Summer Love

Disclaimer: I don’t own Harry Potter or the names I’ve borrowed from Sense and Sensibility. Wish I did though. Ha! Ha! This story is strictly for fun and nothing else.

Summary: Hermione has graduated from Hogwarts and discovers her neighbor is none other than her, recently, former potions professor, Severus Snape. What happens when these two get together? Will they make it or not? R/R

Chapter 2

Hermione awoke at noon. She dressed and headed downstairs. She found her parents and aunt sitting down to lunch.

“There you are. You slept in late today.” Eleanor said as Hermione sat down.

“I guess so.” Hermione said.

“Honey, me and your mother are going with your Aunt Eleanor to Paris for the remainder of the summer. So you’ll be here by yourself.” Ryan said.

“That’s fine. I could use the time to just relax and actually enjoy my summer for a change. When are you guys leaving?” Hermione asked.

“Well, I’m returning to Rosewood tonight. The plane leaves in two days at nine in the morning. You will be driving your parents to the airport, right dear?” Eleanor answered.

“Sure.” Hermione said.

Hermione couldn’t believe her luck. Now she could spend the rest of the summer relaxing and maybe even get the chance to talk with Severus again. She spent most of the afternoon by the pool reading.

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“Good afternoon.” Severus said as he approached the fence.

“Hey. How are you doing?” Hermione greeted as she looked over at him.

“I’m good. I gather your parents didn’t notice you missing last night?” he asked.

“Nope. They didn’t go to bed till around two anyway. Well, I’d love to stay and chat, but I’ve got a few errands to run before dinner.” she answered as she grabbed her book and stood up.

“I understand. Perhaps we could have tea some afternoon.” he said.

“I’d like that. Well, I gotta go. See ya later.” she said.

Severus nodded. Hermione headed inside. She changed from her bikini into a tank top, kaki shorts and tennis shoes. She grabbed her purse, headed downstairs, grabbed her keys from the table by the door and climbed into her royal blue 2000 Ford Mustang.

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From next door Severus watched as she drove away. He could still remember the day he realized he was in love with her. It was the summer before her sixth year. She had been helping him do research on a potion to help cure Remus Lupin.

They had been in the library at 12 Grimmwauld Place. She had been sitting at the table in front of the window bent over a book. She had just flipped her long wavy hair over her shoulder, got to her feet and headed to get another book.

He couldn’t believe how beautiful she really was. She was wearing a blue spaghetti strap shirt, low rise jeans and black heeled boots. He caught sight of the woman she would soon become. He had fallen in love with her in that very moment.

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The two days seemed to fly by for Hermione. She was now driving her parents to the airport. The morning had dawned rainy. It was raining, but not pouring. Raining just enough to make the day yucky.

“Well, if you need anything, just call your Aunt Marianne and Uncle Christopher. Or even call us at the manor.” Elise said.

“I know mum. This isn’t the first time you’ve gone away.” Hermione replied.

“Good bye, have fun. Elise we better go or we’ll be late.” Ryan said as he hugged and kissed Hermione.

“All right. Good bye dear.” Elise said as she too hugged and kissed Hermione. Hermione waved as her parents hurried to their gate. Hermione turned and headed back to her car.

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Severus had just climbed into his 2005 black Porsche. Instead of his favorite rock station, a station playing music from the forties and fifties was on.

“Damnit Albus!” Severus grumbled.

He put his car in reverse and began backing out of the driveway fiddling with the radio. He didn’t even notice the car passing his driveway till he heard the screech of tires and the blare of a horn.

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Hermione was just passing Severus’s driveway when a black Porsche came barreling at her. She slammed her hand down on the horn and her foot on the brakes. Both cars came to a screeching halt. Literally. Hermione sat there, put her car into park and was gasping slightly for air. Severus put his car into park and jumped out. He hurried to Hermione’s car and knocked on her window. She slowly rolled it down.

“Are you all right? I’m so sorry. I wasn’t paying attention.” Severus asked.

“I’m all right. Just a bit shaken up.” Hermione replied.

“Let’s get out of the rain.” Severus said.

Hermione nodded. She rolled her window back up, put the car into drive and pulled her car into her driveway and in the garage. Severus came jogging up and stood near the door.

“Are you sure you’re all right Hermione?” he asked.

“Yes Severus. I’m sure.” she said.

“So, where were you coming from?” he asked.

“The airport. My parents are heading to Paris with Aunt Eleanor for the rest of the summer.” she answered.

“So you’ll be here for the rest of the summer alone?” Severus inquired.

“Yeah. But it’s no big deal.” Hermione said.

“Look, I was heading to the grocery store. Would you like to go with me?” Severus offered.

“Sure.” Hermione said with a smile.

They jogged to his car and got in. Severus finished finding the radio station, put the car in reverse and carefully backed out of the driveway. Hermione was surprised at the music. Her favorite song, Pour Some Sugar On Me was playing.

“Why were you messing with the radio in the first place?” she asked.

“Oh that.” he said.

*Begin Flashback*

“So, where are we going for dinner Severus?” Albus asked as he, Minerva and Severus got into Severus’s car.

“It’s one of the best Italian places in town. It’s called Roman Empire.” Severus answered.

Severus pulled out of the drive and headed off. The sounds of Ozzy Osborne playing on the radio.

“What kind of music is this?” Minerva asked with a frown.

“Ozzy Osborne.” Severus answered.

Albus reached over and began flipping through the radio stations. He finally settled on a station that was playing ‘Fly Me to the Moon’ by Frank Sinatra.

“That’s more like it.” Albus said.

Severus grumbled at Albus’s choice of music.

*End Flashback*

“Ha! Ha! Ha! You mean…you were…listening to the…Rat Pack all night!” Hermione gasped out as she laughed.

“Yes.” Severus grumbled.

After five minutes Hermione finally settled down.

“Hermione, I just thought of something. Would you like to stay with me? I mean that way you wouldn’t be alone.” Severus asked.

“I would like that. Plus, I often feel uncomfortable staying at Ruby Manor alone.” Hermione answered.

They continued to talk all the way to the store. Severus parked and they hurried inside. Hermione grabbed a cart and Severus led the way. The first stop was the butcher. As Severus was getting the meat, a voice cried out.

“Hermione!”

Hermione turned and saw a beautiful red haired woman standing beside a tall, handsome blond haired man. They waved as they approached Hermione and Severus.

“Aunt Marianne! Uncle Christopher!” Hermione cried as she ran over and hugged her aunt and uncle.

“It’s wonderful to see you. I gather Elise, Ryan and Eleanor’s plane got off all right.” Marianne said.

“Yeah. Oh! Where are my manners. Severus, this is my Aunt Marianne and Uncle Christopher Brandon. Aunt Marianne, Uncle Chris, this is Severus Snape.” Hermione introduced.

“Oh yes. Hermione always spoke highly of you. And please, call me Chris.” Chris said.

“It’s nice to meet you two as well. I met your sister Eleanor at a party at Hermione’s a few days ago.” Severus said as he shook Marianne and Chris’s hands.

“I hope you’re not staying at Ruby Manor alone.” Chris said.

“No Uncle Chris. Severus here has invited me to stay with him. He lives in the manor next door.” Hermione replied.

“Good. You know how I feel about you staying there alone.” Chris said.

“Now, now Chris. So Severus, how do you like your home?” Marianne asked.

“This is the first summer in a long time I’ll actually be able to relax there.” Severus answered.

“I see. Well, we had better get going. Perhaps we could get together for dinner some night.” Marianne said.

“That sounds good. Hermione can give you two a call later this week.” Severus said.

They made arrangements for Hermione to call them in a few days. Severus and Hermione made their way from the butcher. Hermione and Severus chatted about her Aunt Marianne and Uncle Chris. Severus confessed he preferred Marianne and her mother to her Aunt Eleanor.

“I know. So do I.” Hermione giggled as they turned down the snack food aisle.

Hermione giggled even more as Severus began filling the cart with junk food. Popcorn, snack cakes, chips, chocolate. Severus looked up with a sheepish grin.

“Someone has a junk food addiction.” she said with a laugh.

“My one indulgence.” he said quietly.

They finished their shopping and headed back to the car. They made one more stop at a farmers market for the produce. Half an hour later found them driving back toward his house.

“Why doesn’t your Uncle Chris like you staying at Ruby Manor alone?” Severus asked.

“A few summers ago, my parents were out of town at a conference. I was alone and someone broke in. I came downstairs and must have scared them off. Uncle Chris was over in less than ten minutes. Ever since he’s been a bit leery about me staying there alone.” Hermione answered.

“That’s understandable. Now that I’ve heard the story, I don’t think I want you staying there alone either.” Severus said.

They pulled into his driveway and began unloading the groceries. Once they were all removed from the car, they began to put them away.

“Hermione, why don’t you go and get some of your things? I’ll finish this here.” Severus said.

“All right. I’ll be back in a bit.” Hermione said.

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Hermione hurried over to her house and up to her room. She pulled out a suitcase and magically began to pack it. After she was done she went downstairs. She quickly told the housekeeper where she would be and left Severus’s number in case someone needed to reach her.

Hermione then headed back to Severus’s. As she headed toward the kitchen she heard the music of Areosmith’s song Crazy. Along with someone else. She quietly approached the kitchen doorway and looked in. There she saw Severus holding a wooden spoon singing along. He was even dancing around a little bit.

“I’m losin’ my mind girl,
‘Cause I’m goin’ crazy

I need your love, honey
I need your love

Crazy, crazy, crazy, I go crazy
You turn it on
Then you’re gone
Yeah you drive me
Crazy, crazy, crazy, for you baby

I’m losin my mind girl
Cause I’m goin’ crazy
Crazy, crazy, crazy, for you baby
You turn it on, then you’re gone
Yeah you drive me crazy.” Severus sang as he danced around the kitchen.

“Shake it baby!” Hermione called out.

“Hermione!” Severus cried out as he spun around and hid the spoon behind his back. “How long have you been standing there?"

“Long enough. You know, you really do have a nice voice.” Hermione answered with a smile as she walked over to him.

Hermione wrapped her arms around his neck and pulled his head down to meet hers. Their lips met in a tender kiss. Severus dropped the spoon and wrapped his arms around her waist. Hermione slid one of her hands up and threaded her fingers in his hair.

“Mmm. Now that’s a kiss.” she whispered when they came apart for air.

“Let me show you to your room.” he said softly.

Hermione followed Severus upstairs. Her room was next to his and they shared a bathroom. Severus left her to unpack while he headed back to the kitchen and made them some lunch. They ate their lunch and talked some more. As the day wore on they became closer and learned more about each other. Severus talked about his family and how he ended up joining with Voldemort.

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For dinner, Severus fixed chicken fettuccini alfredo, salad, garlic bread and the meal was toped off with a smooth Merlot. Dinner was eaten in a comfortable silence. Both silently watching the other.

“Well, I think I’ll turn in.” Hermione said as a distant roll of thunder echoed through the house.

“All right. I’ll clean up here then turn in myself. If you need anything, just call.” Severus said.

Hermione headed upstairs and got ready for bed. She was brushing her teeth when Severus entered the bathroom wearing a pair of cotton boxers. Hermione couldn’t help but noticed that he had a great body.

“Good night Hermione.” Severus said as he headed for his room.

“Night.” Hermione replied.

Severus entered his bedroom and climbed into bed. He grabbed the book he had started from his nightstand. He quickly got lost in his book. It was after midnight when he finally laid down to sleep.

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“NOOOO! DON’T! PLEASE!”

Severus jerked the covers back and rushed to Hermione’s room. He burst in and found Hermione sitting up, covered in sweat, shaking like a leaf and crying.

“Hermione? What is it? Are you all right?” Severus asked as he rushed to her side. A booming crash of thunder shook the house as threw herself into his arms. Severus just held her as she sobbed into his chest. “Sshh. What happened?”

“I…I dreamt that…Harry…came after me.” she sobbed.

“Why would Potter do that?” Severus asked.

“Because he blames me for Ron’s death. When Lucius killed Ron, I was there. I just wasn’t close enough to save him. By the time I saw the killing curse, it was too late.” Hermione explained sadly.

“I know. I was there too. You couldn’t have done anything. If Potter blames you, then he has even more serious issues.” he said.

Hermione settled down after a few minutes. Severus just sat there and held her. Hermione pulled back and looked up at him.

“Severus, could you stay with me?” she asked.

“Of course.” he answered.

The two laid down. As the storm outside intensified, Severus and Hermione held each other tightly. As Hermione fell back asleep, Severus laid there just holding her.

‘Oh Hermione. You can’t blame yourself for Ron’s death. I’ll be here for you as long as you’ll let me. I love you.’ he thought as he kissed her forehead and drifted off to sleep.

T.B.C