71- Confrontation
Chapter 75 of 84
Good_WitchDumbledore confronts Snape before the Leaving Feast, and Snape confronts Hermione both before the performance and during it.
ReviewedDisclaimer: Oh, how I wish Severus Snape was mine... But, alas, earwax.
Author's Note: First off, be warned that, at just under 4500 words, this chapter is shorter than recent chapters. But, it's for a good reason! What's to come should have a chapter (or chapters) all its own. *nods* That being said, please don't have apoplexy that it ends where it does. *hides* Deepest gratitude goes out to ladyofthemasque for always taking time to beta my stuff, even when deadlines for her PAID, ORIGINAL work (which you can purchase!) loom, and to ladyinthecloak for responding to my late night pleas for feedback and boosting my confidence when I wibbled. *hugs both lovely ladies* And thank you to all of you who read and review and make me enjoy the hell out of this whole endeavour. *hugs and chocolate to everyone!* :)
Chapter 71- Confrontation
The whole of the following week saw students either beaming in pride and relief at having received good marks on their exams or wallowing in despair at having not done well at all. Rumour had it that there were actually a couple of people who had "T"s on at least one of their exams, but...as no one was really going to furnish proof of such a failure...the wide-eyed gossip-mongers could only speculate as to who they were and which exams they had failed so spectacularly.
Early Friday afternoon, Snape was in his quarters separating items that were his personally from those that belonged to the school, packing last minute things before the performance that night. He wanted to have everything ready just in case he had to make a precipitous departure. He was surprised to hear a knock on his door and went to answer it with a frown at being interrupted.
"What is..." he trailed off, brows rising in astonishment to see Dumbledore standing in the corridor.
There was a long moment of awkward silence, until Dumbledore cleared his throat and said, "Good afternoon, Severus. May I come in?"
Snape blinked, eyeing the older man warily. His voice was frosty as he uttered a clipped, "Very well." Dumbledore crossed the threshold and Snape shut the door, watching his employer walk slowly to the dining table, soberly taking in the boxes and packing paper.
"Looks like you haven't much left to pack." He turned to look at Snape, who was still standing by the door.
Snape merely nodded. There was another pregnant pause. Dumbledore began strolling through the room, pausing to drag a finger over an empty bookshelf or run a hand over the mantel. Finally, Snape snapped, "What is it you want, Headmaster?"
Turning mournful eyes on Snape, he sighed. "I was hoping we might have a chat."
Snape's eyes narrowed. "A chat? About what?"
Dumbledore gazed at him for a beat, then said, "Why don't we sit?" He gestured to the two chairs before the hearth.
Snape stood, frozen. His gut was roiling with the lingering fury at how poorly his old mentor had treated him, and his jaw clenched, holding back scores of acid things he could have said in response.
Dumbledore's face fell and he murmured, "Severus... please." He lifted imploring eyes to Snape, and Snape finally tossed his head in resignation.
As the older man sank into one chair, Snape stalked over to his chair and dropped into it, immediately propping his feet on the ottoman and steepling his fingers in his lap.
Dumbledore offered a faint smile and whispered, "Thank you." He gazed at Snape's stony expression, then turned to look at the packing boxes again. Still facing them, he said, "Must you leave?"
Snape's eyes widened in incredulity and he sucked in a shocked breath. Drawing his feet back and slamming them on the floor as he leant forward in righteous indignation, he echoed, "Must I leave? Must I? You made that pretty clear, didn't you?"
Dumbledore turned to face the incensed man, his expression wistful. "You don't have to go. Think about how you'll be missed..."
His voice was a snarl as Snape retorted, "Missed? No doubt you'll miss having someone to order about and control, forced to do your bidding." He paused, sucking in a deep breath. "No. I'm not your puppet any longer."
Dumbledore grimaced and shook his head. "Severus, I never thought you were my puppet! On the contrary, I see you like a son. We've been through so much together; do you really want to throw all that away?"
Snape, too, shook his head slightly, amazed. "It was not I who threw our relationship away, sir. You really don't get it, do you?" He shoved to his feet, looking down at the older man bitterly. "You keep trying to stop me from leaving, but not once have you apologized!"
Dumbledore's eyes narrowed and he testily snapped, "Apologize for what? For caring about you? For trying to guide you? For keeping your arse alive for all these years?"
Snape fell back a pace, as if slapped. His voice was hoarse as he rasped, "Alive? What kind of life have I had? I existed to do your bidding, and risked that existence repeatedly...on your orders! I deserve a life, Albus, and you had no right to sabotage my attempt at building one."
Dumbledore huffed, shifting in his chair in irritation. Glaring up at Snape from under lowered brows, he said, "All right, I'm sorry about Slug and Jiggers."
"Sorry you managed to force me out of here because of it, more like."
At that, Dumbledore shot to his feet, closing in on Snape and grimacing. "Dammit, Severus, I'll miss you!" He paused and they glared at each other until Dumbledore averted his gaze, rolling his eyes and passing a hand over his brow. His eyes were shaded by his hand as he mumbled, "I've grown rather fond of you over the years."
Snape swallowed, the tiny pang of warmth at hearing that admission submerged under the cold disdain for the man's manipulative ways. His whisper was icy as he said, "Until a few months ago, nothing could have pleased me more than to be told I was loved... by you, Albus. But now, it's all just words. Actions speak louder than words, old friend, and yours have proven how little you truly love me." He gave a harsh bark of humourless laughter. "The funny thing is, though, that now that you see fit to claim such regard for me, I no longer need it. I have friends now, Albus. Real friends who really care for me..."
He was interrupted by Dumbledore bursting forth with, "I am your friend, Severus! I do care for you!" His hand dropped and his expression was pained.
Snape locked gazes with him, seeing that the old man's eyes were bright with moisture, not twinkling. A flash of hot shame washed over him at hurting his old friend, but he firmed his resolve and shoved that unwieldy emotion away, behind the simmering anger that was always there whenever Dumbledore was, of late.
After a long moment of charged silence, Snape murmured, "Then prove it."
Dumbledore blinked in dismay. His voice was nearly a wail as he said, "How?"
Snape tossed his head, his expression once again stony. "That's up to you to figure out. Platitudes are meaningless."
Dumbledore's head drooped and his shoulders sagged in defeat. Slanting another mournful look up at Snape, he turned to shuffle toward the door. Once there, he paused and spun, saying, "I shall see you at the Feast."
Snape nodded sharply and Dumbledore left, softly shutting the door behind him.
***** *****
All day long, everyone was in high spirits, bustling around, packing, and discussing plans for the holiday. The seventh-years were alternately more boisterous...having finally finished school...and more subdued...having to finally head out into the real world as adults. Hermione was one of the minority who had her next steps lined up, as most were still in the limbo of waiting to hear back from applications now that their N.E.W.T. marks were in.
That evening, the whole of the castle's inhabitants filed down to the Great Hall for the Leaving Feast, raucous and cheerful. The cast, however, was even more excited than the rest of the student body, as they were looking forward to their final performance.
The food was delicious as always, and when the puddings appeared, Dumbledore stood, drawing every eye.
"Do feel free to continue enjoying your dinners. I merely wish to make a few announcements." He paused, waiting for the buzz of conversation to die out. "Don't forget: when our meal is over, the Ministry will be here for our trophy presentation, after which we will be adjourning to the corridor while I get the Hall ready for the final performance of scenes from the play that made Hogwarts the winner of the inaugural Tri-wizard Musical Competition." He beamed about the Hall at the scattered cast members. "Those of you who will be returning next year will have another chance to partake of the fun of performing, as Fine Arts will be added to the curriculum. And, those programmes will be developed by none other than our very own Miss Hermione Granger!"
Down at the Gryffindor table, Hermione choked on her éclair, Dumbledore's announcement taking her completely by surprise. Ron grinned as he helpfully pounded her on the back while applause rose around them. Her friends were beaming at her, and McGonagall was clapping with fierce pride at the High Table.
Hermione managed to clear her airway and nodded at the applause, waving limply as she tried to smile, even though she knew she was bright red.
Dumbledore continued, "Miss Granger has been chosen to spearhead the new Department of the Arts at the Ministry and will be working closely with the Department of International Magic Relations and the Department of Magic/Muggle Relations to determine what will be taught and how future competitions will be constructed and judged. I would like to take this opportunity to thank Miss Granger for her invaluable help in leading Hogwarts to victory this year and congratulate her on her success." He bowed toward her, and she nodded again, blushing even more.
As the applause faded, Dumbledore went on. "I must thank someone else, however, for going above and beyond the call of duty to lead us to excellence, setting an example to which we all could aspire." He paused, looking down for a moment before saying, "It is no secret that Hogwarts will not be the same without him, as he is retiring from teaching to pursue other prospects." At that, a murmur rippled through the Hall as people caught on to what he was saying.
Snape gripped his spoon tightly, staring hard at Dumbledore from his seat at the headmaster's side.
Dumbledore cleared his throat and said, "As you well know, not only has Hogwarts benefitted from his dedication, but so has the wizarding community. I would therefore like to thank none other than Severus Snape for his tireless work to make this school, and this world, a better place." He turned to Snape and proffered his hand, gazing wistfully down at the stunned Potions Master.
Snape was too shocked by Dumbledore's stunt to notice right away that at least half the student body had not only begun applauding but had got to their feet. Snape glanced from Dumbledore's sad eyes to those cheering him and felt a jolt that brought a lump to his throat as he stood. Eyeing the older man in disbelief, Snape realized he'd have to shake hands with him, lest he invite curiosity about why he wouldn't.
Snape gripped Dumbledore's hand briefly, but when he made to let go, Dumbledore held onto him with surprising strength. Snape's eyes bored into Dumbledore's, and he could tell by the man's faint smile that he thought it was enough to bury the hatchet. But that hatchet's been buried square in my back, and more pretty words...no matter how public they are...won't undo what you did.
Snape tugged his hand free and turned to nod graciously to the crowd still applauding, taking note of Dumbledore's disappointed expression as he did so. He lifted his hands and flashed a smile to quell them. When the noise abated, he merely said, "Thank you," and bowed before taking his seat again.
Dumbledore turned back to the students and said, "Very well then. Enjoy the rest of the Feast. The Ministry should be here soon."
Snape, trying to recover from the unexpected attention, shook his hair forward and focused on brewing tea with honey and lemon, hoping that the ritual would soothe him before they had to perform.
Down at the Gryffindor table, Hermione was accepting congratulations from her House-mates who had not already known about her new position. She, too, still felt rather stunned that Dumbledore had made such a production over it, and when she looked up to see Snape with the tea service, she sucked in a breath of recognition, hastening to make a cup of her own.
When Snape took his first sip, he looked over the rim of his cup and saw Hermione almost finished brewing her tea. He smiled, the warmth of the tea travelling down his throat mixing with the warmth of their love suffusing his chest.
Fortunately, the Ministry officials arrived not long after Dumbledore's announcements, ushered in by Filch, wearing his mouldy tailcoat in honour of the occasion. They joined Dumbledore on the dais before the High Table, and one of them opened a large case and withdrew the trophy, placing it on the centre of the long High Table, in front of the headmaster's place. Another official carried a bulging bag which looked very heavy.
A muted buzz swept through the Hall as everyone exchanged furtive murmurs and whispers about the bag, faces alight with curiosity. When everything was situated, Dumbledore clapped once and a hush fell over the assembled.
"I would like you to give a Hogwarts welcome to Mr. Allery Tilworth, who is here on behalf of the Ministry's new Department of the Arts."
As everyone applauded politely, Hermione beamed, whispering to her mates, "He's the one in charge of my department for now. A really nice fellow!"
Tilworth nodded graciously, smiling as he surveyed the crowd. When his gaze fell on Hermione, he blinked in recognition and his smile widened. He gave her an extra nod of greeting as she rippled her fingers at him. When the applause died down, he said, "Thank you all for such a lovely welcome. It is my honour to be here tonight to celebrate your success. Before we present your winnings, may I invite the cast that made this all possible to join me up here?" He looked to Dumbledore, who spread his hands and nodded, allowing Tilworth to beckon the cast forward.
Exchanging delighted smiles, the students rose from their tables to join Trelawney, McGonagall, and Snape in a line along either side of the Ministry officials and Dumbledore. The rest of the school clapped politely as they made their way up, stopping when Tilworth clasped his hands and beamed around at them.
"As was dictated at the beginning of this competition, the winner receives a trophy..." and he spun, gesturing for one official to lift the trophy and brandish it, presenting it to the school at large, "...and a prize of 5000 Galleons, for use in building the new curriculum!"
The trophy was bright gold, with an engraved base and a sleek barrel leading up to what looked like two masks side by side. One had eyes and mouth cut out in the shape of a laughing face, and the other in the shape of a crying one. The happy one was enamelled in white, and the sad one in black.
The official set the trophy back on the table and Tilworth gestured at the bag. The other official lifted the heavy bag, opening it enough to show the glint of Galleons within. A brief cheer rose from the students, but subsided quickly at Tilworth's wave.
Gesturing at the trophy, Tilworth added, "These are the traditional masks of comedy and tragedy, harkening back to the plays of Ancient Greece, and a recognized symbol for theatre worldwide." He paused and beamed at the students again. "On behalf of the Ministry of Magic, I would like to congratulate Hogwarts on so brilliantly heralding the dawn of a new era in wizarding education!"
He bowed deeply to the cast on either side of him and then to the student body at large before edging back and gesturing for Dumbledore to take over again.
Dumbledore lifted his hands to quell the cheering, his smile wide. "Thank you, Mr. Tilworth. We are pleased to have been able to participate in such a worthwhile endeavour." He shook hands with each official, then turned to face the Hall again, beaming. "Now, I must ask all of you to vacate the Hall for a short while. I will call for you when it is time to come back in."
A rush of noise punctuated his statement as benches scraped and robes rustled. The cacophony of excited conversations faded as the Hall emptied, leaving the cast to trail after everyone else. The Entrance Hall soon was full of chattering students and staff, the cast staying close to the now closed doors. Snape sidled up to Hermione and said, "Miss Granger, one last time..."
Hermione smirked up at Snape and said, "Of course, Professor." She glanced back at her mates and said, "Back in a bit." They all nodded and smiled at Snape in greeting before he and Hermione Disapparated.
Arriving in Snape's quarters, Hermione voiced a startled cry, gazing about at the bare shelves and remaining boxes. She stood rooted to the spot while Snape retrieved the hair products from the bathroom and sat down.
Eyeing her with concern, Snape said, "Hermione? Are you all right?"
Hermione's eyes had gone glassy and her chin trembled. Blinking rapidly, she looked at Snape and croaked, "It really is all coming to an end. Everything is going to change now, isn't it?"
Snape shot to his feet and rushed to embrace her as the first tear fell from her lashes. Stroking her hair, he said, "Shhh, it's all right. There's nothing to cry about, love."
Hermione sucked in a shuddering breath and forced herself to back out of his arms. Dashing the tears from her eyes, she swallowed and said, "You're right, of course. I don't know why I'm crying. It's silly, really." She sniffed deeply and gestured for them to cross to the chair.
Snape watched her, brow creased with worry, as she took her place behind him and wiped her face. As she gently turned his face forward, he said, "Hermione, are you not looking forward to the future?"
"Oh, no! I am! It's just...it all sort of hit me at once, and I just remembered all the lovely moments here, and... I'm going to miss it."
Snape grunted in agreement. "Are you all packed for tomorrow?"
"Yes. I just have the last few things I'll need for tonight and tomorrow morning out, but they're easy to pack away when I'm done. It looks like you've only got a little bit left here. Have you already moved everything else to Spinner's End?"
"Yes. Other than what you see here, I've only a few important things in my bedroom to move." He paused, a thrill racing through him at the thought of the ring still secreted in the pocket of his trench coat.
Hermione smiled. "I can't wait to see what you've done with the place, now that everything's been delivered. It's so exciting!"
Snape's hand snapped up to stop her ministrations, and he twisted to face her, gazing soberly into her surprised eyes. "Hermione, I need to clear something up." She blinked curiously at him. Licking his lips, he said, "To where will you be going tomorrow when you leave the castle?"
Hermione froze, eyes wide. Swallowing, she took a deep breath and said, "Well, uh... I had originally planned on going home to my parents, but..." She paused, staring into Snape's carefully neutral face. "...when I think of home now, I think of you." Her expression melted into a tender smile. "You said Spinner's End was my home...our home...if I wanted it."
Snape's stalled heart began beating again and he sucked in a deep breath of relief. Lurching to his feet and turning completely around in the chair, he framed her face in his hands and kissed her, joy on his lips. When he broke away, he pressed his forehead against hers and whispered, "It is. Our home. Our future. My love." He kissed her once more before pulling back and spinning to sit in the chair again.
Hermione beamed as she finished his hair. When she was done, she tapped him on the shoulder and said, "Come, Phantom, we have one final performance to give."
Snape stood and smiled at her. Eyes burning with love and desire, he murmured, "One moment," and disappeared into the bathroom.
Firmly shutting the bathroom door behind him, he dashed into his bedroom and fished the ring from his trench coat pocket, tucking it into the pocket of his robes with an exultant grin. Pausing to glance at his reflection on his way back through the bathroom, he saw the suppressed excitement glowing in his eyes and smirked. Everything is going to change now, indeed. You have no idea how much.
Emerging from the bathroom, he found Hermione standing by the open packing box. She looked up immediately as he strode over to her and offered his arm, Summoning his mask. "Shall we, my dear?"
Hermione threaded her arm through his and smiled up at him, saying, "Yes, let's."
They arrived in the corridor to see that the cast had already entered, leaving the rest of the school waiting. Exchanging a sheepish look, they hurried to enter as well, bustling down the aisle to join the rest of the cast onstage.
Dumbledore nodded at them as they arrived and said, "There you are. Very well then. Everyone take your places backstage while I open the doors. The Ministry officials will be front and centre, and everyone else will fill in around them. Now then, just as we've done so many times over... Places!" The cast melted into the wings, casting their costume spells as they went, and Dumbledore retreated to the doors to let everyone enter.
The curtain was closed in front of the Phantom's Lair, and Snape and Hermione moved to their spots centre stage in front of the boat where Snape would begin his song. While they waited, listening to the noise of the audience taking their seats, Snape slipped his hand into the pocket of his costume trousers, checking that the ring was secure. Exhaling slowly to calm his jolt of excitement, he allowed a tiny smirk to quirk his lips.
Beyond the curtain, they heard the noise ebb, followed by Dumbledore saying, "Thank you all for your attention. We are pleased to present the following scenes to you tonight, in celebration of Hogwarts' win. First will be Music of the Night in the Phantom's Lair, then we have the Masquerade, and finally we will be taken to the Point of No Return." During his pause, they heard a faint rumble of chuckles at his words. "Now, with no further ado, let us listen to the Music of the Night."
Onstage and in the house, lights went out. They heard the curtain opening, and then the lights came up again, ushering in the music. Snape began, "I have brought you to the seat of sweet music's throne..."
Hermione reflected that she would definitely want to introduce Snape to more songs so he might sing for her in private. Considering that she had naught to do but listen and react in the entire scene, she enjoyed it immensely, even when she pretended to faint, as she then had the opportunity to feel Snape's strong arms lifting her and carrying her to the boat before tenderly caressing her hair from her face.
As his final note died away, the lights went out and the curtain closed, and Snape gripped Hermione's hand, deftly pulling her to her feet so they could rush offstage while Dumbledore changed the sets for the Masquerade. In the wing, they both hurriedly changed costumes.
When the set was ready, everyone raced to their places. The music began and the curtain opened again on the opulent staircase and dazzling costumes for the Masquerade. The cast launched into their song and dance with great gusto, clearly enjoying it for all it was worth. Then, when Snape appeared, startling in red and emerging from a cloud of smoke, their collective gasp of horror and shock collapsed the ebullient mood at once, leaving the tension at Snape's menacing approach to weight the very air.
Snape yanked the chain from Hermione's neck and broke into maniacal laughter as he disappeared in another cloud of smoke, leaving the rest of the cast to flee in fright as they were plunged into darkness once again, the curtain swooping closed.
As Dumbledore set the stage for the Point of No Return, Snape was seized with another flash of nervous energy, and he had to swallow hard, taking deep breaths and gripping his hands into fists to still the anticipatory tremors that had overtaken him.
The rest of the cast took their places on the new set, and the curtain opened as the lights came up on this final scene, the music swelling as they sang. Snape changed his costume for the last time, hiding his heated cheeks within the hood before Apparating into the bed alcove by Draco.
Patting his pocket, he emerged onstage to perform the sensual duet with Hermione, his love. A recklessness possessed him, and his caresses and touches were more intimate and sincere than they had ever allowed before, in the name of propriety and secrecy. He could see and feel Hermione's surprise and delight at his abandon, and everything else seemed to fade into unimportance as they came to the end of the duet.
As he began singing, "Say you'll share with me one love, one lifetime..." he fished the ring from his pocket and dropped to one knee, gazing up at Hermione. She didn't notice anything different until he reached up and pushed his hood back himself, wordlessly ending his glamour as he continued, "Lead me, save me from my solitude..."
At that, Hermione blinked, confused at his change in business and wondering why he had ended his glamour. She looked down at the ring he was sliding onto her finger and her eyes went wide. That's not the same ring!
Snape was still singing, "Say you want me with you, here beside you..." He pushed his mask off, revealing his face, eyes burning as he watched her. "Anywhere you go let me go too..."
All breath left her body at once, leaving her feeling dizzy as an inkling came crashing down on her. She lifted her stunned gaze to Snape's, his expression a mixture of exultation, triumph, apprehension, and determination. Her inkling blossomed into full-fledged realization at the next words out of his mouth.
"Hermione, that's all I ask of you."
A ringing silence fell, shock, bewilderment, and disbelief robbing everyone of coherent reaction. Hermione stood, frozen, wide eyes staring desperately into Snape's, searching for an anchor to grasp within her sea of confusion.
The deafening quiet gave way to a susurrus of furtive whispers, and Hermione blinked, reeling back to herself as she heard the noise and felt Snape squeeze her fingers still clasped in his.
Looking back down at the ring, she saw the gleam of fire in the heart of the stone, brought to brilliance under the stage lights. A rush of heat washed over her as the full weight of its significance settled in her numb brain. With it came the prickle of tears and a lump rising in her throat. On the heels of that consciousness, she felt the ring shifting, shrinking to her finger and giving a pleasantly warm, snug sensation.
Snape watched the play of emotion on her face...and the tears welling up...with his heart in his throat. He had been so sure, but now... She hadn't said anything, and she was about to cry... His racing heart skipped a beat and his gut clenched. What do I do now? Then he glanced back at the ring he had placed on her finger and saw it move. His stuttering heart felt about to burst from his chest in triumph, and relief swept over him, leaving him trembling.
Hermione lifted her gaze back to Snape's and said, "Severus..."
The raw emotion in her voice cleared up any lingering doubt anyone may have had about what exactly was transpiring onstage. The resulting gasp sounded like a hurricane with the magnitude of hundreds of throats reacting at once.
Tears spilled onto her cheeks as Hermione smiled joyfully at Snape, and Snape's expression altered to one so beatific that the majority of the gaping crowd were stunned anew at the transformation.
It was only when their tableau was broken by Snape lifting Hermione's ring-clad hand to his lips for a reverent kiss that the transfixed spectators were able to react, and a tide of voices rose around them.
The sudden tumult snapped the lovers from their connection. Snape shot to his feet, pulling Hermione into a protective embrace as people emerged from the wings and climbed onto the stage from all directions, clamouring for explanations and exclaiming in outrage. Hermione clutched at him, and when her squeak of fear reached his ears, he held tight and Disapparated.
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Latest 25 Reviews for Phantom of Hogwarts
1533 Reviews | 7.33/10 Average
It's been so long since last I read Phantom of Hogwarts, and it was just as wonderful as I remembered! Thank you for writing this fic...however many years ago. :)
Response from Good_Witch (Author of Phantom of Hogwarts)
Oh, wow! No matter how long ago it is that I finished PoH, It will always be in my top 5 achievements. LOL I'm so glad you feel that it has held up on re-reads. Thank you so much for making my night brighter! :)
Haa! Haaa! Haaa! Had to keep reading so I couldn't review since the proposal. Harry is a turd for telling Dumbledore to use Dobby to go after Hermione and Severus. I didn't expect Dumbledore or her parents to react with such intense nagativity. I expected some nay saying but not the heap of anger that was piled on top of them. Well, lets see if Minerva is here to hug him or hang him.
Response from Good_Witch (Author of Phantom of Hogwarts)
*huge grin* Glad to make you laugh! Thanks as always for reviewing! :)
O I just love the ring!!!!!
Response from Good_Witch (Author of Phantom of Hogwarts)
I covet that ring SO much. I'm glad you like it too. Thanks so much for reviewing! :)
What did Albus do while the rest of the cast enjoyed the party? I suppose he was entertaining the Ministry official? I felt a little bit bad for him. He did have fun directing the play. I wonder if he plans to teach next year's Art's class. Maybe he was having a long distant conversation with the other Headmasters. I doubt it, though. Things are going too well for Severus in a way. I'm waiting for the other shoe to fall when he and Hermione come out of the closet. I don't know why Hermione can't be bothered to see him once a week for a few minutes somehow. I couldn't stay away from my lover for two months while we lived in the same castle. I'd at least write him a little love note as often as I could. The girl is made of steel or ice. You would think she would realize they need to have some plan for what they are to do at the end of term. Will they be a couple at the graduation ceremony? Will they be one the next day? Will they both go to the house on Spinner's End or will she go home to her parents first? I don't think she realizes that he wanted her input so that she would love the house as their home. He's giving her a house. He's preparing her a home, them a home. She could at least tell him that she is happy to think he is working on their home and tell him if she plans to move in straight away or not. This hiatus in their relationship puzzles me. I suppose they can only have it all or nothing. Hermione isn't able to compartmentalize apparently.
Response from Good_Witch (Author of Phantom of Hogwarts)
You're not the only one wondering when the other shoe will drop, especially after the close calls they've had already. *snerk* Your questions will be answered (some to a greater degree than others) all in due time, my dear. ;) Thanks so much for reviewing! :)
I have no worries over the employment with Fern issue. I like her though. My kind of woman. Born and raised only slightly less hippyish. We moved to Hawaii, but didn't live in a commune. I'm very glad Hermione likes the idea of the house being "theirs". I am surprised her dad didn't notice her mum gushing over Severus. But, I don't think my husband would notice now that I think about it. I could go out with my pants inside out and he wouldn't notice unless someone else said something about it. It's odd. He complements me when he thinks I looks pretty but wouldn't be able to save me from lipstick on my teeth or some other embarrassing thing. He reminds me a lot of Ron, come to think about it.
Response from Good_Witch (Author of Phantom of Hogwarts)
LOL at your description of your husband. I hope reminding you of Ron is a good thing. ;P Thanks so much for reviewing! :)
I'm surprised at Hermione's behavior and her giving up the opportunity to spend time with Severus. I suppose that the fact that neither seems to be obsessing about two missed opportunities to spend time together shows they are more confident in their relationship. I'm surprised that Severus would leave Hermione crying with her feelings hurt after the play. He was able to suppress his revolt of Voldemort. He needed to compartmentalize his being creeped out by Hermione's mother. I'm also surprised that so much time has gone by since they have communicated last. Hermione didn't even look at him during the performance. I realize he was sitting next the Minerva, but there must have been some opportunity to make eye contact if they had been looking for one. I'm happy Severus is so distracted by planing his new life. Other wise, I think his feelings would be hurt that she seemed to ignore him. It is the holidays and I would have thought that Hermione would be looking to spend time together even if it was just studying in her rooms while he read. I'm also glad that his neighborhood isn't the run down and empty sort of place it is usually described as. I have never thought of myself as super jealous but I guess I am. I don't know about having Severus in business with another witch. I know he wouldn't love anyone besides Hermione, but I wouldn't expect the other witch not to be attracted to him. Who wouldn't be. Well, his plans of leaving at then end of the year are out of the bag; it's kind of too bad. People are bound to connect his leaving with he and Hermione starting a relationship while he was still a Professor after such chemistry between them in the play. I expect some idiots to be that way even if they wait a little while to come out together. But there is no need to wait. They need to get married asap! I know I've already said this 3 other times. They have already promised to be together forever. At least half the people on the planet have their marriages arranged by their parents and they learn to live together without long periods of courting even if they are engaged as children. Not that I approve of child engagement, but I'm not against other cultures with arranged marriages. My life would have been happier if my parents and my husband's parents had been from the same social class. My parents tried to be friends with his but his were intimidated. His mother and sister also didn't like me. Severus and Hermione are going to have to deal with Hermione's mother though. It will become a problem between Hermione and her parents because her mom likes him too much! If they can get that under control, I don't think Hermione's parents will be unhappy about them becoming a couple.
Response from Good_Witch (Author of Phantom of Hogwarts)
They have indeed become more confident as a couple, after the things they've already gone through. And they are now able to focus on other things besides the all-encompassing obsession with each other, such as setting up their future. :) Thanks so much for reviewing! :)
OK. I would never perve and gush like that as a married woman. Thank gods, I am not Hermione's mum. I was getting worried. She is so embarrassing. Poor Severus! Hermione's dad must be very secure. He wasn't jealous at all even though Dion was making a spectacle of herself. Poor Hermione too! It's creepy and gross to have your mom perving about your lover let alone being so obvious about it in front of all of your peers. Did she really think he would give her a kiss? Yuck! I had a friend when I was a teen who's mom slept with her boyfriend and she caught them! I'm trying not to gag right now. I was already not feeling well, so that might be adding to it. Let's move on, shall we? Wonderful chapter BTW!
Response from Good_Witch (Author of Phantom of Hogwarts)
ROFL!!! Sorry to make you all oogy. ;) Thanks as always for reviewing! :)
I do hope I wasn't that embarrassing as a mom! But then again...I did so enjoy embarrassing my teenagers. Maybe I'm getting payback but I do believe I am being over paid enormously. I count it as a down payment on all of the money, time and emotional energy they are still costing me as adults. They are higher maintenance now than they were as children! But how can you blame me? Who else's mother carried a knitted uterus, a muppet breast and a life size fake pelvis in her trunk? Did you know that if you take the pelvis, turn it over, turn it backwards and put it on your head you can say, "Look! I'm a Klingon!" I only resorted to such things when provoked, I swear! If they were rude to me and embarrassed me in front of their friends, well, what was I supposed to do? And I'm sure anyone's mum would give STD lectures to any teenagers that she could get into the back seat of her taxi. I did have some mercy. I declined the request to a teach sex ed module at their private school. Instead the teacher would send home questions and I would write her a note to be taken back the next day. One of my favorites was, "What is the vas deferens?" I also spent literally thousands of dollars on therapy for both of them. I even took out a mortgage on my house to afford it. It was a total waste of money and the bank ended up with the house. 
! I wonder if Dion will be just as enamored with Severus after she finds out he is her daughter's soul mate and she is the love of his life? I would be so jealous! I seriously can't even imagine what is going to happen when those two come out. The only one I can count on is Ginny. Everyone else is a wild card as far as I can see at this point. I have no guesses about who will say what. Will Minerva still support Severus? I do hope so. I hope I am pleasantly surprised by everyone else as well. Maybe Albus will stun me and back them up after he comes to terms with the new Severus Snape. On with the show!
Response from Good_Witch (Author of Phantom of Hogwarts)
*cackling* I love it! Too funny, darlin. :D I have to say, I am so enjoying that you really can't tell what will happen, particularly with people's reactions. I would hate to be too transparent and predictable. ;P Thank you so much for reviewing! :)
Bless Minerva! I dare say she will be angry at first, but I do believe that when she realizes how much Hermione loves him she will come around. I'm so glad she came down to tell Severus she supports him in his quest for freedom and happiness. Severus is experiencing a whole new world in spite of megalomaniacs like Dumbledore and Voldemort. He is a very useful and powerful tool. It's no wonder they both wanted to control him. He is probably the most powerful wizard next to Dumbledore in Britain, maybe even the world. I do hope that Albus reconsiders his motives. If he persists in believing he owns Severus Snape, I would have to say he is a bad person for all of his twinkling on the outside. I know you said he was like a father that didn't want to let go of a son, but he needs to get over himself or he will lose said son. He probably isn't evil but he is controling, manipulative and has power issues. 
I know I already said this, but I think they really need to get married before they come out of the closet to shut down any scandle mongering. They aren't just every day people. They are war heros and have reputations to worry about that everyday people don't have to be concerned with. If they are married then no matter what people may accuse them of, they can't say that Severus didn't do the honorable thing by quiting his job and marrying the young woman. Some people like to believe the worst in others as a hobby. They are stupid and stupid people don't matter. I have an idea of where Severus could work! 
They could start a second line of products that are serious.
Response from Good_Witch (Author of Phantom of Hogwarts)
*beams* Yeah, you summed Albus up quite nicely, indeed! Thank you for such a lovely review! :)
Tastefully kinky and erotic solutions to several itches, not the least, Severus' newly declared freedom from Albus Dumbledore. I am surprise on one hand that Albus could be so selfish and forcefully maintain his mastery over his ex spy. He seemed to truly be interested in Severus' happiness, but like some parents he can't cut the apron string. He also seems to forget that he wouldnt have needed to work so hard to keep Severus alive if he hadn't been constantly sending him into lif threating circumstances. Albus misstepped himself when he made Severus a possession. I can imagine Hermione having something to say to Dumbledore before they leave the castle for good. Albus is a bully even though he works on the side of the light. Power corrupts as they say. I can imagine Hermione telling Albus Dumbledore "exactly where the bear slept," explaining exactly how things are going to be from now on and letting him know what she is willing to do if he decides not to respect their relationship and autonomy or tries to stand in their way. I think the best thing to do is get married the night of the leaving feast in a small wedding that maybe her parents will be at and Ginny, Neville, Harry and Ron. Severus, with his wife, can turn in his resignation the next day. I know there are more opportunities out there for them and him in particular than the apothecary shop. In his new state of the art lab, he can mix specially requested potions for individuals and corporations. Hermione can help him with the research and inventing new potions. They could do some coloboration with the Twins and be a private contractor for the Ministry and St. Mungos. They can travel and do research while things calm down back at the school. I'm all for their kinky fun and planing for the future. Does Albus Dumbledore forget who Severus Snape is?
Response from Good_Witch (Author of Phantom of Hogwarts)
*beams* Oh, I am looking forward to you reading further... ;D Albus may not have ever really understood who Severus is, but he'll learn, and fairly quickly too. Thank you so much for such a lovely review! :)
I started to write about this before, but didn't get to finish the review. I think. If this is a repeat just ignore me. I think that Hermione should let Severus know about her plans to stretch her hymen before they consummate their relationship. He is insecure and jealous by nature even if he is doing a spiffing job of changing. I can see a slow train wreck on the horizon that could ruin the most important night in their lives. If Hermione feels different to Severus he may wonder. And if he asks in a way that makes her offended that he would even think she would be with another person that would be a total boner breaker, if you'll forgive the use of the term. I hope she decides to write him a steamy letter telling him about her explorations with the candle. I could see 4 months either making the heart grow fonder, or just as easily the space between them making them more open to misunderstanding. They may become out of practice at communicating. I am surprised that Severus didn't let the apothecary owners know that he has not yet informed his current employer of his plans and that jealous would appreciate it if they would be discreet and not discuss this with anyone else. I wonder why he doesn't apply with St. Mungo's. Maybe he will.I wonder how Minerva is faring.
Response from Good_Witch (Author of Phantom of Hogwarts)
I think I can safely say, without being too spoilery, that Hermione's explorations don't end in tragedy and interminable angst. *shifty eyes* Thanks as always for reviewing! :)
My Word!!! That Colin did get what he deserved. But my, the drama! It was extremely... wonderful! The entire chapter was extremely wonderful!!! I love, love, loved it! I'm sorry for not reviewing lately but I felt it was building to something and wanted to keep going without stopping when I could. Also, I've been so tired because I've been getting home from work quite late this week, and I know that if I start a review I'll want it worth something and that takes time that would prevent me from being able to read. All day and evening at work I can't wait to get home and read a chapter or two before going to bed.Now, I am wondering about Albus. He isn't daft. He's at least as intelligent as Ginny Weasley. And while Ginny knows Hermione, Albus knows Severus. I do believe he isn't fooled but trusts Severus to be honorable until Hermione graduates. His trust isn't misplaced. Hell, I wouldn't be surprised if this entire contest was all just a ruse for Severus' benefit. Although Severus is older than Hermione,his emotional growth has been stunted and I think Albus knows that.Hermione is exceptional and more mature than the boys her age. Someone as intelligent as Dumbledore must have seen that they would make the perfect couple. And he loves Severus like a son in this story, I think. Also he can't stop from meddling. It must be a little boring and anticlimactic for a strategist like Dumbledore without Voldemort around. This would be a big huge plan that would last the entire school year, take a lot of planning and time for Dumbledore to work on, he is obviously having fun and it gives these two time to fall in love! That is my theory at this point. I seldom read a long story that I become emotionally invested in without checking the ending to make sure it isn't sad. Actually, I don't think I can read a story without becoming emotionally invested so I can't bare sad endings. But you've said this has a happy ending so I'm glad to tell you that you have the honor of being the only author in forever that I haven't read the ending first. At least I don't think I have. ...If I have I don't remember it. I am getting so forgetful. It scares me. Seriously. I hope it's only stress. I have that in spades with adult children and their children living with me, sucking the life out of me and all my money too. None of them work. Well, enough of that. I read you to forget that crap! On with the story!
Response from Good_Witch (Author of Phantom of Hogwarts)
Whoops! I can't believe I missed this review earlier. Sorry! :( I can guarantee that this fic has a happy ending, so I am glad you are sticking around. :) Thanks as always for reviewing! :)
"All right Hermione, spill it! Just what's going on between you and Snape?" a stanza of intense and slightly alarming music is inserted here. What the Hell, Hermione. Just tell her. You have enough dirt on her to get her expelled if she says anything. She is usually a very reliable secret keeper. And as your friend she will he happy if you are. She may even be able to do you the occasional turn of favor and cover for you.
Response from Good_Witch (Author of Phantom of Hogwarts)
LOL!!! I can hear exactly what you're describing. Thanks so much for reviewing! :)
I love the letter!!! It's wonderful that Severus and Hermione are equally inexperienced in the matters of the heart. The letter is sweetly mushy, blooming with youthful enthusiasm and titillating; and it was received with simple joy, surprise, and equally exuberant arousal. His first love letter was a doozy! Wait until they have some experience writing naughty letters!
I'm very happy for Harry and Ginny. I hope Harry loves Ginny as much as she deserves. I suppose it goes without saying that she is a much better match than Hermione.It was pretty amazing the effect Snape's fear had on him in preventing him from punishing Harry and Ginny on that table. I wouldn't have expected such a reaction once he'd registered it wasn't Hermione. I would have thought that he would have been delighted in the opportunity to embarrass and punish Harry Potter. He's fallen hard. Poor man. I hope having what he's been longing for can live up to his expectations and hopes fueled by all this anticipation. I guess letting the kids go shows that he isn't motivated by meanness really. He just didn't have anything better to think about before. Everyone hated him and he hated them before they could hate him so there! But now he can move on past puberty and past his hatred of his childhood enemies, James and Sirius. He's the only one of them still alive for, goodness sake! Put those childish things behind you, Severus, and live! Maybe you have already paid for this good karma and they have paid for their cruelty. Stop disliking Harry just because he's a Potter. It eats away at you like a cancer. Be free of it. Forgive like you have been forgiven and be healed. It will help your relationship with Hermione too. What could be better than helping your relationship with Hermione, hmmmm?
I also want to say that I have always loved the twins. The return letter was excellent. Fred and George should have never been separated any more than the paramount potion's master in the world would be caught without antivenin with a known deadly snake.
Response from Good_Witch (Author of Phantom of Hogwarts)
*pleased grin* Y'know, I really hope you continue to enjoy some of the stuff coming up, because it SO addresses things you've brought up here. *rubs hands together in anticipation* And I love that you enjoyed the twins' letter. I wanted to capture their voice, even if only for a short blurb. I lovelovelove your deliciously thoughtful reviews. Thank you so much for reviewing! :)
I truly enjoy the way Severus has taken the plunge and isn't reluctant to tell Hermione that he loves her at least 3 times, I think, in the last few hours. I am extremely happy that they were able to retrieve their memories of each other so quickly. I have no doubt that Ginny will figure out there is something going on between these two. The only question is how soon? Well, and will she be supportive? I think she will. I think she will see that they match eachother. Twice in my life another person told me there was something between myself and male of the species while I was in denial about it, I guess. And didn't see it until a 3rd party told me straight up. Both said it was the way we looked at each other when we interacted and they were dubious about the fact that I was not aware of it because to them it was so obvious. I admit there was what I had considered some harmless flirting going on, but I told myself that is was all a lark. The first time, I had really pushed those feelings deep inside and I was truly flabbergasted when I was told that the young man was in love with me by a mutual friend. Once I had possession of that knowledge however, my own feelings came rushing up at me out of nowhere and floored me. It was kind of awful because I was in a long engagement to someone else that lived far away whom I only saw about once a month and had to share him with his family when he would come to see me. I was still in school and he was 7 years older than I was.Once the cat was out of the bag, I dreamed of that young man at least once a week then once a month for the next 13 years because we had unfinished business when we parted. All of my dreams were trying to resolve the issue and get closure. Finally I got fat enough that I would be too embarrassed if he ever saw me again and the dreams mostly stopped. But...I still think of him from time to time 35 years later. I enjoyed this chapter very much. Once again, you have done such a wonderful job of making the reader feel what our Hermione and Severus are experiencing.
Response from Good_Witch (Author of Phantom of Hogwarts)
*wriggles in happiness* I love that you are pleased about feeling what the characters are experiencing. I strive so much for plausibility and believability that it warms the cockles of my heart to get such lovely feedback. Thank you so much for reviewing! :)
I certainly can't blame Dione for having a fan girl crush on Severus. What red blooded woman in her right mind wouldn't?
Dude is totally hot! Hermione should be glad it gave her the opportunity to come to an understanding with her man that Severus belongs to her ...and he likes it! And don't we all wish we had a dad like Mr. Granger? It must be very difficult for some parents to send their children away to boarding school. However, it probably makes some other parents and young people appreciate one another in a way that would never happen if they had been in eachother's space all the time, struggling for who's in control and experiencing full blown teenage angst. Over all it has been an extremely satisfiying trip.
And now they don't have to worry about Severus having to meet Hermione's parents in the circumstance of, "Mom. Dad. This is my former Potion's Professor Severus Snape. I have some very exciting news for you. Severus and I are in love and plan to spend the rest of our lives together. We fell in love while playing oposite each other in the school play."
Response from Good_Witch (Author of Phantom of Hogwarts)
*beams* Your reviews bring joy to my day. Thank you so much for reviewing! :)
This was a sweet and fun chapter. I love that Severus has a sense of humor. When are they going to "do" it?! Or at least go to second base!
This is going to be a long school year!
Response from Good_Witch (Author of Phantom of Hogwarts)
Oh, darlin, this is definitely gonna be a long school year... LOL Thanks so much for reviewing! :)
I can't imagine what mischief I would have gotten into if I had the ability to silence my parents door. For some strange reason, ever since I was in 10 th grade, I would be out in the front whatever car with my boyfriend and I just knew my parents would never come out side to check on us or wonder what we could possibly be doing in the driveway for 5 hours with the windows fogged up. They locked the front door and went to bed. Only once did I forget my house key and had to wake my parents at 1 AM to get in. They really trusted me. Why? We never had intercourse but we did just about every thing else. I was the mother who came looking for you if you were a half hour late. I didn't trust my daughters because I knew I wasn't exactly Polly Anna when I was their age. I mostly just ended up knowing more than I wanted to about my kids personal lives. If your progeny don't stop themselves by choice, there isn't a lot you can do unless you keep them tied to you 24/7 with a rope around your waist. Only one daughter was boy crazy. Things had changed. I don't know what the definition of slut changed to but it didn't include girls that slept with their boyfriend from 8th grade up. I never needed to be on birth control until a month before my wedding. I made sure my little minx was on the pill because I didn't believe I could trust her and I was right. At least Hermione is an adult and Hermione or Severus must certainly know contraception spells. I'm feeling as frustrated as Hermione here. But he's right. And it won't hurt them to wait. I did and I'm still glad. But they've made a lot of head way in their relationship. Wouldn't it be better to just come clean to Dumbledore that they are in love with each other through no fault of their own, but that they promise to follow the school charter and will be very discrete and won't tell anyone else but him. Rather than finding ways to keep them apart, I inclined to think that Dumbledore would find ways to give them time together and would cover for them so that Minerva doesn't find out until after the school year is over.
Response from Good_Witch (Author of Phantom of Hogwarts)
*bounces in glee* Oh, I love how invested you are, and how awesome your reviews are. Thank you so much, as always! :)
Absolutely lovely! The play was wonderful. All the flirting is building massive quantities of tension! I can imagine how they are feeling during desert. It's like being there. You expressed every movement, thought and feeling so exquisitely. In my springtime I remember a young man. We wanted each other but we couldn't go there. I was spoken for and had made my choice. I made the practical choice, but not my heart's choice. I was mature enough to know that the butterflies in your tummy don't last forever. We did things together pretending to be just friends The tension was painful and delightful at the same time. I'm still pretty sure I made the right decision. 
Response from Good_Witch (Author of Phantom of Hogwarts)
*beams* Why, thank you! I'm so glad it came across so well (I try to describe exactly how I see things playing out in my head, so it's as detailed as I can make it, LOL). As for the tension, I was called the Queen of UST back in the day when I was writing this. *snerk* But, it'll all be resolved, I promise! ;) Thanks so much for reviewing! :)
Poor Hermione. Her parents were very ebarrassing. But isn't that what parents are for? At least we know that when Hermone and Severus can finally come out of the closet, Dione will be on Hermione's side. She would totally understand what Hermione sees in Severus Snape. And Geoff is a nice man so I think he'll be OK. I couldn't write all the reviews I wanted because it wakes up dad. I wanted to ask you a question on a previous chapter. If Severus takes dreamless sleep and there is an emergency in Slytherin house, can he wake up to tend to the problem? I just want to say that the 4.5 stars on some of the chapters baffel me. I think they are all 5's. I have 20 more minutes before I have to go to bed so I must return to reading. Happy Sunday night.
Response from Good_Witch (Author of Phantom of Hogwarts)
*blush* Aww, you're so kind! Re: Dreamless Sleep, I have always thought of it like an over the counter sleep aid, which in my experience just keeps you groggier if you're woken up, but you can be, with proper interference. LOL I had SO MUCH FUN writing this chapter. :D As for writing reviews--I appreciate any and all, whether they're on all the chapters you wanted to review or not! Thank you as always for reviewing! :)
I've been excitedly reading the last 4 chapters and you have met and exceeded my hopes and expetations. I can't type more because the sound bothers my husband's sleep. Hugs and kisses. I Love It!
Response from Good_Witch (Author of Phantom of Hogwarts)
*bounces* Yay! I'm so glad you've been enjoying it. Thanks as always for reviewing! :)
Do witches and wizards listen to the same holiday music as muggles? I hope Hermione doesn't regret forgetting to take the smut reading material that she had borrowed from Ginny out of her bra before the party.
Response from Good_Witch (Author of Phantom of Hogwarts)
I daresay there may be some old standards that may crossover. LOL Thanks so much for reviewing! :)
You have taken my breath away. How exciting and horrible to want someone one shouldn't and can't have. The play...such a brave young woman to make him kiss her. 
What will Severus do to punish himself and Hermione for this secret that has been exposed. Desire. Humiliation. 
Hurry. Send him an owl, Hermione or a house elf with a note to let him know you reciprocate his feelings. Thank him for being such a gentleman and not pressing his advantage. Are you wise enough and mature enough to be proactive once again? You aren't afraid of him. Can you imagine how he must be feeling and prevent the damage? It would be very hard not to be carried away with her own emotions and physical sensation and not to tarry hashing it out over and over in her mind before she finally realizes the danger. Will she see it immediately or think of it too late?
Response from Good_Witch (Author of Phantom of Hogwarts)
And you've just taken my breath away! *bounces* Oh, I love that you're enjoying this and are so invested in it so far. It brings me such joy. Thank you for such a lovely review! :)
I really enjoyed the interaction between Severus and Hermione when they got their costumes and Hermione did his hair. I am really glad he got to see her telling Harry off. I don't know how much longer they will be able to keep their hands off eachother. There is so much suppressed sexual tension that if when they actually kissed kiss they might combust. I'm actually looking forward to her detention. This was important bridge chapter. I wonder what else is going on in Dumbledore's head. He is no fool. I can't believe he doesn't see the sexual tension between these two, or at least the potential for it eventually. He does have a great deal of confidence in Severus. I believe he is sure Severus would never be inappropriate with a student,...but she's an adult. Is he tryig to fix them up or is he really just a mean manipulating old puffter that truly gets enjoyment out of making other people uncomfortable and embarrassed because he's Albus Dumbledore and he can? How do the "good guys" find an outlet for their control and power issues? They pick on others and prentend it's a joke. If Voldemort worked this hard at embarrassing Severus would we think he was just being evil or that it was just all in good fun and that he only teases people he cares for as a show of affection? 
I think not.
Response from Good_Witch (Author of Phantom of Hogwarts)
*huge grin* I daresay your questions about "good guy" Albus will be answered in due time. *snerk* Thank you again for such a lovely review! :)
Again, Wow! The scene with Severus' jealous rage was incredible. I'm happy that Hermione perceives all things in Severus Snape she told Harry. I really hope he thinks about what she said and heeds her warning, if not garner some sense of respect for the man. I felt a sense of satisfaction when she admitted that if Harry had been that angry his lack of control would have brought down half the castle. Harry won't be able to let this go as well as Hermione. He isn't as mature and...he isn't falling for someone else. This whole thing will prove very unpleasant for a while I suspect. I'm kind of sorry for Harry. How can he not help but be attracted to Hermione, but he hasn't got a tinker's chance in hell against Severus Snape? How long before Severus realizes Hermione broke it off with Harry? Will he at all admit to himself that it was because of him? No. I think not. How long before Harry realizes that next to Severus Snape's power, discipline, knowledge, experience, awesomeness and mojo, he's got a long way to go and he may as well move on? Well, I doubt he'll ever see Snape as sexually appealing, so no mojo epiphany expected. I wonder, how long it will take Hermione to get Severus to trust her? Which will take longer; Harry to realize he can't compete with Severus Snape for the girl or for Severus Snape to trust Hermione? I don't envy Hermione right now. But Severus Snape is worth it. Amazing chapter!
Response from Good_Witch (Author of Phantom of Hogwarts)
*bursts out laughing* Mojo epiphany? LOVE IT! So glad you're enjoying; thanks so much for reviewing! :)