"Albus," he said. "No one else would send an owl here."
"What if we just don't let it in?" Hermione suggested.
"Why, then we'll have a delightfully Albus free day. He would never find another way to get to us." He just looked at her as his sarcasm took effect. When the tapping continued, he scowled and opened the window and let the owl in. The owl landed on the bedside table in the room at number 12 Grimmauld Place where the two had been working all afternoon. Severus removed the parchment from it's leg, and literally threw it out the open attic window.
"Severus!" Hermione exclaimed.
"It has wings." he said absently, as he opened the parchment. "Now what?" He tossed the parchment to Hermione as he closed his book, marking his place.
Hermione read the brief missive,
Severus, Hermione,
Please come to my office, as soon as you can.
Albus
"We weren't busy or anything." Hermione muttered under her breath, as she extinguished the flame, and cast a charm to suspend the potion base. Hermione reached over and took the hand Severus held out to her. They made their way downstairs to the floo, and were soon exiting Albus' office fireplace.
"Ah, good. There has been a slight change in plans. Please sit down," Albus said, indicating two chairs. One on each end of his desk.
Hermione shook her head, and withdrew her wand. She placed the chairs together in front of Albus' desk, where they usually resided.
"Yes, yes, I seem to have forgotten to put them back. Thank you my dear." Albus smiled, a twinkle in his eyes that seemed somehow more malicious then benevolent.
Severus and Hermione sat beside each other, and Hermione looked directly into Albus' eyes. "I would like to apologise." She paused and directed her next words to Severus. "When you were in hospital I spoke harshly to Albus about - "
Severus saved her the explanation. "I know all about it," he said. His black eyes held an intense warmth as he gazed unblinkingly into hers.
When she turned back to Albus she continued, "At that time I was overwhelmed with fear for Severus' life. I do apologise for speaking to you in that manner."
"I notice you do not retract your words Hermione," Albus countered.
"I... No sir. I retract nothing. I apologise for the way in which I spoke my mind. I should not have insulted you. I also wish to apologise for not being in a frame of mind where I could speak of the good you have done for Severus as well. I do know that you care for his welfare... in your way."
"I see," Albus said noncommittally. "There is a reason I asked you two here at this time. We have a school related situation. The Ministry has seen fit to engage us in an exchange programme with Beauxbatons."
"Exchange Programme? At this time? How utterly idiotic." Severus sneered.
"Quite Severus, quite." Albus agreed. "Nonetheless this week we will host a delegation of potential candidates from Beauxbatons, as well as certain officials from our Ministry. It would be best if we were to delay the announcement of your marriage. I would also like to keep the knowledge of Hermione's early N.E.W.T.s quiet as well. We do not need any additional confusion at this time. I am also considering that Hermione might wish to join the exchange programme. There might be some good that could come from her spending a few months in France."
"Albus!" Minerva McGonagall entered the office. "Do not torment these children. You know you will do no such thing. You inducted Hermione into the Order because you need her."
"Professor McGonagall..."
"Albus," Minerva scoffed, "I am not overstepping my bounds, or undermining your authority in any way. As you already made your decision on this matter clear. I am just helping you impart it in a timely fashion." Minerva walked to stand behind Albus' seat. She smiled at Severus and Hermione. "Albus wants to put off any announcements until after this unpredictable time with our guests. That is all. In eight days Hermione your brilliant N.E.W.T. results will be public knowledge, and you will be able to announce your marriage at your discretion."
"And the nights Minerva. Where will I be housed for this time?" Hermione asked.
Albus twinkled madly, "In the Gryffindor dor - "
"In the guest rooms next to my chambers." Minerva inserted. She looked at Hermione. "You can say that you are staying there for a week while you catch up with things, as you did not arrive at the beginning of the school year. It is not unheard of for a student to be temporarily removed from the dormitories under special circumstances. In eight days you will be able to move into Severus'," she paused, "your," she corrected herself, "chambers." She smiled.
"There was an incident this morning. I do not believe that you will be able to keep Potter and Weasley from making unsanctioned announcements about our marriage," Severus said with a derisive sneer in his voice.
"They are unaware of the events of this morning," Albus announced. At the three inquiring expressions he received, Albus continued, "I modified both of their memories earlier. Of course the Order members who are aware your... situation, have been asked to keep silent for the week. When all of this Ministry nonsense is over, we will meet again to discuss how to best conceal Hermione's new role with the Order." Albus paused, and a knowing look crept onto his face. "I believe that some of our guests from the Ministry have arrived, I must get downstairs. Are we clear on these matters?"
"Yes," Severus snarled.
"Of course," Hermione said quietly.
"Albus?" Minerva began, as she followed him out.
Severus and Hermione sat in shocked silence for a few minutes.
"I imagine Lucius will be with the Ministry Officials. We should go to the dungeons and await his arrival," Severus said coldly. At Hermione's confused look Severus continued, "He will have chosen to include himself in the Ministry entourage as a means of meeting with me. He views me as a favourite nephew of sorts. Of course, we are not actually related in that way. We are also - not here. Portraits. Come," Severus snapped, as he stood and extended his hand to Hermione. They left the Headmaster's office and made their way to the dungeons. They had spent so much time walking while holding on to each other, that without conscious realisation their hands clasped and they walked the halls of Hogwarts hand in hand. At the wide eyed, gaping look they received from Neville Longbottom Hermione realised that they were holding hands. She gave Neville a threatening look. Even so, she did not release the hand whose fingers were entwined with hers. They reached Severus' office and he lowered the wards. Once inside he sat in his oversized black leather wing chair, and Hermione hesitated. At his raised eyebrow she courageously chose to sit in the chair with him. By the softening of his eyes she realised this was the correct choice. She wrapped her arms around him and looked expectantly into those deep black eyes.
"Lucius. I have associated with him for years, but I think you know that?" he asked quietly.
"It wasn't hard to figure out." she smiled.
He nodded. "What you don't know, is that he is a spy as well." Hermione's eyes widened in incredulity, but she said nothing.
Severus chuckled darkly. "No questions?"
"When, why, who knows this..."
"Ah, you do seem to have some questions. I had wondered if you were well. I suppose I shall have to answer them," he said idly. "The when is difficult to say, as it was a long process. I can date Lucius first accomplishment for the Order. He brought Albus information that saved the life of a Muggle-born witch. This was during the time when Albus was not at the school, when Dolores Umbridge was Headmistress. That act caused Albus to ask Lucius to continue to bring him vital information. As to why Lucius decided to do this..." Severus trailed off thoughtfully. "I daresay that I do not know his individual reasons. I expect that they are self-serving in the extreme. I did try for a long time to subtly coax him into to rethinking his position. However, I imagine that Narcissa was the determining factor in his decision. Even Lucius can see the detrimental way in which she effects his son. Her sad influences on Draco are the main reason Draco is, what was it? Ah, yes, 'foul - ' and 'evil - '." Severus smiled at Hermione's blush. "You were right, Draco does behave in foul and evil ways." Severus said, as he tucked a wayward curl behind Hermione's ear. "I suppose many factors contributed to Lucius' decision. What he said to me about it was, 'Severus, I think that perhaps I've been a bit narrow minded. I do wonder if it's time I changed that attitude.' That was his entire declaration. Not many people know of this. As a matter of a fact, two thirds of them are in this room." At her startled look he expounded. "Albus and I, and now you, are the only ones who know that Lucius brings information to Albus."
"Do you believe that Lucius Malfoy is sincere?" Hermione asked tentatively.
"Albus does not care. He will use Lucius for his purposes with no other considerations." Severus paused at the look on Hermione's face. "It is different Hermione."
"Severus, what do you think of Lucius' sincerity?" she asked.
"I am as yet unclear, only time will tell," Severus said cooly. "I would like to believe in him. I would like to think that he has seen the error of his ways. However, he believed in Voldemort wholly. He honestly thought himself superior to Muggle-borns. He took pleasure in inflicting suffering on those he thought beneath him. Can he have changed all that? He certainly acts like he has, but truly I do not know."
"You never truly believed those things did you?" she asked gently.
She could barely hear Severus' whispered, "No. No, I never did."
Hermione chewed her lip nervously. "Severus," she began tentatively, "you told me that at the last meeting Lucius Malfoy murdered a child."
Severus chest moved as if he sighed deeply, but no sound issued forth. He answered in a dangerous whisper, "And so he did. Even if he is sincere in his proclamations of change, he must act in his customary ways or the Dark Lord will kill him." Severus voice took on a grim haunted tone, "Like I could not save the child's mother at that meeting, he could not refrain from murdering the child. If you recall I told you that he did show mercy. Fortunately the Dark Lord had his attention on something else, and did not notice."
Hermione took Severus' face in her hands. "I'm so sorry. I should have left that question unasked."
"No, it needed answering," he said in a voice of deadly calm.
Hermione turned and moved so that she was astride Severus' thin lap. She wrapped one arm around his neck. As she buried her other hand in his silky hair, brushing it back, she rested her cheek on his. "I wish I could take your pain for you," she whispered against his skin. As his body stiffened she moved her head and looked him in the eye. She realised he had so little experience with someone caring for him that he had mistaken her words. In a warning tone she said, "Do not mistake my care for pity Severus Snape. I would never pity you, I could never pity you. But I do care for you, very much... so very much."
His body relaxed some, and he drew her tighter to him. He buried his face in her hair and simply held her. After a quite a while he stirred and said, "I need to send a house-elf to retrieve some proper attire." He gestured at the clothes they both wore. Her simple dress was wrinkled from the steam, and stained by the potion base she had been brewing. His shirt was covered in dust from the old books he had been searching when Albus called them to his office.
"Oh dear, I should say so!" She laughed, as she too looked at their clothes. "Shall I summon Dobby?"
"With Lucius in the castle, I think not." He smirked.
"Winky then." Hermione rose and summoned Winky. Soon Winky had come, and gone on her way to fetch clean clothes for the Snapes.
"Well, Wife, how shall we occupy our time while we wait for the house-elf to return?" Severus purred.
Severus was struck speechless when Hermione turned, and with one hand began to slowly draw the hem of her dress up, higher and higher, to the juncture of her thigh as she walked to him. His mouth dropped open ever so slightly as she placed the foot of that enticing bare leg on the seat of his chair by his hip. His breath caught in his chest when she bent deeply to whisper directly into his ear. Her warm breath a seductive caress, "I think you have something that needs attention. It's rather... large ... you know what it is don't you Severus?" she asked breathily. Encouraged by Severus' quiet groan, she continued in a husky voice, "That large stack of essays you insisted Remus leave for you to mark." She held her breath wondering how he would respond to this. He reached out for her suddenly, and she shrieked in surprise. She wriggled out of his grasp and raced across the room laughing delightedly as he pursued her. He chuckled in his deep baritone, as he caught her by his desk. He kissed her quickly, just as quickly he released her and sat. He began to mark the essays with an almost playful smirk.
"McGonagall said Hermione's getting extra help from Snape because she was late getting here by almost a month," Ron told Harry.
"That makes no sense, Hermione's always ahead with her school work," Harry argued.
"Yeah well it's what she said," Ron confirmed.
"Let's go down to the dungeons and see what we can find out," Harry suggested.
"Yeah, okay."
Harry and Ron checked the Potions classroom and found it empty. "If she's down here she must be in Snape's office," Harry concluded. "Let's check there."
"We can't barge into Snape's office!" Ron reminded him.
"Well, we can knock," Harry suggested.
"Are you saying we should knock on Snape's office door? Suicide, that."
"Maybe we can hear if she's in there and not have to see Snape."
"I dunno..."
"Come on Ron what's the worst that can happen?"
"He can open his door and kill us. Or give us detention for the rest of the year, or - "
"Are you coming, or not?" Harry asked impatiently.
"Yeah," Ron replied resignedly.
Harry and Ron stopped outside the large door to Snape's office. They waited, silently listening. Suddenly they heard Hermione shriek. "He's hurting her!" Ron exclaimed in concern.
Harry put a restraining arm on Ron. "Ron he can't be hurti - " Harry's reasoning voice was cut off when they both heard Hermione's delighted laugh coming from behind Snape's door. They froze in shock. They were completely confused, even more so when they heard Snape's deep accompanying chuckle.
"What the - ?"
Suddenly Winky popped into the corridor.
"Winky!" Harry gasped, "You scared me!"
"What is Harry Potter doing here?" Winky asked her eyes narrowing in suspicion. She always greeted everything with suspicion.
Harry smiled patiently at her. "Just passing by Winky," he said, and gave her a small wave as he shoved Ron down the corridor.
He and Ron ducked into an alcove and hid behind a suit of armour. From there they watched Winky knock on Snape's office door.
"Why's she knocking on his door? Why didn't she just pop in there?" Ron wondered.
"How do you think Snape would react to being 'popped in on'?" Harry asked rhetorically.
"Oh yeah, good point."
The two remained hidden in the alcove watching for Hermione to come out of Snape's office. They had waited for several minutes when instead of Hermione coming out of Snape's office, they saw Lucius Malfoy headed towards it.
"Malfoy. What's he doing here?" Harry whispered.
"Hermione's in there!" Ron answered as he saw Lucius Malfoy step up to Snape's office door and knock.
"Snape won't let him hurt her Ron." Harry reassured him. At Ron's disbelieving look Harry continued, "Look I don't trust Snape much more then Malfoy either, but we're at Hogwarts. Dumbledore wouldn't allow Hermione to be in any actual danger."
"I guess," Ron agreed.
They saw Snape open his office door sharply. He stepped aside to allow Malfoy entry, closing the door firmly behind him.
Harry and Ron crept from their hiding place to the door to listen, and find out what could possibly be going on. They strained to hear, and could barely make out the words.
"So good to see you Severus," Lucius greeted. "And," he continued his voice now dripping with disgust, "Harry Potter's... Muggle-born friend.
Harry and Ron heard the rustle of parchment changing hands.
After a few minutes of silence they heard Malfoy's astounded voice say, "Did you really? Is this authentic Severus?"
"Completely," Severus answered in a soft deadly voice. "You should know Lucius, that I have told Hermione everything."
"Is this room secure?" Lucius responded.
They heard Snape's silky answer, "Let's make sure that it is, shall we?" Then they heard nothing more.
"Silencing charm. What do you think Snape told Hermione?" Harry noted.
"I dunno. Why did her call her by her first name?"
"Weirder still, why were Hermione and Snape laughing? Snape never laughs," Harry said with a frown.
"Let's wait for Hermione," Ron suggested.
"Okay, but I think we should wait where we won't be seen."
"Good idea," Ron agreed. The two went back and waited in the alcove behind the suit of armour.
"How will you explain your marriage to a Muggle-born to the Dark Lord?" Lucius asked.
"You said it yourself Lucius. Harry Potter's friend," Severus answered curtly.
"Oh, yes. I see. You wished to seduce information about Potter from her, for the Dark Lord. Only she wouldn't cooperate with your seduction without proper marriage first. Very believable," Lucius agreed. "My congratulations."
"If you have no other questions?" Severus snapped, clearly closing the topic of their marriage.
Lucius looked at Hermione. "Madam Snape, I would like to apologise for any insult I may have caused you in the past," Lucius said, with a bow.
"It's fine Mr Malfoy," Hermione said graciously.
"No it isn't. I have been less then kind to you," he intoned.
"I have taken no offense sir," Hermione allowed.
"I would ask your forgiveness," he said smoothly.
"Certainly, you are forgiven Mr Malfoy," Hermione agreed.
"Lucius please. I hope that we can become friends." Lucius smiled.
Hermione glanced at Severus, and for his sake responded with a bright, "I would like that." Remembering the old world manners practiced by purebloods, she sat on a lab stool so that the men would feel free to sit as well.
"Now that we are finished with the formalities," Severus drawled, "can I get you something to eat Lucius?" Severus asked as he gestured for Lucius to sit.
Lucius sat in the small black leather wing chair. "How well you know me friend." Lucius looked at Hermione, smiled and said, "I of course had to make as though the food in the Great Hall was too beneath my standards to partake of."
"Severus why don't you sit and talk with Mr Mal - Lucius? Is there anything in particular that you would like Lucius?" she asked politely.
"No, no, my dear. Whatever the house-elves have ready will be fine I'm sure." Lucius smiled.
"I'll go to the kitchens myself to get it, that will give you two some time to talk alone," Hermione said diplomatically.
Severus nodded to Hermione. He knew she offered because she didn't want to take the chance of Dobby coming into the same room as Lucius.
"Thank you," Lucius added, standing as she stood to leave.
When Hermione stepped into the hall she was rushed by Ron and Harry.
"What are you two doing here?" she hissed.
"Hermione what's going on. Why are you in the dungeons, what's up with Snape and Malfoy," Harry asked rapidly, in a hushed voice.
"Sever - nape is helping me. Malfoy just showed up. Now I have to get to the kitchens. Get yourselves up to Gryffindor before you're seen," Hermione said as she and Harry started up the corridor, with Ron following behind.
"Kitchens?" Harry asked.
"I'm getting some food obviously," she said, as her irritation grew.
Ron was looking Hermione over from head to toe. Taking in her clothing. Her robes had a high buttoned Victorian lace top, that had gothic belled sleeves and a long flowing skirt. "Hermione, what are you dressed like that for? You look like you should be haunting a seaside cliff," Ron laughed.
"Honestly Ron! You'd think you would have learned your lesson last time you questioned my clothing choices," Hermione said in exasperation.
"We'll go to the Kitchens with you," Harry offered.
"Absolutely NOT!" Hermione responded. "Get up to Gryffindor and stay there!" Then in a softer tone she added, "I'll talk to you later."
She pushed them in the direction of Gryffindor Tower, as she turned to go to the kitchens.
When Lucius left Hermione closed the door after him and leaned on it gratefully. With her eyes closed she asked Severus, "Is he always like that?"
She felt Severus' arms encircle her and he whispered in her ear, "He is usually worse." She lay her head on Severus' chest and sighed in exhaustion. "Spending time with Lucius does make one feel as if they have been run over by the Hogwart's Express. Twice. You should go to your room and sleep," he told her gently.
"I am tired," she admitted.
"Come, I shall walk with you," he said. Hand in hand, they headed up to the guest rooms by Minerva's chambers. They saw no one on their way as it was quite late and the rest of the castle was asleep. When they got to the door Hermione pulled Severus down and gave him several lingering kisses. He responded by pulling her body close, and returning her lip's caresses with sensual lingering kisses of his own. When they drew apart she placed her hands on his cheeks. "Rest," he ordered sternly.
She drew her hands through his hair and bit her lip to keep herself from telling him of her love for him. As she turned to enter her room, Severus turned to make his way back down to the dungeons, after a last look back at her.
Hermione looked at the clock on the bedside table in her guest room, and made an inelegant noise of frustration. Despite her exhaustion, she had been unable to fall asleep. She sat up and slipped out of bed. She dressed quickly in a simple Muggle dress of midnight blue. Throwing some everyday robes over it she left her room. She wandered the corridors aimlessly. She passed Severus near the library and kept walking a few paces before she realised. They turned back to each other at the same time. Standing a couple of metres apart they said, "What are you doing up?" Hermione laughed, and Severus scowled at their speaking in unison.
"I couldn't sleep," Hermione told him. "I've slept with you for months now, and I think it's become a habit." She blushed and said, "I'm not sure I can sleep unless you are with me now."
He gave her one of the looks her usually reserved for Neville.
"How about you, why aren't you tucked up fast asleep in the dungeons?" Hermione in her over-tired state, began to giggle at her choice of words.
Severus raised an eyebrow and said, "It is not unusual for sleep to elude me."
"That's not true, you sleep like a baby," she argued. He glared at her, and she grinned back at him. "Well, you do," she insisted.
"That has not always been the case," he snapped.
"No?" she asked.
"No you insufferable witch!" he growled.
"By your level of tetchiness it seems that you are used to sleeping well at this point. You certainly have slept well with me these past several months. Care to explain what you mean by sleep 'eluding' you then?" she pestered.
"No!" he snarled.
"Severus - " she began threateningly.
"Oh, but of course. You must know, mustn't you?" he asked derisively. "Fine," he continued menacingly. "it is you. Sleeping in close proximity to you seems to keep the nightmares at bay."
"Since when Severus?" she asked. She was truly touched by this revelation.
"Since we began sharing my room at Grimmauld Place," he spat. "You seem to act as some form of shield against the horrific memories that come to me in the night. You started this when Albus first came up with his scheme for your orientation and you insisted that we remain together twenty-four hours a day." He glared so intensely that it caused him pain.
"That's a sweet man, blame me," she snapped.
"I am not BLAMING anyone, you vexing - " he began in a cold sneering voice.
"Well you could have fooled me," she huffed.
She seemed close to tears, and he realised just how exhausted she must be. He realised that he was exhausted as well. When he spoke again, his deep baritone was soft, and almost affectionate, "Hermione." He opened his arms and she rushed into them.
"Severus." There was no missing the affection in her tone.
They stood like that, holding each other for a while and then Severus said, "Come. If neither of us can sleep we may as well get some work done." They walked arm in arm to the dungeons. Where they passed the remainder of the night, sitting close together in his oversised wing chair as he finished his marking, and she researched the properties of stones in relation the potion for Harry's encounter with Voldemort.
The Great Hall was full to bursting at breakfast that morning, with the guests present. However, the Hogwarts students hushed somewhat when they noticed Professor Snape swoop in through the main doors instead of a staff door, with Hermione at his side. The Slytherins and Gryffindors became silent as the Head of Slytherin led Hermione to the Gryffindor table.
No one noticed Albus Dumbledore watch Severus escort Hermione to the Gryffindor table with a look of intense consternation in his eyes.
When Hermione was seated at the end of the table near the High table, Professor Snape bent and spoke so quietly to her, that even those seated next to her couldn't make out a word. Then Professor Snape swept to the High Table and took his seat, as Harry and Ron moved up the table to sit with Hermione.
"I believe everyone remembers Professor Snape, our Potions Master," Albus Dumbledore spoke to the Ministry officials and Madam Maxime.
Pleasantries were exchanged, and then Hagrid, presumably to make an impression on the Beauxbatons Headmistress, bellowed down the table to Professor Snape, "What were you 'an Hermione doin' Perfeser Snape?"
Severus was prepared. In the wee hours of the morning he and Hermione had come up with a plan to spend their Sunday together. Severus answered Hagrid in a bored drawl, "Today she will be assisting me. We will be gathering some important potions ingredients. Actually, I wanted to speak to you before we leave Professor Hagrid. I was hoping that you could assist us with some preparations."
Hagrid beamed proudly, "It'd be an honour Perfeser Snape, sir."
Severus nodded in acknowledgment and looked at his plate. He pushed some food around listlessly, too tired to actually eat. He thought it exceedingly strange, this tiredness. He had gone for years with so little sleep that it was a wonder he survived, and yet he had never felt tired. He resentfully decided that he indeed must have become accustomed to sleeping soundly with Hermione. He glanced at the Gryffindor table to find Hermione looking at him. Their eyes locked. They seemed to each draw the strength to keep their own eyes open from staring into the depths of the other's. A small smile played about Hermione's lips, and there was a definite softening of Severus' facial expression.
Severus felt two boney hands on his shoulders. Followed by Professor McGonagall's unnecessarily loud voice, "I'm sorry, Severus, but I must pull rank as Deputy Headmistress. I need Professor Hagrid's expertise today. I would like him to introduce our Beauxbatons visitors to some of the more interesting local animal species. I fear I can not deny them the pleasure. Perhaps I can help you with your preparations. Let's get your assistant."
Severus realised that this was a ploy to divert attention from the fact that he and a 'student' had been staring into each other's eyes. "Certainly Minerva," he said smoothly. He rose, his robes billowing behind him as he and Professor McGonagall made their way down the tables. They stopped behind Hermione.
Hermione looked at Professor McGonagall as she spoke to her, "It is time for you to assist Professor Snape. Let's get you two going."
"Of course," Hermione said. She turned to Harry and Ron saying, "Bye, then."
"Hermione," Ron whined, "I thought that you would be able to - "
"Mr Weasley," Professor Snape said, his lip curling, "Are you saying that your plans take precedence?"
"No sir, we didn't really have plans," Ron answered.
"Then what are you saying Mr Weasley?" he asked giving Ron a piercing look.
"Nothing, sir," Ron answered sheepishly.
Snape merely raised an eyebrow at him, and swept out of the Hall with Hermione and Professor McGonagall.
Once in the entry Minerva turned to Severus and Hermione. "I happen to know the two of you have had no rest. As much as I am sure you need those ingredients, I must insist that you rest today." As they began to protest Minerva held up a hand. "No, I won't hear it. I have a portkey for you." She handed a feather to Severus. "This will take you to my family's vacation home. I had it readied for you last night." At the odd looks they gave her, she smiled, "I was in the library when you came across each other in the corridor last night. You two are very lucky it was me," she admonished. "Spend the day here. Rest. I'll see you tomorrow morning."
"Thank you, Minerva," Severus said smoothly.
Hermione looked the older woman in the eye and Minerva bent and hugged her, whispering in her ear, "Take care of him dear, he's had precious little in his life before now." When they separated Hermione thanked her.
"Off you go!" Minerva ordered.
Severus and Hermione walked out the front doors of the castle into the beauty of the morning. When they were completely out of sight of the castle they activated the portkey.