Cloak of Courage Chapter 12, a harry potter fanfic

Disclaimer: Harry Potter is not mine. Anything you recognize from JK Rowling's books is not mine. Anything you don't recognize (i.e. the Call of the Blood) is either mine or a typical fanfiction plot device. Partly inspired by the Marriage Law Challenge on WIKTT. See Chapter 1 for full disclaimer. Author's Notes at the end.
Warning: This fic is SS/HG and includes character death, descriptions of abuse, and adult situations.

Cloak of Courage

WendyNat

Chapter 12

~~~~~~~~

Severus woke to a warm body half-covering his own. A riot of curly hair brushing his chin easily gave away the owner of said body, even if not for the current situation. Idly, he ran his hand along her shoulder and down her back, marveling again at the softness of the skin… He remembered how it had felt as though he were sinking into her the night before, her skin – her entire body – soft and yielding. While he had been with many women, none had been as… untouched… as this one. As this woman. He certainly couldn't think of her as a girl anymore.

He had been surprised – pleasantly surprised – at her responsiveness. He had still held back, though… while he had no doubts that she had enjoyed last night's activities, he didn't want to push her too far… For now, he amended, smirking a little at the thought. Her enthusiastic response to his orders the night before made him wonder if he may be able to get a little closer to his… truer desires. In time, of course.

Her hand shifted on his chest and he tensed, not relaxing until the movement stopped and her breathing became even once more. He frowned, remembering what had occurred the other morning, when her fingers had touched the Blood Rites scar. The Call had almost taken him over before he was fully aware of what was occurring… he had never felt it rise so quickly, so strongly… except for when the smell of blood was in his nostrils… But why had it risen so strongly that morning? He had, in his shock, grabbed her wrist and pulled it away, but not before he heard the command that sprang, unbidden, into his mind.

Bind her to you.

A command… rarely did the Call provide such a direct order… Why?

And then, during last night's activities… when she had run her hand down his body and brushed across the scar, the order had come again. Bind her to you. He had made some sort of noise and closed his eyes, concentrating on keeping it at bay. Luckily, when she had moved on, the feeling of being compelled had faded. It possibly would have been beyond his ability to hold back had it not faded… and then all his plans, his careful manipulation, would have been laid to ruin.

What had awakened the Call? He regretted – not for the first time – that so little study had been done concerning the Call itself. Those that bore it as part of their nature did not take kindly to being questioned concerning its effects, and what he knew he had pieced together from a variety of sources: diaries, his own experiences, and comments made by other followers of the Dark Arts. He knew all too well that his knowledge was sketchy at best, though he had done a more objective study of the Call of the Blood than most.

Sighing, his fingers resumed their motions on the young woman's arm, enjoying the feel of the warm, smooth skin. The day before had proven to hold a number of surprises… her choice of cord colors, for one. Red. He had chosen his own colors carefully, as he assumed she had done. Courage, strength, and protection… passion, also – the Call, and his own innate personality, demanded it… he could not be considered a docile man. That had never been - and would never be - a description that fit him.

But hers… red he had expected. The girl certainly showed courage, and strength of will, and passion – particularly in her defense of those she saw as unprotected. Like her passionate defense of Longbottom, her ill-fated attempt at House Elf Liberation. And, after the evening before, he now knew for a certainty that that passion also bled over into other pursuits. No, the red had not been a surprise. The blue, however… understanding? Loyalty? That had surprised him at first; although after some thought… it fit. She did show a supreme amount of loyalty, as befit a Gryffindor… and there were few alive that could offer him understanding. Few that still walked on the side of the Light after having been tempted by the Dark. She was one of those few.

And she trusted him.

Did he trust her? It little mattered, but perhaps it would be nice to add someone else to the very short list of those that he trusted. He had to hold back a snort at that. He had conditional trust in a few people, mainly members of the Order, but total trust? No. Not in any other than himself.

A very short list, indeed.

She began to stir, then, and he let his free hand run along her arm, clasping the hand that lay on his chest. In doing so, the ring on his hand caught his eye. Another surprise, that they had picked out the companion rings. He had had the horrible thought that Minerva may decide to have a little fun at his expense and steer the young woman to something completely inappropriate… something gold and red. Evidently Hermione's better sense had prevailed. Or Minerva actually did have some sympathy for him.

"Good morning," Severus murmured when Hermione lifted her head slightly. He bit back a smirk at the red patch on her cheek, where it had been pressed against his chest while she slept.

She smiled shyly, eyes still slightly unfocused from sleep. "Good morning."

He could feel the sudden tension in her and decided to defuse the situation. They would have a number of morning-afters, after all, and there was no point in starting out with any awkwardness. Moving his hand to her cheek, he stroked his thumb across it and smiled as her eyes drifted shut and her body relaxed. So responsive. There was something to be said for a relatively untouched young woman… the simplest of gestures had a grand effect. Although, he had to admit, it may be more the novelty that the kind gestures came from him, rather than a result of the young woman's inexperience… Shifting slightly, he brushed his lips against her forehead and murmured, "Are you ready for breakfast? It appears we both had a bit of a lie-in this morning."

She opened her eyes and nodded before untangling her limbs from his and sliding out of the bed. She flushed slightly as she stood, obviously aware of her own nakedness… and equally aware of his eyes on her as she walked to the wardrobe. He couldn't help himself… her body was just as deliciously curved as he had suspected, the skin smooth and even, lightly freckled in spots. He had noticed a small patch of freckles underneath one thigh the evening before, and he smiled when he caught sight of it again.

He was mildly disappointed when she threw on a dressing gown before continuing to the bathroom. With a shy glance over her shoulder, she shut the door behind her and he lay his head back on the pillow and let out a deep breath. An annoyance, to be sure. A definite obstruction to his normal routine… an invasion of his privacy… a regretful loss of solitude… but, despite it all, he had to admit that the whole situation had its benefits.

* * * * * *

Hermione eyed the journal on the table beside her and glanced back at Severus questioningly. "Do you think I ought to start writing in it today? It would make sense… the timing, I mean." She put her hands over her heart with a flourish, and said dramatically, "My first diary as a married woman."

Severus finished chewing and raised an eyebrow in response to her flippant remark. "A bit overdramatic, but typical of women, I believe. Or just Gryffindors, perhaps." She scowled at him and he smirked before nodding thoughtfully. "It has merit, actually."

"What should I write? Am I supposed to be blissfully happy, angry, filled with despair…" she trailed off when he shook his head.

"It needs to sound natural, of course. But… the purpose, for now, is to underline the fact that it is too early for you to be brought before the Dark Lord." Hermione gasped at the casual statement, and Severus looked at her sharply. "Surely you expected that eventually the Dark Lord will require your presence before him." He stared at her silently.

"It does make sense… I just never really thought about it. But… he's skilled with Legilimency, what if… I don't want to give anything away, about the plan, or blow your cover as a spy…" Hermione said, her stomach knotting.

The dark-haired man gave her a measuring look before stating, "And that is precisely why we will begin Occlumency lessons this week. It will not be necessary for you to block all knowledge of my spy activities… the Dark Lord is aware that Dumbledore believes me to be his spy, and he is also aware that you only agreed to this marriage because you think I am Dumbledore's spy. My knowledge of Occlumency and the Prophecies, perhaps a few other items, will be the only things you must protect."

Severus sat back, twirling his fork idly as he continued, "But I will stall as long as possible. The more practice you have before I am forced to bring you before him, the better." He raised his eyes and looked at her pointedly. "That journal could prove useful as a delaying tactic. We must convince the reader that you are beginning to trust me, but you still have some reservations… mainly surrounding my continued association with the Death Eaters."

She noted that he said 'the reader' rather than 'Viktor,' and eyed him carefully. "So… you think Viktor – or whoever is reading the other journal - will be reporting to Vol- the Dark Lord?" Severus nodded, and Hermione chewed her lip thoughtfully. "So you have to be seen making progress, but not such good progress that they'll risk scaring me off by bringing me in front of him, right?"

"Very good, Miss- Hermione." Severus scowled briefly… Hermione thought it might be because of his near slip when saying her name. It's not Miss Granger any more, Severus… she thought smugly, her mind drifting back to the evening before. Belatedly, she realized that he had continued speaking. "-need to write something that puts across the correct message."

"Well, I'll start tonight, then." Severus nodded absently, his eyes on the fork dancing between his fingers. "Severus?"

"You should mention that I took the book from you." There was no need to ask which book… those few words that she had seen, glistening on the page, flashed in her mind… burning...

Payment offered. Blood accepted.

A surge of fear went through her. She swallowed, willing herself to be calm. It's just words, Hermione, she reminded herself. She wondered again why her eyes had unerringly went to those words… of all the writings in that book, why the Blood Rites? Why did they draw her attention so strongly?

"I will. He may wonder why I'm not succumbing to the Call, otherwise," she said, her voice surprisingly even considering the roiling in the pit of her stomach. "So – you took the book, I trust you, but I'm scared of the group you associate with, so I'm not sure if I should trust you. That's the basics, right?"

"A concise summary." He shot her a strange look then. "I am not sure what else… young women typically write in those things, Hermione. Try to keep it as natural as possible. If he should suspect…"

"I know, Severus." She was silent for a while, watching his fingers as they twirled the fork. She flushed slightly, remembering just what else those fingers could do… the evening before had been beyond anything she had imagined… and more than anything, she wanted it again. She firmly pushed the thought from her mind and glanced up only to see him watching her shrewdly. He glanced down at his fingers before flicking his gaze back up to her face, a smirk growing on his lips as her flush grew more heated. Does he always have to be so damned perceptive? Mind racing to find something to say - anything to say - that would keep the flush from her cheeks, she blurted out, "You know – I don't really have many appropriate robes… just the one set, besides my school robes and the dress robes I have. And I don't think I should be wearing the school robes anymore, since I'm not a student."

Severus sat back, accepting the tacit change of subject. "Indeed. Particularly if Minerva should happen to need your assistance during class." Severus eyed her sternly. "You need their respect. Your age already puts you at a disadvantage."

"You began teaching when you were young, didn't you?" He just raised an eyebrow at her. "All right, that was a stupid question. I know you did. My mouth moves faster than my brain sometimes." He smirked in unflattering agreement and she blew out an irritated breath. "You could pretend to disagree!"

"I see no point in such things." That damned eyebrow again. That damned sexy eyebrow.

"It's called common courtesy."

"I am not common."

She rolled her eyes as his amused smirk grew. "Tell me about it." She played with her teacup for a moment. "I should have thought to get something last week when I was there with Minerva, but… well, I was a little distracted. I guess I can see if she'll go with me again."

"No," he said curtly. When she glanced at him in surprise, he sighed and put down the fork. "I will accompany you. I have some business in Diagon Alley that could easily be accomplished today. And it would a good opportunity to gather your key to the vault, I suppose."

"The vault? Oh, that's right," she said thoughtfully. "I had forgotten about that."

"Dear me," he said mockingly, smirking. "Something the know-it-all didn't think of?"

"Oh, stop it." But she couldn't stop the smile that grew on her face. She was starting to understand his humor a little better. Even most of his nasty comments from class were rather amusing, if she thought about it objectively. Then she remembered something else, and said, "I'd like to visit Flourish and Botts, also, and get some more advanced Transfiguration books. Minerva doesn't expect me until later in the week, but I want to get started. And I need something to occupy my mind while you're off terrorizing students."

An amused glint appeared in her husband's eyes as he nodded. "Very well. We should prepare ourselves, then," he said, running his hand over the light stubble on his chin as he pushed his chair back. When he stood, the loose dressing gown fell open, revealing his chest. Her eyes were drawn to the scar across his breastbone, and her fingers itched to touch it – to touch him. To have him touch her. She swallowed hard and averted her gaze from his chest, willing her heart to slow. She had thought her hormones would be calmer after the… consummation… but they weren't. It was worse, much worse… now that she knew what he could do, how he could make her feel…

Professor Snape. Greasy Git of the Potions classroom… who would have imagined he would be such an… accomplished… lover? Besides Parvati and Lavender, at least, she thought wryly.

An hour later, they stood in front of the counter at Gringott's while a goblin eyed them both suspiciously. That in itself wasn't odd – the goblins always seemed to be suspicious of everyone that came into the bank. Finally, the goblin handed her a small silver key and waved them to follow another goblin through one of the many doors surrounding the lobby area. They followed him – her? – silently until, with a curt gesture, the goblin motioned them to one of the carts. At the sight of the small cart her stomach dropped… she hated this with a passion – she had never been fond of heights, and on her first journey through the twisting tunnels of Gringott's she had made the mistake of looking over the side of the cart when going around a tight curve. Other than the rails, there appeared to be nothing underneath… she shuddered at the memory.

Severus climbed in and she sat next to him, her eyes tightly shut before the cart even began to move. She was extremely grateful when Severus put an arm around her – grateful enough to ignore the condescending chuckle that she heard rumbling in his chest. And then the cart took off and she clutched at him with both hands until the careening cart finally came to a halt. She sat quietly for a moment, willing her stomach to settle, and finally opened her eyes. Only to see Severus' dark eyes watching her with amusement. She could practically hear his thoughts: Gryffindor courage, indeed.

"If you are ready?" he drawled, one eyebrow raised, and she fought the urge to slap him. That eyebrow's not so sexy now. All right, maybe it is. But it's annoying, too.

She accepted Severus' assistance in climbing out of the cart and stood beside him as he unlocked the vault. When the door opened, she was shocked at the sight before her. "I thought you said your family had no money…" Instantly she cursed her loose tongue, holding her breath… waiting for the sneering comment. It never came.

"It doesn't. This is merely the accumulation of my years of… hazard pay… you might say – in addition to my normal salary as Head of House and Professor," his tone was surprisingly… reasonable, and she glanced at him in confusion for a moment. He appeared lost in thought as they both entered the large vault. She supposed she needn't be too surprised – he didn't appear to live a lavish lifestyle and had no family to maintain… it made sense that he was able to accumulate a modest amount of wealth.

The vault was filled with piles of coins as well as household items, unidentifiable shapes hidden under thick cloths, and… books. Mounds and mounds of books. She was drawn to one particular volume that was perched on one pile near the entrance… without thinking, she reached out a hand to touch it.

Long fingers suddenly clamped around her wrist before she could get close to the cracked leather cover. "Do rein in your overactive curiosity, my dear. I would strongly suggest that you not touch any of the books here without my instruction. Some of my father's more… malevolent… volumes are kept here. They have a habit of defending themselves rather effectively." The silky tones, in this instance, lent his voice a rather sinister quality.

"Oh." She pulled her hand back, feeling the familiar flutter in her stomach when he did not immediately release her. Instead, he caressed the inside of her wrist and hand before letting his fingers trail off of her skin. She let out a shuddering breath as his eyes met hers, and she had to look away from the intensity she saw there.

Once she got her breathing under control again, she realized what she was looking at and frowned. The coins and items from her own vault were off to the side – an impressive pile, she had to admit, though not quite as large as Severus'. "That was fast."

"Yes," he replied absently as he filled a coinpurse with some Galleons. "The goblins are very efficient. As is the Ministry, when it comes to things like this."

The Ministry must have automatically moved everything over once the handfasting was completed. She had thought it would take a little longer, but evidently, as Severus said, they were efficient – in this, at least. She shook her head. The Distribution of Assets clause. She had only skimmed over it – the other clauses taking precedence in her mind – but now she felt a sense of foreboding overtake her as she realized the implications. How could it be guaranteed that the new spouse would have access to the vault? They had automatically moved her things into his vault, but had not automatically created a key for her. They had had to request it be done, and she remembered the strange look the goblin behind the desk had given them. Perhaps it wasn't a common request.

With a pensive look on her face, she glanced over at Severus. She certainly couldn't picture Draco Malfoy handing her a key to his vault… what about the other Muggleborns who were marrying into pureblood families? They would become slaves in truth.

And there was nothing she could do, without blowing Severus' cover.

Her fists clenched, she made a vow, then, to do whatever she could to see Voldemort defeated as quickly as possible. As soon as the bastard's body cooled, she would be on the street, petitioning the Ministry and demanding an end to this law… which was, in truth, nothing better than legal slavery. And, unlike her failed SPEW campaign, this time she would be successful. She could deal with any threats from greedy purebloods that were hoping to get their hands on the money of Muggleborn witches and wizards. She would welcome them, in fact.

After all – who would dare cross her ex-Death Eater husband? And if they thought he was bad…. At the thought, her mouth curved up into an evil smile. She couldn't wait.

Following another frightening trip in the cart, after which Severus claimed he would bear the permanent imprints of her fingers to the end of his days, they headed to Madam Malkin's. When Madam Malkin saw Hermione and then Snape walk through the door, her eyebrows shot up almost to her hairline. Hermione barely held back a giggle, realizing that McGonagall had never specified just which old, pureblood family Hermione was joining with. Evidently Madam Malkin recognized the Head of Slytherin House, and she glanced at Hermione with shock. Luckily, the older witch held her tongue and brightly offered to show Hermione some robes.

They didn't stay at Malkin's long. Severus' poorly suppressed impatience prompted her to hurry through her purchases rather than browse as she had intended. Finally, after the third time she heard him sigh, she rolled her eyes and said, "Listen, next weekend is a Hogsmeade weekend, I'll just get these robes for the week and go with Ginny on Saturday for the rest of what I'll need."

"I am… willing to wait, if necessary." It would have sounded more sincere had he not bitten the final two words off. She was certain he had only stayed because he didn't want her wandering about alone, particularly in such a public place.

"It'll be more fun with her. She won't stand back and snarl and bore holes in my back trying to rush me," Hermione said dryly.

"She obviously has a much higher boredom threshold than I do," Severus said, sneering.

"No, just a much higher rude threshold than you," Hermione responded under her breath. He grunted noncommittally, but she thought she saw a small smile hovering on his lips.

They spent a fair amount of time in Flourish and Botts, and Hermione was able to take her time and browse through some of the more recent advanced Transfiguration books while Severus mired himself in the Potions section. She selected a few of the books to purchase and headed back to where he stood, passing by a shelf of DADA books. She paused to inspect them. Protect Yourself from the Dark Arts! and Dark Curses: An Illustrated History… she shuddered at the thought. An illustrated history? As she was about to move on, one slender volume caught her eye: The Lure of the Dark Arts.

They are… more seductive than you realize.

She was about to reach out her hand to pluck it off of the shelf but stopped when she heard a smooth voice behind her. "There is very little of interest here in that particular subject. If you so desire, I have some volumes in my private library that you can read." She nodded and turned to see her husband, inordinately relieved that he hadn't recognized which book she was about to pull off the shelf. She had an idea that that would bring up more questions than she was willing to answer at the moment. He nodded to the books she was holding. "Are you finished?"

She nodded. "Yes – I'm going to buy these." He grunted and reached out to take them from her, causing her to raise an eyebrow. "I thought you didn't do common courtesy?"

He put his hands on the books, purposely brushing his fingers against hers as he smoothly pulled them from her grip. "Your much-vaunted memory is failing already… and at such a young age. If you recall, I said I was not common."

"Hmm."

As they walked to the counter, he said, "And I have no desire for the idiots that work here to think I am treating you as a House Elf."

"Oh, that explains it. I knew there had to be an ulterior motive here somewhere," she said teasingly. He shot her an unreadable look before his attention was caught by the clerk.

As before, he paid for the purchases. When she had protested in Madam Malkin's, he had simply pointed out that she had a shopping trip that weekend in Hogsmeade, and then made a snide remark about hearing rumors of the type of damage two young women could do to a coinpurse. She had giggled, but didn't dispute it.

"What business did you have to take care of?" Hermione asked as they left Flourish and Botts. He gave her a sideways glance and shook his head slightly. She took the hint and remained silent as he led them to Ollivander's Wand Shop. Her brow furrowed in confusion but she held her tongue. It was obviously either something he didn't wish to tell her or something he didn't wish to speak about in public.

When they entered the small shop Ollivander looked up and caught Severus' eye for a moment before giving her a piercing stare. "Ash, nine and a half inches, unicorn hair, correct?" She nodded, biting back an amused smile. She was startled when he stood from the workbench and strolled up to her. He shot Severus a meaningful look before he turned back to her and asked, "And is it still working well for you? Sometimes… as a witch or wizard grows and begins to specialize in… other things… they find that their wand doesn't quite fit them anymore. I wonder if that's the case with you, young woman."

She had no idea how to respond. Her wand was fine, as far as she knew. Out of the corner of her eye, she saw Severus looking back and forth between the two of them, but her own eyes were caught and held by the eerie, moon-like eyes of Mr. Ollivander. Then the wandmaker stepped back, a small frown creasing his brow. "Perhaps not, then." He glanced once again at Severus, who was watching him with something like trepidation in his eyes. "I thought at first… but no matter. Here," the wandmaker said, pulling a piece of parchment from his robes and handing it to Severus.

"Thank you," Severus said gravely. Mr. Ollivander nodded and, with a final piercing gaze at them both, he sat back behind his workbench and returned his attention to the wand in front of him.

* * * * * *

Hermione yawned. Despite the late hour that she awoke that morning, she felt worn out. The trip to Diagon Alley had been pleasant, surprisingly so, if a bit unsettling at times. The book, and then Mr. Ollivander's odd comments. And then, when they returned to Hogwarts, Severus had seemed a bit preoccupied. She asked about the parchment that the wandmaker had given him, but he refused to answer. She assumed it must have something to do with his spy duties, and for once didn't pry.

Then he had mentioned Lavender's prophecy, informing her that there would likely be an Order meeting later that week to discuss the possible implications. When she asked if she would be included, he had frowned and snapped, "Yes. Either they will include you or I will bring you myself, if only to avoid having to answer a thousand questions when I return."

Not wishing to deal with his mood, she had delved into her new Transfiguration books while he marked essays. The time had flown by and they shared a quick dinner before returning to their individual pursuits. By the time he was done with his marking and had settled beside her on the couch, she had already begun her journal entry for the evening. She could feel him reading over her shoulder as she began the second page and pursed her lips. "I'll let you write it, if you'd prefer."

"I daresay that my theatrical talents – spoken or written - do not extend to sounding like a teenaged female."

She snorted with amusement. "Probably not. I'd be a little worried if you could, actually." Her quill continued to scratch over the paper. "I'm still so shaken up by everything – it all happened so quickly! One minute I'm trying to figure out what to do to keep away from Malfoy – something other than throwing myself from the Astronomy Tower – and the next minute Professor Snape – Severus – and Dumbledore came to me with this plan. They say he's a spy… I believe them, but I'm still kind of concerned. I mean, Severus is with the Malfoys every time there's a meeting, pretending to be their friends… what if I have to meet them, too. I don't know if I could keep my face straight – what if I give him away? After what happened… I just don't even want to see Draco's father. I don't want to see Draco, either, but I can't really help that since he's right here, at Hogwarts."

"Nicely done," Severus commented. He scanned the previous page. "And I see where you mentioned the book… ah. Yes, a bit irritated at that, aren't we?"

"I have to pretend to be – I'm a know it all who loves books. How dare my new husband be so high-handed as to take it from me?" Hermione said with a smile. "You know – I ought to write to Viktor, too… I promised him a longer letter. Should I mention the book in there, too?"

"It would be a good idea," Severus said, running a hand through his hair and closing his eyes.

She watched him for a moment before saying, "It gets tiring, doesn't it? Always having to think of someone else's plans, trying to second guess everything that you do? Not just the active spying that you do, but everything else that goes with it." He went still for a moment and then opened his eyes slowly. The mask he normally wore over his emotions had fallen away and her breath caught at the oddly open expression in his eyes.

"I can't afford to let it get tiring." When Hermione opened her mouth, he waved his hand in a dismissive gesture, the mask falling back into place. "I have played this game for too many years to count, Hermione. It does not permit rest. Even after the Dark Lord's first 'defeat,' I had to play Malfoy's game, keep in contact with the other known and suspected Death Eaters..." His voice trailed off and he stared into the fire pensively.

"Did Malfoy always suspect that it wasn't over? He kept working, the whole time, for the cause?" Severus' eyes flicked back to her face.

"No," he said seriously. "It was Lucius' greatest wish that the Dark Lord was dead forever." At her confused look, he pursed his lips together. "Malfoy hoped to take his place, Hermione. Don't you realize just how high his ambitions reach? But we all suspected… those of us who bore the Mark… we knew that he wasn't gone. Not completely. The link was not broken." He leaned his head back against the couch. "My only hope was that he would be too weak to return to a corporeal existence. Pettigrew crushed that hope."

She bit her tongue firmly. If he had just listened to them in the Shrieking Shack, Pettigrew would never have escaped to rejoin his master. Although, Voldemort would doubtless have found another servant to help him… And with the Call rising in Snape's blood, she could only be thankful that he hadn't killed them all on the spot.

I am able to avoid answering it. On most occasions. When emotions run high, however…

Or, at the very least, killed Sirius. And had that happened, Harry would never have trusted him again… and the Order would have been without the benefits of his spy activities. So many variables, like a house of cards… take one out, and it all would come crashing down.

"Well, Lavender's prophecy offers a little hope, at least," she said softly. He glanced at her, a strange expression in his eyes as opened his mouth to speak. After a moment he shut it again and nodded slightly, reaching out to touch her hand gently. She immediately twined her fingers through his, unable to hold back another yawn.

He chuckled. "It has been a draining day. Come." A gentle tug on her hand and she stood with him, her heart beating erratically. What would happen when they went to the bedroom? The requirements were weekly, but they weren't limited to that… but what if he didn't want to, or was too tired? Did she really want him to?

A resounding yes was the only answer to that question.

Enough to bring it up herself, though? That she didn't know. What if he just sneered at her and turned her down? They moved into the bedroom and he pulled off his dressing gown before sliding into the bed in just his sleep trousers. The sight of his lean, muscled back and slim hips sent her hormones racing once again as she climbed into bed beside him.

She didn't know how to ask the question burning in her mind… and other places. What if he actually wasn't attracted to her? Could he just be pretending in order to make things easier for everyone involved? She considered the notion and then discarded it. She didn't think so… his enjoyment of the activities had seemed genuine. But still, she didn't feel confident enough to just come out and… proposition him. Not for the first time, she wished she knew more about men – at least, in that respect.

Sighing inwardly, she closed her eyes and leaned her head tentatively on his shoulder, relieved when he put his arm around her and pulled her into his chest. Perhaps she would ask Lavender's advice…

* * * * * *

The next morning, Severus woke before her and slid out of bed quietly. She didn't have to awaken early for classes or other duties for the next few days, and he relished the thought of having his bathroom to himself in the mornings. Not that she took an unusual amount of time, in fact, for someone her age he calculated that she was rather efficient in her morning routine… it was just that having to work his morning schedule around another person was an entirely new experience for him. And not one that he particularly enjoyed. Perhaps he could coax her into combining their morning showers… that would up the enjoyment level considerably, he thought with a wicked grin. Ruthlessly he squashed the notion. No, he had to take things slowly…

…but it was certainly something to keep in mind for the future.

He was preparing to leave to go to the Great Hall for breakfast when the fireplace popped. "Headmaster."

"Good morning, Severus. Is Hermione in?"

Severus pursed his lips. "She is still sleeping, Albus. What did you need?"

"Oh, nothing urgent, of course. Could you ask her to come to my office this morning when she's up and about? We have some things to discuss regarding her change in status." Severus nodded. "Very well, then. I trust everything is going well?"

"Yes, Albus."

"Good… we'll also be having an Order meeting this Friday evening in my office regarding the new… development."

"I believe Hermione should attend, also, Headmaster."

"I agree, Severus. That's one other thing I'll be speaking with her about this morning. Now that she's officially graduated I'd like to induct her into the Order. With her permission, of course."

"You didn't wait that long with Potter, as I recall, Albus." When the Headmaster opened his mouth to speak, Severus forestalled him with a negligent wave of his hand. "I know, I know. His situation is… different."

"Yes, it is, Severus." They both remained silent for a long moment until the Headmaster sighed. "I will see you at breakfast, then, Severus," he said before his head disappeared from the fire.

Potter is always different. It's amazing the boy hasn't grown a head larger than this room. Although it's big enough as it is, Severus thought scathingly as he marched back into the bedroom to deliver the message.

The bedcovers had slid down and she had pulled his pillow into her arms, hugging it as she slept. He was glad the dreams appeared to be abating – she only seemed to have trouble in the evenings now. She hadn't said so outright, but he had noted that she never went to bed before he did, and she made sure that they were touching before she closed her eyes.

Touching… The night before, when she leaned her head against his shoulder, he had pulled her against him and the feel of her young, vibrant body against his had stirred his blood. He had tamped it down, determined to wait until she approached him. He did not want to take the chance of pushing her, or making her think he was pushing her. But it had taken quite some time before he had been able to sleep.

Gently, he sat on the side of the bed and rubbed her shoulder. He could have left a parchment, but he preferred to speak to her before leaving, anyway. She blinked and opened her eyes, brushing the hair from her face. "I hate my hair," she muttered.

He raised an eyebrow. "I'm rather fond of it, actually." A grunt answered him and he bit back a smile. "As I believe I told you the other night."

"You were just being nice," she said sleepily.

He gazed at her with amusement. "When have you known me to be nice, Hermione? Or to display… what was it again? Oh, yes, common courtesy."

She laughed at that. "True enough." She pushed more hair back as she sat up and sighed. "It would be easier if were nice and straight, like Lavender's, or Parvati's."

"Easy is boring. Your hair has character. As do you. It is one thing that makes this situation… endurable," he said smoothly, reaching out a hand to brush her cheek. "I was going to let you sleep but the Headmaster has a message for you."

"Oh?"

"You are to meet him in his office once you are… up and about, I believe he said."

She blinked again, her eyes focusing on him more clearly. "What's wrong?"

Severus smirked. "You've become rather cynical already, my dear. Though you are correct – a visit to the Headmaster's office generally does include something wrong. However, this time he simply wishes to discuss your new status as an ex-student."

"Oh."

"You are surprisingly eloquent when you first awaken."

"Oh, be quiet. You're the one that complained last week that I could talk about any subject, at length, at any time."

"Sometimes I wish your memory wasn't quite so impressive," Severus commented dryly. She glanced up at him and, apparently reading the lightness of his tone, smiled as she climbed out of the bed and stood next to him.

"Mum always said you can't always have what you wish." She looked him in the eye and drew in a shaky breath. He raised one eyebrow, sensing the change in atmosphere between them. And decided to take advantage of it.

Raising a hand to her jaw, he caressed her jawline before lowering his head to hers. "But sometimes you can," he murmured silkily, looking at her intently before capturing her mouth in a sweet kiss.

A sweet kiss that quickly became more as she wound her arms around his neck and pressed against him. As he kiss deepened, he railed inwardly at the injustice of his teaching schedule - an early class on a Monday, indeed. Regrettably, there wasn't enough time to enjoy her responsiveness… and he didn't want to just indulge in a quick encounter, not when she was so new to the entire… experience.

He held her to him a little while longer before pulling back and stroking her cheek. "Unfortunately, my dear, I have an early class this morning. And I need to make an appearance at breakfast, or the students will be completely unbearable in class with their speculations as to why I missed breakfast…" He brushed his lips across her forehead and stepped back. She nodded and gave him a small smile.

"Well, you'd better get going, then."

He nodded, unable to resist brushing his lips against hers one last time before he swept out of the room.

* * * * * *

"Dear Viktor,

Things are going well here. The wedding was beautiful, even if it was a little strange to someone who's only attended Muggle ceremonies before. I'm still a little shocked by everything that's happened over the last few weeks. I can't believe I'm Mrs. Snape. I'm assuming you heard about it in the paper, but if you haven't… after Ron was murdered Professor Snape offered to help me with my situation. You know I couldn't bear to be betrothed to Draco Malfoy, much less marry him, so I accepted. There really isn't anyone else that I think would be able to resist the Malfoy family… and I couldn't handle someone else being hurt over me. So far, it's been better than I expected, though I'm still kind of wary.

Thank you again for the most recent book. I have to tell you that I didn't get a chance to really read much before Severus – that's Professor Snape's name – took it. I'm not sure how he found it, but it seemed like he knew it was there… and he's got it really well warded. He said it was dangerous somehow. Which is silly, really… I mean, everything is dangerous, if you look at it like that. It's just a tool, to be used for good or bad, as the user wills it, right? I mean, it's like taking away all the knives because someone might get stabbed, and ignoring the fact that they're needed to cut up your dinner. Does that make any sense? Probably not. Anyway, I still have the other two books in my trunk, but the most recent one is warded now. And I don't recognize the wards…

Well, I've got to go meet with the Headmaster to go over my new status as an ex-student and soon-to-be-Transfiguration Apprentice. Write back when you're able, and thanks for all of your help.

Your friend,

Hermione."

Folding the letter, she tucked it into her robes. When she was finished with the Headmaster she would take it to the Owlery. She tossed a pinch of Floo powder into the fire and said "Headmaster's Office." Poking her head through, she saw Dumbledore. "Are you ready for me, Headmaster?"

"Yes, my dear, come in."

A few minutes later, she sat in a chair opposite the Headmaster's desk as they discussed her induction into the Order. "I'd be honored, Professor Dumbledore."

"You do realize you may call me Albus, my dear."

Hermione grinned. "That may take me some time, Professor. It was strange enough to stop calling Severus, Professor Snape… and now Minerva wants me to use her first name… let me get used to those two first before I tackle the Headmaster's name." Dumbledore laughed appreciatively.

"Well said, Hermione. Baby steps, correct?" She nodded and he continued in a more serious tone, "Friday evening the Order will meet in this office to discuss the prophecy. And its possible meanings. We will officially induct you at that time."

"Yes, sir."

"And now… your status. As an apprentice, you obviously have access to any portion of the library-" he chuckled when her eyes lit up at that "-and curfews do not, of course, apply to you any longer. Although I think your husband may have a word or two with you if you do not at least inform him of your whereabouts… you are still in a precarious situation, my dear."

"I understand, Professor. He's asked me to avoid being out alone as much as possible-"

"Yes. Two victims are much more difficult to subdue than one, as Severus is fond of mentioning." Albus pinned her with his gaze then. "And he's absolutely correct." There was steel in his voice, and Hermione looked at him in surprise. He nodded gravely. "You can trust Severus, child."

"I know."

Again, that piercing look. "I see. Well, once your apprenticeship officially begins you will take meals at the Head Table with the other apprentices." She nodded. Professor Sinistra had a couple of apprentices that ate in the Great Hall. "But for now I believe you can continue to dine with your friends at the Gryffindor table."

She frowned suddenly, remembering another detail. "Professor, who was named Head Girl? I can't believe it never crossed my mind until now…"

"Ah, yes. Susan Bones was announced as the new Head Girl this morning." Hermione nodded. She was a good choice. And a pureblood, to boot. "And, I'm sure you're aware that, as Professor McGonagall's apprentice, the Gryffindor Common Room will remain open to you."

She smiled with relief. She had been certain that it would be off-limits now that she wasn't a student… well, off-limits unless she was accompanied by a Gryffindor student, of course. To find out otherwise was a relief – she could seek out Ginny or Harry if she needed to talk, or even Lavender and Parvati…

"Thank you, Headmaster. Is that all? I'd like to check out the Restricted Section of the library… now that it's legal for me to be there."

"Yes, my dear. You're free to go," Dumbledore said, his blue eyes twinkling. "It will be quite exciting for you to be there with permission for once, won't it, Hermione?"

* * * * * *

She spent most of the day in the library, rifling through books that in previous years she had had to read while under Harry's invisibility cloak, casting furtive glances over her shoulder every few minutes for fear that Filch might find her. Madam Pince passed by every now and then and nodded to her – Hermione had been a constant presence there as a student and was on friendly terms with the librarian.

She missed lunch but did go down to the Great Hall for dinner, and was glad that she did when she saw the open relief on Harry's face. "Hi, Harry."

"I was worried when you didn't show up for breakfast and lunch," Harry said, frowning at her. She looked at him in confusion.

"Why?"

"Well, he was here," Harry said, nodding towards the Head Table. "Is everything all right?"

Hermione shook her head and reached for her juice. "Of course it is, Harry. Everything's fine. I just had a lie-in this morning, and then had a meeting with Dumbledore about my new status, and then lost track of time in the library." Harry watched her with narrowed eyes and she almost snapped at him before forcing herself to calm down. He was just worried, and he obviously was still blaming himself for the whole situation.

Ginny sat down next to her. "Hi, Hermione… how is everything?" The concerned look in the redhead's eyes made her sigh.

"I'm fine, everyone. Trust me," she said pleadingly. "Severus is treating me well, all right? No thumbscrews or lashings."

Ginny just rolled her eyes while Harry gave her a weak grin. "Sorry, 'Mione. Didn't mean it like that, I just want to be sure you're happy."

"I'm as happy as I'm likely to be right now, Harry. I still… it still comes up in my mind sometimes, you know. It's only been a couple of weeks… but I'm keeping myself busy."

"Oh, really?" Lavender said archly as she and Parvati arrived. Hermione bit back a sharp retort and concentrated on breathing.

"Yes. We went to Diagon Alley yesterday and I got some new Transfiguration books, and then today I spent time in the library…" she began. As expected, Lavender and Parvati groaned in unison and directed their attention to Seamus, who was describing a particularly exciting date he had been on over the weekend. She leaned close to Ginny and said, "Actually, he got kind of impatient in Madam Malkin's and I told him I'd just finish shopping with you this weekend. It is a Hogsmeade weekend, right?"

Ginny nodded, a genuine smile appearing on her face. "That'll be great. I've been wanting to dress you up for a while now."

Hermione chuckled. "And to think I wanted you to come rather than those two to avoid that very thing," she said with a smile. Ginny just grinned at her cheekily and took a bite of her dinner.

After dinner she spent some time in the Gryffindor Common Room with her friends before returning to the dungeons for the evening. Severus was there, marking papers, and she pulled out a book to read until bed. A couple of hours later, she yawned and looked up. He was still marking essays.

"You really should stop assigning so much homework. Then you wouldn't have so much marking to do," she commented as she flipped through a chapter on Transfiguring the shape of a Portkey without losing its Apparition properties.

"And I should stop being a teacher, so I wouldn't have so many dunderheads to deal with each day," Severus snapped. "But, sadly, that is not an option."

She was getting more accustomed to his moods and just smiled slightly. Strangely, she liked him as much when he was snappish as when he was being kind. "You don't have to deal with dunderheads each day. You have the weekends off, at least."

He snorted and glanced up at her with a sneer. "I generally have rounds on weekends, or some other such thing that Albus cooks up for me to do. Or detentions to oversee."

"Well, maybe now that you're married Professor Dumbledore won't pile so much on you," Hermione said reasonably. Severus paused and stared at her, his eyes narrowed. "You could play that up, you know."

"A very Slytherin tactic, my dear."

"Just common sense."

"Again, a Slytherin trait." She snorted at that, and loudly. "You don't agree?" Severus said sleekly, standing from the desk and making his way to where she sat.

"No," she stated boldly, looking up at him. "And, unfortunately, there are some members of your own House that ruin your argument." He raised an eyebrow and she ticked off the names on her fingers. "Malfoy Junior, for one. If he hadn't tipped his hand so early last week I wouldn't have been on my guard as much." Severus nodded reluctantly. "Crabbe and Goyle… do I really need to go through examples?" He winced and sat down beside her.

"Longbottom, the bane of cauldrons everywhere. Much of Potions making is common sense, Hermione," he said before she could open her mouth to defend her friend. She nodded reluctantly. "Potter. That debacle at the end of your fifth year should tell you enough about him, though there is a long list of other evidence to prove his lack of common sense." She shrugged without argument.

"That's two. I gave you three. And I wasn't finished, either."

"Ah, but I believe my final example will trump all of yours. Hermione Granger, now Hermione Snape. Another Gryffindor often lacking in common sense," he said silkily. She glared at him.

"Oh, really?"

"Stealing from my potions supply, and then turning yourself into a cat, I believe it was? Not even enough common sense to check that you had the correct hair. Tsk, tsk."

She gasped. "I thought Madam Pomfrey told me no one would know…"

He grinned at her wickedly. "Oh, come now, Hermione. Who do you think brewed the potions you had to take to revert back to your true form?"

"Oh."

"Mmm. More eloquence."

"You're not very nice, you know that?" she asked in a mock-serious tone.

"I believe I've been told so once or twice."

"Well. So long as you know," Hermione said, not bothering to suppress her grin. A smile ghosted about his lips and he held out a hand.

"Sleep?" Smiling, she took his hand.

Later, as she lay beside him, similar thoughts went through her head as the previous night. She was trying to decide whether to act on her impulses when she sensed his breathing grow even. He had fallen asleep. A little relieved that the decision had been taken out of her hands, she snuggled against him and closed her own eyes.

As she listened to his even breathing lulling her to sleep, she realized something. For the first time since her parents were killed, she felt… content. Maybe not happy, but definitely content.

* * * * * *

"So - how was it?" Lavender and Parvati eyed her expectantly. She wasn't able to keep the flush from overtaking her cheeks. That day had passed the same way as the previous one, except that she actually made it to the Great Hall for lunch. The two girls had cornered her afterwards and insisted that she meet them in their room for a "chat" before dinner that night. She had agreed, but wished now that she had waited until Ginny had a free period.

"I… um-" she stammered, feeling her face grow warmer. "Well…"

"I knew it!" Lavender crowed, clapping her hands together. "You liked it, didn't you?" Not able to stop the lopsided smile that overtook her face, she nodded. "I knew it… just look at the way he walks." Parvati nodded in agreement.

"So – did you?" Parvati asked excitedly. Hermione looked at her, confused.

"Did I what?"

Lavender and Parvati exchanged an exasperated glance. "You know…"

"I'm afraid I don't," Hermione replied, a little annoyed. Parvati rolled her eyes.

"Did you have an orgasm?"

"Oh. That. A couple, actually." The other two girls squealed and hopped excitedly on the bed.

"I am so glad I don't take Potions anymore – I would never be able to concentrate!" Lavender exclaimed. "Professor Snape? Wow…"

"Well… isn't that… I don't know – normal? I mean-"

"No!" Parvati said, shaking her head emphatically. "It's not normal. You're a very lucky woman, Hermione."

Hermione smiled a bit. "Well, I certainly felt lucky that night…" This time, she joined the other girls when they laughed.

Suddenly, Lavender eyed her shrewdly. "That night? You haven't done it since then, have you?" Hermione shrugged awkwardly. "Why ever not?" Hermione didn't answer, and Lavender and Parvati looked at each other in confusion. "What is it?"

"Yeah, if some guy could give me two in one session, I'd be all over him for another round. Professor or not."

Hermione looked down at her hands. "Well… I mean, I've thought about it, of course… I just don't know… I mean, he hasn't really tried anything since the wedding night. And Saturday is just a few days away… there's a weekly requirement, you know, with the contract."

Parvati shook her head, open confusion on her face as she said, "If it's that good, why wait?" Lavender put her hand on the raven-haired girl's arm.

Hermione plucked at the bedspread. "Well… I don't know. I don't know how… how to… Maybe he's not really interested – I mean, he hasn't tried anything since that night, you know."

"Wait, Hermione… you know what? I bet he's just trying not to pressure you. He's waiting for some signals from you," Lavender said confidently.

"What do you mean?" Hermione stared at the blond girl.

"Send him some signals! Instigate it… it's not fair to put all the pressure on him, you know," Lavender said. Beside her, Parvati was nodding.

Hermione felt her cheeks get red again as she imagined… propositioning… Severus. "I- I can't do that… what am I supposed to do?" She let out a sigh and pulled her knees up in front of her, resting her chin on them. "I wish I had more experience… he's just so… I don't know. It's intimidating."

"At first, maybe. Listen, you don't have to come right out and say it, you know. Be discreet, just put out the signals and let him respond to them." Seeing Hermione's confused look, Lavender blew out an annoyed breath. "You sleep in the same bed, right? Well, just run your hand up and down his arm or something, and snuggle against him-"

"Make sure your nipples are touching him when you do it-"

Lavender nodded her head. "Right. Raise your head a little so he can kiss you if he wants, you know. Just stuff like that. Nothing so overt that you'll feel rejected if he's too tired to respond."

Hermione was silent, contemplating the advice. "I may be able to do that, I think."

"Oh, you should, Hermione! Don't waste any time… I mean, even two experienced people usually can't hit the big 'O' at all the first time they're together – it's usually too awkward. If you got it twice…" Parvati trailed off, and Lavender picked up the conversation.

"She's right. It's like having an iced sherbert and letting it just drip on the street without eating it. If you've got it, you have to enjoy it! It's an insult to those of us who aren't so lucky if you don't take advantage of what you've got!"

Hermione had to laugh at the mock-serious expression on the blonde's face. "I'll try… it may take me a couple of days to work up the nerve, though."

"Aren't you a Gryffindor, woman?" Parvati exclaimed sternly.

Hermione shrugged. "A Gryffindor who's sleeping with the Head of Slytherin. Come on, Parvati; remember that time in fifth year Potions when you made me ask him for more beetle legs because you were so intimidated by him? If you couldn't even work up the nerve to ask him for more potions ingredients, how easy do you think it would be to ask him for… well, you know." Parvati's dusky cheeks darkened and the other two laughed.

"All right. You have a point."

"No word of this to anyone, all right?" Hermione frowned. "Maybe I should make you do a wand-oath."

"You can trust us with something like this, Hermione. And anyway, it's not like anyone would believe it," Parvati said, a hurt tone in her voice. Hermione nodded reluctantly. That's true… I certainly wouldn't have believed it if someone told me!

"Right. Well, it's time for dinner. Come on," Lavender said, leading the way out of the room.

* * * * * *

Snape entered the Great Hall through the staff door and nodded to Minerva before taking his usual seat. His eyes automatically scanned the Gryffindor table – Dumbledore had agreed that she should continue to sit there for meals for now, until she began assisting Minerva with her classes. When that time came she would have a place at the Head Table, with the other apprentices.

"And how are you doing, Severus?" He nodded sharply in response, and Minerva's lips twitched. "As good as that? Well, it appears that Miss Grang- pardon me, Hermione, is doing quite well." She nodded in the direction of the doors, and he saw Hermione enter with Misses Brown and Patil. The two were giggling while Hermione shook her head, but he could see the amusement on her face. He wondered briefly what they were discussing… but when he saw the two other girls' eyes pass over him he had a good notion. He sighed. At least they weren't in his classes anymore. Most of the students were so revolted by the idea of their Potions Master being… intimate… with a woman that they could barely meet his eyes. He smirked at the thought.

Dinner passed uneventfully. He noted when Potter entered the room and was mildly surprised when the boy gave him a respectful nod… a mere inclination of the head, but a greeting nonetheless. He raised an eyebrow. The boy had become… tolerable… the past few months, but he was still a thorn in Severus' side. Never respectful of the danger of his actions… at least the boy was more cognizant of the danger to his friends now than he had been two years before.

He exchanged the minimum necessary small talk with Minerva and was about to return to the dungeons to complete some grading when he saw Malfoy stand from the Slytherin table and approach Hermione's table. Her back was to him, and she didn't realize he was there until the blond man put a small package on the table in front of her and whispered something in her ear. Severus' eyes narrowed as he watched the young man saunter off through the main doors.

Looking back at his wife, he saw that she was frozen in her seat, her back and shoulders tense as she stared at the package. When she raised her hand to touch it, he was pleased to see Potter's arm reach out and stop her. Their eyes locked, and Potter said something. She nodded blankly and then raised her eyes to his own. His breath caught at the haunted look in them – Damn Malfoy – what did he say to her this time? Visions of a peaceful evening in his chambers, marking papers and then reading before sliding into bed, shriveled up and blew away in his mind. Biting back an irritated sigh, he pushed his chair back and stood, ignoring the hushed whispers of the students as he made his way to the Gryffindor table. To his wife.

"Hermione? Have you finished with your dinner?"

"Yes," she said, pushing her half-eaten plate away. "I'll see you guys tomorrow." Severus met Potter's eyes and the younger wizard reached out to pick up the box, handing it to his hated Potions Master.

"Just in case, sir," Potter said, meeting his gaze evenly.

"I agree, Potter," Severus said, taking the box and secreting it in his robes.

Once back in their rooms, she turned to Severus expectantly. "Well, what did he put in that package?"

"Stay here," he ordered curtly, stalking into the small office next to the study and warding the door. He then cast various shielding charms and several different revealing charms before opening the small package. He relaxed minutely when a simple gold ring was revealed… gold except for a darker area on the side… he looked closer and pursed his lips. Dried blood. He had a good idea just whose ring this was, but he could not be certain without speaking to Hermione.

A clever idea. As Minerva had noted, Hermione had seemed happier – more content – the past two days. Lucius couldn't allow that, of course… he needed her off-balance, he needed to put a pall over the trust that she was building… And what better way than to remind her of her pain? To insinuate, perhaps, that Severus himself had had some role in her parents' deaths?

With a heavy sigh, he tucked the package in his pocket and left the room. Obviously he would have no rest this evening… he missed his quiet evenings of solitude, reading or just staring into the fire… And if it weren't for Malfoy's little plots, he would still have his living quarters to himself. As he had expected, Hermione was standing immediately outside the door, looking at him indignantly. He raised a hand as she opened her mouth.

"Before you indulge in more of your dramatics… I merely wished to keep any possible hexes from injuring you. The package is safe. In a fashion." He fixed her with his eyes, then, his gaze intent on hers. "Tell me, Hermione – what did young Malfoy say to you when he delivered his… gift?"

"He said… he said it was a wedding present… and to ask you if I needed to know more about it. From what he said, you were there when he acquired it." Her voice was even, but he could see her eyes filled with trepidation.

"I see." Severus shook his head. Fools. "The Malfoys hope to shake your foundation of trust, to lower my regard in the Dark Lord's eyes. If my… if they can show that my manipulations are failing, then Lucius will rise again in the ranks as I am pulled farther down."

"I'm getting tired of being a pawn in these Death Eater power games." Her brown eyes flashed, and he raised an eyebrow.

"As am I, Hermione. And I have done it far longer than you have." She nodded, acknowledging his statement, before her eyes narrowed.

"What… what is it, Severus? What's in the package?"

Gravely, he pulled it out and placed it in her hand. "I have my suspicions, but I need your confirmation."

When she opened the package, he received his confirmation. Tears immediately welled up and her knees went weak – he barely caught her before she hit the floor. Definitely not a relaxing evening. Damn Malfoy and his worthless spawn! Withholding an irritated breath, he led her to the couch and sat beside her as she fought to regain control of her emotions. A short time later he was relieved – and absurdly proud - to note that the tears had stopped, her eyes – though bright – now stared at the ring with a mixture of memory and anger.

"My mother's wedding band. Her blood's still on it." Her voice sounded hollow in his ears, and he said nothing – just rubbed her arm. "Why now?"

"I believe that you were beginning to look too… content, perhaps. Lucius fears for his position in the Dark Lord's circle. You are adjusting too well, at least to outside eyes," he amended thoughtfully. She glanced up at him wordlessly and then looked back down at the ring. "He was certain that you loathed me enough to be… inconsolable… at the thought of marriage to me. When that didn't prove to be the case…"

"I only loathe his son that much. Well, and him, of course." She shivered slightly. "I would have jumped off the Astronomy Tower before I married that little prat… or maybe I could just push him off, instead."

Severus couldn't quite hold back a smile, which he quickly smothered. "That would not be… advisable."

"Which? Jumping or pushing the little-"

"Either." Severus looked at her seriously. "Hermione – Lucius Malfoy is not someone to cross. He is nowhere near as weak and unintelligent as his son… be wary of him." She nodded slowly. And then her eyes were drawn back to her mother's wedding ring.

"Is it… is it normal for me to want to see him dead even more than Vol- the Dark Lord?" He shifted to see her face more clearly and was slightly taken aback by the look of cold fury – of hatred – on her face. If he didn't know better, he would have said she had been taken by the Call.

"Your issue with Malfoy is on a personal level. He killed not only your friend, but those of your blood. I would say that it is understandable, though keep in mind that if the Dark Lord falls, Malfoy will lose much of his influence. If he lives," Severus said. He didn't say it aloud, but he knew that if the Dark Lord fell, Severus would see to Lucius Malfoy's death immediately. Azkaban be damned.

_______________________________________________________________________

A/N: Another long chapter… I can't seem to get away from it. It was actually going to be longer, but I had to cut it back or it would have been a forty pager by the time I was done. The upside to that is that Chapter 13 is halfway complete, so it should be up much earlier than next Thursday.

Note: This is regarding the previous chapter: the full version is up on lordandladysnape.net and adultfanfiction.net, both of which allow NC-17. I don't want to push the envelope here on this site, as it only goes to R and I'm truthfully at a loss as to where one ends and the other begins in the written word, so I'm going cautious with it. If you're interested, my author's name is the same at all three sites.

The handfasting from the last chapter was a collage of different Pagan customs that I found online, as well as some things straight from my imagination. I'm glad so many of you liked it!

I hope you enjoyed this chapter – please read and review!!!

Serpens Potio – Thank you! I hope you enjoyed this chapter… I'll let you know in the author's notes anytime there is "additional footage" on another site.

Tasya – I actually timed the talking in Chapter 9 – it took 20 seconds for the Draco/Hermione/Harry exchange (when I did it out loud). I figured it could take Severus that long to notice the problem, stand up, make his way around the Head Table and past the other student tables to where they were. Also, there's no telling how long he stood there before saying something ;). Thanks for the review! As far as how I make Snape sweet and still Snape… with a lot of sweat and tears LOL! I re-write his dialogue over and over again… he's a toughie. Keeps trying to go Hufflepuff on me, so I have to rope him back into character.

Leyna Rountree – "I love not quite knowing what Snape is doing. Where his motives are. I'm pretty sure he doesn't either." Good observation ;).

Melody – Yep – that's a wait and see question.

Kristin – It wasn't a cliffie at the end of the last chapter… I simply don't know where to put the "cut" between R and NC-17 – the "full version" is out on adultfanfiction.net and lordandladysnape.net. Go check it out!

Creep – No sequel, since it's not over yet! Many more chapters to go, never fear.

Leyna Rountree – Thank you – I'm very flattered by your compliments! I'm glad you appreciate my "slower" approach to the story… I live for details and character interactions that give more insight into the characters even if there's not "obvious" plot movement, particularly with this story.

Mistress Nympadora – Thank you! I'm glad you enjoyed the chapter… and lucky you to have a supervisor like that!!

TheFluffyMuffinBunny – Thank you – I'm rather partial to that scene, too… thought it up while sitting in traffic. It's where most of my good ideas come from!

Ivana Tinkle, Jen, Anarane Anwamane, babygidgurl, Ezmerelda, McWitch, heartnut, Dakota, Louise Luvgood, – Thank you for the reviews!!!!!!!

Thanks also to Subtilior, who has drawn a scene from Chapter 9 – go check it out! www.deviantart.com/deviation/5651680/