Disclaimer:- I neither own nor earn anything from this story. The plot and charmed mirror are mine, but everything else belongs to JK Rowling as Associates.

sSs

A/N:- Many thanks to Worrywart for her once again incisive beta work.Here is the remainder of the evening from the last chapter, and the next morning. Some of the morning scenes of Hermione and Severus separately, have been edited out for this sites M rating. The chapter in its entirety is available at AO3 archive. I hope you enjoy this next instalment.

hHh

Chapter Eight – More Puzzle Pieces

Leaving Hermione's new rooms, Severus stared at the closed door a moment and sighed. He cast strong and convoluted wards before striding off up the hall. "Tempus," he said as he walked. He couldn't find it in himself at the moment to stalk, but he knew once the children arrived back at school it would come easily. Seeing that it was, in fact only nine p.m., he had time to make and deliver the needed potion before it was too late.

The quick walk to his rooms settled his thoughts into work mode. Skilfully collecting the ingredients from the store he set about preparing them, it didn't take him long, before the brew was complete. While he'd been waiting, he'd spied the book Hermione had been working from; it was still open to the page she'd marked. Casting an eye over the recipe she'd used, he shook his head. It's no wonder the poor love couldn't get it right; this book should be thrown out. Like so many others, it's wrong, he pondered irritably.

He really had been hoping for a different outcome tonight. Maybe it wouldn't have lead straight to the bedroom, but it would have allowed him to get to know his exquisite enigmatic witch a little more.

Chuckling softly to himself, he thought of the mirror. Bloody cheek, telling me to undress her. Despite himself, he felt his cock stirring. This was made worse by what his vivid, and now randy, imagination provided for his enjoyment. Oh, to see what that mirror sees, lucky bastard. He absently rubbed his now straining erection. His eyebrow rose. I do know a spell; it would transfer… Mmm. No, that's not the way to gain her trust. Besides I don't think it will be long and I'll be seeing the real thing. His hand increased its strokes. Bloody hell, I haven't wanked this much since I was fifteen, he pondered, releasing himself, as he strode to the bathroom to relieve his problem before delivering the potions.

Freshened and strangely sated, Severus pocketed the two bottles of potion, then left to deliver them; first to a very grateful Filius, who insisted they share a glass of goblin made wine. Then using the old emergency password, he arrived at Minerva's office. She greeted him by saying casually. "I really should change that, shouldn't I?"

"I suspect most people assume you already have. I imagine if the password hadn't worked, I would have had to attach this to a rock surrounded by a cushioning charm and lob it through the window to you."

Minerva's eyes lit up. "Oh, Severus, thank you. How did you know?"

"You mean apart from the fact that you appear to be seizing up," his eyebrow rose. She glared at him, he huffed. "A little birdie told me, Minerva," he stated playfully.

"Well, Merlin bless the little birdie." Minerva looked behind him expectantly. "So where is she?"

"I was able to settle her; she's currently asleep in her new bedroom," Severus took a deep breath, exhaling it slowly in what sounded like a sigh. "How long has she been that tired, Minerva?"

The headmistress sighed in response and indicated that he should sit. Handing him a Whisky, Minerva started speaking, "It seems like she's been running on high alert for so long now, she doesn't seem to know how to turn it off anymore." She took a sip of her drink. "If you've found a way to allow her to unwind…" she suddenly looked horrified. "Oh Severus, I am sorry, I didn't mean to imply anything."

"You can mean it however you like," Snape said almost distractedly, "I've nothing to hide any more. Besides, we've known one another too long. You already know, don't you?"

The former Transfiguration professor sighed and watched him contemplatively for a moment. "As usual you're right. I don't need to tell you to take care of her because I know you will, but you must know that her experiences have left her very fragile."

"Funny," Severus sighed, "I've just had a similar conversation with a piece of furniture."

Minerva gave him a quizzical look, but his only answer was a smirk. So she took a sip of her drink and eyed him, wondering if she should go on. She decided he needed to know. "She's loved you, you know, probably since before your trial. That old coot," she pointed with her thumb at the currently empty portrait of Dumbledore, "used her shamelessly when he discovered her secret," Minerva's lips tightened.

"For the greater good," Severus mumbled sarcastically, saluting the words with his glass. It didn't take long though before he was sitting almost morosely, eyes trained on the same drink.

"Yes, that always was his excuse," she took a noisy breath of exasperation. "Although, to give him his dues," she explained carefully, "he has been trying to corner Potter and Weasley for the past decade to set them straight."

Snape snorted derisively, a hint of the old bitterness rising to the surface. "Don't be so bloody naïve Minerva, what he did to all of us was reprehensible. The only reason he hasn't set the idiot duo straight, is because it hasn't suited him to do so."

Hearing the hurt in his voice, Minerva ignored his jab and nodded in sad agreement, but decided to head back to her original line of thought in the hope of avoiding the Potions master's considerable, and - she thought painfully - completely justifiable ire. He had been used, more cruelly than any of them. "I didn't know anything about her feelings until the day after you left." A glance and a lifted eyebrow encouraged the elderly witch to continue. "It had been her habit to centre herself every morning down by the lake. I used to watch her closely. She was under a great deal of strain, even before the nastiness with her former friends started. The day after you and Lucius left, I watched her. She arrived as she always did, but there was something different in her stance. Her hands suddenly went to her mouth, and she collapsed into a sobbing heap." Minerva cleared her throat noisily, and took a sip of her drink. "I got there as quickly as I could. She was inconsolable. I had Hagrid carry her to my quarters, and I called Poppy. The poor girl was completely broken," Minerva sighed. "Her grief just kept pouring out of her, everything that had happened to her in those preceding two years."

Minerva eventually looked at Severus' horrified face, and guessed what he was thinking, said. "I don't think you leaving was the actual cause of her breakdown, it was merely the trigger for it." She watched him take this on board, and calm a little. "But it was how I found out about you, and many other things that had happened to her the year she was absent from us. In the end, to stop her crying out for you, Poppy placed her in an induced coma."

Minerva levitated the bottle to the table. "Finally, she woke one day calm enough for us to talk to her." She paused to refill their glasses. "When her friends returned, I thought they would support her. Instead, they turned on her viciously, and apparently for only having served justice in freeing you and Lucius." The Headmistress had tears in her eyes. "I've always wondered if it was more than that though, I have to questioned if even they are that bigoted," Minerva said with venom. She suddenly cleared her throat, and after a small time of silence. "We almost lost her four times through that first year," she said quietly. "There are only a few who know that."

Severus was terribly shocked. "This is so much worse than I suspected. I skimmed thoughts out of Weasley and Potter's heads last night, and that was bad enough. Actually, come to think of it, the intent behind the thoughts was very unsettling," he said quietly, shaking his head. He didn't say anymore, but what he'd just thought had sparked his curiosity and begged further investigation. Right now though, his gut had just collided with his boots, and he felt awful. He was only consumed by one thought, which he voiced almost mournfully. "Why didn't I see?"

"I don't think you were capable of doing so, at the time." Minerva, for her part, was stunned that he was taking this so calmly. "You were coming out of the other side of possibly the worst year of your life, you couldn't have fallen in love if you'd tried, or probably even recognised it for what it was. I think Hermione understood that, which is why she let you leave without saying anything. I don't think it filtered into her brilliant brain what she'd done until the next day when she arrived at the last place she'd seen you."

He considered his position a moment, scrubbing his hand over his face. Merlin help him, he felt like crying. That lovely woman had suffered so much. After digesting everything Minerva had told him, he commented softly. "It just makes her far more precious to me, Minerva." He drew a shuddering breath, the emotion threatening to engulf him. "She's amazing," he acknowledged more to himself, but still loud enough for his companion to hear.

Minerva shook her head; his uncharacteristic declaration rattled her to her toes. "You've changed Severus; your demeanour has always been strict, but forced and uptight. Now it's an internal calm that truly is peaceful and serene. You'll be good for her."

Severus snorted. "Well, not being torn apart by two equally maniacal idiots does tend to pacify a person, you know."

"Maybe, but your calm is true tranquillity now." Snape gave her a puzzled look. "Guess that does sound strange doesn't it; it really must be time for bed." Minerva studied him before adding, "I guess that old Muggle saying is right" She waited for him to question her silently. "If you love someone set them free, if they return to you they were always truly yours. If they don't, they never were."

"Oh Minerva, what Gryffindor clap trap," he scoffed irritably.

Minerva shrugged and smiled, knowing he'd taken it on board.

Severus really needed to go somewhere quiet to process all this. "Thank you for the drink Minerva, I'll wish you a good night now." He rose and headed for the door.

"Good night Severus, it's good to have you back." The elderly witch heard him mutter something cynical under his breath as he left, which she couldn't quite hear, but smiled at it anyway.

xox

Deciding on his once familiar track around the castle before he retired, Severus started walking. He had much to think about. So much had happened in twenty four hours. In a decade of absence he had rarely thought of Hogwarts, apart from thanking any deity that had caused it that he was shy of it. However, as soon as he'd seen it last night, he'd realised that this castle was the only home he'd ever known, and the old woman he'd just left was more of a mother to him than his own had ever been. Although, he guessed, that wasn't really fair; his own had never had the chance to be a proper mother.

Reaching his favourite contemplation post, he rested his shoulder against the stone window frame and cast his eye around the lake. His gaze followed the path of the silvery moon, from the frigid depths of the lake, to the again cloudless pitch black sky and its resident diamonds. He eyes finally came to rest on the place Minerva said Hermione had collapsed.

He smiled wistfully; he may have managed to forget Hogwarts, but he certain hadn't ever forgotten the woman who had saved him. At first, after the war, he'd resented her because he'd still seen her as the insufferable know-it-all student. Slowly he'd come to rely on her and her perseverance on their behalf. Eventually, before he'd been acquitted, he'd thought of her as a friend, something at the time he'd had very little experience of.

He sighed. If he really was honest with himself, he had cherished a Grande Passion for her for a long time. However, he'd expected her to be taken when he returned, snapped up - although he had always hoped, not by a Weasley - to merely become a baby making machine with her brilliance and spirit would surely have been a crime. But regardless of what had happened, he knew her fire was still in there somewhere, just waiting to be ignited once more.

Severus sighed, his breath leaving him in a white cloud now the temperature had fallen with the night. So how do I proceed? He muttered a warming charm before thinking, I need to marry her, make her secure. He nodded. Yes this is the right decision, even if I am teaching dunderheads again to make it all right.

He pondered more on that point. This is my opportunity to rectify things, I can teach now without the burden of prejudice. This time I can be fair to everyone. He thought of the sleeping woman. Oh, how I hated having to belittle her and push her away when she was a student. She was so brilliant, but if I hadn't... his thoughts were becoming maudlin. I've hurt her just as much as anyone. The Potions master stared out across the tranquil scene. The dear love didn't hold a grudge though, and what did she do? She fell in love with me. He shook his head and smiled, a real proper smile. That bloody mirror of hers. I can't wait to see exactly what she displays to it. I have a fair idea I'll enjoy that show immensely, he chuckled.

Severus stood there deep in his own thoughts for some time. After that he finally found his stride, and set off back to his rooms. Although - it has to be said - that his patented prowl didn't work as well without the billowing teaching robes sailing along after him. Oh well, next week would solve that problem also.

Settling by his fire, Severus called Rook. "Go to my rooms at Malfoy Manor and bring some personal items and a change of clothes." Severus thought a moment. "Yes, that'll do at the moment."

"Very good, sir," the elf squeaked.

The Potions master smiled at a very satisfying day, and yawning, he cast off his current attire as he walked to bed.

xox

When he pulled himself from his luscious dream, Severus found his hand already curled around his impressive morning erection. Stroking himself softly under the covers, he called for his coffee, and hand still on his cock, he slid out of bed. Pissing feels incredible when I'm in this state. He glanced at the bathroom mirror, chuckling to himself.

Still teasing his proudly jutting member with soft, skilled fingers, he wandered back into the bedroom. Tilting his head to one side, he observed the big heavy oak dressing mirror, standing obliquely to the corner, next to the wardrobe. I wonder what else Hermione's mirror does? He stood absently watching his reflection, his hand still moving as he watched. Well there's obviously no one in this mirror, or I would have garnered a comment by now.

He wandered back and climbed into bed, grabbing his coffee, and leaving unfinished the delicious tingle of his carefully achieved level of arousal to enjoy while he drank his coffee. He would deal with it later in the shower. Agenda for today, he pondered. Order the Schools Potions supplies, and I need to buy Hermione something a little special I think.

xox

In the bedroom down the corridor, Hermione had just woken after the best sleep she'd had in years. She became aware that she seemed all wrapped up in something. Looking down at herself she laughed, sleepily. "That dear man, he's got a lot to learn hasn't he?"

"I did try to tell him you slept deliciously naked, but he got all snotty and told me he wouldn't disrobe you without your permission," the mirror sounded most indignant, even if he was actually proud that his original had refused.

Hermione laughed joyously. "Is that so?" She abruptly stopped laughing and sat bolt upright. "He knows about you?" Her eyes narrowed angrily. "What have you told him?"

"Now, now, little dove," the mirror placated, his eyebrow raised. "He wasn't upset. He actually liked that name for you, by the way." He gave her a wink, and Hermione bared her teeth. "He said he thought that he and I would get on famously, and he was impressed with your spell work."

"Oh." Hermione's ire deflated a little, although she was still indignant that the mirror had revealed itself to Severus. She looked around. All her belongings had been moved, and the only thing missing was the man up the hall. Sighing, she called Loopy. "Coffee, please."

As she wandered back from the toilet, she pondered the huge bath in these rooms. Smiling, she glanced towards her mirror she saw the face quickly shimmer away when he spied her looking. Walking over, she purred in a breathy voice. "Oh. Mirror?"

Hermione didn't want anyone else to know about her most intimate secrets. But she would have told Severus eventually anyway, and the mirror had saved her from having to explain the whole 'my most intimate companion at the moment is a mirror' concept from scratch.

She cocked an eyebrow and smiled as an unusually stony countenance appeared, and inquired sullenly. "Yes, mistress?"

Hermione waited until she knew she had his attention, and standing with her legs well apart, reached down to her knees and slowly started bunching the material of the night dress up. As she got to the top of her thighs, she glanced back to the mirror. His dark orbs were concentrating intently on the slowly appearing flesh. "I'm sorry Mirror, I shouldn't be upset with you." She was now lifting the material up exposing her breasts to his view. Then she threw it off over her head, dropping the garment on the floor beside her, and taking the last step towards the flat surface, she leant lovingly up against the cold glass, making herself shudder at the sensation, and then rubbed up and down the flat plane seductively.

The mirror murmured almost plaintively, "I thought you would only want Severus now." The silky quality of the voice made her shiver.

Hermione groaned, "Don't be silly, you're actually part of Severus. I'm sure we can find ways to include you, over the years I've grown very fond of you," she murmured softly.

The mirror offered a spicy grin, "Oh I hope so little dove." The image cast his eyes over her naked body, "You really are exquisite."

Hermione barked a laugh. "Thank you, but exactly how many naked women have you seen?"

"I've been a mirror in this castle for over five hundred years," the countenance shivered and grimaced, "and I've seen some truly horrible things."

Hermione tsked in sympathy. "Are you feeling better now?" She had dropped to her knees in front of her image, and was stroking the face.

"Most certainly, little dove," he gave her a rare smile. She couldn't resist, leaning forward Hermione softly kissed him. Finally getting up, she wiggled her arse at him and climbed back into bed. Sitting purposefully on top of the covers, she watched the face taking in her body as she drank her coffee. "Beautiful," she heard him murmur once more before the image disappeared quietly back into the mirror.

Hermione almost choked up, she couldn't wait until it was Severus lying on the bed with her murmuring such things. I will definitely invite him here tonight. Now, what do I need to do today?

Both occupants of the first floor hallway showered simultaneously, not that they knew this. Severus thought, as he thrust with abandon into his soaped and curled hand. I've never thought of charming an object to relieve sexual tension; she certainly is a talented little darling. Looking down in concentration at what his hands were doing, he breathed to his soaped and rock hard member, "I can't wait to feel her around you," and his soaped hand pumped harder.

Hermione for her part while in the shower was a little less active, having already started the morning in her usual fashion. Magic is so amazing. Smiling she glanced around herself. I think this shower recess is bigger than my old one too. She was currently soaping up in long languid strokes.

Their unknown synchronicity then saw them exiting their front doors at the same moment as well. Both heard the others door close and their eyes met. Images of their so recent tension relieving activities danced in their heads, and Hermione's whispered words sprang forth, loudly in the stillness. "I missed you when you left last night," she asserted softly, her feet were now moving of their own volition towards him. "Thank you for looking after me," her gentle voice called to him like a siren.

"It was entirely my privilege." His eyes were roaming her form as he moved to meet her.

Their first touch exploded inside both of them like firecrackers, and breakfast was forgotten. "I don't want to be without you again," Hermione managed before her words were swallowed by his mouth.

"You won't be," Severus heard himself affirming, momentarily breaking their kiss. His voice contained far more conviction than he thought possible for such a sentiment. "I'll not spend another night without you," he pledged between more heated kisses.

His murmured velvet tones were going straight to the apex of her thighs. Hermione was in bliss. His tongue sought entry into her mouth, which she eagerly gave and their kiss deepened. All too quickly reason fled, and Hermione was pulling him so she was pressed against the hallway wall.

From somewhere Severus pulled some restraint, his mouth working its way round to the sweet spot on her neck. "We better get to breakfast." He hated himself for saying such a thing, but knew it was the right course of action for the moment.

She kept kissing him. "Mmm," she said, eyes were heavy with pleasure. "Can't we skip it? I want you," her groaned words and grinding hips even surprised her.

"Darling girl, I will not consummate our relationship against a hallway wall," Severus said, definitively pulling away enough to catch her face in gentle hands. Hermione was about to object when he stroked her cheeks with his thumbs and continued. "You, my most beautiful creature, will not be taken like this, just because we were overcome by the moment." Severus had moved back in to start planting kisses on her face. "You will be made love to in comfort and luxury for both our pleasures," his breath and lips on her neck were driving her crazy. "Repeatedly," he crooned into her ear, taking a raspy breath, as he heard her groan of frustration. "Patience, my flighty little dove, is definitely a virtue, and patience you must have," his purred words held such promise.

Hermione found herself even more aroused, and couldn't help it, she groaned when he called her the mirror's name for her. She blushed hotly as she inquired. "I believe you met an acquaintance of mine last night after I was asleep?"

"Yes. A most intriguing two dimensional individual, who looks and sounds exactly like me." He happily watched her blush deepen beautifully.

Hermione saw his appreciation in his eyes, and had to ask. "Did you like him?"

"Very much." His eyes were locked with hers. "I can't help wondering what additional features he may have been provided with?" His eye brow cocked in question.

"Well… um, I believe I would enjoy explaining that, and showing you very much." She gave a long look up and down the hallway. "But, even if this is a private hallway, I don't want tales."

"I whole heartedly agree. Well in that case," he offered her his arm. She moved forward on very shaky legs. "Let's get this day underway. We have a great deal to organise," he continued.

"Oh?" Hermione questioned absently. "Minerva said we had until the fifth."

Severus' eyebrow rose jauntily. "My dearest woman, between the two of us the potions will only take two days at the most, even with frequent recreational breaks," he smoothed seductively. His voice was currently pitched lower than she'd ever heard it, and coupled with a significant look that she had no trouble deciphering his meaning. This of course made him chuckle at the resultant blush that stained her cheeks from his words.

"Oh," she gasped. "You've got it all planned." Then glancing up at him, she smiled. "Of course you have," and her smile grew.

Severus had started ushering her towards the tapestry. "To the nth degree my angel; remember we only have until the fifth," he laughed as he pulled her closer. "You approve of my plan?"

Hermione's head nodded furiously. "Oh yes, very much. I can't wait to get to know you better."

"Funny, I was thinking the same thing in the shower this morning."

They'd stopped again. She looked longingly up at him in the half light. "Me too, well actually a little before my shower," she breathed hotly.

Severus chuckled. "Breakfast," he commanded, and she giggled as she started walking again.