Redemption

10

I threw down the newspaper in my hands, after seeing the title of the first page.

Granger and Snape: Unrequited Love and Illegal Romance

Taking a deep breath, I slowly opened up the newspaper. There was more than just the one photograph of us in the corner of the room. They had captured the conversation with Ron, and the dancing, and even when he had caught me when I fell.

How had they even managed?

Against my better judgement, I decided to read through the article.

Last night, at Hogwarts celebratory ball, all eyes were on Potions' Apprentice, Hermione Granger. According to reliable sources, the gorgeous gown she wore was picked out and perfected by none other than Potions' Master Professor Severus Snape.

Coincidence? Friendly shopping with his apprentice? We beg to differ. Clearly, the two are hiding an illicit relationship behind the stone walls of the old castle. One source claims that the necklace worn by Miss Granger belonged to none other than the Professor's late mother. A family heirloom? Things are getting serious.

No wonder Miss Granger ran from the altar the day she was meant to marry Ronald Weasley, apprentice Auror. She couldn't bear the guilt she felt. It was evident that her heart belonged to another man. Now we can see it for ourselves. Mr Weasley himself admits that the Professor 'stole' his girl.

We had the chance to interview Miss Granger, while her date went to get drinks after we'd seen them cosying up in a dark corner. The apprentice refuses to comment on the affair.

Not only has Professor Snape miraculously returned from the dead to be with the true love of his life, he has also snatched her up quickly. When they gaze into each other's eyes, the sexual tension is thick and tantalising.

Not to mention, we'd kill for a dress like Miss Granger's. A few sources claimed they wanted to rip it off of her. Based on what we see in the pictures, they weren't the only ones...

Now that their secret is revealed, will the authorities step in?

More next week.

I tore the newspaper and set it on fire. I let out an angered scream and stomped on it several times, before throwing it into the fire. I ran a hand through my knotted hair and left my room, crossing the hall. I knocked on the black office door hurriedly. Minky appeared with a crack, startling me. I couldn't help the small cry that escaped my lips. I was so on edge.

"Minky's mistress needs something?" She asked.

I nodded quickly, wiping tears from my face with the sleeve of my pyjamas. "I need to speak with Professor Snape, Minky. Is he up yet?"

Minky shrugged and disappeared with a snap of her fingers, before momentarily reappearing and taking my hand. "Minky will fight those who made Mistress cry."

Her comment brought a smile to my lips, just as the door opened and Snape stepping out. He raised an eyebrow at my tear streaked face, messed up hair, and pyjamas. I realised then, that I should have gotten dressed first. "Sir, I'm so sorry. I understand if you want to terminate my apprenticeship. This was totally uncalled for and inappropriate."

I wiped my face, expecting to be yelled at, but he only stared at me in confusion. "Granger, what the bloody hell are you on about?"

I swallowed thickly. "Didn't you see this morning's paper?" My voice caught and he sent me a sympathetic look.

He nodded slowly, thinking of how to phrase his words. "They pull a stunt like this every time an apprentice and teacher are seen together it public. It happened to me when I was studying to be a teacher. Don't worry yourself about it."

I hiccoughed. "You aren't upset with me?"

A small smile appeared at the corner of his mouth. "Not at all. Quite the opposite, in fact. I know you had nothing to do with what was said in the article." He stepped towards me, pushing the hair from my face. "What was it you said the other day? ' Rumours are simply nonsensical fables created to keep the simple-minded occupied.' You are neither the simple-minded nor nonsensical. Believe me, Minerva's furious. She's demanding they pull the article as we speak."

I nodded, looking down at my bare feet. The panic was wearing off, and I was becoming very aware of the state I was in. He lifted my chin as to look into my eyes. There truly was compassion in his dark eyes. Dark, mysterious eyes that held such secrets. "I suggest you get ready for the day, Miss Granger." He frowned. "Are you certain you don't wear perfume?"

I nodded again, not trusting my voice. Why would he ask such a question? I thought back to the night before when he'd held me close. I could feel his breath on my skin, feel the heat of his body, smell his arousing aroma. He was alive, so much more alive than he'd been in the past.

My thoughts flashed to the blonde woman he'd held. I hadn't gotten a good look at her face. I had only glimpsed her profile. Who was she?

I pushed it away from my mind. It was none of my concern.

I nodded once again and turned to leave. He called out to me, I turned back to him. He reached out, straightening the chain around my neck. I'd forgotten to take it off last night. "She was right about one thing." He said. "This did belong to someone in my family. It wasn't my mother's, though. No idea where she got that idea."

The necklace now held a deeper, more important meaning. It wasn't just a gift from the man who unknowingly held part of my heart. It was a part of his past. A tiny glimpse of the person he was. "Thank you." I whispered hoarsely.

With that, he sent me on my way.