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This Is The Way The World Ends.	By : tulipsaside Category: Harry Potter > Het - Male/Female > Snape/Hermione Views: 7312 -:- Recommendations : 1 -:- Currently Reading : 1
Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter, nor any of the characters from the books or movies. I do not make any money from the writing of this story.

Chapter List
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21. A ship in a bottle set sail.
Hermione noticed that Severus had taken extra care with dressing this morning, while she ate breakfast with him in the Great Hall. His damp hair still bore indentations of the comb and his slacks and jumper looked to have been pressed. Even his cloak, which was worn and faded, seemed impeccable. Hermione had to admit that he looked very put together and immaculate, nonetheless if his silence and the tensing of his limbs were anything to go by, he was still terrible nervous.

�Good,� Hermione thought, relieved that she was not the only one anxious about the impending trip to Hogsmeade.

She scooped a forkful of eggs into her mouth just as Severus looked up at her pushing a small package wrapped in cloth across to her, his hand retreating to where he sat.

Hermione swallowed heavily trying to force down her half chewed breakfast.

�What�s this?� she asked picking up the small parcel.

He raised an eyebrow, �Before I found out about your situation, I had looked through your file in Slughorn�s office,� he said softly a tinge of pink filling his cheeks before he shifted his hair to hide them. �I know it�s a bit late,� he said his voice going even quieter. �Open it.� he said his words heaving with nervousness.

She rumpled her forehead as she looked down at the softly wrapped gift. Hermione carefully undid the small string holding it closed and moved aside the cloth, revealing a tiny clear orb no bigger than her palm. Her breath hitched, as she stared at the little flower blossoms inside, there was a slight tremble near its petals that Hermione recognized as miniature humming bird suspended just over the flower its beak buried into the bud. She looked to Severus her eyes wide.

�Oh Severus, this is beautiful where ever did you find it?� she asked overwhelmed with the simple beauty of his gift. She had never received anything so touching.

He gave a little cough, �I made it.� he said his eyes not meeting hers; starring just over her shoulder.

Hermione looked down at the globe. He made this, she thought, noticing how precise and detailed it was; the glass smooth and cool against her hands the vivid colours of the flowers, and the realistic movements the tiny bird made, looking as if it hovered in the still air above the petals; silly wand waving indeed, thinking of her former Professors disapproval of Charms.

�Happy Birthday, Hermione.� He said quietly, finally looking at her, his dark eyes filled with a deep sincerity.

Her face broke into an enormous grin. �Thank you, Severus. It�s exceptional.�

�Are you ready?� he asked.

She nodded folding up the little sphere and placing in carefully in her cloak pocket, wrapping a few extra serviettes around it for protection.

He nodded, standing up and allowing her to walk ahead of him.

There was a queue in front of the front doors of all the students going into Hogsmeade for the day, bundled up in cloaks and scarves.

She could see Harry, James and Sirius standing with Peter and Remus all chatting excitedly. James had a snitch in his hand that he would let go every few moments only to catch it before it fluttered off. She turned away from them determined not to let them ruin her, she smiled, date with Severus.

Filch, walked slowly to the front of the line pushing past the students roughly, his cat sauntering behind him. He had a scroll of parchment that Hermione assumed held the list of names of students allowed into Hogsmeade. The line started moving quickly as he let them begrudgingly leave the castle.

�If I catch any of you sneaking dung bombs, stink pellets or any other such rot back into the school its detention,� he snarled as the students all but ran from him out onto the grounds.

Hermione and Severus stood behind James, Harry and Sirius. Harry kept turning his head back to glance at her and shooting Severus dirty looks.

Hermione did her best to ignore him until Black said in a stage whisper.

�Can�t understand why Snivelly wants to go into Hogsmeade. It�s not like he can afford anything there.� he sneered, as the other two chuckled.

Hermione felt Severus stiffen next to her, she slipped her hand into his giving his a firm squeeze, before, turning back to the boys.

�I�m surprised you�ve managed to stay out of detention long enough to see the light of day let alone attend a trip to the village.� she said coldly, her eyes narrowing at Harry. How could he let them say things like that, especially after knowing what Ron went through?

Black looked like he was about to say something but Filch interrupted him.

�If you�re going; hurry up I don�t want you clogging up the hallways,� he said pushing Black abruptly out the front doors.

Harry turned around and hissed, �I see you�ve made your choice.� He shot Hermione a cold hard stare and said, �I thought I knew you, Hermione.�

Hermione shook her head sadly. �I thought you did too,� she said quietly as Harry hurried off after the Mauders.

Filch looked at Hermione and Severus, though not with his usual malicious.

�If they give you any trouble Snape, just say the word and I�ll slap them with detention. It�s a disgrace how much the Headmaster lets them get away with, mangy little berks.� He said solemnly giving Severus a firm nod before letting them leave.

Hermione was speechless Filch had never, in all the years she had attended Hogwarts, spoke politely to a student. In fact, he never spoke civilly to anyone except� she stopped in the middle of the pathway that led to the school gates, except Professor Snape!

�Are you alright?� Severus asked a few paces ahead of her.

She nodded and quickly closed the distance between them.

�I�m sorry I was just lost in thought,� she said softly.

�He�s a good sort to have on your side.� Severus said looking at her in a sidelong glance �He�s not as bad as he might seem, a bit tetchy, but he�s helped me out of a few unfortunate situations.� Severus said looking at her before smirking, �Plus he hates Potter.�

Hermione let out a small laugh. �I don�t blame him, its hard see how so many people can like him. He is so foul and Black as well. It�s unexpected, I never really thought of them like that in my own time,� she said before whipping her head around.

�You know them?� he asked his face pinched with disbelief.

�In a way, I was acquainted with Black but I had never met James. I just heard about him. I never imagined them to be so hateful.� She said hoping to skirt around the truth without outwardly lying to him.

Severus watched her closely before nodding, �Most people are hardly ever what they appear to be, Hermione.�

She blushed shamefully, �I don�t know about that. You seem fairly unambiguous, Severus.�

�I make it a point not to pretend. There is no truth in a fantasy no matter how much we want it to be there,� he said forcefully.

Hermione�s gut twisted wondering how he ever managed to be tied up with Voldemort. How could he have survived for so long if he wasn�t one for pretending?

�That�s a very sensible way of thinking,� she said.

Severus looked at her his eyebrows curved high above his widened eyes, �I�m not condemning you, Hermione. Your situation is very difficult and unique. Potter and Black are fools who think they are above the rest of us. They are the ones who act as if their time here is just for amusement. They are the ones who live in fantasy. Not you.� he said his voice quiet but fierce.

Hermione smiled at him wondering, for what seemed the billionth time, what made him the man she knew him to become.

�Let�s not allow them to ruin our day. They�ve already taken too much of our time.� she said cheerily. �Where should we go first?� she asked gesturing to the village below them, already filled with shoppers and students.

He bowed slightly, �Anywhere you wish.�

Hermione gave him a soft smile. �I imagine this Hogsmeade is bound to be different from the one I�m use to seeing,� she said good-naturedly.

�Perhaps,� he said as they rounded the corner into the cobbled streets.

Hermione could still recognize some of the buildings, Honeydukes, and Dervish and Bangs where still there. She could make out Hogshead and The Three Broomsticks at the very end of the street right before the curve of road. Other than that, everything looked entirely new.

�Would you like to head to Dervish and Bangs?� asked Severus motioning to the first shop on his right.

Hermione nodded walking with him up to the tall storefront. Books filled its display window along with trinkets that were zooming about. Hermione heard a tinkle from the bell that hung on the door. She tore her gaze from the window and felt her heart freeze.

There emerging from the store was a reasonably tall man, with long blonde hair. Hermione instantly recognized him as a young Lucius Malfoy. She felt a panic flare up in her urging her to flee, though to her horror Severus seemed to be on friendly terms with him judging by there amiable handshake.

�Severus!� exclaimed Malfoy. �It�s been too long, how you are?� he asked.

Severus nodded politely his face calm, �It�s good to see you, Lucius. How is work at the Ministry?� he asked.

Hermione stood there watching the two wizards talking, wondering if it were possible to slink pass both of them into the store: unlikely, seeing how Lucius seemed to be taking up the whole doorway, much to the dismay of the patrons trying to enter.

�Lucius,� said Severus nodding his head towards Hermione who looked cagey and restless. �This is Hermione Granger, a fellow Slytherin.�

Lucius turned his severely blue eyes to Hermione, �A pleasure to meet you, my lady.� he said taking Hermione�s hand in his.

Hermione felt she was going to retch all over him.

Lucius Malfoy fighting on the grounds of Hogwarts during the battle was still vividly fresh in Hermione�s mind. She could see the two wizards blending: young and old melding into one unbearable and revolting image, watching as he brandished his wand with deadly accuracy at Professor McGonagall and Neville. Hermione jerked her hand back quickly, plastering an insincere smile on her lips.

�A pleasure to meet you as well, Mr. Malfoy.� she said quickly.

Severus looked at her carefully.

�She�s top in our class, Lucius. Well, right behind me of course.� he said giving Hermione a small smile.

Lucius smiled at her, �How delightful, Miss. Granger. Tell me are you related to Hector Dagworth-Granger.�

�No, I am an exchange student from Drumstrang,� said Hermione edging closer to the door.

�Drumstrang! A fine school.� he said a note of reverence hitching into his voice.

�Severus you must come to the Manor this winter and you too, my dear.� he said politely, smiling coyly at Hermione, making her stomach seize with nausea.

He turned back to Severus, �Much of the old crowd will be in attendance. It�s hard to remember that you were not in our graduating class, at least not with your skill.� he said emphasizing skill in a way that Hermione felt chills run down her neck.

Severus nodded though he looked slightly embarrassed. �If I don�t make it this year, please give them my regards.�

Lucius reached out to shake Severus hand again, blatantly aware of all the people queuing up around him waiting to get into the shop.

�Keep in touch, Severus.� he said before turning to Hermione, �It was lovely to meet you, Miss. Granger. Do try to convince old Severus here to come for the holidays it would be delightful to have you both.� he smiled.

�I bet,� thought Hermione shaking his hand quickly before stepping back and allowing him to pass.

The customers were shooting filthy looks at them as they crowed into the store. Hermione felt as if she needed to sit down, the meeting with Malfoy left her dizzy and shaken. She leaned against the window trying to still her racing heart. Noticing that Severus was giving her a peculiar look.

�That wasn�t the first time you�ve met him was it?� he asked his arms crossing over his chest.

Hermione shook her head closing her eyes against the tight and painful feeling in her stomach.

�We�ve met on a number of occasions,� she said quietly.

�I don�t suppose you can elaborate?� he asked his voice annoyed.

�Particularly not about Lucius Malfoy.� she said giving him an apologetic glance.

Severus stared at her hard, trying to keep eye contact, but Hermione shifted her gaze down.

�I wish you wouldn�t do that,� she said quietly. �If I could tell you I would.�

Severus� mouth fell open. �You know?� he asked.

�I know.� said Hermione, thinking that a �date� with Severus might have been a disaster from the beginning.

Neither of them moved for some time, until Hermione felt Severus hand on her arm.

�I apologize, it was wrong of me to invade your privacy.�

Hermione nodded using his grip to steady herself.

�Severus, if I tell you too much, it could devastate the future. Most importantly, it could ruin yours.� she said sadly.

�You have my honour, as a wizard, that I will not assault your thoughts again.� he said softly.

Hermione locked eyes with him again, confronted with the fierce truth of his vow.

�Thank you,� she said quietly.

Severus seemed awkward, �So much for a pleasant morning in town.�

Hermione smiled, �Then let us start over,� she said. Before turning away from him and walking a few paces. She turned back around and marched back up to him.

�Would you like to head into Dervish and Bangs?� she asked a pleasant grin on her face.

Severus� lip twitched before he stuck his arm out to her, �After you.�

Hermione and Severus had ambled through Hogsmeade most of the morning taking in the sights and sounds of the little village. They kept up an easy conversation, discussing potions and different books they enjoyed. Severus seemed to becoming more at ease with her the more they talked. Even occasionally letting out a low laugh when Hermione told him about some of her less significant times at Hogwarts. Finally, they reached the Three Broomsticks where Hermione suggested they head inside before making the walk back up to castle. She noticed Severus seemed to close down moving away from his affable mood from moments before. Agreeing all the same to join her in the pub.

�We don�t have to go in,� she said placing her arm on his, before he reached for the door.

�Nonsense.� he said a bit more grumpily than usual, pulling open the doors and letting her precede him.

Hermione led him to a booth near the centre.

�I�ll grab us some drinks,� she said turning from him. His hand caught her sleeve as he stood up.

�Allow me.� he said striding away from her quickly.

Hermione sat heavily in her seat wondering what had happened. She watched as he stood at the bar pulling out a very old and small bag, dropping a few coins into his palm. Hermione noticed how he turned his back to her as he paid. She sighed; this could not be about money, could it? She looked around, thinking it might have something to do with how public the place was as well. He came back to the table with two mugs placing one in front of Hermione and taking a seat opposite her with his own.

�Thank you, Severus.� Hermione said as she sipped her butterbeer.

He nodded taking a gulp of his own.

�I want you to know I�m having a lovely time. Thank you very much for asking me along.� she said her face lighting up with pleasure.

He leaned in closer to her setting his mug down next to him.

�Thank you for coming. I�ve enjoyed your company.� he said softly his voice low.

Hermione felt a flutter in her stomach, thinking that it was defiantly for the better that she was not in his class when he first started teaching. The man defiantly knew how to use what assets he had.

�I am fortunate that such a lovely witch agreed to accompany me today.� he said his hair curtaining his face.

Hermione blushed, fully aware that now would be the appropriate time to stop this situation from escalading into one she wasn�t sure she could afford. Despite the fact that her mind was concentrating more on how soft his face looked than on what would happen twenty years from now.

Severus moved his hand a fraction closer to her on the table, making Hermione light-headed with the nearness of him.

�Rosmerta going to let you wash dishes for those drinks?� said a hateful voice next to them.

Severus sat back quickly glancing up at Black and Potter standing next to their booth. Hermione could see Harry at the counter ordering their drinks; Remus and Peter in a booth on the opposite side of the pub.

�Unless, your girlfriend paid for them, Snivelly.� said Black.

�Enough.� said Hermione. �Leave now.�

�I don�t think we will, budge up will you, let�s have a nice cosy chat.� said Black starting to sit next to Hermione throwing an arm around her neck. Hermione struggled away from as he held onto her.

�I still can�t figure out why you�re wasting your time with Snivellus. Just think of all the great grease stains you�ll get if you snog him. I know you�re a Slytherin and all but I�m willing to overlook that if I can overlook some other-� Severus jumped over the table grabbing Sirius by the neck and throwing him from the booth.

James had his wand pointed at Severus. �Now play nice Snivelly. You don�t want to be shipped off to your daddy now do you?� he jeered.

People were starting to stare as James leaned down helping Sirius up. Potter stowed his wand back up his sleeve, backing away from the table with a terrible smirk on his face. Hermione could see Peter laughing his hand to his side gripping onto the booth for support; Remus� head was turned down starring at the table. Harry, Hermione noticed seemed to ignore her completely, carrying the drinks back to his seat.

Severus was shaking with suppressed anger, his hands trembling as they clenched onto the edge of the table.

Hermione felt like shouting: why did they have to bloody well mess up everything. She brushed her palm gently against the back of Severus hand.

�Do you want to head back?� she asked gently.

He nodded his lips thinned and his eyes flashing. Hermione kept his hand firmly clutched his hers, hoping to stop him from flying across the pub and throttling the whole lot of them.

They slipped out the door amidst the loud laughter of the Mauders. Hermione let his hand go slowly as the door clicked shut. Severus walked quickly ahead of her his cloak snapping in the wind as he moved.

Hermione hurried after him as he took a side street bypassing a good stretch of shops in favour of a quiet road.

�Severus.� Hermione called a few paces behind him. �Please slow down.�

He stopped letting her catch up with him. �I should have hexed him,� he said as she stood next to him. His breath was coming in short and fast.

�I�m glad you didn�t. Hogwarts would not have been the same without you,� she said giving him a small smile and resting her hand on his arm.

His hands closed in tight fists. �He shouldn�t be allowed to treat you like that,� he said angrily.

�Severus,� she said softly trying to soothe him. Hermione noticed that while he seemed calm on the outside she could almost feel the rage boiling under his skin.

Severus gritted his teeth fixing his eyes on Hermione. Starring at her upturned lapel from where Black had his arm around her. His hand shot out folding her collar down trying to erase the image of Black pawing at her from his mind. His finger brushed through her hair, engulfing Severus in a sweet airy smell as it shifted. His hand itched to bury itself into her curls, but Severus held himself at bay. The last thing she needed was someone else mauling her.

Hermione felt her skin tingle the moment his hand came near her, she looked down at his hand folding her shirt down, smoothing it neatly. She noticed his hand was smooth and there were fine hairs swept across his knuckles. She wanted to reach out and stroke the inside of his palm, wondering if the indentations were callused or soft.

His hand pulled away slowly and Hermione felt a cold seep into her skin at the loss of warmth.

Her eyes snapped up to his, feeling as if she was about to jump from the tallest tower in the castle. She stood high on her toes and crushed her mouth to his bolstered by the stunned breath that escaped him.

He sunk his hands into her hair, his heart racing as her mouth slid warmly over his lips. Severus bit back a groan as she sucked his lower lip into her mouth tenderly raking her teeth over it before releasing it only to flick her tongue into his mouth caressing his own tongue skilfully. He felt as if his knees would give out as she reached up and slid her palm across his face and throat. He slid his hands down her shoulders and lifted her up to him.

Hermione broke the kiss as her feet left the ground her forehead resting against Severus�, watching him regain his breathing, his eyes closed tight and his lips deliciously red and swollen. She dipped her head down again brushing her lips lightly against his, proud of how tousled he looked.

He set her down lightly his eyes half open.

�Maybe I should go back and thank Black.�

Hermione laughed aloud, her hands resting flat against his chest. �It might be worth it, if only to see the look on his face.�
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This Is The Way The World Ends.