A/N: Just wanna continue saying thank you to all who are still reading, favoriting, commenting and encouraging me!

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"What are you doing?" Came the confused tones of the Boy Who Never Seemed To Comb His Hair.

Hermione smirked at him as he yawned, cleaned his glasses and gazed curiously at the boxes of books, piles of clothing and various other knick knacks were collecting in the space by her bedroom door. "This, my dear Harry, is called packing. Mixed with a little bit of spring cleaning."

"But it's fall," Harry replied lamely, clearly still puzzled.

Hermione rolled her eyes, "Yes, I understand that, but the sentiment remains the same. Yesterday Severus asked me to move in and I said yes. So now I'm sorting through my belongings. He has an extensive library so any duplicates will be put into storage I guess. And I'm donating some old clothes and things. The rest will be thrown away I guess," she frowned, hating to waste but some stuff honestly wasn't worth much or in good enough condition to be passed down.

Harry's brows shot up, "He asked you to move in? That's big. And it's just barely been six months. Well, congratulations. Just know that you'll always have a place at Grimmauld," he reassured, and Hermione beamed.

"Oh Harry!" She flung her arms around his waist and held him tightly, kissing his cheek. "Thank you. You've been so kind, letting me stay rent free and everything else. And the way you're still supporting me…. I hope you know that I appreciate it. And I love you."

She felt rather than see him smile and pat her back gently. "Think nothing of it; that's what family is for. And I love you too 'mione." The hug continued briefly and then he pulled back, a wicked smirk on his face. "So, how can I help? The sooner you pack; the sooner Malfoy and I can go back to walking around naked."

She swatted his chest, "You're incorrigible. I think Draco is influencing you too much. You've always been sassy but never so raunchy."

"That's hardly raunchy," another, more posh voice interrupted. Hermione rolled her eyes at the blonde wizard leaning in the doorway. "Raunchy is telling you about how Harry likes to lick—"

"Nope! Not listening! Too busy packing!" Hermione shouted, hoping to drown out whatever he was going to say. "In fact, you should help too. And not another word about you and Harry's exploits."

Draco gave her a sly grin, "Yes ma'am."

"Why weren't we notified of this first?" Came the stern questioning of Artemis Jiggers as he stood in front of Severus's desk, arms crossed and mouth twisted in displeasure. He was referring to the front page on the Daily Prophet and Severus had to hide a smirk as he watched Hermione kiss him over and over.

He did not move, nor did he show that he was even phased by the older man's ire. "I was not aware that my personal life was any of you or the board's business Arty. It isn't against the rules for employees to date."

"True, but when one is in a position of power over the other it has to be reported. And then the board will rule in favor or against the affair. After all, as a member, you should realize that this relationship could reflect poorly on the whole department," he persisted, his reddening skin contrasting with the white of his whisker-like mustache. "There must be structures put in place to verify that no favoritism will be involved in any promotional event or in the selection of future assignments and on assessments. There also needs to be safe guards in case this relationship does not play out well. When you pull stunts like this, you're not giving us much choice."

That caught his attention, slowly, dangerously, one elegant brow arched, "This was not a stunt. And what choice do you need? I will not have anyone dictating my actions. Not anymore. You know as well as I that Miss Granger is a highly respected war hero and she graduated top of her class not just at Hogwarts but at university. And I was acquitted from all charges and awarded an Order of Merlin, first class! What bad reflections could there be? What aren't you saying, Artemis? Are you here to fire me? Or perhaps Miss Granger?"

Artemis shook his head, "No, no, nothing like that. But Miss Granger will need to be relocated to a different department. The board held an emergency meeting and we decided that was best."

"You all had a meeting without informing me? And I'm supposed to take this lying down?" He ground out, feeling the anger build although his voice remained level albeit strained. His hand was itching for his wand.

The old wizard looked nervous, but didn't falter, "Even if you request another meeting I doubt you'll find enough allies to sway the vote. No offense Master Snape, but this really is for the best. If the relationship is not just a fluke, the board will be happy to reassign Miss Granger to Research and Development." He produces the parchment listing the details of the relocation and the decision made by the board.

Severus eyes the document with unmasked disdain. "This is bullshit and you know it Arty!" Snape seethed, riding from his chair. "Why would Hermione need to be relocated to another department? Are you saying you don't trust me to remain impartial? And wouldn't it be just as easy to hire someone to act as a go-between when needed for things like assessment and requests for a raise? Hermione has been instrumental in the current projects we have at R&D and it would be a waste of her talents and potential to reassign her now. Or does the board not care about any actual progress? Shall I report to the Minister that this board only cares about looking good rather than the actual advancement of cures for the wizarding public. Or if not the Minister, I'm sure the Prophet and Quibbler would eat this up."

Artemis Jigger scowled, "Is that a threat Master Snape?"

Severus shook his head, "No. That is a warning. We are going to have another meeting this afternoon and you all will overturn this ridiculous decision! Hermione and I will both be present. Let's see them pull this shit in my face! Now, get the fuck out of my office!"