Disclaimer :- This chapter was written for love only. I neither earn anything from it, nor own anything but my plot.

sSs

A/N:- Thank you to everyone who has reviewed, made this a favourite, followed or just plain read. I appreciate you all. The response to Minerva's plight last chapter was lovely, it was sad what happened to her, but I'm hoping next chapter to give her a second chance. I hope you enjoy this chapter.

hHh

Chapter Eleven – The Way Forward

The remainder of the hearing had been set down for one week's time, which placed it after Easter. The house party being held at Malfoy Manor was due to start today, Thursday. Hermione was excited to be going, although she was also very concerned that she wouldn't get enough study for her NEWT exams done whilst there.

There hadn't even been the opportunity to go home to her parents for Easter. She had written to ask them what they were doing for Easter, telling them her plans and enquiring if they would be available to catch up sometime during the holiday. The reply she received showed their displeasure that she had chosen the Wizarding world over the Muggle one.

She was currently sitting with Augusta, having morning tea. "I don't understand them," Hermione sighed. "They have tried to support me through Hogwarts, but it is obvious that they do not understand what being a witch involves." She took a sip of her tea. "It's not something you can just turn your back on. They do not see that it can hurt me and others around me if I ignore my magic," she sighed.

"And they probably never will understand that, my dear." Augusta thought for a moment. "Do you think they would come here, and met us? They could even drive here in one of those Muggle automobile thingy's if they liked. Make it seem more normal for them." She placed her cup down thoughtfully. "When does the house party end?"

"Tuesday," Hermione said.

They both turned as the doors were opened, and the house elf that Hermione now knew as Brittle, came in. "Master Snape is being here, Mistress."

"Well show him in, Brittle." The house elf bowed and Augusta kept talking. "How about Thursday then? We'll try and make it as comfortable as possible for them." She looked up. "Ah, Severus," her attention returned to Hermione. "Get Severus to take you to the Wiltshire township on your way to the Malfoy's. You could do that thing where you talk to them by that handpiece in the booth."

Hermione thought about it for a minute. "Oh, you mean a telephone."

"Yes that's right, invite them for lunch Thursday and we'll see what we can do, ay?"

"Thank you, Aunt Gusie," the young woman stood and kissed her cheek. She looked excitedly up at Severus. "Hello, Severus," she enthused happily, but then blushing as she remembered her boldness of last night.

Severus could read on her face what she was thinking. He took her offered hand and kissed it.

Hermione blushed brightly at the heated glint in Severus' dark eyes. She loved having her hand kissed, it was a custom that had taken her by surprise but she really liked it. The fire in her wizard's eyes though, also sent a delicious shiver down her spine lodging in her lower belly. She discretely squeezed her thighs together in response to the feeling.

But no matter how discrete it was, Severus noticed, and added a knowing smile to his expression. He allowed his thoughts to run away with him for a moment, remembering the night before and some of the things he would like to do. Oh, you are so delectable my little kitten. I can't wait to see those thighs—you think you're squeezing together so delicately-spread wide for my pleasure. Ah, such sweet nectar… my nose can already detect your feminine fragrance right now. Quirking an eyebrow, he asked, "Are you ready to leave, my dear?"

Augusta watched on as Hermione nodded, wondering if they thought she was oblivious to the nuances of their actions. They make such a lovely couple, she thought, and decided to do a little prodding. "So when do you think we should expect an announcement, now my niece is no longer a student?" Her brow rose in a very Slytherin attitude.

Severus smirked. "Perhaps I'm waiting to meet Hermione's parents," he replied smoothly, knowing exactly what she was doing. His eyes never left Hermione's and she saw the corner of his lips rise. "Now cease your provoking, Lady Longbottom, or we shall be late," he continued authoritatively.

xox

Severus took Hermione to Wiltshire on their way to Malfoy Manor. It still filled the Gryffindor witch with almost a kind of wonder that she was discovering wizarding parts to most of the places in England. Of course she knew there were more magical communities than just those in London, and Hogsmeade. However, she was taken with how varied they were, and the community in Wiltshire was different to anything else she had yet seen.

Leaving the apparition point, a wave of their wands modified their robes into more suitable attire, and it didn't take long to find a phone booth for Hermione to deliver Lady Longbottom's invitation. The young woman was a little displeased with the response she received from her parents though, it seemed like she was putting in all the effort and they were acting like children. However, they did agree to come, which was probably something.

Hermione happily informed them that she had someone special that she wished them to meet, and was very disappointed when her mother said, "Of course you were bound to make little friends."

"What does she think; that I'm still ten years old?" she had asked Severus heatedly, afterwards.

"Perhaps she hasn't had the opportunity to see you as an adult," Severus replied evenly. He could see her mother's attitude had hurt Hermione, and he bristled on her behalf. The woman sounded delusional at best.

While they walked, Severus wondered quietly if broaching the subject of a more permanent relationship between himself and Hermione was a prudent idea at their first meeting. Hermione had told him much about her relationship with her parents, and he was fairly certain they were not going to be happy about her marrying into the wizarding world. But of course they had no concept of what it was like for a witch to marry a muggle. He would certainly straighten them out on that score. He knew the ins and outs of that particular arrangement intimately.

It was a lovely day and afterwards they strolled along the canal in the late morning sunshine. Hermione had never seen Severus in muggle clothing before, and couldn't help checking him out as they walked. Of course he caught her at it. "Something about my backside taking your fancy, kitten?"

Of course Hermione went bright red and stuttered, without thinking, "Yes, it's lovely," then clapped her free hand over her mouth. His delicious laugh at her comment, still sent shivers all through her, and she found herself giggling too after she'd recovered.

"Lovely, ay?" he scoffed, then pulling her to a stop, leant forward and whispered in her ear. "Actually, it's nowhere near as sinfully delicious as yours looks," and his thumbs started tracing gentle circles on her hips. They just happened to be in the shadow of a bridge at the time, and Severus pulled her close at the same time as he pushed her back further into the shadows, as his heated breath continued his verbal seduction. His hands reached around her hips to caress said delicious backside. "Do you like that?" he questioned.

Hermione's answer was to open her stance and moan quietly against his mouth. Releasing their kiss a moment, she heard him mutter a Notice-Me-Not and a Silencing Charm. Then Hermione felt one of his hands slide around her hip and dip between her legs, excitement filled her, and without conscious thought she started rocking against his hand.

"Eager little kitten, aren't you?" he murmured, but felt her stiffen and gasp. "Eager is good, Hermione," Severus reassured against her neck, his hands now on the zip of her jeans. "Just relax, love. You'll enjoy this, I promise."

She moaned feeling his fingers slipping into her jeans, drawing delicate circles over her most intimate flesh through her knickers, as her mouth answered into their kiss. Hermione had the urge to push her jeans off and allow him free access to her. But just now she was riveted to what his mouth was doing and what his fingers were doing as they slid easily over the elastic of her knickers.

The feeling of Severus touching her most private place made her feel so wanton. A shivering moan was swallowed into their kiss, Severus' tongue was ardently exploring her mouth, but the addition of his long fingers discovering a place they'd never been before made her almost delirious with lust. Her mouth hungrily responded to his, while her hips started writhing in little circles.

"Oh, you're so wet for me," he whispered, working his way around to her ear. "Do you like me touching you, kitten?" Her answering moan was beautiful. "Shall I make you come, then?"

Bliss was consuming her, and she felt unashamed of her wanton reaction, all she could do was nod and groan her assent against his shoulder.

Severus chuckled darkly, and his finger slipped easily from the sensitive little bundle of nerves to down inside her. Curling his finger, he wasted no time finding that responsive spot in her that he knew would bring her undone while his thumb took over the finger's previous rhythm. It only took several strokes and her legs were shaking uncontrollably. Hermione bit down on his clothed collar bone in an attempt to stifle the screaming groan of pleasure that passed her lips as she came.

Hermione had never felt so cared for in her life. Not only had this amazing wizard just given her the most intense orgasm of her limited experience, now he held her, supporting her until she was able to make her legs function once more. She totally forgot that they were standing under a bridge in Wiltshire, her whole world was reduced to Severus and the pleasure he had just given her.

Feeling a hard length pressing into her stomach, Hermione's hands wanted to explore him the way he'd just explored her, but she wasn't quite sure what to do. She heard a murmured cleansing spell, and giggled despite herself as it bubbled over her still slick flesh. She was a little disappointed that she didn't know how to reciprocate, and that she was too shy to ask.

"You will get the idea in time," Severus encouraged.

"H-how did you know what I was thinking?" Hermione stuttered. "I-I'm sorry, I'm so useless at it all."

Severus kissed her forehead. "You're a Gryffindor, my love, you're very easy to read, and you are most certainly not useless, just inexperienced, and I aim to remedy that as we go, just do as you feel and it will come to you." He watched her blush heatedly, and changed the subject. "Now, would you like some lunch?"

Hermione nodded, and straightened her clothes and hair up. "Yes, lunch would be nice," and she gently pulled his head down to her level and gave him a chaste kiss. "Thank you, Severus."

They walked hand in hand to a charming pub and sat in the beer garden beside the canal watching the barges cruising up and down the water.

xox

Their arrival at Malfoy Manor saw Hermione almost instantly dragged off by Daphne, Padma and surprisingly Pavarti. Daphne knew the place well and eagerly showed the others around the house and grounds. Severus took himself into where the men were playing billiards.

Regulus greeted his friend. "Severus," they shook hands. "It's been too long," he proclaimed.

"Indeed," Severus replied, his eyes pursuing the company. He nodded to Julien, and the Frenchman rose and approached.

"I 'ope ziz day findz you well, Severez?" he asked, also offering his hand.

"Thank you Julien, quite well in fact."

Draco, Cedric and Theo were busy in a far corner playing a card game, but there was no sign of Lucius. Severus watched Draco acknowledge him and rise from his seat. "Lucius was called away," Regulus answered the Potions master's unspoken question. "I believe the board of Governors wanted to get the list of potential new headmaster slash mistress' sorted out before the trial next week."

"Interesting," Severus replied, nodding his thanks for the glass of whisky Draco offered him, the blond wizard having come over to greet his new guest in lieu of his father. Malfoy's were always impeccable hosts. "Father sends his apologies that he was not here to meet you; this meeting was called quite unexpectedly."

Their conversation was interrupted by a floo call, Draco turned to see his father's head floating in the flames. "Is Severus there yet?" he questioned without preamble.

"Yes, Lucius," the deep baritone of Severus Snape replied.

"Ah, Severus, would you be disposed to floo to the Ministry?"

"When?"

"As soon as possible, the board would like to speak with you."

"Very well, I'll floo straight there." Severus looked around himself. "Excuse me please, gentlemen." He summoned his cloak and walked through into the Ministry.

xox

Lucius was waiting for Severus at the Ministry floos. The huge building was almost deserted, it was late in the afternoon, and most people had gone home to start their Easter holidays.

Severus merely raised an eyebrow on seeing his friend's impeccably even expression. "They're taking a small recess so I had time to summon you. We reconvene in ten minutes," Lucius informed him cordially.

"Indeed," the Potions master stated calmly. He had a fair idea why the board would wish to speak with him. The only thing that puzzled him was why he had suddenly jumped to the top of the list. "Shouldn't it be Flitwick or even Sprout here?" he asked as they walked.

"They are, but both have expressed a desire to see someone younger tackle what will be a difficult position. They wish to remain where they are, in the classroom."

"I see," was all the head of Slytherin said in response.

"You are young enough to put some real energy into the position, and it also has to be said that you are no one's puppet, your appointment would reassure parents that impartiality has been restored."

"But I am a single male, young enough to not be trusted by those same parents for other reasons, surely that will be a problem?"

"You are attached, and from what I've seen you are serious about that attachment," Lucius said with a slight smile. "Why you admitted yourself that you have become Hermione's suitor," he continued.

"That may be true, but I'm not rushing things with Hermione for anybody," Severus stated gravely.

"No one is asking you to, Severus."

After a long walk down many black-tiled corridors, the two wizards fell silent as they drew level with the doors of the boardroom. Severus took a deep breath, and they both entered.

Looking around the large oval table, Snape found the Minister, Cornelius Fudge and the entire board of Hogwarts Governors, as well as the before mentioned professors, waiting for them.

After another hour, Severus accepted a job he had never thought of attaining, and walked out of the meeting the new Headmaster of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. His new deputy was Filius Flitwick, and he, with Pomona Sprout assured him of their full support.

Arcturus Malfoy had offered his services as temporary, Potions professor, well at least until a successor had been suitably trained. It had always been Severus' intention to train Draco to become a Potions master; the boy had the aptitude for the position.

After speaking with Malcolm McGonagall at the termination of the meeting, Severus decided that he would approach Minerva. He had realised that most of her vitriol could be explained away because she was being manipulated and twisted to do another's bidding.

He wondered how he would have handled it, if he had been the one in the same situation, and had come to the conclusion that she might like the opportunity to rectify matters without the interference of Albus Dumbledore.

He also knew Hermione wished to study Transfiguration, and even as much as her being his assistant had furthered his relationship with her, he knew she didn't have the flare for potions Draco did, even if she was beating the blond Slytherin academically. He also knew the young man understood, and agreed with why his godfather had chosen Hermione as his assistant over him. But these were things he needed to discuss with both of them. He sighed; it looked like he wasn't going to get any peace over these holidays.

It was the dinner hour when Severus and Lucius returned to the Manor. There had been a late night news conference before they left, as the minister wanted to quickly assure wizarding Britain that he had their best interests at heart. After the Daily Prophet headline that morning proclaiming, Dumbledore Sacked, had seen the in-basket on his desk spilling over onto the floor with everyone concerned about the future of the school, he wanted the next morning's edition to solve his problems for him.

Severus was not at all certain that this would happen, but he went along with the whole things, knowing this was an amazing opportunity.

xox

The Manor contained several suites of rooms for guests. These rooms contained a common sitting room and two bedrooms both with an en suite. Hermione had spent a few hours before dinner in their joint sitting room going over her notes, and trying to prepare for her exams. No matter how much her peers and Severus assured her she was ready, she was still frustrated that she wasn't getting enough time to herself to study.

When Severus had arrived back from the Ministry they had barely had enough time to bathe and dress for dinner. Hermione had shown Severus a letter she had received that afternoon. "It appears that now Ron and Ginny's mother has discovered I am related to her family she wishes us to all be friends," Hermione said, handing him the missive.

Severus huffed as he read. Placing the letter back on the desk, he leaned forward and kissed her. "My advice is to direct her missive to your aunt and uncle. Let them arrange a meeting at your convenience," he said calmly. "And if I were you, my kitten, I would be cautious about telling that Patil girl too much. She was very thick with that Brown girl, and who knows what is told to whom."

Nodding, Hermione replied, "Yes, I was wondering about that, myself. I would like to trust Pavarti, but I'm just not willing to yet, although I appreciated her words yesterday." The Gryffindor witch wrote a covering note for her aunt and sealed it in an envelope with Molly Weasley's letter. Slipping it in her pocket they went down to dinner.

The evening ended up monopolised by Daphne and Regulus. The latter had proposed to the former just before dinner, and a very excited Daphne was now sporting a brilliant square cut diamond engagement ring. So the rest of the evening had been a sort of impromptu engagement party.

xox

It was now the end of the evening, and very late, it was the first time since they'd arrived that Severus and Hermione had managed any significant time alone. He had given her a quick appraisal of what had happened that afternoon, but now they were discussing it more deeply.

Snape was amazed how quickly they had settled into being a couple. They discussed everything, nothing was off limits and any notions he'd had about her being too young for him were quickly squashed as she discussed and debated with him over issues and common interests. She was most definitely his equal on every front, even if she was a little inexperienced.

The differences in the young woman now she felt supported and secure were wonderful. She had overcome her lack of confidence and even her shyness to a certain extent. As a couple there was really only one more hurdle to true intimacy, and Severus was taking that one at her pace.

He was roused from his thoughts by her soft voice. She was still concerned about her lack of study time."Perhaps I shouldn't have come to the house party," she murmured, comfortably settled in the circle of Severus' arms.

The couple were currently curled up on a comfortable loveseat with some wine, in front of a roaring fire, talking over the day's event. "Neither of us knew that all of this was going to happen, when we accepted the invitation. If it's any concession, I will have to leave for Hogwarts Sunday evening. Perhaps you could accompany me," and his voice took to an even lower register, "that would allow us two nights together, before I have to take you back to Longbottom Hall." His lips started nuzzling her temples. "Would you like that… mmm, my kitten?"

Hermione shivered. "Very much," she murmured, turning her head to look at him. Biting her lip, she gazed at him apprehensively. "Umm, Severus, when we were under the bridge today and you made me feel so… good," she blushed hotly. "Well, I want to… to you know, err, reciprocate. But I wasn't sure what to do," she admitted.

"Come, straddle my legs," he encouraged, shifting her so she was sitting with a leg either side of his lap. "You'll learn, kitten," and he licked the column of her throat.

Hermione groaned, and slid further forward. She saw his eyebrow rise, and he flexed his hips slightly. "Oh!" she squeaked, "that feels nice."

Severus chuckled, his lips on her collar bone, while his hands were caressing her breasts, thumbs rubbing gentle circles on her nipples. "Rock against me," he smoothed.

"Ooohhh," she murmured doing as he asked. Soon she was almost grinding down on his erection, only her flimsy silk knickers and his trousers between them. "Oohhh, that's so good," and her head fell back, thrusting her breasts further forward into his hands.

Divesting her of her bra, and the bypassing the buttons on her blouse, his hands pushed the material aside and his mouth sought one of the sensitive pebbled buds. Once his lips closed around her nipple, Severus slid his hands down to her hips, holding her against him.

Hermione started to pant, her hips continuing to circle against his hardness, while her hands pressed his head to her breast as he flexed his hips against her.

"See my kitten, you know what to do," his voice had dropped at least an octave, and it was the catalyst that threw her to her pleasure, as his breath whispered into her ear. He had more stamina than she did, and as she tumbled over the precipice, he watched her, delighted as her whisky coloured eyes closed in rapture.

Hermione could feel her muscles tightening within her, the aching ball at the base of her stomach contracted painfully, and then exploded. "Ooohhh, Severus," her whimper turned into a whine, and then descended into a guttural cry of release.

Collapsing against his shoulder, she panted and groaned in her aftershocks. "Was that nice?" His hot breath arrived on her neck, as he supped afresh on her jaw and throat.

"Mmm-hmm," she agreed, still panting. After a little time, Severus felt her small hands starting to explore his chest, fumbling with buttons and seeking out skin to caress. As she was starting to recover from her pleasure, she questioned, "Severus, may I touch you?"

"Of course, you may," he replied, "do what ever you wish to." He slid his hips a little further down the lounge. Her hands tentatively slipped lower toward his crotch, and he found himself holding his breath.

The air left his lungs in a rush, when she lightly caressed him. She pulled her hand away, "Oh, did I hurt you?" she asked, startled.

"No, far from it," Severus took her hand, still hanging in the air above the item she had meant to touch. "Like this, kitten," and he covered her hand with his and showed her how to stroke him.

Hermione couldn't believe how good it felt to give another person pleasure, or how hard he was. She itched to undo his trousers and wrap her hand around him properly, but she wasn't quite ready for that step yet. Although Hermione happily lost herself watching his closed eyes and the expression of delight on his face as she rubbed him. She felt one of his hands slip up her thigh and his finger push past the silk of her knickers. The fact that she was straddling his legs and her legs were wide open made it feel even better than that afternoon. It didn't take long and Hermione was moaning against his shoulder once more.

As she climaxed, she forgot to stroke him, and her hand was just sat there. Taking the opportunity to call an end to tonight before it went too far, he took her hand away from his crotch and kissed it. "I think it might be time for bed, kitten. Can you manage to get to your room?"

Hermione nodded, and kissed him good night, delicately getting off his lap and coyly turning towards her bedroom on shaky legs.

Severus watched her go. When he heard her door shut, his hand flew to his trousers, and tried to adjust himself, but to no avail. Finally he simply released his rigid shaft and took it in hand. As soon as he made it behind his bedroom door, he put up a silencing charm, divested himself of his clothing. A guttural cry of unresolved passion left his lips as he leant up against the door.

He couldn't even move any further, until his hand with only a few, almost violent jerks, had finished its job. "Oh my sweet Nimue that woman is perfect." He groaned loudly to the ceiling as his legs managed to get him to the shower. Severus stood under the steamy water reflecting on how beautiful and responsive she had felt under his hands. She was his witch, and he was going to make her his, regardless of what he'd told Lucius, they were going to get a ring as soon as they could. He wanted her with him, not stuck at Longbottom Hall alone.