There's No Place Like Hogwarts *COMPLETE*

Chapter 16- The Rest of the Year

The remainder of the school year was uneventful, the students continued their classes. The fifth and seventh years prepared for their O.W.L’s and N.E.W.T’s. Of course, Hermione continued to plot her revenge on Narcissa for the events of New Year’s Eve.

Hermione sat at her desk in her office going over her store inventory list. She would be spending the upcoming Easter holidays brewing some potions. She looked up when her office door opened. She smiled and sat down the list.

“Well, this is a surprise,” She greeted.

Lucius kissed her hand. “I was hoping I could talk to you about New Year’s Eve,”

Hermione smirked. “I still plan on getting even with your wife,”

“I came to help with that. I’m sure Severus explained about the potion and what it did,” Lucius said.

“Yes he did. I will admit that the potion helped me get over many of my insecurities. Before Severus, I have had bad luck when it came to men and relationships. After the potion, Severus and I had a long talk. I guess I have her to thank for strengthening our relationship. Still, I want to pay her back for how she went about it,” Hermione nodded.

Lucius smiled secretively. “That’s why I want to help. I want something out of this revenge plot,”

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As the school year wound down, Hermione was looking forward to the summer. She and Lucius had come up with the perfect payback for Narcissa. Hermione and Severus were heading for Cambodia to visit the temple, just as Severus promised.

Hermione was excited. Severus had shown her both pictures and his memories of his time at the temple. Pansy and Minerva took her to a shop that made the type of robes the monks wore. Hermione bought a set of robes in a soft pink. Severus would just have to wait till they got there to see her in them.

Hermione sighed heavily. The Easter holidays would be ending in two days. Unfortunately, she had spent very little time with Severus since she had to brew potions to replace many of her stores.

“Knock, knock,”

“Hi,” Hermione smiled.

Severus entered her sitting room and moved behind her to start massaging her shoulders. “You look tired love. Have you gotten any sleep?”

Hermione sighed as she relaxed. “I’ve gotten some sleep. Now that all the potions are finished I can catch up on my sleep,”

“You just sit right here and I’ll be right back,” He said.

Before she could reply, Severus left the room. He made his way to the bathroom. After looking around for a few minutes, he found what he was looking for. He began filling the sunken tub with warm water and Hermione’s favorite scented bath oil. After setting up a few more things and turning off the water, he returned to the sitting room.

“What are you doing?” She asked as he pulled her to her feet.

“You’ll see my dear,” He smiled.

With her hand in his, she let him lead her to the bathroom. She gasped at what she saw when they entered the room. All her scented candles were lit, giving the room a soft lighting. A warm bath waiting and soft music was playing. The music was Hermione’s favorite artist, Enya.

“Oh Severus,” She beamed up at him.

“You just enjoy your bath. Tonight, let me pamper you,” He replied softly stroking her cheek.

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While Hermione relaxed in her tub, Severus got to work in the bedroom. He turned down her bed and fluffed her pillows. He then moved to the fireplace, lighting a fire. He wanted her as relaxed as she could possibly be.

Once everything was finished, he changed into the green satin pajamas a house elf had brought him, and climbed into the bed to wait. He had placed her favorite sunset pink nightgown on the foot of the bed. Sex was the last thing on his mind at the moment. All he wanted was for Hermione to be relaxed and to just hold her in his arms.

“So, is this a subtle hint?” Hermione smirked as she exited the bathroom, wrapped in a fluffy blue towel.

“No. All I wasn’t is to just hold you,” Severus answered as she put on the gown.

Hermione just smiled as she climbed into the bed beside him. With a flick of his wrist, the lights extinguished. Severus pulled the blankets over them and gathered her tightly in his arms. The only sound in the room was the crackling of the fireplace.

Hermione sighed as her head rested over his heart. “I’m excited and nervous about going to Cambodia,”

Severus just chuckled. “You have nothing to be nervous about. You’re going to love it,”

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April passed into May and May to June. The fifth and seventh years took their O.W.L’s and N.E.W.T’s, while the rest of the students took their final exams.

“Hello Hermione,” Minerva greeted as she entered Hermione’s sitting room.

“Hello Minerva. I see the N.E.W.T’s and O.W.L’s are finally finished,” Hermione smiled.

“Thank Merlin. After all these years I still hate end of year exams,” Minerva laughed lightly as she sat beside Hermione.

Hermione poured them each a cup of tea. “So what are your plans for the summer?”

Minerva took a sip of her tea. “Well, Albus and I have decided to take a vacation. We’re going to Hawaii,”

“Sounds romantic,”

“Are you ready for your trip with Severus?”

Hermione smiled blissfully. “Yes. We’re leaving a week after term ends,”

Minerva began chuckling. “You and Severus remind me so much of Albus and I. We were so in love and still are mind you,”

Hermione put down her cup and got to her feet. She moved to a window and stared out over the grounds. “Minerva, when did you know Albus was the one for you?”

“I knew right away. He was all I could think about. Not in a distracting manner, but he was still on my mind. Whenever we were together we just enjoyed it. Talking, holding one another, just being together,”

“I feel Severus is the one for me. I’ve been in love with him since my seventh year. Of course, I didn’t realize that ill my second year with Master Nikoli. Now that he’s in my life, I don’t think I can see myself without him,”

Minerva joined her former student at the window. “Have you told Severus any of this?”

“He knows that I’ve been in love with him for nearly eight years. I haven’t told him that I think he’s the one,” Hermione answered. “Do you think I should tell him?”

“In my honest opinion; wait. You could drop subtle hints that you feel that way about him, but wait a little longer before actually telling him that,” Minerva suggested.

“Thank you Minerva,” Hermione beamed.

“Oh you’re welcome dear,” Minerva grinned as she hugged the younger woman.

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Severus sat across from Lucius in his office. Lucius had been at the school to discuss graduation with Albus. “Are you sure about this Severus?”

“Without a doubt Lucius. Of all the choices I’ve ever made in my life, this is the one I never second guessed,” Severus stated.

“Then go for it. Has Hermione told you about her revenge on Narcissa?” Lucius chuckled.

“Oh yes. I understand you helped,” Severus smirked.

“Hell yeah. After all, you got something out of Narcissa’s prank. It’s only fair I get something out of Hermione’s revenge,” Lucius laughed.

Severus just shook his head, laughing as well. “I’m looking forward to taking Hermione to Cambodia in two weeks,”

Lucius smiled softly. “It will do you both good. No school, no interference. Just time together to relax,” Severus nodded. If everything worked out to his expectations, they would be returning from Cambodia with a huge reason to celebrate.

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Hermione smiled as she sat beside Severus. They were sitting at the staff table as the recent graduates enjoyed the graduation ball. The next day would be the leaving feast. A week later, she and Severus would be heading for the temple.

“Will we be staying at the temple?” She asked.

“Yes. My friend has arranged for us to stay in a room at the back of the temple reserved for guests,” He answered.

“He afraid we’ll keep the monks up at night?” She smirked.

“Smart ass,” Hermione just giggled. “No. It’s to keep us from interfering the monks during their prayer times and such,”

Hermione nodded in understanding. A slow song began to play. Without a word, Severus got to his feet. Hermione looked at him questioningly until she saw his outstretched hand. A soft smile playing at her lips, she placed her hand in his and they moved to the dance floor. The other faculty and students just grinned as the couple began dancing.

“I love you Hermione Granger,” Severus whispered, holding her close.

“I love you too Severus Snape,” Hermione sighed, resting her head on his shoulder.

T.B.C