked horrified, and Hermione realized he must not have been prepared to give a speech. She caught his eye and gave him a sympathetic, but encouraging smile. He took a deep breath and moved to the podium.
“I wasn’t aware that I would be talking tonight.” He started, and a ghost of a chuckle rippled across the Great Hall. “Being this is the first time I’ve stood up in front of a crowd since the end of the war, I wish I had something prepared, but I will do my best.
“First, I need to talk about a few people without whom victory would not have been possible: Albus Dumbledore – a mentor, friend, father figure, and brilliant wizard. His years of dedication to this cause made it possible for us to move forward with the information that was needed to put an end to Voldemort. He is missed dearly, and will be remembered forever.
“Hermione Granger – please stand Hermione.” She did awkwardly, her face instantly flooding with embarrassed color, she appreciated the attention just about as much as Harry did. “Without this witch, none of us would be here today. She’s a bloody swot, but she’s my bloody swot.” It was said with such affection that Hermione had to bite back a sob of laughter as the rest of the crowd chortled. “She kept me focused, cooled my temper, kept Ron and I fed to the best of her ability, and was always one step ahead of everyone else. We would have failed before we had even begun if it hadn’t been for her and her blasted beaded bag of wonder and incessant planning and preparing.”
Hermione was fiercely blinking back tears, trying to keep a humble smile on her face. She failed. A single tear spilled over and she moved to swipe it with her hand, but a small touch to her hip made her look down, Severus was holding a handkerchief out to her, eyes smiling at her encouragingly even as the rest of his face remained impassive. She took it gratefully, nodding at him. She turned her eyes back to her best friend who was grinning at her. “I love you, Hermione. Thank you for everything you’ve done for me – for us.” He gestured at the crowd of people who broke into polite applause. Hermione gratefully took her seat and buried her face into the swatch of cotton her lover had given her. Under the table, she felt a gentle hand smooth over her knee, she couldn’t have been more thankful for the comfort.
“Ron Weasley.” Harry gestured for Ron to stand and he did with a grin and a wave. “Ron has been my best friend since the day I stepped on the Hogwarts Express, almost nine years ago. His unwavering friendship, trust, and courage built me up on days I thought I’d never get through. While he could sometimes be a stubborn git-” more laughter “-in the end he always knew he was where he was supposed to be.” The subtle hint to Ron’s desertion and imminent return was not lost on the ginger, who gave a stoic smile of thanks to his friend before reclaiming his seat.
“There are so many people who deserve my gratitude – Kingsley Shacklebolt for his heavy involvement with the Order. The entire Weasley family for protection, love, and strength. Neville Longbottom for courage and determination in face of certain death. For all those who stood and fought with us in this very room – on these very grounds – and came out victorious.” Applause erupted and Harry stifled a grin. Hermione was utterly impressed with his composure and the sincerity of his words. She would have been a babbling mess without a prepared speech.
“We also need to mention the man who kept the students at this school as safe as he possibly could last year, Severus Snape.” Harry gestured to Snape, and Hermione turned adoring eyes on her beloved. She almost laughed when he looked utterly appalled at all attention being on him, he obviously had zero intention of standing.
“I know you don’t like to hear it, Professor. I know that your selflessness is something you prefer to keep hidden.” Here, Snape scowled at her friend and Hermione had to bite the inside of her lips to stop herself from laughing aloud. “Your sacrifices and secrets most likely won this war for our side. I just want to thank you for my life. For the lives of my friends and their families. For the lives of all in this room.”
Green eyes held black across the small raised dais. After a long moment of silence, and an internal struggled that was palpable to Hermione, Snape gave a slight, graceful nod of his head. That was enough for Harry, who lead the applause that started smattering across the room.
“For Merlin’s sake!” Snape growled under his breath. “Twice in one year is more than sufficient.”
Keeping her eyes forward, Hermione snorted. She laced her fingers through his hand on her thigh, thankful for the draping table covers, and squeezed. “You deserve this, love,” she murmured, knowing only he would be able to hear over the applause.
“I don’t want it.” He breathed back.
“I know.” She squeezed his hand again, willing him to relax. The applause was dying down as Harry had started to speak again.
“The last person I want to thank is Ginny.” His voice was laced with nerves and Hermione realized he was going to do it now – right this moment. Her hand tightened almost painfully in Severus’s and her heart leapt into her throat. Severus looked at her, questioningly, but she didn’t take her eyes off Harry, who was reaching a hand out for Ginny to join him next to the podium.
The beautiful redhead hesitantly stood and walked to meet him, taking his hand with hers. “Ginny, you are everything to me. You…you are the reason I was strong enough to fight this enemy. What we have is the reason it needed to be fought and won. For good, for love, for family.” He dropped to a knee and Hermione let out a strangled sob of happiness as she watched Ginny’s face flood with realization as to what Harry was doing. “Ginerva Weasley, I love you more than anything in this world. I want to be your family. Would you do me the honor of being my bride?” He smoothly popped open the black velvet case where the beautiful diamond and garnet ring twinkled in the star-strewn candle light of the enchanted ceiling.
The hand that was not captured by Harry’s flew to Ginny’s mouth as an audible sob of surprise escaped her. Her gaze never broke from his as she gave a frantic nod, seemingly unable to speak.
“Yes?” Harry whispered.
“As if she’d say anything else,” Hermione murmured, fingers still entwined with Severus’s, eyes brimming with tears of joy. She was unaware of the intent gaze of the man beside her, eyes searching her face with longing.
“Yes!” Ginny exalted, pulling the dark-haired Chosen One to his feet and flinging herself into his arms. The applause was deafening.
A dance floor was cleared with a few fancy flicks of wands and a band sprang up in the far corner of the room, music instantly filling the room. Many people started milling around, many more swarmed the dance floor. Harry and Ginny were surrounded by throngs of people wishing to congratulate them. Hermione sat, sipping a glass of sweet, red wine. Content to be inconspicuously beside the man she was so in love with in this public setting. They had exchanged polite conversation that was a bit impersonal due to the people who surrounded them. Apparently, they gave off an air of inapproachability, because very few people attempted to engage them in conversation and no one had asked either of them to dance.
“You do realize the only reason you haven’t been asked to dance by the throngs of young men is because you are seated next to me, don’t you, Miss Granger?” He teased her lightly.
“I could care less about dancing with any of these boys, Professor,” she answered with a smirk. He gave a small snort of appreciation at her use of the word ‘boys.’ They were seated side-by-side, a respectable distance between them. Snape had one ankle propped up on the opposite knee and Hermione’s legs were crossed, black lace stocking visible through the slit of her gown. She felt his eyes roaming her legs and pointed her toe enticingly.
“I cannot wait to fuck you with those stockings on,” he purred seductively, leaning just slightly closer to her, after taking a moment to make sure no one was close enough to hear them.
Hermione’s mouth went dry just as her knickers were flooded. She made a strangled noise in the back of her throat and he laughed aloud at her obvious desire to do just as he suggested. She’d even be okay with doing it right there in the middle of the ball.
“Severus!” Minerva McGonagall strode up to them. “And Miss Granger! I’m surprised at you.”
Hermione looked up, bewildered. “What on Earth have I done?” she asked.
“Well, Miss Wallflower and Mr. Anti-Social. I think it’s high time our guests see both of you war-heroes on the dance floor!”
Hermione wrinkled her nose and Snape grumbled incoherently. “There isn’t really anyone I want to dance with, Professor. Ron and Harry are being manipulated by their date and fiancé. I don’t want to be felt up by classmates who hold no interest for me or strangers,” Hermione all but whined.
McGonagall looked shocked by Hermione’s admission, then narrowed her eyes suspiciously. “This is certainly not like you, Miss Granger,” she huffed. “You’ve always known your duties and followed through with them well.”
Snape took the opportunity to get his lover on the dance floor by interrupting smoothly. “Miss Granger, perhaps you wouldn’t mind dancing with me? Appease Professor McGonagall and save me from hordes of unsavory female companionship, as well.” Hermione looked at him, surprised, as he held out a hand. Severus was glad he was able to surprise her, it made their interaction seemed that much more casual. McGonagall made a small, pleased noise of approval in the back of her throat, watching Hermione expectantly.
“W-why, yes, P-professor,” she stammered, taking his hand. The electricity between them was almost palpable, she hoped the Headmistress didn’t notice. “I’d be honored.”
“I take it I don’t fall into the category of being felt up by a fellow classmate or stranger?” He chuckled darkly once they were out of Minerva’s hearing range.
She flushed at his faux grave expression. “Don’t be silly.”
He led her to the dance floor just as the tempo slowed and a waltz started to play. “Do you know how to dance, Hermione?” he murmured low, bending down so his breath caressed her cheek.
“Do I know how to dance?” She looked up at him, appalled. “What kind of question is that! Don’t you remember the last Yule Ball? Of course I know how to dance! Do you?”
“Yes. Please let me lead.” His eyes smoldered like lit coal, a glint of amusement in them. She tutted her outrage at the insinuation she would try to take control, but it was all in jest. He knew her too well.
Severus pulled her hand to his shoulder and surrounded her slim figure to rest his large hand on the small of her back; he gripped his other hand with hers and pulled it to his chest. She felt a bit dizzy and breathless from his nearness, but they were off. After a few steps, she relaxed and smiled up at him – pure joy in her eyes. He was gliding her effortlessly around the dance floor. She felt like Cinderella, positively floating on air, her eyes locked with his.
He was fairly certain this was the most erotic thing he’d ever done – dancing with the woman he was in love with. The joy and heat in her eyes turned him on more than anything else she could have done. She just looked so damned happy, which made him feel powerful and masculine. Unconsciously, he pulled her closer, which made her give a shuddering sigh.
The rest of the room all but melted away. It felt as if they were in their own little bubble and he was struggling to remember to keep their engagement appropriate for a student and a teacher. He didn’t protest when the hand on his shoulder slowly slid to the nape of his neck, playing with the leather cord he had used to tie his hair back. She didn’t complain or try and stop him when his hand slid down further, resting more on her bum than the more appropriate small of her back. Neither noticed that they had somehow melded so close together their hip bones were touching.
Which is why, when a very disturbed Minerva McGonagall discretely hissed into his ear, he all but dropped her like a hot cauldron. “I wish to speak with you both privately, in my office. Immediately! Finish your dance and do not draw any attention to yourselves. And for Heaven’s sake, put your hands back where they belong!”
Both quickly complied with her instructions as she slipped away from them as quickly as she had appeared. Hermione’s eyes were wide with shock and Severus’s face seemed to drain of what little color he had.
Hermione and Severus sat in two floral patterned, wing-backed chairs opposite of McGonagall’s desk. The woman in questions studied them with a serious, tight expression. She had opened her mouth to speak no less than a half of dozen times, however, no words had yet escaped. Hermione was twisting her skirt in her hands, looking anywhere but at the two people in her presence. Severus was leaning away from her in his chair, ankle up on the opposite knee and his thumb and forefinger stroking his chin, he held Minerva’s eyes in a cool disregard, as if he had no idea why he was there.
Finally, the Headmistress closed her eyes, a pained expression pinching her delicate features. “Please tell me I’m crazy,” she breathed.
“Minerva,” Severus said in a clipped tone. “You have never been crazy.”
“Please tell me I’m mistaken, Severus.” She begged them. “Hermione, please.”
Hermione’s eyes flew and were caught by her favorite Professor. Her lips started to tremble, she was positively terrified.
“Please, Professor McGonagall,” she whispered. “Everything is fine. No one is doing anything they don’t want to be doing.”
“Be straight with me.” The elderly witch demanded, eyes flashing to Snape. “What in Merlin’s name is going on between you two?”
“I have no idea what you are talking about,” Severus answered crisply.
“I am not a fool, Professor Snape!”
“We’re in love!” Hermione blurted, then slapped her palm over her mouth, eyes widening in horror. Severus looked at her in an odd combination of exasperation, love, and fury and she flinched slightly. Minerva’s face drained of all color.
“You’re in love with whom, Miss Granger?”
“With him, with Severus.” She reached for his hand, raising her chin in stubborn determination. She was relieved when he took it and squeezed. It looked like he was still trying to figure out exactly what to say. “We know that this is highly unorthodox and most unexpected. I realize we should not have started a relationship while I was still a student here, but it just sort of … happened.”
The room echoed with the silence.
“Severus!” Minerva looked at him in complete shock, her Scottish brogue thickening perceptibly. “Please tell me you are not sleeping with a student!”
Hermione flinched visibly as Severus straightened in his chair. “Hermione and I did not intentionally start this relationship. As she said, it just happened.” He made no attempt to deny her accusation.
“Oh, my sweet Circe.” Minerva looked as if she was going to be ill.
“I can fix this right now.” He continued and Hermione looked at him wildly. What is he scheming! Her mind raced. “I will have a formal letter of resignation on your desk by morning.”
“You will not!” Hermione pulled her hand away from his and leapt to her feet. She faced him angrily, pointing a finger in protest. “You will not give up your career for me!”
“That is where you are wrong, love,” he said steadily, his head tipping back slightly to maintain eye contact with her. “I would give up my life for you. A career is nothing. I can build a new career.”
Hermione’s anger deflated like a balloon stuck with a pin. “Severus,” she breathed, completely caught off guard with his emotional declaration. Tears welled in her eyes as she slipped her fingers into his hair and pressed her lips to his in a sweet, tender kiss. He responded in kind, one hand reaching out to grasp her hip.
“Ahem!”
Hermione’s eyes flew open wide when she remembered exactly where they were and she whirled. Behind her, Severus stood, settling one hand on each of her hips. They both looked at their friend. Minerva was also standing, but the severe look she had been giving them moment before was nowhere to be found, instead her face was full of awe.
“You…you’re truly involved?”
“Yes.” They answered together with no hesitation.
“It’s serious?”
“Yes.”
The older witch placed a thumb and forefinger on her brow and rubbed, as if trying to scrub her mind clean.
“Hermione, you will drop Potions.”
“W-what?” The young witch was flabbergasted.
“You will drop Potions and self-study for the remainder of the year for your N.E.W.T.s. I’m sure Severus will assist you if needed. Severus, you will submit a formal statement to the Board of Governors explaining your situation. If they ask for your resignation, I will accept it. I have my suspicions, however, that they will look on this relationship favorably being who the both of you are.”
“You’re not going fire me?” Severus sounded dazed.
“Or expel me?” Hermione was struggling with her shock.
“I am not.” Minerva looked at them critically. “How long?”
“Since this summer.” Severus was unwilling to discount all their time spent together though the summer; they both knew they had fallen in love during his recovery, even if neither spoke about it.
Hermione tilted her head back and gave him a small smile, he dropped a kiss to her forehead, eyes reverent with their love.
“Wonders never cease.” Minerva shook her head, unable to tear her eyes away from the couple.
“Congratulations, my boy.” Came a familiar, low voice from above their heads. Three pairs of eyes focused on the portrait of Dumbledore behind the desk. “If there is anyone in this world who deserves happiness, Severus, it is you.”
Desert Sea: I feel like I must tell you that this story took a completely different direction than I anticipated and "An Hour of Snape" will not fit in. I am keeping it in my back pocket with hope to expand on it in the future. I freaking love that one shot. I thank you for all your kind words and reviews. I cannot wait to see what your brilliant brain comes up with now that Sense and Insensibility has reached it's stunning conclusion. I hope you'll continue to read my story, no worries if it's not to your taste.
Little Stranger: Hallo Schatz! Vielen Dank für Ihre Bewertung! (I do so hope that says - "Hello Dear! Thank you for your review!") I was absolutely touched and thrilled with your reviews, they were so sweet and very motivating. I'm so excited my stories have reached Germany - my maiden name was Güldenzopf - (Gildenzoph after a few generations) so I have much German heritage in my blood!! My husband actually speaks fairly good German! I hope to visit one day! I still have cousins who live over there! I hope this chapter was pleasing, and I'm hoping to have more up by Monday. Thanks for the love!
Kiria_Lockhart: Thank you for another lovely review! I appreciate hearing from you!

xLissaDream
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...After Happily Ever After