When All is Lost One is Found

Chapter 127: Grand Gestures

When All is Lost, One is Found

Author: Rinoaebastel

Chapter 127: Grand Gestures

Disclaimer: I don't own Harry Potter and gain no profit from this fanfiction other than writing practice. JK Rowling owns Harry Potter.

AN: This story may contain scenes taken from the Harry Potter movies and books, but it's not exact dialogue, just rewording of dialogue or omission. It is not marked.

Hermione's laugh filled his quarters with joy, but he found the source of her amusement a bit annoying. He'd told her about what Lupin said about smelling her on him, and it resulted into a giggling fit. "I can't believe he said that to you. Lupin smelled you!"

"Yes, being smelled by a werewolf isn't exactly part of my teaching goals," he said as he lifted the coffee mug to his lips. "He'll probably use it as fuel to annoy me when we speak."

Her laughing died down and she smiled. "So the two of you fixed things then?"

He looked at her. "There wasn't really anything to fix as much as there was just to talk about. I took your advice, listened to him, and spoke with him. Turned out we shared a commonality when it came to Lily."

Hermione frowned. He reached out and moved some hair behind her ear. "He likes her about as well as you do. "

"She's Harry's mother, and I'm thankful she gave birth to my friend, but her actions didn't fit the reputation she had. Even Harry said so."

"And that's what Lupin said. I think you differ in the fact we all still like her."

"I don't have any requirement to like her," Hermione said. "I love you. That doesn't mean I have to like anyone in your past and especially not someone that hurt you."

He was about to bring up Sirius but thankfully thought better of it. "I never said it did, my witch."

She snorted and grabbed her book. "Stupid traitor," she muttered.

"Didn't you tell me not to hang onto hate?"

"I don't hate her, I dislike her. Let me brood a bit."

He chuckled and watched as she put her knees up and rested her book on them.

"Another medical text? Shouldn't you be studying for your tests?" he said, but knowing her she'd already gone over all the material twice over and she'd do it again before the tests.

"I did, but I need to go over it in the classes too. To make sure I have the right ideas."

"We'll start covering test material next week in potions," he said. He set down his mug and picked up his own book. "If Slughorn had been more thorough, I wouldn't have to cover it so specifically."

She smirked. "There's the new Severus shining through?"

"No," he said, causing her to look up. "I took my teaching seriously even then. I would've done it regardless."

"Of course, but you would be much more cantankerous about it."

He laughed. "Yes, that is true. Perhaps I should divert back to that for the time being."

"I love you regardless of how you choose to teach, Professor Snape." She went back to reading. "Anyway, I'm so happy that you two talked things over."

He directed his gaze to the fire. It was odd that he could make her happy by doing something that seemed so small. He'd missed doing something for her on her birthday. The school week had been hectic, so neither of them could see each other beyond classes. He had to admit that he'd only read about loving relationships as side issues in the few literature books he'd read. In those the men and women all performed grand gestures to show their love. He supposed his helping with Harry when he was poisoned somewhat counted. Maybe his spying and helping to take down the Dark Lord was one. He didn't know, but he realized that even though he felt he owed her a grand gesture, she loved the simple things.

"Severus?"

He snapped out of his thoughts and looked at her. "Yes?"

"You looked like you'd drifted off somewhere. Are you okay?

"I'm fine." He leaned back in his chair. "I never apologized for missing your birthday."

She shook her head, her curls bouncing as she did so. "You didn't miss it, Severus. You sent me that lovely note."

He nodded. It wasn't enough. Maybe he could... "I'll be chaperoning the Hogsmeade visit next month. Would you like to do something once we get there?"

Her eyes lit up and she smiled. "Like a date?"

"Yes, like a date. We could go to one of the shops the students never visit. I know of a bookshop that should suffice. We'll get some cake to have a belated celebration."

"That would be wonderful." She got up from her chair and moved to hug him tightly.

He felt like a fool for calling it a date. Date was right but it seemed an odd word to use at his age. Then again, he was only thirty-eight, so he was hardly an old geezer.

"I can't wait."

He smiled and returned her hug. He would willingly feel like a fool if it meant making her this happy.

Grand gestures clearly weren't needed with his witch.

AN: Hope you liked this moment they had together. As you can see, Hermione is starting to invade his rooms in the little time that passed... She misses him. Let me know what you think and see you on Wednesday.