AFTERWARDS

Hermione looked at her reflection in the mirror. Minerva had been asking her all week if she was unwell and Hermione had kept putting her off. She knew she had to look polished at the ball otherwise Minerva would never leave her alone. It was with a heavy heart that Hermione had got herself ready but now it was done and at least she didn’t look ill.



Her dress was dark blue satin, halter neck with a knee-length skirt, which hugged her figure closely. She decided to wear a wrap, and sheer length of fabric that shone magically with rainbow colours and glitter as she moved it. She straightened her hair for a change and left it loose on her shoulders. A little silver eye shadow, a slick of pink lipstick and a spray of perfume and Hermione was ready.



There was a light knock on the door and Ginny walked into the room looking incredible. She had lost all of her baby weight and was wearing a black of-the-shoulder gown in velvet with silver jewellery.



‘Wow, Ginny. You look beautiful!’ Hermione gasped.



‘Thanks. Its my first night out since James, I thought I would show Harry what he’s been missing!’ She grinned at her. ‘You look lovely, Hermione.’



‘Thank you.’ Hermione murmured.’ Let’s go, Minerva will send out a search party…’



They walked into the great Hall and over to where Harry was waiting. Ginny took Harry’s hand in hers and smiled at him. He was obviously very much in love with his wife tonight and Hermione smiled at them.



‘I had better go and help Minerva…’ Hermione had seen the Headmistress and recognised flustered look on her face.



Hermione walked up to Minerva. ‘Need any help?’ She asked, trying to keep her voice light.



‘Hermione, my dear girl. You look lovely. Yes, please… could you finish off the decorations? I need to go and talk to the house elves.’ Minerva bustled off and Hermione used her wand to charm streamers and tiny golden angels to float around the room.



Within ten minutes Minerva was standing behind the podium and announced the dancing. Hermione stood to dance with Professor Flitwick but for the second year in a row, Professor Sprout was too quick for her. She smiled ruefully to herself and was about to sit down when she saw him striding purposefully into the Great Hall.



Teachers and pupils alike had noticed Severus’s absence; Minerva’s only explanation was that he had taken a sabbatical. As he walked into the middle of the room he drew glances from people but he ignored all of them as he stared up at Hermione. As if in slow motion she walked towards him and they stood, not speaking, for almost a minute. People were starting to stare.



‘We’d better dance…’ Hermione breathed at him. He nodded, his eyes welling as he held his arms open for her. Hermione caught her breath as she wrapped an arm around his waist and he took hold of her other in his warm hand, giving it a tight squeeze. They started to dance, not breaking their gaze for a moment.



Ginny watched open mouthed. Their bodies were moving as one, where one went the other followed, as if they were two halves of the same person. Harry snorted and nudged her.



‘Look at that…’ He said, his tone derisory.



‘Shut up, Harry.’ Ginny whispered, She was mesmerised by them and could almost feel the waves of love flowing between them as they danced. She thought she had never seen anything so beautiful. She glanced at Minerva and smiled. She had been dancing with Hagrid but they had stopped and were also watching Hermione and Severus. Minerva had tears in her eyes.



Severus was trembling as he held her. She looked so beautiful but he could see in her face that she had found their separation as difficult as he had. He hadn’t known he would be away for so long and each day was like a week. He bent to her ear.



‘Are you OK?’ He whispered.



Hermione couldn’t speak, her throat was full of a sob desperate to escape so she just nodded and looked into his eyes, trying to convey her depth of feeling in a gaze.



The dance ended and they broke apart quickly as Minerva came walking towards them. She took Severus’s hand.



‘Severus.. Did you have a successful trip?’ It was a loaded question and Hermione looked between them, puzzled.



‘I did Minerva.’ Severus nodded to her. She smiled broadly at him and looked at Hermione.



‘My dear. I am sure that you would like to spend some time alone with Severus…’



Hermione’s jaw dropped as she stared at Minerva.



‘Oh yes… I know. I am happy for you..’ She smiled a secret smile at her and patted her hand. ‘You can take the rest of the night off. An so can you, of course, Severus.’ She flashed them both a smile and they looked at each other.



‘Albus!’ They spoke in unison and started to laugh.



‘Hermione… How do you feel about going public now? It’s been a year. Today, in fact…’ He smiled softly at her.



‘I think that’s a great idea.’ She smiled and stepped up to him. He bent to her and caught her mouth with his in a gentle kiss, avoiding the temptation to kiss her deeply. Hermione laughed as they heard whistles and applause around the room. She turned and looked over at Ginny, who was smiling and cheering, and Harry, who was dumbstruck.



‘I have a surprise for you… Let’s get out of here.’ He took her hand and they walked out of the Great Hall together and down to the dungeon.







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Only a couple more chapters...hope you\'re still liking it.