Warning

This story is not suitable for readers under the age of sixteen. It contains sexual content, including some non-consensual, and may offend some readers. If this subject is offensive to you, please do not read this story.

Chapter 40 – The New Marauders

For a long moment, there was silence between them. Hermione was stunned by the unexpected proposal. The first thing she could think of was how unbelievably wrong Severus was about how her parents would react to this. They would not see it as confirmation of his love and commitment - to them it would be ridiculous, and they would never approve. Her mum and dad were not the issue, though, she knew. Right now this had to be about her own feelings.

"Severus ... " she began, then faltered. What could she say? This was not a simple question that she could answer so quickly. She loved him, without question, but marriage was a huge step.

Severus' eyes were still fixed on her own. "It is alright, my darling," he said softly. "I do not expect an answer right away." A hand reached up to stroke her face. "I am not suggesting that we marry immediately. I was thinking of the summer, or possibly even once you have left school altogether, but I could not help but ask you now."

The temptation to say 'yes' immediately was overwhelming for Hermione, but she knew that she had to think about this before making any rash decisions. It would not be fair to Severus to speak without thinking. "It's a big step, Severus," she told him. "Give me some time?" It was phrased as a question, and he nodded in response. She leaned forward and kissed him, fighting the urge to accept without further thought.

Turning around where she sat, Hermione leaned back against him, resting her head on his shoulder. His arms wrapped around her, they sat by the fire, each caught up in whirling thoughts and emotions. A thought suddenly occurred to Hermione, and she laughed. "You really don't understand muggles, do you?"

Severus' voice was puzzled. "Why?"

"Because if you think that asking me to marry you will make my parents change their minds about us, then you couldn't be more wrong," she told him. "They would hate the idea!"

He squeezed her, and placed a kiss on the top of her head. "I am sorry. I have no wish to make things worse."

Hermione snuggled against his chest, smiling. "Don't be sorry," she said, "as long as making my parents like you wasn't the only reason you asked."

Snape's response was an amused rumble. "I do have other reasons, such as the fact that I want to spend the rest of my life with you." Hermione said nothing, and he continued, "But I know that you need some time, so I do not expect an immediate answer. For now, why don't we just enjoy tonight, and not think about anything else?"

This sounded like the perfect idea. Not that Hermione could avoid thinking about this, of course, but she wanted to be with Severus now, and think only of the moment. "What did you have in mind?" she asked, playfully.

Instead of answering, Severus stood, bringing her to her feet with him. She was still facing away from him, and his arms were wrapped about her from behind. He bent to kiss the side of her neck. Even after being together for so long, a touch of his lips could still turn her legs to jelly. He knew just how to touch her to make her quiver, and she closed her eyes and sighed, giving herself completely to his kisses. His hands moved from her waist to her hips, holding her against him, and she could feel his hardness against her back. She placed her hands on his, and arched her body against him. Warm lips toyed with her ear, making her heart flutter in her chest. It was amazing how easily and how strongly his body could affect her with such simple actions. Each time they made love was an unique and wonderful experience.

She reached up and behind her to his face - touching his skin and running her finders into his hair. His hands moved up to cup her breasts and she let out the softest of moans at the tender touch. Thumbs caressed her nipples through her clothes, and she pressed her body back against him, needing to feel as much contact between their bodies as possible. Releasing her breasts, he turned her and caught her up in his arms. With arms wrapped lovingly about his neck, Hermione kissed him deeply. Their lips remained joined as Severus turned and carried her towards his bed.

- - -

The rest of the week was torture for Snape. Torture that was made infinitely worse by having to conceal his emotions from Hermione, so that she could not see how much her delay in answering was killing him. He had agreed to give her some space and time to think, and he had to live up to that, but he did not have to like it! For the next three nights, she worked on her project in the dungeon classroom, but stayed with him on only one of those nights. They did not discuss Snape's proposal, as agreed, but talked of everything else, avoiding the one subject constantly at the front of their minds. He was almost relived when, on Thursday evening, Bale and Gem arranged to work on their projects, and he was spared another evening of careful avoidance. Forcing his mind onto the subject of their projects, he found it to be a very productive evening, and was impressed by the work that all three of the students were producing.

One incident during the week was actually very satisfying - or would have been, if Snape's mind had not been elsewhere - and involved Malcolm Baddock. Despite being a better Quidditch player than his predecessor on the team, there was still friction between the newest player and the captain. Cole's attitude toward him was only partly a ploy to keep him working hard and prevent him from becoming complacent - there was also a genuine dislike between the two of them, particularly on Cole's part. The blazing argument that happened in full view of both the Slytherin and Ravenclaw teams suited Snape's purpose in furthering the impression that the house head had had to pull rank in getting the blackmailer on the team. It was unfortunate that Snape's mind was too preoccupied to take much satisfaction in the events.

Lessons were mostly a blur during the week, although he had sufficient control and professionalism (although only just, he told himself) to ensure that his classes were not aware of anything wrong. He commended and criticized, praised and punished in his usual manner, and the only difference in his teaching was that he was careful not to set homework that would require too much concentration to mark.

On Friday, he finished his final class of the day, and returned to his room just in time to see Hermione stepping out of the fireplace. "Hello, my darling," he smiled, pulling her towards him and taking her mouth with his own. Her arms wrapped around his neck, and a warmth spread through him. Twice during the day - at breakfast and lunch - he had seen her and been unable to hold her. On both occasions, she had looked thoughtful and distant, although she had seemed happy enough when Potter and Weasley had engaged her in animated but clearly secretive conversation.

It seemed that this conversation had involved the forming of plans. Hermione was out of breath and in a hurry. "I can't stay long, Severus," she said, hugging him tightly. "Ron and Harry are waiting for me, and I said I'd just be a few minutes."

Snape could not help but feel a little disconcerted that she was making plans and having such fun, while he was going crazy, waiting for her answer. "Big plans?" he asked, hoping that his voice did not betray the twinge of jealousy that he felt.

She squeezed him. "You would probably think it childish," she told him. "I suppose it is, really, but it's just some fun." She drew back and looked into his eyes, her face smiling but serious. "Severus," she said softly. He held his breath. "We have some things to discuss. Why don't I come here tomorrow afternoon, and we can talk?"

Snape's whole body went cold. He could feel his skin tingling with goose bumps, and a shiver ran down his spine. His throat was dry, but he managed to force a response. "Very well."

Hermione was still smiling, and he tried to read her eyes. There was love there, definitely, but there was something about her smile - a solemnity that worried him. Was that even a touch of sadness in her face, or was he imagining things? Maybe that was why she was delaying in answering him - she needed to find a way to let him down gently.

"I love you, Severus," she whispered, then kissed him softly.

He knew that, but it did not necessarily mean that she wanted to marry him. He swallowed, trying to rid his throat of the lump that was forming. "I love you too," he managed.

With a final smile and a kiss, she said simply, "I'll be here around two. See you tomorrow." She turned to the fire and a moment later was gone, leaving the memory of her smile and the touch of her lips fixed in her lover's mind as he stared into the flames.

- - -

"I am glad to see such enthusiasm for your project, Mr. Weasley," Professor Flitwick said to the student towering over him. He turned to the pile of books he had prepared, and with a swish and flick of his wand, and an animated "Wingardium Leviosa", he delicately lifted the stack to Ron's outstretched arms. As he felt the weight of them, Ron realized why the little wizard had chosen not to lift them himself, and staggered off, thanking the teacher and promising to return them quickly.

As arranged, Hermione and Harry were in the library, and the three set to work on the books at once. They already had spells to counteract the protections over the heavily concealed areas of the castle, and map-making spells to make those areas show on the parchment. All they needed now was a way to apply those to the map. They had to find some way to break through the protections already on the map itself, and allow the original spells to be modified.

After all the time that they had spend working on this, it seemed almost too good to be true, when, after less than an hour, Harry found something in a book called "Charm Against Charm" by Carmilla Incantina, which appeared perfectly suited to their needs. Disregarding the other books, they pored over the pages, reading and re-reading them until they almost knew them by heart, and were convinced that they had found their answer. In amazement, the three sat back and stared at each other, a grin spreading between them as an unspoken consensus was reached. They had a little more than an hour before dinner, and they quickly packed up their things and headed off to find somewhere more private. The library was a wonderful place to do research, but hardly the place for putting it into practice. Neither would the Gryffindor common room do, as it would likely be crowded, and this required secrecy, so they eventually settled on an unused classroom close to the library.

Closing the door behind them, they spread the map open on a desk and spaced themselves around it.

Harry touched it with his wand. "I solemnly swear that I am up to no good."

The familiar lines of ink spread out from the center of the map, showing the rooms and passages that they knew so well. Hesitantly, they glanced at each other. Now that everything was set, each felt a certain apprehension about altering the map. It had been invaluable to them over the years, and if anything should happen to it, it would be a tragedy.

Ron broke the silence and spoke for all of them. "Well, we've come this far ... " Harry and Hermione paused for a moment, then nodded, and it was agreed. There would be no turning back now.

They set to work. It was a complex series of spells that they had put together, with each having their own role, and took a great deal of concentration from all of them. Wands poised, they recited the incantations that were the result of their many weeks of work.

As they reached the point where they would have to break through the map's previous spells, their mouths became dry with apprehension. If anything were to go wrong, this would be it. Their hearts beat fast as they saw the lines of the map disappear, and words begin to form as though an invisible hand were writing on the surface.

Mr. Mooney would like to point out that this map is protected against tampering, altering, tinkering and all other forms of meddling.

The first time that Harry had seen the map speak' like this had been to Snape, and Ron and Hermione had heard the full and rather amusing story at the time. None of them had known, then, who the map-makers had been, but this time, each of them could almost hear the familiar voice of Remus Lupin, as they read the words.

Mr. Wormtail adds that it is unlikely that you have the ability to break through our defenses, so don't bother trying!

Mr. Padfoot thinks you should know that this map is the result of many hours of patient work in the worthy cause of mischief-making

Hermione and Ron glanced apprehensively at Harry, as they waited to read the final Marauder's thoughts on the subject. However, as the words appeared, the hint of sadness in his eyes turned into a soft smile.

Mr. Prongs recommends that you mind your own business and stop messing with this!

Harry's hand reached out to touch the words, and he whispered, "Don't worry, Dad." He stared at the map, then seemed to shake himself before looking up and nodding once at Ron.

Taking his cue, Ron muttered the words that they had learned from Flitwick's books, and the writing on the parchment faded. As Ron's words continued, a new series of message appeared.

Very well, if you insist, we will allow it.

However, as originators of this amazing little trinket, we reserve the right to add our own touch to your meddlings.

All three of the students tensed in apprehension as they considered the meaning of the words.

Map-makers require a name, and we hereby name you ...

The New Marauders

Again, the map went blank, but the three managed half a sigh of relief before a final message, almost as an afterthought, appeared.

We just hope you know what you're doing!

The friends stared at the disappearing words as the map went totally blank. Had it worked? Afraid to find out, they gazed nervously at the parchment, then finally, Harry stretched out his wand and repeated the words to make the ink appear. Three hearts skipped beats as, for what seemed like hours, nothing happened. Then, at last, the lines of ink spread from the tip of the wand. The words at the top of the map had changed, and Ron excitedly read them aloud.

"Messrs Moony, Wormtail, Padfoot and Prongs"

"Purveyors of Aids to Magical Mischief-Makers"

"in association with"

"The New Marauders"

"are proud to present"

"THE MARAUDER'S MAP"

All of the familiar lines were still there, but, each of them realized with excitement, a new set of lines had appeared, in faint ink, not as clear as the rest, but there, nonetheless. With a thrill, Hermione pointed to the lake. Caverns had appeared and, just visible, a maze of passages could be seen reaching towards the castle. They traced them to the dungeon, and it took a while for them to see where the pale markings led. The blood drained from Ron's face, and it was several seconds before Hermione realized the reason.

They had finally found the secret passages to the lake caverns, and the entrance to them was right where Ron and Harry had met the Bloody Baron.

- - -

Hermione had already arranged to work in the dungeon that night, and headed down there immediately after dinner, leaving Harry and Ron studying the map. Naturally, she said nothing to the Potions Master about what they had been doing, or their plans to find the caves.

The next morning, at breakfast, they told her their plan. The Bloody Baron's movements were extremely difficult to predict, but he spent most of his time in the area where they had seen him. As they had watched the map the previous evening, they had seen him leave the area only once, and for a short time. This had been when Peeves had been wreaking havoc outside the Great Hall, and the Bloody Baron and several other ghosts had all headed that way. The only time when they could be reasonably certain of his absence from his regular haunt was during meals, which made that evening the next suitable time to try out their plan.

They had no idea how long it would take them to reach the caves, and without the map it would be impossible, judging by the complicated twists, turns and forks of the passages. It looked like it would be possible to be lost for days in the maze, and they would have to be careful to follow the map closely. As for how to get out again, they would have to watch the tiny ink figure of the ghost, until they saw him leave their path clear. At worst, they would have to wait until breakfast the next day, but if all else failed, they would have to use the invisibility cloak to sneak past him, although waiting for him to be out of the way altogether would be their preferred strategy.

Straight after class, Hermione rushed to her room and traveled by Floo Powder to Severus' room. He was just stepping in as she arrived, and she smiled at his welcome. She wrapped her arms around his neck, and hugged him as they kissed. Since Monday night, she had thought of little else but his proposal, and the developments in the search for the tunnels to the lake had been a welcome diversion.

The same thoughts had been going round and round her head for the past four days. She loved Severus, and was in no doubt that she wanted to marry him, but that did not mean it was the right decision. The sensible and responsible side of her character could not allow her heart to rule her head so completely on something this important. She was still in school, and barely an adult. In her head, she had pictured herself and Severus in a few years' time, and assumed that they would be married, but was now the right time? Even though he had said that he did not mean to marry straight away, maybe she was too young to be making a decision like this now. And yet, she knew that what she and Severus shared was real and would stand the test of time. If that were true, there would be no point in delay.

Her thoughts were going in circles again, she realized. The only thing she could be completely sure of was the fact that she loved Severus, and wanted to be with him.

But Ron and Harry were waiting, and she and Severus had far too much to discuss to try to talk now. She was not ready to tell her friends about the proposal, and there would be no way to avoid it if she did not go with them tonight. Much as she hated the thought of leaving Severus' loving embrace, her answer to him would have to wait until the next day. It was for the best. The last thing she wanted to do was rush this. She quickly explained that Harry and Ron were waiting and said she would be back the next day.

"I love you, Severus," she whispered, then kissed him. His response, however many times she heard it, filled her with a warm glow, and it took all of her strength to drag herself away from the man she loved, and back to her room.

A few minutes later, she was in the Gryffindor common room with Ron and Harry. The invisibility cloak was carefully hidden under Ron's robes, and the map was folded inside Harry's pocket. The friends grinned excitedly at each other, in anticipation of the night's events.

The New Marauders were ready for adventure!