To Where Shadows Dwell And Angels Cry

by Marisa Raven

Now back up and being updated, severus and hermione have bigger problems when serrento give them an ultimatum

3. Spoken truths and patience isn' my virtu

Ginny sat at a table in the vast Godric's Hollow home she shared with Harry. She gave the owl on the back of her chair a owl treat before opening the letter that had been delivered to her. She read it and started to laugh, but she read it again to make sure she had read it right. She quickly wrote a reply and gave it to the owl just as harry was walking in, "What's so funny love?" has asked as the owl flew out of the window, returning to Hogwarts.

"A letter from Moine. It seems that Snape is finally driving her crazy."

Harry laughed, "I knew it was just a matter of time before he drove her off of the deep end."

Ginny just smiled, If only you knew, love, if only you knew she thought.
***

Severus quickly walked down the halls to the library, He saw the 'closed for cleaning' sign. Right then, he thought, She'll be in her chambers. her walked down the hall to the side hall behind the tapestry. He knocked on the doors and waited. The door opened and Hermoine smiled when she saw who it was. "Hello Professor Snape," She said

"Hello Miss Granger," He said giving her a smile, thankful she wasn't in a towel.

"I'm sorry about the library, I would have told you but I kept getting errands to run and couldn't get to you," She smiled and opened the door all of the way, "Do come in,"

Severus stepped inside her chambers and heard the door click behind him. He looked around and saw a book collection that almost rivaled his own, "My dear didn't you know reading is so unladylike?"

"Who ever said I was a lady?" her voice was seductive and he turned to scowl at her, "Shall we Floo from here?" she asked returning to the innocent Hermoine.

"Yes that's fine," He replied as they walked over to the fireplace, Hermoine opened a small jar on the mantle and tossed a bit of the floo powder in, "Diagon alley," they said together before stepping into the fireplace.
***

Diagon alley was bustling as always, Hermoine hooked her arm around Severus' elbow as they walked past Gringotts and towards Knockturn alley, "Severus?"

"Yes Hermoine?" He relied in a warm and rich tone that made Her a little weak in the knees

"Where are we going?" She asked, looking at him.

"Archimedes Apothecary, I need to pick up more wolfsbane." He said as they stopped in front of a small storefront

He held the door open for her as she walked in first, Ivory watched from his counter and got up when she entered, "Ah Good afternoon to ya miss, how can I help ya?"

"I'm actually with someone and just shopping with him," She smiled at Ivory, as Severus walked inside.

"Ah, Mister Snape, What can I do for you today?" Ivory beamed t Severus, "We're having a special, 15% off of the entire purchase price,"

"Ivory, you're just doing that because I am one of you best customers," The little man agreed with Severus, then Severus continued, "I need that list of things I owled to you the other day and four kilos of wolfsbane,"

"Are you sure you don't need anything miss?"

Hermoine shook her head. "I don't have time for potions anymore with my new job, but thank you for asking,"

"Where do you work lass?" Ivory asked as he bustled behind the counter.

"I am assistant librarian at Hogwarts," She smiled at the man, "But I do get to read some of the rarest books on potions,"

"Ivory, This is Hermoine, the one I told you made the Polyjuice potion in her second year," Severus said as the man piled packages onto the counter.

"I thought you might be, Severus has told me some wonderful things about his best potions student,"
She shot Severus a look as he paid for the items, after they said goodbye to Ivory and were back on street, she asked him a question, "What did you tell him about me?"

"That your brilliance is rivaled only by mine and you were one of my best students despite the fact you hung out with Potter and Weasely," She scowled at him, but ended up laughing. They looked at various shops for about an hour,

The stopped into the stationary shop where Hermoine picked up more parchments and scrolls as well as a few new bottles of ink, "I'm hungry. Want an Ice cream?" Hermoine asked as the headed for the ice cream shop.

They sat outside Florean Fortescue's at a secluded table, Severus shrunk his packages and was about to put them in his robe when his hand brushed across the other packages already in there, "What the?" he pulled out his hand six tiny packages sat on his palm. "I forgot about these."

"What are they?" Hermoine asked as he returned them to regular size.

"Birthday presents, Albus gave them to me today" he said, "Should I open them or burn them?"

"Severus Snape you will open those presents and not burn them," Hermoine managed to keep her voice to a low whisper, but Severus could have sworn she sounded like a snake hissing at him.

"Yes ma'am," he said returned them to their original size and set them on the table, Hermoine leaned forward and looked at them: she could see that they were from, Albus, Minerva, Flitwick, Hagrid, Rolanda and the last was from Irma and Poppy.

"Open the one from Irma and Poppy first," Hermoine said, she was eager to know what they presents were, Severus obliged and opened that one first, inside was a wand case carved from jade in the shape of a serpent, "Oh my, isn't that a bit extravagant?"
Hermoine said.

"I haven't accepted birthday presents for Gods know how many years, this is to make up for them I guess," he couldn't help but smile, He opened the one from Rolanda next. It was a picture; she had snook into the one of his classes and took a picture of him looming over Neville Longbottom, it was from their seventh year just before he left for the last Deatheaters meeting. "I didn't think she actually kept this one..."

Hermoine didn't remember Rolanda ever taking it, "I don't remember when that was taken,"

"You weren't in class you were helping Albus and Flitwick that day with protection charms and wards," She remembered that day well, "Well let's open the one from?"

"Hagrid?" She asked tentatively he reached for that package, "I hope it isn't treacle," she muttered, Severus gave another hearty laugh, that made Hermoine shudder with pleasure. He opened the one from Hagrid: It was a silvery object about five inches long along with a note:

Professor Snape,

this here is a piece of unicorn horn from a none too bright stallion who got his horn snapped when he ran into a tree, I've got no use for it but I thought with you savin' us an all you should have it.

Rubeus Hagrid

"That's very kind of him," Hermoine said as Severus handed her the small box with the horn piece in it, the horn glittered and sparkled when the sunlight hit it. "It's very beautiful" she said after she set the box down.

Severus picked up the one from Flitwick next, "I wonder what's in here?" he said it in a half taunting tone, knowing that Hermoine wanted to know what was in the packages as much as he did, though Severus would never show it. Flitwick's gift was a charmed cloak clasp in the shape of a serpent, it hissed and wiggled. Hermoine laughed as Severus put it the box with a sour look on his face, "It's not that funny, I don't want it to bite me while I'm wearing it,"

"Maybe you should try a freezing spell on it," She gave him her most innocent smile, she heard him muttering the spell when he was leaving her hall way that morning, and it doesn't take a genius to know what he did.

He scowled and picked up Minerva's present, it was a Potions journal with dark green leather with a silver binding, "I pleasant surprise from Minerva," he picked up Albus' gift. "Please let it not be lemon drops," He said

"just open it Severus," Hermoine said, He sighed and began to unwrap his last present, It was a quill set, three quills: an eagle, hippogriff, and gryphon. There was also a bag of Lemon drops, Hermoine giggled, "He's never going to give up."

"No, he isn't," Severus heard the clock above the Gringotts toll four, "They'll be wondering where we are, shall we go back?"

"I suppose," Hermoine sighed, she really didn't want to go back but she knew she had too eventually...
***

They ended up flooing into Severus' chambers, which didn't bother Hermoine, "Thank you, Severus,"

"I should write thank you's for these gifts," he asked, Putting his packages down by his desk he would organize them later. "Thank me for what Hermoine?"

"Taking me with you," she replied, "I enjoyed it." She turned around and set a fire in the fireplace. She heard Severus give a groan and she turned back around, He had slumped to the floor and was clutching his sides, "Severus!"
***

Severus felt the shooting phantom cruciatus pains racing through his body, he could do nothing about them, but curl up into a ball. It had been nearly a three weeks since he felt the pains and he wondered if this was the result of not feeling them for so long. He clamped his eyes shut and gritted his teeth, these were the worst yet... and there would be more to come.

Hermoine raced to Severus' side, his whole body was locked into a fetal position from the pain. "Mobilicorpus," Severus rose in to the air and hovered there for a minute she directed his body to a shut door, she opened it and saw a magnificent four post bed, she managed to maneuver him onto the bed. She had heard something from Albus about the phantom pains but didn't think he still suffered from them.

She climbed unto the bed with him and put her cool hand on his cheek, "Severus?" she brushed her hands across his face. She hoped this would end soon, they had too end soon, she couldn't bear to see anyone she cared about in pain...

It hit her. She cared about him, More so than she originally thought, "Severus? Come on fight it, I can't bear to see you this way..."
***

Severus knew Hermoine had moved him, and felt her cool hands on his cheek. The pains were going in waves, the moment they started to ease up a little they came back at full force. all he could do was listen to Hermoine's sweet voice. He didn't want her to see him this was; in pain, not able to do anything. He felt a tear rolling down his face.

Severus tried to fight the pains, with little success, they were weakening, but how long had he been this way? Seconds? Minutes? Hours? He slowly felt his body relax.

Hermoine watched his body relax and cradled his limp head in her lap, "Severus?" His eyelids fluttered as he wavered in and out of consciousness, she wiped the tear from his cheek then wiped her own away, "I love you Severus," But he couldn't hear her he had slipped into unconsciousness.

Hermoine made sure he was breathing before she got up from the bed, She had been there for nearly an hour, she had to go get Poppy.
****

Poppy Pomfrey was organizing the medical potions and then heading for the great hall for dinner when Hermoine came running in. She saw the distraught woman and rushed to her, "What's the matter Hermoine?"

"It's Severus," She was trying to hold back her tears, "It's that side affect from the cruciatus, the phantom pains?" Poppy nodded as she tried to comfort her.

"Is he still having them?" Poppy asked her when she stopped her sobbing.

"He's sleeping now, it started almost an hour ago when we came back from Diagon alley," She blushed when she told poppy this, "He had said something about writing thank you's for his birthday presents and then a little after that he collapsed,"

"Oh dear," Poppy replied, "If he's sleeping now that will be fine, he always does that after the pain leaves, he's exhausted by them. Come with me to dinner get something to eat, he'll be okay for a few minutes without you there,"

Hermoine sniffled and nodded. She walked with Poppy down to the great hall and through the small door behind the high table. Poppy told Minerva what happened, and she gave Hermoine a concerned look.

Hermoine picked at a bit of her dinner only taking a couple of bites, she was filled with worry for Severus. "Excuse me," she got up from the table halfway through dinner and slid out the back entrance to the hall, and went to the kitchen to pick up something for Severus to eat when he woke up; chicken soup and some fruit, sandwiches, and a few pastries . The house elves wrapped these for her and she went up too her chambers to floo to his room as she didn't know the password.
***

Severus jerked and opened his eyes, he was on his bed. "Hermoine?" his voice barely above a whisper "Hermoine?" this time a little louder. Severus didn't even bother moving, he was too weak too.

Hermoine was just stepping through Severus' fireplace, "Hermoine? Where did you go?" He's awake!? she rushed into his bedroom.

"Severus? I'm right here. Are you all right?" she set the wrapped dinner down on the night stand and climber unto the bed with him, "I was so worried,"

Severus gave her a weak smile, "I'm sorry you had to see that,"
he said, taking deep ragged breaths as if he were about to cry, "I'm so sorry..." He tried to sit up and did with Hermoine's help. He tried to say something else but she put her fingers to his lips.

"Shhh," She said giving him a smile, "I brought you dinner,"

"What time is it?" he asked feeling suddenly more alert.

"Nearly seven," She looked at him and smiled again, her eyes were red from crying. "Poppy said that if you were sleeping that I should try and eat something, didn't happen."

"You've been crying?" she nodded, he caressed her cheek with his hand and she leaned into it. "Not over me I hope," he said though he actually hoped that she had.

"Yes, you silly Slytherin," she sniffled again, "Are you hungry? I did bring some food for us," he nodded and stood up, he was a little shaky but managed to walk to the table in the living room.

Hermoine produced was amounted to a small feast from the wrapped package, they ate in relative silence for a few minutes. Hermoine watched Severus put away food as if he was going to face a famine. She found that after a few minutes he had stopped eating and was watching her, "Severus you're staring again,"

"I'm not staring, I watching, there is a difference, his sarcastic tone was getting the better of him, "Besides I like watching you, you're fascinating..."

"Why?" she asked putting down the apple she was eating.

"Because you're a Gryffindor in the lair of a Slytherin,"

"Are you saying I am prey?" She asked gazing over her apple into his eyes.

"I haven't decided yet," he said watching her scowling at him, "I'm supposed to scowl remember?"

She stuck her tongue out at him and continued to eat her apple, "You should be resting you know," She said, "You were in that for nearly an hour,"

"An hour?" he paled, "It's never been that long before..." he suddenly felt weak again.

Hermoine watched him stand up, she rushed to his side in case his legs gave out under him, she helped to his bed. He lay on the bed fully clothed with the exception of shoes, socks and robes. Hermoine sat next to the pile of pillows he was propped against. "Severus, is it always like that?"

"Yes, I have been put under that curse often enough for a long enough time that these pains happen every once in a while. They stopped a few weeks ago and I thought they were gone for good," He said musing at his own misgivings, he thought of how Hermoine got into his room, "Taimat,"

"What?" where did that come from she thought.

"It's the password for my chambers," he didn't want her to offer her s up, and hoped she wouldn't "I occurred to me that should this happen again and you need to get in you should know it,"

"Thank you," she leaned over and gave him a kiss on the cheek, "Severus? Did you ever want to know what you smelled like?" She thought she would ask him before she forgot.

"No, but now that you brought it up," he smiled, "Incendio," he lit a fire in the fireplace in his bedroom, "For your amusement,"

"You smell like the woods, of ceder and patchouli and oak moss," she smiled and began to play with the flames, turning on into a green and gold serpent the other into a silver and green one, "with a hint of potions and sulfur,"

"At least I don't smell like a dungeon," he chuckled, "You smell like amber today, why is that?"

"It's a solid perfume Muggles make, I bought some the last time I was in London," She snuggled against him and lay her head on his chest, "I hope this isn't uncomfortable for you,"

"No not at all," he said as he watched her playing with the flames.
***

She was getting drowsy. He played with a lock of her hair as her game slowly stopped and she lay dozing with her head on his chest, The last thing she remembered hearing was his steady heartbeat... Severus watched Hermoine sleep for nearly an hour before carefully sliding out for under her and picking her up. He put a pinch of floo in to the fire that still had the two serpents in it, "Hermoine Grangers Chambers" he said in a strong whisper.
***

He stepped into her chambers from the fire place and opened the door to her bedroom, carefully he balanced her in one arm as he pulled back the covers and lay her down on the bed. Crookshanks watched all of this from the other side of the bed, he made no noise nor did he move he just watched as Severus took off her shoes and pulled the covers over her, "Good night Hermoine," He kissed her forehead, "I love you," he turned and flooed back to his own chambers.

He changed into his own silk pajamas and crawled into bed, he watched the serpent flames die down as he drifted off to sleep.
*****
*****

Hermione opened her eyes as the clock struck five, she sat up and rubbed her eyes, she looked around, "Why am I in my room? Did Severus bring me Crookshanks?" the cat looked up and meowed, "I take that as a yes,"

She got up and realized that she was still dressed, she stretched and headed for the bathroom for a shower. As she showered she thought of Severus, was there anything she could do for him? For the Pains? She didn't know.

After she dressed for the day she headed for the library, Severus is probably sleeping she thought as she walked into the library, Madam Pince wasn't there but that was okay, she was there and it wasn't like there was anyone up this early. She went to the restricted area and scanned the shelves for a medical book she had seen there a few days ago, she found the large book and pulled it off of the shelf, she went to the large armchairs by the fireplace and curled herself into one after lighting a fire.

'Ars Magica Medice,' she opened the book it was in Latin, Hermione sighed, and summoned a quill and parchment. She was glad she had studied Latin for all those years. she scanned the book for potions that might hold a possible 'cure' she found a few possible ones after about and hour, but she was growing frustrated from the translation. She found one that mentioned 'ghosting pains' and copied that one too....
***

Severus made his was down the halls looking for any student that could be awake, he had awoken up at five and felt well enough to go find anyone to terrorize. it was now seven and nearly Breakfast, he made his was into the library thinking that no one would be there.

He made a small gasp as he saw the dozing form of Hermione in the chair in front of him she had notes scattered about her. He picked on of them up and looked at it, "Hermione," he said to himself, "Are you doing this for me?" he whispered, he sat and watched her for several minutes. She was so peaceful, he thought as he pulled the everlasting rose from his robe, and set it near her hand. He left the library with a swish of his robes. He wanted to kiss her but didn't want the moment ruined, by his need for a freezing spell.

Severus put on his best scowl as he left the library and went back to searching for students to take points away from them.
****

Hermione smiled as she sat at the High table the rose was sitting in from if her plate, She found it there when she woke up from her nap in the library.

Minerva and Poppy exchanged glances with each other as Hermione and Remus talked, "I don't know Remus, it was there when I woke up,"

"Do you have any ideas who it's from?" he asked in a quiet voice,

"Probably from a secret admirer," she replied, "It's quite a lovely flower too, an everlasting rose I would say, wouldn't you Remus?"

"Oh, definitely, It will only wither when the person who picked it stops loving the person they give it too,"

Severus didn't say a word throughout the entire conversation he just scowled. He was starting to get out of practice and thought it best.

"I didn't know that," Hermione said, and wondered who gave it to her, "I think I like not knowing who gave it to me, for now any ways." Remus agreed with her saying that it was a good idea to just wait until who ever gave it to her showed himself.
***

Cicely Rosewood sat in the library reading, she saw Hermione walking in, "Good morning Miss Granger,"

"Good morning Cicely," Hermione sat across from her, "How are you today?"

"I'm good, I was just reading up on potions," She said as she set her book down, "I like Potions, Did you?"

"Oh yes," Hermione said, "I was working on some notes that are for a potion I may try If Professor Snape allows me too,"

"He might if you're smart enough," Cicely replied smiling, "He's a really good professor if you can get past his scowling and yelling at the students all of the time."

Hermione laughed, Here was a first year who was going to do well, "I take it you don't want me telling any of your friends this?" The girl shook her head, "What about telling Professor Snape?"

Her eyes widened, "Oh, Please Miss Granger, Don't tell him," She was turning red from embarrassment, "He would probably take points away from me for that,"

"I'd give them right back, because he is a brilliant teacher if you can indeed get past the scowling and yelling." Hermione smiled at the girl who reminded her so much of herself when she was younger.

"I like you Miss Granger, I'm glad you're here," Cicely said finally smiling once the look of dread was erased from her face.

"I'm glad I know you, you're a very intelligent young lady, but you should also try and have some fun, don't study too much, okay?" Cicely smiled and nodded, she excused herself and picked up her books and notes and left with a smile on her face.

Cicely walked out of the library and stopped when she saw professor Snape heading her way, "Good morning Professor Snape," she said as the walked past each other.

"Good morning Miss Rosewood," Severus replied as he walked past her. Cicely walked as fast as she could back to Gryffindor tower, Professor Snape actually said 'Good morning' to her...

Severus made his way into the library, there were several students there talking but quickly stopped when the saw Snape's imposing figure walking towards them. He spotted Hermione towards the back of the library and walked over to her, "Miss Granger."

"Good Morning Severus," She smiled at him, luckily none of the students were around, "Are you feeling better today?"

"Yes, Thank you," He replied, "I meant to ask yesterday while we were out if you wanted to use a portion of the Potions class for your own studies?"

"I would love to thank you," She was giddy with excitement, "Did you take me back to my chambers last night?"

"Yes you fell asleep and I didn't think It was quite appropriate for me to leave you there," He replied, trying to find and easier way of saying: If I had left you there Not even a freezing spell would have stopped me,'

"I understand," She said smiling, "One of your students gave you a compliment today,"

"A compliment?" Severus had hardly ever gotten any compliments from his students in all the years he had been teaching.

"Miss Rosewood said you were a really Good teacher if you could get past the scowling and Yelling,"

"Hmmm," Severus mulled this over, "Twenty points to Gryffindor,"

"Giving points to Gryffindor?" She laughed, thankful none of the other students could hear there conversation.

"I actually came to ask if you could take this note to Rubeus me, I would myself but I have to start the Potion for Remus," He handed her a small dark green envelope, "I would also like to have you watch the preparing of the potion. it is an interesting process. it will be towards the afternoon." She smiled, it was one of pure happiness and what could have passed for love if Severus would realize it.

"I'll meet you there," she replied and watched him turn and scowl at the students as he walked out. She saw Irma and walked over to her, "Irma, i have to take this to Hagrid, I'll be back in a little bit, okay?"

"Of course dear," Irma was used to Having Hermione running errands for other professors, she enjoyed being by herself in the library but she wasn't as strong as she used to be, "Take your time."

Hermione thanked her and made her way down the halls. she took a deep breath of the warm air as she walked outside, she began her walk to Hagrid's. When she neared she could see thin wisps of smoke from the chimney, How many years had it been since she had been in there? she thought, Too long.
*****
*****

Hermione stood in front of Hagrid's door, she raised her hand and knocked. She waited patiently smiling as she remembered all of the times she, Harry and Ron had snook out of the castle to visit him. Her smile grew as the door opened, "Moine!" Hagrid's face bore an immense smile, "Do come in,"

Hagrid's hut was just as she remembered it though it seemed a little smaller, Hagrid closed the door and began to prepare a pot of tea. "I's been a great while since you was down 'ere, Moine." He watched her sit down at the tale in the center of the hut, "What brings you here?" He sat across from her and continued with what he had been doing before she knocked; peeling vegetables.

"Severus asked me to give this to you," she pulled the dark green envelope from a pocket in her robe, "I agreed, it's been a while since I've been in here,"

"Aye, more than a couple years," he took the envelope from her and opened it, a smile made it's way across his face. "Firs' time Severus has ever written thank you notes," he said smiling.

"He really did like the gift even if he had to be secretive bout giving thank you notes," she smiled, "It was a really lovely present you gave him Hagrid,"

"I had no use for the it, that unicorn isn't the brightest in the world no mind you, just yesterday he got his head stuck between two tree trunks," Hermione laughed, "But I'm just glad he didn't burn it."

"I told him he couldn't burn them," she blushed when Hagrid raised his bushy eyebrows at her. "I went with him to Diagon alley yesterday so he could get a few more potions ingredients he needed. He opened his gifts there,"

"Severus actually let you go along?" Hmmm, he always was a bit headstrong, maybe he just needed someone just as headstrong as him to get him to listen, he thought, That is a first. "How are Ron and Harry?"

"They're both Good, Ginny moved in with Harry a few months ago, and Ron's still traveling abroad as part of his Work."

"That's good, I hope everything is working well for you,"

"It is, I love my job and I can read anytime there's no one in the library..." She smiled as hagrid brought her a cup of tea, "Thank you," She looked around the hut and noticed a small gray lump on Hagrid's bed "Hagrid, what's that?"

"That's Cuddles," He got up and picked up the lump, it turned out to be a puppy, "Got him last week," he set the puppy in her lap, he looked like a miniature version of Fang, who happened to be sleeping beside the fire.

"He's absolutely adorable," The puppy whined a little when she picked him up, "look at the size of those feet he's going to be huge,"

Hagrid smiled as she held the puppy, "Glad to know all is right with yer, it's nearly lunch time shouldn't you be headed back to the library."

She frowned, "Irma is probably wondering where I ran off too," she stood up and handed the puppy back to Hagrid. "I'll come and visit again as soon as I can, and don't be afraid to spend time in the library if you have some free time," She gave him a warm smile.

"I will do that, Moine," He walked her the door and saw her out, "Take care o' yer self,"

He watched her walk off and smiled, she was a remarkable girl and was almost a daughter to him.
***

Hermione walked back up to the castle and walked to the main hall, there were a few students in there studying and a few playing Wizard's chess, she spotted Cicely playing a game with a seventh year Gryffindor, who was losing miserably.

"Hello Miss Rosewood," She sat down next to the first year, "Who's winning?"

"I am," Cicely replied, "Emma isn't even trying," Hermione watched for several minutes until Emma lost and walked away muttering that she'd never win against her.

"I told Professor Snape," She said quietly as Cicely was putting the game away. she stopped what she was doing and looked like she was going to cry.

"You told him?!" her lip quivered, "He took points away didn't he?"

"If you promise to never tell anyone I'll tell you," the girl nodded, "He gave Gryffindor points, twenty of them, You can't tell anyone, if you do I'll take the points away, okay?"

"Oh I promise," her eyes grew wide with amazement, "Does he think i am a rotten student?"

"As rotten as any Gryffindor, but you're advancing well above his expectations I bet." They both giggled. "I have to go but you just remember what I told you." the girl nodded and smiled as Hermione walked away.
***

Hermione walked down to the dungeons and walked to the potions classroom, Severus had his back to her as he stood at the shelves where he stored his ingredients. She walked in silently and stood a few feet behind him and watched him as he pulled several bundles and bottles from the shelves.

She stifled a smile as he stopped what he was doing and raised his head, "Hermione?" He didn't turn around. "You might as well start giggling now Gryffindor." He turned around with a scowl on his face and she started laughing uncontrollably.

"I'm sorry Severus you should see the look on your face," She held her sides as she laughed. "I am Sorry," She didn't look convincing Severus continued to scowl at her.

"I've already started the potion, It starts four kilos of wolfsbane ground into a powder and mixed with essence of aconite. it's simmering now," he gestured to the only cauldron that had a fire under it. "it has to simmer for another hour or so, then i will add the unicorn tears, moon flower i want to show you something."

He walked her to a room she hadn't seen before, it was half of the size of the classroom, "I've never seen this room before,"

"You wouldn't have, it's a side room off of my office, we added a door to it today," He lead her inside and let her look around, there were shelves with jars and beakers, as well as a few with potions ingredients, "I hope this is suitable." He stood behind her, she could feel his warm breath playing across the back of her neck and she shivered, "Are you cold Hermione?" she shivered again.

"No," She sighed as he felt his arms wrap around her waist, he was drunk off of the warm scent of vanilla, roses and amber that rose from her creamy skin. She put her hands on top of his and let him rest his head on her shoulder. "thank you for this, Severus, thank you so much." she turned her head and saw his dark hair cascading over her shoulder.

She brushed her cheek against the to of her head and smiled, she didn't want this to end. She marveled that this man had woven a facade so well that it was a wander that he wasn't made out of stone, yet here he was, holding her, head against her shoulder...

She was lost in her thoughts when he finally let go of her and stood up, "Hermione?" His voice was husky and heavy.

"Yes?" She turned to face him, he had that same look in his eyes that he had when she had dinner with him.

"Could you join me in my quarters later? I wanted to know what you thought about some of the potions from Arcane Potions," he had a hopeful look in his eyes.

"After Dinner?" He nodded, "I have to get back to the Library Irma will probably be wondering where I am," She smiled and reached up a caressed his cheek before giving him a kiss on the other.

He followed her as far as the potions class door, then watched as she glided away. She was So beautiful, he thought, I will tell her tonight, he turned and went back to watch over his potion simmering away, only another hour and he would have a thick black potion that would last Remus for a year. Severus thought the experimental potion would work, if all went well for the next year and Remus didn't change during that time it could be called a success and there would be a cure for accidental lycanthropy. all credit would go to the Ministry of Magic of course. But Snape didn't mind, he didn't want to be in the limelight any ways...
***

Hermione made her way back to the library. As she walked in she could hear Irma yelling at some poor soul. She walked in and Saw Madam Pince yelling at a large looming figure, "Sirius Black, How dare you barge in here and scare me like that, Do you want me to die of fright?! That's it isn't you're trying to scare me to death,"

Hermione walked up behind the two and cleared her throat, "Excuse me I'll have to ask both of you to leave if you're are going to carry on like that," they both turned and looked at her, "You two look like you've both swallowed frogs." She started to giggle.

"Hermione!" Sirius' gloomy face brightened as he smiled and hugged her, picking her up in the process, "It's been so long since I've seen you," he swung her around.

"Sirius," She said after he set her down, "It's so good to see you but I wasn't expecting to see you for a while,"

"I decided to come early," he said as he stood in front of the two women, "I am sorry to startle you Irma," he gave her a sad 'puppy' face.

"Quite all right, just don't do it again." She waggled her feather duster at him.

"Hmmm I am surprised that Severus isn't part of the welcoming committee," he said looking around the library, "I was quite surprised when Albus owled me and told me he had survived,"

"Severus is in the potions room finishing up Remus' potion for him," She picked up a pile of books that needed to be put away, "I'm sure he'd be just thrilled to see you," she said as she started putting away the books.

"I never had a chance to thank him," he said after Irma had taken another stack of books and walked to the other end of the library, "I really am sorry for all that i put him through, e proved himself in my eyes,"

"He'd only tell you that he was facing his demons, I've already asked him why he did it, I know how much he despised you when I was a student,"

"Facing his demons eh? He probably figured he had nothing to lose," Sirius got a confused look on his face, "Why did he tell you? He never told anyone else why he did it."

"I don't know, he just did," she smiled when she turned her back to him, she couldn't let out her secret not just yet.
****

Hermione went to her chambers before dinner to check on Crookshanks, she caught sight of a letter on her table, it was from Ginny. She smiled and sat down at the table by her window and opened it.

Dear Hermione,

We are talking about Professor Severus Snape aren't we? I find that hard to believe but okay as long as you are happy. and Tingles? Oh I dare not ask, keep me filled in. I told harry that Snape was finally driving you crazy, he didn't read it though i would have eaten the letter before I let him read it. Please keep me informed.

Love always,
Ginny.

Hermione Loved Ginny like a sister and appreciated her advice, as well as her humorous streak. She also had a bit of a nosy streak in her, just like her.

Hermione would reply later, she made sure the great lump had food and was happy, before heading down for dinner.
***

Severus watched the students as they ate dinner, he had eaten little, his nervousness was getting the better of him. Sirius had shown up in the dungeons near dinner time. to Severus' surprise he didn't make any rude or snide comments, instead he said 'thank you' and turned and left.

Hermione was talking to Remus and enjoying herself. Minerva and Poppy had their heads together. and Albus was talking to Sirius.

At the Gryffindor table, Cicely Rosewood watched the high table as subtly as she could she was a clever girl and watched the teachers interactions. She wondered why Miss Granger and Professor Snape never talked at the high table....
****

Dinner came to a close and Hermione went to her chambers to gather her notes, she put on the cloak with the serpents and made her way to Severus chambers deep in the dungeon. She reached his door and whispered the Password, "Taimat."

The door opened and she stepped in, she shut the door behind her. "Severus?" Severus wasn't there and was probably in the potions classroom. She sat on the couch and waited for him to return, she reread her notes from Ars Magica Medice, she would try that potion that she thought my help Severus. she set her notes down on the floor and lay down, she read the notes from that position; it seemed perfectly comfortable to her, her eyelids grew heavy as she dozed off.

Severus walked to his chambers and caught a slight hint of vanilla and roses as he neared the door. He entered his chambers and immediately saw Hermione dozing on the couch. He quietly shut the door behind him and walked over to her, he picked up her notes and sat down on the floor next to the couch, "Incendio," he lit a fire and watched her.

Her hair had fallen across her face and her lips were parted slightly, they were a lovely red. Her eyelashes were long and her eyebrows had a very seductive arch to them, he resisted the urge to trace his finger along them for the time being.

His eyes scanned the rest of her body, her delicate neck, and graceful yet strong shoulders. her breasts, though concealed by the velvet of her dress, were perfectly sized; neither too large not too small for his tastes, her waist dipped in enough as well, her hips were well rounded and he could see the outline of her buttocks, he shuddered at his own thoughts, her legs were long and he could see her pale ankles were the dress had fallen away.

He looked at her face once more and reached up and traced his finger along one of her eyebrows, she shuddered and opened her eyes, "Hello,"

"You fell asleep," her gave her a serious look, "and left me here to watch you sleep and think,"

"What did you think of?" she sat up, and looked into his eyes, "Nothing to terrible I hope,"

"It was absolutely horrid, to think a Gryffindor asleep on the Job," He laughed and Hermione Stuck her tongue out at him, "Lumos," the lights in the room ere suddenly brighter.

"I brought my notes," She looked at the floor where her notes had been when she had dozed off, "at least they were there,"

"They're right here," he handed her the notes, "You have some interesting theories on the use of lightning bugs in fire potions,"

"That's really not the reason you asked me here," She already knew that there was some alternate reason for her coming to his chambers, she brought her notes any ways. She watched Severus as he got a shocked look on his face then a rather wicked looking smile.

"All right, You got me," He sighed, got up and sat on the couch next to her. "Well I did want to discuss the notes with you but there us something else I have to tell you first."

Hermione took his hand in hers, "Then tell me you silly Slytherin,"

"Hermione Granger, I think I've fallen in love with you," His voice was very steady and serious, "I understand if you don't feel exactly the way I do, but please be honest with me,"

Hermione felt the sting of tears, "Severus?" Her voice wavered.
He waited for her to tell him that she didn't feel the same way towards him. "Severus Snape, I thought my heart had broken when you hadn't returned that day. I mourned for you and thought that the only man I could ever love had died." Severus could hardly believe his ears, he held hid tongue and let her finish, "Severus Snape, in this short time since term had started, you have infuriated me, made me despise you, made me question things and through out it all I realized one thing; I was falling in love with you."

"You love me?" the words barely escaped his lips, he felt all of his doubts washing away, "Hermione?" his voice was nearly a whisper.

"Severus, I do love you," she put her hand on his cheek and held his head.

"You don't care about what I've done? my Past?" he asked her hoping that this wasn't a dream that would slip away with the sands of sleep.

"It's just that, the past," She smiled as a tears slipped from her eye, "Severus, you're so much more than a former servant of Voldemort, you're a very strong man with his own convictions," she watched, he had closed his eyes and was taking it all in.

Severus opened his eyes, and saw that Hermione was indeed still in front of him and it wasn't a dream, "Hermione, will you agree to take things slow with me? Put up with me, I know I am hard and callous at times, I've lived like this for so long; to long."

She took his hand in her and leaned in to kiss his lips, She would be patient for him, she loved him... He leaned into her kiss, and felt her hand on his chest. Nothing else mattered in the world, nothing else existed in that moment. He put his hands on her waist and pulled her to him.

Hermione's thoughts were only of the man whose arms were around her. She felt that nothing else mattered at that moment. She felt his lips planting kisses on her face and neck, She had never been happier.

Severus pulled Hermione onto his lap, and held her, for once he controlled himself and didn't need a freezing spell. "Hermione, I never thought I could ever love someone as much as I love you," her leaned his head against her breasts and just held her.

"You sent me the rose, didn't you?" She said running her fingers through his hair, "It was you."

He looked up, "It was me, I was returning another book and you were sleeping in the chair and I set it there, I got it the first time I kissed you, it's the color of you're red dress," He said relieved, and happy. "I watched while you slept,"

"I've done that too, when you fell asleep in the library, I watched you sleeping, you looked so peaceful." Hermione blushed, "then you went and made an ass out of yourself and I was forced to slap you," Gave him a curt smile.

"Do forgive me for being rude," He chuckled, and she felt the familiar tingle in her spine every time he laughed.

"Maybe," She kissed his forehead and brushed the hair away from his eyes, "You have beautiful eyes, their like pools on ink."

"You are just beautiful, Hermione, every bit of you."

"Including my nosy Gryffindor nature?" she asked as she cuddle against him, "Come on admit it it's beautiful too."

He acquiesced, "I hate to admit it, but it is,"

"well, Professor Snape you are an incredibly handsome man, You're really not as as scary as some of the students made you out to be, you're just a little moody around the edges,'

"You don't mind that do you?" He asked, "You do have to be patient with me you know,"

"I have all the patience in the world for you, and only you." She got off of his lap and stood up, "It's getting late, Shall we lunch together tomorrow?" She asked as gathered her scattered notes.

"May I walk you to your chambers tonight?" Severus asked standing, "we could pretend to be discussing important matters." he put on his best scowl which made her laugh.

"I would like the very much Severus," she took her cloak from the back of the chair it was draped across and put it on.

They left the dungeons and slowly walked to the hidden hall that housed the doorway to her quarters. They held each others hand as they went. Unbeknownst to them someone watched from that shadows of one on the hallways they passed.

Minerva McGonagall stepped out from the shadows and was nearly white with shock. She couldn't believe what she had seen: Hermione and Severus walking together and holding hands no less.
She and Poppy had wondered about the two when Poppy related the story of Hermione being in Severus' chambers after a trip to Diagon alley. She stood in tightlipped amazement as she watched them turn a corner. She was utterly shocked.
***

Severus stood with Hermione in front of the door to her chambers, her kissed her lightly on the lips and wrapped his arms around her, "Good night Hermione, Thank you for so much,"

"You have no need to thank me Severus Snape," she brushed her hands across his cheeks, "Good night, I'll see you in the morning," He gave her one last kiss before disappearing behind the tapestry and returning to his chambers.

Hermione said the password and entered her chambers, Crookshanks was sleeping on his corner of the bed, he lifted his head when she came in and gave her a look that said; 'Oh it's just you,' and curled back into a ball. She smiled as she changed her clothes and got into bed, she would write a reply to Ginny in the morning.

She was too happy knowing that Severus loved her and that she loved him and would always, no matter what.
****

Severus sat at his desk in his chambers, he was content, happy and n love. what more could he ask for? He couldn't think of anything, not did he wish too. He stretched and got up, he was tired, it was a good kind of tired, his day had been interesting and trying but it had an ending no one else would have wanted to change...

Severus lay in bed, eyelids growing heavy, he couldn't believe he had been so afraid of her rejection, he had had many things taken away forcefully, in his life and would never let Hermione be taken away from him. He fell asleep happy and with luck when he awoke in the morning her love for him will still be a reality and not a dream....
*****
*****

Night fell and the dark shadows began to cluster around the headstones of the ancient cemetery, the shadows had white expressionless faces and totaled almost two dozen. Wary of their surroundings they whispered. They hadn't quite been defeated, the voices whispered, they still had a chance, to bring down good.

The Aurors had had been told to give up the search, and it was safe for the shadowy figures to regroup, four years they had waited, four years had they stayed in the shadows, most forced to live like Muggles to escape detection; all waiting for the chance to avenge the downfall of their lord.

The shadows were powerful and feared nothing, they had only revenge planned and nothing would stop them from fulfilling their plans.
***

Severus lay sprawled across his bed, tangled in the covers, he dreamed of dark shadows that hovered near him and Hermione, threatening to part them, he whimpered but didn't wake up. The dream was getting better; the shadows had left, and he and Hermione were together and happy. he turned in his sleep, a smile playing on his sleeping face...
***

Sirius Black sat in the guest chambers that had been made for him. He slept little anymore and he awoken with a strange sense of foreboding, he didn't know what it was and had owled a friend in the ministry if anything unusual had been seen or heard lately.

After four shots of fire whiskey, he still couldn't shake the feeling that there was something bad on the way...
***

Morning arrived and Hogwart's began to wake up; students got up and dressed, teachers reviewed lesson plans for the day. Hermione woke feeling happy and wrapped in a glowing warmth.

She got up showered and stood in front of her closet wrapped in a towel, she found a short sleeved green velvet dress that was full length. she held it up and smiled, perfect, she thought as she dressed. She thought about last night, I'm so glad it wasn't a dream.

She sat at her writing desk, and began to write a letter to Ginny, she smiled as she wrote it, Ginny would just die when she read this.

Dear Ginny,

Thank you for your reply to that last letter. I'm in love. I know that this is probably going to shock you but I've fallen in love with Severus, I was just in denial about it. Please don't tell Harry or Ron that I am in love with him. And For gods sake if you tell that that we are together, don't let either on of them send a howler. I have to go now but take care and tell Harry that I send my love.

Hermione,

She sealed the letter and walked up to the owlrey, she gave one of the owls a treat before giving it the letter. she watched the owl leave before leaving herself.

She made her way down the halls and wasn't the least bit surprised when she saw Minerva and Albus talking, "Good morning," she said as she stopped and smiled at the two.

"Good morning Hermione," Minerva said.

"Good morning," Albus said after Minerva, "I hope things are well,"

"Couldn't be better," she said as she left, them to continue their conversation.

Hermione walked down DADA classroom and peaked inside, Remus was in there with a murky looking aquarium, "Grindylow?" She asked when she stepped into the classroom, "A little early for that isn't it?"

"It's a bright class, they'll catch on quickly," He smiled, "What brings you down here this early?"

"I had to owl a letter to Ginny," She sat down in the chair by his desk, "Remus, you never hated Severus did you?"

"No, he just held a grudge against us because of Black's stupid little prank," He straightened the papers on his desk, "Why do you ask?"

"Just wondering, Remus I've fallen In love with him," Remus' jaw dropped, "It's not like I planned this,"

"I know, it's just a bit of a shock," he smiled and reached for her hand, "But as long as you know what you're getting yourself into, and as long as your happy"

"I realize what I'm getting myself into," she smiled as her thoughts roamed to the previous night, "I have to go check in with Irma but I'll see you at breakfast." Hermione gave him a hug before she left the room.
***

Severus walked down the hall, his robes billowed menacingly, but he wasn't scowling, he walked passed the DADA class and stopped, he turned around and walked back to the door, "Remus? can I talk to you?"

"Good morning Severus, I'm not busy," Severus walked in and sat in the chair previously occupied by Hermione, "What can I do for you,"

"Well it's more just some advice on a field i am not well versed in," he said, fidgeting in his seat, "Well you see, I've fallen in love,"

Remus smiled, "With a certain former student?"

Severus shot him a glare, "How did you know?"

"Hermione was in here a few minutes ago, and I'll give you the same advice I gave her; as long as you're happy,"

"I guess, you're right, I suppose I should stop being so damned stubborn," Severus was suddenly embarrassed

"You probably should," He smiled, "It's time for breakfast you should go down to the Great hall.
***

Hermione watched as Severus sat down in his seat next to her at the Great table, "Good morning Severus," She said as she poured herself some tea. "Sleep well?"

"Never better, and good morning to you as well," He gave her a small smile, "I'm looking forward to lunch,"

"As Am I," She gave him a smile that made him melt, he felt nothing but love for this incredible woman, and She loved him.
It hadn't been a dream.

Minerva looked at Albus who just gave her a knowing smile, "Minerva, I know what you're thinking, don't ruin it."

Minerva gave him a shrewd look but acquiesced, she wouldn't say anything that would ruin any chance of happiness for the new couple. They hadn't announced anything publicly and she would keep her thoughts to herself.

Remus smiled knowing that Severus had found someone who could love him for who he was and that he could love in return. They were a perfect match in minds and though there was an age difference it didn't seem to matter to them and he hoped it wouldn't. He just hoped Severus wouldn't change because he felt he was forced to.
***

Sirius sat in the library after breakfast he was brooding over a book, Hermione flitted amongst the shelves as she put books away, " Sirius?" She stopped and sat down across from him, "Is something wrong?"

"I don't know there's this feeling I have that there's something wrong, Like something bad is going to happen. I can't shake it either,"

"I'm sure it's nothing," she said patting his rough hand, "It'll go away soon,"

"I hope you're right, I'd hate to have this ruin my vacation," he said returning to his book, "I really do,"

Hermione felt disconcerted about this. What sort of bad? she thought, what could happen? She pushed the thought out of her head and continued with her work.

She looked out one of the many windows as the sun streamed in, she could see the lake and the giant squid paddling lazily in the shallows. Maybe Severus would like to have lunch outside today she thought.
****

Severus was thinking roughly the same thing, between yelling at bumbling students and scowling that is. I think lunch outside would be interesting he thought, as he watched the first year Slytherin girl dropped three too many scales to the potion she was trying to make with the help of a Gryffindor girl, who had told her several time that she had too many. Severus Sighed and wished this class would end soon and preferably with out incident.

"No, you stupid girl you've ruined the potion, you should have listened to your partner, I want you to start over this time by yourself." She frowned at her partner, "It's not her fault either," Severus said as he walked to another pair. "Ten Points from Slytherin."
****

Classes ended for lunch and Severus swept up to the library. he had shrunk the picnic basket and had it hidden, with a cooling charm attached, deep in the pocket of his robe. He entered the library and saw Hermione putting some books away, there was no one else in the library at the time as he had passed Irma in the hallway coming up.

"Miss Granger?" He walked up behind her and put his hands on her waist, "I believe it is lunch time,"

"I believe you are correct Professor Snape," She turned in his grasp and gave him a smile, "I thought we could eat outside today,"

"I was thinking the same thing," he gave her a quick kiss on the lips and let go of her, "Shall we?"

"Won't it bother you if someone sees us together?" she asked, knowing that she didn't mind as long as Harry and Ron didn't find out that she was Head over heals in love with him.

"They'd find out sooner or later, might as well have it sooner than later,"

"Severus that was so profound," She smiled and wrapped arm around his, "Did you practice that?"

"Watch it Miss Granger," he gave her a little push, "I can still take points away from Gryffindor, I'll find reason,"

"Severus don't you dare," they managed to make it outside with out anyone running into them, they found a spot under a large oak tree, Severus pulled the picnic basket out and returned it to its original size, Severus spread the blanket inside and set out the food.

They sat together backs against the tree, each eating a sandwich, "Severus, I was talking to Sirius today and he said he had this feeling that something bad was on the way. What do you think?"

"I don't know Mione," he squeezed her hand, "Probably nothing," He dearly hoped that nothing bad was coming, Black was usually right when it came to things like this, "Maybe he should talk to Dumbledore."

Hermione just nodded and leaned against Severus, "Severus? tell me about when you went to school here,"

"Why would you want to know about that?" he asked chuckling, "Ask me something else,"

"Okay, tell me about your family," she replied, "How many siblings do you have?"

"I have two brothers and one sister," He said smiling, "I haven't seen them in years, Salazar is the oldest, then there was me, then there's Serrento and Seline the only twins in the Snape family as far back as anyone can remember,"

"So you're actually a middle child?" She laughed, "They're always supposed to be the most dysfunctional ones,"

"I love you too," he said sarcastically, "And, yes you could say that I am the middle child, My father passed away several years ago and my mother Sabine now lives in Italy, I haven't spoken to them in years."

"You probably should you know, Sometimes you never really understand how important something it until you lose it," She said drawing her knees against her chest.

"But you didn't lose me," he said running his fingers through her hair.

"But I thought I had." She said giving him a sad smile.
***

Albus stood by a window watching the budding couple as they ate lunch, "Minerva, it's a perfect match and I don't care if you think he's too old for her. Severus obviously loves the girl, and she loves him. Don't you think that he's been through enough in his life?" He turned around at looked at her, "Well?"

"Oh, Albus, It's just that. he's been through so much if She should break his heart, it would be the end of the world for him."

"Somehow I don't think that will happen," he said putting a lemon drop in his mouth and offering the bag to Minerva, "Care for one?"

"I trust your intuition on this Albus, we probably shouldn't snoop then," He nodded and continued to watch as the packed up their basket and headed back inside.
***

It didn't take long for the news of Miss Granger and Professor Snape to go around to all of the students, it was mostly speculation on the part of the group of Ravenclaw girls that had seen them walking arm and arm and smiling.

To all the boys that had been attracted to her it made her even more attractive as she had become something they couldn't get. It confused more than a few of them as well, what did she see in him?
The Girls who spent their free time gossiping made wild speculations that involved love potions and philters.

News reached Sirius via walking past a group of students chattering in the hallway, he heard 'Granger' 'Snape' and 'arm in arm'. He went pale from the shock and went immediately to Lupin, "Moony is it true?"

"About what?" Remus asked, as Sirius stood with a shocked look on his face, "Padfoot?"

"About Hermione and Snape?" he said nearly gagging, he failed to see the attraction well at least towards Severus any ways.

"Yes it's true, Now you leave them be," He set several books down on the table, "He deserve to be happy, and you know it, The Marauders have to stay out of this,"

Sirius growled slightly, "I'll let them be, I just don't exactly like the combination."

"No one said you had to like it just leave them be,"
****

Later that night Severus was with Hermione in his arms. They sat in her chambers, Crookshanks was playing chaperone. The school was still rattling with the aftermath of the news, even though it had neither confirmed nor denied by the couple.

They sat playing with the Flames, Severus was doing a good job making a gryphon of red and gold out of the flames, and Hermione had made a Serpent in green and silver. They were happy just as they were; comfortable and in love, they didn't even mind that every time Severus tried to kiss her, Crookshanks appeared in his face and grumbled.

"He really needs to get a cat toy or something,"

"He has several and they are all under the bed," She wrapped her free arm around his.

"Think the school will calm down soon?" he asked, they were taking it slow, as he had asked, she still had all the patience in the world for him. The only intimate contact that had shared was embraces and kisses. Severus was still having a hard time believing his luck.

"Not a chance," she giggled, "I know what you're thinking and luck has nothing to do with it."

"Hermione, let me live in my little delusion a little longer," He managed to kiss her neck which sent a shiver down her spine, "Oh and she shivers when I do that, of the fun I can have," he nibbled her neck causing her to shiver again.

"Severus, please that's too much," she shook all over. "Severus, Come on that's not funny,"

He was laughing against her neck, so now her spine was tingling and she was shivering with pleasure, she didn't know how much more she could take. "You know it's funny Hermione," he grabbed her side and began to tickle her mercilessly. "This is funny too,"

"Severus if you don't stop this instant I will use a freezing spell on you," he dropped his hands immediately and glared at her, "Oh don't think I don't know what I do to you, I am very well aware of it." She turned around and curled her arms around his neck and kissed his forehead.

She straddled his lap and looked in to his eyes, "And in case you don't think I wouldn't do it, we could always test that theory," she raised an eyebrow to him, as he scowled at her. "I'm only kidding, Why would I do that to the man I love?"

"Because you've become a heartless Slytherin," She pouted and gave her a hearty laugh, "Maybe not heartless," she gave him a light punch in the shoulder.

She smiled, "You should laugh more, it makes you look younger,"

"Woman you make me feel younger," granted he wasn't that old, "I still have a reputation to live up to for the time being,"

"You could just suddenly change and make them all wonder," she said kissing him again.

"Hermione could you mind getting up? I can't feel my legs anymore." she gave him a playful smack in the shoulder before she stood. He stood up and held her face in his hands, "I couldn't resist... Just like I can't resist doing this," he kissed her lips, gently biting them between kisses. He let go of the breathless Hermione and hugged her.

Hermione made the firm resolve to begin the potions she had found as soon as she could. She leaned against Severus and felt that nothing could possibly make her love him any less than she loved him now and had since she found he was still alive. He picked her up and carried her to her bedroom and lay her down on the bed.

"Severus, What are you doing?" He stretched out beside her, "Severus?"

He lay next to her just watching her, "I'm just getting the feel of your bed, you did after all spend time on mine,"

"True, very true," She ran her hands down his chest, "They haven't returned yet have they?" He shook his head and put his hand on her hip.

"There is nothing I can do about them, Same as the scars, even the Wizards at St. Mungo's can't do a thing about them, Poppy thought she might have something but so far it had been a no go,"

"What scars?" She knew that Severus had been tortured but she didn't think that the spells would have left scars.

Severus sat up on the bed, "hey didn't just use spells to torture me, you know"

"Can I see them?" Hermione's question was quite innocent, "if you don't mind that is,"

Severus unbuttoned the cuffs of his sleeves and then the first three buttons before pulling the shirt over his head. Hermione looked at his pale and bare chest and the few dark curls of hair, she could see the line of dark hair that dipped down past his naval and felt herself blushing.

She could see several scars in his sides, she felt tears welling in her eyes when he turned and she saw his back. She reached out and touched one of them lightly, Severus shivered at her touch, "There are so many of them, Severus, how could they have done this to you,"

She felt the tears slipping as she traced her fingers across his back, they were white on very pale cream colored flesh. She sat up and put her hands on his cool shoulders., he shivered at her warm touch. She leaned forward and kissed one of the scars near the back of his neck, "Hermione what are you doing?" he gasped as she felt her fingers and her lips feeling the various scars across his back.

"Loving you," she sat up again and wrapped in her arms around his shoulders, "Shhh," She nibbled on his ear, causing him to give a small moan.

Severus closed his eyes as she kissed and nibbled on his neck, he opened them when she stopped kissing him. He turned around and
gasped when he saw Hermione, she had transfigured her dress and stood next to the bed in a green and silver silk nightgown, "Oh gods, Hermione," He was instantly aroused at the thought of Hermione, a hard headed Gryffindor wearing such and alluring nightgown and In Slytherin colors no less.

"You don't like it? I could always change the colors?" she flicked her wand and changed the colors to Gryffindor, "Or do you like the colors I had?"

"Mione," He breath was ragged as she changed the colors back to green and silver, She walked over to him and smiled, She hadn't planned on doing this but she was liking where it was going. "Don't do this to me, It's worse then anything Voldemort could have done to me." he still sat cross legged on her bed, She walked over to him and put a hand on his shoulder.

"I could do a lot worse if you let me," She smiled and climbed back onto the bed with him. "now lay down on your stomach and relax,"

He looked confused for a second but complied, Hermione straddled his legs and began to knead and rub his shoulders. She felt whatever tension he had slowly work its way out of his muscles and he sighed with contentment, "Mione, where did you learn?"

"Don't ask questions just relax," she said as she worked her way down his back, he flinched when she reached his sides, "My dear Severus are you ticklish?" She crawled off of his legs and sat next to him, he pushed himself up onto his elbows.

"Yes, I am ticklish," he smiled, and couldn't help that notice that the neckline of her nightgown was rather low. "Come here woman," he said pulling her over to him.

He kissed her neck and shoulders as he lay there with his arms around with her, "Severus, we don't have to continue if you don't want to but I do want to fall asleep in your arms," Hermione nuzzled against his chest, "You need to see sunlight..."

"I see sunlight every morning through my window," he chuckled knowing that she meant he needed to get a little color on him.

"You know what I meant," She kissed him again this time her tongue searching his lips, his hands let go of him and were creeping down her sides, he felt her breasts brushing across his chest as his lips created a path to them.

Hermione gave a slight gasp as he bit her skin of her breasts lightly. She felt his hands on her thighs as he kissed her breasts through the silk. They rolled slightly so that he was on top. Hermione moaned when his cool fingers brushed the inside of her thigh and against her panties.

He stopped suddenly and sat up, "Hermione this is the last thing I expected us to do, I won't if you don't want me too," he was panting slightly and obviously didn't want to stop, neither did she.

"Severus, if I didn't want to I wouldn't have let you stay,"

Her reasoning always made sense, he thought as he took stripped the rest of his clothes and slid back onto the bed with her...

Severus crawled between Hermione's thighs and looked at the beautiful woman, She was writhing with pleasure, "Please Severus, Please now," she whispered as he complied. Hermione was filled with him and Severus was filled with an ecstasy that he had never quite felt before...
***

"Oh, god's Hermione," he panted against her neck they lay together legs entwined with the sheets and sweating, "In all of my years... I never thought I could feel that way."

Hermione opened her eyes, her entire body tingled. I definitely can't wait to do this again, she thought as Severus rolled off of her and tucked his arm under her head, "You're amazing Severus," She said after tingles had begun to leave, "I love you so much..." she saw an orange lump sitting at the foot of the bed, "Don't look now, but we're being watched," she giggled and snuggled against him,

"Do you think we could have some privacy?" Severus asked that cat that watched them, Crookshanks just grumbled and crawled up between the two lovers. "I guess not,"

"Bath?" Hermione said as Crookshanks settled himself between them, "My tub's big enough for two," She sat up and watched as Crookshanks rolled into the spot she had warmed.

"Sounds like a plan," Severus said as Hermione pulled her robe on, and got up, "I'll start the water and you can get to know Crookshanks," She smiled at him and walked into the bathroom to start the bath.

She mused to herself, She could never have asked for anything else, She was in love, happy, and in love....

Severus walked in a few minutes later, "That great orange thing you called a cat tried to bite me," He was wrapped half heatedly in the sheet from her bed She could see his hip through a gap in the bunched fabric, she thought that was sexy as all hell...

"You poor thing, the tub's ready," she waited for him to crawl in the first then she followed, She leaned up against his chest, "Now wasn't this a good idea?"

"Most of your ideas are good Mione," he said as he let the warm water soak him through to the bone.

"Most? what do you mean most?" She sputtered, "Give me one of my ideas that didn't work?"

"Only one?" he laughed and squeezed her, "You know I am only kidding," he nuzzled her. "I know one thing though,"

"And what is that Professor Snape?" She said as she wrapped his arms around her.

"Well Miss Granger, I know that I never want to let you go," he chuckled, "So much for you being patient with me,"

"I guess, but you are such an eager learner not to mention participant,"
****

Severus, now dried and dressed held Hermione in his arms, she lay sleeping. She had gotten what she wanted; to fall asleep in his arms. he kissed her forehead and covered her with the blankets, Crookshanks slept at her feet, "You watch over her, okay," The cat purred as if to promise, he smiled.

"Good night my love," He slipped his arm out from under her and walked towards the door. He left and headed back to his chambers feeling lightheaded.

Could his life possibly get any better? he thought as he entered his chambers, He was happy where his life was going, and at the moment didn't want anything else.
****

Night fell, the moon was hidden behind clouds. For a second night in a row the shadows appeared and met in the dark cemetery. They didn't fear discovery, they could handle any Muggle that crossed their paths.

They whispered and planned . They talked in the hushed hissing tones of an angered mob trying to keep secret. they knew one thing: They could wait forever if they had to, someone would always be willing to replace them.

The shadows with white faces hissed names and places, meant for only their ears. One white faced shadow has wisps of white blond hair, and appeared to be the leader, but with no names spoked it was hard to tell. They dispersed after midnight, they would gather until they had their plans running smoothly.
******
******

Hermione woke curled around Crookshanks, "Good morning you silly cat," she sat as he meowed. There was no sign of Severus, He must be in his chambers, she thought, she got up and stretched, she a couple of quick spell to fix the bed and the freshen up a bit.

She dressed in a rich chocolate colored dress, and wrapped her warmest cloak around her. It was nearly five thirty in the morning, Severus would probably not be awake. Not after last night, she thought. She picked up her potion notes and made her way down to the potions classroom. The dungeons were freezing and Hermione thought she could see her breath. The potions classroom was even colder, She could see her breath there, she used a warming spell and heated the classroom up before heading for her private potions room.

She scanned the shelves of her own private ingredients and smiled when she saw that he had included a jar of Boomslang skin, "Funny Severus, very funny," she knew he had an odd sense of humor this just confirmed it. She read the list of ingredients she had made: unicorn tears, dragon tears, dried dragon blood (caked form), Manticore quills, nettle extract, dried flobberworm, oak moss and woolly caterpillars.

She found that she had all of the ingredients but one, the unicorn tears, "Severus will understand," she thought as she whisked over to his private stores and looked for a bottle of unicorn tears, she found it on a top shelf towards the wall.

She set all of the ingredients out on the workbench and left the room, she would start it later it was a quick potion that took only any hour to make it as just the timing that be had to have perfect. she walked down to Severus' quarters, "Taimat," the door quietly opened and she entered. She cold hear a light snoring and smiled, trying not to laugh. She shut the door and tiptoed towards his bedroom.

He had left the bedroom door open; Severus lay tangled in the blankets, an arm over his head. And his bare feet stuck out from under the dark green blankets. She walked over to the bed and smiled. She looked at the grandfather clock in the room; it was nearly six.

She crawled up onto the high bed and stretched out close to him. She studied his profile. She loved his cheekbones, they weren't too high for her and they fit his nose which didn't hook, it was perfect for his face. He turned over onto his side and drew his knees up, his head resting on his arm. She lay still and watched him sleep. He looked vulnerable and almost innocent, though he was by no means an angel.

His hair had fallen into his faced and she brushed it back so she could see his face. "Severus," she whispered, "Severus," she ran her finger along his eyebrow. He grumbled in his sleep but didn't wake, she tried again this time tracing her finger along his lip.

He shook his head lightly, and opened his eyes, "Hermione?" he opened his eyes further, scowled then smiled. "What time is it?" he caressed her cheek.

She looked at the grandfather clock in his room, "Ten minutes after six," she said beaming, "I didn't mean to wake you, but I couldn't resist," she gave him a pout.

"Well I'm awake now," he said rolling onto his back, "Did you sleep well?"

"Yes," she said shifting so she could lay on his chest, "Crookshanks, was sleeping next to me this morning as if he was guarding me,"

"I told him that he had to watch over you, I guess he understood me," he pulled her into his arms. "And to think you were my insufferable annoyance,"

"I can be an annoyance if you want," she replied as he caressed her breasts through her dress, She leaned in close and whispered into his ear, "I'm not wearing anything under my dress.

"Damn you woman," He said as she slid her hand into his pajama pants, He caught his breath as she stroked him. "You'll be the death of me,"

"But at least it will be a happy death," she kissed him as she stroked. "It's still early we have time," she gave him a wicked smile them pouted, "Or would you rather use a freezing spell?"

Severus scowled at her as she continued to touch and caress him. "It is early," She smiled at his comment and climbed on to his waist. "Are you that eager?" He asked as she slid his pants down and raised the skirt of her dress.

"Do you have to ask?" she panted as she guided his erect member into her moist cleft. "Oh Severus," She leaned forward and slid her hands up under his shirt, grating his chest lightly with her nails as she raised and lowered herself. He put his hands on her bare thighs and held her that way.

Hermione ground herself down onto Severus hips as she worked herself into an orgasm. She could take in all of him and reveled at the fact that they were so perfectly matched in that particular area.

Severus was panting he knew that under his shirt there were several deep scratches that bordered gouges. He was tensing up but was holding off his own release as long as he could, "Oh Hermione," his hands gripped the sheets with white knuckles. "Gods, please now, please." He begged as she continued to grind against him.

She was already delirious from the pleasure and hearing Severus begging for he to come was no help. She soon felt her orgasm washing through her, "Oh Severus!" She called out as she came.

This was all Severus could take, he followed soon after her crushing Hermione to his chest...

They lay, panting, tired form their quickie, "Hermione, You are insatiable," He said panting, Hermione slid off of him and lay tucked against him, he muttered a cleaning spell and closed his eyes, I know I should get up, but I feel so comfortable right here, he thought as he looked at Hermione and smiled.

"I am not insatiable," she said as the cuddled against him. she reached up and slowly began to unbutton his short, he watched as she did, dreading to see how badly her nails had dug in, "Oh, Severus, I didn't mean too..." he propped himself up on an elbow and surveyed the damage.

Sure enough there were several deep scratches that looked like they were going to start to bleed and dozens of fiery red lines from chest to naval, "We are trimming your nails, young lady,"

"I hate to tell you this Severus, but they already are short," his eyes widened then narrowed, "I didn't mean too," She took her wand from where it lay on the edge of the bed, and muttered a spell, the gouges were reduced to red lines.

"I learned that one after scratched myself to hell in a blackberry patch last year." She said as she sat up,

"It's very useful," Severus replied as he sat up. He left Hermione on the bed as he got up and went towards the closet, he pulled out a white dress shirt black slacks and a black waist coat that buttoned all the way up.

"Severus, I wonder how your students are going to handle you seeing a Gryffindor," She said as she watched him get dressed, "And one who is twenty two years your junior,"

"They'll deal, I am Head of Slytherin house and what I say goes, even if they don't like It I'll take points away,"

"Fair enough." She said as she slide to the end of the bed where he sat putting on his shoes, "I love you so much Severus,"

"I love you too," He said kissing her cheek, "I never thought that I would ever find anyone I could love, let alone love me,"

"Your very lovable, when you stop scowling and such," She said wrapping her arms around his waist, "We just need to fatten you up a bit,"

"I'd like to see you try," She gave him a poke in the ribs, "Hey stop that." he gave her a scowl then grabbed her and began to tickle her.

"I give, I give," she was breathless when he let go, "Shall we go to breakfast?" She said after he had stood up.

"Well seeing as we have to face them eventually we might as well go," He frowned and gave her a sad puppy face, "We could always stay here,"

"You have a class to teach and I have my duties in the library," She would have gladly stayed in his chambers, in his bed, all day. "And you said I was insatiable?" she laughed.

"Come on woman," He said taking her hand, "We'd better go,"

"I go where you lead, my prince," She said as she stood, "Let them laugh, let the jeer they'll soon envy the love we have here,"

"Poetic," He said as the walked towards the door, "Did you practice that?"

"You can be an ass at times, you know that Severus?" She said as the walked down the cold dungeon halls.

"I am a Slytherin my dear, I practice every waking minute," he kissed her as they walked. "Besides, it was me being an ass that made you fall for me,"

"Severus Snape," She gave him another poke in the ribs and smiled. "That is not true and you know it, well not entirely,"
****

They made their way into the Great hall, all the students stopped talking immediately as the couple walked in. The rumor of them being a couple was silently verified as they made their way to the head table. Severus had his familiar scowl on his face as he walked and Hermione had her trademark smile.

The teachers at the high table were just as startled or shocked as the students were. Not even Minerva could say anything, Albus Had a great smile on his face as he watched as the took their seats.

The owls arrived with letters and one dropped a letter in Hermione's lap. She picked it up and smiled it was from Ginny. She turned it over and opened it:

Dear Mione,

What can I say to that? You're in love and obviously happy, I haven't told Ron or Harry yet, I'm going to wait a little bit for that. And you thought that you were Doomed to fall for Quidditch players. But hey it could be worse, i don't know how yet it just could. Oh wait never mind, it is worse. You're seeing your former teacher who is the head of Slytherin house, a former spy and Deatheater. You know I am only giving you a hard time and do wish you the best.

Has the rest of the school found out yet? They'll freak. Harry wants to you to come to the Christmas party we're planning, yes we have to plan now, because otherwise he'd put it off to the last minute or forget about it all together.

OMG did you hear about George and Oliver? They're a pair! Can you believe it? Mum's doing okay dad was a little confused. But you owe me a galleon Miss Granger, I told you he was gay didn't I? well write back when you can and tell Severus I said hello.

Lot's of love,
Ginny.

Hermione nearly choked on her tea when she finished, She had been trying not to laugh. She struggled to keep from laughing hysterically. She handed the letter to Severus who frowned and sputtered into his tea.

Breakfast continued; Sirius scowled at Severus and Minerva just watched. Albus smiled knowingly as he had since term started. The other teachers were too shocked to talk at the high table. The students on the other hand chattered ceaselessly,

At the Gryffindor table, Cicely Rosewood watched Hermione reading her letter and struggle against laughing. She smiled at Hermione, who smiled back at her. She decided she like both of them, regardless of what other students might have thought, she thought that they were perfect for each other.

At the Slytherin table, Carmilla Nettleburn scowled. How could Professor Snape do that to us, She thought, She's a mudblood, and even worse was she was friends with Harry Potter. She seethed in silence. She pushed her white blonde hair out of her face, She truly felt betrayed. She along with all of the other Slytherins who were at Hogwart's during the war, had never found out about Severus' Spying or the act that cost Voldemort dearly. She looked away from the High table, and picked at her breakfast.
***

Hermione looked for Irma, she was in the restricted section dusting again, "Irma?"

"Yes Hermione?" She set her feather duster down and raised an eyebrow to the young woman.

"I was wondering, if you didn't mind that is, if I could leave about forty minutes early for lunch today, there's a potion I want to make it only takes an hour...." Hermione was speaking a mile a minute.

"Slow down dear, Yes go ahead, I may be retiring but I relish the times I get the Library to myself, and I know that you won't skimp on your duties. You love the books to much," She smiled and picked up her duster again, "There's a stack of books on the counter that need to be put away,"

"Thank you so much for letting me go, I'll go put the books away immediately." Hermione felt as if she were floating, She would make the potion at lunch and tell Severus the moment she had finished it.
*******
*******

Hermione sat reading Arcane Potions in the library, there was no more dusting to be done, no students, and no books to put away.
She sat silently reading on the ancient uses of Dragon gall and sulfur to create and artificial light source. That must have been foul, she thought, not to mention so highly combustible that it took the barest of sparks to light it.

Irma Pince walked,rather paced around the library feather duster in hand. She had been reading a book but decided that she could get into it. "Hermione dear, arenÕt you bored?"

"Not at all," She replied, glad that she had put on something under her dress before coming up to the library, there was a slight draft. "I find it rather nice sitting quietly in here, reminds me of when I was a student." She closed the book.

"I've been in here long enough to have read most of the books twice," Irma sat sitting down across from Hermione, "You and Severus have caused quite a stir here, I thought you couldn't stand the man, that he was insufferable?"

"He was, but then I realized that I was falling in love with him," Hermione smiled, "He's not bad once you get to know the real him, he's just been through enough in his life that's why he seems so callous and nasty."

"Slytherin House must be seething. many of them still think that Purebloods are far superior, and You are a Gryffindor and Muggle-born,"

"Severus doesn't care though," She retorted, "He cares about so much more than that,"

"Is it true what Flitwick said about you grieved when Severus didn't come back?" Hermione nodded, "You cared for him then? You saw that he wasn't the evil man so many students make him to be,"

"But no one told me he had survived," she said quietly, "Four years I thought he was dead, I originally thought that the position was for Potions," She laughed.

"Well he did live, and I can kind of understand; four years is a long time to not know. You didn't even think that they had even found his body did you?" She shook her head, "But aren't you glad you took the position and you did find out? " She nodded.

She heard the massive Clock in the library toll; it was lunch she had forgotten that she could have left early, "I forgot to leave early, can i come back late?" She asked Irma.

"Fine dear, remember I relish this time," She patted Hermione's hand.

Hermione got up and put the book away before grabbing her cloak form a hook. She waved at Irma as she left the Library and hurried down to the dungeons. Students filled the hallways as she made her was down to the potions classroom, Severus wasn't in the classroom, she smiled at her luck and whisked into her private workroom.
***

Hermione worked with her sleeves rolled up she had just added the dried dragon blood cakes, two of them, into the brew, it bubbles and turned a deep purple, she had to wait five minutes before adding three Manticore quills then she had to take the cauldron away from the heat. She hummed to herself and put the bottles of ingredients she had already used back on the shelf.

After five minutes she added the three Manticore, that had been roughly ground, into the brew, the potion turned a deep orange. She pulled the Potion off of the flame. She now had to wait ten minutes before adding the unicorn tears, the potion was then to turn a blood red, if all worked well. "please let it work," she said as she set the cauldron down.

Hermione sat and waited... ten minutes passed and she added the Unicorn tears, the potion bubbled despite being removed from the fire and turned a deep blood red. "It worked?!" Hermione had been filled with doubt. She knew she had to bottle it while it was still warm and took most of the bottles off the shelf. the potion smelled faintly of Cinnamon, she noted as she poured and sealed the potion into eleven bottles.

She sat back and examined her work, eleven bottles of a potion that no one had ever bothered to translate or even try. She felt pride welling up and felt she had to tell someone. Classes would start in a half hour so she still had time.
****

Hermione was so excited that she wanted to see Madam Pomfrey first, she made her way to the infirmary clutching a bottle of the still warm potion. "Poppy?" She called out when she reached the Infirmary.

"Hermione? Is there anything wrong?" Poppy came over to her from her medicine cabinet.

"Nothing's wrong," She said so excited she could barely contain herself, "I think I've done IT!"

"Calm down child, Done what?" She led Hermione to her office and sat her down, "Calm down and then tell me,"

Hermione closed her eyes and took several deep breaths in effort to calm herself down, "I've been doing some research from 'Ars magica Medice,"

"That book is in Latin, Greek and Phoenician," Poppy interrupted her, "Don't tell me you can read that,"

"I can read all three languages, and can speak all but the Phoenician," Hermione answered, "But I think I found a cure for Severus' Pains,"

"What?!" Poppy shot up, "How?"

"There was a potion for a ghost pain that resulted from the use of a vile curse; Cruxsiatus. Mind you that's the ancient word for it and modernized it becomes; Cruciatus." Poppy's jaw dropped, "It's a quick potion to make it's just the timing that has to be perfect," She set the small bottle on the desk between them, "that batch of potion filled eleven of these bottles."

"The Ministry will want to know of your discovery, as well as St. Mungo's," Poppy looked rather proud, "Does Severus know that you did this?"

She shook her head, "I used my lunch to make it, I have an apple and a sandwich in the library. I'll make copies of my notes and send them to the Ministry later with a bottle of the potion. I plan on telling Severus as soon as I can," She handed Poppy her notes

"He'll be pleased," She said reading over the notes, "What about the Manticore quills in it they are poisonous you know,"

"The unicorn tears remove all traces of the poison," Hermione smiled as Poppy handed her the notes back, "This bottle is for your stores,"

"Thank you Hermione, I think you should tell Severus before class starts again, you have ten minutes," Hermione nodded and slipped the notes back into the pocket of her cloak.
***

Hermione walked into the Potions classroom, Severus was marking papers, He looked up as soon as he caught the movement, "Hermione, I was starting to worry when I didn't see you at lunch," She gave him a smile and walked over to him.

"I have something for you," She pulled out the notes and gave them to him as she went to retrieve another bottle of the potion she had created.

Severus looked over the notes, he has seen some of then when she was sleeping in the library. He wondered why she was so happy, had she figured something out?

"Severus, I made this at lunch now mind you it's untested but it is, hopefully, the cure for the phantom pains," She handed him the bottle , "There are nine more bottles in there and poppy has one, I am going to send a copy of my findings to the Ministry and St. Mungo's,"
****

Severus was so happy he got up and hugged her, then picked her up and spun her around. "Hermione, You did this for me?" He hugged her again, "How can I ever thank you?"

"let's just say I'll keep tabs on this," She gave him a kiss then pried herself from his grasp. "Class will be starting soon,"
Severus scowled, "That's better, I have to go back to the library," before she left she took a couple more bottle of the potion with her.

"I'll see you at dinner," he said as she picked up her notes and left. Severus was impressed, She knew what she was doing, he thought, She always has.