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More Than You Think You Are

By: jillianw
folder Harry Potter › Het - Male/Female › Snape/Hermione
Rating: Adult +
Chapters: 9
Views: 5,974
Reviews: 40
Recommended: 0
Currently Reading: 0
Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter, nor any of the characters from the books or movies. I do not make any money from the writing of this story.
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Bright Lights

\"Bright Lights\"

I got a hole in me now
I got a scar I can talk about
She keeps a picture of me in her apartment in the city
But some things in this world
Man, they don\'t make sense
Some things you don\'t leave until they leave you
And then the things that you miss, you say

Baby, baby, baby when all your love is gone
Who will save me from all I\'m up against out in this world
And maybe, maybe, maybe
You\'ll find something that\'s enough to keep you
But if the bright lights don\'t receive you
You should turn yourself around and come on home

~ Lyrics by Matchbox Twenty~


Chapter 1

”Leave them be, Severus. I am sure this is the last time they will ever have the chance.” Severus scowled and followed Remus into the manor. He had been summoned on a newly developed, yet important matter. They happened to be checking the wards on the grounds when they came upon the lovers. Severus was jealous he had wanted to share Hermione’s passion for months now. He knew there was no way she could be interested in someone like him, but perhaps in a different time. They shared a passion for potions, and most of all, they shared a passion for learning. She thrived with newly found knowledge. And, truth be known, he got pleasure from teaching her. She never tried to change him. She seemed to enjoy his company the way it was. Truth be known, he enjoyed her company as well.

“Where is Albus?” Severus asked coldly. After seeing Hermione Har Harry making love, he was in an even fouler mood. He had suspected that they had been seeing each other for months now, but he still held onto the one little shred of hope that he was incorrect. Now, after confirming his suspicions, he only wanted to go home and obliviate himself in a bottle of vodka.

“He’s in the kitchen. I am sure Molly has assaulted him with today’s newest confections.” Since Molly had no one living at home anymore, she decided her culinary skills were desperately needed at headquarters. Each day, she made some new and improved version of cakes, pastries, and pies. Severus found Albus sitting at the table. He had on the most atrocious colored robes, and a giant bib tucked into them. Molly had just placed yet another cup of tea and saucer of cake in front of him.

“Hewwo Sevurus,” he mumbled around a mouthful of cake.

“Albus.” Severus’ voice was unattached and cold. In hindsight, no different then it usually was. He sat down at the table and summoned a cup of tea. “I understand there has been a new development?” Severus watched Albus swallow the mouthful of food, then waited while he dabbed at a spot of tea in his beard.

“Yes, yes. It appears that Harry has been reluctant to finish his task due to his involvement with Miss Granger.” Severus snorted. Of course, it would have to do with Harry. Lately, everything Albus asked for help with concerned Harry.

“And this affects me how?” Severus was furious that he had been brought here to discuss Harry and Hermione’s involvement. He could think of better things to do with his time. Like count the stones in his bedroom walls.

“Well, it appears that he’s afraid to finish this war because he’s in fear for Hermione’s life. He wants to ensure she isn’t harmed and that she will survive this war. The news that you shared with me yesterday evening has had a profound affect upon him. He wants us to send her away, and then he’ll prepare for this battle. He knows that he’ll probably perish in the fight and he wants her as far away from harm as possible.”

“How noble, ” Severus sneered.
m I m I incorrect in assuming that you want no harm to befall on Miss Granger?” Severus knew that Albus had sensed his feelings for Hermione. He just hadn’t brought it out into the open yet. By doing so, he would shatter the illusion that Severus truly didn’t feel anything for her.

“No you are not, Albus. Of course I do not wish any harm to Hermione.” Molly turned at Severus’ calling her by her given name. She had never heard Severus call her anything but Miss Granger. He even still addressed her as Mrs. Weasley. She realized in that moment that Severus Snape cared deeply for Hermione, her surrogate daughter. She regarded Hermione just as she did Ginny. In her heart, she may have given birth only seven times, but she mothered nine children. Severus saw her gawking and gave her his best glare, the one reserved for Neville Longbottom.

“It has been requested that we send her away to protect her. Now, do you still have the colleague in Lyon? Perhaps he will be looking for an assistant? Perhaps a very capable Potions Mistress?”

“She is far from a Potions Mistress, Albus.”

“Perhaps, but I daresay that the only thing separating her from that title is the fact that she hasn’t taken the tests required for the licensing.”

Severus knew when he had been defeated. “And you would like for me to contact him and see if perhaps Miss Granger would be an asset to him?” Albus nodded in approval. “Very well. When are you expecting her to leave?”

“As soon as possible. If Harry has done his part, she is learning that their relationship is over right this very moment. She should be ready to leave within a few days.” Severus was tempted to tell Albus they were currently shagging in the bushes, but fought the urge. He would ridicule Potter in an instant, but Hermione, she was a different story.

“I shall write Philippe as soon as I return to Hogwarts. Is there anything else?” Severus stood to leave and as his hand reached the doorknob, Albus spoke. “She may be leaving us now, Severus, but there will come a time for you to be together.” He snorted, and left an old man to his vices.


~~~~~*****~~~~~*****~~~~~~******

Hermione stared out the window and was startled to hear the front door open. She was contemplating a life changing decision and needed some advice. Harry sat down his broom and then made his way into the parlor. He grabbed a glass full of pumpkin juice before he noticed Hermione staring out the window.

“Harry, I have received a job offer.” She was direct and to the point. She knew that Harry preferred being dealt with that way. Harry made his way over to her and took the letter from her hand. She had received the job offer earlier that morning, and was waiting for Harry to return from flying.

“Job offer, where?” He knew Albus worked fast, but he was impressed. It had only been three days since he had discussed her leaving him.

“The letter says that it is from an Apothecary in Lyon. They are looking for an accomplished Potion’s Assistant. It says that I can gy liy license while working there. They’ve even put me up in a house just on the outskirts of town.” Harry was happy for her. A part of him missed her terribly already, but a larger part told him she would be safe and secure far away from the troubles in England.

“When are they expecting you?” Hermione swallowed.

“Tomorrow afternoon.”

“Wow, that’s kind of sudden isn’t it?” Harry knew she would be leaving him, but he didn’t know that it would be so soon. Although he demanded that they get her out of there as soon as possible, he had hoped that they still were searching for the best place for her.

“It says that the current assistant has taken ill and they are really running behind with their orders. The salary is great. It has benefits and I can stay in the home for as long as I am employed there, completely free of charge. It’s great isn’t it?” She was trying to sound convincing, but the dull tone of her voice gave her away. She would rather stay here he knew it in his heart. But, she couldn’t. She had to go far away as possible. Even France was still within Apparition.

“Hermione, cheer up. It’s wonderful you’re going away. You’ve always wanted to go to France and this sounds like thanceance of a lifetime. You can visit all those museums that you want to see, and the Eiffel Tower. Don’t forget about the sunbathing in the South of France. It’s wonderful. I am so happy for you.”

He hugged her tightly and she made her decision. Harry wanted this, so she would go. Deep in her heart she knew she wanted this too. It was time she made a life for herself instead of waiting around to see what tragedy happened next. For five years’ she had seen the horrors of war. She was tired of it. She wanted to be happy and live life to the fullest. “I guess I need to go pack, eh?” He released her from the hug, and followed her up stairs. Molly was cleaning the drapes in the hall and they told her what was happening.

“Oh, and it’s such a shame that Ron and Ginny can’t see you off. I know they’ll be disappointed. They won’t be back here to headquarters for another three days. Charlie really has them working hard. Aurors in training… not the best life… but a life just the same.” Molly had been reluctant to let Ginny follow Harry and Ron into auror training. It was a lengthy process that took almost five years’ to complete. Ron and Harry would finish this Christmas, and Ginny still h yea year to go. She wanted more for her daughter, but she quickly realized she had a knack for charms and it took a lot to get her off of her feet. Ginny had idolized Tonks and Molly encouraged her to watch over her. Tonks was all too willing to oblige. Ginny and Hermione had become the little sisters she never had. She always protected them.

“Well, I’m going to finish packing. Harry, do you mind if I use Hedwig for a few letters? I need to write to Mr. Dillison and let him know that he’ll need to find a replacement for me. And I want to owl Severus.”

“Oi, you’re not sending my owl to him are you? What if he gets confused and thinks that she’s bringing something from me? He’s liable to incinerate her on the spot.” Harry grinned and Hermione realized he was teasing her.

“Grow up will you? He’s never been known to blow up owls.”

“No, just bite the heads off of chickens.”

“Chickens, eh? I thought it was snakes.” Harry aermiermione hed hed at Molly’s joke on Severus. It wasn’t often that she shared in their ridicule. Hermione punched him playfully and they made their way into her room to start packing her things. Molly laughed at them then went back to dusting the drapes.


~~~*~~~*~~~*~~~*~~~*~~~*~~~*~~~

“Dear Severus,

I am writing to let you know that I have been offered a position in Lyon as a Potion’s Assistant. I am not sure how they heard of me, but I have an idea. I will be able to take my licensing there and hopefully I’ll get the title of Potions Mistress. I want to thank you for teaching me everything I have learned. I know that I am not the easiest pupil, nor the most talented, but I am very proud to be able to say that I studied under Severus Snape.

I do hope that you will keep in touch with me. I will be living at Villa de Isabel, just at the foot of Mont Blanc. I hope it is as beautiful as it sounds. I gather from what the letter states, that it is quite secluded and apparition is the only way in during the winter months. This has always been a dream of mine and I want to thank you for it.

I know you are much too modest to accept my gratitude, but perhaps I can repay you over dinner one evening, if you would be interested. I will be looking forward to hearing from you, and please keep watch over Harry and Ron. I know that a wizard’s debt can be hard to follow, especially if the subject of your protection is as rambunctious and careless as Harry.

In my heart I know he will not survive, just please make sure that if you’re with him, you will do all that you can to ensure he endures as less pain as possible. I have enjoyed working with you and I am glad that we’ve gotten to know each other better over these past few years. You have shown me a side to you that very many do not get to see and I thank you for it. Please keep in touch.

Love,

Hermione

Severus read and rd thd the letter several times before putting it into an old box on his desk. He sent his hasty reply with Hedwig who insisted on waiting. He wanted to write so much more, to tell her more than he thought he ever could, but he didn’t. He couldn’t take a chance on the letter being intercepted. He sat down on the sofa and thought about the past week. All that was asked of him was to write a letter to an old friend. Albus never said anything about receiving a letter of gratitude from her. He never said anything about Severus having to say good-bye to her. And most of all, he never said that it would hurt his heart this much to let her go.


“Farewell, Hermione.” With that said, he downed his drink, and donned his Death Eater mask. He had a meeting to attend to, and heaven forbid him to be late.
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