There's No Place Like Hogwarts *COMPLETE*

Chapter 2- Confessions and Getting to Know You

Hermione stepped back to admire her work. Though she was sure Poppy’s filing system worked for her, it didn’t work for Hermione. She had spent the last four hours since breakfast refilling and reorganizing the student and professor files and the stores cabinets.

“One task down.” She smiled.

Hermione picked up a clipboard from the desk and headed out into the hospital wing itself. Systematically she began inventory on pillows, bed linens, hospital gowns and whatever else potential patients would need. That was how Severus found her.

“You don’t waste time I see Madame Granger.” Severus said.

“No I don’t Professor Snape. The sooner I get this done, the sooner I can actually relax.” Hermione replied as she faced him.

Severus took in her appearance. Her long hair was pulled into a braided ponytail. Instead of wizarding robes she wore muggle blue jeans, blue and white trainers and a sky blue tank top. He had to admit she looked quite fetching.

“Was there something you needed?” She asked.

“Yes there was. Last night Albus mentioned that you would like to use my labs.” He answered.

“That’s right. At least until September. Albus said my own labs would be ready by then.” She nodded.

“I have no problems with that. I came here so we could set up a schedule. I gather you will be brewing your own stores then.” He replied.

“That’s right. Brewing potions relaxes me. Shall we start on the schedule?” She questioned.

For fifteen minutes, they worked out a schedule that suited them both. Hermione would have use of the labs three days a week and two evenings. Severus voiced his surprise at her training under Nikoli.

“Well, I was afraid he wouldn’t accept me. I know he had never accepted a woman before. Imagine my surprise when he accepted me.” She smiled.

“Yes that would be a shock.” He nodded chuckling softly. Hermione smiled gently at him. “What?” He inquired.

“You. I noticed last night that you’ve changed for the better. What I mean is, you were smiling more and seemed much happier than you did when I was a student here.” She explained.

“Well, after Voldemort was destroyed I felt free. I decided it was time for some changes in my life.” He said.

“If you ask me, you’ve made changes for the better.” She replied as she placed her hand on his arm.

“Thank you. Hermione.” He smiled.

“You’re welcome. Severus.” She beamed.

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For the first week Hermione was back she stayed busy. Most of the staff rarely saw her except at meals. It was during her second week that Severus discovered a hidden secret of Hermione’s.

“What are you doing Hermione?” Severus asked.

“It’s called yoga Severus.” Hermione answered.

“Is it exercise, meditation, what?” He questioned as he studied her/

“A mixture of exercise, meditation, and relaxation. It suits me because of my hectic lifestyle.” She explained as she finished her yoga.

“It looks difficult,” He said.

“Not really. Perhaps I could teach you. If you want,” She offered as she rolled up her yoga mat.

“I’d have to think about it Hermione. After all, I’m not a spring wizard anymore,” He grinned.

“Oh you’re not old Severus. You’re in your prime. Besides, I’ve seen muggles well in their seventies begin yoga,” She replied.

“Still, I’ll think about it. Actually, I was out here looking for you because there was something I wanted to discuss with you. Care to join me for a walk?” He requested.

“I would like that. Let me get my shoes on,” She accepted.

After slipping on her trainers, Severus offered her his arm. She slid her arm through his and the two set off around the black lake. Hermione could tell he was nervous, so she tried to ease his nerves. She told him about her time in Russia. He was impressed to learn that after she completed her training with Sergei, she was hired at the Wizarding hospital in Moscow.

“What did you want to talk about Severus?” She asked as they sat next to the lake.

“That letter you sent me last year,” He answered.

“I was wondering about that. I figured you wouldn’t write back, but I had hoped you at least read it,” She said. She watched as he reached into his breast jacket pocket and gasped as he pulled out the letter. “You…you kept it?”

“I did. Hermione, your letter, your words, are the kindest words anyone has ever written me. I should have written back and told you how much I appreciated them,” he sighed, putting the letter back in his pocket.

“Why didn’t you?” She was curious now.

“I was scared,” He admitted.

“You scared?” She questioned in shock.

“Yes. I was never scared during the war. Yet I was terrified of picking up a quill and writing a simple letter to you. I guess I was afraid you didn’t mean what you said or it was just some cruel joke,” He explained.

“Severus, I meant every word. There’s more. During my last year here I had a crush on you. I figured when I went away to Moscow, it would go away. It didn’t. Everything I did reminded me of you. It wasn’t until my third year with Master Nikoli that I found out he trained you. By then I realized that my crush on you had changed. I fell in love with you Severus Snape,” She said, staring into his midnight eyes.

Severus just sat there for several moments before he found his voice. “Hermione, I don’t really know what to say,”

“You don’t have to say anything. Look, I just wanted to be honest with you. I didn’t mean to make you nervous or confused,” She stated.

“I appreciate your honesty. I would like for us to be friends. At least to start with. After all, who knows what could happen,” He smiled.

"I’d like that. I mean, you and I have both changed over the last eight years,” She nodded with a smiled of her own.

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Harry sat at his desk reading a letter from Hermione. He had invited her to dinner at his and Ginny’s house before school began. After graduation he and Ron joined the Auror training program. Five years after graduating the Auror program, Harry and Ginny were married in a small simple ceremony at the Burrow. Ginny now worked in the Maternity Ward at St. Mungo’s and was currently three months pregnant with her and Harry’s first child.

“Hey mate. What you reading?” Ron asked as he sat at the desk across from Harry.

“A letter from Hermione. She’s enjoying being back at Hogwarts. She says hi,” Harry answered.

“At least she finally came home” Ron said.

“Ron, when are you going to accept her chosen profession?” Harry sighed.

“She should be an Auror like us,” Ron growled.

“She’s found her place. You should just accept that. If you don’t, you may very well loose her friendship. Is that what you want?” Harry questioned.

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Hermione closed her door and left the hospital wing. She was heading to Godric’s Hollow to have dinner with Harry and Ginny. As she entered the main hall, she spotted Severus heading for the Great Hall.

“Good evening Hermione. You look lovely,” Severus greeted, taking in her lilac dress, heels, and the gentle wave of her hair.

“Thank you Severus,” Hermione smiled.

“Where are you going?” He asked, noting her cloak.

“Harry and Ginny invited me to dinner. I haven’t seen them since their wedding and Ginny’s pregnant,” She answered.

“Ah yes, Mr. Potter mentioned they were expecting. Give them my regards,” He replied.

“I will,” She nodded.

She was at the door when he spoke again. “Hermione,”

“Yes?” She questioned as she faced him.

“Will you come to London with me tomorrow?” He requested.

“I would love to. What time?” She smiled.

“I’ll meet you at your chambers one hour after breakfast,” He said.

With one last nod, Severus watched her leave the castle. Ever since the day they talked about her letter nearly three weeks ago, the two had spent time getting to know each other. Every evening after dinner, weather permitting, they took a walk around the lake.

‘Severus old man, it would seem you’re falling for her,’ His mind said.

“I guess I am,” He smiled as he entered the Great Hall.

T.B.C