Disclaimer:- I neither own nor earn anything from this story, anything you recognise is the property of JK Rowling and her associates.
sSs
A/N:- You were all very adamant after last chapter that Hermione needed protection and that she should take the offer to do her N.E.W.T.S, well she's going to. Yes, the Governor Malcolm McGonagall is Minerva's brother. That will become more apparent in the next chapter. We will also be introduced to the mysterious Emily Woodside in the next chapter. Thank you to you all for your interest in this story. Please enjoy…
hHh
Chapter Seven – The Traditional Way To Do Things
Pomona Sprout was furious as she stomped out of her floo after the meeting of the Governors. There were few things that had the power to strip her of her personable demeanour. What she had just witnessed, however, had managed to do so. That poor, dear girl, she thought. Something needed to be done. The Herbology professor had always been more of a doer than a thinker, but she had a friend and ally, who was both.
Turning on the spot, she took a pinch of floo powder. "Artie, are you home yet?" she called into the green flames.
Arcturus Malfoy's voice was heard through the green flames, "What is it, rose bud?"
The squat, jovial witch, giggled like a teenager. But her face soon settled into seriousness once more. "Would you walk through please, Artie?"
"Of course, would you give me a moment and I'll be right with you." His voice disappeared and Pomona quickly started tidying her sitting room. The room looked more like an extension to one of her greenhouses than a parlour, and it had a strong earthy scent about it, but she found it was very cosy.
Soon her friend and confidant strode through the floo; he greeted her with a kiss on both cheeks and a hug. But taking one look at her face, he said, "I know," and grimaced. "But there is nothing we can do until Wednesday."
"It's just so unfair, Artie."
"Unfortunately, that's life under a Gryffindor tyrant," the regal looking wizard replied. "There is a lot of evidence, and at least one former offence. Not to mention similar discretions of past Headmaster, which have seen them dismissed. That gives plenty of room for a Slytherin to manoeuvre," the elderly wizard smirked, slyly.
"But he's so slippery," she stated worriedly. "And this young woman has been treated worse than poor Miss Woodside," her brow was crinkled with concern.
"Now you stop fretting, my dear, and fix us some of your most amazing lavender tea," his curled finger stroked her cheek.
xox
Back at Longbottom Hall, another pair were reflecting on the morning as well. One had gained his insight purely by chance, which he now wished to expand upon. Shortly after Severus and Hermione had left the gathering of board members, Cygnus Prewitt had stood to stretch his legs. It was a condition his age made mandatory, he couldn't sit for too long at a stretch before his restless legs made him rise and take a turn around the room. The main reception parlour at Longbottom Hall, had a perfect view of the sunken garden, and as a result Cygnus was treated to a sight that made his old heart melt. I had a suspicion there was more going on here that a professor protecting a student. I need to help this along, if the wrong people get the wrong idea this could all blow up in our faces; she's going to need someone like Snape as her protector.
He chuckled as his eyes left the young couple, engaging in what was obviously their first kiss and returned to his seat. It's a little known fact that a Notice-Me-Not, which he'd seen shimmering around them before Snape kissed her, is only affective to make people not notice, as the name suggests, however if someone is already watching, they're next to useless. The elderly wizard kept his council about what he'd seen until after the meeting had dispersed.
"In view of certain evidence I have gathered while perusing the view from your window a short time back. I am wondering if perhaps you should sponsor our Miss Granger," he'd said to his hostess once they were alone.
"I will admit that thought had occurred to me already, she appears to be very alone. Of course Snape thinks I don't know that he watches her closely. That could prove difficult for them. Though they make a lovely couple, don't you think? Prince Manor has been without a mistress for far too long.
"You surprise me Augusta, I didn't think you'd be as easy going as this," he raised an eyebrow.
"My Frank got on quite well with Severus while they were at school. I'll owl Snape and ask him to visit tonight. I want to know more about Miss Granger's circumstances." Cygnus nodded.
xox
Oblivious to everyone but each other, Severus and Hermione were exploring the woods around Longbottom Hall, after having collected the bulbs Severus required. Wandering along holding hands, they were enjoying nature as it emerged from its winter slumber.
Everywhere Hermione looked spring bulbs were just starting to poke their leaves from the still frozen soil. There were clumps of early flowering Snowbells and crocus' nestled in the roots of the canopy trees, surrounded by moss and exotic looking fungi. "This place will be utterly exquisite in another month," she commented, casting her excited eyes everywhere.
Severus chuckled, "Is that a hint that you would like to come back?"
"Perhaps, if we're able," she ventured shyly.
Smiling, he cast a concerned glance at the sky and tightening his hold on her hand, said, "Come, I think the clouds may be about to open." While they had been walking, the sky had clouded over and dark storm clouds were rapidly boiling above them. They quickened their pace, and finally, deep within the wood was a little summer house. "I believe we may find lunch waiting for us here, my dear," Severus commented, as Hermione gasped at the rustic little cottage.
There was a fragrant honeysuckle covered fence surrounding the property, and smoke curling out the chimney, as well as from somewhere unseen the sound of running water could be detected. Hearing the first fat drops of rain around them, Severus encouraged Hermione up onto the porch of the cottage. They stood watching as the sweet smelling rain started to fall. Soon it was sizzling off the ground and bowing the tender heads of the fresh spring spouts. The clatter of it on the shingle roof of the porch was deafening.
Hermione looked down to their still joined hands, and smiled. Severus saw her smile, and this resulted in a flush that he found hard to resist. Chuckling softly, he tugged her gently into the house. The bucolic nature of the exterior belayed its comfortable interior; the little room they entered was sumptuously furnished and seemed to have been magically extended to accommodate the trappings of wealth.
There was an overpowering aroma of spring in the air. Hermione happily gazed around the room, it was like a stately sitting room there was a cheerful fire crackling in the grate and literally flowers everywhere, roses, carnations, tuber roses and lily of the valley, the heady fragrance was almost overpowering, but exquisitely beautiful. "This room is so beautiful," she enthused.
"I'm pleased you like it," Severus smiled.
Suddenly food appeared on the ornate table in front of the comfortable looking crimson velvet lounge, there was literally a sumptuous feast for them. Hermione gasped and Severus directed her forward. Sitting her down and bowing, he poured the champagne. "Just for you, my kitten," he said, sitting next to her.
Hermione sat, happily leaning up against the cushions on the lounge as they ate, casually facing one another and talking about the morning's events. After some moments of idle chatter, her expression suddenly turned serious. "Severus, what should I do? I want to take Mr. McGonagall's offer, but then I'll have to go." She glanced up at his dark eyes watching her with concern, and bit her lip. "I know you said I wouldn't lose you," Severus heard her take a shaky breath, "But what exactly did you mean? I won't be able to stay in the magical world," her head bowed, and she mumbled, "My parents want me to go back to the Muggle world," she finished softly.
Severus' long finger arrived under her chin. When he lifted it he saw her confusion, as well as her pretty orbs swimming with unshed tears. At the moment, her tears were never far from the surface. "What do you want?" he returned quietly, and saw her chew at her lip again. "Be aware, I'm not asking you what you think will happen, what do you truly want?"
Taking a moment to collect her thoughts, Hermione spoke, "No one has ever made me feel the way you make me feel. You seem to be freeing me somehow, and it feels so right. I've only just found people I can call friends… I have no one in the Muggle world. My parents, yes… but really, no," she sighed, and tried to explain further. "My parents have promised me an apartment when I graduate, but they have gone on their big adventure. I guess they think I will be all right. The apartment will be entailed, I'm certain. I think in order to claim it; they will insist I move back to Muggle London and renounce the Wizarding world." She shook her head, "And no, I don't want to do that. But I don't see that I have a choice. If I don't, I'll have nowhere to live and no college fund and... I'll end up a waitress and miserable again."
Severus watched her wringing her hands nervously, before she started speaking again. "If I had my choice, I'd do my exams. School bores me, and I'm not certain I could sit in classes with the troublesome Gryffindors again next term." Hermione took a deep breath and stated, "And I would stay with you," her eyes glanced down, "I know there's an age difference, and I'm a studious bookworm, but I feel right with you, even after such a short time." She worried her lip for a moment, "I realise I'm no good at kissing and stuff" she gazed across at him wide eyed. "I still can't believe that you're willing to… that you could want me," she put her head down.
Severus sighed, "Hermione, you do worry about the strangest things. Yes I agree, you're inexperienced, but I will teach you, like you've asked me to." He lifted her face to his and gently kissed her lips, "At home," then punctuated each part of the sentence with a kiss. "Where we have unlimited time to spend on it," his mouth moved around to her ear and his voice rumbled in it, "Do you understand?"
Hermione stifled a moan, there was that feeling again. Eventually though, she nodded in agreement and put her hand on his cheek. "Thank you for looking after my best interests this morning."
Severus took her hand and held it in both of his replying, "My pleasure, kitten," he said and kissed her lips tenderly once more.
Without warning, Hermione sighed and threw herself back into his arms as she murmured, "Please hold me, Severus, never let me go." She buried her head into the crook of his neck and clung to him as he held her close.
This was a defining moment for Snape; no one had ever asked him that before. Was this witch offering him forever? It was an innocent request, but a heartfelt one. Could he do forever? He thought back to Lucius' words that morning, and his traitorous inner voice goaded him. You know this is right, no witch has ever felt this good in your arms. Accept her, you fool.
Then the other voice waded in. But she doesn't know what she's doing, you're thinking of taking someone with no experience of the world and binding them to you. What if she changes her mind, ay? Severus imagined the blighter sitting on a high and almighty throne, with his eyebrow cocked at his counterpart.
Finally, as if to clinch the deal, he remembered Lucius' voice once more, "…Miss Granger certainly isn't like that… lovely girl. Stop punishing the women who fall for you." She has fallen for me too, it doesn't matter… look how loyal she's been to those cretins she called friends. She won't forsake me… she is every bit my intellectual equal, and haven't I always wanted what Lucius and Cissy have?
Without further contemplation, he heard himself answering, "Always, my darling," and lifting her head, his lips found hers once more. He gave her a tender and caressing kiss. "Always, I will take care of you, kitten," he murmured, and then sighed. "Now the rain has stopped, and it's getting late, perhaps we should get back to Hogwarts."
They rose from the lounge; Severus' head was almost spinning. How had he gone from angry denial last night, to this? Mind you, he thought, this feels pretty damn good. Would she know what he meant if he asked to be her suitor? Best not yet, let's ease her into this a little more, gently does it.
xox
They got back in time for dinner, but Hermione ate with the Severus in his quarters. After dinner he was called to his office and Hermione was pleased Daphne decided to keep her company. Although, Hermione was still slightly mortified about the meeting that morning, her time with Severus for the remainder of the day, had left her blissfully happy.
The two witches called for another bottle of wine; and they settled in by the fire on the lounge. The Gryffindor witch had never had a girl friend to talk about girlie things with, and she loved it, but at the moment she knew she wasn't good company. "I'm sorry, Daphne. It's been a really confusing and stressful day, and I'm probably not the best company."
"But you know, you're so lucky," her companion went on, without a break.
Hermione stopped, glass poised at her lips. "How?" she asked, incredulously, thinking about all the things that were worrying her.
"Severus," Daphne replied plainly. "He is one hot wizard, if I wasn't madly in love with my Regulus, you'd have serious competition there, girl." Daphne grinned, "Alabaster skin, ebony hair, mysterious fathomless eyes, dark seductive velvet voice," she giggled a little. "It could make you come even if he was lecturing about toad livers. Then there's that exquisite aquiline nose," she continued dreamily, suddenly her eyes shifted and looked straight at Hermione, "and you know what they say about the size of a wizard's nose and feet?"
Hermione was lost; she was simply gaping at Daphne, her mouth falling open in shock, "Um, no," she stuttered.
Suddenly Daphne's expression changed to concerned, and it occurred to the Slytherin witch that she may have said too much. "Hermione you and Weasley, did, do it, didn't you?"
"Do, what?" Hermione asked, looking puzzled.
"Oh, Merlins balls, you're a virgin?" Her voice was rising in pitch as she said it.
Bowing her head, Hermione was mortified. The next thing she expected was laughter. She was shocked when an arm went around her shoulder. "Don't worry, I'll help you, but you have to know, he's already totally hot for you."
Hermione started to giggle, "I know, he kissed me this afternoon, several times" she blushed bright red and dropped her gaze. Glancing up coyly she whispered, "It was lovely."
Daphne shook her cascading black locks, her emerald eyes sparkled. "Well so it should have been. That's what kissing is all about, pleasure."
"Oh," Hermione said, "I've never enjoyed it before."
"Of course you haven't, if Weasley was your only experience, you have to know he was completely clueless at it." She leant in really close, "Give me a Slytherin any day, I've heard tell that the head of house gives the seventh year males a course in how to pleasure a witch." She watched Hermione turning multiple shades of red. "Rege told me that ol' Slughorn gave them one anyway. I guess Severus does as well, but I've never caught any of the guys talking about it."
Hermione gave her friend a quizzical look, "Wasn't Slughorn the Potions professor before Severus?"
"Mmm hmm," Daphne said, taking a sip of her wine.
"How old is your Regulus?"
"He was in the year below Severus," she said. "Has Draco invited you to the house party yet?" Hermione nodded, "Well you'll meet him there. Regulus, Severus, Lucius, Bella and Cissy they're all friends."
"Oh," Hermione placed her glass on the coffee table.
She turned back hearing Daphne's voice again. "Hermione, have you accepted Severus as a suitor yet?"
"I don't think he's asked… should he?"
"He will, and in the not too distant future."
"What exactly, does it mean?"
"It means that he is serious about you, and is intending to get to know you with the view to marrying you," Daphne said with a little laugh.
"Wow," Hermione's hands went to her cheeks. "Really?" she honestly looked shocked, "That's amazing."
"It won't be long; it's the way traditional wizards do it."
"Oh, you mean like a traditional courtship," but Hermione turned away, hearing a cat hiss, and watched Crookshanks and Persephone in an armed standoff over the best spot by the fire. "Crooks, be a gentleman," the Gryffindor witch warned. Her familiar glowered at her, but relinquished the spot to Severus' cat. She watched the two felines as she spoke, "But doesn't that mean no cuddling or kissing, or anything?"
Hermione turned back hearing Daphne's joyous laughter, "Don't you believe that Muggle rubbish, in the Wizarding world, it's not done for purity, it's managed that way for surety. There are set periods for everything, for just what I said earlier, getting to know one another, and that means in every sense," she waggled her eyebrows. "Well I better get out of your hair Severus will be back soon."
"Oh, okay, thanks Daphne," Hermione drew her into a friendly hug, and they said their good nights.
xox
Daphne had been right, a few moments after Daphne had left, Severus arrived. Pointing his wand, the door from the common room locked itself and Severus gathered her into his arms. "Are you all right, you've been through the mill today?"
Hermione snuggled into his chest, "I'm feeling much better now."
Severus sighed, "I'm glad. Why don't you go and pamper yourself a little, a bath and so forth. I've got an errand to run, and I should imagine I'll be at least two hours, if you're too tired when you relax, go to bed, ay?"
"It's okay Severus; I'll wait up for you, especially seeing tomorrow is Sunday."
He stroked her cheek, "Very well," and he kissed her forehead, "I'll see you soon."
Hermione watched him summoning his cloak as he retreated across the sitting room towards the door. She couldn't believe she was able to stay here another night. She reflected on Severus' explanation to Minerva of a potion that needed constant care tonight. That he and his assistant would need to stay near it. She knew that in his private lab such a potion was, in fact, bubbling away. Although, she also knew her sneaky Slytherin had automated the process, and it would occur by itself. She sighed, Hermione felt at home here, and for the first time in her life settled into a place.
xox
Most of the mirrors in the castle were charmed to talk back to you, however Severus had already told her that Salazar Slytherin thought it was a stupid idea conversing with mirrors, so had banned them in his quarter of the castle. She had to admit she agreed with him as well, she could think of nothing worse first thing in the morning than to be greeted by ones bathroom mirror. It was something she was glad to be away from, especially at the moment when she was standing naked in front of her bathroom mirror. Her thoughts on things she had never contemplated before.
Hermione was a creature of research but very little practical experience in many things. Being properly kissed for what seemed like the first time this afternoon, had released a tide of sensation that had taken her by surprise. She had found the things she'd felt before on the occasions that they had been together, but they paled in comparison to this afternoon, and Hermione was curious as to what made her feel them.
As she reclined in her bath she reflected on its size, and the thought struck her that it was actually huge, easily big enough for two people. The images that invaded her mind after that startled her, and she was surprised when being so relaxed she suddenly tensed and her toes curled, then there was a delightful pulsing sensation between her legs, it felt really nice.
She realised the more she thought about Severus' kisses and things associated with him the more urgent the sensations became. This is totally fascinating, she thought, trying very hard to breathe normally. She was in no doubt that Severus was very experienced, especially after what Daphne had said tonight, and the alluring way he had kissed her, it showed he knew what he was doing.
But the things she was experiencing now were different to the vague twists of pleasure in the pit of her stomach she had experienced in response to his presence before. This was an ache, one that almost demanded a release. She had never felt anything like it before, and it was an overwhelming feeling, almost like it had a life of its own. It remained even when she tried to block it out.
She suddenly felt so inexperienced compared to him, how could this have all completely passed her by? Then she gasped as another thought surged through her. Her eyes opened wide, why did that excite her so much? Was she excited by it, or did it arouse her, oh my God. It aroused her so much she could wait for the moment he was exploring every inch of her. Her heart was pounding and her body -oh my God- what was her body doing to her?
She plunged herself deeper into the bath and tried to calm down, she felt so... What was that? That fact wasn't included in what she had read on the subject, and neither was the delicious ache or the unrelenting urge to touch... oh my God. Hermione instantly surveyed the room, her heart hammering even louder in her ears, she couldn't stop herself… she had to stop herself, didn't she?
xox
When Severus finally returned, he looked tired and stressed. Hermione was sitting curled up in a chair by the fire with a book she had found in his library. She was now trying desperately to forget about her earlier experience; that was until he cocked that sexy eyebrow and instantly undid her. "Did you have an enjoyable bath, kitten?"
It was a perfectly reasonable question, well perfectly reasonable if you hadn't spent at least the last hour of the evening contemplating how your body reacts to thought of a certain raven-haired wizard, who was now standing before you asking. "Oh err… yes, it was nice." She was subconsciously twisting a stand of her hair around her finger.
His eyebrow sailed higher and he murmured, "Indeed," and she instantly knew he had seen through her. When he followed this assertion with, "I'm going to clean up and get more comfortable, when I come back I want a blow by blow account thank you," she blushed bright red, and he chuckled wickedly, before disappearing into his bedroom.
Hermione had the book clenched tightly in both hands, and was pacing when he got back. She was so caught up in thinking, that when he approached her and stepped in front to stop her, she gasped as she ran into him. Feeling him steady her with his hands on her arms, she looked up at him and blushed again. "Come, sit with me, little kitten." Hermione gulped and the blush deepened.
Severus gently guided her towards his favourite chair; he sat down and pulled her into his lap, "Now, tell me what's got you so flustered?"
"N-nothing really," she tried to sound convincing. "Nothing has me flustered," she assured him, vainly hoping that he would drop the subject.
"Hermione, you have to know that Gryffindors are atrocious liars." He watched her fiddling with the collar of her dressing gown and twisting a strand of hair round and round her finger again. He gently took hold of her hands to stop her. "Come on, out with it," he coached encouragingly.
Hermione felt like such an innocent, but started talking anyway, "I had an experience, something... something I'd never even considered," she said quietly, he looked at her. "In the bath," she blurted out, "I was thinking about you," she finished almost inaudibly, biting her lip and blushing bright red again.
He stroked her cheek and kissed her tenderly, then chuckled against her mouth. "I've woken that wanton little creature that lives within you. It's only natural for it to rear up and demand certain things of you when you think about certain points."
She gazed at him as she literally glowed, and in a tiny voice muttered, "But it scared me, I don't know what to..." she stopped talking as her lip quivered.
Pulling her close he continued, "Don't be afraid of it, it will afford you and I much pleasure as you learn to use it."
"But Severus I feel so stupid, I've read widely on the subject," she asserted seriously.
There was no way he could stifle the laugh he felt, "I am in no doubt you know the theory of making love inside and out, you wouldn't be Hermione Granger if you hadn't, but kitten books cannot prepare you for what it actually feels like."
"I just wasn't expecting it to feel so intense and urgent," she blushed again, and mumbled, "or wet."
Severus chuckled wickedly, it rumble through his chest and lodge in the pit of her stomach, he pressed his lips in a line around to her ear and murmured, "Hermione sweetheart, I don't actually know how to tell you this, but what you felt tonight is nothing compared to what we will experience together." He stroked her face and she shivered violently, smiling he moved back to her cheek and lightly rubbing his against hers, before pressing little kisses onto her face. She nodded and he gently pushed her head so it was resting it on his shoulder.
After a moment of silence she sighed, "The fact that I don't know any of this scares me," she glanced up at him and blushed. "None of this ever occurred to me and it makes me feel very stupid."
He stroked her hair, and chuckled lightly. "You're by no means stupid, but the fact is that while other girls were out there experiencing getting hot and wet in darkened alcoves all around the school, you were in the library working out how to make your writing small enough to add the sixteenth thousandth paragraph to a two foot essay, he kissed her head, and taking absolutely no notice of the human condition all around you." He kissed the top of her head once more and changed the subject. "Do you know that I used a magnifying glass to mark some of your more creative attempts at essay writing?"
"Truly," she said laughing.
"Yes truly, my dear little-know-it-all, a magnifying glass and a headache potion. Sometimes you used to infuriate me with your need to add side bars on every possible aspect to a simple essay."
"I'm sorry, it took me a while to learn that writing everything I knew about a subject, wasn't actually answering the question being asked."
He raised both eyebrows, "I know." Shrugging, he summoned the whisky and two glasses, and pouring himself a large glass, he put about half as much in a glass for Hermione. "Don't drink too fast," he warned. "Now, I was summoned by Augusta Longbottom tonight, she wants me to bring you back tomorrow."
"Oh, why?"
"She wishes to sponsor you; she wanted to know your situation. I told her she would need to discuss it with you tomorrow. She will contact Minerva and channel the invitation through her. No doubt you'll receive it at breakfast tomorrow. I will of course escort you there. However, there will be no dallying in the gardens this time. I am fairly certain we will be being followed and watched. Do you understand?"
"What does sponsor mean?"
"Lady Longbottom will protect you, and introduce you into polite Wizarding society. She will guide you with your further education, and you will live with her until you are married."
"Wow, that's all very Victorian, isn't it?"
"Mmm," he pursed his lips. "That's how it is done in polite circles. Do you have any objections?"
Hermione shook her head, she was really too tired to think and sat, quietly absorbing what Severus had told her, she thought it was all very charming. Then as she drifted off, her mind went back to the sensations she'd felt earlier, she couldn't wait to feel those feelings for real. But right now she was wondering if he'd actually put a Sleeping Potion in her whisky, because she was dozing off. No matter how hard she tried to keep her eyes open, they just slammed shut on her.
Then she felt herself being hoisted up in his arms, and she vaguely heard him chuckle as he said, "Come, orange monster. Your mistress is tired." Hermione felt herself lowered into comfort, and then being gently kissed. "Good night, my angel, I believe you might just be my salvation. Sweet dreams," and Hermione gave herself over completely, to blissful slumber.