You Know What They Say about Necessity...

"Three Blind Mice" is an irony in this chapter, and the suggestion for using children's nursery rhyme songs came from Snooze Possum. This is for you, Snooze!


Disclaimer: I don't own anything. It's all JKR's.


Chapter Nineteen: Three Blind Mice


For Hermione, breakfast was proving to be both tense and enjoyable. She sat beside Harry, who was next to Ginny, who had flooed in a few moments before; Severus sat beside Dumbledore at the end of the table. Remus was on Dumbledore’s other side. Tonks, Remus informed them, was chasing after some Death Eaters that were still on the loose and rumored to be in the London area. He was obviously concerned for her, but not to the point of panic.

Harry, for his part, felt a bit annoyed. He should be out helping keep Tonks safe. Never mind that she was normally capable of fending for herself. She had Remus to consider now: their wedding was less than a month away! This got him to thinking about Ginny, and he glanced at her. What would Ginny want him to do if they stayed together? Would she want him to stop being an auror? Harry couldn’t imagine his life without being an auror, but neither could he imagine his life without Ginny in it. He sighed.

“Feeling old, Harry?” Remus chided, hearing the sigh. “Only a few days until your birthday, you know.”

“Yes, I’m feeling dreadfully old,” Harry retorted. “Would you kindly step over here so I don’t have to get out of my seat to kick your arse?”

Remus chuckled, as did Dumbledore. “Now, now, Harry,” Dumbledoridedided. “You know violence doesn’t solve anything. Besides, if you want to give Remus a good swift kick, you’ll have to stand in line behind me. Really, Remus: how could even have thought you’d not be welcome to have the wedding at Hogwarts!”

“Well, I didn’t want to impose by asking,” Remus said, blushing.

“It is never an imposition to marry two friends at their old school,” Dumbledore said firmly. “I’m glad we straightened that nonsense out so quickly; otherwise, I might have needed to let Harry have a go at you after all.”

More laughter followed. Hermione tried to muster enthusiasm to eat, but all she really wanted to do was be alone with Severus. She sternly reminded herself that these were her friends, and chewed on a bite of blackberry pancakes while trying to think about something other than the man sitting across from her.

Remus had turned his attention back to Harry. “So, Harry. What does my godson want for his birthday? We’ll be having a big party for you here, you know. Right, Hermione?”

“Oh, yes, absolutely!” Hermione answered. She kicked herself mentally. Harry’s birthday is only four days away! I’ve got to get Ginny’s and Remus’ help with planning this party, and I’ve got to get him a present! That means more time away from Severus… here she almost sighed, then felt deeply ashamed. Harry is like my brother. I won’t let him down. I have all the time in the world to be with Severus. And she felt better.

Severus, for his part, wasd prd pressed not to groan. Potter’s birthday. A big party with lots of noise and people. Not his idea of a good time. But when he looked at Hermione, he knew that, for her sake if nothing else, he would try and be nice to Potter on his birthday. That would make an excellent present, wouldn’t it?

Harry smiled at Remus. In Harry’s sixth year, with Dumbledore’s help, Remus had become not only Harry’s wizarding guardian, but his godfather as well. Harry had been livid at first, accusing Remus of trying to take Sirius’ place and other horrid things. It was only after reading a letter Sirius had left for him that Harry understood it was what Sirius had wanted, and that part of his anger was that Harry was afraid Remus would die, or leave him, just like so many others Harry had cared about in his life. Harry had gone to Remus with tears streaming down his face, sobbing his apologies. It had taken Remus all of about five seconds to grab Harry in a hug and hold on tight, vowing that he wasn’t going anywhere.

“Yes, Harry, do tell: what would you like for your birthday?” Dumbledore asked, eyes twinkling like flickers of blue fire.

“Well, I’d not object to that new Firebolt Omega broom,” Harry chuckled. He looked at Ginny. “But I have to say… I’ve already got the best present I could ask for.” He took her hand and kissed it.

The gesture was so tender, so natural, it brought a tear to Hermione’s eye. How she wished her and Severus could be so open and expressive of their feelings. But no one here even knew, and if they did, they’d surely be shocked or disgusted, or both. Or worse.

Dumbledore had been glancing towards the pancakes as Harry made his romantic gesture, and the glint of moisture in Hermione’s eye did not go unnoticed by him. He considered her thoughtfully, trying to discern the exact cause of her tear. Perhaps, he mused, a question was in order.

“I do hope I wasn’t disturbing you earlier, Hermione, Severus,” he said, making sure his voice was relaxed and apologetic.

“Oh, no, sir,” Hermione said quickly. “Professor Snape and I were just having a discussion.”

Severus smirked, as if to say ‘you call that discussing?’, Hermione blushed ever so slightly, and quickly stuffed her mouth with omelet to cover her reaction. Not, however, before Dumbledore saw her flush and smiled to himself. Yes, that was rather what he’d thought.

Harry kissed Ginny’s hand one more time before releasing it. “Harry, not in front of everyone,” Ginny protested, though it was obvious she wasn’t truly upset.

He grinned at her, unrepentant. Ginny shook her head and turned to Remus. “Well, Firebolt Omega e, Ie, I’ve been informed by Don Juan here that he’d like a chocolate cake with gold and maroon icing. Think you can handle that, Remus?” she asked.

“I believe I am up to the challenge of making a Gryffindor cake,” Remus laughed. “I’d better make two, actually: you know everyone and your brothers will be here.”

“An excellent point, Remus,” Dumbledore said. “I shall extend the living room the morning of the party.”

Severus sighed now, though it was soft. Here he and Hermione had just begun to explore their feelings for each other, and now she would be spending the next few days preparing a party for the Boy-Who-Became-a-Man-that-Still-Irritated-him. Rationally, Severus realized that it would be unfair not to want Hermione to help in the plans for Potter’s birthday. He was, after all, her best friend. But the next few days would be a little darker without the light of her presence.

Stop acting like a fifth-year, he admonished himself. You’ll still see her. For Nimue’s sake. Mooning over her, like you swore you didn’t want to do. You’re nearly forty-two. That is entirely too old for such conduct.

At that moment, Hermione’s tongue darted out to lick some syrup off the corner of her mouth, and all thoughts of his age fled Severus as he felt his body respond like a teenager’s to the unintentionally erotic gesture. Hermione caught the look on his face, and it engendered in her a similar rush of desire.

Remus took advantage of Ginny sneezing loudly several times to sniff the air sharply. Yes, he was right. Arousal. But not just from Severus. No, the werewolf’s keen sense of smell detected an answering response from Hermione’s body. He knew what that meant, and decided to pretend he’d not noticed anything. Whatever exactly was going on between them, it apparently wasn’t something they were ready to disclose in public yet. Glancing at his godson, Remus had a feeling he knew one of the reasons why.

“I’ll make a list of what we’ll need,” Ginny said. “We’ll get you set up in style, Harry!”

“Nothing but the best for you,” Hermione added with a smile.

“Thank you,” Harry said quietly. “I appreciate all this so much.”

“It is I who wish to thank you, Potter,” Severus spoke up, causing five pairs of wide eyes to look at him. “You have set aside your career and your life in order to stay here for six months. Quite a gesture on your part.”

Harry’s eyes were as wide as saucers. Everyone was staring at Severus in shock. That certainly confused them, Severus thought in amusement. He saw Potter’s mouth gaping, and Hermione’s delighted smile, and refrained from smirking with difficulty. It wouldn’t do for his true motives to be understood.

“You’re welcome, sir,” Harry said faintly. “I’m glad I can help.” The younger man looked as though he was the one in need of help, though: Severus’ words had obviously stunned him.

Dumbledore beamed. “I’m glad everyone is getting along so splendidly.”

“Oh, yes,” Remus echoed with a grin. “Quite splendidly.”

Not long after Albus and Remus had departed, there was a knock at the front door. Hermione and Harry both spun around with a frown: they weren’t expecting anyone, and certainly not anyone who would be arriving the muggle way. Severus tensed, Ginny blanched, Harry gripped his wand and crouched behind the sofa, and Hermione called in a falsely cheerful voice: “Who is it?”

“It’s Dan, Mr. Snape’s therapist,” the familiar voice replied.

Hermione looked to Harry, whose eyes became unfocused for a moment before he nodded, rising and putting his wand in his jeans pocket. Hermione unlocked the door, opening it to see Dan standing on the porch holding a large metal object. “Sorry I didn’t call first, but my cell phone doesn’t work out here. I wanted to go ahead and bring Mr. Snape his walker.”

“Oh!” Hermione exclaimed, studying the object curiously. “Please come in,” she said, holding the door for Dan.

He brought the device in, causing everyone to move close and examine it. It was basically a series of connecting metal poles. Dan demonstrated how it was used. “Your hands grip on each side, you lift and push it forward and use the momentum to help bring your body forward while keeping it stabilized and using the walker for support. It’s cumbersome, I know, but at least you’ll be mobile again come Tuesday, Mr. Snape."

Severus nodded. “That will be an improvement in itself. Thank you, Mr. Langdon.”

“Oh, you’re quite welcome,” Dan replied. “I do need to dash, though. I have to be at a patient’s house soon.”

After saying goodbyes, Dan headed for the door with Hermione, only to ask her: “Would you mind to come on the porch with me for a moment?”

Hermione hesitated, but she knew Dan was ok, so she followed him out, noticing the curiosity and speculation in her friends and Severus’ eyes as she closed the door. Dan seemed anxious, prompting her to ask: “Is something wrong? Is something the matter with Mr. Snape?”

“Oh, no, no,” he assured her. “It’s just, I was wondering… would you like to go out sometime after Mr. Snape is better?”

Oh, goodness. That was about all Hermione could think as she stared stupidly at the handsome young man. She knew what she had to do even as she hated knowing his feelings would be hurt.

“Well, Dan, I’m really flattered, but, you see…”

“Oh, it’s ok,” he interrupted. “I mean, I kind of thought you were with Harry, but I wasn’t completely certain. No harm in asking, right?”

“Well,” Hermione began, but he interrupted again.

“No, Hermione, it’s ok. I’m not mad or hurt, honest. It was worth a shot, is all. Harry’s a lucky guy.” Dan smiled at her and started down the steps. “I’ll see you guys Tuesday for Mr. Snape’s first lesson with the walker.”

Hermione opened her mouth again, but closed it wordlessly. Perhaps it would be for the best to let Dan keep his assumption. That way he wouldn’t try again, and she wouldn’t have to hurt his feelings. He was really a nice person. With a heavy sigh, she went back inside.

“What was that all about?” Harry asked as she locked the door.

Hermione turned. Severus and Ginny had gone and it was just her and Harry. “Where’d they go?” she asked.

“Snape went to his room to lie down for a bit. Said he was tired. Ginny’s in the kitchen. So tell me, Mione: what was that about?”

“Dan asked me out,” she replied.

“What did you say?” Harry asked, curious.

“I told him no,” she said quietly.

“Why? He seems like a nice guy,” Harry frowned.

“Goodness, Harry, that’s not all that matters,” she laughed. “I mean, we’re only going to be here for a few months, then it’s back to Hogwarts and the Ministry. Then what?”

“Oh,” Harry said. “Well, that makes sense. That’s it?”

“Of course!” Hermione said cheerfully. “Well, I’d best go check on Professor Snape and make sure he’s ok. I’ll see you and Ginny later!”

Was he imagining it, or had Hermione seemed hesitant when she’d answered him? Harry frowned. Something was there that he didn’t understand. Something about the way she’d gotten so happy when she said she was going to see Snape. He loved Hermione, and trusted her judgment. Why, then, as she breezed past him, did all the fine hairs stand up on the back of his neck?