Disclaimer:- I still neither own nor earn anything from this story, anything you recognised in these characters and world belongs to JK Rowling and associates.
sSs
A/N:- My apologies dear readers, this chapter has taken longer to produce than I'd hoped, sometimes life, other plot bunnies and writers block distract from an allotted task. But finally, here it is.
Please forgive the title of the chapter being first person when the entire work is in third person. This entire chapter is Hermione, personally, finally unfurling her beautiful wings, so I had to put it in first person.
One more thing before I allow you to read, thanks as usual to Petite Mule, for this fabulous prompt and also for her proof reading and comments. I had the original prompt on my profile page, I have taken it down, but it now appears before the first chapter.
Oh, and before I go, just one more thing. I've read some amazing stories lately, and I'd like to recommend four SS/HG one shots to everyone. You should (if they haven't already) go and read them immediately.(They're all safely ensconced in my favourites if you have trouble finding them.)
-Scaring Muggles The Wizarding Way, by my lovely friend, Worrywart.
-Dance With Me, by another writer I've become happily acquainted with, dragoon811.
- Cufflinks and Mozart, by Dena Gray.
-Pictures of Passion, by Bari Sax Player.
Now after the longest A/N I've ever written, on with this story, enjoy…
hHh
Chapter nine – Finding My Wings
Severus did not take Hermione back to Hogwarts that night. While they were dining in Lisbon, a feeling of foreboding settled on him, and he decided that she would not be staying one more night at the school. Especially now Draco had gone home for the holidays, and he didn't feel able to let her stay in his quarters another night without someone finding out. They'd been lucky so far but he wasn't risking it for too long, especially now Dumbledore would have been informed of her withdrawal. He wanted her safe, and he knew Albus Dumbledore, he didn't trust him one inch.
As they left the café to Apparate back to England, Severus broached the question he wished to ask. They were walking hand in hand back down the hill towards the Apparition point. He pulled her to a stop in the darkened street. "Kitten?" he took both her hands. "I don't want you to go back to Hogwarts."
He saw what he realised was trust and relief in her eyes, she was concentrating on his every word. It was almost too much for him as Severus was struck by the beauty of it. His hands left hers and gently captured her face. "I wish to suggest an amendment to Augusta's plan," he said, as his thumbs found a mind of their own and started caressing her cheekbones.
Hermione gifted him with a placid smile. "What do you have in mind, Severus?" she breathed gently, her total attention focused on him.
Severus could see at this moment that he could shape her any way he pleased, and was unexpectedly filled with a need not to exploit her. Not even Emily had trusted him like this. "Kitten, I want to move you to my family estate, tonight." He saw her eyes widen marginally, and he quickly clarified his intentions. "You would have your own suite of rooms, with a floo link to the same at Longbottom Hall."
"Suite?" she questioned. "Exactly how big is your family home?" There was a pause, where she searched his face, before asking, "Where would I actually be living?"and she stood there blinking at him.
"You and your questions," he laughed happily. "I'm trying to be serious here and you…" he sighed, before admitting, "well you're just adorable."
Her shy smile shot straight to his crotch, and he felt his trousers start to tighten, so he started talking to stop himself backing her up to the wall behind them and giving in to the desire he felt. "My family estate, Prince Manor, is actually larger than Longbottom Hall, but I don't advertise the fact. I am the last of my mother's line, and as such I'm the current Lord Prince." He watched her take this in, and her smile grew. "Now to answer your next question, I would like you to live at Prince Manor and appear to reside at Longbottom Hall."
Her lip went between her teeth. "I could not deceive Lady Augusta," she stated quietly.
"I would not expect you to, if you agree, we will discuss it with her on Monday."Severus watched her smile broaden and he found a reciprocal one blooming on his own face.
Hermione blushed, and looking at him from under her lashes, she said something most unexpected. "You know, it wouldn't matter if I didn't have my own set of room, I think I would like things to happen between us."
"Is that so?" he chuckled richly, and saw her shiver. "I will bear that in mind, when the time comes, kitten."
"Oh, but I thought…" and she became flustered.
Severus finished the sentence for her. "That all men only wanted one thing?" He saw her become more flustered, and he leaned forward so his mouth was next to her ear. "We do," he assured her. "But I'm intending that we enjoy every step along the way as well, before we reach that point," his deep voice rumbled.
Hermione's reply was a deep groan in her throat, which when he heard it, made Severus chuckle wickedly. Her answer to this was to throw herself into his arms and press her lips to his.
It didn't take long to him to take control of the kiss, and his mouth claimed hers, kissing her deeply as he Apparated them away back to England.
xox
Severus knew Hermione would be perfectly safe at his home. No Gryffindor, not even the great and mighty Albus pain-in-my-arse Dumbledore could break the Prince family wards.
At present most of Severus' time was spent at Hogwarts, there was little time to enjoy the amenities of his estate, however only another term, and this would change. He had inherited it when his maternal grandmother –whom he'd never met—had died, ten years ago. It hadn't taken him long, especially with Lucius to guide him, to become the epitome of the English lord.
However, because he was often not there, Severus kept a housekeeper at his Manor to oversee the running of the house elves while he was from home. Her husband took care of the grounds and livestock, under the same arrangement.
He now presented his intended to his housekeeper. "Mrs Frost, this is Miss Hermione Granger. Would you have the Mistress' chambers prepared for her?"
"Yes, sir," and she bobbed her head. "Good evening, Ma'am."
Hermione had never been called ma'am, and it felt strange, but she went with it. "Hello, Mrs Frost."
"Have Ricco bring supper to the library." Severus took Hermione's arm and led her towards the main staircase. "That will be all, Mrs Frost."
"Very good, sir," the plumpish, greying witch acknowledged, before bustling off in the opposite direction to carry out his wishes.
"Come, kitten," he said softly. "I wish to show you the library. I am hoping that some necessary amendments will have been made with your arrival."
"Amendments?" Hermione repeated, quietly.
Severus remained silent, as he opened one side of a double door they came to, and ushered her in. A huge chandelier hanging just above the top level of books, burst into life as Hermione entered the room. Her gasp of wonder made the wizard behind her chuckle richly. "Yes, it is impressive, isn't it? The only other private wizarding library to rival it is the one at Malfoy Manor."
"Oh Severus," Hermione was straining to see up past the light, there were three stories, and the room was round. "Does this extend from the ground floor up the entire building?" she asked, seeing the stairs running up and down, and at the top a huge glass dome set into the roof for natural light.
There was a walkway with ornate brass railings circled the level they stood on and also up on the next, to reach the books on the upper walls. Down the steps, and what was obviously the ground floor, there were two large oak desks in the centre of the room, and set in front of a huge fire place were several comfortable reading chairs and a love seat. One of the desks was obviously well used and cluttered with parchments, the other looked brand new somehow.
"Ah, your desk has arrived, the house has accepted you," Severus commented, leading her down the steps. "Do you like it?"
Hermione wandered down with him to the lower level and ran a hand along the new looking desk. "Accepted me?" She blinked at him, "How does it know?"
Severus had followed her down. "The house knows, my kitten. It is confirming for me that I am taking the correct course."
They both turned, hearing the pop of a house elf. "Ricco," Severus said, taking Hermione's hand and approaching the lounge area where the elf was setting out supper. "Ricco, this is Miss Hermione Granger."
Hermione watched as the elf smiled and extended his hand. However, as she reached forward to take it, Severus covered both. She gasped as she felt a pulse of magic surge through her. Pulling her hand away she watched the elf's smile broaden.
Then he bowed, "Mistress," he said, "Ricco will be arranging everything."
Hermione was a little taken back by this, and looked to Severus as the elf popped out. "What does he mean?"
"Ricco knows several elves of the Hogwarts line. He will make certain all your possessions are retrieved." He moved forward, "Speaking of which." Severus took a pinch of floo powder, and called, "My quarters, Hogwarts." Hermione watched as he called to Persephone. "Come, precious, and bring your friend." Without further ado, the sleek black feline sauntered through the floo, her lamp-light eyes alert and on her tail Crookshanks followed.
Severus gave her head a stroke, and she made herself instantly at home. He then looked to a wary looking Crookshanks. "Welcome to your mistress' new home," he offered, and Hermione was surprised when she saw the half-kneazle's face relax and he head-butted Severus' hand.
xox
Over the next twenty-four hours, Severus took great delight in showing Hermione her new home. The only hitch in the perfect plan was when she found out that the surge of magic she'd felt when she'd touched Ricco's hand was her becoming his mistress. "Severus, I'm not comfortable with Ricco belonging to me. Slavery is wrong," she stated unequivocally, holding her head high.
Severus sighed, "I agree…"
"Then why allow it to continue?" she cut in.
He could see she misunderstood what was happening. "It is true, there are some Wizarding family's who take advantage of the arrangement offered by the elves. I have heard of cruel and unjust treatment of house elves. But the fact of the matter is kitten, that the very essence of these magical creatures compels them to freely serve others."
"Well why can't it be on an equal footing?"
"I will explain it to you, but what I suggest you ask Ricco as well. He will eagerly tell you that he enjoys serving you, and that he will not accept payment for it. That to be offered freedom in his servitude is to disgrace him." Severus watched Hermione taking this information on-board, he then continued with his explanation. "There was a house elf at Hogwarts while I was a student there. A well wishing Muggle-born witch thought she knew better, after reading about house elves in the library. She tricked the poor creature into her freedom by giving her clothes. When I first started there as Potions professor, I watched as that elf descend into drunkenness and misery because of that deed. No one could convince her she hadn't been a bad elf," he sighed. "Eventually she took her own life, thinking herself a completely failure."
"Oh," Hermione gasped, sounding horrified. She thought about this for a moment, and then sighed. "I suppose they do really do seem to enjoy what they do, don't they?"
They were sitting at lunch on the patio, Severus covered her hand and patted. "Yes, it's a responsibility to own house elves. Treating them right and justly is the honourable thing to do. I applaud you for your stance, but Ricco like all the elves in this family is happy to serve without question; please don't insult him by rejecting his help, or trying to force changes on him."
Hermione offered a watery smile. "Okay, Severus, but I believe it might take me some time to become accustom to this."
xox
That night Severus and Hermione were talking quietly in the library. After a time, the Potions master started to smile lazily, before he suddenly shot to his feet, Hermione gasping in his wake. Especially, when he then leant forward and offered her his hand. "Come kitten, dance with me."
Hermione inhaled again sharply, but willingly offered him her hand to pull her to her feet, she loved dancing. "But where?"
Grinning, Severus tugged her towards him. "Here," and he led her out into the floor, then lifting her up, he sat her on her desk. He bent to kiss her, before saying, "Watch," softly against her lips. Turning, everything, including her desk—with her on it, squealing in surprise- obediently skittered out of the way at his command. Hermione laughed joyfully, looking at the huge empty area. "I've always thought this would make a wonderful dance floor," he continued, "but I didn't have anyone to try it with."
Hermione watched him, speechless. "But surely you brought Emily here?"
He finished charming a huge mirror ball he'd conjured to float just under the chandelier. It reflected the hundreds of coloured lights he then created before he answered. "No, we had a relationship, but I've never shared this place with anyone," he asserted, waving his wand once more, and the most deliciously seductive music enveloped them. (1) "Until you," he murmured, his eyes fixed on hers.
"Never?" Hermione said, almost dumbfounded.
"No, never, no one have ever captured me the way you do," and he wrapped his hands around her waist.
As he lifted her, Hermione Granger realised she had been silly to think that perhaps she was simply an Emily replacement. She'd caught herself thinking that several times since she'd meet the other witch. Feeling herself being lifted off the desk and into his arms, she graced him with a beautiful smile.
They span lazily around the floor in perfect harmony. Hermione noticed she didn't seem to be making any effort to dance at all, it was all his doing. Suddenly she heard his delicious voice in her ear. "Hold on, my darling," and they were enveloped by a beautiful silver mist which seemed to lift them off the ground.
"Oh," she gasped, but held on tightly as they sailed towards the ceiling. Hermione hadn't had time to contemplate how high the ceiling actually was in here.
"I know you don't normally like heights, do you want me to put you down?" He asked, suddenly wondering if it scared her.
"No, it's beautiful" she murmured, snuggling further into his chest and letting the music wash over her. However, her next statement seemed to come out of the blue, and took him by surprise. "Silver is the purest colour of light," she whispered.
He kissed her forehead, "So it is, my kitten," his voice rumbled in his chest against her ear. This was coupled with a sudden yearning to kiss her. So Severus decided to slowly waft them back towards the ground. His witch gazed up at him, with such want in her eyes, and his urge to teach her about the passion he could see she so craved knowledge of, won.
As they descended they abruptly found themselves a mere hair width apart, he searched her eyes for any signs of nervousness, but only found naked desire lurking in their depths. One hand came forward to hold her face again as their feet touched the ground and their eyes locked.
He moved even closer, Hermione could feel his breath moving the stray stands of hair that had escaped through their aerial dance. His fragrance pervaded every one of her senses, and he smelt amazing. She heard him whisper hoarsely. "Are you brave enough to take what you want, sweet darling?"
Hermione felt a shiver pass through her. It started in her chest and made her entire body tingle.
His eyes flared and he caressed her cheeks with his thumbs, smiling at her response to his touch. Observing her face happily, and watching her reactions when she first realised what he meant, and then tentatively reached up for their lips to meet.
Hermione quivered as their hesitant kisses grew and his mouth covered hers, everything else instantly ceased to matter, and they melted together, their lips exploring the others.
At first she tensed when she felt his tongue gently slide against her lips, although she was soon moaning, as she opened her mouth more in answer, and their kiss took on a life of its own. It became a fiery mutual claiming, fanned by deep passion urgent for release. She happily lost herself in this enigmatic wizard's tender caresses and his lovely mouth, as it consumed hers, leaving a fiery trail of desire igniting between her thighs.
Soon she was devouring his mouth, their tongues sliding exquisitely over each other twisting, swirling and entwining as they kissed. Finally he felt her hand move tentatively forward, she was so nervous it was shaking.
Feeling this Severus broke their kiss, his mouth moving to her ear as he enclosed her hand in his and gently guided it for her. He started walking her towards the lounge as he spoke. "Don't be anxious, kitten, just take your time we have all the time in the world." Pulling back to watch her, he saw her lip go between her teeth, and brought his other hand up to guide her head to him. Kissing her tenderly, he spoke softly. "Just take it one button at a time, my fretful one. Only go as far as you want to, there is no rush."
Hermione smiled, still nervous but she managed to undo the first of his jacket buttons, and Severus rewarding her with a kiss. By the time she had reached the fourth and received a smouldering kiss for each, he stilled her hand. "Well done my brave girl, you have picked a difficult game for a novice, but now it's my turn." Kissing her hand he moved his own to the tiny pearled buttons on her blouse. Keeping his eyes locked to hers, he effortlessly popped a button, and giggling breathlessly, she bestowed a most delightful kiss on him for his effort.
Severus was surprised when the game continued until she had his many coat buttons undone, and her open blouse offered him a delicious view of her Slytherin green bustier. Watching her, he snickered as she then thought about how to undo his silk tie to reach the next set of buttons.
He slid his coat off as encouragement. Fairly certain she would never have encountered such a caveat type tie such as this before. He became quite amused watching her eyes trying to follow the path of the convoluted knot he used to secure it.
Exhaling he took her delicate hand in his and kissed it before bringing it to the end of the neck tie he tugged gently, and saw the expression on her face come alive as it slithered off from around his neck in her fingers. "Oh," she gasped, and giggled.
Ignoring any further exploring her hands wanted to do, Severus gathered her into his arms kissing up her throat to her mouth before exploring it leisurely and methodically once more. He held her close relaxing her for the next stage of the game. His hands started inching towards the lace of her under garment, and he softly started caressing her breasts through the silk of her bra. He was still languidly exploring her mouth, listening to her sighs and moans of appreciation for what his hands were doing.
That was as far as they went that night. When he finally encouraged her into her bedroom, she was one very well kissed witch, with a memory of a blissful evening.
xox
The next day was Monday and the wheels of the Ministry started to turn. Representatives of the board of Governors meet with Minister Fudge. As inept as Fudge was, he was still shocked that the young witch had been treated so badly.
Lucius Malfoy was in charge of the delegation, and Lucius knew exactly which one of Fudge's many buttons to push to get him to agree to an immediate inquest. It worked just as planned; it seemed Fudge was far more frightened of losing the Ministership to Albus Dumbledore than he was of upsetting golden boy, James Potter.
The hearing into the competency of Albus Dumbledore was set for Wednesday, as had already been predicted. Letters were sent to all relative parties, and Lucius sent Severus a special owl with his memory of the meeting with Fudge attached. This came, along with a surprise, courtesy of Malcolm McGonagall. It seems that Minerva was going to dish the dirt on her employer as well. She had resigned her post as deputy Headmistress and was retiring.
xox
Hermione was now sitting on Augusta Longbottom's sitting room with a cup of tea balanced on her lap. Severus and Augusta were discussing Hermione's living arrangements, and the witch in question was adding comments when needed.
On the whole Augusta agreed with Severus' plan, but requested that the young woman sleep under her roof each night. Narcissa knowing Hermione's new arrangements had already informed Lady Longbottom of their up-coming house party and extended an invitation for her to attend as well if she wished. The dowager had declined, but had been happy for Hermione to go.
xox
It really didn't take long for Wednesday to come around. Especially when Hermione had been so busy, what between studying, spending time with Severus and being set upon by Narcissa and Daphne, and on Tuesday night, even Bella had turned up. Hermione was taken her in hand and transformed into the image that was currently entering court-room number six, at the Ministry of Magic on the arm of Severus Snape.
Gone were the dowdy clothes that had really become a thing of the past anyway, because she had such a selection now. It appeared that the mysterious wardrobe full of clothes had followed her from Hogwarts. She had finally gotten around to asking Severus about it the night of her arrival at Prince Manor, while he was showing her around her suite.
"It's simple, kitten. The wardrobe is merely charmed to provide the person who opens it with clothes they would wish to wear."
"That's very smart, you know Severus," she replied. "I often wondered why I always loved the clothes it presented to me," she smiled, and hugged him. "Now I know."
"I have one as well. It really does make life so much easier," he chuckled.
It was true, that while Severus only wore black robes and frock coats at Hogwarts, he did vary his wardrobe outside of its confines. He had also explained that the black robes served a dual purpose. They were his work robes, as well as being imbibed with spells to stop them soiling, staining or catching fire from Potions mishaps. The fact that he only wore black provided him with a certain reputation among the dunderheads, one he wished to encourage.
Hermione had laughed, knowing what image it conjured at the school.
Now back to the present; and thanks to the dose of confidence from her recent make-over, and just possibly a drop of two of Felix Felicis. A posed and confident witch was being escorted into the hearing, ready to take her place beside her wizard.
Those who may have been looking for the school girl, Hermione Granger who had recently left Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry were not going to find her. The Hermione Granger who walked into the hearing on the arm of Severus Snape looked nothing like the former Hogwarts head girl.
Dressed in traditional robes of forest green, Hermione sat next to Severus with Daphne on her other side. Behind her were Narcissa, Bella, Draco and Theo. Sitting next to Draco, was Cedric Diggory, who turned out to be his mysterious paramour. Hermione had been introduced to Regulus Black, Daphne's suitor, Bella's friend Julien Delacor, and she was finally meeting Theo's girlfriend, and it was someone she knew, Padma Patil from Ravenclaw.
It turns out that they had been keeping a low profile at school so she wasn't picked on by her sister's house mates. They hadn't told anyone about their relationship, and Hermione was very touched to find out that this was their first public appearance together, and it was to support her.
This was not the only turn of events that took Hermione by surprise. She had been further amazed when Padma's sister Pavarti sat next to the newly revealed couple. The dark-haired witch leaned across and squeezed Hermione's shoulder gently. Smiling she said, "You look fabulous, Hermione." She paused a moment, and an expression of guilt crossed her face. "Please believe me when I say that most of us had no idea what they were doing. I'm sorry we never questioned further."
Hermione couldn't bring herself to smile yet, but she accepted Pavarti's words with a nod, and turned back to the front.
After a moment or two, part of Pavarti's speech sank in. She glanced between them all, and realised that she did look fabulous, and had definitely finally found her wings. She did not look out of place in this group of stylish people; on the contrary, she fitted right in. Her hair was coiffured just right; her make-up was perfect and her robes immaculate. The stiletto ankle boots she wore and the silk stockings and satin underwear, made her feel wonderful, powerful even.
It was while she was contemplating all this, two more people arrived. They sat next to Severus; Hermione looked across to see, Ricardo and Emily smiling at her. Through her nerves she smiled, and Emily reached across the two wizards to pat her hand. "You look lovely Hermione," she said, then winked at Narcissa and Bella, knowing who had been responsible for it.
Settling closer to Severus, her eyes started to peruse the room further, the twelve governors were seated around a large table in the centre of the room. The full Wizengamot was present, in all their glory, regardless of the fact it was Easter. Hermione settled quietly to watch as more and more people filed through the doors. She tensed as the four who had treated her so badly entered the room along with their parents, Severus' hand found hers for comfort at that moment.
Severus was interested to note that the Potter's and Weasley's, usually such good friends looked strained. They had entered the room separately as well. Of course Potter senior had his ever present side-kick, the odious Sirius Black with him, although he was also interested to see that Remus Lupin was absent, perhaps the rumours of a split in their friendship over this were correct.
Seeing all the staff member of Hogwarts, watching as a very nervous looking Minerva McGonagall entered, flanked by her other brother, Robert. Hermione now started to feel even more unsettled, she knew she had no reason to be, but she couldn't help it.
Everyone was waiting for Fudge and Dumbledore to enter. When the later strode into the room like he owned it, the press flashbulbs went off en masse, trying to capture the perfect picture for prosperity.
Finally the Minister of Magic entered and took his seat in the high desk. "This hearing has been called by the Board of Hogwarts Governors into the Headmastership of Albus Percival Wulfric Brian Dumbledore." Fudge looked to the senior board members. "Please present your evidence."
oOo
Notes:- I know awful place to leave it, but I wanted a whole chapter to do this hearing justice.
(1) Glenn Miller - Moonlight Serenade