Summer Love

Disclaimer: I don’t own Harry Potter or the names I’ve borrowed from Sense and Sensibility. Wish I did though. Ha! Ha! This story is strictly for fun and nothing else.

Summary: Hermione has graduated from Hogwarts and discovers her neighbor is none other than her, recently, former potions professor, Severus Snape. What happens when these two get together? Will they make it or not? R/R

Summer Love

Chapter 7

June quickly passed into July. Hermione, Severus, Marianne and Chris went to Phillip’s trial. He was found guilty of assault, attempted rape, and attempted murder for his attack on Severus. He was sent to prison for fifteen years.

Severus had spent the last few weeks doing some serious thinking. He knew Minerva was going to send a letter asking Hermione to become her apprentice. Just as he was doing with Draco and a few of his colleagues were doing with Balise, Crabbe, Goyle, Millicent and Pansy.

Once she got her letter, he knew she would accept. He had planned on taking her to dinner to celebrate. There was just on last thing he needed to take care of. He only hoped it had a positive outcome.

“Um, darling.” Severus said as he entered the library.

“Yes, what’s wrong?” Hermione asked as she looked up from her book.

“Nothing’s wrong. I just have to step out for a bit. There are a few things I need to pick up. Will you be all right here by yourself for a few hours?” Severus answered.

“Sure. I was actually planning on doing a little swimming then taking a nap. I didn’t exactly sleep well last night.” Hermione replied.

“All right. Just be careful. I love you.” Severus said as he hugged and kissed her lovingly.

“I love you too Severus.” she said.

He then walked out the door, down the street, made sure the coast was clear, then apparated away. A few seconds later, he found himself outside of Hermione’s Aunt Eleanor’s Manor in Paris. He made his way up the drive and stepped onto the porch. He took a deep breath and knocked.

“Can I help you sir?” the butler asked as he opened the door.

“I’m here to see Mr. Ryan Granger. I’m a friends of his daughter.” Severus answered.

“Of course. Follow me please.” the butler said.

Severus followed the man through the house and out to an outdoor patio. There sat Eleanor, Elise and Ryan.

“Mr. Granger, a visitor to see you.” the butler announced.

“Severus! What a surprise! Please join us.” Ryan greeted.

“Hello Severus.” Elise said with a bright smile.

“My, my. What brings you here dear?” Eleanor asked with a questioning smile.

“Hermione’s all right isn’t she?” Ryan asked.

“She’s fine Ryan. It’s because of her I’m here. Only, she doesn’t know that. Could you and I speak in private Ryan?” Severus answered.

“Of course. Excuse us ladies.” Ryan said.

The two men made their way inside. Eleanor gave her sister a knowing smile.

“That man is asking for your daughter.” Eleanor said.

“I believe so too. I really do like him. He and Hermione would be very happy.” Elise replied with a smile.

Severus and Ryan walked into the billiard room. Ryan poured them both a glass of Scotch. The two men sat down in two of the arm chairs scattered around the room.

“Now, what is it you wanted to talk about?” Ryan asked.

“Well, I wanted to ask your permission to ask Hermione to be my wife.” Severus answered.

“I see.” Ryan said then took a drink.

“Ryan, I know this seems sudden, but I truly love your daughter. If you give me permission to marry her, I swear she will be loved, honored and treated like a queen. She will also be free to live her life to the fullest.” Severus said as he stared Ryan in the eye.

“Where would you live?” Ryan asked.

“Paradise Manor. Hermione will be receiving a letter from Minerva McGonagall as early as today asking her to become her apprentice. I’m almost positive Hermione will accept. If she does, she will live at Hogwarts from August till June.” Severus answered.

“Does Hermione return your love? Has she told you she loves you?” Ryan questioned.

“Yes sir. She has told me as well as showed me. Sir, your daughter has brought back a part of me I believed to have been dead. She showed me that it was okay to live and love again.” Severus answered.

“Very well. You have my permission. All I ask is that you love her and treat her as she rightfully deserves to be treated.” Ryan said as he held out his hand.

“Thank you Ryan. I swear Hermione will be taken care of.” Severus replied with a smile as he gratefully shook Ryan’s hand.

Ryan and Severus rejoined the ladies. Eleanor and Elise were thrilled when they heard what Ryan and Severus had discussed. Severus stayed for lunch then quickly apparated to a nearby Wizarding community. He made his way through the bustling crowds and into a local jewelry shop.

“My, my. Monsieur Snape. This is a pleasant surprise.” the shop owner greeted.

“Bonjour Francis. I’m here to pick out an engagement ring for a very special and unique witch.” Severus said as he shook Francis’s hand.

“Ah. It’s about time you settled down. Now, tell me about this young mademoiselle.” Francis said with a smile.

“She’s beautiful. Not a conventional beauty, but the girl next door type beauty. She’s also brilliant. Maybe even more so than I.” Severus said.

“Mmm. What does she look like?” Francis asked.

“Brown hair that falls in soft waves to her waist. Brown shining eyes that dance when she’s concentrating or reading. She’s about 5’4, very petite but gorgeous curves. Smooth cream colored skin.” Severus answered.

“What month was she born?”

“September.”

“Tell me about her family.”

“She’s a muggle born witch. Both sides of her family are very aristocratic. Her mother’s father was the Prime Minister of England for twenty years. Ten of them were before she was born. Her parents are both dentists, of course they went against her grandparents in their job choices.”

“I see. Was she a student of yours?” Francis asked.

“Yes. She was in Gryffindor House, Head Girl, Prefect, as well as top marks in everything. Including her O.W.L.’s and N.E.W.T’s.” Severus answered.

“I think I have the perfect ring. Follow me.” Francis said.

Severus followed the older man to the back of the shop. Francis opened a cabinet and took out a midnight blue velvet ring box. He handed it to Severus. Severus slowly opened the box.

“It’s perfect!” Severus exclaimed.

“I thought it would be. The ring is also charmed to fit the wearer.” Francis said.

Severus and Francis returned to the front of the shop. Severus quickly paid for the ring, shook Francis’s hand and apparated back to Paradise Manor.

“Hermione! I’m back!” Severus called out.

“Severus! Severus!” Hermione cried as she came running into the living room holding a letter.

“Hey. You seem excited.” Severus said.

“I just got a letter! Minerva has asked me to be her apprentice!” Hermione exclaimed.

“That’s wonderful! What’s your answer?” he asked, already knowing her answer.

“I’ve already sent my reply. It’s yes!” she answered.

Severus gathered her into a huge hug. He was thrilled. Hermione pulled back and slammed her lips against his. The kiss was full of love and excitement. They separated a few minutes later.

“This calls for a celebration. Go upstairs and get ready. Be ready in two and a half hours.” Severus said.

Hermione quickly kissed him and rushed upstairs. Severus smiled as he went to the phone to make the proper arrangements. Meanwhile, Remus and Sirius were having problems of their own.

“WHERE THE HELL IS SHE!!” Harry yelled at Sirius and Remus.

“We’re not telling you.” Sirius said.

“YOU BASTARDS! YOU’RE HIDING HER!” Harry screamed.

“Hermione did nothing wrong. You aren’t in your right frame of mind Harry. Let us help you.” Remus pleaded.

“SHE LET RON DIE! AND I DON’T NEED OR WANT YOUR HELP!” Harry screamed.

Before Remus or Sirius could move, Harry’s magic lost control. The two Wizards were knocked to the ground. When they got to their feet, Harry was gone.

“Damn! We need to tell Albus immediately!” Sirius said.

Remus and Sirius jumped to their feet and flooed to Hogwarts. Back in London, Severus and Hermione were in his car heading for the restaurant. Hermione was so excited.

“This is great. This way we get to be together.’ she said.

“Yes. I have to confess, I knew Minerva was going to send you that letter.” he replied.

“I figured as much. Where are we going anyway?” she asked.

“Look out your window.” he answered.

“Oh my god!” she gasped.

Hermione stared as Severus pulled the car up in front of the restaurant. The Starlight Glade was the best and most extravagant restaurant in all of London.

“Do you like it?” Severus asked.

“Like it? I love it! Thank you!” Hermione squealed as she leaned over and hugged him.

“Good evening sir. Madame. Welcome to Starlight Glade.” the valet greeted as Severus and Hermione got out of the car.

Severus extended his arm to Hermione. She placed her arm in his wearing a bright smile. They quickly made their way to the Mainer ’D stand.

“Good evening, reservation for Snape please.” Severus said.

“Of course. Julia, table twenty-three. Enjoy your evening.” the Mainer ’D said.

Severus and Hermione followed Julia. Somehow, Severus had managed to get the best table. From their table they could see the Thymes river. Severus pulled out Hermione’s chair as they were seated.

“I will be back in a few minutes to take your drink orders.” Julia said.

“How did you do all of this?” Hermione asked.

“I have my ways.” Severus answered with a secretive smile.

Julia returned and took their drink, entrée, and dinner orders. Within minutes their glasses of wine were there. They each took their glass and smiled at each other.

“To you. To the most beautiful and brilliant witch in the world. Here’s to your future.” Severus toasted.

“Thank you.” Hermione said.

The evening wore on. Just before dessert, Hermione left and headed for the bathroom. As she passed the bar, she never noticed the young man who had been watching her and Severus for the last two hours.

‘So, the bitch is seeing Snape. Perfect.’ Harry thought.

Hermione returned to the table. As she did, she noticed Severus seemed extremely nervous.

“Severus, what’s wrong?” she asked.

“There’s…there’s something I want to…ask you.” he answered.

“Then ask.” she said.

Severus took a deep breath, got out of his chair and knelt before her. Hermione’s eyes almost popped out of her head. Everyone in the restaurant was watching the couple.

“Hermione, these last few weeks have been so magical. We’ve known each other for a long time. I love you with all of my heart. Will you, Hermione Jane Granger, grant me this one thing and become my wife?” Severus asked.

Hermione just sat there. Absorbing everything he had just said. Everyone sat on pins and needles waiting for her answer.

“Yes! Oh Severus yes I’ll become your wife!” Hermione cried.

Severus got to his feet, pulled Hermione to hers, gathered her into his arms and kissed her. The restaurant exploded. Everyone clapped and cheered. The noise level grew when they parted and Severus slid the ring onto her finger. Everyone was happy. Everyone but Harry.

“Oh it’s beautiful.” Hermione gasped as she admired her ring.

The band was platinum with a squares cut sapphire surrounded with rubies and diamonds.

“I’m glad you like it. I’m even more glad you said yes.” Severus said.

“What are my parents going to say though?” Hermione asked.

“I already spoke to them. That’s where I went earlier today. I wanted to do this right and went to ask your father’s permission. He gave it to me. As did your mother and aunt.” Severus answered.

“Oh no. I bet Aunt Eleanor is already planning the wedding.” Hermione moaned.

Both laughed. They ordered their desserts. After they finished and Severus signaled for the check, Julia and the owner came over.

“Mr. Snape, your meal is on the house. Congratulations to you and your beautiful fiancee.” the owner said jovially.

“Thank you very much.” Severus said as he shook the owner’s hand.

After leaving a generous tip, the happy couple went to retrieve Severus’s car. The couple then started the drive back home to Paradise Manor.

“This day has been so perfect.” Hermione said as they pulled up at a stoplight.

“Yes it has love.” Severus agreed.

The light turned green. Severus slowly began to move through the intersection. Everything happened all at once. A pair of bright white headlights were bearing down on them. The last thing Severus heard was Hermione’s blood curdling scream.

“AAAAHHHH! SEVERUS!” she screamed.

Then everything went black.

T.B.C