I Fell Into Your Arms

Chapter 23: Misery (Hermione's Side)

As soon as Hermione apperated away, she came outside to her cottage. She didnt want to be alone with her thoughts, but she couldnt bear to tell anyone Dr. Swanns secret. She understood why he changed his idenity, but she hated how nieve she was.

She opened the door, surprised to find Sirius and Amelia there. "Hermione! I hope you dont mind us stopping by."

Hermione smiled, "Of course I dont mind. Merlin, I could use the company."

"Thats a very pretty dress, did you just come home from something?" Amelia asked

"You could say that. But like I said, I could use the company." Hermione repeated.

Suddenly Angie appeared. "Miss Hermione, how was your date with Dr. Swann?"

Sirius grinned, "fancying Dr. Swann eh?"

"Stop Dad!" Hermione chuckled.

"So did you have fun?" Amelia asked.

"No not exactly, but Id rather not talk about that right now." Hermione said dismissively. She turned to tbe house elf. "Can you go make dinner for three?"

"Of course Hermione!" Angie exclaimed disappearing.

"Ill be right back, I need to change." Hermione stated.

"I can come help." Amelia offered.

"Thanks Mia." Hermione walked up the stairs, her thoughts swirling about.

When the two witches got to her room, did Amelia say anything. "Ok, I know you ate upset. Talk to me, please."

Hermione sighed, "yes you are right Mia. But, I cant, there are factors that are stopping me. Basically Dr. Swann lied to me about himself, something big. Thats all I can say."  Hermione replied.

"Ok. How about this?" Amelia waved her wand as a blue button down shirt came out.

"Ooh I forgot I had that!" Hermione exclaimed. She looked through her closet and found a pair of khaki shorts.

"Ok, Ill see you down there." Amelia smiled.

As soon as the Minister had left, "Hermione?" A deep velvet voice asked.

The young witch smiled, "Hello Severus."

"Sulking isnt your style Hermione." Snape said as Hermione turned to face him.

"You just talked to Draco right?" Hermione asked flatly

"Spot on my inteligent witch. You are correct." Snape smirked.

"I dont want to hear you talk that prick up." Hermione huffed.

"Language, Granger." Snape chastised.

"Sorry Severus, but I had to be a Gryffindor about this!" Hermiobe groaned.

"Jumping in without looking? Thats one quality I always admired about you. Along with fighting in your beliefs." Snape stated a moment later.

"Look Draco has good reason for reinventing himself Im sure. I refuse to tell anyone his secret." Hermione sighed.

"Very noble and Ravenclaw of you Hermione." Snape smiled slightly.

"Can you please tell him his idenity is safe with me? But I need time to calm down?" Hermione asked.

"From Potions professor to your own personal owl? What have I done to have my death turn out like this?" Snape asked sarcastically.

"You did amazing things in your life Severus. You helped us win the war, and Im only asking that you give Draco one message." Hermione huffed.

"Know-it-all." Snape grumbled then walked out of the frame.

"Gloomy dungeon bat." Hermione called after him.

"Dinner is served!" Angie called from below.

*

"Amelia told me about your date, Im so sorry." Sirius said when they sat down.

"Dad, Im fine." Hermione replied gazing at her plate. She missed the looks Sirius and Amelia threw at each other. "Oh, why did you restore my Muggle parents memories?"

"You did what?!" Amelia whipped her head to face Sirius.

"She was in a right state as it was, I thought restoring their memories would make you happy." Sirius replied

"You misunderstood. My parents were great before they found out what I am. They are firm believers in the church, and they saw me as a person who constantly sins, whenever I used my magic." Hermione sighed heavily

"What?!" Amelia shouted

"Yes." Hermione nodded. "I wasnt crying any rivers when I erased their memories. I just acted like I was."

"Hermione, Im so sorry." Sirius replied.

"Its ok Dad, but I honestly dont want them to remember me. Minister, Mia,  would I have an offical pardon if I modified their memories?"

"Of course Hermione. Anything for you." Amelia smiled.

*

After Sirius and the Minister had left, Hermione went to her new library and began to read. But only thoughts of Draco came to her mind. Hermione growled vicously slamming her book shut.

"What has that poor book done to deserve your violent wrath?" A silky voice asked

"Severus, how long have you been in here?" Hermione asked turning towards the now full picture frame.

Snape frowned, "I never left your house. I overheard about your parents, is it true?"

"Yes it is. I have reasons why I didnt tell you." Hermione said hastily.

"What are those reasons?" Snape raised an eyebrow. "I thought we trusted each other."

"I do trust you, but Severus, it was too painful for me to tell anyone. I was embarrassed but I know ot wasnt right of me to keep it silent." Hermione croaked

Snapes expression softened, "did they ever get physical with you?"

"What?!" Hermione exclaimed. "No! Despite them seeing me as a demon, they never touched me. They couldnt stand to look at me." Tears came to her eyes.

"I didnt mean to upset you my dear." Snape said in a low voice.

"Im being oversensitive." Hermione waved his concerns away.

"No your not. You are allowed to be vulnerable. Im sorry I pushed you." Snale turned to leave.

"Can you stay here tonight? I could use a friend." Hermione asked in a small voice.

"Of course I will." Snape smiled slightly.

"Thanks. Meet me in my room." Hermione got up from her chair with her book in hand.

It would take her a while to get over Draco. But she vowed to never to get vulnerable with him again.

"About time you came." Snape scowled.

"Severus, this is my room." Hermione laughed.

Snape rolled his eyes. "Yes I suppose it is. Miss know it all."

"Good night." Hermione smiled.