AFTERWARDS

Severus pulled his gaze away from her and lifted his goblet of punch to his lips as he turned away. His heart was beating a little faster and his mouth was dry. It was no surprise to see her here, he was aware of her new post. What had shocked him was how incredible she looked and how she had grown into a beautiful young woman in the space of 3 years. He was also shocked at his own reaction. In the space of time since he had last seen her, he had thought of her occasionally. He wondered how she was spending her time, if she had finally married Weasley or if she had risen to her potential and done something worthwhile with those clever brains of hers. And he had thought of how she had cared for him in a dingy house in Hogsmede, thought about her tumbling curls and the sound of her laughter as it lightened the room. But it was nothing more than a moment in time and for him to react in such a way was out of proportion to the circumstances.

Hermione had raised her hand to wave at him but he looked away. She was disappointed but it didn’t last long as she saw Neville wave back at her. She ran over to him and he lifted her in a huge hug.

‘Come on, everyone is over here!’ He grinned at her and dragged her over to a table in a darkened corner of the room. Harry and Ginny were sitting with their arms around each other, Ginny gently stroking her baby bump. They looked up as she approached and Harry let out a long whistle.

‘Wow! Look at you!’ He gasped. Ginny nudged him in the arm and laughed. ‘You look lovely too…’ He rolled his eyes and they all laughed.

‘It’s so good to see everyone!’ Hermione clapped in excitement and they all hugged each other. ‘Ginny, you look wonderful…’ Hermione stroked her bump and smiled at her friend.


‘And so do you, sexy thing… where did you get those?’ Ginny stared pointedly at Hermione’s cleavage and giggled.

‘I just woke up one day, looked down and there they were!’ She laughed.

Ginny nudged her and nodded. ‘Look who just walked in.’

Hermione turned to see Ron and Lavender walk into the Great Hall. Harry stood and waved and they walked towards them.

‘Hi Ron, Hi Lavender…’ Hermione smiled. Ron nodded at her and Lavender gave her a look that could kill. Hermione shrugged. She had barely spoken to Ron since turning down his proposal 2 years ago. They weren’t even in a relationship but he had declared undying love and she had let him down gently, or so she hoped. Lavender had always hated Hermione and the atmosphere at the table had turned suddenly frosty.

‘I need a drink…’ Hermione thought, and walked over to where the punch and buffet were laid out. She pushed her way through a crowd of pupils and grabbed a goblet. She dipped it into the punch and took a long drink, wrinkling her nose when she realised there was no alcohol in it yet.

‘I take it the punch is not to your liking, Miss Granger?’ He spoke quietly as he looked down at her.

Hermione shivered as his voice washed over her. She raised her eyes to him and grinned. ‘It’s too early in the night. No-one has managed to spike it with Fire whisky yet’

‘Give it time, I am sure you won’t be disappointed.’ His mouth twitched a little and he turned to survey the room.

‘It’s good to see you.’ Hermione didn’t look at him but mimicked his movements and watched the party unfurling. ‘Looking so well, I mean. ‘ She looked at him then and flashed him a smile.

‘I am very well, thank you. Congratulations on your appointment. Hogwarts could not ask for a more talented Medi-witch.’ He looked at her and smiled a small smile.

Hermione felt butterflies taking flight in her stomach and licked her lower lip. He watched her and wondered if she realised how sexy she was when she did that.

‘You know about my appointment, Sir?’ She looked at him, her eyes wide.

‘I do indeed. The Headmistress informed all of the teaching staff prior to the ball and instructed us to make you feel welcome. I am fulfilling her instructions, I hope.’ He winked at Hermione and she giggled a little before realising the impact of his statement.

‘Teaching staff? Does that mean….? She raised her eyebrow at him.

‘Indeed. I took up my former post at the start of this school year.’ He nodded at her and let his eyes scan the room rather than looking at her décolletage. Her cleavage seemed to be begging for his attention.

‘So we are colleagues then, Severus? ‘She laughed at the thought of it and he closed his eyes at the sound, his stomach tightening slightly.

‘We are colleagues, Hermione.’ He raised an eyebrow at her and she smiled warmly at him.

‘Oh, those poor children…’ Hermione shook her head sadly and winked at him.

He stared at her, this witch who was surprising him at every turn. His shoulders began to shake and he started to chuckle, before a full laugh escaped his lips. Hermione laughed with him and they didn’t notice the stares of their fellow teachers or the pupils who had never even seen Professor Snape smile, let alone laugh.

‘Severus…’ Hermione gasped as they stopped laughing. ‘Have you got any Fire whisky? This punch tastes like cats pee and I really need a drink’

He smiled at her. ‘I have some in my quarters, however I think we may well be missed. I believe the Headmistress has planned the usual debacle of the Professor’s dancing.’

‘Later then?’ She raised her eyebrows in a question. ‘And we can discuss the potions I will be needing in the next few months…’

‘Of course. After the dancing I will be available.’ He nodded.

‘It’s a date, then…’ Hermione whispered and he looked at her in shock. She winked at him and walked back to where Harry was waving at her.

‘I am not letting you get away this time, Severus.’ She smiled to herself.


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