Severus groaned as Hermione's hand traveled his inner thigh, she knew all the right buttons to push to set him off, and she was very close indeed. Hermione pushed his knees apart and placed her body between them. She leaned into Severus' neck and bit him lightly, "Hermione," He pleaded, "Not in the classroom, please,"
She pouted, "How about your office?" she purred, "Or my potions room?" she raked her nails down his leg, causing Severus to suck in his breath sharply. "Or we could just always head back to your chambers where it's safer,"
Severus looked at her with eyes full of passion and lust, he stood up and wrapped his arms around her, kissing her deeply as he did so. He waved his wand and shut and locked the classroom door, there was no way he would last until they made it back to his chambers.
He bent and swept Hermione off of her feet and carried her to his office. Kicked the door open and set her down on the edge of his nearly clear desk, he shut the door after he set her down, Hermione could have sworn she saw horns sprouting from his forehead.
He crossed the room and was soon kissing her and biting at her neck. He pushed her back so that she lay across the desk. Hermione felt his warm hands sliding up under her dress, her skin tingled at his touch and she shuddered. She felt his fingers looping around the elastic of her panties as he pulled them down.
Severus pulled Hermione's under wear up with one swift pull and pushed her dress up above her waist. He, himself, shuddered on pleasure as his hands kneaded and pulled at the pale flesh of her thighs. Hermione moaned as Severus' fingers found her damp cleft.
Hermione raise up to meet his probing digits, "Severus," she moaned, "That's not fair,"
He smiled as he undid his pants, "What's not fair my dear?" He said as he pulled his hand away.
"Severus, now please?" Hermione pleaded, she knew she was getting a taste of her own medicine. "Severus..." She let out a sigh as he slid into her.
Severus wrapped Hermione's legs around his waist and began to thrust into her. Severus' thoughts were of how perfectly matched they were and how much he wanted her. He thrust quickly and deeply into her, grasping her breasts through her dress. Hermione was gasping and moaning and meeting him thrust for thrust.
"Ah, Severus!" She called out as she approached a very strong orgasm. "Gods Severus!" Severus felt the walls of her cleft convulsing as she was thrown into yet another orgasm.
Severus thrust into her roughly a couple of more times before he felt his own climax, he collapsed on top of her. Panting and sweaty the couple lay on the desk, neither wishing to move or the other to move for that matter.
Hermione's skin tingled where Severus panted against it, she reached up and pushed aside a lock of his hair. He looked up at her and smiled, "I love you," he whispered as they lay there.
"I love you too Severus," she sighed as he got up off of her, she didn't want him to get up, but she knew that dinner would be starting shortly and she was famished.
Severus muttered several cleaning and cleansing spells as he straightened his clothes and watched Hermione slipping her panties back on.
"Gods Severus that was incredible," Hermione said as they stepped out of his office, "We have to do that again sometime," she giggled as they unlocked the classroom and made their way up to the great hall for dinner.
*****
Cicely sat with Philip at the Gryffindor table, "Cici," he started, "Do you think Professor Snape and Miss Granger will stay together?"
"Why wouldn't they?" She retorted, "They're practically made for each other,"
Philip just gave her a smile, he really did like her a lot and was glad they were friends.
****
Ginny Weasely sat at her writing desk writing Hermione a letter, it had been a few weeks since they had last chatted. She knew that Hermione's potion discovery had kept her busy. She still hadn't told Harry or Ron and wouldn't until Hermione wanted them to know, She's going to make a scene, Ginny thought.
Dear Mione,
hey you, how have you been? Good I hope. I now you've been busy lately, in more ways than one I bet. Any ways, I've owled Albus and he said I could drop in anytime to visit with the staff if I liked. Harry likes his new job in the Ministry, keeps him busy. I ran into Oliver the other day back at the Burrow, he was 'visiting' with George.
He asked me how you were and if I had been following your potions progress, blah blah blah. We already know the whole conversation. Why did you ever go out with him? Let alone sleep with him... I don't know who's worse Oliver wood or Victor Krum. Well i don't know, but you do. Don't get me wrong Oliver is a great friend, but dating him? Come on. I know I am being evil, but it's just because you haven't written me in forever.
Tell Severus I said hi, it'll make him paranoid. Have to run.
lots of love.
Ginny
Ginny sealed the letter and sent it off with her own snowy owl; Gossamer.
****
Severus and Hermione took their seats at the High table and looked across the hall at the four house tables, all of them seemed to accept Severus and Hermione except of course Slytherin.
Several of the students there watched the couple with icy stares. They couldn't quite believe it after more than a month. A small group of Slytherins, whose families were some of Voldemort's biggest supporters were convinced he was using her for some vile motive.
Why else would he see a mudblood? it couldn't possibly be love, they thought, they knew that Snape's family was right up there with the Malfoys and the Nettleburns if only for wealth and status. Snape's family for the most part had remained neutral during the entire time Voldemort was in power or trying to regain his powers.
*****
Albus and Remus were talking up until Severus and Hermione walked to their places, "Remus, that is a concern. We'll talk after dinner in my office." Remus nodded and turned to his plate.
He was still bothered about what Severus had said about protecting Hermione, so he had talked to Albus about it and he hoped for the love of the gods above that nothing would happen to either of them.
Remus decided that they were both as close to a family as he had had in a long time...
*******
*******
Remus sat with Albus in the tower top office, Fawkes cooed to himself as the two men talked. "Albus, I am really concerned about Severus, we both know he meant he would risk his life for Hermione's."
"He loves her dearly, and if there is any possibility that someone else would have to go through the same things he did, You know as well as I do that he would stop it any way he could." Albus said sucking on a lemon drop. "He gave Hermione something that he never thought possible; his undying love,"
"I still don't like that idea," Remus grumbled, "Any other news of those meetings?"
"None, They have either stopped or they're meeting somewhere else,"
"I'd wager ten galleons that they're meeting somewhere else." Remus said moodily, "Sirius hasn't had anything new to tell us, other that Mad Eye Moody has the same unnerving feeling as him,"
"Only time will tell," Albus said, he was worried. But he didn't want to act to quickly, that had nearly cost Severus his life last time., and he didn't want to act too slowly, that would cost them all dearly.
"I hope for all our sake that nothing becomes of this," Remus said standing. "We can no longer take brilliant minds for granted, no matter how stubborn they are."
****
A tall robed figure walked with quick strides down the dank halls of Azkaban. A large dark looking guard stopped in front of a cell and rapped on the door, "Visitor," the guards gruff voice cut like stone.
The tall figure behind him stood face and hands hidden from view, the guard took a key and opened the cell with a grating hiss. "You have ten minutes," the hooded figure nodded at the guards comment and stepped inside, the door slammed shut.
"Hello father," the figure stood back against the wall, a pale hand raised and pushed back the hood, exposing white blonde hair, "I told you I would visit," the voice was like honeyed venom.
Lucius Malfoy looked up from where he sat, haggard and looking half-crazed. Yet he smiled the smile of one who was still sane. "I knew you'd show up sooner or later," Lucius smiled, "I knew I wouldn't be disappointed."
"I never break my promises," the figure said, "Now I know there are some things that you want to tell me before it's too late,"
"It's always too late here, the taunt me everyday with threats of the Kiss," Lucius replied, "It doesn't matter now..." he looked up at the figure.
"Oh but it does father, because you see we've found Voldemort's final secret,"
"The child?" Lucius suddenly sat up, "Is she as we hoped?"
"More so than you'll ever know," the figure pulled the hood up again just as the cell door opened and the guard stepped inside.
"Time's up," the guard said staring Lucius down, he huddled back to his little corner.
The figure turned once outside the door, "Goodbye father," then swept off down the dark halls and out of the Gods forsaken prison.
******
Carmilla Nettleburn sat in the foyer of her family's immense home, She had been whisked away from Hogwarts because the family matriarch; her grandmother, was dying.
Now the old woman was dead and had told Carmilla numerous family secrets before she had done so, as well as left and extensive collection of dark arts books and materials. She watched her mother sitting in the parlor, She was crying so hard Carmilla's father had to hold her up.
Yet She didn't cry, She couldn't. She knew that death was inevitable and that there was no way of stopping it forever. She stood and walked out side, she couldn't stand to see the woman blubbering like that.
She breathed in the damp air and immediately felt better. She walked further away from the house until she could no longer hear her mothers crying.
She decided she rather be at school and dealing with all of the bull there than here listening to her family mourning. She had already missed two days of class and would miss another two before going back.
****
Severus and Hermione sat together in Hermione's chambers, it was early morning. They were sharing a black current scone and looking at Arcane Potions together.
"I told you never to let me take a nap, that it was bad for you, now do you believe me?" she said putting her hand on his leg, "You're going to listen to me know aren't you?"
"After last night I don't know if I want to listen to you anymore," He was still pleasantly exhausted from their lovemaking the night before, "If I had known what letting you sleep in the afternoon could do to you I might have to have you sleep in the afternoons more often," he laughed, wincing slightly because of the deep scratches she had given him.
"Won't you let me heal those for you?" Hermione asked, "I didn't mean to do that,"
"Soon love soon," he replied, smiling. He had never been happier in all of his life and hoped that it would last for an eternity.
Hermione picked up her wand and whispered an incantation, Severus felt his chest tingling, he knew she felt bad about that scratches and didn't want him to have anymore scars. "I felt bad," she said setting her wand down. "Now your all ready for another round of gouging,"
"Hermione, I am not about to become the Proverbial rabbit," Severus looked into her eyes, his gaze making her nervous.
"You could have fooled me," she replied breaking his gaze. "With your performance last night, we could have given the bunnies a run for their money," She smiled innocently at him.
"What am I going to do with you woman?" Severus asked smiling, "I'm too old to keep this up forever," he said laughing.
"Your are not to old and there are more things to life and love than just this," she reached between his legs and gave him a light squeeze, "Am I right?"
Severus glared at her and pulled her onto his lap, "I've changed my mind, I am never letting you have an afternoon nap again, winds you up far too much," he kissed her passionately, running his long fingers through her curly hair.
*****
*****
Halloween at Hogwarts was always a festive occasion, but this year it was even more so. Hagrid's pumpkins ended up as big as his hut. It seemed to the school everyone helped out a bit in making them grow this year. Hagrid put his shovel down and looked at the small group of students watching him, they had been each been given buckets and were collecting the apple sized seeds as hagrid shoveled them out of the pumpkin.
Cicely and Philip had suggested to Dumbledore that since they were too big to go into the castle why not make pumpkin boats out of a few of them.
Hagrid's immediately took to he idea that his Granddaughter had come up with and immediately started to hollow out four of them.
Classes had been canceled the day before and for Halloween. Much to Hermione's delight. She wore a pair of Muggle overalls and was helping Hagrid scoop and scrape out the the seeds.
****
Severus sat close by under a tree with papers he was grading. the students helping with the pumpkins stayed away from, with the exception of Miss rosewood.
She left her bucket with Philip and walked over to him, she picked up a pitcher of apple cider and one of the cups that Hermione had brought along. "Professor Snape?" She stood a few feet away from him, "Would you like some Apple cider?" he looked up at her and gave her a cruel look. "I promise i didn't poison it,"
She wasn't moved by his look, she stood her ground, unafraid of him, "Thank you Miss Rosewood, I think I will," She gave him a warm smile as she poured the cider for him.
"May I sit with you, Sir?" she asked politely, waiting for his reply.
"You may," he set his papers aside and watched her sit down quietly.
Severus watched as the girl pulled a small notebook from her pocket and began to write down various formulas, "I case you are wondering Sir, it's my potions journal." She had a muggle pencil and quickly scrawled down whatever formula she had though up at the moment before looking at the curious man. She handed him the journal. "You can look at it if you want,"
Severus took the small notebook and opened it; on the pages in a handwriting that seemed eerily familiar. She had written formulas that few students her age would understand. "I would say that this is brilliant but then that would be giving a compliment,"
"Don't worry, I won't tell anyone... Well maybe Miss Granger," She said somberly, "If you're wondering about the formulas a few of them a from books not many though, many are from your theories on potions with my ideas added in..."
Severus was shocked to say the least, she had even managed to somehow get Hermione's phantom cure notes scribbled in there too.
He now knew without a doubt that her intelligence in potions was rivaled only by Hermione's and his own, "Miss Rosewood, a talent like yours should not be wasted, i think it would be a wise decision for you to take additional tutoring from either Miss Granger or Myself and I will see if you can be moved to an advance potion class."
Cicely, didn't realize that her babble would make sense to anyone else. she smiled, "You mean it sir?" she asked not sure if this was a dream or not.
"Yes, I mean it Miss Rosewood, Now you might want to go help your fellow students with those pumpkins." She smiled as he handed her the notebook back and got up picking up the pitcher and heading back to the pumpkins.
Severus wondered about the handwriting; it had seemed so familiar yet he couldn't place it and that bothered him. His pushed the thought away and picked up his papers once more and continue to grade them.
****
Hermione looked over at Severus and shook her head, "what's wrong Mione?" Hagrid asked when he saw her look.
"Severus needs to lighten up a bit more." she replied pointing at him, from her vantage on the pumpkin, "There are no classes today yet he has to grade those papers."
She handed down a bucked full of pumpkins seeds to a girl beside the pumpkin. and then slid down the side of the pumpkin. She washed her hands of in a bucket of water and walked over to Severus.
"All work and no play makes Severus a dull boy," she said sitting next to him, "It wouldn't Kill you to help us a little, or even smile for that matter, They school knows you can smile, and they're pretty sure that you do know what fun is, I mean after all you are with me. and I am the epitome of Fun,"
"My House will surely disagree with me having fun," he said dryly. "but seeing as the only students here are Gryffindor..." He gave her his cruel smile then lunged for her and began tickling her mercilessly.
"Severus! Please!" She laughed as his fingers sound every ticklish patch of skin on her body. the students all watched as Miss Granger tried to pry herself from Professor Snape's grasp.
He smiled and allowed himself to laugh, which shocked the students even more. Cicely just smiled as she watched, very little shocked her anymore.
****
Hermione finally managed to wiggle free of his grasp and she stood up hiccuping from laughing so hard. "Severus Snape, I should take points from you house for that public Display of silliness."
The students cheered at this.
"And I, Miss Hermione Granger, should take points away from your house for provoking me," the students hushed quickly.
Severus laughed again, and walked up to the students. "I don't expect you lot to be telling the entire school that I can indeed laugh."
"No sir," the group said collectively.
"Good," He turned and went back to the tree, sat down and went back to grading papers.
"Yer the one who said he should lighten up," Hagrid laughed.
*****
Ginny sat reading the reply to her last letter to Hermione; she smiled as she read the letter.
Ginny
thank you for bringing up, that wonderfully delightful point. remember how you said that you wanted to know ALL of the gory details, well I can only share one with you; I leave gouges on him. But we're doing good, and he has agreed to go with me to your Christmas party. He's meeting my parents soon, that will be a joy in itself. But I hope you and Harry are getting along great, we all knew you two would end up together.
But any ways i have to go, Severus let me take an afternoon nap, and it's time for me to me utterly evil.
I think it will be all right to tell Ron and Harry now, Just break it to them gently
Lots of love
Mione
Ginny smiled, laughed, then frowned, tell Harry and Ron? that was one thing she wasn't looking forward to doing. She set the letter down sat thinking. She heard the door opening and looked up to see Harry smiling. "Hey love," she said as he sat down on the couch where she sat.
"What's up?" He asked noting the letter that was still in her hand, "Nothing bad I hope."
"Harry, I'm going to tell you something that Hermione wants me to tell you," he looked puzzled, "It's not bad, She just befriended Severus that's all,"
He went pale, "They're friends?" he asked, not quite believing her words.
"The best of friends," she said taking his hands in hers.
Harry couldn't quite believe this, "I thought you said that he was driving her nuts,"
"He was until they realized the were both being thickheaded."
She smiled, that was as much as he needed to know at this point, they would find out soon enough, she thought.
****
The First Hogwarts Pumpkin boat race was about to begin. Hermione and Severus watched from the sidelines and groups of seven students from each house piled into a pumpkin boat, one student from every year was chosen and Cicely Rosewood was the first year chosen for Gryffindor.
The were all given oars and Albus stood holding a purple checkered flag, "Ready, Set, Go!" the four pumpkins where pushed out by groups of students. the boats had to go out a hundred yards turn around then comeback. Easier said than done, Ravenclaw and Gryffindor pumpkins managed to stay straight and not spin around in circles Hufflepuff zigzagged and Slytherin was spinning around in circles, but somehow managing to catch up with Gryffindor and Ravenclaw.
Cicely was at the rudder and was trying to steer them back to the shore when she caught sight of the Slytherin Pumpkin catching up to them. "Come on guys Faster!" She said as she guided them to the shore.
*****
After nearly thirty minutes Gryffindor Pumpkin was first to reach the shore followed by Slytherin. Hufflepuff and Ravenclaw tied for last place.
Severus had an eyebrow raised the entire time but didn't say anything, "Please let this not become an annual event,"
Albus overheard Severus' comment and smiled, "And why not Severus? I could have the teachers join in, it would be great fun you know,"
Severus scowled and Hermione smiled as she pictured him in a pumpkin boat yelling at the students to row.
****
Evening came and everyone piled back into the castle, more than a few smelled like pumpkin, Hermione went to her quarters and showered. She knew Severus be in his chambers when she go out. You'd think the man would get used to me parading around my chambers stark naked, she thought as she dried off and changed into a black velvet dress with a orange sash around the waist.
She walked down to the dungeons and to Severus' chambers, "Taimat," She whispered and the door swung open for her, Severus was at his desk writing when she entered, "Shall we join the festivities upstairs?" She asked as he looked up at her.
"Only if we can continue the festivities privately later," he replied standing, he was wearing all black, as usual, but there was something more than just the clothes that made him even more attractive to her and she didn't quite know what it was, well she knew it was love, she didn't realize just how deeply her love for him had embedded itself into every fiber of her very being.
She never wanted that feeling to leave her.
*******
*******
Hermione and Severus Apperated a few blocks away from the Granger household, in a place where there was no one around. "Now Severus, Please behave and don't turn anyone into anything, and don't try to poison any of my relatives."
"You should Know by now that I always behave." Severus replied slightly uncomfortable with out his robes. "thank you for at least allowing me to wear my waistcoat," the high buttoned constricting garment made Severus look regal, Hermione looped her arm around his as they walked up the frosted steps leading up to the Granger residence.
She smiled and let go of his arm and rang the doorbell. The door opened and a tall woman with slightly bushy hair peaked out, "Hermione, How is my baby girl?" the door swung open, and the woman stepped out, "And you must be Professor Snape," she said warmly her smile almost like that of her daughters.
"Please call me Severus, Mrs. Granger," his voice was deep and rich in tone.
"Please call me Melissa," A man appeared behind her, "And this is my husband Robert." The couple walked in and Severus shook hands with Robert then politely took Melissa's hand and gave it a like kiss.
"Such a gentleman," Hermione said rolling her eyes, she saw movement in the corner of her eye, "Mom you didn't tell me that Silus and Mackenzie were going to be here," She turned to the young man and woman standing the doorway to the living room.
"They just dropped in, and decided to stick around when they found out that their favorite cousin was going to stop by," Robert replied as Silus and then Mackenzie hugged Hermione tightly.
"I'm their only cousin," Hermione replied when they let go of her.
"So this is the Infamous Professor Snape I have heard so much about," Mackenzie was about Hermione's height, but had jet black hair and blue eyes, she stood about two feet away from him and looked him in the eyes, "Not so scary,"
"That's enough Mackenzie," Silus replied, Severus guessed that hey were twins judging from the similarities they shared.
"But he doesn't look scary, that's all I said," she had a vicious tone in her voice Severus had heard only from Voldemort.
"Mackenzie, Please don't start anything," Silus started, "I am in no mood to be turned into a toad,"
"I wouldn't turn you into a toad, they aren't that useful, maybe a caterpillar or a flobberworm they are far more useful than a toad, not only that they are a much lower life form than a toad." Severus said dryly giving Mackenzie an icy glare, she paled and muttered an apology.
"Dinner's ready if anyone is hungry," Melissa chimed in taking Hermione's coat and Severus' tight waist coat.
They gathered at the dinner table, Robert brought Severus a brandy and they opened a bottle of wine. "So Severus, you teach at Hogwarts Still,"
"Yes I do, I Teach Potions," Severus started, "But no doubt Hermione had told you all about me being such a terrible teacher," her looked over to see her blushing.
"Actually all She told us is how much she's respected you," Silus spoke up, his voice quiet and unwavering. "She said despite the way you treat students that you were still someone to be respected and not feared,"
Severus gave her a quick side glance, she was still blushing. "Silus I think that is quite enough," She said looking at him.
"I think i would like to here a little more," Severus replied, his voice velvety and dark.
Silus smiled, "When she graduated Hogwarts, she was awfully saddened by something, but she told me that if She could ever teach anywhere she hoped that it would be at Hogwarts and that she could teach Potions. But seeing as you are still teaching it I guess not." he smiled again, "She's her own worst critic, She doesn't think she could ever be as great as the potions master,"
"I'm flattered," Severus said giving a smile and a hearty laugh. "But she has excelled in Potions and I hope she has informed you of her recent works with a new potion,"
"She has sent us clippings from articles, We're very proud of her," Robert said smiling at his daughter.
Mackenzie stifled glares and cross looks at Hermione, but spared none for Severus, "Mackenzie, don't be so cross," Silus said looking at his twin sister, "We're guests as much as Professor Snape is," Silus smiled at Severus, "I'm afraid she's a bit Jealous of Hermione,"
******
Dinner progressed with then talking the importance of academics. They later retired to the living room for drinks after Silus and Mackenzie went home.
"Hermione, You're hiding something form us, I know that smile," Melissa gave her daughter a questioning look, then looked at Severus.
"Severus, isn't just an associate," She blushed and looked at her hands, "We've been seeing each other for almost three months,"
Robert looked at Severus and gave him a wide smile, "As long as you both are happy," He said, Hermione let out a sigh and smiled.
"I'm almost afraid to ask, But Severus how old are you?" Melissa asked. "I mean we know you were her teacher all throughout her years at Hogwarts
Severus knew this was coming and he knew that he had better answer honestly; he cleared his throat suddenly looking uncomfortable, "I turned Forty five this year,"
Melissa and Robert looked at each other, "Well she always had like the older ones..."
"But like I said as long as you two are happy, we wish you all the best."
*****
Severus shrugged out of his waistcoat and flopped himself down in the armchair next to the fireplace in his chambers. Hermione walked over and sat on his lap, "You survived meeting my parents and they didn't try to kill you," she said kissing his forehead, "Though Mackenzie, I am sure, wanted to kill you,"
"What is her problem?" he asked pulling Hermione to him, "She and Silus are twins aren't they?"
"They're twins." She replied, "She just has this prejudice against wizards and witched, with the exception of me, she's jealous of me. She's rather confused,"
"I'll say," he nuzzled her neck, "I told you I could behave," he murmured into her neck.
"I would have punished you severely if you hadn't," she replied brushing her fingers across his neck making him shiver.
"How would you punish me?" he asked suddenly wondering what she could do to him that hadn't already been done to him.
"Like this," she took his hand in her and extended his fingers. She took a finger in her mouth and sucked on it, nibbling the tip before she released it and took another and repeated the process with all of his fingers. She smiled and stood up, "Good night Severus," she walked into his bedroom and shut the door.
Severus sat shocked and very thoroughly aroused, he whimpered, "Mione, you can't do this to me," he stood and walked over to the bedroom door, she had locked it, "Mione I get the point, please you can not do this to me," he stressed each word.
The door opened and Hermione stuck her head out of the door, "Do you believe me now?" she said pulling him into the bedroom with her.
"Yes," He said breathlessly as she slowly led him to the bed, "Gods Hermione don't ever do that to me again," She pouted as she began to undo his pants.
"I promise," she said pushing him backwards and across the bed. She slid onto the bed and began to unbutton his shirt, "Severus you really must get some sun..." she said absentmindedly. she pulled the shirt of of him and pulled his pants off as well. "I always play nice," she said as she stripped of her dress revealing that she hadn't word anything under it.
"That isn't playing nice," Severus replied, as she crawled up onto the bed with him, "If I had known that you hadn't worn anything under that dress..."
"We never would have made it to my parents house," she said as she slid her hands under the waist of his boxers, "And then you wouldn't have gotten to meet Silus or Mackenzie," She giggled as he gasped.
"I think I could have lived without meeting Mackenzie," Severus squirmed in Hermione's grasp, "You are such an evil woman,"
"Evil would be leaving you here like this and heading back up to my quarters, thank you for the idea," She let go of him and sat up.
"Voldemort's tortures could never compare to what you are doing to me Woman," Severus sat up and grabbed her, "Maybe it's my turn to punish you?" he slid his hand down her hips and grazed her mound.
She shivered, his smile grew as he pushed down gently to the bed...
*****
Carmilla Nettleburn picked burrs out of her robes, Detention with Hagrid, She thought, that was far worse than anything she had endured this year. She grumbled and picked up her favorite book on hexes that she had stashed under her bed.
She picked up her wand spotted a small beetle crawling across the floor, "perfect," She raised her wand and whispered a small freezing spell, she picked up the frozen beetle and dropped it to the floor, it shattered. She sat on her bed reading the book, she had memorized most of it and was glad she did.
She caught sight of an unopened letter on her night stand, Oh that's right I planned on opening that earlier, she thought, But I had that detention...
She picked it up and opened it.
Dear one,
I hope you are making it through school all right, remember that you are a Slytherin through and through and nothing will ever change that. I look forward to seeing you again, over winter holidays, unless you prefer staying there or with your mother for them. I look forward to finding out how much you have 'learned' thus far. Until we can talk again in person I bid you adieu.
The letter wasn't signed but she knew who it was from, She smiled, and slipped the letter under her pillow. She set her book down on the floor and slid it back under her bed. She needed to sleep, and she knew pleasant dreams awaited her.
******
Cicely Rosewood sat finishing up her extra credit potions essay. Professor Snape had given her the assignment to test how much she truly did know. She looked at her small Potions notebook and opened it, theories on the uses of Dragon gall. she smiled and penned her notes down onto the scroll she had in front of her.
She finished up her essay and set her quill down, she was surprised to see that she was the only one still awake but not the only one there, Philip Burtleby has sleeping in the closest armchair to her. She smiled and put her papers away. She liked Philip a lot and wondered if she was developing a crush towards him.
She walked over to him and with her quill tickled his nose, he shook his head and mumbled, she did it again, he did the same thing. on her fourth try he opened his eyes and yawned. "Cici, cut it out," he sat up and looked around, "What time is it,"
"Time for us to be sleeping," she said, "It's past midnight, you fell asleep here," she smiled and helped him up.
"I guess it is time for us to go to bed," He smiled sleepily at her, "See you in the morning," he made his way up to his dorm first. She made her way to her own bed after gathering up her class work.
*****
Hermione lay sleeping in Severus' arms, he was still awake despite their earlier activities. He felt her cuddling up against him and he smiled.
He hadn't had anymore pains since Hermione had given him the potion that one night, he didn't think it was a cure but it was lasting a long time. He hadn't had any nightmares that he knew of in nearly a month and for that he was thankful.
He pulled the blanket up over them, momentarily disturbing the great orange lump at their feet, and whispered a spell to extinguish the candles and other lights in the room.
Now he had to sleep, and he know it would be pleasant as he was with the woman he loved.
*****
Sybil Trelawney sat staring at the tarot cards in front of her; the foretold a great misfortune about to fall. To who or what they were meant for she didn't know. She wasn't alarmed, things like this were always being shown to her. She just wondered what evil they foretold.
*******
*******
Philip Burtleby and Cicely Rosewood sat together on the Hogwarts express, They were heading back to London for the Christmas Holidays. Cicely was holding a wrapped package from Miss Granger and Professor Snape, her advanced classes were going well, and the two adults started to view the young girl as a close confidant and friend. there were still some things that they didn't share with here but when it came to potions they would have in-depth conversations in the potions classroom after dinner on Friday nights.
"Cici just open it," Philip said looking at the package in her lap.
"Fine," she said, she had planned on opening it up on the train any ways. She pulled at the paper and unwrapped the package; inside was a a medium sized book, she opened it to discover it was a potions journal. "It's a potions journal," Her little notebook had filled up quickly and she didn't really want to get another one.
"Awesome," Philip said as she handed to book to him, he looked at the maroon leather bound book.
"There's a note here too," She picked it up and read, "Miss Rosewood, I hope that this is more suitable for your work than a small notebook, there should be an envelope on the last Page addressed to Mister Burtleby, I couldn't forget you're best friend no could I? signed Miss Granger,"
Philip turned to the last page and sure enough there was an envelope. he picked it up and handed the book back to Cicely. He opened it and a small card fluttering to the ground, he also pulled out a note. the card that fluttered to the ground was a chocolate frog card, it was Harry Potter; The one he didn't have, and it was signed. "Mister Burtleby, I told Harry that you admired him and that his card was the only one you didn't have, he had one and signed it for you. Signed Miss Granger,"
"Pinch me and tell me this isn't a dream," Cicely pinched him lightly, "This is so very cool,"
"I wish I could have stayed at school," Cicely started, "grandmother wants me back there this year," She sighed and looked at the wrapped package that sat beside her, "I hope she doesn't freak when she opened this," she said touching the box.
"What is it?" Philip asked tucking the card back into the envelope and putting it in his pocket.
"Something from Hagrid, I don't know what it is." Cicely smiled, "I hope that she's okay with it..."
*****
Ginny and Harry were finishing up plans for their Christmas party when a large owl flew in the window and dropped a letter in front of Ginny. She picked it up and opened it; it was from Hermione.
Dear Ginny,
thanks for the invitation. I can't wait to see you at the party, i am going to Diagon Alley today to get a new dress, like the burgundy velvet one i have only not, wink wink. thank you for allowing me to bring a guest if I so choose, i may take you up on that offer. have to go, shopping to do.
always,
Hermione
Ginny smiled at Harry, "She's coming to the party," Harry had had some misgivings about Hermione being able to attend the party.
"That will be good, Does she know that Oliver and George will be there too?"
"She probably figures as much." Ginny Smiled to herself, she knew that Hermione was going to bring Severus, "I think that there will be other more startling things than Oliver and George,"
"Why do you say that?" Harry asked curious, "Is there something going on that I don't know?"
"Harry you have to figure that Oliver and George are old news now, there has to be something more interesting that that now," She didn't know if he bought her little white Christmas lie. Ron's coming too, i got an owl from him last night, he's crashing at the Burrow he's bone tired."
"I guess you have a point, it's good that Ron is out of Brazil, I couldn't stand the heat there..."
Ginny smiled. Hermione would make her grand entrance at the party and half of them would faint, she thought.
*****
Hermione and Severus walked the snowy streets of Diagon alley, they were looking for the right outfits for Harry and Ginny's Christmas party. She pulled Severus towards a shop that sold Men's suits. "Severus you have to try something other than black," she said as they walked into the store. Hermione immediately spotted something that she liked.
The Shop owner saw them and approached. "Good afternoon, Are you looking for something in particular?" he was curt and polite.
Hermione Looked at a waist coat that looked almost black but she knew it wasn't that color, "Would you be kind enough to tell me what color this is? I know it isn't black,"
"Certainly," He picked up the garment and held it up. Severus raised an eyebrow it certainly looked black to him, He had to admit she did have good taste when it came to picking out clothes.
"The Color is actually a deep Burgundy," he said letting Hermione finger the fabric. "It goes naturally well with black thought.
"Severus, please try it on," Hermione sad smiling at him.
"No way i can say no to that smile," He took off the waistcoat he was wearing and slipped the burgundy one on. "It looks black,"
"It fits you perfectly sir," the shopkeeper said standing behind Severus as he looked in the mirror.
"Well Hermione? Does it suit me?" he smiled and turned to her.
She smiled, "It suits you very well,:" she smiled.
Severus bought that jacket another of deep green, several white dress shirts and a few pairs of slacks. they stepped back outside into the frigid streets and went to the dress shop where Hermione was buying all of her dresses as of late.
Severus held the door open for her as she walked in and followed her inside. There were a couple of women in the store when Severus stepped in, and they stared.
Hermione smiled as she spotted Several dresses of dark green and burgundy she liked. Madam Birch-heart Immediately recognized one of her best customers, "My dear Welcome back," She said bustling up to the young woman. "I see you brought a friend,"
"I'm looking for a new dress for a Christmas party I, I mean, my friend and I are going to attend."
She watched as Madam Birch-heart conjured a chair and directed Severus to sit in it. She pulled several dressed of of the racks and a few out of a couple of boxes and directed Hermione into a fitting room.
*****
Severus waited quietly as Hermione tried on her dresses, He felt the women in the shop staring at him, he ignored them and waited.
He looked up when he heard the curtain of the changing room rustle and he caught his breath. Before him Stood Hermione in a medieval style peasant dress, with a laced up bodice that heaved her sumptuous breasts up even more. She smiled at him. "Do you like it Severus?" She asked pouting her lips a little.
"You're going to turn a lot of heads at the party," He said as she turned around.
"I only want to turn your head," she smiled, and headed back to the dressing room
*****
Severus and Hermione stood in each others arms as the watched people walk past. "Hermione, I'm glad you agreed to come to the estate with me."
She was curious to meet his family and to see his ancestral home, "I'm looking forward to meeting your family."
"That's good..." he murmured seconds before they apperated from Diagon alley to the Snape residence.
TBC
She pouted, "How about your office?" she purred, "Or my potions room?" she raked her nails down his leg, causing Severus to suck in his breath sharply. "Or we could just always head back to your chambers where it's safer,"
Severus looked at her with eyes full of passion and lust, he stood up and wrapped his arms around her, kissing her deeply as he did so. He waved his wand and shut and locked the classroom door, there was no way he would last until they made it back to his chambers.
He bent and swept Hermione off of her feet and carried her to his office. Kicked the door open and set her down on the edge of his nearly clear desk, he shut the door after he set her down, Hermione could have sworn she saw horns sprouting from his forehead.
He crossed the room and was soon kissing her and biting at her neck. He pushed her back so that she lay across the desk. Hermione felt his warm hands sliding up under her dress, her skin tingled at his touch and she shuddered. She felt his fingers looping around the elastic of her panties as he pulled them down.
Severus pulled Hermione's under wear up with one swift pull and pushed her dress up above her waist. He, himself, shuddered on pleasure as his hands kneaded and pulled at the pale flesh of her thighs. Hermione moaned as Severus' fingers found her damp cleft.
Hermione raise up to meet his probing digits, "Severus," she moaned, "That's not fair,"
He smiled as he undid his pants, "What's not fair my dear?" He said as he pulled his hand away.
"Severus, now please?" Hermione pleaded, she knew she was getting a taste of her own medicine. "Severus..." She let out a sigh as he slid into her.
Severus wrapped Hermione's legs around his waist and began to thrust into her. Severus' thoughts were of how perfectly matched they were and how much he wanted her. He thrust quickly and deeply into her, grasping her breasts through her dress. Hermione was gasping and moaning and meeting him thrust for thrust.
"Ah, Severus!" She called out as she approached a very strong orgasm. "Gods Severus!" Severus felt the walls of her cleft convulsing as she was thrown into yet another orgasm.
Severus thrust into her roughly a couple of more times before he felt his own climax, he collapsed on top of her. Panting and sweaty the couple lay on the desk, neither wishing to move or the other to move for that matter.
Hermione's skin tingled where Severus panted against it, she reached up and pushed aside a lock of his hair. He looked up at her and smiled, "I love you," he whispered as they lay there.
"I love you too Severus," she sighed as he got up off of her, she didn't want him to get up, but she knew that dinner would be starting shortly and she was famished.
Severus muttered several cleaning and cleansing spells as he straightened his clothes and watched Hermione slipping her panties back on.
"Gods Severus that was incredible," Hermione said as they stepped out of his office, "We have to do that again sometime," she giggled as they unlocked the classroom and made their way up to the great hall for dinner.
*****
Cicely sat with Philip at the Gryffindor table, "Cici," he started, "Do you think Professor Snape and Miss Granger will stay together?"
"Why wouldn't they?" She retorted, "They're practically made for each other,"
Philip just gave her a smile, he really did like her a lot and was glad they were friends.
****
Ginny Weasely sat at her writing desk writing Hermione a letter, it had been a few weeks since they had last chatted. She knew that Hermione's potion discovery had kept her busy. She still hadn't told Harry or Ron and wouldn't until Hermione wanted them to know, She's going to make a scene, Ginny thought.
Dear Mione,
hey you, how have you been? Good I hope. I now you've been busy lately, in more ways than one I bet. Any ways, I've owled Albus and he said I could drop in anytime to visit with the staff if I liked. Harry likes his new job in the Ministry, keeps him busy. I ran into Oliver the other day back at the Burrow, he was 'visiting' with George.
He asked me how you were and if I had been following your potions progress, blah blah blah. We already know the whole conversation. Why did you ever go out with him? Let alone sleep with him... I don't know who's worse Oliver wood or Victor Krum. Well i don't know, but you do. Don't get me wrong Oliver is a great friend, but dating him? Come on. I know I am being evil, but it's just because you haven't written me in forever.
Tell Severus I said hi, it'll make him paranoid. Have to run.
lots of love.
Ginny
Ginny sealed the letter and sent it off with her own snowy owl; Gossamer.
****
Severus and Hermione took their seats at the High table and looked across the hall at the four house tables, all of them seemed to accept Severus and Hermione except of course Slytherin.
Several of the students there watched the couple with icy stares. They couldn't quite believe it after more than a month. A small group of Slytherins, whose families were some of Voldemort's biggest supporters were convinced he was using her for some vile motive.
Why else would he see a mudblood? it couldn't possibly be love, they thought, they knew that Snape's family was right up there with the Malfoys and the Nettleburns if only for wealth and status. Snape's family for the most part had remained neutral during the entire time Voldemort was in power or trying to regain his powers.
*****
Albus and Remus were talking up until Severus and Hermione walked to their places, "Remus, that is a concern. We'll talk after dinner in my office." Remus nodded and turned to his plate.
He was still bothered about what Severus had said about protecting Hermione, so he had talked to Albus about it and he hoped for the love of the gods above that nothing would happen to either of them.
Remus decided that they were both as close to a family as he had had in a long time...
*******
*******
Remus sat with Albus in the tower top office, Fawkes cooed to himself as the two men talked. "Albus, I am really concerned about Severus, we both know he meant he would risk his life for Hermione's."
"He loves her dearly, and if there is any possibility that someone else would have to go through the same things he did, You know as well as I do that he would stop it any way he could." Albus said sucking on a lemon drop. "He gave Hermione something that he never thought possible; his undying love,"
"I still don't like that idea," Remus grumbled, "Any other news of those meetings?"
"None, They have either stopped or they're meeting somewhere else,"
"I'd wager ten galleons that they're meeting somewhere else." Remus said moodily, "Sirius hasn't had anything new to tell us, other that Mad Eye Moody has the same unnerving feeling as him,"
"Only time will tell," Albus said, he was worried. But he didn't want to act to quickly, that had nearly cost Severus his life last time., and he didn't want to act too slowly, that would cost them all dearly.
"I hope for all our sake that nothing becomes of this," Remus said standing. "We can no longer take brilliant minds for granted, no matter how stubborn they are."
****
A tall robed figure walked with quick strides down the dank halls of Azkaban. A large dark looking guard stopped in front of a cell and rapped on the door, "Visitor," the guards gruff voice cut like stone.
The tall figure behind him stood face and hands hidden from view, the guard took a key and opened the cell with a grating hiss. "You have ten minutes," the hooded figure nodded at the guards comment and stepped inside, the door slammed shut.
"Hello father," the figure stood back against the wall, a pale hand raised and pushed back the hood, exposing white blonde hair, "I told you I would visit," the voice was like honeyed venom.
Lucius Malfoy looked up from where he sat, haggard and looking half-crazed. Yet he smiled the smile of one who was still sane. "I knew you'd show up sooner or later," Lucius smiled, "I knew I wouldn't be disappointed."
"I never break my promises," the figure said, "Now I know there are some things that you want to tell me before it's too late,"
"It's always too late here, the taunt me everyday with threats of the Kiss," Lucius replied, "It doesn't matter now..." he looked up at the figure.
"Oh but it does father, because you see we've found Voldemort's final secret,"
"The child?" Lucius suddenly sat up, "Is she as we hoped?"
"More so than you'll ever know," the figure pulled the hood up again just as the cell door opened and the guard stepped inside.
"Time's up," the guard said staring Lucius down, he huddled back to his little corner.
The figure turned once outside the door, "Goodbye father," then swept off down the dark halls and out of the Gods forsaken prison.
******
Carmilla Nettleburn sat in the foyer of her family's immense home, She had been whisked away from Hogwarts because the family matriarch; her grandmother, was dying.
Now the old woman was dead and had told Carmilla numerous family secrets before she had done so, as well as left and extensive collection of dark arts books and materials. She watched her mother sitting in the parlor, She was crying so hard Carmilla's father had to hold her up.
Yet She didn't cry, She couldn't. She knew that death was inevitable and that there was no way of stopping it forever. She stood and walked out side, she couldn't stand to see the woman blubbering like that.
She breathed in the damp air and immediately felt better. She walked further away from the house until she could no longer hear her mothers crying.
She decided she rather be at school and dealing with all of the bull there than here listening to her family mourning. She had already missed two days of class and would miss another two before going back.
****
Severus and Hermione sat together in Hermione's chambers, it was early morning. They were sharing a black current scone and looking at Arcane Potions together.
"I told you never to let me take a nap, that it was bad for you, now do you believe me?" she said putting her hand on his leg, "You're going to listen to me know aren't you?"
"After last night I don't know if I want to listen to you anymore," He was still pleasantly exhausted from their lovemaking the night before, "If I had known what letting you sleep in the afternoon could do to you I might have to have you sleep in the afternoons more often," he laughed, wincing slightly because of the deep scratches she had given him.
"Won't you let me heal those for you?" Hermione asked, "I didn't mean to do that,"
"Soon love soon," he replied, smiling. He had never been happier in all of his life and hoped that it would last for an eternity.
Hermione picked up her wand and whispered an incantation, Severus felt his chest tingling, he knew she felt bad about that scratches and didn't want him to have anymore scars. "I felt bad," she said setting her wand down. "Now your all ready for another round of gouging,"
"Hermione, I am not about to become the Proverbial rabbit," Severus looked into her eyes, his gaze making her nervous.
"You could have fooled me," she replied breaking his gaze. "With your performance last night, we could have given the bunnies a run for their money," She smiled innocently at him.
"What am I going to do with you woman?" Severus asked smiling, "I'm too old to keep this up forever," he said laughing.
"Your are not to old and there are more things to life and love than just this," she reached between his legs and gave him a light squeeze, "Am I right?"
Severus glared at her and pulled her onto his lap, "I've changed my mind, I am never letting you have an afternoon nap again, winds you up far too much," he kissed her passionately, running his long fingers through her curly hair.
*****
*****
Halloween at Hogwarts was always a festive occasion, but this year it was even more so. Hagrid's pumpkins ended up as big as his hut. It seemed to the school everyone helped out a bit in making them grow this year. Hagrid put his shovel down and looked at the small group of students watching him, they had been each been given buckets and were collecting the apple sized seeds as hagrid shoveled them out of the pumpkin.
Cicely and Philip had suggested to Dumbledore that since they were too big to go into the castle why not make pumpkin boats out of a few of them.
Hagrid's immediately took to he idea that his Granddaughter had come up with and immediately started to hollow out four of them.
Classes had been canceled the day before and for Halloween. Much to Hermione's delight. She wore a pair of Muggle overalls and was helping Hagrid scoop and scrape out the the seeds.
****
Severus sat close by under a tree with papers he was grading. the students helping with the pumpkins stayed away from, with the exception of Miss rosewood.
She left her bucket with Philip and walked over to him, she picked up a pitcher of apple cider and one of the cups that Hermione had brought along. "Professor Snape?" She stood a few feet away from him, "Would you like some Apple cider?" he looked up at her and gave her a cruel look. "I promise i didn't poison it,"
She wasn't moved by his look, she stood her ground, unafraid of him, "Thank you Miss Rosewood, I think I will," She gave him a warm smile as she poured the cider for him.
"May I sit with you, Sir?" she asked politely, waiting for his reply.
"You may," he set his papers aside and watched her sit down quietly.
Severus watched as the girl pulled a small notebook from her pocket and began to write down various formulas, "I case you are wondering Sir, it's my potions journal." She had a muggle pencil and quickly scrawled down whatever formula she had though up at the moment before looking at the curious man. She handed him the journal. "You can look at it if you want,"
Severus took the small notebook and opened it; on the pages in a handwriting that seemed eerily familiar. She had written formulas that few students her age would understand. "I would say that this is brilliant but then that would be giving a compliment,"
"Don't worry, I won't tell anyone... Well maybe Miss Granger," She said somberly, "If you're wondering about the formulas a few of them a from books not many though, many are from your theories on potions with my ideas added in..."
Severus was shocked to say the least, she had even managed to somehow get Hermione's phantom cure notes scribbled in there too.
He now knew without a doubt that her intelligence in potions was rivaled only by Hermione's and his own, "Miss Rosewood, a talent like yours should not be wasted, i think it would be a wise decision for you to take additional tutoring from either Miss Granger or Myself and I will see if you can be moved to an advance potion class."
Cicely, didn't realize that her babble would make sense to anyone else. she smiled, "You mean it sir?" she asked not sure if this was a dream or not.
"Yes, I mean it Miss Rosewood, Now you might want to go help your fellow students with those pumpkins." She smiled as he handed her the notebook back and got up picking up the pitcher and heading back to the pumpkins.
Severus wondered about the handwriting; it had seemed so familiar yet he couldn't place it and that bothered him. His pushed the thought away and picked up his papers once more and continue to grade them.
****
Hermione looked over at Severus and shook her head, "what's wrong Mione?" Hagrid asked when he saw her look.
"Severus needs to lighten up a bit more." she replied pointing at him, from her vantage on the pumpkin, "There are no classes today yet he has to grade those papers."
She handed down a bucked full of pumpkins seeds to a girl beside the pumpkin. and then slid down the side of the pumpkin. She washed her hands of in a bucket of water and walked over to Severus.
"All work and no play makes Severus a dull boy," she said sitting next to him, "It wouldn't Kill you to help us a little, or even smile for that matter, They school knows you can smile, and they're pretty sure that you do know what fun is, I mean after all you are with me. and I am the epitome of Fun,"
"My House will surely disagree with me having fun," he said dryly. "but seeing as the only students here are Gryffindor..." He gave her his cruel smile then lunged for her and began tickling her mercilessly.
"Severus! Please!" She laughed as his fingers sound every ticklish patch of skin on her body. the students all watched as Miss Granger tried to pry herself from Professor Snape's grasp.
He smiled and allowed himself to laugh, which shocked the students even more. Cicely just smiled as she watched, very little shocked her anymore.
****
Hermione finally managed to wiggle free of his grasp and she stood up hiccuping from laughing so hard. "Severus Snape, I should take points from you house for that public Display of silliness."
The students cheered at this.
"And I, Miss Hermione Granger, should take points away from your house for provoking me," the students hushed quickly.
Severus laughed again, and walked up to the students. "I don't expect you lot to be telling the entire school that I can indeed laugh."
"No sir," the group said collectively.
"Good," He turned and went back to the tree, sat down and went back to grading papers.
"Yer the one who said he should lighten up," Hagrid laughed.
*****
Ginny sat reading the reply to her last letter to Hermione; she smiled as she read the letter.
Ginny
thank you for bringing up, that wonderfully delightful point. remember how you said that you wanted to know ALL of the gory details, well I can only share one with you; I leave gouges on him. But we're doing good, and he has agreed to go with me to your Christmas party. He's meeting my parents soon, that will be a joy in itself. But I hope you and Harry are getting along great, we all knew you two would end up together.
But any ways i have to go, Severus let me take an afternoon nap, and it's time for me to me utterly evil.
I think it will be all right to tell Ron and Harry now, Just break it to them gently
Lots of love
Mione
Ginny smiled, laughed, then frowned, tell Harry and Ron? that was one thing she wasn't looking forward to doing. She set the letter down sat thinking. She heard the door opening and looked up to see Harry smiling. "Hey love," she said as he sat down on the couch where she sat.
"What's up?" He asked noting the letter that was still in her hand, "Nothing bad I hope."
"Harry, I'm going to tell you something that Hermione wants me to tell you," he looked puzzled, "It's not bad, She just befriended Severus that's all,"
He went pale, "They're friends?" he asked, not quite believing her words.
"The best of friends," she said taking his hands in hers.
Harry couldn't quite believe this, "I thought you said that he was driving her nuts,"
"He was until they realized the were both being thickheaded."
She smiled, that was as much as he needed to know at this point, they would find out soon enough, she thought.
****
The First Hogwarts Pumpkin boat race was about to begin. Hermione and Severus watched from the sidelines and groups of seven students from each house piled into a pumpkin boat, one student from every year was chosen and Cicely Rosewood was the first year chosen for Gryffindor.
The were all given oars and Albus stood holding a purple checkered flag, "Ready, Set, Go!" the four pumpkins where pushed out by groups of students. the boats had to go out a hundred yards turn around then comeback. Easier said than done, Ravenclaw and Gryffindor pumpkins managed to stay straight and not spin around in circles Hufflepuff zigzagged and Slytherin was spinning around in circles, but somehow managing to catch up with Gryffindor and Ravenclaw.
Cicely was at the rudder and was trying to steer them back to the shore when she caught sight of the Slytherin Pumpkin catching up to them. "Come on guys Faster!" She said as she guided them to the shore.
*****
After nearly thirty minutes Gryffindor Pumpkin was first to reach the shore followed by Slytherin. Hufflepuff and Ravenclaw tied for last place.
Severus had an eyebrow raised the entire time but didn't say anything, "Please let this not become an annual event,"
Albus overheard Severus' comment and smiled, "And why not Severus? I could have the teachers join in, it would be great fun you know,"
Severus scowled and Hermione smiled as she pictured him in a pumpkin boat yelling at the students to row.
****
Evening came and everyone piled back into the castle, more than a few smelled like pumpkin, Hermione went to her quarters and showered. She knew Severus be in his chambers when she go out. You'd think the man would get used to me parading around my chambers stark naked, she thought as she dried off and changed into a black velvet dress with a orange sash around the waist.
She walked down to the dungeons and to Severus' chambers, "Taimat," She whispered and the door swung open for her, Severus was at his desk writing when she entered, "Shall we join the festivities upstairs?" She asked as he looked up at her.
"Only if we can continue the festivities privately later," he replied standing, he was wearing all black, as usual, but there was something more than just the clothes that made him even more attractive to her and she didn't quite know what it was, well she knew it was love, she didn't realize just how deeply her love for him had embedded itself into every fiber of her very being.
She never wanted that feeling to leave her.
*******
*******
Hermione and Severus Apperated a few blocks away from the Granger household, in a place where there was no one around. "Now Severus, Please behave and don't turn anyone into anything, and don't try to poison any of my relatives."
"You should Know by now that I always behave." Severus replied slightly uncomfortable with out his robes. "thank you for at least allowing me to wear my waistcoat," the high buttoned constricting garment made Severus look regal, Hermione looped her arm around his as they walked up the frosted steps leading up to the Granger residence.
She smiled and let go of his arm and rang the doorbell. The door opened and a tall woman with slightly bushy hair peaked out, "Hermione, How is my baby girl?" the door swung open, and the woman stepped out, "And you must be Professor Snape," she said warmly her smile almost like that of her daughters.
"Please call me Severus, Mrs. Granger," his voice was deep and rich in tone.
"Please call me Melissa," A man appeared behind her, "And this is my husband Robert." The couple walked in and Severus shook hands with Robert then politely took Melissa's hand and gave it a like kiss.
"Such a gentleman," Hermione said rolling her eyes, she saw movement in the corner of her eye, "Mom you didn't tell me that Silus and Mackenzie were going to be here," She turned to the young man and woman standing the doorway to the living room.
"They just dropped in, and decided to stick around when they found out that their favorite cousin was going to stop by," Robert replied as Silus and then Mackenzie hugged Hermione tightly.
"I'm their only cousin," Hermione replied when they let go of her.
"So this is the Infamous Professor Snape I have heard so much about," Mackenzie was about Hermione's height, but had jet black hair and blue eyes, she stood about two feet away from him and looked him in the eyes, "Not so scary,"
"That's enough Mackenzie," Silus replied, Severus guessed that hey were twins judging from the similarities they shared.
"But he doesn't look scary, that's all I said," she had a vicious tone in her voice Severus had heard only from Voldemort.
"Mackenzie, Please don't start anything," Silus started, "I am in no mood to be turned into a toad,"
"I wouldn't turn you into a toad, they aren't that useful, maybe a caterpillar or a flobberworm they are far more useful than a toad, not only that they are a much lower life form than a toad." Severus said dryly giving Mackenzie an icy glare, she paled and muttered an apology.
"Dinner's ready if anyone is hungry," Melissa chimed in taking Hermione's coat and Severus' tight waist coat.
They gathered at the dinner table, Robert brought Severus a brandy and they opened a bottle of wine. "So Severus, you teach at Hogwarts Still,"
"Yes I do, I Teach Potions," Severus started, "But no doubt Hermione had told you all about me being such a terrible teacher," her looked over to see her blushing.
"Actually all She told us is how much she's respected you," Silus spoke up, his voice quiet and unwavering. "She said despite the way you treat students that you were still someone to be respected and not feared,"
Severus gave her a quick side glance, she was still blushing. "Silus I think that is quite enough," She said looking at him.
"I think i would like to here a little more," Severus replied, his voice velvety and dark.
Silus smiled, "When she graduated Hogwarts, she was awfully saddened by something, but she told me that if She could ever teach anywhere she hoped that it would be at Hogwarts and that she could teach Potions. But seeing as you are still teaching it I guess not." he smiled again, "She's her own worst critic, She doesn't think she could ever be as great as the potions master,"
"I'm flattered," Severus said giving a smile and a hearty laugh. "But she has excelled in Potions and I hope she has informed you of her recent works with a new potion,"
"She has sent us clippings from articles, We're very proud of her," Robert said smiling at his daughter.
Mackenzie stifled glares and cross looks at Hermione, but spared none for Severus, "Mackenzie, don't be so cross," Silus said looking at his twin sister, "We're guests as much as Professor Snape is," Silus smiled at Severus, "I'm afraid she's a bit Jealous of Hermione,"
******
Dinner progressed with then talking the importance of academics. They later retired to the living room for drinks after Silus and Mackenzie went home.
"Hermione, You're hiding something form us, I know that smile," Melissa gave her daughter a questioning look, then looked at Severus.
"Severus, isn't just an associate," She blushed and looked at her hands, "We've been seeing each other for almost three months,"
Robert looked at Severus and gave him a wide smile, "As long as you both are happy," He said, Hermione let out a sigh and smiled.
"I'm almost afraid to ask, But Severus how old are you?" Melissa asked. "I mean we know you were her teacher all throughout her years at Hogwarts
Severus knew this was coming and he knew that he had better answer honestly; he cleared his throat suddenly looking uncomfortable, "I turned Forty five this year,"
Melissa and Robert looked at each other, "Well she always had like the older ones..."
"But like I said as long as you two are happy, we wish you all the best."
*****
Severus shrugged out of his waistcoat and flopped himself down in the armchair next to the fireplace in his chambers. Hermione walked over and sat on his lap, "You survived meeting my parents and they didn't try to kill you," she said kissing his forehead, "Though Mackenzie, I am sure, wanted to kill you,"
"What is her problem?" he asked pulling Hermione to him, "She and Silus are twins aren't they?"
"They're twins." She replied, "She just has this prejudice against wizards and witched, with the exception of me, she's jealous of me. She's rather confused,"
"I'll say," he nuzzled her neck, "I told you I could behave," he murmured into her neck.
"I would have punished you severely if you hadn't," she replied brushing her fingers across his neck making him shiver.
"How would you punish me?" he asked suddenly wondering what she could do to him that hadn't already been done to him.
"Like this," she took his hand in her and extended his fingers. She took a finger in her mouth and sucked on it, nibbling the tip before she released it and took another and repeated the process with all of his fingers. She smiled and stood up, "Good night Severus," she walked into his bedroom and shut the door.
Severus sat shocked and very thoroughly aroused, he whimpered, "Mione, you can't do this to me," he stood and walked over to the bedroom door, she had locked it, "Mione I get the point, please you can not do this to me," he stressed each word.
The door opened and Hermione stuck her head out of the door, "Do you believe me now?" she said pulling him into the bedroom with her.
"Yes," He said breathlessly as she slowly led him to the bed, "Gods Hermione don't ever do that to me again," She pouted as she began to undo his pants.
"I promise," she said pushing him backwards and across the bed. She slid onto the bed and began to unbutton his shirt, "Severus you really must get some sun..." she said absentmindedly. she pulled the shirt of of him and pulled his pants off as well. "I always play nice," she said as she stripped of her dress revealing that she hadn't word anything under it.
"That isn't playing nice," Severus replied, as she crawled up onto the bed with him, "If I had known that you hadn't worn anything under that dress..."
"We never would have made it to my parents house," she said as she slid her hands under the waist of his boxers, "And then you wouldn't have gotten to meet Silus or Mackenzie," She giggled as he gasped.
"I think I could have lived without meeting Mackenzie," Severus squirmed in Hermione's grasp, "You are such an evil woman,"
"Evil would be leaving you here like this and heading back up to my quarters, thank you for the idea," She let go of him and sat up.
"Voldemort's tortures could never compare to what you are doing to me Woman," Severus sat up and grabbed her, "Maybe it's my turn to punish you?" he slid his hand down her hips and grazed her mound.
She shivered, his smile grew as he pushed down gently to the bed...
*****
Carmilla Nettleburn picked burrs out of her robes, Detention with Hagrid, She thought, that was far worse than anything she had endured this year. She grumbled and picked up her favorite book on hexes that she had stashed under her bed.
She picked up her wand spotted a small beetle crawling across the floor, "perfect," She raised her wand and whispered a small freezing spell, she picked up the frozen beetle and dropped it to the floor, it shattered. She sat on her bed reading the book, she had memorized most of it and was glad she did.
She caught sight of an unopened letter on her night stand, Oh that's right I planned on opening that earlier, she thought, But I had that detention...
She picked it up and opened it.
Dear one,
I hope you are making it through school all right, remember that you are a Slytherin through and through and nothing will ever change that. I look forward to seeing you again, over winter holidays, unless you prefer staying there or with your mother for them. I look forward to finding out how much you have 'learned' thus far. Until we can talk again in person I bid you adieu.
The letter wasn't signed but she knew who it was from, She smiled, and slipped the letter under her pillow. She set her book down on the floor and slid it back under her bed. She needed to sleep, and she knew pleasant dreams awaited her.
******
Cicely Rosewood sat finishing up her extra credit potions essay. Professor Snape had given her the assignment to test how much she truly did know. She looked at her small Potions notebook and opened it, theories on the uses of Dragon gall. she smiled and penned her notes down onto the scroll she had in front of her.
She finished up her essay and set her quill down, she was surprised to see that she was the only one still awake but not the only one there, Philip Burtleby has sleeping in the closest armchair to her. She smiled and put her papers away. She liked Philip a lot and wondered if she was developing a crush towards him.
She walked over to him and with her quill tickled his nose, he shook his head and mumbled, she did it again, he did the same thing. on her fourth try he opened his eyes and yawned. "Cici, cut it out," he sat up and looked around, "What time is it,"
"Time for us to be sleeping," she said, "It's past midnight, you fell asleep here," she smiled and helped him up.
"I guess it is time for us to go to bed," He smiled sleepily at her, "See you in the morning," he made his way up to his dorm first. She made her way to her own bed after gathering up her class work.
*****
Hermione lay sleeping in Severus' arms, he was still awake despite their earlier activities. He felt her cuddling up against him and he smiled.
He hadn't had anymore pains since Hermione had given him the potion that one night, he didn't think it was a cure but it was lasting a long time. He hadn't had any nightmares that he knew of in nearly a month and for that he was thankful.
He pulled the blanket up over them, momentarily disturbing the great orange lump at their feet, and whispered a spell to extinguish the candles and other lights in the room.
Now he had to sleep, and he know it would be pleasant as he was with the woman he loved.
*****
Sybil Trelawney sat staring at the tarot cards in front of her; the foretold a great misfortune about to fall. To who or what they were meant for she didn't know. She wasn't alarmed, things like this were always being shown to her. She just wondered what evil they foretold.
*******
*******
Philip Burtleby and Cicely Rosewood sat together on the Hogwarts express, They were heading back to London for the Christmas Holidays. Cicely was holding a wrapped package from Miss Granger and Professor Snape, her advanced classes were going well, and the two adults started to view the young girl as a close confidant and friend. there were still some things that they didn't share with here but when it came to potions they would have in-depth conversations in the potions classroom after dinner on Friday nights.
"Cici just open it," Philip said looking at the package in her lap.
"Fine," she said, she had planned on opening it up on the train any ways. She pulled at the paper and unwrapped the package; inside was a a medium sized book, she opened it to discover it was a potions journal. "It's a potions journal," Her little notebook had filled up quickly and she didn't really want to get another one.
"Awesome," Philip said as she handed to book to him, he looked at the maroon leather bound book.
"There's a note here too," She picked it up and read, "Miss Rosewood, I hope that this is more suitable for your work than a small notebook, there should be an envelope on the last Page addressed to Mister Burtleby, I couldn't forget you're best friend no could I? signed Miss Granger,"
Philip turned to the last page and sure enough there was an envelope. he picked it up and handed the book back to Cicely. He opened it and a small card fluttering to the ground, he also pulled out a note. the card that fluttered to the ground was a chocolate frog card, it was Harry Potter; The one he didn't have, and it was signed. "Mister Burtleby, I told Harry that you admired him and that his card was the only one you didn't have, he had one and signed it for you. Signed Miss Granger,"
"Pinch me and tell me this isn't a dream," Cicely pinched him lightly, "This is so very cool,"
"I wish I could have stayed at school," Cicely started, "grandmother wants me back there this year," She sighed and looked at the wrapped package that sat beside her, "I hope she doesn't freak when she opened this," she said touching the box.
"What is it?" Philip asked tucking the card back into the envelope and putting it in his pocket.
"Something from Hagrid, I don't know what it is." Cicely smiled, "I hope that she's okay with it..."
*****
Ginny and Harry were finishing up plans for their Christmas party when a large owl flew in the window and dropped a letter in front of Ginny. She picked it up and opened it; it was from Hermione.
Dear Ginny,
thanks for the invitation. I can't wait to see you at the party, i am going to Diagon Alley today to get a new dress, like the burgundy velvet one i have only not, wink wink. thank you for allowing me to bring a guest if I so choose, i may take you up on that offer. have to go, shopping to do.
always,
Hermione
Ginny smiled at Harry, "She's coming to the party," Harry had had some misgivings about Hermione being able to attend the party.
"That will be good, Does she know that Oliver and George will be there too?"
"She probably figures as much." Ginny Smiled to herself, she knew that Hermione was going to bring Severus, "I think that there will be other more startling things than Oliver and George,"
"Why do you say that?" Harry asked curious, "Is there something going on that I don't know?"
"Harry you have to figure that Oliver and George are old news now, there has to be something more interesting that that now," She didn't know if he bought her little white Christmas lie. Ron's coming too, i got an owl from him last night, he's crashing at the Burrow he's bone tired."
"I guess you have a point, it's good that Ron is out of Brazil, I couldn't stand the heat there..."
Ginny smiled. Hermione would make her grand entrance at the party and half of them would faint, she thought.
*****
Hermione and Severus walked the snowy streets of Diagon alley, they were looking for the right outfits for Harry and Ginny's Christmas party. She pulled Severus towards a shop that sold Men's suits. "Severus you have to try something other than black," she said as they walked into the store. Hermione immediately spotted something that she liked.
The Shop owner saw them and approached. "Good afternoon, Are you looking for something in particular?" he was curt and polite.
Hermione Looked at a waist coat that looked almost black but she knew it wasn't that color, "Would you be kind enough to tell me what color this is? I know it isn't black,"
"Certainly," He picked up the garment and held it up. Severus raised an eyebrow it certainly looked black to him, He had to admit she did have good taste when it came to picking out clothes.
"The Color is actually a deep Burgundy," he said letting Hermione finger the fabric. "It goes naturally well with black thought.
"Severus, please try it on," Hermione sad smiling at him.
"No way i can say no to that smile," He took off the waistcoat he was wearing and slipped the burgundy one on. "It looks black,"
"It fits you perfectly sir," the shopkeeper said standing behind Severus as he looked in the mirror.
"Well Hermione? Does it suit me?" he smiled and turned to her.
She smiled, "It suits you very well,:" she smiled.
Severus bought that jacket another of deep green, several white dress shirts and a few pairs of slacks. they stepped back outside into the frigid streets and went to the dress shop where Hermione was buying all of her dresses as of late.
Severus held the door open for her as she walked in and followed her inside. There were a couple of women in the store when Severus stepped in, and they stared.
Hermione smiled as she spotted Several dresses of dark green and burgundy she liked. Madam Birch-heart Immediately recognized one of her best customers, "My dear Welcome back," She said bustling up to the young woman. "I see you brought a friend,"
"I'm looking for a new dress for a Christmas party I, I mean, my friend and I are going to attend."
She watched as Madam Birch-heart conjured a chair and directed Severus to sit in it. She pulled several dressed of of the racks and a few out of a couple of boxes and directed Hermione into a fitting room.
*****
Severus waited quietly as Hermione tried on her dresses, He felt the women in the shop staring at him, he ignored them and waited.
He looked up when he heard the curtain of the changing room rustle and he caught his breath. Before him Stood Hermione in a medieval style peasant dress, with a laced up bodice that heaved her sumptuous breasts up even more. She smiled at him. "Do you like it Severus?" She asked pouting her lips a little.
"You're going to turn a lot of heads at the party," He said as she turned around.
"I only want to turn your head," she smiled, and headed back to the dressing room
*****
Severus and Hermione stood in each others arms as the watched people walk past. "Hermione, I'm glad you agreed to come to the estate with me."
She was curious to meet his family and to see his ancestral home, "I'm looking forward to meeting your family."
"That's good..." he murmured seconds before they apperated from Diagon alley to the Snape residence.
TBC