Chapter 2 - Hard Way to Go
Chapter 2 of 10
thebridgeovertheriverkwaiHermione Granger has had enough. What with the war over and Voldemort gone she finds the confining walls of Hogwarts overbearingly trying. And with just a month left to graduation she needs to find a way to make her snarky Potions professor accept her dinner invitation - even though she doesn't want him to.
ReviewedChapter 2 - Hard Way to Go
Hermione took a deep breath and knocked on the door with all the confidence she could muster.
"Enter!" Severus Snape bellowed from within.
She stepped inside and closed the door behind her, nervously eyeing the man in question.
"Professor, do you have a minute?"
"I thought I had seen the last of you, Miss Granger. But it seems fate has decided, rather cruelly I might add, to deprive me of that pleasure," Snape said in a low voice without looking up. He was organizing the vials of purple concoctions they had put on his desk just a few minutes earlier.
"Um, well, I was just wondering—"
"Yes?" he said impatiently as he rose, vials in both hands, and made his way to the storeroom.
"I know this may sound a bit forward, and I should probably apologize in advance if I'm in any way insulting you by asking—"
"Get on with it, Miss Granger. I am quite sure that even a person with your limited ability to recognize a situation where you are neither wanted nor needed will understand that I have more urgent commitments to attend to."
"If I could take you out to dinner."
Snape whipped around, vials slipping from his fingers, clanking as they hit the stone floor. Hogwarts' vials were, due to the nature of clumsy and awkward teenage witches and wizards, made of unbreakable goblin glass. Without this precaution, the cost of vials alone would have ruined the school centuries ago.
Snape swore loudly and with a jerky flick of his wand made the vials zoom back into his hands. He gingerly put them on a nearby desk and turned his attention to the witch, looking at her for the first time since she had entered the classroom.
"Have you completely lost your mind?" he hissed.
Hermione hurriedly began to explain herself.
"No, not really. Maybe you've heard that my parents own a restaurant in Muggle London?"
"Get out," Snape interrupted, leaving no room for elaboration.
"But sir, let me at least tell you—"
The Potions master took two long strides and was upon Hermione within a second, looming over her, black eyes flashing with anger.
"Listen, and listen carefully. Students have been bending over backwards since my first year of teaching in their attempts to play childish pranks on me."
"I can assure you, sir, this is not a—" Hermione desperately tried to cut in.
"Some of them...," Snape growled dangerously, "have never quite recovered from my surprised reactions. I will not tell you again, Miss Granger. Get out of my sight, or I will make sure you never breathe fresh air again."
She stared at the Potions professor for a long moment, trying to control the fury that seemed to have nested in her gut.
Her mind wandered to all the times she herself had been bending over backwards, not with the intention to scare or hurt but to help and contribute. How she had guided Harry, relentlessly, throughout the war and how she had saved her parents when they were, unknowingly, in mortal danger, something they still doubted. All the while trying to keep up with school and homework, carefully fending off Ron's temperamental fits in between irksome sessions of trying to make sense of Professor Dumbledore's blasted riddles and twinkling eyes.
She thought about how little appreciation she had received in return. And maybe she was being petty and self-absorbed, but Snape and this bloody dinner was rapidly becoming the last drop to make her cup run over.
It had been her mother's idea to begin with, inviting all of Hermione's soon to be ex-professors to their Swedish-oriented restaurant in London, as a way of showing gratitude for the seven years her daughter had spent under their tutelage.
The Grangers had opened the Björn and the Sill six months ago, and it had been an overnight success, attracting loads of curious Londonians and even a few celebrities. Seeing her professors awkwardly and yet eagerly trying to fit in, experiencing odd, unfamiliar flavors and showing surprising new sides to their personalities had been an interesting experience to say the least.
Since it had been impossible for all of the teachers to leave the Hogwarts grounds as a uniform group, Hermione had arranged for them to come one or two at a time at different evenings. The most memorable evening of them all, she mused, had been when Professor Flitwick and Professor Dumbledore, in the middle of the second course, had spotted Dame Maggie Smith in a secluded corner of the restaurant. Only when Hermione venomously had suggested that they should all walk over to the actress' table and ask for her autograph did the two awestruck older gentlemen stop staring.
It was, however, blatantly obvious that her Potions professor was uninformed of his colleagues dinner dates with Hermione and was now being less than gracious about her offering him to partake.
Hermione closed her eyes and willed herself calm. You're being unreasonable, she added to her train of thought. He's been biting your head off for seven years, and you knew today would be no different. Now is the time to excuse yourself with what little dignity you have left and head back to your dorm.
Almost convinced, she made to open her mouth when Snape brusquely broke the silence.
"And they say you are the brightest witch of our age. The look on your face alone right now would suggest that even Crabbe and Goyle, separately mind you, could challenge that overrated statement. And succeed."
And there it was, the treacherous little drop.
Hermione drew her wand lightening fast and pointed it directly at her professor's throat. The former Death Eater, sensing the tension and sudden shift in atmosphere a fraction of a second too late, ended up with his own wand pointing awkwardly at Hermione's chest.
A tiny flicker of uncertainty in Snape's eyes made Hermione realize that his guard had been down simply because he hadn't thought of her as a force worth worrying about.
And that, rather irrational, insight brought her anger level up from barely contained to livid. Being ridiculed was one thing, underestimated a whole other story.
"Go. Ahead," Hermione hissed. "Make sure I never breathe fresh air again. I have seen your worst, Professor, so I guess I am in for quite a ride."
"Attacking a teacher, Miss Granger?" Snape growled. "Surely you of all people should know that this kind of behavior can, and probably will, get you expelled. And with only a month left ..." He smirked. "How utterly path—"
CRACK!
The classroom door flew open, slamming into the wall. Minerva McGonagall appeared in the doorway, clearly annoyed and out of breath.
"Severus," she panted and leaned against her cane. "Do you know where Hermione is? She was supposed to come by my ... Oh, Merlin!" Her eyes darted to the hostile scene, trying to make sense of what was happening before her. All tiredness seemed to evaporate from the older witch as she drew her wand.
"Expelliarmus!" McGonagall yelled and easily snatched up both wands in her left hand, cane clattering to the floor. She looked from Snape to Hermione and then to Snape again, bewildered. "What in all that is good and holy is going on in here!" she demanded, closing the distance between herself and the now disarmed couple.
Hermione opened her mouth but clamped it shut when she was hit by an icy glare from her Head of House. McGonagall pointed one long, shaky finger at them.
"I take that back. I do not want to hear a word."
"Miner—" Snape started but was cut off abruptly.
"Not. A. Word. You will both join me in the Headmaster's office. Immediately."
Author's note:
Hard Way to Go is another great song by the Exciters.
The Björn and the Sill is a merging of English and Swedish words. Björn – bear, sill – herring.
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Latest 25 Reviews for Something Akin to Normalcy
62 Reviews | 7.74/10 Average
Adorable! Thanks!
Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!
You have saved me from a paroxysm of tears, and I couldn't be happier with the outcome of your story! I LOVED the way you tied so much of what was said and done during their dinner at the Björn and the Sill in Chapter 7:
•Hermione 10 years ago: "Maybe we'll have to meet here in ten years, and I can lend you my notes."
•Severus now: "It's the original formula for the Wolfsbane potion." Snape cut in. "I just thought that ... to get you going, but then ..." He cleared his throat, not daring to meet her gaze.
•Hermione 10 years ago: Severus had declined her invitation to meet her at the restaurant in ten years. "Alright, fine." She shrugged and took a last bite of her dessert. "But if you change your mind, I will be sitting right here, with all my awards lined up, waiting to be admired."
•Severus now: "Your awards." He cocked an eyebrow at her. "I thought the premise of this meeting was for you to show off all of your achievements in the Potions field."
•Hermione 10 years ago: She asked him if he would like to try the specialty dessert- "lingonberries with a fudge-like sauce." "Sounds ... endurable," Snape teased.
•Severus now: He asked her if she would like to get some coffee, and she replied "Sounds ... endurable," with the smallest smirk tugging at the corners of her mouth.
•In Chapter 8, on the top of the Astronomy Tower 10 years ago: Severus found Hermione drinking Professor Palmer's whiskey and trying to light a cigarette. His reaction was to lean forward and gingerly plucked the unlit cigarette from her mouth. "Don't be ridiculous," he said softly. "You don't smoke." Snape examined the cigarette closely before he tossed it out the window. That was when he said "Unless you would like to join me." And she had.
•Severus now: When he left the restaurant after Mrs. Granger had informed him that Miss Granger was now Mrs. Collins, but just before he Apparated, he saw Hermione "leaning casually against the facade, gazing out at nothing in particular, a cigarette in one slender hand, was indeed Hermione Granger. Collins, he corrected himself and rolled his eyes. Such an inane name."
"That's really not good for you, you know," he said and pointed towards the cigarette in what he hoped was a nonchalant way.
I wanted to cheer when Severus laid that inane man out cold after he had called Hermione a lying, conniving, cheating bitch. In fact, that entire scene with Severus, Hermione, Christopher, Mrs. Granger, Percy, and the elderly couple tickled me no end! It's as perfect a Snape defends Hermione
as I've ever read. Well done!
I had a hopeful smile on my face when she said she'd like to have dinner with him sometime and then Apparated away. But when she came right back and kissed him and Disapparated both of them, did a happy dance!
I know I've gone on too long in this review, but I just couldn't help myself. I have looked forward to every single update since I read the first chapter. It's one of my favorite stories, and I thank you for sharing your talents with us. It's a real joy to read a good hurt-comfort SSHG story.
*Hugs you*
Beth
PS– Thank you for the nod to Alan Rickman's Colonel Brandon.
PPS– Further thanks for reminding me of the song for this chapter. It had been decades since I'd heard it. "I was hopeless, helplessly without a love until you came along." GREAT CHOICE!
I love how the evening turned out for Severus and Hermione, although I wish there was a way to Make the Night Just a Little Longer.
Hermione handled Lucius' rude behavior very well– put him in his place and took away his favorite restaurant at the same time. LOL!
May favorite lines were the last ones in the chapter: "Well. Nevertheless, thank you for an unforgettable dinner." He gave her a small smile. "Hermione." This bodes well for the future.
Beth
I loved the update. I also loved that they had a great time, even if I must admit that I am still angry at Severus for all his biased and harsh words to Hermione before their dinner, I guess I am not as forgiving as she is:-) (And no matter what he thinks, running to Minerva with Hermiones letters and costing her her Headgirl position, was childish, immature, rude and several other negative words.... I would not have forgiven that any time soon)
Well after all the fuss that Severus made, it turned out to be a lovely dinner after all. I loved the way Hermione delt with Lucius Malfoy, I wonder how he is going to explain not being able to come back to her favorite restaurant to Narcissa.
I don't know which one of them is behaving like the bigger fool, but I do hope Severus shows up for the "date" and that they both can refrain from baiting each other... but she does make it easy for him.BTW, I love the Marcels.Beth
Response from thebridgeovertheriverkwai (Author of Something Akin to Normalcy)
I love the Marcels as well! I know, she really is. But she'll learn. Eventually. ;)
Response from thebridgeovertheriverkwai (Author of Something Akin to Normalcy)
I love the Marcels as well! I know, she really is. But she'll learn. Eventually. ;)
OH Severus you flirt you!
Response from thebridgeovertheriverkwai (Author of Something Akin to Normalcy)
Haha! He is, in his own way. ;)
Poor Professor Palmer, what a nightmare, to watch the lovely, kind, vibrant young woman he loved, turn into the monster she became. Severus Snape has been called many things, easy going is not one of them, but thats why we love him.
Response from thebridgeovertheriverkwai (Author of Something Akin to Normalcy)
It isn't mentioned in the books, but supposedly she has somebody waiting for her when she gets home from work ... Brrr.
Just spent lunch catching up with this. It's FABULOUSLY HILLARIOUS are the only words to describe this. I love the tension between Hermione and Snape.
Just Awesome.
Response from thebridgeovertheriverkwai (Author of Something Akin to Normalcy)
Thank you so much! This review made my day!
Ooh I love correspondance stories. The repartee between the two is wonderful. And she hurt his feelings. My only complaint is that the next chapter isn't up. Pooey.
Response from thebridgeovertheriverkwai (Author of Something Akin to Normalcy)
Thank you! :) I've just posted chapters 7 and 8!
Poor Palmer. Married to, to HER. No wonder he has a drink before breakfast on weekends. And smokes. I hope he gets chocolate daily as well. Really GOOD chocolate.
Response from thebridgeovertheriverkwai (Author of Something Akin to Normalcy)
Me too ... me too.
HaHaHa this was a great chapter. Snape's "apology" made me LOL. I enjoyed the tete et tete between the two.
Response from thebridgeovertheriverkwai (Author of Something Akin to Normalcy)
Thank you! Glad you liked it! :)
Mmm haggis and pickled herring. How can Severus even think of refusing and offer like that.
Response from thebridgeovertheriverkwai (Author of Something Akin to Normalcy)
Who would? ;)
Entertaining chapter.
Response from thebridgeovertheriverkwai (Author of Something Akin to Normalcy)
Thank you! I'm glad you liked it! :)
The bird looked at her with disgust as she tried to offer him an owl treat, flapped his wings irritably and took off for the Head Table.I loved Severus' raven (or crow). He's kinda like his master, isn't he? And brava for Hermione calling his bluff. It cracked me up when Miss Tomlin told her that Professor Snape was outside the portrait hole. I am tickled pink that in the end he was able to properly behave himself and that she did offer the invitation again. I hope sooner or later we might be hearing the Platters singing The Great Pretender in the background just over Severus' shoulder:Oh-oh, yes I'm the great pretenderPretending that I'm doing wellMy need is such I pretend too muchI'm lonely but no one can tellThis is such a great chapter! Thank you.Beth
Response from thebridgeovertheriverkwai (Author of Something Akin to Normalcy)
Haha, I'm glad you liked it! I always pictured Snape to have an ill-tempered raven or crow, just sitting in the dungeons, with a sneer on his face. Not up to delivering anything unless he absolutely have to ... or possibly if there's a bribe involved. ;)
I think they are both having fun dancing around each other.
Response from thebridgeovertheriverkwai (Author of Something Akin to Normalcy)
Haha, I do too!
I feel that Severus should apologize to Hermione when she gives him another chance to go to dinner with her. But I somehow can't see that happening without someone giving him a little nudge to get his head out of... where it doesn't belong. Maybe Minerva can help?Thanks for another great update!Beth
Response from thebridgeovertheriverkwai (Author of Something Akin to Normalcy)
Thank you for reading, Beth! Yes, he really should, shouldn't he? Well, I'll see what I can do. ;)
Maybe Severus will sample some swedish cuisine after all. 
Response from thebridgeovertheriverkwai (Author of Something Akin to Normalcy)
I'm certainly working on it! But he's a tough man to persuade.
Loved the start, I look forward to read more
Response from thebridgeovertheriverkwai (Author of Something Akin to Normalcy)
Thank you so much!
Mmmmm,you have me intrigued, what is Hermione offering?who is this Christopher she is seeing? I will be waiting for an update to find out.
Response from thebridgeovertheriverkwai (Author of Something Akin to Normalcy)
You'll find out soon enough ... ;) Thank you for reading and reviewing!
This is a great start to a story! And also, and let me be perfectly clear regarding this, I can't wait for the next chapter.
I didn't recall Something to Shout About by the Exciters, so I found it on youtube and took a listen: "...he put on quite a show... strutting up and down the street classroom..." I think my favorite by them is Tell Him. I can remember dancing with my boyfriend to that song when we were in high school.
Thanks for sharing you tale with us. I'll be looking out for the next update!Beth
Response from thebridgeovertheriverkwai (Author of Something Akin to Normalcy)
Thank you so much! Next chapter is coming up soon! I love that you took the time to listen to the song - I think my favourite is A Handful of Memories ... or Hard Way to Go ... or Just Not Ready, gah, there's just too many. ;)
Great start I'm looking forward to reading more!
Response from thebridgeovertheriverkwai (Author of Something Akin to Normalcy)
Thank you! More to come!
This was great! Loved how you portrayed the characters, loved the story line.... just great!
Hahaha, that bit with Lucius-pricless! Love it!
Thank you for a wonderful story! I took me quite by surprise, that much heartbreak and a ten-year-separation after all that banter ...