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“Hogsmeade trip?” Hermione asked Severus.
The Headmaster arched a brow at his Arithmancy professor before taking a bite of his eggs and looking at her. She arched a brow right back.
“I do need some new quills,” he muttered.
“Wonderful. We can get lunch and then head to Scrivenshafts.”
“What do you need?” Severus asked.
She shrugged. “I just wanted to get away from the castle for a bit, and I enjoy your company.”
“I enjoy yours as well, and thankfully, it’s not a Hogsmeade weekend, so we won’t be inundated with students.”
“Thank heavens.”
“Entrance Hall at 11:30?” he asked her.
She smiled at him. “Perfect.”
The pair went back to their breakfast. Hermione smiled to herself. They’d been flirting for weeks now. She hoped that sometime soon Severus would ask her out on a real date, not just one of these ‘Oh, let’s go to Hogsmeade, and we can grab lunch while we’re there’ kind of things.
They’d been friends for ages, and she’d been attracted to him for a good amount of that time. Severus, being Severus, had been aloof, despite them being friendly. A few months ago, he’d lightened up and their relationship seemed to deepen.
Slowly.
Hermione was giving him time. She felt he was attracted to her, but knowing him, he was being cautious unless her feelings didn’t mirror his. That was okay. She understood him and his need to be wary of anything good coming his way. Well, at least she hoped he looked at this as a good thing.
Nodding to Severus, she got up and headed out of the Great Hall to her quarters. She needed to get ready. She’d be subtle… wouldn’t want him to think she was dressing for him, but she definitely wanted to look her best.
***
Hermione descended the stairs and saw Severus waiting for her. He had changed his cravat and vest into something a little more up class. His hair seemed to be freshly washed as well. She smiled at him. She thought it was cute he wanted to look his best as well.
“Hi there!” she greeted.
“Hello,” he said simply. He opened the door and let her pass through.
She gazed around at the blue sky. “Oh, Severus, it’s a beautiful day. I’m glad we decided to do this.”
“I agree. I need some time away from… children.”
She laughed. “I totally understand,” she advised.
“Classes are going that well?”
She looked at him, grinned, and shook her head before turning forward again. “They’re quite normal. It just grates on the nerves sometimes just how much students will do to avoid work. If they just did their assignments instead of creating these absurd excuses, they’d be done with it and on to having fun with their peers.”
“They don’t think that far ahead.”
“Dunderheads, right?”
He grinned at her slightly. “Exactly.”
After a while, they came up to the Three Broomsticks. He held the door for her again. She entered and smiled, waving at Rosmerta.
“Oy, Professors, nice to see you.”
“A table away from everyone, if you wouldn’t mind, Rosie?” Severus said.
“I’ve got your usual one ready,” she told him as she led them to a far corner of the pub and seated them.
“Shepherd’s pie is the special today,” she advised.
“Oh, that sounds lovely. I’ll have that,” Hermione said with a nod.
“Same,” Severus agreed. “And two Butterbeers, please.”
“Coming right up,” Rosmerta said as she turned and left the two.
Hermione looked over at Severus. “Is the Board of Governors still giving you grief about new textbooks?”
Severus rolled his eyes. “New brooms for the Quidditch team… easy, yes of course! New textbooks… there are a million reasons evidently as to why that wouldn’t be a good idea.”
“You have Lucius’ ear. Can’t he help?”
“He’s the biggest opponent.”
Hermione shook her head. “That’s foul.”
Severus gave her a grim smile. “He’ll cave. I just need to find out what he wants.”
“Always moves and counter moves. Can’t you Slytherins just negotiate without bribery?”
“Where would the fun be in that?”
Hermione laughed and shook her head at him.
Their lunch arrived at that moment and they both thanked Rosmerta for bringing it out to them. They spent the rest of the time discussing ‘shop.’
***
They spent a good part of the afternoon at Hogsmeade. Severus returned from their outing smiling to himself. He made his way to his quarters and found a note on his desk when he returned. Unfolding it, he read it quickly.
Brother,
I am in London for a conference. Would love to see you. I’m staying at the Leaky, of course. Stop by today if you can. I’ll be in panels all day tomorrow.
Severus arched a brow at the missive. No one knew he had a twin. They had been separated almost at birth. His mother was forced to give up Sebastian because his father had demanded it. He refused to care for two children. One was going to be hardship enough.
From his mother’s story, she’d tried to convince his father to keep his twin, but he was adamant. In a panic, she had reached out to her cousin, Harold Prince, who graciously agreed to take the babe in and raise him. He was sent to Scandinavia, where Prince lived. Raised in Sweden, he had actually had a much better life than Severus had, wanting for nothing and attending Durmstrang as a youth.
Both brothers always knew of the other. They spent time together yearly, usually in the summer, and usually in Sweden. Severus’ father was happy to see his backside for a couple of months, and Severus was happy to not be around his depressing home life.
The two had always been close, but never lived in the same country. After Durmstrang, Sebastian had relocated to Italy and had become the foremost Ancient Runes interpreter and archaeologist. Severus recalled that their yearly convention was being held this coming week. He had no doubt that Sebastian would be presenting several panels.
Well, now was as good a time as any to visit. He disappeared into his Floo, appearing at the Leaky. Moving over to Tom, he nodded in greeting.
“I’m here to visit Sebastian Prince. Which room is he in?”
Tom laughed. “Merlin, Severus. I thought when he came in here you were being coy, trying to have some time to yourself, and using a fake name. He’s the spitting image of you.”
“Twins work that way,” Severus said in a bored tone.
“Yes, but nobody knows you’re a twin.”
Severus arched a brow and gave Tom a measured look. “And no one should. Especially the press.”
“Ehhh, your secret is safe with me. You know I’m the epitome of discretion.”
“Thank you, Tom.”
“He’s in room 302.”
With a nod, Severus went to the back of the pub and headed up the stairs. Quickly finding room 302, he rapped on the door. It opened quickly. Sebastian smiled at Severus.
“Brother!” he greeted, pulling Severus into the room, closing the door, and enveloping him in a hug.
Severus returned the hug and slapped his brother on the back. “It’s been too long!” he greeted.
“How have you been?” Sebastian asked as he directed Severus to sit down at the small table in the room. He took the seat across from him.
“Busy. The school constantly needs my attention.”
“But you still like it, yeah? Better than teaching, right?”
Severus grinned. “Anything is better than that, really, but yes. I enjoy the administrative aspects of the job, and like I’ve told you in the past, not having to teach except sparingly is a Godsend. What about you, Sebastian? How goes your work?”
“As you know, I spent last summer in Egypt. Some wizarding archaeologists unearthed a spellbook in the tomb of an ancient priest of Horus. Merlin, Severus, the writings in that book. It opens up a whole new study of the ancient Pharaohs and their beliefs.”
“Fascinating. Can you share anything about what you translated?”
Sebastian’s eyes grew bright. “The book is full of the spells they used to prepare the dead. They used magic to extract the organs. It delineates the spells they used to curse the tombs so anyone plundering them would come to a bad end.”
“That is some find.”
“They let me take copies of the transcripts because I couldn’t translate everything in the time I had there. I’m actually giving a lecture about my findings on Monday.”
“What else are you presenting?”
“I’m doing two panels on Runes in Ancient Times and I’m on a group panel talking about Breakthroughs in Interpretation.”
“Sounds like you’ll be busy. I’m glad I came by today.”
Sebastian grinned. “Me too. I was thinking of getting something to eat before you stopped in. Do you want to get dinner?”
“Yes, but would you mind heading to Muggle London to do that? Showing up anywhere with a Doppelganger would definitely make the front page of the papers.”
Sebastian laughed. “Of course. I don’t know how I’ll keep our being twins a secret during the conference, though.”
“I doubt there will be press there except at the beginning and maybe the end. People who see you will probably think that I’ve just got an interest in Rune study.”
“Good point,” Sebastian admitted. “And if they talk to me at all, I can just pretend to be you!”
Severus laughed. “Yes, I suppose you could.”
“Now onto more important things… How’s life?” Sebastian waggled his eyebrows.
Severus scoffed. “I already said my work keeps me busy.”
“Yes, but that tells me nothing. Have you found someone… special?”
Severus looked away. “Sebastian, you know how I feel about discussing that.”
Sebastian sat back and crossed his arms in front of him. “I know you think you’re not enough. And you’d be wrong. Look at me. I have no trouble attracting women.”
Severus huffed. “Yes, well, you never killed anyone have you?”
“Anyone worth their salt knows the truth about that.” He leaned back across the table. “Come on, there must be someone that's caught your eye.”
He frowned at his brother. “Drop it,” he ground out.
“Oh! So there is someone. Who is she? Not that Divination teacher you’re always grousing about, right?”
“Merlin, help me. She’s an abomination!”
Sebastian threw his head back and laughed. “Forgive me, Severus. You know how I like to rile you up.”
“Sebastian!” Severus snapped.
His brother looked duly chastised. “Sorry.” He shrugged. “So… who is she then?”
“Who is who?” Severus said with a scowl.
“This woman who has captured your interest.”
“I never said there was a woman.”
“Ah, yes, but a twin knows these things. Tell me about her. She must be smart. Nothing less would do. Is she pretty?”
Severus glared for a full minute as Sebastian just looked at him with an open expression. Finally, Severus let out a long slow breath. “You win. Yes, she is pretty.”
“Who is it?”
“My Arithmancy professor.”
“The war hero? Hermione Granger?”
Severus sighed. “Yes.”
“Why do you sound so defeated?”
Severus looked away. “There are times when I think she may be interested, but then I doubt my perceptions.”
“Severus, you’ve been doing that your entire life. Believe it or not, you’re a desirable man, and she’d be a fool not to see it.”
“As I said, I think she’s interested, but I don’t want to end our friendship if I’m wrong.”
“Friends come and go, my brother, but true love… that only comes once in a lifetime. I’m still seeking it myself.”
“What happened to–what was her name–Isabella?”
“Ah, Isabella. What a spitfire she was, but alas, it was not to be a long-lasting relationship. She said I was too involved in my work. She didn’t understand how much it means to me.” He was quiet for a moment. “And I didn’t understand that I was neglecting her. I learned a lot, but by that time it was too late.”
“I’m sorry, Sebastian, I thought things were going along nicely when we saw each other last year.”
“We were great back then. This Egyptian away mission ruined everything, really. We didn’t talk to one another like we should have. We grew apart. When I returned to Venice again, she wanted little to do with me.”
“That’s unfortunate. You two seemed happy.”
Sebastian shrugged. “It’s been over for a bit now. Actually, I was going to ask you if you knew anyone who may… appreciate my company?”
Severus arched a brow. “Are you serious?”
“Yes!”
“I assume you can find someone at the convention, can't you?”
“I mean, I’m not going to assume anything, but you know me and my likes. I thought maybe you knew of someone…”
Severus smirked at him. “I may.”
“Really?” Sebastian asked as he leaned in toward Severus.
“One of my professors was just mentioning she was looking for a meaningful relationship.”
“Not Trelawney, right?”
Severus guffawed. “Merlin no. I wouldn’t wish her on anyone. It’s the Astronomy professor, Aurora Sinistra. She’s around our age. She was betrothed to someone who was lost in the first war. She’s been alone since. She took a long time to recover from her loss, but we’ve been chatting recently and she’s mentioned she’s finally ready to try dating again. She’s a brilliant witch. Knows her stars. She may even be able to work with you on your translations of the Egyptian books. They were big star watchers.”
“They were. We have something in common, then. What’s she look like?”
“She’s somewhat tall. She has long, dark-brown hair, and dark eyes. She’s…. Well, I suppose she’s pretty. I’ve never really thought about it.”
“Spoken like a Wizard in love… with someone else.”
“Sebastian!”
“Oh, just ask Granger out, for Merlin’s sake. Maybe we can go on a double date or something.”
“You are only here for a week. That will not be possible.”
“What’s holding you back?”
He shrugged. “I don’t like rejection.”
Sebastian guffawed. “All right, all right, I’ll leave it be. But this Aurora woman. Do you think she’d be interested in a night out with your double?”
“I can ask. She’s a decent conversationalist. I think you two might get along well.”
“Great! Let me know. Maybe we can meet Friday night for dinner in Hogsmeade? We have the evening off that night.”
“I’ll see if she’s interested.”
***
The next morning Severus was at breakfast chatting with Hermione when Aurora came into the Great Hall.
“Oh, Aurora, I have something personal to ask of you. Would you mind stopping by my office before classes start today?”
“Of course, Severus. I’ll come by as soon as I’ve gotten something to eat.”
“Perfect.” He went back to his eggs. Looking over at Hermione, he saw her studying him carefully.
“Yes?”
“What do you need to talk to Aurora about?” she asked.
He got shifty-eyed. “It’s a private matter,” he advised.
“Oh. Okay.”
She went back to sipping her tea and eating her porridge. She looked like she was trying to piece it all out. Of course, she could never guess what Severus was going to talk to Aurora about. He smirked as he continued with his breakfast.
Sometime later, Aurora knocked on his door. He motioned for her to come in.
“Please, Aurora, take a seat.”
“What did you need, Headmaster?”
“Oh, we’re being formal this morning, I see. Well, Professor, I wanted to ask you a question. I know you were saying that you were looking to start dating again.”
Aurora looked at him curiously. “Headmaster, I thought your sights were set elsewhere.”
Severus tried to look nonchalant, but he felt his cheeks redden. “I don’t know what you’re on about, Aurora.”
“Uh-huh. I see the way you look at Hermione.”
He cleared his throat. “Well, that’s neither here nor there, as I wasn’t the one who was interested in going on a date with you.”
“Oh,” she said in surprise. “Who, then?”
“I’m going to tell you something in confidence. I’d prefer if people didn’t find out about it.”
“Hey, I’m not interested in former Death Eaters.”
“Aurora, just shut it for a minute, will you? You know I would never set you up with someone like that.”
She looked duly chastised. “Sorry, Severus. Please go on.”
He rolled his eyes and shook his head at her. “Enough with the teasing, yeah? Can I trust you to keep this hush-hush?”
“Of course.”
“I have a twin.”
Her mouth dropped open, and she stared at him. “You what?”
“It’s true. We were separated at birth, but always knew one another. He lives in Italy so no one knows of his existence. I’d like to keep him from being hounded by the press, so I’ll ask you to keep this quiet.”
“Wow, I wasn’t expecting that.”
“So, if you’re interested, he would like to meet up with you Friday for dinner in Hogsmeade. I assume at the Three Broomsticks.”
“You’re going to tell me this is all a joke and you’re getting me back for putting that sticking charm on your chair in the Hall the other day.”
He chuckled. “Well, I still need to get you back for that, but no. I’m completely serious. He’s looking for something that could possibly be long term and asked me if I knew anyone. You came right to mind. I think you’ll get along well. He’s not as serious as I am.”
“Oh, Severus, you’re funny in your own way. When you’re slaughtering others with your wit, not so much, but in general, you're quite humorous.”
“Funny, Aurora. What do you think? Are you even in the least bit interested?”
“Well, what’s he like, other than not being as serious as you?”
“He’s funny and lighthearted. He is a master of Ancient runes and works to decipher ancient texts.”
“So, he’s smart.”
Severus gave a crisp nod.
“Does he look exactly like you, or are there differences?”
“We are practically identical.”
Aurora shook her head. “I can’t believe there’s another you out there. One with a sense of humor. I think this is an opportunity that I can’t pass up.”
“I’m sure anyone you meet in Hogsmeade will just think that I am accompanying you to dinner, so you shouldn’t have to do anything to keep this quiet.”
Aurora smiled as she rose from the seat in front of Severus’ desk. “I’m looking forward to it. Tell him I’ll meet him in the pub at six on Friday night.”
Severus acknowledged her with a tilt of his head. “I will do so. Thank you, Aurora.”
She smiled and nodded as she left.
***
Severus sat on his sofa, his eyes closed and head resting on the back of the seat. It had been a long day, and he was happy to not be sitting behind his desk doing paperwork or negotiating with the Board. There was a knock on his door, causing him to open his eyes and look over at it. With a sigh, he got up and went to the door. Opening it, he found Hermione there with a tray of tea floating behind her. He grinned at her.
“It’s like you read my mind,” he said as he stepped aside and let her come in, the tray following her closely.
She settled into the sofa and had the tray place itself on the coffee table.
“You looked a bit stressed at dinner for the ten minutes you were there.”
Severus sat at the other end of the sofa and closed his eyes. “It’s been a bear of a day. I barely had time to eat.”
“Should I have brought some sandwiches too? I can call Tipsy to bring us some.”
Severus waved his hand at her. “No, I ate my fill at dinner, but the tea… Merlin, it’s perfect.”
He reached out and took a cup. Hermione followed his lead.
“So, what’s going on that you haven’t even had time to eat?”
Severus huffed. “The Board.”
“Well, obviously. What have they done now?”
“They sent a missive this morning wanting a write-up as to why the textbooks I’ve been trying to get are needed. And they wanted it in their office tomorrow morning.”
“Haven’t you already provided them with one?”
Severus closed his eyes and huffed. “Of course, I did, with the original request. They felt it wasn’t detailed enough. They want to make sure the budget is used correctly and don’t want to waste money on textbooks when the ones we have are ‘just fine.’” He made quotation movements with his fingers with that remark. “Evidently, it’s perfectly fine to educate the current students with thirty-year-old data.”
“Did you complete the write-up?”
“Yes, but it took every minute of the day. I was sure to let them know that their precious children would not be able to succeed in our world with old concepts. In Transfiguration alone, there have been new spells created that are easier than the ones we teach now for some things.”
“And there are always updates in Arithmancy as well… in all of the magical arts, actually.”
Severus gave a quick nod. “I Floo-called Lucius after getting the request. It seems that they want the final say on any new textbooks if they approve this.”
Hermione rolled her eyes. “Is that what this is all about? Merlin, for a bunch of Purebloods who’ve never taught a thing in their lives, they sure think they are important.”
“Yes, that’s what it comes down to. They want to feel important. They are power hungry.”
“What are you going to do?” Hermione asked.
“I am going to be extremely judicious in the options I pick so that whichever they choose in each subject will be acceptable.”
“Good idea. Hopefully, no one will have their own ideas.”
Severus frowned. “I hope not.”
Hermione took a sip of tea. “Well, I didn’t come by to have you rehash your stressful day. Let’s change the subject.”
Severus leaned in and grasped her hand, giving it a squeeze. “Thanks for listening to me rant.”
She smiled. “Any time.”
“As for changing the subject, I was wondering if you’d want to go to the bookstore on Saturday? I heard there’s a new Potions Journal out called The Simmering Cauldron. ”
Hermione arched a brow. “Yes! Let’s do that. I might want a copy myself. I heard that it was supposed to be out this month.”
“Perfect. Let’s head over around ten?”
Hermione blushed. “Okay.”
Severus released her hand, noticing her cheeks go crimson. He hoped it meant she liked his attention. It made him feel that maybe she was interested in spending time with him. Maybe he’d try to move their relationship forward on Saturday.
***
The Owls headed into the Great Hall, delivering the Daily Prophet and whatever correspondence there was for the students and teachers. Several headed to the High table, and one deposited a note in front of Hermione. She gave the Owl some treats and watched it stare at her. It obviously wanted a response to whatever the parchment said. Unrolling it, she saw it was from Harry.
I’ve got some free time on Friday. Want to meet up for dinner in Hogsmeade?
She smiled and grabbed a quill out of her pocket, scribbling a yes, and attaching it to the owl’s leg, she watched it wing its way out of the hall.
***
Friday evening had finally arrived and Hermione entered the Three Broomsticks, looking for Harry. She spied him near the back. She waved and headed for him. He stood, and she threw her arms around him.
“Harry! I’ve missed you so much!”
“Yeah, me too, Hermione,” Harry agreed. They separated and sat down.
“So, how’s school?” Harry started out.
“It’s good. Busy as usual.”
“Are the students respecting you?”
Hermione chuckled. “For the most part. They find it funny to leave Arithmantic puzzles on my desk with silly rhymes and such.”
Harry grinned. “Sounds like they like you.”
“They do. How’s Ginny?”
“She’s been traveling so much with the Harpies, we hardly see each other.”
“Oh, Harry, I’m sorry!” Hermione told him.
He shrugged. “Thankfully the season is almost over.”
“I’m glad. It must be hard to not have her around.”
“You don’t know the half of it.”
At that point, Hermione noticed Severus come in. She hadn’t realized he was coming into town tonight. The man looked around, found an empty table, and settled himself in. He didn’t even glance her way. She worried her lip at that. Surely he’d seen her when he came in? Was he annoyed with her for some reason?
“Earth to Hermione…”
Her eyes snapped over to Harry. “Sorry.”
At that point, Rosmerta came over to the table. They quickly ordered and got back to their conversation.
“Sooo, how’s your love life?” Harry asked.
Hermione gave a pfft, blowing a stray hair out of her face. “What love life?”
“Oh, come on.” He motioned with his head over to Severus.
She shrugged. “I think things are going well, but then he does something like this, totally ignoring me. He’s hot and cold, and I’m really not sure what he wants.”
“Well, he’s not one to jump into something unless he’s sure that it will work out.”
Hermione’s eyes strayed to Harry’s. “That’s true. I keep trying to give him hints, but I have to admit, I feel much the same as he does about putting myself out there.”
Aurora Sinistra came into the pub. Glancing about, she waved at Severus. He rose as she came up to him. Leaning in, he grasped her hand and kissed her on the cheek. Hermione’s eyebrow shot up as she watched Severus smile at her and walk around to her part of the table, pulling out the chair for her. He took his seat, and they began to converse.
Hermione noted that Aurora seemed to be hanging on his every word. It was odd because she never did that.
“Hermione?” Harry called to her.
She started and looked back at him. “Sorry. I’ve just never seen Aurora glow like that.”
Harry looked over at Severus and Aurora. “They do seem to be quite into one another, don’t they?”
Hermione frowned.
“Hey, it’s probably just a friendly dinner. Maybe they’ve been best buds secretly for years.”
Hermione huffed. “I think I’d know if that was the case.”
“Don’t jump to conclusions, yeah?” Harry urged.
She signed. “You’re right. I won’t.”
Their dinner arrived and they set to eating for a bit. Hermione couldn’t keep her eyes off Severus and Aurora. They were laughing, and she was pretty sure they were flirting too. He winked at her–winked!
She turned away from them and looked back at Harry. “How’s Ron?”
He smirked. “He’s good. He’s very valuable in the department. His strategies are unparalleled.”
“Really? That’s brilliant! I’m so glad he’s doing well. He could probably send me an Owl now and then to let me know that.”
“Oy, Hermione, you’re being daft. When has Ron ever written an Owl?”
Hermione laughed. “That’s so true!”
“He talks about you all the time. He hopes you’re happy, even.”
“Amazing really. He couldn’t stand the sight of me for a while there.”
“No, he couldn’t, but he’s done a lot of growing.”
“Who is she?”
Harry laughed. “No, I’m serious, he has grown. He also is in a relationship with an Auror. They seem to be pretty serious.”
Hermione smiled. “That’s lovely. Tell him I hope he’s happy. Maybe it will instill in him the urge to put quill to parchment.”
“Dream on.”
They both chuckled at that before going back to their meals. Hermione glanced over at Severus and gasped. He was holding Aurora’s hand, and with his free hand, he was drawing circles on the top of her hand. They were staring at one another sultrily. He smirked at her, and she smirked back. Hermione frowned.
“That’s more than just friendship,” she said.
Harry looked over at the couple. “You’re right. Looks like flirting to me.”
“I can’t believe it. He… he…” She felt tears coming and blinked furiously.
Harry reached out and grabbed her hand. “Hey, if he’s going to be an arse, better to know now than after you’ve given up your heart.”
She looked at him with big eyes.
“Oh Merlin, you’ve gone and done that already, haven’t you?”
She nodded, but couldn’t speak. Harry’s arms were around her in seconds. “I’m sorry, Hermione. I thought things were going to work out.”
She fell into his arms and rested her head on his shoulder. She was crushed. She let him comfort her for a few minutes before pulling back.
“Can we just get out of here?”
“Of course! Let’s go get an ice cream, yeah?”
She nodded, and they both rose. Harry put money on the table to cover their bill. Hermione opened her mouth to protest, but his finger was in her face in a second.
“Don’t say a word. You can buy next time.”
She gave him a thankful smile. They turned and started walking out of the pub. Hermione glanced over at Severus and Aurora who were still thick as thieves. She stopped suddenly.
“I need to call him out on this,” she whispered to Harry. “He led me on.”
Harry gave her a concerned look, but she ignored him and turned, heading over to Severus’ table. She glanced at Aurora before looking directly at Severus.
“You know… you’ve been stringing me along for months now, paying attention to me, making it seem like you were interested. Did you enjoy it? Did you have a good laugh? You seemed to be interested in me, but it was all a lark with you, right? You’ve turned me into a fool, Severus Snape, making me think that perhaps something was happening between the two of us.”
“Excuse…”
She held up her hand to stop him. “No! You don’t get to speak. If you find Aurora more interesting than me, that’s fine, but the least you could do was say something!” Her lips thinned. “I know we have never spoken of these feelings, but I know you felt them. At least I thought you did.” She straightened proudly. “I guess I was mistaken.”
She wheeled around.
“Hermione!” Aurora called after her. She ignored her and stormed over to Harry, linking her arm with his, and pulled him out of the pub. She stormed down the lane, fuming.
“Hermione, stop for a second.”
She halted and turned to him. “What?”
“I just wanted you to know you were brilliant telling Snape off like that.”
She felt the tears coming. “I’m sorry, Harry. I have to go. Let’s meet up in a couple weeks again, yeah?”
Harry pulled her into a hug. “Let me know if you need anything.”
“I will.”
She spun and disappeared. Opening the school gates, she stormed along the pathway, slowly losing her steam and slowing somewhat. The tears she tried to keep from falling ignored her and ran down her cheeks.
She had a ball in the pit of her gut. She rubbed her stomach absently as she hurried along the path. Finally, she made it to the doors and threw them open. She hurried to her room, closing herself in. Heading straight to her bed, she curled into a ball on it.
The tears kept coming. She felt like such an idiot. No, Severus had never said he was interested, but he’d flirted with her--often!
Obviously, he never truly cared for her. She’d been foolish to hope that they would work out.
“Bastard!” she cried. “How am I even going to look at him again?”
Covering her head with the pillow she mourned the unrealized relationship that she’d hoped to have with Severus Snape.
***
Sebastian looked worriedly at Aurora. “That was Hermione Granger, wasn’t it? I recognized her from the papers.”
Aurora nodded. “Yes, it was. They've been dancing around each other for months.”
“You know Severus. He’s tentative. He was working up to asking her out.”
“And now she thinks you’re him, and we’re together.”
“Right in one. I have to fix this somehow. I’m sorry to cut this short, but I need to speak with my brother.”
“Of course. Sebastian, I had a lovely time. I’d be happy to see you again.”
Sebastian smirked at her. “I will Owl you later. The conference ends tomorrow. Perhaps you can come to London and we can have dinner there.”
Aurora smiled. “I would love that.”
He nodded and stood quickly, heading over to the bar.
“Excuse me. I need to make a Floo call. May I use your fireplace?”
“Severus, you know you can use anything you need to here. Go ahead.”
Sebastian gave her a quick nod as a thanks and hurried over to the fireplace. He stuck his head within it and called out to his brother’s residence. Severus was reading by the fire, so his call was quickly answered.
“Sebastian,” Severus called out. “I thought you were on your date.”
“May I come through? It’s urgent.”
“Of course.”
Severus moved away from the fireplace to let his brother pass through the Floo. Sebastian appeared quickly, brushing off the soot from his robes.
“Something has happened.”
Severus arched a brow at him.
“I was having a lovely time with Aurora. She’s brilliant. But I failed to notice that Harry Potter and Hermione Granger were eating together a couple of tables away. Severus, I didn’t know she was there, and I was somewhat affectionate with Aurora.”
“Shit.”
Sebastian nodded. “I didn’t know until she came up to us and chewed me out. She thinks I’m you, of course, and that I was toying with her, Severus. I tried to say something, but she wouldn’t let me get a word in, and then she just stalked off with Potter.”
“No, of course, she wouldn’t have let you speak. When she’s upset, she will not listen to anyone.”
“I’m sorry, Severus. Who would have thought she’d have been there? I should have had Aurora Apparate to London.”
Severus shook his head. “It’s all right. You had no idea. I need to fix this, though.” His eyebrows drew together as he thought. “Can you stay here? I’m going to go talk to her, but she may not believe me about you. You may need to make an appearance.”
“I’ll wait here. Please apologize to her if I’m not needed. I certainly didn’t mean for her to think you were unfaithful.”
Severus looked at his brother solemnly. He couldn’t be angry with him for being his doppelganger. After all, he’d kept him a secret from the world. If anything, it was his fault.
“I know,” he said finally. “I’ll send my Patronus if I need you.”
Sebastian nodded. Severus turned and headed for Hermione’s quarters. In a matter of minutes, he was standing before her room, rapping on her door. He waited, but she didn’t come to the door. He knocked again. No response.
“Hermione, please open the door,” He called loudly.
He waited but there was no response.
“Hermione, please don’t make me break through your wards. You know as Headmaster I can access any room within the castle.”
Hermione sighed. She got up quickly and wiped the tears from her face. Moving to the door, she finally opened it.
Severus looked at Hermione, who had obviously been crying. Her face was blotchy and her eyes were red.
“May I come in and explain.”
She stiffened. “I’d prefer you just left me alone, Severus.”
“Please, I promise you there’s a good reason for what you saw.”
“It all seemed very straightforward to me,” she ground out.
“I swear, Hermione. Please just let me explain.”
Her lips thinned as she thought. Finally, she gave a clipped nod and stepped aside so Severus could enter her quarters. He moved into the room and turned toward her. She folded her arms in front of her and glared at him.
“You see I… .” He hesitated before approaching her cautiously. “You see, Hermione… I am a twin.”
She laughed. “Good one, Severus. Just admit you’re attracted to Aurora. You know, if you’d just told me… I know nothing’s gone on between us, but it would have been polite to say something.”
“I swear to you, Hermione, I’m not joking about this.”
She gave him a wary look. “You have a twin. Does he only appear when you want to get out of trouble?”
“No! May he come through the Floo?”
Hermione was uncertain. She knew he was lying, but why would he be asking for her to meet this person he was claiming was his brother?
“Polyjuice is pretty easy to use.”
“Hermione… please?”
Biting her lower lip, she gave a quick nod. Severus sent his Patronus away to summon Sebastian. Within a few minutes, he was stepping through the Floo. Hermione looked at him skeptically.
“May I present my brother, Sebastian Prince.”
“Sebastian Prince. Really, Severus. Who is that? Is it Lucius Malfoy? He’d be amenable to getting you out of trouble.”
“Miss Granger, I am Severus’ Twin.”
“If you’re really his ‘twin’” She used her fingers to form quotation marks, “where have you been all his life?”
Sebastian looked over at Severus. “We were separated at birth. Our illustrious father didn’t want to deal with two babies. Thankfully, my mother’s cousin offered to take and raise me. I was raised in Sweden attending Durmstrang for school. I now live in Italy.”
“Well, that’s all well and good–a very pat explanation–but why all the subterfuge? Why does no one know who you are?”
“That was my request,” Severus interjected. “We didn’t see much of each other except during summers. As you know, I’m not one to volunteer information, so no one at Hogwarts knew that I was a twin during my school years. When I joined the Death Eaters, I didn’t want anyone to know of his existence because I understood that family was not only a liability, but his life could be in danger.”
But the war’s been over for years.”
“And I hate the press and attention. It was just easier to keep our relationship quiet.”
Sebastian spoke then. “It was easier to not tell anyone. Severus is right. The press would have a field day. I’m sure you know that. I’ve seen your name in the papers often.”
Hermione blew a stray curl out of her face. “Yes, it’s frustrating, but that still doesn’t prove you’re not some Polyjuiced person trying to pull a fast one on me.”
“Hermione, why would I spin such a tale? Yes, I’m in trouble, but I’m not one to just make up stories to get out of trouble.”
Hermione gave Severus a skeptical look as she thought about what he’d just said. She approached Sebastian warily and glared. “How do I know you’re not Polyjuiced?” she repeated.
“Well, we could wait an hour and see,” he offered sarcastically.
Hermione arched a brow, “Geez, you sounded so much like Severus just then, snark and all.” She looked him up and down. “Is there anything you can say to convince me?”
Sebastian looked at Severus.
“She knows Legilimency,” Severus said. “You could show her enough to convince her.”
Sebastian turned to Hermione and arched a brow. “I assume if I let you use Legilimency you will be discreet with anything you see.”
Hermione straightened and nodded her agreement.
“Very well.”
She pointed her wand at him. “Legilimens,” she called out and was in his mind immediately. He showed her memories of their childhood. Severus and him playing as eight-year-olds. The two of them getting together before each went to school, wishing the other well. Severus saying he was looking forward to having real friends.
She pulled out of his mind immediately. “I believe you. You two were pretty cute as kids.”
Sebastian chuckled. “I think we’re both pretty cute still.”
Her eyes strayed to Severus’. “I’m sorry I doubted you,” she told him. “I hope you can understand why I’d not believe you right away.”
“I do.” He studied her face before continuing.”Hermione, I would never treat you so callously. I–I care about you. I should have done something more about it sooner, but… I just wanted to be sure that the feeling was mutual.”
Hermione huffed. “It is.”
“Forgive me?” he said as he moved up to her.
“Severus, there’s nothing to forgive. You didn’t know I was planning on heading to Hogsmeade.”
“I swear, if I had I would have told you. I can’t imagine what went through your head.”
“She thought you were a total cad,” Sebastian offered.
“I did.”
“Hermione, I’m so sorry.”
She only nodded.
He got a determined look. “I should have done this ages ago.” His hand came up and cupped her cheek. Moving forward he captured her lips.
Hermione gasped as she realized he was finally kissing her. She opened to him as he worshiped her mouth. She moaned into him.
As they kissed, a blue glow enveloped them. A gust of wind came and swirled around them. Sebastian looked on, his mouth dropping open. When Severus and Hermione pulled apart, he spoke.
“Brother, she’s your soulmate.”
“I know.”
Hermione looked at him curiously. “What do you mean, you know?”
“I’ve known for months now.”
“How?” Sebastian asked.
Severus smirked at his brother. “Mr. Filch had carted in a box of items he’d confiscated from students, asking me what I wanted him to do with it. Sitting on top of the pile was a Witch Weekly magazine. On the cover it declared you could find your soulmate with a simple spell.
“I did it just to prove it was nothing but bunk. Basically, you cast the spell at a mirror, and a reflection of your soul mate shows in the mirror. Imagine my shock when Hermione was looking back at me.”
“Certainly you didn’t believe some article in a teen magazine?” Sebastian huffed.
“Of course not. I’m not a fool.”
“Obviously not, Brother. So what did you do?”
Severus glanced at Hermione. “I researched. I spent almost a day in the library. I found a potion that induced a vision of your soulmate, and there you were again. After that, I decided to get closer to you. I wanted you to want to be with me before I made any move. I thought you might run if I just up and kissed you, revealing us to be soulmates.”
Hermione laughed. “Well, I think I would have been surprised, but I wouldn’t have run! It makes sense, Severus. We have a lot of the same interests, and have always been able to have deep conversations.”
“I just… wanted you to be sure.”
Sebastian came up to Severus and grasped his arm. “Severus, you deserve something like this.”
Severus turned to Sebastian. “I am pleased. I wanted to be sure it would work out.” Severus smirked before looking at Hermione. “Are you sure about this, then?”
“Severus,” Hermione offered. “I’ve felt so close to you lately. I can see us being soulmates. Do you doubt it?”
“I just want you to be happy.”
“And finding my soulmate… I mean, why wouldn’t I be ecstatic about that?”
He guffawed. “Because it’s me.”
Hermione reached up and caressed his cheek. “I wouldn't want it any other way.”
Sebastian cleared his throat. “I think I’ll leave you two to discuss this in more depth.” He wiggled his eyebrows seductively.
Hermione chuckled, and Severus shook his head at his brother. He turned and pulled him into a hug.
“It was good seeing you, Brother. We should try to visit more often.”
“I agree. You should come to Italy. You always say you’re meaning to, but you never do.”
Hermione leaned in toward Sebastian. “I’ll make sure he does, and soon.”
“See? She’s good for you, Severus.”
Severus chuckled. “That is an understatement. Happy voyage home, Sebastian.”
His brother bowed his head slightly in acknowledgment. “Thank you.” He hesitated for a second. “I was going to see if Aurora would meet me in London tomorrow night. We were enjoying ourselves before I realized what trouble I’d gotten you into. Why don’t you and Hermione join us for dessert?”
Severus looked at Hermione. She grinned and nodded.
“Let me know where and when, Brother. We’ll meet you in London.”
“I’ll let you know.”
Sebastian made his way to the Floo and soon had thrown in the Floo powder and disappeared.
Hermione looked after him at the fireplace. She turned back to Severus. “I can’t believe you have an identical twin.”
“Oh, I don’t want to talk about him anymore. Come here, my soulmate.”
He enveloped her in his arms, closing his eyes and just enjoying her nearness. “I wasn’t sure if this would really happen,” he murmured as his heart went out to her, thankful that she was now his.
She leaned back a little so she could look into his eyes. “But you knew we were soulmates. Why did you even doubt it?”
His eyes met hers, and his lips thinned. “Because little works out for me in life. I was the brother who got stuck living in hell while Sebastian wanted for nothing. I was an outcast, even in a school where I should have belonged. I mixed with the wrong crowd and paid for it all my life.” He huffed. “I suppose you could say I expect to fail when it comes to earning happiness.”
Hermione reached up and ran her fingers through his hair. “You don’t have to feel that way anymore, Severus.”
He smirked at her. “Hopefully, this is the start of a long line of things that will bring me happiness.”
“I’m sure it will be.”
Leaning up, she kissed him. He took control and plundered her mouth. Finally, pulling away, he gave her a smoldering look.
“Thank you,” he murmured.
She arched a brow in question.
“For accepting me for me.”
“I’d have you no other way.”
The End