Disclaimer:- As always, I neither own nor earn anything from this story. My plot is my contrivance, but the world and its characters are owned by another.

sSs

A/N:- Thanks go to FalconLux and Worrywart for their wonderful beta skills. Thank you also to everyone who has reviewed, has made it a favourite, or is simply reading this story. I hope you enjoy this next chapter.

hHh

Chapter Seven – Challenging Furniture

Looking around the empty halls as they left the deserted Infirmary hand in hand, Severus commented, "Are there no students here this holiday?"

"No," Hermione said proudly, "each and every Hogwarts student, both future and present is now part of a functioning family."

"How? Surely there are still war orphans?"

"Yes, but we've fixed that problem." She glanced up to see him listening intently. "There are now three houses, one each in Londonderry, London and Edinburgh. The Creevey boys parent's run the one in London," Hermione mentioned out of interest. Severus nodded slightly in remembrance. "Each one was set up to cater for ten students, more in an emergency. So every single child finally has somewhere to go now over any holidays," Hermione was smiling broadly.

"So you've set this up?" He was assuming by her demeanour and her history that this would be the case.

Hermione remembered only too well the pain and loneliness associated with being an orphan. After her parents had been killed at holiday's end prior to her sixth year, every holiday after that was to be dreaded. You were either palmed off onto a Wizarding family or you stayed at Hogwarts; then in summer you had no choice but to leave.

She had long been determined that this scenario would cease. "Well," she said shyly, "it was my initiative. However Kingsley, Minerva and Draco saw it through to completion, due to my position thanks to the Potter Weasley's."

Severus heard the seething animosity in her voice. Again, here was something fine she should have been praised for. Severus clenched his free hand. Those bastards are really going to pay once I've set the trap. He moved to place his arm around Hermione in unspoken comfort.

Hermione had obviously kept thinking as they walked. "I guess I shouldn't care how it was set up, only that it has been."

"How does it work with future students?" Severus asked, wishing there had been something like that when he was a child.

"We've adapted foster care laws from the Muggle system, but hopefully, with the use of protection charms, we're removed the elements from them that allowed abuse."

"That's wonderful. You'll have to tell me more about that later as well," Severus encouraged as they walked through the doors of the Great Hall.

The only diners that night were Minerva, Filius, Poppy, Lucius, Severus and Hermione. When Poppy saw Severus coming through the doors, her eyes lit up and despite herself, she jumped up, pulling him into a bone crushing hug. "Don't strangle me woman, I'm no use dead," his velvet voice snapped, in apparent irritation, not moving to reciprocate the embrace, but still clutching Hermione's hand possessively.

However, Poppy just grinned more. "It's so good you haven't changed," she asserted gleefully, sitting back down. However, Hermione saw the tiny grin Severus was attempting to hide at the encounter.

She also heard Lucius sitting next to him say, "Your poker face isn't as practiced as it used to be old friend. You'll have to work on that," and he cackled darkly when Severus graced him with a scathing scowl. "That's better," he responded, laughing harder.

Severus felt a hesitant hand pat his thigh, and he covered it with his own giving it a little squeeze before it could disappear.

Hermione knew telling Severus Snape that she thought his patent scowl – which hadn't really frightened her since sixth year - was cute, was the wrong thing to do, so she remained silent. But he was cute, and sweet and thoughtful, with her anyway. In short, all the things he tried not to be. She smiled wistfully into her goblet of wine, as a thought popped into her head. Of course maybe I'm biased.

By the end of dinner, it was decided that Severus would have an assistant to help with the infirmary brewing. It became instantly apparent to Hermione who he had in mind for the position when he squeezed her hand. Their conversation about it consisted of him cocking an inquiring eyebrow at her, and her smiling and nodding. "There," he said, "interview over; Professor Granger has just accepted the position."

"Oh," was Minerva's only comment. She gave Hermione a curious glance and was treated to an unabashed grin, and several pieces of information fell neatly into place for the headmistress. This was a not wholly unexpected development and entirely welcome.

Pursing her lips in contemplation, said headmistress' eyes took on a far away aspect before saying, apparently out of the blue, "You know the quarters for the Arithmancy professor before Septima were always on the first floor. She moved them." Minerva looked at Filius and Poppy, who both shrugged. "Mercy, I can't even remember why now. Anyway my point is, this is the perfect opportunity to move them back if you so desired," she suggested, before adding with very offhand flippancy, "You know, while the student body is acclimatizing to other changes as well."

Hermione had grasped the significance of her suggestion, and trying to hide her blush, managed to get her brain to work. "Is that why I'm the only professor whose rooms are not aligned in some way with their classroom?"

Minerva nodded, then smiling, she shifted her gaze to Severus. "The suite of rooms for the use of the Arithmancy professor side with the wall of yours, you know."

"Indeed," Severus deadpaned, quietly admiring a Gryffindor her attempted Slytherin air.

"The students are due back on the 6th of May, so that gives you five days to accomplish everything. Of course I will need a list of the equipment that needs replacing in the Potions classroom as soon as possible," she drew breath, "and also the ingredients."

"I will personally oversee that," Severus asserted, cutting her off in all his glorious snarkiness, he couldn't acquiesce to all of this perfect arrangement too freely.

"As you wish," Minerva conceded, her mouth tilting up slightly to let him know she knew what he was doing.

Lucius had been very quietly listening throughout this whole exchange, and Minerva now addressed him. "The History of Magic position on the other hand needs no additional arrangements, and I'm certain you are wishing to spend as much time as possible with your family, so long as you're in residence by the fifth," she stated. "In the meantime, I will continue to advertise the position."

It was Poppy who finally asked what everyone wanted to know. "So none of the applicants were suitable?"

Minerva exhaled noisily and rolled her eyes, but soon had everyone in stitches with her descriptions of the three applicants who had arrived hopeful for the History professorship. "The first one only appeared to be able to speak in Latin, which while novel, is far more annoying than old Binns was boring," the Headmistress laughed as she spoke.

This left Hermione thinking, If only you knew, which led back to the thought she'd had that morning. Who were his partners? Then something dropped into place. Could Professor Vector have moved her rooms?

Her reflections were just progressing to wonder in more depth about this, when she heard Minerva say, "I don't mind rumours when I know there're not true, but if I can plainly see fangs, I'm certainly not going to hire that individual, especially if they can't give me a failsafe guarantee of their feeding habits. It's a school for Merlins sake!"

Lucius smoothed. "So you have no objection to Severus' teaching persona per se?" His eye brow slid up as he turned to his friend. "Are you planning to revive the great bat of the dungeons routine?"

The opposite but equally enticing raven eyebrow sailed skyward. "Why, old friend; were you planning to steal it for yourself?" Playing the part to perfection, Severus thought for a moment, his eyes examining the ceiling and his finger tapping his pursed lips. Then chuckling he said. "Now let me see, you could be the silver phantom of the fifth…"

"There's no need to continue, I apologise for insinuating you're a bat, old friend." Even though his voice was haughty, Lucius was smirking, as was Severus and a chorus of cautious laughter resounded around the table. Most had never seen this relaxed side of the two Slytherins.

"Well Hermione, I can see the remainder of the teaching year is going to be an interesting one," Minerva laughed.

"Oh, it already has become that, Minerva," Hermione said, sounding quite mysterious, and giving Severus a tiny smile as he squeezed her hand.

It was soon after that that the comrades parted company for the evening. Lucius bade his new workmates a good evening and took his leave, returning via his rooms on the fifth floor to the Manor.

Severus indicated that he would send his elf for some personal belongings and spend the night here. "Well, we have a busy day tomorrow," Severus rose from his chair and pulled Hermione's out for her.

As they were walking across the entrance hall on their way, Hermione asked, "Would you mind if I had a look at the quarters Minerva offered me on the way. I take it the entrance is in the same hallway as the door to yours?"

He nodded. "No, by all means," and he ushered her to the tapestry that covered the doorway to the corridor. The entrance, even though in plain sight, was covered by the wall-hanging and completely obscured from everyone but those who knew it existed. By allowing Hermione access, she could now see the door and a hallway where before there had been blank wall.

Severus was more than interested in getting Hermione moved closer to him. In fact, he had a screaming urge to ask her to move in with him right here and now. Especially since, he had been intending to split his time between here and the Manor to keep up with the business side of his work, and had spent all day before his arrival here preparing rooms there for them. But seeing her already confused and flighty mind, he thought better of the idea. Possibly giving her a little more time to learn to trust him wasn't a bad thing, even if it did mean moving her twice.

Severus was drawn from his reflections by Hermione soft question. "Do you know what house Professor Binns was in?"

"Ay? ...Where did that come from?" Severus asked with a small chuckle.

"Well," instantly turning red, "I found certain items while I was cleaning out his rooms." She managed this in a whisper before losing her nerve in front of him.

"Items?" Severus inquired, his mobile brow sailing up yet again, as he opened the door to the vacant quarters for her with a tap of his wand. "What kind of items?"

Hermione was certain she was glowing in the semi darkness, even more when Severus commanded the lighting to increase. She couldn't manage to tell him, and she was more than a little annoyed with herself for this and the direction of their conversation that she had initiated.

But Severus was having none of her embarrassment. "Well," he smoothed, grinning. "I'll say by your pretty blush that it is nothing dangerous."

Studying Hermione's bowed head a moment longer, he decided to test the waters. Leaning into her ear, his hot breath purred, "Could they have been items of pleasure, my lady?" Her answering squeak was all the confirmation the raven-haired wizard needed.

His grin became feral, but he managed to subdue his interest. "Ah," he smoothed, "I see."

He brushed his curled index finger along her cheek. "You blush exquisitely my love, even if there's no need for it."

Moving in ever so slightly before he spoke again. "Did these items, intrigue you perhaps?"

Hermione was leaning into his touch as his finger journeyed around to her chin. Smiling, he watched her nod. "Oh, I see," he breathed, and holding her chin steady, leaned forward a little and placed a kiss on her lips.

Hermione was standing stock still now while he placed teasing kisses on her face. "So you were in charge of cleaning out old Binns' rooms were you?" He kept adding fuel to the fire; her answering squeak sent a jolt of pleasure to his crotch. "Did you offer the same service to my quarters as well?" The bright red and now breathless woman nodded. "So it's you I have to thank for the beautiful roses in my new sitting room?"

Forcing her eyes to meet his black ones, Hermione found mischief he hadn't bothered to hide alight in their depths. "N-No," she stuttered, "my elf, Loopy, brought them."

"But you told the elf to place them there?"

Nodding she tittered, but soon sighed nervously. She wasn't used to this much attention, and was feeling very nervy. She was now more than aware that her mirror was a pale comparison to the real thing. As aroused as her mirror could make her, this was all consuming. That voice, coupled with his finger stroking her cheek as he spoke, to the heat and fragrance wafting from his person. It all combined into a heady cocktail which left her breathless and… and utterly unable to cope.

As if Severus had read her thoughts, he stopped his attentions and placed his hand softly on her cheek to raise her eyes again. "You're feeling out of your depth, aren't you?"

Hermione nodded, and Severus listened carefully to what she started to say. "I don't want to be, it's just..." she instinctively placed her hands flat on his chest to steady herself as his hand kept her eyes on his face.

"You're not sure?"

Gazing up at him, willing him to understand; the Gryffindor witch forced her head to shake. "It's not that either, just I've never had opportunities, I've never dared hope. You don't know how long I've waited for..." she got flustered and changed tack. "I should be feeling shocked that this has happened so fast, guilty even, but I don't. I've wanted you for so long, but I don't know what to do..." her eyes searched his face again. "I'm not a proper woman, and I don't know what to do... then I saw that book this morning, and my m-mirror, and the potion and… here you are."

In the blink of an eye, it all became too much and tearing her face out of his caress, she stopped talking and gulped. She hadn't meant to admit all that.

Severus had been letting her ramble in the hope he would gather information, which would help him understand where she was coming from. He'd almost stopped her when she'd began the last sentence, to contradict her, but now he was glad he'd waited a little longer.

He catalogued everything she'd said for later reference. She'd turned away from him, and he heard her sniff. Those bastards have really have done a complete job on her. He was seething under his ever present calm. But they'll keep; my favourite part of the unofficial Slytherin motto is, 'Revenge is a dish best served cold'. Potter and Weasley are going to be freezing by the time I'm finished with them.

Severus took a moment to steady himself, he'd never felt the emotions that were presently coursing through him, and he wanted to tread very carefully to reassure Hermione that she was all right.

Putting his hands on her arms, Severus gently turned her. "Hermione, there's no need for tears, love."

As she allowed herself to be pulled against him, Hermione instantly felt safe. She revelled in the sound of his voice rumbling through his chest.

Severus stroked her hair before he continued. "You're confused, inexperienced and upset. I will never force you to do anything you're not ready to do. But there are few women who are as much woman as you; just because you're lacking in knowledge doesn't make you less of a woman, angel," he caressed a line of kisses across her brow. "You fluster easily, and that's understandable," he chuckled as his lips continued their exploration. "And blush beautifully, I like that," kissing her cheek he brushed his nose along it. "But there really is no need to be so flustered, I will guide you. Now," he said knowing they still had work to do. "You wanted to look at these rooms."

Hermione lifted her head to look around. Severus saw her nod, but could plainly see a great tiredness descending on her. "Hermione love, will you trust me, allow me to direct you in whatever needs to be done?"

Hermione made an inarticulate noise that sounded very much like, "Mmmplise," and winding her arms around his waist, finally allowed herself to give in, falling forward against his chest, utterly exhausted.

"Good," he said rubbing her back for her. "Are you going to take the rooms?" She sighed and nodded against his chest. "Then let's get your elf to work on the bedroom now, so I can tuck you in." She lifted her head to protest, but his finger landed on her lips. "I'll make the potion, you can help next time, and besides if you would like to assist me tomorrow, we'll have a busy day. You need to get yourself organised here tonight, ay?"

"Loopy," Severus called, shrugging out of his cloak, and still holding the sleepy Hermione with one arm, he likewise removed hers.

The elf's ears stood erect when she saw her mistress against Severus's chest. Severus recognised this as a sign of concern in the little creature. "Your mistress is taking these rooms in place of the rooms she currently occupies. Take care of it, starting with her bedroom, she is very tired," he directed. Hermione stayed still, listening to him issuing orders and revelled in the feel of him against her, and the sound of his sonorous voice drew her deeper under his spell.

"Very good, Master of Potions, sir. Loopy is pleased to serve." The elf left, to carry out his wishes.

It felt so good to finally relinquish control, Hermione couldn't hold it back anymore. "Severus, I have waited so long to finally let you show me." At this moment it was like ten years of exhaustion had just caught up with her. Having to be on her guard constantly was so tiring and surrendering that control to Severus, finally having someone she could trust with it, just saw her with no restrain left.

"I enjoy doing things for you," he glanced down at her, before chuckling quietly and kissing her temple. "Relax and allow me to fix everything."

Severus heard her sniff and suddenly the tears were back. "Oh Severus, I'm so bone numbingly tired, it hurts," she sobbed. Using wandless magic, Severus vanished the covers on the sitting room furniture and started a fire. As he suspected the room was spotlessly clean, just unused.

Sweeping her up into his arms, he walked to the chair by the fire. Sitting, he nestled her in his lap. "Sleep my angel, I'll hold you until your room is ready, and I'll have an elf place a vial of Dreamless Sleep by your bed, should you wake and need it." He was kissing away her tears softly, and she smiled even though her eyes were closed. "Then I'll see you in the morning," he whispered, "good night, dear heart."

Hermione snuggled into his chest, all anxiety and that crippling weight in her middle suddenly gone. She finally had someone she trusted completely. All she could hear was his voice, all she could smell was him; he was her home. "Good night, dearest Severus, thank you," she mumbled sleepily.

It may have been his imagination, but he was certain he heard her breathe, "I love you," but she was asleep.

The Potions master sat lovingly holding and gazing - almost in startled wonderment - at the soft and gentle woman, asleep in his arms. Finally, he tenderly placed her in her bed. He was just straightening from putting her down when he heard a voice that sounded so much like his, it startled him. Spinning around wand drawn he looked into the half light. "She sleeps naked, and she's a very beautiful sight," the voice informed him.

Walking towards the sound, he realised it was her mirror. The face ghosted in. "Why do you look and sound like me?" Severus demanded in a quiet hiss.

The face glanced towards the bed and its sleeping occupant and chuckled. "She made me from the piss poor image I was, into this, and looking at you I can see what an amazing job she's done."

"Indeed," Severus managed. This was a little bit of a shock for him. He suddenly remembered she'd said something about a mirror.

Seeing him apparently lost for words, the mirror offered almost slyly, "Go on, disrobe her, she loves being looked at, and she's very beautiful. Her mirror knows all her secrets." The face took Severus in, gazing back at the sleeping woman. "All the things she likes to do with herself, she does for me to watch, pretending it's you."

Severus felt his trousers tighten painfully. "You're a very talkative mirror," he admonished. "I hope you don't tell anyone else my love's secrets."

"Never!" The mirror was obviously offended. "I'm only telling you because you're the man she has been pining after for ten long years. I do not have the luxury of deeper emotions, so I speak plainly. However, I want you to know for certain that if you allow her to slip through your fingers, or don't feel as she does, tell her now before this goes any further or it will be the end of her." The mirror gazed over to her again. "I've become very attached to her, and that would be tragic." The face met his original's fathomless eyes. "Do you understand what I'm saying?"

Severus nodded, and the final missing piece fell into place. It was almost like this moment had been born of many years of his suffering, coming to terms with his failings, mistakes and upbringing.

The Potions master nodded. "I understand perfectly, but up until yesterday I didn't know how she felt. I don't wish to justify myself to a mirror, but I do feel the same as her. We have now some understanding of possession of each other."

The face surveyed him calmly. "Well do as I ask, if you possess her. She's exquisite; I assure you."

"Can a mirror image be sexually aroused?" Severus asked suspiciously.

The image gave him a spicy grin. "I only possess the features she gave me, but remember, I'm her representation of you." The mirror watched Severus' features settle back to calm as he thought about this. "Remove her clothes my friend, let me see your reaction."

"I think not. She can sleep in a night dress tonight." With a swish of his wand, Hermione's clothes slithered off as a night dress made its simultaneous appearance, neither Severus nor the mirror saw anything of her.

The raven-haired wizard raised an eyebrow to the mirror, and to his surprise, it smiled at him. "Yes, you're right for her. You showed her respect."

"Well I'm certainly over the moon that I have a piece of furniture's approval," the Potions master replied sarcastically. "I will only disrobe my witch in that way after I have disrobed her for our mutual pleasure," Severus stated imperiously. Turning, he smiled as he kissed Hermione's head. Right at this moment he didn't care at all for his past sufferings if this was his reward. "You are exquisite. Your irritating mirror's right there." He kissed her again and looked back to the mirror. "What else has she made you capable of?"

The mirror turned stony faced, having been denied his pleasure, even if he had agreed with Severus. "If you won't oblige me, then you can find out if she tells you. Good night," it huffed and shimmered out of existence.

Severus chuckled wickedly. "I think you and I are going to get on famously," he grinned when he saw the eyes reappear. "Good night. You must serve your mistress well if she created you to do so, because she is very talented."

Severus was just turning away when he heard, "She likes being asked to display herself, and my favourite pet name for her is little dove."

"Indeed," Severus smoothed. He turned back to Hermione. "Good night, my sweet." The woman in the bed sighed and squirmed as he gently kissed her lips.