Author's Notes:

The focus of my Harry Potter fan fiction the a romantic relationship between

Severus Snape, and Hermione Granger.

Please note that the age of consent where they live is sixteen (16) years of age.

However, in all my fan fiction the younger of the two
is over the age of eighteen (18) BEFORE any romantic
relationship forms. (This includes the extra time that she lived, aged, and gained expirience from her use of a Time-Turner)

I would like to speak briefly about this particular fan fictional Professor/ ex-student relationship. (I am only speaking about my
fan fiction and it's characters.) In my fan fiction neither
the student nor her former Professor has a dominant role in their
relationship. They are completely equal in the relationship, on all
levels; emotional, intellectual, etceteras. Our dear Professor, he may
be intimidating at times, but this is because it is a part of his
personality to be intimidating. It is not because she was once his
student. (He would be exactly the same in a relationship with a woman
older then he, who was never his student.)

In my fan fiction they are equals in all ways.

There is no harm being done to either party in their relationship, on any level.

Nor is their relationship harming anyone else.

Far fetched?
Perhaps, however, that is why they call it fan fiction.

- end long rambling notes

The Minster of Magic was quite pleased, as he flooed home to bask in the unusual feeling. He took off his cloak, poured himself a glass of Ogden's Old, and settled into his chesterfield for a quiet afternoon in the study of his manor house. He swirled the contents of his glass, staring absently into it as the liquid and crystal caught the light. Soon he became lost in thought about what the next day would bring.

A delegation had been chosen to go to Nova Scotia and face Severus Snape. This would be the first time anyone had seen the illusive wizard in almost seven years. He would, of course, lead the delegation. Accompanying him would be: Severus Evans, who could get them to the correct place, Harry Potter, who would not be denied; Minerva McGonagall whom he had learnt not to cross; and Remus Lupin, a contemporary of Snape's. He would have to take a handful of Weasleys and Ministry Officials; including grudgingly: Albus Dumbledore. Their party would be complete with a reporter and a photographer from the Daily Prophet. Yes he was pleased. He would bestow an Order of Merlin, First Class on Severus Snape; the unsung hero who worked tirelessly in the shadows for years, making untold sacrifices to ensure the safety of their society. He would honour all that Snape had done. 'Yes,' he thought with a satisfied smile, 'that would get him the good press he had missed out on. The good press he would have had if he could have cinched a conviction in absentia for Hermione Granger, the final person accused of war related crimes.'

Unbeknownst to the complacent Minister, in a small unused room at the Ministry, another small group of people were forming an advance delegation of their own.

"I can't find my wand," a frustrated and angry Harry Potter ranted.

"You won't need it Harry," Remus told him gently, "we're taking a portkey."

Albus Dumbledore smiled knowingly. He had not missed the fact that Remus had taken Harry's wand; obviously in hopes of preventing Harry from acting rashly. Albus continued nonchalantly creating a portkey from an old chinese take-away container; with the help of Severus Evans and a map. He looked up when the portkey was complete.

Harry was fuming quietly between Remus and Minerva near a group of Weasleys that included; Ron, Ginny, Fred, George, Molly, and Arthur. Bill and Fleur were across the room talking quietly with Neville who held Luna's hand; while Parvarti and Padma stood silently with Dean, Seamus, Lavender and Justin Finch-Fletchley. Dumbledore was saddened to realise that not one former Slytherin was in the room. 'Perhaps,' he pondered, 'they just don't want to congregate with so many Gryffindors?' He shook his head as he admitted to himself, 'No, most of them abandoned all good thought of Severus when they discovered that he had been spying on many of their own.'

The door opened unexpectedly. Professors Flitwick and Sprout entered the small room. Filius turned and began heavily warding the door as Pamona spoke, "Those going, had best be about it. There are a lot of people trying to find Mr Evans, most from the press."

"Ah, the need to know," Albus said with a twinkle. "The portkey is ready. We just need to decide who -"

"I'm going!" Harry declared fiercely.

"Yes yes, Harry, of course, you have some questions for Professor- "

"He's not a professor anymore, Albus," Minerva interjected grimly.

"Indeed, he is not. Nevertheless, Harry, you may accompany us only if you can control yourself. Hmm?" Dumbledore regarded Harry seriously over his spectacles.

"I will," Harry ground out between clenched teeth.

"Good enough. Now, I think perhaps Minerva has a wish to join us?" Albus asked.

"Yes Albus, I feel... I need... Severus... I was so..." the usually imperturbable Scotswoman faltered.

"I understand, my dear. It was after all, I who put him in this position," Albus said heavily. "We all regret how badly we treated him, and desire an opportunity to make amends, myself included."

Harry snorted, and Remus lay a hand on his shoulder, that was part comfort and part a reminder for restraint.

Albus looked sharply at Harry. "Now back to business. The Weasleys," Albus smiled at the various family members, "may I assume that Ron and Ginny wish to be present for Harry?"

The two nodded assent.

"Arthur," Albus said, "you and Molly should be there, as well."

"Of course," Arthur agreed.

"Albus," Remus began.

"If you think so Remus," Albus answered the unasked question.

"I do," Remus replied, "I too have much to apologise for, more than most I think."

"Then you shall come. I think that is about as many of us as should storm poor Severus's house, don't you?" Albus asked the assembled.

There was a faint murmur of assent.

"We will allow young Mr Evans to speak to Severus first," Dumbledore declared. "It is his right. Is there anything we should know before we get there," he asked the young man himself.

The room became silent and all eyes focused on Severus Evans.

"First," he said in a deep serious tone, "I must say that I don't think this is right." He turned and looked pointedly at Harry Potter, "I think my father's privacy should be protected. However, as there was no way to do that and ensure that Hermione Granger wasn't convicted of a crime she did not commit..." The young wizard trailed off, as his face took on a resigned look. "I will take you all to my father's house, under protest." He smiled weakly. "I am grateful that you are trying to warn my father before your Minister and his press entourage arrive tomorrow. However, I would like a chance to talk to Harry Potter in private before we leave, if he will allow it?"

Remus nudged Harry, who grunted, "Yeah, why not."

"When the portkey lands us in Ingonish, we will have a long way to go. I suggest we all bring brooms. My father's house in in the middle of a vast area that is mostly woodland, and it's heavily protected. It has Muggle-Repelling Charms, and it's unplottable. Besides that, there are Apparition barriers on all sides. I can breach all the wards and get you in. However, I would request that we all fly under the Disillusionment Charm, I would not want to lead others there. We'll set down just outside the heaviest wards, and walk the short path to the house. By my estimate, when we arrive at his house; it should be just about time for him to get home after work." At the questioning looks he added, "Every day he Apparates to and from the Muggle Research-Based Pharmaceutical Company in Quebec, where he works under the name of Dr Saunderson Shaw," he sneered at the general reaction that news caused. When his gaze fell on Harry Potter he glared and added, "He has not broken the Statute of Secrecy. All aspects of the work he does are entirely Muggle. He has based none of his company work on Wizarding ways."

"Well, then," Albus said with forced cheer, "if there are no questions, Mr Potter, Mr Evans, if you would have your talk so that we might be going?" Albus waved his wand and at a door, "I think you will find this an adequate place for your discussion."

The door to the broom cupboard opened to reveal a spacious well lit room with two comfortable chairs facing each other.

"I'll just arrange brooms for everyone, while you have your talk," Albus said turning away.

Harry looked as though he were about to retort, but Remus's grasp on his shoulder became rather painful, and he subsided.

Severus Evans strode into the broom cupboard, followed by a rigid Harry Potter. The door closed tightly behind the two young men.

"Look," Severus Evans began, "I know you hate my father. I know you always have. I'm sure you have your reasons; but, I would ask that you refrain from making this situation worse. I ask as your brother."

Harry was speechless. He hadn't thought much about the fact that the young man before him was really his brother.

"I am sure that you don't want me for a brother, considering who my father is. I... am regretful about that. I would have liked to find a brother. Perhaps one day..." A brief look of hope flashed across his aquiline features. "...no matter," he continued. "For today, I ask as one who shares a mother with you, please, do not upset my father more than he is already bound to be."

"I will control myself," Harry Potter said with barely contained fury, "if he does."

"I would ask no more," Severus Evans said, as he extended a hand to Harry.

Harry just looked at it for what seemed like a very long time, before he took it and shook it briefly.

When the two emerged they noticed that those who were travelling were grouped together.

"Now if we are all ready?" Albus looked closely at Harry. "It will be a squeeze, but I think we can all manage to touch the portkey. On a count of three..." Albus said.

They arrived in Ingonish without incident. Silently they all cast Disillusionment Charms. The group followed Severus Evans's broom; as it was the only visible part of him. As they rose in the air behind him; they couldn't help but notice the beauty of the island. As they left the impressive sea-cliffs behind them, the Muggle settlement seemed to be dwindling out. They flew high over an empty Muggle road that went past a simple white church. It's yard held only a small pond and what seemed to be a very old graveyard. As they past it, they found that they had left behind almost all traces of Muggle habitation. They flew over some overgrown meadow-land, where a moose could be seen grazing. The meadow gave way to the lush and varied greens of trees and embankments that bordered a sparkling blue brook. They flew on, over a lake where loons and other water creatures were undisturbed by their passing. As they headed further inland they found themselves flying over a more thickly wooded area. After a while, the dense coniferous forest suddenly thinned. The evergreens mingled with birch, and gave way to more pastoral land. The trees were now scarce and the variety more pronounced. Up ahead they could see huge old Maples and a willow; grouped in the expansive yard of an abandoned barn. A barn whose walls and roof were falling in on itself. There were several gasps of surprise as Severus Evans's broom descended to land amoungst the thinner area of trees.

He turned to the other seemingly empty brooms and spoke in a whisper, "We are at the edge of the my father's wards. I can bring them down so that we can pass undetected onto his land."

"Does his Muggle work pay so badly that he has to live here?" Ginny whispered.

"Who cares where the git lives," Ron replied.

For his answer, he was given a sharp elbow in the ribs by his sister. She was surprisingly accurate in her aim considering that they were basically invisible.

"Let's secure our brooms in the underbrush," Albus said quietly, "and give young Mr Evans some privacy to lower the protections."

Not everyone complied, Harry Potter quickly stashed his broom and turned to watch his self-proclaimed 'brother'. He tried to memorise the complex incantations he heard, along with the movements the wand he could see was making; but, as they became progressively more intricate he realised it would be impossible for him to remember them all.

As Harry watched, the dilapidated barn in the distance shimmered, and became a very solid Victorian home. Light grey with white trim, and eye-catching towers. It was a beautiful piece of architecture, and with it's solitary setting it would surely be a gothic beauty by night. During the day however, it was undeniably cheery; with it's trimmed lawn, shade trees, and the laughter of the little girl running and playing in the yard.

Everyone looked as the sound came to them now that the perimeter barriers were cancelled.

"Who is the child?" Minerva whispered, perplexed.

"Later Minerva," Dumbledore hushed her.

Severus Evans cancelled his Disillusionment Charm, and without preamble; he strode briskly down the path towards the house. The group cancelled their charms as well, and rushed to catch up with him. As they all rounded a copse of trees they could see Severus Snape coming up a path from the other side of the house. They all ducked quickly behind some thick shrubbery. From where they were hidden, all that was visible was the small child, the chest and legs of a woman seated on a bench, and Severus Snape's approaching lower half.

Without warning, the child cried, "Daddy!"

The woman leapt up and began running towards Severus Snape. As she got close to him a book dropped to the ground by her running feet. She paid it no heed as she ran to him. It was obvious that he caught her when she reached him, as her feet were lifted from ground.

She was followed by the child, who grabbed Severus Snape by the knees. The child hugged the bony knees for a minute then backed away a bit, and looked up. She stood there for a while, just staring up at the two. Then she put her hands on her hips and stamped her foot, "Mummie," she said, in a tone that was quite scathing for one so young. When she got no response she repeated herself, "Mummie! Get your tongue out of Daddy's mouth; that's yucky! and I want to see Daddy!"

The woman's feet were lowered to the ground and Severus Snape went down on one knee before the child. "You know better than to speak to your mother in that tone, young lady," Severus Snape corrected, in a softer version of his old classroom tone. "You will sit on the steps for two minutes."

"Daddy..."

"No. I shall greet you after you have thought about the proper way to address your mother." Snape withdrew a pocket watch from his waistcoat and handed it to the child. "Two minutes," he said sternly. The child hung her head; and he softened. Laying a gentle hand on the little girl's cheek, he added, "Then I shall expect a proper kiss from you."

The child's head snapped up and she ran to the steps of the house, where she could been seen sitting and staring at the watch.

Severus Snape stood, and his deep voice turned to a velvety purr as he addressed the woman, "Now, where were we?" The visible lower bodies meshed together and all was silent for two minutes.

Suddenly the child was hurtling towards the couple, shouting, "Two minutes, Daddy."

Severus Snape was on his knees with his arms open as the little girl rushed into them. He hugged her tightly for a moment, then he kissed each of her cheeks. He kept his head bent while the child took his chin in her tiny hands. She kissed him first on one cheek, and then the other. His daughter's greeting ritual complete; he stood, lifting the child with him. He took the woman's hand the three made their way to the bench. Once settled, the girl squirmed down and ran off to resume her play.

After a few minutes, Severus Evans stood. The group with him stood, as well. As they began to walk the path again, all eyes were drawn to the couple.

Severus Snape was in a black Muggle suit, and was seated on a cushioned, high-backed bench, with his arm around a woman. His head was back, and his eyes were shut. The woman had his other hand pulled into her lap; she was stroking it as she held it. She wore a soft floral dress, it too was Muggle in design. Her long hair obscured her face as it was nestled into Severus Snape's shoulder.

"Oh, Arthur," Molly could be heard whispering, "he has a wife and child. I'm so happy fo-"

"Yes, now let's be quiet and let young Mr Evans do what he has to." At this, the group came to a stop a few feet down the path. They could see, but they could not be easily seen; by the pair on the bench.

Severus Evans continued on towards the couple. As he approached he allowed his footfalls to make sounds on the path. The woman looked up in alarm when she heard the sounds.

"Oh! Ian," her voice sounded relieved, "you frightened me."

"I'm sorry," Severus Evans responded.

A ripple of shock passed through the group on the path. Albus Dumbledore cast a quick non-verbal Silencio, on the people with him. Their silent mouths could been seen forming the name, 'Hermione Granger'.

"I'm glad you've finally come while Severus is home," she said with a brilliant smile. She looked at Severus Snape, and he smiled at her.

"Severus, look who is here," she whispered to him. He nodded, and drew in a deep breath. He took his arm from around Hermione and stood. She stood with him.

The stunned group watched as Severus Evans walked up to them.

Severus Snape was the first to speak. He spoke in the deep derisive tone that they all remembered, "You can drop the disguise, son. I know who you are."

"Wha- What?" Severus Evans stammered.

"Do you think, that a woman as intelligent as my wife would not realise that you were in disguise when you met? Do you think that a woman as inquisitive and determined as my wife would not discover your true identity?"

Molly and Arthur caught Ron and held him as he tried to lunge at Severus Snape, mouthing the word wife, repeatedly mixed with obscenities directed at Severus Snape. Remus and Minerva had hold of Harry who was in an a worse state. He was desperately trying to get to Severus Snape.

Albus Dumbledore turned to the two and whispered, "I will send you both back if you do not stop this at once!"

Harry and Ron ceased struggling, but their faces still showed their horror and outrage. Molly, Arthur, Remus, and Minerva did not release their hold on the two.

Severus Evans's face betrayed the fact that he had prepared to break the shocking news; that he had been thinking about it for years, and had been quite concerned about what his father's and Hermione's reactions might be when they discovered his true identity. To learn that they already knew was almost incomprehensible to him. "I, I..." he stammered.

Hermione joined the conversation, "And you know Ian..." she paused and her brow furrowed, "or should I call you Severus now?" She shrugged, and went on, "You know that I have never kept anything from Severus."

"I, I know that Hermione. When... when did you figure it out?" Severus Evans was clearly stunned.

"It took a while." Hermione smiled. "I'll admit that. I discovered who you really are, not long after that day: the day we came here; the day we had to escape from the Order. Since then I have hoped that someday you would be ready to face your father."

"If only I had known. I was just at the Ministry. I testified at your trial in absentia, Hermione. You have now both been exonerated of any and all allegations." Severus Evans glanced nervously at his father.

Severus Snape stepped up to him and extended his hand, "I would have expected you to testify. From what my wife has told me over the years, you are a fine young man." Severus Snape looked seriously at Severus Evans and said, "Drop the disguise, I would like to look into the face of my son."

Severus Evans took out his wand and cancelled his disguise, and took his father's extended hand.

Severus Snape looked into exact copies of Lily Evans's eyes. His gaze roved over his son, taking in the hooked nose, black hair, and his pallid complexion.

"I didn't come to you before, because I didn't want to cause a problem between you and Hermione." He turned to Hermione, "I didn't know if you would mind -"

"Don't be ridiculous Ian," Hermione admonished. "If I had minded would I have remained your friend all these years."

"I never knew that you knew that I wasn't Ian Cummings. I never knew that you already knew -"

"If I had known your choice to hide from your father was because of me, I would have told you that I knew. I'm sorry," Hermione answered thoughtfully.

"I was trying to help..." Severus Evans trailed off.

"I see that now." Hermione looked deeply into his eyes, "I wish I had known that was why you withheld yourself. I could easily have put your fears to rest, and you two could have met much sooner. I would never feel threatened by you, or by Severus's memory of your mother. I am secure in Severus's love. I know how deeply Severus is devoted to me; and it has nothing whatsoever to do with Lily Evans."

Severus Snape drew Hermione to his side, she leaned into his embrace and wrapped her arm around his back. "I cared for your mother, very much," Severus said to his son, "I loved her. I continued to love her, even after she went to James Potter. If I had known you existed..."

"You couldn't have known," Severus Evans interrupted consolingly, "Albus Dumbledore explained that to me."

"No, I did not know of your existence," Severus Snape confirmed, "not until Hermione discovered the identity of her friend: Ian."

There was a slight pause in the conversation, and little girl rushed up to her father. "Daddy," she said sweetly.

"Sulevis," Severus said, "you know better than to interrupt."

"I didn't," Sulevis said with a glare. She went on to point out reasonably, "No one was talking.

"I suppose you are right, " Severus said. He was smiling as he picked his little girl up. She laughed gleefully as her father nudged her cheek with his magnificent nose.

Sulevis turned to the newcomer and said, "I'm Sulie, who are you?"

"I am Severus Evans," he answered with a bow.

"You have the same name as Daddy," Sulevis said with a happy grin, "My whole name is almost the same too. It's -Sul - ee - vis-. I'm almost four years old. How old are you."

"Sulevis!" Hermione chastened.

"It's quite all right Hermione," Severus Evans smiled. "I shall be twenty-six in August," he answered silkily.

"It's okay to tell her Ian," Hermione said softly.

"Tell me what?" Sulevis asked.

"I am your brother," he told her earnestly.

"Oh," she breathed in wonder. "Mummie had me, and in," she glanced at Hermione, "eight months she's having my baby."

"Sulevis," her father said in a warning tone.

"Fine," the little girl responded in a long-suffering tone, "Mummie's having 'Daddy and Mummie's' baby, my brother or sister." So when did Mummie have you?"

"Well -"

Severus Evans was spared trying to explain as the little girl wasn't finished. "You look like Daddy and you are my brother," she stated factually. "Does that mean the man over there," the child pointed to the as yet unnoticed group of witches and wizards, "the one that looks like you with glasses; is my brother too?"

Severus and Hermione Snape looked in the direction their daughter pointed. The group slowly moved into clear view. Severus handed their daughter to Hermione as he drew his wand. Hermione's wand was already out, and pointed at the mute interlopers.

A N's additional:

Just a bit more to go.

The names;

Sulevis, Sulis, Senua, Sulla, Sul, Sulivia, Suliviae, are all names for the same Goddess. She is believed to be an older Celtic Goddess, who was adopted by the Romans and twinned with their Goddess, Minerva.

Some say that Sulis is the male version, however, there are just as many authorities on the subject who assert that the name Sulis was the name of a Goddess.

Naming Resources used on the Internet:

www . guardian . co . uk / arts / news / story / 0,11711,1033318,00 . html

Other references:

The New Book of Goddesses and Heroines, by Patricia Monaghan, pp. 286-287

The Gods of Roman Britain, by Miranda Jane Green, pp.29-31

Dictionary of Celtic Myth and Legend, by Miranda J. Green, pp.200-202

Celt and Greek: Celts in the Hellenic World, by Peter B. Ellis, p. 50