Life is a Strange Thing Indeed

Life is a Strange Thing Indeed

Disclaimer: I don’t own any Harry Potter characters. Sure wish I did though. This story is for fun only.

Summary: It’s been 6 years since Hermione Granger has seen her friends from Hogwarts or even set foot in England. Suddenly she finds herself being called back home by the one person who she tried so hard in vain to run away from and forget. Will her past feelings interfere with her sense of duty? Read and find out.

Chapter 6- Plans Set In Motion

Hermione woke up the next morning and rather than face Severus had her breakfast in her rooms. As she ate she ran over the plan in her mind. She knew she would need to make the potion so that it would take care of at least 1000 Death Eaters or more. Halfway through her breakfast there was a knock on the door.

“Who is it?” Hermione called as she approached the door.

“It’s Remus. Can I come in?” Remus answered.

Hermione opened the door and let Remus in. Remus took a seat on the couch while Hermione returned to her chair.

“What happened last night? Between you and Severus I mean. Albus seems to know but didn’t say anything except that things were getting interesting.” Remus asked.

“It all started 6 years ago. The night before the final battle I told Severus I loved him and he said the same. We slept together that night. When I was released from the hospital wing I went to see him. He told me that he didn’t mean what he said and that night was a mistake.

“I left Hogwarts that day and a few days later left for San Francisco. The night Ses cas came to bring me back he met Sam. I knew Severus didn’t like him and was jealous of the fact that I was going out with him. I also told Severus that I had been pregnant but lost the baby a month after I found out.” Hermione answered.

Remus sat there in shock. He shook his head to clear away his shock over what she had just told him.

“Does Sam know?” Remus asked.

“Yes. I told Sam everything. In fact it was Sam that took me to the emergency room when I started miscarrying. He stayed at my side through that. Him and my editor Erin. She took over my column while I was recovering.” Hermione answered.

“I’m sorry Hermione. So that’s why Severus is being such a worry wort about your plan. He doesn’t want you hurt.” Remus said.

“Yeah. But, I know Sam will come and help. Once I do this I’m returning to San Francisco and I’ll let you guys deal with Draco. I’m not going to fight another war. My fighting days are over Remus.” Hermione said as she sipped her coffee.

“Hermione, you can’t leave. We’ll need your help when that final fight does happen.” Remus pleaded.

“That’s bull shit and you know it. You won’t need me. Not after I brew the potion and get it to them. My task will be done once I do that. Hogwarts, England, isn’t my home anymore. San Francisco is. And that’s where I want to be.” Hermione said flatly.

Remus sighed. He knew that he couldn’t change Hermione’s mind about leaving.

“Well, I better go. I have some essays that I need to grade before classes tomorrow. I’ll see you later Hermione.” Remus said as he got to his feet.

“Yeah, see you later.” Hermione said.

Remus left and headed straight for the dungeons. He didn’t bother knocking as he burst into Severus’s chambers. He found the Wizard sitting at his desk.

“What the hell do you want Lupin?” Severus demanded.

“What the hell is wrong with you! You pushed Hermione away 6 years ago because you were scared and now you’re doing it again!” Remus yelled.

“My personal life is none of your goddamned business. And last time I looked, she seemed quite happy with this Samuel Peterson. She asked for his help with her plan not mine. It’s obvious that she doesn’t care about me anymore. Or are you to blind to see that Lupin?” Severus hissed as he got up and began to pace.

“I’m not the one who’s blind here. Hermione still loves you, but is falling in love with Sam too. She just told me once she brews and administers the potion she’s returning to San Francisco. With Sam. The question is are you going to let her walk out of your life once again or you actually going to stand up and fight for her this time?” Remus asked.

Severus stopped pacing and looked at the former werewolf. He could tell that Remus spoke the truth.

“I don’t know what I’m going to do. If she chooses to leave you and I both know there’s nothing I can do to change her mind. If she’s happy then let her stay happy.” Severus sighed.

“You’re a fucking idiot you know that Snape. You love her, so just tell her that and that you don’t want her to leave. At least she would know how you feel. Don’t you think she deserves that much?” Remus said.
Remus turned and left the Wizard to think about what he had said. Severus continued to pace as he thoughout out what happened the night before and what Remus had just said.

‘When we kissed she did kiss me back. It sure felt like she loved me. Could Remus be right? If so what about this Sam? Oh damnit all to hell. I can’t let her walk out of my life again. I should just tell her that I love her and I want her to stay here with me. I’m not going to give her up to Sam or anyone else. Not this time.’ Severus thought as he sat behind his desk once more.

Meanwhile in San Francisco Sam was heading to Erin’s office. He knocked on the door.

“Yeah!” Erin called.

Sam walked in and found Erin typing at her computer.

“Hey Sam. Is there thinthing you needed?” she asked.

“Yeah. I just got an owl from Hermione. She needs me to go to Hogwarts and help her. I’m going Erin. Her letter said I shouldn’t be gone longer than two weeks at the most. I’ve already got my brother Andy to cover my duties here at the paper.” Sam answered.

“Of course. Don’t worry, I’m not going to fire you. You’ll still have a job here when you get back. Same for Hermione. Tell her I said hello when you get there. Have a save trip and be careful. From What Hermione told me, this mission of hers is quite dangerous.” Erin said.

“Will do. Thanks a million Erin. See you in a few weeks.” Sam said as he left her office.

Sam returned to his apartment, packed his things, hailed a taxi and hurried to the airport. Three hours later found him on a plane bound for London.

Back at Hogwarts, Hermione was meeting with Albus, Tonks, and Kingsley to discuss her plan.

“Have you hearom yom your friend yet?” Tonks asked.

“Not yet. Hopefully I will hear something tomorrow. Now, according to our spies there is a meeting in two weeks, on Halloween. Draco will no doubt have all of his Death Eaters there. Sam and I can sneak to where they keep the wine and pour the potion into the wine bottles. The more potion the drink the better.

“Of course, I will need members of the Order near by just in case shit hits the fan while Sam and I are in there. Do you think that can be arranged?” Hermione explained.

“Of course. I halve the Order ready. Now, how long will the potion take to make?” Albus asked.

“It will take at least three hours. All I have to do now is get the ingredients. Once I hear from Sam, I’ll go to Diagon Alley. I can find everything I need there. I’ll started on the potion the day of the meeting. The fresher the potion the stronger it is.” Hermione answered.

“Excellent. I guess that’s all for now. Tonks, Kingsley, I want you two to stay in constant contact with Hermione. Just in case Draco does something erratic.” Albus said.

Tonks and Kingsley nodded and left. Hermione faced the Headmaster.

“Okay, Albus. Go ahead. I know you want to either ask about last night or you have something to say about it.” Hermione sighed.

“Have you and Severus settled your differences?” Albus asked with a smile.

“No. And I doubt we will. He’s made it crystal clear what he thinks about me. Besides, once Sam and I complete this task I’m returning to San Francisco with him. When the actual fighting starts you won’t need me. I’m not fighting your battles for you anymore.

“The last time I did I lost my best friend, my mentor and Sirius, who was like a brother. I’m not going go through that again Albus. My decision has been made.” Hermione answered as she stalked out of the office.

Albus leaned back in his chair.

“Well, it seems that both Hermione and Severus are in for a few surprises. Hmmm, don’t you agree Fawkes?” Albus asked as he gently petted the Phoenix perched on his shoulder.

Hermione ate lunch in the Great Hall, but saw no sign of Severus. At dinner however, he was seated in his usual spot. Hermione didn’t even look his way. Severus on the other hand kept stealing glances at her from time to time.

“Miss Granger, may I have a word with you after dinner?” Severus asked.

“Fine.” Hermione answered.

Fifteen minutes found Hermione and Severus walking silently to his chambers. Once inside Severus poured them both ass ass of Scotch. Once seated Severus spoke.

“I don’t exactly know what happened last night, but I will say this. I do love you Hermione. I pushed you away because I was scared. And Merlin knows I’m still scared. But this time I plan on fighting for you. I don’t want you to return to America. I want you to stay here. With me.” Severus said.

Hermione took a drink of her Scotch then looked at the Potions Master. She could see his emotions clearly in his eyes and his face.

“Now, all of a sudden you’re confessing your love to me and want me to stay. As what? Your personal whore?” she asked.

“As my wife. If I hadn’t been such a bastard back then you and I would have long since been married. I don’t want to lose you again. If I have to fight for you I will. I know you won’t be happy with Sam. I’m just telling you now, I’m not giving up. Not this time.” Severus said with conviction.

Hermione finished her drink and rose to her feet.

“I’ll tell you this, it’s going to take more than sweet words to get me to believe you.” she said as she sat her glass down and walked away.

Severus watched her leave his chambers. He downed his Scotch and sat down heavily in his arm chair.

The next morning at breakfast Hermione acted as if nothing had changed between them, even though inside her heart skipped a beat as Severus entered and sat beside her. Before he could say good morning an owl landed in front of Hermione. She quickly relieved the owl of it’s cargo and opened it.

Hermione,

I’m in London at the airport. I’ll be waiting at gate 36. See you soon.

Love,
Sam

Hermione’s face broke into a huge smile. She finished her breakfast quickly and hurried out of the Great Hall. Severus knew that Sam was here. He sighed and headed for his first class of the day.

Hermione ran through the gates and into Hogsmeade. She hurried to the Three Broomsticks and flooed to the Leaky Cauldron. After doing ick ick cleansing spell on her robes she apparated to an alley near the airport. She hurried inside and headed toward gate 36. She quickly spotted Sam.

“SAM!” Hermione cried.

Sam looked up as Hermione began to run toward him. He dropped his suitcases as she ed ied into his arms and hugged him tightly. Sam held her close.

“I’ve missed you. I’m so glad you’re here.” Hermione whispered.

“And I’ve missed you too.” Sam whispered back.

They pulled apart to look at each other. Hermione then leaned foreword and pressed her lips to his. Sam didn’t hesitate as he pulled her tighter to him kis kissed her back with equal passion. After a few minutes the two left the airport and apparated to the Leaky Cauldron. Soon Hermione and Sam were on their way up to Hogwarts from Hogsmeade. Hermione explained her plan as they walked.

“I’m impressed. It sounds like it would work. Especially adding the Binding Spell with the potion.” Sam said.

Sam looked up a gasped at the magnificent sight before him.

“Welcome to Hogwarts Sam.” Hermione said with a bright smile.

Hermione looped her arm in his and led him toward the castle.

T.B.C

Author’s Note: Next chapter I’m going to put in the smut. Only who should it be? Sam or Severus? You, the readers decide. Either put your choice in a review or e-mail me @ marinewifepink.col.com

Tiffany