Life is a Strange Thing Indeed

Life is a Strange Thing Indeed

Disclaimer: I don’t own any Harry Potter characters. Sure wish I did though. This story is for fun only.

Summary: It’s been 6 years since Hermione Granger has seen her friends from Hogwarts or even set foot in England. Suddenly she finds herself being called back home by the one person who she tried so hard in vain to run away from and forget. Will her past feelings interfere with her sense of duty? Read and find out.

Chapter 14- Mall, Movies and a Choice

Hermione and Severus woke to a partly cloudy Sunday. It was now the middle of October. Hermione knew that in about two weeks she would be going once more into the snake’s lair. She hoped their plan worked. Her and Severus walked into his bathroom and took a shower.

“How do you feel?” Severus asked as he massaged her shoulders.

“Sore. You slammed me against the wall kind of hard last night.” Hermione answered as she leaned against him.

“Sorry love.” he whispered as he kissed her shoulder.

They climbed out of the shower. Severus dressed and handed Hermione a pair of boxers and a shirt she could wear till they got to her rooms. Once he was dressed they flooed to her rooms. He waited in the sitting room while she dressed for the day.

When Hermione came out she finally noticed what he was wearing. Severus was dressed in black jeans, black boots, an emerald green turtle neck sweater and his shoulder length hair was pulled back into a pony tail. He looked handsome. Severus turned and smiled.

Hermione wore blue jeans, black boots, a red turtle neck sweater and her hair was in a french braid that ended in the middle of her back. She was beautiful in his eyes. Always had been and always would be.

“Seems we think alike.” he said with a smile.

“It would seem that way wouldn’t it.” she replied.

Arm-in-arm they headed downstairs for breakfast. They found Harry, Remus and Sam already there. Hermione sat in between Severus and Harry, while Remus sat on the other side of Severus and Sam was seated on Harry’s other side.

“So, what are you two doing today?” Remus asked.

“I don’t know. We haven’t really thought about it.” Severus answered.

“Well, Remus and I were thinking of going to London to catch a movie.” Harry said.

“What movie?” Hermione asked as she poured herself and Severus a cup of coffee.

“They are playing The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King: The Extended Version. Remus and I thought it would be fun. You two want to come?” Harry answered.

“Sounds great! Severus?” Hermione said.

“Sure.” Severus replied.

“I was hoping you and I could spend some time together Hermione. I mean this past week we’ve both been so busy, that we haven’t had any time really together.” Sam spoke up sadly.

“I’m sorry Sam. But you have to understand. This is the first time that I’ve spent any time with both Harry and Remus in six years. Please understand.” Hermione pleaded.

“I do understand. I hope you four have fun.” Sam sighed.

‘I can only imagine why he wants to get her alone. Severus is right, there’s just something off about him. Harry, Severus and I will really have to watch him around Hermione. I hope Kingsley will have that information soon.’ Remus thought as he watched Sam stare at Hermione and Severus.

After breakfast the four said by to Sam and headed toward London. They walked into Hogsmeade and flooed to The Leaky Cauldron from the Three Broomsticks. Once in London they went to Diagon Alley to exchange some wizard currency into some muggle currency. As they stepped out onto the busy streets of London they looked around.

“So, now what?” Hermione asked.

“Well, it’s 10. We can go ahead and at least buy our tickets and then just wonder around. Sound good?” Harry answered.

“Works for me.” Remus said.

“All right.” Severus added.

They hailed a cab and went to the theater. After purchasing their tickets for the 11:30 show they headed across the street to the mall. They had just entered the food court when Harry bumped into someone.

“I’m so sorry. Please let me help with those.” Harry said as he got to his feet and helped the woman pick up her bags.

“Thank you young...Harry?” the woman asked.

Harry jerked his head up. There before him was none other than Petunia Dursley. Harry was surprised. It had been almost eight years since he last saw the Dursleys. The summer before his 7th year he moved out and moved into 12 Grimmwauld Place with Sirius and Remus.

“Aunt Petunia?” Harry asked.

“How...how are you?” Petunia asked.

“Fine.” Harry answered.

“These your friends?” she asked.

“Yes. This is Remus Lupin, Hermione Granger and Severus Snape. Guys, this is my aunt. Petunia Dursley.” Harry answered.

“I remember Lily talking about you two. And I’ve heard of you from Harry.” Petunia said as she pointed at Remus and Severus then to Hermione.

“Yes, we’ve heard of you as well.” Hermione said.

“I see. Well I must be going. Harry, you must come to dinner one Sunday night. Oh, and just so you know. The name is Petunia Evan now. I divorced Vernon the summer after you graduated Hogwarts. Dudley is with his father of course. I would very much like to see you. If you want.” Petunia said nervously.

“I...I would like that.” Harry said.

“Good. Oh, and your friends are welcome too. Just send word. Nice meeting you all.” Petunia said as she left.

“Well, that was interesting.” Harry chuckled.

The four began wandering the mall. Hermione spotted Fredericks’s of Hollywood and wanted to go look around.

“Guys, I’m going in here. Want to come?” Hermione asked.

“I don’t think so. We’ll be in the book store then go next door to the movie place. Meet us there. Let’s go.” Severus said quickly and led Harry and Remus two stores down.

Hermione laughed as she walked into the store. As she walked in she was approached by a young woman who was working.

“Hello and welcome to Fredericks’s of Hollywood. Can I help you with anything?” the woman asked.

“I’m looking for something for my lover.” Hermione answered.

“Well, what’s he into?” the woman asked.

“He likes black and emerald green. He can also be both gentle and vigorous. Any ideas?” Hermione answered.

“I think I have the perfect thing. Follow me.” the woman said with a smile.

She led Hermione to the back of the store. There she showed Hermione the perfect thing. Hermione quickly told her what size. She then went to try it on. She stared at her reflection. She liked what she saw. It was perfect for Severus.

“I’ll take it.” Hermione said as she exited the dressing room.

Severus, Remus and Harry were in the movie store. They were looking at action, comedy and mystery. As well as debating.

“The best comedy is the Monty Python movies.” Harry said.

“I agree with that. But for Action it has to be Die Hard and Robin Hood Prince of Thieves.” Severus commented.

“No disagreement there. Remus?” Harry said.

“You are both right. Now for Horror. The best is Nightmare on Elm Street and Friday the 13th.” Remus said holding up the DVDs.

Hermione had entered and found the guys making their purchases. She stood off to the side and waited. They made their purchases and walked toward her. She smiled as they stopped in front of her.

“What did you three buy?” she asked.

“Well, I bought the three American Pie movies, Severus bout Die Hard and Robin Hood Prince of Thieves and Remus bought Nightmare on Elm Street and Friday the 13th.” Harry answered.

“Did you find what you were looking for?” Remus asked.

“Yep. Come on, it’s 11:10. Let’s go. That way we can get our snacks and seats.” Hermione said.

They left the mall and entered the theater. They got their snacks and took seats in the middle. Surprisingly there was quite a number of people there. They talked until the trailers began. Hermione sat snuggled against Severus as the movie began. She had seen all three and loved them.

On the screen Smegol was fingering the ring.

“My...precious.” Smegol said.

“Hands off my precious. Only me and the village whore are allow to touch it.” Harry said.

Hermione and Severus, as well as several other people snorted with laughter.

The movie went on. The next scene was of the celebration in Rohan. Legolas and Gimli were playing a drinking game.

“It’s the Dwarves that go swimming with little, hairy women.” Gimli said.

“I feel something. A slight tingle in my fingers. I think it’s affecting me.” Legolas said.

“What did I say? He can’t hold his liquor.” Gimli says then falls to the floor.

“Game over.” Legolas said.

“He feel something alright. And I think it’s below the waist, not his fingers.” Remus said.

“Wuss!” Harry cried as Gimli fell to the floor.

“Even Fang can hold his liquor.” Remus added.

Up on the screen Merry and Pippin were dancing and singing.

“Look. It’s Fred and George. I didn’t know they were in this?” Harry said.

Hermione, Severus and Remus laughed. Fred and George did remind them of Merry and Pippin.

The next scene was where Sam was attacking Gollum.

“AAHH! He’s a fat nasty Hobbit who hates Smegol and who makes up nasty lies!” gollum cries.

“He hates Smegol because smegol has a larger dick than the fat Hobbit.” Harry said.

By now the whole theater was cracking up. And so the movie went on. With Harry and Remus making luied comments, causing everyone to laugh at them and even a few others to do the same. As they left the four were dying from laughter.

“What...the...hell were...you two doing?” Hermione gasped as she clutched her side.

“Haven’t you ever seen Mystery Science Theater?” Harry asked laughing.

Hermione and Severus shook their heads still laughing. The four hailed a cab and headed back to The Leaky Cauldron. There they had lunch and talked about the movie.

“I loved the end. Especially since Aragorn thinks Arwen is dead and then she just shows up.” Hermione said.

“Let me guess. You love romance movies.” Remus said.

“Yes. But My favorite type of movies is action and horror. I do like a good love story once and a while. Lord of the Rings is a perfect mix of action, drama and romance as well as comedy all rolled into one.” Hermione replied.

“Don’t expect me to just go, grab you in my arms and kiss you in front of everyone.” Severus said.

“Don’t worry. That’s not your style.” Hermione said taking a bite of her sandwich.

“You never know Herm, Severus could surprise you.” Remus said.

“No. Severus could never surprise me like that. It’s just not him.” Hermione said.

Severus smiled as the gears in his mind began to turn. After lunch they returned to Hogwarts. They each returned to their rooms to put their things away. Hermione tucked away her purchase and laid down to grab a quick nap before getting ready for dinner.

Severus was heading to talk to Remus when he ran into Sam.

“Where’s Hermione?” Sam asked.

“Her rooms. She was going to take a nap before dinner.” Severus answered.

“Oh. I think I’ll go and say hi.” Sam said.

“You had better not. She is taking a nap and I don’t want you to disturb her.” Severus said with a glare.

“And who are you to make demands? Her boyfriend?” Sam challenged.

“I don’t think the term boyfriend applies to me. It’s more like lover. And hopefully her husband in the near future.” Severus said as he took a step toward Sam.

“Like she would choose you after what you did to her.” Sam said then turned and walked off.

Hermione had just woken up and was brushing her hair when there was a knock on her door.

“Enter!” she called.

“Hey beautiful.” Sam said as he stood at her bedroom doorway.

“Sam! What are you doing here?” Hermione asked in surprise.

“I thought I would come and see you.” he answered.

Hermione nodded as she got to her feet. As she passed Sam, he reached out, pulled her into his arms and kissed her. Hermione froze. After a minute he released her.

“What’s wrong? Why didn’t you kiss me back?” Sam asked.

“Sam, there’s...oh there’s no easy way to say this. Sam, I’m back with Severus.” Hermione answered.

“What? After the way that bastard treated you? You took him back!” Sam cried.

“Look, him and I have worked things out. I’m sorry Sam.” Hermione said.

“Fine. It’s your life. We’re still going on the mission together right?” he said.

“Yes. Only there’s been a change. Severus found the potion I used on Voldemort. He said it would be better and I agree. So that’s what we’ll use. There will be no need for the binding spell, as this potion will take care of that.” Hermione explained.

“Okay. Let’s go to dinner.” Sam said.

The two headed for the Great Hall. Severus raised an eyebrow as Sam and Hermione entered together. She sat in between Severus and Remus, while Sam sat on the other side of Harry.

“Everything okay?” Severus asked.

“Perfect.” she answered with a smile.

Dinner went by quick. Hermione grabbed Severus by the hand and drug him to her chambers. She had plans for her Potions Master. Luckily his first class wasn’t until 10. She quickly pushed him on the bed, closed, locked and silenced her rooms and smiled wickedly at him.

“I don’t like that look in your eyes Hermia.” Severus said.

“You shouldn’t.” Hermione replied seductively.

T.B.C