A/N: d'elfe I see Snape's abilities as part of his character traits. As sometimes we people deny to see reality, so does he. Despite being able to see emotions, intents and distinguish characters. During his Death Eater days I imagine him muting this ability of his completely, because of the anger he felt for loosing Lilly. Then maybe he was afraid how much of that Voldemort would seek to use. When things got out of control he'd see things and then force himself to forget them. We all do it...why wouldn't he do the same?

-.-

Two days passed since their blazing and unexpectedly emotional intimacy in his bathroom. Six days since he returned from his last visit to the Underworld, wounded and broken. Six days were Hermione found herself more than eager to satisfy his every need, emotional or physical, no questions asked. The night she saw him so damaged, created a huge fissure in her heart that now kept bleeding. She had come to know the Professor as a firm figure of authority, a force to be reckoned. Witnessing him so torn reminded her that nothing was in order in the world anymore.

Not even the traditional pillars of strength she knew of old.

The whole world seemed to have picked up where Voldemort had left off and that thought was so disconcerting. It mattered little that as the days rolled by Severus was returning to his usual charming self. Neither that his recovery had been as quick as Miriam anticipated, if not even faster. Despite all that, there were shadows lingering in the depths of his piercing eyes, which made her nervous. An innermost pondering that hid behind it unspoken truths that she was afraid to ask about. All she could do was observe him silently and hope that one day he'd share his worries with her.

There was no denying anymore.

There were feelings involved in whatever was taking place between them. The inability to express their relationship in words or place it properly within the context of their current reality was scaring her. She was a woman who worshiped order. She ached to know things, to label and place them between comfortable margins that made sense. Now…now she knew practically nothing. She didn't know who was abducting muggles, why there were so many birth defects in the Muggleborn community or who was truly behind the abhorring Marriage Law. She didn't know how she ended up in the Professor's house or how she became so intimately involved with him. Why the history between them mattered so little to her…or even what her true feelings about him were. All this uncertainty was truly maddening.

Had anyone told her after they left Hogwarts, that one day she'd be romantically involved with Professor Snape she would have frowned at the impossibility of such a suggestion.

Now?

Now everything she cared for in the past seemed so insignificant. Hogwarts, the war, her friends, even the Marriage Law. She was prepared to cast everything at the bottom of the deepest well if he'd ask her. No that he would ever do so. He was too proper for that…too proper to cast caution to the wind and that annoyed her to no end. A smile formed on her lips upon that. Who would have thought the practical Hermione Granger would beg for Professor Snape to become more spontaneous? The whole situation made no sense really.

"Do you see anything funny Miss Granger?" He scolded and turned his attention back to his books.

She pressed her lips and her fingers twisted tightly around the broken Time-Turner that was hidden in the pocket of her long plaited cardigan. "Trifling thoughts."

"No thought that would dare occupy that sharp mind of yours, could be trifling." He raised his brow.

The smile came easy on her. "You are smooth with words when you so wish."

He gave her a quick side-glance and didn't follow that thought. Instead he frowned seriously. "I really do believe you'd benefit from a few lessons in wand dueling."

She rolled her eyes and strolled under one of the trees in his backyard. "Are we having this conversation again? I am a Healer, not a warrior. I know how to defend myself well enough."

His eyes fell on her somberly. "We are living in dangerous times Hermione. A few new curses will do you no harm."

"More dangerous than during the war?" She lifted her brow at him.

He shook his head. "Maybe."

She smiled and leaned against the bark of the tree. "You are over-reacting and I assure you that I can take care of myself."

He remained silently observant.

"I can also take care of others." She added slyly.

He sighed deeply. "Like a Healer of course you can."

"You trust in me too little it seems. Don't doubt that I can defend myself, if the need arises." She frowned.

"Like Miss Simmons did?" His voice became several tones heavier.

She remained silent, but felt her hands grew colder. The ghosts were still there…tormenting him under the surface.

He closed the heavy Rune book and placed it next to his boot. Then he crossed his hands above his knees and shook his head dismissively. "You are being careless."

She walked over to him calmly. "Do you think you can open your arms a bit so I can snuggle somewhere in there?" She pointed vaguely at his chest.

He humphed. "And you are also maddeningly stubborn."

"Says the master of the game." She smirked and sat in front of him. Then she forced his arms open and scooted until her back was pressed against his torso. She pulled his long limps until they were enwrapped around her. Then she leaned her head upon his shoulder. "That feels better, doesn't it?"

He tensed, but didn't pull away.

Her forefinger slithered under his sleeve and caressed his wrist. "I am not Miss Simmons. I am here, I am alive, I am with you and I can take care of myself. I am not in any danger Severus, please calm down."

"What was Maxine doing so close to you at the hospital? Why did she talk with you?" He breathed heavily down her back.

"She was there for Conroy, I told you." Hermione winced.

"Stop being naïve." He admonished.

She scowled and her hand tightened around his wrist. "Tell me…why do you fear her so?"

"Because I know her." Was the flat answer.

"You think she didn't come at Ward 49 in order to see Conroy then?" Hermione frowned.

"No, she came for you."

"Why?"

"Because…" He left the thought unfinished.

"Do you think she holds a grudge against me for some reason?" She pressed her lips in annoyance.

He exhaled hard, but remained silent.

"As I understand, your relationship with her has come to an end. Correct?" She turned to look at him.

He scowled. "Of course it has. What kind of question is that?"

"Then what reason would she have for intimidating me with unwelcomed visits?" Hermione returned.

"This woman is married to her carrier and I brought it to an abrupt stop. All this coincided with your appearance." He rejoined heatedly.

"So I am in her way for some reason?" Hermione frowned.

"In her way…a means to get revenge…you might be anything or everything to her. I don't trust her and neither should you."

Hermione pushed back into his arms and nibbled her bottom lip. "Why did you hire her in the first place if she is so dangerous?"

"The Keepers are not scouts. The name was chosen by Shacklebolt, because it would be easy on the public. What it hides behind it is a group of former Death Eaters with deep knowledge in Dark Magic. I hired her exactly because of those abilities." Came the hard retort.

Hermione remained musingly quiet as he continued.

"You have the misconception that you are not worthy to be targeted by anyone Hermione. That you are infallible. That you are standing at the sidelines of an incoming storm. However you are mistaken. You have been in the first lines for years on end. Leading riots against the politics of the Ministry for so long, being Muggleborn, holding the title of the most brilliant mind Hogwarts had ever seen, being the best friend of Potter and now unfortunately becoming bound to me. You have a cross marked upon your forehead, like it or not."

"You are trying to scare me…" She murmured.

"Fear is prudence in the face of danger." His arms tightened possessively around her and she exhaled in relief at this emotional expression from him.

"Will it make you feel better if I promise to be more careful from now on?" She turned slightly and caught his jawline with her lips.

"I will feel better if you inform me the moment Maxine approaches you and also if you allow me to offer you a few dueling tips." He sounded stern.

She smiled and reached up to cup his neck. "Alright, but if everything goes wrong despite your foresight know that I can turn back time and change all. Make everything better for you…." –She hesitated for a moment- "For us." She added quietly.

He scowled at her. "Is this another poetic metaphor or are you referring to McGonagall's Time Turner?"

She smiled slyly and pulled out her broken necklace. "Unfortunately I had to return it and you know all the working ones are kept at the Ministry."

"How about this then?" He pointed at the golden Time Turner that was resting on her palm.

"Tis a broken one I purchased at Diagon Alley. Just a keepsake of my mischiefs at Hogwarts."

He reached out and took it with a thoughtful smile. "You used it so many times I wonder what your true age is."

"A little bit older than I'd wish and a little bit younger than you feel comfortable with." She teased.

He tilted his head towards the Time-Turner. "I can fix this one for you."

Her eyes lit up. "Really?"

He shrugged. "A bit of illegal magic can go a long way."

She turned around and her fingers stroked his cheek. "You'd do that for me?"

"I'd do much more than that for you." His face turned solemn.

She became equally serious and leaned over to capture his lips. He closed his eyes and sighed upon her mouth. Then she pulled back and closed his hand around the Time Turner. "Fix it if you wish and then keep it as a gift from me."

His eyes smiled, but he remained quiet.

She tightened her hand around his. "What time is the funeral?"

His countenance plunged and he looked down. "At six."

She nodded solemnly. "Don't worry. I will be there. Everything will be okay."

He leaned over and their foreheads touched. "I know my sweet." He whispered and her body filled with goosebumps. Maybe it was the desolation in his voice….or maybe the gentle appellation he used for her…but the result was the same. Her body got attuned with his and her lips found his once more, offering him the gentlest of touches.

-.-

The orange hue of the afternoon sun was a wretched dissonance to the mood of the black clad crowd that stood solemnly quiet in front of the open grave. Severus was standing close to the opening with Kirke at his left and Conroy upon a wheelchair on his right. Jody's features were not as gloomy as one would have expected at a funeral, but that was expected. The one getting buried was not her husband. Ebra stood a few steps behind, proudly stiff and avoidant of any eye contact with Severus. Shacklebolt was across from Severus, surrounded by his top Aurors, with Harry at their head. As for Maxine she wasn't there, which was expected. Everyone was waiting patiently for the Prophesier to finish her bereavement about Garret's endless merits.

Hermione was in such harmony with his needs that she tensed the moment he did. She reached out, without embarrassment and entwined her fingers through his tightly. She turned to him. He was looking at Garret's widow who was standing silently proud, with the tears etching her face visible under the thin black veil. His daughter, an ethereal creature seemingly born in another world, was wailing hopelessly upon her mother's shoulder.

Severus' felt his jawline flexing and his fingers twitched around Hermione's as he sought a way to ground himself once more. A stray thought overflowed his mind as his eyes met the gaze of Garret's widow.

He died to protect Miss Simmons. He left behind wife and child. Whom shall you die for old man when the time comes?

Wordlessly he squeezed Hermione's hand so hard that he felt her bones crashing under his steel grip. The words of the Prophesier came muffled to his ears as he felt Hermione's heartbeat under his fingers. The moments rolled by agonizingly slow and he prayed silently for the bright force next to him to never wither. He prayed she'd never die…that one day no Prophesier would speak words of bereavement to her loved ones. That at least when that day eventually came many years later, he'd be long dead because he couldn't even bear the thought of her being gone.

He'd rather…die in her stead. Maybe this time do what he hadn't done for the one's he cared for in the past. The emotions that woke up in his heart were so consuming that he felt overwhelmed. A waterfall of internal negations flooded him…negations towards the undeniable outcome of every life….death. He pulled her closer and closed his eyes as he counted inwards, wishing for all this to end. Garett's death was his fault, as were all the others. He wouldn't allow another death to happen because of his shortcomings and he vowed that to his own pitiful life.

What drew him out of his contemplations was the sound of earth falling upon the hollow coffin. Garret's daughter tore herself away from her mother's arms and knelt close to the opening. Severus plunged forth and wrapped his arms around her, just in time. He pulled her back and whispered "courage", in her ear. He brought her up with him and she turned around embracing him so hard that his breath caught. He touched the girl's shoulders gently and turned to her mother as if asking for help.

Garett's widow walked over proudly and engaged her daughter's elbow. "Thank you Commander for your limitless support. I have her now."

The words stuck in Severus' throat. He stayed silent.

"Turn around Tilly. Turn around and face your father for one last time. Be brave, because he was braver than most." She said coldly.

Severus was unable to remain there a moment longer. His hands turned into tight fists and he looked above his shoulder. Hermione's wet eyes found his, a solace in the most unwelcoming environment. A balm over his heart once more. He took up courage and picked up a fistful of dirt. Murmuring an ancient prayer under his breath he threw it upon the casket and walked back to her.

Her hand was there to take his again in safety. "I am so sorry for your loss." She whispered.

His throat convulsed. Garret shouldn't have died that day in the Underworld. He was a fierce young warrior who had all his life in front of him. He had a wife and a child waiting for him back home. The Gods took the wrong man. 'I am sorry too." His voice was hushed.

Hermione leaned to his arm and wrapped her hand around his bicep. She didn't speak. Her silent presence was enough to keep him afloat.

"Commander a word please." The commanding voice of Shacklebolt pulled him out of the darkness.

He inhaled sharply and looked at Potter who stood next to the Minister. A simple nod was all he could give.

"We will not occupy the Professor for too long Miss Granger…" –Kingsley paused- "Or should I call you Missus?"

Hermione straightened and gave him a strict smile. "It is Miss Granger for now Minister or preferably Healer Granger. Either would do. We are not married with the Professor yet, but even if we were I would keep my maiden name."

Severus smiled at her even though he was pulled hard by the shadowy abyss that lurked in his. Hermione looked at him and pressed his bicep just for good measure.

The paused was momentary from the Minister, before he resumed. "I learned from St. Mungo that you applied for an apprenticeship next to Madame Miriam. You don't know how pleased I am that you are putting this brilliant mind of yours to practical use, instead of wasting it in wars that cannot be won."

Hermione tensed. "Wars are considered lost only when the worthy people who are fighting them lay down their weapons. There are still people fighting against this Law so not everything is lost yet Minister. In fact I will make sure it is won eventually."

"Despite you being already bound to a pureblood husband? You are abiding by this law Healer Granger." Kingsley resumed slyly.

"My…relationship with the Professor is not driven by this Law Minister, don't be naive. I simply used it to break free from your illegal confines. I assumed you were smart enough to have already figured this out." Hermione smirked.

Kingsley scowled angrily.

"Besides the man I am bound to, is not a Pureblood, neither are his motives driven by the sickening idea that Purebloods are somehow more blessed than others. He didn't get bound to me in order to eliminate the Mudbloods by spreading his seed, but he did so honorably in order to help me escape your clutches. For that alone I feel blessed." Hermione turned to Severus with an appreciative smile.

He reciprocated with a squeeze of her hand.

"So bold of you to speak such words in public. I would advise you in caution. We haven't sorted out enemies from friends yet. Moreover I assure you that I am as against this law as you are Healer Granger and I am pleased to see that you haven't lost your spark yet." The Minister pressed his lips.

"And I never will Minister. As long as this Law stands I will be trying to bring it down. Ginny let us allow the men to have their so important discussion." Hermione disengaged Severus and offered her hand to Ginny who stood behind Harry.

Her best friend smiled and they walked away quietly.

Silence reigned around the three men as they observed Hermione and Ginny thoughtfully. "She has a fiery spirit indeed." Kingsley said.

"She has always been this way. Ever since I first met her." Harry smiled upon remembering her entering his carriage, while searching for Neville's frog and fixing his broken glasses upon a whim….the little annoying know-it-all had grown up to become a strong woman.

Severus' lips tilted up in a ghostly smile.

Kingsley cleared his throat and crossed his hands. "Very well after this interesting standoff let us get back to business. I know that I am finding you in the darkest hour Commander, but the death of this worthy Keeper is unfortunately only the beginning of the bleak days that are descending upon us. There is a black cloud covering the eastern part of London. It is spreading slowly westwards. It will cover the whole city within a week according to our calculations as it is moving slowly, but steadily. It is most certainly not a weather phenomenon and its elements are magical. We haven't been able to find its source." Kingsley said solemnly.

Severus frowned at the faded memory of the black cumulous cloud he saw behind the Mountains of Doom at the Sixth Level. "I saw something in the Underworld, but I cannot be certain. I was not well at the time."

"You kept mumbling about a dark cloud as you were coming to in the hospital." Harry rejoined.

"I have to return in order to make sure. Have you and Kirke entered the church? Did you search for the traces? Did you find were they led?" Severus turned to Potter.

"We entered many times, but we found nothing. All our efforts were for naught." Harry replied disappointed.

"Are you sure the Lucid Trail worked properly? You were rather sick when you drank it." The Minister intervened.

Severus' eyes fell on him darkly. "The traces are true, but we are missing something. I have to go back down there."

Kingsley nodded. "Take a step back Professor and listen to me. It is imperative that we learn not only about the traces of the killer which lead to this elusive church, but also about this cloud. Every advanced protective spells our Aurors send out to it, backfired. The defenses of the city are activated and all my police force is working overtime. Handling the press is difficult under normal circumstances, now they are running rampart. The city will be declared in a state of emergency of things continue downhill."

"I will go Under first thing tomorrow. Maybe even tonight if I manage to get out of other ….obligations." He stumbled at the word and his eyes found Hermione. His heart missed a beat.

"You will go to the sixth level first Master. I need you to check on that cloud!" Kingsley pointed at him firmly.

"I will enter the fifth level first and check the church. Then I will move on deeper if I see something worthy of checking." Severus scowled.

"No! You will go down to the Sixth level pronto! Learning about that damned cloud is more important than anything else." Kingsley rebuked.

"More important than the killer who slaughtered my keeper and Miss Simmons? More important than finding the missing Muggleborns?" Severus' voice dropped.

Kingsley raised his brow. "I am not in for a debate. I have a city to protect. You have your orders master. Now follow them."

Severus straightened and crossed his arms. Silently scrutinizing.

"The sixth level. Are we clear?" Kingsley leaned over.

"Clear enough." Severus raised his brow.

The Minister nodded curtly to both. "Very well. I am going to offer by condolences to Garret's family. When you have your findings I expect a report in my office."

Severus didn't speak and neither did Potter as they observed the Minister walking away.

"So is it the Sixth level then?" Harry asked quietly.

"It is the fifth. We are both checking on that damned church Potter." Severus snarled.

Harry's mouth formed a satisfied smile. "Was hoping you'd say that."

"The Minister's priorities seem to run askew. Shall we fix that for him Mister Potter?" Severus looked at him sideways.

"I am with you all the way." -Harry said solemnly- "We need to see what is happening with the trace of the killer. No Muggleborn is safe at this moment. They are targeted and I am convinced they have all been taken Under. I just hope we will find them alive. There is no magic able to protect them inside the Underworld and that is my greatest fear."

Severus' dark eyes turned to Hermione who was talking calmly with her friend. "Oh, there are ways to protect them Mister Potter."

Harry frowned.

"Only those way cannot unfortunately be extended to all Muggleborns." He added thoughtfully.

Harry kept looking at him mutely.

Severus observed him for a few moments and then he gazed at Hermione. "So we shall use those ways upon the ones who matter the most for now." He whispered.

Harry opened his mouth to ask the Professor what he meant, but Conroy's solemn voice interrupted them. "Gentlemen, this day is sad for us all. Keepers and Aurors alike."

Severus turned to him and felt his lips forming a bitter smile. "I am so pleased to see you awake."

Conroy grasped his hand tightly. "I am too, boss."

Severus reciprocated the touch wholeheartedly. "Don't ever make me beg the Gods for your health again Conroy. I am warning you."

The man smiled sadly. "I promise I won't."

"Commander I cannot thank you enough for taking such good care of my husband." Jody wiped a single tear with the back of her forefinger.

"Miss Granger saved him…don't thank me." Severus scowled.

"She already knows that I owe her his life, my life…the life of our family." Jody's eyes watered anew. Ebra was observing his boots silently, avoiding Severus' eyes.

Conroy pressed his lips. "I was lucky, but Garett wasn't. Boss you have to be careful down there. Someone is killing us all. They are taking us out one by one."

"Don't worry about the Underworld Conroy. Worry about your recuperation. We shall sort everything out in due time. Jody please take your husband home. Mister Potter shall place Aurors around your property twenty four seven. Correct?" He turned to Harry.

"Consider it done already." Harry smiled.

"I want you out of the Underworld, out of the Ministry and out of harm's way." -Severus scowled and looked heavily towards Hermione's golden aura once again- "I want everyone out of harm's way." He whispered and no one heard him this time.

-.-

A few hours later, with the sky now completely dark, Severus and she were standing mutely in the kitchen. Looking at each other for what seemed like forever. She was the one who finally broke the heavy silence. "How are you?"

He shook his head. "I am alright."

"Your mouth says one thing and your body another." She smiled.

He winced.

"I know this day was difficult for you." She held on tightly to his gaze, not wanting to lose it.

"It was a day I do not wish to repeat." He took off his leather coat and placed it neatly on the chair.

"I cannot blame you." -She walked up to him and her hand slithered around his- "I am truly sorry for your loss."

His eyes danced around her face. "Thank you for coming with me."

Her face lit up. "Was there any doubt of that?"

"You were not obliged. Remember this law binds us only in the eyes of others." His voice was hushed.

Her brow clouded. "I wanted to come with you Severus."

He shook his head with a sad smile. "Thank you." He repeated quietly.

She leaned her head on his chest and wrapped her arms behind his back. "Will I sound egotistical if I say that I am glad we are back home? Both safe?"

Severus closed his eyes. "I am too."

"You were barely with me when we were at the funeral. I hated seeing you like that." She murmured and caressed the small of his back.

His arms fell around her shoulders heavy. "I was there even when you thought I wasn't. Your berating of the Minister was delightful."

She pulled back and looked up at him apologetically. "Did my words offend you?"

"They made me very proud Miss Granger." His smile was honest.

Her heart came alive. "Thank you." Two red spots appeared on her cheeks.

"Never give up the fight." His brows met as his eyes jumped all over her face.

"I won't." She frowned.

He paused for a few moments, before resuming. "However annoying that man is, he was right upon a couple of things though."

"Which ones, for I heard nothing of the sort." She pursed her lips.

He humphed. "Contain that fiery spirit of yours Miss Granger. I am not talking about the Law, but about the dangers that surround Muggleborns lately."

She twisted her lips. "I cannot disagree on that."

He pulled her in for an unexpectedly tight hug and rested his chin on the top of her head. "You know that you need to be careful." He whispered.

She settled in his wide embrace comfortably. "You've told me so many times, that I cannot unlearn it. I also know that I have to keep away from Maxine and that I need some wand dueling lessons from you….anything else?"

He remained silent and his nose got buried in her hair stirring her scent.

"Well?" She urged him with a tight squeeze.

"There is one more thing. The most important of them all." His voice sounded deeper somehow.

She looked up with a frown. "What do you mean?"

He pulled back and unclasped her hands from his back. "Take this off." He helped her off her coat.

"What are we doing?" She smiled.

"We are going to school you." He pursed his lips.

"At this hour? Maybe we should rest. You went through hell today." She said as he clasped her hand and pulled her towards the living room.

"No this cannot wait. It happens tonight." He said gravely.

They stopped in front of the couch, holding each other's hands. "Well, I admit that I love being schooled. What are you going to teach me about?" She said teasingly.

He released her hands and began unbuttoning his sleeves. "You asked to learn about them so many times…."

She looked up startled. "Dark Runes?"

"I think it is time for you to learn what they can offer." He rolled his sleeves up to his elbows.

"Oh…I like the sound of that." She exhaled thrilled.

He walked around her slowly, looking at her from top to bottom. "You Miss Granger are an exceptional creature indeed. Always brave beyond count ever since I remember. Facing danger even when you are clearly outnumber….or outsized from an age that others would deem very tender."

She grinned. "That day during my first year in Hogwarts I was running away from the boys. Hiding in the bathrooms from them. That troll appeared out of nowhere. I didn't have a choice to run away from it. I was so afraid…"

He stood in front of her again and his eyes rolled down her figure appreciatively. "Was it fear that made you set my robes on fire?"

She snorted. "I was always overprotective of my friends. By the way did I ever tell you how sorry I was for that?"

His large hand came out to cup her cheek and the tenderness of his touch made her heart come alive. "Was it fear or bravery that made you brew illegal potions, break rules, unlock doors that should have always been kept closed, trek the wilderness alone, send your parents into oblivion and fight with tooth and nail for what you thought was right?" He whispered.

She felt her eyes watering. "You are talking about friendship Professor. I did what I had to do to save my friends during a very difficult time."

"And you did it with exceptional bravery, neglect your own safety repeatedly." His thumb stroked under her ear gently.

She closed her eyes. "Someone had to save those idiots."

He humphed and looked at her reflectively for a few moments. "You are brave beyond count, brilliant beyond reason and loyal to a fault, but even your exceptional abilities have a limit."

She opened her eyes and her brow creased. "What do you mean?"

"Your bravery might sustain you for a while if you ever dare the Underworld, but it will not help you survive it." His voice became deep.

"I don't intend to enter it." She whispered lost.

"You are Muggleborn…"

She winced. "You still think I am a target."

"One cannot dismiss that possibility without appearing like a fool." He raised his brow.

She pressed her lips. "Alright Professor you win. So how are you going to help me then? If I ever enter the Underworld what must I do to survive it?"

"Activate what I will give you today…that will suffice." He frowned.

"What are you going to give me?" She murmured and found the depth of his eyes.

"Take your shirt off." He nodded towards her bosom.

She smiled eloquently, but didn't move to his command.

"You want me to take off for you?" He suggested with a soft voice that unlocked her knees.

The red spots reappeared on her cheeks. She unbuttoned her shirt slowly, making sure that she kept his eyes, searching for his ulterior motive. When she finished she discarded it to the floor. "Happy now?"

He tilted his head and took a step closer. His eyes fell to her full breasts for a few fiery moments where she felt stormily inspected. Then his body touched hers and his fingers grazed her forearm. "You have been branded by darkness in the past."

She felt a knot forming in her throat. "It is part of who I am. I don't mind."

"Do you mind if I brand you also?" His breath caressed her forehead.

She gazed at him confused. "Brand me? Why?"

"So I can offer you my protection, even when I am not there. So I can give you what I cannot give to all the Muggleborns out there who might be in danger." His voice was hushed.

She shuddered. "I will take everything that you can give me." She meant it wholeheartedly.

His fingers stroked the inside of her scarred arm and then smoothed up to her naked shoulder. He leaned down and his long nose caressed the lower part of her temple setting goosebumps all over her left side. "Hear me…" He murmured.

She nodded and her hands clasped his biceps, trying to keep herself from collapsing under his influence. "Tell me…"

He started speaking then, with a whisper that hid under it a coarseness that made her wet. His lips scraped her ear gently as he spoke ancient words of the most mystical magic, which instantly made her whole body clamp with tension. As he murmured words that hadn't been heard in eons, his fingers drew complicated patterns upon her skin. She felt the warmth spreading from her shoulder down to her elbow and grabbed him for support. Her lips parted in a primeval need to call out his name, to ascertain that he was there for her, but she made no sound. While his deep voice carved complicated patterns of primeval Magic upon her soul, so did his forefinger create an intricate design upon her shoulder. She knew he was embedding her with something timeworn, something that was buried in the books of history and her soul yearned to embrace it despite her fear. As the warmth upon her shoulder grew into agonizing heat, she felt threads of ecstasy hooking her insides. Inclosing every single part of her, inside and out.

She was being consumed by his magic and no words would ever be able to describe that feeling.

When he finished she was trembling hard, gripping him with her nails, her parted mouth crushed upon his shirt. She didn't trust herself to speak, much less pull away from him. She didn't even want to open her eyes. She felt his nose caressing around her earlobe gently and that simple touch alone was enough to make a river of lava flow between her legs. She squeezed her thighs and opened her trembling lips. "What in the name of heaven did you do to me?"

"Now you have the Eleventh Key too, my sweet." He whispered.

She made a solemn effort to find his eyes and when she did her heart screamed with the sweetest of pains, welling her up. "What?" She whispered.

His smile was so candid and heartfelt that it softened up his usually hard features. He brought her hand up to her shoulder, allowing her to feel the pattern that was etched upon her skin. "You can activate it whenever you wish by using your power. It is connected with your life force now."

Tears rolled down her cheeks. She reached up and cupped the roughness of his cheek. "Thank you." She said breathlessly.

He leaned down to stroke her lips with his. "It will protect you inside the Underworld and outside. It is my gift to you."

Her eyes welled anew, sending fresh rivers down her chin. Her lips opened to capture his. "Can it be activated combined with yours?"

"Yes for they are one." He frowned and reciprocated her hungry touch.

She pecked the softness of his lips and reached behind her back to unclasp her bra. "Like we are?"

His eyes seared through hers.

She threw her bra down and placed his palm on her breast. "Tell me…" She looked at his dark eyes.

"Like we are." He whispered.

"Now bound by something holier than any law." She began unbuttoning his shirt with shaking fingers.

He kissed her lips firmly and closed his eyes. "Bound by magic." He murmured.

She pushed the shirt away from his shoulders and looked up in admiration. Her hand slid up his back in order to touch his Eleventh Key. The moment she did, a strong shiver shook them both and their Runes flickered with a faded light neither noticed. "Do you see my threads today?"

He closed his eyes and buried his head on her neck. "I don't want to see anything today Hermione. I only wish to feel you."

She closed her eyes too and pulled him in. "Me too." She whispered as he lowered her smoothly on the couch. Being buried between the plush pillows and pushed down by the sheer weight of him felt like heaven. He got buried between her legs and pushed her skirt up, still with his trousers on. Before she could even think of touching him, his hand was pressing her breast demandingly making her womb pulsate hungrily.

As his fingers travelled all over her skin, a soft warmth spread all over her body, from her very depths of her soul and outwards like a star. It felt vibrant, but gentle, gliding up her torso and neck, passing from her jawline and cheeks, gliding into her hair, making her quiver in need. Her eyes opened for a moment and bewildered she saw their joined threads twisting around their bodies in a beautiful dance of red light.

"Wow…" She muttered.

His fingers smoothed over her eyelids. "Close your eyes…just feel me." He said softly and every sensation somehow tripled making her arch up to him, hungry to find some form of relief. As he buried his thigh between her legs, she tried to memorize how openly her body was responding to his, how much the heat of their joined magic boosted her sexual crescendo into impossible heights. She never wanted to forget how close she was to coming undone just with him buried between her legs, enwrapping her with his beautiful magic.

"Turn around for me." His command was soft and she hurried to obey. She was so engulfed by his overpowering presence that she would have allowed him to do whatever he wished with her. Her face was pressed between two pillows and she felt another one coming under her lower belly, lifting up her bottom…exposing her completely to him. A surge of need shook her whole and she grasped the arm of the couch for support. When he lowered her panties, the magic of their Runes wrapped around her nipples twisting them gently. As he opened up her legs and she heard his zipper, her inner muscles convulsed around a painful emptiness.

Her unsatisfied groan melted into a thick mewl when she felt his stomach rubbing against her core. Her natural need for this man had now become an aching nightmare that only he could stop. She pushed back to him and her hand came around to grasp his buttocks. Incomprehensible consonants exploded from her mouth as her brain was seriously malfunctioning. Was that how animals in heat felt? The thought was left unfinished when she felt the thickness of his erection opening her slowly. Her teeth got buried in the softness of the pillow as she desperately tried to stop herself from screaming in pleasure. As he spread her open, she could have sworn that she felt every single vein and ridge of his member pulsating inside her. When he got buried balls deep she squealed in satisfaction, feeling her womb trembling with the precursors of a massive orgasm that seemed to have formed way too early. His strong hand wrapped around her Eleventh Key and kept her steady while he thrust in her hard.

Her scream was muffled by the pillow. He remained unmovable, throbbing inside her, panting behind her, his presence and overwhelming fire surrounding her, his magic intense around her. She gulped and opened her eyes. Sweat creating small rivulets between her breasts as she turned and looked at him above her shoulder. He was there commanding as ever, naked and strong, buried inside her, trembling with yearning, his gaze so keen that she melted. Would she sound like a horny and slutty teenager if she told him to…

"Fuck me Professor and fuck me hard."

Did she say that thing out loud?!

His hand twisted inside her hair and his other twisted around her upper arm, pulling her back as he begun lunging in her with deep long strokes that seemed endless. Her basic instincts had taken over every reasoning as her eyes drooped and her mouth dropped open. With every thrust her throat produced choked grunts that didn't seem to belong to her and her hands were trying to grasp something invisible in the air. Her thick want run down her inner thighs, staining the pillow under her as he pumped into her hard and fast.

The more her sounds resembled a frustrated animal, the more silent he became and the deeper he plunged caressing her sweet spot, the closer to the edge she was coming. She made another effort to grasp his buttocks in some manner, to lead him to her and this time she managed it. Her nails dug into his skin and she heard the angry hiss behind her. She didn't care…she relished this rough side of his.

He laid on top of her without slowing down his furious pace and buried his hand under her stomach. Then he demanded her to turn around so he could capture her mouth in a frantic kiss that made her forget her name. His fingers got buried between her folds and captured her nub between them. Even though he didn't move them, his hard thrusts caused them to caress her core rhythmically. That send Hermione into a frenzy of uncontrollable vowels that ended up in choked screams as she saw the light breaking through the clouds of passion. He panted in her ear and she knew he wanted to tell her. He wanted to speak the words that she yearned to speak also. However no one did. They simply grasped each other tightly as she exploded with an orgasm that took her breath away and threw in the trash whatever reason remained in her. When he felt her pulsating hotly, he slammed into her hard and soon after found his own heaven.

They kept pushing and pulling, groaning and moaning, fighting for domination for several moments later. When finally he was wasted, he emptied himself upon her back, trying to catch his breath. After a few minutes when her body stopped convulsing and her heart was not racing anymore Hermione tried to open her eyes. They were hazy, but despite that she turned to see the Rune he had created on her arm. She felt an unaccustomed ache in her heart and made an attempt to use her abused voice. "Will sex always feel this explosive with you?"

A small sign was planted upon her spine along with a kiss. "I would have asked the same thing. You young lady are utterly insatiable."

She closed her eyes and buried her head between the pillows again, feeling his weight a pure bliss upon her body. Her hand came back to search for his. He did something better. He lifted her up and turned her around. She smiled as he laid gently on top of her again. Her eyes relished his tousled image…his calm features after the ecstasy she offered him. She reached up and stroked his temple. "I cannot find words worthy enough to thank you for this gift. Know that you have carved the Eleventh Key not only upon my body, but also inside my heart."

He frowned and cleared some locks from her forehead. "Let such poetic words fly Hermione and keep yourself grounded."

She felt her heart constricting, but didn't speak.

"If you find yourself in a perilous situation, in our world or Under use it…don't hesitate…call on the Key with all your power and let it protect you. Drain it if need be and let it keep you alive." His face became suddenly solemn, his words heavy.

She recognized the naked fear in his eyes. "What is it you fear so Severus?"

"Promise me that you will drain if the need arises. Empty every single ounce of protection it has to give you with no regrets." He gritted his teeth.

She cupped his cheeks tenderly, feeling that she had to shield him from an unknown fear he wasn't going to share with her. "I will use it. I promise."

"Drain it!" He repeated almost angrily.

"I will drain it…" She nodded and caressed his jawline thoughtfully.

He closed his eyes and leaned his forehead on hers. "Drain mine too if you need. These Runes are connected. Take everything I have to give you also if the time ever comes."

She felt her body shuddering in denial. "I won't take your protection and use it as mine. I'd never steal your power."

He opened his eyes and grasped her shoulders tightly. Then he growled upon her lips. "Promise me that you will use my schematics too if danger befalls you Hermione Granger!" The command was clear in his voice.

Her heart filled with confusion, but also with a crushing need to pacify him. Whatever it was that worried him was serious enough to make him look absolutely terrified. A rare sight for this man. "I will. I promise I will." She tried to sound as honest as possible.

His eyes scrutinized every single inch of her face, searching for the lie in her expression. He saw none and only then did he let go. His muscles loosened up and he buried his head between her shoulder and neck. "Thank you my sweet." His voice became softly soothing again.

Hermione hugged him tightly and as her fingers drew invisible lines across the scars on his back, her mind raced. She wished to enjoy the pure high he offered her once more and the satisfaction of holding him so close to her heart, but his words had scared her.

She knew this kind of happiness was not meant to last. That thought accompanied by his words made her squeeze him even tighter, hoping this rarely balanced harmony between them wouldn't smash to smithereens one day.

-.-