Chapter 9

When Hermione had first shown up at Severus' door she had never imagined she would have experienced the sexual awakening that she had in the last couple of weeks. It had been everything that she had ever imagined and more…at the time.

Now she felt differently.

Severus had kept his end of the deal and then some. He had managed to raise awareness of the needs of the orphanage and wealthy benefactors had come forth to help her cause. There was even talk of opening a new location with added medical facilities. The future was a bright one for the children in her care and she felt a weight life off her chest. Another weight however took its place.

After their night at the manor, Hermione had been unable to get the man out of her thoughts. He had come by the orphanage unannounced and visited with the children. Amanda had filled her in as she had been at the ministry during his visit. Hermione had been lobbying for her bill to be passed. If the items belonging to the orphans of death eater were sold at auction, the money should be placed in a trust for them to use upon their maturation. The minister had been actively dodging her until that morning when he requested she be at an emergency session at the ministry. She was elated and as she prepared to leave she saw a small note on her desk.

Best of luck today

SS

Hermione held the note close to her chest and smiled. She wondered briefly if there was a future with the man. She knew she had been clear about their arrangement not taking a romantic nature but she couldn't help but wonder. He hadn't mentioned anything more than just helping each other but she hoped, even if for a brief moment that it could be possible. The news of them as a couple had taken the magical world by storm, a storm that had immediately quashed any rumors or innuendo that Severus was plotting to become the next dark lord. In fact, the public had come to his defense, and hers as Skeeter had been asked by the editor of the paper to either stop her salacious accusations or resign. They'd become a power couple, one deserving of reverence and respect. Two war heroes finding love years after the war. Hermione harrumphed at the irony. It would be a beautiful story if it wasn't all a lie.

The idea of finally freeing herself from the constant harassment from the woman gave her immense relief but the idea of ending her special arrangement with Severus made her incredibly unhappy.

"Congratulations!" Amanda shouted as Hermione exited her office, the newspaper waving frantically in her hand.

"What are you going on about?" Hermione wandered over to her employee and looked at the heading on that day's paper.

War Heroes to Marry

In an exclusive interview, Lucius Malfoy, longtime friend and confidant of former professor turned double agent Severus Snape confirms that there will soon be wedding bells.

"What?!"

Hermione couldn't believe the words, even as she read and reread them for the fifth time. She wondered if it had been part of Severus' plan. Knowing she was pressed for time she grabbed some parchment and quickly scribbled a note for him to meet her at the Ministry before apparating away.

The halls of the Ministry bustled with workers heading to and from their offices, notes flew by destined for different departments and Hermione Granger made her way, slightly less confident than she had been that morning. The news she'd read had set her on edge. Not knowing how to approach it, she wondered if she'd made a mistake calling Severus to meet her there. She was nervous already as it was with her meeting with the minister, seeing him would surely set her nerves on edge. As she arrived outside the two well-worn doors to the conference room she paused and gathered her thoughts.

This area of the ministry was usually quiet this time of day, especially when they were in session. She didn't know how long she'd have to wait so she paced nervously over the worn green carpet. Thinking over the events of the last couple of weeks she stopped and stared out the window lost in her thoughts. She didn't feel him come up right behind her.

"Why so pensive?"

The man's voice flowed over her; the warm press of his lithe body against hers instantly relaxed her. He pressed closer to her, her breasts touched the cold glass of the window and she purred in pleasure.

"Oh gods, I can't think straight when you do that," she whispered, her hand came up and around to cup the back of his neck, her fingers digging into his hair, she tugged lightly.

He hissed as his hands came up to pull her closer to him, his hand splayed on her lower abdomen, his cock rubbing against the swell of her arse.

"Careful Miss Granger, haven't you ever heard of the saying, don't play with fire?"

Throwing caution to the wind she turned and buried her face in the crook of his neck, her tongue licking a broad path up to his ear, her teeth finding his earlobe.

Severus pulled back and looked at her. His eyes were dark, his pupils dilated and there was a ghost of a smile on his face. Something had changed. Severus softly cupped her upturned face, his long fingers stroking her cheek as he licked his lips. As he moved closer Hermione held her breath, waiting.

"Hem, hem…Miss Granger," the annoying voice of a ministry employee broke the spell.

"Coming!" she answered, her eyes never leaving Severus'.

He nodded, releasing his grip on her waist. Sighing and pulling away, she straightened her robes as he turned away from her towards the window.

Collecting her things Hermione turned towards the open door of the meeting but before leaving she turned back to watch him staring solemnly out the window, his finger lightly tracing the firm line of his lips.

Walking back over to him she put her hand on his arm, drawing his attention away from the scene below and his deep thoughts.

"Please don't go," she said.

He nodded and she squeezed his arm.

The session lasted longer than she imagined. Her suggestion did not go over well with the current administration. The money had somehow been earmarked to help pay for the upcoming election and Kingsley was not happy to have his vote shot down by a majority of the Wizengamot. Hermione had won, her bill had been passed. She felt elated. Years of work and struggle had led to this and as she exited she only thought of one person to share it with.

The members of the Wizengamot poured into the now busy corridor, some taking a moment to shake her hand and congratulate her on her work. Hermione reciprocated but was distracted in her responses as her eyes moved around the corridor in search of Severus. As the crowds thinned out she realized he wasn't there.

Dejected she turned away and walked towards the exit her eyes pooled with unshed tears. Once outside she turned on the spot and apparated away.

From around the corner Severus stood watching her leave, a tightening in his chest.