Severus just watched her as she giggled. Her eyes shined with happiness and the sides crinkled when her lips were upturned in such a way that it was impossible to hide her merriment. It wasn't the heat that shot from her eyes lighting his body aflame that night that farther than it actually was. All the same though, it was captivating, but this time he didn't have to avoid her.

He gently moved the few pieces of her hair that had fallen in front of her face, sweeping them back with the rest of her mane. Her breath hitched as she stared into his face, her cheeks pleasantly coloring themselves.

Looking from her eyes to her lips and seeing no trepidation on her part, he leaned in and gently placed his lips upon hers in a chaste kiss. Their noses touched before their lips did, his pressing into hers. Hermione sucked in a breath, almost in surprise, before turning her head slightly and leaning in and kissing him back, pressing her lips firmly against him. Severus moved his other arm over her waist, to touch more of her. The witch sighed softly with happiness and started moving her lips against his, her hands gripping her robes as she did so.

When they eventually stopped kissing both were red in the face and shyly looking at one another. Hermione though smiled despite it, and leaned into his chest, resting her head on his shoulder. Severus moved his hands so he was comfortably holding her waist and sitting on his chair. They stayed like that for the rest of the trip, just enjoying each other's company and basking in the afterglow of the new step they had taken in their relationship.

Hermione had told Harry that her and Snape had kissed. She went on to explain how she hoped it would be a regular thing since, it was nice. Harry had quickly told their parents her next lesson. Normally he would let Hermione handle her own business as she was one of the smartest people he knew, but this concerned him. While he knew intellectually that it was bound to happen, he still wasn't prepared emotionally and went with his emotions instead of thinking about it rationally.

He thought they would be concerned as well, but was surprised when both his new mum and dad had wry smiles on their face as though they expected it. He was more surprised by Leeroy's reaction since he knew that Hermione was still his little hellion, as he called her. He thought that their dad would be spitting angry or at least contemplating having a confrontation.

Instead Abagail told him the story of how Leeroy and she became a couple. It was a story they had told Hermione time and time again, including their age difference. Harry was basking in the telling, once again happy and surprised.

'This is what it's like to have parents.'

The curly haired witch had opened the letter she received from Viktor a few days after Elara had initially returned, but had yet to show it to her master. Their lessons had been going very well and she had learned the layout of his personal lab with ease. After lessons they agreed that having a cup of tea and discussing both the lesson and a bit about themselves. It was a little awkward in the beginning, but slowly they were getting more comfortable in each other's presence in private and would give each other a small kiss in greeting and one in farewell.

They had continued with occlumency pretense with the thought that Albus would check in on her randomly. Severus had owled him and asked in person a few times, and each time the Headmaster had said he was too busy at the moment and would check on her in a few weeks.

It was now August 6th. Hermione had been waiting for the Headmaster's checkup before bringing the letter to Severus's attention and knew it would be a disaster if she waited any longer.

"Thimi before lessons I would like to go to my room please, I have to get a letter from my desk and check on our 'guest'," she said.

Thimi nodded, "Yes, Mistress. I will bring you a few minutes before lesson, will that be enough time?"

Over the course of the summer the house-elf had greatly improved on her English. Hermione had managed to find the time to help her an hour each day, daily. Thimi would also practice under her breath while she cleaned the chateau. It had taken months and she still had the random slip up, but overall she was doing very well.

"Are you doing anything else today, Thimi?" Hermione asked kindly.

"Thimi will be dusting Mistress's castle, making lunch, and dinner. Laundering the clothes. Cleaning all the beds, changing the sheets, making them all nice, and waiting for Mistress's lessons to finish for the evening."

Hermione thought about it and nodded, as big as the castle was it was already more than clean, so dusting was more of a touch up, and everything else sounded manageable with a free day. She had done so before with the house in London, before ordering take out. There were more rooms of course, but Thimi had insisted that she liked it and the witch consoled herself with knowing it wasn't as bad since it was already clean.

Over in England the rest of the Order was doing what they could with Albus's instructions. He had eventually decided that with Tom Riddle back they needed to protect something that might tide over the war. Knowledge. Tom had incomplete knowledge and he was sure after the dark wizard's resurrection that he was aware of it as well.

The elderly wizard had started placing some of his members there at night to watch the door to the Department of Mysteries, saying there was a secret weapon there that could turn the war. He didn't tell anyone of them what it was, but that it could not fall into the enemy's hands. He specifically left his terms vague, on the off chance that there was another mole in the Order and knowing that his members were old and rusty. They had let themselves grow soft during times of peace, and they could not be trusted with certain information in case a death eater ever got ahold of them and tried to invade their mind or torture information out of them. They couldn't divulge what they didn't know.

He had spoken with Sirius about having the Order meeting in his house since no one would know where it was. Sirius had thought about it, and eventually agreed, but admitted his house was currently inhospitable.

Albus had clapped his hands and said that it was no matter, that he was sure Molly would help and would speak with her.

It was the conversation of his house being placed under a new fidelius charm that things got sticky. Sirius insisted on being the secret keeper of his own house, despite Albus being the leader of the Order.

Albus insisted that it was for the best, but Sirius wouldn't budge on the matter and merely said he would write the address a few times, as though he were writing lines in detention, and give him the parchment to hand out at his will. The elderly wizard almost didn't want to agree, but knew that it was closest to London out of all the members, so it was a key location. He did, but put on his disappointed grandfatherly mask.

Sirius didn't allow for it to happen though until he had contacted goblins at Gringotts. He had hired them to set up new wards around his home and asked for a few curse-breakers to check every nook and cranny, not trusting his family one bit.

He had glared at Kreature and gave him strict orders not to interfere with their work as they were going to destroy every cursed item under the room. Kreature had at first been mumbling obscenities to his new master, but stopped at the mention of destroying all cursed items.

"Kreature will be able to carry out good Master's last order. Kreature is… thankful for Mistress's bad son. Traitor master, I will gather what items I can to help the filth that will enter this home."

It had taken the goblins and their workers a few days as they also took care of a few doxies that got in their way and a boggart, but made it clear that they were not pest exterminators. Everything cursed they found, they listed. Most of them were given to them on a silver platter, literally. They had found one item that was so dark in the pile they had to bring it to their higher up's attention.

It was a locket.

Those who had more seniority had recognized it faintly, as they had come across a few of the dark artifacts in the Egyptian tombs. Everyone was different, and only the most proficient stayed abroad as they were better able to break them. It wasn't that hard to destroy it, as it only needed to be broken with goblin steel. What was hard was breaking the curse without breaking the item. Thankfully Sirius Black had practically given them carte blanch to take care of the items, and one of the higher goblins was able to stab it with a knife, the cursed item released a piercing scream that shook the wizards to the bone, glad that it was the darkest item in the house. There were no questions to the owner of the house as he had been incarcerated for 13 years and hired them for a reason. If he wanted those items, he wouldn't have hired them, he said.

The painting they were told they could burn if they could get it off the wall, after they witnessed an eye opening argument between son and deceased mother. The goblins turned it saying they could turn it into an alarm system of sorts, but could break whatever curse may be on the painting. It turned out there was a curse placed on the frame, feeding it dark magic that altered the painting's mind, so to speak. It took a few days to see the difference, and another two for mother and son to come to an agreement, but she was left on the wall. But they did remove the curse at his insistence that kept her on the wall.

After that, Sirius said that the Order was now free to meet at his house, not telling Albus what business he needed to do before allowing Molly to come over and clean.

It took the redheaded witch all of twelve hours to acknowledge that she would need more time to clean the house than she thought, but made the kitchen her main priority. A few weeks of heavy cleaning Molly nodded and said the kids could now help her by scrubbing rooms that had been checked and cleared of all pests. When they were down to the last three rooms Molly had cornered Albus.

"Albus, the house is mostly cleaned now, and it's definitely safe, why not have Harry come over? He could help clean the last few rooms with the kids," she said.

Her eyes gleamed at the idea of having Harry and Ginny clean a room together to at least plant the idea into the boy's head.

The old man nodded, it was a good step towards their plans without the marriage contract now. And they wouldn't have to lace him with potions until their efforts weren't working.

"I'll contact him two weeks before term starts, Molly."

The red headed witch pursed her lips, having wanted more time to push the teens together, but nodded knowing not to push. She only had to wait a week after all, and would have her kids clean the stairs and hallways in the meantime.

Thimi had popped Hermione into her room and waited for the witch to finish her business.

The curly haired witch walked up confidently to the jar. The last potion she gave her should have run its course by now and she would be coherent.

"Hello, Rita. Feeling better? Come closer to the glass for yes," she said calmly, as though she hadn't kidnapped and been torturing the reporter for the majority of the summer.

The water beetle had slowly moved on the stick she was on, closer to the jar. She was obviously in bad shape. One of her antennae was broken, the gold ring around her eyes was cracked on her shell, and she was slow to respond.

"Good. I've come to offer you a proposition," the witch said primly, pausing as though the beetle could respond.

"I release you and you refrain from writing about my family without my express permission and okay. Which you will only receive after I've seen the final edit, which I may approve or not. If you're lucky I'll simply correct a few facts. However downright slander is forbidden. I will also keep your skittering secret, Rita Skeeter. Does this sound agreeable?"

The beetle in the jar was moving its antennae fast, as though excited by what it heard.

"Move to the middle of your branch, so I can take that as a yes," she instructed.

The beetle slowly moved to the center of the stick she was given.

"Good. Now I'm going to release you from the jar, so can give me a witch's oath so I know for a fact that you agree. I've already had my house-elf place anti-apparition wards around my room, and if you try anything funny she's be given the orders to restrain you, even if she has to rely on her own magic. Understood?"

The beetle was frozen for a moment, but knew without hesitation that she witch in front of her was not exaggerating anything that she said. If anything she had a habit of understating what was going to happen. But she moved her antennae, knowing that it would probably be the only way she would be free again.

"Good."

Hermione opened the jar, and took out the stick, placing it and Rita on the floor. Rita hesitated for a few moments before she transformed back. She had originally thought she was dealing with a simple school girl. The time she spent in what she assumed was a step down from Azkaban, so she quickly dispelled that notion. This witch was something else.

Rita's robes and hair were askew, her glasses were crooked and broken, and her eyes were almost wild with fear as she looked at the younger witch.

"You want a witch's oath? And I'm free to go?" Rita said slowly, looking between her and her house-elf.

"I want a specific oath, not one with clear loopholes for you to exploit," Hermione said with a straight gaze that made Rita shift uncomfortably.

"Such as?"

"I thought about it and wrote it down on a note card for you. When you're done reading it, give it back to me," Hermione replied in a business like tone, pulling out a note card and her wand from her pocket and holding the note card out to the older witch.

Rita shakily took the paper from the witch that didn't feel like the regular parchment and read it once, then again, then looked up at the young witch with a pale face, before she took her wand and raised it before she read it aloud.

"I, Rita Skeeter, hereby make a vow that I will not write anything involving Lady Hermione Granger, her family, including her blood-bonded brother Harry Potter and his immediate family, Luna Lovegood, Severus Snape, or her house-elf without her express permission. I will also not write anything involving the staff of Hogwarts that can equate to slander, unless approved of beforehand. I will not include those aforementioned in writings based on hearsay or speculation. I will also not look for a way to retaliate against Lady Hermione Granger for this incident, or involve anyone in this matter. I will not harm Lady Hermione Granger or aforementioned. I will not speak of this incident to anyone alive or dead. I solemnly swear this on my magic," Rita said softly, knowing that she was helpless to do anything about this.

She had hopes to plan for revenge against the younger witch, but she was ruthless. She had been terrorized and tormented for weeks. She was worse for wear and now she swore on her magic that she would do nothing about it. She was left to leave at the young witch's will only, and it was debilitating.

The soft blue floated to Hermione's wand and glowed a pale yellow. Hermione arched an eyebrow at that, but accepted it. Rita handed the note card back to the young witch as quickly as she could.

"May I leave now?" she asked, sounding like a child who had just gotten a scolding.

"Thimi, take down the wards so Miss Skeeter can take her leave."

"Yes, Mistress,"

A moment of silence occurred as Rita pocketed her wand and looked down at Hermione's shoes.

"Guest may leave now," Thimi said.

There was a crack of apparition as soon as Thimi finished talking.

Hermione put her hands on her hips, looking over at Thimi, "I think that went well. I hope you don't mind that I worded the vow the way I did, you know I think of you as family but I know that others don't."

"I am more than okay with the way Mistress worded the vow. I am very happy to be considered a part of the Ancient and Noble house of Granger, Mistress," Thimi said nodding her head, her ears flapping around her.

Hermione smiled at the house-elf before she moved over to her desk and grabbed the letter from Viktor.

"Now let's go see Master Snape."

"Yes, Mistress."

Thimi apparated her directly into the potions master's living room as had become the norm.

The dark wizard stood and walked over to his apprentice, towering over her, before leaning down and giving her a gentle peck in greeting.

"Good morning, master," the witch said with a small blush.

They had spoken about it when Hermione slipped and had called him master again, even after being told she could call him Severus. She had admitted that she liked calling him master, and wouldn't mind doing so once they made it to the bedroom. Severus had been shocked at first, but his abdomen clenched with anticipation, more than willing for that to happen. So while the title was currently appropriate in public, it was an unspoken agreement that later it wouldn't be.

Severus nodded, "Morning, Hermione. Is there anything you'd like to talk about before we start today's lesson?" he inquired.

The potions master had started to ask this every few days, as he was more than happy to assist his apprentice in dealing with her guest. Usually she would take him up on his offer and ask about different potions and poisons that she was considering using on the journalist. Thus far the hallucinogen had been her preferred poison for the journalist.

Hermione bit her lip, "Actually, yes."

Severus stood there waiting for her to continue. While he was in the classroom, she wouldn't be afforded this luxury, but he was aware that even she needed to gather her thoughts. More so since she had been opening up to him about more than a few things, and he knew of her cursory walks into the gray area. Usually it was this that had left her nervous, and he waited as patiently as he could, as though waiting on a simmering potion.

Hermione sighed as she straightened her shoulders, "Two things. First, I released Skeeter. Before I let her go however I had her give me a witch's oath. I wrote it in a way so she wouldn't have a way to find loopholes or retaliate," she went through her pockets and handed him the note card with the oath, "Read that first before I talk about the second thing."

Severus arched a curious brow before he started reading the note card that contained Rita Skeeter's oath word for word. It was sufficient and declawed the trash journalist when dealing with his apprentice and those she mentioned. He hummed as he read, curious to see Miss Lovegood's name on the card and decided to wait to ask about it.

"Concise. I believe it works for your purpose and protects you from her and others she may have been able to have attack you on her behalf," he nodded, "Continue."

"Second, I've been meaning to give this to you, but I was trying to wait for the Headmaster to test me. I feel like I waited too long at this point, but," she looked down to his chest before looking back up at his eyes, "but I would like to go."

She reached back into her pocket and gently handed over the letter.

Dear Hermione,

I am sorry we could not be more, but I am very happy for you and wish you happiness. Apprenticeship is a great achievement and I wish you and your master the best. I am also sorry I took some time to reply to you, as you are one of those I care about. I did not recognize your owl and mistook it for one of my fans'. It was not until no one else could remove the letter that I read it. I would like to maintain our friendship as it is wonderful to have someone who is not blinded by my fame and sees me for myself.

Your hopes that I will not be overcome by such dark magic again makes me feel better but I feel it is best to prepare. I have asked my mother for advice and showed her your letter (she is better with English than I am). With a war looming we would like to offer how to teach you battle magic that we know is not taught at Hogwarts. In exchange I hope you would help show us how to keep a strong will. This is an invitation to you and your master. Please feel free to share this letter with your master. If they are unfamiliar with battle magic we would also be honored in sharing this knowledge with one who has seen your brilliance.

I spoke with my family and we would like to extend an invitation to Bulgaria for both you and your master. It is my understanding your apprenticeship is the reason you declined as it was for a nice vacation. This time it is to exchange knowledge.

I have attached a portkey that will activate August 9th, as it is then I will not have quidditch practice and it is before you go back to Hogwarts. The activation key phrase is Friends.

We understand if you and your master choose not to accept, but we will have our house-elves prepare as though you are. The worst that happens is the guest rooms will have been aired and ready for company. (Also I hope you do not mind, I showed it to my mother so she could help me more with my English).

Your friend always,

Viktor Krum

Severus read it, then read it again. He stared at the letter as though trying to intimidate one of his students. It was obvious that she broke off whatever relationship they had and decided to be friends. This was an invitation of 'quid pro quo'. While he was proficient in battle magic, he was not a master in it. He spent a week with another wizard during his apprenticeship who taught him and worked from there. He would be able to see just how proficient he was in this area of magic, and learn more himself while he was there. Hermione would also be getting these lessons which was a good direction as their fighting lessons had turned more to sparring. Her street fighting had helped her with those lessons, and while he continued to show her different moves until her body remembered them and reacted before her mind did, he still felt she could learn more.

Potter was a menace, and a magnet for trouble. At this point even he had to admit the boy didn't go looking for it like his father once had. He had a target on his back from the Dark Lord, and that wasn't even the boy's fault. Not really…

Speaking of the Dark Lord he had left Severus alone for the summer so he could further get Hermione acquainted with the idea of the dark arts and embracing them. Thankfully the Dark Lord let him be, thinking that he was working hard with his apprentice. As crazy as the dark wizard was, he wasn't stupid.

In exchange however they were asking for what sounded like occlumency lessons. He was curious about this as Hermione had told him about those lessons along with how much she missed them.

"Did you ever tell Krum about your private lessons?" Severus asked instead.

"No, master," she replied evenly.

He nodded at her answer, still staring at the letter while he thought.

"Have Thimi pack your bags Hermione, it seems in a few days we're going to Bulgaria. While we're there we will gather a few potion ingredients so we have a cover should anyone question too much."

Hermione grinned, bouncing on the balls of her feet. When Severus finally moved the paper from his line of vision, Hermione launched herself at him, throwing her arms around him to pull him down as she stood on the tips of his toes to kiss him. He kissed back, pleased with the response, as he enjoyed the softness of her lips and the small hint of mint on her breath.

When they broke apart the curly haired witch's face was rosy, but still had a wide grin on it.

"Thank you, Master Severus," she said unnecessarily.

"You're welcome, Hermione," he said pressing a soft kiss to her forehead.

"Don't forget to let your parents and Potter know, so they don't think I kidnapped you," he said with a wry look on his face.

It had taken Severus a few weeks to get rid of the dirty feeling when they mentioned her parents. It wasn't until Hooch reminded him that plenty of people had parent, and potential in-laws, and it was common to talk about and visit said parents. Despite his phrasing they both knew only Harry would think such a thing, even with their relationship.

"Now shall we go on with today's lesson?" he asked, moving on.

"Yes, Master."

"Good. Today we'll be working on the wolfsbane again and then prepping some more ingredients," he said turning around and walking towards his potions lab.

Hermione happily followed, pleased that this had gone better than she thought it might.