In Sickness and in Health

{21}

Spring came fast, and by fast, it seemed that everyone was stunned by just how quickly time had chose to move. There were flowers sprouting, and even a break in the dreary London weather seemed to come.

Hermione hadn't seen or spoken to Severus in months, and she knew that it had nothing to do with the fact that he was to be taking over for Minerva McGonagall in the upcoming school year as Headmaster.

While it alleviated the pain of Neville having to teach beside him, it did not, however, quell Hermione's wondering about him. She still was seeing Neville in the same way they had since Christmas. It got easier, really, the whole situation as a whole. A comfort came of their touches and kisses, and Hermione thoroughly enjoyed every moment she had with him.

They'd just instilled the last of a set of new laws regarding Magical Creatures and Beings, and Hermione felt like despite the void in her life that Severus had left, things had turned up for the better.

Pomona Sprout was retiring, so she'd been grooming Neville for her position for quite some time come Spring, and Hermione was rather proud of him. He even invited her to the press stint the school was going through seeing as there were to be so many faculty changes of great importance coming in the fall. Hermione had been surprised the current headmistress had allowed it, but good news was always welcome these days. Better that on the front page of the prophet than rumors of what old death eaters were doing.

Minerva McGonagall was giving her position to Severus, and his position was going to Malfoy who had made a new name for himself as Harry's boyfriend, and Neville was taking his new position with grace and pride.

She was just glad he didn't invite his grandmother, for she hated Hermione. Luckily enough it was only one brunch Hermione had suffered through with the elder Longbottom. Neville had denied any negative feelings on his grandmother's behalf, but even he didn't believe the words he told her.

So when the morning of the Staff Change article came, Hermione found herself more nervous than Neville. He was excited, thrilled even, to finally be recognized for something he wanted to do, but he was also understanding of her nerves, even offering that she merely stay at her flat while he went and answered all the questions and such.

Of course it would only be more war questions, and they all knew that, but it seemed no one was quite over hearing about it yet.

Hermione assured the sweet wizard that she was fine, and his worrying was unnecessary. He promised to keep her close, however, and this was what gave her the courage to show up to the event at all.

The students were lined up at their tables, all happily munching on breakfast as people came in and out, cameras getting set up, and recording devices floating about the Headmaster's pedestal. It was the most hectic Hermione thought she'd seen the room since the Tri-Wizard Tournament.

Despite the busyness and sheer anxiety of the whole Great Hall, Hermione stayed happy for Neville as he talked to Professor Sprout and then McGonagall. Hermione simply avoided the sight of black robes in her vision, feeling that if he didn't find it fit to talk to her, she wouldn't give him even a glance.

Of course, when it came to the questions and notes, that was a whole new story.

She watched him gracefully find his way up, and stand before the reporters in his brave and imperial way. Though he looked unimpressed by the scribbling quills and floating parchments, he hid it well.

Hermione grabbed Neville's hand as they stood against the cold wall with the rest of the crowd.

"I would first like to say thank you, to my gracious colleague, Minerva McGonagall, who despite knowing I don't deserve this opportunity, has afforded it to me regardless. I will do nothing but attempt to fill the position in which you have left a gaping hole in your leaving," Severus said with genuine love in his voice that he carried to McGonagall who smiled tearfully when he turned to look at her. "And to the students, whom I hope to serve with dignity and kindness, I hope you are able to accept me as your Headmaster, now, and no longer as your teacher. I promise to remain active in your academic careers and only foster the good I see in this school."