Marked

by Aubrey'Snape

In the heat of the Battle of Hogwarts Hermione runs into the path of Greyback and Professor Snape. The consequences of this action will change her, her future, and the way she views the world. Can Ron and Harry set aside their malice and accept the new Hermione? ***Reposted after taking my stories down***

7. Sweet Baby Jesus

Hermione walked into the Great Hall the next morning and slammed herself down at the Gryffindor table. Her night had gone fabulously well after her argument with Severus. If by well you meant being kept up all night because the gut wrenching pain of her uterus throwing a tantrum. She had always thought her periods were bad before now, but after gaining a set of wings? Oh no, those periods were like freaking child's play compared to these ones. Her body hurt, she slept very little, and worse of all she wanted to get shagged so bad that it hurt more than the cramps.

"Hello 'Mione," Ron said around a mouthful of food.

"Bloody hell Ronald, you're 18 years old can you please act like you're a human being instead of a damn animal?" Hermione snarled back. The entire hall fell quiet at her outburst and she looked up to see Harry and Ron staring at her in shocked fear.

"Uh— are you—ya know, on your—"

"Merlin help you if you finish that sentence Harry James Potter I'm going to take this bowl of bacon and shove it so far down your throat you won't have to worry about chewing." Harry's mouth dropped open and Ron paled slightly.

XxxXXxxXXxxXXxxX

Severus knew as soon as she walked into the Great hall that morning that today was not going to be easy. He could smell Hermione's change in hormones all the way across the hall, and it made his stomach clench as arousal skittered up and down his spine. The pheromones coming from his mate made him slightly dizzy but he managed to keep control of his reaction. His gaze flicked sideways to Nott who had stiffened and was looking at him with raised eyebrows.

"What the hell?" Nott asked him urgently.

"That, would be my mate in heat," Severus replied drily. Nott took another deep breath before he shook his head.

"That's—Merlin. Smells like a wet—"

"If you finish that sentence Theodor you are not going to be happy," Severus growled out. Nott stiffened slightly before he dropped his gaze from Severus' and tipped his head to the side exposing the left side to Severus. The low growling from Severus subsided immediately and he took several deep breaths to calm his temper.

"Sorry," Nott whispered out somewhat hoarsely.

Severus nodded but was saved from replying as the sound of his mates voice made everyone in the hall fall silent.

"—shove this bowl of bacon so far down your throat you won't have to worry about chewing." Hermione's voice was about as warm as a glacier and the unmistakable signs of anger already showed in her tense frame. Nott choked on the mouthful of juice he had just taken and coughed quietly, after a few minutes Severus was pretty sure the shaking in his shoulders were from laughter. He shot a glare at his oldest friend before rising from his chair and walking calmly from the head table down towards his mate.

XxxXXxxXXxxX

"Miss Granger, what seems to be the problem?" A familiar voice asked making Hermione close her eyes and breathe before answering.

"Just the normal ignorance that comes from men Professor," Hermione spat back not bothering to look up from where she was buttering her toast. The hall was so quiet you should hear a feather drop, as it was it seemed that even the professors at the Head Table were holding their breath.

"Miss Granger, you will accompany me to the hospital wing, and then you're going to spend the day in detention." A darkened scowl twisted Hermione's face as she slammed her butter knife down on the table and flounced out of the hall in front of Severus. Once they were away from the hall and a few corridors from the hospital wing, Severus grabbed her elbow and led her down a side corridor. Hermione's back connected painfully with the wall as he shoved her into a darkened cove and crossed her arms over her chest.

"What is the matter with you?" Severus hissed out, leaning towards her so that his voice wouldn't carry.

"What the hell do you think is the matter with me?" She growled back, arousal spiking high in her hormone riddle body as his scent surrounded her.

"You need to get ahold of yourself. I understand—"

"No you don't. You don't understand. Men never understand. My uterus is ripping itself apart because I didn't put your offspring in it. So it's throwing a bloody, moody, stupid fucking temper tantrum. I'm tired, I'm sore, and I'm horny but can that be helped? No. Of course not, because heaven forbid we actually have sex while I'm—" Her rant was cut off as Severus seized her mouth. If she thought she was aroused before, the taste and feel of his tongue warring with hers made it worse. Her hands came up to tangle in his hair and she pressed her body against his. Hermione felt Severus' hands grip her hips as he pressed her against the wall behind her, their mouths fused together as their tongues did a familiar dance. A whimper escaped her when Severus finally broke the kiss and took a step away from her.

"Hermione, we can't do this, not while you're—" Hermione cut his words off with her lips, and licked her way into his mouth before he could protest; though it was obvious from the way that he continued to kiss her that his protests weren't all that important to him. She slipped her hands down his shoulders to his waist, and began to pull his shirt from him trousers when her wrists were grabbed in a very tight hold. Severus pulled away again and Hermione may or may not have whined.

"We can't do thissss—" His words ended on a hiss as he felt her hand suddenly pressing against his erection through his trousers. Whatever idea of self-control he thought he had went directly out the window.

Hermione was suddenly pinned against the wall by Severus' body, his hands tearing over her body in a frantic caress. Her shirt was pulled up and her bra down as he lowered his mouth to her breast and nibbled on the already hardened bud before lavishing the same attention on her right breast. The arousal that had been boiling before now positively exploded, making her head spin and her body thrum with pleasure. Her underwear vanished and Severus paused in his assault of her chest.

"When did you—"

"This morning it stopped, please, God please Severus. I need—" Hermione whimpered as Severus pressed his fingers into her slick warmth and the tight silkiness that surrounded his fingers made his erection throb painfully. He removed his fingers and stood, jerkily opening his trousers and exposing his length to the slightly cold air before he lifted Hermione up by the back of her knees. Her legs immediately wound around his hips and he guided himself into her waiting body groaning lightly as he was fully encased within her.

There was a pause, while Severus tried to keep from coming inside of her, the noises that were falling unconsciously from Hermione's mouth only enflamed him more. Finally, he started to move, using his strength and a silent hovering spell on her to aid him. Hermione tipped her head back and bit her lip against the overwhelming pleasure that was sending fireworks through her body. Gravity was helping him go deeper as he thrust into her, his strokes smooth but firm leaving a fire licking through her swollen walls. Their eyes met and locked as he pumped in and out of her, his thrusts growing frantic as he began to feel the beginnings of his orgasm. He stopped, twisted his hips slightly, and then began moving again, this time catching her clit with each upward thrust. The only warning he received of her rush towards completion was a slight widening of her eyes then she fell apart, her walls clamping around him and effectively pulling his own climax out of him. His hips stuttered slowly as he jerked his way through his release dragging her aftershocks out until she whimpered from overstimulation.

Hermione's feet were placed on the floor after Severus withdrew, and she suddenly felt a dead weight settle in her stomach when he stepped away from her to straighten his clothing. His actions were rough, angry, as he shoved himself back into his trousers. She bit her lip as she smoothed her own clothing, then debated before reaching out to touch his hand effectively stilling his movements.

"Severus—" She broke off when he looked at her, his eyes flashing with barely reigned anger and she bent her head. When she removed her hand from his arm he swiftly turned and walked down the hall, leaving her behind him to follow.

XxxXXxxXXxxX

Severus was seething, anger making his steps short and brisk as he walked towards his classroom. He could feel and hear Hermione's gaze as she walked behind him, but he didn't slow his steps. The trek to his classroom wasn't long enough to cool his temper and when they both entered he slammed the door after him ignoring his mates flinch as he threw up silencing charms with a careless flick of his hand.

"Severus—"

"Are you trying to get pregnant?" Severus asked over her sentence, his voice hard with frustration and anger.

"What? No. I'm not. I just—didn't think."

"Yes that was very clear," Severus sneered as he walked further into his classroom, moving past Hermione to sit at his desk.

"Oh shove it would you?" Hermione snapped out, her patience already running thin. Her stomach was cramping painfully but she wasn't sure if it was from anger or her monthly cycle.

"Excuse me?" Severus inquired his voice dangerously low.

"I'm not trying to get pregnant; I already know what would happen. I just—I just needed you," Hermione finished on a whisper, her words caused him to close his eyes and tip his head back, as though praying for patience. She walked over until she was standing to the left of his chair, and waited for him to reopen his eyes. Their eyes met again and she felt a small shiver run down her spine at the intensity in his gaze. "I'm sorry."

Severus snorted in amusement but stood from his chair and pulled her slighter body against his. He pressed his lips to her hair and gently pulled her against his chest, breathing in her familiar scent. The smell of jasmine and vanilla mixed with her natural musk and arousal he could still smell, pheromones still wafting off her though they were less concentrated. "I am sorry, it's not entirely your fault, though I will warn you that future attempts like this will not be wise."

Hermione raised her head and stared at him, his face was serious, grave to a degree she hadn't seen since he explained her change to her last year. "I didn't plan on it, you were there and I just—I don't know, needed you."

Severus nodded in understanding as he reached down to pull a desk drawer open and retrieved two vials from inside its depths. He handed them both to her and waited for her to take them before hugging her again.

Hermione swallowed down the contents of the vials and gagged on the thick sweetness. "What did I just drink?" She coughed out once she managed to keep the revolting liquid down.

"A powerful contraceptive, and a pain relieving potion. The potion will make you—" Severus' words were cut off as Hermione suddenly slumped against him. He caught her easily and looked down at her sleeping face. "—sleepy." A small smile graced his lips as he picked her up and carried her into his rooms.

XxxXXxxXXxxX

It was dark when Hermione woke up, her brain foggy and her memories muddled. She sat up from bed and looked around the room fruitlessly. The search for her wand revealed that she wasn't in the clothing she had put on in the morning. Memories flooded back and she bolted out of bed, cursing and stumbling through the room until she found the door handle.

"—Austin is doing well and has settled into the pack quite well." Hermione followed the sound of Nott's voice to Severus' sitting room where Nott was sitting in an armchair while Severus worked at his desk. "Well if it isn't sleeping beauty. Have you sorted out your—feminine issues?"

Severus looked up and glanced over Hermione from head to toe, apparently checking to make sure she was fine before bending back over his work. Hermione sat down on the arm of the nearest couch and glared at Nott. "Nott, I started the day in a pool of my own blood. Would you like me to end your day in the same way?"

Severus chuckled as Nott paled slightly at the images but shook his head. "That's—that's—gross."

Hermione giggled at his face as Severus leaned back and said, "Just wait till it happens to Luna, Theodor. You won't be so crass then."

"Merlin help me." Nott muttered as he sat back heavily and pouted. Severus ignored him and Hermione rolled her eyes.

"What time is it?" She queried after a few moments of silence.

"Gone 7 now," Severus responded not looking up from his grading.

Hermione squawked just as her stomach gave a loud grumble. "Why didn't you wake me? I had things to do! What about Harry and Ron, they probably think you killed me and ate me for dinner."

It was Nott's turn to laugh as Severus rolled his eyes, "The nosey twins came to bug me at around 5, to make sure I didn't 'eat you'. At which point I attempted to wake you but got a pillow in my face for my troubles. Forgive me for letting you sleep," Severus said drily.

"What did you tell them?"

"That you had decided to go down to the great lake for a nice swim, I don't remember seeing them at dinner for they're probably still looking for you."

"Severus," Hermione scolded though the grin on her face ruined the effect. "You're horrible. What if they were to get hurt or eaten?"

"I get so few pleasures out of life," Nott opened his mouth to say something but Severus said, "However, Nott saying stupid things and me hexing him is one of them." Hermione laughed outright when Nott clicked his mouth shut. "Ezmeralda!'

A pop sounded throughout the room as a little house elf appeared in the middle of the room. "You is calling sir?" The little figure was wearing a black tea cozy and a little hat, and Hermione wondered why it was lacking the Hogwarts crest like the white ones the others wore.

"Yes, can you please bring Miss Granger some food."

The elf turned towards Hermione and studied her for a moment before bowing slightly, "What is the miss wanting?"

Hermione flushed slightly, "Oh uh, just something small. Maybe some hot chocolate and cheese, some eggs maybe. If it's not a bother." Ezmeralda bowed again and disappeared with a pop. Once she was gone, Hermione turned to Severus and stared at his bent head. "I didn't know you had a house elf. Why is she wearing black?"

"The questions begin," Severus muttered as he put his quill down. Hermione glared at him but softened when he smiled at her. "She was a family elf, one that my father hated immensely despite nearly running her into the ground with chores for her. When I came here, Dumbledore allowed her to come but she refused to wear the white uniform, preferring the black more."

Hermione's response was halted in her throat as the house elf in question reappeared with a tray laden with food. There was a heaping pile of cheesy eggs, a steaming cup of hot chocolate, and a roast beef and ham sandwich. Hermione's stomach gave another loud rumble as the smell of the food reached her nose. She started eating immediately, two sandwiches gone before she felt eyes on her. Severus had gone back to his work but Nott was staring at her with amusement on his face. "What?" Hermione asked defensively.

"Do you always—"

"I would not finish that question if you value your life," Severus interrupted, a smile clear in his voice even if his face was hidden. Hermione laughed at the look on Nott's face, but froze as she felt a gushing wetness from between her thighs the wetness was accompanied by a sharp slice of pain so powerful her stomach turned. Severus' head jerked up at the strangled noise that escaped Hermione's mouth, a sudden flare of distress settling in his stomach that wasn't his and he was next to her before Nott could ask what was wrong.

"What's wrong?" Severus asked urgently, looking over Hermione for a sign of the cause of her anguish. Hermione's tear filled brown eyes flicked from him to Nott and back, the message in them clear. "Nott, leave please." Nott's eyebrows furrowed but he left without a word.

Once he was gone Hermione felt the tears that made her vision blurry spill down her cheeks. Her face burned red from embarrassment, and she ducked her head. "Can you turn around?" She whispered, hoping Severus would do it without question. Relief flooded through her as he did as she asked, allowing her to get up from the armchair and clean up the mess on the fabric silently then dash away towards the bathroom.

XxxXXxxXXxxX

Severus heard her feet hit the hard floor and he turned his head slightly, realization flooded through him as he caught sight of the blood on the seat of the sleep pants he had put her in. 'Well at least she isn't pregnant,' Severus thought and he placed a heating spell over her food and went back to his grading.

When an hour later she hadn't come back out of the bathroom, he began to get worried. He stood up from his desk and walked towards the bathroom, only to be met with a closed door and silence beyond. He knocked on the door lightly, and heard rustling within, "Hermione, is everything okay?"

The only response he got was a sniffling sound, he tried the doorknob and found it unlocked. He opened the door to see his mate sitting on the floor with red eyes and the miserable look on her face made his heart twinge. "Go away," Hermione croaked out as he stood there staring at her.

Severus shook his head as he walked into the room and over to the bathtub that sat in the center. A few seconds later, steam rose from the tub mixing with the soothing aroma of chamomile and honey. Hermione watched Severus stroll around gathering various things, before exiting the room and coming back with her tray of food. Severus walked over to Hermione and held his hand out to her, waiting patiently until she took it before guiding her over to the now full tub. He stripped the clothing off of her, not even blinking at the blood on them as he vanished them and then helped her sit in the water. He smiled slightly when a satisfied sigh fell from her lips as she settled in the water, a surprised noise escaping her.

"There's a pain reliever in the water, I made it for when—the Dark Lord was particularly enthusiastic with his punishments."

Hermione nodded in acceptance and sank deeper into the water until the only thing visible was the tops of her breasts and one knee. She tipped her head back against the pillow and felt more tears slip down her face. Severus felt his stomach clench at the sight of it and he knelt down next to her. "What's wrong?"

A shrug answered his question, but Hermione's lip trembled. "Tell me," Severus commanded softly.

"It's just—embarrassing. I feel so stupid."

Severus had to bite his tongue to keep from chuckling, and schooled his face into grave understanding. "It's a natural reaction, and there's nothing to be embarrassed about."

"You must be so disgusted," Hermione mumbled out as she tried to slip under the water, an endearing blush coloring on her face.

Severus put a finger under her chin and forced her to look at him, tears against swimming in her brown eyes. "Quite the contrary, your body is functioning as it should. It's a sign that your body is fertile, and able to conceive children. Why would knowing my mate is fertile and able to provide me with children disgust me?"

The smile he got from these words stole his breath for a moment; it was radiant in its entirety, erasing sadness and misery from her young face. He pressed his lips to her forehead when he stood then again to her lips before handing her the hot chocolate and leaving her to her bath.

XxxXXxxXXxxXXxX

Hermione smiled as Severus slipped out of the bathroom, and she breathed deeply as she sank deeper into the water. The warmth of the water was soothing on both the throbs inside her radiating from her core, and the throbbing that was coming from her back and inner thighs. Sex caused soreness even on a bed, but against a wall was sure to cause all sorts of uncomfortableness. A twinge of guilt flared in her stomach accompanied with no small amount of embarrassment at the fact that she had all but thrown herself at her mate when she was in the bat version of heat. She didn't even really remember consciously making the decision, but he had been so close and smelled so good—

She immediately stopped that thought. No way could her body handle more thoughts like that. She'd probably go back into a horny rage again and that definitely wouldn't make Severus happy. The door opened and the man she had just been thinking about stepped back in.

"Nott and I have to go to the house; apparently there was a scuffle between To—two of the bats." Severus said exasperation heavy in his voice.

"Do you want me to go with you?" Hermione asked without thought and shifted to sit up in the tub.

"Do I want my mate, who is in heat, in a house with at least a dozen unmated males? Gee, that's a tough question." Hermione rolled her eyes at the sarcasm.

"Careful there Severus, you might slip on your excessive use of sarcasm," She quipped back, smiling innocently when he gave her a look that spoke clearly of his suffering.

"Watch it chit."

Hermione smile softly as he walked over and kissed her forehead, before leaving the room again with a soft "I love you" tossed over his shoulder. She settled back in the bath, and after a few seconds she summoned a book to read. Might as well enjoy the silence.

XxxXXxxXXxxXXxxX

Severus and Nott transformed just as the front door to the house appeared and touched down with barely a sound. It spoke of their long friendship and easy companionship that they didn't need to speak in order to open the door and set off in a direction of the sitting room where they could hear raised voices.

"—you even follow him when he isn't even here? A leader doesn't abandon those he's supposed to be in charge of. He's a shit alpha."

"Coming from a man-child who was following a psycho-bitch you'll forgive me if I don't take your opinion seriously."

"She at least made sure that everyone was safe. Do you know how easy it was to break into your cave? It was child's play. She was a real alpha and that arse killed her! He's useless! He doesn't deserve to be alpha."

Nott and Severus entered the room just in time to see Toby pull his wand at point it at the young boy who was red-faced. The room was filled with the other members of the pack, though they all looked like they'd rather be anywhere else from there.

"ENOUGH!" Severus roared out just as Toby opened his mouth to throw a hex. The bats present immediately moved into their forms showing submission in the face of his authority. Even Toby shifted, though he continued to hover in the air somehow managing to glare at the boy like a live dart ready to attack at any moment. "Everyone, OUT!"

Nott ducked to avoid being hit as 20 or so bats all tried to escape through the door at once. He scowled at Severus when he caught sight of the older man's smirk and grumbled slightly. Movement out of his eye made both of them turn their focus back to the boy, who had been the only one to refuse to transform. A blatant act of defiance and challenge he was too young to understand.

Severus stepped towards the boy smoothly, though the flash of his eyes told Nott that he was not ignorant nor impressed by the teens actions. Toby, who had been hovering nearby, positively dropped to the couch behind him in an effort to get out of the alpha's way. They had reached a certain understanding that though they were the same person, Severus was very clearly more the alpha than Toby.

"What seems to be the problem?" Severus asked the boy in front of him, ignoring Nott and Toby completely, and finally came to a stop just short of the boys personal space.

Austin audibly swallowed as the alpha neared him but he squared his shoulder and lifted his chin. "You're not a good leader, a good alpha. If you were, you wouldn't leave those under your protection, alone and without defenses." The boy accused.

"The people in this house are protected, so highly in fact that it would be impenetrable to those not welcome."

"Yet Leighanna and the others were able to slip past—"

"That is because at one time Leighanna was welcome in the cave, she was part of this pack until she joined forces against us."

"Why are we not allowed to leave then? Do you mean to make us prisoners?"

"No one here is a prisoner, you are simply not able to leave in your form."

"Why?"

"It's dangerous." Austin snorted derisively but Severus spoke over him. "The Ministry and the general wizarding public knows little about us. They know we exist but if they were to figure out who we were, they would attempt to use, breed, and recreate us."

"But—"

Nott stepped forward, smoothly going around his alpha and crowding the young bat in front of him. "Why did you come back with us? Why did you not leave with the others? You had a choice. Severus, your alpha, gave you the choice. To leave or to be accepted into the fold without question. You knew that he would be in charge yet you came, why?"

Austin looked distinctly uncomfortable under the wrath of Nott's anger. While Severus was the calm collected Alpha, Nott was the opposite, he was the heated and impulsive beta that would react to any perceived threat. It had been that way for as long as the two men had known each other. Severus had often thought that Nott would make a fine alpha some day when he was forced to pass the position on. He gave Nott some leeway and watched as his friend and beta berated the boy.

"I—I didn't think he'd be such a shit alpha," Austin argued, though it was somewhat weakly.

Nott growled slightly and took another half step closer, "That's bullshit. You followed Leighanna because she promised you a taste of her, did that ever happen? No? I didn't think so. You've never had a proper alpha. Try again."

Movement in the corner of Severus' eyes caught his attention and he watched as Toby shifted silently back to human form, though he remained seated. He was staring at Austin in something akin to sadness and something Severus couldn't decipher. Interesting.

"He killed Leighanna! I had no choice after she was gone, he forced me to come." Austin screamed at Nott, who simply blinked at the boy before throwing his head back and laughing. This clearly enflamed the boy even more and he lunged; all 150 pounds of furious teen launched himself at Nott who was caught off guard. The two tumbled to the ground, Austin on top and punching every bit of Nott he could reach though his hits were untrained and blinded by anger.

Severus leaned down and grabbed the kid by the back of his shirt, effectively stopping his struggles by growling. Austin continued to struggle until the fight left him with a sob and he went limp in Severus' hand. A eye blink later and Severus was left holding a tiny bat who was shaking uncontrollably and laying limping in his large hand. Severus let the bat sit for a few moments before he started speaking again. "Why did you come back here? Why did you not go with the others?" When the bat didn't move, nor did it shift his temper flared. "Shift and answer me before I make you leave!"

"Everyone leaves!" Austin roared as from one breath to the next he was a shaking, angry human once again. "You and your stupid Voldemort killed my parents and no one else wanted me! Leighanna promise me that she would take care of us. She promised that I would have a family. But you killed her! YOU KILLED MY FAMILY! You—you killed my family." Austin sobbed and he crumpled into the couch next to Toby.

Severus for his part felt the familiar burn of guilt start in his gut. The same way it always had whenever his life with the Dark Lord was brought up. He looked at Nott, momentarily lost for words as he watched his friend wipe blood from his lip, but when Nott met his eyes they were filled with similar regret. The only sound in the room was Austin's whimpering cries and Severus had opened his mouth when a new, unfamiliar scent swept through the air. It took a moment for Severus to recognize it, but once he did, it sent a jolt of surprise through him so strong he actually gasped.

"Toby—Outside. Now." Severus demanded, waiting until the man had gotten up and left before he silently ordered Nott to stay with Austin.

XXxxXXxxXXxxXXxxX

He followed his counterpart out after assuring himself that Nott would watch Austin, and caught up to Toby outside the door which he promptly shoved the man against. "What the hell was that?"

"What was what?" Toby replied hoarsely. A grunt escaped him when Severus shoved his forearm into his throat but a grimace was Severus' only response.

"He's a child!"

"He's almost 18!" Toby protested weakly against the force currently cutting off his air supply. "I can't help it!" At Severus disbelieving look, Toby shook his head. "No, I mean it. Why did you mark Hermione? She was everything you needed in a mate before you even realized it. Her intelligence, personality, and strength must have matched your otherwise it wouldn't have worked."

Severus knew that, he knew that you couldn't just randomly mark someone. The person had to be a match for you, there had to be things in common such as magical strength, intelligence, leadership qualities. It wasn't a gamble; it wasn't something that was a whim. Otherwise there would be more mates dying because they couldn't stand each other. It was something uncontrolled and instinctive. You could choose not to mate with the person though, but your life would be shortened considerably.

"It won't change anything, I—I know my boundaries," Toby whispered out.

"What did you start fighting about?"

Another grimace, "He—he apparently is aware of my—my interest."

Severus waited for more but when it wasn't forthcoming, he prodded Toby, "and?"

"I told him that anything inside the pack had to be taken through the Alpha, it wasn't something that could just—I panicked. He's young, and it's a permanent thing. It's too big to take on right now." Toby rambled on. "It's not as though I could just sentence myself or him to a fling and then it turn out to be a death sentence when he works out his sexuality issues—Ow!" Toby scowled and rubbed the side of his head where Severus had just walloped him.

"If he was aware of your interest—he obviously isn't conflicted or—confused," Severus said blandly. He opened his mouth to say more but the door behind Toby suddenly popped open with such force that Toby's head snapped forward. He groaned and stumbled out of the way just as Austin came barreling out of the door. The teen paused to look between Severus and Toby before his face blackened and he stormed up the stairs.

"Austin—wait—," Toby called after him but a rude hand gesture and a slamming door was his only reply. A defeated sigh came from Toby and they both turned to look at Nott.

"What? I'm not the one that lied to him and told him that his sexual interest had to be taken up through the leader. How was I supposed to know to lie to him?" Nott explained, looking far to amused at the situation than he should have. Toby shot him a look as black as Austin's before he turned and stalked up the stairs.

"Ah love," Nott said in a sing-song voice, smirking at Severus when the older man looked at him. Severus rolled his eyes with a slight shake of his head as they headed back out the door.

XxxXXxxXXxxXXxxX

Hermione felt her pillow being pulled out from underneath her cheek and she flew into wakefulness almost immediately. "Whazgoinon?"

A snort answered her mumbled question followed by a familiar voice, "You were drooling on the book and ruining the ink."

Hermione scowled as she picked her head up and wiped her slightly wet cheek. "Like you don't drool when you sleep, everyone drools."

"Yes, but I refrain from doing so on books. What book is this? I don't recognize it," Severus asked as he quickly changed into sleep trousers.

"It's an American fiction my—my parents got me actually. It was their last gift to me before—well before." Severus was at a loss for a proper response so he simply nodded as he slid into bed next to her. "What was the problem with the bats?"

Severus was silent as he struggled for an answer, "Argument between two of them, wanting to become mate but one of them was cautious and uncertain so he lied."

"Hm."

Severus kissed her forehead and they snuggled together as they drifted off to sleep.

XxxXXxxXXxxXXxxX

Life continued on a fast track as finals approached, there was only two weeks left till their NEWT's and the end of the school year and Hermione was feeling every bit as strained as previous years. It was hard to believe that this time last year Harry, Ron, and her had been on the run to defeat Voldemort. A year since her life had shifted from human girl to human-bat. It was sometimes very difficult to consider that she was a bat. Or that the teacher that she spent the first 6 years of her school years hating was now her mate. Ginny and Harry were engaged, and Ron and Lavender were getting serious. The normal twinge of jealousy went through her when she thought about the wedding she had dreamed of as a child that she wouldn't have. Severus hardly seemed the type of wizard that would get married and settle down. She sighed as she got up from her bed and headed to breakfast.

XxxXXxxXXxxXXxxX

Severus for his part was aware of the stress and sadness that radiated from his mate on an almost constant basis now. The stress he accepted as finals nearing and the end of the year coming, but the sadness couldn't be fully chalked up to that. Sure, she was probably sad that she was leaving, but that didn't explain that she was experiencing so much sadness that they were both affected. Things had been easier over the last few months. The pack was healthy and thriving, Austin and Toby excluded because they were both still being dunderheads. Toby maintaining that he was too old, and that Austin was too young, while Austin maintained that Toby lied to him once, so why should he even bother. Overall it was a very migraine inducing situation, one that had had him taking a pain relieving potion on more than one occasion.

He looked up just in time to see his mate enter the hall and sit down next to Luna, who immediately showed Hermione the ring on her finger. Severus rolled his eyes slightly, Nott had been nervous about asking Luna to marry him because he thought she would say no. Something Severus thought he was being thick about, but Nott had finally asked the girl apparently. It wasn't surprising that the girl showed Hermione, what was surprising was the flash of extreme sadness that flickered across his mates faces, followed quickly by a look of longing, before her face settled back into supportive happiness. It was in those flashes of emotion and eventual evening of her face that he realized why her emotions had been so consuming and strong.

She wanted to get married.

Merlin's Beard.

XxxXXxxXXxxXXxxXXxxX

NEWT's had snuck up on the Hogwarts castle faster than seemed possible, which is why Hermione, Ginny, Luna, Harry, and Ron were in the library cramming so much last minute information into their brains it was amazing that they weren't swollen. Hermione had been so busy studying that she and Severus had barely said more than a handful of words to each other since he had to break up a fight at the bat house. She had been itching to take a nice fly over the last few days, feeling restless and twitchy, but every time she went to leave something stopped her. A new piece of information that she had to write down, a question fired at her from the boys, or the bone-weary tiredness that seemed to have settled into her body, the kind that didn't go away regardless of hours a night she slept.

Even now, as she scribbled out information about potions onto her parchment, her shoulder itched, a prickling sensation that made her want to tear her nails into the skin. Nothing soothed the sensation. She'd scrubbed her shoulder raw with her shower scrub, only to have it return after her shower. It was almost as though her mark was sick, like it knew that she and Severus hadn't been intimate and it was determined to torture her until the bond was fulfilled again. Annoying to say the least, and agonizing at the most. Severus wasn't making it any easier however, between detentions, grading, and alpha-bat shit, he was around as much as a unicorn in a brothel. Not for lack of trying on her part, but it wasn't like she could march up to the head table and demand he pay attention to her. That would go over swimmingly, she could almost see his expression, and if looks could kill well…

"HERMIONE!" A voice yelled in her ear.

"What?" She snapped out at Harry, her ear now ringing in annoying symphony with her throbbing shoulder.

"Jeez, sorry. I just wanted that book. I called your name like 50 times," Harry commented with a mulish look before turning back to his own parchment. Hermione resisted the urge to roll her eyes at the look on her friend's face; like she'd told him his Firebolt had gone another round with the Whomping Willow and lost.

Hermione sighed and placed the book by his elbow. "Sorry, Harry. I was distracted, stray thoughts about the upcoming exams."

The other four people at the table nodded in understanding, but the blonde sitting across from her stared a hole in the side of her head. She tried to ignore Luna, but a sharp kick to her shin put that idea out of her head. She looked up into the eyes of her friend and raised an eyebrow, responding with a sigh and nod when the other girl subtly tipped her head to the left.

"I've got to use the loo, want to come Luna?" Hermione asked as she stood and stretched. Luna predictably nodded and stood as well. Ron's voice behind them caused their footsteps to halt before they rounded the shelf however.

"Why do girls go to the bathroom together?"

Hermione stared at him with a slightly bored expression, "Ron, you do remember what happened in first year right? Went to the bathroom by myself, and was attacked by a mountain troll. My luck, I'll find Voldemort hiding in a toilet from a forgotten toenail or something."

Harry snorted at her humor, but Ron stared after Hermione and Luna as they walked away. He waited until the sound of the footsteps faded away before turning back to Harry and whispering, "Does Hermione seem different to you?"

Harry shook his head absentmindedly and crossed something out on his parchment, Ron shrugged and went back to his work, but Ginny frowned.

XxxXXxxXXxxXXxxXXxxX

"What's the matter?" Luna asked as soon as they exited the library.

"What do you mean? Noth—"

"Please do not insult my intelligence or our friendship by lying Hermione. I know you. You're—unsettled. Why?"

Hermione stared at the other girl for a moment, before she slumped against a wall near a suit of armor and sighed. Luna cast a spell around them and waited out her silence. "Severus and I haven't been together since two weeks ago, we haven't even talked really since then. Do you—do you think that he found someone when he went to the house and broke up that fight?"

Luna searched Hermione's face but shook her head, "No. Definitely not, there were only men there from what Nott said, and those women that are there are finding mates within the pack. No way would he fly to greener pastures, no pun intended."

Hermione didn't feel reassured however, "How do you get Nott on his own? With him being older and a professor?"

Luna laughed slightly before leaning against the wall with Hermione. "Honestly? Why should I worry about him being older? He's got an 18 year old mate, with a very active libido, what does he have to complain about? As for how I get him on his own, I find him. I go to his quarters."

"That's it? You just waltz in and go, 'hey Nott, I'm feeling horny, want to hit the sheets?'?" Hermione asked disbelievingly.

"Well not exactly like that, but more or less." Luna stared at her for a few seconds before adding. "What are you really worried about Hermione? This isn't about Severus not wanting you, what is it really?"

Hermione chewed her lower lip and glanced away from the all too knowing gaze of her friend. Her eyes were drawn inexplicably towards the engagement ring resting on her friend's finger. "Everyone is planning for the future. Graduating, getting jobs in their chosen careers, getting—getting engaged."

Understanding flitted across Luna's features before it was replaced by empathy. "Are you worried that you don't have a future with Severus? You guys are mated Hermione! That's kind of like a life-time deal."

"No, I know, it's just—"

"It's important to you." Luna finished for her.

Hermione nodded sharply, "Since I was a little girl, I planned my wedding, I planned on having a certain job, a perfect guy, and an amazing life after Hogwarts."

"But?" Luna prodded after a few seconds of silence.

"But—those things changed, they changed as soon as Severus marked me. Suddenly I'm bound to a man, who I love now, but didn't then. My dreams have been sucked down a drain and the harder I try to hold onto them, the faster they slip away." Tears filled Hermione's eyes and she angrily swiped them away.

"Have you talked to Severus?" Luna asked, thankfully not lingering on Hermione's emotional response.

Hermione laughed hollowly, "No. I've seen him at mealtimes, and talked to him even less."

"So go find him, talk to him, I'm not the one you need Hermione; and as much as I wish I could help, this is a matter between you and Severus. It's not something I could even begin to help with." Hermione met Luna's eyes and read the understanding for what it was. Luna was her friend, and she would be there when Hermione needed her; but this was beyond her capabilities.

"When did you get so wise and grown up?" Hermione laughed wetly.

"Ah you know, during the war and finding Nott, it just kind of happened. Blame the Nargles," Luna joked back, forcing another laugh out of Hermione. "Go find Severus."

Hermione nodded, "Thanks."

XxxXXxxXXxxXXxxXXxxX

Luna watched Hermione walk away; her posture a lot more confident than it had been moments before. She tipped her blonde head to the side and listened until Hermione's footsteps faded completely. "You can come out now, she'd gone."

Nott stepped out from the shadows looking vaguely abashed at being caught. "Eavesdropping Theo? Really?" Luna teased as she stepped into Nott's space and tipped her chin up.

"It's not my fault you two decided to have a conversation in the middle of the corridor," Nott argued as he wrapped his arms around the soft body of his mate and breathed in her scent.

"Perhaps, but who canceled the spell? What if Hermione had been the one to cast it?" Luna asked with her face buried in Nott's chest.

"You continued talking, one would think you wanted me to hear," Nott said lightly, reproach just barely audible in his voice. Luna pulled away and lifted her head to meet his honeyed eyes.

"What is your friend thinking Theodore? Why is he acting this way?" Luna questioned the air around the couple suddenly serious. Nott looked away from the accusing look on his mate's face, a stone of dread sinking in his gut.

"Severus—got some information two weeks ago that—changed his view of himself pretty drastically. He's had some trouble dealing with it. It's caused him to re-examine a lot of things."

"He didn't find someone else did he? Please tell me—"

"Of course not." Nott snapped, causing Luna's eyes to narrow. A feeling settled in her gut that made her shift uneasily. "He's just—going through a lot right now."

Luna studied her mate's face, taking in the uneasy look in his eyes and the way he was pulling away from her. His body language told her to drop the subject that the subject was not one that he was going to speak on. Luna's heart ached for the girl currently walking towards the dungeons, for whatever challenges she was going to face.

"I'm sorry," Nott whispered, pulling her attention back towards himself. "I shouldn't have snapped."

Luna shook her head gently, "I shouldn't have pushed."

The two of them stood in silence for a few moments before a mischievous expression slunk its way across Nott's face. "I wouldn't mind if you walked up to me and said you were horny and wanted sex."

A startled laugh burst from Luna's mouth before she could stop it, but it was followed by a sly grin. "Oh yeah? Well, I'm currently feeling very horn—"

Her words were cut off by Nott's mouth capturing hers in a fierce kiss as he backed her up against the wall behind her. Their tongues twisted together and chased one another as Luna was pressed more firmly against the wall. It wasn't until she felt Nott's knee press against her core that she pulled away, nipping Nott's lower lip before disentangling herself from his arms. She crooked her finger at him and dragged him towards his quarters. Thoughts of Hermione long forgotten under a new kind of pressure.

XxxXXxxXXxxXXxxXXxxX

To say that Toby's revelation that he was bisexual shocked Severus would be a gross understatement. Severus didn't consider himself anything other than straight. He liked women, had always liked women. Perhaps that was the product of his upbringing though, of the constant danger of Voldemort's presence in his life. He picked up the tumbler in his hand and downed the contents as he thought back over the reaffirmation that had taken place a week ago. No, he was definitely straight.

***FLASHBACK***

"Why are you so tense Severus? Why are you avoiding your mate?" Nott accused as he burst into Severus' quarters to find his long-time friend drinking. "Really? It's 5 in the afternoon, and you've already drank ¾ bottle of firewhiskey?" Severus didn't responded, simply poured more whiskey in his tumbler and drank it down without pausing. Nott stalked forward, grabbed the bottle off Severus' desk and threw it into the fire. Ignoring the shards of glass that ricocheted from the force and the increase of flames. "What the hell is your—?"

Severus slammed their lips together, his hand gripping Nott's hair tightly in his right hand. Nott froze for a minute, while his brain caught up to the rest of his body, and he ripped himself away from his friend. His fist followed soon after, and Nott felt the satisfying crunch of a broken nose under his hand as Severus stumbled away from him.

"Ow! What the fuck Nott?" Severus howled as he tripped his way back towards the armchair to his left.

"That's what I want to know! What the fuck Severus?" Nott yelled, uncaring of the wince Severus gave as his voice echoed around the room. "What the bloody hell was that?"

"It was a kiss you arse, or are you getting rusty?" Severus sneered, looking up at Nott through quickly blackening eyes. He pressed himself back against the chair slightly when Nott's face darkened and he walked forward with purposeful steps until he was in front of the chair.

"Why?" Nott watched as Severus slumped in defeat, falling against the arm of the chair in a posture so crushed Nott actually felt a pang of sympathy. He summoned a footstool and sat down on it, then pulled his wand out to heal Severus' face. "Is this about Toby?"

Severus gave him a glare so hostile, Nott almost feared for his life. Almost. "What's your issue with him? That's he's you, and you're bisexual, or that he's you and you're not bisexual?"

"I do not like men! I enjoy women, Lily was a female, Hermione is female, I am nothing like Toby. I know that because I don't like men. How could you even—"

"How do you know?"

"—ask that? Have you lost your—what?" Severus' jaw clicked shut as he stared at Nott in horror.

"How do you know you only like men?" Nott asked calmly, as he prodded Severus' face.

"I just kissed you, dunderhead, I didn't like it," Severus replied sounding mulish.

"That wasn't a kiss Severus, that was you punching me. With your face," Nott growled out, his voice heavily laced with exasperation.

"How do you know you like women then?" Severus argued, pulling his face away from Nott's hand.

"I've experimented with women, so I know that I like women and only women. I like their curves and softness. The way they smell, and how their hair feels in my—"

"Great, so you know you like women because you've been with men. I've been with women, I like women," Severus snarled, feeling decidedly uncomfortable.

"Severus," Nott prodded, waiting until the other man looked at him before continuing. "He's not you. Not entirely. He had 16 years of differences than you did. His life has shaped him, in ways yours hasn't. Let it go."

"I can't. It keeps playing over in my head. What if I'm gay? What if Hermione is just a distraction from—"

This time it was Severus' mouth that was covered, Nott's mouth settling firmly over his own. Nott stilled waiting for Severus to respond, but all he did was sigh. Severus felt Nott's tongue licking at the corner of his mouth, seeking entry, and he opened to it. Their tongues tangled for a minute, dancing in the familiar way his and Hermione's did. Except this was all wrong. There was stubble where there should be silky cheeks; no hair curly softly across shoulders, not jasmine and vanilla scent filling the air. He pushed Nott away, forcing the other man on the stool again. The silence that filled the room was deafening, though, a weight lifted from his stomach and he felt lighter than he had in several days.

"That is how you know you're not bisexual or gay," Nott said firmly, finally breaking the silence. When Severus only raised an eyebrow at him he continued, "If you were interested in anyone but Hermione, or women in general, you would be aroused. Do you feel aroused?"

"No. I feel like I just kissed my father." Severus grumbled, wiping his mouth against the back of his hand.

"Perfect. You're not interested in men. Right?" Severus nodded. "Great. That never happened." Another nod. "And Severus?"

"Yes?"

"Pull your head out of your ass and quit acting like one?" Nott scolded, then healed Severus' nose with no warning, enjoying his cry of pain all too much as he left the room leaving Severus scowling at his back.

***END FLASHBACK***

Severus took another swallow from his whiskey and stared at the little black box that lay on his desk, its contents scaring him more than any sexuality crisis ever could.

XxxXXxxXXxxXXxxXXxxX

Hermione paused outside of Severus' quarters, and took a deep breath, gathering her self-confidence before pushing the door open. She entered the room and noticed a light coming from Severus' office, after crossing the room she knocked gently on the door.

"Enter." Came the deep baritone voice of her mate, causing goose bumps to dance across her skin. Hermione pushed open the door, and glanced around until she spotted Severus sitting at his desk, closing a drawer to his left before he looked up. "Hermione, hello."

Hermione took in the sight of him sitting at his desk looking completely at ease, as though there hadn't been any distance between them. He looked as familiar as always, and she took a moment to drink in the sight of him before launching into the speech that she perfected on her way here.

"Severus, I deserve better than this. I am an intelligent witch, and was one of the important people who had part in defeating Voldemort. For that reason, I believe that it is not too much to ask to be told if you are no longer interested in me. I understand that I am young, and Harry Potter's best friend. I had thought you would have gotten over those two things before you said you loved me, but I digress. You said you loved me, you said that you would be faithful to me. So, I'm here asking you if there is anything you would like to tell me? Please take this chance to tell me anything you wish, and I will attempt to accept it as maturely as i—"

"What the bloody hell are you on about?" Severus interrupted, his voice cold. Hermione faltered, his eyes snapping from where they had been staring over his shoulder to meet his eyes. His black eyes which were crackling with fire and anger, making her feel slightly sick.

"I—I—um—I just wanted to give you a chance to—"

"Call things off with you?" Severus accused his voice still glacial as he stood from his desk and walked towards her.

Hermione looked away from his face and bowed her head slightly as she nodded, "Yes. Exactly."

Familiar fingers gripped her chin firmly and tipped her head up so that she met his eyes. His gaze was flickering across her face, taking in the sight of her pink cheeks and slightly damp eyes. "Why, pray tell, would you have an idiotic idea like that?"

Hermione felt her face flush in embarrassment and she scowled, "Maybe because we haven't seen each other outside of class or mealtimes in two weeks! We haven't said anything to each other and we most definitely haven't been intimate. You come back from the house distance and do the dance of avoidance, what am I supposed to think?"

Severus took a deep breath so the bubbling anger he felt didn't rise to the surface and spill over. "I had things to deal with, that didn't allow me to be privy to your every whim."

Angry tears filled Hermione's eyes as she jerked her chin from Severus' fingers jerkily. "I apologize professor, I forgot that you weren't available to any 'whims' I may have. Forgive me, it won't happen again." Hermione turned on her heel and moved to leave the room, making it all the way to the door before Severus' voice called him back.

Severus watched as Hermione froze, her shoulders tense and her head tipped up slightly, keeping the tears in her eyes at bay. He took a deep breath and pinched the end of his nose. "I'm sorry, that was uncalled for." He walked towards her slowly, as though she were a wild animal poised for an attack. When he was close enough, he gripped her arm and pulled her into his chest just as a hiccoughing sob broke from her throat. It was like a dam had been broken, and soon he had an armful of hysterical girl clutching his coat. He didn't know how long they stood like that, Hermione crying herself into silence, and him simply breathing in the familiar scent of her body. It reminded him of summer days spent on the grounds of Hogwarts, the jasmine that his mother grew in her window garden for years before his father forced her to stop. It reminded him of safety, and strength, but most of all it reminded him of home. Reminded him that he belonged somewhere, to someone. He became aware of Hermione staring at him as soon as he became aware of the silent room. His eyes automatically focused back on her, and noticed the obvious signs of fatigue on her face. Blackish-purple circle sat in sharp contrast under her dull brown eyes, along with pink cheeks and chapped lips.

"When was the last time you slept?" He asked softly.

"Last night," Hermione croaked out, her throat sore from crying.

"A full night sleep, more than a few hours?" Severus prodded.

"The night you went to the house," Hermione admitted, feeling slightly foolish.

Severus looked at her reproachfully, but sighed and led her through the room towards his bedroom. "You worry too much, Hermione. I am sorry for making you fret needlessly."

Hermione gave him a smile that was nearly blinding in its beauty, only slightly dimmed by the exhaustion on her face. Her tongue came out to lick her lower lip, moistening it like smiling had hurt her lips. He leaned forward and closed the short distance between them. Kissing her again felt like flying for the first time. He groaned when she opened underneath him immediately, granting him access to her mouth. This kiss was so different from the one Nott had bestowed upon him; her scent surrounded him and her taste burst across her tongue. It tasted like peppermint tea and something solely Hermione. He deepened the kiss, reveling in her moan as he pressed her back towards the bed. They broke apart only long enough for her to lie back on the bed.

Hermione quickly stripped her shirt off, and reached to pull his over his head as he shucked his overcoat. Pants followed close behind the shirts, underwear and socks joined the pile as well until they were pressed skin on skin. Severus understood what Nott had been saying before, Hermione's curves molded to his body. Soft where he was hard, firm but unjaded. Severus' fingers slipped into her brown hair to keep her head in place while he ravished her mouth with lips and tongue. The silken strands slid through his fingers, reminding him how much he loved her hair. It had been bushy in her younger years, but had since softened out into waves. When breathing became necessary he skimmed his mouth from hers, kissed down her jaw, and into her neck. Here the scent of vanilla and jasmine was even stronger, the smell of it almost intoxicating. Heady in the best sense of the word, making him light headed with it.

Hermione felt like a livewire had been stuck under her skin, wherever Severus' lips pressed, goose bumps shot up creating a tingling sensation that made her writhe. When his mouth closed around her left nipple, her back arched off the bed as her hand came up to hold him in place. Once her left nipple had puckered to the point of pain, he moved his mouth to the other, lavishing the same attention there. Anticipation burned in her groin has his mouth left her breasts and trailed towards where she was wet and waiting. She spread her legs wider to accommodate his shoulders and couldn't feel ashamed when he gave a chuckle at her eagerness. Feather-light kisses were pressed around her sex, on her thighs, above her pubic bone, everywhere but the one place she ached for his mouth. It was torture; he was doing it on purpose.

Severus spread Hermione's lips with his thumbs and stared at the slickened area flushed a rosy color with arousal. He flicked his tongue out and barely touched her clit, pulling his head back slightly when the expected bucking of her hips tried to get more friction. When Hermione's hips settled, he reapplied his tongue in light lick, barely there touches that enflamed more than satisfied. He smirked as Hermione whimpered and thrust her hips up seeking more contact. He continued with teasing until there was a sizeable puddle from Hermione's arousal on the sheets, and she had been reduced to a quivering, panting mess. Only then did he seal his mouth over her clit and suck in quick movements as his tongue danced across her clit. Hermione went rigid, then, like a rubber band snapping, she spasmed and her nails dug into his arm where it pinned her hips to the bed. He eased her through the aftershocks of her orgasm until she was pushing his head away from overstimulation.

Hermione blinked open bleary eyes and looked up into the face of her mate. The look in his eyes could only be described as lust on fire. Want, need, and hunger were so apparent in his gaze that she momentarily forgot to breathe. She felt the blunt nudge of his head at her entrance and she wrapped her legs around his hips automatically. A shared moan echoed around the room as Severus slid to the root and stilled to adjust. It had been too long since their last time, too long since they had last been connected like this. All heat and sweat mixed with the buzz of pleasure just out of their reach. Severus began moving his hips, a slow, glorious slide as he thrust in and out; her walls still pulsed randomly in the aftershocks of her climax. Severus kept up a slow pace, as though they had all the time in the world, slowly building tempo until he was withdrawing almost completely only to shove back in. Eventually Severus' hips stuttered and lost their rhythm as his own release swirled up and down his spine, he gripped Hermione's leg and placed one on his shoulder. The change in angle caused Hermione to cry out as he barely rubbed her clit on every forward thrust.

Severus felt Hermione's walls tighten around his length as it slid in and out of her entrance; he looked down to watch himself disappear into her body. He lifted his hand from her thigh and pressed against her clit, shoving her over the cliff into release. Her shout of his name as well as her spasming walls caused him to tip over after his own release. His hips stuttered and slowed until he was shallowing thrusting, making his climax last longer. He gently lowered Hermione leg so that she could wrap it around his hips again then collapsed on his side to catch his breath. A quick silent spell later and they were both clean from sweat, he pulled Hermione into his arms waiting until she pillowed her head on his chest before he ran his hands through her hair.

"Hermione, I have a question to ask you. It's why I've been so distant; I was unsure how you would respond. I was scared." Severus paused trying to think of how best to continue with a soft snore cut off any more thought. He looked down to see Hermione's eyes shut. She was fast asleep.

XXxxXXXxxXXXxxxxXXXxxxXXXxxxXXX

Hermione blinked her eyes open to a dark room and a soft snoring sound coming from behind her left ear. A grin flittered across her face as Severus breath tickled her cheek, making a little grunting sound on every other exhale. She shifted away from the slumbering man's arms as her bladder made its fullness known. The trek to the bathroom was painful as she stubbed her toe on the edge of the bed, and then again on the door frame to the bathroom. A small squeak escaped her when she lit the lights in the bathroom and was momentarily blinded, resulting in another grunt of pain as her knee found the edge of the door as she closed it behind her. Once her bladder was empty, she tried to quietly leave the bathroom and return to the bed.

"You are as quiet as a blind, drunk, giant," A gruff voice said from the bed, startling her.

"Ahhhh!" Hermione screamed before her brain registered that it was only Severus. She could feel the bed shaking as she went to sit down and could hear the snorts of laughter the man unsuccessfully tried to stifle. Hermione retaliated with a pillow to his face, smirking in the dark when Severus' laughter turned to a grunt. "Shut it you." She slid under the covers and cuddled up to the warm body next to her, falling asleep between a breath and the next.

OoooOoooOoooOoooO

The next time she awoke it was to Severus standing over her, his wet hair dripping onto her warm body. "Are you planning the sleep the day away or were you going to emerge from the bed sometime?" Severus asked sardonically as he moved away from her.

Hermione scowled as his retreating back, but couldn't help but admire the shifting muscles in his back as he strode to the wardrobe to get dressed. "You have all the pleasantness in the morning that Ronald does and none of the positives." She snarked at him as she entered the bathroom, she didn't think about her words until she exited the bathroom and found Severus glaring at the door. "What'd the door do you to?" She inquired.

Severus' eyes met hers for a moment before he turned on his heel and walked briskly for the door. Hermione called out before he could open it however, and she saw his back go rigid. "What's the matter?"

"Nothing," Severus growled, moving to open the door again.

"Ballocks. You were fine before I went into the loo, and I come out to you looking at it as though you could set it aflame by will alone. Is this about what I said about Ron? I—"

"I am well aware that Mister Weasley is closer to your age, and a mite—" Severus paused as though searching for the word. "More attractive in certain ways, but being confronted with my failings first thing in the morning is not anything anyone would appreciate." Hermione shivered at the coldness in her mate's voice and it took a moment for her brain to register his words.

"Your—your failings? What? Is that what you think? I only meant—"

"I know perfectly well what you meant," Severus snapped as he whirled around to face her. "Would you like so much to go back to Weasley? Be the good housewife he expects you to be and raise a horde of children?"

"Now wait just one damn minute!" Hermione shouted over him. "I never gave any indication that I wanted anyone other than you!"

"You implied—"

"I implied that I couldn't beat you over the head with a great large club like I could with Ronald, but perhaps that would be the best way to get you to listen to me! At least Ronald acts like he likes me other than when we were in bed!" Hermione accused. Instantly she wished she could recall the words as Severus froze, he opened his mouth, only to shut it again. There was a moment of silence as Hermione watched him turn and leave the room, slamming the door behind him with a bang.

Hermione growled in frustration and kicked the desk that stood to the left of her. The pieces exploded everywhere, aided slightly by the frizzle of magic that leaked out of her in her distress. She watched in horror as the desk flew apart and scattered across the room like they were nothing more than leaves in the wind. "Well fuck." She lifted her hand to fix the desk when an item caught her eye. Gingerly she stepped over the pieces of the now ruined desk, until she was standing over top of a drawer. Hermione picked the drawer up, and brushed aside the pieces of parchment and quills till she revealed a little blue box. The drawer fell to the ground as she thumbed the box open and saw what was inside.

OooOooOooOooOooO

Severus seethed as he stormed through the corridor on the way to Nott's chambers. He couldn't believe how infuriating the witch was. Actually, he could. She had always been infuriating but this put the icing on the entire cake. Portraits whispered as he stomped past but were quick to cease with one glare in their direction. Nott's chamber door came into view, he didn't stop before pushing the door open, and trudging inside.

Only to find Nott decidedly not alone and decidedly indisposed. His eyes were fixed on the image on Nott's ass pumping into his mate's body before his brain informed him he should turn around. The high pitch screech that followed his entrance made him wince, as did the sound of flesh hitting flesh.

"What the bloody hell woman?" Nott yelped angrily.

"Ah—sorry," Severus said, not turning around.

"Doesn't anybody know how to knock anymore?" Nott growled out, a whisper of fabric indicted that Luna was now covered and when Severus checked, the pair had both covered their nudeness. Nott looked furious while Luna was doing a fairly good impression of tomato while giving him a look that promised death. "Can I help you Severus? It's not often I get the privilege to experience coitus interruptis."

"Hermione—" Severus paused unsure of how to proceed. His silence was apparently taken as a question.

"—is not currently here."

Severus shot him a scathing look and replied blithely, "Oh Merlin, how observant of you. Thank you for assuring me you weren't having a threesome involving my mate."

Nott gave him a trying look before glancing forlornly at Luna. "I'm sorry love; we'll have to finish this later. My libido was just killed by an overgrown bat." Luna nodded understandingly but gave Severus a pointed look. She wrapped the sheets around herself and disappeared into the bathroom leaving a naked Nott and an uncertain Severus behind. Nott looked mournfully at his wilted erection before standing to pull on his clothing.

"Sex in the morning Nott? Really? Are you a teenager?" Severus teased, breaking the silence. Nott snorted in response.

"You do know that your equipment works at all times of the day correct? Not just when the sun goes down. At least mine does, perhaps you need a spell." Nott's teasing got him a rude hand gesture and a scowl. "Now, what have you done this time?"

"Why do you always assume—"

"Severus, you're my best mate and I love ya like a brother but you're dumb as a troll when it comes to your mate."

Severus grumbled slightly but answered, "I think Hermione wants to go back to Mister Weasley."

Nott and Severus looked at each other for a few moments before Nott burst out laughing. He laughed until he curled in on himself and fell back on the bed. Severus endured the other man's laughter for a few moments longer before growling, "I am so pleased that my mate's displeasure gives you so much joy. What a great fellow you are."

Nott's laughter subsided slowly, and he sat up wiping tears out of his eyes. "I am sorry, but that was quite funny. What makes you think that she would like the freckle-faced twit?"

"Theodore Nott! That is one of my friends you are talking about and you would do well to remember it," Luna scolded as she came out of the bathroom, showered and fully dressed. Severus smirked as Nott ducked his head and apologized. Luna gave him a kiss, bade the both good bye, and then left the room to go to breakfast.

"You are so whipped," Severus observed, earning a dirty look from his friend.

"You're just jealous because you're in the doghouse," Nott shot back. "Anyhow, why do you think she wants the—boy?"

"She made a comment this morning that implied she was unsatisfied with me."

Nott searched his face for a moment before speaking. "What were her words exactly?"

"'You have all the pleasantness that Ronald has with none of the positives.'"

"—And you took that to mean she wanted do bone his rockin' bod?"

Severus' face twisted in disgust. "You spend too much time around Toby."

"Did you let her explain what she actually meant? Or did you just storm away like a child denied his favorite toy?"

"She explained."

"And did she actually mean that she wanted to go back to him?"

"No but—"

"So you jumped to conclusions and decided to come here and interrupt my morning shag."

"She said that I don't show her any attention outside of the bed," Severus commented, ignoring Nott's observation entirely.

"When was the last time you two went flying?"

"A little over a month."

"Every time you've seen each other, have you ended up in bed?"

"Or rowing," Severus agreed.

"So your last flight together was a month ago, and you either fight or fuck, am I getting that correctly?" Severus nodded slowly. "Well no wonder she thinks that. For Merlin's sake Severus! You can't just bed the girl and expect her to be happy. You're in a relationship! She's for mate for crying out loud, if I were your mate I'd be seeking lovin' from someone else too."

"I've been busy!" Severus argued. "The problems with the bat house, and the fight between Toby and Austin—"

"—Is not as important as the bond between you and your mate. You two need each other. To live, to survive, and to be healthy. Look at yourself Severus! You've lost weight and you have such deep shadows under your eyes it looks like Potter broke your nose again."

Severus glowered at his oldest friend. "It's from stress."

"No, it's from you having your head up your arse. Go find Hermione, go for a fly, go see the batletts. For the love of all that's good in the world, try to keep yourselves out of bed. Show her you care." Nott said, exasperation and chastisement clear in his voice. He made little shooing motion with his hands until Severus rolled his eyes and left the room.

"It's too damn early in the morning to deal with this." Nott grumbled as he gathered up the sheet from the end of the bed. The scent of his mate's arousal made his penis twitch and begin to harden. "A perfectly good erection, gone to waste," He walked into the bathroom muttering to himself and resigned his fate to a cold shower.

OooOooOooOooOooOooO

Hermione was sitting on Severus bed when he walked back into the room, looking less angry and more relaxed than he had before he stormed off. The calm exterior disappeared however upon taking in the sight of her and his room. His desk was still lying in pieces with parchment and quills, with her sitting on his bed holding the ring box. She watched his eyes flick around the room, before resting on her. When she placed the box on the bed next to her, his eyes flew to it and what little color he had, disappeared.

"I'm sorry, I wasn't snooping. I just—lost my temper and found it," Hermione spoke, breaking the silence with a soft apology. Severus was still frozen in the doorway, so she sighed and got up from the bed. With a quick flick of her hand, the desk and room was returned to their previous states. She moved towards the door, determinedly refusing to blink and let unshed tears fall. Her progress was halted however, when a gentle hand grabbed her arm. Hermione stood still, not meeting Severus' eyes until a finger touched her chin gently.

Severus was staring at her when her eyes met his, and she opened her mouth to speak when he cut her off. "I am not yet used to dealing with certain—emotions," Severus confessed with a wince. "I should not have accused you of unfaithfulness however."

"I shouldn't have said you only wanted to shag me and that was it," Hermione agreed, giving him a small watery smile.

"In that respect, I can understand why you believed that to be the case. However, you mean more to me than anyone ever has."

"Except—"

"Including Lily, Hermione," Severus said firmly. At her disbelieving look, he let out a sigh and led her to the bed. "Lily was my best friend, had been since we were young, you know that. But from the time we were sorted into different houses, to the time that I made the mistake of pushing her away, it was a hopeless crush and a sense of familiarity. She means—so much to me, meant so much to me. She was a bright spot in an otherwise shit childhood but never once did I consider about mating with her." Severus admitted softly.

"You didn't really choose me either," Hermione pointed out.

"I did." Severus debated, at her skeptical look he chuckled. "Hermione, if it was just a matter of a willing witch, Leighanna would have been my mate long before you were even born." When Hermione's face darkened he hastened to continue. "It wasn't just a matter of being willing, which you certainly weren't." He gave her a pointed look. "However, I watched you grow from an annoying 11 year old, to the witch who fought in a battle that a child should not have had to fight. When I saw you that night, I didn't see a student. I didn't see the child who so drove me mad through her school years. I saw a woman, a witch, fighting against evil with all that she had, and determinedly choosing not to give up. You faced down a werewolf, who had already done much to you, and refused to be cowed. You saw me, and laid your wand down, despite what I had done to Dumbledore. In that moment, I saw a woman that was brave, smart, courageous, and a million other adjectives. I wanted that woman for a mate, because she was everything good and kind. I wanted you, even though you kicked your feet, and fought me at every turn. So please, lay aside the belief that I was forced due to Greyback's actions. I chose, he pushed my hand quite a bit, but I still chose."

Silence greeted his words, and he tried not to fidget as Hermione sat next to him, her eyes on her lap. Just as he opened his mouth to say something more, Hermione moved and wrapped him in a hug. A vice loosened around his chest as he wrapped his arms around her back and held his mate. Letting the calming smell of home and safereached his nose. He buried his nose in her neck, and felt her shiver against him. A new scent filled his nose, the scent of an aroused mate, and his body responded eagerly. He pulled back to kiss her, when Nott's words came back to him and his arousal was snuffed out like a flame.

"Let's go for a fly," Severus said, causing Hermione to pause in her attempts to get her hands under his shirt.

"Now?" Hermione questioned.

"Yes, right now. We could go see how the others are doing," Severus replied.

"Uhm, okay."

"Go get dressed in fresh clothes, and meet me in the entrance hall in an hour." Severus watched her leave, then turned back to the box that was still lying on the bed. He picked it up and put it in his pocket, before moving off to send an owl to Toby.

OooOooOooOooOooO

Hermione stood on the grounds of Hogwarts with her wings stretched, the feeling of the wind trying to take her away made her dig her nails into the ground, but her eyes were closed in pleasure. A call from above her made her open her eyes and look up to see three bats coming towards her. She sent back a chitter to her mate and inwardly smiled as the black bat soared down to land next to her. He spread his wings in a display that was purely male bat used to impress a mate. Hermione sent back another chitter as Nott and Luna came to rest next to the two. Luna matched Nott in most ways, but her feathers were tipped with blonde like her hair, while Nott's were brown all the way through. Severus chittered to the three of them and then took off again, waiting till they followed before heading for the bat sanctuary Severus had made.

The flight was lengthy, and by the time Hermione landed her arms ached slightly. Nott and Severus landed and transformed with their usual grace while Hermione and Luna were a bit more clumsy. Luna ended up knocking into Severus half-way through her transformation, and Hermione, while trying transform so that her feet hit the ground, ended up overshooting and slamming into the side of the house.

"Ow," Hermione moaned once her body fully shifted and protested from the rough treatment.

"I'm so sorry Professor, let me help you up," Luna apologized, trying to help Severus up who was still on the ground grasping his groin. "Oh dear, I am sorry. My knee slipped, and—"

"It's alright Miss Lovegood," Severus gasped out, sounding a bit hoarse.

"We'll work on the landing a bit," Nott said through his tears of laughter, he was bent double trying to stay on his feet while his shoulders shook with mirth.

"It's not funny Nott," Hermione scolded, though she also wore a smile. "Do you need some ice?" She asked Severus.

"Perhaps you should kiss it and make it better," Nott offered.

"Shut up Nott!" Hermione and Severus said at the same time. "Nott, go tell everyone we're here." Severus told Nott, as he slowly got to his feet, wincing when the muscles in his groin pulled.

"Professor, I really am sorry," Luna said, looking uncertain and keeping her eyes away from Severus.

"You are not the first witch to knock me over, Miss Lovegood, and I do so doubt you'll be the last," Severus reassured her, nodding at her firmly when she met his eyes. Luna smiled at him and disappeared into the house behind Nott.

Hermione walked closer to Severus, "Are you okay?"

"My testicles hurt," Severus said, managing to sound annoyed and petulant at the same time making Hermione bite her lip to keep from smiling.

"Do you want me to kiss them?" Hermione teased with a wink.

Severus growled and pulled her into his arms to seize her lips in a fierce kiss. Their tongues tangled together and chased each other, only separating when oxygen became dire. "You are such a tease, witch."

"You like it," Hermione whispered against his mouth, panting slightly.

"Merlin save me, come, I have a surprise." Severus urged, gently taking her hand and leading her into the house. Hermione looked around, smiling warmly at the people they came across as they walked towards the living room where the majority of the people were gathered. There were at least forty people milling around the room, some she knew and some she didn't, but each of them apparently were part of the pack if the sense of companionship of the room was anything to go by.

"Who are all these people?" Hermione asked in a low voice, looking at all the unfamiliar faces.

"People who have come from other places, those that were following Leighanna, and others that came simply because they were tired of not belonging," Severus answered in an equally low tone.

"I didn't realize there were so many."

"A lot of them went into hiding when Voldemort started taking over, bats are very useful to have in a battle you see, they can fly and many can transform with ease. Very useful to someone who wants to fight and kill a lot of people in a short amount of time." Severus explained turning away as a young boy approached. Hermione studied him and though he looked no more than 17 or 18. "Austin, hello."

"Hey Severus, so this is your illusive mate?" The boy—Austin—asked.

"That's me," Hermione said stiffly, feeling slightly off-footed at the way Austin looked at her.

"She seems a lot different than Leighanna, not as—blessed, if you know what I mean."

Hermione opened her mouth angrily but Severus intervened, "You will treat her with the respect she deserves Austin, or you can get out."

Austin stared at Severus incrediously, "Yeah because I'm sure T—"

"I am the leader and alpha of this pack Austin, and you would do well to remember it," Severus said loudly, causing the chatter to die across the room. Austin glared at Severus for a moment before lowering his eyes and whispering "yes sir". He said a quick mumbled apology to Hermione before disappearing into the crowd. Severus raised an eyebrow at the people and they got the hit and resumed their conversations.

"Don't know why you let that little toe-rag join us, Severus," Nott grumbled from behind them.

"Because Nott, he's just a child—"

"He's 18—"

"He's still a child in comparison to our lifespan, he needs guidance," Severus explained calmly.

"He needs a firm spanking. Maybe with a belt," Nott observed.

"Kinky," Another voice said causing them to look around. A man was standing before them holding a mug of butterbeer and looking between Severus and Hermione.

"Stephon, you look well," Severus said, causing the man to tip his head in acknowledgement.

"Yes, your potions did wonders for me," The other man replied. He caught sight of Hermione confused look and spoke again. "I was born a bat, however, I had an unfortunate run in with a werewolf, and so now I'm both, only—not." Hermione froze for a moment, fear making her stomach clench painfully as the memory of the last werewolf she encountered sprung up in her mind. The keen sense of smell werewolf's possess must have alerted Stephon to the fear radiating off her. "Ah shucks sugar, no reason to be afraid. I've got the form of a werewolf but the temperament of a bat. I'm as cuddly as a pup," Stephon said, an unfamiliar accent coating his words thickly. "I won't bite, hell, I'm more likely to hump your leg."

That startled a laugh out of Hermione, causing the tension to lift in the room, and Severus to relax next to her. "Your accent is very unique, where are you from?"

Severus stiffened next to her, and she glanced at him in question as Stephon started speaking, "I was born in America, didn't come over here to Britain till I followed a friend. I reckon you haven't had the opportunity to meet him, but Georgia's where I hail from." Hermione smiled despite herself, the accent and overall friendliness of the man putting her at ease. Severus must have felt the same way, because she felt his muscles relax slightly too. "Now what's this big announcement ya'll said was so important?"

Nott kicked Severus in the calf causing him to wince, before calling over the din in the room, "Hey, listen up everyone!" The noise in the room quickly ceased as everyone turned to face the trio now standing at the front of the room. Stephon stepped back, and joined the rest looking at Severus. Nott kicked Severus in the calf again, causing him to startle slightly and glare at his friend, and then he turned to Hermione who was watching the two of them with confusion on her face. Severus gripped Hermione's hand and stared at her face, watching fear and confusion battle with each other, until he couldn't bear it anymore.

"Iwantoaskyoutobemywife." Severus spat out, causing Hermione to jump slightly at the barrage of words. Nott snorted behind the two of them and tried to look innocent when Severus sent a glare over his shoulder. He took a deep breath and spoke more clearly, "Hermione, I love you," he slipped his hand into his pocket and pulled out the blue box. Hermione gaped at him as he opened it and showed her. "Please, marry me?" There was total silence in the room, all waiting for Hermione to answer.

"Yes, of course," Hermione whispered, it wouldn't have been audible if there were any other people but bats in the room. The room was suddenly filled with cheers and whistles as Severus fumbled to get the ring out of the box. His nervous hands caused the box to slip and fall, and everyone watched in silence as the ring popped out and rolled across the floor; before falling into the heating shaft that lay in the old house. Hermione stared in horror as the ring disappeared, making a little 'tink' noise as it fell. Nott and Severus looked like they'd been clubbed, while the rest of the room held its breath.

"Sweet baby Jesus," Stephon said, breaking the silence.