Disclaimer: You know the drill – nothing is mine, I remain poor.

A/N: Some people complained about Snape and Hermione sleeping together so soon and I realized it was a bit rushed. Thus, I will let their bodies grow and each other get used to each other first. Plus, I did NOT want this to be child porn since due to the soul bond, Hermione is legally an adult and she will get a growth spurt soon, a big one. Also, Snape will get a bit younger so he doesn't die of old age by the time Hermione is old enough. Anyhow, here's the next chapter and don't forget to review if you enjoyed it!

P.S. There is a Game of Thrones reference somewhere in this chapter so see if you can spot it and I will give you a virtual cookie, lol! :)

CHAPTER 2: New Bond, New Rooms

Severus Snape couldn't help but crack a weary smile when he felt the elation emanate from his Bond Mate. In fact, he felt himself grow happy at the announcement. Needless to say, his reaction shocked everyone into silence. They had never, EVER seen him smile. That a Muggleborn girl did it with a fluke of magic was enough to silence any theories that might have sprouted.

"Professors," Hermione said nervously. "I am feeling exhausted from the attack. Can Severus and I retire to our quarters?"

"Pardon, me but our quarters?" Severus scowled, earning some soft chuckles from the gathering.

"Fine, yours," Hermione grumbled. "It wouldn't do to have Severus sleep with me in the girls' dormitory I should think."

Severus turned a bright shade of red and everyone else couldn't stop themselves from bursting into a loud guffaw.

"If you don't feel comfortable about having Ms. Granger in your rooms," Dumbledore said merrily after everyone calmed down. "I believe we have some spare quarters somewhere that would be perfect for this situation. The quarters are two bedrooms that link to one common room. There is a shared bathroom unfortunately but you can take turns if you wish. The bedrooms can be altered to look however you wish even like the school dorms if it makes you feel more comfortable, Ms. Granger. I never knew why they existed but now they might come in handy."

"That is acceptable," Severus said. "I wouldn't feel comfortable allowing Ms. Granger into my private chambers just yet. There are some things there that could be dangerous to her: Potion experiments and such-like."

Minerva rolled her eyes sarcastically, clearly not believing that those dangerous objects were lab experiments. They well could have been experiments but from an ex-Death Eater were probably far darker than mere potion testing.

"Are you sure it is wise to let them share a room, Headmaster?" Minerva voiced. "What if the Potions Master took advantage of the situation?"

"Please!" Snape hissed. "I know you loath me but I lasted for many years without a sexual partner and never sought one out. Thus, what is the probability of me attempting to rape my Bond Mate when the magic dictates we must have sex as soon as is physically possible?"

Minerva blushed bright red and Poppy chuckled. Hermione smirked at Minerva and patted Severus gently on the leg.

"Professor Snape won't be taking advantage of me," Hermione chided. "And if he does it would be because I allowed him to. Is that good enough for you?"

"Very well," Minerva sighed. "I am merely trying to look out for one of my lionesses, is all. I wouldn't want you to go through a fate worse than death. Although you might already be suffering such a destiny."

The couple just glared at her and Minerva had the decency to relent her stance and look away, albeit sadly.

"Well then," Dumbledore said. "We have stayed in this wreck for long enough! Allow me to guide you to your new quarters and then I will have the House-elves clean up this mess. It simply would not do to have a troll rot away in the ladies' bathroom, now would it?"

Hermione and Severus shook their heads and Minerva sighed loudly much to their annoyance. Poppy merely smiled cheekily at them and followed the Headmaster. Seconds after Dumbledore and the healer left the room, Minerva had Severus pinned to the wall with her wand digging into his neck. Hermione yelped in surprise and stared fearfully at the clash.

"I hear one bad report and I will feed you to the Dementors myself!" Minerva growled. "I will not have you messing around with my charges, you understand?"

"Professor, please!" Hermione begged and Minerva relented begrudgingly pulling back and letting Snape drop to the ground.

The Potions Master fell on his bum and gasped for breath, nodding angrily at Minerva who smirked primly at him and stalked off. Hermione rushed over to Snape and helped him up, crushing him in a hug. Snape wrapped his arms around her and stroked her hair softly in an attempt to comfort her. He then took her hand in his and they hastened to follow the Professors. After a short trip through the halls, the gathering arrived at a dead-end and stood in front of a magical painting that depicted a warm crackling hearth.

"The password is 'Winter is Coming'," Dumbledore said softly and as he said the words, the fire died down and was replaced by gusts of icy breeze and darkness.

Hermione squirmed uncomfortably as Dumbledore pushed his way through the portrait hole that was designed to look like a tunnel that led through the now empty fire-place. The gathering followed him through and was pleasantly surprised to see what lay beyond the sinister-looking entrance. It was a small but cozy chamber with a large real fire-place with a mantelpiece decorated with miniature figurines of dragons, griffons, centaurs, satyrs, krakens, fairies, mermaids, wizards, goblins, and giants.

Opposite the fireplace were a couple of plush comfy-looking sofas that practically begged to be sat on. One wall of the room was covered in a book shelf filled with books both magical and, surprisingly enough, Muggle much to Hermione's delight. The young girl squealed with joy and raced over to the miniature library causing all the adults to chuckle at her antics. There was a small corner table with two chairs in one corner and two doors on the other wall. All sorts of interesting magical paintings and tapestries decorated the wall ranging from graceful ancient castles to wizard battles and knights charging on white stallions.

There were two doors on one wall: One green and the other golden. Snape went to the green door that had snake-like handles and Hermione went to the golden door that had lion-face knockers for handles. Hermione entered her room and was pleasantly surprised to find a four-poster bed with drapes, another large library, a chest and dresser with a large mirror for her things, and another door to a bathroom suite with a bathtub and all the accessories.

Snape had a good room too, by his standards at least. There was a two-person bed (without the four posters and drapes however), a desk for writing, a chest and wardrobe for storage, a few bubbling cauldrons here and there and a nice small book-case with tomes about potions and ingredients. There was also another clean, lab-like table with a chopping board and other utensils clearly for making potions much to his delight. His bathroom was different however in that it was smaller and had a shower-stall instead of a tub among other appliances. Both rooms had hearths and candles for light and warmth.

Both residents were happy with their accommodations and turned back to Dumbledore to thank him only to find that they were alone in their quarters. The sound of the crackling fire was all that could be heard as they sat in the common room, quietly contemplating their state and stealing glances at each other when they thought the other wasn't looking. Finally, Severus had enough and stood up stretching wearily and uttering a large yawn.

"I believe I shall retire to bed," He sighed. "You are welcome to join me if you so please. I shan't force you. Goodnight, Granger."

"It's Hermione," The girl said quietly.

Severus smiled and nodded quietly.

"Goodnight Hermione," He said and strode off to his chambers.

"Goodnight, Professor Snape," Hermione said quietly and headed off to her bedroom for the night eager but nervous for their new life together.

To be continued...