𝐾𝑒𝑒𝑝𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑆𝑒𝑐𝑟𝑒𝑡𝑠 𝑆𝑛𝑎𝑚𝑜𝑖𝑛𝑒 💚❤️

Chapter 8

CHAPTER 8

After getting dressed again and eating a late lunch in their room, they separated and made their way to Dumbledore's office once again. Severus was there first again, but not by much. Once they were both seated in front of Dumbledore's desk he spoke, "So I assume you discovered some interesting things in your reading? I know it is a small book, not more than twenty pages, but it holds more knowledge than any other book."

Severus spoke, "yes we did find some… interesting things in there, most of which were a bit worrisome. Headmaster, how are we going to keep our bond a secret? I am not sure it will be entirely possible."

Dumbledore shook his head slowly, "I am not sure, but we must try for as long as we are able. It is already known by her friends that Miss Granger has entered into a soul bond. It is keeping your inclusion in the soul bond that will prove more difficult, Severus. Have you discovered what happens when the bond wants a connection?"

Hermione blushed bright red and looked down at her hands resting on her lap. Severus cringed a bit. He did not feel Dumbledore really needed to know, but nodded, "Yes, we have."

Albus looked at Hermione's face and had to hide a small smile, clearly it was what he thought. "Would it be possible to wait a few hours until after classes to meet?"

Hermione answered this time with an outburst, "Hours?!"

Severus shook his head with a sneer, "Headmaster, I would be impressed with minutes."

Dumbledore's eyebrows rose. "I see. Do you know how often this will occur?"

The couple looked at each other and shook their heads.

Dumbledore sighed and leaned back in his chair thinking. How was he going to get them together when needed and within minutes? Perhaps they could leave together; Hermione could leave the grounds, however Severus could not. Too many eyes are ready to report what they see, and too many questions, especially if they are missing together. Portkey? They would work within Hogwarts's grounds, but dangerous if something ever happened to them. Apparition was out of the question. Floos could work, but Severus didn't have a floo in his classroom. In fact only about half of the classrooms did. However, if Hermione could floo to their room Severus could simply walk into his chambers from his classroom.

"Miss Granger, may I see your class schedule?"

"I'm sorry sir I don't have it with me at the moment."

"No problem" Dumbledore simply tapped his wand to the table and a copy of her timetable appeared. He read over the list and only Severus' class and Filius Flitwick's class did not have the capability for flooing. "Alright I suggest the floo for you Miss Granger."

"How do you mean sir?"

"Well, I will inform your teachers that you have a soul bond that requires discretion. When you feel the call simply floo to your quarters, and Severus merely has to walk out of his classroom to meet you there."

Hermione found a few flaws in the plan. "Sir, how can I say where I am going without everyone else hearing? How could I word it so they wouldn't know?"

"Miss Granger will you do an experiment for me? Would you try to floo and simply say 'home?' It will either floo you to your childhood home, or floo you to your quarters."

Hermione nodded and stepped into the floo nervously and said "home." She was grateful when she arrived in their quarters.

Albus turned to Snape, "Well Severus where did she end up?"

He smiled as he replied, "In our room." He felt unbelievable happiness that she considered that home already.

Within seconds Hermione was back in Dumbledore's office with a smile on her face, "It worked."