Hermione Ships

Guarded Part 2

Hermione & Snape

Snape was busy rearranging his private book collection in his office when, "Severus, you deserve a break."

The man turned to see the wise eyes of Dumbledore twinkling at him. "Easy for you to say, you're dead."

"I know that look Severus, you're in love."

"Now you've really lost it. Can you commit a  portrait to the psych ward at St. Mungos?" Snape glared at the older man.

"I only say this because I was in love too." Dumbledore stated

"With whom?"

"My very younger apprentice. I know your feelings for Hermione, Severus. Have since you began complaining about her. You always had a type, the strong, smart and feisty ones." Dumbledore grinned

Snape sent the older man a death glare, "be that as it may, I doubt she has feelings for me. I am old enough to be her father for Merlins sake! She doesn't deserve someone old like me."

"If that's what you need to convince yourself." Dumbledore mumbled before leaving the nearby portrait.

The office door opened and in came Hermione looking as radiant as ever. "Thank you Snape, that time outside is just what I needed."

"Your welcome, now back to the organizing. Please dust the shelves on that bookshelf and please be gentle. Those books are old and very rare. A long line of  preservation charms are placed on them."  Snape warned

Hermione remained silent and waved her wand to move the books away. As she was dusting, she came upon a thick leather journal. "What about this book, Sir?"

"Hmm?" Snape turned and saw the journal in Hermiones hands and he stopped in his tracks. "I forgot I left that there. Thank you." He snatched it from the witch's hands, startling her a bit.

Hermione knew it had to be something very personal, so she kept her mouth shut and continued dusting. As she was putting the old books back, something shiny caught her eye.

"Why are you stopping Hermione?" Snaoe turned and saw Hermione gazing in a trance at a beautiful crystal vial.

"Whose memories are in here?" Hermione breathed

"Mine, of a life long ago. So filled with hope." Snape answered in a daze. "Dont touch it. Please go clean the cauldrons of their muck. I'll finish here."

Hermione nodded, bowed her head and left the office. She went straight to the couldrons and began scrubbing. Meanwhile, Snape proceeded to move the journal and vial of memories to a more secure place within his chambers.

He couldn't believe he was so foolish! Leaving two very precious parts of his history for the know it all to find! The journal contained every love letter never sent to Lily Evens. The crystal vial; every happy memory of love with Lily.

Once Snape secured his treasures someplace more safe, he returned to Hermione.

"You have the rest of the day off. Go enjoy yourself. But be back here at 7am to steep the potion." Snape stated in his cold way.

"Of course Sir. Thank you."

*

Hermione was confused. During the while summer, Snape never let her off before 4pm. And now she had 3 hours all to herself. She thought of all he'd been through; losing his best friend, siding with those who promised him power. And then realizing he was on the wrong side.

Hermione shook her head, "no don't be daft! Why would he want me? The frumpy witch who can never shut up!"

"Hermione! This is a surprise seeing you here!" Neville knocked her out of her thoughts.

Hermione wasn't looking where she was going and found herself outside the greenhouse. She smiled, "how's the apprenticeship going with Sprout?"

"Amazing! There are still so many plants to learn about. I doubt I'll ever leave. She told me she might hand me the teaching position in a few years."

"Thats great Neville! I might be the potions teacher, if Snape has anything to say about it." Hermione replied.

"Wow, that's a subject that's all about precision. Something I really lacked in our school days." Neville blushed.

"You weren't too bad. Snape was a bully to you." Hermione pointed out.

"Yes he was. How is the old grouch?"

"Um...usual Ray of sunshine. But he was nice, I have the rest of the day off, for some reason." Hermione answered.

"Very nice. Please don't spend it in the library."

"Come on, I have a life. I'll be at Hogsmead enjoying myself." Hermione replied.

Neville sent her a knowing look.

"Ok fine with my latest Transfiguration book. Don't you have some plants to harvest?" Hermione snapped

"Off I go. And Hermione? That glare is worthy of Snapes."  Neville smiled before turning away.

Hermione rolled her eyes before walking back to her chambers to grab her book.

*

The next day, Hermione arrived ten minutes early to finish off her potion. She found Snape reading the journal she had found the day before.

"Good morning Snape."

The man jumped in surprise and slammed the journal shit as if he was caught committing a crime. "Im surprised you're up so early."

"I didn't want to mess up my potion. You said it yourself, potions require patience, precision  and perfect timing." Hermione replied.

Smape looked unnerved and checked his watch. "My apologies I hadn't realized the time." The man waved his wand causing the journal to fly into his open chambers.

"If you have something to finish up..." Hermione began

"No, I need to supervise you." Snape  replied at once

Hermione nodded silently.  She continued on with her potion. She heard Snape make a few scratches on his parchment.

"Very good." He commented once and Hermione was thrilled.

By the time Hermiones apprenticeship was over, she was satisfied with the knowledge she now has. Bit she was disappointed that Snape only saw her as his student. "If only." She sighed.

Hermione boarded the train one last time from Hogwarts where it would take her to London. And from there, the magical world is hers to explore....with no partner.