Disclaimer:- I own nothing and earn nothing from this story, only the plot is my invention.

oOo

A/N:- O.K. people, staggered by the interest in this story. Thank you to all your quiet (and not so quiet) readers out there who enjoy my work. This chapter is a little shorter, it's really an extension of chapter one, there was just too much for one chapter. I have great and very naughty plan for these characters. This is a little warm and fluffy. I hope you enjoy. I also wish to thank Falcon Lux for her wonderful encouragement and for catching my imagined commas and full stops and placing them safely where they belong. Also Worrywart for her help and guidance with more punctuation.(ORS)

sSs

Chapter Two - Why Did I Not See How Lovely She Is?

Severus Snape watched the troubled form retreating on his friend's arm. He also saw several men discretely indicating their support for his fragile companion as Lucius moved passed them. The instant Hermione was out of ear shot, Severus rounded, cold eyes on Minerva McGonagall, hissing at her. "How the hell has this been allowed to happen?" His fists were clenched at his sides. "Has she had no friends for support until we arrived?"

Eyes narrowing irritatedly at his claims, Minerva spoke in a heated whisper. "I'm afraid our dear Hermione has paid a very high," she added quickly, "and totally unfair price for her alliances at the end of the war. Both her former friends have made her life a living hell, and our hands have been tied. Albus' portrait has been wishing to set the two of them straight in all this time, but they have been avoiding him. I suspect that is what Kingsley has in mind to force now."

The Hogwart's Headmistress relaxed minutely when she heard Severus sigh in frustration at what he'd discovered. "There is a core group of Gryffindors who have tried to help," she continued. "I have done my best to shelter her at Hogwarts, and she is an excellent Professor, but she deserves much better. Mr Longbottom and his wife have always treated her as an extended member of their growing family, and dear Hagrid still dotes over her," she smiled, but quickly quantified. "However, he is no Wizard and none of us possess the unique position that you do; to stand up to the two most vicious bullies I've ever met."

This time she sighed tiredly. "They are merely cowardly thugs who most the Wizarding world still hail as all conquering heroes." The Headmistress took a sad breath. "Kingsley is sympathetic as you saw. However, with that fool Percy Weasley as undersecretary - together with his younger brother and Harry Potter as lying defacto Wizarding demigods - too many people still believe the rubbish they spout. Especially when Potter uses his wife to command a similar, and wholly undeserved, position in society. Similar to the opposing one Narcissa Black still occupies."

"Why did no one tell us of the situation?" Severus hissed through gritted teeth. He found himself feeling nauseous, as his thoughts whirled like the last of the dancers not exhausted enough to go home yet. How could this have happened? The woman, who had saved them, had bought that victory with the sacrifice of her own happiness. Internally, he was swallowing hard to keep the bile from rising in his throat as he waited for Minerva to answer him.

"The simple answer is that Hermione forbade us. Draco Malfoy has even pleaded with her on many occasions," Minerva stated, her voice cracking slightly. Clearing her throat she continued. "But she didn't want either of you to come back until you chose to." Severus graced her with a disbelieving stare, and she added. "Of course, it is far more complicated than that, but that is not for idle ears."

The Potions master found his eyebrow rising at Minerva's words, but he said. "Oh, she's a silly girl," he shook his head and sighed. "After what she gave us... Minerva," he thought a moment. "May I meet with you some time?"

"Oh course, dear man, any time." Her eyes narrowed a smidgen. "Perhaps afternoon tea tomorrow, my office? The interviews should only take the morning," she added almost slyly.

"Interviews?" Severus' brow slid easily upward, appearing suddenly bored. Minerva knew that meant he was interested, but she hadn't actually expected him to bite.

"Yes," she said with a put upon sigh. "Unfortunately since you vacated the position, the post of Potions master appears to have become metaphorically cursed. I can't keep anyone longer than a year." Her lips suddenly thinned. "Although I had to dismiss the last one a week ago as just plain incompetent."

His mouth slid into the semblance of a smirk. "Intriguing," his only comment though.

Minerva's opinion was 'in for a penny,' and she kept going once in her stride. "Then to top it all off, old Binns has finally disappeared off into the ether," she stated, appearing to be further irritated. "Oh well dear boy, that's my problem. I will wish you good night," she said patting his arm.

"Good evening to you too, Minerva," he bowed his head solemnly. Thinking to himself. Or was that Albus? He almost blew his cool facade when her eyes actually twinkled. Shaken, Severus went off to find his companions.

xox

Arriving to collect his cloak, Severus saw no sign of Lucius or Miss Granger. However, this didn't bother him, he knew the plans Lucius and he had made for after the Ball. Stalking to the apparition point, he disappeared with a crack. Trans channel apparition was always a tiresome experience, and he shook his head to clear it when he arrived outside Café Hugo. The quaint little coffee house crowd was starting to thin out for the evening, and his companions were easy to spot.

Standing momentarily in the door way Severus took in the delightful Miss. No, Professor Granger, he corrected himself. She looks very weary, Severus thought further while watching her gentle movements, and expressive amber flecked eyes as she talked quietly with Lucius. Why has no one seen just how lovely she has become? Fools.

Severus understood her far better than she ever could have imagined. It appeared to be his situation from school all over again. He caught himself, wondering yet again, why she had hesitated in calling for their assistance. After what she'd done for them. "Bloody Gryffindor pride," he muttered, garnering a curious stare from a wizard who was leaving.

Fixing a small smile on his lips that didn't reach his eyes, he walked over to them. "Ah, Severus," his friend exclaimed, "we were starting to think you'd forgotten the way."

"Never. Just a small distraction; my apologies for the length of time I kept you waiting, however, I believe my conversation with the Headmistress may solve part of our dilemma."

Hermione spoke softly. "You have a dilemma?" Her inquisitiveness was soon followed by her head lowering, so conditioned by her treatment that she was wary of their reaction to her question.

"Only a trifle," Lucius patted her hand. "Do not concern yourself with it. It involves long overdue payment to a good friend." He turned to Severus and enthused. "I'm pleased you've made headway, I can't wait to hear."

"Indeed," Severus smoothed, and immediately changed the subject. "So, is there anything you would like to do while here in Paris?"

It was the first time since Weasley's outburst that either man had seen her face settle into one of the tiny smiles they had seen growing more confident throughout the later part of the evening. "Could we perhaps go for a walk along the Champs Elysées?" Her eyes took on a misty appearance. "Or Pont Alexandre III in the moonlight," she sighed longingly. Then immediately looked startled, like she'd committed some crime and ducked her head. "Never mind," they heard her swallow hard, "it doesn't matter," and her voice cracked slightly.

Severus, who had sat on her other side, took in her changed manner and gave Lucius a concerned look. The blond wizard spoke gently to the top of her head. "Of course it matters. However, I think it may be a little late for both tonight."

Her head still hadn't risen. "Possibly the bridge tonight," Severus added, "and the Champs Elysées another time," he suggested seriously. "Would that be acceptable?" They saw her chestnut curls bounce as her head nodded slightly.

Lucius had been watching the interactions between his best friend and the pretty woman who sat between them. Whilst she would be a pleasant diversion for me, Lucius thought, his eyes raking over her body. I've never done committed, and this one is definitely not the one night stand or casual sex type.

He had married for duty to produce an heir, nothing more, and he was fascinated by his friend's reactions to Hermione. Lucius had never seen Severus take the lead like he had tonight, so this woman must be very important to him. He deserved to finally find someone like that, who could give him happiness, and all the things that go with it. The blond Wizard was brought out of his thoughts as her head finally rose, although he was quite taken aback by what she said.

"You know you are under no obligation to babysit me out of pity. I am aware that I'm not the kind of company you'd wish to keep," her voice was tiny and unsure, but resolute.

"No," Severus drawled playfully. "I suppose whisking you off to Paris for supper if wishing to have your company isn't obvious enough, is it Lucius?"

"Apparently not, you'll have to think up something better for next time."

Severus shot Lucius a quiet glance hearing his use of the second person singular. He'd gleaned the impression that Lucius intended to pursue the lady for himself, and this had sharpened a sense of acute disappointment in Severus' breast to a very nasty point.

Of course he would have kept the peace for Miss Granger's sake, but the fact that his friend now appeared to be backing off. This brought a huge feeling of relief to the Potions master as he was met with a raised eyebrow. He nodded his understanding and happily took up the reins, as he saw their banter finally drawing a little smile of understanding from her.

"When you've finished your coffee, I believe you requested a moonlit walk across Pont Alexandre III," Severus said, before adding. "You have chosen well really. It is just around the corner," his mouth turning up into a genuine smile this time. Rising, he offered Hermione his hand to help her from her seat, as Lucius threw galleons on the table for their supper. Severus saw her to her feet and placed her hand possessively in the crook of his arm, holding it tightly to his body. His friend gave him an approving nod and fell in behind them as they left the café. Once on the street, Lucius produced his cane from somewhere in his cloak, and wished them both an excellent rest of their evening, and took his leave.

The remainder of the evening was spent with Hermione and Severus making quiet conversation about the past decade, while slowly strolling the bridge of her choice. Despite the approach of summer, it remained stubbornly chilly even on the Continent, but not unpleasantly so. It was really a beautiful night, very clear and still.

Severus couldn't keep his eyes off her as she shyly allowed herself to be encouraged by his lead. Every so often, she would coyly glance up under her lashes at him as she took in the beauty of the bridge, water, moon, stars, clouds and even the city lights. Occasionally he would place his arm protectively around her, in order to stop her to point something out before restoring her arm to his and proceeding further across the bridge.

The deciding blow to his heart had been struck, even before he'd escorted her to the dance floor earlier in the evening. However, when a distant bell tower melodiously rang midnight, the normally austere and sarcastic Slytherin found his heart twisting in his chest. The expression of unbridled joy on her countenance, as she gazed openly up at him with her expressive doe eyes, on hearing the sound wafting across the water of the Seine, made it plainly obvious to him that Hermione Granger wasn't often allowed to enjoy something so beautiful, without some attached misery. Her normally sober escort found uncharacteristic tears prickling his eyes momentarily as well as an overwhelming urge to kiss her soundly.

The more damage he saw in the timid, refined and gentle woman who walked almost like a beautiful but flighty deer at his side, the stronger the sensation of needing to protect her became. The knowledge that she had been bullied and tormented until her not insubstantial spirit had broken under the pressure, rankled cruelly. Had this happened all because she'd stood up for what she considered the right thing? Had that been the only reason she was targeted by her friends, because she had supported them? It wasn't like she'd allowed true Death Eaters to have freedom. Minerva had said it was more complicated. He sighed internally, it made his heart very heavy, and the evening caught him thinking often. If only I'd known.

Severus found his sense of connection with Hermione became more acute the further they strolled. Her eyes still took in everything, and her razor sharp brain's synapse's still fired with unerring accuracy. You just had to look very closely to see it now as it all happened on an introverted level. However, when you took the time to observe, it actually took your breath away.

They were having a quiet discussion about an obscure Potions text Hermione had seen in an antiquarian bookstore she frequented, when Severus noticed her starting to walk slower and slower. He found himself reluctant to end the evening, but could plainly see Hermione was tired.

"Well, I think I best get you back home." The look of disappointment on her face was palpable but again fleeting, and made his heart clench once more.

Slipping down a side street, Severus led Hermione to an apparition point. "I'm sure it will be much cooler in Scotland," he said and conjured a scarf for her, finding unexpected delight in placing it on her before occupying himself with his own.

When they were all attired for the Scottish highlands, Hermione stated softly. "I'm sorry, but I don't know the jump point."

"Don't concern yourself dear girl, I do. Ready?"

Hermione instantly blushed, but nodded and stood quietly. However, she did jump a little when she felt his hands tighten around her waist. Severus found that even with the thickness of her cloak, his fingertips almost met as his hands encircled her tiny waist and he smiled quietly, envisaging the petite hour glass figure under her robes. Unfortunately, his thoughts awakened another opinion, and Severus found it necessary to concentrate on Trelawney again before he could move closer to her.

Hermione's heart was thumping madly once more. She had noticed when she was in close proximity to her former professor, she became intoxicated by his cologne. Earlier, on the dance floor, she'd detected it, but now when that fragrance wasn't mixed with anything else, it was even more overpowering. There was something dark and seductive about the fragrance of the man who now stepped closer to guide her apparition back to London. In the fragrance she detected hints of spicy flowers with woody leather and expensive tobacco.

Closing her eyes as they travelled, Hermione felt her head spin when they touched down in London, just as it had when Lucius had taken her to Paris. She heard Severus' deep decadent baritone wash over her. "All right?"

Taking some deep steadying breaths she nodded, but this made her head lurch afresh, and her hand went to her forehead. "If I may be so bold," her transporter suggested, "this will minimise your vertigo." Quietly, Severus turned her to face him, placing his arms securely around her.

Hermione instantly felt safe and protected, and with her head cradled on his chest and inhaling deeply, she relaxed as much as she could in his proximity. "Here we go," his delicious voice rumbled through his chest. Turning again, they were at the gates of Hogwarts.

Severus caught himself, still holding her, while he gazed up at the huge stone edifice. It had been ten years, but it suddenly seemed like yesterday, and he was struggling with all the emotions assaulting him.

He was brought back to reality feeling Hermione wriggling a little in his arms. "Oh, my apologies. Are you quite recovered?"

Hermione was flushing badly, but nodded. "Yes fine thank you," she mumbled, attempting to sound detached. This was followed by a vain stab at appearing worldly. "It was very kind of you both to extend my evening with supper, and I enjoyed my walk very much. Thank you."

Severus had switched from concentrating on swallowing down recollections of Hogwarts to further thoughts of kissing the woman in front of him. After he'd released her, he'd instantly wanted her back in his arms. He racked his brain trying to think of his next move. Finally he had a thought. Flowers! He conjured a bunch of the darkest velvet red roses. "For you dear girl. Traditionally, of course, these are given at the start of an evening. I did not have the advantage of being with you then, so I offer them now." He thought Hermione was about to swoon.

"Thank you," she stuttered, gazing down at them.

.

Severus took the unexpectedly offered opportunity of her disorientation to try and rein in the sensations now coursing through him. The next moment, he saw a lantern and heard heavy footsteps approaching from the top of the driveway.

Hermione turned on hearing the noise as well. "Oh, here comes Hagrid to collect me," she sounded disappointed. "Minerva must have informed him when the wards told her we were here. I'd best go," she drew a shaky breath, and gazed at her protector. "You have done so much for me tonight," but suddenly she turned serious. "I really don't want you drawn into this. You've only just returned," she bit her bottom lip.

Severus took a further step towards her. "I have been remiss in my duty to you. I had no idea this campaign had been waged against you," he took a deep breath, "but no more," Severus asserted firmly.

Hermione looked at the earnest man in front of her, but her lip quivered. "They play dirty, sir," she stated in a tiny voice as a tear slipped from her lashes. "And I don't want anything to happen to you, either of you," she corrected quickly. "Not because of me." She drew the bunch of roses tighter to her chest.

Severus finished closing the distance between them and took her face gently in his hands. He used his thumbs to wipe away the tears. "Hermione, I ran with Death Eaters; they played a much nastier game of dirty tricks, I can guarantee you. Don't worry about me," he took a deep breath and his face softened further, his thumbs caressed her cheeks. "You go up to the castle and I'll see you very soon, O.K? Please remember, this should never have started in the first place," Hermione opened her mouth, but found his finger resting on her lips. "Hush little love. You did nothing wrong, and I am very grateful for what you did."

Severus found himself wanting to kiss her, but again resisting until she said. "Yes, professor," so sweetly and quietly. He smiled and leant towards her ear. "Hermione, don't you think it's about time you called me Severus?" He gave her a soft kiss on the cheek. Hermione swayed, but he caught her easily. She took it all in, her eyes huge, he smiled and felt her tremble. "Sweet dreams, darling. I will see you very soon." Bending forward his placed a gentle but chaste kiss on her lips, and, making certain she was steady first, took a step back.

A very shaky Hermione Granger said. "Good night," around what felt like a mouth full of cotton wool balls. She was certain she was glowing in the dark, she was so flustered.

They stood immobile for some time just gazing at one another, but finally Hermione forced herself to turn and her feet to walk over to the gates. Extending her hand out, the wards recognised her and the gate swung open. After a coy glance back at her gentleman watching her intently, she slipped through. Her over burdened brain was having trouble coordinating her legs as all the blood had rushed south, and she was consumed by a delicious wet throbbing. She wasn't certain she wouldn't swoon. He kissed me. He called me darling... oh sweet mother of mercy, he kissed me.

The raven-haired wizard heard the resounding clang of heavy wrought iron, and watched the blue shimmer of wards coming up once more, then a moment later from the halo of yellow light in the darkness. "Allo 'Ermyne, thems pridy flowr's. Did yer have a nice time?"

It was a breathy voice that replied. "Oh yes, Hagrid, the best." Severus heard her yawn. "Can I tell you tomorrow?"

"Yeh, sure," replied the rough but kindly voice. "I'm pleased yer finally 'appy 'bout sumpin. Did yer meet a fella then?"

The wizard, still standing exactly where he had been when she passed through the gates, strained his hearing to make out her words over the crunching of the gravel and the widening distance, but a dreamy voice rewarded his efforts. "No Hagrid, no fella," Hermione gave a long suffering sigh to his simple assumption. "I spent the most marvellous evening with a gentleman I had given up hope of ever seeing again. Two gentlemen really."

"Well, I reckons I'll send im a bottle of ol' Odgens' finest, jus fer the gift o seein you smilin," the half giant chuckled kindly.

The very last thing Severus heard as the pair were swallowed into the night was the tinkling laughter of a very tired witch. "I think they might like that," she replied before silence returned.