As promised this is lighter with the exception of the last scene. To give all of you a break from the angst. Some talks that have to be held to get us ready for the next chapter. As always read and review and this chapter was edited by Carrie.
17. [ Interlude ]
The next morning found Hermione in her own bed awakening after a rare refreshing sleep and she got up to take a warm shower to start the day. As she passed a huge mirror in the bathroom she glimpsed herself, stopping to gaze at her image. She had definitely changed in her appearance looking more likethan a woman than girl these days. Her hips that had always been slim and boyish now showed some curves slimming in the waist and her boobs had definitlydefinitely grown. No longer small pecks but the size of peaches now and almost in wonder she touched the skin there amazed that she had never cared enough to notice the difference till now. The same was true for her male friends judging from the way Harry, Ron and even Severus acted around her; completely oblivious of her growing needs to be recognized as more than just the girl who had all the answers.
Especially Severus obviously didn't notice any of these changes. He always treated her with respect and sometimes even tenderness, but not like he really felt anything beyondsides platonic affection for her. He now and then touched her shoulders or even awkwardly hugged her and except for the time after their first argument, he had never kissed her. Well, apart from that one time that prompted the current situation she thought, looking at the chain around her wrist. She forgot it most of the time but right now she studied it carefully and noticed a strange structure on it- an alien strange pattern of symbols, most likely runes she had never seen before. Some of them reminded her of things she had seen beforeonce- most likely in a book- but all in all it was too different to tell for sure. She took a mental note to ask Severus whether he knew anything about theise runes and what they meant.
She stepped under the warm shower spray and began to soap up feeling oddly aware of her body for the first time ever and a strange tingelingtingling spread through her limbs from the fleshpoint she was touching. Goosebumps appeared out of nowhere and to her utter surprise a hot dampness could be felt between her legs; and her breath quickened as she imagined long, white and, strong fingers kneading her body in all the private places and she could almost hear his silken voice as he whispered softly into her ear what he was going to do with her…
The stone in the necklace had turned blood red all in a sudden and and the material felt burning hot against her skin as she leaned against the cool tiles for support wanting her heartbeat to return to a normal pace but failing miserably.
Bad Hermione, don't think those thoughts about your husband. He doesn't see you that way, you are nothing more but a child to him. Shaking her head she tried to ban the disturbing thoughts her awakened body demanded her to think from her head, and turning on a blast of cold water was supposed to do the trick.
To no avail as the pleasant senarioscenario of her husband had already invaded her mind, lingering there. Last night he had obviously detested the thought of her leaving but then insisted on her sleeping alone in her room which had hurt on a level she didn't want to think about.
Now you know why, because your body has turned into a traitor over night.
In all honesty she would have preferred to stay in his company, to cuddle up to his warm body as she had back then after the apparition of his father had attacked him. He had been both comfort and guilty pleasure as she had felt him with her slowly awakening body and she had wanted more contact, had wanted to embrace him with all her being. But he said he hadn't been ready so far, as he hadn't been when she had kissed him in the morning after that fateful night. Or maybe he wasn't attracted to her, maybe he wasn't pleased by her appearance or maybe he preferred blondes…
Stepping out of the shower she cast a drying spell and cleared her mind, relieved the necklace hads returned to its emerald colorcolour and a bearable temperature now that her thoughts were no longer invaded by sensual pictures of her husband caressing her and making her hot in all the right places…
Stop! Stop thinking these thoughts, this road leads to badness!
Maybe she could talk about it with Ginny? Or maybe not since she had no idea how to address the issue.
Maybe something along the line of "Ginny, you see I am kind of attracted to Professor Snape and wonder why he never tried to touch me in any way when I am all hot and excited when he is around? Any advice you have?"
She groaned and determinately began to dress. Oh yes, that would go over well. Poor Ginny would faint, or be sick. No, she had to find somebody else to talk to, somebody who knew what she was talking about. That black-haired ghost from last night came to mind but she didn't even know her name.
Deciding to think about that some more tonight she stepped into the living room and to her surprise found Severus already sitting at the chimney reading the Daily Prophet. Breakfast was already served and the aroma of fresh baked bread filled the room . smelling deliciously as she stepped nearer and for a moment it struck her how normal this looked:. tThe glasses of pumpkin juice, the rustling sound of the newpapernewspaper and the faint scent of her husband that she had come to recognize over the last weeks as being uniquely him. Suddenly the thought of waking up like this was a pleasing idea, something she would look forward to all her life.
"Good morning, Hermione." He had lowered the newspaper gazing into her eyes with a grin on his face that appeared horrificlyhorrifically knowing. One raised eye brow and the short glance in the direction of her necklace made her blush furiously as she remembered that he had probably felt her physical reaction in the shower. "Had a nice shower?"
Oh godessgoddess, he knows. Could the ground please open up and swallow me?
She mumbled something unintelligible and poured herself a cup of tea avoiding eye contact, and blushing as thoughts from the shower started to emerge again and the necklace began to warm up. Thankfully when she looked up again after buttering her toast he had disappeared behind the paper again. Gratefully she continued her breakfast and was able to calm down a bit before he addressed her again from his position behind the Prophet.
"I have to brew something wolfsbane potion this afternoon since I had a slight accident with an almost finished cauldron yesterday. Maybe, if you have no other plans you could assist me with the procedure to prevent any further … ehm accidents."
She nodded and took another sip from her tea. "I'd love to. I have to finish my assignment for transfiguration first but then I am all yours."
He raised his brow and a calculating look crossed his features, which made her blush even more furiously from the heat she felt rising within and she remembered with horror that Severus was an excellent legilimens. He knows, Merlin he knows all of what you are thinking!
Bloody brilliant. Why do I say things like that? And why can he do this to me with just a look and the resonance of his voice? Stop thinking Hermione! Just stop thinking about the shower or strong hands or tingling feelings…
He cleared his throat and placed the paper on the table averting his eyes again. "Well, that settles it then. If you could accompany me in my private lab as soon as possible, other wise I will need to start without you."
She nodded and saw him standing up carefully stretching his limbs all the while giving his wife an excellent view of his butt, and the way the muscles and sinews moved beneath his skin and she couldn't prevent a soft whimper as she felt the necklace flaring to life again.
He froze and turned around gazing into her brown wide eyes and for a second she thought he would say something, anything to make her feel better, to simply address the issue but he averted his eyes and nodded curtly.
"I have to go now, another staff meeting." His voice sounded strained and he was at the door in no time at all. "We see each other at lunch?" Without waiting for an answer he almost rushed from the room and banged the door behind him.
"Sure.", she whispered and put her face in her hands groaning. This wasn't good in any way. This was bad, more than bad. She was doomed. She would not, could not endure more of this, not when he refused to acknowledge the fact that she needed him in more ways than a protector. And how was she supposed to stand classes when all she could think of was they sexy way her husband looked when he stretched his limbs?
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"Mrs Snape."
Hermione turned around still having trouble reacting to her new name and saw Professor McGonagall approaching her through the classroom her green robes billowing behind her, her hat at the same jaunty angle.
Wonder if she copied that from Severus?
"Yes Professor?" Hermione smiled warmly and placed the large pile of books she had gotten from the library earlier on a desk again.
Minerva gently placed a hand on the girl's shoulder and concern crept into her voice as she asked: "Are you alright, Mrs Snape? You looked very shocked last night and I was a tad worried about you." Her strained voice indicated however that there was more to it than she let on.
"I am fine, Professor. Honestly I am. Severus and I talked about things last night and matters are settled between us now."
Minerva looked relieved and a wan smile appeared on her face. "I am very relieved to hear that and I hope that Severus treats you in a correct manner."
Hermione gulped but nodded. "Yes he does. Truly he is showing his best behaviour around me all the time and stays the perfect gentleman." She couldn't hide the disappointment from her voice.
Minerva chuckled with an understanding of many years of life. "Well, that's good to hear my dear." She raised a brow in the same manner as Severus had this morning. "Or isn't it?"
Again Hermione felt a hot blush creeping up her cheeks. "Pardon?"
"Oh, I am just wondering whether that polite and genteel behaviour of my treasured colleague is your taste or not." Honest amusement appeared on her face as she saw the way Hermione shuffled with obvious embarrassment. But then understanding the girl's need for comfort she tipped her head up. "You are very young Hermione and in all likelihood he is only wishing to protect you from anything you are not prepared for. I don't believe he dislikes you, and that is not what is keeping him from getting closer to you.." Putting aside her own opinion on these matters and the strong negative feelings toward Severus concerning the well-being of her prime student she smiled warmly and softened her voice even more. "I am your head of house and as such it is one of my duties to advivce you in any matters that arise so if you ever feel the need to talk about certain topics, please know that my door is always open for you."
Hermione stared into her teacher's face and saw the warmth there. "Thank you", she muttered and taking her books she hurried out of the door leaving a frowning head of house behind. She would have to talk with Albus about this or she would never surviverprise another howler fromby Molly Weasley.
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The staff meetings were usually held in Dumbledore's office and only on very rare occasions was everybody present there. Glancing around Severus noticed that Madame Sprout, Remus Lupin, Professor Vector, Professor TrelwaneyTrelawney and Hagrid were missing and he fervently wished for this stifilingstifling boredom to be over already. At the moment Flitwick was droning on about problems in his Ravenclaw house and Severus knew that sooner or later it would all turn into a round of Slytherin bashing with him being the one responsible for the complete lack of his student's restraint.
Mentally groaning with the beginnings of a headache, he sunk lower in his chair trying to drown out the little man's voice that had turned whiny now. Albus insisted that he was present at every single staff meeting and it seemed that the headmaster was the only one enjoying his suffering through all these bloody meetings. Dumbledore sat behind his desk, his blue eyes twinkling over his half-moon spectacles and nodded from time to time in understanding. Minerva sat in another corner and was staring ahead with a strange smile on her face, like she had some secret she was dying to tell.
Wonder what's wrong with this conniving woman now? At least she hasn't addressed me yet, I should feel lucky indeed.
"Albus, if I may bring up another issue I think we should talk about?"
The headmaster nodded and Severus couldn't suppress a groan. Minerva turned to him with a sour smile on her face.
"Don't worry Severus, you can start taking off points and giving out detentions in five minutes." She put on her own glasses and looked at a piece of paper in her lap. "As you all know Halloween is approaching and I might remind all you that last year we didn't have a ball to mark the occasion because Severus used his veto." Her face clearly indicated how much she despised the man because of that. "This year we will have a ball however no matter how much our grumpy Slytherin protests." She flashed him an evil smirk and leaned back in satisfaction of a job well done. "That's it so far. I and Madame Sprout will be responsible for planning the occasion while Filius and Hootch will help with the decorations. All the others have agreed to chaperone at the ball, - including you Severus." She did not offer that last statement as a choice.
"Minerva, you know damn well why I veto Halloween balls" Severus scowled, knowing the Dark Lord often scheduled raids on Halloween. The Dark Lords His sick sense of humorhumour thought it funny to attack Muggles on Halloween, a holiday that celebrates death and all things dark with the mock sense of protection against the inevitable.
Forcing his face into an icy smile he nodded internally cursing. Great, just great Minerva! As a spy for the Order of the Phoenix and Head of the house of Slytherin I have to chaperone a bunch of hormonal-driven teenagers at a ball. I'll get the crucaituscruciatus if I am called by the Dark Lord, and late. But what would be new about this?this? I will He get one for something else if the Dark Lord feelselt playful.
"Very well then, I think that was all. If anybody wants to talk about anything in private I am available the whole morning." The headmaster's face was set into an excited smile as he stood dismissing the teachers.
Before anybody could approach him and talk him into more ridiculous things Severus left the office silently wishing for Minerva to rot in hell for several centuries.
And maybe I can visit her there to gloat when my own time there is over!
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After the hundredth concerned glance from Harry and the thousandth stupid joke from Ron Hermione pulled the boys with her into an empty classroom and closed the door with a loud bang. Turning into their direction she shortly prayed for all the patience she could muster and through gritted teeth she hissed: " What's wrong with you two?"
Harry stared at her menacing figure in wonder while Ron shuffled with his feet all the while trying to not feel impressed. To no avail as she addressed him directly in a tone he knew all too well from his mother.
"Ronald Weasley, what do you have to say for yourself?"
He looked up and flinched when her blazing eyes met his instantly averting his look.
"It is all Harry's fault, Mione!" His voice sounded desperate but he couldn't care. He knew her temper, how she could become when she was pissed and quite frankly it scared him how much she looked like Snape right now. Maybe he gave her lessons.
Harry looked into the redhead's direction angrily and his look said clearly 'later'. Turning to his friend he tried to decide which way to phrase his question. He had no desire to face her throwing a tantrum and he knew how Hermione could be if provoked.
"Ehm, you see Mione, we were simply worried about you." He hesitated and then rushed on. "Yesterday scared us and then there was Snape being all nice and not taking any points and then you awoke from whatever and you got angry at him and then you left and we…"
"Stop!" She sighed and softened her voice. "I understand your concerns but I am okay."
At their incredulous looks she furrowed her brows. "Since when are you so worried about me and Severus?"
Harry gulped as she mentioned the Potions Master. Simply ignore it, don't think about what the phrase 'me and Severus' implies. "Mione, we are your friends and since we can't change what has happened we just have to accept and live with it." He smiled gently and tentatively touched her arm. "We love you and whatever makes you happy, won't have us arguing against it. And if that someone is Snape-" He sighed and prayed that his father may forgive him. "That's fine with us."
For a second they stood there in silence, in a deserted classroom all three fighting tears of relief that once again things were okay again. The trio had survived many things including Voldemort, a Yule Ball, Quidditch, Umbridge, general bickering and arguing but nothing had ever weighed heavier on their shoulders than this wedding. It wasn't just that it was Snape, the hated Potions Master that was their best friend's husband now but it was a Slytherin, the head of house and general considered the greasy bat by all three. Nobody had commented on it so far but they all had been scared that this was literally the last straw in their friendship.
"I guess Harry and me can accept Snape as long as he is not too nasty." Ron rubbed his temple and grinned. "Maybe we won't get as many detentions as before. We could actually gain something from this." He sounded hopeful.
Hermione smiled shortly trying to imagine Snape being polite and nice to the two boys and chuckled. It would be a sight to see and Hogwarts would not stop talking about it till they graduated.
"If it eases your mind we made up last night and things are okay again." She admitted.
Harry smiled honestly pleased. "That's great, Mione. He shows some promise actually, you know."
Ron slapped him on the arm playfully. "Don't overdo it Harry. It's still greasy, evil, slimy Snape."
Somewhere inside Hermione knew that while things would not get one bit easier from now on at least she could count her friends in to help her through whatever life made her endure. Looking at her watch she shrieked.
"Come on, we have to hurry or we will be late for Charms!"
Harry and Ron shared a look of that clearly said "So what?" but obediently they followed their friend into the hallway.
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Sinking into the uncomfortable chair behind his huge desk in his office Severus groaned with relief. He would have to talk with Albus again about teaching Slytherins and Gryffindors together- it was hell every time. He had the third years and quite frankly they were even more aggressive than Hermione's year.
Smiling as he remembered the morning and the strange emotions he had sensed through the necklace, and her obvious discomfort around him. It wass like she was's nervous around him all the time and he wondered why that was but after he had used his legilimens skills by accident this morning there was really no guessing to be needed. But still the questions remained why she reacted so strongly?. She was normally courageous as hell, as a typical Gryffindor, and she was not easy to intimidate in matters of the mind. Of course matters of the heart was something quite different, it was obvious she wasn't experienced in those.
The same counted for him. He had never courted a lady, he had never wanted that kind of relationship with anybody but he had to admit, if only to himself, that he had shed more than one thought about having an intimate relationship with her of course always aware that there were many things that requieredrequired of him to stay detached. But her attractiveness existed on several levels; a brilliant mind combined with the capability to stay silent when working, a huge capacity for forgiving - an attribute of recent importance. Try as he might he couldn't deny that she was, in his eyes, truly beautiful.
He sighed and leaned back in his chair staring at the ceiling. Maybe he had been always too scared to get close to people and he had never trusted enough; always on edge around others, always anticipating a betrayal or an attack. He couldn't link sex with anything good or enjoyable- for him it was abuse and torture and he had never longed for a repeat of that experience again.
Why was he then even considering these things in regards to Hermione?
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Dumbledore's office was dimly lit by some candles since outside the cloudy sky didn't let much sunlight lighten the room. He had obviously just read in an old book which still lied on his lap, openly, and he caressed the soft leathery cover with his white, calloused hands.
"What can I do for you Minerva?" Albus leaned back and watched his deputy as she fidgeted with her hands and sat down on her usual chair trying to act nonchalant when Albus already knew why she was here. Sometimes his legilimency skills were usual especially when dealing with an overly concerned womaen whothat worried far too much about things that neither she nor he could control.
Sighing she took off he glasses as if to make things easier with blurring her sight.
"I am worried Albus." Her voice was grave and he mouth was pressed into a thin line.
He nodded as gravely as she all the while inwardly humming a tune. "I see."
"You see, I know we talked about this…- this wedding already between Hermione and Severus and I understand your reasoning to stay out of itthis but this is just too much! We have to do something!" She got up and did something that usually only Severus did in his office- she paced. "Things are getting out of hand between those two and I know there is a school rule somewhere about matters such as these!"
"What exactly are you talking about my dear? Enlighten an old man who can't follow your thoughts any longer." His eyes still twinkled behind his spectacles as he smiled gently. Their alertness belied every word he said.
"I am talking about the fact that this morning Hermione was disappointed that Severus obviously hasn't touched her in any way beyond their relationship as student and teacher and I had to comfort her which made me feel very uncomfortable myself. And I have seen the hungry gazes that this slimy Slytherin throws her way when he sees her in the hallway on in the great hall. I see the way in which he basically undresses her in front of everybody and I got another howler from Molly last night! By god somebody should tell this woman that these are allowed for students and for students only! I have to do something Albus, I have to or I might go insane!" She sank down in her chair obviously at a loss of what to do next and sighed deeply.
"I can see no such looks Minerva and if you stayedare impartial you could not accuse Severus of these things. He has acted exactly the way in which I advised him to act and he has never touched Mrs Snape Hermione in any way that could be called improper. Maybe house rivalry could be blamed for this but I want you to know that Severus has my full trust."
He sighed and stroked his beard while staring above her head into his office. "While I understand your concerns my dear and I appreciate the fact that you try to protect Hermione, it is no longer our business. They are married now and as a married couple the school rules no longer affect them in any way." As she wanted to contradict Albus raised his hands in defence. "You know as well as I do that this is a matter where we have no other choice but to stay detached and play our part. You have heard the prophecy with me at the ministry and it would mean sacrificing the wizarding world to the likes of Voldemort if we altered the way things play out. Severus has my full trust and he won't hurt her. As hard as that may seem to believe Minerva, he loves her somewhere inside him and she returns this feeling." He got up and stepped next to her sunken figure on the chair. "I will owl Molly Weasley and explain things to her as much as I can but we cannot interfere in this. The prophecy will come true no matter what we do anyhow."
"But then she will, then she will… -" She stopped not able to say the next words instead cupping her face with her hands.
Albus looked above her through one of the windows into the cloudy sky and sighed. "I know Minerva. But we have to trust fate that she makes the right decisions in this and it will all end well." He touched her arm gently forcing her to look into his eyes. "It's not fate that decides where we are in the end end up but always our decisions and our own intentions. I have absolute trust in those two and so should you."
All those people who wanted more lemons, well here is your first treat. I am going to include a lot more sexual tension from now on and anybody who feels they can't handle this can mail me and I send an edited version. Please tell me what you think! !