At this point I will brag/give a hint as to which college I am attending:

WE BEAT THE HELL OUT OF BAMA! THAT'S RIGHT SEC, WE DIDN'T COME TO PLAY WE CAME TO WIN!

Bragging/hint giving is now done.

Note: I started writing this chapter long before it got finished/published so my bragging may be old news by now.

After three, maybe four more rather intense kisses Severus pulled back breathing heavily and rested his forehead against hers. Neither could have prevented the grins that appeared even if they wanted to.

"Well it's about time and I still had to prompt it," Hermione teased.

"Why was it my job to go first? You are capable of making the first move," Severus countered.

"But it is the guy's job."

"This isn't the nineteenth century besides I didn't even know if you'd want me to make a move."

Hermione's hands, which were resting on his back, began moving up and down in a soothing manner. "Really? What exactly was stopping you from seeing the obvious?"

'Obvious? Not really.' Severus smiled at the thought that she had wanted to kiss him for at least a little while then closed his eyes in pleasure as she continued rubbing his back. "Your memories… of me," he admitted sheepishly, "I thought you still saw me as your professor. Your old, ugly, scary git of a professor at that."

"Why would I do that? That wasn't you, I mean it was but you're two completely different people at this point in time. Does that make sense?"

"I don't think anything concerning time travel makes complete sense."

"True, now stop worrying about that and start kissing me again," she commanded as she locked her arms around his neck and pulled him down so he really didn't have a choice, not that he was complaining. Severus tentatively swiped his tongue along her bottom lip asking for permission which she granted. The two were lost in their own little world until Hermione made a small noise that was not from pleasure.

Severus pulled back and saw her arm twitch towards her side as if to hold it. "Damn, I'm so stupid, you're still hurt."

"No I'm not; I'm practically good as new."

"But not quite," Severus said as he moved away from her despite her protests. Then he grabbed her by her waist and pulled her onto his lap and pressed his lips into the crook of her neck. "Is this any better?"

"Mmmm, yeah actually," she answered as she pulled her curls away from that side of her neck.

The two sat there for an indeterminate amount of time as he pressed soft kisses up and down her neck and cheek and she traced imaginary patterns with her thumb onto the back of his hand. "When do you think Madame Pomfrey will come back?" she asked.

Severus nuzzled his nose into her and answered, "Too soon."

XXXXXXX

Indeed the medi-witch came into the room much too soon for the two teens and shooed Severus away as she scolded the two of them after finding them in an intimate embrace. Neither saw it but behind the stern exterior the nurse's heart swelled with happiness, finally something good for the boy she watched grow in pain and the poor lost girl. How she hoped that the return of the other students would not do anything to snuff out the one light in these teens' dark lives.

Hermione went to sleep with a smile on her face, hoping that the next day would bring news of her release from the infirmary. Severus too was smiling as he walked back to the dungeons, occasionally having to fight off the odd wonder whether or not he did everything right. It's not like he had any experience in this area.

As the young wizard lay down in bed and closed his eyes he began to dream of a peaceful, stress free life with Hermione.

When he woke the next morning it was to the sound of tapping, an owl tapping to be precise. Never a morning person, Severus threw his pillow against the door (the window is under the lake remember) in a futile attempt to stop the noise. Of course, all this did was loose Severus a valuable tool that could have been used to muffle the noise. Finally Severus surrendered to the owl's will and sluggishly made his way to the door. As he opened the portal, the regal and irritated owl noisily flapped his wings in Severus' face and went to land on the unmade bed.

There was no question that this was the owl of Lucius Malfoy, Severus was too familiar with the creature to hope otherwise. He knew he had until the New Year but had hoped that there would be a delay. How foolish of him to think he would receive any such mercy.

Severus glared at the owl with as much hatred as he could muster in the morning as if the bird was the cause of his situation. He could have sworn the owl raise a mocking brow. Irritably, Severus took the letter from the feathered fiend's leg. He opened the crisp piece of parchment that read thusly:

Dear Severus,

How was your New Year's Eve? Did you perhaps get a hold of that pretty little witch for midnight? My night was spent reveling with our brethren and it was delightful but let me get to the point of this letter.

It is time that you and the aforementioned witch gave your answers though I am certain that I already know them. Both of you will meet me in Hogsmeade, at the Hog's Head as usual at noon today. We'll floo to my manor where we can discuss your futures. Narcissa will have the elves make some lunch so don't bother with that.

~Lucius

The letter was straight forward enough to not warrant a second read. Severus made to get dressed and talk to Dumbledore when the owl began pecking his hand demanding payment. The sulky Slytherin fished a treat out of his drawer only to find that the owl was not satisfied, he wanted an answer to the letter.

Severus pulled out a piece of parchment, ink, and quill and wrote:

Lucius,

My night was fine if you must know but you know how I detest gossip particularly in regards to myself so your second question will go unanswered.

I will be at Hog's Head at the appointed time but her presence is uncertain. She sustained an injury during a duel-at which she is quite skilled as you hoped-and is currently under Pomfrey's care. I am sure she could physically make the trip but you are undoubtedly aware of how Pomfrey runs her infirmary.

~Severus

PS Must your owl be so high and mighty in the mornings?

Severus stopped to think about he was going to betray his one true friend's trust but he left Severus no choice, he then tied the letter onto the owl's leg and sent the creature away. He quickly showered and dressed while at the same time trying to make his appearance more… pleasing than usual knowing he would be seeing Hermione. At the thought of her Severus had to keep his grin off his face. He would have to work on that, no need to broadcast the events of last night across his face for all to see.

Satisfied that he looked decent enough he set off first for the Headmaster's office. As Severus approached the gargoyle it began to spiral upwards and two sets of steps could be heard coming down the spiral staircase. None other than Dumbledore and McGonagall emerged from the alcove.

"Ah Mr Snape, I take it you have some news for me?" Dumbledore asked as his twinkling eyes fell on the young wizard.

"Yes, Hermione and I have been summoned by Lucius. We are to meet him in Hogsmeade then go to his manor."

"But Miss Jean is injured," the Gryffindor head of house insisted.

"We will have to consult Madame Pomfrey about it, shall we?" the headmaster gestured with his arm towards the hall that lead to the infirmary. The trio made their way to their destination and found Madame Pomfrey serving Hermione a warm breakfast.

Hermione looked up as the door creaked open and her eyes landed on Severus. Her wild curls were mussed from last night still and her smile killed any lingering doubts as to whether she enjoyed it.

Hermione had been observing Severus as well and began to blush when she realized he had company that most likely caught her staring. "I am guessing you are not here to join me for breakfast?" she jested.

"No my dear," Dumbledore said as he walked over to stand by Hermione's bedside, "no Mr. Snape has informed that you two have a meeting today with the young Mr. Malfoy."

"You cannot have a meeting here," Madame Pomfrey cried.

"Of course not Poppy, they will be leaving for Hogsmeade. I am sure that Miss Jean is well enough to leave the infirmary. Unless she has any complaints."

"No sir, I am feeling perfectly well. Where in Hogsmeade are we going?"

Severus stepped forward, "We'll be meeting at Hog's Head at noon then go to the Malfoy Manor. We'll have lunch with Lucius, Narcissa, and while he didn't mention it I would not be surprised if Lucius' father was there as well."

"What will we be discussing?" Hermione asked, the blush gone and her voice all business.

"Our futures, he said. I will also try and postpone any Death Eater meetings including ourselves until after graduation but that may be too much ask for. I wouldn't be surprised that no matter what Lucius said, the Dark Lord would call on us-most likely myself-before then."

"And we must postpone your branding, as long as possible," Hermione insisted.

"If you two must leave," Madame Pomfrey interrupted, "at least take a carriage instead of walking, your side is not up to that yet. And dress warmly, it is freezing out there."

Professor McGonagall nodded in agreement, "Speaking of dressing, we'll have to find some of your best clothes for a lunch with the Malfoys. Hermione your main job will be to get in good with the wives and the first step is to impress Narcissa Malfoy with your sense of fashion."

"But I have none."

"I have very little myself, which will make this rather interesting."

XXXXXXX

The carriage, horseless to Severus but drawn by a thestral to Hermione, pulled up to the snowy front steps of the castle. Severus wore a charcoal gray button up dress shirt, black slacks, and his robes. Hermione had found a simple violet-indigo colored dress with a thick black belt. She also wore tights, black heeled boots, and her black robes. Her wildly curly hair was thrown up in an elegant bun with a few strands carefully placed to fall around her tastefully done up face.

When they entered the carriage in front of Dumbledore they sat in catty corner corners but as the carriage took off Hermione got up and placed herself by Severus who was only too happy to put his arm around her shoulder. "You know, I think you may have over done it Hermione," Severus commented.

"Over done what? This dress isn't too formal is it?" Hermione worried.

"No, but you are certainly far more beautiful than Narcissa she may get jealous."

The witch blushed and bowed her head, "I doubt it, I've heard that she is extremely beautiful, she could never be jealous of little ole me. No, you must be complimenting in hopes of a kiss."

Severus cracked a small smile, "I was not, I merely told the truth, but if I were to earn a kiss by telling the truth I won't complain."

Hermione looked up at her boyfriend-Severus? Her boyfriend? How odd it sounded in her head-and gave him a peck on the cheek. "There you go, I hope that will tide you over for today," she teased.

"It certainly will not," Severus protested in false indignation. He then preceded to gather her up in his arms and captured her painted pink lips with his own. He decided he did not like the taste of lipstick marring her own sweet natural taste but felt that conversation was best had later. The two only parted when air became a necessity.

Severus was eager to continue their activities when he heard Hermione laughing. "And what is so funny?"

Instead of answering, Hermione summoned a small hand mirror from her purse and showed Severus. His lips were smeared with pink and there was even the shape of her lips on his cheek. "Well that does it," he huffed as he rubbed the offending mark from his cheek, "no more lipstick."

Hermione giggled once more, "It isn't that bad and is easily removed." She demonstrated this by vanishing the marks leaving his face as it was before. She took the mirror from his hand and replaced it in her purse before wrapping her arms around his neck. "Now where were we?"

Severus pulled her close but avoided her lips and instead latched his lips onto her neck. Hermione played with his hair, which had once more been tied back, as she enjoyed the sensations caused by him. But as he began to nibble she protested. "A hickey is not a s easy to hide as lipstick is to remove."

"And why should you have to hide it?"

"Have you forgotten where we are going?"

"Admittedly yes, perhaps we should refrain from wrinkling our clothes any further until after lunch." The two straightened themselves and their clothes out but Severus stubbornly kept his arm around her as they reviewed how she should act in front of them and how to answer certain questions.

"How worried should I be about the elder Malfoy?" Hermione asked.

"He probably won't eat with us but if we see him he is sure to be more shrewd and ruthless than his son. He was the one to originally join to Dark Lord, Lucius is just following in his footsteps." Severus rubbed Hermione's arm much like she rubbed his back the night before in hopes of soothing her worries. "Stay on your guard and all should go fine." Just as he said this the carriage pulled up in front of the bar. "It's show time."

"A rather muggle saying," Hermione pointed out.

"I had a rather muggle life remember?" Severus stepped out of the carriage then awkwardly held out his hand to help Hermione down. When she had both feet planted on the ground, Severus turned to see Lucius looking out the window with a smirk on his face. Severus lead Hermione into the nasty little establishment and walked up to Lucius who looked as impeccable as ever but left out the velvet black bow. Severus was tempted to make a comment about that rather feminine accessory as he always was but as always held his tongue. "Lucius, I'm surprised to see that you are here already, you must have been early."

"On the contrary you were rather late but I understand assuming the answer to my second question was yes?" Severus said nothing in response confirming Lucius' suspicions. The older wizard was quite happy about that, such an attachment would keep Jean with them and of course he was happy for his friend. Many would call him an unfeeling friend which was for the most part true but this was the man Lucius was ready to name godfather to his heir. "It is nice to see you again Hermione. I do hope I will be allowed the honor of calling you that now?"

Hermione wanted to refuse Lucius this privilege but instead smiled, "Of course you may, you are a friend of Severus."

"Well shall we go? Cissy is preparing a grand lunch for us."

Finals week is upon me and these are my last peaceful moments. Send me reviews, fav, and follow to help me keep my sanity as I endure this great horror