Chapter Thirty-three: Valentine's Day

Disclaimer: None of the characters or settings are mine. The inimitable JKR created them all.

Chapter Thirty-three: Valentine's Day

Hermione woke on Sunday, a smile lighting her face as she anticipated the day ahead. After a quick shower, she pulled on her jeans and her favourite cherry-red jumper and headed off for breakfast, stopping briefly at the owlery first.

For once, the Cupid-infested, heart-and-flower-bedecked Great Hall did not bother her. Hermione Granger finally understood Valentine's Day. And judging by the lack of a scowl on Severus Snape's face, so did he.

The flurry of owls bearing roses and cards arrived to a round of cheers started by the Hufflepuff table. Their envelopes were almost all shades of pink, in contrast to the Slytherins' restrained green and silver. Ravenclaws receiving Valentine's cards seemed to enjoy a variety of colours, especially Luna Lovegood, whose blush matched the delicate pink rose accompanying her sage green envelope. Hermione's housemates revelled in red and gold envelopes, ribbons, foil-wrapped chocolates, and roses.

She watched as her favourite gimpy school owl swooped down and deposited a plain white envelope on Snape's plate. Despite the headmistress's obvious curiosity, he barely glanced at the missive before stowing it into his robes unopened. The wicked smirk he flashed Hermione's way, however, confirmed he knew exactly who had sent the letter.

Hermione had no further time to exchange furtive peeks at her lover. A lurid purple envelope decorated with lime green pulsating hearts plopped onto her plate from a great height, dropped with disdain by the owl hovering above. Not even deigning to stop for a treat, it swooped away towards the nearest window as if to escape the cacophony of love-struck teenagers and hooting birds.

"Who's that from?" Ginny pointed to the atrocity calling itself correspondence.

"No idea. I'm not even sure it's safe to pick up." Hermione took out her wand and poked at the offending item. Trying a few dark detection spells she had picked up from Bill Weasley over summer and checking for any more benign but embarrassing enchantments did not reveal anything untoward. "It seems safe enough."

"Perhaps you just have an admirer with really, really bad taste." Ginny turned away to kiss a scarlet-cheeked Harry, who had opened her card at the table without thinking. The wizarding version of singing telegrams was far more embarrassing. Even a muttered Silencio failed to spare his blushes.

Hermione turned the envelope over and chanced a sideways glance at Snape. He was openly smiling now, watching her table with interest. Or perhaps I just have an incredibly devious admirer who knows the advantages of hiding in plain sight. Slipping the parchment from its violet cocoon, Hermione felt her face heating as she read the message within.

I'm wearing my birthday present for you.

Flipping the parchment, Hermione discovered a pencil sketch of her own face on the reverse: lips swollen, cheeks flushed, and with pupils dilated in passion.

Oh... gods.

"So, who was it from?" Ginny prodded her friend's arm, then hissed in her ear, "Hermione! Stop staring at him like that. Do you want the entire school to know you're shagging the Potions professor?" She reached for the parchment.

"Oh, no you don't, Ginevra Weasley." Hermione's cheeks flared red as she tucked away the note. "Just use your imagination. You seem to be pretty good at that."

With a good-natured shrug, Ginny chuckled. "Devious bastard, isn't he? No-one would suspect him of sending you that... that..."

"Monstrosity?"

"Something like that. Am I allowed to ask what you have planned for him?"

"No." Hermione grinned at Ginny's pout. "But I'll tell you about it later, if you're good. Now, go and take Harry off to some quiet place before he wonders if you'd rather spend the day with me. Wouldn't be good for his ego, thinking he was thrown over for a girl."

Ginny snorted. "It would almost be worth worrying Harry for a few minutes to see the look on Ron's face if we started snogging in front of them." She glanced up at the staff table. "On second thoughts, I'd rather not risk it."

Hermione had just finished her breakfast when Harry whispered something in Ginny's ear and stood, moving around the redhead to stand and shuffle awkwardly in front of her.

"Er... 'Mione, can I have a private word before we head off to Hogsmeade?"

She glanced at Ginny, who shrugged. "Of course. Would now be okay?"

He nodded and led the way from the hall. Finding a quiet corridor was easy with most of the school still at breakfast. He hunkered down against the wall and beckoned to Hermione to sit beside him.

"What's up, Harry?"

The Boy Who Saved the World looked nervous. "Um. We... that is, Ron... well, he said... he said..."

"He said what?"

"HesaidyouwereshaggingSnape." Harry couldn't meet his friend's eyes.

Hermione frowned. "Pardon?"

Harry took a deep breath, exhaled slowly, and tried again. "Ron said you were shagging Snape. There. I said it."

"Did he?" Hermione knew perfectly well what Ron had said, as Ginny had given her the blow-by-blow account, but she was waiting for Harry to give some indication of his opinion on the matter.

"I was watching you at breakfast. You were ogling him, 'Mione!" Whining was not a flattering look for Harry Potter.

"So? What if I was?"

"But a person usually only ogles someone they fancy."

"Yes." She wasn't going to make it easy.

Harry thought about her answer for a bit. "You fancy Snape? You're not just shagging him to make him go easy on us?"

"Yes. And no, why on earth would I do that?"

Harry screwed up his face and thought a little more.

"You like shagging Snape. You like him."

"Yes, Harry, I do. I love him."

Shaking his head in an effort to clear out the unwanted images breeding inside his skull, Harry resorted to babbling. "Why... how... Hermione! Does he love you? Is he using you? Has he..."

Hermione patted his shoulder. "It's okay. The feeling is mutual. Of that I'm certain. And I understand if you're confused. I was a little confused at first myself."

"At first? How long has this been going on?"

Hermione took a deep breath and began. "Well, do you remember the artist I was working for over summer? It was Severus."

"Severus?" Harry's mouth tripped a little over his Potion master's given name.

"Yes, Severus. One usually refers to the person one is intimate with by their first name, Harry."

Harry gulped and shook his head again. "Carry on."

Hermione proceeded to give Harry the edited version of the development of her relationship with the ex-spy everyone loved to hate.

"So, this has been going on for months. You've been shagging him on the sly for months!"

"Not months, Harry, only recently."

"But you've been doing all this under everyone's noses. Merlin, that's so sneaky!" He almost looked proud. "You must have a bit of Slytherin in you!"

She couldn't help herself. "As often as possible, Harry. As often as possible."

"Ugh. I didn't need to know that, 'Mione."

Hermione smiled and took his hand. "Are you going to disown me as a friend now?"

Harry snorted. "Not bloody likely. As long as I don't have to shag Sn... Professor Snape, you can do what and who you like. But, please, no details!"

"Trust me, Harry, I don't share. The only person getting their hands on that man's body is me." She grinned. "One more thing. We're having a handfasting in two weeks. I'd like you and Ron to be there."

"What's a handfasting?"

Hermione explained the traditional ceremony as they walked back to the Great Hall to meet Ginny and the others. She allowed her friends to head off out of the front door ahead of her, hanging back as she noticed Snape leaving the hall by the rear door.

Positioning herself on the staircase leading down to the dungeons, she waited for him to pass.

"And what was that little tête-a-tête with Potter all about?" His breath warmed the back of her neck, and his hands circled her waist, drawing her back against thick wool and silk clad steel as she squeaked in surprise.

"Must you do that?" She turned in his arms when he drew away. "I meant creep up on people, not... that." Pressing her lower body against his, Hermione reinforced her point. "I see you're enjoying your birthday present today."

"I'm not entirely sure walking around as hard as hell and aching for a certain woman's touch could be considered enjoyable." He groaned as her hand unerringly found the gap in his robes and cupped his arousal.

Hermione's heavy-lidded gaze and dilated pupils served only to inflame him further. However, after a few divine caresses, she reluctantly withdrew her hand and shook her head. "Not yet. You'll have to save that for later. I have some things to do in Hogsmeade." She glanced around and, seeing no-one, reached up to meet his lips with hers before waving him a cheery farewell.

Snape slumped against the wall, his groin afire and his hands clenched in the effort not to reach into his robes and relieve the throbbing tension beneath right there in the corridor.

Neither of them had seen the wide-eyed blonde on the floor above.

***

"I think they make a lovely couple." Luna's smile was dreamy as she walked beside Blaise down the main street of Hogsmeade.

"Who, Hermione and Snape?"

"No, silly, Draco and Neville." She pointed at the two wizards entering Honeydukes, no longer concerned at being seen together. "They've finally figured out everyone else in the school knows they're a couple."

"Took them long enough. You'd think after all the snogging in the common room they'd realise someone would have noticed." Blaise chuckled, then added. "I wonder if our fellow students will accept Hermione's choice of partner as easily."

"I wouldn't say they've all accepted Draco and Neville." Blaise followed the direction of Luna's gaze to find Pansy Parkinson scowling at the sweet shop.

"No. She's still disappointed at losing the golden goose." He grinned at Luna's confused frown. "She had aspirations to be the future Mrs Malfoy. Being rejected for a wizard wasn't exactly in her ten-year plan."

"Oh, poor thing. She must be devastated."

"And that's why I like you, Luna. Only you would find room in your heart to sympathise with Pansy Parkinson." Blaise leaned over and brushed his lips across Luna's cheek.

The intensity of her smile left him feeling a little breathless. They stood, eyes locked together and bodies close enough to feel one another's warmth for a long moment, only to be interrupted by the cheerful hail of Ginny Weasley.

"Hey, you two, want to join us at The Three Broomsticks for a drink?"

Blaise flashed Luna a rueful smile and waved at Ginny and Harry. "We'll be right over." He turned and took Luna's hand. "We need to talk, but not here. Later."

Luna just squeezed his hand and smiled once again as they headed across the street.

"What have you done with Hermione?" Blaise asked as they sat opposite Harry and Ginny.

Harry shrugged. "I haven't seen her since we left."

"She said she had some shopping to do and would catch up with us later," Ginny said. "I suppose she has things to organise for the handfasting, but she wouldn't tell."

"You three knew about that?" Harry glanced from one grinning face to the other and groaned. "Why am I always the last to find out?"

Ginny took his hand. "You've been busy, love."

"But even Ron worked it out! I knew she was shagging someone, but I... I... I didn't notice. I wasn't paying attention. We're supposed to be best friends."

Blaise shrugged. "Happens, mate. Women: they're complicated creatures." He ignored Ginny's slap and Luna's giggle. "Just be grateful she's happy."

Harry nodded. "Yeah. You're right. Complicated." He grinned at his girlfriend. "Very."

"And don't you forget it," Ginny ordered as she patted his cheek.

***

Hermione had made a few essential purchases at Scrivenshaft's before turning her steps towards Gladrags Wizardwear. Peering through the window, she saw no other students and entered the shop.

"Good morning, can I help you?" The elderly witch behind the counter seemed to be taking her measurements with her eyes even as she stood there in the doorway.

Hermione smiled and reached into her bag for a sketch she had done from memory.

"I was wondering if you could make this for me." Handing over the parchment, she watched anxiously as the seamstress studied the drawing. "I need it by the 27th," she added.

"Hmm, shouldn't be too much of a problem. The design seems relatively straightforward." Gimlet eyes suddenly met Hermione's. "A handfasting is a special occasion. You'll need to come through to the back to choose your fabric."

"How did you know?" Hermione frowned in confusion.

"I've been in this business for many years, lassie. You have that look in your eyes." With no further explanation, she beckoned Hermione to follow her into a room full of bolts of exquisite fabric. Half an hour later, Hermione left the shop, smiling and thanking the woman for all her help.

As she began to walk away, Hermione felt a tug on her sleeve. Pulling up short, she turned to find Lavender Brown hanging off her arm.

"Hello, Lavender. I didn't see you there." She smiled at the blonde.

"I noticed. You didn't notice me earlier either." Lavender's smirk was disconcerting.

Hermione felt her heart rate climbing as she tried to maintain her composure. "Oh, where was that?"

"On the staircase. When you were, shall we say, talking with Professor Snape."

Fuck! What did she see? Gods, what did she hear?

"Don't panic, Hermione. I didn't hear your conversation with Snape, but I did see everything. Do you have something you'd like to share?"

Well, I suppose everyone has to find out sooner or later, and I'd rather she didn't spread the wrong rumours. Merlin knows what she'd come up with. Making a decision, Hermione dragged Lavender over to a quiet alley.

"Don't you dare..." Lavender began.

Hermione stared at her erstwhile roommate. "Dare what?"

"Obliviate me. I wrote it all down just in case, you know."

Shaking her head, Hermione lifted her empty hands. "Don't be daft, Lavender. I wouldn't do that."

"Really?"

"Really. You'd have found out soon anyway. Severus and I are getting handfasted in two weeks. The whole school will know then."

"You and Professor Snape?" Lavender's eyes widened in shock. "I thought you were just, you know, shagging. But handfasting. That's serious!"

Only Lavender Brown could be more shocked at a handfasting than a sexual relationship between her professor and a fellow student.

"Yes, Lavender, it's serious. And before you ask, the headmistress has given us her approval, due to my age and status as an 'adult' student, amongst other things."

The other girl was clearly torn between her desire to pass her newfound information onto anyone who would listen and the possibility she could glean more gossip-worthy material off her housemate.

"Wow. You and Professor Snape – who'd have thought?" Lavender's brows knitted together as she processed another idea. "Oh, Merlin, you've seen him naked!" Curiosity won a short battle over disgust. "Is he... well... is what they say about noses true?" The last came out in a rush.

Hermione blushed but declined to answer. Lavender chose to take her silence as confirmation and left to find an interested ear.

After a quick drink at the Three Broomsticks with her friends, Hermione made her excuses and returned to Hogwarts, planning the rest of her afternoon as she walked up to the main entrance.

Right, a quick bath, then some of that special perfume Mum gave me at Christmas, do something with my hair, then clothes. No, scratch that, not too many clothes, wouldn't want to waste time. Once I'm ready, I'll go and find Mr Filch... no, Argus... and collect the hamper Mum sent.

Merlin, I hope someone else hasn't decided to use the Room of Requirement today...

"Oof!" She hadn't noticed Argus Filch standing behind the door. His delighted hug left her speechless. And breathless.

"Congratulations to yer, Miss Hermione. He needs a nice young woman to care for him, does the professor." Filch's grin would have been scary to any other student, but Hermione could see the goodwill behind the leathery face, quivering jowls, and thinning, grey hair. "He's always been good to me, brewing potions for me old bones. And for my Mrs Norris when she was sick. Now, you look after him, girlie, an' I'll look after you. I happen to know where all the best spare furniture is stored in this castle. If you need anything for your quarters, jus' let old Argus find it for you."

Lavender certainly works fast. Hermione smiled and patted the hand still on her shoulder. "Thanks, Argus. I appreciate that."

"He'll be right chuffed with that delivery of yours, he will. Do yer want me to bring it up now?"

"Not quite. I have to get ready first. I'll meet you on the seventh floor in about an hour. But please, don't tell him, Argus. It's a surprise."

"Wink's as good as a nod to a blind horse." Filch nodded and shuffled off as more students arrived back from Hogsmeade, stopping and staring at Hermione as if she had grown a set of antlers atop her head.

Ignoring them, she headed off to her room to prepare for her valentine.

Sixty-three minutes later, Hermione gathered her robes about her and climbed the staircase to the seventh floor. Only she knew the robes concealed a thin voile sundress and little else.

Relieving a still-beaming Filch of the large package he had brought for her, she entered the Room of Requirement with her own specific needs firmly in mind. True to form, the Room, having repaired itself after the massive fire started by the unfortunate Vincent Crabbe, took on the appearance she had desired.

Soft grass had appeared instead of carpet. Impossible trees and shrubs formed a backdrop to clumps of spring bulbs, and overhead the ceiling appeared as a clear blue sky. A brightly coloured blanket lay spread upon the grass, and onto this Hermione placed the picnic hamper she had taken from the insulated box.

Hermione grinned and mentally hugged her mother as she unpacked the basket.

Plates, knives, forks, and wineglasses for two.

Two wedges of Mum's famous bacon and egg pie and some of her chocolate cake.

And fresh strawberries for afters. Where on earth did she get these at this time of year? And I thought I had magic. I have nothing on Mum.

Hugging herself with glee, Hermione set the food out on platters she had Transfigured from the wrappings and used a Stasis Charm to keep everything fresh while she awaited Snape's arrival.

A/N: This was written for shalimar1981 for the TPP Every Flavour Auction.

I'm using film Neville's appearance for this story.

Thanks as always to karelia for her superb beta skills.