Echoes of the Soul

Albus and Severus had continued to talk for hours. Albus was so astute and he asked Severus some quite personal questions about his feeling for Hermione that had caused him to shout out in frustration. How could this old man know so much about his feelings when he wasn’t fully aware of them himself?



And yet over the course of the evening, Albus had helped Severus to reveal that he had always been drawn to the witch in some way, even when she was a first year pupil. He had recognised her sharp mind even then and been fascinated by her ability to soak up information. And then later, he had noticed her changing into a young woman, particularly during the TriWizard Tournament when she had accompanied Victor Krum in a dress that made her look like a princess. He had found it hard to drag his gaze from her that night but put it down to feeling protective of her. He was her teacher after all, it was his role to look after his students. Looking back now, he could admit to feeling a little jealous of Victor. He had felt something for the witch all of the time and not realised it.



He wanted to pursue her, he told Albus, even before he had known about the dreams they shared. He had found working in such close quarters with her reassuring and he found himself waiting for her to return from her classes eagerly, just so he could have a little conversation with her. When he told Albus this he had blushed a little and Albus had chuckled and teased him for having a crush on Hermione. But recent events had intervened and now, Hermione may not be back and he might not have another chance.



They both knew that Hermione would scoff at the idea of souls being reincarnated, she had to come to Severus in her own way and Albus had one last move to play where she was concerned. Now, however, it was up to Severus to convince Hermione that they should be together. For the greater good.



****



Hermione stood in front of the class and watched them as they all walked up to her and handed in their homework. She was pale and withdrawn and hadn’t interacted with her class as much as she used to.



Her pupils noticed, especially Margo Fossett, a Hufflepuff with a big heart and an even bigger mouth. In fact, Margo was big all over and she bowled up to hand in her homework, which, Hermione noted, bore the telltale marks of Honeydukes’ finest chocolate smudged along the edge. As she handed Hermione her work she looked up at her, her small eyes peering from her moonlike face.



‘Are you alright Miss Granger? You look miserable today.’ Margo studied her. ‘And knackered, too Miss…’



Hermione blinked. ‘Thank you, Margo, for your observations. Perhaps you would be better to concentrate on not dropping your chocolate on your homework than worrying about me in future.’ She said it kindly but there was an unmistakable hint of Severus behind her voice and she bit her lip.



‘I was just saying Miss…we like you, Miss Granger… please don’t leave…’ Margo smiled up at her. It was genuine. She was really concerned. Hermione smiled back at her a little and felt tears pricking her eyes.



‘That is enough, Miss Fossett. Miss Granger has given you her answer. On your way.’



Severus was framed imperiously in the doorway of the classroom, clad in his teaching robes, his hair smooth, his sneer perfect. Hermione closed her eyes and took a deep breath. He looked so gorgeous she wanted to shag him where he stood and felt a warm trickle dampening her crotch.



Margo’s face blanched and she darted from the room quickly without a backward glance. She hated Professor Snape.



‘Difficult class?’ Severus asked her mildly as he walked into the room.



‘Not at all. They are a joy, always. I don’t know why you find them so annoying to be honest.’ Hermione was busying herself at her desk and gathering everything she needed for her marking, which she intended to do at home tonight.



‘I was worried about you. You left in such a rush last night.’ Severus looked at her and she avoided his gaze.



‘I’m fine, as you can see. I have to go. I have all of this marking to do…’ Hermione couldn’t look at him, she was afraid she would cry.



‘Hermione…’ Severus’s voice was low and smooth and almost made her melt in a puddle at his feet.



‘Yes, Severus?’ She was staring at his feet and waiting for him to respond when she was aware of him moving around the desk to where she was standing. She took a breath, her eyes closed. She could sense him standing beside her and gasped as she felt him tuck a stray curl of hair behind her ear softly.



‘Look at me, witch…’ He breathed gently into her ear and she shuddered as his breath caressed her skin. She lifted her head slowly and her eyes met his, dark and glittering.



He smiled at her a little and his eyes shone warmly. ‘You are so very beautiful, Hermione…did you know that?’ He cupped her cheek with his large hand and stroked her face softly. Hermione closed her eyes and pushed her face against his touch. Gods, he felt so good. He bent his head and kissed her lips softly, pressing his mouth to hers as she gasped, little electric shocks running through her veins. She let out a small sob and tears started to run down her face. Severus pulled away from her in shock.



‘I’m sorry. Forgive me. I thought you wanted….’



Hermione looked at him. ‘I do, Severus. But you want Selene and I can’t compare with that… I … I really need to go…’ Hermione turned on her heel and ran from the classroom, tears streaming down her face.



Severus stared after her. At least he understood why she had left last night. Now he just had to make her realise it was her and not Selene that had his cock throbbing painfully in his trousers.



***



Hermione arrived home and threw her marking on the kitchen table, opened the fridge and poured herself a very large glass of white wine, taking a large gulp of it as she tried to stem the tears that wouldn’t stop. She closed her eyes and berated herself. This was karma for dumping Ron so cruelly, she just knew it.



She heard a gentle tapping at her kitchen window and opened it little to let the post owl hop inside. It had a package tied to his leg and she unfastened it, gave the owl a small treat from the bowl by her sink and it flew off with a small hoot. Hermione looked at the package and untied it. There was an old book inside along with a note from Albus.



‘My dear Hermione, I found this and thought it may be of interest for you. Wishing you happiness, Albus Dumbledore.’



Happiness? Hermione snorted. Albus was an odd ball sometimes. She lifted the book and read along the spine. ‘Reincarnation: Fact or Myth?’ She shrugged. She would look at it later. First she had marking to finish.





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Hermione needs to learn to trust.... Lemons coming then i need to take a break an do some of my college work which I have been happily avioding with this little fan fic!!