Opportunities

The following morning found a very reflective Hermione back at her suite with the Potters. She was thinking over the night before, the beautiful gala with all its glamour, the capture and escape from Disney headquarters, and the visit with Senor Raton, a.k.a. Walt Disney. Her mind strayed most of all to Snape and how his company thrilled her. He may have underestimated their opponent last night, but he did get them out of a sticky situation in the end.

“Hermione, we are headed to the Blizzard Beach water park this morning. Are you sure you don’t want to come?” Ginny asked. They had two days left on holiday and wanted to continue to make the most of their Disney experience.

“The water slides look awesome, Aunt Hermie,” piped up Evan. “James and I can’t wait to race the Downhill Double Dipper.”

“It sounds great,” assured Hermione. “I’ll join you lot this afternoon. I’m just a bit tired this morning. I need a bit of rest first.”

Ginny looked at her friend with concern. Hermione had seemed pensive since her return last night. Ginny wondered what had happened to give her friend such a heavy aura. Had something happened between Hermione and her mystery date? It seemed that if Hermione had enjoyed herself she would have been more cheerful.

At that moment, there was a knock on the door to the suite. Harry opened the door to find Severus Snape looking him directly in the eyes. “Snape!” exclaimed Harry.

“Severus!” exclaimed Hermione.

“Severus?” repeated Harry.

“Really, Potter, I hope you haven’t regressed to one word utterances,” Snape quipped.

In spite of herself, Ginny couldn’t help but laugh at the incredulous look on her husband’s face.

“Mrs Potter,” addressed Snape, “I do apologize for barging in on your holiday, but I was hoping to have a few words with Hermione before I leave. I’m afraid I’m due back in Paris as soon as possible.”

“Just give me a minute,” said Hermione, who stepped into her bedroom to change out of her bathrobe.

“Come in, Professor Snape,” uttered Ginny. “You don’t have stand in the doorway. I’m sure Hermione will take a few minutes.”

“Would you like to see my pet, Nibbles? He’s a rat.” Molly Rose Potter unabashedly walked up to Snape, explaining about her Charmed marble and how it allowed her to keep tabs on her pet back home. To Harry and Ginny’s great surprise, Snape knelt down to Molly’s level and gave the child his full attention.

Hermione reappeared dressed in a summer shorts set and sandals. “Severus, where would you like to go to talk?”

“There is a garden just outside this building, Hermione. I won’t keep you long from your day's plans,” Snape seemed to speak to the room at large.

“Excuse us,” added Hermione.

They walked down the corridor in silence, and passing the elevator, Snape opted for leading Hermione down the stairs and through a door to a lovely tropical garden that Hermione had not seen before. He ushered her to a bench by a large Koi pond, surrounded by blooming Birds of Paradise.

Once they were seated, Snape began to talk, staring straight ahead, as though avoiding eye contact.

“I felt the need to speak to you before I left today,” he began. “Having your assistance was most valuable, and I thank you.”

“I’m sure you could have done the whole thing without me. To tell you the truth, I’m not quite sure I was any help at all,” answered Hermione.

Snape turned to face her. “You’re wrong, Hermione. Your help was very necessary.”

Hermione saw a questioning look in Snape’s face. “Hermione, I need to know, are you happy working at the Ministry?”

“Well, no. I didn’t really explain my job to you because I was a bit embarrassed. I took it right after graduating while I was trying to decide what to do. I never imagined that I would still be there after all this time.” The words just began spilling out of her mouth.

Snape interrupted. “We have a small potions research community in Paris. I’ve never had the need for an apprentice; however I do know a couple of Masters who are always looking for good talent. I seem to recall that you had a certain aptitude in potions. Would you mind if I passed your name on to them?”

Hermione felt a happiness bubbling up inside of her. With Gryffindor boldness, she grasped Snape’s hands in her own. “Yes, Severus, I wouldn’t mind that at all.”

She was rewarded by the warmest expression she could ever recall seeing on Snape’s face.

Upon returning to her suite, Hermione found Ginny and the children still there. “Where is Harry?” she inquired.

“Harry is having a lie down,” Ginny replied. “I believe he is in a state of shock. This whole time, you have been telling us the truth about Professor Snape, and we thought you were joking. You really pulled a good one on us this time, Hermione.”

Hermione laughed “Well, that’s what you get for doubting me.”

“I’ll have to admit, Hermione,” Ginny continued," He may be a bit rough around the edges, but there’s Prince Charming material there after all.”

“Indeed,” responded Hermione with a wry smile. “Indeed.”

The End

A/N: My thanks and appreciation to everyone who took the time to read my first fic that is longer than a drabble. I must give a special thanks to my beta, Lucy Lupin, who helped me use the correct British words and spelling. Plus my gratitude to the patient mods of the SS/HG Exchange, Shiv5468 and Ginny W. My getting this fic into final form became a challenge as real life stepped in after I had taken the assignment. Two family members passed away during my writing. The closest, my brother Jimmy, died right at the time I was trying to get the last few chapters done and submitted by the deadline. So the story did not have quite the depth I had originally hoped for. It has taken me close to a year to post it at an archive. Yet the numerous lovely comments I have received have encouraged me to try again. Maybe next time I can get Severus to actually kiss the girl. Finally, my story is not meant in anyway to imply that Micheal Eisner is a nefarious Wizard. It is just a bit of fun, and in the world of Disney he made a very convenient target.