In Demand

You never had our love written in your plans


YOU NEVER HAD OUR LOVE WRITTEN IN YOUR PLANS
 


The group appeared beneath the old oak, and prepared for
the flight back to Hogswarts.  Harry
held Severus’ broom steady while he mounted it. 
With a whispered charm, the broom rose and flew in the direction of the
castle.  While under the sort of
autopilot mode, the broom could not fly fast; but it did leave Severus’ hands
and mind free.
 


With a feeling of dejavu, he remembered their last trip. 
As on that trip, he ran long fingers through her hair, which was flying
wildly around him.  His thoughts on
this trip were in a much different place, though.
 


She had come to mean so much more to him than even he had
imagined she could.    When
he had dared to let himself consider a relationship with Hermione he had only
seen the obvious.  Sharing
intelligent conversation, some private laughter and companionship, the sense of
security one had when tucked warmly into bed with another living being, and, of
course, the physical completenef a f a lover whose passions ran as deep as your
own.  He had never loved a woman
before in the sense that he did now.  It
wasn’t her mind, or her body.  It
was the soul, the complete person that she was; the person that filled the
gaping holes of his own dark soul. 
 


He closed his eyes and reveled in the feel of this woman,
his woman.  She was cud upd up
against him, her head tucked underneath his chin. Content in his arms, needing
no words to reassure her. Still, his mind screamed out words that his mouth
could not form, would not form.  Words
that he needed to say.
 


He turned his head and realized that Harry now flew beside
them.
 


“You two getting along all right, there??” 
He asked.
 


Hermione turned herself inward, toward Harry’s voice,
pressing her breasts against Severus’ chest. 
Her right cheek lay against his chest, and he could feel her smile and
give a small wave.
 


“OK then, ‘Mione. 
We’re going to fly on ahead to the castle.  We’ll see you both in the morning.”  Harry motioned to the others, who had been slowly trailing
behind.  One by one they passed the
broom with its two passengers and flew on ahead.  When she had watched the last broom pass them by, Hermione
turned herself once again and cuddled up against.
&.
 


A war still raged inside of Severus Snape. 
The need to express his feelings to her was overwhelming him. 
He had never uttered those words to anyone, not with the sentiment they
would take on when told to her.  He
closed his eyes and buried his nose in her hair, inhaling deeply. 
Taking a deep breath, he tested the words.  “I love you.”
 


In his arms she stiffened briefly, then pulled back from
him.
 


His heart dropped into his feet.  He knew she would be shocked, but he didn’t expect her to
reject him. “My own fault, I set the rules for this relationship.”
 


She straightened up a bit and leaned into him, placing her
mouth by his ear, where he could be sure to hear her clearly. 
He braced himself.  He closed his eyes and waited for her rebuke.
 


None came.  Helt hlt her bh onh on his ear and heard her inhale delicately. 
Then, “I love you, too.”  Relief
coursed through his body and Severus Snape smiled.
 


She settled herself back down into his arms and closed her
eyes.  “It was so like him,” she
mused.  No flowery proclamation,
just the simple words. Simple words spoken quietly.
 
BUT NOW I\'M IN DEMAND


 


Life at Hogwarts settled back into a comfortable routine as
the weeks passed.  The castle was
once again abuzz with activity as the teachers prepared for the students who
would arrive at the end of the month. 
 


All the teachers prepared, but one. 
The Potions Master was preparing in the dungeons. 
He was preparing for someone else to take over his classes. 
He was preparing to say goodbye to his home. He was preparing to say
goodbye to Hermione.
 


He had spoken to Draco already. 
 


Following Voldemort’s destruction the boy, “no, the
man” had settled into a home in Hogsmeade. 
He visited the castle quite often and was considered a close friend of
both himself and Hermione.  He had
agreed to take care of her after he left.  She
would need a friend like him.  Maybe
someday…   They would make a
good match and he would take good care of her if the fates saw to steer them
that way.
 


He knew what was coming and was trying, for her sake, to
remain hopeful. But, even she eventually realized the hopelessness of the
situation.
 


He spent his days restocking the lab’s inventory,
organizing the student records, and just being busy. 
His nights were spent in her arms, desperately loving her as if every
night was their last.
 


Severus was seated at his desk, scribbling out notes when
Dumbledore knocked once and entered.  The
Headmaster looked around sadly at the boxes, which sat around filled with
Severus’ personal effects.
 


“My dear boy, I hope I’m not disturbing you. 
I assumed you would want to know the outcome as soon as the Ministry
finished their investigation.”
 


Severus sighed and ran a hand through his hair. 
He reached in his sleeve and removed his wand. 
With a swish and flick, both doors in the room closed quietly. 
He visibly steeled himself.  “Go
ahead, I’m listening.”
 


“Well, obviously, Sirius Black has been found guilty of
all charges.  He has been removed to
Azkaban for the remainder of his natural life.”
 


“They have also concluded that indeed, he was the final
Deatheater.  They have released
official word that Voldemort and his followers have been exterminated.”
 


Severus smiled slightly at this.  Three months ago, that news would have been enough, but not
now.
 


“In two days time there is an official day of celebration
throughout the wizarding world.  Of
course the House Elves are beginning preparation for the party that we will be
hosting. The owlery is empty as the word is being spread. 
Hogsmeade has lifted their apparation wards and is preparing for the
guests that will begin arriving tomorrow.  The
castle will be full and…”
 


SLAM!!  Severus
brought his fist down hard on the desk.
 


“Dammit!  Enough
about parties, Albus.  What has been
decided as to my fate?”
 


Dumbledore sighed and took the seat in front of the desk.  
He thought carefully before beginning. 
“That was indeed the hardest decision for them. 
Normally, a physical display of violence such as you displayed could only
have been met with a prison term.  Of
course, the services you provided to the Ministry as a spy had to be taken into
consideration.  Harry and Remus were
called upon to testify as to the events that have transpired between yourself
and Sirius Black over the years; most importantly, those events pertaining to
Hermione.  The Ministry is now aware
of all that Sirius has done to her. 
Poppy was called before the board to report on the injuries Hermione
sustained in both incidents.”
 


Severus visibly grimaced at this.
 


“It was necessary Severus. 
Obviously, they are now aware of the nature of the relationship between
the two of you, as well.”
 


“Draco Malfoy was also called before the board. 
He testified to the beating that he witnessed at the hands of Sirius. 
In order to spare Hermione the agony of having to relive it all by
offering her version, Draco agreed to take Veritaserum and submit his evidence
via a Pensieve.  The Ministry found
it most compelling.  After lengthy
deliberations they have determined, that they, in no means, can they condone
what you did.”
 


“They also realize that there were very extenuating
circumstances which surrounded the attack on Black.”
 


“They have ruled that you be cleared of all charges.”
 


Severus realized that he had been holding his breath. 
A smile broke across his face.  “I’m
free?”
 


“You are.  Now
don’t you think you had best begin unpacking?? 
Hermione and Harry will be returning from Hogsmeade soon. 
Clean all this up before she gets here.”
 


Albus paused, his hand on the doorknob. His blue eyes
twinkled,  “Oh and Severus,
Don’t lose track of the time.  Your
colles wes will be wanting to congratulate you. 
You and Hermione ARE expected at the Great Hall for the evening meal. 
Welcome back, Severus,”
 


He was free.  Free
to live his life, to teach, to love.  Free
to dream again about the future.  A
future that was safe and secure.  No
more Voldemort, death threats, hiding, pain. 
A future with Hermione.
 


With a happy sigh, the Potions Master started to unpack.