Always Kiss Me Goodnight

Chapter seven - Acceptance

Chapter Seven

Acceptance

(Here is chapter seven...finally! Thank you for all the favourites, follows and comments. I hope you guys can see some sort of improvement. To coin a phrase 'lots more to come! Sorry if this is all in the center of the page. The app keeps doing it!)

Severus sat in his usual leather chair while other staff members took their own seats. It was the morning of the annual 'back to school' meeting with Albus Dumbledore who was late as usual. Severus was his normal cantankerous self especially when Remus Lupin flounced in wishing everyone a good morning to which Severus replied with a glare.

Severus adjusted his sleeves and became inpatient.

No doubt he will be filling his pockets with leftover food or those damn strawberry shortcakes.

"Good morning everyone and Severus"came the booming voice. Dumbledore walked in and took his place at his desk.

"Miss Granger and Miss Sprout will not be attending this morning as they are both unwell. It seems to be catching as six students will not be here for the start of term on Monday.

Minerva looked at Severus who raised one eyebrow in defiance.

"Severus, are you still planning on going to Shetland next weekend? If you are can you stop off at Betty MacGregors and bring me back some shortbread" He said looking at a displeased Severus.

"If that is what you wish I shall do so. Would anyone else like anything? Live haggis perhaps, I hear it is the season for it" came the sarcastic response.

Dumbledore gave a slight laugh while other joined in to break the atmosphere. Minerva continued to give him daggers.

"I would quite like..." Remus trailed off when Severus looked at him.

"Actually I think I have some, silly me" Remus gave a nervous smile and straightened his position trying not to look anxious. Severus was a love hate relationship but he did rely on his Potions to prevent turning on a full moon. He didn't want to annoy him too much for fear of poisoning.

The staff continued their meeting while Severus thought about Hermione. She was always so precise with meetings even when she was struck down with flu. This was out of the ordinary and he knew he would have to go to her to clear his name.

Dumbledore concluded the meeting and they all made their way out.

"Just you hold your fire Severus" the Scottish tone she had went right through him at times. He stopped and turned to face Minerva who halted him in the corridor. Folding his arms and raising one eyebrow he awaited her inquisition.

"Miss Granger is not well and I cannot help but think you are involved. I am aware that you spent the night together but she was seen in her own room this morning."

"I wish not to discuss this with you at this time. Miss Granger is perfectly fine" he said bluntly before turning on his heel and stalking down the corridor.

"Professor Snape..." she called out looking appalled as he raised one hand and disappeared round the corner.

XX

'Alohomora'

He shook his head as her door opened with no problems and slowly crept in. He could see her bedroom door was ajar, as he turned to close the door her beloved Cruikshanks came running over. Severus was not a cat person and shooed the cat away which was met with a hiss. Straightening out his robes he made his way over to her room.

She was lying on top of the bed covers with a patchwork blanket draped over her. He walked right up to her and sat on the corner of her bed. Her eyes opened to analyse him.