25.

Snape transfigured a bookcase into a loveseat and patted the cushion nearest his chair. "Draco, come have a seat next to me where I can keep an eye on you."

Draco strode rigidly across the room and sat with great fixity. He avoided all eyes.

Snape noticed the boy's deep nervousness. "Lockhart, why don't you stop crowding Mr. Weasley and come sit next to Draco. I'm sure you will find the company much more pleasurable."

Lockhart gave a start, but ambled over to the small couch. He sat leisurely next to Draco on the narrow sofa, their thighs brushing. Draco began to fidget.

Snape asked amiably, "Draco, what brings you to my modest home today of all days?"

Draco looked directly into Snape's eyes, "I-I need your help, sir."

Lucius stepped forward, "Help? Nothing you could ask of your dear father?" His eyes bored into his son's skull.

"It's about... about... "

Snape thought very quick. "You still want me to write a letter of recommendation to give your customers?"

Draco looked at the man with gratitude, "Uh, yes, sir. If you please. Being as I'm starting out, it would ease their minds, I'm sure."

Lucius scoffed, "Letter of recommendation? He doesn't need it! He has his father's money and connections. Draco! We are leaving."

The doorbell rang.

Ron grumbled petulantly, "Guess it's my turn." He went to the door and opened it.

Hermione Granger had her wand out, aimed at Ron's head, "Expelliarmus!" she shouted throwing Ron back and into a wall.

Everyone jumped to their feet. Snape silently Accio'd all of the wands as he abruptly turned and pushed Draco behind Lockhart. Snape gave a slight twist of his wrist and the wands disappeared. He then strode out into the hallway, glimpsed the unconscious Ron in a puddle and walked up to Miss Granger.

Hermione was in shock. "I-I thought it was... "

Snape grabbed the wrist of her wand hand and directed it harmlessly away. He then put his other arm around her and drew her tight against him. He kissed her.

Hermione was being kissed and she didn't know what for. It wasn't the kiss of a boy, all slobbery and unsure. It was the kiss of a man, a wizard. It was passionate, warm, controlling, yet tender. She wanted to run her hands through Lockhart's tresses. She brought her hand up, but Snape grabbed that wrist and directed it away, too. She felt her resistance let go and kissed him back deeply. A small groan escaped her as he ended the moment and stepped away.

"Forgive me?" Snape stage-whispered to her.

Hermione's mouth fell open. First she'd been shocked she had hexed Ron, now she was shocked that she'd been kissed by Professor Snape. He stepped in close to her and spoke very quietly into her ear, "play along for your safety or I shall eviscerate your Mr. Lockhart. Oh, and, Miss Granger, close your mouth as you are not a codfish."

He stepped back and drew her along with him into the living room. He magicked his chair a little wider, sat and pulled her down next to him. Well, she was not exactly next to him as practically in his lap. He drew her tight against his shoulder, lifted her palm to give it a kiss and placed her hand on his bare chest.

Hermione still overwhelmed by the turn of events, was mortified and speechless sitting as she was on the professor's lap. His arm was about her, snugging her against his body. None of her boyfriends had ever been as intimate with her as this was. And in front of other people! Her hand was fully pressed against his alabaster chest. She glimpsed scar tissue and puncture wounds and turned away as she became crimson from embarrassment. She began to look about. They were all staring at her, all except for Draco who looked at the rug.

Harry and McGonagall were assisting a limp Ron into a chair while frowning at her. Lucius was glaring at her from across the room. Lockhart seemed bemused, giving her a sly smile.

McGonagall pursed her lips disapprovingly at seeing Miss Granger on Mister Snape's lap. She had to get the girl away from him. "Miss Granger! We have been concerned about your safety. You have many people worried about you."

"Con-concerned about me? How-how did you know?" Hermione wondered why, if McGonagall knew she'd been attacked in the library, why hadn't she done something?

"How could we not with Mister Snape taking off with you as he did. Now child," Minerva stood and came forward holding out her hand, "I am certain you wish to come with me back to Hogwarts."

Snape spoke with disdain, "She's not under a spell, Professor McGonagall. Why don't you examine her for magic?" Hermione felt the vibration of Snape's deep voice through her hand. She felt her girlish parts heat.

Snape made Minerva's wand appear and handed it to her. "Of course, you will need your wand to test for... malevolence."

Minerva stood directly in front of Snape's chair, blocking Lucius from their view. She took her wand and passed it over the girl's body with several diagnostic spells. She raised her eyes and locked with Snape's, instantly seeing the day's events unfold. She saw his argument with Miss Granger. Snape receiving his letter from Mr. Filch's solicitor. Snape receiving the rejection from Shacklebolt and the odd conversation he had with Mr. Malfoy before her arrival. She saw everything through Snape's eyes. Snape watching Lucius carefully, probing why Mr. Malfoy was so inquisitive as to Snape's relationship with Miss Granger.

Minerva broke contact and looked at Hermione. "You're under no spell that I can detect, Miss Granger. She went back to her seat and sat with her wand still out, "I suppose we could have some champagne to toast your engagement?"

"Of course, Professor McGonagall." Snape snapped his fingers and bottles and glasses appeared on a table. He turned to Lockhart with a smirk, "would you be so good as to pour, I am reluctant to release my grip as yet."

Lockhart grinned at Hermione perched on Snape's lap. He rose and began uncorking bottles.

Lucius snapped, "Severus, I am sorry for having interrupted your evening. Perhaps we can continue another day? Draco! We are leaving."

"I believe Draco would wish to stay awhile and enjoy the company of his friends." Snape drawled casually, "I will ensure the boy's safety."

McGonagall tensed at the inflection. She looked back and forth between the two men.

Lucius walked up to Snape and looked down his nose at him. "I believe you have something that belongs to me, Severus." Lucius thrust out his palm, "my wand!"

Snape apparated it and handed it slowly to Lucius. Lucius grasped one end, but Snape did not release the tip. He said, "How inconsiderate of me to take what belongs to you, Lucius."

Lucius clenched his teeth, tugged lightly at his wand and Snape let go. Both wizards evaluated each other and then Lucius left in a flurry.

The front door slammed, jarring Ron back into consciousness. Snape snapped at Hermione, "Get off my lap!"

"Wha-what?" She mumbled, surprised at another turn of events.

Snape spoke through his tight lips, "I said, Miss Granger, get off of my lap!"

Hermione stood hesitantly.

Minerva patted the seat next to her, "My dear, Miss Granger, come sit with me."

Draco looked at Snape with pleading eyes, "Sir, I-I need to talk to you."

"Is this not something the Deputy Headmistress should hear?"

Draco was resigned. He was going to Azkaban for attempted rape. He nodded as tears began running down his cheeks. Snape and McGonagall stood and walked Draco into Snape's study. They shut, warded and muffled the door.

Harry was in the corner, filling-in Ron on what had happened. Lockhart carried two flutes over to Hermione. "Miss Granger," he proffered her a very full glass.

She took the alcohol and downed half of it in a gulp.

Lockhart was smirking at her, "steady, steady. We've a long night yet ahead."

Hermione lowered her glass and wiped a bead of wine from her lip. "I've already had a long day. Like you wouldn't believe."

Lockhart tapped her gently on the knee. "Don't worry, Miss Granger. There's nothing Minerva and Severus can't put right. Leave it to them to settle things out."

Ron and Harry joined them. Ron blurted, "You! You hexed me!"

"I-I thought you were Professor Snape."

"Sorry? Bleedin' hell, 'Mione! What kind of a relationship do you two have? He flirts with Miss Filch, is in love with Ginny and you go about tryin' to hex him?!"

Hermione shook her head, "what do you mean, in love with Ginny?"

Harry spoke up, "that's right, Hermione. Mr. and Mrs. Weasley told me that I was not allowed to see Ginny anymore. They're going to sign a contract for her with Snape."

"Professor Snape, Harry, and that's impossible!"

Lockhart laughed, "why the old crup! I didn't know he was such a lothario." Lockhart nudged Hermione in the arm, "tell me, Miss Granger, how was that snog? I've always wondered... "

Hermione, Ron and Harry gave Lockhart odd looks.

"Well, well, uh, I... "

Hermione was saved her answer as Snape and McGonagall returned. McGonagall resumed her seat and was handed a flute by Lockhart. Snape fell back into his chair, nearly exhausted from his day.

Lockhart noted Draco did not return. "Is the boy alright, Severus?"

"No, but he will be with some rest." He picked up his glass, topped it and drank it full down. "Draco is going to stay here for awhile."

Harry, Ron and Hermione gaped.

Minerva picked up Hermione's hand in hers. "Miss Granger, speaking as the Deputy Headmistress, I would like you to stay at your parent's home, at least until the start of the semester."

"But, but, why?"

"No, that will not do, Minerva." Snape sat pensive with his glass, "Miss Granger's parents will offer little protection."

"Pro-protection from whom?"

"Mr. Malfoy dear." Minerva looked very sad at the young lady.

Harry burst out, "why would Mr. Malfoy want to hurt Hermione?"

"Mr. Malfoy has serious problems, Mr. Potter. We do not have hard evidence against him. Nothing which could be used at the Wizengamot. Mister Snape and I definitely agree staying at Hogwarts would not be advisable. It is too large and there are not enough people to protect you."

Snape spoke tersely, "the girl should stay here."

"Severus, you know that would be improper."

"As Miss Granger and I are already involved in an affair, how could it be?!" Snape glared at Hermione and she dropped her eyes. "Besides, Lucius would expect her to be here." He paused, leaned his head back and closed his eyes. He gave a long sigh, "it's what Lucius would do... Death Eaters are not known for their proprieties."

Minerva worried and looked from Hermione to Snape. She didn't like the idea of this at all.

Snape continued with his eyes shut, "as I am unemployed, I will be able to guard Miss Granger continuously. When the semester starts, we can re-evaluate the situation. However, if Miss Granger continues to stay here, Miss Ginny can either come here for her lessons or Miss Granger could accompany me to The Burrow. I will escort Miss Granger between classes."

Harry said, "if 'Mione's in that much danger, Ron and I will do the escorting!"

Snape looked at him with disdain, "you two?! Don't make me laugh! You have done nothing, but endanger Miss Granger's life. If it wasn't for me- "

Minerva shouted, "enough! Enough!" She turned to Harry. "On this I must agree with Severus, Mr. Potter. You have your Auror training. Mr. Weasley has to work at the shop. Severus is the only one with the time to spare."

Snape smirked at Minerva's jab.

"However," she turned back to Snape, "I disagree that it is fitting for an unattached wizard and an unattached witch to live together. Miss Granger's parents would not approve, Severus."

Snape turned to Lockhart. "Lockhart! Why don't you stay here as a chaperon?"

Lockhart nearly dropped his glass. "Stay here? Chaperon you two?" He wavered his finger between Hermione and Snape.

Harry burst out, "stay here? What happens when he wants to snog Ginny?"

Snape looked stupefied, "have you gone mad?! You have clearly been confounded, Mr. Potter. Why would I ever want to snog Miss Weasley? I have no interest in the girl."

Harry and Ron exchanged a look. Ron spoke out, "because my parents expect you're signing a marriage contract for her."

"I comprehend your parents, being Weasleys, have a difficult time functioning in everyday life, but where would they ever have lit on the notion I am interested in marrying your sister?"

"Because you offered to help her... tutor her free. A whole semester. They said you're in love with her, because... "

Snape gazed at the boy with little patience, "because why, Mr. Weasley?"

"Because... because she looks so much like... you know." Ron dropped his eyes, but indicated Harry with his head.

Snape looked over at Harry. He was instantly furious with understanding and leapt to his feet. "Your parents, Mr. Weasley, are perhaps the stupidest wizards I have ever known! How they even managed to breed you and your siblings is beyond any comprehension!" He strode quickly to the doorway. He turned, apparated their wands and flung them outwards to them.

"I will return when I have settled this problem. In the meantime, I expect Lockhart and Miss Granger to have their things brought here." He stormed out leaving a quiet room in his wake.