Hermione
Chapter Nine
Hermione
The constant need to study and neutralize each of the anomalies at Hogwarts was starting to wear on Hermione. They had begun appearing in force in the middle of the night, after meals, during office hours. It had become impossible to get any decent amount of sleep. Add to that the already full schedule of a first year professor, and it felt as though no amount of caffeine would alleviate the perpetual state of exhaustion she found herself in. Still, each morning she fed Crooks, ran around the lake, ate in the great hall, and, provided there were no anomalies, tried to complete her lesson planning for the remainder of term before the students got back. Occasionally she found she could work in a nap if she skipped both the midday meal and her free period, although more often than not she found herself pulled away for one project or another. Whenever she wasn't studying the magical signature of the anomalies or helping another professor, she tried to make time for her friends. She'd been too busy to leave the castle during break and Ginny and Pansy hadn't been able to meet her for a butterbeer. Harry and Draco were at Malfoy manor for Christmas visiting Narcissa. Draco never liked to leave her to her own devices during the holidays. Theo was busy as well, although doing what he wouldn't say. That left her to write letters to each of them and mail the gifts she had managed to track down in Hogsmeade for each of them.
~*~*~
The owls delivered the morning post with their usual flourish. A parcel landed in front of Hermione and, as usual, barely managed not to splatter food everywhere. Hermione looked up from her coffee curiously, she wasn't expecting anything. She had already gotten the last of the parcels she was expecting yesterday. To her right, Severus was still preoccupied with the morning paper and to her left, Luna and Neville were quietly making eyes at one another while the remaining staff quietly enjoyed their meal or looked through their own post. She dabbed her mouth with her napkin before she set her coffee aside and brought the parcel closer to her. It was addressed to her. She noticed the burrows address on it and thought perhaps Molly had actually sent her a sweater this year. She opened up the parcel, not noticing Severus' curious glance over the paper. Her face heated, a mottled pink spread down her neck as she rushed to repack the box. She'd never put something away as quickly as she put away the vibrator the girls sent her. Who in their right mind would buy their friend a vibrator anyway? Obviously she and Ginny needed to rehash their conversation about boundaries. Although this has Pansy written all over it.
She had almost had the box completely closed when she realized most of the staff table was staring at her openly.
"So, who's the parcel from Hermione?" Neville grinned, having noticed her reaction.
Her blush deepened. "It's just a little gift from Ginny and Pansy. If you'll all excuse me, I better get this up to my quarters."
Her face burned as she turned to escape as quickly as possible. As she got up she caught her ankle on a loose stone. The parcel flew out of her arms as she fell, the toy rolling out in front of Severus' polished black shoes. Hermione hadn't seen him move but there he was standing over her, staring down Neville and the other professors, his hand outstretched to help her up. She took his hand, and couldn't help but notice the way his calloused palm felt against hers. The brief moment of contact steadying her more than just physically. He pulled her up before using his wand to right her parcel and place it in her arms.
"Hermione." He murmured under his breath as he handed it over.
"This is embarrassing enough Severus, please." She winced, pulling the box more securely into her arms. Glancing behind her at the rest of the staff that had suddenly found their morning beverages much more interesting.
"There is nothing embarrassing about receiving a parcel from ones acquaintance. Regardless of the contents." He looked her directly in the eyes, his usually hard eyes held a bit of warmth for her.
She nodded and gave him a grateful smile. "Thank you, Severus. For the help, and the reminder."
~*~*~
Long slender fingers trailed down her sides, brushing against her sensitive skin before continuing downwards along her outer thighs. Her breath hitched when they began drawing small circles at the crease of her knees before continuing upwards, lazily tracing patterns on her skin. As his fingers got closer to her center she clenched on reflex. A deep chuckle sounded from the man above her before he began to brush soothing strokes with one hand as he slowly inched closer. His other hand moved to cup her neck as his mouth began nipping a path between her neck and her breasts. Her back arching as he teased her relentlessly.
"Hermione." The deep voice of Severus Snape whispered huskily into her ear as his fingers plunged inside her.
Hermione gasped awake, need throbbing between her legs. Reaching for her wand she checked the time. Not quite morning enough to get up but not enough time to get much sleep either. She rolled over and stared at her ceiling. Severus. He'd always been attractive and it certainly wasn't the first time she'd dreamt of him. Although it had been a few years. She glanced over at the parcel Ginny had sent before taking a deep breath. She needed to get up. Might as well get her run out of the way. Crooks meowed at her angrily when she disturbed his spot on her bed.
"Sorry Crooks." She stroked his fur before stretching and leaving him to fall back to sleep on the warm bed while she got ready to go on her run. Throwing her wand in her hair she got dressed. She closed her door and, adding silencing charms to her shoes, she ran out of the castle towards the lake. Running in the cold December air allowed her the opportunity to clear her mind. She took the time to try and organize her thoughts about Severus. He was an intense man and a great friend. As much as she found her feelings for him growing, she didn't want to risk alienating him. He barely allowed conversation between them as it was. Although the thought of his fingers sliding up her neck to grasp the hair at the base of her skull as he ravaged her mouth had her squeezing her legs together. It could only end badly.
Of course. She thought as she slowed to a stop. Her usual bench was occupied by the very person she couldn't stop thinking about. She brushed the snow off the other side of the bench and quietly sat down next to him to catch her breath. The sky was surprisingly clear, the stars shining. Hermione sighed to herself, caught up in the beauty of the landscape she didn't notice Severus' gaze on her.
"It's beautiful, isn't it?" She whispered after a moment. The stars twinkling in her eyes.
"Yes." He cleared his throat, turning back towards the night sky. "Beautiful."
"What's got you out here so early anyway?" She questioned.
"There was another anomaly and I didn't think there was enough time to get a decent amount of sleep." He sighed. "I had thought it would be kinder to let you sleep or I would have woken you. Clearly I needn't have worried." He smirked. "So what has you out and running this early?"
"Couldn't sleep." She shrugged.
Severus hummed thoughtfully as he leaned back. "Nightmares?"
"Not nightmares. Just impossible dreams. It doesn't make sense to put time into them." She looked up at the sky again.
"I am sure you are aware that anything is possible at this point in your life Ms. Granger." He sighed. "Whatever it may be, if you wish it to happen I am sure that it will. Regardless of the rest of the world. You are quite a capable witch."
"Any plans for Christmas Severus?" Hermione asked quietly, changing the subject. She hoped the night was dark enough to hide her blushing.
He chuckled, looking back at the sky. "Nothing in particular. Though I'm sure Minerva will cook up something for the staff. She always used to anyway."
"Does that bother you? The missing years?" She questioned.
"Not as much as I thought it would. I didn't expect to live as it was. That night I was bleeding so profusely. It should have been the end. I could feel death there, waiting for me." He glanced at her to find her watching him as he spoke. Maintaining eye contact he mentioned. "Every moment, even the tiresome ones are welcome now in a way. They show me that I am here, alive. That it's quite a precious thing."
"I think I can understand that perspective to an extent." She shifted to better face him before continuing. "There were a few times during the war that I was sure were going to be my last. Or some that I wished would have been at the time. We've made it through it though and we're here to tell the story." She gave him a small smile and stood. "For whatever it's worth, I'm quite glad you're back Severus. Will I see you at the Christmas Eve dinner tonight?"
"Ah, yes I will be in attendance. Minerva would have my hide if I chose not to show myself." He looked up at her, the corner of his mouth tilted up in a smirk.
Hermione waved goodbye as she turned to run back to the castle. It was likely still too early to stop in at Hagrid's so she continued on, intending on cleaning herself up. After she got out of the shower she decided to head into muggle London. If she and Severus were going to be friends she wanted to make sure he had something to open on Christmas. Her first instinct was to get him a book but all of his books were still his own from his life before his death and she had no idea what his collection looked like. After wandering for an hour she stumbled upon a shoe store and had the idea to get him a pair of trainers. A man like Severus would certainly approve of such a practical gift. Packaging up a dark gray pair she quickly made her way back to her rooms where she unpacked them and began charming them.
The Christmas Eve dinner had a handful of students and the third of the staff that had stayed in the castle all present and accounted for. With Severus on her right she felt as though she could nestle herself into the corner and avoid the bulk of the festivities.
"If only I had thought to bring a book with me." Hermione muttered to Severus behind her wine glass. The two of them grimacing through the remaining students rendition of the school song.
"Alas, did no one warn you of the awful placement of the faculty table?" Severus hid his grin. "You couldn't get away with reading here without Minerva sending a hex your way."
"And just how would you know she'd do that? Care to share a story with the class Severus?" Hermione felt her mouth widen into a smile, her cheeks warmed by both the butterbeer and the company. Severus' eyes danced as he met Hermione's gaze.
"Hermione! Severus! Happy Christmas!" Hagrid wandered over, Hermione immediately running up and hugging the half giant.
"Happy Christmas Hagrid! Are you going to be up in the faculty tower later?" Hermione asked with a grin on her face.
"O' course! Wouldn't miss it! I'll see ya up there?" Hagrid confirmed before he lumbered his way towards the students, presumably to wish them a Happy Christmas as well.
Moments later Minerva announced the meals end and requested the remaining students head back to their dormitories before requesting the remaining staffs presence in the faculty tower for the annual staff party. She made to pass Hermione when she stopped to hug the young witch and wish her a Happy Christmas.
"Hermione, walk with me?" She asked. "Happy Christmas Severus!" She nodded towards him.
"Of course Minerva!" Hermione looked back at Severus and opened her mouth to say goodbye before he waved her on.
Minerva linked arms with Hermione and immediately began asking her how her research was going on the fidelius charm. As Severus watched them go he smiled to himself.
~*~*~
The party was in full swing by the time Severus tried to sneak in. Hermione was in the middle of a conversation with Luna and Neville about the ethical dilemma of mistletoe and called out to him when she noticed his presence.
"Severus! What took you so long?" Hermione grinned stumbling over, clearly having overindulged in the fire whiskey. "I have something for you! It's- oh where did I-" she looked around to find his gift. "I must have put it somewhere else!"
"It's quite alright, Hermione. I needed to deal with an anomaly and it took a bit longer than I anticipated." Severus gripped her by the elbows to steady her when she wobbled sideways. "Are you alright? Would you like an escort to your rooms?" He asked, trying not to laugh at her antics as she mock pouted at him.
"That might be a good idea actually." She leaned into him before loudly whispering into his ear "I believe some of us are having trouble holding our liquor!" Hermione grinned up at him.
Severus hummed his agreement. "Perhaps a sobering potion after we get you settled?" At that moment slow music started playing and Hermione forgot about leaving. She shifted so that she could put both of her arms around Severus' neck and press her body close in order to sway with the music. Hermione closed her eyes and relaxed into him as she continued to move in time with the slow melody. Severus' body tensed. He didn't dance. Especially not with a witch in public. Especially not with this witch in public. He slid his hands from her elbows to her upper back and glanced downwards as she rested her face on his chest. The witch looked quite peaceful. Rather than ending the dance immediately he chose to try and enjoy the moment while it lasted.
"I really did get you a gift Severus. We're friends, friends get each other gifts. I didn't want you to think we weren't friends. I quite enjoy that we're friends." Hermione rambled into his chest.
Severus leaned closer, closing his eyes and quietly breathing in the scent of her before he whispered into her ear "Happy Christmas Hermione." His chest brushing against hers and their bodies tangled together. He couldn't imagine a better gift.
After a moment he placed his hands on her shoulders and stepped back. "Let's get you up to your rooms safely shall we?"
Hermione nodded and grasped his hand between hers before pulling him out the door with her. Her hands were soft and strong, he allowed her to tug him down the corridor until she stopped abruptly.
"I believe I took a wrong turn." She frowned at the castle before muttering something that sounded an awful lot like "damn staircases."
"Allow me." Severus turned them in the opposite direction. "Do you need assistance walking?" He asked, gesturing to their combined hands.
"Hmmm? Oh yes, yes thank you for your assistance. I am quite grateful!" Hermione grinned up at him as they walked. She took care not to stumble quite as much and as a result slowed them down considerably.
"I can levitate you if you'd prefer?" He smirked.
"I quite enjoy this actually." She squeezed his hand. "Severus, will you dance with me again?" She lifted their joined hands above her head and twirled. Severus was dumbstruck by her. The witch was obviously incredibly intoxicated. He needed to get her a sobering potion. As she continued to twirl his mind spun as well.
"Has someone put something in your drink Hermione?" He questioned as he pulled her towards their destination once again. "I assumed you'd be a chatty drunk but I hadn't realized you'd be so-" she stopped causing him to stop and turn towards her as well. "-playful... What is it?" She was looking at him oddly. He cleared his throat. "Let's just get you to your rooms shall we?" He tugged her and she walked forward slowly although now she appeared lost in thought. At least it was easier to get her to her rooms this way.
Once they made it to her quarters she murmured her password and walked in, leaving the door open behind her. Severus reached a hand out checking for wards and when he encountered none he stepped in. "Hermione, do you need anything? I can bring you a sobering potion if you don't have any here." He called. He couldn't help but notice her rooms, specifically he noticed her sitting room held a deep green plush couch. He would have expected Gryffindor colors. The walls were covered in bookshelves, although the shelves were not yet full both facts he supposed weren't surprising given her teacher salary. He could see a sliver of her office and couldn't help but notice the green palette continued in there as well. Not sure what else he should do he knocked on the door she had gone through to what he presumed was her bedroom and called out. "Hermione? Are you well?" He didn't get an answer. After waiting a moment he called again before slowly opening the door and peering in to find her passed out on her bed. Smiling softly to himself he gingerly pulled her shoes off and tucked her into her blankets before summoning a hangover relief potion and a glass of water for her bedside table. After a moment's hesitation he removed her gift from his cloak pocket and left it there as well. He turned and left, locking her door on his way out.
Severus began walking to his own quarters, mind turning. He knew she'd appreciate the book on the creation of the fidelius charm, it was a rare edition from his own collection and it would serve her well in her research projects. He wasn't quite sure how he expected the evening to play out but he had enjoyed himself. Hermione was entertaining when inebriated. He hadn't expected that. As he neared his rooms he noticed a box in front of his door. A note addressed to him rested on top.
Severus-
I had hoped to get you a book of course however as I haven't had the privilege of perusing your collection I thought it better to get you something practical. I hope you'll be able to utilize these, I've added a few charms which I've listed below. Happy Christmas Severus!
Yours fondly,
Hermione
Not sure what else to do he knelt and picked up the parcel. Opening it to discover a pair of trainers that, according to the note, had been charmed to fit his feet perfectly as well as control the temperature and add comfort. It was quite a thoughtful gift. The girl had clearly spent a decent amount of time working on them. With a small smile he brought them inside and retired for the evening.