61- Progress
Chapter 65 of 84
Good_WitchIn which progress is made in rehearsals, in Snape's plans for Spinner's End, and in Snape's friendships, but for one notable exception.
ReviewedStandard Disclaimer goes here.
Author's Note: After all the HP goodness in July, as well as travel and PotO and all sorts of things to make it officially my Month of Squee, I am finally back to normal schedule-wise, and I am SO glad to get this chapter done and up. Muchos smooches to my uber-faboo beta, Ladyofthemasque, as always. And thank you so much to all you fine folk who have graciously taken the time to read my labour of love, and for those of you who have reviewed. You all make me so happy! As always, check out my LJ for update info: http://pern-dragon.livejournal.com/ Enjoy! :)
--Nicole aka Good_Witch
Chapter 61- Progress
The rest of the weekend, Dumbledore kept to himself at meals...when he showed up for them, that was. Snape ignored him to the best of his ability, which was quite thorough, particularly as Snape had things on his mind to occupy him. Eventually, Monday at lunch, Snape icily placed his cutlery on his plate and pushed back into his chair, taking a deep breath and turning marginally toward Dumbledore.
"Headmaster."
Dumbledore twitched in surprise at Snape addressing him, and from his other side, McGonagall flicked a curious glance at Snape before pretending to eat, eavesdropping all the while.
Dumbledore hesitated, his lips parting to respond, but he closed them again and cleared his throat before finally saying, "Yes?"
Snape focused on a spot on the table and said, "I would have spoken to you this morning, but you weren't at breakfast."
Dumbledore winced slightly, brow furrowing as he nodded. "What can I do for you?"
"I must leave the castle for a meeting this afternoon, and I don't know how long I'll be. We are to gain permission to leave the grounds during term." The disdainful inflection of the word "permission" curled Snape's lip, and his nostrils flared.
Dumbledore's brows rose, and he cast a wavering glance at Snape, who refused to meet his eyes. McGonagall had stilled, her attention zeroed in on their conversation. Dumbledore, looking uncomfortable, attempted a warm tone, but his uncertainty broke through.
"Of course. Whatever you need, my b...," Snape's jaw twitched, "...Severus. Can I... that is... is there... anything I can do to help?"
At that, Snape's eyes snapped to Dumbledore's, the outraged hurt blazing. His voice was a strangled hiss as he ground out, "Help? A bit late for that, isn't it, old friend?" He caught sight of McGonagall's sad expression past Dumbledore's pained one. By way of heaping coals of fire, he narrowed his eyes and said, "I'm meeting with my estate agent. With or without your help, I'll not be returning next year. I'm taking back Spinner's End, just like you always told me I should. Consider this my notice of resignation. I'll send you an official letter soon."
With that, he pushed back from the table, his chair scraping the stones. Dumbledore jerked back, staring incredulously at Snape. Behind him, McGonagall rubbed furiously at her ear, turning her face toward them with the pretence. Snape shot to his feet, but as he made to pass Dumbledore on his way out, Dumbledore gripped his wrist, making him stop short and glare down at him.
"Wait, Severus. Please. ... Won't you reconsider?"
McGonagall, who had been surreptitiously listening with an air of suppressed hope, sagged in defeat and shaded her eyes with her hand, leaning forward on the table.
Snape gazed stonily down at the old man who was peering winningly up at him. His voice was flat as he said, "I'll be leaving right after my last class. Don't expect me at dinner." Then, wrenching his arm free of Dumbledore's grasp, he abruptly Disapparated, leaving Dumbledore to wilt in his seat, turning back to sigh morosely over his meal.
McGonagall gazed at him in disappointment. "Really, Albus, you could have apologized. Until you do, there's absolutely no reason he would ever reconsider."
Dumbledore frowned, sinking into his seat as if the burden on his shoulders pressed him back. Passing a hand over his eyes, he exhaled wearily and said, "Enough, Minerva."
McGonagall's brows shot up, and she pursed her lips, pulling back with an offended air. In a withering tone, she added, "I shall cover for Severus in the event he is needed this evening." Crisply dabbing at her lips before dropping her napkin on the plate, she rose from the table to stalk off in high dudgeon.
***** ******
As soon as his last class of the day was over, Snape retreated to his quarters to change into the Muggle clothes he had worn to visit Hermione's parents. He would be meeting with Graham Moore and visiting Spinner's End, and he needed to fit in. He had just changed, and was gathering his things, when he heard a knock on his door. Scowling at the interruption, he stomped over and flung the door open, jerking back in surprise to once again see McGonagall on his threshold.
"Minerva?"
She raked him with an approving gaze and smiled primly. "I merely wanted to tell you that I would be happy to cover your duties this evening, should anything come up."
Snape blinked, at a loss for words. Then, as the warmth stole through him, reminding him that she was on his side, willing to be at odds with Dumbledore for his sake, he closed his eyes and inclined his head in gratitude before saying, "Thank you."
McGonagall preened a bit, even as she stepped out of his way to let him leave. With a half-smile, Snape shut his door and offered his arm to her. Eyes widening in pleased confusion, she tucked her hand in the crook of his elbow and regarded him quizzically. Snape shot a furtive glance down the corridor and flashed her a mischievous grin.
"Hold tight." With that warning, he Apparated them to the front doors, his grin turning into a smirk at the convulsive grip of her hand on his arm as she staggered a bit on arrival. She glared at him accusingly and swatted him with her free hand.
"Severus!" Snape cocked an eyebrow at her and she huffed. "There was no need for that."
Snape stepped back as she released his arm, and he bowed low, smirking up at her from between his curtains of dark hair. "Merely being efficient." He straightened, checking the papers in the inside pocket of his trench coat. With an amused snort, he drawled, "I'm late, for a very important date."
McGonagall goggled at him for an instant before bursting into laughter. Pointedly giving him a once-over, taking in the unrelenting black of his attire and hair, she eyed him severely over her spectacles and said, "You're hardly a white rabbit, Severus." They both chuckled, then McGonagall continued, "Good luck with your meeting. Spinner's End will be hooked up to the Floo Network April 3rd."
Snape nodded, once again saying, "Thank you." Then, with another nod, he slipped through the front doors and down the steps.
McGonagall watched him leave, and as soon as he was on the lawn, he looked about him and Disapparated. Straining her eyesight, she peered down the grounds, snorting when she saw the small black figure appearing by the gates. Once he had passed through them, he disappeared again, and McGonagall turned back to the castle with a faint smile and a sigh.
***** ********
Snape stood in the toilet of the modest office building, waiting to be sure that no one else was around before he Disapparated.
His meeting with Graham Moore had been cordial and satisfactory, and quite educational, and now he was preparing to see Spinner's End for the first time in ages. Unsure of how the area might have changed in his long absence, he cast a Disillusionment Charm over himself and concentrated on the upper bank of the dirty river near his home.
He arrived on the sparse brown grass, steadying himself on the incline as he looked around. Memories assailed him, and he remained still for a long moment, struggling to calm himself enough to trek up to the rows of houses. The black silhouette of the factory chimney stood out in the deepening twilight. Sucking in a deep breath, he crunched up the riverbank and wended his way through the familiar maze of houses to Spinner's End.
He noticed that the neighbourhood had improved since he had left, and many of the homes that had fallen into disrepair had been fixed and tidied. So, Moore's tales of "urban rehabilitation" were true. Here and there, clumps of children played in the street or on a doorstep, and cheerful lights glowed from windows framed in neat curtains.
As he neared his home, he slowed. Images of his parents emerging from the door or him hurrying inside to avoid the taunts of other children flashed through his mind. His imagination conjured the Dark Mark over the house, and a shudder washed over him. Closing his eyes and scowling, he swallowed, determined to finish what he had come for.
The curtains were open in the front windows, and he carefully trod over the grass to peek in, trying to make no noise. The interior was as different from his previous home as could be. His eyes widened and he stared mutely at the cozy scene before him.
The only recognizable things were the floors and walls, and even the latter had been papered in a pleasant pattern. The darker, utilitarian look of his memories was washed away by the warm colours and inviting atmosphere of the sitting room. Knick-knacks and plants filled shelves and corners, complementing the comfortable furniture and afghans that picked up the cheerful colours of the prints and photos on the walls.
Through the open doorway, he could see a plump woman with greying hair setting a table for dinner. Her bustling efficiency reminded him of Molly Weasley, and he half-expected to see a brood of children come running in for their meal. But, as he watched, the woman stepped out of sight, toward what he knew was the entry hall. A short moment later, she reappeared, and a correspondingly portly man with a comb-over appeared, sitting opposite her at the table for dinner. He pointed at a folded paper as they ate, and Snape decided that they were the only ones who lived there, as no one else had shown up, and there were no more place settings at the table.
Glancing around, he concentrated and Apparated into the back garden. Hastily stepping out of the expanded flowerbed he had landed in, he crept up to the back door and peeked in. The kitchen was deserted, and, through the doorway, he could see the end of the dining table where the couple sat. Looking up at the next level, he steeled himself and tried the back door. It wasn't locked, and he slowly opened it, eyes darting everywhere in search of witnesses.
As soon as there was room enough, he squeezed in, carefully shutting it. He could hear the couple talking, and he cast a nonverbal Silencing Charm on his boots, so he could sneak about unheard. Tiptoeing out of the kitchen into the corridor, he gazed about, drinking everything in as he listened to the couple's conversation.
"Hugh said he'd have more boxes for me soon. We need to get a move on packing." The man's voice carried out to Snape as he slunk along the wall.
"I know, I know. I just dread it. We've been here for so long, I almost felt as if we'd never leave." The woman's voice was wistful, and Snape dared to peek around the doorjamb at them.
"Well, I've looked at the moving services," and he jabbed again at the paper on the table, "and we need to decide if we're going to hire anyone or not. It'll be a lot of work moving everything out, and we're not as spry as we once were."
The woman stirred her tea absently and said, "I had hoped Robbie would be able to come help, but he can't get time off work. Such a shame that it's all in the middle of the week."
Snape saw a family portrait on the wall, showing a younger version of the couple, their hands resting on the shoulders of a smiling boy. Reassured that "Robbie" was not living here, he continued on to the stairs, hoping that the carpet that hadn't been there when he had lived there would muffle any creaks that the old boards might issue.
The conversation faded as he climbed the stairs, his pulse pounding harder with each step. Echoes of the shouts and wails of his parents fighting roared in his ears, punctuated by his heartbeat. He skulked through the corridor, peeking into the familiar-yet-not-really rooms as he went. Everywhere, the rooms were cheerful and cozy, inviting. Wide-eyed, he stared into them, trying to assimilate what he had known with what he saw before him. With each successive discovery of something pleasant to override his memories, he felt his stomach unclenching, and his jaw relaxed.
Still, when he came to the end of the corridor and looked up at the entrance to the attic, he swallowed hard and took a steadying breath. Without taking the trouble to pull the stairs down, he crouched low and Apparated into the attic room above him, right into the empty space he knew would be at the top of the stairs, lighting his wand.
This space was much like he remembered it. While the boxes and items stored up there were different from those his family had stored, the odour of dust and age once again filled his nostrils. Images flashed in his mind, bringing with them the feeling of hiding from his raging father, or the wistful loneliness of crouching near the vents to catch the thin beams of sunlight to read the old magic books his mother's parents had left her. He could still picture the folding cot he had spirited up there to lie on as he whiled away the torturously long school holidays, furtively practicing magic, praying that his mother would vouch for him should the Ministry claim he was breaking the Restriction for Underage Sorcery.
For several minutes, he stood there, seeing more in his mind's eye than what lay before him. Finally, he cast one last look about him and extinguished his wand, Apparating back to the floor below. Carefully trekking back down the stairs, he saw that the couple had finished their dinner, and they were sitting in the front room. The television was on, and the man was happily ensconced in his recliner, nodding at the telly as he dozed. On the couch, the woman was humming to herself as she crocheted another afghan.
Snape stood in the doorway, watching, and a pang of remorse struck him that he was going to uproot these people...people who had all but completely transformed the home of his childhood into something charming. A tiny voice in his head, which sounded suspiciously like Hermione, prodded him to at least introduce himself to the people who had been so kind to his property, taking such good care of it for so long.
At that thought, he scowled, but he found himself Disapparating onto the front step anyway. It was dark, and the street was deserted in favour of families spending the evening sharing dinner or children doing schoolwork. With a toss of his head, he smoothed his hair, tugged at the turtleneck jumper, and resettled the trench coat over his shoulders. Then, he reversed the Disillusionment Charm and knocked on the door.
Inside, the man woke with a start and exchanged a puzzled glance with the woman. Grunting, he heaved out of his chair and went to open the door.
Gazing blankly at Snape, the man inquired, "May I help you?
Snape regarded him soberly, clearing his throat before saying, "I do apologize for disturbing you, but I wished to introduce myself. I am Severus Snape, the owner of this property."
As he spoke, the woman appeared at the doorway to the sitting room, and she let out a crow of recognition. Her husband turned to look at her, puzzled.
She strode forward, smiling in welcome, and said, "Mr. Snape! How nice to meet you after all these years. I wondered about you quite often, seeing as we always met with Mr. Moore about the house." She extended her hand, reaching past her husband, and Snape quickly clasped her hand, feeling awkward.
Turning back to Snape, the man offered his hand as well, and when Snape gripped it, he shook it heartily, breaking into a welcoming smile. "What a surprise, I must say. Come in, please." He stepped back, gesturing for Snape to enter.
Hoping he wasn't flushing guiltily, since he had already entered their home, Snape inclined his head in thanks and crossed the threshold. They ushered him into the sitting room, and the woman fluttered over him.
"Shall I take your coat for you? Why don't you make yourself at home? Here, sit here, dear. Make yourself comfortable. Would you like some tea? Biscuits? You must take some refreshment..."
Snape tried to decline as politely as he could, but then the man jumped in with a counter offer.
"How about some scotch? Warm your blood after the night air. You sure we can't take your coat for you?"
Snape wrapped his trench coat about him even tighter and sat on the couch with a desperate air, protesting all the while.
"Madam, Sir, really, I am quite comfortable. Thank you. You needn't fuss over me." He perched on the edge of the seat stiffly, his posture ramrod straight.
Clucking at him as if to chide him, the woman shook her head and sank onto the couch by Snape. "Oh, I'm so sorry, please allow me to introduce myself. I'm Lucy. This is my husband, Edward." She gestured to the man who had seated himself in the armchair again. Then, she waved her hand at Snape and said, "And you're Severus Snape. Oh, but it's good to finally meet you. You know, dear," and she leant forward and pressed a hand against his forearm, "I've heard all about you from the older families in the neighbourhood."
Snape's eyes widened even as his brows drew together in a frown. The woman saw his expression change and hastened to add, "Oh, no, nothing bad, indeed. We were just curious about who owned the house, since you didn't live here and we hadn't ever met you. Gladys told me about the tragic deaths of the previous owners. I'm so sorry for your loss, dear." She pressed his arm again, her expression sympathetic.
Snape gazed stonily at her, his chest tight. Before the silence stretched on too long, the man spoke up. "We must say, Mr. Snape, we've quite enjoyed this house. We'll be sorry to leave it."
Snape tore his gaze away from the mournful eyes of the woman, mentally shaking himself to regain his composure, as the sincere sympathy extended to him from a complete stranger baffled him. He focused on the man, and said, "That's what I wanted to talk about. I wished to extend my gratitude for the obvious care you have expended on this house. It is in better condition than the last time I left it. I appreciate how well you've taken care of... my home." He gravely inclined his head in thanks.
Both Edward and Lucy beamed at him, and Edward smacked the arm of his chair and said, "Glad to do it! This house has been good to us, so it's only fair that we were good to it."
Snape forced a wan smile, attempting to respond to the couple's hearty cheerfulness. He started when Lucy bounced up and bustled into the kitchen, and Edward watched her go, leaning forward and saying, with a wink, "She's gone to get something to nosh, if I know her."
Snape opened his mouth to protest again, but Edward waved his hand and shook his head vehemently. "No use, lad. She loves her company, Lucy does. Better just to humour her. Besides, her baking is quite good!"
Blinking, Snape shut his mouth again, staring blankly at the door to the kitchen, through which Lucy presently appeared, bearing a tray of cake, biscuits, and cups for tea. "I put the kettle back on, and it shouldn't be but a minute. You simply must try my baking, Mr. Snape; I'm rather proud of my recipes." She smiled at him and he raised his brows in acknowledgement.
In an attempt to regain some control of the situation, he spoke up. "Madam, Sir, please call me Severus."
Lucy pressed her hand to her throat and sat up straight. "Oh merciful heavens, that just doesn't seem right, what with you being the landlord, as it were."
Snape snorted derisively, and the couple blinked at him in surprise. "I have hardly been a landlord, Madam. I am merely the owner of the property, having inherited it. Mr. Moore was the landlord, for which I am grateful, as I haven't the patience for such things."
There was a moment of strained silence, broken by the whistle of the kettle. Lucy jumped up to get it, and Edward said, "Mr. Moore is a fine fellow, he is. He's been helping us find another place."
Snape nodded gravely and said, "Indeed, he is a good man. I am indebted to him for his skills."
Lucy returned, apparently having regained her equilibrium with the domestic chore of making tea, and she smiled again as she poured their cups. "So, Mr....Severus...if it's not too impertinent to ask, what makes you want this house again after all this time?" She handed him a cup, and he stifled the urge to ask for honey and lemon.
The fleeting thought of their tonic, coupled with Lucy's question about his reason to come home, made his lips quirk in a faint smile, and he gazed into the tea as he quietly said, "Not impertinent at all... I am retiring from my current job, and I need to build a place for myself and..." he paused for a moment, picking his words, "...for the woman I love." At that, he looked up to see an indulgent look pass between the couple.
Lucy beamed fondly at him and pressed his arm again, saying, "How wonderful! Why, if there ever was a reason for us to have to move, that's certainly the best one! We do hope you'll be happy here, just as we have been."
Snape found it easier to return the woman's smile this time, and he retorted, "I hope so, too." He sipped his tea and gazed about the room again. "It's definitely a happier place now than it was last I was here."
Lucy made a moue of sympathy again and proffered the plate of cake. "I can imagine, dear. Try a bit of cake."
Snape suppressed a smirk at the persistent belief that women apparently had that tea and snacks fixed everything and took a slice, nibbling a corner and following it with a sip of tea. Inclining his head graciously, he said, "Thank you, Lucy. Quite lovely, indeed."
The couple beamed at him, the woman flushing with pleasure at the compliment, and silence fell. Edward cast a quick glance at the telly, and Snape caught the movement. Taking a polite bite and sip, he decidedly set the teacup down on the tray and brushed imaginary crumbs from his lap.
"I apologize for interrupting your evening, and once again, thank you for your hospitality. I must return to my duties." He stood, waving repressively at the man as he made to rise, but too slow to impede the woman's instant jump to her feet. "Don't get up! I do know where the door is, after all." He smirked and made a little bow. Smoothly stepping past the woman, he paused and said, "I do hope your new home will bring you as much pleasure as this one has. I can't thank you enough for all you've done for me... and for my home."
With another nod, he spun and strode to the front door, the woman in his wake. She held the door open after he exited and called after him, "It was lovely to meet you, Severus, and best wishes to you and your lady!" Snape raised a hand in acknowledgement as he walked, and a beat later, the door closed, leaving him alone on the street.
Furtively glancing about, he made for the shadows along the side of the house at the end of the street, where he cast a Disillusionment Charm over himself again before Apparating back to the clearing beyond the Hogwarts gates. Ending the charm, he entered the grounds and began his trek back to the school, preferring the walk as it gave him a chance to mull over the changes he had seen in his old neighbourhood and home.
A part of him was surprised that he had not only introduced himself to the couple, but he had admitted his plan for him and Hermione. But, he realized that the couple's easy charm and grace reminded him of how he had been welcomed by Hermione's parents, and he had wanted to stake his claim to someone, as it made it all more real. Now, if only the eventual revelation of his plans to Hermione's parents went as well, he would definitely be living a new, charmed life.
****** *********
Tuesday evening, Snape collected Hermione and took them to his quarters. Upon arrival, he gave her a quick squeeze and kiss and said, "Quickly... I have something important to tell you." Stepping back and tilting his head toward the bathroom, he eyed her with pent-up excitement.
Hermione's brows rose and she nodded, hastening to the bathroom for the hair products. When she took her place behind him at his chair, she said, "What's going on, Severus?"
Snape took a deep breath and licked his lips as she began brushing his hair. "I did it, Hermione. I've been to Spinner's End."
Hermione gasped and dropped the brush, rushing around to clasp his hands in his lap as she perched on the edge of the ottoman, gazing intently at him. "What? When? Are you all right?" She anxiously rubbed her thumbs over his knuckles as she gripped them.
Snape smiled fondly, his love for her welling up and tightening his chest. He twisted his hands around to squeeze hers in return and said, "Yesterday. I'm fine, love. Truly." She exhaled in relief and his smile widened. "Now, why don't you finish your task and I'll tell you about it?" He raised his eyebrows in mock-reprimand and she rolled her eyes. As she shot up from the ottoman, grimacing at him in pique, he snorted.
When she had picked up the brush and returned her attention to his hair, he continued. "I had a meeting with the estate agent, and then I paid a visit to Spinner's End. I was quite surprised to see that the entire neighbourhood had improved since I had left, and my house was no exception. The back garden had been expanded, and the house itself was in good repair...better than I left it. The couple who lived there had put down carpet and papered the walls, and it hardly looked like the same place! They were quite kind...although I was none too pleased to find out that neighbourhood gossips had been talking about me."
Hermione interrupted him, pausing in her ministrations. "What on earth could they have said? You haven't been there in forever!"
Snape voiced a grunt of agreement. "Indeed. Turns out that they had heard the tale of my parents' deaths and that I, the subsequent owner, hadn't been seen since. Apparently, I was the subject of much curiosity for the current tenants."
Hermione began slicking the pomade and huffed. "It's none of their business. Honestly! How rude..."
Snape smirked at her offended tone and waved a dismissive hand. "It's human nature, love. At any rate, Lucy didn't strike me as the malicious busybody type. Like I said, they were quite kind."
"Lucy?"
"Lucy and Edward, the couple who live there. They have a son, Robbie, although he has moved out."
Hermione paused again and leant around Snape's shoulder, eyeing him oddly. "Severus, how do you know all this? What do you mean they were kind?"
Snape smirked again at her suspicious air and said, "I introduced myself to them and they invited me in. I wanted to thank them for how well they had taken care of my home." Hermione's eye widened in astonishment, and her jaw fell. Snape added, "Lucy wondered about me, and she seemed quite sincere in her sympathy for my loss...and in her good wishes for my future with the woman I love."
Snape thought perhaps Hermione's eyes might fall out of her head, since they were widening even more now. She dazedly sidled around him to drop onto the ottoman again, staring at him.
Her voice was almost a whisper as she said, "You told her about me?"
Snape suppressed a grin and murmured, "She asked why I wanted the house after so long. I told them I was retiring from my current job and needed to build a place for us."
Tears welled up in Hermione's eyes and her lower lip trembled as she gazed at Snape in adoration. Snape slid forward, his knees framing hers between his chair and the ottoman, and he lifted a hand to mould against her cheek. His eyes locked with hers and he leant closer to murmur, "I do hope I'm not being too presumptuous."
Hermione sucked in a breath and shook her head. She breathed, "Never," before closing the gap and kissing him soundly.
**** *****
Snape and Hermione Apparated to the Hall for dress rehearsal, consciously adjusting both appearances and demeanours after their tender intimacy in the dungeons. While everyone prepared their costumes and props on the set, Snape proffered the repaired chain for Hermione to wear in the second act.
"Miss Granger, this should snap much more easily, and not hurt you in the process. Put it on so we may test it."
Hermione clasped the chain around her neck and faced Snape, who flicked a frowning glance at the assembled cast before reaching forward and tugging the chain from her bosom, nodding as it broke easily without leaving a welt on her skin.
Hermione inclined her head in gratitude and said, "Much better, sir. I barely felt a thing. Thank you."
Snape nodded again, casting a muttered Reparo at the chain before handing it back to her. As he turned away from her, he spotted Harry a few paces away with Ginny, and he called, "Mr. Potter!"
Harry spun in surprise. "Sir?"
Snape gestured toward Hermione as Harry approached. "Miss Granger's chain has been adjusted to break away easily. Therefore, you must be careful in your interactions during the Masquerade to not break it prematurely."
Harry glanced at Hermione, who was holding the chain up for him, and nodded understanding. "Right. I'll be careful." He watched Snape start to turn away and said to Hermione, his voice wry, "Brings new meaning to Professor Snape saving our necks, eh?"
Snape stopped, taken aback by Harry's play on words, and looked over his shoulder to see Ginny, hand clamped over her mouth to stifle her giggles as her dancing eyes darted between all of them. Hermione and Harry were both grinning, and Snape allowed a small smirk to surface as he twisted and drawled, "Indeed."
Snape's smirk widened at Harry's astonished expression that Snape would joke back. Leaving the trio to stare after him in varying stages of amusement and surprise, Snape swept away.
The rehearsal went on, with various moments feeling somewhat flat and almost rushed. During the intermission, Dumbledore frowned vaguely at the cast, wondering what indefinable element was missing or wrong. Hoping that the second act would be better, he didn't say anything as everyone regrouped in preparation for the Masquerade.
The Masquerade wasn't as smooth as the previous rehearsal, but at least Hermione wasn't hurt by the snapping chain. Eventually, as the second act came to a close, Dumbledore simply stood in the house, gazing up at the stage with a troubled look. Cast members slowly edged out from the wings to huddle in solemn groups as they watched Dumbledore frowning up at them.
Snape Apparated back onto the stage near the proscenium, glancing between the wary cast and their director. He, too, felt the curious apprehension at the night's performance. While he and Hermione had performed as usual, and up to their normal standards, the rest of the cast overall hadn't measured up to previous levels. He knew that was what had Dumbledore so worried.
After a long, heavy pause, Dumbledore waved his hand and uttered a flat, "Sit." Students dropped where they were, exchanging anxious glances, and the professors remained standing.
"I am dreadfully disappointed." There was a susurrus of squirming in response to Dumbledore's quiet statement. Suddenly, several students couldn't meet his eyes. After another pregnant pause, he said, "What happened?"
More squirming, complete with furtive guilty looks, followed his question. Snape saw his Slytherins casting knowing glances at each other, tilting their heads and sighing. Striding closer to the group, he said, "The headmaster has asked a question. Mr. Malfoy, perhaps you have an answer?"
Draco and Pansy gave a guilty start, and Draco scowled before grudgingly saying, "We're just tired." At Snape's warning glare, he tacked on, "Sir."
Pansy gave an apologetic shrug, and was taken aback to see others nodding throughout the group. Ron's ears were turning a spectacular shade of pink, but he spoke up in response to Susan's prodding elbow.
"Malfoy's right, Professor. We've been at this a long time, and it's just kind of wearing, you know? I mean," and he glanced at the encouraging faces around him, from others who were glad to let him be the spokesperson, "we've been rehearsing for months now, and it's not always on a weekend night, and..." He stopped, clearly struggling for the best words. Then, shoulders slumping in defeat, he grimaced and said, "Well, sir, it's just got kind of boring now."
At that, those who had been looking to Ron to state their case gasped, their eyes bulging. He looked around hastily again and lamely tried to make amends. "Not boring exactly, just...we've finally done all there is to do, and we've seen how amazing it's all going to be, and now there's nothing left to look forward to. And the time requirements and the stress...we're just kind of worn out, sir."
All eyes were trained on Dumbledore, waiting for his reaction to Ron's summation. Finally, Dumbledore seemed to relax, and his disappointed gaze softened to one of acceptance.
"Of course. I should have expected this. Of course you're all tired. But, we'll be done in less than three weeks." He looked at them in appeal. "We've only three more rehearsals before the performances. And that last one will be the school performance, so we really only have two more of just us. I know it's been long and gruelling, but we're almost there, and if you can bring yourself to perform as I've already seen you do, then we can win that trophy!" His eyes sparkled again and he smiled at them. "Don't give up now. We've got something amazing here, among all of you, and I know you can keep up the good work for just a little bit longer, until Hogwarts wins the competition."
Relieved, the cast seemed to take a brace and sit up straighter. Dumbledore's acknowledgement of not only their hard work but the fact that they quite rightfully felt worn out, followed by his pep talk, was enough to make them feel appreciated and give them new heart. Resolving to do better next time, they nodded gratefully at the headmaster as they stood.
Beaming fondly at the cast, Dumbledore clasped his hands over his belly and said, "Run along now. I know it's a weeknight. Get to bed, all of you, and come back refreshed and rested for Friday's rehearsal."
As they trekked out of the Hall, several students clapped Ron on the back or mumbled their thanks for handling the prickly subject with Dumbledore, glossing over the fact that he had very nearly offended the headmaster.
Snape watched the students leaving and glanced at Dumbledore, wondering if he would try to change Snape's mind again. But the headmaster avoided catching Snape's eye, and Snape Disapparated to his quarters.
**** *******
Friday evening before rehearsal, while Hermione was fixing his hair, Snape told her about his search for contractors to work on Spinner's End.
"I really have nothing to go on except the fact that they are listed in the businesses section of the Prophet's Supplemental." He sighed, feeling out of his depth. "And I don't know enough about how much things cost to know whether or not they're quoting me something reasonable or if they're going to try to take advantage of me."
Hermione let out a rather unladylike snort. Snape twisted to eye her in surprise.
"Severus, really, you may not be versed in particulars, but can you honestly tell me you're afraid someone will try to take advantage of you?" Snape scowled at her and she laughed. "See? That's exactly what I mean! Even people who may not know you and your reputation will definitely respond to your intimidation tactics. You're not quite a wilting flower, you know."
Snape's lips thinned even more and he shrugged forward again with a huff. "You're not helping, Hermione."
Caressing his shoulder, she said, "I'm sorry, love, but I do think you're worrying too much. Besides, why don't you ask Professor McGonagall for assistance? She said she'd help you."
Snape twitched. "I know. I know. I just don't like to have to do that. I've been on my own for so long now..."
Hermione leant forward and wrapped her arms around him, murmuring in his ear, "But you're not alone anymore. You've got me, and you've got friends who want to help you. Learn to deal with it, dearest." Planting a kiss on his cheek, she went back to her task.
Determined to wallow in his inadequacies, Snape said, "Well, I haven't found anything for a job yet either. There's nothing in my field right now."
Hermione sighed and retorted, "Severus, stop it. You'll find something. Term's not even over for another few months anyway. You needn't stress so much about it. Everything will work out, I promise."
A noncommittal grunt was all she got for a response. Knowing when to leave things be, she refrained from further comment.
**** ****
The dress rehearsal that night regained its previous energy, thanks to the combined effect of Dumbledore's pep talk Tuesday night and the fact that it was Friday again, with no classes to get up early for the next morning. The relief at the cast's return to quality was nearly palpable in everyone, but particularly in Dumbledore. Thus it was that he beamed at everyone as they took seats in the house after the end of the second act, curiosity piqued at his unusual direction that they remain instead of immediately heading to their dormitories.
"Well done, once again, everyone! I'm so pleased to see you all back on your game. Next Friday, you'll be performing for the school and for any family that may wish to come to the show. Now, that's what I wanted to speak to you about. For those of you whose families will not be able to come for the performance next week, I need to know where to send the mirrors so that they may watch it. And, if you know already that your loved ones may need a mirror to see the performance for the Ministry in two weeks, let me know now and I can make sure arrangements are made." He fished out a roll of parchment and a quill and laid it on the apron of the stage, gesturing for students to come up and fill out their information.
There was a rustle as several students moved up to the stage, and low conversations buzzed in the meantime. Harry craned his neck toward Hermione and said, "Are your folks coming next week?"
With an indulgent smile, Hermione said, "Actually, when I owled them to ask about all this, they stated quite vehemently that they plan to make it to both showings. I've already given Professor McGonagall my address to hook up the Floo."
Harry grinned and nodded before turning back to Ginny as she returned to her seat, having listed Charlie's address on the parchment.
When everyone had listed their information, Dumbledore faced them again and said, "Tuesday evening is our last dress rehearsal before the performance for the school and your families. Let's make it count." He winked at them, chuckling.
"Oh, and I may as well tell you now, as I'll be posting a notice for the school tomorrow: Afternoon classes will be cancelled Friday, so we may have an early dinner before preparing for the performance. But, since your families may be coming to the show, we will have a slightly different set-up in the Hall for dinner. Your families shall arrive that afternoon, and we'll have many small tables so you'll be able to sit with your families instead of having to spread out along the House tables. We'll also be outfitting one of the nearby classrooms as a lounge for them to use after dinner while we're setting up and getting ready in here."
All eyes were trained on him, absorbing the plans, and he snapped his fingers as he remembered one more thing. "Before I forget again, your families will receive post about what time they may Floo here. They'll be arriving in Professor McGonagall's office...yet another reason to cancel classes. Now, while the Floo is not as time sensitive as a Portkey, it can get a bit cramped if everyone tries to arrive at once. So, if you'd please stress to your families that keeping to the time schedule is quite important and very appreciated, I would be grateful."
With that, he bowed toward the group, then said, "Thank you all for your hard work. Time to run along to bed. Good night!"
Snape slunk away from the throng making its way up the aisle, flicking a glance at McGonagall where she still stood near the stage. She was rolling up the parchment while Dumbledore began restoring the Hall to its normal state. Snape strode up the aisle and leant against the wall by the doors, arms crossed, to wait for McGonagall.
He noticed that McGonagall was not ignoring Dumbledore as she had before, but he could still hear a note of the frosty attitude when she spoke. What surprised Snape was the almost weary tone of Dumbledore's voice when he spoke to her, and the fact that he looked rather melancholy now that the students were gone. Frowning, eyes narrowed as he stared at the older man's altered state, Snape wondered if perhaps Dumbledore was coming to realize just how badly he had hurt him with his high-handed tactics.
McGonagall tucked the parchment in her robes and made as if to assist Dumbledore with the transformations, but he waved her off, insisting that he could finish up and that she should go on. McGonagall raised her eyebrows but held her tongue, merely nodding before she turned up the aisle. After taking a few steps, she paused and looked over her shoulder at Dumbledore, who was working with a marked absence of his usual vigour. Her shoulders sagging a fraction as she sighed, she relented enough to call a polite, "Good night" through the house. Without facing her, Dumbledore said the same, and McGonagall shook her head as she turned to continue up the aisle.
At the back of the house, Snape waited, watching their interaction. When McGonagall reached the back row, he stepped forward and murmured, "Minerva."
McGonagall blinked up at him, starting in surprise. Casting a furtive glance over her shoulder, she kept going, urging Snape to exit with her. He quickly followed, and when they were out in the corridor, McGonagall looked up and paused, saying, "Is everything all right, Severus?"
Snape nodded solemnly, then tilted his head down the corridor, indicating that they should walk. As they strolled down the corridor to the stairways, Snape inhaled deeply and swallowed, clearly steeling himself to speak. Trying to look encouraging, McGonagall simply waited.
Finally, Snape spoke, his voice low. "You said that you were on my side..."
McGonagall nodded decidedly. "I am. Now what's on your mind?"
Cutting a sheepish glance at her, Snape paused, looking uncomfortable. "You know that I've reclaimed Spinner's End." She nodded again in encouragement. "I need to have work done on it to outfit it for my needs, but I don't know of anyone in particular with whom to contract for the work necessary. I know you've much more experience outside this school..." He met her eyes, his eloquent with appeal. "Might you have any recommendations on contractors? I would... appreciate your expertise."
McGonagall stood ramrod straight and beamed at him. "Nothing would please me more than to help you get your affairs in order to move on with your life, Severus. I can certainly give you some recommendations. Just let me make some inquiries myself, and I'll get back to you soon."
Snape exhaled heavily and inclined his head. "Thank you."
McGonagall gripped his forearm warmly, smiling at him fondly. "That wasn't so hard, was it? You needn't make such an event of asking for a favour or assistance, Severus. That's what friends are for, you know."
Before he could respond, they heard a noise down the corridor and turned to see Dumbledore closing the doors to the Great Hall. He saw them at the stairs and paused. They stared at each other for a moment, before Snape responded to McGonagall's prod.
His face stony, still gazing at Dumbledore, Snape murmured, "I thought I knew..."
At his remark, McGonagall looked back at Snape and felt a surge of sympathy. She squeezed his arm again, drawing his attention to her. He whipped his head around to face her again, and she grimaced. In a whisper, she said, "Everyone makes mistakes."
She would have gone on, but the black look he directed at her stopped her in her tracks. Coughing slightly, cheeks colouring awkwardly, she released him.
Snape stiffened and shook his head, his expression one of fleeting frustration when his hair didn't cloak his face as usual. "Good night, Minerva."
McGonagall nodded. "Good night, Severus." She watched him sadly as he stepped past her to descend the stairs to the dungeon. Glancing back down the corridor, she saw that Dumbledore was still standing at the doors to the Great Hall, gazing at Snape's retreating form. Shaking her head, she began the climb to her quarters, hoping that the two men would somehow manage to mend the breach in their friendship before it became irreparable.
Story Actions
To follow, favorite, like, and more either log in or create an account.
Leave a Review
Log in to leave a review.
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! :)