Dislaimer: It isn't mine, or I wouldn't be writing fanfiction.

We'll experience something new this time. We're going to see some of Septimus' thoughts! Yay for us...

Thanks to everyone who has reviewed, it means a lot to me. I can't believe my first story is nearly done. I still get the same feeling just before I post a chapter - dread that nobody's going to like it, and embarassment that I wrote it. And then you all make me feel so much better with your wonderful reviews. I really can't say enough good things about you all. Well, enough of my babbling. I'm sure you just want to read.

Thanks to Awnya Inahartbeat for beta-ing!

Chapter Twenty

The sunlight drifted through the open curtains, filling the room with a cheerful look. I, however, was not cheerful. Madam Polinski refused to let me leave the hospital wing, so the door leading to what seemed to be heaven (even if it was infested with dunderheads) was the farthest I could go. Even Albus, who understood my hate of public places, most especially hospital wings, wouldn't let me leave. The blasted man just twinkled down at me and mad his ridiculous comments.

It hadn't helped to wake up and find Hermione laying next to me, half on her chair and half on my bed. I wanted to gather her in my arms and never let her go. I wanted to kiss her, love her, but I was unable. I didn't know how to show affection. What came naturally to other people was forced with me, and I wasn't prepared to force myself to do anything. Voldemort was finally defeated and I could live for myself, and there was no way I was going to be forced to do or show anything. It was better for Hermione, and for everyone, if I didn't even try. Nobody really wanted me around anyway. I was completely confident in my thoughts of Hermione and her expectations of me.

People usually assume spying is romantic. It's not. Rather, it's listening to long, boring conversations from boring people, bowing and kissing arse to the 'Master', and trying not to fall asleep when a contemporary decides to boast of their personal relationship with the master. Not doing any of these things could result in death or torture, which you'd think would make it all the more imperative to listen. Mostly, it just provided incentive to not fall asleep and snore. That would be incredibly rude of course.

I had long suspected that Hermione wanted me simply because I was a spy, a romantic figure. I was mysterious, the unknown, and unattainable. Eventually, she'd come to her senses and decided that a broken, emotionally stunted man wasn't worth the effort. She'd turn and walk away, leaving me to be alone yet again. Either that, or the idea of dating an ex-spy wouldn't be as exciting as dating a real spy. I know she'd said she loved me, but honestly, she's only eighteen. What does she know of love?

There was the fact that Hermione deserved better as well. She deserved somebody who wasn't emotionally stunted, and more likely to say something sweet than make a sarcastic comment. I would never be social, and I would only be polite to those I liked. I was grumpy, old, and ugly. I was no longer a spy, and rather mistrusting. None of these things would help a relationship grow. It would be more likely to kill the relationship than help it. So I was going to nip the problem in the bud, as it were. I would let Hermione off easy. None of that, it's not you, it's me, or I just want to be friends. Or the one that I was expecting the most - you're just not the person I thought you were.

All this I explained patiently to Septimus, who was still regarding me with that unnerving look of pity, anger, and exasperation. He was standing in front of me as I sat along the wall near the door to freedom. He was dressed in his traditional black robes, looking tired but altogether healthy. He had entered the infirmary and immediately moved my way. In a quiet, serious voice, he asked of my intentions to Hermione. After considering my options (telling him or telling him to bugger off), I decided to tell him. If, for some unfathomable reason, Hermione refused to listen to me, I needed someone who was close to her to understand and be able to calmly explain to her.

I snapped to attention when Septimus spoke, dragging my mind out of my thoughts

"Hermione's not going to like this. She may be eighteen, but she knows what she wants. If she wants you, she's going to do everything she can to keep you. She doesn't care that you're older, emotionally stunted, or any of that other crap. Severus, don't do this! Why can't you just accept that Hermione loves you and wants you, and let it be?" Septimus argued, pacing in front of me like an animal in a cage.

I sighed. I thought I'd covered this. "Hermione deserves someone who can love her. I'm not at all sure I can. I haven't exactly experienced a lot of love in my life. Hell, I wouldn't know if love was dancing naked in front of me. Besides, after all the things I've done, I don't deserve her. Let her be happy with some good-looking, charming young man who can sweep her off her feet and be everything she could ever want."

Septimus stopped pacing, staring at me. He shook his head. "Hermione doesn't give a damn whether you deserve her or not. Some good-looking, charming young man can't sweep her off her feet when you've already done so. And as for the love issue...Severus, if I can experience love, so can you. My life has been just as loveless as yours." Septimus' face softened. "Hell, I was so similar to you before Hermione it's horrorfying. We could've been twins. But Hermione has this...this power. She can bring love to those who believe they can't feel it. I'm sure she can get you to love her." He settled in the seat next to mine, staring at the doors absently.

I shook my head. "She can't get love from nothing. I can't love. I'm too paranoid, too cautious, too mistrustful. Opening my heart would put me in serious risk of injury. I can't...I can't deal with that. If Hermione were to ever leave me after we'd been together...I wouldn't be able to return to that." I spoke quietly.

"Hermione would never hurt you purposely. She loves you, man. If you end this now, you'll hurt her. Is that what you want? To hurt Hermione? Just think about what your decision will do to her." I shook my head again. Septimus growled in disgust and got up to leave.

"If you want to give up the best thing that'll ever happen to you, that's your problem. But I wonder...how will it feel to know that at some point in time, you'll teach Hermione's children? Children that could have been yours?" I blanched. My new found status did guarantee a job practically anywhere, but most were offered for publicity. Besides, I enjoyed working at Hogwarts. I did enjoy the moment when the intelligent students finally understood something. I loved how, in my free time, I could work on private projects. I also loved how I got every summer off, and didn't have to worry about food or a place to go. I'll probably die at Hogwarts.

I glanced up to find Septimus gone. What if he's right? What if I am throwing away my chance at happiness? I shook my head. No. She'll leave me. Everybody leaves me. I should guard my heart now, while it's still whole. I glanced towards the blocked off area of the wing where my bed was, and where Hermione was sleeping. I don't want to do this. I love her. My shoulders slumped and I buried my face in my hands. I love her so much it hurts. Gods, I don't want to ever let her go. A dark voice spoke up, whispering my fears. That's the problem isn't it? You know she'll want to leave you. Who would want to stay with you? I shook my head. No one. No one would. The idea of Hermione ever returning to me seemed as ridiculous as her actually loving me. Isn't there some saying, something about if you love something and you let it go, if it returns it's yours? Some foolish nonsense?

I sighed. I was putting off the inevitable. I should get this done and over with.

Septimus' POV

The school was empty as I made my way down the corridor. Most of the students were outside, enjoying the time they had before school ends. I need to ask Hermione how she did on her N.E.W.Ts. I hope she did well. I made my way down the castle, moving swiftly to the bottom floor. I stopped when I heard voices in an abandoned classroom. I moved quietly to the doorway, ready to intervene and take points from the students. Students were not supposed to be in abandoned classrooms. I stopped when I heard Severus's name.

"-Professor Snape. It's disgusting!" Potter's voice was raised in disgust.

"You mean her and Professor Snape are sleeping together?" A squeaky voice, this one slightly familiar. I frowned, trying to remember. Something bottom...Shortbottom? No...Tinybottom? No...Longbottom! Yes, that's it.

More than that. Apperantly they're dating." The word was spit out with comtempt, and I felt my fury rising. While I wasn't close to Severus, he was family. There's no reason for them to be so hard on the man. He did more for them than they'll ever know. Besides, it wasn't like it was their business who Hermione loved.

"Oh, gross! What could she see in him? He's...he's...ugly, greasy, and seriously bad-tempered." I recognized the voice for this one, but for the life of me, I couldn't remember his name. He was the one who would explode things while attempting to cast simple spells. Finny or some such name. I let out a low growl. I won't let them get away with this. I thought of Hermione. Her reaction to this would be spectacular to see -- she'd hex them so bad they wouldn't know which way was up. I should force them to go and kiss Severus' boots. I drew my wand and stepped into the room, making sure they could hear and see me clearly. Longbottom and Finny paled. Longbottom actually squeaked and backed away. I snorted. Idiot boy. Potter alone didn't seem to be afraid. He stood defiantly. I glared.

"Professor Carce." He spoke calmly but cooly.

"Potter." My voice was cold with fury, and I was pleased to see Potter flinch. "Was that a teacher I heard you besmirching just now?" Potter blinked. He tried to look innocent, but the twitch of his lips gave him away.

"I have no idea what you're talking about, sir." He sneered sir like it was a dirty word. I growled again, and this time Potter did pale.

I lowered my voice, speaking in a whisper. I took a step towards him. "Really? You didn't call Severus, my cousin, ugly, greasy, and bad-tempered? Was I just hearing things?" Potter gulped and shook his head silently. I took another step towards him and raised my wand.

"Perhaps I should make you go apologize to him." Potter blanched, and pressed himself against the wall. "Or maybe...I should make you apologize while kissing his boots. Yes, I think Severus would enjoy that. It'd certainly make up for your slandering." Potter whimpered. He looked terrified, and I couldn't be more pleased. Nobody talks about Severus like that. The image of Hermione's face while telling me she loved Severus flashed into my mind. Her faced glowed and her eyes sparkled. She looked beautiful and full of life. I will not let someone degrade anybody who's important to Hermione. Of course, the knowledge that Severus was going to hurt her made me want to kill him, but it was my hope that Hermione would see past his foolish words and try to wear him down. Eventually she'd get him to admit he loved her. Severus is just being an idiot. He doesn't understand that Hermione won't settle for anyone but him.

"N-no sir. I...i'll never speak a word against him again." I pointed my wand at his face. "Your word." I hissed. Potter nodded frantically, eyes on my wand.

"I give you my word." I slowly dropped my wand. He followed my arm as it made its decent until it hung by my side. Then his eyes snapped up to mine.

"Good. I never want to hear a word against him again. No matter what." Potter nodded again, and I eyed Longbottom and Finny. They both nodded as well, looking so afraid I would fully believe they'd wet themselves. I nodded and turned, my robes flapping out behind me like a bat. I slammed the door as I left. Moving around the statue that blocked my view of the corridor, I slammed into something soft and smelling of cinnamon. I wrapped my arms around the warm thing and realized it was a woman. I glanced down to find Julie smiling happily up at me. I felt my lips moving up in a smile as well. She looked so beautiful with the sunlight playing on her hair.

"Septimus. I've been looking for you." I raised an eyebrow. She sounded odd...My eyes widened as I felt her grope me. I glanced over her head and behind me quickly, checking to see that nobody was coming. I cast a locking charm on the door I'd just exited, preventing anybody from leaving. My eyes landed on her again as she smirked up at me.

"You've been looking for me, have you?" She chuckled and gave a quick squeeze. I didn't prevent the gasp from escaping. I growled down at her. I watched her lick her lips. Her tongue left a glistening sheen over their plump pink hue. I continued to stare at them.

"I wanted to give you a proper celebration. Tell me, what can I do to celebrate with you?" She licked her lips again, but this time I looked into her eyes. I grinned.par par tab "I can think of a few things."

Hermione's POV

My lower lip trembled. I could feel it. I could also feel the tears stinging my eyes, but I steadfastly refused to let them fall. Severus stared stonily at me, and I stared back. He was leaning against the desk, arms crossed. His lovely dark eyes were cold and unfeeling. He can't mean it. He's lying!

"Severus...why are you doing this?" My voice came out hurt and weak. I hated that weakness.

"Miss Granger, I was a fool to think this could work out. You are just a child. I need someone my own age, someone who holds the same interest as myself. You are an intelligent, spirited young woman who needs a young, spirited, young man. You lack experience, and that is one thing I hold high besides intelligence." His face softened somewhat. I felt a small burst of hope at that. If he could still look at me like that...

"You will find somebody your own age, Miss Granger. And you'll be happy." I felt the hope drain out of me, and I slumped forward. I closed my eyes and willed myself to wake up. It's a dream, it isn't real. I'm going to wake up any moment now and laugh at myself. I breathed deeply and opened my eyes. Nope, Severus was still standing there, arms crossed, looking sexier than he should have. His face was tilted down, and his dark hair was hanging in his eyes. I stifled the urge to brush it back from his face and kiss the tip of his nose.

I continued to stare at him silently, but he never looked up. He continued to stand there. He's serious. I gave up and let the tears fall, sliding down my cheeks to drip off my chin. I hated crying. It made my face get all red and splotchy. But I felt an intense pain in my chest, the sort of pain you feel when someone you loved whole heartedly has died and you know you'll never see them again -- or get to say goodbye. I squeezed my eyes shut, wishing I could just turn off all emotion and not feel a damn thing. My breathing hitched, and I forgot to breath for a moment. I just want to stop feeling. Just...stop breathing. My vision started to go black, and the pain in my chest intensified. No longer able to stand it, I took a deep, slow breath. I let it out just as slowly as I breathed in. I continued to breathe in and out slowly, forcibly blocking out Severus and the pain. I concentrated just on breathing. Just breathe...make the pain stop. It wasn't long until the pain in my chest receded to the ache I felt before I had purposely stopped breathing.

Finally my breathing seemed to of evened out. I looked to find Severus watching me. I wiped away my tears and glared at the bastard. My hands clenched. Damn him...how dare he? How dare he just up and leave? Was he just using me? I ground my teeth together, something I never do. Good dental care was ingrained in my psyche. I cannot hex an ex-death eater...no matter how angry I am.

"You bastard." I hissed. He seemed startled, and almost hurt. I could still feel the tears running down my face. "You stand there and dare make decisions for me. Who are you to say I need someone my own age? I told you I loved you, but you obviously don't feel the same. How hard you must've laughed at the stupid girl who actually fell in love with you. It's all a game to you. H-how c-could you!" I jumped up and turned for the door. I could sense him moving towards me at my back, and I hurriedly swept through the doorway, slamming the door behind me. I didn't wait to hear if the bastard hit the door or not, I just kept moving, running quickly through the halls and down into the dungeons.

I need Septimus. He'll know just what to say to make me feel better. Sobs were escaping my mouth now, and the tears were running freely. I ran through the hallways, not responding to people's inquiries, not looking anybody in the eye. I didn't care that my make-up (as little as I was wearing) was smearing, or that I probably looked like hell. I just kept moving, making my way instinctively through the corridors and to the doorstep of Septimus' rooms. I knocked on the door, still unable to stop crying.

The door opened with a whoosh of air. I managed to see Septimus through my teary eyes, staring down at me in concern. He quickly ushered me inside. He closed the door with a thump and led me to the couch, where Julie was sitting. She took one look at my face and quietly excused herself, making her way to Septimus' bedroom. Septimus sat down, and I climbed into his lap and sobbed into his chest. He didn't mind that I was getting it wet - he simply ran his hand through my hair and murmured reassuring words. Finally I calmed down enough to quite sobbing. He pushed me away gently and brushed the hair from my face.

"Now Mia, can you tell me what has you so upset?" His voice was soft, like I was a dangerous animal that would be startled with a loud noise. I gave a small smile, and sniffed. He dug in his hidden pockets for his handkerchief and handed me one. I blew my nose and cast a cleaning spell on the cloth, before handing it back. I took another deep breath, and began to relate my story.

"I went to visit Severus in the hospital wing, but he wasn't there. I wandered around, searching for him for a bit. I happened upon him in the Transfiguration hallway. I said I wanted to speak with him, and he gestured for me to preceed him into this old abandoned room." My lower lip trembled again. The pain in my chest hadn't faded in the slightest. "He...he told me he wanted to go our seperate ways. He said I needed someone my own age...and that he needed someone with experience. I...I called him a bastard and then slammed the door in his face and made my way straight here." Another tear escaped, sliding down my face slowly. Septimus brushed the tear away with the pad of his thumb. I want to stay here forever. Forget everything...Septimus will never hurt me. But deep inside, I knew I couldn't. Septimus would probably marry Julie, and my living here would really hurt that.

"Mia...sometimes Severus is an absolute, shit-eating idiot. He can be astonishingly intelligent, but not always. Mia, he probably thought he was doing the noble thing, letting you go. The whole, you deserve better and all that tripe. It never crosses his mind that he might deserve a little happiness as well. Combine that with the fear that the person who loves is going to hurt him..." I stared up at him. Could what he said be true? Was Severus just protecting himself? Was he just being noble?

"Mia, I think you should keep after him. He's bound to give up. He loves you, I could tell. Just talking about you made him...I don't know...lighten up. He seemed happier, calmer. Less...grumpy. Don't give up on him. Show him that you want him, and you're not going to give him up." I nodded thoughtfully.

"But how do I do that? I'm pretty sure an owl is an easy thing to ignore. He could just hex it enough times before it decides to never come back. Floo calls have to be answered, and he'd just ignore mine. I can't break into his house...I'm pretty sure his wards would take me forever to get through, and he'd have some sort of alarm system. The minute he felt those wards go down, he'd be gone." Septimus looked thoughtful. Then his eyes brightened. I could tell from his grin he had an idea -- one he thought was brilliant.

"Ask Lucius for help." I blinked at him. Did he say what I think he just said?

"Septimus...it'd never work. Lucius was my friend because Severus and I were lovers. Now that we're not, he probably won't give me the time of day." Septimus shrugged.

"Never hurt to try." Suddenly he grinned. "Where's your Gryffindor courage and stupidity and all that?" I scowled heavily at him and punched his arm. He winced and rubbed his arm, pretending it hurt. I couldn't help but grin and actually consider what he said. Would it work? Would Lucius agree to help me? I suppose it is worth a try.

"Alright, I'll do it. But where is Lucius? I haven't seen him around. Or Draco, for that matter." I commented. Septimus nodded.

"They've been avoiding being in public ever since somebody questioned whether or not they were actually reformed Death Eaters." I felt incensed on their behalf. Switching sides in the war, fighting on our side, and nobody will forgive them for their past mistakes? I shoved down my anger. Getting angry on their behalf won't change anything.

"That's horrible and unfair." I responded. Septimus sighed.

"Yes, but there's really nothing we can do. Anyway, everyday about this time the Malfoy family goes down to the village to spend the day. Kind of a family thing. Anyway, you'll probably find them there." I jumped up, ready to track down the Malfoy family and enlist their help. I halted in the doorway and turned around. I made my way back to Septimus, who was watching me with a confused amusement. I smiled down at him and leaned over to kiss his cheek.

"Thanks Septimus, you've been a huge help. Now go. I have no doubt Julie's waiting with bated breath for you." Septimus smiled happily at the mention of Julie. He got up and practically ran for the doors that lead to his bedroom. He called over his shoulder, "Thanks for the reminder. Now go find the Malfoy's." And with that the door shut. I grinned and left.

I made my way through the celebrating crowds, searching Longbourne village for a glimpse of the Malfoy's. So far, I had no luck. People ran across my path, blocking my view. People pointed and whispered, but nobody stopped me. I ignored them, searching frantically for the Malfoys. I need to find them. Where on earth could they be? Finally giving up, I made my way to the Pub, the only place with halfway decent drinks. Most people went to Thomison's down the street because it was cheaper, but the quality was worse.

I entered the small, dim building and stopped to allow my eyes to adjust. The room was half full, with various people talking and enjoying the food. Several people were making their way between two tables, talking and laughing. I scanned the room, looking for an empty seat that wasn't near anybody. My eyes happened upon the Malfoy family, dining in a corner. I hesitated for only a second before making my way over to them. I braced myself for their rude comments. I'm no longer a friend of Severus'. It's entirely possible that ended their friendship with me. Don't let anything they say get to you.

I stood in between Draco and Lucius. They were laughing over something Mrs. Malfoy (I didn't know her very well, or at least, not as well as I knew Draco and Lucius, so I wasn't comfortable saying her name) had done or said. Mrs. Malfoy was a little flushed, but she had a small smile on her face. She was the first to notice me, her small smile disappearing and her cheeks paling. Draco and Lucius glanced up, but I couldn't read their faces. Do they know about Severus? About what he said?

"Hermione! How are you?" Lucius said, acting completely friendly. His eyes are weary...he looks like he's expecing to be attacked. Draco gestured for me to take the remaining chair between him and his mother, across from Lucius. I sank into it gratefully. I ordered a butterbeer from the waiter, and turned to face the Malfoys. I will not fidget...I will not squirm.

"Actually, sir, I'm not doing so well. Have you...talked to Severus recently?" I kept my voice even and calm, but somehow I knew I wouldn't be able to fool them. Draco and Lucius knew without a doubt how much I loved Severus. If they didn't already know, then soon they'd know just how bad-off I was. I waited patiently for them to answer me. Lucius raised and eyebrow, while Draco and Mrs. Malfoy merely looked politely interested.

"I have not. Why? Was I supposed to?" Lucius inquired. I sighed and sat back in my chair, taking a brief sip from my drink before setting it carefully down. I really didn't want to go over this, but it was necessary.

"Earlier today...Severus told me he didn't want to see me anymore. Something about me deserving better, and being happy with someone more my own age. But what the idiot doesn't realize is that I don't want anybody else. I never will. The bastard has no clue that he's just as deserving as me, maybe more." I glanced up at the Malfoy's, who were watching me with much more interesting. I sighed. Time to be truthful. "I was really upset by what he said, and I went to Septimus for comfort. He encouraged me to keep after Severus, because Severus truly loves me and is just trying to be noble. He suggested I find you and ask for help. I wasn't sure if Severus told you or not, so I wasn't sure of the reception I'd receive..." I looked each Malfoy in the eyes, allowing my eyes to show the desperation I felt. It was a risking move. "Please, I need your help. You're all Severus's friends."

They were silent for a moment, each thinking deeply. Then they shared a look, and seemed to all agree on whatever decision they'd reached. I held my breath, hoping against hope they'd help.

"Hermione, of course we'll help you! We know for sure Severus loves you, and he always was a bit of an idiot when it came to women. We'll do what we can, but don't expect immediate results. When Severus gets something into his head, he can be as stubborn as a niffler with shiny objects. It'll take some work. You might have to do things you don't want to do. Sometimes negative emotions work just as well as positive ones." Lucius explained. I nodded my head. Negative emotions? Just what does he have in that good-looking head of his?

Draco opened his mouth to comment, but was interrupted by an irate witch. She stomped her way through the crowd and threw her drink into his face. I gasped in shock, but Draco calmly dried his face with his wand. The elder Malfoy's seemed simply resigned. I felt my anger bubbling up, and I glared at the stupid witch. I stood up, and moved to stand in front of Draco. The witch clearly recognized me. Her anger softened, and instead she seemed awed. I felt a flicker of amusement. I'm the evil ex-friend of Harry Potter, and I didn't fight in the war. Yet the Malfoy's fight in the war and risk their lives, and they get nothing?

"Do you know who this is? Do you? Do you have any idea of what these people have done for you? For all you ungrateful son of a bitches? What the hell is wrong with you people? Where were you when he was facing down Voldemort? Hiding in your houses, cowering like little mice. Don't you ever do something like that in front of me again, or so help me god, I'll show you just what kind of spells were used during the battle. This man is a hero! Now, you better treat him like one." I snapped. The lady and some of the other occupants of the pub paled at my threat. Some shifted feet and looked ashamed. All were silent.

"Each and every one of you should apologized for what you've done or said to these people. It's the very least you could do." I sat down and stared expectantly at the horrible witch in front of Draco. She gulped and apolgized to Draco, looking embarassed and apologetic. She slunk away, through the crowd and out the door. That seemed to be some unspoken signal, as the crowd surged forward, shaking the Malfoy's hands, apologizing, and offering their condolences for anybody close to them they might have lost. Finally the crowd went back to what they were doing. After the last person left, still muttering apologizes, the noise level and risen yet again. Satisfied, I turned back to the Malfoys.

They stared at me incredulously. If they had been anything but Slytherin, their mouths would've been hanging open. As it was, they stared silently at me. I casually took a drink of my butterbeer, acting nonchalant, even though what I really wanted to do was laugh. They seemed to gather their wits, and sat back to watch me curiously. I raised an eyebrow, and all three smiled.

"Nobody's ever stood up for us before. It's rather odd." Mrs. Malfoy commented. I shrugged like it was no big deal. They continued to watch me curiously. "Nobody's ever wanted to. We're not exactly well liked." I nodded.

"With good reason. You weren't exactly nice to people you believed lesser than you. But I stick up for my friends, always have, always will." I scowled. "They had no right to do and say stuff like that." I continued to scowl, although I felt my lips twitch upward at the disconcerted way they were acting.

Lucius cleared his head, his hair once again shining in the light. "We need to start our plan on how to get Severus to give up his ridiculous ideas concerning you." I nodded in agreement, and decided to ask my question before we turned to our planning.

"One quick question before we begin. Once you've answered it, we can plan away." Lucius raised an eyebrow and nodded for me to continue. All three leaned forward when I spoke. "What shampoo do you use?"

All three threw back their heads, laughter ringing joyously throughout the room.

Back to Septimus POV

The door swung open, revealing McGonagall, that Potter boy and his friend, Frigidbottom (or whatever), and the entire Aries staff. They were gathered around Dumbledore, every person talking at once. Dumbledore seemed to be paying no attention what-so-ever to the crazed people. His eyes were fixed on the group, but they were unfocused. I swung the door, and it shut with a loud click. Everybody turned as one towards me. Dumbledore rose to his feet and gestured for me to come forward. I did so reluctantly. The only person who seemed calm was Julie, who was sitting in a dark corner. She gave me a bright smile, which I returned slightly. The others moved aside for me to make my way to stand beside Dumbledore.

"Septimus. These fine people are...arguing over something that perhaps you could clear up." He spoke calmly, but a hint of disapproval rang through. Disapproval of me or them?

"What is it they're arguing about?" I asked. Everybody spoke at once again. I blinked at the confusion of voices and tried to sort them out.

"Severus Snape and Hermione Granger! That's disgusting. He's old enough to be her father -"

"How could they? I thought she was more intelligent than that -"

"He's just using her! Everybody knows Snape doesn't have a heart -"

"Snape doesn't know how to love. He's just going to hurt her -"

"How this could happen on school grounds, I don't know -"

"He must of taken advantage of her! You know, seduced her -"

I ground my teeth together and fought for calm. They don't know the whole story. How could they? Stay calm and just explain.

"People." The level of noise got no lower, so I raised my voice. "People!" Still nothing. I cleared my voice. "PEOPLE!" The voices immediately stopped. I sighed and pinched the bridge of my nose. All eyes were on me, waiting for me to go on.

"Hermione and Severus became close while working together. Severus didn't take advantage of her, and he didn't seduce her. Hermione is one of the most intelligent people I know, so it wasn't that she's stupid. They're just extremely well suited. They're in love." He glanced at Potter and Fatbottom. "Yes, in love. As impossible as that seems, they care about each other very much. And if you're going to tell Hermione your insane ideas of why she's with Severus, make sure I'm there. I'd love to see her reaction."

"It's disgusting! We must put a stop to this!" Someone called out. I felt my anger rising yet again. Are these people stupid? Did they not hear me when I said Hermione wasn't coerced into the relationship? I said they were in love! The voices rose up again as each person protested. I felt a stab in my temples and knew a migrane was coming on. I sighed and rubbed my head, wishing for a headache potion. I suddenly thought with longing of my dungeon rooms, with the fireplace crackling merrily and the shelves stocked with good books. I sighed and knew that I couldn't leave Dumbledore to explain the situation. I spared a quick thought to Headmaster Tubby, wondering where on Earth the man could be, before focusing once more on the situation at hand.

"SHUT UP!" I bellowed. I felt another stab of pain, and the migrane was upon me. It raged fiercely, and I closed my eyes agains the pain. The lights and voices were wrecking havoc on my head, and I just wanted to sleep. I closed my eyes and wished I were anywhere else. I opened them to find everybody watching me expectantly. My anger rose with the pain, and each stab brought my anger to a new level.

I spoke barely above a whisper, making sure everybody knew I was dead serious. "You will listen to me. Hermione is my best friend, and Severus is family. I know them better than most, definitely better than any of you. They. Are. In. Love. There was no coercion involved. It is not disgusting. You will keep your opinions to yourself. You will not attempt to break them up. This is none of your business, and I'm sure Hermione and Severus would like you to butt out." I had a glimmer of an idea. "Unless, you want to go to Severus and Hermione and tell them what you think, and demand they break up." Everybody, teachers included, blanched. Severus' and Hermoine's tempers were legendary, and nobody wanted all that fury directed at them. It was like trying to count dynamite with a match. Chances were, there'd be an explosion.

"You will go about your business like you have no care in the world. I hear one more peep out of you, if I even hear rumors that you've been talking about this subject, I will go straight to Severus and Hermione, and let them deal with you. Am. I. Clear?" I spoke the end of the sentence through clenched teeth. My hands were clenched in fists, and I knew I was flushed from anger. How dare they insinuate that Severus had seduced her? How dare they think Hermione's an idiot? They know nothing! I glared at them angrily, and they avoided my gaze. Satisfied they wouldn't say anything else, I glanced at Dumbledore. He gave a short nod, and I knew I was free to go. I smiled grimly. At least Dumbledore knows better than to question their relationship.

I met Julie's gaze across the room. She was the only one who wasn't protesting Hermione and Severus' relationship. I smiled gratefully, and she smiled back. She rose gracefully from her seat and made her way over to me. Taking my arm, she led me quietly from the room. I couldn't keep the goofy smile from sliding across my face. Glancing down at the woman clinging to me, I felt elated. Who cares about a ridiculous grin? I've got the woman I love by my side, and all the people I care about survived the war.

I spoke the password to my room and shut the door as Julie moved past. She kicked off her shoes and shrugged off her robes. She stood before me in a modest blue skirt and a white blouse to match. She settled down on my couch, legs tucked beneath her. I kicked off my own shoes and took off my outer robes. I settled down next to her, and she leaned over, resting against me. I breathed in deeply, feeling contentment filling me. With a flick of my wand, the fire lit, spreading warmth throughout the room.

"Do you really think Severus and Hermione are in love?" Her voice was low. I almost couldn't hear her over the crackling of the fire. I ran my hands through her hair.

"I have no doubt. I've never seen Severus treat somebody the way he treats her."

"Are you and Severus close? I mean, you seem to know him so well. Everybody else finds him so hard to read..." Julie commented. Her voice trailed off, and she nestled closer to me.

"When we were younger...our parents would sometimes have a get together. We were never very close, but I still know him better than most. He's the quintessential Snape, all grumpy and snarky. It isn't hard to figure him out if you know what most Snape's are like. Especially since I'm a Snape as well..." I sighed.

"He's just being stubborn. He feels like he doesn't deserve Hermione. He feels that Hermione will leave him for someone better tempered, someone younger...more handsome. He doesn't realize she's given him her heart. The idiot never did know when somebody genuinely cared for him."

"Do you care for him?" Julie questioned. I thought about it. He is family...and he's important to Hermione. There has to be something special about him for her to care for him so. I do enjoy his wit and sarcastic comments. I suppose I do care for him.

"I suppose so. But it's hard to care for someone you don't know well. I wish I could get to know him better. But he doesn't trust anybody, especially people from his family. But I'm willing to get to know him better." Julie began to kiss my neck, and I gave a strangled moan. She stood on her knees and settled herself in my lap. Wiggling around in an enticing manner, she licked and nipped my ear. I gave another, louder moan.

"Perhaps we should talk about something else..." She kissed her way from my ear to my lips, and then down my neck. Her tongue darted out and brushed my adam's apple. I moved so she was beneath me. I struggled to get her shirt off of her with one hand, and used my other hand to tweak her nipple, which was so stiff it poked up through her bra and shirt.

"Less talk, more action." I mumbled into her neck. I'll help Hermione with Severus later. For now, I want to make up for lost time.

My god. Whenever I get an idea for a story, I'll type up a brief summary of my idea. Whenever I think of something to add, I add it. Now I have FIVE in depth story ideas. I have no idea which one to work on next. Darn plot bunnies...they multiply so fast. Anybody have any ideas? How do you choose between your plot bunnies?

Severus had to do what he thought was the right thing. I can see him telling somebody that he's undeserving, and pushing them away. You might read a whole bunch of stories like that, but I can see my Severus doing it.

Anyway, please leave a review and let me know if I'm doing okay - I'm still nervous, even though this is my twentieth chapter.