It was now late afternoon, heading rapidly into evening. Severus and Hermione lay entwined and sated in a decadent mahogany four-poster bed. His hand lazily caressing her naked hip under the sumptuous velvet covers.

"After all these months, this is the first time we've been in a bed of our own," Hermione said into Severus' shoulder.

"I see that nothing eludes your sharp observational skills," Severus snarked. Then he said, "What is it that you really need to talk about?"

"My parents weren't hurt, they're going to be fine," she said in an effort to reassure herself.

"Yes, they are safe now. I am perplexed by the situation. I will find answers for you. I will discover who attacked your parents and why. They were most fortunate. We may not know exactly what happened yet; but, we do know that your parents are unharmed, and now that they are hidden under the Fidelius Charm they will remain safe. I do regret that we could not see them as we had intended." He smirked. "I know your mother would be pleased about our marriage. After all it's time you settled down and - " he trailed off. "It seems that I forgot to ask you something. That is if you are not too - "

"I'm fine Severus. I am sorry that we didn't have a chance to tell them that we're married. However, they won't be gone for ever," she reasoned.

"No, they will not be gone for ever," he agreed.

"Lucius," she said, her tone concerned. "Oh, Severus - " she began.

"Don't," he snapped.

"He was an integral part of your life for a very long time," she said quietly.

"Yes, he was."

"Severus, tell me," she encouraged.

"That is unnecessary," he responded emotionlessly.

"Did you hate him then?" she asked.

"No."

"Did you love him?"

"Hermione," he said disdainfully, "after what we just did I would think that you would not need to ask that particular question."

"You know what I meant, you can't distract me so easily. Although I agree, you are a passionate man Severus Snape."

"Perhaps," he allowed, "if I am, it is only with you Hermione."

"Only with you Severus," she answered before she moved up and kissed him.

Both were silent for a while, taking wordless comfort from each other. Finally Hermione spoke again, "Do you think he sent you the letter because he knew he was in danger?"

"No, that is his usual way of doing things. Lucius was always prepared for every eventuality he could foresee. The letter itself held only a little information. Albeit important information. I am relieved to know that The Dark Lord took the news of our marriage in the way we had assumed he would. Now I will be able to pass on more misinformation. Misinformation that he will believe you gave me directly from Potter's lips. It is good to know that the new spy is in place, as well. Especially with Lucius gone now. However, had Lucius made it here to meet with me, we would have discovered much more."

"Oh," she said in a solicitous tone, "do you think the Aurors will be able to discover who did this to him?"

"Ah, no. Probably not. I daresay that I will have more success when next I am summoned. I expect that The Dark Lord will return upon hearing of Lucius'... untimely death. Lucius was The Dark Lord's right hand. He was his most trusted Death Eater. The Dark Lord will be at a loss, and unstable. He will want to return, to regroup. We will need to take advantage of this small vulnerability if we can, it will not last long." After a thoughtful pause he added, "I wonder if Potter's dreaming was another bout of experiencing The Dark Lord's feelings, if perhaps Potter was affected by The Dark Lord's response to Lucius death."

"You cared for Lucius," she said. It wasn't a question.

"Leave it," he said ordered. "Now about that spell?" He waited for her to explain.

"Are you upset that I cast the spell?" she asked with trepidation.

"Obviously not. I am, however, at a loss as to understand your motivation," he said.

"You really don't mind then?" she whispered.

"Hermione," he said. He tilted her chin so that he could look into her eyes. "If I had minded, you would have been the first to know. I am not exactly shy about voicing my displeasure."

"True." She laughed lightly.

"Tell me why you would want this," he said sternly.

"Severus, I..." she paused, "I... it's hard. I know why. I've known for a... while. Known that I want this. I didn't want to talk to you about it for the same reason it's hard to say it aloud now. Truthfully I don't want to face my main reason."

"And that reason is?" he asked.

"I cast the spell because I didn't want to talk about it. I thought if I just cast the spell your feelings on the subject would be expressed; by whether or not you cast the counter spell, or reciprocated the spell. That was sort of a way to touch on the subject without actually having to talk about it. It's not like I could force you. You must know that I would never force you even if I could! In fact you know that you could have countered the spell I cast, and ended it all just like that. But you didn't counter my spell, you reciprocated it instead," she asserted.

"I did not say that you tried to force anything on me. I do not regret it. I do want to know why. What I asked you, is why?" The longer she hedged, the more irritated he became.

"We're going to miss dinner in the Great Hall," she said.

"Enough. You are stalling. Answer me," he barked.

"You are a spy in the Dark Lord's inner circle. It's true that I have been thinking about this for a very long time. Then with what happened to Lucius Malfoy today, it all became too imminent." Her voice quavered, "It could happen to you. You could be killed as well. I, I, couldn't bear it, I..."

"Hermione," he soothed. "I have lived this long, I will continue to do so."

"We will name him Lucius," she said, her voice thickened by tears.

"Can you know that you have conceived?" he asked.

"No, I can't know, but the odds are in favour. I cast the fertility spell on you while under the influence of the power enhancing potion," she explained.

It was difficult but he managed not to look down at himself in concern. 'The spell must have done no damage, his bits had worked normally just a few minutes ago.' His worried thoughts were interrupted by Hermione's voice.

"You cast the reciprocal spell. The spell only needs to be cast on one person. So, there is really little doubt that conception has happened; what with the fertility spell having been cast on both of us, and my casting with enhanced power." She hesitated. "If you have changed your mind I can take the termination potion."

"No need," he said in his silky voice. "I have not changed my mind." A thrill of fear went through him at the idea that she would consider taking a potion that could endanger her health in such a way.

"Why did you leave my spell on you, and cast the reciprocal spell?" she queried.

He sidestepped by saying disparagingly, "We should have discussed this before any spells were cast... at all."

"I know," she said contritely.

"There is no need for that tone. I could have insisted on a discussion before casting the reciprocal spell." He paused in thought. "If I recall correctly, and I do, we never spoke of our binding before you cast the spell ... and I chose to reciprocate then as well. We are forming a pattern in our communication," he said unequivocally.

"Maybe we need to find another way to discuss our fee - "

"Do not even say it Madam Snape," he snarled threateningly.

"I need you to understand Severus. I had never thought much about having children, I thought that was something I didn't have to think about for a while. However, I have come to realise that I want a child that is a part of you. I want your child, more then I can say. You are ... you are unique. There is no one who can compare to you. I've never known anyone who can match your intelligence, no one can even comes close to it. You need to pass that on. The wizarding world needs you, and any more of you that it can get. Even when we are old and gone, you need to have left behind some of your incredible intelligence and your unique talents, as a legacy to the wizarding world. The way to do that is for you to father a child." She paused to gather herself. "This whole issue makes me more emotional than I am comfortable with. I'm not sure I'm articulating this well. As much as I like to pretend it isn't so, you are in constant danger. If the unthinkable should happen ..." her composure began to fail and her tone filled with raw emotion, "... to have your child to nurture ..." she took a deep breath, riegning in her emotions before they got the better of her, "... that would be a reason for me. That would be the reason for me; my only reason to go on," she said forcefully. "I can not think it! You must survive! We have only just begun, there is so much we can do together."

"I had no preference one way or the other. Contrary to popular assumption I do not hate all children. I certainly will not deny that I have considered the possibilities inherent in a child possessing our combined ... contributions. However, I had not considered your reasons for urgency. In retrospect perhaps I should have. I must admit that in my position I have thought at length about the likelihood of my demise. I try to keep my affairs in order. If you long for my child as you say, although I cannot imagine why; procreation early on in our marriage is not so far fetched an idea as it would seem on the surface," he said thoughtfully.

"Why did you agree then, if you hadn't already considered starting a family so early?" she asked.

"Aside from the fact that I seem unable to deny you anything?" he asked acerbically. Then an unusual look briefly flashed in his dark eyes and he echoed, "A family?"

"Yes," she said, wondering what it was that was flickeing behind his eyes.

"I never thought - "

"That you would have a family?" she asked.

"That anyone would want me as a part of their - "

"Not a part Severus, that's what I've been trying to say. You are not a part of my life. Harry is a part of my life, Crookshanks is a part of my life, my parents are a part of my life. Severus you are my life," she said this with as much equanimity as she could muster.

Severus wasn't fooled. Allowing his tone to speak for him he said simply, "Wife."

Suddenly she was held tightly in his arms and they were kissing with a passion that ran deeper then arousal. They were both expressing a need, a desire for each other on so many levels that it threatened to overwhelm them.

She clutched, she grasped, she desperately tried to fuse herself to him.

For his part, he tried to accept all that she was offering. Silencing the part of his mind that would call him unworthy, that would tell him it was an illusion. That would convince him that to open to her was certain doom.

In the end he did accept her offerings, and reciprocated with a passion of his own. The kiss mirrored their binding and fertility spells; she offered and he accepted, and then he offered in return.

It was a pattern they both could live with.

"House-witch?" Minerva McGonagall stood in the Headmaster's office looking her most stern and imposing. Albus Dumbledore just blinked back at his Deputy Headmistress, and lover of more then fifty-two years. "I need you to talk to me, what in the name of all that's good has possessed you Albus? You are a kind, caring man, but right now you are acting like a beastly child, all petulance and petty retribution. This has gone far enough. You are above all this and I want an explanation." She spoke to her superior as if her were an errant first year.

"Minerva," Albus began in a world weary voice, "I wish it were as simple as my being affronted because I wasn't consulted. Severus Snape is in a very dangerous position. He can't afford any distractions. I know he's capable of concentrating on his duties during the most trying of circumstances, however, Hermione is a threat to him. Maybe Hermione was right in all that she accused me of in Severus' hospital room at St Mungo's. I have used Severus. I will continue to use him. I use him for the greater good, but does that excuse it? I just don't know anymore. What I do know is that if he goes to Voldemort, and Voldemort sees that he cares for a Muggle-born witch, we will no longer have our senior spy. The best spy we could have. The spy that will most likely make the difference between winning and losing this war. Even if Voldemort never suspects Severus' true feelings for Hermione, there are other considerations. If Hermione is threatened will Severus allow her to perish in order to keep his position within Voldemort's circle? I know him, he will not. Of course he would try to do everything to ensure her safety and keep his role secret, but if it came down to it, I am sure he would expose himself to save her."

At the horrified look on Minerva's face Albus sat down and put his head in his hands. "You begin to see Minerva. Yes, it is I who have caused Severus to lead a miserable isolated life. That was the best way to keep him safe in his position as our spy, and yes, I will admit: to keep that very position safe. As I said, I have used him. I still use him, like I used the Marauders in their day, and still use Remus today. Like I have used Harry since his parents died. What did Hermione call me that day, a 'two faced, manipulating, self serving, hypocrite.' Well she was right. I do manipulate Severus and use him for the greater good. I have sacrificed his happiness, his very soul, for years working towards that greater good, and I would sacrifice his life if need be. Yet, I love him like a son. Not a very good father figure, eh? How can those two things coexist, my love for the boy, and my willingness to see him harmed if it is for the greater good?"

"Your problem Albus is that you love too much. You care for everyone. You make life and death decisions in the best interests of us all," Minerva said gently.

"Exactly. Exactly. That is how Severus needs to be, so that he can continue to do what is necessary, make any sacrifice no matter who it is he must sacrifice for the greater good. Somehow Hermione Granger - "

"Snape, Hermione Snape," Minerva corrected.

"Of course. Somehow she has managed to become important to the boy."

"She has Albus, but that is not the end of the world, or the end of Severus' career as a spy for The Order. He is a particularly skilled Occlumens, because of that skill Voldemort will never know his true feelings for Hermione. We will make sure that Hermione is never in a position to be used as a pawn, then he will never have to defend her at the risk of exposing his role. It's really very simple. Don't complicate it. If you make them hate each other, and I don't think that you will succeed in that no matter what you try; but if you did that would be even more of a distraction for Severus. He would undoubtedly make mistakes in that emotional state with no reason left to be careful. Certainly he would never jeopardise his position intentionally, he is too honourable. But, if he becomes emotionally exposed from an estrangement, it might just be beyond his control."

After a prolonged silence Albus said quietly, "As ever Minerva, you are right."

"Of course I am." She smiled. "And dinna think for a minute that I have been ignorant of your manipulative ways Albus Percival Wulfric Brian Dumbledore. Back in the days of the Marauders I may have been unsure, but I have clearly seen it with Harry. Surely you remember my questioning your decisions with him. I even questioned your first decision, his placement with the Dursleys. I have understood the necessity of your ways, you are a warrior and a leader of men. You will protect us all. You weigh your options and choose what's best. Just remember that you are: the greatest sorcerer alive; a brilliant tactician; a warrior who commands respect and does what he has to, in order to get the job done; but, you are also a man." Minerva reached across Albus' desk and took his hand. "And although it is unusual in your case, all men make mistakes sometimes. Please, Albus, consider carefully that this may be one of those times."

After many minutes during which the two sat lost in their own thoughts, Albus regarded his lover, and spoke "Give the girl a job Minerva, it is my considered opinion that she would make a terrible house-witch. However, I will never condone what they have done. I will never support them. I will continue to try and make them see that they should not be married to each other." Minerva opened her mouth to begin lecturing again, but she stopped when he raised his hand. "No need to voice your opinion again Minerva. I am well aware that you think them a good match. You may keep your opinion, but I will keep mine as well."

"That's something," Minerva smiled, "it's a start at least."

Hermione reluctantly rose from the snug spot where she and Severus lay together in the huge bed. They had decided not to attend dinner in the Great Hall and were currently laying snugly together nibbling on fruit and cheese instead, and enjoying the full benefits of collaboration. They were re-calculating the power enhancing potion Hermione had created. It seemed that Severus would be able to make it come together as a one dose, timed release potion. That would make it possible for Harry to carry a repeat dose, as the four does Hermione's creation called for were impractical for travel. If Severus could do it, and both of them were confident that he could, then Harry could carry an extra dose. If Harry took the extra dose four days after his initial dose, he would have enhanced powers for more then a week.

Their work was interrupted by someone at the door. Hermione threw on one of Severus' shirts and made her way to the door. She stumbled over one of her shoes, and her attention was drawn to the clear line of hastily discarded clothing that ran from the outer chamber door and disappeared into the bedchamber. It was glaringly obvious in the otherwise immaculate room.

'Well I don't have time to get my wand and clean up now,' she thought ruefully to herself.

When she got to the door she opened it, and tried to block the view into the chambers. "Minerva," she said in surprise, "what can I do for you?"

"We need to talk Hermione," Minerva responded.

"Of course won't you, er... let's go round to Severus' office," Hermione stammered.

"You can't be seen in the corridors dressed like that!" Minerva said. She was clearly appalled at the thought of students seeing Hermione in her current state of dress.

"Oh. No, of course not, I'd forgotten," Hermione said. She moved slowly aside to allow Minerva entrance. "Please come in."

When Hermione turned she noticed the clothing that had been on the floor was tidied away, and Severus stood in the bedroom doorway. He now wore black silk pyjamas that left absolutely none of his tall lithe form to the imagination. As he gazed at Hermione his deep eyes smouldered. Everything about him was sensual, from the slightly tousled fall of his soft hair, to his gracefully languid posture as he leaned against the door frame. Hermione knew he was utterly unaware of the fact that he was exuding sex, unfortunately this only made him more seductively alluring. 'He looks so lovable, so enticing ... and oh, I want more... I can't get enough of him.' A small breath escaped from Hermione at her thoughts and she smiled to herself.

Minerva looked between Severus' intense gaze and Hermione's wistful smile, and she leaned near Hermione and whispered, "We need to have tea and a little talk. Soon."

Severus was not supposed to hear that, but of course he did. He drew himself up in indignation at being the obvious object of Minerva's curiosity. 'Damn and Blast! That witch, how dare she look at me like that in front of Minerva! That insufferable, fetching little bundle of passion...' he thought. He put on one of his worst scowls and strode into the bedchamber.

Severus returned in mere seconds with his teaching robes securely closed over his pyjamas. He was just in time to hear Minerva make an unexpected announcement.

"I just wanted to let you know that Albus has rethought his 'house-witch' nonsense. Hermione your public reason for staying here at the castle after having passed your N.E.W.T.s, will be a job working for me. If you accept, you will be the my Administrative Apprentice."

"What exactly is an Administrative Apprentice?" Hermione asked.

"You get to assist me with some of my more challenging jobs."

"Challenging Minerva? Really. You mean tedious. Just as you perform Albus' more unpleasant duties, that is what you will have Hermione doing for you," Severus interjected.

"Well, to be honest, yes. You will handle most of the paperwork, correspondence, schedule my meetings with parents, things of that nature," Minerva admitted.

"That sounds... er, good?" Hermione answered.

"It sounds abhorrent. Will she bring you coffee Minerva? What a waste of her intelligence and talents," Severus opined in his cold sneering voice.

"It will free up more time for us all to concentrate on Order business where her intelligence and talents will be put to good use. And I would think that 'house-witch' would even more of a waste," Minerva returned.

"Undeniably," Severus drawled.

"I won't treat her like servant," Minerva returned.

"How gracious," Severus said sarcastically.

"Would you forbid her?" Minerva asked.

"It is not my place to forbid or allow," Severus said silkily.

"But, you are her - "

"I am her," he said in his most dangerous voice, "husband. Hermione is not a slave."

"How... modern," Minerva said, grinning at Severus.

"Perhaps," Severus intoned, noncomittaly.

"Well then," Minerva turned to Hermione, "Do you accept?"

"My work would be here in the castle?" Hermione asked.

"You can have an office here in Dungeons, beside Severus'. I will be able to communicate with you easily enough," Minerva promised.

"Thank you, I would like that," Hermione replied. "Would I be on call around the clock?"

"Oh no dear, I don't think that's necessary. I'd say you should have a regular schedule. A few office hours each day. You need to keep time to work for the Order. After all that's the whole point. Any problems that arise outside that time can wait, or are so urgent that everyone will be involved."

"Then I accept with pleasure, thank you," Hermione said.

"Good." Minerva smiled. "Goodness look at the time." She looked each of the Snapes up and down pointedly. "You two don't seem dressed for dinner, so I expect I'll meet with you tomorrow Hermione, to work out the details."

"That would be fine," Hermione said politely.

"Excellent, everything will work out perfectly, you will see," Minerva said. With that, she took her leave headed for dinner in the Great Hall.

Hermione closed the door behind Minerva.

Severus closed the distance between them, he put a hand on each side of Hermione's waist and pulled her to him. He grazed her lips with his and pulled back to look into her eyes. She reached up and brushed his lips with hers, it was a soft whisper of a kiss.

He leaned in to her ear and spoke, his voice low, "I want you so badly Hermione. Do you have any idea what you do to me? I have never wanted anyone as I want you. I could never have imagined wanting someone as badly as I want you, Hermione."

His voice was melting her bones, and hearing how he wanted her made her shiver in excitement. The fertility spell only affected her ovulation and his potency, it didn't alter or increase their desires in any way; knowing that their desire was real, was all them, only increased the fevered ache she felt for him. "Make love to me Severus," she whispered softly, reaching up and pulling him into a passionate kiss.

He lost himself in the taste of her, his need inflamed by her kisses he pushed her into the door with his body. He wanted her, he needed her, and this was not the result of a fertility spell. He nibbled and sucked at her lips, as she buried her hands in his hair.

'Sweet Merlin, I can't get enough of her,' Severus thought in amazement. As he deepened the kiss, he trailed his long deft hands up and down her sides, his fingers gently sweeping the sides of her breasts. At his touch she arched into him. As she pushed her body harder into his, a groan escaped from his mouth. He shuddered as she plunged her tongue into his mouth and twirled it around his.

He rocked into her, at the feeling of his hard body pressing insistently into her she inhaled sharply, taking his breath into her.

He pulled back to look at her passionate face in the candlelight. Her eyes were glassy and almost all black pupil, her face was flushed and glowing, and her lips were swollen, red, and so moist from his kisses.

She gazed up at him to find a smile gracing his face. She reached a hand up and stroked his cheek, trailing her fingers seductively over his lips.

"Wife," he growled before capturing her mouth with his for another kiss. His impassioned deep tone resounded through her body, turning her very cells to liquid fire. This kiss was all-consuming and fierce. Yet when their tongues met again it was as soft as it was fervid. He slid his tongue along hers mercilessly.

He slipped his hands up under the hem of his shirt that she wore. His kisses and touch turned slow and sensual. He trailed kisses across her jaw and down her neck. He nipped and sucked her soft sweet flesh where neck met shoulder.

She arched her neck, opening herself to him as she clutched at his shoulders. She held on tightly as her knees were turning to water under his talented touch. She didn't know whether to scream or cry when another knock sounded at the door under her back.

"I'll get rid of them," he whispered in a husky voice, "beloved."

At the sound of his unintentional endearment she melted. She barely managed to move off the door rather then drop into a puddle at Severus' feet.

Severus flung the door open to find Blaise Zabini standing there. "Professor, I need to talk to you," he muttered nervously.

"Mr Zabini this had better be life threatening," Professor Snape warned in his most malevolent tone.

"Yes sir, it is, or was, I," he stuttered.

"We'll go to my office," Professor Snape spat, as he turned to speak to Hermione. "I shall return directly," he said softly.

Blaise Zabini sucked in an astonished breath at the sight his terror of a Professor caressing the cheek of the Muggle-born Gryffindor, who was only clad in one of the Professor's shirts.

He closed his office door and rounded on his student, "Well, Mr Zabini?"

"That explains a lot," he returned. "Sorry sir but seeing the Mudblood in your rooms explains a lot."

Severus' hands itched to throttle the imbecile for the use of such prejudiced language. However, he remained calm. To his Slytherins, he had to appear to be the picture perfect pureblooded Dark Lord supporter. So instead he assumed his impassive tone, "Explain your meaning Mr Zabini and be quick, I have matters that require my attention."

"I, well sir, I," he stammered.

"Today Mr Zabini," Professor Snape drawled.

"Yes sir, I didn't know who else to go to sir. I didn't want to tell anyone, but the more I think about it, the more I think I need to tell someone. I know that you support the Dark Lord sir. So does my family, and so do I, as I'm sure you know. But what I saw, I think it might not be something that The Dark Lord would have wanted done without his knowing. And, well, it's not like my parents or I have the connections necessary to inform the Dark Lord ourselves, so I thought maybe you could. If you think it's wise that is. You see, I was there last night."

"Where were you last night Mr Zabini?" Professor Snape asked coldly.

"Actually it was this morning, but early, it was still dark anyway. Draco Malfoy took us, and by us, I mean: me; a couple of guys from Durmstrang; Crabbe; and Goyle. We went to the Granger house," he paused hoping his Professor would fill in the rest. If he did his next words made it clear that he wouldn't let him off the hook anyway.

"Why did Mr Malfoy take you there?" he demanded in a cold sneering tone.

"He wanted to get revenge on the Gryffindor-Know-It-All-Mudblood. He wanted to have some fun with her family. I never knew he intended to use Unforgivables on them."

"Unforgivables, in the plural Mr Zabini? Explain," Professor Snape snapped.

"When we got there we went in their house, we surprised them. Malfoy, Draco that is, used a simple Binding Spell and the Grangers were completely at our mercy," he explained.

"How is it the Grangers didn't identify you?" Professor Snape asked. He hadn't seen the report on the incident yet, but he was sure he would have been informed immediately if four of his Slytherin students had been identified.

"We were cloaked and masked sir," he answered. "Not actual Death Eater clothes," he added hastily, "but no one could tell who we were."

"I see, go on," Snape ordered.

"Draco Malfoy cast the Cruciatus Curse. From his agitated talking to the Grangers, we found out that he had planned more then that." Blaise Zabini looked pleadingly at his Professor. He went on, his nervousness only growing as he went on, "We didn't know sir, we thought it would just be some fun, maybe some pranks and some taunting. Like at the Quidditch World Cup in fourth year. But, after the Grangers were bound, Draco told them that he was going to torture them and when he was done he was going to kill them. He was raving sir, he was mad. I understand some of it now though. He chose the Grangers because he must have known that you have been fu..." he trailed off at the murderous look on his Head of House's face, "...er... had... their Mudblood daughter sir. He was jealous."

"Jealous?" Professor Snape asked incredulously. "Impossible. Even if Mr Malfoy knew of my association with Hermione he is too much of a purist. He would never want someone who is not a pureblood."

"No sir, he wouldn't."

"Hermione is Muggle-born, as you have mentioned yourself," the Professor explained slowly, as if his student were particularly dim.

"Yes sir, she is. But sir, you are a pureblood," Blaise Zabini waited to allow his words to sink in. He knew his Professor might be shocked... and there it was.

"Me?" Professor Snape said in a dark apalled whisper.

"Yes sir. For a long time sir. Draco had a future all planned out for him... and you. He was waiting until after the Leaving Feast to approach you. He had a slow seduction planned for you, sir. Then a life of power and luxury for the two of you together. He was obsessed with this ambition. He was sure he would make you his, and together you and he would change the wizarding world. Discovering that you have other, inclinations, must have set him off." When the Professor didn't speak right away, he added, "I think he sees the Mudblood as a rival, as competition. As someone else who wants you, and who you might want instead of him."

"I see." Professor Snape managed to keep his face and tone neutral. He was glad he had not eaten much or he might not have been able to swallow the rising bile in his throat. "And do you know how Lucius Malfoy died?"

"Yes, sir. Mr Malfoy arrived just a few minutes after we did. Draco had asked him to meet us. When Mr Malfoy got there he was surprised. Draco hadn't told him what we were doing. Mr Malfoy tried to take over. He said we didn't have the Dark Lord's authorisation. Draco didn't take that well, he shouted that The Dark Lord would be pleased, then he began to cast Avada Kedavra on the Granger man. Mr Malfoy stopped Draco. So Draco grabbed the Granger woman. Draco called his father a traitor: to the cause; to the Dark Lord; to his blood; and to his family. Draco held the Granger woman at wand point, he told his father to cast the Dark Mark saying that, 'then we'd see who the Dark Lord was pleased with.' Mr Malfoy cast The Mark. Then when Draco demanded it, when he threatened the Muggle woman, Mr Malfoy gave his wand to Draco willingly, to spare the Granger woman's life. Draco cast Crucio on the Grangers again but we were interrupted as Aurors began to arrive. One of the masked guys from Drumstang spoke up before the Aurors made it in the house. He looked right at Mr Malfoy and yelled, 'that if Draco says you are a traitor, you die.' Then he cast Avada Kedavra, and Mr Malfoy fell over. He died, just like that. We all got out before the Aurors got in. Sir, I know those of us who support The Dark Lord sometimes have to do disagreeable things for the cause, but I don't think that all the things Draco did qualifies does it?"

"No it does not Mr Zabini. The Dark Lord would most definitely not approve of young Mr Malfoy's unauthorised actions. You were right to tell me, I will handle it. Keep this to yourself, Mr Zabini. That will be safest for you and your family," Professor Snape told him. "Thank you for having the courage to come to me. It was the right thing to do. Now go back to your dormitory and rest."

As soon as Blaise Zabini left, Severus swept to the Headmaster's office to tell him what he had found out.

Severus stormed into his chambers and stood by the fireplace with his arms crossed over his chest. Hermione studied his face as he glared into the fire, it betrayed nothing but anger. However, she could guess the multitude of emotions that were the catalysts of his temper. She immediately poured him a brandy. She went softly to him and handed him the drink.

Severus sighed in resignation. He had been through hell answering all of Albus' questions. He could only imagine how many questions Hermione had for him. "I suppose that - "

Hermione cut him off, "Shhh, unless you really want to, you don't need to talk now."

She took his empty hand and she pulled him to a wing chair. She gently pushed him down into it.

He glared at her and briefly wondered why he was allowing himself to be physically manipulated by this slip of a witch, but he didn't dwell on that for long. As he sunk into the chair the dark thoughts took back over. 'My friend - no, my enemy, is dead. My friend. My enemy. Was he on our side? Was he my friend again? Either way he is dead. Draco may not have cast the curse, but he is at fault for his father's death. Does he feel guilt? Will he even mourn for his father? Narcissa will go mad. Madder, as she is quite mad already. I should have kept a closer eye on Draco. I should have insisted that Lucius - that he, what? Not spy. Spying on The Dark Lord is not what killed him in the end though is it? No, he died defending Muggles. Perhaps he really had changed? He was defending my wife's parents. He knew of our marriage, he seemed pleased, but one never really knows with Lucius... Would he have kept his cover and lived if it were any other Muggles? Did he do this for Hermione, did he sacrifice himself for us? I shall never know where his true loyalties lay. I will never know if I could have done better by him. How can I help Draco now? He is left with an insane mother. The whole Black family is mad. Perhaps not all, Nymphadora seems fine... However, Sirius, Bellatrix, and Narcissa most assuredly are, and were, mad. Now there we have a golden trio, a golden trio of insane murderers. Even if Sirius Black failed miserably, he certainly attempted murders, more then just mine even if he was unable to pull them off. He died a failed murdering-madman. Bellatrix, no one can keep up with the count of bodies she has left in her wake. She's no failure when it comes to murder. And Narcissa, she has never dirtied her own hands, but she has had enough people killed. Now she is the only parent Draco has left. How can I help him? What can I do?'

Hermione was pulling him up, and taking his empty glass. He was so lost in his thoughts the next thing he registered was a deep warmth creeping into his tight muscles and the scent of herbs; mugwort, rosemary, anise, cedar, and thyme. 'I am in a bath?'

"Hermione?"

"Shhhh. Relax, Severus, let me care for you," she whispered. She began to wash his tired body, and massage his seized muscles.

'How did she get my clothes off and get me in here without me taking notice? Perhaps I am mad as well,' he thought. "Hermione, I am fine. Stop this at once," he snapped. When she didn't stop, in a cold sneering tone he hissed, "Go and find a child or an invalid that requires your ministrations."

"Let me do this for you Severus," she whispered on his lips. She kissed him, it was a feathery teasing kiss. For several quiet minutes her hands kept up their work easing the tension out of his body.

She had finished washing him and she reached down and took him in her hands, stroking him with smooth firm motions.

"I- uh..."

"Let me Severus, please," she breathed as she continued to gently squeeze and stroke him.

"Hermione," he moaned. She smiled against his lips. Several minutes passed in a warm herbal heaven as Hermione's slippery hands worked to bring him to the brink of ecstasy. His worried thoughts were gone, all Severus Snape's brain was doing now was feeling the amazing things Hermione was doing to him with her hands. He actually cried out in anguish when she stopped. She held her arms and enticed him from the tub. She sat him on a soft chair and she wrapped him in towels she had charmed warm. Then she gently spread his thighs and slid to her knees between his legs.

After several minutes of sweet torture, Severus could stand no more.

At his insistence she just stood and led him to the bedroom. She took his towels and when he sat on the bed she pushed him down on his back.

Over an hour later he collapsed beside her, sated, and gently stroked her face. She closed her eyes and smiled serenely.

She startled him by suddenly calling out, "Accio tray!" A large silver tray came flying into the bedchamber.

"What is this?"

"Food, we haven't eaten much, and you can't leave just alcohol in your stomach for the night." She sat up against Severus' side and settled the large tray on their laps. She uncovered several dishes.

She was worried that she had brought it all back for him, so she set about talking cheerily to him to keep his mind off things. 'At the very least I can make him annoyed with my chatting, any distraction would be good now,' she thought. "It's lucky I'm good with warming charms. I had meant for us to eat this sooner. Start with the cream of asparagus soup." She put a spoon in his hand. With it we have sandwiches; turkey, cream cheese, and cranberry sauce on oat bread. To drink we have chamomile tea. Finally for dessert, warm milk and my grandmother's cheesecake shortbreads."

She glanced sideways at Severus to find him tasting his soup. She decided to prattle on while they ate as he didn't seem too annoyed, yet, and she was determined to keep his mind occupied. "I first had these sandwiches at my grandmother's house in America. She lives in a cottage by the sea, in the very Northeast part of the country. New England, no less. I was really put off at the concept of these sandwiches. I mean turkey and cream cheese, yech. I was really young and forced to, 'just try a bite', and after I did I was hooked. My grandmother sends me the ingredients every so often so I can make them. She lives in Maine, but they get the excellent cream cheese from Vermont and the cranberries straight from the bogs in Massachusetts. Someday I'll take you to New England. I spent lots of holidays there. In a very small fishing village. It's simple, quiet, beautiful, you'd love it. Most of my other holidays were to Paris. I could spend years in the museums of Paris and never tire of it. That's where I was when my mother was shopping, in the museums." She paused for breath and saw Severus looking questioningly at her. "What?"

"You are certainly talkative tonight. If you love the food so much, why are you not eating?" he asked suspiciously.

'Well at least his mind is on me not Lucius death,' she thought. "Truthfully I ate a sandwich when I made these. Although, I will eat mine later. Did you like it?"

Ignoring her excuse and inquiry Severus cooly asked, "My my, multiloquent, aren't we?"

"No just, oh shut it and try the dessert," she huffed.

Severus raised an elegantly disdainful eyebrow, but he delicately tasted a piece of his dessert anyway.

"So, can I ask if you like it?"

"You may."

"And do you?"

"Indeed," he smirked.

She smiled at him and handed him his warm milk. "Now finish all of this, I had it keeping warm for you, er, us."

"Yes mother," he growled dangerously.

"I am not your mother," she pouted. 'Well at least his mind is off Lucius even if I am getting snarked at. She looked into his eyes then and noticed a light of, 'mischief? Oh! he's teasing me. That's good, sooo good.'

When he had finished everything under her direct and imperious supervision, Hermione banished the tray. "Will you lay down with me?" she asked.

By way of answer he whispered, "Nox," extinguishing the lights. He pulled her down with him and drew the covers up over them. "You do know that it's early yet?" he drolled

"Um," was her reply. As she snuggled into him in their warm nest of a bed.

"Talkative but not very articulate," he snarked.

"May I tell you about my grandmother?"

"I do not suppose that I can avoid it," he said.

She smiled and brushed the hair from his face. She began telling him about; her grandmother's cottage by the sea, her herb garden, her herbal remedies, her cookie recipes, her way of life in the small fishing village on the rocky coast of Maine. She kept her voice low and her tone soothing, all the while she continued to smooth his hair. After about an hour she asked, "It's still early, but I'm tired, are you not?"

"I shouldn't be, but it would seem that I am," he answered. 'Or my mind has just been numbed by your incessant chatter,' he thought venomously. He refused to acknowledge that he had been enjoying allowing her voice to wash over him. That he had liked losing himself in the scenes her words painted.

'It worked!' she thought jubilantly. "Brandy, a massage, relaxing herbals in the bath, bone melting sex, lots of tryptophan, and voila! an hour later he's snugged up with me falling into a relaxed sleep. Some better then brooding by the fire I'd say!'