A New Beginning (DH -COMPLIANT)

Chapter 75 ~ The Apology


At eight o’clock in the morning, Severus arrived at the site and let himself in. Rod was awake and waiting, but so was Rose.

“Rod, do you mind if I talk to the Professor before you leave with him?” she asked the Slytherin.

Rod shook his head.

“No,” he replied shortly.

He knew Rose was going to try and correct her error from the day before. He never got the exact details of what she said to the Potions Master, but obviously it was something important enough for the witch to get up early and address. At least Rose wasn’t a coward.

When Severus knocked, Rose answered the door. Hermione was still asleep.

”Good morning, Miss Weasley. I’m here to retrieve Mr. Dormers,” the dark wizard said to the witch, his black eyes washing over her.

“Rod’s ready,” Rose replied, then took a deep breath. “I wonder if I might speak to you privately, Professor. It’s important.”

Rod stood behind Rose, completely unsure about how the witch was approaching this. But he promised her he’d wait, so he did.

Severus arched an eyebrow at Rose.

”Certainly. Will the corridor suffice?” he asked her.

“Yes. That’ll be fine,” Rose replied.

Severus stepped back as Rose entered the hallway and closed the door behind her. She moved down the hall a bit, the wizard following her, his brow furrowed with interest.

Rose stopped and looked at him.

”Professor, I’d like to apologize for the way I spoke to you yesterday at lunch,” the witch said to the dour wizard, who arched an eyebrow at her.

“I presume you are referring to telling me you didn’t need my advice,” he said to the young woman.

Rose nodded.

”Yes,” she said shortly.

Severus studied her for a moment.

“So, am I to assume you’ve decide you do need my advice?” he asked Rose, whose face contorted slightly.

“I was rude,” she said, trying to sound apologetic without repeating the offending words.

Severus’ dark eyes rested on the daughter of the woman he desired.

”Do you consider what you said as ‘rudeness’ because of your own perceptions or that of others?” he asked the witch, interested in seeing how she would answer.

Rose hesitated.

”Well, I was being honest,” she admitted.

”And are you being honest now, Miss Weasley?” Severus pressed. “You stated you weren’t interested in my advice. Has that changed?”

Rose met those dark eyes, and for a moment was willing to lie, but just for a moment.

”No. I still don’t want your advice, Professor,” she said, trying not to wince as she imagined what her mother’s response to this would be.

Severus studied Rose for a moment.

”I’m glad your integrity remains, Miss Weasley,” he said to her. “Your response to my statement was straight-forward. What others consider ‘rudeness’ be damned. You simply stated how you felt without apology. As a Slytherin, I appreciate that. But your being a Gryffindor causes . . . shall we say . . . problems in that respect. Honesty is always misconstrued in some manner by Gryffindors.”

Rose bristled a little at this. It was her house the Professor was talking about.

”Slytherins aren’t big on honesty at all,” she shot back at him.

”We are supremely honest . . . with ourselves. Yet we will manipulate the truth when it suits us or there is some benefit to doing so. Then again, our outlook on life is different, blatant self-interest playing a large part. Anyway, that is neither here nor there. So you are apologizing to me for the way you addressed me, not for what you said,” he said by way of clarification.

”I suppose so,” Rose replied.

Severus nodded.

”From this point forward, Miss Weasley, I will not offer you advice. I will however share my opinion from time to time, which you are free to rip from end to end whenever you feel the need to do so. I don’t curb my words or responses and don’t expect you to either. I am not easily hurt and if I take offense, it will be quite clear I have and will react accordingly. Your apology, although personally I feel it is unnecessary, is accepted. No more needs to be said about this,” he said to the witch.

“Thanks for understanding, Professor,” Rose said to the wizard, turning to go back into the apartment.

”Miss Weasley,” the Potions master said suddenly.

Rose turned.

“I want you to know that it isn’t necessary to ‘like’ me. I am decidedly unlikable and know it. However, I want to assure you that my interest in your mother is sincere, and she has my utmost respect. I would never purposely mistreat her or allow anyone else to do so. You have my word on this,” the Potions master said sincerely.

Rose studied him.

“I’ll keep that in mind, Professor,” she said shortly, then entered the apartment.

Severus looked after Rose. She was an honest witch. Reactive, like her father, but honest. He could deal with her. Actually, she’d be rather refreshing. He had a feeling there would be quite a few interesting interactions with Miss Rose Weasley in his future. There was nothing like a confrontational teenager to keep the blood flowing.

Rod exited the apartment, Firebolt in hand.

”Good morning, Professor,” he said, a bit excited. He was dressed in his Weasley gear and ready to go.

Severus eyed the pom-pom on his hat.

”That pom-pom is ridiculous,” he stated flatly, then “Come along, Mr. Dormers and I hope you can keep up without falling off your broom.”

Rod hoped so too.

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Rod looked at the Potions master’s broom with awe. It was a customized Firebolt, with a gleaming black handle, and pewter bands and stirrups. A silver serpent with green eyes was etched along the broomstick itself, appearing to coil around it. It was cool. Very cool. Severus mounted it, and without a word, zoomed off at a good clip. Startled, Rod hopped on his broom and raced to catch up, wobbling a little.

Once Severus reached a good altitude he hovered, waiting for Rod to catch up.

”You do know the proper spell to cast to save yourself if you fall, don’t you Mr. Dormers?” he asked the wizard.

Actually, Rod did. He’d fallen off a few times at Hogwarts.

“Yes sir,” the boy replied, hovering shakily.

Severus shook his head.

”You’re going to need much more practice flying. You barely seem able to hold on,” the wizard said, frowning.

”I’ll be better when I return in the summer,” Rod assured him.

”Good,” Severus said, “Now follow me, Mr. Dormers.”

Severus flew slowly so Rod wouldn’t have to struggle too much. He showed him the layout of the fields and told him the names of the plants each one would contain.

”I’ve found studying the fields from above from time to time to be helpful. If there is any blight, the spread can be observed early from this vantage point and valuable plants saved,” he said to the boy, who nodded, hanging on to his every word.

”Before I returned to the public, I had wards that didn’t allow broom flight over my property. I used the Locomordres spell to access the higher areas. Although you also know the spell, I think it best you utilize a broom,” the Potions master said as they flew toward the cave where he grew his fungi. They landed on the ledge and went inside, Severus lighting his wand brightly. It was winter so there was no growth on the walls. He explained how to care for the fungus and how valuable it was to Rod who listened carefully.

“I will provide you with reading material to study, Mr. Dormers. I don’t expect you to absorb everything I tell you,” the Potions master said, “But I do expect you to apply yourself and do more than just dig about. Sparse Venues will be experiencing greater growth in the coming years and more than likely I am going to require a team of workers to maintain the fields. If you apply yourself, you will be head supervisor by the time that happens. So you are going to have to develop management skills as well,” he said to the boy as they exited the cave.

“Yes sir,” Rod said, feeling a little apprehensive about the possible responsibilities looming in his future. “But I’ll still be able to work the grounds, won’t I?”

Severus looked at the boy. He understood the need to actively get one’s hands dirty. Most likely he would be out in the fields as well, when he wasn’t overseeing brewing.

“Yes, Mr. Dormers, you will be,” he told the boy, who gave a relieved smile. He didn’t want to sit behind a desk.

They made a few more rounds of the property then returned to the site. Rod thanked the Professor, who nodded.

”The time spent was a good investment,” the wizard said. “Tomorrow we will discuss other matters, Mr. Dormers. You are free for the rest of the day.”

Rod went inside, followed by Severus, both announced by the female voice.

Hugo opened the apartment door.

”Have fun flying?” he asked Rod.

”Well, it wasn’t meant to be fun, but it was okay,” he said to the red-head, who looked at the Professor.

“Hi Professor Snape,” Hugo said with a smile. The boy always seemed happy to see him.

”Good morning, Hugo. Is your mother available?” he asked the boy.

”Yes, she’s in the kitchen,” Hugo said, stepping aside and letting the wizard in.

Rose was sitting on the couch reading a magazine. She looked up at the Professor as he entered then back at the book. He walked by her and into the kitchen. Hermione was at the sink, washing dishes the muggle way. Severus looked behind him and made sure no one was watching, then slunk up behind her, slipping his hands around her waist and pulling the surprised witch back against him, leaning down and purring into her ear.

”Good morning,” he said silkily, then kissed Hermione’s cheek.

”Severus! The children might see us,” Hermione said, blushing furiously as the wizard released her.

”I only kissed you good morning. We weren’t copulating, witch,” the wizard said, his dark eyes glittering. “Although the idea is quite compelling.”

Hermione flushed again.

”Still, I don’t think they are ready to see us showing each other affection, if they ever are,” Hermione said, straightening her clothing unnecessarily.

“Yes, it will take time. But I am here for a reason other than traumatizing your children,” he said to the witch. “I wish to provide dinner tonight.”

”Oh, how thoughtful, Severus,” Hermione said, beaming at him.

”Well, I have a taste for pizza and I’ve decided to be magnanimous. Just don’t tell the children what we are having. I want it to be a surprise,” he said.

Hermione gave him a bright smile and suddenly stood on tiptoe and gave him a kiss.

Severus’ brows rose.

”What about the children?” he asked.

”You’re bringing pizza. I’m sure they’d understand,” she said with a grin.

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When Severus arrived that evening carrying four boxes of pizza, he found the apartment door open and no one inside. Not even Hermione. He walked into the kitchen, put the pizza down on the table and cast a slight warming spell on it, then exited the apartment in search of everyone. They weren’t on the grounds. He was always alerted when someone was out and about.

He checked the exercise room, but they weren’t in there. Then he heard was could be construed by some people as music, coming from the Room of Requirement. He walked down the corridor and stood outside the door for a moment, listening.


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CLICK HERE FOR INTERACTIVE MUSIC
http://www.theburningpen.com/NB/ilrr.m3u
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Severus opened the door and entered, feeling magic wash over him. He stared at the scene before him, his mouth dropping open as he took in the room. It looked like some kind of bar, with three stages and the music was obscenely loud. On the left stage was Hugo, his red hair spiked all over his head, a spiked black collar around his neck, dressed in a white t-shirt with the sleeves ripped off, jeans and boots.

He was playing air guitar, bobbing exaggeratedly as he twanged it with wild circular loops of his arm. On the far left stage were Rod and Rose, dancing, Rod with a bandana tied around his head like a pirate or a biker, in a t-shirt, jeans and trainers and Rose dressed similarly, except she wore a jean vest with flaming skulls on it and her hair was all the colors of the rainbow.

But it was the middle stage that caught his eyes. Hermione was on it, in a short black leather skirt, low cut black tee-shirt, knee high black boots, her hair jet black and standing all over her head, a black collar around her neck and wearing heavy mascara and black lipstick. And she was shaking her galleon-maker. All of them were singing as they danced . . .

“I LOVE ROCK AND ROLL! PUT ANOTHER DIME IN THE JUKEBOX BABY!

Suddenly Hermione saw him and grinned from ear to ear, not stopping her dance as the stunned Potions master looked at her. She was grinning so much he looked down at himself.

Dear Merlin.

He was dressed in black leather pants with a black studded leather belt, a black leather vest wit a black t-shirt with . . . with . . .

Was that a cannabis leaf on his shirt? His hair was drawn back in a ponytail and he wore a kind of silver chain dog collar around his neck.

“What is this?” he roared, looking up at the dancing wizards and witches. However the music was too loud for his roar to be effective, though everyone saw him now and were laughing.

What had happened was the ROR had been set up to dress everyone like rockers when they walked in. Rod had set up his wizarding wireless and let Hugo and Rose hear some of the songs Winston sent him. Then they had the ROR generate the best scenario to listen to the music to. They had been delighted and directed the room to clothe them appropriately and anyone who came in. Then Hugo went and got Hermione, telling her she had to see something in the ROR and when she entered, that’s what the room did to her. She was shocked, but loved it and joined the kids dancing.

Now Severus was in the room’s clutches.

Hermione danced down off the stage and up to Severus, swirling her hair around her head wildly, then started dancing around him. It was hilarious because the wizard was so stiff. Rose could kind of see why her mum might like him. Simply because he was so reserved and unlikely to do anything he deemed “inappropriate.” Which left a lot of room for fun. Well, this certainly fell into that category.

Hermione caught his hands and tried to make Severus dance, but he wouldn’t, though he didn’t let her go, staring down at her in that make-up, those boots and that tight little skirt. Her curves didn’t hurt the effect one bit. If the children weren’t here . . . they’d be dancing all right, right against the wall of the ROR.

He’d have to get her alone in here one day in that get-up.

Finally the music stopped, leaving everyone but Severus breathless and laughing. The wizard shook his head.

”That was the most ludicrous display I have ever witnessed,” the wizard said, “And I don’t appreciate being garbed in . . . in leather, dog collars and cannabis leaves.”

Everyone cracked up again as the wizard scowled. Hugo walked up to him.

”You look cool, Professor,” he said with a grin.

Severus eyed his spiked hair.

”And you look like you’ve been hit by lightning. Now come along, all of you. I’ve brought pizza,” he said.

”Pizza?” the kids all cried, running out of the room, their clothes transforming back as they entered the corridor. Hermione tried to follow, but Severus grabbed her.

”Not you. Not yet,” he purred, pulling her against his body and kissing her soundly, running a hand up her thigh and under that skirt. When he pulled away, he had black lipstick on his mouth. It tasted like cherries.

”You’re going to wear this for me one night, witch,” he breathed at Hermione, who was a bit breathless herself. “You taunted me when I could do nothing about it. Next time, there will be a different ending.”

The growl in the wizard’s voice sent little thrills through Hermione’s body.

”Promises, promises,” she said lightly, pulling away from him and exiting the room, knowing that would make the wizard even more determined. This was a dangerous thing to do, but it titillated her. She changed back into her normal self as she exited the room, Severus swooping behind her, transforming back into his billowing black robes. He caught up.

”Flippancy isn’t wise, Hermione. You are a tease,” he said to her as they walked.

”All witches are,” she replied with a wicked grin.

The kids were all seated at the table, stretching cheese from their slices.

”Thanks Professor,” Hugo said as he chewed.

Rose and Rod thanked him too.

Hermione offered Severus a slice. He shook his head.

”That is for those too young to have developed a discerning palate. Saucy, cheesy, stringy. I prefer this,” he said, opening another box.

Inside was a pizza topped with feta cheese, spinach and artichokes.

Rose made a face.

”That’s not a proper pizza,” she said. “Spinach? Ew.”

Severus arched an eyebrow at her as he took a slice.

”As I said, for the ‘discerning palate,’” he reiterated, taking a large bite of the pizza and chewing blissfully.

“Ew,” Rose also reiterated, then blissfully bit into her own slice.

Now this was a proper pizza.

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A/N: Thanks for reading. ***