Disclaimer:- I neither own nor earn anything from this story, anything you recognise belongs to JK Rowling and Associates.

sSs

A/N:- Let me say again, this is a gift fiction for Petite Mule. This chapter contains a full meeting of the Board of Hogwarts Governors. Please be aware that I am not adhering to canon in anyway. Whilst some of them may be mentioned in various resources as Wizarding relations to current canon characters, I have by no means stuck to strict truth, age differences, or timeframes.

hHh

Chapter Six – Taking Stock

Seven o'clock the next morning, Severus Snape's floo flared, rousing him from an uncomfortable slumber. He was still sitting at his desk, the remnants of his over indulgence around him.

Opening his eyes and wincing at the light, he heard a decadent chuckle. "Bella told us you'd be in a bad way." Lucius thrust a vial of potion under his nose, "Here, drink."

"What the fu…" Severus mumbled, grimacing at the loudness of his own voice, and discovering on trying to speak that his mouth had obviously grown fur overnight.

"It's a most excellent Hangover Potion, made by a dear friend of mine," Lucius chuckled, louder this time, "who at the moment doesn't look like he could brew coffee, let alone another more dangerous."

"Mmm," was Severus' only comment, and his shaky hand came out for the potion after he managed to tentatively sit up.

Lucius seated himself opposite his friend and looked around the desk at the debris from the Potions master's evening of excess. "You certainly did go on a bender, didn't you? Care to enlighten me as to why?" The blond wizard made himself more comfortable, watching Severus sink back down so his head was cradled in his hands once more. His friend observed him silently for some time, and then drew an audible breath. "But, I'm wondering if perhaps a more pertinent question might be, what happened between you and Emily Woodside?"

Sighing heavily as the potion took effect, Severus levered himself upright and sat back in his chair. He looked off into the middle distance with a scowl on his face, before looking at his friend. "She left me," he stated blandly. "It's what was meant to happen; it's what will happen this time…"

"Only it's not going to, is it?" Lucius ventured.

Snape shook his head, "I can't… I won't allow myself to be vulnerable again. I didn't have a problem pushing Emily away…"

Lucius huffed, "Sev, you can't keep punishing the women who fall for you, just because Miss Lily - bloody - perfect-Evans was a two bit no good gold digging little slut. Emily wasn't like that and Hermione certainly isn't. It was plain to both Cissy and I from the short period she was with us all on Wednesday that she utterly adores you, and she's a charming young woman." Snape gave him a hard look, his friend laughed, "It's no good, and I'm immune to that look, save it for Albus Dumbledore and start listening to me. Cherish your sweet little lioness; from what I've heard last night, she needs you even more now."

Severus' head shot up, and then he smiled slightly, "Draco."

"He owled me last night, wishing to know if Miss Granger could join us for the holidays, what say you?" Lucius drew breath, "Of course, I think that's a perfectly lovely idea, and of course you'll be there." He waited for Severus' reaction, and once his raven head rose in interest, he continued, "It looks like we're going to have quite a house full, mostly couples…" He deliberately left his sentence unfinished and raised his arched pale eyebrow.

"Indeed," Severus pursed his lips, "That might be interesting," his own raven brow rose fractionally, "all the usuals from Christmas, I suppose?"

"I believe so, with of course the addition of Miss Granger, and Draco's latest amore, you know that lovely Digory boy." Then he suddenly leaned further forward, adding conspiratorially, "And I have it on good authority that Reg's planning on popping the question to Daphne these holidays."

"Indeed." This seemed to rouse Severus' interest, and Lucius had said it purposefully, eager to remind him that age is no barrier to love in the Wizarding world. The Potions master seemed to rally himself. "Well, if you'll excuse me Lucius I better take myself to the shower and start my day."

xox

Breakfast in the Great Hall on Saturdays was usually a low key affair; however, this morning there was much whispering, and the Headmaster and the Gryffindor head were very out of sorts. Overnight it appears that four Gryffindors has mysteriously broken out in puss filled sores and were in quarantine. So far every spell the Mediwitch had attempted to use to cure them had no effect. None of them were talking about what had happened, or how the four friends had come to be afflicted when no one else in the dormitories seemed affected.

Slytherin involvement wasn't being discounted by the Gryffindors, but all Slytherins were present, and with the remainder of Gryffindor eating in their common room until further notice - just to be on the safe side - Hermione Granger was happily sitting with her Slytherin friends under the watchful eyes of their head of house, with the grudging permission of Minerva McGonagall.

Of course, Severus knew it would not be long and they would start to suspect that Hermione had been the perpetrator of the act, so he needed to move quickly to make certain she wasn't accused. Turning to the prune faced witch sitting next to him, he said, "Minerva I wish to take Miss Granger with me to Augusta Longbottom's this morning. The dowager allows me to gather bulbs from her Fritillaria imperialis in early spring for some medicinal potions I make for St. Mungos. It is my wish to take my assistant with me, to show her the correct gathering technique. I take it you have no objections?"

Minerva waved him off. "No, she isn't quarantined," her mouth tightened. Before she turned and said to Albus, "I think Poppy's overreacted."

Severus found himself thankfully being ignored once more. Had they asked he could have told them how to cure the problem, but since they didn't he wasn't offering any explanation.

xox

After breakfast, as the Potions master and his assistant walked together down the drive, Severus found himself happier than he'd felt in a very long time. Once they were safely out the gates, he inquired softly, "May I sidelong you, seeing I know where we're going and you do not?"

Hermione smiled but blushed hotly when their eyes met. It was true, she had her apparition licence, but she didn't know their destination. Nodding nervously, she stepped closer and placed her hand on his arm. Feeling him take the final step towards her, and his other arm encircle her waist, she felt her face heat further.

"Ready?" His voice so close, sent goosebumps rocketing up and down her spine.

"Yes," she squeaked in response, and they were gone.

When they arrived, Severus moved Hermione's hand and tucked it possessively into the crook of his elbow. There was an air of wonder in Hermione's voice as she enthused, "What an amazing driveway," she craned her neck trying to see further, as the drive dipped off around a corner in the forest. It was a cold but sparklingly clear day, and the sun was shining - albeit weakly – and it was perfect weather for a leisurely walk.

"Patience, my kitten," he purred, watching her. Her eyes were more alive than he'd ever seen them. "I purposely brought us here. The walk up this drive is lovely, especially now as spring starts to rise, so enjoy."

Her eyes swept up to look at him coyly from under her lashes. The Potions master took in the picture of innocence before him; it made him shiver slightly in anticipation of her willing surrender to him. "Hermione, do you have any questions about last night?" Severus asked as they set a gentle pace up the drive.

"Well actually, yes I do," he watched attentively as her face flushed once more. "I adored staying in that beautiful bedroom last night," she paused, "And I appreciated your care of me very much."

Severus reflected as she spoke, Lucius was right you know, she is nothing like Lily, and even more precious than Emily. Could I allow her into… would that be possible? Than anticipating something important coming up, he focused back on her words.

Hermione drew breath to continue, "I can't help thinking that I will not be allowed to stay there." Her doe like eyes were trained on him in plain sincerity, and was that trust, he wondered.

Severus inhaled deeply, "Perhaps under normal circumstances I would agree. However, would you consider waiting for the answer to that question until after our meeting with Lady Longbottom?"

Nodding, Hermione smiled and focused on the surroundings once more. After they had emerged from the wooded area near the gate, she abruptly pulled both of them to a stop. "Oh my giddy aunt," she cried excitedly.

"What?" Severus chuckled, "That's an adorable expression," he found himself telling her. He flinched internally, Good Merlin, man, why are you saying such things. Although, he looked at the glorious wonder in her eyes, if it makes her look like that, well who cares. Literally grinning, his companion was flushing bright red and her eyes were wide. She looks amazing, he conceded. "But what has brought you to this complete stop?"

It was as though Hermione only just realised she's stopped. "Oh, I'm sorry," her smile faded, but the joy evident on her eyes remained. She indicated the residence which had just come into view. "I've always loved traditional houses, this one looks just like I imagine Pemberley would look," she gave him another earnest look, "I've always dreamt of living in a house like that."

"You mean Darcy's residence in Pride and Prejudice?"

"You've read Austin?"

"It's a staple of English literature," he said, slightly imperiously.

"Oh, of course," she responded softly. Hermione, feeling suddenly out of her depth started looking around nervously, and her expression changed once more, and she did what she normally did when anxious, she talked, "Mind you, I don't think it will ever come true, I'm just a plain bookworm and things like that don't happen to people like me."

"Is that so, a plain bookworm," Severus repeated mischievously. "Then may I enquire my dear little bookworm?" He pursed his lips and moved closer, "Why, you are currently on the arm of an eligible wizard, about to enter a world few are privileged to even glimpse," he tilted his head to one side, "If nothing ever happens to you."

"Oh," Hermione gasped, "I didn't think of it like that."

"Well I believe you should start trying to. Remember what we discussed before we left about confidence, my kitten. Even if you're completely out of your depth, a little air of confidence makes people have trust in you. Now remind yourself how lovely you look," he quietly caressed her cheek, "And you do look very beautiful. Your robes are immaculate and your hair silky curls." Severus was tempted to do more, but didn't want her even more flustered, so he glanced up the drive, and said, "However, we run the risk of being late if we linger any longer, so come." Claiming her hand once more, they started off at a quicker pace towards the house, this time walking in silence to allow Hermione to centre herself for what lay ahead.

xox

Passing over the threshold after being greeted by a house elf, Severus and Hermione had their cloaks taken and were escorted into a large parlour. Much to Hermione's horror and Severus' irritation, it was full of most formidable, and in a couple of cases downright scary looking witches and wizards.

Her distress must have registered on her face, because a witch she did recognise bustled up to her and chortled pleasantly, "We're a daunting looking lot all in one room, aren't we, dear? Never mind," Professor Sprout, patted her hand with her rough calloused one. "I'm the staff rep on the board," she continued earnestly, as if in clarification. "Introduce her to everyone, Severus."

"Well, I would if I could get a word in over you," Severus had his eyebrow arched significantly. This made Sprout cackle louder.

So Snape reluctantly escorted Hermione around the room introducing her to the Governors of Hogwarts. He had been unaware that this would turn into a full meeting of the board, and he wasn't pleased.

Hermione's head was spinning; she had just been introduced to several very influential members of Wizarding society. She had been separated from Severus and was now sitting beside the hostess, with a fine bone, china cup balanced precariously in her lap, as she remembered not to cross her legs in public. The board members were viewing all the evidence, via Severus' new Pensieve process. From the scene in the Great Hall, through to the deed against her in the seventh floor hallway, and she had to relive it all once more.

She saw Severus from under her eye lashes sitting next to Lucius Malfoy, and longed for the comfort he represented. Trying to settle her mind, she occupied herself by examining the other members while they were otherwise engaged. Seeming by the colours of dress, the board appeared to be a very even mix of house affiliations. This surprised Hermione, she had read in Hogwarts A History that the board was made up of twelve members, and they very rarely managed to do anything as a whole.

Cautiously surveying the room further, she saw open disgust on some members faces. Many were shaking their heads. Although, one crusty looking Slytherin wizard she'd met, looked more interested in the cakes than the evidence.

Then the onslaught started, Hermione Granger was questioned about her treatment and apparent vilification by her peers. She was asked if she was responsible for the affliction plaguing the four people who had slandered her.

If I don't miss my guess, by the look of guilt on her face, they've found out about that from Sprout and her big mouth, Severus thought. Just wait til she needs more bug killer. I just might be a little heavy handed with the arsenic in that mix. He was drawn from his thoughts of plant genocide, by Hermione's emphatic and flat denial.

Much to Severus' pleasure, she reacted perfectly. "I most certainly am not. I have no knowledge of what has happened to them." Her fierce expression made him proud.

"It's all right, Miss Granger, but we needed to ask," Augusta said, glaring at Pomona Sprout and patting Hermione's hand. She turned to Cygnus Prewitt. "Do you really believe that the farthest extreme will be necessary, Cygnus?"

"Yes, Augusta, I think the bylaw should be enacted," Cygnus Prewitt stated. "At the very least I would like to recommend protective custody, considering the nasty nature of their hexes and their complete lack of regard for Miss Granger. I can't see them being very pleased when their homework scam is discovered." Cygnus looked to Severus. "Would you be willing to sponsor Miss Granger, professor?"

"Indeed, Slytherin house offered Miss Granger protection last night, and we will gladly continue to do so, until graduation if necessary."

"Are you suggesting we do not move against Dumbledore and McGonagall at all?" A clearly irritated Serraphina Bones asked, her hawklike features very stern. "It is obvious they knew about it. By their silence and inaction they have not only encouraged despicable behaviour, but they have caused this young lady much grief."

"I agree," added Romilda Goshawk. "Something must be done."

"Something must be done," parroted a rather gruff voice, "The problem is, nothing ever is. This is not the first case like this during this Headmaster's tenure," said a wiry looking wizard with piercing blue eyes. Hermione thought she recalled his name to be Gervaise Ollivander. "You people all talk in circles. I say we sack the old coot here and now."

A cultured, silky voice interrupted, "May I suggest, for the comfort of the young lady concerned that we wait to discuss such issues until after she and her protector have left," Lucius Malfoy, stated. He had noticed Hermione starting to struggle with what was being discussed on her behalf. "Professor Sprout, are you aware how long her persecutors are going to be quarantined?"

The Herbology professor, tittered nervously as it was proven she was the source of information. "It was mentioned this morning that they were to be sent home until they'd recovered since it's almost the holidays."

Lucius and several others nodded in approval of this course of action. Romilda Goshawk then asked, "Will these measures solve the problem?"

Her question was directed at Severus, "Madam, I believe Miss Granger will be safe if she is able to surround herself with friends. She has significant support in Slytherin and Ravenclaw, but in view of the influence one of the Gryffindor students appears to have with the rest of his house and some of the faculty. I feel it needs to be spelt out to those persons that she is to be respected for her decision to break with these people, and her house if necessary."

Someone who hadn't spoken until this point, now asked, "Do you think the protection bylaw is needed in this, professor?"

Severus remained calm, but said, "It is my opinion that Miss Granger will thrive once taken from the negative influences that have possibly been building throughout her time at Hogwarts, they have only shown themselves as hostile this year since she has finally made a stand against them. However, we are being unpardonably rude to her. My charge is a young lady of age, and I can't help thinking that being discussed in the third person whilst she is present must be extremely abhorrent to her."

"You are quite correct, professor," Augusta said suddenly. She turned to Hermione, "We are sorry, my dear. The house of Godric Gryffindor has a wonderful and noble history, however whilst under its protection you have been treated very badly. The protection bylaw is designed to allow a student in your circumstance to change houses to make life bearable for themselves. It must be added though, that the change is only a superficial, after all, one cannot change ones very nature."

Cygnus took over the explanation, "As Governors we are able to do several things on behalf of a student, if a student's parents request it. You are well above age of consent, and therefore it is your decision. Do you wish us to intervene on your behalf?"

Hermione had been keeping eye contact with every speaker. She was a little confused about some of the laws, having not had the opportunity to research them. However, she spoke clearly and evenly. "First of all, I wish to thank the Board of Governors for the consideration you are offering me. Whilst it is true I have recently become aware that people I had thought to be my friends have been using me." She sighed quietly, and thought a moment. When she spoke again, her mouth was tight. "This whole incident has put me in a very difficult position, if I take the offer you appear to be giving me, I would be most content. But I would also be being very selfish. What sort of message would I – Hogwarts Head Girl – be sending the younger students by just abandoning my house when the going gets tough? However, if I remain in Gryffindor without support I will be taking a far more distasteful path for the last two months of my schooling." Hermione took a deep breath, "and that course of action has the ability to impact badly on my results. No matter which plan I take I don't think I can win," she finished softly.

"If you don't mind me interrupting you, I think there is another avenue which could prove useful." Hermione looked to were the voice had issued from. The pleasant looking wizard, she'd been introduced to as Malcolm McGonagall, smiled in encouragement at her.

But Hermione was concerned, Oh no, she thought. That's the wizard named McGonagall; I bet he's related to my head of house. He's even got a Scottish accent. I wonder what he's got to say?

The man's face settled into an agreeable expression, and he continued, "I do not know if you know who I am, apart from the fact that you were introduced to me. But, allow me to inform you that I am very pleased to be finally meeting you today. Your academic results throughout your schooling have impressed me greatly." Malcolm McGonagall turned to the rest of the room. "Everyone in this room should be made aware of the fact that this young lady has been top of her year, by a significant margin, every year she has attended Hogwarts." Several gasps echoed around the parlour, and he turned back to a blushing Hermione. "Miss Granger, my position at the Ministry, is of Chief Invigilator of Wizarding Examinations, within the Academic Requirements and Records department. As part of this role I see to the coordination and facilitation of O.W.L. and N.E.W.T. examinations."

The wizard, who actually reminded Hermione of a much older version of the author, Gilderoy Lockhart, whom she had seen in her second year when he appeared for a book signing at Flourish and Blotts, now addressed the two Hogwarts professors. "I would be correct in stating that the entire seventh year curriculum has already been covered?" Both nodded, and he focused once more on Hermione. "Well in that case, I would like to offer you - because of your extenuating circumstances and excellent academic record – the opportunity to sit your N.E.W.T examinations in the first week of next term, thereby circumventing your need to attend Hogwarts and be placed in an untenable situation until June."

Hermione was gobsmacked; this could be the very answer she was searching for. Her gaze searched for Severus' for clarification, but his expression remained inscrutable. "This is a huge consideration," she stated softly. "Would this be something the Governor's would all need to agree on?" Hermione asked.

The man called McGonagall surveyed the room, "Well does anyone object to this course, it would be far easier, and it wouldn't be a precedent. This has been done before," he asserted.

There was a general nodding of heads from all present. But Hermione really wanted to know what Severus thought about it. Will this abruptly end what I hope is about to start? Certainly I would be away from all the trouble. But where would I live? I can't go home. Would Severus find another assistant? Would he treat her like he's begun to treat me? The thought of Severus shepparding someone else in her place, made her feel physically ill. I don't want to be without him… Now, listen to yourself will you? You can't make this decision right know, you need time to weigh everything up.

Finally she heard the voice of the person whose opinion she craved. "Miss Granger, I'm sure the Board would give you time to weigh up your options. Perhaps you could owl The Chief Invigilator at the Ministry, on Monday?" The Potions master looked to the wizard in question, "Would that be suitable, Malcolm?"

"Certain, Severus." Malcolm turned back to Hermione, "Take the rest of the weekend to weigh up what we've told you, Miss Granger. But, I will need to know by Monday in order to organise examiners and a venue."

The Potions master now stood. "Well, if the members of the board are finished with Miss Granger, we will take our leave," Severus could plainly see Hermione had been through enough.

"Yes, by all means," Augusta Longbottom said. Taking Hermione's hand once more, she patted it, "You must come and see me during your holidays, my dear. Under more pleasant circumstances," she smiled tightly.

"Yes, ma'am, thank you," Hermione returned with a shaky smile. She was actually in a huge hurry to get away.

Turning to Severus, the grand old witch said, "And my garden is at your disposal, dear boy."

Severus bowed his head. "Thank you, and good afternoon to you all."

"Yes," Hermione added, "and thank you." The Potions master led her out the door and into the entryway. The space between when the door closed and the house elf appeared was too short for Hermione to ask anything. All she wanted to do was bury herself into his arms, she was feeling very unsure.

He seemed to sense her need, but he kept his face impassive. They were handed their cloaks and scarves, and the same house elf saw them out the door. Severus immediately set a cracking pace off towards another wood on the opposite side of the residence; his face now set into a deep scowl.

Hermione had to trot to keep up with his long legs, she tripped twice because she couldn't see through the tears she was having trouble containing. Finally they reached a secluded arbour in a sunken garden.

Without turning to her, words suddenly erupted out of Severus, "How dare they, they're all the bloody same." Turning and seeing her head bowed, his long fingers rubbed her upper arms; she was surprised by his gentleness after his harsh words. "Fancy submitting you to the entire twelve Governors and without warning," but hearing her stifling a sob, his finger raised her head. She was swallowing hard and her bottom lip was quivering. "Damn it all, kitten, don't let it get to you," he asserted, pulling her forward as he whispered a Notice-Me-Not spell. "Shh, don't cry, little one."

However, his encouragement only served to make her cry harder. "I can't help it; I don't want to lose you… I mean…" she sobbed through her tears. Then gulped hard, knowing she'd just blurted out something she should have kept to herself. What shocked her out of her sobs was something she hadn't expected to hear in answer, and that was deep resonant laughter.

"Oh, precious, what a thing to worry about. Here you are faced with many huge decisions and you're concerned that I'm going to disappear on you? His voice was incredulous, he pushed her back enough, so he could lift has face to his, "Look at me, love."

Hermione was immediately lost in the depths of his eyes, once he'd conjured a handkerchief and allowed her to clean herself up. "What should I do, Severus?" she asked, her eyes took on a pained expression.

Severus chuckled decadently, "Well, one thing you are most definitely not do is worry about whether I'll be here," he breathed heatedly, smiling when only a vague noise rattled from somewhere in the back of her throat. "I predict that of the many things are about to happen to you, that is the least of your worries." He watched her eyes roaming between his own and his lips, and then he saw the very tip of her pink tongue slip out to wet her lips, and the temptation to taste her suddenly became overwhelming.

"Why?" she managed to say.

Severus inhaled a noisy breath, and brought one finger to her lips, "Shh, my kitten," he soothed and leant forward. "This is why," his lips connected with her forehead in a feather light caress. "I want to worship you," her left eye received the same treatment. Then her right felt the brush of his lips, he wove a path of delight down her jaw in barely there caresses. "Drink the nectar from your pure soft lips," he crooned, and finished by bestowing a lingering caress of his lips on hers.

It was too much, she swooned. Chuckling darkly, Severus rested her head against his chest. The kisses he had just given her were everything she'd always thought kisses should be. Of course Hermione wasn't to know that his talented lips had left Duchesses swooning.

"Do you understand why now, my kitten?" He felt her head nod, "You are a prize, worth far more than you understand."

Taking a moment to collect herself, and make her brain function enough for words to form, Hermione asked, "Severus?"

"Mmm?" His voice rumbled into her ears, speeding up her heart even further.

"No matter what my decision is about school. Will you teach me?"

This was the moment he'd waited for since January, she hadn't said what she wanted to learn, but he knew. Drinking in her lovely amber flecked eyes, he stroked her cheek. "Yes, my precious, it would be my pleasure," and his head dipped down to commence lesson one.

oOo

Notes:- Mwah ha ha – let the games begin.