Severus Snape was unable to say anything, his breath caught in his chest, and he quivered slightly under Hermione's touch.
She was delighted and encouraged by his response, so she turned his hand and slipped his overlooked ring finger into her mouth. She spoke around his finger, "I don't want our time together to end like this. I am no Slytherin, and I'm sorry for my bluntness, but I want you Severus Snape. Please, I want to be yours. Make me yours," she entreated, as she gently nipped and sucked his finger. She swirled her tongue around the sensitive tip. She had read that this gesture would get her message across. She had never found someone she wanted to give that message to before, so this was a first for her. She smiled internally as it seemed to be working rather well.
Severus knew he should speak. Should tell her the absolute unvarnished truth. That he did desire her in every way conceivable. However, he found he could not form the thoughts properly, to say nothing of speaking the words. So instead he decided to keep her talking. He did in fact need some clarification. "Hermione, what exactly is it that you want? What are you asking me?"
Hermione's mind reeled. She knew she would have to be blunt. The time for hinting was over. This man would accept nothing less then full disclosure. "What I want is to keep living with you, even when this orientation is over. What I am asking is to be with you now. I am asking you to touch me, to take me. To make me yours." She wondered if that was clear enough. She hoped so, she didn't want to have to come out and ask him to have sex with her.
He didn't say anything, he was merely looking at her, his expression giving nothing of his thoughts away. Thoughts that were in turns drowned by feelings of; surprise, suspicion, delight, guilt, elation, unworthiness, arousal, and shock.
She couldn't take the suspense so she asked a direct question, "Severus I want to be yours, if you will have me?"
"Have you?" he asked incredulously. While at the same time he wondered, 'She is offering herself to me?'
She answered in a solemn, dignified tone although her heart was breaking, "I understand. You are anxious for my orientation to end, so that you get away from me. It's okay, I never thought you could return my - "
"Get away from you? No Hermione, I do not wish to get away from you," he said softly.
"You don't?" she asked, her tone one of quiet reticence.
He reached out and brushed her cheek with the back of his long elegant fingers. "No Hermione, I do not."
"The Headmaster he will separate us won't he?" she asked. "He won't let us continue to live together."
"That is what he will decide, I am sure," Severus answered with weary resignation.
"If I were to leave the Order - " she began.
"I am still his to command. He will never allow an Order member to live with someone of the opposite - "
"He allows Molly and Arthur, he allowed the Potters, he allows - "
"They are, and were, married Hermione," he reminded her.
"How very archaic," she huffed. "I am an independent, self sufficient witch. However, I suppose that does not preclude - "
"You seem to have missed some of your dominant traits Hermione, you are intelligent, powerful, stubborn, quick tempered - "
"You are calling me quick tempered?" she teased.
"Indeed. You are all of those things." His face then took on a deep scowl. "I wonder that you wish to continue living with me? I am unpleasant, demanding - "
"Not to mention intelligent, powerful, mean, and quick tempered. But, I do want to continue living with you, very much." She smiled into his dark eyes.
Silence fell between them as they each pondered the other's words.
Hermione broke the silence with a tentative question, "Did you say that you want to continue to live with me because you knew Albus would forbid it? Did you say it, because you know it is moot?"
"No, Hermione, I have found your presence to be acceptable. I would not be opposed to continuing our living arrangements," he responded in his dark velvet voice.
Hermione was Muggle-born, but she was well read. She was very well read. There were no wands needed to perform the ancient elemental magic spell she had in mind. She knew if she gave herself to him in this way it would basically make her a bound concubine. She didn't care as long as Albus couldn't separate them, and if she cast this spell and he accepted her, then Albus could not. She knew the ancient traditional words to activate the spell, and she spoke them. "I freely give myself to you Severus Snape. Adstringo Connubialis Matrimonium Intemporaliter," she intoned the spell with solemnity.
Severus looked searchingly into Hermione's eyes. "This is ancient magic Hermione. It's elemental. It's powerful. It is real. If I speak the words you will be bound to me. You will be mine."
"I will be yours Severus Snape, and not even Albus Dumbledore will be able to take me away from you," she affirmed.
In her mind she wondered just what it was that made her, independent modern witch that she is, want to be possessed by this man completely. 'It must be something primal, instinctive, genetically coded...' she concluded. 'It really doesn't matter why,' her traitorous brain decided, 'as long as I belong to him.'
At that moment Severus was hit with a realisation. He knew what had been wrong with him these past few weeks. He, Severus Snape, a man who had never been loved by, nor had loved another in his miserable life, was beginning to experience feelings for Hermione Granger. Feelings that went beyond the need to protect her. He had a strong desire for her company, a desire to interact with her intellect, to experience her sense of humour, to observe her kind ways. He also had a desire to touch and be touched by her. And a most irritating desire to bask in the contentment he felt in her presence. All this and more was what was wrong with him.
"Hermione, are you sure? I am not a pleasant person, you know what I am. I will not change. This spell, it's content is subjective. I can pledge and give anything to you, or I can pledge and give you nothing, as I wish. There are no obligatory offerings. If you know of this spell you must also realise that for it to be considered legal by the Ministry we will have to consummate it. Hermione, are you sure?" Severus said all this rather quickly for him, trying to communicate several thoughts at once.
Hermione had never heard the imperturbable Severus Snape flounder in his speech. She found it incredibly endearing that she could fluster him. She interrupted him, "I know what kind of man you are, and I want that man, I want you Severus Snape. Of that I am sure." She smiled. "And yes, I do know absolutely everything about this spell." she paused and looked deeply into his eyes. Clinging to her Gryffindor courage she braved rejection and said, "I am sure Severus. Speak the words now. Bind me to you."
Severus ignored his contradicting thoughts, and in a purely Slytherin move he acted to his avail without further deliberation. He spoke, his voice deep rich and confident once again, "Ingressio Adstringo Connubialis Matrimonium Intemporaliter. I cast this spell to bind Hermione Granger to me. Hermione I take you to be mine. I bind you to me by the ancient magic. In return I choose to pledge to you: my protection; my fidelity; my support; my mind; my body; and my spirit. I give to you all that I have, and all that I am. I give to you all that I may acquire and all that I may become. I give to you my name. All this I pledge and give to only you from this moment until the end of time. Do you accept my pledges and my gifts?"
'My, oh, oh, he did not have to make any pledges to me, or give me anything. And he, and he- I will not cry... I will not cry... I will not cry...' she chanted to herself. Her acceptance of, and her desire to be bound to this wizard was strong and sure; as was her voice when she spoke aloud, "I freely accept your pledges and your gifts Severus Snape. In return I freely give myself to be bound to you from now until the end of time."
Hermione began to give Severus her wrist, but he wouldn't take it. Instead he took her hand, looked into her eyes and said, "I freely give myself to you Hermione Granger. Adstringo Connubialis Matrimonium Intemporaliter."
To say she was shocked that Severus Snape would offer himself in binding to her was an understatement. With this reciprocation she would not be his bound concubine. She would be his wife, and he would be her husband. She was overwhelmed, yet in her response she did not falter. "Ingressio Adstringo Connubialis Matrimonium Intemporaliter. I cast this spell to bind Severus Snape to me. Severus I take you to be mine. I bind you to me by the ancient magic. In return I pledge to you: my protection; my fidelity; my support; my mind; my body; and my spirit. I give to you all that I have, and all that I am. I give to you all that I may acquire and all that I may become. I give to you my honest respect, approbation, and esteem. I give to you my constant and abiding love and steadfast devotion. All this I pledge and give to only you from this moment until the end of time. Do you accept my pledges and my gifts?"
"I freely accept your pledges and your gifts Hermione. In return I freely give myself to be bound to you from now until the end of time," Severus answered in his deep velvet voice.
They had no knife, so they had to do the next step of the binding in the old way. Severus took Hermione's left wrist and brought it near his lips, offering her his left wrist. She took his wrist and brought it to her lips. "We now become one blood." With his right hand he gently caressed her face. He looked deeply into her eyes and whispered, "As you feel the pain, bite deeper into me." Severus then brought her left wrist to his mouth and bit down quickly and smoothly drawing her blood. She followed suit and bit his left wrist. All the while they looked deeply into one another's eyes. As soon as they tasted each other's blood, Severus pulled her gently to him.
'She is bound to me. For all time. She gave herself to me,' Severus thought in awe. "Hermione you are bound to me, from now until the end of time," Severus intoned.
'He didn't just accept me, he gave himself to me in binding as well. He never ceases to amaze me,' she thought as she felt herself filled with love for him. "Severus you are bound to me, from now until the end of time." Hermione smiled radiantly.
Severus leaned in and pressed a chaste kiss to the corner of Hermione's smiling mouth.
"It's almost done," Hermione said nervously.
"Indeed. Almost," he said in a quiet seductive purr.
"Hermione," he said, his voice a deep whisper that was liquid silk in her ear, "what is this? It is unlike anything I have ever known."
"I," she began, "I don't know. Could it be magic?"
"It is not magic Hermione," he said, his voice slightly breathless in her ear. She couldn't suppress shivers of delight at the feel of his voice and breath. "It is not from a spell or a potion, it is not elemental."
"What is it then?" she asked.
He didn't respond right away as he was trailing kisses down her neck to her shoulder. He spoke into her skin, "It is you. It is me. It is us."
"Oh..." she inhaled as his lips grazed along her throat. "Severus?"
"Ummm?" he hummed in his velvet voice, his lips now barely touching hers.
"Then together we are magic?" she asked breathlessly.
"I daresay, we are," he chucked onto the soft skin behind her ear.
"Make me yours Severus," she urged.
"Patience," he said in a slow drawl that was sensually reminiscent of his classroom tones. He continued kissing her, teasing her with his lips, tongue and teeth.
Eventually he lifted his head enough to look into her eyes, "Exquisite," he murmured.
"I am not. I'm plain," she answered. Her mood beginning to break at the reminder of her physical shortcomings.
Severus came over her, lifting her arms over her head and entwining his fingers with hers.
Time ceased to have meaning as they became lost in the bliss of each other.
"I have never experienced anything like this," he said earnestly.
"Severus, you weren't a virgin too?" she teased.
He chuckled, "In a way, perhaps."
"It was like our very spirits joined," she said.
"Foolish witch," he replied, in his deep baritone.
They talked and made love throughout the night, neither sparing a thought for the possibility of being beset upon by a werewolf. Just before dawn they fell asleep in each others arms.
When Hermione woke she was greeted with a deep kiss, "Wife," was Severus' dark and silky greeting.
"Good morning husband," Hermione sighed, returning his kiss with increasing passion.
"We need to move on if you wish to legalise our binding before Albus discovers us, and attempts to annul it," Severus said reluctantly.
"Let's go." She beamed.
He returned her smile and kissed her gently. "I think we could take time for tea first." They left the tent together. Severus went to get water while Hermione started a fire.
"SEVERUS!"
Severus was by her side in mere seconds. He pushed Hermione behind him to face the danger.
"Hermione go into the tent and seal the door," Severus ordered.
"I won't leave you," she responded firmly.
"Hermione-"
"No Severus," she spoke from where he held her behind him. "If you are who you say you are, tell Severus something only YOU could know," she challenged the intruder.
"I'll make the decisions here and I said take hold of this portkey girl!" the intruder commanded gruffly.
Hermione squeezed Severus hand and he squeezed hers in acknowledgment. Knowing that his agreement to her silent plea would be the only way to get her into the safety of the charmed tent. Then Severus squeezed Hermione's hand three times, and on the third they were sealed in the safety of the tent before the intruder's magical eye could register their movement.
"Damn it Snape! I am here at Dumbledore's orders, by his location spell. He wants you back at Headquarters," the intruder growled.
"If you are indeed Alastor Moody then surely you understand our need for constant vigilance," Severus said with cold disdain.
"Tell Severus something only the real Moody would know," Hermione repeated.
"Damn stupid-"
"I would not continue if I were you," Severus threatened in a deadly tone.
"Snape," Moody spat, "your day will come."
"I do not doubt your wish for it to. However, today will not be that day. Now if you would be so kind as to prove your identity. If you are indeed Alastor Moody I am sure your appearance here is for an important reason?" Severus drawled sarcastically.
"Snape you're a bloody spy for Dumbledore," Moody grinned maliciously.
"Even Potter is aware of that," Severus said sardonically.
"There's no time for these games. The trees have ears man," Moody barked.
"Yes, you do seem paranoid enough to be Moody, but that is still not proof," Severus said snidely.
"Get your arses out here and touch this portkey and we'll be at Number 12 Grimmauld Place in a blink," Moody growled.
Severus and Hermione looked at each other. "I don't think so," Hermione stated firmly.
"Do you have our wands?" Severus snapped.
"Right here, come and get 'em," Moody growled, brandishing their wands.
"As that is indeed my wand, either our captors were extremely well disguised Aurors, or they and you are in the service of the Dark Lord. Prove to me that you are not," Severus ordered.
Moody appeared to think for a moment, then he looked Severus in the eye, and spoke the prophecy word for word.
"Moody, why is Albus calling us back?" Severus barked.
"There's an Order meeting tomorrow afternoon and he wants you there. He has an idea about a Potion and needs your input," Moody growled. "He's bringing you in today to give you time to settle back into civilisation before the meeting."
"Leave the wands and use the portkey yourself. Now that we have our wands, we will Apparate out. Tell Albus that we will be there for the meeting tomorrow afternoon," Severus sneered in a cold voice.
"Damn it Snape I'm to bring you two in to Headquarters now. You're not supposed to just - "
"Take it or leave it," Hermione said haughtily.
"Of all the-"
"Do not speak to Hermione in that tone. I will not warn you again Moody," Severus barked.
Moody set their wands in front of the tent. "Dumbledore wants you both at that meeting tomorrow afternoon. So help me you better be there," Moody growled in parting, before activated the portkey and disappeared.
Severus and Hermione looked at one another. Hermione threw her arms around Severus and said, "We will never have time to appear before a member of the Wizengamot - "
"Have you so little confidence in my abilities?" Severus interrupted.
"We can, how?" she asked in admiration.
"Come," was he only answer.
Severus left the tent and picked up their wands. When Hermione joined him he handed hers to her. "Visualise the Apparition point in Diagon Alley," he told her. "We will be able to do everything necessary from there."
When they appeared at the Apparition point in Diagon Alley Hermione rushed into Severus' arms. She embraced him briefly and they made their way to the Leaky Cauldron hand in hand, forgetting that they were not still alone in the woods. When they entered, Severus secured Tom's best room for them. He sent Hermione up, telling her he would join her as soon as he made some arrangements.
Hermione decided that a bath was definitely the first order of business. When she finished over an hour later and came out, she gasped in surprise. On the bed she found the most exquisite ivory dress robes. She was running her fingers over the layers of varied rich and delicate fabrics when Severus entered with a house-elf that was carrying several parcels. "I thought a change of clothes would be appropriate before we meet with Morna Macnaughton," he said with the self satisfied tone of one who had achieved the impossible.
Hermione took the bait, "Who?"
"The Wizengamot Administration Services Council member who will legalise our binding this afternoon," Severus said with a voice that was purposefully casual.
"How did you get us a meeting so soon?" Hermione asked in honest wonder.
"Connections, my dear, connections," he said with Slytherin satisfaction. "Now if you are through, I believe I will make use of the bathtub myself."
"Who said I was through?" Hermione asked with a mischievous sparkle in her eyes.
"Indeed, is there something in the bath that you need?"
"There will be," she said. She blushed as she began to unbutton his coat. She was still somewhat awkward and unsure, so he allayed her fears by pulling her to him and claiming her lips in a long deep kiss.
Clean and sated, they reclined in the hot water talking. "What exactly will this meeting entail?" Hermione asked.
"We will answer some questions and sign that our statements are true. Then Madam Macnaughton will put her official seal on our binding, and it will all be duly filed and legal in every possible way."
Dressed in the new robes Severus had brought for them, Severus and Hermione ascended the steps to Macnaughton Manor. Hermione wore a multilayered aristocratic ensemble of sumptuous ivory fabrics, while Severus maintained his customary frock coated suit style. This suit however was a very pleasant surprise. It was made of dress fabrics, rather than his usual worsted wool, and his white linen shirt was replaced by a shirt of black raw silk. His outer robes too were of a formal lightweight fabric, perfect for an important occasion.
Macnaughton Manor turned out to be a grand building in the Medieval Tudor Style. They were greeted by a house-elf, and led into a parlour where Madam Macnaughton awaited them. She rose from her massive oak desk and came over to them. She regarded Hermione speculatively. Hermione returned her gaze unflinchingly. Madam Macnaughton was a heavyset middle-aged witch, easily forty years older then Severus. She had an aura of authority and power about her that made her truly impressive. Her eyes were shrewd, and she seemed able to see right through Hermione. Hermione had to suppress a shudder of fear under the scrutiny of this woman.
"A Muggle-born? Snape really," she drawled contemptuously.
"Yes, and a Gryffindor as well." Severus did not defend his choice with arguments. His countenance spoke volumes instead. He was sure, and he believed Hermione to be worthy.
"I see," was the the only response his stance garnered.
"Shall we proceed?" Severus asked in cool disdain.
"Yes, let's get this done," Madam Macnaughton agreed, as she waved them into two seats in front of her impressive desk. She snapped her fingers and a house-elf appeared with two goblets. The elf gave one to Hermione and one to Severus.
"Hermione," Severus said turning to her, "I requested that we answer the requisite questions under Veritaserum. That way there can be no doubts later."
"Yes, good," was Hermione's only response. She unnerved by Madam Macnaughton's clear disapproval of her.
At this point another woman entered the room. Severus rose and extended his hand to her. "Madam Bones," he greeted respectfully.
"Professor Snape, how good to see you," she smiled.
"Madam Amelia Bones, Head of the Department of Magical Law Enforcement, may I present - "
"Yes, I know who you are," Madam Bones said to Hermione. "Albus has told me all about you. You are Harry Potter's friend - "
"Harry Potter?" Madam Macnaughton asked crisply.
"Yes," Hermione answered simply.
"Madam Bones, the Veritaserum seems to be taking effect," Severus interjected.
"Oh, yes, we should get to it then. I am glad I was here working with Madam Macnaughton when you flooed her. I am so pleased that I can witness for you." Her sincerity was obvious.
"Thank you," Severus said.
"Although why you insisted on a witness Snape I will never know. Let's get this over with," Madam Macnaughton added, displeasure evident in her voice.
Severus sat back down beside Hermione, as Madam Bones took a seat to the side. Madam Macnaughton called for a scribe. After less then a minute a young woman entered and sat in a straight backed chair at a small table by the wall. She took out a quill and parchment and waited silently to record the proceedings.
"Severus Snape did you perform the Adstringo Connubialis Matrimonium Intemporaliter rite with Hermione Granger?" Madam Macnaughton asked in an emotionless voice.
"Yes, I did."
"Did you perform the rite in the ancient way?"
"Yes, of course, I did."
"Did you enter into this rite freely with no compulsions or influences, magical or otherwise?"
"Yes, I participated in the Adstringo Connubialis Matrimonium Intemporaliter rite with Hermione completely of my own free will." He paused and added with sardonic truthfulness, "I was, and am, of sound mind as well."
"Did you freely, with no compulsions or influences, magical or otherwise, offer the reciprocal rite to this... witch?"
"Yes, I most certainly offered the reciprocal rite to Hermione of own free will."
"Did you consummate the Adstringo Connubialis Matrimonium Intemporaliter rite in the legally required way, with Hermione Granger?"
"Yes."
"Do you wish Hermione Granger to be your legally bound wife?"
"I do."
"Humph. Hermione Granger," Madam Macnaughton's voice was now laced with distaste, "did you perform the Adstringo Connubialis Matrimonium Intemporaliter rite with Severus Snape?"
"Yes, I did."
"Did you perform the rite in the ancient way?"
"Yes, I did."
"Did you enter into this rite freely with no compulsions or influences, magical or otherwise?"
"Yes I entered into the Adstringo Connubialis Matrimonium Intemporaliter rite with Severus, of my own free will, and I was under no influences of any kind."
"Did you consummate the Adstringo Connubialis Matrimonium Intemporaliter rite in the legally required way, with Severus Snape?"
"Yes." Hermione blushed a deep red, yet she still managed to maintain unwavering eye contact with her inquisitor.
"Do you wish Severus Snape to be your legally bound husband?"
"I do."
"No doubt. You are husband and wife in all legally binding ways," Madam Macnaughton declared in obvious displeasure.
Severus raised a condescending eyebrow at Madam Macnaughton.
"Yes, yes. Severus Snape you have something to give this... witch, as a token of your pledges."
Severus tilted his head slightly and gazed into Hermione's eyes. "Hermione, please accept this ring and wear it as a reminder of our binding, and of my promises to you." Severus took Hermione's left hand and slipped a ring onto her ring finger.
Hermione smiled into his eyes, and spoke completely unexpectedly, "Severus, please accept and wear this ring as a reminder of my love for you, and the vows I have made to you."
Severus' eyes widened as Hermione slipped a ring on the ring finger of his left hand. He was wondering when she had found time to procure a ring.
"If you are finished, we only need the signatures," Madam Macnaughton said as she gave them the parchment to sign.
Severus and Hermione each signed a parchment with the transcript of their interrogatories. Madam Bones stepped forward and signed it as a witness, after which she sealed it with her wand. Madam Macnaughton took it and did the same. The document automatically triplicated, she handed a copy back to Madam Bones, and gave one to Severus."
Madam Bones smiled at Severus and Hermione extending her hand, while expressing her heartfelt congratulations. "I am on my way back to the Ministry, and I will personally file this copy for you."
Severus and Hermione both thanked her as she turned and left. They looked to Madam Macnaughton, and Severus thanked her as well. She nodded and called for a house-elf to see them out.
Once outside Hermione turned to Severus with a questioning look. "I said it would be legal, that did not mean pleasant," he said tersely.
"I wasn't criticising," she stated gently.
Severus nodded, "Madam Macnaughton does not support the Dark Lord, but she is a fine example of the worst of Slytherin House. She is prejudiced, judgmental, and self-serving. However, she owed me a favour. I refrained from expelling her son for cheating last year. I am sure you don't know him. He is a third year Slytherin."
"I don't know him, but I'm glad she owed you a favour." Hermione smiled. "We can live together now, and no one can interfere."
"Indeed. You may come to regret this in time," he warned.
Hermione looked into Severus' deep black eyes. "It may have been the most impulsive thing I have ever done, but I will never regret it," she said earnestly.
Severus didn't look convinced. "Shall we have dinner before we make our way to Headquarters? We did miss lunch," he asked.
"Let's," she smiled.
They Apparated to Diagon Alley. As they walked amidst the shops they seemed to forget that the terrain wasn't rough, and they held hands as they did when they walked in the forest.
Suddenly a cry rent the air, "Mudblood!"
Severus and Hermione turned to see a masked Death Eater pointing his wand at Hermione. As he began to cast a spell, Severus moved in quickly, shielding Hermione with his own body. He was instantly hit squarely in the chest with the curse that had been intended for Hermione.
The room was dimly lit, but, even in this lighting there was no mistaking the starkness of the room and the antiseptic smell. Hermione didn't notice any of this. All of her being was concentrated on the wizard lying on the cot in the centre of the room. A lone black spot in a sea of white.
"What happened?" Albus Dumbledore questioned a Healer in lime green robes as he and Minerva McGonagall followed him. They were being led to a private room on the Fourth Floor, in the Spell Damage Ward.
"We're not sure. Professor Snape remains unconscious, and his wife doesn't remember the spell that was cast. She used a pensieve, and her memories confirm that she was unaware of even the nature of the spell, to say nothing of the incantation," the Healer answered.
"Wife? Professor Snape isn't married. You may have the perpetrator here in the building!" Minerva exclaimed in alarm.
"No, no. We checked with the Ministry as Professor Snape was unmarried last time he was here. I spoke with Madam Bones, she witnessed the legalisation and documentation of the Snapes' Adstringo Connubialis Matrimonium Intemporaliter rite just this afternoon. As it turns out, that is where they were coming from when Professor Snape was hit with the spell. It seems like Professor Snape is a bit of a cynic. I found traces of Veritaserum in the Professor's system. Madam Bones confirmed that the Snapes answered their marriage legalisation interrogatories under Veritaserum this afternoon. For some reason Professor Snape didn't want to leave any room for questions regarding his marriage," the aged Healer informed them.
"Severus is married," Minerva McGonagall repeated in wonder.
"Not for long I'm afraid," the Healer began reluctantly. "There is very little we can do for the Professor. It doesn't look good. I'll be surprised if he survives the night. Ah, here we are." The Healer opened the door, and the three entered Professor Snape's private room. They saw Professor Snape's still form on a cot, a young woman sitting against his side. Her shoulders were shaking with silent sobs, and she was holding his hand to her cheek with both of hers.
"Mrs Snape," the Healer addressed Hermione, "there are some people here who would like to see your husband."
Hermione turned around to see Albus Dumbledore and Minerva McGonagall, through her haze of anguish and fear.
Albus Dumbledore spoke first, "Miss Granger? What is going on here?"
"Mrs Snape, I am Mrs Snape." Hermione's stared at Albus Dumbledore and grew increasing lived. When she spoke her voice shook with rage, "How dare you!" Hermione's voice rose with each word as realisation of who she was speaking to sank in to her emotionally overwhelmed brain. "How dare you come here Albus Dumbledore!" As Hermione became increasingly incensed, the very air in the room seemed charged with power. "After all you have done to this man, how dare you show your face as if in concern! After all of these years exploiting him, all in the name of your greater good." A light began to emanate from Hermione as she raged, "For years you have sent him to be tortured again and again and again! He comes back broken, bleeding, near death, and what do you do!" The light around Hermione began to radiate intensely. "You send him back for more!" A wind was beginning to move the hem of Hermione's ivory robes, and lift her hair, in the closed room. "You are a two faced, manipulating, self-serving, hypocrite! You use Severus' feelings against him, brainwashing him to do your bidding without question. He respects you, he loves you, and you use that. You knew he would never say no to you!" The light around Hermione expanded to include Severus. "It ends here and now! No more! Do you understand me! I will not stand by and watch you sacrifice Severus! You know his pain, and you capitalise on it! No more, he is no longer a pawn in your games, I will not allow it! You will no longer victimise him with your machinations! If he dies I will hunt you down and - "
"Hermione?" Severus' heard Hermione yelling, and that could only mean that they were still in danger.
Hermione started at the sound of Severus' voice, and she whipped back around to him, "Severus?"
"Hermione, run. Get to safety. Go NOW!" Severus managed to growl the last word.
"Severus we are safe. You are in St Mungo's," she said softly.
"St Mungo's? I can't open my eyes," he answered.
Hermione took a wet cloth from the beside table and gently washed Severus' eyes. When she was done he opened them gingerly to see Hermione smiling down at him. He reached up and caressed her face, his elegant hand was sure and unshaking.
"Severus, where does it hurt?" Hermione asked.
After a pause Severus answered, "Surprisingly, nowhere. I have not been pain free since I began my tenure with the Dark Lord." He smiled into her eyes.
At this Hermione reached down and embraced him. He returned her embrace without reservation, burying his face in her neck. "Hermione, what is wrong?" he asked gently as he felt her tears on his face.
"I'm just so glad you're awake!" she cried.
He chuckled darkly and teased suggestively, "It's no wonder I slept after last night Mrs Snape."
Just then Hermione remembered they were not alone. She took advantage before he realised, and kissed him. He clutched her to him and returned her kiss. Their kisses deepened as they desperately clung to each other. When Severus broke the kiss he cradled Hermione's face in his long hands and looked into her eyes. "I thought he was going to kill you. I thought you were - "
Severus broke off at the sound of a throat being cleared.
"Professor Snape, I am so glad you are feeling better. I really do need to run some tests now if I may?" the old Healer asked.
"You may keep your foolish wand waving to yourself, as you can see I am perfectly fine," Severus glared.
"Severus, you were dying. Please let him check you out. Let him make sure you really are fine," Hermione implored.
Severus scowled fiercely at Hermione.
"Severus please?" Hermione beseeched.
Severus looked scathingly at the Healer. "Get it over with," he barked.
Hermione held Severus' hand while the Healer ran his wand over Severus.
The Healer began mumbling as he worked, "I don't understand it. This should not be. It is impossible. This can't be. I have never seen anything - " The Healer paused in thought, "Harry Potter, this is similar to the protective magic Mrs Potter employed. Mrs Snape is still alive because no one cast Avada Kedavra on her, like they did on Harry Potter's mum. I wonder how many cases like this there have been that no one has witnessed? There must be a way to harness this protective magic."
"I will not have myself, or my wife, likened to any Potters," Severus sneered.
"Now, now, Severus - " Albus began. He was silenced by the murderous rage in Hermione's eyes as she looked at him.
"Albus? Minerva? How long have you two been here?" Severus asked. He tried to remove his hand from Hermione's, but she wouldn't let go.