As Long As You Need Me

Chapter XX

Love comforteth like sunshine after rain.
- William Shakespeare (Venus and Adonis)
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Winter was here and there was a biting chill in the air. Hermione threw more wood into the fire and rubbed her hands together while Snape came in and poured himself some coffee.
"Whaddaya think?" she asked, indicating her reindeer jumper. He passed a glance at her and commented, "Well, as much as your patented unicorn jumper would be missed...this certainly brings in a bit of festive cheer."

Indeed, Christmas was around the corner and Hermione's girlfriends were getting together for a little shopping. Hermione had declined their offer reluctantly, saying that Snape wouldn't give her an off day. But as their lesson commenced, she found herself unable to concentrate. It wasn't that she messed anything up, but Snape noticed that she wasn't talking much and she had a distant look in her eyes as she glanced repeatedly outside the window. When he asked her about it, she confessed, blushing, "Well, my friends were getting together for some Christmas shopping..Cho said she was going too, and Luna was supposed to get off work...it would've been great to see her after so long...But I already said that I couldn't afford to miss a class...But now-"

"Now you want to go too."

She met his eyes with her sincere hazel peepers and put on her most charming smile. "Would that be okay?"

Snape deliberated a long time, but he always seemed to lose to those eyes of hers. While keeping his gaze focused on the paper he was writing in, he muttered a consent. "Be back before nightfall."

Hermione was so delighted that she could've almost skipped over to him and given him a kiss; but thankfully she controlled her impulses. Hastily snatching up her purse, she ran out of the office, hoping to catch up with Cho, who was leaving too.
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It was so good to indulge in some girl-talk after such a long time. They caught up with what was new in Luna's life and everyone tutted and shook their heads, discussing about Lavender and her deeds. Ginny pointed out that it was a good thing that Snape had fought in her defence and had shown his concern. Hermione said that it didn't necessarily mean anything but nevertheless her chest felt warm and fuzzy.

After having some snacks and coffee, they did some window-shopping in the rest of Diagon Alley, finally entering a posh clothing shop. They were simply enjoying trying on dresses and Hermione especially liked a shimmery black number that she gave a trial to.

"That looks fabulous, honey!" Ginny commented. Hermione twirled around to admire herself in the mirror better. "You think?"
But when she noticed the price tag, her face fell. She wasn't completely broke but her internship money was not cashed in yet and she had to think twice before buying something so expensive for herself. She bit her lip and shrugged out of the dress.

"Are you alright?" Luna asked, "Your head is buzzing with concern..."
Hermione was still running a hand over the silky smooth fabric, not willing to put it back on the rack. "I was thinking about buying this to wear on Christmas Eve...but...I guess I shouldn't."

"Why not? You look good in this." Ginny persuaded.

"I..don't know if it would be worth it...and I don't have the right shoes to go with this-"

"I have a pair of black strappy heels that would be perfect for this dress." Cho offered. "You can borrow mine."

After a lot of urging, Hermione finally gave in and they came out happy with their shopping bags. The sky was beginning to get dark and just as they were about to turn back, Hermione remembered. "Oh no, I completely forgot! I need to get something...for someone..."