Like Moths To A Flame

Fifteen: A Shocking Confession

Harry

"Harry, there is something I need to tell you," I began. "You see, I...I got married recently, to Professor Snape..." Hermione trailed off. At first, Harry couldn't quite believe what he had just heard was correct, but he soon shook himself out of his daze.

He sipped his chai latte, and swallowed hard. "P--Professor Snape. You mean, greasy haired, dungeon bat of Hogwarts himself...Severus Snape is...is alive?? And married to you?"

Hermione looked around the crowded coffee house. "Yes!" She hissed underneath her breath. "Yes, him. He is my husband now. I thought I should tell you, in case it ever comes out in the Daily Prophet. I would appreciate it if you could keep your mouth shut about it, since we decided not to have it bandied about that we tied the knot."

Harry couldn't breathe. He just stared across at his well dressed former best friend that he slept with not so long ago. She revealed a beautiful diamond bridal set that cost a pretty set of galleons.

"Please tell me you're joking, Hermione," He finally said. "I mean, it's totally cool if you don't want to date me. I get that, but really, it's not like you to lie to me. You have never done that in all the years we have known each other."

Hermione sipped her latte, and delicately wiped at her lips. "I'm telling you, Harry, that I'm being absolutely truthful. I only confide in you now, because we used to be able to tell each other everything when we were kids."

Harry digested this information, and knew she was telling the truth. "Okay, I believe you. But how did it happen? I mean, was it a love potion thing, or--"

Hermione laughed. "Oh my gods, Harry, no. I love him very much. We mesh together very well. He's still a git sometimes, and yes, we butt heads sometimes, but overall, we seem to understand one another. I can't describe it any more than that."

Harry calmed down, reassured b6 this information, but it was still shocking to hear nonetheless. "But does he love you? I swear Hermione, if he hurts you, I will hex him to oblivion."

"Yes, he does, Harry," Hermione said gently, but firmly, "But I want you to help in the investigation of the New Salem Liberation Front. I know it's probably not the auror department's highest priority, but they are becoming a very real threat to the wizarding world's safety. Do you remember how bad things got during Grindlewald's time? Well, it could happen again."

Harry understood then why Hermione confided in him. He also understood that he was risking his very career if he helped his best friend. But he no longer cared, the auror department had long since tried to shut up any auror who attempted to investigate the New Salemers.

"I'm listening," Harry said seriously. "I have been trying to dig into their organization for six months now, but everyone wants to laugh it off. You're in danger, aren't you?"

Hermione nodded. "Yes, and I risked a lot by telling you as much as I did. Will you please help us from your department? I know you're not the head auror, my boss still is, but I would like it very much if you were on me and Severus's side when, not if, things go sour, and I may have to go into hiding."

Harry took her hand, and squeezed it briefly from across the table. "I promise that I will help you guys out. Just so we're clear though: I'm doing this for you, not for him. He may be the bravest damn wizard I have ever met, but he's still a git. I don't know what you see in the guy."

Hermione finished up her drink, and wiped at her lips with her napkin. "Well, it's called love, Harry. Maybe you too will experience it, who knows? I have to go, I have to go in early and have those notes reviewed for Kingsley to pursue."

She reapplied her lipstick, and they shared a nice hug outside of Starbucks. He watched her leave, and that was the last time Harry Potter saw Hermione Snape for a long time...