Hermione observed the heavy sky and tucked her legs under her. It was nine in the morning, but she had woken up since six from a terrible nightmare, which she hardly remembered. It took her several anxious moments to remember where she was and then a wave of relief washed over her.

-and how is it possible not to feel relief?-

The Professor had searched for her, despite the compromising situation she had placed him in and brought her once more to his home. As he explained over that promised cup of tea last night, he found her trace easily and followed it to her. Then with his calm and collected manner, he convinced her that there was no reason to run and hide anymore. That the best way out of this was to face them. She hesitantly agreed, soothed as she was by the warm brew and the cozy fire. When he offered her a quilt to cocoon herself with she promised to face the Wizengamot. After that his face lines visibly softened and she knew that she was doing the right thing….if not for her then at least for him. His reputation was wounded already now that he was hiding a fugitive of the law. Maybe she could fix things if she faced her nemesis and choose a partner from all these applications.

After the call of the Wizengamot came the days flew with her becoming a sensitive bundle of nerves and Severus being mostly away from the house. Both offering her the needed privacy and working overtime in the Underworld. She asked him one more time if he applied for her and he didn't answer. She saw how his features darkened upon that question and he looked absolutely uncomfortable when she brought it up. Therefore she resigned upon her fate….she would choose Neville since he was the safest option.

As for the Professor, he reassured her that despite his indecisiveness about the application, he would be there for her, at the hearing. His quiet ways really made her confused…and disconcert her. She was not used to Snape acting like this. She had known him for years for his acerbic nature and dry humor. He was the closed up, shadowy demon that loomed in the darkest corners of Hogwarts, ready to pounce at the unsuspecting students. He had a sharp tongue that wounded deeply and a regard that could freeze your very soul. Yet, somehow the man who had involved himself in her recent predicament seemed so different.

She couldn't even understand why he got entangled into her mess in the first place. Was there a deeper reason behind all this? Did he approach her, because he felt an obligation to protect a former comrade as he said?

She shook her head and her brow creased.

Her thoughts once more were running amok and the two cups of tea she had sipped hungrily hadn't helped at all. As the time of the hearing approached her nervousness was becoming rather acute. She felt like she was balancing at the edge of thorns and nobody could get her out of this situation apart from her…..-unless he decides to apply for me-

There was that idiotically feeble voice again, begging for someone to come and save her. She had always been an independent girl, taking care of others as well as herself. She grew up to be an equally independent woman. She never needed a man to save her. So what was up with that? Why did she felt so much annoyance when -Severus- looked so uncomfortable even at the suggestion of applying for the Marriage Law? Was the idea of getting married to a former student so abhorring? Maybe she was the problem…Granger…Potter's best friend…the know-it-all, the one that Snape never appreciated or even liked.

-Yet now he acts so differently towards me-

This confusion…this uncertainty was infuriating. She barely knew him as a man and what she was seeing now seemed to be very different from the personality that had broken her spirit one too many times in the past. As for herself…well…she was angering herself even more than the Professor did. Why was the thought of his application making her heart flutter? Why was that thought soothing her? Why was his denial causing her nervousness and a vague trace of anger?

-Because you like the way he treats you-

She sighed deeply and closed her eyes. All this was becoming too much for her. The improper images, the confusing thoughts, the nervousness of her hearing…the uncertainty of her situation. Everything was weighing heavily upon her.

How she wished to remain in his house today. If only she wasn't forced to face the Wizengamot and the gruesome possibility to pick Neville. If only she could forget who Severus had been once upon another lifetime and allow herself to know him from the start….

-Tabula rasa-

In her overactive imagination she could do all of that, but on the wake of the new day, all her determination came down in a pile of rubble. That left her feeling rather apprehensive, with cold extremities and a painful knot in her stomach. On one hand she wished for him to keep on sleeping so she could have an excuse to miss her hearing. On the other she prayed for him to wake up.

-wake up…wake up….wake up…-

After a few nervous moments were she counted under her breath she looked at the clock and saw that it was close to chiming ten. She had to act like an adult even though she didn't want to. She couldn't hide under the quilt and wait for everything to go away. He told her that running away wasn't going to help anyone.

She inhaled deeply and pushed herself up. After a momentary indecision she walked to his room and opened the door gently. The room was dark, but she was able to see his silhouette on the bed. She gritted her teeth and took up courage before tiptoeing next to him. He was sleeping soundly, his breath was calm and his features were soft and untroubled. Her eyes fell to his temple were she saw a small vein pulsating. She sat carefully next to him and raised her eyes to his tangled hair that were hiding his face. He looked so youthful whilst sleeping…much less reserved. She touched his shoulder lightly. "Severus? Wake up." She whispered.

He remained unmovable.

She felt her hand coming up to his forehead and looked at it with dread as it pushed aside some silver tendrils that were covering his cheek. Her eyes fell to his bruised chin. He never told her what he did to earn that.

She twisted her lips and the ball of her finger touched the bruise softly enough not to wake him up, but hard enough to awaken her own skin by the coarseness of his stubble. Who in the name of Merlin would have the nerve to raise a hand against this man? It was not as if Severus was an easy target. His height and strong built were enough to keep most foes away and if that failed he had his nasty reputation to do the rest of the work…not to mention the dark depths to which he had taken his magic…

-Maybe he allowed this to be done to him….-

She scowled at the thought. "Severus? Are you awake? Please wake up, I need you to wake up…" To her relief she saw his eyes opening.

He cleared his throat and frowned. "What's wrong?"

A small smile toyed upon her lips. "I am sorry I woke you up."

He rubbed his eyes with a yawn that appeared so unhindered. "No problem. What time is it?"

"Time to start preparing, if you are still sure that you wish to accompany me to the hearing …" she felt the knot in her stomach winding around cruelly.

"Of course I am. Did you sleep at all?" He sat up and rubbed his temples.

Her fingers clutched each other tensely. "Not really. I woke up at six."

He looked at her. "And you remained awake?"

She nodded.

"What have you been doing all this time? Overthinking?" He asked.

"That and also observing you…" She pressed her lips.

He chuckled. "I've never been sleep studied before…"

"You are a quiet sleeper, which was rather unexpected."

"Where you expecting me to be sleeping upside down, hanging from the ceiling?" He smirked and stood up.

She felt the laugh surfacing, but her anxiety pushed it back down again. What came out was a mixture of a cough and a sob.

He looked at her with a scowl. "My humor doesn't suit you it seems."

She shook her head. "No, I am just not feeling very well Severus…"

He approached and made an attempt to touch her shoulder in an effort to comfort her. She need that so badly, yet her defenses somehow messed everything up. "No please, I'd rather you didn't." She felt defeated by her own words and wished she could take them back the moment she uttered them.

He didn't seem offended. "Tell me what ails you." He asked quietly.

"I suppose everything." She cringed.

He raised his brow. "Everything?"

"I really don't want to go to the Wizengamot today…" She flinched.

"I told you my opinion, but the final decision shall be yours. I won't lift your magical trace until you tell me so, but remember that a lot of people got involved in this mess and a lot of people will be exposed if this doesn't come to a closure soon. Above all though it will be you who will suffer the most."

"Are you talking about your job? I know Severus and you cannot believe how sorry I am to have brought this upon you…" She hurried.

"I settled my business with the Minister, don't worry. I was talking about your friend Potter and the whole Auror force for that matter. The Minister is onto them, because they have been covering your misdemeanors for several years. You want something done right by someone? Do it for you and then for your friends." His eyes were penetrating.

She felt her mouth drying out. "This is probably the first time in my life that I am afraid to face a difficulty…"

"Apart from the troll that run rampart during your first year in school of course. That one managed to send a freezing spell over the famously brilliant Granger." He smirked.

She closed her eyes and exhaled. Then a ghostly smile appeared and she nodded.

He got serious. "The government is forcing you either into marriage or in exile. You think I don't understand how you feel?"

"You'd be terrified too?" She raised her brows.

"Most definitely. However having to marry one of your best friends, just to put a blindfold over the eyes of the judicial system, so you can get on with your business is not the worst thing that can happen to you." He continued nonchalantly.

She exhaled hard.

"The end justifies the means, correct? You are not ready to give up the fight yet, are you?" He resumed softly.

"No I am not. Besides I haven't forgotten that I might get an opportunity to learn a few things about the inner workings of the Keepers after I get my license and my wand back." Her face mellowed.

"You hurry too much on that front." He warned.

She pouted.

He smirked and walked towards the bathroom.

She followed him with a deep scowl staining her features. "Do you think the Wizengamot is going to question me about the alleyway incident?"

"Most definitely they will." He pushed the door, but didn't close it completely.

She heard the water running. "And you are going to advise me to tell them the truth."

"You became a hero that day for all Muggle-born women. If that girl fails to come as your witness, then I shall take her place." He opened the door and walked out.

Hermione pulled her loose sweater up to her chin and cleared her throat. "Thank you, that means a lot." -She followed him to the door of his bedroom, but didn't enter. She turned around to offer him the privacy he needed- "Severus?" She murmured after a few moments.

"Yes?" His voice came muffled.

"I am really sorry for becoming such a nuisance." She lowered her eyes and begun nibbling her lips.

"What do you mean?"

"I am sorry I kept bugging you to apply for me. That was not only inappropriate due to our previous professional relationship, but it must have also been rather embarrassing for you." She flinched and rubbed her eyes.

He walked out and stood in front of her. He was dressed in black from head to toe and his presence was a little more than imposing. "There is no harm done." His smile seemed genial.

She exhaled in relief and followed him to the kitchen. "I don't even know how I can explain my reasoning behind all that persistence. It is not like me to act this way."

"I know. You are in a vulnerable position. Your actions are excused. Now stop overthinking for we have a rather difficult day ahead of us."

She covered her eyes. "You sound so calm…so…so understanding."

"I understand more than you can image young lady….and I am here to give you my assistance, despite of the impossibility of our… situation." His eyes showed an unmistakable intensity despite him stumbling at the last word.

-Our situation…my situation…how did I get myself in so deep?-

Suddenly she felt her knees unlocking and all her suppressed emotions hurried to the surface. She grabbed the counter to stop herself from collapsing.

He cringed, confused as to how he should act. Not long ago she asked him to keep his distance. "Tell me how to help you." He said finally.

"If I tell you to hold me will you do it?" She mumbled and wiped her runny nose with the back of her hand.

"Sometimes you are confusing me. I don't know what I am allowed to do around you. Hug you or stay away?" He scowled.

She looked at him and took a step closer. Then wordlessly her arms slipped under his armpits and grasped his shoulder-blades tightly. She leaned her head on his chest. She didn't answer.

"Am I allowed to hug you back?" He asked.

She pressed her lips angrily. "Yes please!"

His arms came around her surprisingly heavy and she allowed the heat of his body to soothe her.

"Am I allowed to caress your hair, without fearing you are going to bite my fingers off?" His voice was reserved.

"YES!" She barked and felt another bout of tears coming.

"Fine…Gods…" He trailed off and his long fingers entwined through her thick hair, sending a bolt of electricity down her spine. Her body tensed and became very aware of his presence. A slight scent of cedar mixed with a deep undertone of masculinity, made her frown. A shudder rushed through her spine and her arms squeezed him. His fingers stopped their soft caress upon her nape for a hesitant moment, before resuming as gently as before.

That hug was enough to calm her down…but also left her all hot and bothered. That contradiction was making her go haywire.

-.-

It was eleven-thirty when they appeared through the green flames of one of the fireplaces at the Ministry. Thankfully the place was free of reporters. Apparently the Aurors had managed to keep them. Nonetheless their timely arrival created a freezing effect on everyone around them.

Seemingly all eyes were upon them, which was expected.

Severus felt Hermione drawing back in fear. He caught firm hold of her hand and pulled her towards the first available elevator. "Don't break down on me now. Not when we are so close." His jawline settled.

She complied silently and soon enough they were rushing upwards. They were quiet, but he kept holding her hand until they reached the third floor. When the door opened, he released her and walked out. She didn't follow.

He stopped, turned around and frowned. "Aren't you coming?"

"Why did you let go of my hand? Are you afraid to be seen like that with me?" She was clearly vexed.

He frowned. "No I did it in order not to compromise you."

"Compromise me? Aren't we already compromised enough?" She hissed, but he didn't let her finish.

He reached out and grabbed her hand again feeling totally outnumbered. "Is this better?"

"No nothing is better!" She pulled her hand away from him.

He stopped with a deep sigh of resignation. "Hermione, what do you want me to do, for I am at a total loss."

She felt all her defenses melting to the ground and she closed her eyes. "I am sorry….I am a total mess…just do what you were doing before…" She whispered.

"Which was to take your hand or not?" He asked patiently.

She inhaled deeply and offered him her hand.

He clasped it and pulled her close to him. "Please try to control yourself. I am here to help you, remember that. You are not alone."

She nodded, but her heart was thudding madly in her ears. "Alright…"

"Now chin up." He smiled and led them through the gathered crowd that was blocking the entrance. Everyone pulled away from them respectfully and they entered the grand theatre. She froze, he didn't. He pulled her again and walked up to the secretary. "Hello Olesia."

"Master." -The woman acknowledged and then turned to Hermione who was standing mute and pale next to him- "Miss Granger, I will be your assistant today and I will be recording the proceedings on your behalf. I will also intervene if the need arises. I am very well informed about your case. I am here to help you with everything you might need." The tall lady with the black eyes and the sickly thin body said.

"Thank you." Hermione muttered.

Severus offered Olesia a formal smile and then pulled Hermione aside. "Alright, now I have to let you to the care of Olesia and join the audience. Trust her, she knows what she is doing." He said quietly.

"Am I going to stand alone up here?" Her grasp on his arm became desperate.

"I am here. Also all your friends are here, including Weasly and Mr. Longbottom." He smiled.

She closed her eyes and humphed disappointed. "Of course, my backup plan."

"You must always have one."

She opened her eyes and looked towards the crowd. She saw Harry, Ginny and Ron in a group together at the first rows and smiled as they waved. Neville was next to them trying to catch her eye, but she didn't linger on him. Instead her heavy regard fell on Malfoy and her heart halted in terror. "Malfoy is here again. Why?"

His brow arched slowly. "He is probably here to enjoy the show, but you won't allow him the pleasure, alright?"

"Of course I won't, even though I am sure they are going to boil me in oil." She flinched when she crossed eyes with some rather forbidding looking judges.

"They will try." He pouted thoughtfully.

She felt her eyes burning and she whispered. "Severus I cannot do it…"

"Yes you can." He hissed.

"It feels like the devil is whispering in my ear that I am not strong enough to handle this storm…" Her broken eyes found his.

His lips thinned and he pulled her to him. Then his mouth brushed against her ear and send goosebumps chasing her skin. "You whisper back to the devil, that you ARE the storm!"

She felt her chest welling. "You will remain until the end?"

"Don't ever doubt that…" He rejoined steadily.

She forced herself to smile and pushed him away slowly. "Go, I am okay…I can do it."

He pursed his lips and gave her a curt nod of reassurance before walking away from her.

-.-

Olesia the gunky secretary approached Hermione. A dossier full of empty pages was floating next to her. Her smile was reserved but honest, nevertheless Hermione was too preoccupied. She was observing Severus who took his appointed seat amongst the front rows. She swallowed nervously and looked at Harry whose smile spoke of unlimited support and love. Ginny's eyes were wet, but Hermione recognized the pride in her friend's smile. Then she crossed eyes with Ron, whom she hasn't seen since they broke up.

He had kept himself religiously away from all her misadventures, which was something that had hurt her deeply. They had been friends for years…she never expected that he'd abandon her so coldly after their love affair ended. They scrutinized each other for far too long and she felt her blood stirring with anger at the demeaning expression of his lips. Ron never approved of her rebellious nature. When they were kids he was intimidated by her. When they were grownups he decided that she was too much to handle. So why was he here? Probably because Harry and Ginny forced him, which Hermione was not sure that she appreciated. She would have preferred him to stay away, like he had done after their seperation.

She was so drawn into the power play between her and Ron that she was startled when the gavel fell hard upon the wooden plaque. The bailiff spoke "The Court of Magical affairs, First Wizengamot Judicial Circuit is now in session. The Honorable Sofia Rashida is presiding."

The judge sat in the elevated bench and the bailiff continued by turning towards Hermione.

"Do you Hermione Granger swear to tell the truth the whole truth and nothing but the truth in the name of all our Gods?" He asked solemnly.

She literally heard Severus' voice inside her mind -You ARE the storm-…

She flared her chest and said. "Yes."

"Miss Granger, this court has been given the authority to conduct a questioning about the events of October 23rd that took place at seven in the evening in the Wilroy Nook South road and Stony Cove, in the area of Penpont. Were you present at those events?" The judge's voice was blank…a monotone of boredom that rubbed Hermione the wrong way.

"Yes, your honor." She answered.

"Care to tell us exactly what happened during that evening?"

Hermione licked her lips. "I was walking down the road when I heard commotion from the alley. The road was almost abandoned since there was a heavy storm in the works and rather dark due to the late hour. I knew that something was seriously wrong. I thought about asking for help, but…."

One of the judges interrupted her. "…but you decided to become a fugitive. There was no use calling for the Aurors without compromising your position and being arrested."

Hermione felt the poke hard. She steadied herself. "You are wrong Sir! I had not been called by the Wizengamot at the time. I was not running away from anyone." She lied.

"So you were there by chance? In the middle of a storm….alone…in the darkness?" Another judge hurled.

She felt her back shuddering. "I was…I had an appointment." She knew her voice was not sounding as certain as she wished it. She was not good at lying, however the prospect of admitting that she had been running from the Wizengamot even before she was called, sounded too defeatist…too weak.

"An appointment with whom?" The presiding judge asked.

Thankfully Dolores answered for her. "That is personal information, which has nothing to do with the current case. Miss Granger is accused of breaking the Marriage Law, but it would be best not to intertwine these two cases for the sake of order. Let us keep the incident in the alley and what happened with the Marriage Law separate, please."

No one spoke so the presiding judge continued. "Hiding important information will not be good for your client's case Madam. Her so personal meeting could have been tied to the alley incident."

"I assure you it was not!" Hermione said quickly.

The judge raised her hand. "We shall return to that promptly. Now tell us what you saw exactly in the alley."

Hermione composed herself. "There were two men, both dressed in dark hoods struggling with a woman. They had her hands tied up and they were attempting to carry her towards a dark vortex, the texture of which I haven't seen before. The girl was crying for help…trying to free herself."

"Thankfully the victim has recovered from her traumatizing experience and she has joined us today." -Dolores summoned forth a petite young lady, with a fair pixie cut- "This is Miss Simmons, a third generation Muggle-born who was returning from her groceries that evening before being ruthlessly attacked by the two unidentified criminals."

"Have you met each other before?" The judge asked.

"Never your honour." The girl said respectfully.

"Never." Hermione repeated.

"It seems like a huge coincidence that two members of the biggest Muggle-born organization created against the Marriage Law, found each other in such a dangerous encounter, especially during such tremulous period." One of the sternest looking judges spoke.

"I don't know this girl your honor. I've never seen her before." Hermione frowned.

"Miss Simmons has been partaking in many anti-marriage law campaigns, like you. You are one of the leaders of these campaigns...a well-known public figure who constantly spoke against this law. I insist that we cannot overlook that coincidence your honors." The same judge rebuked.

"What in the name of Merlin's beard are you people trying to do here? Turn the tables on me? The girl almost got killed at that alley and you care that we both partook in some rallies?" Hermione was exasperated.

"We have to examine every possibility Miss Granger." The judge retorted.

"The anti-marriage law campaign has over five thousand active members and is broken down in several factions, which have their respective leaders. I just happen to be one of many…people know me, but I don't know everyone. It was a stroke of luck that I stumbled upon her predicament…there's nothing more to it."

"Then explain to us why you didn't remain for questioning after the Aurors arrived. Why did you and your trace vanish? That makes you seem rather suspicious." Another judge intervened.

"I…" –at that moment Hermione felt all the words sticking in her throat. What was she going to say?- "I…it was hard…I was scared…I fled…I asked for help from a friend."

The presiding judge stopped her. "That friend happens to be Master Snape. Commander of a special Ministerial division that deals exclusively with dark magic. The Wizengamot is already aware how many times you have been assisted by Chief Auror Harry Potter. How easy can it be to have another highly valued officer of the law covering your tracks?" the judge said.

She felt as if a frozen hand wrapped around her spine and her lips parted soundlessly. They were ready to crucify her for everything and they'd do the same to Snape too. There in the muffled dazed of her mind as she was trying to find an excuse…or to say the truth, the judge looked away from her and nodded.

"You wish to speak Master?"

She turned sharply and caught Severus raising his hand.

"I think it is most appropriate since my name is immediately involved with this case." Severus sounded as collected as she wished she could have been.

"Very well, the stand is yours." The Judge said courteously.

"As you might have already read today in the papers your honor, I didn't hide Miss Granger's trace in order to cover up any illegal criminal activities. It was simply a poorly-thought maneuver…a result of allowing my mind to be overpowered by my heart." He said solemnly.

Hermione's stomach did a somersault. –Did he say his heart? Did he say the papers today? What has he done?

The judge frowned. "Are you and Miss Granger romantically involved?"

Hermione looked at her friends with a pale face. Harry seemed undisturbed, Ginny's face was flushed and Ron….-hell- Ron looked ready to murder her or Snape…or both.

"Yes and I acted too protectively, which apparently made things worse." Snape was unwavering in his answers.

"Why didn't you come forth with this information before?" the judge asked.

"Because I was not the one immediately affected by what was taking place. Miss Granger almost died in the alley while protecting a girl from certain death. On top of that the Wizengamot was about to call her for an official hearing, upon which she would be cornered to choose a husband. Instead of being treated as the hero of the day, as she deserved she was going to be treated like a criminal. Much like she is been treated today." Snape continued.

A murmur of displeasure tumbled through the judicial body, but that didn't stop him.

"Miss Granger needed to recuperate. She was being attacked from every side and I wished to assist her. Admittedly I acted in a hurry and my actions were not well thought, but you must understand that it was my heart speaking…not my prudence."

"You master are a formidable spy. You worked next to the most powerful wizards of our time…in both sides of the spectrum. You've seen darkness unspeakable. You are tampering with extremely dangerous dark magic every day. Your heart shouldn't even be an issue." The judge looked at him severely.

Hermione's brow shadowed at those words and she searched the Professor's eyes.

They were cold. "I didn't know that I was being judged for having feelings. I stand corrected."

Hermione bit her lower lip and felt the need to come to his defense which was utterly ludicrous. She was barely able to help herself….

The judge pressed his lips and turned to Hermione. "That night your appointment was with the Professor?"

Their eyes crossed and it was enough for her to know. "Yes."

Dolores intervened politely. "Your honor as we are not here to judge the emotional involvement of Miss Granger and Professor Snape can we please continue with the case?"

The judge's nose flared. "Very well. Continue."

Dolores brought forth a pile of papers. "This is Miss Simmons account of the events. She views Miss Granger as the hero that she truly is. Accusing her of conspiracies that are utterly ludicrous just because she happened to be in the right place at the wrong time is not productive in any manner whatsoever. We have the notarized evidence of the main witness, of Chief Auror Harry Potter and Professor Snape. They all swear about Miss Granger's innocence."

"This woman saved me!" Miss Simmons found the opportunity to yell and a loud murmur filled the theatre.

"Order!" The presiding judge shouted and then turned at the girl.

"Do you deny that you were collaborating with her in the alley, in order to create an incident that would taint a dark image for the Marriage Law in order to further your cause?"

"Of course I deny it!" The girl sounded offended.

The judge scribbled something at her papers. "Miss Simmons please sit down." –Then she looked at Hermione- "The Wizengamot will adjourn in order to read all the accounts and check the evidence. Now to address the next issue. You willingly gave up your right to use magic, your wand and your place in the Wizarding Community, when you refused to choose a husband from the applications. Now is she inclined to continue acting against the law?"

Hermione felt every single pair of eyes in the room burning through her skin. Her fists tightened. "No your honor."

A confused murmur exploded in the great hall.

"Therefore she is ready to choose a husband?"

Hermione closed her eyes and gritted her teeth. Sweat broke on her forehead. "Yes." She spat.

The judge raised her brows surprised. "That is unexpectedly pleasant, because believe me Miss Granger we don't want to see you in trouble. I have your applications here. Are you willing to give them another look and possibly resolve the situation today?"

"Yes." Hermione's jawline was in pain from the tension. She felt her body breaking apart when an angry voice from the crowd yelled- "You are the one who has been leading us against this terrifying law! You are betraying us! Coward!"

Hermione paled and tried hard to keep herself aloft.

The judge hit the gavel angrily. "Order!"

Slowly the crowd settled down as two Aurors led the man who had yelled out.

The judge turned to Madame Dolores. "Give these to Miss Granger and let us have a five minute break as she studies them."

The tall forbidding woman who had stood by Hermione's side so warmly brought back a tight bound file that had several papers inside. Hermione's fingers were frozen stiff, barely able to close around the folder. The devil was whispering in her ear terrifying words…

You ARE the storm…the Professor's voice echoed in her head.

Her features settled and she opened her eyes. Slowly she begun flipping through them. Names she didn't know jumped in front of her eyes, indifferent, gray and unimportant. Malfoy's name passed, bringing a wave of nausea in her stomach. She was searching for the one…for her backup plan. For Neville's…then her torment would finally be over…she'd be able to breathe again. She had two more left and she knew she was close to finding it, however the next application that came to her hands took her breath away. She bit her lip so hard that she tasted blood and the application began shaking under her fingers.

-Severus Snape-

She inhaled sharply and felt her extremities tingling. She lifted her eyes and searched for him. He was there, sitting calmly at the front row. Cradling his chin on his hand, regarding her quietly. He knew…she saw it in his eyes….he recognized how much she had been shaken by this.

-He applied for me…he applied for me…- Her mind tittered, half terrified.

Their eyes engaged again and his brows lifted slowly. His silent signal was sending the ball in her court. He offered her what she had asked, now it was up to her to accept it. The hesitation was there, but it was insignificant…much like all the other applications.

She tried to speak but a loud croak came out. She closed her eyes and cleared her throat. "Excuse me."

The judge was talking with his colleagues and didn't hear her.

"Excuse me!" She shouted.

"Yes Miss Granger?"

"I have seen the applications….and I have decided." She said quickly.

A shocked murmur escaped from the theatre.

"So soon? So easily? Even though you created such a strong opposition to this the first time?" The judge sounded half amused, half vexed.

"Yes…well this application wasn't here the first time." She hurried.

"I see, which one is it?" The judge put on her glasses.

Hermione gave the application to Dolores who passed it to the judge.

"Ah, yes of course. Professor Snape. That was expected after what I heard today. If you chose anyone else I would have been deeply suspicious of your true motives." -The judge said with a knowing smile, as she signed Severus' application. Then she turned to the audience- "Professor approach please."

Hermione's spine tensed and her body became straight as an arrow.

He stood up and instantly his imposing presence captivated the room…or maybe just Hermione's attention. He came and stood right next to her. "Professor Miss Granger wishes to accept your application for the Marriage law. Do you agree also?"

Hermione devoured him with her eyes.

"Of course I do." He turned to her.

She licked her lips and felt her heart palpitating. Why was she so nervous all of a sudden for something they had prearranged? Her brows rose as he eyes asked him silently –what now?-

She looked at him taking a step towards her and every single cell got electrified. "What now?" She whispered the question to him.

Bubbles in her stomach began popping as his hand came round her waist. His long fingers pressed the small of her back and pulled her to him. She took a shaky step forth and their bodies touched. Then his other hand came up to cup her cheek. His forefinger drew a soft caress from her jawline towards the sensitive skin under her ear. She felt her breath catching as he loomed above her. His eyes were so serious…so entrancing….and she felt so dump…so weak. No, all this was wrong…she was not yearning to be kissed by her old vile Professor. This was just a dream…a weird hallucination. They were in the middle of a great theatre, surrounded by hundreds of people. Her friends were there…Ron was there…Malfoy...Harry…Ginny…the Wizengamot. However it was as if they were alone, standing there so close to each other. She felt the rough leather of his lapels rubbing against her thin shirt and a warmth spread in her neither regions.

-What in the name of….is he going to kiss me?- The thought was barely given the chance to form in her mind as he lowered his lips to hers.

She inhaled sharply and her hands came up to grasp his forearm tightly. The vague warmth that was pooling in her stomach suddenly begun expanding. His lips were so soft…-how can they be so soft?-

She closed her eyes…and their mouths lingered…barely touching. He wouldn't pursue her further, she could tell by the way he waited there, carefully immovable…yet unwilling to pull back. The only thing she felt was his finger caressing her earlobe gently. "Now we have to convince them that we are not lying." He whispered.

She squeezed her eyes tight…knowing that she wanted more and she didn't care to admit that to herself at that moment. Who would know…? Whom apart from all these people, but above all him? She didn't care…she just didn't…she came on tiptoe and drew a deep breath before pressing her lips upon his…wanting to draw something from him. His heat…his taste…the velvet texture of his mouth or the delicious wetness that was hiding behind his parted lips? She needed more and he felt her…because he pulled her in and she didn't resist.

His arms enfolded her and his consuming darkness veiled all her senses as he opened his mouth and reached out to taste her. The remaining bubbles in her stomach exploded with a sweet pain she hadn't felt in a long time and a powerful discharge rushed down her spine, making her grasp onto him for life.

They kissed then…deeply, sensually, searchingly, unexpectedly and with a passion that shocked them to the core. She felt the sensations of yearning igniting one after the other in every single part of her body, but mainly between her legs. She reciprocated the dance of his lips and tongue until they were both left breathless. After what felt like an eternity he was the one that pulled back with a small wet peck.

Their eyes met heatedly. She was panting and her nails were clawing his leather jacket. The world begun coming slowly in focus, but she still felt lost in other worlds… now empty…with an unsatisfied hunger grasping her insides. She was at a loss of words, but so was he…seemingly. He looked partly confused, partly lost, still caressing her under the earlobe, gazing at her red lips.

"Was that convincing?" She managed to mumble.

He cringed and the creek between his brows deepened as he leaned his forehead on hers. "You have no idea how much."