Can’t Help Falling in Love With You - IamKay - Harry Potter (2024)

Chapter 1: Acknowledgment

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***IMPORTANT ACKNOWLEDGEMENT: I DO NOT OWN ANY CHARACTERS FROM THE HARRY POTTER FRANCHISE, ALL CHARACTERS/PLOT ARE OWNED BY J.K ROWLING. ***

Hello reader, I wanted to start off by saying, I am new to this ship. I came across it from reading Severus Snape x OC FanFiction. And although I was uncomfortable with the idea at first, I gradually became more comfortable with the relationship, so I decided to take a chance and write my own story.

(Interestingly enough, I also realized that my husband and I also share a significant age difference, which might make people uncomfortable, haha.)

However, even though I LOVE the actors who portrayed the characters in the movies and enjoyed Alan Rickman's performance as Severus Snape and Emma Watson's portrayal of Hermione Granger, I feel uneasy about writing a story with them in mind because of their significant age difference. Therefore, I have made the decision to replace them with other characters for my own comfort. I will include some pictures I found on Google that closely resemble the descriptions I have in mind for these characters.

- Severus Snape

- Hermione Granger (I know, it's Helen Bonham-carter Aka Bellatrix but she is the image that comes to mind when I envision Hermione while reading.)

I want to clarify that this is my first attempt at writing a story, so please overlook any spelling or other mistakes I may make along the way.

I also would like to clarify that English is not my native language, so if I make a mistake in a sentence, please inform me. I am open to feedback.

I would like to mention that while I have enjoyed all the stories I've read about Severus Snape and Hermione Granger, I will make a sincere effort to stay true to the original characters' behaviors, personalities, and how they are portrayed in the books. However, I may have to incorporate some of my own interpretations since we don't have insight into their intimate or private moments.

Additionally, while I enjoyed the films, I have a stronger preference for the books due to their richer plot and story. Therefore, my story will primarily adhere to the plot of the books, incorporating only a few scenes from the movies.

I would also like to mention that I like to drag out a lot of the dialogue and storylines in order to enhance the complexity of the characters. As a result, many of the chapters will be lengthy and some may find them dull, but I feel like it will help the readers gain a deeper understanding of the characters I am attempting to portray.

- Please note the following: any scenes or parts of the books that I must adhere to the plot will be highlighted in bold. I want to emphasize that I do not have ownership over any of the characters, plots, or words that are highlighted in bold.

Lastly, the book tropes that I enjoy the most are Grumpy x Sunshine (which I think they are perfect for), one-sided love, unrequited love, and my absolute favorite (She fell first, he fell harder!). Therefore, this story will include all of these tropes. (Additionally, I have a fondness for stories filled with emotional turmoil, so be prepared for exactly that!)

Please note that this will be a an easy read and uncomplicated, so do not anticipate any major surprises or unexpected turns in the story. The overall timeline and plot will remain unchanged from the original, with only a few minor changes.

With that being said, now that you have an understanding of what to expect from this story, please enjoy it! I am also open to receiving constructive feedback or any form of criticism, but please remember to be respectful and considerate towards not only me but also others.

- With much, much love, K

Dear readers,
I hope this message finds you well. I wanted to inform you that this update was posted on September 20, 2023. I am currently working on this story, which is a work in progress. Initially, I uploaded the first 15-20 chapters without thoroughly proofreading or editing them. As a result, I occasionally go back to edit the grammar or spelling errors. However, I assure you that the more recent chapters have undergone better editing and are of higher quality. Rest assured, I will remove this message once all the chapters have been successfully edited.

Thank you for your understanding and support.

Best regards,

- K

Chapter 2: Hermione’s Master Plan

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Dear Miss Granger,
If it is convenient for you, I would like to meet with you this coming Friday at seven p.m. If you are most agreeable, I should be happy for the meeting to take place at your parents' home. If you are able to meet, there is no need to respond. However, if you are unable to meet, then kindly let me know when you will be available by sending a message with this owl.
I am yours most sincerely,
Albus Dumbledore

Hermione didn't know how long she had been staring at the parchment in front of her.

Why was Professor Dumbledore requesting to meet with her privately? Hermione wondered to herself as hundreds of questions flooded her mind.

Maybe it was like her third year when she was asked to meet with him and Professor McGonagall about additional classes and the time turner? Or maybe it was related to the order? Or could it be connected to Harry and Voldemort's return? Hermione's heart raced in her chest.

"Don't overthink," she finally thought to herself as she gently placed the parchment on her desk and set the owl free through the open window.

Don't overthink; relax, she kept repeating to herself as she made her way toward the bed and tried her best to calm her nerves. But failed to do so as she lay awake, her mind filled with numerous thoughts about why Professor Dumbledore wanted to meet with her.

"Professor Dumbledore," Hermione greeted the headmaster with a nervous smile as she opened the door of her childhood home.

"Miss Granger," Professor Dumbledore greeted, returning her smile and a brief nod.

She motioned for him to enter, and they quietly proceeded towards the dining room.

Hermione had informed her parents about her scheduled meeting with the headmaster and let them know that he wanted to meet with her alone. As a result, Hermione's mother had already prepared tea on the table and agreed to leave for breakfast.

Hermione sat anxiously at the dining table, playing with her mug while glancing over at the headmaster.

"I hope you have been enjoying your summer, Miss Granger." He broke the silence and looked up at her.

"I have, and I hope you have enjoyed yours as well." Hermione replied anxiously, her eyes shifting downward towards her feet. Suddenly, she let out a slight gasp as she noticed his hand resting on his lap. His right hand was entirely black. Black as coal, giving the appearance that it was dead.

"Oh, don't worry about that!" Professor Dumbledore interrupted her train of thought. "Madam Pomfrey will be able to remedy it without any trouble!"

There was an awkward silence that lingered in the air, and Hermione was starting to grow more and more impatient by the second.

"Professor Dumbledore, are you here to talk to me about extra classes?" Hermione asked, wanting him to get to the point of why he was there. Wanting desperately to rid herself of the anxiety that was currently overwhelming her both mentally and physically.

"No, I've come to discuss a more personal matter." Professor Dumbledore replied, pausing briefly before continuing. "By now, I'm sure you are fully aware of all the consequences that come with being associated with Harry Potter."

"Of course," Hermione said, giving him a stiff nod.

"And so, as Voldemort gains more power, the second wizarding war is rapidly approaching, and your parents, being muggles, don't fully grasp the seriousness of the situation, correct?" he asked.

Hermione nodded firmly once more. Her parents had a limited understanding of the Wizarding World, mainly because Hermione chose to withhold information from them.

Although they had been picking up on a few things that had been happening that could only be explained by the possibility of someone using magic, like the devastating bridge attack resulting in the deaths of numerous innocent individuals and the ongoing murders across the nation, Hermione made a sincere effort to persuade her parents that wizards were not involved in these incidents.

"And since you are well aware of The Order of the Phoenix, you should understand that its purpose is to protect Harry. And Harry only. You must realize that you are in a precarious position. Voldemort has a tendency to target those whom his victims love the most," he stated, causing Hermione to feel intense anguish in her stomach.

"And by now, I'm certain Voldemort is fully aware of Mr. Weasley's and your relationship with Harry. However, Mr. Weasley is well protected. He has a large family full of capable witches and wizards that are there to protect him. On the other hand, you only have your parents. It's hard to imagine how they could protect themselves or you if Voldemort chooses to target them," he concluded. Hermione's mind raced with countless thoughts and questions, leaving her feeling utterly empty.

"But there is something you could do; there are ways to protect yourself, and ultimately, by protecting yourself, you are also protecting your parents," he stated.

"How do I protect myself, sir?" Hermione quickly asked.

"Well, there are several options available, but I won't be the one to suggest them since many are considered cruel or frowned upon in the wizarding community," he stated. "However, I have brought you this; maybe you can find inspiration from it, considering your fondness for reading." He said as he pulled out a small, worn-out book from his robes, carefully placing it on the table and sliding it towards her.

Shortly after Dumbledore had given her the book, he departed.

Hermione couldn't sleep as she was haunted by the headmaster's words, keeping her wide awake in bed.

By protecting yourself, you are protecting your parents.

Hermione was well aware of the dangers that came with being friends with Harry. She had known this from the start. Anyone who associated themselves with Harry understood the risks involved. However, with Voldemort's comeback, Hermione didn't consider the potential danger her parents were being exposed to.

Hermione remembered seeing Neville's mother at St. Mungo's and felt a shiver run down her spine at the thought of her parents meeting the same fate. It was a fate worse than death.

Just the mere thought of anything happening to her parents caused Hermione to panic.

Hermione was determined to keep her parents unaware of the events unfolding in the wizarding world, and she was determined to ensure their safety when she went back to Hogwarts. She was prepared to risk her own life, but she would not allow harm to come to her loved ones, especially her parents who were vulnerable as muggles and were defenseless.

Hermione was at a loss, she didn't know what to do or where to begin. But she was determined to find a solution to keep them safe. Unfortunately, every attempt to brainstorm ideas proved fruitless. The headmaster was right. Hermione didn't have any acquaintances or friends in the wizarding world, aside from the Weasleys who were already doing too much for her to ask. And there wasn't much Harry could do.

Hermione knew from the beginning that Harry was 'The Chosen One.’ And that he was the one who needed to be protected the most. She never expected to receive any protection herself. However, she mentally slapped herself for not considering the safety of her own parents.

As a muggle-born, she faced numerous challenges that were often misunderstood by those in the Wizarding World. She had to navigate two distinct worlds, and it seemed like she believed they would never collide. That somehow her parents would be safe as long as they didn't interfere with the wizarding world.

After the end of each school year, it felt like a break from the Wizarding World. It was then that she could embrace her teenage years without the burden of academic responsibilities or the fear of Voldemort. The memory of Voldemort's fury had completely slipped her mind.

She needed to find protection from anyone or anywhere she could find it. She was aware that she could rely on her usual source of answers to find the solutions to her questions: books.

Books.

Hermione quickly got up from her bed and made her way to the desk where she had left the book Dumbledore had given her, as it seemed she wouldn't be able to rest until she found a solution.

When he first gave it to her, she was too concerned about her parents' safety to even read the title.

"𝑨𝒅𝒗𝒂𝒏𝒄𝒆𝒅 & 𝑨𝒏𝒄𝒊𝒆𝒏𝒕 𝑴𝒂𝒈𝒊𝒄𝒂𝒍 𝑷𝒓𝒐𝒕𝒆𝒄𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏"

She had stayed up all night, reading the book over and over. She used color-coordinated sticky notes to write down important notes.

She turned to the chapter that she knew was the most significant and would provide the most assistance, and started reading it again.

Old Rituals
Bonds: To be bonded to someone is to be bound to their soul. Bonds serve various purposes in the world of magic. And although they can be and are used by those who dwell in the dark arts, they can also be and have been used for good, but it takes a powerful wizard to cast a powerful bond.

But it must be efficiently done, as any wrong incantation can result in serious injury or death.

Bonds are used as a form of vows and oaths to protect those who need protection.

'Hmm," Hermione muttered as she flipped the page.

Sacrificial-Protection
Sacrificial protection is an ancient, powerful, and long-lasting countercharm. A counter-charm that is endowed when one person ultimately sacrifices his or her own life willingly and out of deep and pure love so strong to save the lives of one or more people.

Sacrificial Protection — that was the protection that Harry's mother, Lily Potter, used to protect Harry. Hermione quickly realized this and sat up on her bed, the book now having her full attention as it was the only one that sounded promising.

Sacrificial protection can be conferred on a single person or a group of people. The protection prevents any harm from coming to the loved one(s) of the person who sacrificed themselves. And will then result in any curse cast rebounding upon those who cast it. There is a long history of wizards and witches known to have used this method of protection to protect those they loved. Nicholas Francis Hugh (1616–1734) first invented the sacrificial charm when he used it to protect his wife, Martha Marie Hugh (1623–1734), from being murdered in the hands of a dark wizard, Edmund James Walter (1610–1721).

Hermione skimmed down a long list of wizards and witches names that had used the sacrificial protection. She looked to see if she could find Lily Potter's name, but she couldn't. Of course she wouldn't, because it's not known to the world that that was the reason Voldemort was defeated in the First Wizarding World.

Hermione flipped the page and continued reading.

Sacrificial-Marriage Bonds
The sacrificial marriage bond was an accidental bond that was first created when Meredith Mary Hawkins ultimately sacrificed herself and agreed to marry and be forced to copulate with Abraham Bernard III (1809–1865), who had risen into power and wanted Meredith to himself by threatening to kill all of her bloodline if she did not agree to marry him. The bond that Meredith created fell within what has been known as a blood-bond. By agreeing to marry and copulate with Abraham, Meredith was ultimately sacrificing herself and binding herself to a man she did not wish to be with in order to protect her family and bloodline. This charm then prevented any harm from coming to her family or relatives homes. Meredith’s great sacrifice paved the way for many wizards and witches seeking to protect loved ones from harm.

Hermione let out a breath that she hadn't been aware she had been holding in as she looked out the window.

If Hermione found someone to marry because she was marrying for pure love and pure intentions to protect her parents, would it be considered her sacrificing herself in order to protect her loved ones?

Had Dumbledore been suggesting this all along? And was this why he had given her the book?'

She didn't understand—if she had to marry, who would she marry? The wizard would have to be of age, and neither Harry nor Ron were. (Or Hermione, for that matter, although she would be coming of age in a few weeks.)

And Hermione would want to marry someone she knew was capable of protecting her. Someone powerful and intelligent enough to protect not only her but her parents.

It would have to be someone from the order. Someone Dumbledore could persuade into marrying her for the greater good.

All the men in the order were older wizards.

'No!' she couldn't; she wouldn't marry someone whom she didn't love. Hermione slammed the book shut, rolled onto her back, and looked up at the ceiling. She shuddered at the thought. She couldn't believe she even allowed herself to think that. It wasn't until a vision of her parents flashed through her mind that the realization came rushing to her. She would do anything for them. Nothing was off the table. If marrying someone was powerful and sacrificial enough to grant them protection, then she would be willing to marry any man willing to take her.

She would marry Dumbledore himself if it guaranteed protection for her parents. The thought itself was revolting, but it was the truth.

But who would she marry?

Hermione fell asleep with the question nagging in the back of her mind.

Chapter 3: Consequences

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Hermione watched as the headmaster sat in silence, taking in all the information she was giving him as she read her two-page essay to him that she had written, which explained the plan that she had decided to name Hermione's Master Plan.

And in the end, the conclusion of her plan to protect her parents from any future unforeseeable harm was that she would marry someone powerful enough to hold a sacrificial marriage bond.

"I see. And this is something that you wish?" He asked, looking up at her with his arms resting on the arms of the armchair in which he sat.

Hermione allowed herself to think again about what she was asking and placed the essay on her lap.

"I would do anything to protect my parents, sir." Hermione finally spoke after pondering his question for a long moment: "But I don't know who I would have to marry; that's actually the reason why I asked to meet. I can't think of anyone. That's the only missing piece of my master plan."

"You do not need to worry, Miss Granger; I have just the man in mind," Professor Dumbledore said.

Hermione's eyes widen in shock as she looked over at him. He already had someone in mind?

Hermione watched as he stood from his seat and extended an arm out to her.

"Take a hold of my arm, Miss Granger; we will need to apparate," he said, and Hermione quickly stood to her feet, perplexed with the turn of events that had occurred.

Hermione said nothing, though, and took a hold of his arm tightly and squeezed her eyes shut as she had read the many effects that apparating for the first time caused. And she did not wish to throw up in front of the headmaster.

Hermione felt Dumbledore's arm twist away from her, and she redoubled her grip. The next thing she knew, everything went black. She was pressed very hard from all directions. She could not breathe. There were iron bands tightening around her chest; her eyeballs were being forced back into her head; her eardrums were being pushed deeper into her skull. And before she knew it, she felt a rush of cold air hit her face as they stood in front of their destination.

Hermione quickly placed both her hands on her stomach and closed her eyes tightly as she felt extremely nauseous, as if she was going to throw up. She was now very grateful that the nerves of having to explain her master plan to Dumbledore had stopped her from eating any food before meeting with him, as she was sure it would now be on the muddy ground they now stood on.

After a few long moments of Hermione trying to regain her composure, she looked up at Dumbledore to see that he was smiling down at her in a comforting manner.

"Are you alright?" He asked a bit louder than he usually would, as if he knew it would take a while for her hearing to go back to normal.

"Yes, perfectly alright." Hermione smiled up at him.

"You did well, you know?" "Most wizards and witches throw up their first time."

Hermione didn't respond to his comment, as she was now far too distracted by the unfamiliar smell that filled her nose that caused her nostrils to flare. Hermione looked around to see that they had arrived in a small, unknown town.

Hermione looked over to see that the awful smell was coming from the dirty river nearby that wound between overgrown, trash-strewn banks. An immense chimney, a relic of a disused mill, reared up, shadowy and ominous. There was no sound apart from the whisper of the black water, and no sign of life apart from the water that ran down the bank.

"Strange town, isn't it?" Dumbledore's voice startled her, and she quickly turned to look at him. "It's a muggle town."

Muggle town? Hermione thought to herself as she watched Dumbledore turn to walk towards the alleyway between two large brick buildings. And Hermione realized she was meant to follow after him.

Who could possibly live here who would agree to marry her? Hermione thought to herself, as this wasn't typically a town a witch or wizard capable of old, ancient magic would live in.

Hermione continued to look around as they moved deeper and deeper into the deserted labyrinth of brick houses.

At last, Hermione followed closely behind Dumbledore as they approached a street named Spinner's End.

Their footsteps echoed on the cobbles as they passed boarded-up and broken windows until they reached the very last house, where a dim light glimmered through the curtains in a downstairs room.

Hermione stood waiting, panting slightly, breathing in the smell of the dirty river that was carried to them through the gentle breeze. Dumbledore knocked on the door three times in a specific, almost ciphered way.

After a few seconds, they heard movement behind the door, and it opened a crack. A sliver of a man could be seen looking out at them, a man with long black hair parted in curtains around a sallow face and black eyes.

Professor Snape

No, it can't be; surely Professor Dumbledore didn't mean for her to marry him.

"Dumbledore?" Professor Snape spoke softly in a confused tone of voice. As if he hadn't been expecting it to be him at the door.

He turned his gaze towards Hermione, and Hermione burned in shame as she lowered her head to her feet.

"Severus, may we come in?" Professor Dumbledore asked, breaking their silence.

Professor Snape said nothing; instead, he stood back to allow them to pass into the house, and Hermione tried her best to keep her eyes from wondering. She didn't want to invade his privacy any further than she already was.

They had stepped directly into a very thin entrance hallway that led them into a tiny sitting room, which had the feeling of a dark, padded cell. The walls were completely covered in books, most of them bound in old black or brown leather. A threadbare sofa, an old armchair, and a rickety table stood grouped together in a pool of dim light cast by a candle-filled lamp hung from the ceiling. The place had an air of neglect, as though it were not usually inhabited.

"Severus, I would like to speak to you," Professor Dumbledore said. "Privately."

"This way then," Professor Snape said as he gestured his hand out towards another thin hallway.

Hermione watched as they stepped into the hallway and disappeared into the darkness, and Hermione slowly made her way towards the old, beaten-down, threadbare sofa.

Their conversation, however, was not very private, as Hermione could hear loud muffles through the walls, and before she knew it, she could make out the words to their conversation.

Hermione could hear through the thin walls as the voice of Professor Snape rang out. He was upset. Very upset.

"Albus, she's a student, a child; you cannot ask this of me." Professor Snape spit out anger in his voice.

"I am fully aware of that, Severus," the headmaster responded. "However, it is crucial that—"

"No," Professor Snape interrupted, "I refuse to marry the child." "You can ask anything of me—anything—but not that."

Hermione began to run her hands up and down her thighs as she sat. She could no longer hear their voices, and Hermione wondered if perhaps they had placed a silencing charm or just lowered their voice.

"The choice was hers, Severus." Finally, the voice of the headmaster spoke again.

"A ridiculous choice, an irrational choice made from fear," Professor Snape responded coldly. "Fear that I'm sure you planted in her!"

"It was very smart of Miss Granger; it not only guarantees her protection but that of those around her," Professor Dumbledore responded, and Hermione almost knew that there was a secret message in between what he was saying. And she was right, as the room fell silent. Obviously, Professor Snape had picked up the message Professor Dumbledore was trying to convey.

"No, Albus, you ask far too much of me!" Professor Snape bellowed.

"I will not be looked at as a perverted old man! I am many things, but a lecherous man I refuse to be!" He said his voice was clear with anger. "It borders on pedophilic; she's not even of age!"

"She will turn of age on the nineteenth of September, merely a few weeks after term begins," Dumbledore responded softly, but Hermione could still hear his voice ring out through the thin walls.

"Think, Albus, think of what you ask of me!" Professor Snape responded in an almost pleading tone.

Hermione couldn't believe what she was hearing. She had witnessed in the past some of his outraged outbursts, but never had she seen him reduced to begging. But now he seemed to be pleading.

"You made a promise—a promise to protect those in the order." "To protect the students at Hogwarts," said the headmaster, "you have been tasked and ordered to do far worse, Severus; marrying Miss Granger to secure her and her parents' protection should be easy work."

"Easy work?" Professor Snape's voice rose in anger again. "Using a child as a pawn in your games is easy work?" Professor Snape asked furiously.

"The choice is not yours, Severus; she has come to me seeking protection, and if it is in Miss Granger's best interest to go through with this marriage, then the choice is hers." She heard the headmaster's voice now approaching closer. Hermione quickly rose to her feet as the sound of the door being opened carried out into the sitting room.

Hermione wanted nothing more than for the ground to swallow her whole. Not even daring to steal a glance at the angry professor, she felt her entire body tense as she looked up at Professor Dumbledore, who now bore his eyes into hers.

"Miss Granger, do you still wish to marry for your parents protection, Severus Snape?" He asked, and Hermione could hear that he had chosen his words very carefully.

Selfish, Hermione's inner dialogue yelled at her. You're being very selfish.

Hermione felt her face burn with shame. She knew from the moment she saw him that it was him who Dumbledore had in mind, and he wouldn't have even entertained the idea. But she could clearly see now that he had no choice in the matter.

"If it guarantees the protection of my parents," Hermione said slowly. She finally looked over to Professor Snape and watched as he closed his eyes and inhaled, almost as if he knew what she was going to say next.

"Then yes, I wish to marry Professor Snape."

"Then it's settled!" Professor Dumbledore clapped his hands together. I trust that Miss Granger and you will come to a conclusion about the whole ordeal, Severus." The headmaster offered Hermione a faint smile.

"I will allow the two of you a few days to talk it over and set things in order," the headmaster continued.

"Now if you excuse me, I have business I must attend to. I trust you'll see to it that Miss Granger makes it home safe, Severus." The headmaster said as he walked over to the door.

"Good day, Miss Granger." Professor Dumbledore gave her a low bow.

"Severus," he said, giving him a nod before leaving.

Hermione and Professor Snape stood in silence. She was sure he could hear her heart pounding in her chest.

"Do you have any idea of the consequences your master plan has created?" Professor Snape finally spoke, breaking the painful silence.

Hermione remained silent for a few moments. Too afraid to answer, she shook her head as she lowered her head to look down at her feet.

"Of course not, you idiot child," he said furiously, looking over at her. Hermione felt her entire body go numb. As she felt his gaze on her.

"I'm sorry," was all she managed to whisper before a small sob escaped her mouth, which she knew would only make Professor Snape angrier. She quickly raised her hands to cover her face as the tears began to fall from her eyes, not being able to bear the sight of him.

"How dare you go to the headmaster and ask that I marry you?" He said, spitting out the word. As if he couldn't believe her audacity.

"I'm sorry" Hermione cried again, but her response came out muffled as she continued to sob into her hands: "I didn't... I didn't... think he would choose you!"

"You didn't think he would choose me?" He snarled.

"Pray tell, Miss Granger, who did you think would be eligible to marry you?" He asked. "Did you think you would have your top pick of bachelors?"

"Lupin, perhaps?" He asked bitterly.

"Did you fool yourself into thinking that one of the Weasley twins would protect you?" He asked

"Mad-eye moody?"

"It's a shame Black is dead; I'm sure he would've jumped at the opportunity; at least then he would have been useful to The Order," he snarled angrily.

Hermione continued to sob into her hands. Professor Snape was clearly unbothered by her sobs. But he was right. He was completely right. Who else would there be to marry her?

"I don't know what I was thinking," Hermione whispered.

"No, it appears you weren't thinking at all, you stupid girl," he said furiously.

"Walk over and pick any book from any shelf, Miss Granger," Professor Snape ordered, and Hermione quickly looked up to see Professor Snape's dark black eyes burning down at her with much desperation. And Hermione knew she ought to follow his order and do as she was told.

Hermione quickly wiped her wet hands on her skinny jeans. She walked over to the nearest shelf and pulled out the first book she saw, not bothering to look at the title. She was unsure what he wanted her to do.

"Open. It"

Hermione flipped the old black leather cover open and looked down at it. It read.

'𝓣𝓱𝓮 𝓔𝔁𝓽𝓲𝓷𝓬𝓽𝓲𝓸𝓷𝓼 𝓸𝓯 𝓜𝓪𝓰𝓲𝓬𝓪𝓵 𝓒𝓻𝓮𝓪𝓽𝓾𝓻𝓮𝓼'

Hermione raised her gaze to see in the corner of the first page, "This book is the property of Severus Snape." Hermione swallowed dryly and looked up at him; she was unsure what point he was trying to make.

"Put it back and pick another one."

Hermione did so. He made her do it a couple of times before walking toward her.

Hermione took a few steps back, gasping as she felt her back hit the shelves.

"Tell me, Miss Granger, what did all those books have written on the first page of every book?"

"They all say property of... S-Severus Snape," Hermione whispered softly. It felt weird to say his full name. Hermione had never really said it aloud before.

"Correct, Miss Granger; therefore, when you become my wife," he said as if the word left a bitter taste in his mouth. "You too will be branded; I will make sure of it! I am a possessive man, Miss Granger. You will be reduced to nothing more than the property of Severus Snape," he said, which sent chills all over her body.

"I am also not a nice man; I won't tolerate disrespect; I won't tolerate any childish tantrums; and if you decide to go through with this, you will obey me at all times... You will be under my command."

Hermione again swallowed thickly. He was trying to intimidate her. Scare her into calling the marriage off.

"I wish to marry you, sir." Hermione whispered. Which only caused Professor Snape to flush in anger as it was clear his intimidation tactics weren't going to work on her.

He took a few steps back. And Hermione was finally able to breathe again.

"I will need a few days to prepare, as this was all sprung onto me without warning, and I'm sure you'll also need a few days to prepare the wedding, as I want no say in the matter," he said, taking a few more steps back and looking blankly out the window.

"I'll need to tell my parents, and I'm sure once I tell them, they'll want to meet you, sir," Hermione said softly.

He quickly snapped his neck back toward her and looked at her furiously once again.

"Your parents don't know about your foolish plan." He asked

"No, they wouldn't understand!" Hermione said defensively. "I didn't know if Professor Dumbledore would even agree to the plan, but I had an inclination that he would." Hermione whispered the last part. "I'm sure they will not be at all any happier about it than you are, but they won't have a say in the matter" (just like you don't). Hermione thought, "So I'll need a few days so that they can process everything, and then I'm sure they'll demand to meet you."

"What will you tell them?" He asked coldly.

"The truth is, they don't know that we are currently in a war. I've kept them oblivious to everything. And I’d like to keep it that way. But I'll tell them what is happening without telling them too much. I'll tell them it was I who went to Dumbledore for protection, and that he agrees that we should marry for my protection. They'll protest and demand I leave the world, but like Dumbledore said, I'll be of age in a few weeks, so whatever they say in the matter won't make any difference.

And Hermione watched as he flinched as she reminded him that she was not of age. She watched as he walked over to the shelf of books closest to the armchair and lifted a book on the stand next to it.

"Here, take this. It is an enchanted book. Use the quill inside to write to me whenever you have chosen a date. And if and when you come to your senses and decide to not go through with this catastrophe," he said, extending the book out to her, and Hermione quickly rushed over and took it from him.

"Hold on," he said flatly as he extended an arm out to her. He was going to apparate them back to her house, and Hermione quickly took a hold of his arm and closed her eyes tightly, as she was expecting to be pulled apart like the first time. But she was surprised, as the pull never happened, and looked up at him to see that he was looking down at her angrily.

"I need a visual of your residence," he said, looking down at her.

Hermione looked up at him, her eyes widening in shock as she realized he would have to look at her mind to get the image.

"Oh, um, you're going to need to use Legilimency on me?" Hermione asked, looking up at him.

"Obviously," he said angrily.

Hermione slightly panicked, as she had never had anyone try to read into her mind. She had practiced occlumency on her own ever since Harry had told her exactly how Professor Snape taught him, and she had proven to be more successful than Harry had been. But she, to her knowledge, had never had anyone look through her mind.

"I will only be looking for one image. It should be easy; just think of the outside of your home," he said, and Hermione gave him a slight nod. But he still didn't seem as if he was looking into her mind. She didn't feel the feathery feeling Harry had told her he felt whenever he used it on him.

"Do I have your permission then?" He asked, clearly irritated, as she clearly hadn't caught on that he was waiting for her permission.

"Oh! Yes, sir," Hermione rushed out. And before she knew it, flashes of images came rushing through her head. Image after image raced through her mind like a flickering film. The trio hugging goodbye when she left the burrow. Her parents hugging her tightly after they picked her up from London's King's Cross Station. She was a child playing in her front yard. She was in her bedroom, reading the book Dumbledore had given her. The image then quickly flickered back to her as a child in the front yard, and before she knew it, she felt the feeling of being pulled apart again, and in a quick pop, she stood in front of her parents yard.

She didn't feel as nauseated and dizzy as she had the first time, but she still needed a few breaths of air to collect herself. She looked up at Professor Snape, who looked around the house and neighborhood before he turned to look at her.

"Let me know as soon as you have chosen a date," he said, and before Hermione could find her voice to say anything, a loud pop filled the air and he was gone.

Chapter 4: Mr. and Mrs. Granger

Chapter Text

Hermione sat at dinner, playing with her food. She had to tell them now or never.

"I have something I would like to share with the two of you" Hermione interrupted her parents laughter. She gently placed her fork down and ran her hands down her jeans as she watched them turn their full attention to her.

"Um. I understand that the two of you don't really understand the wizarding world. You guys have been nothing but supportive. I don't think I could've done it all on my own without your support. But I think now is the time that I should come clean... I have lied to the two of you over the years and told you countless lies regarding the world. The truth is, apart from the magic, the wizarding world doesn't differ much from the normal world. Politics and inequality also exist." Hermione said, and she watched as horror washed over her parents faces.

"What kind of inequality? Because you are a woman?" Hermione's mother asked angrily.

"It's much more than that. It's because of my lineage," Hermione said softly, "because I don't come from magical parents. The Wizarding World has many families who have come from generations and generations of what they call pure bloods,and many of them believe that people like me don't deserve to be a part of the world. Because we are what they call mud-bloods,we have mud in our blood because we don't come from magical parents."

"That's absurd! The headmaster at Hogwarts has said that you are a witch!" Her mother spoke again, angry.

"And I am.I always will! I will never let anyone take that from me." Hermione exclaimed softly. "There are many people that won't allow that to happen. But it's currently causing a division in the Wizarding World."

"A division?" Her father finally spoke.

"A war," Hermione said, watching as both her parents gasped loudly.

"A war? Is Hogwarts no longer safe for you to attend?" Her mother panicked. "How can you have kept all this from us, Hermione?"

"Hogwarts is the safest place to ever exist, mum!" I will be completely safe there." Hermione said. She, of course, still thought Hogwarts was safe, but for some reason Harry was the exception. Danger and harm always seemed to find him, even within the thick walls of Hogwarts.

"And what will happen if the Mudbloods,as you call them, lose this war? What will happen then to Hogwarts? To people like you? To you?" Her mother bombarded her with questions.

"They will not win the war. They have already lost once, and I'm sure they will be defeated again," Hermione asserted.

"There has already been a war before!" Her father now exclaimed.

"Yes. The First Wizarding War," Hermione said.

"No, absolutely not. I don't feel comfortable sending you off to this unknowncastle, in which you have lied and kept things from us to make us believe that it was safe for you to learn to control your magic," her mother said.

"Unknown? I have gone there for five executive years now!" Hermione exclaimed

"Yes, unknown to us! You have clearly kept us in the dark for far too long. We will not be sending you somewhere where you are not safe!" Her father interjected.

"It is safe!" There is magic that can be performed that will guarantee my protection!" Hermione exclaimed.

"Magic? What kind of magic?" Hermione’s mother asked.

"Magic that involves marriage," Hermione mumbled softly under her breath, but given her parents' reaction, she was sure they had heard her loud and clear.

"Hermione, you can't possibly think of getting married," her father said.

"I'm not thinking of it. I am getting married," Hermione said, watching as her parents' faces twitched in anger.

"You have lost your damn mind, Hermione Jean Granger, if you think we will allow you to get married at your age!" Her mother rose from her chair in anger as she pointed a long, slim finger towards Hermione.

"If this school is as safe as you claim, then why must you take such precautions as marriage?" Her mother asked.

"It's not for my safety; it's to guarantee that I remain in the world even if the war were to be lost." Hermione lied. She didn't want to tell them the real reason. That it was, in fact, for their safety.

"No, we absolutely forbid you from going through with it!" Her father said he was now rising to his feet.

"It's going to happen, with or without your support; this is something I chose; I belong in the wizarding world, and I want to fight to stay in it, and if marrying will guarantee that, then that is what I will do!" Hermione exclaimed angrily now as she rose to her own feet."I turnof age in the Wizarding World in six weeks. So I’m afraid you guys have no say in my decision."

"Who will you marry then? Is it one of your friends? Ronald? Harry?" Hermione's mother asked.

"Neither, the man I will marry is an older wizard," Hermione said. "In fact, he's a professor of mine." Hermione muttered softly, and she watched both their eyes grow even wider. And before they could open their mouths to say anything, Hermione quickly rushed out. "He's 36, which is not much more of an age difference between the two of you."

"Yes, but that is different!" Hermione's mother argued. "Your father and I chose to marry because, apart from our age gap and our position, we loved each other." Her mother explained.

"He's a good man," Hermione argued back.

"A good man?" Hermione's father scoffed. "What kind of a good man agrees to marry a child that he watched grow up?"

"He doesn't wish to marry me." Hermione stammered as she looked down, embarrassed that she had to admit to her parents that she was forcing her professor to marry her.

"Then why? Why has he agreed?" Hermione's mother asked.

"He doesn't have much of a choice. The headmaster has asked him too!" Hermione said, "Think of him as a soldier who has agreed to go into battle. Any violence committed during war will be forgiven as collateral damage!" Hermione said, turning to her father, whose father had been a war veteran.

"Besides, the marriage will be a sham.Nothing more than a piece of paper. The two of us won't be real husband and wife." Hermione said as she watched both her parents take in everything she was saying.

"So the two of you will marry for your protection?" Hermione's mother asked.

"Yes"

"When will the wedding take place?" She asked.

"August 1st," Hermione muttered, and once again she heard a loud gasp from her mother.

"That's a short time; there won't be enough time to plan or prepare anything!" Her mother exclaimed.

"I'm sure it will just be a short ceremony. The headmaster will do it himself!"

"No, absolutely not. I refuse to attend my own daughter's wedding and not watch your father walk youdown the aisle in a wedding dress," Hermione's mother said, and Hermione felt guilt wash over her as she hadn't even planned for them to be present.

"Then I'll wear a dress, and dad can walk me down the aisle," Hermione said, hoping it would please them.

"When will we meet the gentleman?" Hermione's father asked, looking over to her.

"I suppose the day of the wedding," Hermione responded, which earned another exasperated gasp from her mother.

"Hermione Jean Granger, we demand we meet this gentleman before you make such a rational decision!" Her mother scolded.

"Fine. You will meet him. I'll go write to him now." Hermione said pushing her chair out and exiting the dining room to allow her parents take in everything she had told them.

Professor Snape,
I hope all is well. I have informed my parents of our wedding, and as expected, they wish to meet you before the wedding ceremony takes place. Would you be available to meet them before Thursday?
Hermione Granger

Hermione waited for a response from him, but it wasn't until the early morning of the next day that he responded to her message.

I will be there today at 7:30 p.m.
SS

Chapter 5: Marriage Act Section 7

Chapter Text

After having tried over a dozen dresses and not finding 'the one' as her mother said she would, Hermione had decided to give up.

"Just one more." "Last one, I promise," her mother said as she handed her the satin white dress.

Hermione let out a loud groan as she threw her head back and walked back over to the dressing room.

Once it was on, she had a bit of trouble zipping it up on her own, but once she managed, she walked over to the mirror and stared in awe at the reflection.

She couldn't believe what she was seeing. She couldn't believe it was her own reflection looking back at her.

Never before had she felt as beautiful as she did in the dress. It was as if the dress was meant for her.

This was the one.

She hadn't allowed her mother to see her in it, as the reason she was purchasing a wedding dress to begin with was because she had insisted on seeing her in one as she walked down the aisle.

"I am much too tired; I'll just wear my sneakers." Hermione groaned as her mother insisted on finding her the perfect pair of heels.

"Absolutely not; I'll go find the heels then; you can wait here," her mother said as she rushed out of the store. Hermione was sure she was running towards the shoe shop they had just walked past.

Hermione's eyes widen in shock as she began to approachthe lingerie section.

Hermione had not allowed herself to think much about it after the wedding.Apparently, there wouldn’t be one after the wedding. After all, it wasn’t as if they were actually going to be a married couple.

Oh god,Hermione thought. Was he going to have to see her naked? Oh god, what would he think? Were they going to have to do what married people do?

"Can I help you?" A woman's voice cut her thoughts short.

"Um... yes." Hermione looked over at the door to see if her mother was anywhere to be seen.

"I'll just take this set. In white and black, please." Hermione said, a blush rising in her cheeks.

Just in case. Hermione thought to herself.

The woman smiled politely at her as she rang her up, and Hermione quickly paid and buried the lingerie set under the dress.

_______________
Severus Snape POV

Having never shot a gun before, Severus was taken back by the recoil. It had taken him a few shots to get used to the feeling, but Severus couldn't help but relish in the new-found feeling. He knew the gun couldn't do as much damage as the wand in his pocket could, but hearing the loud bang and watching the bullet go into the target, Severus couldn't help but feel overcome with emotions.

"I want to let you know that Hermione... she isn't like most young girls," Mr. Granger said as they returned their guns to the counter and exited the building. "Or anyone, really."

"She's relentless;once she gets going on something, she doesn't give up until she gets what she wants. She's overly sensitive and cries at everything, good or bad. Jean and I could never figure out if her tears were happy tears or sad tears. She can also get carried away easily by her emotions. Since she was a little girl, she had a short-mean temper. Once, when she was nine, she was so upset that we didn't get her a stuffed blue bunny with a pink bow around the neck that she ran up to her room and locked herself in and wouldn't open until I had to take the lock off. Then after that, she decided she was going to go on a hunger strike instead and refused to eat anything until Jean and I agreed to go down to the fair and try to win the damn thing. It took me more tries and money trying to win the damn thing, then the bunny was worth it, but seeing her face light up and that bright, beautiful smile on her face was all worth it. Just for her to give it away to an injured classmate," Mr. Granger smiled down at his feet. He clearly adored his child.

"I can't promise you that she will be a good wife. Truthfully, Jean and I never thought she would ever want to be a wife. Hermione has always been against any social construct when it comes to women. She believes that anything a man can do, women can do; if not better," her father laughed out. "Just like her mother. Both are strong-minded and independent, but I'm sure once the two of you settle down and get a routine going, Hermione will be a good partner. That she is—she is a good friend. She has the ability to see the good in everyone. It's one of the best and worst things about her," her father continued. "She's a very sympathetic girl. She would always be the first in her class to volunteer to participate in any school event. She would try to raise as much money as she could for charities, and she would walk house to house selling baked goods to donate to those in need."

Severus thought back at the girls poor attempts at S.P.E.W. He had been fully aware of the girls attempts to advocate for the liberation of house elves, but like the other professors, he had chosen to overlook them.They had always been advised not to let their personal political beliefs affect their teaching.

"You should also know that she loves very deeply... I am aware that the marriage is a facade. A witness protection, you might say. But you should know that Hermione will give it her all to try to make it something that it's not, and I ask that you protect her. Not just her physical being, but I ask that you protect her heart." Mr. Granger said, looking up at Severus. "I ask that you take care of her and that you be a good husband to her. "Please take good care of my little girl," Mr. Granger pleaded softly as his eyes watered. It was clear to Severus that the girl was deeply loved by both her parents.

Something he never experienced.

"I promise, sir," Severus found himself saying before he could stop himself.

But he greatly regretted it, as he realized he would have much more than he bargained for. Not only was he now forced to marry the girl and live with her for the rest of the summer vacation, But now he was going to make sure the girl didn’t try to make anything more of the marriage than it needed to be.

It should be easy though, shouldn’t it? Surly (as much as he hated to admit, the girl seemed to be at least more clever than the rest of the students at Hogwarts), not even she would fall in love with him. How could she? After all, he was Severus Snape.

_________________
Hermione Granger POV

"Did you find the dress?" Her father asked as Hermione and her mother walked into the house to find them sitting in the sitting room, sharing a glass of wine.

"Yes, the perfect one," her mother beamed.

Her mother began to enthusiastically tell her father how their shopping trip went, and Hermione and Professor Snape managed to escape to her bedroom with the excuse that they had to go over important details for their upcoming wedding.

"How was it? My father wasn't rude or anything, was he?" Hermione asked slightly worried as they stepped into her room. Hermione gestured for him to sit down on her armchair, which he did. And Hermione quickly sat down on her own bed, facing him.

Professor Snape is in my bedroom, Hermione thought to herself. She flushed in embarrassment. It wasn't anything to be embarrassed about, but it looked very girly. And screamed, I am a teenage girl.

"It was pleasant, more enjoyable than I had expected shooting a gun would be. And as far as your father, he seemed to be more concerned about how suitable you will be as a wife than how I'll be as a husband," he said. And Hermione’s face quickly burned in embarrassment. Her parents doubted her?

"Are you concerned if I'll be suitable enough to be your wife?" Hermione asked, biting down on her bottom lip.

Hermione watched as his gaze lowered down to her abused lip as she continued to chew on it.

"It depends," he said, looking up to meet her eyes. "I don't expect anything from you; all I ask is that you stay out of my way and don't interfere with my plans."

Hermione scrunched her eyebrows at his response.

"How would I stay out of your way? Won't we be living together?" Hermione asked.

"Yes, but there will be no reason for our roles to change."

"We will be husband and wife!" Hermione said, rising to her feet.

"That changes nothing; it's only a piece of paper."

Hermione wasn't sure why his saying that their marriage would just be a piece of paper felt like a slap in the face, as she had used the same reference to her parents before, but she had been lying then. Marriage, real or not , was more than just a piece of paper.

"It changes everything! And it's more than just a paper. It's commitment; it's loyalty; it's a promise to one another."

"Oh please!" He said, rising to his own feet, "You can't possibly think this will be a real marriage?" He asked angrily.

"It will be a real marriage. I intend for it to be a real marriage." Hermione furrowed her brows in anger.

Hermione had decided that she would make the best of the marriage. She knew from the beginning that he didn't wish for this. That he was being forced into the marriage, but she wasn’t.

In the end, it was her decision. She was creating a debt for herself that she would never be able to pay back. Therefore, she would do everything in her power to make it a pleasant marriage for him. She, of course, would never be the wife he wanted, but she was determined to be the wife he needed.

She would care for him. She would make sure to perform all her wife's duties that would be expected from any wife in any marriage. Real or not.

"If you have decided on going through with this marriage because you have fooled yourself into thinking you fancy me, then I suggest you call this off right this second!" He said it harshly.

"Of course I don't!" Hermione responded in the same harsh tone he had. "But I would still want this marriage to be what it is; a marriage. Wouldn't that be the most logical thing to do? To try to get along? To try to be friends? To have commitment, loyalty, and respect for one another?" Hermione asked.

"This is ridiculous! You're ridiculous. No we can't be friends, you stupid girl. Our roles will not change in any way. You will continue to be my student and I your professor, so I suggest you rid yourself of all your foolish fantasies of us ever being friends." He said and quickly spun himself around and headed towards the door.

"No, Professor, please don't leave." Hermione pleaded, but her pleas were cut short as a silvery-white patronus in the form of a Phoenix flew around Hermione's room until it dropped an invisible, outlined letter that landed in Professor Snape's hand, and the letter revealed itself once the Phoenix flew away.

"It's from Dumbledore," Hermione whispered softly as she looked down at the familiar envelope.

"You don't say," Professor Snape snapped as he looked up at her, clearly still angry from their previous heated conversation.

"Well then, open it," Hermione said, crossing her arms to her chest, not appreciating his chide remark.

"It was given to me, Miss Granger, so that means it is a message that Dumbledore only wishes for me to see," he said angrily.

"But it's about me! Why else would he send it to you at my house?" Hermione said, throwing her arms in the air. "And I'm sure the topic of conversation is me."

"And if it's not?" He asked through gritted teeth.

"And if it is?" Hermione asked with just as much menace in her voice, and they stood glaring at one another. And Hermione's entire body felt hot with anger.

The room suddenly felt smaller than before, and Hermione realized that they had both taken a few steps towards each other and were only inches away from one another. Only inches between them. Hermione could almost feel the warmth of his breath, and she swore she could smell the lingering smell of wine in his breath.

Professor Snape cleared his throat as he took a step back. Hermione also slightly cleared her throat as she brought her hand behind the back of her neck, and she was not surprised at how hot it was considering the tension that had fallen in the room.

It was then that her gaze dropped to his hand, which tore the envelope open, and Hermione could see it shaking as if he had also felt the tension growing in the room. Hermione tried to avert her gaze but couldn't, as she caught sight of his angered expression as his eyes traveled, reading the letter over and over in disbelief.

"Professor?" Hermione asked, breaking the silence. But he didn't respond.

"Professor?" Hermione asked again.

Hermione was taken back as Professor Snape crumpled the letter in his hand and held it out on his palm as it lit on fire before disintegrating into the air.

"Damn this. Damn Dumbledore. I can't— I won't!" Professor Snape muttered angrily.

"Professor, what is it?" Hermione asked, panic rushing through her.

"Dumbledore has informed the ministry. It seems that is the only way we can perform the marriage bond since you are not of age. But thankfully for us, Kingsley will be the only one present, so it will remain a secret," he said through gritted teeth.

"Okay," Hermione whispered softly. Clearly, that wasn't all. It wouldn't be a big deal if only Kingsley knew, as he was part of the order.

"But Kingsley suggests we take precautions in case we are discovered, in the event the war ends before the dark lord is defeated like last time. The ministry will have no trouble throwing any witch or wizard accused of treason into Azkaban. So Kingsley suggests we lie and say that this marriage is an act of love and not a way to protect you or your parents."

"Oh," Hermione whispered again softly. She was still not convinced it was all, as he still looked completely outraged. "What else?"

"In order to have supporting evidence, we will have to prove our marriage to the Ministry," Professor Snape said as if it had been tortured out of him.

"How will we have to prove to the ministry that we are marrying for love?" Hermione asked, looking up at him intently.

"The Marriage Act, Section 7," he said as his jaw clenched.

Hermione scrunched her eyebrows in confusion. She wasn't really educated on ministry laws.

"I don't understand—"

"Of course you don't! Because you clearly didn't think this through," he said as he ran his hand through his hair, and Hermione watched as he took a fistful of it.

"It's barbaric," he said as he began to pace back and forth. "A complete invasion of privacy," he muttered. "I have given Dumbledore too much; I refuse to give him this."

"Professor? What will we have to do?" Hermione asked again, panicked by his reaction.

"We will have to consummate the marriage," he replied bitterly as he looked out the window, not bothering to look at her.

"Oh," Hermione said, almost relieved that it wasn't anything worse than that.

"Oh?" He asked, as he snapped his head to look at her. "oh?"

"Well, I assumed we would've had to consummate it on our own." Hermione shrugged her shoulders.

"You think we would've consummated it on our own?" He asked, offended. As if she had slapped him across the face.

"No! I didn't really think about it…much...but it makes sense. I mean, that's what married people do, don't they?" Hermione asked, looking down at her feet.

"Yes, when's it a real marriage. Not when it's to serve a purpose. And certainly not when it's regulated by the ministry." He said it angrily.

"Won't we be able to lie? It's not like they’ll know. It's not like Kingsley Shacklebolt himself will sit in the room and watch us." Hermione joked, but her smile quickly faded as he shot her a furious look. And Hermione watched as he clenched his jaw once again and stared out the window.

And panic rose through her as he didn't quite answer her half-hearted joke.

"They won't have a way of knowing, right?" Hermione panicked.

"Of course they will," he said through gritted teeth. "They'll have us bond. That will guarantee that we meet their requirements."

"Requirements?" Hermione asked as her mouth went dry.

"The Marriage Act Section 7 requires any couple conspiring to delude the ministry, agree to a bond that will require them to not only consummate the marriage but also engage in sexual intercourse at least once a week, in order to be recognized as a valid marriage. By adhering to these requirements, the marriage cannot be falsely misrepresented or tried as something it is not."

Hermione let out a gasp as she let his words sink in.

"Why would they do that?" Hermione asked, "That's ridiculous that they would interfere in someone's marriage like that, real or not." Hermione muttered angrily. She was now given another reason to hate the ministry.

"The ministry is always wary of schemes anyone may form to take down its form of government, and right now the ministry is very weak. They will do anything. Anything to try to make it seem as if they are succeeding in ending the war." Professor Snape said.

There was a long silence in the room as they were both lost in thought. Letting everything set in.

"Dumbledore is only doing this for me. He is guaranteeing my protection from Azkaban. He wants to make sure that if we are discovered and tried against me, there won’t be any doubt that I am a death eater. But he can't deny you any other option for protection if you go to him and demand to be released from this." Professor Snape finally broke the silence.

"No!" Hermione said, scrunching her eyebrows in anger at his suggestion, "I still wish to go through with this marriage!"

"Did you not just hear everything that I have explained to you?" He asked angrily.

Hermione heard perfectly clear everything that he had said. And although she had also thought of it as barbaric and hated the ministry's involvement, She got them into this mess, and Dumbledore wouldn’t have to fear him going to Azkaban if only she would agree to not go through with the marriage. But she couldn’t. This was the only way she could protect her parents. So if this was the only way to protect him from being accused and sent to Azkaban, then so be it.

Selfish, Hermione's mind yelled at her, another thing you are taking from him. You are going to force this man to marry you, and now you are going to force him to bed you.

"I won't marry anyone that isn't you!" Hermione said, and Professor Snape looked completely taken back by her statement.

Appalled.

Perhaps it didn't come out as she had intended it to.

"I mean, you are much closer in age to me than anyone else in the order, and you will be the only one at Hogwarts, so you'll be closer to reach in case of an emergency." Hermione stammered out, trying to cease the embarrassment she felt. "I'm sorry if you find me repulsive, but I'm sure we can figure out a way around the situation."

"Can't you see? There is no way around it; they will force us to wear enchanted rings that will inform them and register when we have met the requirements and when we have not." He said angrily, "Kingsley has agreed to be the one to monitor our marriage file so that the ministry remains oblivious to it. But it will have to be something that has to be done."

"Well, then we'll just close our eyes and think of England!" Hermione blurted out before she could stop herself, and he furrowed his eyebrows in confusion.

"What?" He asked, clearly not amused by her comment.

"It was a muggle saying in the 1800s given to brides-to-be or couples when they had to endure unwanted or unpleasant sexual encounters," Hermione muttered shyly. He, however, did not find her amusing at all.

"I'm sorry, but what more can we do?" Hermione asked desperately.

"Not go through with the marriage," he responded angrily.

"I can't." Hermione felt her eyes fill with tears. "I have to make sure my parents are safe."

Hermione hid her face in her hands as she began to sob.

"Stop your crying! If this is what you want, then I'll inform Dumbledore that the wedding will still be taking place," he said flatly. Hermione nodded in agreement as she wiped away her tears.

Hermione sniffled as she tried to regain her composure. She walked over to the edge of her bed and sat down once again. She looked up and watched as he slowly walked back over to the armchair and settled down on it.

"I'll need to know eventually, so I'll ask now," he said, breaking the silence and looking over to her. "What is your experience?"

"With bonds? I've never made one or been a part of one," Hermione said with all honesty.

"Not that," he said, closing his eyes in annoyance, "your sexual experience."

"Oh," Hermione muttered lowly as she rubbed her hands on her knees and straightened her posture. "Um, well, I don't really have any," Hermione whispered low as she looked up at him. And watched as his eyes shot open and he clenched his jaw in frustration.

"I've kissed a boy before," Hermione babbled on. She wasn't sure why she felt the need to say that since it had only been a small peck on the lips at the end of her fourth year.

There was an awkward silence that filled the room.

"Potter?" He asked, his jaw still clenched.

"No! Harry is like a brother to me!" Hermione shuddered at the thought of having to kiss Harry on the lips.

"Weasley?" He asked with a raised brow.

"Ron is just a friend," Hermione whispered, but her heart skipped a beat as she remembered Ron. Oh, how she would've loved for it to have been Ron; she had always been in love with the red-headed boy, but she was sure now she would have to put all those feelings away.

"It was Viktor Krum," Hermione said, as it was clear he wanted the name of the boy she had shared the kiss with. "After the Yule Ball," Hermione mentally slapped herself for revealing the unnecessary detail.

"That was two years ago," he said coldly.

Hermione watched as he turned his gaze back towards the window.

"I refuse to do this, Miss Granger," he said through gritted teeth. "I refuse to be the kind of man that takes the innocence of a young witch."

"If that's what you care about, then perhaps I can find—"

"Absolutely not, Miss Granger," he scolded. "Clearly you had been saving it for someone more worthy of it than the first man you find in the street."

"I haven’t really been saving it...I simply never engaged in any romantic relationships, as I prioritized my studies. I don't attach much importance to it, really; it's merely a societal concept used to suppress women. However, I would like for it to be with someone who would be understanding," Hermione spoke softly.

"Understanding?" he asked, raising a brow.

"Yes. I would like it if all our encounters were natural. "No magic involved." Hermione said, "Not that I'm against using magic. I would just prefer it if all my new-found experiences happened naturally."

"Ah," was all he said as he averted his gaze towards the window.

"Am I allowed to know your experience?" Hermione asked, "I'm assuming it's more than my own."

"I don't have as much experience as you might expect for someone my age; my experiences didn't begin until long after I left Hogwarts," he admitted, slightly twitching in the armchair, clearly uncomfortable with revealing this information to her.

"Have you had multiple partners?" Hermione asked. She wasn't sure why she wanted to know.

"Yes," he answered truthfully, and Hermione didn't know why she felt a rush of emotions run through her. She wasn't sure what emotions they were, but she knew they weren't pleasant.

"I can count them all in one hand," he said as he noticed her change of posture.

"Were they romantic partners?" Hermione asked, "Or just encounters?"

Again, Hermione wasn't sure why she was asking questions she didn't really want the answers to, as they made her feel uncomfortable. But she had to know.

"Encounters," he said flatly.

Hermione didn't know how to feel about his answer. She wasn't sure if she should feel relieved that they had not been romantic partners, so in a way this was also new to him and they would experience this marriage together, or if she should be concerned that he would treat their intimate moments as just an encounter. With no feelings. Just animals.

"Have you ever been with someone inexperienced?" Hermione asked.

"No, all the women I've been with have all been far more experienced than I am," he said.

And Hermione wasn't sure why she was disappointed in the answer. Now all she would worry about was having to live up to those unknown witches.

"Have you ever been in a long-term relationship or lived with any of the women?" Hermione asked

"No," he responded firmly. "My position never allowed me to pursue such relationships." He said, "I don't have any experience in that area, and I don't plan on getting any, so whatever fantasies you have made up in your mind." I suggest you let go of them, as this will not be a romantic relationship. As I said before, our roles will not change."

"I don't expect this to be a romantic relationship or anything of the sort, but I do ask that you don't seek anything from another woman while you are with me," Hermione said softly. "Or accept any witches advances," Hermione whispered low. She knew he was popular among the death eaters. And some women were attracted to power.

He let out a scoff as he rose to his feet, "I can assure you Miss Granger that won't prove to be difficult, as I don't think I can even count on one hand how many times that has happened," he said, looking over at her.

"I have been told I'm intimidating, but I think it's just a polite way of calling someone ugly," he said as he rose to his feet.

And Hermione wasn't sure if he was joking or not.

"I don't think so, sir." Hermione rose to her own feet. "I mean, I do think you're intimidating, but that has more to do with your demeanor than your appearance. As I find your looks to be very masculine," Hermione blushed, feeling embarrassed by her attempt to compliment him.

But he didn't seem to appreciate her compliment. He chose to remain silent, letting an awkward, loud silence fall in the room. Instead, his gaze dropped down to her lip, which she had been instinctively chewing on.

"I must go now, as I’m sure Dumbledore is waiting for me to give him our final decision," he said.

Hermione continued to bite down on her bottom lip as she gave him an understanding nod.

"I'll see you tomorrow then," Hermione said, releasing her lip. "I'll be the one in white." Hermione tried to joke again, but he clearly was not amused by her humor, as he wore no expression whatsoever. Instead, he turned and left her bedroom without another glance or word.

Hermione's mind was blank as she let out a huff of air and threw herself backwards on the bed.

Tomorrow I will be a married woman, Hermione thought to herself as she looked up at the ceiling.

I will no longer be Hermione Granger. I will be Hermione Snape.

Chapter 6: Becoming Mrs. Snape

Chapter Text

August 1, 1996

Hermione never thought the day that she would marry would ever come. And most of all, Professor Snape.

She felt completely overwhelmed with emotions. She felt guilty, angry, and frustrated, but most of all, she felt….excited. It was an emotion that felt wrong, given the situation. But Hermione couldn’t help it.

She had spent the entirety of last night, the morning, and the day preparing for her new life. She even went as far as applying a (burn all hair follicles; smooth as a baby’s bum) lotion balm all over her body from neck to toe to remove any visible body hair.

She now stood in the mirror, looking at her own reflection as if she didn't recognize it. Although Hermione decided she wanted to go all natural to the altar, she still didn't recognize the woman in the mirror.

Hermione’s hair was still damp from having taken a shower, and she let out a small huff of air. She knew there wasn't much she could do to tame it when it was dry. She was also not allowed to do any form of magic to it, so she'd have to blow dry it.

Once dried, she decided to keep it down with the exception of two small clips pining the sides of her hair in twists so that it appeared to be half up, half down. And Hermione left her fringe bangs in place.

Pleased with her appearance. Hermione walked out of the bathroom and over to the full-length mirror, allowing the towel to drop once she was in front of it.

She was dissatisfied with what she saw. Or what she didn't see. She looked awfully skinny. Almost underdeveloped. You could see every bone in her body. Her collarbones and hip bones are very visible. She had never cared much for her appearance. She knew from a very early age that she wasn't beautiful. And she never really gave it much thought. But now that she was going to be married, Hermione couldn't help but want to feel attractive. If she was going to be forced to share a bed with a man, she at least wanted the man to be attracted to her.

She looked at her breasts and allowed herself to raise her hands to cup them. They were small in comparison to others, but they looked slightly large for her own frame and were big enough to fit in her small hands.

Slightly Turning around to the side, Hermione ran her hands down to her hips and bum. Her hips did have a slight curve to them, which she admired as she turned around. Her bum, although small, was round and plump. And she had dimples on the curve of her back.

But it wasn't like anything Hermione had seen in magazines or on television. Letting out a disappointed sigh, she forced herself to walk away. Not wanting the sight to ruin her day.

She walked over to where she had laid out everything she needed for the night. She lifted the lingerie that she was now extremely grateful she had purchased, although she doubted it would do any justice to her body. But decided to still put it on.

Sitting on the edge of the bed, she began to put on the white lace thigh-high stockings and then continued with the matching white lace bra and underwear.

Walking over to the mirror again, Hermione let out a small gasp. And her eyes glistened at the sight. Hermione was surprised at the difference the laced lingerie set actually did to her body. She couldn't help the small smile that formed on her face.

Walking back towards the bed, Hermione lifted her wedding dress up and examined it. It wasn't a traditional wedding dress, but it was beautiful in its own way. The dress was white and long, and it ran down to her ankles.

Quickly unzipping the dress, she stepped into it. And admired it as she walked back to the mirror. Quickly zipping it back up as she continued to admire how well it fit her body. It was quite flattering to her. It was tight on the chest, which displayed her breasts much better. And helped them appear larger than they were. And it was tight around her waist. Giving her an hourglass figure. Or at least the illusion of it.

Hermione ran her hands down the fabric of the dress as she twirled around in it.

She truly, for the first time in her life, felt beautiful. Almost like a princess.

Hermione finished getting ready and slowly made her way down the stairs, where she met her father at the foot of the stairs.

"My little girl!" her father cried out as the tears in his eyes began to spill down his cheeks. "My little princess."

He placed a gentle, soft kiss on the side of her cheeks, and Hermione had to look away from him as she didn't want to cry. And her tears were already threatening to spill at the sight of him crying. She took his extended arm, and they slowly made their way into the sitting room.

Hermione heard small gasps that came from her mother and Professor McGonagall as she stepped into the room.

Professor McGonagall!!!? Hermione’s inner dialogue blurted out in full shock.

But Hermione ignored them; she turned her full attention to Professor Snape. His attention was all she seemed to care about. She wanted to see if he looked pleased with her. But like always, his features remained the same. He looked almost uncomfortable, as if he didn't want to be there.

Finally, unable to bear the sight, she turned her head to look at her teary-eyed mother and gave her a smile. Her mother was dabbing her undereyes with a handkerchief as she looked at Hermione.

Her father once again placed another kiss on her cheek as they reached Professor Snape, and her father took a few steps back and stood next to her weeping mother.

Now standing right in front of Professor Snape, Hermione felt her heart stop in her chest.

"You look lovely, Miss Granger." Professor Dumbledore broke the silence. Causing her to turn away from Professor Snape.

Hermione gave Dumbledore a faint smile in acknowledgement. Before turning her attention back to Professor Snape. She desperately wanted to know what he was thinking.

"Now let's get started; please take each other's hands." Professor Dumbledore spoke softly.

Hermione placed her slightly shaking hands on her professor, who had his hands extended out to her.

His hands were cold. Very cold in comparison to her own. She wondered if perhaps he could feel her hands shaking against his.

"I believe the two of you have prepared vows." Professor Dumbledore softly asked, looking back and forth between them.

Hermione gave a small nod.

They had both agreed to rehearse some form of vow to give her parents the wedding ceremony they wanted.

"Excellent, Severus, if you would please place the ring on Miss Granger's left hand," Professor Dumbledore softly said.

Hermione watched as he gently picked up the smaller and thinner ring from Professor Dumbledore's palm and slowly placed it on her ring finger. Hermione couldn't help but stare in awe as she looked down at it. It wasn't anything special in particular. It was a simple silver band. And Hermione couldn't really examine it quite yet as she was interrupted. By a small cough from Professor Dumbledore.

Hermione quickly looked up and met the eyes of Professor Snape. He once again looked undistinguished. Hermione couldn't tell if he was angry or upset. He simply looked down at her, as he always did.

Hermione reached over and picked up the remaining ring from Professor Dumbledore’s palm, watching as her shaking hand began to slowly slide the ring onto his long, thin yellow finger.

"Please repeat after me," Dumbledore whispered softly.

"I, Hermione Jean Granger, take you, Severus Tobias Snape, to be my lawfully wedded husband."

Hermione took a deep breath as she began to recite what Dumbledore had just said.

"I, Hermione Jean Granger, take you, Severus Tobias Snape, to be my lawfully wedded husband."

to have, to hold
forbetter, for worse
for richer, for poorer
in sickness and in health
to love, to cherish...
For as long as we both shall live."

Hermione finished in a small whisper. She could feel her eyes full of tears. Threatening to spill any minute.

She watched as Professor Snape's eyebrows gave a small twitch and he inhaled a deep breath.

She also felt the ring on her left finger begin to burn. But as quickly as the fire came, it vanished.

"Severus," Professor Dumbledore softly whispered.

Professor Snape inhaled deeply again before he spoke.

"I, Severus Tobias Snape, take you, Hermione Jean Granger, to be my lawfully wedded wife

to have, to hold
For better, for worse
For richer, for poorer
In sickness and in health
to honor, to protect
to be devoted and faithful…
For as long as we both shall live."

Professor Snape’s voice sent shivers down Hermione's exposed back. She had never heard him speak in such a silky way. He spoke very softly and made sure to pronounce every word as if he were trying to engrain them in her head.

Hermione felt his own ring grow as hot as hers had. But once again, the burn from it left as soon as it came.

"Lovely, just lovely." Professor Dumbledore softly broke the silence.

"Now for the magical bond," he said, raising his wand and pointing it directly at their entangled hands.

"For every question, you must only repeat, 'I do." Professor Dumbledore stated it as if reminding him.

"Now, do you, Severus Snape, vow to do everything in your power to protect Mrs. Hermione Snape?"

"I do"

A thin tongue of brilliant flame issued from the wand and wound its way around their hands like a red-hot wire.

"Do you vow to honor and remain faithful and loyal to Hermione Snape?"

"I do"

A second tongue of flame shot from the wand and interlinked with the first, making a fine, glowing chain.

"Do you vow to fulfill the ministry of magic's marriage law?"

With that, he hesitated. There was a long pause.

"I do," he finally said.

A third tongue of flame, which shot from the wand, twisted with the others and bound itself thickly around their clasped hands like a rope, like a fiery snake.

Hermione quickly stole a glance at her parents, who looked at their intertwined hands in bewilderment. Hermione was sure she wore a similar expression that her parents wore, as it was her first time witnessing a bond being formed.

After a few long moments, Hermione felt him drop her hand from his hold. And Hermione couldn't help but miss his cold touch.

"You may kiss the bride," Dumbledore said softly. Which caused Hermione's face to burn bright red. They were expected to kiss? In front of her parents? In front of Professor Dumbledore and Professor McGonagall?

Oh god,Hermione thought to herself.

Hermione looked up shyly at Professor Snape, whose attention was on Professor Dumbledore. He himself looked angry. As if he was shocked at the revelation. His jaw tight and his eyebrows tight in a scold Hermione recognized all too well.

"It's the only way to seal the marriage." Professor Dumbledore whispered so low that Hermione was sure her parents didn't hear.

Finally, turning his head to look down at Hermione, Professor Snape looked annoyed. But in mere seconds, he managed to change his expression to blank. And Hermione assumed it was to make it easier for them to share their first kiss. Hermione felt her heart beat fast in her chest as she watched him slowly lower his head towards her, but he didn't kiss her. Instead, he kept still as if he were waiting for her to kiss him, which she did.

Leaning her head up, Hermione felt her entire body grow hot as she placed her lips on his. The kiss was nothing like Hermione expected it to be. His lips were soft—so soft, almost like velvet. They felt much fuller than they looked, and unlike his hands, they felt warm.

Hermione couldn't believe that not only was she kissing Professor Snape, she was enjoying it. So much that she slowly pulled away before pulling back in. She wanted desperately to deepen the kiss, but before she could her senses returned to her as he abruptly pulled away. At the sound of a loud snap and a loud flash.

Hermione could feel her ears burning as she remembered that there were witnesses present who all had their eyes on them.

SNAP

SNAP

SNAP

She heard her mother's loud camera. Her mother, of course, had insisted on taking photos to capture the moment. And Hermione had not protested the idea. But at the moment, she regretted not telling her mother not to. She was sure Professor Snape would not be happy about it.

Hermione swallowed dryly as she looked up at Professor Snape, who, for the first time, looked flushed. His face finally had color for once. His cheeks grew pink with blush as he continued to blink slightly rapidly, as if trying to process what had just happened.

Had he also enjoyed the kiss? Enjoyed it enough to also forget they weren't alone? The thought made Hermione's heart jump in her chest.

She was confused. Why didn't she have to answer to the bond, as Professor Snape had?

But she knew that right now, in front of her parents, was not the time to ask questions, so instead she smiled over at her parents. Who had tears streaming down both of their faces.

"Oh, that was beautiful!" Hermione's mother cried. Breaking the awkward silence.

"It couldn't have been more beautiful," she continued as she dabbed her eyes with her handkerchief.

Hermione looked over at Professor Snape, who had already held his gaze at her. Hermione was surprised at just how quickly he was able to compose himself. He had already returned to his familiar self. Showing no signs of what had just happened.

Hermione so desperately wanted to know what he was thinking or feeling.

He showed no expression or emotion, but she was sure he must be feeling something. Even if it is anger or annoyance. Afterall, it was his wedding day as well.

She gave him a soft smile that he did not return.

"Well then, now that it is over, I should get going; the ministry of magic will be happy to have a record of this special evening. And we congratulate the two of you." Mr. Shaklebolt spoke. And for the first time, Hermione noticed that Kingsley was there, standing in the corner in his usual purple robes.

Oh, god, they kissed in front of a lot of witnesses.

"Good day to you, Kingsley," Professor Dumbledore responded, and with that, he was gone. And the loud pop that startled her parents'.

"Oh, he must not have been aware how rude that would be," Professor McGonagall said, turning to face her parents apologetically. But her parents waved it off as they continued to dab their eyes.

"Well then, it's time to celebrate." Professor Dumbledore spoke cheerfully as he conjured a couple glasses in midair.

Hermione turned and saw that Professor Snape had snapped his jaw tight so as not to say anything. She was sure celebrating was the last thing he wanted to do, but he was refraining from speaking it out and choosing instead to remain silent.

They all sat down in Hermione's parents living room. With Professor Dumbledore and Professor McGonagall on the loveseat and Professor Snape on the armchair,

Hermione, however, sat right in between her parents, who had insisted they stay for longer than was intended.

They began by drinking the firewhisky Professor Dumbledore had brought to cheer with.

"I would like to say a few words," said Hermione's dad. And Hermione felt her entire body tense. And they all rose to their feet.

"I want to say that although this marriage came as a surprise to Jean and me, we couldn't be happier knowing that our Hermione will be safe and protected, " Hermione's dad said, draping a hand over Hermione's shoulder and pulling her into a side hug.

"And although we had our doubts about the kind of man she would be marrying, after meeting Severus, we can rest assured that she is in safe hands, and we trust that she will be satisfied with her decision." He raised his glass towards Professor Snape, who returned the gesture.

"And we wish you both nothing but love and happiness in this marriage!" Hermione's mother added as she herself raised her glass.

"To Mr. and Mrs. Snape," Professor Dumbledore softly spoke as he himself raised a glass.

Clink. Clink. Clink.

It had been Hermione's parents first time trying elf-made fire whiskey, but given their reaction, it was obvious it had been much too strong for them. Her parents had been occasional wine drinkers. But she never knew them to like anything strong.

She herself didn't like the fire whiskey, but she didn't want to appear like a child, so she accepted it. She only took small sips to wet her lips, trying to ignore Professor Snape's gaze as she did so.

Professor Dumbledore and Professor McGonagall had been going on and on about Hermione's studies and how well she was at them. But her parents couldn't do much but smile, as they didn't really understand what they were saying. But we're polite enough to pretend to follow along.

Occasionally, Hermione and Professor Snape would meet eyes, but it always ended with Hermione quickly looking away. Not being able to handle the intensity of his gaze.

Although she could always feel his gaze on her. Like she had X-ray vision and he could see through her. He openly and shamelessly stared down at her.

"It has been said many times that she is the brightest witch of her age," Professor Dumbledore said. And her mother squealed in happiness.

Hermione felt her face burn at the comment. Although she liked the compliment, it felt weird hearing it said out loud. Especially in front of her three most important professors.

She again looked over at Professor Snape, who now wore an open sneer on his face. Clearly dissatisfied with the compliment.

He apparently did not agree with the comment.

He once again refused to look away from her. His eye contact never faltered. But Hermione wasn't going to back down; she kept her eyes on him now. What was his problem? Was he trying to intimidate her?

"Hermione?" She heard the voice of her mother call out.

"Mm," Hermione hummed as she turned her head to look at her.

"Is it true that you received ten outstanding on your report card?" Her mother asked and let out a loud squeal as Hermione nodded.

Had it been a different time, Hermione would have corrected her mom and told her it was O.W.L.s and not report cards.

Hermione, however, looked back at Professor Snape, who now smirked into his glass at his victory in their eye contest.

She would most definitely be getting him back for that one.

The hours now went by, and Professor Dumbledore and McGonagall had already long departed.

"Well then, Hermione's parents turned to look at Hermione. They were both staring at her as if she were a soldier that they were going to send off to war."

Hermione knew that, as her parents only child, they tended to be a bit overbearing. But she had always felt loved by them.

"Off you go, then," Hermione's mother whispered. She gently ran a hand on the back of her head, her voice slightly cracking.

"Mum, it's going to be okay." Hermione sighed as she pulled her into a tight embrace.

"I know, but it's just going to be so different without you here." She said softly:

"Honestly, mom, it's just going to be like a new school year. I'm gone for 10 months of the year." Hermione tried to calm her crying mother.

"Yes, but we always knew you would be back; you would return home." She quietly sobbed into Hermione's hair. "And now...now you'll have your own home to go to," she continued to sob.

"It's all just happening so quickly," she went on.

"Alright, Jean," she heard her father try to reassure her mother.

"She'll be back to visit, I'm sure!"

Quickly Pulling away from her. Hermione's mother looked at her very sternly.

"Oh, I'll make sure of that!" She demanded, "You'll be back for vacation!" She said she was pointing a demanding finger at her.

Turning her gaze at Professor Snape. Hermione's mother was now pointing at him.

"The two of you will join us for the holiday. And for dinners throughout the year!" She spoke very sternly.

"Yes, yes, of course, mom!" Hermione quickly answered. Embarrassed that she was speaking like that to Professor Snape. But he didn't seem to mind, as he said nothing. I simply gave a polite nod.

"You," she continued to point her finger at Professor Snape.

"You will take care of our little girl; make sure she takes good care of herself," she said.

"Of course," was all he said with another nod.

"Well then, welcome to the family," she said, and before Hermione could process anything, she watched as her mom wrapped her arms around Professor Snape in a warm hug. She watched the awkward interaction as Professor Snape stood stiffly. Not really returning the hug. But clearly too uncomfortable to ask her to let go.

Hermione's dad, on the other hand, just watched the interaction before pulling her mom off him.

"Now Jean! "Don't strangle the man," he said as she pulled away.

"Welcome to the family, young man." Hermione watched her father extend a hand out, which Professor Snape took and shook.

Hermione couldn't help but smile.

She didn't know what she had been expecting. But everything had exceeded any expectations she did have. Both her parents and Professor Snape seemed to get along quite well.

Hermione and Professor Snape, kindly out of respect for her parents, both without a word to one another, decided to wait to apparate outside as it would be, as Professor McGonagall pointed out, was rude to do it inside.

Hermione quickly closed her eyes as she took a hold of his arm, and with a loud pop, they appeared at Spinner’s End.

Hermione was surprised at just how quickly she was getting used to the feeling of apparating.

They stood awkwardly at the front door of the house.

"Come. I'll show you to your room." He finally broke the silence.

Her room? Would they not be sharing a room now that they are married? Hermione wondered as she followed after him.

She once again tried her best not to look around, but she couldn't help her curiosity as she looked around what would now be her new home.

She didn’t get to see much of the rest of the house as he led her up the stairs. The walls in the entrance hall appeared to be very old and rundown. Hermione could tell the walls had once been white. But the walls were now yellow, indicating that someone in the house was a smoker. Although the house didn’t smell like a muggle smoker's house. Perhaps he had a charm so that no foul smell lingered in the house, as the house itself smelled clean and not dirty.

The wooden stairs beneath her feet creaked with every step she took. Until they reached a small hallway with four doors. Two on each side.

"That room," he said pointing to a door that was sealed off with two long wood boards nailed to the door as a clear sign that he did not wish anyone to enter the room. "Do not enter that room. You are allowed access to any room in the house given as it will now be your residence for the next four weeks but you are to never enter that room. Do you understand?" He asked his voice stern and unfriendly as he was trying to convey the seriousness in his words.

"I understand, I promise" Hermione whispered as she looked up at him.

Although now she did wonder what was in the room that he guarded so much. Perhaps Dark items. Or a library full of Dark books.

"That bedroom, was the guest bedroom. It was going to be your bedroom but...I had a particular nasty guest living with me until just a few days before you showed up on my doorsteps." He said and Hermione couldn't help but wonder who?

"And I hadn't noticed just how disgusting the guest was and hadn't been aware of the state in which they left the bedroom, so now I'll have to repair it and clean it up. So you...." He said now pointing to the other door. "Will take that bedroom." And Hermione gave him a small nod.

"The last one, is the bathroom. It is the only bathroom in this house with a tub and shower so we'll have to share that one. But there is also a small bathroom downstairs." He said turning to look at her and Hermione gave him a small nod in acknowledgement.

He stepped in front of her and opened the door to what was now, as he called it, her bedroom, and Hermione quickly followed after him into the bedroom. It was a small, a very small room. Just like the sitting room it had the same eerie feeling of a small padded cell. It had a double bed in the center of the wall with two wooden night stands on each side of the bed. The room had one small window that seemed to be facing the moon as it lit the room with its light.

In the corner of the room, stood one three drawer dresser and next to the dresser was a small beaten down wooden desk and chair.

Their was no life in the room. Just empty furniture. The bedsheets however appeared to be new. Although, Hermione couldn't tell as the entire comforter and pillow cases were black. But appeared to be new.

"This was my bedroom before. But I made sure to empty the drawer. And the bed had been a single bed but I had to transfigure it into a double for our...." He paused and looked conflicted. "Activities."

"I appreciate it" Hermione whispered softly as she continued to look around the room. Although there was nothing more to look at. "For everything really. You didn't have to give up your bedroom. I could use the guest bedroom."

"No. It's not exactly inhabitable at the moment." He said "well unless you are vermin."

Hermione's eyed widened. Surely the house wasn't infested with vermin? Hermione didn't have complaints about the house, as she had grown used to living in uninhabitable houses as she spent last summer at Number 12 Grimmauld Place and nothing would ever be as bad as that house.

"No, the house is not infested with mice. Or any vermin at that." He said as if he had read her mind.

"You looked into my mind?" Hermione accused him softly.

"No. One doesn't need to look into your mind to see what you are thinking. You are what the muggles call an open book."

"You have to promise me that you won't look into my mind ever," Hermione said looking up at him.

"Why would I do that?" He asked furrowing his brows.

"Because we are married now. There should be no reason for you to have to look into my mind without me knowing. We should be able to trust each other." Hermione said "So promise me you won't."

"I give you my word that I wont look into your mind without your knowledge" he said and Hermione could see that he had used his words very carefully so that he could find a way around them in the future. But Hermione didn't mind as long as she had his word that he would not, was enough to ease her mind.

There was an awkward silence that lingered between them. And Hermione felt her face flush as she turned to look at the bed once again. She bit down on her lower lip as she turned to look at him. And saw that his gaze was also at the bed before his eyes flickered to her. And Hermione felt as her heart stopped. As they both knew exactly what was expected to happen next.

He was going to make love to her.

He was going to rightfully claim her in that bed and together they were going to Christen it.

Chapter 7: Honeymoon

Chapter Text

"How would you like to proceed, Miss Granger?" Professor Snape asked softly as they both remained silent, not knowing where to go from there.

Hermione slightly winced at the sound of him using her now-maiden name to address her.

"Well..." Hermione spoke softly as she slowly walked over to him: "Like I said before, I don't want to use magic at all. I want everything to be—"

"Natural," he interrupted, finishing her sentence, sounding more impatient than before.

"Yes," Hermione said, looking down at the floor.

After a few awkward moments, Hermione willed herself to look up at him. Professor Snape's eyes bore into hers as if he were staring directly into her soul. Analyzing her. Realization hit her; he was waiting for her to initiate it.

Mustering all her Gryffindor courage, Hermione took a few steps closer to him.

Now, just a few inches away from him, Hermione forced herself to raise her hands. Hesitantly, she placed both of them on his chest. And felt as Professor Snape took in a deep breath as he clenched his jaw as his face had a look of mixture of both anger and annoyance that she was touching him.

Hermione placed her fingers on the collar of his shirt and began to slowly undo the buttons. Not once breaking eye contact, she continued to do so until she reached the final buttons of the white button-up he was wearing.

Finally, breaking eye contact, Hermione lowered her gaze to his chest. She left the few buttons that were still buttoned at the bottom and ran her hands over his now-bare chest.

Once again, Hermione felt his chest rise and fall as she slowly ran her hands down to his abdomen. His face never faltered. His anger remained very apparent.

Hermione wasn't expecting him to be as hairy as he was. She ran her hands across his hairy chest and felt just how soft his hair felt on her fingers as she brushed through the patch of hair.

Slowly lowering her hands below his chest, she could feel just how thin he was. She could feel and see his rib cage.

However, although he was a thin man, he still had visible muscle. Hermione ran her right hand down to the middle of his abdomen, where there was an indented line going down his stomach.

Finally lowering her hands back down to try to unbutton the last few buttons of his shirt, Hermione realized she couldn't unbutton them with his shirt tucked into his trousers.

She looked up at him for direction, but he offered none. Instead, he continued to look at her, but with no expression or emotion evident on his face. She knew he was angry and annoyed at the fact that they had to consummate this marriage.

Her face blushed as she realized what she must do to untuck his shirt. Slowly lowering her shaking hands, she placed them right on his belt buckle and began to slowly undo it.

Struggling to undo it since she had never unbuckled a man's belt before, she looked up at him again, hoping he would take it as a request for help. But her attempt failed, as he offered none. Instead, he just continued to look at her. But now she could see he was starting to grow impatient.

Averting her eyes back to the task at hand, she began to attempt to undo the belt, but her shaking hands wouldn't allow her to. Embarrassed, she closed her eyes and forced herself to still herself so that her hands could relax. After a few seconds of awkward silence, her hands were still on his belt buckle. She began to undo it with now-steady hands.

Releasing the small breath she was holding in as she finally managed to undo it.

She unbuttoned the button on his trousers. Her hands began to shake again as she placed her fingers on his zipper and slowly, very slowly, zipped it down.

On their own, with the weight of the belt buckle, his trousers began to drop slowly. Placing her hands on the sides of his trousers, she slowly pulled them down.

Finally assisting her, he stepped out of them and gently tossed them aside with his foot.

Hermione looked down at his bare legs. Although the room was dark, the light from the moon was enough to light up the room just enough to give her a glimpse of him. To her surprise, due to her new revelation, his legs were very hairy. Covered with dark black hair that ran up his legs.

Not wanting to look up, she placed her hands back on his shirt and focused on unbuttoning the last two buttons that had been tucked away.

Finally freeing all the buttons, Hermione placed both her small hands on his abdomen. And kept them still as she took in his fully exposed chest now.

Professor Snape was very skinny himself. There was no fat visible on his body, but his muscles were toned. His stomach felt hard. Hermione raised her hand and ran her hands again down the indent in the middle of his stomach. He wasn't overly muscled like the shirtless men she saw on TV or read about in books. But Hermione couldn't help but like the sight of what she saw. She realized she much preferred his body type over anything else.

Finally, running her hands up all the way to his shoulders, Hermione began to take off his shirt.

Again he offered no help at all, and Hermione had to slowly walk behind him to pull off the shirt. Now facing his bare back, Hermione placed both hands on each side and, with a gentle touch, began to run her hands up and down his back, taking in all his scars. She let out a small gasp as she saw a huge, whip-like scar stretching from his shoulder to his lower back.

He had many scars. Small and big. Some looked old, some looked new. Some looked deep, and some looked faint. Like his lower abdomen, he had an ident on his back running from the top to the bottom. Placing her hands on his shoulder blades, she gently ran her hands over to his biceps as she began to slowly walk over to his side.

She ran her hand down to his wrists until she was once again facing him. Looking up at him, he still had no expression on his face but now had his eyes closed, and the clenched muscle on his jaw was still very visible even in the dark.

Looking down, she noticed a tent forming in his black boxers. She gulped as she continued to look at it.

But was distracted as she caught sight of the dark mark that bore into his inner left arm.

Hermione’s natural reaction was to quickly but gently grab his hand to pull it to her to examine it, but he was much stronger than she was and quickly pulled it away, hiding it behind his back.

"Are you going to examine every hair on my body, Miss Granger?" He asked with anger in his voice.

Not able to speak, Hermione slowly shook her head and nodded at her professor.

"Then get on with it," he said through gritted teeth.

Not wanting to waste any more time, Hermione placed all eight of her fingers into the sides of the band of his boxers and slowly began to lower them.

Holding her breath, she continued to do so until his now-full erection sprung out. Her eyes widening at the sight of it.

Her eyebrows scrunched together as a small whimper left her lips. How was that supposed to fit inside her?

She looked up at her professor, who finally wore an expression other than anger or indifference. But Hermione wasn't sure if she liked his expression. His lips had curled into a sinister smirk, and his eyes glared at her almost as if he were daring her to say anything. But Hermione didn't dare; instead, she looked back down at it. And released the breath she was holding.

His penis was most likely bigger than average but she didn't have any experience to compare it too. But she was sure it was.

The hair at the base was black, just like the hair on his head. He had hair traveling from his belly button all the way down to the base of his penis. She allowed herself to look at him from head to toe, avoiding his gaze.

Hermione had concluded that Professor Severus Snape was a very hairy man. But from her experience with seeing Ron and Harry shirtless or in just shorts, She was sure that the man who was standing in front of her completely naked was not a boy but a man.

He was completely and utterly sexy, Hermione allowed herself to think.

Looking up at him, he now wore the same expression Hermione always saw him with.

Raising her hand Hermione placed her hand on the side of her dress to undress herself, but was stopped.

"No!" Professor Snape's voice rang out.

"I expect you to give me the same curtesy I gave you," he said, slightly annoyed.

Hermione didn't say anything; instead, she just continued to look into his eyes in the same way he had done. Lowering her hand back down to her side.

Hermione let out a small gasp as she felt Professor Snape's cold fingers on the side of her dress as he slowly began to unzip it. Placing both his hands on her shoulders, he slowly moved the ruffles of her dress down so that they could fall down her arms. And Hermione cursed herself for picking out such a simple wedding dress that fell to the floor with ease. She wanted him to struggle to undress her like she had when she was undressing him.

Watching his face intensely. Hermione watched as her professor's eyes scanned her body. She felt her body grow hot; she was sure her entire body was red from embarrassment. However, she wasn't sure if he was pleased with what he saw or not.

The only evidence would be his erection. But she knew that an erection was caused by blood flow to the penis. And being friends with two hormonal teenage boys, Hermione knew enough to not know that anything could cause a man to get an erection.

He continued to scan her body until his eyes fell on her right side. Placing his cold fingers on her scar, he traced it from the top to the bottom.

His mouth did a small twitch.

"It's from the attack from the department of mysteries," Hermione said in a small whisper before she could stop herself.

"Mm" was all he said to acknowledge her.

Hermione gasped as he placed his cold hands on both sides of her ribs. And he scrunched his eyebrows. In the same way they would whenever he was disappointed in a student's potion.

So Hermione knew it was disappointment from them being so visible. Even though he was a bloody hypocrite, as his were also slightly visible.

Hermione held in a deep breath as his cold hands began to slowly run down to her hips.

His hands stopped once they reached the hem of her lacy white underwear. Curling his fingers under each side of them He began to pull them down. Feeling exposed as they fell to the floor, Hermione quickly brought her hands to cover herself but was stopped as Professor Snape's cold hands tightly held her hands by her wrists to keep them to her side.

An angry expression is now apparent on his face.

Once he released them, Hermione didn't dare try to cover herself again, scared that she would cause him to look at her with such anger again.

Placing his cold hands back on her now bare hips, he began to run his hands up, slowly lingering on her small waist and then towards her upper back. Not breaking eye contact, his fingers found the clasp of her bra and undid it with ease.

With no straps to hold the bra up, the strapless bra fell to the floor, Hermione's nipples hardening from the sudden coldness of the room.

Once again, Professor Snape showed no reaction.

Disappointment washed over Hermione.

"Does he not like what he sees?" She couldn't help but think.

He didn't acknowledge them but kept his eyes on them. Hermione watched him intensely, hoping to see any flicker of emotion. But was disappointed when he showed none.

Instead, he turned his gaze at the bed and motioned for her to get on it.

Abruptly, Hermione went on to take off the thigh-high stockings.

"Leave those on, and get on the bed," he said, his annoyance now obvious in his voice.

Damn. "When was he ever not in a bad mood?" Hermione thought.

Without hesitancy, Hermione quickly crawled to the center of the bed. Pushing the duvet to the side as she lay on her back.

"Open your legs wide for me," Professor Snape said in a now-soft whisper that caused goosebumps to run all over her body.

Obediently, Hermione spread her legs wide and looked at her professor as he stood at the foot of the bed and looked at her vagin*.

Hermione could feel the heat rising in her body as she watched him crawl onto the bed until he was hovering over her. Being careful not to put any of his weight on her.

Hermione felt her body tense as she felt his erection gently brushing against her inner thigh.

Hermione was grateful that she had used the balm that had gotten rid of all her pubic hair. As she enjoyed the contact of the tip of his penis against her bare flesh.

For a few long moments, Professor Snape didn't move.

After what felt like eternity, he placed a long, cold finger right below her belly button and slowly traced it down, stopping at the top of her slit where her lips parted.

Looking up to see any reaction, he continued to slowly move his finger down her slit, not breaking eye contact. Hermione let out a gasp as she felt him gently part her lips with his finger and gently stroke up and down her now parted lips.

"You are...naturally...aroused," he said in a whispered statement.

"Oh god," Hermione thought, mortified.

"But not as much as I need you to be," he said, gently pulling his hand away.

"I'm sorry," Hermione whispered inaudibly, but she was sure he had heard her.

"What arouses you, Miss Granger?" He asked suddenly, taking Hermione by surprise.

Hermione couldn't help the deep blush that rose from her head to toe at the question being asked by her professor. She never thought she would be naked underneath Professor Snape, let alone speak about such a thing with him.

"I... I don't really know, sir, Hermione whispered again, "I've never really been aroused."

"Mmm" was the only acknowledgement he gave her in a tone that let Hermione know that he was aggravated at her inexperience.

"What do you think will arouse you, Miss Granger?" He asked softly.

"Um... kissing... I think, sir," Hermione answered, turning her head to look away from him.

"Kissing?" He asked with a slight confusion in his tone.

Hermione closed her eyes in embarrassment and slowly nodded.

"Kissing?" He asked again, with such distaste in his tone, "Because it is the only experience you have?"

"No, sir," Hermione whispered, "I never enjoyed kissing before... I only enjoyed it when you kissed me at the alter," Hermione confessed. Closing her eyes shut in embarrassment.

Hermione was surprised by her own admission. She couldn't believe herself. She was practically admitting to him that she had been aroused by the kiss they shared.

"Mm," he hummed again in acknowledgment, "and you would like for me to kiss you again?" He asked in a small whisper.

Hermione was surprised when she opened her eyes to see how close he was to her now. His hair hung down the sides of his face and covered both of them, so Hermione couldn't really see his face. She could just feel his breath on her.

"Yes, sir," Hermione responded, cringing at how shaky her voice came out.

"Mm," Professor Snape let out in a small groan, inching closer to her. Until his hooked nose was pressed gently against hers. Slightly moving it from side to side until he kept it still.

Hermione didn't know why, but the small action caused butterflies in her stomach.

Hermione could smell the strong wine they had consumed at the headmaster's toast on his breath. And she wondered if he could smell it on hers as well.

And although he was now mere inches away from her, his nose still gently pressed against his own.

He remained still.

Hermione then remembered that he seemed to always want her to be the one to initiate things, so she lifted her head up and gently placed her lips on his.

Remembering just how surprisingly soft they were. Gently applying pressure to the kiss, Hermione hesitantly wrapped her arms around his neck and pulled him down so that she could once again lower her head back into the pillow without breaking the kiss.

Not really knowing how to kiss, Hermione just kept her lips on his without really moving.

Catching on to her inexperience, Professor Snape began to slowly move his own lips, and Hermione just began to follow along until they were both in slow, gentle rhythm with each other. And as the kiss deepened, Hermione began to feel desire building inside her.

Desire she had never felt before

Hermione could hear the smacks between their kisses, but she felt that it only added to her arousal.

Soon, she felt as if she couldn't get enough of his mouth.

She wanted more; she needed more.

Softly moaning into his mouth, feeling bold, Hermione opened her mouth to slide her tongue into his mouth. and to her surprise, Professor Snape didn't seem to mind. Instead, he allowed it to enter his mouth, and Hermione let out a small moan as she felt his own tongue gently pressing against hers.

As she ran her fingers through his hair, she withdrew her tongue and took his lower lip in between her lips, and with gentle pressure from her teeth, she pulled it. And to her surprise, Professor Snape let out a low groan. But disappointment washed over her as he quickly pulled away.

"That's enough; you should be ready for me now," he said in a small whisper as he slid his hand down and ran a cold finger down her slit again like he had done before. And Hermione couldn't hold in the moan she had been holding in as his long finger brushed against her cl*toral area.

"So wet," Hermione heard him murmur.

She felt as he reached down and placed himself at her entrance before tracing it up and down, getting himself wet with her juices.

Hermione was taken back when he looked up at her and pressed his forehead against hers.

"I'm going to enter you now, okay?" He whispered softly.

"Okay," Hermione whispered back as she wrapped her arms around his neck to prepare herself for the pain she was expecting to feel. She felt as he placed himself right at her entrance and began to slowly push the head of his penis inside her.

Hermione let out a painful scream as she quickly tightened her hold around Professor Snape's neck. And dug her nails deep into his back, which caused him to go rigid. He remained very still for a few long moments, allowing her to get used to the pain.

"I have to keep moving, Miss Granger," he whispered as he placed his forehead once more against her forehead. Hermione had her eyes tightly shut, trying to get used to the pain, but the pain was unbearable. The burning sensation of him stretching her was causing her so much pain and discomfort. Hermione couldn't help but wonder why people ever bothered to do it.

"No....no....no" Hermione whimpered. She could feel the lump on her throat form, and her eyes began to fill with tears. "Take it out, take it out, please." Hermione felt her tears begin to fall.

"I can't, Miss Granger; we have to keep going until we satisfy the bond," Professor Snape whispered, and for the first time, Hermione could hear the gentleness in his voice. Although it was very comforting, it didn't take away from the pain she was currently experiencing. "I know it hurts, but the sooner we get this done, the sooner it will be over," he whispered, trying to reassure her.

"Please be gentle with me, sir." Hermione broke out into a small sob.

Professor Snape waited a few long moments until her sniffling ceased to continue trying to push himself inside her, but with every inch, Hermione would tighten her hold on him. And dig her nails into his back.

Hermione knew she was a mess.

She could feel the burning in her cheeks and the swelling in her eyes from crying so much. This wasn't how she wanted her first time to be, but nothing could have prepared her for the excruciating pain it felt to have him try to impale her. Hermione felt as if she was going to split in half. She could feel the sweat accumulating on her back and forehead, and she could also feel his sweat accumulating from the effort of trying not to hurt her while practically doing a plank over her, trying not to push himself too fast into her.

"I have just about half of it in, Miss Granger," Professor Snape said softly into her ear. "I can either push it all in one thrust and get it over with, or I could continue to go at this pace."

"One push and get it over with," Hermione whimpered, not sounding so sure herself, but she was desperate to get it over with. If it meant the pain would go away.

"The pain is probably going to be worse thanyou have been experiencing," he said softly.

And Hermione couldn't say anything but let out another small sob.

"I'm sorry," he softly murmured, pressing his sweaty, beaded forehead against her own sweaty forehead once again.

Professor Snape again waited a few long moments before lifting himself up to help him adjust himself better inside her. Placing both of his forearms under her pillow, she raised her head to nuzzle against the crook of his neck. Hermione felt safe in this position. Much more intimate than before, as if he was trying to protect her from the pain he was about to inflict upon her.

"Can you kiss me, sir?" Hermione asked, trying to hide the shaking in her voice. But Professor Snape made no movement to kiss her, saying, "Please, it will help distract me from the pain."

Professor Snape didn't say anything; instead, he once again pressed his forehead to hers and waited for her to press her lips to his, which she did.

The kiss began slowly and intimately and slowly began to turn into a heated, passionate kiss. And when she least expected it, Professor Snape quickly thrust himself fully into her, finally putting his full weight on her. Hermione pulled away and let out an excruciating scream, digging her nails into his back.

"It's okay, Miss Granger; you're okay," Professor Snape whispered gently into her ear. As he flexed his arms, pulling her closer to him.

After a few long moments, Hermione felt herself finally begin to relax as her body finally began to get used to having him inside her.

"I'm okay," Hermione whispered as she slowly circled her hips to encourage him to move.

"I'm going to pull out and push back in now, okay?" He said it against her ear. Hermione didn't respond; instead, she just nodded but she knew he could feel her response.

The burning sensation was still there as he slowly began to pull himself out, but it wasn't as painful as when he was trying to push himself in first.

Slowly, Professor Snape continued to pull himself out until he was almost fully out beside the head of his penis. Before quickly pushing himself back in. Hermione didn't scream out this time, but she let out a pained whimper and continued to dig her nails into his back. Professor Snape did this over and over, gaining the same reaction from her each time.

Hermione didn't want to focus on her pain. She wanted to focus on her pleasure. But she didn't know how to get it. So instead, Hermione wanted to focus on giving him as much pleasure as she could. She brought her lips to the crook of his neck and began to place small, wet kisses along his neck up until she reached behind his ear. Professor Snape let out a small groan as she took his earlobe into her mouth and tugged on it gently with her teeth.

Did he like that?Hermione thought to herself. As she continued to tug it.

Releasing his ear, she began to gently suck and kiss any bare skin she could reach. And now it was his turn to tighten his hold on her. Moving his hair to the side, Hermione began placing gentle kisses down his jawbone until she reached his chin, and she kissed up until she met her mouth with his once more, and they began to kiss passionately again.

After a few minutes of kissing. Hermione herself could start to feel her own wetness as she slowly began to feel pleasure with each stroke he made.

Professor Snape quickly pulled away and buried his face into the crook of her neck. Gently placing wet kisses on it. Hermione couldn't help but let out a small moan. As she moved her head to the side to give him better access to her neck.

Hermione didn't know what had to happen for it to be over, but she knew that whatever it was, it had to be close because of his tight grip around her head.

And though she hadn't really felt much pleasure, hearing his muffled, suppressed moans and groans brought her great pleasure that she couldn't explain.

She enjoyed knowing that it was her who was causing such a reaction from her strict, hard-to-please professor. She thought of all the years before when she so much wanted to earn an O from him or to please him. And now she could. Now she had the pleasure of pleasing him in ways that many didn't.

Hermione couldn't help the wide, menacing smile that spread across her face at the thought. Burying her face back into the crook of his neck, she began sucking and kissing all along the side of his neck again while she began running her nails up and down his back with gentle pressure. She felt him shudder at the feeling.

And before she could think of doing anything else to give him pleasure, he let out a series of low groans as he buried his face into the side of the pillow. And she felt a rush of fluid spill inside her. And with a few last thrusts, he fell completely limb onto her.

Although Hermione knew it was over and they were finished, she continued to rub her hands up and down his back to comfort him. This time, she pressed her palms up and down his sweaty back to help him ride the waves of pleasure she knew he was experiencing from his heavy breathing.

Hermione enjoyed the feeling of his full weight on her. She wished she could stay like that all night.

But after a few moments, she could feel his breathing returning to normal, and she knew the moment would soon be over.

As she had figured, a few moments later he pulled himself off her, slowly pulling his flaccid penis out of her before throwing himself roughly on the side of the bed next to her. Throwing an arm over his forehead and extending a bent knee to his side Hermione watched as his breathing became steady, and she watched as he fell asleep.

She wanted nothing more but to curl up next to him and fall asleep safe and sound in his arms, but she knew that it would only anger him. After all, it wasn't like what they had just done was voluntary; it was more like a mere obligation.

So instead, she gently, so as not to wake him up, got up from the bed, picked up her white clutch, and opened it to find the empty vails she had prepared for the occasion were both filled with blood.

Her blood.

Her virgin blood

She knew just how much virgin blood costs. Because it was hard to come by, not many people's first thoughts when losing their virginity were to retrieve it.

But Professor Snape knew. Of course he did; as a Potion Master, he had to have known. But yet he was honorable and noble enough not to ask such a thing from her.

Unless he didn't want it knowing it was hers, theirs

The thought made her stomach twist.

No, Hermione scolded herself.

Don't overthink, she repeated to herself as she gently crawled back into bed. She so desperately wanted to wrap herself around him and fall asleep with his warm skin against hers.

Hermione pulled the duvet and cover over her and Professor Snape. Excitedly, like a child, she silently giggled to herself and pulled the cover to her chin as she began to replay what had just happened in her mind.

Hermione couldn't believe just how gentle and understanding he was with her. And although he clearly wasn't happy in the beginning when she undressed him, he was very comforting and understanding to her when she was in pain. She couldn't help but be happy that she had savored her virginity. She was happy that it was him who took it.

"Professor Snape is my husband," Hermione thought to herself, and she was taken back as a wide smile spread across her face at the thought.

"Mrs. Snape," Hermione softly whispered out loud.

It was weird to hear it said out loud, and it all felt like a dream. What would her friends think if they knew everything she had done?

Married professor Snape! Had sex with Professor Snape!

But Hermione didn't allow herself to dwell on it so much as she felt herself drift into deep sleep.

Chapter 8: The Morning After

Chapter Text

Severus Snape POV

August 2, 1996

Severus woke up with his usual scowl as he felt the morning sun beaming down into the room through the window. He subconsciously raised a hand and began to rub his eyes as he struggled to gain control of his vision as he was being blinded by the bright sun.

But his body went completely stiff as he felt the weight of the witch on him. And the events of last night came flooding through his mind, as if his mind were being searched.

His witch, he thought to himself. But the thought itself sent anger boiling through his blood.

Looking up at the familiar cracked ceiling. He closed his eyes and began to take deep breaths to try to compose his anger so that he wouldn't force the witch completely off him.

Damn Albus. Damn her. Damn the ministry. And damn himself! He cursed to himself, as he couldn't believe the situation he found himself in.

A wife, he thought to himself. He corrected himself, but the thought was not helping him contain his anger.

Taking him completely out of his thoughts, the girl let out a small moan as she gently moved to nuzzle herself closer to him.

Not wanting to hide his anger any longer, Severus let out a frustrated groan that should've been loud enough for her to wake up, but she didn't. So instead, he placed his hand against her shoulder, and Severus willed himself to nudge her. But she still remained unconscious.

Great. The insufferable witch is a deep sleeper,Severus thought to himself as he raised his hand to massage his temple.

It wasn't until she moved the leg that was draped around his waist that Severus realized where all his frustration was coming from.

Lifting his head slightly to look down at his body, he saw the head of his co*ck pressing up against the witch's leg.

Throwing his head back in frustration, he continued to massage his temples as he felt the tension building above his eyebrows.

Severus wasn't surprised to wake up with an erection. Since his earliest memories of adolescence, he has almost always woken up with an erection.

Severus tried to convince himself that it wasn't caused by her. Over and over, but it didn't help the guilt that rose in him.

This is wrong; she's my student. She's a child.

This is wrong, he kept repeating to himself. Over and over as he moved her leg from his person. He quickly sat up, hoping that the girl would remain in deep slumber and wouldn't wake up and see his erection. But of course, nothing in his life came easy to him.

He heard the girl begin to stir. Quickly standing up, Severus walked over to where his trousers and boxers had landed. He tried his best to ignore the sight of her as she sat up, causing the duvet to fall to her lap and expose her perky, small breast to him.

Ignore her; it's not because of her,he scolded himself as he felt his co*ck twitch at the sight in front of him.

Struggling to find his clothes. He willed himself to look up at the girl, who still had her breasts exposed to him and was now vigorously rubbing her eyes.

_______________
Hermione’s POV

Trying to wake up from a sleepy daze. Hermione couldn't really form a coherent thought. It wasn't until she rubbed her eyes once more that she finally realized the sight in front of her.

Professor Snape was standing naked in front of her. In front of the foot of the bed.

Their bed.

Her eyes widened as they landed on his erection.

"Professor?" Hermione spoke softly, her voice slightly cracking from her dry mouth.

"What is it, Ms. Granger?" He spat in anger. As he pulled his black boxers on.

"Come back to bed," Hermione said sleepily as she patted the side of the bed.

"I can assist you," Hermione said as she felt herself grow hot in embarrassment at what she was suggesting. But still tired enough to not fully know what she was saying.

She watched as the professor stiffened and looked at her as if she had just said the most offensive thing he had ever heard.

"Don't be ridiculous, Ms. Granger," he spat out angrily. His eyebrows scrunched together in anger.

Crawling on the bed until she was sitting on the edge of the bed. Hermione asked, "Won't it hurt if you just ignore it, sir?"

But he didn't respond; instead, he just looked down at her. His eyes quickly flickered towards her breast before quickly looking back at her.

Hermione curiously looked up at him through her thick lashes. Which only seemed to anger Professor Snape more. He aggressively stepped into his trousers and pulled them up, not bothering to buckle his belt.

No, I just need a cold shower, he murmured angrily to himself as he picked up his white button-up and black dress shoes. Not bothering to put them on. He stormed out of the room, and Hermione felt her body slightly jump as the bedroom door slammed shut behind him.

Damn. Did he always wake up this angry? Was he really always angry? Hermione thought to herself.

She had always heard that sex could put even the meanest men in a good mood. But so far, that hasn't been the case.

Unless...it wasn't good,Hermione let out a disappointed huff at the thought.

Standing up, she winced at the pain that shot through her as she sat up. Oh, god, was she sore? Walking over to her dress, Hermione could feel her walk being different as her pelvis and vagin* adjusted to the soreness. Picking up her wedding dress, she extended it and took a long, good look at it. She didn't want to wash it. She wanted to preserve it in a box and savor it forever.

But that would mean she had nothing to wear in the meantime. She had forgotten her trunk at home, so she would need to return to grab her belongings.

She looked over at the bedsheet cover. She could wear that, she supposed. After all, she had always seen women in movies doing it, but she didn't want to walk around clutching it to her chest all day. She supposed she didn't have much of a choice.

But just before she went to grab the cover, her eyes caught a glimpse of his white button-up.

He must have dropped it on the way out, Hermione thought, biting her lower lip out of habit. She walked over to it. Wincing at the pain as she bent down to pick it up. She quickly, without thinking, brought it up to her nose and took a deep breath.

The familiar scent of woodsmoke, the smell of his bar soap, and a mixture of potion ingredients that always seemed to linger on his person hit her nose.

She loved his scent.

She always had. Even when she was younger and held no feelings towards him, she always enjoyed him whenever she caught a whiff of him. Especially in class, whenever he would walk by, Hermione had always savored it, but now she would always be around his scent.

Hopefully it will come onto me, Hermione thought to herself as she began to put on the button-up shirt.

Surely he won't mind, Hermione thought as she began to button the buttons on the shirt. Buttoning up just enough buttons that were necessary to keep it closed.

She loved the feel of it on her body. She loved how big it was; she was practically drowning in it.

Walking over to her wedding dress, she folded it and placed it on the nightstand. And then walked back over to make the bed.

_______________
Severus POV

Severus was standing in the shower with his eyes closed, allowing the cold water to trickle down his back. He winced when he felt the water flow over the areas where she had dug her nails in.

She must have dug deep, Severus thought to himself.

But quickly shook his head, trying to shake off the thought of her. Before on the rare occasion that he thought of her, nothing but an image of her buck-toothed, bushy-haired school days came to mind.

But now…

Now the image was altered. Now whenever he thought of her the image of this morning came to mind. Her sitting up at the edge of the bed fully exposed, hair disheveled and not in the way it usually was.

Shaking his head again, Severus began to think about what he usually thought about whenever he was trying to get rid of an unwanted erection.

Amortentia potion, he began to recite the potion he hated making the most. He closed his eyes and began to mutter step by step, Ingredient by ingredient.

Once he finished reciting the potion, he looked down at his now-flaccid penis. And let out a relieved breath. It's good to see his trick still came in hand.

Once he finished washing up. He wrapped a towel around his waist and tucked it so that it stayed in place. And he conjured another towel, placed it over his head, and began to shake his head with his hands to try to dry his hair by hand.

Once he was sure his hair wasn't dripping wet anymore, he tossed the towel into the laundry bin that stood by the tub.

Placing his damp feet onto the cold floor of the bathroom, Severus made his way to the sink and began to brush his teeth, hovering over the sink to not spill any toothpaste that bubbled in his mouth. Once he finished, he conjured a face towel and wiped his mouth dry.

Severus finally glanced at his reflection in the mirror and made his usual sneer. He didn't enjoy looking at himself, not because he was unattractive, he knew he was unattractive.

What he hated seeing was the man he had become in just a decade. At times, he found himself looking at acquaintances his own age and seeing the big difference between the lot of them and himself. Even Lucius, before he was captured and sent to Azkaban, although a few years his senior, appeared to look younger than he was. It seemed that everyone that he met who was his age appeared to be younger than he was. That was what he hated the most about his reflection. That the man looking back did not appear to be the young man in years that he was.

Pressing the mirror back to reveal the back that held his shaving cream and razor. Closing it, he began to rub the shaving cream messily over his facial hair. Running the razor gently over his face, making sure not to cut himself with the blade, he continued until he was left with just his neck to do. Being raised a muggle, there were old habits that Severus continued to follow. One of them was shaving by hand.

Moving his damp shoulder-length hair to his back so that it was out of his way when he shaved his neck.

Severus went rigid at the sight of what he saw. Moving his head slightly to the side, he sneered at the sight of his assaulted neck.

A trail of hickies that ran from the crook of his neck up to his jaw. They were very big, visible dark purple hickies.

Severus sucked in a deep breath of anger. As he felt his blood begin to boil.

How had he not realized what she was doing? Did she know what she was doing would leave marks? He asked himself angrily.

From the few sexual partners that he had. He never allowed them to leave any kind of mark on him. He never allowed them to be any more intimate than needed.

He hated any form of intimacy.

Hated any form of physical display of affection.

Hated the act of kissing.

Severus sneered once again at the sight in front of him. Before lifting his wand to his neck to get rid of the marks. But he stood frozen, his wand pointing to his neck.

She voluntarily gave him those marks.

which meant that in the moment, she wanted him. She wanted to know what was happening. Severus tried to convince himself to get rid of any guilt that was still brewing inside him.

Lowering his hand. He continued to look at the marks with such distaste. As much as he hated the sight. It was his only chance to convince himself and her that what had occurred last night was consensual.

Wrong and unethical, but consensual.

Sneering. Severus finished shaving.

And walked into his now-private bedroom. His nostrils flared at the foul smell that hit his nose. And Severus swished his wand all over the room, clearing the air of the foul, unwanted smell. He did not know exactly what Wormtail had done to this room, but it was clear that he had succeeded in destroying it. The smells that reeked out from the walls were so strong and disgusting that Severus was considering burning down the room to stop the smell from vacating the entire house. But the spells and charms he was placing daily seemed to be working, so he wouldn’t have to worry much until the smell became intolerable.

Severus finished changing, made his way downstairs, and stepped into the sitting room. And just when he thought he couldn't get any more angry, but there she stood, browsing through his personal library. Although having her touch his books did infuriate him, it was the sight of her wearing what he presumed would be nothing but his button-up white shirt that he had worn yesterday.

Enraged, he walked over to her, startling her and causing her to jump as she felt his presence behind her.

"What do you think you're doing?" Severus asked through gritted teeth.

"Sir, I-I," she tried to spit out, but her words failed her at the sight of her professor.

Standing a few inches away with his hands on his back, similar to the way he did whenever he was scolding someone in class.

The girl looked up at him as he stood tall at his full height, her words clearly failing her.

The silence in the room was loud.

Finally, as she seemed to muster up her courage, she began to speak.

"Sir, I'm sorry, I didn't mean to touch your things," was all she managed to whisper.

"What do you think you're wearing?" He redirected his earlier question since she seemed to be having trouble thinking.

The girl quickly looked down at what she was wearing, as if she herself had forgotten.

"I'm sorry," she whispered, her gaze now on the floor.

"I don't have any of my stuff," the girl whispered, and Severus heard a small sniffle coming from the girl.

Merlin, did the witch ever stop crying? he angrily thought to himself.

"I'll go change," she whispered, but remained in place.

Severe logical thinking began to come back. There wasn't anything she could change into that wouldn't be the dress she had worn at the ceremony. And Severus did not want to see her in that again.

"Leave it on," Severus said, taking a few steps away from her.

"I'll have Missy pick up your belongings," was all he said as he turned on his heel and began walking towards the kitchen.

"Missy?" He heard the girl's soft voice ask.

Severus closed his eyes in irritation.

"My appointed house elf, Miss Granger," he said, not bothering to turn around to face her.

"You own a house elf?" She asked with slight shock in her voice.

"I don't own her; she was assigned to assist me at Hogwarts and enjoys it so much that she assists me in the summer as well," he said, mocking. Of course he knew what Miss Granger's unwanted opinion on elf labor was.

"You can't send her to retrieve my belongings," the girl demanded.

Quickly turning around to face her, Severus’s lip curled in irritation.

"And, pray tell, Miss Granger, why not?" He spat, daring the stupid girl to give her opinion so he could lash out with anger.

"My parents, sir," the girl said much more confidently, in a way that only happened when she spoke of her parents.

"They won't understand; they'll be frightened," the girl said, wiping her damp cheeks dry from previously crying.

Severus hated to admit it, but she was right. After all, they were muggles. He'd have no choice but to accompany her to retrieve her belongings.

"Ah," Severus said, trying to hide the defeat in his voice.

"We'll go and retrieve your belongings after breakfast," Severus said once again, turning around and retreating to his study.

Severus didn't know how long he had been in his study, writing down lesson plans for the upcoming term. He liked to get his work done ahead of time in case a disruption were to arise and he needed to make changes to anything.

And Severus knew it was going to be a difficult year.

Feeling his hand start to cramp up, he released the quill in his hand and flexed his hand in a closed fist to relieve the tension. Quickly, he stopped as he heard a faint knock on the door.

"Come in," he said in a tone of frustration.

What now? Must she bother him here too? He thought to himself as he heard the door crack open, he watched as the girl stepped in, carrying a tray of mugs and a kettle.

She walked slowly towards his desk as if she were trying not to spill. It wasn't until she set the tray down that Severus sneered.

She had already poured the tea into the mugs instead of waiting for the tray to be set to pour the tea.

But Severus decided to forgo scolding her.

It wasn't until he realized that the tea was piping hot that would she have tripped on her way here, she would’ve burned herself. Looking down at her exposed legs, Severus sneered in frustration, not able to hold back.

"Wouldn't it have been more logical to wait until you have reached your destination and then pour the tea in the mugs, Ms. Granger, so as to not cause a mess in case of a spill?" Severus asked.

The girl's eyes slightly widened as she realized what she had done.

"Yes, yes, I suppose that would have been more logical," she said, her face flushing in a certain way it did whenever she was embarrassed.

"You'll have to forgive me, sir; it's my first time serving tea." The girl blushed, but in a way that he was becoming more and more familiar with. A certain blush that let him know that she was flushed.

The girl quickly picked up a mug and walked over to the side of his desk to place it in front of him, but now it was his turn to flush at the sight of her breast as she leaned in to place the mug in front of him.

Quickly looking away, anger shot through him again. And he picked up the mug and began to sip it to stop himself from scolding her.

He was waiting for her to leave so he could massage his temple once more to alleviate the tension there. He sneered in exasperation as she sat in front of the chair in front of his desk.

But she didn't say anything; instead, she remained silent and sipped her tea. Fiddling with her fingers as she held the mug tightly in her hand.

_______________
Hermione’s POV

"When do you usually eat breakfast, sir?" Hermione broke the silence that filled the room.

"Same time as Hogwarts," Professor Snape responded coldly.

Hermione knew he was annoyed with her presence, but she needed to know what their schedule would be as a married couple. What life would be now that they were husband and wife.

"What do you usually have for breakfast?" Hermione asked, but quickly looked at her feet as she watched him raise his head in annoyance.

"Missy knows what meals I prefer," he responded once again coldly.

"Yeah, well, Missy isn't your wife; I am, so I would like to know." Hermione said confidently, sitting up straight. And placing her mug on the desk.

But Hermione felt all her confidence drain out of her as she watched him rise to his feet and walk over to her.

Leaning down and placing his hands on either side of the chair she was sitting on, he lowered his face so he was only a few inches away.

"And why is that?" he asked, and Hermione could see his face flushed in anger.

"He's trying to intimidate you, Hermione; stand your ground; you are his wife now after all," Hermione thought to herself.

Trying to gain a bit of confidence back, Hermione slightly sat up straight again and looked into his cold, dark, black eyes.

"Well, you said that as my husband, your responsibility is to protect me." "And well, as your wife, my responsibility is to care for you," Hermione said, looking up at him, but his face was twisted with aggravation.

"So I would like to fulfill my responsibility as a wife...as your wife. So I would like to do the cooking, cleaning, and house maintenance." Hermione said, trying not to let him intimidate her, but to Hermione's surprise, Professor Snape's aggravated face turned into amusem*nt.

looking down at her as he let out a small chuckle.

Hermione had never heard him laugh before or chuckle in any way. She didn't really think he was capable of such emotions. But here he was, laughing as if she had made a joke.

Hermione felt her face burn as realization hit her.

He was laughing at her.

For saying she wanted to play her role as his wife? Now it was her turn to flush in anger.

"Why are you laughing at me?" Hermione dared to ask.

"Because you amuse me, Miss Granger," he answered mockingly. "Here I thought I would have a spoiled chit as a wife. Who has always had everything handed to her on a silver platter? You are not prepared to live a life with struggles." He said his face was forming into a mocking smile as he watched for her reaction.

Hermione's eyebrows scrunched in anger. How dare he? He thinks he has her all figured out. He knows nothing about her.

"That's not true!" Hermione said her voice was rising a bit. But it only seemed to amuse Professor Snape more as he leaned down on his desk and folded his arms around his chest.

"No?" His lip curled into a mocking smirk.

"You think that because your parents are muggles that you know what struggle is?" He taunted her.

Hermione couldn't hold in her anger anymore. She quickly stood to her feet and raised her hand to slap him, but his reflexes were much faster than hers. And he pushed her back down onto the chair and held her wrist in the air.

"DON’T YOU DARE!" Professor Snape said, and the tone in his voice made the hairs in the back of her neck stand up. Hermione couldn't believe it. She had raised her hand to her professor. The tight grip on her wrist made Hermione let out a small whimper. "Listen to me, you insufferable witch. I warned you before you decided to go through with this mess that I would not have you disrespect me, and I would not tolerate any of your childish tantrums." He said his eyes were darkening in anger.

"Don't you dare raise your hand at me again," he said, pulling her more aggressively towards him so that her face was now inches away from him.

"If you want struggle, be my guest. From now on, you'll do the cooking, the laundry, and the cleaning. Let's see just how much of it you can take," he said, letting go of her wrist and shoving it out of the way in an aggressive manner.

After a few long moments, she remained seated. Rubbing her wrist to alleviate the stinging.

"You are excused, Miss Granger!" He said it coldly as he walked back to his desk and picked up the parchment that lay in front of him.

"Stop calling me that!" Hermione exclaimed, rising to her feet.

How can he still call her that after everything that has happened? After what they did last night?

"That is your name, is it not?" He asked mockingly Refusing to turn to look at her.

"Well yes—No!" Hermione felt her voice shake in frustration.

"Well, which is it then, Miss Granger?" He asked clearly, answering for her.

"It's not my name, not since we took our vows," Hermione said, trying to remain calm and not let his words frustrate her anymore.

"I don’t think I need to remind you, Miss Granger, that because of the secrecy of this marriage, you are going to be keeping your last name."

"We will only be providing the ministry with evidence; how will we convince them that this is a real marriage if I don’t even take your name?" Hermione was confused. She knew that when she returned to Hogwarts, she would still be referred to as Hermione Granger, but she assumed that in the marriage license that Kingsley agreed to handle, she would be recognized as Hermione Snape.

"The ministry of magic still doesn't recognize this as a real marriage; it will take a lot more than some silly vows and consummation to convince them." He said he was still not bothering to look up at her. "So keeping your name should be more than fine."

"They were not silly vows, and this is a real marriage." Hermione’s voice cracked, tears now threatening to spill from the frustration that had built up inside her.

Finally raising his head to look at her. He raised a brow in amusem*nt.

"There are all kinds of real marriages: traditional marriages, convenience marriages, and arranged marriages." Hermione began to list off her points to make her point.

"I would hardly call our marriage a convenience marriage. As it only conveniences one person. You, Ms. Granger, are the only one who benefits from this ordeal," he said clearly and bitterly. "I didn’t ask for this, I didn’t want this, and I don’t want you."

Hermione remained silent.

She didn't know what to say; she knew he was right, but it still stung to hear the accusation in his voice.

"So if you want to play house because you feel some sort of guilt and feel as if you now owe me to be a good little housewife, then I'll tell you now, Ms. Granger, your debt to me is much higher than cooking up some dinner and sweeping around here and there," he said angrily.

Hermione couldn't believe what he was saying. Although she knew that he was right. She was benefiting far more than he was from the marriage.

But his words still hurt her.

Not having anything else to say and not wanting to be in his presence any longer, Hermione quickly gathered the tea items and tray and stormed out of his study, allowing the door to slam behind her.

Finally, in the kitchen, Hermione began to look around. If she wanted to do the cooking, she needed to familiarize herself with the kitchen.

Opening every cabinet to see what was inside, Hermione quickly gathered that he clearly rarely vacated this house. Many drawers and cabinets were empty. With a few pots and pans and a few dishes.

Walking over to the fridge, she opened it just to find a couple of items.

Milk,Eggs,Sausage,Bread

Hermione let out a scream of surprise as she heard a loud pop.

There staring at her in shock stood a house elf.

She resembled Dobby very much, except for the obvious fact that she was a girl elf. She also didn’t look like Winky, as the house elf in front of her appeared to be very happy and taken care of. She wore a simple brown dress. With a bright pink headband that had a bright pink bow on top of it.

"Miss Granger! in Professor Snape's home!" Missy quickly pulled her ears down in panic.

"Miss Granger! in Professor Snape's home!" She kept repeating it over and over.

"No, no, no. I'm allowed to be here, Missy!" Hermione quickly responded, not wanting to panic the elf.

"Miss Granger knows who Missy is! What an honor!" Missy squealed as she continued to pull down her ears.

Hermione quickly lowered herself to her knees and wrapped her hands around the elf’s wrist to stop herself from hurting herself any further.

"You know, Missy, I'm no longer Ms. Granger," Hermione said softly. "I'm Mrs. Snape now." Hermione raised her left hand, where she wore her wedding band.

Missy's eyes widened in complete shock.

"Mrs. S-Snape?" Missy stammered backward in disbelief.

"Mhmm, although it's a secret, you can't tell anyone!" Hermione quickly said, her eyes widening in realization that she had already let the cat out of the bag with the first person she'd talked to.

"Missy swears to not tell anyone Madam Snape's secret!" Missy spoke confidently and

"Call me Hermione, please," Hermione said, which earned another cry from the elf.

"Ohhhh!" Missy wailed, "Missy has never been asked to call any wizard or witch by their name!" Missy sobbed into her hands.

"Well, most people don't seem to agree with S.P.E.W." Hermione frowned. Which caused Missy to abruptly stop crying.

"Yes, many of the house elves don't agree with it either. But Missy and Dobby think it is very kind that you and your friends treat us as equals," Missy sniffled out.

"You are our equals," Hermione said softly, which was about to earn her another cry from the elf, but Hermione quickly cut her off. "Why are you here, Missy? Did Professor Snape call you?"

"I am here to serve Professor Snape breakfast. Missy always serves Professor Snape breakfast at 8am.

"Ah, well, that's my job to do from now on. Along with the cleaning and laundry," Hermione muttered softly as she realized how taxing doing all that every day was going to be.

"So you'll just have to show me how he likes his breakfast!" Hermione said, shaking her head from her own thoughts.

Hermione and Missy began to work on preparing breakfast. Although the breakfast consisted of an easy English breakfast with eggs, sausage, toast, and beans, Hermione was glad that Missy was there to walk her through everything.

"H-Hermione?" Missy asked softly, as if testing the waters by using her name.

"Yes, Missy?" Hermione smiled softly at the elf.

"Missy serves Professor Snape; Professor Snape requested not to be called Master. So Missy calls him Professor Snape, but you, Madam, are his wife? Why do you call him Professor?" She asked.

And Hermione remained silent, not expecting that question. To be honest with herself, Hermione wasn't sure what she was supposed to call him now that they were married. Was she to keep addressing him as her professor? Or was she allowed to address him by name? He was clearly still going to call her Miss Granger.

"Oh no! Missy has asked questions she shouldn’t!" Missy began to frantically look around as she looked for something to punish herself with.

"No! No! It's fine; you are allowed to ask me as many questions as you want! It was just unexpected. Hermione rushed out, trying to calm Missy down. Which worked as Missy turned to look at Hermione calmly.

"I call him Professor because he still is my professor, and my marriage to him is a secret, and I wouldn't want to accidentally slip up in front of others," Hermione lied.

"Marriage is a secret. Missy must not tell anyone!" Missy muttered to herself as she returned to her stirring.

Hermione and Missy finished their cooking in silence, and Missy helped her set up the table. It was a small table pushed up against the window in the sitting room.

"You won't stay for breakfast?" Hermione asked Missy. She looked down at the made-up table that only had two plates set. "

"Oh! Hermione is very kind. The house-elves don't deserve your goodness." Missy's big eyes watered as she looked up at her. And Hermione was relieved that she wasn't hurting herself.

"Missy eats with the other elves at Hogwarts," Missy said.

Soon after, they finished setting the plates. Hermione dismissed Missy. And without having to call him for breakfast, Professor Snape stepped into the room as Hermione finished pouring their orange juice into their glasses.

"Missy helped with the meal. She showed me how to prepare it, just how you like it." Hermione muttered the last part as she lifted her fork.

"Ah, so that's what all the commotion was about," he muttered back as he lifted his fork.

"Missy is really sweet. She speaks very highly of you," Hermione said, taking her seat. But Professor Snape ignored her comment as he continued to silently chew his food as he looked out the window.

They ate their breakfast in silence. And it wasn’t until they finished their meals and Hermione rose to clean up their plates that he finally spoke.

"Do you have any pain or discomfort from last night?" He asked, and Hermione could see from the way in which he shifted in his chair that he was uncomfortable with being up to date on what they had done last night.

"Um...no... I did have some soreness in the morning, but that went away after a warm shower."

"Ah, I should've been more prepared and had a pain potion in hand," he said as he raised his gaze back towards the window.

"Professor, shouldn't you give me a potion to take after we've... been intimate?" Hermione muttered as she too was uncomfortable with the topic of conversation.

"What do you mean?" He turned once again to look at her.

"Well, you know, last night when you finished, you finished inside me, so I don't know if I'm supposed to take something to prevent any pregnancy ." Hermione felt heat rush to her cheeks as she avoided his eyes.

"You aren't on the contraceptive potion?" He asked, his voice rising in anger.

"No.... I told you I've never done this before; I know that there is a charm people can use, and I thought maybe you used the charm on yourself last night."

"I was under the impression that all girls after their 5th year at Hogwarts are encouraged to take a contraceptive potion provided by the school itself," Professor Snape said coldly.

"Yes, we are encouraged to take it, but most don't start taking it until after they start being sexually active, and seeing as I wasn't, I didn't see a reason to take it." Hermione responded.

"And you thought not to tell me? I believed you to be much more responsible," he muttered angrily as he rose to his feet.

"Responsible? You are the one who finished inside me. I was under the impression that you had control over your own bodily functions!" Hermione exclaimed as she too rose to her feet.

Her response seemed to have an effect on him, as he remained quiet and looked guilt-ridden. And without another word, he turned, and Hermione watched as he made his way into the hallway and heard him scrambling through the bathroom drawers.

"Here, take this," he said as he stepped back into the sitting room.

"What is it?" Hermione asked as she took the purple vial from his hand.

"It's an emergency contraceptive potion that will delay the process of ovulation," he said.

Hermione took one last glance at the purple vial in his hand and swallowed it down. She let out a disgusted groan and quickly picked up her orange juice to wash the disgusting taste down.

"That was disgusting," Hermione muttered as she placed the glass down.

"I'll have to get a hold of Dumbledore to get Poppy to send a contraceptive potion," he said as he took the empty vial.

"You don't have any available here?" Hermione asked as she looked up at him.

"No. There would be no reason for me to need any."

"Right," Hermione muttered as she subconsciously chewed on her bottom lip, which caused Professor Snape to pinch her bottom lip between his thumb and index finger and pull it slightly.

"Stop that," he demanded.

"I'm sorry, it's a bad habit."

"Go upstairs and get ready; I’ll transform the shirt into a dress before we depart for your parents house." He said demand.

Chapter 9: Diagon Alley

Chapter Text

August 2, 1996

Hermione closed her eyes and enjoyed the breeze that blew past her face as they landed in front of her parents house. Thankfully, her parents had a fence around the house, so they didn’t have to worry about onlookers who might see them appear and disappear from thin air.

Hermione lifted the heavy flower pot on the doorsteps and grabbed the house key that was taped to the bottom of it.

"Your parents keep a house key under there?" Professor Snape asked, baffled.

"Yes." Hermione said, she knew what he was thinking. Hermione agreed that it wasn’t safe to put there, but without their knowledge, she had Mr. Weasley put a charm on it so that only the three of them could get a hold of it. But she wasn’t going to tell him that.

Thankfully, her parents were not home. Although it was Saturday and they didn’t work weekends, Hermione assumed they must have gone out for lunch.

So she could have let him ask Missy to retrieve her belongings after all. But nevertheless, she was thankful that she didn’t have to face them. She didn’t think she could. And not when Professor Snape had not even bothered removing the marks on his neck that she had left on him. She hadn’t meant to leave them; she must have just gotten carried away. But why did he leave them on? To shame her? Or to remind her every time she caught a glimpse of them of what they had done?

"Your parents seem to be well off in the muggle world," he muttered as they stepped into her bedroom.

"Yes, they both are dentists, which makes them decent wages, and, well, having a child later in life also helped them save a lot of their earnings." Hermione whispered as she watched him look around her bedroom.

"I do hope you don't assume you married a rich man; I am by no means a rich man. The wages I earn as a professor at Hogwarts have been substantial for my needs, but as I can see, you are accustomed to luxury. Luxuries that I won't be able to provide for you. I'll provide any financial assistance for anything you may need or want, but as you saw from my residence, I am very comfortable with so little." He said as he walked around her room, taking everything in.

"I don't—I don't expect anything from you, sir," Hermione quickly responded.

"You don't suppose you'll still be financially dependent on your parents, do you?" He asked.

And Hermione struggled to respond. He was right. She still had her new course books to purchase. And she supposed it would be awkward to ask her parents to provide her with the money to buy them now that she was a married woman.

"As I told you before, although this marriage is a sham and for mere convenience, I intend to go through with my word to your parents. I plan to take full responsibility for you. So from now on, anything that belongs to me now also belongs to you through marriage." He said.

And Hermione gave him a hesitant nod.

"Well then, I'll just grab everything I need, and then we can go." Hermione broke the silence that had fallen in the room.

Hermione had already packed everything that she needed. All her school things and muggle clothing that she needed were already packed in her school trunk. And she had a pink bag full of her toiletries and personal items. All she needed to pack were her books. Walking over to her shelf, she began to place her books in a separate bag.

Hermione looked over to where he now stood and observed him. He was standing in front of her bulletin board, on which she used to hang photos.

She had one of her and Harry and Ron for every year of Hogwarts. And she had one of her and Ginny. And one of her parents was on vacation in France. One of them is holding Crookshanks. And then she had a few magazine cutouts of Johnny Depp.

"Who is this?" He asked as he looked down at one specific magazine cutout.

"Um, just an actor from a movie I like..." Hermione awkwardly stammered as she rose to her feet.

"Mm" was all he let out, but Hermione watched as his jaw clenched and unclenched.

"Are you ready then?" He asked in a much harsher tone.

"Oh yes," Hermione said, walking over to pick up Crookshank's carrier.

"What is that?" He asked with his eyes furrowed.

"Crookshank's carrier; I'm sure he's downstairs roaming around. I'll put him in the carrier so the arrest won't harm him," Hermione said.

She hadn’t had time to see Crookshanks in the past few days. So he was completely unaware of the changes in their new life, as he usually ran off during the day, and during the nights during the summer, he preferred sleeping with her parents as opposed to her, as he knew he would have no choice but to sleep with her again when they returned to the castle.

"You didn't mention you owned a cat," he said scornfully.

"You must have seen him downstairs when you came to meet my parents," Hermione said.

"I assumed it was a family cat, not that you take it along with you to Hogwarts," he said, his eyebrows still furrowed in irritation.

"Crookshanks is my pet; he's gone to Hogwarts with me every year since my 3rd year."

"I refuse to live with an animal," he said coldly as he sneered down at the carrier.

"Crookshanks isn't just any animal; he's very well tamed and keeps to himself. You won’t even know he’s there."

"Absolutely not, Miss Granger!"

"You said it yourself; everything that is yours is mine; therefore, everything that is mine is yours. So Crookshanks is now very much yours through marriage!"

They stood in silence, staring at each other. Hermione had her eyebrows scrunched together in anger. She would refuse to leave without Crookshanks. He was like a child to her.

"You will make sure he doesn't get into things he shouldn't, and he will be your responsibility. I want nothing to do with that feline," he sneered.

Hermione released the tension in her eyebrows and smiled up at him. "I promise, let's go get that little booger."

"Come on, Crookshanks!" Hermione called out around the house and heard the meows of her baby approaching.

She lifted him up into her arms and nuzzled him close to her, as she had missed him very much. She quickly placed him in his carrier, and they quickly returned to Spinner’s End.

As soon as they landed in the house, the professor walked into his study without saying another word to her or Crookshanks.

"This is our new home, Crookshanks," Hermione whispered as she unzipped the carrier and allowed him to look around the unfamiliar home.

Hermione smiled as he wasted no time exploring the house. She placed his carrier in the closet by the foyer and made her way upstairs. She was sure Crookshanks would eventually find his way upstairs, so she left the door open for him to enter her bedroom.

She was not surprised to see that her trunk was at the foot of the bed, taking up more space than the room provided. But she was looking forward to giving life to the room, so she quickly opened the trunk and began to take out everything.

Hermione’s back felt stiff as she finished unpacking all her belongings. She wasn't aware of how many things she truly owned.

It wasn't long until her room went from looking vacant to looking like a teenage girl lived there. Her pillows are now pink, and she hung a few photos of her and her friends. She did not pin any male actors. (Orany other man except for Harry and Ron.)

The bathroom also resembled that of a teenage girl, as most of her items were pink or purple. But it added character to it. She was sure that once he walked inside to use it, he was going to be furious. But Hermione shrugged it off and began to clean around the house, making sure everything had been dusted. And making sure everything had been sanitized.

She was completely taken back when she opened the door to his bedroom. He had been right; it was not inhabitable. The smell that assaulted her senses was so foul. Hermione had no choice but to quickly run inside and quickly pull the bed covers off in one quick motion to take them downstairs to get them washed, and she had not been looking forward to going back up there to make the bed once they were washed.

Hermione was relieved, and she threw herself on her bed as she finished all her chores. She was completely and utterly exhausted. From her bed, she could see the photos that she had hung up, and she bolted up.

She had forgotten about her upcoming trip to Diagon Alley with Harry and the Weasleys. That was tomorrow. How was she going to meet them?

Quickly, Hermione made her way downstairs and into the kitchen to grab a tray of mugs so that she could go into his study with the excuse of afternoon tea.

Hermione gently placed the tray on a nearby shelf, walked over to the door, and knocked gently.

"Come in," she heard the voice of Professor Snape call out.

Hermione opened the door and smiled at him. "I brought you some tea," Hermione said as he walked back over to pick up the tray.

She walked over to his desk and placed the tray down. Placing a mug in front of him, she began to pour the tea into both their mugs.

Hermione then took a seat in front of him. They sat in silence, taking awkward sips from their mugs, before Hermione decided to break the silence.

"Harry and Ron are going to Diagon Alley to purchase all their books tomorrow, and I usually tag along," Hermione said, which caused him to look up at her.

"Diagon Alley is not safe at the moment." "There have been many attacks."

"I know, Bill and Mr. Weasley told us about Ollivander and his mysterious disappearance and Florean Fortescue." Hermione chewed the inside of her lip as she remembered.

"Exactly," he said, turning his attention back to his work. You, of all people, should be aware that 'tagging along' with Potter is not a good idea at the moment."

"Mr. Weasley will be coming along with us; Mrs. Weasley specifically chose to wait until tomorrow because he doesn't work that day and she doesn't feel safe going without him."

He scoffed. "As if Arthur Weasley could stand a chance against any death eater..." Professor Snape sneered.

"He did perfectly well in the face of Voldemort last year when he was attacked by his snake!" Hermione said, rising in anger.

"Don't! Say his name!" Professor Snape hissed as he grabbed a hold of his left arm as if it burned.

"I'm sorry," Hermione whispered. How had she forgotten that Harry had mentioned that anytime Voldemort's name was mentioned in the presence of a death eater, the dark mark seemed to burn them? How could she have forgotten that her own husband was a death-eater?

Death Eater. The same people were terrorizing innocent people in the streets of Diagon Alley.

"I feel safe with the Weasleys, and I feel perfectly safe with Harry," Hermione said, breaking the awkward silence that had fallen in the room. "Besides, how else will I get my books? You won't be able to accompany me since it's much too risky to be seen together."

"Fine," he said after a few seconds. "After all, the ministry, of course, wanted to give the famous Potter a battalion of aurors so you guys would have extra protection."

Hermione raised her eyebrows in shock at the revelation. She wasn’t surprised, truthfully, that the ministry was finally trying to do something good to make up for the mistakes they made last year. But she knew Harry would not be at all happy that he was being treated as if he couldn’t protect himself. As if he hadn’t already faced Voldemort on his own.

"Harry won’t be too happy about that," Hermione muttered before she could stop herself.

"So Dumbledore assumed. Of course he pulled some strings and insisted that Potter would feel much safer in the hands of Hagrid." He said it bitterly. His dislike for Harry clearly did not seem to be an act for school. It was very evident to her that he did not like him at all.

"I'll send Hagrid an owl to meet you at the Leaky Cauldron so you can join your friends," he said.

"Hagrid knows about us?" Hermione asked as she swallowed thickly.

"Every professor at Hogwarts, along with every member of the order, have been informed about our situation," he said, and Hermione's face flushed in embarrassment. "We have been told to keep our marriage a secret from everyone."

"Dumbledore trusts Hagrid to keep our secret? I mean, I love Hagrid; he's the best, but he's not really good at keeping secrets. He always ends up accidentally talking too much," Hermione said as she nibbled nervously on her bottom lip. Oh, she could already see it—Hagrid accidentally slipping and saying something in front of Harry or Ron. She could practically see the horror on both of their faces.

"He gave Dumbledore his word that he wouldn't let it slip out," he said. "I’ll send the owl now." He said this as he reached over for a new parchment.

"No! Can't you drop me off tomorrow at the burrow?" Hermione asked. She would do anything to not have to face Hagrid first of all. She wasn’t sure she was ready to see the look on his face, as he knew that she was now a married woman.

"Fine." He said this as he released the parchment.

"I want you to buy all new robes and all new course books." He said this as they landed in front of the burrow.

"Be safe, watch your surroundings, and try not to get into trouble," was all he said before turning to leave, not bothering to wait for her to respond.

Hermione just stood and watched as he apparated with a loud pop.

And Hermione smiled to herself as she knocked on the door to the burrow.

"Who's there?" Said a nervous voice she recognized as Mrs. Weasley's. "Declare yourself"

"Hermione Granger"

The door opened at once. There stood Mrs. Weasley, short, plump, and wearing the clothes she typically wore to sleep in.

"Hermione dear!" Mrs. Weasley exclaimed as Hermione stepped into the burrow.

She did wish that Mrs. Weasley would keep her voice down. She didn't want anyone to know she had just gotten there. That early in the morning.

"You're like Ron and Harry," she signed, looking her up and down.

"But I do hope now that you're married, you’ll learn to take better care of yourself," she said, whispering the word as she gave Hermione a sympathetic smile.

"I would’ve loved to have been in attendance; Dumbledore said it was a beautiful ceremony," she said, smiling at her.

"I do hope you make the best of the situation," she said as they began walking into the kitchen.

"Harry and Ron are upstairs sleeping," she said as she noticed Hermione was looking around, scared there would be any extendable listening ears.

"Oh" was all Hermione let out as she felt relief wash over her.

Hermione and Mrs. Weasley continued to talk as they sat down at the table. With Mrs. Weasley offering advice and Hermione listening very closely, trying to take in everything she was hearing.

Finally, Hermione silently made her go upstairs.

"Hey, when did you get here?" Ron said as they met each other in the hallway.

"Just now, I was talking with your mom for a moment. Where is Harry?" Hermione asked

"He's sleeping; Dumbledore dropped him off pretty late last night; let’s go wake him up." Ron said as he opened the door to his room.

"Ron, don't hit him," Hermione said reproachfully.

Ron had lifted his pillow from his bed and was lifting it to wake Harry up.

Harry, being a light sleeper, woke up to the sound of Hermione‘s reprimand.

Harry and Ron began to catch up. Hermione made her way to the bed and perched herself on the edge of it.

"How're you, Hermione?" Hermione heard Harry ask.

"Oh, I'm fine," said Hermione.

Ron began asking questions about what he had been up to with Dumbledore the previous day, with Hermione flashing him a warning look whenever he asked something he shouldn't.

They began to talk about the new defense against the arts teacher. And at the new change of topic, Hermione's thoughts drifted off to her husband.

She had known all these years that he wanted that post but had never been successful at obtaining it. But now that he was her husband, she wanted nothing more than for him to be happy. Therefore, Hermione couldn't help but feel a slight anger at Professor Dumbledore for not giving him the post he so rightfully deserved.

"Something wrong, Hermione?" Said Harry, taking her out of her own thoughts.

"No, of course not! So, um, did Slughorn seem like he'd be a good teacher?" Hermione asked, trying to hide the slight anger she felt towards Professor Dumbledore.

"Dunno," said Harry. He can’t be worse than Umbridge, can he?”

"I know someone who's worse than Umbridge," Ginny's voice said as she entered the room. "Hi Harry"

"What's up with you?" Ron asked.

"It's her," said Ginny, plonking herself down on Harry's bed. "She's driving me mad."

"What's she done now?" Hermione asked sympathetically. She knew exactly who she was referring to. Fluer Delacour.

"It's the way she talks —you'd think I was about three!"

"I know," said Hermione, dropping her voice. "She's so full of herself." Hermione, much like Ginny, did not like Fleur Delacour. She didn't like the way she walked or talked. Her dislike started in her fourth year, when she had a crush on Ron, who was infatuated with her. But now that she's met her, her dislike for her is now purely because of the way she is.

Ron, of course, started defending her before the devil herself walked in.

Again lost in thought, Hermione was taking herself out of her thoughts. When she heard Fleurs squeal.

"Bill and I are going to be married!"

Hermione was desperately trying to avoid Ginny and Mrs. Weasley's gaze. She knew that they were not happy about Fluer and Bill's engagement. They did not approve of her becoming part of their family.

They all began to discuss Fleur further as she and Mrs. Weasley walked out of the room.

“Mum hates her,” said Ginny quietly.

“She keeps trying to get Tonks round for dinner. I think she's hoping Bill will fall for Tonks instead. I hope he does, I'd much rather have her in the family." Said Ginny.

"Yeah, that'll work," said Ron Sarcastically. "Listen, no bloke in his right mind's going to fancy Tonks when Fleur's around. I mean, Tonks is okay-looking when she isn't doing stupid things to her hair and nose, but—"

"She's a damn sight nicer than Phlegm," said Ginny.

"And she's more intelligent, she's an Auror!" said Hermione from the corner.

"Fleur's not stupid, she was good enough to enter the Triwizard Tournament," Said Harry.

"Not you as well!" Said Hermione bitterly.

"I suppose you like the way Phlegm says 'Arry,' do you?" Asked Ginny scornfully.

But Hermione knew her comment was deeply rooted in jealousy. Although Ginny had good reasons not to like Fleur, Hermione knew it bothered Ginny how Harry looked at Fleur. It was the same way Ron looked at her, which at one time had also bothered Hermione.

But Hermione hadn't gotten the chance to think about Ronald. Since she knew she'd be married, she didn't allow herself the thought of another man. Her thoughts and mind were occupied with only one man.

Professor Snape.

Hermione had always been sure that the crush she had on Ronald was going to be the kind of childhood crush that people always held onto. But after her honeymoon with her husband, Hermione was now sure that whatever she had ever felt for Ron would never compare to the now-growing feeling she felt whenever she thought of Professor Snape.

Trying to distract herself from her thoughts, Hermione joined in on the conversation they were now having about Tonks. And just how different she appeared.

Hermione stood still trying to process what Harry just told them about his private lessons with Dumbledore and defeating Voldemort.

"Neither one could live while the other survives" Hermione kept repeating the prophecy in her head. As she looked at Harry and Ron while she held a telescope that she had been playing with in her hand from one of the boxes of many nick-nacks that belonged to Fred and George.

The three of them gazed at one another in silence for a moment. Then there was a loud bang and Hermione vanished behind a puff of black smoke.

"Hermione!" Shouted Harry and Ron; the breakfast tray slid to the floor with a crash.

Hermione emerged, coughing, out of the smoke, clutching the telescope and sporting a brilliantly purple black eye.

"I squeezed it and it - it punched me!" she gasped.

And sure enough, they now saw a tiny fist on a long spring protruding from the end of the telescope.

"Don't worry, said Ron, who was plainly trying not to laugh.

"Mum'll fix that, she's good at healing minor injuries —"

"Oh well, never mind that now!" said Hermione hastily.

"Harry, oh, Harry..." She sat down on the edge of his bed again.

"We wondered, after we got back from the Ministry ... Obviously, we didn't want to say anything to you, but from what Lucius Malfoy said about the prophecy, how it was about you and Voldemort, well, we thought it might be something like this. ... Oh, Harry .." She stared at him, then whispered. "Are you scared?"

"Not as much as I was" said Harry. "When I first heard it, I was but now, it seems as though I always knew I'd have to face him in the end.

"When we heard Dumbledore was collecting you in person, we thought he might be telling you something or showing you some thing to do with the prophecy," said Ron eagerly.

"And we were kind of right, weren't we? He wouldn't be giving you lessons if he thought you were a goner, wouldn't waste his time - he must think you've got a chance!"

"It just won't budge," Mrs. Weasley was saying anxiously, standing over Hermione with her wand in her hand and a copy of The Healer's Helpmate open at "Bruises, Cuts, and Abrasions:"

"This has always worked before, I just can't understand it.”

“It’ll be Fred and Georges idea of a funny joke, making sure in can't come off," said Ginny.

"But its got to come off." squeaked Hermione. "I cant go around looking like this forever!"

Hermione felt panic rush through her. She didn't want to return to Professor Snape like this! What would he think? She asked herself.

"You won't, dear, we'll find an antidote, don't worry" said Ms. Weasley soothingly.

"Bill told me 'ow Fred and George are very amusing!" said Fleur, smiling serenely.

"Yes, I can hardly breathe for laughing," snapped Hermione.

After a while of Mrs. Weasley trying to heal Hermione’s black eye they all concluded that Hermione would simply just have to wait until they arrived at Fred and George’s Joke shop to ask them how to get rid of her black eye.

"I think we’d better do Madam Malkin's first, Hermione wants new dress robes, and Rons showing much too much ankle in his school robes, and you must need new ones too, Harry, you've grown so much — come on, everyone-"

"Molly, it doesn't make sense for all of us to go to Madam Mal-kin's," said Mr. Weasley. “Why don't those three go with Hagrid, and we can go to Flourish and Blots and get everyone's school-books?”

"I don't know," said Mrs. Weasley anxiously, clearly torn between a desire to finish the shopping quickly and the wish to stick together in a pack. "Hagrid, do you think—”

"Don' fret, they'lI be fine with me, Molly," said Hagrid soothingly, waving an airy hand the size of a dustbin lid.

Mrs. Weasley did not look entirely convinced, but allowed the separation, scurrying off toward Flourish and Blotts with her husband and Ginny while Harry, Ron, Hermione, and Hagrid set off for Madam Malkins.

Hermione noticed that many of the people who passed them had the same harried, anxious look as Mrs. Weasley, and that nobody was stopping to talk anymore; the shoppers stayed together in their own tightly knit-groups, moving intently about their business nobody seemed to be shopping alone.

"Migh' be a bit of a squeeze in there with all of us,' said Hagrid

stopping outside Madam Malins and bending down to per through the window. "I’ll stand guard outside, all right?

So Harry. Ron, and Hermione entered the little shop together. It appeared, at fist glance, to be empty but no sooner had the door swing shut behind them than they heard a familiar voice issuing from behind a rack of dress robes in spangled green and blue.

"…not a child, in case you haven't noticed, Mother. I am perfectly capable of doing my shopping alone."

There was a clucking noise and a voice Hermione recognized as that of Madam Malkin, the owner, said, "Now, dear, your mothers quite right, none of us is supposed to go wandering around on our own anymore, its nothing to do with being a child—"

"Watch where you're sticking that pin, will you!"

A teenage boy with a pale, pointed face and white-blond hair appeared from behind the rack, wearing a handsome set of dark green robes that glittered with pins around the hem and the edges of the sleeves. He strode to the mirror and examined himself; it was a few moments before he noticed Harry, Ron, and Hermione reflected over his shoulder. His light gray eyes narrowed.

"If you're wondering what the smell is, Mother, a Mudblood just walked in," said Draco Malfoy.

"I don't think there’s any need for language like that" said Madam Malkin, scurrying out from behind the clothes rack hold ing a tape measure and a wand.

"And I don't want wands drawn in my shop either she added hastily, for a glance toward the door had shown her Harry and Ron both standing there with their hands out and pointing at Malfoy.

Hermione, who was standing slightly behind them, whispered, "No, don’t, honestly, is not worth it…”

"Yeah, like you’d dare do magic out of school," sneered Malfoy. "Who blacked your eye, Granger? I want to send them flowers."

"That's quite enough!? said Madam Malkin sharply, looking over her shoulder for support.

"Madam —please—" Narcissa Malfoy strolled out from behind the clothes rack.

"Put those away," she said coldly to Harry and Ron. "If you attack my son again, I shall ensure that it is the last thing you ever do."

"Really?" said Harry, taking a step forward and gazing into the smoothly arrogant face that, for all its pallor, still resembled her sister's.

"Going to get a few Death Eater pals to do us in, are you?"

Madam Malkin squealed and clutched at her heart.

"Really, you shouldn't accuse —dangerous thing to say— wands away, please!"

But Harry did not lower his wand. Narcissa Malfoy smiled unpleasantly.

"I see that being Dumbledore's favorite has given you a false sense of security, Harry Potter. But Dumbledore won't always be there to protect you."

Harry looked mockingly all around the shop.

"Wow...look at that..he's not here now! So why not have a go? They might be able to find you a double cell in Azkaban with your loser of a husband!”

Malfoy made an angry movement toward Harry, but stumbled over his overlong robe. Ron laughed loudly.

"Don't you dare talk to my mother like that, Potter" Malfoy snarled.

"It’s all right, Draco," said Narcissa, restraining him with her thin white fingers upon his shoulder.

"I expect Potter will be re-united with dear Sirius before I am reunited with Lucius.

Harry raised his wand higher.

"Harry no!" moaned Hermione, grabbing his arm and attempting to push it down by his side. "Think....You mustn't....You’ll be in such trouble....”

Madam Malkin dithered for a moment on the spot, then seemed to decide to act as though nothing was happening in the hope that it wouldn't. She bent toward Malfoy, who was still glaring at Harry.

"I think this left sleeve could come up a little bit more, dear, let me just -"

"Ouch!" bellowed Malfoy, slapping her hand away.

"Watch where you're putting your pins, woman! Mother - I don't think I want these anymore "

He pulled the robes over his head and threw them onto the floor at Madam Malkin's feet.

"You're right, Draco," said Narcissa, with a contemptuous glance at Hermione, "Now I know the kind of scum that shops here... Well do better at Twilfitt and Tatting's."

And with that, the pair of them strode out of the shop, Malfoy taking care to bang as hard as he could into Ron on the way out.

"Well really!" said Madam Malkin, snatching up the fallen robes and moving the tip of her wand over them like a vacuum cleaner, so that it removed all the dust.

She was distracted all through the fitting of Ron's and Harry's new robes, tried to sell Hermione wizard's dress robes instead of Witches, and when she finally bowed them out of the shop it was with an air of being glad to see the back of them.

"Got evrything?" asked Hagrid brightly when they reappeared at his side.

"Just about," said Harry. "Did you see the Malfoy’s?"

"Yeah," said Hagrid, unconcerned. "Bu' they wouldn' dare make trouble in the middle o' Diagon Alley, Harry. Don' worry about them."

Harry, Ron, and Hermione exchanged looks, but before they could disabuse Hagrid of this comfortable notion, Mr. and Mrs.Weasley and Ginny appeared, all clutching heavy packages of books.

'Everyone all right?" said Mrs. Weasley. "Got your robes? Right then, we can pop in at the Apothecary and Eeylops on the way to Fred and George's - stick close, now…”

Then, with Mrs. Weasley checking her watch every minute or so, they headed farther along the street in search of Weasleys' Wizard Wheezes, the joke shop run by Fred and George.

"We really haven't got too long," Mrs. Weasley said. "So we'll just have a quick look around and then back to the car.

Hermione stood by the door, waiting for Professor Snape to pick her up. Everyone was already in their own bedroom getting ready to retire to bed, she presumed, after the long day they had.

Hermione didn't know why, but she was looking forward to retiring back to Spinner's End. The bed that she had slept on last night was so comfortable that she looked forward to sleeping in it again.

Hermione jumped as she heard footsteps by the door. Not bothering to wait for him to knock as she didn't want the sound to wake up Mrs. Weasley. She was sure if she heard it, she would come downstairs to check who it was.

"Hello, Professor!" Hermione beamed. As she came face-to-face with Professor Snape. Who did not look happy.

"It's dangerous of you to just open the door without asking who it is," snapped Professor Snape.

"I knew it was you, sir." Hermione quickly defended herself. He was right; though it has been dangerous for her, the fear of getting caught by her friends was greater than the fear if it had been someone else.

"What happened to your eye?" He demanded it, raising his hand and gently running it over her black eye.

His face and eyebrows were scrunched together. And his eyes never left hers. But he didn't look angry. Hermione took it as a sign that he was concerned. A much better reaction to Ron's. Hermione couldn't help but notice.

"What. Happened. To. Your. Eye?" He demanded again, now with a tone of anger.

"It was from a telescope that Fred and George left behind from the toy shop; I was stupid and was looking at it, and it punched me," Hermione quickly explained.

At her explanation, Professor Snape sneered.

"I told you to be careful," he responded, angry. "It looks like your friend's stupidity is rubbing off on you," he said, turning to walk away.

Quickly closing the door to the burrow. Hermione quietly followed after him. Quickly wrapping her hand tightly around his arm as he accompanied them to Spinner's End.

Finally standing in the sitting room. Hermione kept her eyes squeezed shut as she tried to compose herself.

Professor Snape allowed her to continue her hold on him. After a few short moments, Hermione finally opened her eyes and looked around. The sitting room was dimly lit, with just the lamp next to the armchair lit.

"Follow me," he ordered as he made his way through the sitting room. And through a hall, entering the small guest bathroom. Standing at the door, Hermione watched as he opened a drawer from the sink.

"This is the medicine drawer," he stated. "Here I keep basic first aid," he said, pulling out a small jar that was labeled bruise paste.

Hermione didn't know why, but she completely trusted her professor. After all, he was her husband. She made no movement as he raised his hand, which now had paste on his fingers, and began to gently rub it on her bruised eye. Not questioning at all whether it was safe. Unlike she did at Fred and George's toy shop.

"They just allowed you to walk around looking like this." He asked under his breath. Hermione wasn't sure he was actually asking, more like stating.

"No! Mrs. Weasley tried, but she was unsuccessful. And Fred and George gave me bruise paste. But I didn't trust it," Hermione tried to quickly spit out.

But his expression didn't change; he still remained angry.

"Did you get new dress robes like I told you to?" He was annoyed.

Memories of what had happened at Madam Malkin’s quickly rushed through her head.

And Hermione gave him a quick nod.

"Not even twenty-four hours have passed since we were married, and already you have already countlessly disobeyed me," he said, anger still evident in his tone. He swiftly withdrew his hand and proceeded to screw the lid onto the jar before returning it to the drawer.

"I don't—" Hermione stuttered.

What could he possibly know? She quickly thought

"You know exactly what I'm referring to!" He said this as his dark eyes bore into hers. "I specifically told you to stay out of trouble. Yet you disobey me by purposely starting a fight with your friends in the middle of Madam Malkin’s."

Hermione's heart skipped a beat.

He knew. But how?

Harry's words came rushing back to her.

”Going to get a few Death Eater pals to do us in, are you?”

Of course, Hermione knew that he was a death eater. But she had assumed that he was reformed. He must be reformed. Professor Dumbledore was known for being understanding and giving out second chances, but she was sure that if he had any doubts about his true alliance, he wouldn't have allowed him to teach at Hogwarts. Or to marry her?

Unless he was just friends with the Malfoys, it would make sense; there must be a reason why Professor Snape always seems to favor Draco Malfoy.

"Tell me, Miss Granger, what exactly do you think the three of you accomplished by provoking Draco and his mother?" He asked

"We didn't! He was the one who started it! Hermione exclaimed. "It was them! They were the ones looking for trouble!"

"Who drew their wands first, Miss Granger?" he asked angrily, as if he was already aware of the answer.

"Harry and Ron," Hermione whispered, "but they were just defending me!" Hermione exclaimed.

"I'm sure they didn't tell you that!" Hermione said

"He called me a—" Hermione quickly stopped herself.

"I know full well what he called you," he said, walking past her and back into the sitting room.

"And he mocked me! asked who gave me the black eye so that he could send them flowers!" Hermione followed behind him, but he didn't respond.

"And his mother! She called me scum!" Hermione squealed in frustration.

"Enough, Miss Granger!" He said quickly turning around. Which caused her to crash into him.

Grabbing both her arms to stop her from falling backward, Professor Snape quickly lowered his head so that they were now face-to-face.

"I want you to stay away from the Malfoys; do you understand?" He asked angrily.

"He's the one who's always provoking us!" He's an—" Hermione wasn't sure what she was going to say before Professor Snape interrupted her.

"Don't!" He slightly raised his voice. "It'll do you good to remember not to insult the Malfoys in my presence!" He said in a hoarse whisper.

Hermione scrunched her eyebrows in anger. And tried to free herself from his iron grip, but she was unsuccessful as he was clearly much stronger than she was.

"But you don't care that they insult me? Your wife?" Hermione bellowed, looking up at him in anger.

With that, he chuckled.

Chuckled.

"You thought that because we are now married, I would suddenly grow to care for you more than I do for my own godson?" He asked mockingly.

"Godson?" Hermione whispered. She couldn't believe what she was hearing. All this time. Draco Malfoy was Professor Snape's godson.

"Yes, Miss Granger," he said, "so it’s best you remember that he comes before you. There's a handful of people that come before you!" He said, letting go of her arms and turning around to go into his study, leaving her to stand alone in the sitting room.

Chapter 10: Moving Forward

Chapter Text

Thursday August 8, 1996

A few days had gone by, and Hermione and Professor Snape never addressed what he had confessed to her. They hardly ever spoke to one another, and now they were being forced to once again be intimate.

Hermione had spent the evening preparing herself for what was to come. Now that she knows what to expect, she wasn’t as nervous as the first time, but nevertheless, she wanted to be ready. She had bathed, moisturized, and changed into the black lace undergarments that she had purchased before her wedding.

Sitting on the edge of the bed with her silky black robe tied around her waist, Hermione began to cross and uncross her legs impatiently as she waited for him. She was now starting to grow more and more nervous as the minutes passed by.

Hermione felt herself stiffen as she heard his faint footsteps coming up the stairs.

Knock, knock, knock.

Hermione quickly rose to her feet at the sound of his knocking and quickly opened the door to the room. She lowered her gaze to the floor as she slowly stepped aside to allow him to enter her bedroom.

Daring to look up, Hermione watched as he walked over to the nightstand and placed his wand and his watch on top, like he had done the last time.

"How would you like to proceed, Miss Granger?" He asked softly as he began to slowly unbutton the buttons on the cuffs of his black button-up. Not bothering to look over at her.

Hermione quickly walked over to the bed and turned to face him and began to chew on her bottom lip as she looked down at the bed. She didn't really know what he meant by proceed. She had expected things to go as they had the first time, but she didn't see that happening as she now watched him unbutton his own shirt. And Hermione couldn't help the disappointment that washed over her. She hadn't realized just how much she had been looking forward to doing that for him.

"Miss Granger, I do not like to repeat myself," he said, slightly annoyed.

"I—I would like to do it like last time," Hermione quickly said.

"Like last time?" He asked with a raised brow as he turned to look at her.

But Hermione didn't respond; she simply nodded.

"Alright then, undress yourself," was all he said as he continued to undress himself.

They began to undress in silence. And Hermione finished much faster than he did, given that she wasn't wearing much to begin with.

"Professor," Hermione said in a low whisper.

"What is it, Miss Granger?" He asked.

"What contraceptive will we use?" Hermione asked as she wanted to be responsible, as he had accused her of not being last time.

Professor Snape seemed to have also forgotten as he stood lost in thought for a moment.

"Dumbledore hasn't sent any of the contraceptive potions I have requested from him." He said more to himself than to her.

"Maybe a child is part of his plan," Hermione half-heartedly joked, but it earned her a scornful look from her professor, as he did not like the thought of them producing a child together.

"I'll just make sure to pull out this time," he said, "like the muggles do."

"Muggles? Oh right!" Hermione said as she remembered the pack of condoms her mother had given her as soon as she turned 15.

Better to be safe than sorry, she remembered what her mother had said to her when she sat her down and gave her the most awkward "The Birds and the Peas" talk but left out a lot of important details, which she had discovered upon her wedding night.

Hermione quickly walked over to her drawer and pulled out the box of condoms that she had remembered to pack along.

"What are these?" He asked as he took the box from her hand.

"They’re condoms; it's a form of contraception muggles use."

"And why do you have these?" He asked, and Hermione couldn’t miss the sudden change of tone in his voice and watched as his jaw clenched tightly.

"My mother gave them to me when I turned 15." "It appears she thinks I am more popular than I truly am with boys.”

"How do they work?" He asked as he opened the box and took one out.

"Um, I don't know; I guess we'll just have to learn together." Hermione muttered as she watched him examine the gold wrapper.

"Professor?" Hermione asked.

"Yes, Miss Granger?" he asked, annoyed.

Hermione swallowed thickly as she tried to muster the courage to ask him what she wanted too.

"Can I touch it?" She asked softly as she felt her face grow hot from embarrassment. "I mean, put it on?"

Watching to see his reaction, Hermione began to take a few steps closer to him. Coming to a full stop only when she was a few inches away from him.

He stood tall at his full height, looking down at her. And Hermione looked up at him through her thick brown lashes in return. Hoping that he would allow her to touch him.

His face remained without emotion, but he gave her a small nod and handed her the condom, which she took.

Hesitantly, Hermione reached her hand towards it. And she watched as Professor Snape inhaled a deep breath as she wrapped her small, warm hand around him.

Grasping it tighter in her hand, Hermione began to gently stroke it. Examining every inch of it.

It was so long and thick that it was a wonder to her how it managed to fit inside her.

It was just as pale as he was except for the tip of it, which was a dark shade of pink, almost red.

She could feel it growing in her hand as she continued to stroke it up and down. And Hermione quickly moved her hand over to his now-leaking tip and began to spread the leaking juice over the mushroom head of his penis.

She quickly raised her gaze to look at him to see that he had his eyes closed and his head slightly thrown back, and Hermione quickly noted that the head was her favorite part of it. She liked just how big and red it was. And she liked the faint reactions and deep breaths she earned from him as she continued to stroke it.

Hermione could now feel just how hard he was. And she knew he was now fully erect. She quickly stopped stroking it and began to tear open the condom, taking it out of the wrapper as she examined it. It was really slimy and rubbery. And Hermione remembered how her mother explained how to put one on. She quickly punched the tip of it and placed it on his head before rolling it down so that it covered his entire shaft.

And before she could return to her previous actions, she let out a loud squeal as he, in one quick motion, lowered himself slightly and lifted her off the floor.

Quickly wrapping both her legs around his waist and her arms around his neck, Hermione took full advantage of the new position and quickly placed her lips on his and began to place small pecks.

Professor Snape's lips remained completely still for a moment as she continued to kiss him. She pressed her lips firmly against his and hoped that he would give in and kiss her back, and just before she was about to give up and pull away, his mouth slightly opened, and he began to move his lips against hers and they now began to kiss in sync.

The kiss was slow and gentle. And it set a desire in Hermione that she was sure would burn her alive.

The only sound in the room was the smacks between their kisses and the small moans that escaped Hermione's mouth as they continued to kiss passionately. This was definitely her favorite part of their coupling. Hermione felt as if she could kiss him forever.

Hermione felt as Professor Snape slowly snaked his hand down from her waist down to her bum and she couldn’t help but let out a soft moan as she felt his grip tighten on her bum as she began to run her hands through his lank hair. She gently grabbed a fistful of it with both her hands and gently pulled it, causing him to throw his head back. Hermione took the opportunity to take his bottom lip into her mouth and gently began to pull it. Which earned a low, rumbling groan from him.

Pulling him back into a kiss, Hermione slid her tongue into his mouth and started swirling circles against his own tongue. And Hermione felt as he began to walk them towards the bed. and she let out a soft whimper, and her mouth did an involuntary pout as he pulled away from her and gently placed her in the center of the bed.

"Hold your knees to your chest," he demanded as he stood on his knees between her legs.

Quickly placing her hands behind her knees, Hermione complied and pulled them to her chest. And Hermione now felt completely exposed. The position she was now in allowed him to see her private parts in full view. And

Hermione felt her face grow hot in embarrassment. She let out a loud gasp as she felt his cold hands on her exposed skin and felt his thumbs begin to caress her lips before he spread them apart. And couldn't hide her embarrassment any longer, so she began to wiggle to get him to stop what he was doing.

"Stop your wiggling," he demanded.

Hermione quickly stopped her wiggling, not wanting to anger him any further, and it only seemed fair that he would want to examine her, considering she had done the same to him. However but Hermione couldn't help but feel like an insect under a microscope as he lowered himself slightly and began to take a closer look at her.

As if he couldn't open her any wider, he pulled her lips further apart. Hermione was certain that he could see everything, even parts of herself that she had never seen before.

Finally letting go, he traced his finger up and down her slit, and Hermione could feel her juices spreading as he continued his descent and slowly inserted a finger into her. Hermione tensed up in surprise at the sudden intrusion.

"Move your hands," he softly demanded, and Hermione quickly complied. And her hands were soon replaced by his own as he positioned them right behind her knees and pushed them down into the mattress.

Hermione was unaware of just how flexible she was, and she didn't think it was even possible to fold in the way that she was at the moment.

Quickly straightening himself. Professor Snape grabbed a hold of his appendage and began to run it up and down between her wet folds. And Hermione let out a small moan as he brushed her most sensitive part with the head of his penis. Hermione quickly took a deep breath as she felt him place himself right in front of her entrance, and she wasn’t sure she was ready for the pain she was about to experience again.

"It will be painful, though not as much as before. Brace yourself," he warned before slowly entering her.

"Oh god,"Hermione whimpered, closing her eyes tightly as the burning sensation of him stretching her persisted. The pain was truly unbearable.

He continued to push himself inside, and Hermione felt as though the pain was never ending. He was just too big.

He felt much deeper than before, and Hermione wasn't sure if it was the position or the fact that she just wasn’t used to him being inside her, as she was sure he was now stretching more of her than he did last time.

Hermione arched her back as she now felt his pelvis bone against her own, and she knew he was fully seated inside her. Hermione quickly lifted her hands and wrapped them around his wrists, and he quickly halted. Getting the hint that she needed a moment to adjust to him

Hermione had never felt so full in her entire life. It was almost uncomfortable to see how big he was.

While she had heard that women preferred well-endowed men, at that moment, Hermione couldn't understand why anyone would willingly subject themselves to such pain.

"I'm okay," Hermione whispered after a few minutes. Finally opening her eyes to meet his.

Professor Snape didn't say anything but began to slowly pull out of her. Not once breaking eye contact.

And he slowly thrust back into her. He continued to go in and out of her at a gentle and slow pace until she slowly began to relax her muscles around him.

Hermione let out a small moan of pleasure as he brushed against something so sensitive, and he immediately stopped.

"No, keep going; I’m okay," Hermione whispered, her cheeks flushing. She was slowly starting to see the appeal of sex as she began to feel pleasure.

Would it be okay if she enjoyed it? Or would he be upset if she did?

Hermione tried her best not to appear to be enjoying it as much as she was starting too as he kept his gaze fixed on her. She couldn't understand why making eye contact was stirring up even more fire in her—something she didn't know she was capable of possessing.

Finally, unable to contain her pleasure, she closed her eyes tightly as he slammed his hips into hers.

It was starting to feel good, and Hermione was sure it would’ve felt even better if he didn’t have the condom on. And she wondered what it felt like for him, considering it was his first time using one too.

"Damn this, how do muggles enjoy sex like this?" He muttered angrily, as he continued thrusting in and out of her, attempting to find pleasure in each thrust. But failing to do so as he clearly was unfamiliar with the new-found sensation.

"I don't see how they can do it this way after doing it without it." Hermione smiled up at him.

"I'm sure most of them don't; that's why there are so many of them," he said, and Hermione couldn’t hold in her laugh.

"You can take it off if you'd like," Hermione suggested softly.

"Don't be ridiculous, Miss Granger; we don't want to get too carried away," he said as he continued his thrust.

"Do you have any more of those emergency contraceptive potions?" Hermione asked.

"Yes, but taking too many of those can be harmful."

"Oh, ok, I suppose it's not bad; it's just...different," Hermione said.

"Oh, to hell with this," Professor Snape muttered, as he pulled out of her and tore the condom off his penis in one swish movement.

"Mmm, much better," Hermione gasped as he reentered her. Hermione relished the feeling of him inside her now.

This was definitely better.

Hermione couldn't help the loud, uncontrollable moans that escaped her mouth as he increased the speed of his thrusts. The intense pleasure she was now feeling overshadowed the initial discomfort, as she became accustomed to his size. This was a new level of pleasure for Hermione, pleasure unlike anything she has ever felt before.

Now she knew why all anyone ever seemed to care about was sex. Hermione was sure she was slowly losing all her senses with each thrust.

And Professor Snape sped up his pace in a rapid rhythm. And he began to f*ck her in earnest.

She was sure that's exactly what he was doing. f*cking her. This was nothing like before.

Last time, it was slow and passionate. It was love making. But now he was f*cking her so completely. And Hermione was sure he wanted to nail her into the mattress.

He supported himself using her legs, which were still pressed against the mattress for stability.

As if it were any more possible. Hermione raised her hips and let out a pleasurable scream from the new angle. The head of his penis now grazed against a highly sensitive spot inside her with every thrust. Earning a loud moan from her each time it did.

Oh god, Hermione let out a cry as her legs started to tremble. She threw her head back, pressing it into the mattress, matting up the back of her hair. And she was sure her hair would be completely tangled in the morning. But she didn’t care. All that mattered was the pleasure she was currently experiencing.

Oh god,Hermione screamed out again as she squeezed her eyes shut.

It was too much. The pleasure was becoming overwhelming, driving her to the brink of madness. The sounds of her own arousal, the rhythmic slapping of their bodies, the impact of his hips against her buttocks, his bullocks slamming against her bum, and the loud thud of the headboard against the wall - it was all too much for her to handle.

Hermione was sure she was moaning out incoherent sentences. And if she had been thinking clearly, she would have been ashamed of how loudly she was expressing herself, as she felt like she was practically screaming. Hermione quickly slammed her hands into the mattress and grabbed a handful of the bedsheets.

Hermione quickly shot her eyes open as she felt her abdominal muscles contracting. Previously, when she had pleasured herself, she had experienced release, but she had never felt her muscles tighten around him like they were doing now.

Oh no.Hermione thought to herself.

She was going to pee herself; the realization ran through her.

Hermione quickly looked up at her professor, who had been watching her intently. His own mouth had opened into a lazy O.

"Professor, I feel weird." I think I'm going to pee." Hermione shifted uncomfortably, feeling embarrassed. However, this only seemed to encourage Professor Snape as he maintained his fast pace.

"Professor! I'm going to—" Hermione tried her best to hold in her need to pee, but she lost all control when the head of his penis once again made contact with the sensitive area inside her. Hermione let out a strained cry as she felt her body start to convulse.

She felt a rush of fluid escape her, which she assumed was urine. However, it felt nothing like when she normally peed. Waves of pleasure coursed through her body, and Hermione continued to moan as her body involuntarily twitched.

She felt her muscles clench and unclench around him, which earned a loud, suppressed groan from him. Hermione quickly opened her eyes to look at him. His expression seemed almost anguished.

"It feels too good; I don't think I can pull out." Hermione heard the desperation in his voice as he continued to thrust in and out of her.

"It’s okay; I'll take another emergency potion," Hermione reassured him. She didn't want him to pull out if it meant depriving him of the pleasure she had just experienced.

She wanted him to unravel just as she had, so she continued to contract her muscles around him, and it only took a few seconds of her muscles grasping him before he completely buried himself deep inside her and released himself with a groan.

Professor Snape collapsed onto Hermione, unable to support himself any longer. Hermione responded by wrapping her legs around him and soothing him by running her nails along his sweaty back. She also planted gentle kisses on his shoulder, eliciting small shudders from him. After a few minutes, Hermione grew tired and her own breathing, just like his, had not yet returned to normal. And after a few long moments of her embracing him, He regained his strength and pulled himself out of her and completely off her. And threw himself onto the other side of the bed. Once again draping an arm over his forehead.

"Professor?" Hermione whispered, but received no response, leading her to believe he had fallen asleep.

"What is Miss Granger?" He finally asked, slightly groggily.

"I'm sorry I peed on you," Hermione whispered. She felt terrible about it. Now he would have to get up from his post-org*smic state and shower to wash the urine off of him.

Hermione had never felt more embarrassed in her entire life.

"You can't honestly tell me that was your first org*sm, Miss Granger," he asked in a sleepy whisper.

Hermione whispered, more to herself than to him, "So that's what that was?"

"And here I was assuming the insufferable know-it-all knew everything," Professor Snape muttered once again.

A wide smile involuntarily spread across Hermione's face. She felt an immense sense of relief that she hadn't actually urinated on her professor.

She knew what an org*sm was; she just had never experienced one as she had never been able to achieve one on her own.

Feeling completely satisfied she allowed herself to close her eyes and enjoy her own post-org*smic, but quickly opened them as she felt him rise from the bed.

"Where are you going?" Hermione asked.

"I have a bed of my own," he said as he pulled his boxer briefs up.

"Can't you sleep here tonight?" Hermione asked him softly.

"Stop muttering nonsense and go to bed," he said harshly as he grabbed all his belongings and made his way towards the door, leaving her alone in her room without another word.

Hermione felt her eyes well with tears as she remained still. She hadn’t expected to always share a bed with him since they both had separate bedrooms, but she had assumed that after their activities they would at least share the bed for the night. But clearly, she had been wrong.

Is that what sex with Professor Snape will always be like? She thought to herself.

Progress.She would just have to find a way to make progress with their relationship if she wanted their marriage to move forward.

Chapter 11: A False Positive

Chapter Text

Tuesday August 12, 1996

Hermione rolled over onto her stomach as the morning sun shone through the window and blinded her.

"Ugh," Hermione groaned out as she lifted herself, rolled out of bed, and quickly began to make her way towards the bathroom.

Yawning into her hand, she released the pee that she had been holding in all night.

When she wiped, she looked down at the toilet paper in her hand, expecting to find it covered in fresh red blood, but was taken back when there wasn't any drop of blood on it.

Hermione quickly finished cleaning up and began to panic as she paced back and forth from wall to wall in her bedroom.

Oh god. Oh god. Oh god, Hermione panicked to herself. She wasn't sure what to do.

She didn't fancy having to tell him about such a private matter. But in a way, it involved him.

She would have to go to him.

Knock, knock, knock. Hermione gently knocked on the door to his study.

"Enter," she heard his voice call out.

"Professor," Hermione said softly as she slowly opened the door.

"What is it, Miss Granger?" He asked without bothering to look up at her.

Hermione took a deep breath as she stepped into the room and gently closed the door behind her.

"Um…" Hermione chewed on the inside of her lip as she ran her sweaty palms onto the sides of her pajama bottoms.

"Spit it out, Miss Granger; I don't have time for your trivial chatter," he said lazily as he continued to flip through some parchments, and Hermione assumed he was reading through the Ministry School's authorized syllabus.

"I'm late," Hermione whispered softly, which caused him to finally look up at her.

"How can you be late? I wasn't expecting you." He asked.

"No, my period is late." Hermione felt her face flush in embarrassment at having to reveal that specific detail to him.

She watched as his face blanched, he let go of the parchments he had in his hand, and he leaned back into his chair. Although his face had lost color, Hermione could still see that he was struggling to keep his composure.

"You are certain?" He asked, looking up at her as he traced his lip with his finger.

"I've always gotten it on the 12th of every month since I was 13." "There have only been a handful of times I've been late, but it has always been stress-related."

"Lift your shirt," he commanded as he suddenly rose from his chair.

Hermione quickly complied and lifted her shirt up folding it in half, exposing her entire abdomen and a bit of underboob to him, and quickly dropped her hands to her side.

Professor Snape quickly lifted his hand and placed it firmly on her abdomen.

Hermione gasped and lifted her hand to his wrist as she felt the coldness of his bare hand.

With his other hand, he pointed the tip of his wand right underneath his hand, where her uterus was located, and closed his eyes. Hermione felt as if a cage full of butterflies were released inside her stomach at his cold touch, but the moment was short-lived as he quickly pulled away.

"I'm not getting anything. If you are… pregnant, it's much too early for any of my magic to detect it. And as you can see, I'm not a matron, so I don't know exactly what it is I'm looking for, so I'll have to send a message to Dumbledore, which will prove to be difficult as he has not responded to any of my previous messages about delivering the contraceptive potion."

"We can always try muggle methods," Hermione suggested as she looked up at him.

"Did your mother provide you with any?" He asked, turning his gaze towards her.

"No.... I suppose she hoped it wouldn't be necessary if we had used the condoms." Hermione said softly as she felt her face burn in embarrassment.

Professor Snape didn't respond to her comment; instead, he averted his gaze towards the window and seemed to be completely lost in thought.

"We'd have to go into town to purchase any. There are a few muggle shops within walking distance from here. We'll go after breakfast." He said he was breaking the silence.

Hermione wasn't sure if she could wait that long to know. Just the thought that she could be pregnant was eating her up. But nevertheless, if he was doing his best to remain calm, Hermione didn't want to be the one to ruin his efforts and panic both of them. So she gave him a soft smile and head nod, and without a word, she exited his study and made her way towards the kitchen, where she began to work on their breakfast.

_______________
Severus POV

Severus watched as the girl walked out of his office, and he felt completely numb. His mind was drawn blank. And after a few moments of staring off into the distance, he walked back over to his desk and slumped himself down and brought his hand up to the bridge of his nose.

Pregnant.

The girl could be pregnant with his child.

The situation he found himself in couldn't have gotten worse. He truly was damned.

What could Dumbledore possibly be doing that is more important than an unwanted pregnancy? What could he possibly be doing that wouldn't grant him a moment to respond to his constant requests for his presence? If there was one thing to appreciate about Dumbledore, it was his respect for other people's time.

Was this part of the old man's plan? For him to impregnate the girl? Severus thought to himself. He wouldn’t put it past Dumbledore to do such a thing.

After all, they were all playing checkers while Dumbledore played chess.

Thousands of thoughts raced through his mind.

How would this change their plans if she was pregnant? Surely they wouldn't keep the blasted thing.

Oh, but Severus knew. Knew. That the girl would want to keep it.

He would be damned with the girl and the child for the rest of his life. He would never be free of her. The child would serve as a reminder of their union.

He didn't want children, which he had always been certain of. He knew he wasn't capable of giving a child the necessary attention that it would need from a parent.

He wasn't capable of expressing or having love. Severus wasn't sure he ever truly loved anyone. He had been so neglected by his parents that he looked for kindness and nurture from anyone who would give it to him. And the only person who he ever fooled himself into loving was Lily. But he had been so cruel to her that he had lost the only person who had ever shown him any love or kindness.

He didn't know how to love. And he knew that he wouldn't learn how to within nine months. The child would have to suffer the fate of having the same unemotional father as he did.

Although he would make sure he provided a better home environment and financial support to the child and the girl, the child would still have a distant, cold father.

But the girl would certainly make up for his lack of parental involvement, wouldn't she? She would treat the child as she treats Missy, the house elf, and the blasted cat she loves so much.

Surely the girl would love it no matter what the thing looked like. Even if it came out looking like an exact carbon copy of him, surely the girl would find beauty in the child, even if it inherited his unnatural nose or prominent features.

Surely she wouldn't mistreat and neglect him like his own mother had. Leaving him to fend for himself. The girl would be nurturing and caring.

Severus didn't know how long he had been sitting and massaging his temples. But it wasn't until the aroma of fried eggs and sausage hit his nose that he knew the girl had finished making breakfast and it was his time to retreat from his study.

He walked out of his office and into the sitting room to find the girl on her knees on top of the counter, reaching aimlessly for the mugs on the top shelf of the kitchen cabinet.

"Here, let me," Severus spoke, which only startled the girl, causing her to jump up, but before she could fall back, he took a hold of her and gently placed her back down onto the ground.

"You ought to be more careful. I don't know why you bother putting them up there when they cause you so much trouble to reach for them when you need them," he found himself scolding her before he could stop himself. It was something that came so natural to him.

Even though he had agreed not to do so after they got married, he had made a conscious decision not to treat the girl like a child in order to make their marriage more bearable. However, her careless behavior infuriated him. He had spent the past thirty minutes convincing himself that if she were pregnant, she would be a better parent, but now she was proving him wrong by putting herself in danger without thinking.

Sorry. He heard the girl mutter under her breath in the way she always did, as if she intended for him not to hear her, but he always did.

He walked over to the table and took a seat as he watched the girl walk over and place the mugs on the table. He carefully watched her every movement as she began to pour the steaming hot water into their mugs.

He released a breath he didn't know he was holding as she walked back over to the stove and set down the kettle.

He panicked even more than before. It was clear the girl was unfit to be a mother. She was much too careless. It didn't take long for him to know the girl like the back of his hand. (Not that it took much effort.) (The girl was an open book.)

Every thought, every question, and every emotion were written on her face before she even got the chance to open her mouth.

In a span of days, he knew most of the girl's likes and dislikes. Such trivial things as, when it came to passing time, the kinds of books or movies she liked to entertain herself with. But she mostly lost herself in her studies, already having read all the books she purchased twice.

It was obvious the girl hardly took care of her own well-being. She never ate more than she should for a person her age. Severus was sure she was underweight for her age, but he chose not to show any concern for her well-being, afraid that she would misunderstand his comments as genuine care.

A child having a child, the thought ran through his mind as she sat down and smiled up at him innocently.

And he was responsible for it, The thought felt like a slap in the face.

"The weather is nice," the girl said, taking him out of his thoughts as she averted her gaze out the window into the now evident blue sky.

But Severus didn't respond; instead, he lifted his mug, brought it up to his lips, and took a sip from it.

If there was one thing the girl was good at, it was making tea. Perhaps it was something she had learned from her mother, as he had always heard it said that the only good thing muggles were good at was making tea.

"It will be nice for our walk," the girl babbled on.

"Finish your breakfast, Miss Granger, before it gets cold," he scolded, which he wasn't sure why he even bothered to comment on, as one of the many things he knew about the girl was that she didn't mind eating cold food. She would often bite into her cold food or leftovers.

But Severus knew what the girl was waiting for. She always waited for him to take the first bite of whatever she made, as if seeking his approval. However, he never gave it. It wasn't because he was intentionally withholding it. Her culinary abilities were not exceptional, although they had gotten better over time. Nonetheless, they were more enjoyable than what he had grown accustomed to during the summers.

He picked up a bite full of egg and sausage, and they began to eat in silence as usual. Glancing over to the muggle newspaper over again, as he always made sure to read it front and back twice daily to see if the muggles had finally caught wind of the war that was on, but they never seemed to.

"We will be right back, Crooks; no need to worry, mommy will be home soon," the girl kept reassuring the ruddy cat. As they both made their way towards the door with the cat meowing behind them, trying to stop them from leaving it behind.

"I hate leaving him all alone. He always gets separation anxiety in the summer for some reason; I whenever he's away from the castle, he's afraid he's never going back. He loves it there." The girl was clearly trying to make conversation, but Severus had too much on his mind to chat about anything as trivial as the damn cat.

They walked in silence the entire way into town. With the girl looking around the unfamiliar, run-down town and what it had to offer as if it were a tourist attraction.

It was one of the many things he hated to admit he had in common with the girl. They both always seemed to be eager to learn new things.

"This one," Severus finally said as he impulsively placed his hand on her lower back and directed the girl inside the small convenience shop. He felt as the girl stiffened at his touch in a way she always did whenever he brushed up against her. He was never sure why. But he always convinced himself it was the surprise of the sudden touch.

They both instinctively walked towards the back of the shop, as they both assumed that was where what they needed would be.

"There this one," the girl said as they reached the section they were looking for. There were only two different options to pick from, and Severus, never having had to purchase or use one, wasn't sure where to go from there.

"I don't suppose you know which one is best?" He asked as he turned to look at the girl, who simply shook her head. Of course she wouldn't; this is all new to her too.

"We'll just play it safe and get both," he said as he lowered himself and took both boxes.

"Wait!" The girl stopped him as he was about to walk towards the counter.

"We have to get a few more items," the girl said, looking down at the boxes. "Or else it will look weird if we just purchase these, don't you think?"

"Who cares what the person behind the counter thinks? It's not in the job description to care about what the customer purchases, is it?" He asked coldly.

"No. I don't think they get paid enough to care.” The girl responded as they both turned and looked over to see who was behind the counter, only to find it was a young girl with headphones over her head playing music loud enough for anyone in the store to hear.

"Nevertheless, it's embarrassing. We'll just get Crookshanks a treat!" The girl said, and before Severus could protest, the girl had already made her way towards the pet aisle and rushed back with two cans of tuna.

"And that's supposed to make it less embarrassing?" He muttered low enough for the girl to hear as they made their way towards the counter. But Severus was eating up his own words as he placed both boxes on the counter and watched as the young muggle girl kept throwing glances between them.

So apparently they do get paid to care. Severus thought angrily to himself as they left the convenience store.

_______________
Hermione’s POV

The walk back to Spinner's End was again as silent as the walk to the shop. Hermione was sure the muggle girl's glances had angered him just as much as they had angered her. She was sure the girl could see the apparent age difference between them, and the girl wasn't daft enough to not assume the pregnancy test wasn't for her.

Had it been a different situation, Hermione would have begged him to continue their walk into the other shops. But she was anxious to get home and take them. And she was sure he was just as anxious to know, given that the second they stepped into the house, he completely ignored Crookshank's happy meows and forced her into the bathroom.

"Take this one first," he said as he handed her one of the boxes.

Hermione wasn't sure he would step out to allow her any privacy, and she was too overwhelmed to ask him to leave, so instead she quickly undid the button of her trousers and pulled them down while he stood by the sink, engrossed in reading the information on the box. She hovered over the stick, and it took a few seconds before she began to pee on it. As she couldn’t believe she was using the toilet in front of him.

Once she finished, she had pee all over her fingers. And she quickly grabbed a few pieces of toilet paper, set the wet pregnancy test on the counter, and placed the test on top of it.

"It says to wait 1-3 minutes for the results to appear," he said as he lowered the box.

They both remained silent as the minutes passed by. Hermione's mind was completely blank. She wasn't sure what she would do if the test came out positive.

After a few minutes passed, Hermione looked down at the test and saw a sharp vertical blue line. But her heart stopped when she saw that there was a faint blue line intersecting it, forming a cross.

Oh god. Hermione thought as she looked up at Professor Snape, who had his own head down towards the test. He straightened himself up and lifted the box up again, alternating between the box in his hand and the test as if he were reading it wrong.

"Professor" Hermione whimpered as she took a step back, clutching her stomach as if expecting it to swell all of a sudden.

She was pregnant. She, Hermione Jean Granger-Snape was pregnant with his child.

"Take the other one," he demanded softly, and Hermione could hear the slight panic in his tone and knew that he too was panicking. "Now, Miss Granger!"

Hermione wasn't sure if she could even pee again, but she had to try, so she quickly pulled her jeans down, hovered once again over the toilet, and began to pee onto the other stick. Again, they sat in silence as the other test sat on the counter above the positive one.

Hermione was completely overwhelmed with emotions; she thought she was going to pass out.

She wasn't sure what she should be feeling. Should she be crying? Should she be scared? Should she be cursing at him, Dumbledore, or herself?

She looked up at him to see that the hand in which he still held the box was slightly shaking, and Hermione wondered if he was just as overwhelmed and asking himself the same questions.

Hermione quickly stood to her feet, walked over to the sink, and looked down at the test. It had been well over the recommended time, and only a sharp blue horizontal line was visible. There wasn't a faint line like the other test had, and Hermione let out a relieved sign.

"It's negative. This one is negative," Hermione whispered softly as she looked up at her professor. He, too, seemed to let out a breath that he had been holding. All of a sudden, Dumbledore’s Phoenix Protonus came zooming into the tiny bathroom.

"Dumbledore seems to have perfect timing." "He's on his way to deliver the damn potion I've been demanding from him."

"Will you tell him about..." Hermione whispered as she looked down at both tests. If one was positive and one was negative, how would they know if she truly was pregnant or not?

"I'll have too. Dumbledore is a powerful wizard. I'm sure his magic would be able to detect if there was life growing inside you," he said as they both straightened up as they heard the coded knock he made when they first appeared at his doorsteps.

"He's here. "Freshen up; I'll let him in," he said softly as he stepped out into the hallway and left her alone in the bathroom.

Hermione quickly did as she was told and washed her hands and dried them off. She looked into the mirror to see that her cheeks were completely flushed, and her bottom lip was bright red and swollen from having anxiously abused it while waiting for the results. She quickly ran her hands down her mane of hair and stepped out into the hallway and into the sitting room.

"And have you brought what I have been continuously requesting from you?" She heard Professor Snape ask.

"Right here," Professor Dumbledore said as he pulled out a purple-sealed potion from his robes. "Although it won't be needed if she is with child."

"I don't find your comment very amusing, Dumbledore," Professor Snape said coldly as Hermione walked over and stood next to him.

"No. You could be particularly solemn at times," the headmaster said kindly as he gave Hermione a small, kind smile and bowed his head a little to acknowledge her presence.

She watched as the headmaster turned his gaze towards Professor Snape as to communicate with him but not with words as the room fell silent.

"You'll need to lift your shirt up like before, Miss Granger." Professor Snape spoke softly to her, and Hermione's face flushed in embarrassment. She was thankful that the headmaster hadn't been the one to ask her to do so, as it would probably have been embarrassing for both of them.

"Right," Hermione muttered more to herself as she lifted her shirt up, deciding not to fold it in half as that would expose more than she wished to the headmaster.

She cringed as she felt his cold hand press against her abdomen in the same gentle manner that Professor Snape had done, but she didn't feel the surge of butterflies in her belly that she did when he had touched her.

"Ah—not pregnant" Professor Dumbledore spoke, and the three of them let out a small, relieved sigh as he pulled his hand away from her.

"Are you sure of it, dumbledore?" Professor Snape asked as Dumbledore took a step back from her.

"Magic doesn't lie, Severus," Professor Dumbledore said. "It can— at times be misleading, but it never lies."

"I have brought you the contraceptive potion. I trust that the two of you will be more careful in the future." He said, glancing from one another behind his half-moon spectacle glasses. And Hermione’s eyes widened as she averted her gaze from the headmaster.

"Of course," Professor Snape responded bitterly.

"Severus, we have private business to attend to," Professor Dumbledore said.

"This way then," Professor Snape motioned towards his study, and with a small, curt bow, Professor Dumbledore made his way into the hallway.

"It won't take long." "Go on with the rest of your day and don't interrupt us," Professor Snape said, turning his gaze towards her before following after Dumbledore.

Hermione was left standing alone in the living room. And although she felt immensely relieved that she was not pregnant and that it had been a false positive, Hermione didn't know why she felt so empty. Like someone had taken something from her. More like ripped it out of her.

Before she could stop herself, she raised her hands and placed both hands under her jumper and over her stomach, as if she had truly been expecting to feel anything.

Ridiculous and delusional , Hermione scolded herself as she quickly forced herself to drop her hands and made her way up to her bedroom, where she quickly crawled into bed.

As soon as her head hit the pillow, Hermione let out a sob she didn't know she had been holding. And felt her tears spill from her eyes.

Why am I crying? Hermione asked herself as she raised her hand and wiped away the tears. I didn't want to be pregnant.

That much was true. Hermione didn't want a child, and she couldn't see a world where a child of hers and Professor Snape’s would exist.

But with so much loss happening all around her, Hermione felt, for a split second, that life was growing inside her. Even if it had been short-lived. She had truly believed for a mere second that she was pregnant.

Hermione spent most of the day moping around her bedroom and hadn't even heard when Dumbledore took his leave. She wondered if he had even left or if perhaps he was still handling his private matters with her husband. Perhaps he would stay for dinner.

Imagine that, Hermione thought to herself. Entertaining Professor Dumbledore outside of the castle in her home with her husband.

That would be like entertaining the Queen. Hermione laughed out loud at her thoughts. What would Harry and Ron think?

Hermione made her way downstairs and got started on dinner. She made enough for three; if he had already departed, then it would serve as leftovers.

"Ah. Has Dumbledore gone then?" Hermione asked as he stepped into the sitting room alone.

"Yes. He did not stay for long. I invited him to join us for dinner, but he seemed to be in a hurry, but don’t be too disappointed, as the old man says he will be expecting another invitation in the future."

Hermione let out a small chuckle as she finished setting the table. And they began to eat their dinner in silence, as they usually did. Both of them seemed to not have had much of an appetite, as they didn't go for another serving or dessert.

They allowed the silence to engulf the room as they now sat by the fire that he had made with a book in hand. But Hermione found that her thoughts strayed away from the words in the book, and she gently closed the book and placed it down on the rackety wooden table.

"Professor?" Hermione whispered, turning her gaze from the fire to him, but he had his full attention on the book in his hand. She felt her dinner turning in her stomach as she was scared to address her question.

"What would we have done if we had been pregnant?" Hermione asked as she unintentionally raised her hands to her stomach.

"There's no need to dwell on the what ifs, let's just be grateful that you weren't pregnant," he said, and Hermione couldn't help the sharp pain she felt in her chest.

"But if I had been…" Hermione felt her voice shaking.

"Miss Granger, that's enough," he said, his voice sharp and unwavering.

Hermione took a sharp breath, quickly stood to her feet, and retreated to her bedroom without saying another word to him. As soon as she was sure the door to her bedroom was closed, she let out another silent sob, curled herself into a fetal position, and cried herself to sleep.

She did not want this; she did not want to be pregnant. Hermione found herself repeating herself over and over.

Chapter 12: Nymphadora Tonks

Chapter Text

Thursday August 29, 1996

It wasn't long until Professor Snape and Hermione had set a routine. It typically consisted of the same thing: Hermione would wake up and get ready for the day. She would do her daily cleaning, dusting, and sweeping for the day, then cook breakfast, which was always the same. A full English breakfast and then she would do her daily reading. (She had already finished reading all of her school books twice and was now reading them again for the third time.)

Then, she would watch TV (that she had to beg Professor Snape to go into a muggle store to buy), which he had only agreed to buy if she kept it in her room. Then lunch, then dinner, and then her favorite part of the day had slowly become the last hour before they would retire to sleep.

Professor Snape liked to sit by the fire that he himself would build without the use of magic, which Hermione had come to learn was the scent that would stick to him that she loved so much. Woodsmoke. He would then sit in his armchair and read. At first, Hermione would retire early to her room to allow him some privacy. But after a few days, she began to join him. Having also bought an armchair for herself, they would both sit quietly by the fire and read. He would often scold her whenever he caught her staring at him. And she would blush and quickly turn her attention back to her own reading.

Their sex life had also fallen into a routine. They both knew they had to at least do it once a week to fulfill the bond. And they had never agreed to a specific day of the week, but the unwritten rule had become every Thursday. Since that was the day of the week, their honeymoon had landed.

And although Hermione greatly enjoyed the sex, she couldn't help but wonder what kind of sex they would have if he allowed it to be spontaneous. Their routine sex was already indescribably pleasurable, so she couldn't imagine what it would be if he would randomly lustfully have his way with her on their kitchen floor or in front of the fire.

Hermione couldn't help but think of last night, It had started the same way all their sexual encounters always started: with him asking how she would like to proceed, then her laying on her back and sharing a long, passionate kiss for the sole purpose of arousing her.

Hermione and Professor Snape had only had sex three times. And she was surprised at just how quickly he seemed to know her body. It seemed as if he knew her body as if it were the back of his hand. He always knew exactly how to maneuver. He knew exactly the speed or angle he needed to get her to climax. He always made sure she climaxed first before allowing himself to finish. He would then leave her bedroom, leaving Hermione feeling empty and used. And then they would get back to just cooperating as if they were roommates.

"That was..." Hermione struggled to compose herself as she struggled to catch her breath and ran her hands through her damp curls to brush them away from her face.

Professor Snape said nothing as he sat up on the edge of the bed, fighting to regain his own composure as he too struggled to catch his own breath.

He was leaving her.

"Stay, please," Hermione pleaded softly as she rose to her knees and crawled over to where he sat.

"Don't be ridiculous," he scolded her, but he made no effort to get up; clearly, he was still enjoying the aftermath of what they had done.

"Please. Just for tonight." Hermione hesitantly raised her hand and ran it gently down his back as she placed a gentle kiss on his shoulder blade.

"Just for tonight," Hermione whispered again as she slithered her hand down to his arm to pull him back down onto his back.

"Miss Granger I can't. We can't." He seemed to struggle to find the right words to say.

"Please, when you go after what we did, it makes me feel..." Hermione was trying to find the right word to use to express how it felt whenever he left her. "Cheap."

Professor Snape turned to look over at her over his shoulder, and Hermione could feel his body begin to relax as if he wasn't going to put up a fight anymore.

"Just for tonight," Hermione repeated as she managed to pull him back down onto the bed.

Professor Snape said nothing as she wrapped herself around him and rested her head against his chest. Hermione couldn't believe just how much she was pushing her luck as she gently ran her hand up and down his chest. She could feel his chest rising and falling as she began to fall into a deep slumber.

Friday August 30, 1996

Hermione and Professor Snape sat at their small dining table, eating the breakfast Hermione had prepared and she watched as he took his first bite of his breakfast. She would typically always watch to see if his reaction faltered.

Hermione soon learned that if he ate in haste, it meant he liked the food; if he took his time, he didn't really like it but was too polite to say anything. Hermione learned really early that it didn't matter if she asked. Whenever she asked if he liked the food, his response was always the same, whether he liked it or not. It's sufficient, was all he would ever respond with.

Hermione would then note whether he seemed to like a certain food or not. He never seemed to be picky about food. However, Hermione quickly learned that he seemed to prefer foods that were nutritious, like soups or steamed vegetables.

Hermione finished her meal and lifted her gaze out the window. It was something she usually did to stop herself from staring at him.

And her eyes furrowed in surprise as she watched an owl approach the window in the distance.

"Owl!" Hermione jumped, pressing her hands to the window, and quickly opened the window to allow the owl to drop whatever mail it had.

The owl quickly dropped the mail into Professor Snape's lap. And Hermione tried her best to not look disappointed. She had hoped it was for her. She hadn't heard from any of her friends since she last saw them in Diagon Alley.

She watched as he flipped through a few envelopes until he froze. Flipping through a few, he looked up at her with anger evident on his face.

Extending a few envelopes to her. Hermione hesitantly took them. She was confused.

"It appears the wretched owl knows we are married and therefore receives your mail," he said bitterly, clearly not happy about it.

Hermione couldn't help the wide smile that spread across her face. She picked up a slice of her bread. And fed the owl. Which he gladly took.

"Don't feed the owl," he demanded.

"What's the owl's name?" Hermione said she ignored his demand and continued to feed it.

"He doesn't have one!" Hermione gasped taking great offense that he didn’t care enough to name his owl.

"He doesn't need one," he said harshly.

"Of course he does! Everyone needs a name!" Hermione said as she continued to feed the owl.

"We will name you Oliver!" Hermione smiled at the owl.

"No! You will not name the owl," Professor Snape said, opening the window and forcing the owl out. Hermione watched as the owl flew away before turning to give him a scowl for having been so cold. But he ignored her and proceeded to go threw his own mail.

Turning her attention back to her letters in hand. Hermione carefully opened the letter she had received from Mrs. Weasley.

It had been a few tips on housekeeping and a few new recipes and Hermione smiled as she was excited to try them out.

She then lifted the other envelope. She wasn't sure who it was from as she didn't recognize the envelope. She carefully opened it.

Wotcher Hermione!
I was writing to ask if you're free to grab a drink later today after I get done with work at the three broomsticks. Meet me there at 8:30. I look forward to seeing you!
-Tonks

Hermione looked at the letter in front of her and re-read it over and over a couple of times.

"What is it, Miss Granger?" He asked softly as he watched her carefully.

"It's a letter from Nymphadora Tonks; she wants to meet for a drink." Hermione said as she extended the letter out to Professor Snape, who took it and read it himself.

"I wasn't aware you were friends with Nymphadora Tonks," he said, sneering as he handed the letter back to her.

"Um, I'm not, really. I think she's cool. I would like to be her friend, but I always figured she wouldn't want to be friends with someone much younger than her. We'd have nothing in common." Hermione said, "I wonder why she wants to meet, the last few times I've seen her, she seemed as if she wasn't doing well."

Professor Snape, though, had no comment on what his opinion of Nymphadora was. She assumed he didn't like her. as he never seemed to like anyone.

"Will you be joining her?" He asked.

"Can I?"

It wasn't that she was asking for permission, but Hermione was aware that, like Diagon Alley, Hogsmeade was not safe to go out alone.

"I don’t understand why you would want to, but nevertheless, Nymphadora is an Auror and a part of the order, so it would be safe enough for you to join her." He said this as he lifted his wand and cleared the table.

"Perfect!" Hermione smiled down at the letter.

Hermione kept her eyes closed as she tried to regain composure after having just apparated in front of the Three Broomsticks. She still held tightly onto Professor Snape's arm as she finally opened her eyes and looked up at the tavern.

Entering the three broomsticks, Hermione quickly dropped Professor Snape's arm in case anyone saw them hand in hand and grew suspicious.

"She's over there," Professor Snape said as he placed a hand around her lower back and guided her towards Nympadora. Hermione gasped at the contact but allowed him to walk her over.

"Wotcher Hermione!" Nymphadora said and Hermione felt a small smile form on her face.

"Snape," she said with a curt nod of acknowledgement.

"Nymphadora," Professor Snape responded with clear dislike in his tone.

"I trust you'll be careful, and watch your surroundings." Professor Snape turned to look at Hermione.

"You won't be joining us?" Hermione asked, trying to hide the disappointment in her voice.

"No, I have some business in town to attend to, so I'll be back to pick you up in about an hour," he said.

"Okay," Hermione whispered as she looked into his eyes. She knew he wanted to say much more. Scold her and tell her to behave, but could see that he was refraining from doing so.

"Okay" was all he whispered back before he quickly turned and left the three broomsticks.

"So...?" Nymphadora broke the silence, causing Hermione to turn her gaze towards her.

"How is married life?" Nymphadora asked.

Hermione should’ve known. Of course, the order wanted to know what was going on behind closed doors. Hermione didn't know if she should be offended that they didn't think she was capable of taking care of herself or if they thought she was naive enough to let him abuse her.

"Is that why you asked to meet? So that you could report to the order? If Mrs. Weasley really wants to know what happens behind closed doors, have her owl me next time." Hermione responded as she rose to stand up.

"No, no, no!" Nymphadora quickly rushed out. "I didn't mean to offend you! It's just a question I hear people ask newlyweds! Honest! I'm here on my own!"

"Oh," Hermione said, embarrassed that she got so defensive so quickly. And sat back down.

"So...why did you ask to meet then?" Hermione asked but was cut off as Madam Rosmerta approached them with butterbeers, which Hermione was sure Nymphadora had already ordered before she had arrived.

"How have you been, Nymphadora?" Hermione asked as Madam Rosemerta walked away.

"Please don't call me that; call me Dora or Tonks," she responded.

"Okay, well, how have you been, Tonks?" Hermione redirected.

"I've been better," she whispered.

"Oh, we've all noticed, but it makes sense for you to be shaken up from his death. After all, he was your cousin," Hermione responded, trying to sympathize with her. But failed as Tonks looked at her as if she were confused with what she was talking about.

"Oh, right, well, we weren't really that close, but it is sad what happened," Tonks responded, and now it was Hermione’s turn to look confused.

"Then...I don't understand," Hermione said, looking over at her.

"Well, you see, the reason I asked to meet with you is because, well, I figured now that you're married, we have much more in common now," she said, looking down at her butterbeer.

"In common?" Hermione asked, confused. "Did you also marry for protection?" Hermione asked

"Well, no, but..." Tonks looked teary-eyed as she avoided Hermione's gaze. "I'm in love with an older wizard," she said, looking down again at her butterbeer.

"And seeing as you're married to an older wizard...I don't know...I just figured," Tonks responded, finally looking up at Hermione.

Hermione was confused. Very confused. Of all the reasons she expected to be the reason she asked to meet, this was not one of them. Nymphodora Tonks had asked her to meet her regarding an older wizard she was in love with.

"We both have that in common," Hermione said.

"Yes"

"Who are you in love with?" Hermione asked curiously.

Hermione watched as Tonk's face looked almost pained as she said the name of the wizard.

"Remus," she whispered in an almost inaudible whisper. Hermione couldn't help the gasp that escaped her lips as she brought her hands to cover her mouth.

"You're in love with Professor Lupin?" Hermione asked. Tonks didn't say anything but slowly nodded.

And suddenly everything started to make sense to her. The reason why she looked so depressed all the times that she had seen her

"And...he doesn't...well, your feelings aren't reciprocated?" Hermione asked, feeling bad for prying.

And Tonks simply nodded once again as she raised her hand to wipe a tear that rolled down her cheek.

"He thinks I deserve better. Someone younger, someone healthier, someone who isn't a werewolf," she finally said.

"Professor Lupin is a good man, kind, brave, and noble," Hermione said. She felt terrible to know that Professor Lupin didn’t think himself worthy of someone like Tonks because of his condition.

"I agree, but he doesn't seem to think so," she responded.

"So tell me, I know that your marriage was purely for your protection. But there must be some kind of affection. I mean, how could there not be? You spend almost every minute of the day with him; surely something would grow from that." She said hopeful.

"Well..." Hermione blushed in embarrassment. She couldn't believe she was going to admit her feelings for Professor Snape out loud. "I'm afraid those affections are all one-sided." Hermione blushed, looking down at her drink.

To her surprise, Tonks let out a small chuckle. "So we do have much more in common," she said as she smiled up at Hermione, and Hermione couldn't help but return her smile.

"I suppose," Hermione responded.

The minutes seemed to go by faster than usual. Hermione and Tonks continued their conversation about their love interests. Tonks began by telling Hermione how she met and fell in love with Professor Lupin. And Hermione went on to tell her about her wedding. (Excluding the wedding night) as they indulged in butterbeer after butterbeer.

"Well, the two of you seemed like any other married couple when you entered the tavern." Tonks said.

"Well, yes, but he doesn't seem to like to acknowledge that we are married, really," Hermione said quietly.

"And you don't like that?" She asked

"Well no, he's my husband!" She exclaimed, perhaps much louder than she would have had she been much more sober.

"That I am," Hermione heard a deep, familiar voice say behind her.

"Professor!" Hermione gasped as she quickly stood up in surprise. But regretted it as the whole room began to spin. Perhaps she drank much more than she should have. Quickly, to stop her from falling, Professor Snape placed both hands on her arms to keep her from falling over.

"Your surprise confuses me, Miss Granger; I did say I would be back in an hour or so, did I not?" He asked annoyed.

"Well, you did, but—" Hermione slurred.

"You're intoxicated," he said, more annoyed than before.

"Well, we should get going then," he said, turning to look at Tonks as if she were to blame for her drinking. "Bid your goodbyes, Miss Granger," he said as he pulled out a handful of sickles and placed them on the table.

"Well, it was nice seeing you, Tonks; I enjoyed it very much," Hermione slurred.

"Thank you for agreeing; I hope to do it again soon," Tonks responded, her voice slurring a bit.

"Will you need help getting to where you need to go, Nymphadora?" Professor Snape asked, as she herself stumbled to get to her feet.

"No need; I've been stationed here at Hogsmeade for extra protection for the upcoming school year at Hogwarts, so it will be no trouble," she said, slightly swaying from foot to foot.

"Alright then, let's go, Miss Granger," Professor Snape said as he placed both his hands on each side of her waist and guided her once again towards the exit.

"Keep in touch, Hermione! I'll make sure to owl you." Hermione heard Tonks yell out as they exited the tavern.

Hermione gasped as she felt the cool air that August now brought. It was much needed. And without warning, she felt as if Professor Snape tightly wrapped both arms around her waist and apparated them back to Spinner's End.

Feeling much more dizzy than before, Hermione tightly held onto Professor Snape so as not to fall over as they arrived right inside her bedroom.

"You're angry with me," Hermione stated as he guided her to sit on the edge of the bed.

"Yes, and do you know why I am angry with you, Miss Granger?" He asked.

"I don't, sir," Hermione responded.

"You're intoxicated," he snapped at her as he lowered himself to his knees in front of her. And quickly grabbed her ankle and placed it on his bended knee.

"It wasn't my intention; I only had a few drinks; I didn't know my body would react this way," Hermione whispered as she looked down at him as he began to undo her shoe laces and take her shoes off.

There was a long silence that followed as he stood back up to his full height and looked down at her.

"It appears my body has been experiencing many new things," Hermione whispered as she placed both her hands on his belt buckle and tried her best to look as seductive as she could.

"Miss Granger," Professor Snape scolded as he grabbed both her wrists to stop her from further touching him.

Hermione didn't respond; instead, she tried to quickly rise to her feet but failed as she stumbled backwards. Falling back onto the bed, Hermione let out a groan as she felt sick to her stomach.

"Get some rest; you'll feel much better in the morning," he said as he turned towards the door.

"Won’t you help me undress?" Hermione asked, lifting her head to look at him.

"I'm sure you've undressed yourself plenty of times to know how to do it yourself, Miss Granger," he scolded.

Hermione groaned in frustration as she went to pull off her tights but failed miserably. Walking over to her, Professor Snape quickly placed both his hands up and under her dress and began to pull down her tights. Making sure to leave her underwear on.

Hermione slowly sat up and lifted her arms to allow him to pull her dress over her head and shuddered as she felt the cold air of the room hit her skin, as she was now just in her underwear and bra. Reaching behind her, she quickly undid it, freeing herself from its restraint.

Slowly laying back down, Hermione looked up to see Professor Snape frozen in place, looking down at her almost fully nude form.

"Do you like what you see?" Hermione asked, but even in her drunken state, Hermione wasn't sure she wanted to know the answer.

"Get some rest," was all he said as he placed her wand on the nightstand and walked out of the bedroom.

Hermione didn't know how long she stared at the door, hoping for him to return to her and share the bed with her. But he didn't. She wasn't sure when she fell asleep. But one thing was certain:

Hermione would be dreaming of him, as she always did every night.

Chapter 13: Crookshanks Birthday

Chapter Text

August 31, 1996

Hermione woke up with a terrible pounding in her head. Slowly, sitting up, she winced in frustration as the morning sun invaded the bedroom.

"Oh god," Hermione mumbled to herself as she placed her head in her hands to try to ease the pressure.

Finally, looking over to check the time, Hermione was taken back as she saw a tray with a few potion vials sitting on the nightstand.

Hermione quickly got out of bed, walked over to them, and lifted the note that was in front of them.

Take these: red is for headache, green is for stomach, and purple is if you wish to go back to sleep.
SS

Hermione smiled to herself as she placed the note back down and quickly took the red and green potions. She was surprised just how quickly the potions worked as her headache and nausea quickly disappeared as she stepped out of the shower.

Squeaky clean and freshened up Hermione made her way downstairs and was taken back to see Professor Snape in his armchair reading the daily prophet. Surprised, as he usually spent the mornings in his study.

Although Hermione knew he was aware that she stood at the door, he did not bother to look up or even acknowledge her.

"Good morning!" Hermione finally spoke as she walked over to the kitchen.

"Is it?" Was all he asked, not bothering to look at her.

"Of course it is; today is a very special day, in fact!" Hermione said happily.

He turned to look at her with an eyebrow slightly raised.

"Today is Crookshank's birthday!" Hermione squealed in excitement as she lifted Crookshanks, who had been drinking his morning milk, into her arms and embraced him.

"He turns four years old!" Hermione pulled him closer, but he clearly didn't want to be held, so she put him back down.

"He doesn't look four," Professor Snape sneered as he looked down at the cat.

"Well, I don't really know his real age or his real birthday. So I celebrate the day I got him. Which was four years ago today!" Hermione smiled as she watched the cat crawl back over to drink his milk.

"I have the whole day planned for us! I’ll make him an apple pie, which he loves, and then we'll take him for an afternoon walk, which is something he loves to do; he likes to walk around and explore. And then, to end the night, since he likes to sit with us when we read, you'll read to him while I pet him to sleep!" Hermione said excitedly.

Professor Snape clearly wasn't thrilled with the plan. As he gave her a stern "no," and stood from his chair and began to walk towards his office.

"What!? Why not?" Hermione exclaimed, following behind him.

"Because I have no interest in spending the day celebrating such nonsense." He said this as he entered his study and walked over to his desk.

"None sense? Our child’s birthday is not nonsense!" Hermione exclaimed as she followed him into the room.

"A child? Please, you’re ridiculous. Miss Granger, it is a cat. It has no human emotion; it probably doesn’t even recognize that it’s his birthday, as you put it." He said this as he began to flip through his parchments.

"He’s a very clever kitty; he’s a half-Kneazle! And he always puts out the candle to his pies, so he must know." Hermione said, which earned a scoff from her professor.

"I don’t understand why you don’t like him when he has shown nothing but love for you. He has grown to love you so much. He likes to watch you work; he likes to sit on your feet when you read —because you don’t allow him to sit on your lap—and he waits for you with me when you leave for your meetings to make sure that you return safe and unharmed!" Hermione said.

She didn’t understand his aversion to Crookshanks. But she had a lingering feeling it had to do with Crookshank's old friendship with Sirius. But that was nothing to hold against him.

"He bothers me. He always follows me around and sits outside the door, meowing and pawing at it if I don’t let him into the room." He said scornfully.

"Because he finds comfort in you!" Hermione exclaimed.

She knew that although he didn’t like Crookshanks, he also didn't hate him. As he always makes sure to put out his morning milk, and he always makes sure to conjure a pillow by his desk for Crookshank to nap on during the day.

"Please! This is all I will ever ask of you!" Hermione begged.

"Don’t make promises you can’t keep, Miss Granger," he said, not looking up at her as he now lifted the muggle newspaper and began to browse through the headlines.

"Please! If you agree, then I promise that when we return to Hogwarts, I will follow clear instructions on the homework you assign and not go over the requested amount." Hermione pleaded, as she knew that was something he hated.

"You will give me your word?" He said looking up at her.

"I promise!" Hermione said.

"Fine, we’ll celebrate the blasted cat's birthday." He said, and Hermione let out an enthusiastic squeal as she rose to her feet.

"I’ll get started on breakfast, and then I’ll make the pie!" Hermione said as she walked out of the room and made her way towards the kitchen.

Hermione hardly ate her breakfast as she was mostly excited for the apple pie she had made, which this year came out exceptionally well. Once they finished their breakfast and cleared the table, Hermione placed a small candle that she had made him transfigure from a toothpick and lifted Crookshanks in her arms as she happily sang happy birthday to him, ignoring Professor Snape’s critical gaze as he sat across from them with his arms crossed against his chest as he had refused to sing to the cat.

However, they both seemed to really enjoy the pie, as they both had double servings of it (including Crookshanks).

Later in the afternoon, they began their brisk walk around the neighborhood, and Hermione had soon grown used to the smell that lingered around the town.

"What are you doing?" He asked angrily as she wrapped an arm around his arm.

"This is a muggle neighborhood, is it not? No one will recognize us," Hermione said.

"It doesn't matter; what makes you think I want to walk around hand in hand with you?" He asked angrily, and Hermione couldn't help the sinking feeling she felt in her heart. "Don't fool yourself into thinking you can take such liberties."

"Oh, right, sorry,” Hermione whispered low as she released his arm and took a step back. She had been enjoying the day so much that she had forgotten that she had practically forced him into spend the day with them.

They continued their brisk walk, closely following behind Crookshanks. And Hermione's cheeks burned from embarrassment at what she had done.

"Can we play a game?" Hermione asked softly, breaking the silence that had fallen between them.

"A game?" he asked.

"Yes, it's called 20 questions; we just take turns asking one another questions back and forth."

"So conversing, but for children?" He asked mockingly, and Hermione lowered her head once again in embarrassment.

"I suppose," she awkwardly giggled, "it's meant for the players to get to know each other...the little things about one another like their favorite color... or dessert," Hermione whispered. "You know...below the surface."

But he remained quiet as they continued to walk. She was stupid for thinking that he would want to play such a silly game. She supposed he didn't care to get to know the little things about her. After all, why would he care what her favorite color or dessert was?

"Go first, then," he muttered as they approached the train tracks.

Hermione felt her heart skip a beat and smiled up at him.

"What is your favorite color?" Hermione asked.

"Black," he answered flatly.

"That's not a color; that's a shade." Hermione giggled.

"Slytherin green," he muttered, annoyed.

"Ah, predictable," Hermione smiled. As, it was the only color she had ever seen him wear.

"As I'm sure yours are Gryffindor red and gold?" He asked almost mockingly.

"No," Hermione responded, "only red, but I don't like the maroon red; I like ruby red."

"Now it's your turn to ask me a question," Hermione said as they continued their walk.

"Why are you so determined to make the marriage something it's not supposed to be?" He asked, and Hermione felt her face burn up, and she was sure it had nothing to do with the sun beating down on them. She had not been expecting him to ask that question.

"Um, I don't know... I think of marriage as a beautiful thing. When you really think of it, we are in a world full of strangers, besides the family we are born into. And somewhere along the way, we meet people who are complete strangers to us, and slowly, we get to know things about them that we can either like or dislike. And then there's, well, love. And when you think about it, that's what marriage represents. Two strangers who met and choose to love one another even though they don’t have to. You don't choose who you fall in love with. It just happens. Falling in love is as easy as breathing." Hermione whispered the last of it. There was a long silence between them. And Hermione realized that she hadn't really answered his question.

"Oh, but marriage also comes with respect and devotion. And most of all, friendship. I'm fully aware of the circ*mstances in which we married. But just because those were the basis of our marriage, it doesn't mean that we can't make this marriage something beautiful in its own way." Hermione answered.

"Mm" was all he hummed as they continued their walk. There was another long silence that fell between them before Hermione realized it was her turn.

"What is your favorite dish?" Hermione asked. It seemed like a silly question to ask after his question, but Hermione wasn't confident enough to ask any deeper questions in fear that he would get offended by her audacity and decide not to play. So she would reform with the surface-level questions. That still, in its own way, made her sure she would be the only person to know, as she couldn't see anyone else knowing his favorite color or favorite dish.

"Beef stew," he answered.

Beef stew! Of course, why hadn't she thought of ever making some for dinner? Hermione mentally slapped herself.

"What is your favorite dish that I have made?" Hermione asked, eager to know.

"I believe it's my turn, Miss Granger," he scolded. "You sure have a hard time restraining yourself from speaking out of turn, don't you?"

Hermione flushed, not knowing if he was teasing or genuinely annoyed.

"Why do you feel the need to be an overachiever?" He asked.

Hermione took another deep breath. She had not been expecting him to ask such deep questions that required such meaningful answers.

"Um, you'll laugh at me if I tell you." Hermione looked down shyly at her feet as they continued to walk.

"Humor me"

"Well, I guess there are two reasons. The first one is my parents; they are both academics and love education, so they always encouraged me to care about my studies. They would read me bedtime stories--not the children's kind but papers and essays written from scholars," Hermione laughed. "So naturally, I wanted to make them proud, and I loved the look on their faces whenever I would show them my perfect marks. And then, well, the second reason is that when I first found out about Hogwarts, I assumed my first year that everyone was like me and came from a muggle world. And that everything was going to be new to everyone, so I wanted to be prepared and read any book I could get my hands on….But then, in my second year, it became very clear that everyone was not like me. So now, in a way, I feel the need to prove myself worthy of being a part of this world," Hermione whispered.

"Ah" was all he said.

"Okay, now answer my question: what is your favorite dish that I have made?" Hermione asked.

There was a long pause, and for a second, Hermione thought he might not answer.

"I guess I haven't improved like I thought I was," Hermione muttered low. "I'll ask something else; let me think...umm."

"Apple pie," he finally answered, "it’s more of a dessert, but it was more than sufficient."

Hermione couldn't help but smile brightly at him. And they both simultaneously came to a stop as Crookshanks seemed to come to a full stop.

Hermione let out a gasp as she looked past him and caught a glimpse of a rose bush.

"Roses!" Hermione walked past him and walked towards the bush.

"Oh look, they look so beautiful, don't they?" Hermione admired him as she turned to look at him as he now stood next to her.

"They're beautiful," Hermione beamed as she turned back to look at the bush.

"It never fails to astonish me how simple things like roses seem to bring you great happiness, Ms. Granger," he said softly as he too looked down at the bush.

"Are you making fun of me?" Hermione whispered, her smile slightly

"No," he answered, "I quite envy the fools who find happiness so easily in just about anything."

"They're my favorite kind of flower," Hermione whispered, "they're so...romantic."

"They represent everything about romance--passion, desire, and most of all, love," Hermione giggled.

"What about you? What is your favorite kind of flower?" Hermione asked, looking up at him. But the question seemed to trouble him as his face completely fell and he turned to look away from her.

"Lillies," was all he whispered as he turned his gaze towards a bush across the lake.

Hermione smiled at his response. Truthfully, she hadn't expected him to give her one but appreciated that he had. It meant they were making progress.

"Ah, those are beautiful too." Hermione smiled back at the rose bush.

They began to make their way back to their home, but Hermione couldn't help but notice the change in his body language. He was completely tense, and his eyebrows were furrowed together as if he were deep in thought.

Hermione couldn't help but wonder what had caused such a change in the atmosphere. Perhaps she had taken more than he could give in a day. So when they made their way back into their home, Hermione didn't protest, as he, without a word to her, retreated to his study and left her and Crookshanks alone in the sitting room.

Bed time had been vastly approaching, and what Hermione had been looking forward to the most had been to read to Crookshanks in front of the fire. So she placed a thick duvet and two pillows on the floor in front of it.

"You don't plan on sleeping here, do you, Miss Granger?" He asked, finally stepping into the sitting room.

"Of course not; I just want us to be comfortable." Hermione said, turning her face away and fluffing the pillows.

Crawling under the covers and lifting Crookshanks onto her lap, Hermione finally willed herself to look up at him. Not knowing what to say, she patted the spot next to her and gestured for him to crawl in as well.

He hesitated for a moment before slowly making his way towards them and gently lowered himself onto the floor.

"Don't you want to get more comfortable?" Hermione asked, looking at his attire. He still wore his black trousers and a black button-up that was loosely buttoned and rolled up, exposing his hairy arms. But the look he gave her was enough to let Hermione know that he was not going to change into anything else.

"Which book have you chosen?" He asked, looking and sounding more agitated than before.

"This one," Hermione responded, handing him the book. Which he took from her.

Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen

He raised a brow and turned his gaze at her.

"It's a classic; have you not read it? Or do you steer away from muggle books?" Hermione asked.

"I steer away from Jane Austen," he responded.

He began to read the book while Hermione began to pet Crookshanks right where she knew he liked it, and before she knew it, he was fast asleep in her lap.

Hermione smiled and looked down at the cat in appreciation. Oh, how she loved the ginger cat. She had been so lonely when she first met him.

She remembered the witch's comment about him being there for ages and no one ever wanting to take him home. And Hermione had always known the feeling of being left out before Harry and Ron took her in. And she didn’t want Crookshanks to ever feel that again.

And, although she was always surrounded by friends, she was still lonely at times. And it was nice to have someone to comfort her when she needed it the most.

"He's a spoiled little thing," Professor Snape muttered, and Hermione turned her attention back to him. She had gotten so lost in thought that she didn't know when he stopped reading the passage.

"Yes, he is," Hermione whispered as she gently placed him on a pillow and gently pulled it closer to the fire. And looked back at him, who still had the book open on his lap.

"Will you finish reading the chapter, please?" Hermione asked, looking up at him.

Hermione could feel her own eyelids growing heavy, and she knew that she should suggest that they be done and return to their own bed. But she was enjoying his company and his reading so much that she couldn't help but be selfish. She watched as he flipped a few pages to make sure the chapter was almost over and nodded in agreement.

Hermione made herself comfortable and laid down. She rested her head on the pillow as she closed her eyes and enjoyed the sound of his voice as he continued to read.

_______________
Severus’s POV

Severus was on the last page of the chapter when he looked down to see the girl’s eyes closed, and by her steady breathing, he knew she was fast asleep.

Stupid girl, insisted I finish the chapter and falls asleep when I do, Severus thought to himself as he closed the book and placed it next to him.

Severus looked over at the fire, which was already dying out, and looked over once again at the sleeping witch and sleeping cat.

And he couldn't help but sneer at the sight. He didn't know why she frustrated him so much. Everything about her frustrated him. It was so much easier to dislike her when she was just Potter’s friend. Or just his student.

But she seemed to aggravate him. Get under his skin in ways others never managed to do, and it was simple tasks such as going on a simple evening walk, sitting down and having meals, and reading in front of the fire.

But it was those damned rose bushes that frustrated him the most.

How is it that the girl is always so happy? So content?

Here was a young, clever witch who now found herself in a difficult situation she shouldn't be in. She should be angry and bitter, but instead she seemed to always find the positives in the negatives, and when there were none, she would find a way to make some.

It frustrated him just how happy and cheery she always seemed to be and how animated she was in all her movements. Even when she didn't say anything, he could almost always tell what she was thinking.

It also frustrated him just how mature she was, and although at times she was short-tempered and some of her movements and facial expressions were childlike, she still managed to carry herself well. She was clean and tidy, and she didn't complain much about anything.

He continued to look at her; he didn't know if he should wake her up and tell her to go to her bedroom or let her suffer the consequences of falling asleep on the floor.

But he knew that she was a heavy sleeper, and another part of him seemed to turn at the thought of interrupting her sleep. She looked so peaceful.

Not wanting to wake her and not wanting to retire to his own bed, as it would be ungentlemanly on his part, sleeping in a bed while she sleeps on the floor. Severus slowly, so as not to wake her, lifted the covers and lifted them over himself.

With his head now resting on the pillow as he lay sideways, he couldn't take his gaze off her; it was the first time he was truly allowing himself to look at her features.

She was undeniably beautiful.

Although he had always thought she was mediocre and text-book clever, he had never truly looked at her physical appearance. She should be, at first glance, plain-looking, but her hair didn't allow it. She stood out with her bushy hair, dark, thick brows, and slightly rounded face. And her big brown doe eyes that he hated so much, as he found it hard to refuse anything from her when she looked up at him all doughy-eyed. And the blush in her cheeks that always seemed to be permanent.

The girl let out a soft moan and slightly stirred in her sleep, and for a split second, Severus thought she was waking up. But she didn't.

His gaze trailed down to her rising chest. And Severus couldn't help but clench his jaw in frustration. There were many things Severus hated about himself, but one of the few things he took pride in was his integrity when it came to protecting the students at Hogwarts. They could hate him all they wanted; it didn’t bother him at all, but he was always going to make sure their safety was a priority.

And now it made him sick to his stomach that he was not only married to a student but also to a child he watched grow up. And married to a witch young enough to be his daughter, and it filled him with rage and anger that he was undoubtedly attracted to her.

Although his mind tried to convince him not to be, his body failed him whenever he caught a glimpse of her in her too-short and too-small shorts and tops that failed to cover anything.

He watched as her chest rose and fell and felt his co*ck twitch at her hardened nipples. Slowly pulling the blankets to cover her more, he brought them up to her chin, not wanting to see anymore of her.

But as luck would have it, she slowly began to wake up.

"Professor," she softly whispered.

Severus didn't know if he should feel relieved that she woke so he could scold her for falling asleep or upset that she had woken up and interrupted his thoughts.

But he knew from experience that she was in a sleepy daze, and she was almost incoherent.

"Professor, it's cold," she whispered, closing her eyes, but she rolled over to him and nuzzled herself closer to him as she draped her arm around his waist and nuzzled her face into his chest, desperately trying to find warmth in his embrace.

"Miss Granger!" Severus softly scolded her, but he couldn't help but pull her closer to him and cradle her head.

He was buried in the mass of her hair; he was very fond of whatever scent seemed to linger on every part of her body, including her hair.

Talcum powder, she seemed to smell like talcum powder with a hint of vanilla, which he found oddly comforting.

What are you doing to me, Miss Granger? He thought to himself as he drifted into deep sleep.

_______________
Hermione’s POV

Hermione let out a soft moan, and buried her face further into the warmth that enveloped her, as she inhaled the familiar smell of wood smoke.

And her eyes quickly shot open at the realization. They had fallen asleep together on the floor.

Slowly raising her head to look up at him, Hermione was hoping to find him still in deep sleep, but her heart leapt out of her chest as her eyes met his dark, black ones.

"Professor," Hermione whispered, frozen in place, too embarrassed to say anything else.

"Miss Granger, if you'd so kindly remove yourself from me," he said, his voice hoarse from having just woken up.

Hermione quickly obeyed and removed her arm and leg from him and stiffly sat up. Her whole body felt stiff from having slept on the wooden floor.

"We must have fallen asleep here," Hermione said, rubbing her eyes.

She looked over to see Crookshanks still sleeping. Not surprised, as he usually was a deep sleeper himself.

Hermione watched as Professor Snape stiffly rose to his feet, walked over to the fire, and began to throw wood into the fireplace.

"Would you like some coffee, sir?" Hermione asked as she stood to her feet as well.

"Yes," he said softly.

Hermione smiled softly and quickly made her way over to the kitchen and began to prepare the coffee. It would be the first time she made coffee for him, since he usually wakes up earlier than her and makes it himself.

They sat in silence as they both sat and sipped on their coffee. And Hermione couldn’t believe just how much her life had changed In just one month.

"Professor?" Hermione said softly.

"Thank you for marrying me," Hermione whispered, she didn’t know why she had felt the need to thank him.

But seeing as it would be the last morning they would be spending together in Spinner’s End before they left for Hogwarts, Hermione couldn’t help but be grateful that it had been him that had married her.

She had expected her life to change for the worse, but instead found that she quite enjoyed the quiet life he offered her. She, like Crookshanks, had now found comfort in him, and he had slowly, became her home. And although he didn't respond, Hermione couldn't miss the flicker of emotion that washed over him for a spilt second.

He looked into her eyes as if he were trying to see through her, and Hermione knew that he wasn't using Legilimenson her. He was just simply looking into her eyes, looking at her as if he were doing it for the first time.

They held eye contact for what seemed like forever, and for the first time, Hermione didn't want to be the one to look away. She wanted him to see the sincerity in the words she had said.

And it was he who looked away from her; as he turned his eyes back to the window and brought his cup back up to his lips.

And Hermione felt as if her heart was going to leap out of her chest. She felt full. Full of happiness and full of love. As if she could burst.

And Hermione took a deep breath as she inhaled the aroma of the coffee that hung in the air.

She would never forget that smell; never forget the smell of the first cup of coffee they shared that morning; never forget the way her heart pounded in her chest; and would never forget that for a brief moment in time, it felt as if their hearts had connected, as if they had become one.

Hermione looked over at him to see that his gaze was still out the window, but she noticed his change of posture and the way in which his breathing had changed.

Could it be that he had felt it too?

Chapter 14: Back to Hogwarts

Chapter Text

September 1, 1996

"All packed!" Hermione announced this as she entered the sitting room.

She had spent the rest of the morning packing all her books and belongings that she would be taking with her back to Hogwarts and was happy to finally be all done.

He stood in front of one of the walls that was completely covered in books and didn't respond or bother to turn around and look at her.

"Will you have Missy take my school trunk to the castle?" Hermione asked as she walked over to where he stood and peered over his shoulder to see what book he was reading, but she jumped back as he quickly snapped it shut and turned to face her.

"Why would I do that?"

"You will be getting on the train as usual with the rest of your classmates and will have your trunks and belongings taken from the train to your dormitory," he said, walking past her.

"What!?" Hermione asked as she turned to face him.

"You would think that after five years of experience doing this, you would have already familiarized yourself with how Hogwarts is set up," he said as he walked over and sat down on his armchair.

"I don't understand. We won't be living together?" Hermione asked, confused by the revelation.

She knew that having a student and professor live together would be unusual. But she had assumed that Dumbledore would have found a way around it, given their situation.

"No," he said.

"Is there a problem with that, Miss Granger?" He asked almost nonchalantly, as Hermione looked completely taken aback.

"Of course there's a problem!" Hermione said her voice was rising in anger. "I don't understand why—"

"Because you are still a student, Miss Granger, a student first and foremost," he snapped.

"Yes! But I'm still your wife!" Hermione threw her hands in the air.

"I am very aware of our situation, Miss Granger." "There's no need for your constant reminder."

"No, clearly you're not aware! Because you still refuse to call me anything other than Miss Granger! Which I'm not anymore!"

"That is still your name," he responded angrily.

"Yes, it is!" But you can at least call me Hermione, which is also my name." Hermione exclaimed.

"So I'll address you by your name in front of your classmates? In front of Potter and Weasley?" He asked.

"Well, no, of course not; that would raise suspicion, but at least in private you can call me by my name," Hermione said.

"You don't call me by my name," he said, looking up at her.

"Well, you've never asked me to call you by your name," Hermione stammered as she felt her face flush.

"You're right, and I never will," he said. "Because I am still your professor, and you will continue to treat me as one. Did you expect to receive special privileges now that we are married?" He asked.

"No, of course not, but I do believe that I deserve the privilege to live with my husband!" Hermione felt her throat go dry from speaking much more loudly than normal. "That is why we married, is it not? To protect me? How can you do that if we are living separately?"

"I doubt you’ll need any protection when you’re in the Gryffindor common room. Not when you'll have Potter ready to play hero. And you seem to be forgetting the lies you fed your parents. We married for their protection. So that no harm would come to them. We did not marry to protect you, as I'm sure you are more than capable of protecting yourself." He said it bitterly.

He was right. She knew, like in the previous years, that Hermione would be safe in her dormitory.

And Hermione didn't know why she was fighting it. She should be happy to go back to living a life of normality (well, what was normal to her, Harry, and Ron). But her heart felt strained at the thought of not living with him.

"It's not normal for a husband and wife to live separately. Surely the ministry will use this as a way to disregard if this is a real marriage or not." Hermione said, crossing her arms over her chest as if she had proven her point.

"It's not normal for a student and a professor to be married, Miss Granger." "I'm sure the ministry would not be pleased to find out that a student and a professor were not only married but living together under their noses, no matter the circ*mstances," he responded.

Hermione knew she was losing. He was making far more valid points and being much more reasonable than she was. But she wasn't going to back down.

Frustrated and not having anything else to say, Hermione quickly rose, stormed out of the sitting room, and made her way towards her bedroom. This was not over; she would find a way, whether he liked it or not.

Shortly after their heated discussion, Hermione lay curled up in a fatal position with Crookshanks curled in her arms, trying to comfort her as she sobbed into his fur.

Why did she care so much that she wouldn't be living with him? It made sense for them not to live with one another, as it would be easier to hide the situation they were in. And she wouldn't have to lie to her friends. But Hermione didn't know why she continued to cry.

She sat up as she heard footsteps approaching the door to her bedroom and quickly wiped her tears away with the sleeve of her shirt.

Knock, knock, knock.

Hermione heard three gentle knocks on the door and couldn't find her voice to speak. And she didn't want to open the door, as she was sure she was a complete mess and didn't want to have to face him. Maybe if she didn't say anything, he would go away.

"We will have to leave in five minutes if we want to arrive at Kings Cross Station before the Weasleys arrive. I will apparate us to a closed compartment at the station and make sure you get there safely, and from there you will meet up with them and get on the train." He said it loudly through the door, but Hermione remained quiet as she continued to stroke Crookshank’s ginger fur as a way to comfort herself.

"If you don't come out within five minutes, I will force myself through the door. You are not a child, Miss Granger. It's clear that having been Potter's friends all these years has deluded you into thinking that you will always manage to get your way, but it's time you learn that you are not special. You are much like everyone else. So be done with your tantrums and open the door so we can be done with this," he continued.

Hermione now felt her cheeks burn in anger. God, how she hated that man.

She didn't know why she bothered wasting her tears on him. He was so bitter and cruel. She should be happy to be free of him.

Hermione quickly sat up, made her way towards the door, and swung it open, coming face-to-face with him. He had been standing with both his arms on the doorframe, and for a moment he looked taken back as if he had fully intended on having to break the door down.

"Fine. My trunk is in there; I'll put Crookshanks in his carrier," Hermione said disdainfully as she angrily walked past him, not caring if she bumped him on her way out.

"Careful," he snarled out at her as he quickly wrapped his hand around her arm and pulled her towards him.

"Watch your attitude, Miss Granger. I warned you before you decided to go through with this fictitious marriage that I am not a nice man and I won't tolerate your disrespect, so you will either fix your attitude or I will fix it for you." He said this as he unkindly released his grip on her, and Hermione watched as he walked into her room to retrieve her trunk.

Hermione didn't think she could feel hatred for anyone more than she felt for him at the moment. She was looking forward to getting as far away from him as she could, so she quickly walked down the stairs and placed Crookshank's arm in his carrier, making sure he was comfortable in there before she placed her arm in his, and they apparated to Kings Cross Station.

When they arrived, they both seemed to still be fuming with anger, as he didn't bother to say goodbye and had apparated the minute they landed at the station. Hermione, still fuming, slid open the private compartment and pulled her trunk onto a trolly. She made her way to the nine and three-quarters barrier and waited for the arrival of the Weasleys and Harry.

It wasn't long until Hermione heard the ringing of Mrs. Weasley's voice, rushing the Weasleys and Harry towards the barrier.

"Come on, come on; the train will leave if we don't hurry!" She yelled out as they approached the barrier.

"Harry! Ron!" Hermione called out as she caught sight of a head full of red hair walking alongside a head of dark brown hair.

She quickly flung herself at them and pulled both of them into a hug.

"Blimey, Hermione, you just saw us not long ago," Ron said, growling as Hermione squeezed them both tightly.

"That was four weeks ago! Just because you didn't miss me doesn't mean I didn't miss you guys," Hermione said, letting go of both of them.

"You don't give us enough time to miss you," Ron muttered sarcastically under his tone, and Harry tried to suppress his laugh at Ron's side remark with a loud cough. But Hermione chose to pretend not to hear them and ran through the barrier along with Ginny, waiting for them on the other side.

Harry motioned to Ron and Hermione to follow him up the platform, looking for an empty compartment.

"We can't, Harry," said Hermione, looking apologetic. "Ron and I've got to go to the prefects carriage first and then patrol the corridors for a bit."

"Oh yeah, I forgot," said Harry.

Hermione and Ron quickly took off, leaving Ginny and Harry behind to look for a compartment.

As soon as they stepped onto the grounds of Hogwarts, Ron began to look around the crowd of people searching for Harry, but Harry was nowhere to be found.

"You don't think something bad has happened, do you?" Ron asked as he now stood on his toes to get a better look over people's heads.

"I don't think so. Listen, keep looking for him. I'll meet you two in the great hall." Hermione quickly rushed out as she made her way towards the castle, leaving Ron behind and asking her where she was going.

Hermione had only one thing on her mind. She was sure Professor Snape would be furious if he knew what she was about to do, but she didn't care. She wasn't going down without a fight.

"Professor Dumbledore!" Hermione called out as she caught sight of Professor Dumbledore and Professor McGonagall in the entrance hall.

"Miss Granger, what is the matter? Where are the rest of your classmates?" Professor McGonagall asked, slightly panicked, as she craned her head to look past Hermione.

"Their right behind me. It won't be long; I just wanted to ask what mine and Professor Snape’s living situation would be now that we are back at Hogwarts." Hermione rushed the words out as she was struggling to catch her breath. She had run up to give herself enough time to try to convince them to allow her to live with her husband.

"Well, given that you are still a student, you will continue to reside in the dormitories along with the rest of the students, surely Severus has already explained this to you, Miss Granger." Professor McGonagall said adjusting her glasses.

"But Professor, if we must prove ourselves to the ministry, won’t it make more sense if the two of us lived together as a married couple?" Hermione rushed out as she looked behind her to make sure no one had heard her.

"Miss Granger, you must understand," Professor Dumbledore spoke softly, "you are a student and you will need to reside with your classmates."

"No, I don't understand! The reason we married was for my protection; therefore, living together will only make that easier. Also, if we have to keep up the facade that we married for love, then wouldn’t it make sense to not raise suspicion by living together?"

"The child has a reasonable point, Albus," Professor McGonagall stated as she glanced down at Hermione through her square glasses.

"The reason they married was the sake of her and her parents' safety. Convincing Kingsley to agree to the arrangement was a difficult task as any mishap could have serious consequences, as if it were to go wrong, it would blow up in all of our faces. If they are to keep up this facade, then perhaps, as the girl said, it would make sense... Although I can’t help but voice it out, you are you being entirely too selfish, Miss Granger? Has it not been enough that he married you? Do you really need to complicate this situation any more?" She redirected her focus to Hermione.

"Difficult? With all due respect to the two of you, I think that I would have a better understanding of my situation than the two of you. There has been nothing difficult about my marriage."

Hermione bit her bottom lip to stop it from trembling. She knew she was losing, and now taking her frustration out on them would not further her case any further.

"I just don't want him to be lonely... I know he likes his solitude, but I think that's because that's all he's used to, and I just want to take care of him. Make sure he's okay." Hermione finally allowed her tears to spill from her.

Professor Dumbledore and Professor McGonagall remained quiet as Hermione sobbed into her hands. The sounds of her sniffling and sobbing were the only things that were being heard.

"Very well, Miss Granger." Professor Dumbledore finally broke the silence.

"I will speak to Severus about your new living arrangements; surely he'll come to understand," he said.

Hermione quickly looked up; she couldn't believe it. She had managed to persuade both the headmaster and her head of house to allow her, a student, to live in a professor's chambers.

She couldn't help but feel triumph as she walked into the great hall and took her seat across from Ron.

Hermione looked around, looking for Professor Snape. But he was nowhere to be seen.

Now sitting and looking down at the chicken legs and chips, she didn't have much of an appetite. Not until she knew he was okay. It wasn't like him to miss the start of the term.

She continued to frantically look around the great hall. From door to door, looking for any glimpse of him.

Where is he?She thought anxiously.

"Don't worry, Hermione, we saw him on the train; he'll show up!" Ron said, chewing loudly as he stuffed his face with a mouthful of chicken legs.

Hermione turned to look at him, annoyed that he was chewing with his mouth open.

"Oh, right, Harry," Hermione said as she looked at the empty seat next to Ron. She couldn't help but feel bad that she hadn't noticed Harry was missing. She felt terrible; she had been so preoccupied looking for Professor Snape that she hadn't noticed Harry was also missing.

With that realization, Hermione felt uneasy; were they both missing? Oh no, if he was with Harry, then something bad definitely happened.

Hermione quickly jumped as the doors swung open into the vast, flagged entrance hall.

She seemed to be one of the few people to notice, and Hermione sat up straight on her seat to get a better look at who stood by the door.

Professor Snape and Harry

Hermione let out a breath of relief at the sight of them. And she felt her body finally start to relax now that she knew they were both safe. She watched as Professor Snape muttered something to Harry, and without bothering to respond, Harry turned on the spot and marched straight through the open doors and made his way towards them. Hermione and Ron both simultaneously got up, made their way towards him, and met him halfway.

"Where've you been? Blimey, what've you done to your face?" said Ron, goggling at him along with everyone else in the vicinity.

"Why, what's wrong with it?" he asked, grabbing a spoon and squinting at his distorted reflection.

"You're covered in blood!" said Hermione. "Come here!" She raised her wand, said"Tergeo!" and siphoned off the dried

"Thanks," said Harry, feeling his now-clean face. "How's my nose looking?"

"Normal," said Hermione anxiously. "Why shouldn't it? Harry. She asked, as panic was starting to rise in her. "W hat happened? We've been terrified!"

Hermione once again looked over at the head table and over at Professor Snape, who was now also sitting along with Professor Vector and Professor McGonagall.

"I'll tell you later," said Harry curtly. He appeared to be very conscious that Ginny Neville, Dean, and Seamus were listening in; even Nearly Headless Nick, the Gryffindor ghost, had come floating along the bench to eavesdrop.

"But—" said Hermioneworriedly; she was now more panicked than before. If Harry was with Professor Snape, did that mean he was also injured? or covered in blood? Hermione tried to look, but couldn't look too closely from the distance.

"Not now, Hermione," said Harry, in a darkly significant voice.

"You missed the sorting anyway," said Hermione, trying to distract herself from further panic as Ron dived for a large chocolate gateau.

"Hat anyone said anything interesting?" asked Harry, taking a piece of treacle tart.

"More of the same, really... advising us all to unite in the face of our enemies, you know."

"Dumbledore mentioned Voldemort at all?"

"Not yet, but he always saves his proper speech for after the feast, doesn't he?" "It can't be long now."

"Snape said Hagrid was late for the feast."

Hermione felt her heart pound in her chest at the sound of his name being said out loud.

"You've seen Snape? How come?" said Ron between frenzied mouthfuls of gateau. Ron asked what Hermione desperately wanted to know.Tentatively, Hermione looked at Harry.

"I bumped into him," said Harry evasively. Hermione felt her shoulders relax. She was relieved.

"Hagrid was only a few minutes late," said Hermione. "Look, he's waving at you, Harry." Hermione tried to sound calm as she began to relax a bit more.

"So what did Professor Slughorn want?" Hermione asked.

"To know what really happened at the ministry," said Harry.

"He and everyone else here," sniffed Hermione. "People were interrogating us about it on the train, weren't they, Ron?"

"Yeah," said Ron. "All wanting to know if you really are the 'Chosen One'—"

Hermione once again tuned them out. She once again looked over to the head table at Professor Snape. who, never once since entering the great hall, had turned to look at her.

Dumbledore got to his feet at the staff table. The talk and laughter echoing around the hall died away almost instantly.

"The very best of evenings to you!" he said, smiling broadly, his arms opening wide as though to embrace the whole room.

"What happened to his hand?" gasped Ron.

He was not the only one who had noticed. Whispers swept the room; Dumbledore, interpreting them correctly, merely smiled and shook his purple-and-gold sleeve over his injury.

"Nothing to worry about," he said airily. "Now, to our new students, welcome; to our old students, welcome back." Another year full of magical education awaits you.

"His hand was like that when I saw him over the summer," Harry whispered to Hermione. "I thought he'd have cured it now, though, or Madam Pomfrey would've done."

"It looks as if it's died," said Hermione, with a nauseated expression. "But there are some injuries you can't cure; there are old curses, and there are poisons without antidotes."

And Mr. Filch, our caretaker, has asked me to say that there is a blanket ban on any joke items bought at the shop called Weasleys' Wizard Wheezes.

"Those wishing to play for their house Quidditch teams should give their names to their Heads of House as usual. We are also looking for new Quidditch commentators, who should do likewise. We are pleased to welcome a new member of staff this year. Professor Slughorn"—Slughorn stood up, his bald head gleaming in the candlelight, his big waistcoated belly casting the table below into shadow—"is a former colleague of mine who has agreed to resume his old post of Potions Master."

"Potions?"

"Potions?"

The word echoed all over the Hall as people wondered whether they had heard right.

"Potions?" said Ron and Hermione together, turning to stare at Harry.

"But you said—" Hermione stuttered

"Professor Snape, meanwhile," said Dumbledore, raising his voice so that it carried over all the muttering, "will be taking over the position of Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher."

"No!" said Harry, so loudly that many heads turned in his direction. But he didn’t seem to care; he was staring up at the staff table, incensed.

"Defense Against the Dark Arts!" said Hermione; she was just as shocked as the rest of the students.

Why didn't he tell her? She had spent an entire month with him, and he didn't even mention it.

"But Harry, you said that Slughorn was going to be teaching Defense Against the Dark Arts?" Said Hermione.

"I thought he was!" said Harry.

"Well, there's one good thing," he said savagely. "Snape'll be gone by the end of the year."

"What do you mean?" asked Ron.

"That job's jinxed. No one's lasted more than a year. Quirrell actually died doing it. Personally, I'm going to keep my fingers crossed for another death.

"Harry!" said Hermione, shocked and reproachful. She didn't try to hide the anger in her voice. Whenever they made rude or disrespectful comments about anyone, Professor Hermione was quick to scold them. But now he was her husband. And hearing them say such things hurt her.

"He might just go back to teaching potions at the end of the year," said Ron reasonably. "That Slughorn bloke might not want to stay long-term. Moody didn't."

Dumbledore cleared his throat. Harry, Ron, and Hermione were not the only ones who had been talking; the whole hall had erupted in a buzz of conversation at the news thatProfessor Snape had finally achieved his heart's desire. Seemingly oblivious to the sensational nature of the news he had just imparted, Dumbledore said nothing more.

Hermione hadn’t even heard the last of Dumbledore’s speech, as she had a million questions running through her head that she wanted to ask Professor Snape.

"Why didn't you tell me that you would be teaching Defense Against the Dark Arts?" Hermione asked as she entered his classroom. Not bothering to knock.

"I think I'll be the one to ask the questions here, Miss Granger." Professor Snape responded, his voice laced with anger. "How dare you go to the headmaster without my permission once again and demand that you be accommodated?"

"I didn't think I needed permission to want to live with my husband!" Hermione responded defiantly, crossing her arms against her chest.

She watched as his face twisted in fury.

"You stupid girl! When are you going to get it through your head that this isn't a real marriage? Your pathetic attempts to make it real are laughable!" He said

"It. Is. Real." Hermione furrowed her eyebrows in anger. "It is to me."

Of course, Hermione knew that their marriage was not conventional. But it was real. It was real to her. They stood, staring at one another, both angry.

"Follow me," he finally said, breaking the silence as he turned on his heels.

She followed him and watched as he approached a bookshelf. Taking one book and pulling it, Hermione realized that it wasn't a real book; it was a lever enchanted to appear as a book. And it glowed a dark, deep green as he pulled it back.

"Come," he said, looking at her, and he gestured for her to stand in front of him. Which she did.

Hermione’s breath hitched as she could feel his warmth behind her back.

"Place your hand on the book as I did," he ordered.

She lifted her slightly shaking hand, and Hermione mirrored what he had done. The book, however, did not glow the deep green it had when he had pulled it. Instead, it had transformed into a deep, dark red and began to painfully burn her hand. But before Hermione could pull her hand away from the sting, Professor Snape placed his cold hand on top of hers, which caused the book to now glow a deep, dark green, as it had done for him, and the burning then stopped.

"My wards will now recognize you; the burning will cease in a few minutes," he said as the bookshelf door moved open and he gestured for her to enter before him.

Stepping into the chamber, Hermione felt the cool, crisp air that always seemed to invade the dungeons.

The walls were made of the same material the dungeon walls were made of.

Stepping into the chamber, Hermione couldn't help the shocked expression on her face. She didn't really know what she had expected, but this wasn't it.

His bedroom chamber, very much like his house in Spinners End, appeared as if it were rarely vacated.

The bedroom chamber was almost the size of an apartment studio. Like every room at Hogwarts, there was a large fireplace in the middle of the bedroom wall. And on the same wall was a queen bed with a wooden four-poster bed with the headboard against the wall. On the other end, facing the bed, there were three large bookshelves that were also filled with books. However, those books appeared newer and like they had been well taken care of.

Hermione looked around until she met Professor Snape's gaze. He had been watching her intently.

"Is it not up to your standard, Miss Granger?" He asked coldly as he walked past her.

"It's better than the student dormitories." Hermione smiled, which earned a sneer from him.

Taking it upon herself, Hermione took a few steps closer to the nearest door and opened what she presumed would be the bathroom door but was wrong.

It was a small kitchen. Similar to the one in Spinner's End. Just a small stove and oven, and some cabinets, which she saw were mostly empty apart from a few wine glasses and a few dinner plates and silverware.

Hermione then stepped back into the room and noticed there was another door adjacent to the kitchen door. And took it upon herself to open it to reveal a closet. Inside the closet, there are a couple of teacher robes and a couple of the same black woolen frock coats he wore.

Smiling to herself, Hermione then took a few more steps into the chambers and saw that there were two other doors. One was next to the kitchen door. And the other was across from the entrance door.

Hermione walked over to the one across from the entrance door and opened it to reveal a bathroom.

It was a very small bathroom, again very similar to the ones in Spinners End, but this one had a huge tub and shower. Hermione assumed it was magical as it appeared larger than it was, as it would not have fit inside the small bathroom otherwise.

Hermione then turned and looked at the last door, slowly opening it to reveal a small workroom. The walls were completely covered in slimy jars with disgusting creatures and potion ingredients. And in the center, there was a small table with a cauldron sitting on top of it. This must be a private, personal lab. Hermione thought to herself as she closed it and returned to the main bedroom.

By the time she returned, her school trunk and the rest of her stuff had already appeared. And he sat on his armchair that sat in front of the fire that had already been made, and Hermione was sure he made it by hand as there was a pile of wood next to it.

"Which side of the bed do you usually sleep on?" Hermione asked as she took a few steps closer to the bed. She then noticed the bed had two nightstands along each side of it.

"Usually the middle," he said coldly.

"Ah—well, I guess you'll just have to choose a side you prefer," Hermione said, unbothered by his coldness.

"The left side," he finally muttered, flipping through his book.

"My mother always said that usually the man sleeps on the side closest to the door in case of an intruder, so that it gives the woman time to escape." Hermione didn't finish the sentence as she looked around. There was hardly awindow she could escape from if her hypothetical story was true. The window was a small, narrow slit.

"No one is getting past my wards, Miss Granger," he said passively.

"Right," Hermione muttered as she made her way towards the right side of the bed.

"What are you doing?" He asked, "That will be my side."

Hermione couldn't help but smile to herself as he gave into her silly notion.

She made her way to the left side of the bed and began to unpack her items. By placing some hair ties and Bobby pins in the drawer along with her reading book. And she then walked over to her trunk and pulled out the rest of her book collection. It was really small and consisted of 12 books, but now she could display them.

After placing them on the shelves, Hermione walked back over to her trunk and pulled out a few photos that she had framed. Which was their wedding. She walked over to the fireplace and began to place all three photos on the ledge.

"What do you think you are doing?" Professor Snape's cold voice asked, and Hermione jumped and stumbled back as she turned to see he was now standing in front of her.

"O-oh! Professor!" Hermione jumped.

"What do you think you are doing?" He asked again much harsher than before.

"I just want to display them, that's all." Hermione muttered lowly as she looked down at the picture frame she held in her hand of her and Professor Snape's first kiss.

Professor Snape didn't say another word; instead, he just sneered down at the photo in disgust and turned to walk towards the bathroom, and Hermione jumped as she heard the door close behind him.

Hermione stretched her arms out, as she had just gotten done unpacking.

Thankfully, now that she has her own private chambers, Hermione won't have to keep all her belongings in her trunk. And took the opportunity to openly display everything.

She could feel Professor Snape's gaze on her as she maneuvered around the chambers, placing things where she pleased. And she knew he was furious with her for what she had done, but Hermione didn’t care.

Feeling satisfied, she slumped on the bed, as there wasn't any other seat in the chamber other than his armchair. And an old wooden chair by the desk across the room, which looked very uncomfortable.

"So, now that we're back at Hogwarts, what should we expect from each other?" Hermione asked.

"You will stay out of my way; you will not talk to me more than you'll need to, look at me, or talk about me. It will be as if we didn’t know each other."

Harsh, Hermione thought.

"I don't expect anything of you while in our private chambers. As you know, the house elves do everything here, including the laundry and meals, so that won't be expected from you anymore."

Hermione couldn't help but feel sad at the thought. She had enjoyed doing all that, but she supposed once she started classes she would be grateful to not have to do that on top of her workload.

"And as you can see, I don't own anything of value other than some potions and potion ingredients. So I ask that you don't touch those and leave my private work lab alone." He said, "But other than that, the same rule still applies. Anything that's mine is yours," he said bitterly.

And Hermione smiled kindly at him.

"What does your daily routine usually look like?" Hermione asked, which he raised a brow at.

"Well, I know you prefer to shower in the morning, then you usually drink coffee and read the newspaper. But that was back home. So I don't know if it was different here."

"It's still very much the same." He responded coldly.

"Okay!" She said, "Well, I also prefer morning showers; however, I do, most of the time, take baths before bed, unless I'm too tired or I have a lot of homework."

"Well, then stop your babbling and get going on that."

Hermione stood, offended that she had been rudely interrupted, and made her way into the bathroom to take a bath.

Hermione stepped out of the bathroom in her very girlish, bright pink pajamas.

Why hadn't she thought to purchase something more mature? Hermione yelled at herself.

She wasn’t surprised to see that he had already changed into his pajamas and was sitting on the edge of the side of his bed, setting his wand and watch on top of the stand.

"I must warn you since you appear to be afraid of the dark; it gets pitch dark down here in the dungeons, so you'll just have to get used to it."

"Ready?" He lifted his wand.

Hermione quickly walked over to Crookshanks, lifted him into her arms, and walked over to the bed.

"What do you think you're doing, Miss Granger?" He scolded

"Getting ready for bed?" Hermione responded to him, asking the obvious

"No, absolutely not; the cat will not be sleeping in bed with us," he said coldly, as he looked down at her arms as if Crookshanks had been infested with fleas.

"Where else will he sleep? He has always slept with me in my bed," Hermione said.

He looked over his armchair and closed his eyes in irritation. "He can sleep there for the time being until you find him something more suitable," he said, pointing to his armchair.

"No! Crookshanks can't sleep without me!" Hermione cried as she tried her best to cover Crookshank's ears.

"Well, then he'll have to learn to because I refuse to allow it to sleep anywhere near me."

Hermione felt her tears begin to spill as she carried him towards the armchair.

"I'm sorry, Crooks, you'll just have to sleep without mommy for now." Hermione laid the cat down, who gave a small meow in return.

Hermione quickly made her way back to the bed and crawled under the cover. And lifted the covers over her head as she began to silently cry. Nothing could be seen or heard in the chambers but Hermione's sniffling and Crookshank's soft meows.

"This is ridiculous." Professor Snape's voice rang out through the chamber.

Hermione felt as the bed sank and rose, and he got up from it. And before she could say anything. The bed dipped once again.

"He will sleep on your side only," he said angrily as he placed Crookshanks down on her lap.

"Crookshanks!" Hermione happily beamed as she sat up.

"He likes to sleep on the end, by my feet." Hermione sniffled happily as she placed him down at her feet.

"Even better, if he doesn't stay by your side, he will have to learn the hard way by my foot," he said.

"You will not!" Hermione exclaimed, flabbergasted that he would make such a threat.

_______________
Severus’s POV

Severus woke up with his usual scowl, and he let out a loud sigh of irritation as he looked down at the witch, who had somehow managed to make her way towards him like a magnet and now had her limbs sprawled over him.

He lifted his head and looked over to her side of the bed, which was completely spacious.

The cat, however, managed to keep to her side as he peacefully lay on the edge of the bed.

Severus threw his head back onto the pillow and tried his best to ignore the witch, but he was finding it hard to do as the girl's leg began to rub against his fully erected co*ck.

He would have to find a way to rid himself of his unwelcome erections, in case she were to assume they were caused by her.

Severus placed his hand on her knee and tried his best to remove it without waking her.

But it only seemed to cause her to shift in her sleep as she nuzzled her face further into his chest.

"Pro...fessor" the witch softly moaned out.

But at last, the girl raised her head, although her eyes remained half closed as she looked up at him. She always seemed to wake up in a haze.

"Miss Granger, if you would kindly remove yourself from me," Severus said softly but sternly.

"I'm sorry, I didn't mean to—" Her sentence was cut short as she rolled over to her side and her breathing relaxed, which let Severus know that she had once again fallen asleep.

Severus couldn't help but once again envy the girl; she always seemed to sleep so peacefully. Something he never managed to do. His sleep was almost always restless.

Severus now sat in his armchair, sipping through his first cup of coffee, showered and freshly shaven.

But he didn't have his nose buried in the Daily Prophet as he usually would first thing in the morning. Instead, his gaze remained on the young witch's sleeping body.

She had now somehow managed to be sprawled out sideways in the middle of the bed, and Severus was thankful he hadn't been there on the receiving end of it.

Her girlish pajamas were laughable.

He glanced over at his watch and wondered if perhaps she had been expecting him to wake her. Which he would refuse to do.

If she had forgotten to set an alarm, he refused to be her alarm clock.

"Crookshanks, five more minutes!" the witch groaned into the bed. But the cat was relentless; he continued to rub himself on the witch until she lifted her head to look at it.

"Good morning, baby!" The insufferable girl beamed at the cat. And Severus couldn't help but sneer at the sight. How could she be so cheery and happy this early in the morning?

He watched as she now turned her gaze to him and offered him the same wide smile she had just given the blasted cat. But Severus didn't return it; instead, he averted his gaze towards the newspaper on his lap.

She had spent most of her remaining time in the shower, and Severus wondered what could possibly take so long for her to wash, but his mind flashed with the memory of her mane.

And he quickly turned his gaze back towards the newspaper in his hand as he heard the sound of the door opening.

But looked up once again as she walked over to the dresser.

She turned to look at him. And met his gaze, and Severus watched her face flush.

However, he enjoyed making her uncomfortable. So he kept his eyes on the girl and watched as she turned her back towards him and hesitantly dropped the towel that had been wrapped around her on the floor.

His gaze ran up and down her body and her petite frame. She had small, narrow shoulders. And her back had a certain curve to it that Severus found quite distracting. And her bum—although Severus wasn't much of an ass-man, he couldn't deny that he preferred hers. It seemed to fit her frame perfectly.

However, as soon as Severus caught a glimpse of her uniform, he felt sick to his stomach at the first reminder that she was, after all, his student.

He returned his gaze to his newspaper and tried his best to avoid the sight of her. It wasn't until she walked over to the desk that Severus finally looked up again.

What could she possibly be doing now?He thought to himself.

He watched as she pulled out the chair and sat down. Setting a small purple bag in front of her, she began to ruffle through it.

He didn't know why he kept his gaze on the witch until he realized that he was interested in knowing what a woman's routine looked like.

He had never lived with a woman, so it was all very unfamiliar to him.

He watched as she pulled out a small bottle of cream and began to generously apply it gently to her face. And then pinned the sides of her hair before finishing off by applying what he assumed would be chapstick, as he never remembered seeing her with brightly colored lips.

_______________

Hermione’s POV

Now that she had finished getting ready for the day, Hermione turned her body sideways to face Professor Snape, who had already been looking at her.

"Would you like some more coffee, sir?" Hermione asked as she looked over at his empty mug.

He looked as if he was going to say no, but he hesitated for a moment.

"I would, but if you could put it in a travel mug for me, that would be appreciated," he said, and Hermione gave him a stiff nod as she made her way into the small kitchen.

She prepared the coffee the same exact way she had yesterday morning, and she couldn't help but close her eyes and inhale the aroma as she was transported to the moment.

She could still remember waking up in his arms and sitting silently in the quiet morning.

"Miss Granger," she heard him say, and she instantly opened her eyes. She didn't realize she had been standing in the doorway holding his travel cup.

"Oh, sorry, here you go." Hermione handed him the cup and said, "Have a good day, professor!" Hermione smiled at him, but her smile wasn't returned; instead, he took the cup from her hand and, without a word, turned and left their chambers.

Chapter 15: The Half-Blood Prince

Chapter Text

September 2, 1996

Hermione met with both Ron and Harry in the Gryffindor common room before breakfast that morning. And before she had even gotten the chance to say good morning, Harry began to tell her what he had overheard Malfoy saying on the Hogwarts Express.

"But he was obviously showing off for Pansy Parkinson, wasn't he?" interjected Ron quickly, before Hermione could say anything.

"Well," she said uncertainly, "I don't know... It would be like Malfoy making himself seem more important than he is. But that's a big lie to tell."

"Exactly," said Harry, but he could not press the point because so many people were trying to listen in on his conversation, not to mention staring at him and whispering behind their hands.

"It's rude to point," Ron snapped at a particularly minuscule first-year boy as they joined the queue to climb out of the portrait hole. The boy, who had been muttering something about Harry behind his hand to his friend, promptly turned scarlet and toppled out of the hole in alarm. Ron snigg*red.

"I love being a sixth year. And we're going to have free time this year. "There are whole periods when we can just sit up here and relax."

"We're going to need that time for studying, Ron!" said Hermione as they set off down the corridor.

"Yeah, but not today," said Ron. "Today's going to be a real doss, I reckon."

"Hold it!" said Hermione, throwing out an arm and halting a passing fourth year, who was attempting to push past her with a lime-green disk clutched tightly in his hand.

"Fanged Frisbees are banned; hand them over," she told him sternly. The scowling boy handed over the snarling Frisbee, ducked under her arm, and took off after his friends. Ron waited for him to vanish, then tugged the frisbee from Hermione's grip.

"Excellent; I've always wanted one of these." said Ron

Hermione went to scold Ron, but her remonstration was drowned out by a loud giggle; Lavender Brown had apparently found Ron's remark highly amusing. She continued to laugh as she passed them, glancing back at Ron over her shoulder. Ron looked rather pleased with himself.

Hermione didn't know why she felt a surge of jealousy run through her. She shouldn’t be jealous; after all, she was a married woman. But she had always thought, for some reason, that Ron was hers and she was his. But now that she was married, any possibility of them ever being together was slim to none. She had now given all of her firsts to another man. Her husband.

She shook her head and tried to rid herself of any thoughts as she wrapped her arms around Harry and Ron and forced them into the great hall for breakfast.

The ceiling of the Great Hall was serenely blue and streaked with frail, wispy clouds, just like the squares of sky visible through the high mullioned windows.

_______________

Severus’s POV

Severus watched as the girl wrapped her arms around Potter and Weasley as they walked into the great hall. And he couldn't help the anger that boiled through him at the sight. He didn't know why it bothered him to see such a display. He had warned her about his possessiveness, yet she continuously disobeyed him.

That's what bothered him; she was disobeying him. Not that she was prancing around arm in arm with them. He forced himself to look down at the newspaper in front of him and tried his best to ignore the girl.

"She is so lively," he heard the voice of Minerva next to him say.

He raised his head to look at her and saw that her gaze was also on the girl.

"Is she?" He asked, slightly annoyed.

"Surely you've noticed just how lively and animated she is? I find it quite endearing; it's nice to see so much life in trying times such as these," she said as she lifted her goblet.

"I find it quite tiresome," Severus sneered as he looked down at the paper in front of him again.

"You are being cordial with the girl?" Minerva said, "I could understand your anger given the situation, and as I myself have expressed to her, I think her actions were rather selfish, but you can't fault her for wanting to protect her parents."

"What is the point you are trying to make, Minerva?" Severus asked, annoyed.

"What I'm trying to express to you is that you should be kind to the girl," she said. "She seems to hold some form of affection for you; you should've seen the scene she caused," she muttered, taking a bite of her eggs. "It’s a good thing no one was around to see."

"I can only imagine the horror," Severus said, and his statement was true; he had witnessed many of the girl’s tantrums and hated just how easily she seemed to get her way. It just reminded him how young and immature she was.

_______________

Hermione’s POV

While they tucked into porridge and eggs and bacon, Harry and Ron told Hermione about their embarrassing conversation with Hagrid the previous evening.

"But he can't really think we'd continue Care of Magical Creatures!" she said, looking distressed. "I mean, when has any of us expressed, you know, any enthusiasm?"

"That's it, though, innit?" said Ron, swallowing an entire fried egg whole.

"We were the ones who made the most effort in classes because we like Hagrid. But he thinks we liked the stupid subject. D'you reckon anyone's going to go on to N.E.W.T?"

Neither Harry nor Hermione answered; there was no need. They knew perfectly well that nobody in their year would want to continue Care of Magical Creatures. They avoided Hagrid's eye and returned his cheery wave only halfheartedly when he left the staff table ten minutes later.

After they had eaten, they remained in their places, awaiting Professor McGonagall's descent from the staff table. The distribution of class schedules was more complicated than usual this year, for Professor McGonagall needed to first confirm that everybody had achieved the necessary O.W.L. grades to continue with their chosen N.E.W.T.s.

Hermione was immediately cleared to continue with Charms, Defense Against the Dark Arts, Transfiguration, Herbology, Arithmancy, Ancient Runes, and Potions, and shot off to a first-period Ancient Runes class without further ado.

However, Hermione didn’t enjoy ancient runes as much as she was hoping she would. It was only the first day of classes, and all the professors were already piling on homework.

Hermione was already queuing outside, carrying an armful of heavy books, and looking put-upon outside the Defense Against the Dark Arts classroom when Harry and Ron turned the corner.

"We've got so much homework for Runes," she said anxiously when Harry and Ron joined her.

"A fifteen-inch essay, two translations, and I've got to read these by Wednesday!"

"Shame!" yawned Ron.

"You wait," she said resentfully. "I bet Professor Snape gives us loads."

The classroom door opened as she spoke, and Professor Snape stepped into the corridor, his sallow face framed as ever by two curtains of greasy black hair. Silence fell over the queue immediately.

"Inside," he said.

Hermione looked around as they entered. Professor Snape had already imposed his personality upon the room; it was gloomier than usual, as curtains had been drawn over the windows, and was lit by candlelight. New pictures adorned the walls, many of them showing people who appeared to be in pain, sporting grisly injuries or strangely contorted body parts. Nobody spoke as they settled down, looking around at the shadowy, gruesome pictures.

"I have not asked you to take out your books," said Professor Snape, closing the door and moving to face the class from behind his desk. Hermione hastily dropped her copy of Confronting the Faceless back into her bag and stowed it under her chair.

"I wish to speak to you, and I want your fullest attention."

His black eyes roved over their upturned faces, lingering for a fraction of a second longer on Hermione's than anyone else's.

"You have had five teachers in this subject so far, I believe."

"Naturally, these teachers will all have had their own methods and priorities. Given this confusion, I am surprised so many of you scraped an O.W.L. on this subject. I shall be even more surprised if all of you manage to keep up with the N.E.W.T. work, which will be much more advanced."

Professor Snape set off around the edge of the room, speaking now in a lower voice; the class craned their necks to keep him in view.

"The Dark Arts," said Snape, "are many, varied, ever-changing, and eternal. Fighting them is like fighting a many-headed monster, which, each time a neck is severed, sprouts a head even fiercer and cleverer than before. You are fighting that which is unfixed, mutating, and indestructible."

Hermione looked over at Harry, who was staring at Snape. With a look of much loathing. Hermione was sure Harry was still fuming with anger that Dumbledore had decided to give Professor Snape the job. He had shared his opinion with her. Dumbledore has held out for so many years; why now?’

And although Hermione would have agreed with Harry had she not been married to Professor Snape, now that she was in the room with him as he spoke, it was clear to her that no one was more deserving of the job than he was.

Hermione didn't know how to feel as she watched her husband talk about the Dark Arts. She knew it was one thing to respect the Dark Arts as a dangerous enemy, but another to speak of them, as Professor Snape was doing, with a loving caress in his voice.

"Your defenses," said Snape a little louder, "must therefore be as flexible and inventive as the arts you seek to undo. These pictures"—he indicated a few of them as he swept past—"give a fair representation of what happens to those who suffer, for instance, the Cruciatus Curse." He waved a hand toward a witch who was clearly shrieking in agony: "feel the Dementor's Kiss"—a wizard lying huddled and blank-eyed, slumped against a wall; "or provoke the aggression of the Inferius"—a bloody mass upon the ground.

"Has an Inferius been seen, then?" said Parvati Patil in a high-pitched voice. "Is it definite? Is he using them?"

"The Dark Lord has used Inferi in the past," said Snape, "which means you would be well-advised to assume he might use them again." He set off again around the other side of the classroom toward his desk, and again, they watched him as he walked, his dark robes billowing behind him.

"You are, I believe, complete novices in the use of nonverbal spells." "What is the advantage of a nonverbal spell?"

Hermione's hand shot into the air. Snape took his time looking around at everybody else, making sure he had no choice, before saying curtly, "Very well— Miss Granger?"

He had always hated calling on her, so why would he stop now that she was his wife? But on the other hand, Hermione would also not refrain from answering questions she knew in class just because they were now married.

"Your adversary has no warning about what kind of magic you're about to perform," said Hermione, "which gives you a split-second advantage."

"An answer copied almost word for word from The Standard Book of Spell, Grade Six," said Snape dismissively (over in the corner, Malfoy snigg*red).

Hermione felt herself flush with annoyance. He asked a question, and she answered it to the best of her ability. And he felt the need to make side remarks and encourage others to pick on her?

"But correct in the essentials. Yes, those who progress to using magic without shouting incantations gain an element of surprise in their spell-casting. Not all wizards can do this, of course; it is a question of concentration and mind power, which some"

His gaze lingered maliciously upon Harry—"lack."

"You will now divide," Snape went on, "into pairs. One partner will attempt to jinx the other without speaking. The other will attempt to repel the jinx in equal silence. Carry on."

Although Professor Snape did not know it, Harry had taught at least half the class (everyone who had been a member of the D.A.) how to perform a shield charm the previous year. None of them had ever cast the charm without speaking, however.

A reasonable amount of cheating ensued; many people were merely whispering the incantation instead of saying it aloud.

Typically, ten minutes into the lesson, Hermione managed to repel Neville's muttered Jelly-Legs Jinx without uttering a single word, a feat that would surely have earned her twenty points for Gryffindor from any teacher but which Professor Snape ignored.

Hermione watched as he swept between them as they practiced, looking just as much like an overgrown bat as ever, lingering to watch Harry and Ron struggle with the task.

Ron, who was supposed to be jinxing Harry, was purple in the face, his lips tightly compressed to save himself from the temptation of muttering the incantation. Harry had his wand raised, waiting on tenterhooks to repel a jinx that seemed unlikely to ever come.

"Pathetic, Weasley," said Snape after awhile, "here— let me show you."

He turned his wand on Harry so fast that Harry reacted instinctively; all thought of nonverbal spells forgotten, he yelled "Protego!" His shield charm was so strong that Snape was knocked off balance and hit a desk.

The whole class had looked around and now watched as Snape righted himself, scowling.

"Do you remember me telling you we were practicing nonverbal spells, Potter?"

"Yes," said Harry stiffly.

"Yes, sir."

"There's no need to call me "sir," Professor."

The words had escaped him before he knew what he was saying.

Several people gasped, including Hermione. Behind Snape, however, Ron, Dean, and Seamus grinned appreciatively.

"Detention, Saturday night, my office," said Snape. "I do not take checks from anyone, Potter. Not even 'the Chosen One.'"

"That was brilliant, Harry!" chortled Ron once they were safely on their way to break a short while later.

"You really shouldn't have said it," said Hermione, frowning at Ron. "What made you?"

"He tried to jinx me, in case you didn't notice!" fumed Harry.

"I had enough of that during those Occlumency lessons! Why doesn't he use another guinea pig for a change? What's Dumbledore playing at anyway, letting him teach Defense? Did you hear him talking about the Dark arts? He loves them! All that unfixed. indestructible stuff—"

"Well," said Hermione, "I thought he sounded a bit like you."

"Like me?" Exclaimed Harry

"Yes, when you were telling us what it's like to face Voldemort, You said it wasn't just memorizing a bunch of spells; you said it was just you and your brains and your guts. Well, wasn't that what Professor Snape was saying? That it really comes down to being brave and quick-thinking?"

But Harry conveniently didn’t respond, as he and Ron now made their way back to the common room to enjoy their free break period. And Hermione turned the corner to make her way to Arithmancy with Professor Vector.

Arithmancy had always been Hermione’s favorite class since third grade, when she dropped divination and instead began to take it. She much preferred divination by numerical value as opposed to whatever rubbish Professor Trelawney had to teach.

But Hermione was taken back. Professor Vector had not called on Hermione at all; in fact, he had avoided her gaze at all and almost acted as if Hermione wasn’t even there. And Hermione wanted to hang back and ask if perhaps she had done something wrong, but before she could gather all her things, Professor Vector had left her sight. So instead of dwelling on it for too long, Hermione hurried off to what had for a long time been Professor Snape’s old classroom, Potions.

The dungeon was, most unusually, already full of vapors and odd smells. Harry, Ron, and Hermione sniffed interestedly as they passed large, bubbling cauldrons.

The four Slytherins took a table together, as did the four Ravenclaws. This left Harry, Ron, and Hermione to share a table with Ernie.

"Now then, now then, now then," said Slughorn, whose massive outline was quivering through the many shimmering vapors.

"Scales out, everyone, and potion kits, and don't forget your copies of Advanced Potion-Making."

"Sir?" said Harry, raising his hand.

"Harry, m'boy?"

"I haven't got a book or scales or anything, nor has Ron; we didn't realize we'd be able to do the N.E.W.T., you see."

"Not to worry; get what you want from the cupboard," Professor Slughorn said as he waved his hand over to the cupboard.

"Now, as I was saying, I prepared some concoctions this morning. Any ideas what these might be?"Professor Slughorn asked as Harry and Ron wrestled each other for some reason before straightening themselves up and walking back with a book in their hands, Ron looking triumphant and Harry looking disgruntled.

Hermione’s hand quickly shot up as she recognized every potion on display.

"Yes Miss…?"

"Granger, sir"

"That one there is Veritaserum. It’s a truth-telling serum," Hermione said as she pointed over to the cauldron over by the slythrin table that had a potion inside that looked like plain water boiling away inside it.

"And that one would be polyjuice potion," Hermione said, not being able to help herself as she pointed to the slow-bubbling, mudlike substance in the second cauldron.

She, after all, was the one who had succeeded in making it back in their second year.

Excellent, excellent Now, this one here... Yes, my dear? said Slughorn, now looking slightly bemused, as Hermione's hand punched the air again.

"It's Amortentia!"

"It is indeed." "It seems almost foolish to ask," said Slughorn, who was looking mightily impressed, "but I assume you know what it does?"

"It is the most powerful love potion in the world," said Hermione.

"Quite right! "You recognized it, I suppose, by its distinctive mother-of-pearl sheen?"

"And the steam is rising in characteristic spirals," said Hermione enthusiastically, "and it's supposed to smell differently to each of us, according to what attracts us. For example, I smell woodsmoke and coffee." and Hermione felt as she turned slightly pink, and she did not complete the sentence.

"May I ask your name, my dear?" "Slughorn," said Slughorn, ignoring Hermione's embarrassment.

"Hermione Granger, sir."

"Granger? Granger? "Can you possibly be related to Hector Dagworth-Granger, who founded the Most Extraordinary Society of Potioneers?"

"No, I don't think so, sir." "I'm Muggle-born, you see."

Hermione saw Malfoy lean close to Nott and whispered something; both of them snigg*red, but Slughorn showed no dismay; on the contrary, he beamed and looked from Hermione to Harry, who was sitting next to her.

"Oho!' One of my best friends is Muggle-born, and she's the best in our year. I'm assuming this is the very friend of whom you spoke, Harry?"

"Yes, sir," said Harry.

"Well, well, take twenty well-earned points for Gryfindor, Miss Granger," said Slughorn genially.

Hermione turned to Harry with a radiant expression and whispered, "Did you really tell him I'm the best in the year?" Oh, Harry!"

"Well, what's so impressive about that?" whispered Ron, who, for some reason, looked annoyed. "You are the best in the year; I'd've told him so if he'd asked me!"

Hermione smiled but made a "shhing" gesture so that they could hear what Slughorn was saying. Now it was Ron who looked slightly disgruntled.

However, Hermione’s mood changed dramatically as soon as they began to work, as she was, in that exact moment, proving not to be the best of the year. As she frantically looked over to Harry, whose potion looked much more advanced than hers.

"How did you do that?" Ron asked.

"Got lucky, I suppose," said Harry as they stepped out of the classroom.

"How did you do it?" Hermione asked as they entered the great hall and made their way to the Gryffindor table for dinner.

Hermione felt the color drain from her face with every word that Harry uttered as he explained the Half-Blood Princes book.

"I s’pose you think I cheated?" He finished, aggravated by her expression.

"Well, it wasn't exactly your own work, was it?" She said it stiffly.

"He only followed different instructions from ours," said Ron. "Could've been a catastrophe, couldn't it? But he took a risk, and it paid off."

"Harry, you need to turn that book in; it can be dangerous," said Hermione, "taking orders from random old textbooks."

"Hang on," said a voice close by Harry's, and Hermione saw that Ginny had joined them.

"Did I hear right? You've been taking orders from something someone wrote in a book, Harry?" She looked alarmed and angry.

Hermione knew what was on her mind. Ginny still suffered nightmares from what had happened to her in her first year.

"It's nothing," he said reassuringly, lowering his voice. It’s not like, you know, Riddle's diary. It’s just an old textbook someone scribbled on."

"But you're doing what it says?"

"I just tried a few of the tips written in the margins; honestly, Ginny, there's nothing funny—"

"Ginny's got a point," said Hermione, perking up at once. We ought to check to make sure there's nothing odd about it. I mean, all these funny instructions, who knows?"

"Hey!" said Harry indignantly as she pulled his copy of Advanced Potion-Making out of his bag and raised her wand.

"Specialis Revelio!" she said, rapping it smartly on the front cover.

Nothing whatsoever happened. The book simply lay there, looking old, dirty, and dog-eared.

"Finished?" said Harry irritably. "Or d'you want to wait and see if it does a few backflips?"

"It seems all right," said Hermione, still staring at the book suspiciously. "I mean, it really does seem to be... "Just a textbook"

"Good. Then I'll have it back," said Harry, and he stood from the table and retreated back to the common room, with Ron following close behind him.

"I wish he wouldn’t use that book," said Ginny as she watched Harry retrieve his body.

"I wish he wouldn’t either, but since when has he ever listened to us?" Hermione said, shaking her head. She knew Harry well; he was not going to listen to anyone.

"Let’s go back to the common room." Ginny said as she stood.

"U-um, sure," Hermione stammered out; she wasn’t sure how she was going to make her way back to their chambers without going unnoticed.

Thankfully, she didn’t share dormitories with Ginny as they were in different years, and thankfully, Hermione had previously spent all the time in the library, so much so that it had become her home, and now none of the girls in her year ever noticed her missing.

Hermione had also taken Harry’s marauders map to Dumbledore and had him place her at the girl dormitories or library whenever she was in Professor Snape’s chambers so that Harry wouldn’t notice her new living situation.

Upon entering the common room, Hermione and Ginny went their separate ways. Ginny, who was still lost in deep thought about the new book in Harry’s possession, retreated to her dormitory, while Hermione left the common room and quietly headed towards the dungeons.

"Hello Hermione!" Luna’s soft voice startled Hermione and caused her to jump up.

"O-oh Luna," Hermione said quickly, spinning around to see that Luna stood barefoot holding a copy of the Quibbler, sporting her pair of Spectrespecs that Hermione was used to seeing her in.

"What are you doing down here alone in the dungeons?" Luna asked as she looked around Hermione’s surroundings.

"I can ask the same of you," Hermione said, crossing her arms across her chest.

"I’m looking for any signs of Wrackspurt; they’re invisible creatures that float in your ears and make your brain go all fuzzy. They only come out in the dark; the light scares them away," Luna said softly as she looked down at Hermione’s lit wand. "Anyway, are you lost?"

"Of course I’m not lost," Hermione said, slightly annoyed. "I’m a prefect; I’m allowed to roam the corridors alone."

"Have a good day, Luna," Hermione said stiffly as she turned around and began to walk away from her. Annoyed that she had assumed Hermione was lost, as if she were a first-year

"Wait," Hermione heard Luna call out, and she heard Luna quickly catch up to her.

"I was going to ask when our next D. A meeting is.I’ve been checking the coin for any updates, but maybe my coin is faltering," Luna said as she pulled out the coin from her robe and held it in her hand.

"Now that Umbridge is gone, there’s no need to assemble Dumbledore’s army, especially now that we have a competent Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher." Hermione said.

"Professor Snape is better than Umbridge, but he is mean... I prefer Harry’s teaching better." Luna said, which caused Hermione to have to take a deep breath so as not to say anything rude to Luna.

"I’m sorry, perhaps I shouldn’t have said that; I know he’s your husband—" Luna said, and Hermione quickly stopped dead in her tracks and quickly turned to face Luna.

"What? What are you talking about?" Hermione said she was flustered. How could she know? Perhaps it was just one of her silly assumptions.

"I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to eavesdrop; I overheard you talking to the headmaster and Professor McGonagall on the first day back to the castle. You see, I always like to enter the castle before everyone else so that I can—"

"Luna, please,you have to promise me that you won’t tell anyone anything. Especially Harry or Ron!" Hermione cut her off, as she was not interested in hearing what she had to say.

"I promise, your secret is safe with me, Hermione; I know better than to get on your bad side... I wouldn’t want what happened to poor Marietta Edgecombe to happen to me." Luna said as she smiled at Hermione.

"Thank you, Luna," Hermione said as she tried to compose herself.

"Is that where you were going now? To your new chambers? I can see why you wouldn’t want anyone to see you; here, take this," Luna said as she pulled out something else from her robes and handed it to Hermione.

"What is this?" Hermione asked as she examined the bracelet in her hand that Luna had handed her.

"It’s a don’t notice me charm. When you put it on and say, "Don’t notice me," you will be invisible to others. My daddy helped me charm them so when I hunt for Wrackspurt, as they scare very easily." Luna said.

"Do they work?" Hermione asked hesitantly.

"Mhmm, see for yourself," Luna said as she pulled out another bracelet from her robe and put it on her wrist. She pointed the tip of her wand to the bracelet and muttered, "Don’t notice me, ’ and sure enough, in a blink of an eye, Luna became invisible. And Hermione could see right through her if she wasn’t there.

"Luna, this is amazing magic," Hermione said, astonished that Luna could do such magic. From everything Hermione had read, it’s hard to charm items to turn you invisible.

"Yes, I agree; it’s ancient magic that is forbidden to be taught, but Daddy knows all kinds of magic; he’s a very powerful wizard." Luna said as she appeared again.

"I must warn you, though, that the invisibility only lasts a couple of hours before it wears off," Luna said as Hermione pulled the bracelet over her wrist.

"Thank you, Luna; you are a lifesaver; I owe you one," Hermione said as she was about to tap the bracelet with the tip of her own wand.

"You don’t owe me anything; that’s what friends are for." Luna smiled brightly at Hermione, and Hermione felt a rush of guilt roar through her.

Truthfully, she hadn’t considered Luna a friend; she was very appreciative of every member of the D.A. who believed Harry when no one else would. And she was appreciative of Luna and Neville for their help in the ministry, but she still hadn’t really considered her a friend.

But perhaps Hermione needed a friend like Luna, someone who was as carefree and free-spirited as her. Even if she would have to bite down on her comments and go along with Luna’s silly beliefs.

"Of course," Hermione smiled kindly at Luna, and she watched as Luna returned the smile before pulling down her Spectrespecs and continuing to walk down the dark corridor of the dungeons.

Hermione quickly tapped the tip of her wand on the bracelet, muttered the incantation, and began to discreetly make her way towards his office.

Once she stepped into his study, she noticed that he was not there. And quickly tapped the bracelet and ran her hands down the sides of her hair to tame the mass of it, as it was now double in size from potions.

She stepped into their chambers to see that he was already seated on his armchair with papers on his lap; he was grading.

"Hello, Professor." Hermione smiled at him, but he did not respond; he did not even bother to look up.

"How was your first day of classes?" Hermione asked as she sat down on the edge of the bed, facing him. As there was nowhere else to sit.

"Tedious," he said flatly as he continued to grade the paper in front of him.

"Yes. Very tedious, although at least you don't have to do homework." Hermione joked, "although grading it must feel like homework."

He, however, did not find her very amusing, as he said nothing and just continued to grade.

"Alright then, I'm going to draw myself a bath," Hermione said, standing up. Still feeling brave enough to joke, she added, "Care to join?"

in which he finally raised his head to look at her but now wore a scowling expression.

"Just having a laugh," Hermione said teasingly as she made her way towards the bathroom, "bath; party of one." Hermione muttered as she entered the bathroom.

Hermione had taken a longer bath than she had intended, as by the time she came out of the bathroom, Professor Snape was already in bed and had his eyes closed. And Crookshanks was already at the foot of the bed. He had turned on her lamp that sat on her nightstand to serve as a nightlight for her to find her way towards the bed. He knew she was afraid of the pitch-dark.

She crawled into bed and turned to look at him as he lay on his back.

She observed his chest rising and falling and allowed her gaze to wander lower.

"Stop your staring and go to bed." Professor Snape's voice startled her, and before she could process anything, the lights went out.

She quickly rolled on her back and pulled the covers over her head in embarrassment. She hadn't known when she fell asleep, but she knew it hadn't been long as she was still exhausted from her first day of term.

Hermione and Professor Snape had quickly fallen into a routine. She would wake to see him already showered, dressed for the day, and flipping through the daily prophet.

She would then say good morning to him and Crookshanks (thathe never returned),then shower and get ready. He, however, never looked at her any longer than he needed to. Unlike the first morning, he had watched her every movement.

She would make him a cup of coffee to go and wish him a good day. And he, being the grumpy man he was, would never return any of her affections; instead, he would take a cup of coffee and leave the chambers without a word.

Hermione couldn't help but think about how Thursday would be once it came. She found herself flushing in her seat every time she thought about it.

Chapter 16: Making Progress

Chapter Text

September 5, 1996

Hermione sat at the edge of the bed as she waited for him to join her, as she had always done back home. She had already prepared herself for their activities and made sure she was freshly showered and pampered.

She quickly sat up as she heard the door to their chambers being opened.

"How would you like to proceed, Miss Granger?" Professor Snape asked as he stepped into the chambers and closed the door behind him.

"Um...I...I...well—" Hermione felt her face burn in embarrassment.

Oh god, I can't believe I'm about to say this out loud.Hermione thought to herself.

"Spit it out, Miss Granger; we don’t have all night," Professor Snape said almost impatiently.

"I would like to try to be on top," Hermione whispered nervously as she shifted her weight from foot to foot.

They had never tried any other position other than Hermione on her back. Most of the time, it was just missionary; occasionally, he would sit up and place his hands on the back of her knees and thrust into her in that position, but that had been rare.

But Hermione was hungry for more; she had been wanting to try other positions. Like many things in life, Hermione wanted to excel at this. If they were going to be forced to copulate once a week, she wanted to make sure the sex was at least enjoyable for both of them. She watched as his eyebrows shot up in surprise at her request, but he didn't say anything; instead, he began to undress.

Hermione quickly looked down at her feet and kept her gaze on them, as she knew just how much he hated when she stared at him.

Hermione felt herself blush a deep shade of red as she heard the clink of his belt buckle. She looked up to see that he was now fully naked, and she watched as he crawled into bed and pushed the sheets aside.

"Well, Miss Granger, are you just going to stand there and gawk at me all night?" He asked with anger apparent in his tone.

"No, sir," Hermione whispered as she quickly undid her robe. She hadn't bothered to wear anything under her robes since the second time they had sex and he made her undress herself, so she figured she'd just make it easier on herself by wearing nothing underneath.

Quickly crawling onto the bed, Hermione sat up next to him on her knees and looked down at his nude form.

"Can I touch it, sir?" Hermione asked, looking down at Professor Snape's semi-hard erection.

Touching him was something Hermione rarely did, and although the act of being intimate involved a lot of physical touch, Professor Snape always made sure to never touch her more than he needed to. So Hermione always made sure to return the favor and never touched him unless it was to run her hands up and down his back to comfort him after he finished.

He nodded, and Hermione had to suppress the smile that was threatening to appear at his permission to touch him. She wanted nothing more than to explore him and find out what pleased him.

Hesitantly, Hermione reached her hand out and grasped it. She wrapped her hand around the tip and began to stroke it up and down.

It wasn’t long until the tip began to leak, and Hermione ran her thumb across the slit to spread the liquid around the head of his penis to lubricate her strokes.

Professor Snape wasn't very vocal when it came to sex, except for his occasional suppressed groans and grunts. Hermione, on the other hand, was never good at suppressing her pleasure. And she let out a squeal as he quickly, in one motion, grabbed her arm and leg and forced her on top of him.

Now straddling each side of him, Hermione let out a small gasp at the contact of his erection right on her now-spread lips.

Hermione let out a soft moan as she began to gently roll her hips up and down his length until she was sure he was now fully lubricated with her nectar.

Hermione slowly slid her hand down and grasped him to keep him still while she placed him right in front of her entrance.

She watched as he slowly threw his head back further into the pillow as he placed both his hands on her hips and dug his fingers into them as she slowly began to slide herself down onto him.

Hermione closed her eyes and placed her hands against his chest, as he was now fully inside her. And Hermione allowed herself a moment to adjust to his girth.

As if it were possible, Hermione felt much fuller than before in this position. But she enjoyed the feeling the new position brought her.

Experimenting, Hermione rolled her hips and let out a small moan as she leaned closer to him so that it would be easier to lift herself off him.

Hermione quickly lifted herself off him until just the tip of his penis was inside, and she quickly sank back down onto it.

Oh god, this is good.Hermione thought to herself as she slowly began to ride him.

The position was awkward. veryawkward;she wasn't sure if what she was doing was right, but it felt so good that she continued her movements and continued to do what she thought was right until she found the perfect rhythm.

_______________
Severus’s POV

Severus closed his eyes and kept them shut as she continued to ride him at an excruciatingly slow pace.

He knew she had to adjust to him, so he kept his eyes closed and his hands to the side of the bed to not touch her to keep himself from slamming himself into her.

He had promised himself to allow her to take the initiative when it came to their sexual lives.

After all, he was now in charge of making sure all her first experiences were not ruined by him. Not that he cared much. After all, it was her fault that they found themselves in that predicament.

Although it was her fault, he still didn't think it was in his right to enjoy her.

But Severus quickly realized that as much as everything was a first for her, everything was also a first for him.

Severus had never experienced anything like the girl. All of his previous sexual experiences had been with experienced witches who had been death eaters or whor*s he met at taverns that he had to pay for.

But in all those encounters, there had only been one thing in mind: to bring himself pleasure.

But now, with his witch, all he ever wanted to do was bring her pleasure. He enjoyed her cries of pleasure and enjoyed making her a writhing mess.

Although at times he would get lost in his own pleasure, Severus made sure to never leave the witch wanting more. He always made sure she org*smed before he allowed himself to finish.

And although the girl had stated that her experience was nonexistent, The girl seemed to be a fast learner.

At times, Severus felt as if he was the inexperienced one. He had never once made love before, but now it seemed like it was the only thing he did every Thursday.

He had never felt the intimacy of a witch before. Not even his first time had been as memorable as the first time he had with the girl.

His first shag had been with an older witch who had been an unfulfilled widow for many years and had set her eyes on him from the second they met. And Severus had finally given in after he found out about the marriage of his one true love.

But even then, the witch had been cold and distant.

Every time he met with her, he would do what he had to do to bring them both to a climax, and then he would leave without saying much as a goodbye.

Although Severus had to thank the witch for his experience, as she had taught him the many ways to pleasure women,

But the girl was different; everything she did was as if she were making sure he always felt safe in her arms. She always clung to him as he took her.

And she always placed gentle kisses on the side of his neck or any exposed skin. She always ran her hands through his hair in a way that sent chills down his back. And after he would collapse on top of her, she always ran her hands up and down his back to soothe him and help him gain his composure.

Severus wasn't sure why he allowed her so much, but he found that he couldn't bring himself to scold her in fear that she would stop. So instead, he just allowed her to do whatever she wanted to him.

He was hers to take as she pleased.

_______________
Hermione’s POV

Hermione was starting to get lost in the feel of him as she continued to ride him.

The new position allowed her to set her own pace, and Hermione found that she liked a mixture of slow and fast.

But she still wanted and needed more. She needed to feel his touch; she needed to feel his hands all around her.

Straightening up, Hermione grabbed both his calloused hands and placed them on her hips, which caused him to quickly open his eyes.

"Touch me, please," Hermione moaned out as she continued to ride him.

His jaw clenched as he frowned, as if it angered him that she was asking him.

"Please," Hermione begged as she grabbed a hold of both his wrists and began to force him to run his hands up her waist. She so badly wanted him to touch her breast. She wanted to know what it felt like to have him cup them and caress them.

Needing no further encouragement from her, Professor Snape placed both his hands on her breast, and Hermione couldn't help the moan that escaped her lips at his touch.

He began to slowly knead them and push them together before placing both her nipples between his fingers and rolling them. Hermione couldn't hold in the loud moans that escaped her lips as she threw her head back. She couldn't believe the feeling she was experiencing. She didn't know her nipples could be so sensitive and bring her such pleasure. It was as if her nipples were connected to her cl*toral area.

Hermione had completely stopped her own movements as she found it hard to focus as he pleasured her breast. Noticing that she had stopped, Professor Snape raised both his knees and forcefully pushed her to lean closer to him. And Hermione gasped and placed both her hands on either side of his head to stop herself from falling completely on top of him.

Hermione felt her face flush in embarrassment as her breast now hung close to his face, but Professor Snape didn't seem to mind as he raised his head and took one nipple into his mouth, causing Hermione to squirm uncontrollably.

"Oh god!" Hermione cried out in pleasure as he released it with a pop and took the other one into his mouth.

"Oh god, please," Hermione cried out.

"Please," Hermione desperately begged. She didn't really know what exactly she was begging for, but she knew that she needed him.

"Please what, Miss Granger?" he asked into her breast. As he flicked her hardened nipple with the tip of his tongue.

"Tell me what you want from me." Professor Snape groaned as he raised his hand to cup her bum.

"P-Please...please...f*ck me" Hermione cried as she rolled her hips. She was taken back by her own vulgar language, but she was so desperate to get rid of the tension in her stomach. She needed release, and she knew only he could give it to her.

"You don't know what you're asking for, stupid girl," he groaned out, frustrated.

It was clear to her that he was holding back. But it was also clear that he wanted to do what she was asking him to do, but because of her inexperience, he wanted to go easy on her. But Hermione didn't care to go easy. She wanted him to have sex with her his way.

"Please, please, please!" Hermione let out a frantic cry. She was embarrassed by the way her voice sounded—so wonton, so desperate. "f*ck me!"

But Professor Snape didn't need any further begging, as he quickly wrapped both his arms around her waist in a tight embrace, forcing her to fall onto his chest, and began to ruthlessly f*ck her.

He kept one arm tightly around her waist to keep her in place and used the other to cradle the back of her head.

He continued to roughly slam in and out of her as she filled the room with loud moans and screams. And Hermione felt her eyes begin to fill with tears. She was overwhelmed with the amount of pleasure sex in this position was giving her.

"Oh god, please don't stop." Hermione cried out as she felt the pressure building inside her in the same way it always did before she found release.

"Hmmm, this feels too good," Hermione whimpered as she felt her tears spill, and she bit down onto his shoulder. She could hear the moist sounds coming from them as he continued to thrust in and out of her relentlessly. And Hermione couldn't hold it in any longer.

"I'm going to—I'm going—oh god."Hermione felt her release wash over her, and she felt her eyes roll to the back of her head as she let out a loud, muffled scream as she now buried her face into the pillow. Hermione was sure she was screaming into his ear, and had there been anyone in the room, they would think she was getting mutilated, but she wasn’t in the right state of mind to care or to be embarrassed.

Hermione felt as he quickly placed both his hands on either side of her hips and pushed them down as he pushed up into her. And with a loud grunt, he began to spill himself inside her.

Both of them remained quiet as they both fought to catch their breath but failed to do so. Hermione remained on top of him, unable to move.

Hermione let out a few sniffles as she continued to breathe hard into the pillow.

"Miss Granger, did I—did I—hurt you?" She heard him ask as he placed both hands on her upper back.

"N-no, sir, it was just too much. It felt really good," Hermione said, embarrassed that she was crying.

"These are tears from pleasure, not pain," Hermione said as she sat up and wiped her cheeks with her hands.

She looked down to see that his cheeks were flushed with color and his face, along with his neck and chest, were covered with sweat.

Hermione quickly pulled herself off him and felt as his penis slipped out of her and fell lazily on its side. And Hermione winced as she felt his sem*n drip out of her and onto his own stomach. But before she could say or do anything, she felt warmth spread between her legs and looked down at his stomach again to see that he had cleaned them.

Of course,he used nonverbal magic to clean them. Hermione was always so lost in the moment that she never noticed that he did that.

"Where's Cookshanks?" Hermione asked as she looked around, panicked that he might have witnessed what they had just done.

"I don't know. He always seems sparse when we do our activities," he said as he threw his arm over his head.

"Oh my god! You don't think he knows what we do, do you?" Hermione's eyes widened as she looked over to him.

"I'm sure he knows," he chuckled as she groaned and threw herself onto her pillow.

Hermione hesitantly scooted over to him, placed her head against his chest, and squeezed her eyes shut as she waited for the scolding to come. For him to yell at her and tell her to lay back to her side of the bed, but the scolding never came; instead, he allowed her to place her hand on top of his chest and run her hands up and down the hairs of his chest.

Hermione knew he was awake, as his breathing was back to normal. And she wasn't sure why he hadn't scolded her. Why he had allowed her to take such liberties from him. But nevertheless, she was grateful that he allowed her to continue touching him.

Perhaps it meant that their relationship was progressing?

Hermione woke up to the sound of the shower running and opened her eyes to see that he was not in his armchair as he usually was, and Crookshanks was not in bed waking her up as he normally did. Quickly grabbing his watch from his bedside table, Hermione bolted out of bed as she read the time.

It appeared they were both running late, as he was also just about to get in the shower.

Hermione quickly made her way towards the bathroom. And opened the door to see that he had already stepped in.

"Can I join you?" Hermione asked, leaning up against the door. He turned to look at her and wore an expression as if she had offended his mother.

"We'll be late otherwise," Hermione said softly.

He didn't respond, so Hermione took it as a sign that he had agreed to shower together.

Having fallen asleep naked and not needing to undress, Hermione quickly closed the door to the bathroom and made her way towards the shower. And shivered as she stepped into the cold water.

"It’s cold, Professor!" Hermione squealed and moved away from the water.

He let out a small groan of frustration as he switched the faucet over to hot.

"There, now stop complaining and get moving," he said as he turned his back to her and began to wash his hair.

Picking up her shower sponge, Hermione lathered it with soap and began to gently wash his back.

"What do you think you're doing, Miss Granger?" He asked her angrily as he turned around to face her.

"I just thought I'd help," Hermione said now, washing his chest. He looked down at her with a scowl, but Hermione chose to ignore him and continued to wash him.

"Don't expect me to return the favor," he snarled as he lifted his arms, and Hermione washed his arms and underarms.

"I know better," Hermione muttered with a smile as she continued to wash him.

Lowering herself to her knees, she began to wash his legs. But she let out a small gasp as she came face-to-face with his throbbing erection.

She looked at it before lifting her head to look up at him. To see that he had his head down, looking down at her furiously.

Angrily, he lowered himself down, lifted her up by the arms, and quickly spun her around. Taking the sponge from her hand, he began to run it across her back.

Hermione couldn't help the smile that formed on her face as he continued to wash her back. And Hermione quickly had to bite down on her lip as he snaked his hands around and began to run the sponge across her chest and abdomen. Hermione knew her face was scarlet from the steam of the shower, but she felt her face grow a shade darker as he lowered himself to wash her legs and knew his face was close to her bum.

Quickly rising to his feet, Hermione heard him rumbling through the shower shelf and wondered what exactly he was looking for, but before she could turn around to look, he placed both his hands in her hair and began to gently wash her hair.

Hermione couldn't help the small moan that escaped her mouth as he began massaging the shampoo into her scalp.

Hermione couldn't believe he was washing her. She hadn't expected him to let her join him, let alone wash her. But she wasn't going to protest, as she was enjoying it very much.

Hermione quickly squeezed her eyes shut as he now placed her under the hot water and began to rinse the shampoo out. And repeated the process with her conditioner. Although he had let out a groan when she handed it to him to do, he clearly hadn’t been aware women used conditioner.

Lastly, to her surprise, she felt him wrap an arm around her waist and begin to wash her private regions without warning. And Hermione let out a gasp of surprise, but once again didn't protest.

He then turned around and finished washing himself before turning around and turning both faucets off, and Hermione instantly shivered at the sudden coldness that fell in the room.

She silently watched as he conjured a couple of towels from the drawer. And before Hermione could reach for one, he quickly lifted the towel and threw it over her. She let out another gasp of surprise. She was sure she resembled a ghost. Not a real ghost, but the kind of ghost people dress up as for Halloween.

Hermione remained very still for a few short seconds before she felt him place his big hands on either side of her head and begin to shake her head to dry her hair off. And although this was not the method Hermione used to dry her hair, she couldn't bring herself to stop him.

Lifting both sides of the towel to uncover her face, as if he were lifting a veil, Hermione looked up at him to see that he himself had a small smile on his face. As if he had been amused by the situation.

He folded the towel over her head and pinched the sides under her chin so only her face was uncovered.

Hermione was sure her cheeks were a bright shade of red, as the bathroom was still filled with steam.

They remained still, just staring into each other's eyes, before he let go and conjured himself a towel.

She watched as he himself dried his hair in the same manner he had done to her and folded the towel around his neck when he was done.

Hermione watched as he now stepped out of the shower, walked over to the sink, and began to apply his shaving cream.

"Are you just going to stand there and watch me, Miss Granger? He asked, and Hermione could tell he was annoyed that he had to remind her to get moving, but Hermione had been so lost in awe that she hadn’t realized she had been standing in the shower watching his every move.

Quickly stepping out, Hermione walked over to the sink herself and began to brush her teeth.

It was a bit crowded with them both standing in front of the sink, with him shaving and her brushing her teeth. But Hermione enjoyed it.

She finished brushing her teeth and was drying her mouth off as she continued to watch him shave.

"Am I doing it wrong, Miss Granger?" He asked.

And Hermione quickly shook her head. Although, of course, she wouldn't know, as she didn't have to shave.

"Then stop your excessive staring and get moving; we’re already running late," he said, irritated.

And Hermione quickly looked away from him. She picked up her facial moisturizer and began to apply a generous amount to her cheeks, forehead, nose, and chin before she began to rub it in.

But now it was his turn to observe her. He watched as she began to gently rub the moisturizer into her skin.

Now who's the one staring? Hermione wanted to say, but truthfully, she didn't mind. She quite enjoyed it whenever his gaze lingered on her.

"What is that for?" He asked as he continued to watch her through the mirror.

She was now using a body lotion to moisturize her entire body.

"It's just muggle moisturizer; I tend to be quite dry during the colder weather," she responded as she continued to massage the lotion on her arms and legs.

"Would you like some? It works great," she said as she finished.

"No, I, on the other hand, tend to be... "What is the word people use? Ah, greasy," he said, but Hermione couldn't tell from his tone if he was being sarcastic or self-deprecating.

Hermione chose not to respond to his comment. She knew that any logical person would know that his greasy hair was only a result of his constant presence over a steaming cauldron. As it wasn’t greasy anymore now that he taught DADA instead of potions.

"Here," Hermione whispered as she took his hand into hers and began to massage lotion into it.

"Miss Granger!" He scolded, but didn't make the effort to pull away.

"It's just to add moisture to them; even though I love your calloused hands, they could use a bit of moisture," she said, and he didn't respond; instead, he just allowed her to continue to massage the lotion into his hands and even slightly lifted the other when she was finished with the other.

"This is what makes your skin so soft?" He asked softly.

And Hermione couldn't help but blush at his question, as there was a compliment in it.

"Yes, I suppose, I put it on after every shower or bath," she whispered softly as she finished massaging his hands.

They both dressed in silence, and Hermione wondered if perhaps he stole a few glances at her as she dressed, as she did with him, but she doubted it, unless he was better at hiding it than she was, as he had scolded her a few more times for staring at him before they separately made their way into the Great Hall.

Chapter 17: Harry’s Rising Suspicion

Chapter Text

Hermione took a deep breath as she stood in front of the Great Hall, trying to gain her Gryffindor courage and go in.

She could hear loud footsteps approaching behind her and turned around to see Ginny quickly making her way down the stairs towards her.

"Hey, you're late too?" Ginny said.

"Oh, yeah, um, I slept in." Hermione quickly rushed out.

"You and me both, along with half the people in my year, I thought everyone just exaggerated to scare the younger years about O.W.L.'s, but it's no joke," Ginny said as she yawned into her hand. "Let's go in."

Hermione was thankful that she had run into Ginny, as now it wouldn't be too questionable as to why she was late.

Harry, however, appeared to be on high alert as he kept glancing towards the entrance doors, as if expecting someone to come in any minute.

"Who are you waiting for, Harry?" Hermione asked as she watched Harry now glance over to the Slytherin table.

"This is the fourth morning since the start of term that Malfoy hasn’t come down for breakfast," Harry said as he turned back to look at Hermione.

"So?" Hermione asked, confused, as she lifted a piece of toast and began to spread butter onto it.

"He's up to something," Harry said.

"Harry, not this again," Hermione said, rolling her eyes as she took a bite of her buttered toast.

"Hermione, he's one of them now; he's working for him; he said so himself," Harry said.

"What are you two on about?" Ron asked between mouthfuls of porridge.

Hermione took a deep breath as she turned to look at Ron, annoyed that he was chewing with his mouth open.

"Harry is under the impression Draco Malfoy is now a death eater."

"You're barking. What would You-Know-Who want with a sod like Malfoy?" Ron let out an amused laugh as he now inhaled a whole fried egg into his mouth.

"So what was he doing in Borgin and Burkes? Browsing for furniture?" Harry asked, slightly annoyed as he glanced back and forth between them.

"It's a creepy shop. He's a creepy bloke." Ron shrugged between bites.

"Look. His father's a Death Eater. It only makes sense." Harry continued.

"Harry, you heard Madam Malkin; you can't just go around accusing people of being death eaters," Hermione tried to reason with Harry.

"Hermione, the proof is there; you just have to be willing to see it. In Madam Malkin's. She didn't touch him, but he yelled and jerked his arm away from her when she went to roll up his sleeve. It was his left arm. He's been branded with the Dark Mark."

Hermione and Ron exchanged apprehensive looks, as they both knew Harry was not going to give this up.

"Harry, I don't think Dumbledore would let any death eaters into the castle, especially now with an ongoing war."

"He let Snape in, did he not? "Even gave him the post of Defense Against the Dark Arts he's always wanted!" Harry argued.

"He's not one of them!" Hermione said her eyebrows furrowing in anger. "He's now on our side; he's part of the order!"

"Hermione once a death eater, always a death eater. How can Dumbledore be sure he can trust him? How do we know he's truly reformed?"

"Because..." Hermione struggled to find the right argument to make, but her words failed her.

"Snape and Malfoy are up to something; I know it," Harry said as he looked back over to the Slytherin table to see if Malfoy had shown up, but he hadn't.

"Snape was late too; he came in just a few minutes before you did." Harry said as he now turned to look up at the staff table and glowered up at her husband with such loathing in his eyes.

Hermione felt her face burn up, and she knew she had to change the subject before Harry began to piece things together.

"When are Quidditch try-outs, Harry?" Hermione asked, trying to change the topic of conversation.

"The first Saturday of October," Harry responded as he now averted his attention to his own bowl of porridge and began to take big spoonfuls of it, as he and Ron now began to discuss in full detail new Quidditch strategies.

Hermione quickly turned her gaze towards the head table, felt her face heat up, and quickly lowered her head down at her own bowl as she caught his eye. And she remembered she wasn’t supposed to look at him for longer than was needed to avoid raising any suspicion.

Thursday September 12, 1996

Hermione woke restless and in pain, and she felt as if she had run a marathon as her entire body seemed to ache.

And Hermione knew exactly why she felt the way she did.

She quickly crawled out of bed, ran into the bathroom, and pulled her pajama shorts down to reveal a few spots of blood in her underwear.

She let out a sigh of relief, as she was relieved that it was just a few dots and not enough to stain the bed covers.

She began to shower and get ready for the day and hated how sore and achy her entire body felt.

Getting through the rest of the day was proving to be extremely difficult as Hermione was in so much pain and discomfort.

Not having slept all that well last night, Hermione was extremely exhausted. She tried her best to avoid Harry and Ron in class, as they only further agitated her with their nonstop chatter and Harry’s overwhelming conspiracies.

Hermione was grateful that classes were all done, and after finishing her dinner, she would be able to make some progress in her mounting school work before she could retire to bed.

Hermione sat uncomfortable on the wooden chair and desk in their chamber and rubbed her watery eyes as she let out a loud yawn.

"How would you like to proceed, Miss Granger?" Professor Snape’s voice asked as he stepped into their chambers, and Hermione’s eyes grew wide as she realized what day of the week it was.

How could she have forgotten that today was Thursday?

Of all days, why today? Hermione asked herself as she mentally groaned to herself.

Hermione was horrified; usually she looked forward to Thursdays, sometimes even counting down the days. But with all the stress of finishing all her assignments on time, Hermione had completely forgotten.

"I—um, well—I'm" Hermione stammered as she looked over to him.

"Spit it out, Miss Granger," he said, easily annoyed at her.

"I’m menstruating, sir," Hermione said, embarrassed.

She knew she shouldn't be embarrassed; after all, he was her husband and had seen all of her. But she was more embarrassed by the fact that they would have to conjugate while she was menstruating.

"I'm aware," he said as he began to walk over to his bedside table and began to undo his cuff links.

"How...?" Hermione asked as she put her quill down and rose from her chair.

"Every month on the 12th?" He said this as he continued to undo the buttons on his shirt.

Oh right, Hermione muttered to herself. She had forgotten that she told him, but she hadn't expected him to remember.

"You still wish to do it then?" Hermione asked as she watched him pull his shirt off and place it on the edge of the bed.

"We don't have much of a choice in the matter, Miss Granger; we have to fulfill the bond," he said as he now began to undo his belt.

"Yes, but is there no other way that we could fulfill the bond?" Hermione asked, red in the face.

She would be willing to do anything to save herself from humiliation.

"If there were other ways around this, don't you think we would have already executed them?" He was clearly aggravated.

"Yes, but there must be another way."

"Miss Granger, I am a grown man more than capable of managing a little blood," he said.

"Yes, but this isn't normal blood; it's dead blood; it has a smell; it's messy; and my period has always been heavy. I'm sure it will get everywhere." Hermione said she was red in the face with just the mere images.

"Miss Granger, I am a grown man, and I don’t like to be kept waiting, so once again, how would you like to proceed?"

Hermione scrunched her face up in defeat as she looked over to the bathroom door.

"I would like to shower first, then, um, I guess you on top will make things less... messy." Hermione winced at the thought of how messy things were going to get.

Stepping out of the shower, Hermione prepared herself physically and mentally for what was to come.

Ugh, why hasn’t anyone managed to brew a potion to stop women from bleeding every month? Or at least a potion to prevent periods on such occasions?‘ Hermione asked herself as she quickly stepped out of the shower.

But Hermione knew that many potioneers avoided brewing any potions that affected women’s reproductive organs, as many times they proved to be harmful and affected women’s chances of conceiving.

Still not feeling clean, Hermione stepped out of the bathroom and walked over to the bed, where he lay looking up at the ceiling, already naked and already semi-erect.

He slowly sat up as he heard her approach the bed and watched as she undid her robe.

Hermione watched as his gaze fell on her breast and trailed down over her body before returning back to her breast.

"Have your breast gotten bigger?" He asked as his gaze trailed down her chest once again.

"No, they tend to swell when I menstruate," Hermione said as she involuntarily brought her hands up to cup her fuller breast.

"Ah, I see," was all he said in return.

Not wanting to risk staining the bedsheets, Hermione quickly laid a bath towel on the bed before laying down on it and waiting for him to position himself.

"Are you comfortable?" He asked as he sat up on his knees and positioned himself between her legs.

"Um, yes, I suppose," Hermione said as she arched her back to relieve some lower back pain.

"Here, arch your back again," he said as he grabbed his own pillow and placed it under her lower back.

which, to her surprise, relieved most of the discomfort.

"Have you done this before?" Hermione couldn't help herself from asking.

"Sex? Countless times," he responded.

"No, had period—" Hermione stopped herself as she couldn't really say the word out loud in front of him.

"Sex?" he asked, and Hermione felt her face heat up as he used that word. "Your aversion to using certain words surprises me, Miss Granger," he said, looking down at her. "Especially since I’ve heard you use much more profane language to demand things from me."

And Hermione felt her face burst into flames as she remembered her desperate pleas from their previous encounter. But that had been different; it had been in the heat of the moment.

However, Hermione didn't want to ask the question again, more for her own peace of mind, as she didn't want to know the details of his previous sexual encounters.

"However, to answer your question, no, this will be a first for me," he answered.

And Hermione felt relief wash over her, as she would at least now be his first something.

She knew from the beginning that he was clearly much more experienced than her, but she felt better knowing they were making new experiences together.

"Are you ready?" He asked softly, and Hermione gave him an uncertain nod.

He took hold of his own penis and began to run it up and down her slit, as he always did to lubricate himself. But Hermione was sure it was her blood he was spreading, and she cringed at the thought.

Hermione let out a small moan and slightly tried to close her legs as he brushed against her now-sensitive nub. She was sure being on her period made it more sensitive.

"It's really sensitive," Hermione whispered.

"In a good way or a bad way?" He was genuinely curious.

"Um...good, I think," Hermione said, but let out a much louder moan as he brushed it again.

"Good. Very good." Hermione let out a gasp and continued to release loud moans as he began to rub her nub in circular motions with the head of his penis.

Hermione arched her back and threw her head back as she began to feel her pressure building.

The times that Hermione had org*smed or climaxed during their rendezvous had been purely by vagin*l penetration, never from cl*torus stimulation. And never had she org*smed in full view of him; she had always had her face hidden in his neck or in the pillow.

Embarrassed that he would see how she looked as she org*smed. Hermione quickly covered her face with both hands as she let out a couple loud, muffled moans.

"Don't cover yourself from me, Miss Granger," he said as he continued to run himself against her.

Hermione rapidly shook her head no, as she continued to arch her back.

She felt her legs begin to shake. And she knew she would be coming undone soon.

"Uncover yourself and let me see you, or I'll stop," he warned, but Hermione was too embarrassed to show him her face. She wasn't sure why he would even want to watch her as she culminated, as she was sure it wasn't a pleasant sight.

"I'm not above depriving you of your own pleasure, Miss Granger," he warned again, his voice in a dangerously low tone that sent chills down her back.

Hermione continued to moan into her hands as he now sped up his pace, not wanting him to stop. Hermione lowered her hands but squeezed her eyes shut, and her mouth fell agape as she grabbed a fistful of the bedsheets.

Hermione let out a loud scream and threw her head back as she felt her org*sm ripple through her. And her legs began to shake uncontrollably. Her org*sm seemed to be much more powerful than her previous ones.

With one last body twitch, Hermione gasped as she felt him enter her. And without warning, he began to thrust in and out of her at a rapid pace, giving her no time to recover from her org*sm. And with just a few thrusts, Hermione could feel another org*sm building inside her.

"Oh god!" Hermione cried out as he now placed both his hands on either side of her hips and lifted her off the bed. He continued to pound into her as she arched her back and threw her head back further down into the mattress.

"Please, it's so sensitive," Hermione cried out as she placed both her hands on top of his.

But Professor Snape didn't seem to care; instead, he dug his fingers further down into her hips and continued to drill into her at a rapid speed.

"Oh god, please, please, please," Hermione moaned out. She once again did not know what she was pleading for.

Everything was just too much.

"Please don't stop, please," Hermione cried out as she dug her nails into the bedsheets.

"Say it, Miss Granger; use that filthy mouth of yours," he groaned out.

"Please, keep f*cking me, sir," Hermione spat out as she felt as if she was going to burst into flames. Hermione felt as her toes curled and muscles began to clench around him.

"f*ck, f*ck, f*ck," she heard him mutter out in a series of grunts.

Not being able to hold her org*sm any longer, Hermione arched her back once again and held onto the bedsheets for dear life as she felt the ripples of another org*sm run through her, sending euphoric waves of pleasure through her.

But Hermione quickly opened her eyes, as she did not want to miss seeing his face as he came.

His climaxing face was almost identical to hers, except his eyebrows were furrowed downward and his mouth was only slightly open. But his breath was just as heavy, and his forehead glistened with sweat.

Hermione watched as he, with one last final thrust, emptied himself inside her, snapping his pelvis bone right against hers as if he himself was trying to make sure every last drop was deep inside her.

Carefully lowering Hermione's hips back down onto the mattress, he rested his forehead against hers as he held himself up with his hands, and they remained still that way for a brief few moments as they both struggled to catch their own breath.

After a few moments, he slowly began to pull out of her and sit back up on his knees.

Hermione looked down and was horrified at the sight.

Although there wasn't as much blood as she was expecting. His entire shaft was covered in bright red blood, and small, thin ropes of blood tangled in his stringy black pubic hair.

But Hermione didn't have the energy to say anything about it. She was extremely exhausted. Her limbs felt tight, as if she had climbed the highest mountain.

But Hermione was relieved that she wasn't cramping anymore. Wincing from the pain in her muscles, Hermione quickly made her way back to the bathroom to clean herself up.

"Miss Granger," Hermione heard the voice of Professor Snape call out, but she was sure she was just dreaming.

"Miss Granger," she heard again, more sternly, as she felt herself being slightly shaken awake.

Hermione slowly opened her eyes but couldn't see anything as she struggled to see through the darkness of the room and felt the presence of Professor Snape at the side of the bed.

"Here, drink this," he said as he lifted a vial up to her lips, and without hesitation, Hermione titled her head back and swallowed whatever fluid was in the vial. And swallowed another.

As soon as she washed it down with the glass of water that Professor Snape had given her, Hermione once again threw her head back and fell back into deep sleep.

"Professor? What is it that I took last night?" Hermione asked as she stood in the doorframe that separated the kitchen and sitting room, holding a steaming cup of coffee.

"Pain reliever and a muscle relaxer, you seemed to be restless last night."

Hermione felt her face soften at his confession, as it meant that he cared about her comfort.

"You were tossing and turning too much, and you wouldn't let me sleep," he scolded as if he had read her mind.

"Thank you," Hermione whispered as he took the mug from her hand and stepped out of their chambers without another word.

Hermione stood still, watching the door close behind him, and couldn't help but smile silly to herself as she brought her hands up to her face and let out a small giggle.

Chapter 18: Hermione’s Birthday

Chapter Text

September 19, 1996

The days began to grow shorter and gloomier as the nights became silent and cool and the leaves on the trees began to fall. And all that could be heard throughout the castle was the loud rustling of the brutal wind that invaded the sky.

Although today was a special day for Hermione, the weather did not agree, as she looked up from the greenhouse to see that the sky was completely gray and the heavy rain made it difficult to hear the directions Professor Sprout was giving out.

Hermione had been looking forward to being done with classes for the day, as the day had gone by extremely slowly and Hermione wanted nothing more but to curl up by the fire and read a book.

Her birthdays when she was younger were always very special. Being an only child, her parents always outdid themselves every year. They would always surprise her with trips and spoil her with books. But since starting Hogwarts, she didn’t get to see her parents on her birthday, so for the last five birthdays, she has spent the day as if it were any other day.

Harry and Ron always acknowledged her birthday, but they would never do more than give her a book and an extra tight hug, which she always appreciated.

She appreciated that they didn’t make it a big deal and treated her like they would treat her any other day.

However, Hermione had been hoping that the day would at least be acknowledged by one person.

But as usual, he didn’t acknowledge her at all. The morning had started off as any other morning, with her waking up to see that he had already showered and was reading the Daily Prophet. She got out of bed, showered, got ready, and then made him a cup of coffee to go.

She had hoped that today would be different. She had hoped that somehow he would have known that it was her birthday and that he would’ve said something to acknowledge it. Even if it had just been a small smile. But he said nothing as he took his mug from her hands and left the chambers without a word or a smile.

As they stepped out of the greenhouse, they were all surprised to see the sudden change in weather. The rain had stopped, and the sky had cleared.

"Happy Birthday!" Ginny exclaimed excitedly as she threw her arms around Hermione and pulled her into a tight embrace as they approached the Gryffindor table in the Great Hall for dinner.

"Thank you, Ginny." Hermione smiled into her neck.

"Should we celebrate? How about a couple butterbeers and a game of snaps in the common room after dinner?" Ginny asked as they made their way to a couple of empty seats.

"We can't... "We have Quidditch practice," Ron said as he looked over to Harry. "And I can use a few private practices before tryouts."

"Can't you cancel it? You are Quidditch captain after all," Ginny said, looking over to Harry.

And Harry looked slightly distressed as he looked over at Hermione.

"The storm stopped, and this is the best weather we’re going to get to practice in the next few days," Harry said.

"You understand, don't you, Hermione?" Ron said through mouthfuls.

"Of course," Hermione reassured them.

Ginny, however, groaned as she now turned her attention to her own plate of food and began to eat.

_______________

After the dinner feast, Harry, Ron, and Ginny quickly made their way towards the Quidditch pitch to practice before curfew and before the rain resumed again.

As soon as Hermione was hidden in a corridor out of sight of anyone, she quickly placed the tip of her wand on the charm bracelet Luna had given her and placed the invisibility charm on herself.

She quickly entered his office so as not to be seen and wasn't surprised to find it cold and empty as he now spent most of his time in his classroom.

Hermione let out a startled scream as she heard a loud pop, and Missy appeared.

"Happy Birthday to Mrs. Hermione Snape!" Missy said excitedly as her big, round eyes looked up at Hermione.

"Thank you, Missy," Hermione said softly as she lowered herself on her knees so that she could pull Missy into a hug.

"Oh, oh, oh," Missy repeated as she began to sob into Hermione's shoulder.

"Missy, what's wrong?" Hermione asked quickly as she pulled away to face her.

"Missy has never been hugged by another wizard or witch before," she said as she continued to cry out.

Hermione couldn’t help but give Missy a sympathetic look as she continued to cry.

"Well, you'll be getting plenty of hugs from me; you’ll almost wish you didn't." Hermione smiled as she tried to cheer Missy up. Which worked, as Missy stopped crying and looked up at Hermione.

"Missy just wanted to give Mrs. Hermione Snape something that Missy made," Missy said.

"What is it?" Hermione asked.

Missy reached inside her brown dress pocket and pulled something out. Truthfully, Hermione wasn't sure what she pulled out.

Hermione quickly took the item from Missy's hand and began to examine it.

"Um, thank you, Missy, but what exactly is it?" Hermione asked as she continued to look down at it.

"It's a bow, like mine," Missy said timidly as she pointed to the bright pink bow that sat on her head.

"Ohhh," Hermione said, as she could now see the resemblance.

Although Missy's bow was bright pink and appeared to be a bow at first sight, Hermione could now see that the gift in her hand indeed was a bow.

"I made it myself," Missy said proudly as she shifted from foot to foot.

"I love it, Missy," Hermione said as tears filled her eyes.

"Put it on," Missy said as she looked down at the bow that still lay in Hermione’s hand.

Hermione quickly raised the headband and placed it over her head like Missy's, and Hermione could see Missy’s big, round eyes light up with happiness at the sight of Hermione with the bow on her head.

"Mrs. Hermione Snape looks beautiful!" Missy said happily as she continued to look at the bow on Hermione’s head.

"Thank you, Missy. I will cherish it forever; however, I won’t always be able to wear it. Just on special occasions like today." Hermione smiled as she rose back to her feet.

Hermione thanked Missy one last time before she disappeared with another loud pop.

And Hermione quickly made her way over to the book shelf, pulled the book ledge down, and entered their chambers, expecting to find them completely empty. But was surprised to see that he was sitting in his armchair reading a thick black leather book that he held in his hand.

"Oh, professor!" Hermione said it in a surprised tone.

"Your surprise confuses me, Miss Granger; after all, these are my chambers as well," he said, not bothering to look up at her from his book.

"Right," Hermione awkwardly laughed, "I just wasn’t expecting you to be here this time of day, as you are usually in your classroom." Hermione said as she walked over to the edge of the bed and slumped herself down.

They sat awkwardly in silence, and Hermione couldn’t help but wonder why he was there.

Could it be that he's here because he remembered that it was her birthday? She thought to herself.

"Shouldn't you be in the Gryffindor common room?" He said, "With your friends?"

"I was supposed to, but since the storm cleared, they decided to have a last-minute Quidditch practice," she said, trying not to sound too disappointed.

"Ah" was all he said.

They remained quiet again for a long time, and Hermione quickly rose to her feet and walked over to one of the shelves to retrieve a book.

"I have to go into the forbidden forest to retrieve some potion ingredients from plants that only come out after harsh storms, such as the one we had earlier today, if you’d like to join me," he said as he closed the book that he had been reading and placed it on the coffee table.

"The Forbidden Forest?" Hermione asked, "I thought students weren’t supposed to go into the Forbidden Forest?"

"Correct, you aren’t supposed to go unsupervised; however, you’ll be with me, so it won’t be a problem," he said as he rose to his feet and walked over to the small, narrow closet and pulled out his frock coat and a black wool coat.

Okay, Hermione muttered as she made her way towards the small closet, pulled out her own purple coat, and began to button it up.

"Why do you have that on your head?" He asked as he now looked down at the bow on her head.

Hermione involuntarily raised her arms up, touched the bow on her head, and smiled up at him.

"It’s from Missy; she made it herself." Hermione smiled.

"What is it supposed to be?" He asked as he scornfully looked down at the bow.

"A bow, like the one she wears," Hermione said.

"Why would you want to look like a house elf?" He asked.

"Because it was very kind of her to go out of her way and make it for me," Hermione said, furrowing her eyebrows as she looked up at him.

"Mm, I suppose," he said as he raised an eyebrow and extended an arm out for her.

"We’ll need to apparate there so we won’t be seen," he said as he noticed Hermione’s reluctance to take his arm.

"But we can’t apparate in the castle," Hermione said as she looked up at him.

"Dumbledore has placed a charm in our chambers that lets me apparate in and out of the castle only when I’m inside the chambers and not anywhere else in the castle," he said.

Hermione was completely amazed that Dumbledore would be able to do that, but she supposed it was Dumbledore; he was so powerful he could do anything he wanted.

She quickly placed her hand around his arm and squeezed her eyes shut as she felt the pull of the apparition. Having apperated about a dozen times already, Hermione was now completely used to the feeling of aparation.

"It's dark, professor," Hermione whispered as she looked up at the sky, expecting to see the light from the moon and the stars, but the trees surrounding them were so big that nothing could be seen, and it was so quiet that nothing but their footsteps could be heard.

"Yes, that's been known to happen when the sun sets, Miss Granger," he responded as he took a few steps forward.

Although Hermione wasn't necessarily scared of the dark, she was scared of the kind of creatures that lived in it.

Hermione took a few steps and quickly wrapped an arm around his arm.

"What are you doing, Miss Granger?" He asked as he stopped, frozen in his tracks.

"I'm scared, sir," Hermione whispered, looking up at him, but she couldn't see him.

"There's nothing to be scared of, Miss Granger; of all the mishaps you and your friends tend to find yourselves in, surely a walk in the dark is nothing," he said.

"I would hardly call walking into the Forbidden Forest a walk in the park, Professor!" Hermione said as she tightened her hold on his arm.

"Would you like to go back then?" He asked as he stopped walking.

"No, let’s get the ingredients you need," Hermione said, as she didn’t want to be the reason he didn’t get what they came for.

They continued to walk further and further into the forbidden forest in silence, with only the sound of their footsteps and Hermione’s breathing heard.

About fifteen minutes into the walk, Professor Snape raised his wand and muttered, Lumos.

Hermione watched as he kneeled in front of a big, tall tree and noticed that all around the tree roots were tall, green plants that appeared to be coming out from between the cracks of the roots.

"What is that?" Hermione asked as she herself lowered herself to get a better look at the plant.

"Matured knotgrass," he said as he continued to carefully pick the leaves out of the plant's stem.

The plant, however, as if it could feel that its leaves were being plucked out, began to quickly shrivel. So Professor Snape moved on to the next plant until he pulled most of the leaves out of the remaining plants.

Sealing the vials, he quickly straightened himself and placed all three of the vials with the leaves that he had collected into the pocket of his coat before turning the light of his wand out.

"Let’s head back to the castle now," he said as he extended an arm out to her for them to apparate.

Hermione quickly took a few steps closer to him but stepped on one of the large tree roots and went crashing forward.

"Professor!" Hermione managed to scream out as she fell towards him, but Professor Snape was not prepared to catch her, and they both went tumbling backwards.

Professor Snape let out a loud grunt as his back made contact with the ground, and Hermione let out a loud squeal as she landed on top of him. She, however, was not injured, as he had softened her landing.

"Professor! Professor! Are you okay?" Hermione cried out as she lifted her head off his chest to look at him, but she couldn’t see anything through the darkness.

"Stop screaming, you stupid girl!" He snarled, "You'll draw attention to us."

They remained silent as they both tried to process what had just happened.

Hermione, who was straddling him, could feel that her knees were completely covered in mushy mud from the previous rain. And she cringed at the thought of how covered he must be.

"Get up," he said, and Hermione quickly placed her muddy hands on his chest and lifted herself off him.

She couldn't help but sulk with her head down as they apparated back into their chambers, and Hermione could see that they were both completely covered in mud. He more than her, as his entire back along with his chest were covered in mud.

"Clean up first; I'll follow after you," he said.

"We could take a bath together," Hermione suggested, which caused him to look down at her furiously.

"It would make sense; besides, we have showered together before," Hermione muttered, looking down at her feet.

Hermione didn’t say anything else as she heard him make his way into the bathroom.

"Are you just going to stand there all night, Miss Granger?" She heard him call out after a few minutes.

Quickly, she made her way into the bathroom and saw that he had already begun to draw the bath and was now undressing himself.

"Here, let me." Hermione walked over to the sink, opened the bottom cabinet, and pulled out her bin of bath essentials.

"What are you doing?" He asked her as she walked past him.

"Drawing us a bath," Hermione said as she began to pour in the bath salts, followed by her vanilla bath oil, and then finished it with some telcum powder-scented bath bubbles.

She looked up at him to see that he had been watching her attentively.

"Do you not take baths?" Hermione asked.

"Not since I was a child," he said, furrowing his brows as he watched the bath fill with bubbles.

"Get in; it's really relaxing," Hermione encouraged as she quickly undressed and stepped into the bathtub.

They sat in the bath in silence, and Hermione watched as he closed his eyes and rested his head back against the wall.

She couldn't help but smile to herself; she didn't know why the sight of him enjoying himself made her so happy.

"Tell me, Miss Granger, do you feel older?" He asked while keeping his eyes closed.

"So you do know it's my birthday?" Hermione smiled over at him. "I thought maybe you didn't know."

"How else would Missy have known?" He said this as he opened his eyes to look at her.

"Besides, I have been waiting for this day to come. Now that you are of age, I don't feel as perverted as I have been since the start of this sham of a marriage," he responded bitterly, and Hermione's smile slightly faltered.

"You shouldn't feel like that; it's not like you had much of a choice in this; Dumbledore forced it on you." Hermione pulled her knees to her chest as she felt her chest tighten.

"I would much prefer it if you didn’t mention the headmaster when we are naked in the bath," he said as he let out a small chuckle and rested his head against the wall again.

And Hermione’s smile returned to her face as she realized just how much he was enjoying himself.

"Oh, before I forget," Hermione muttered as she reached over and grabbed the plastic bag that contained two rubber ducks and placed them into the bath.

"What are those?" He asked as he observed the ducks floating around in the water.

"Rubber ducks!" Hermione giggled at his bewildered expression.

"What is the purpose of them?" He asked, looking up at her.

"Nothing," Hermione laughed, "it's just a silly little nick-nack muggles like to use when they give their children baths."

"Why do you have them? Please don't tell me your parents still bathe you at your age." He asked, almost in horror.

"Of course not!" Hermione said as she let out a loud laugh, "I had gotten a few of them for Mr. Weasley as he seems to wonder what 'the function of a rubber duck' is."

"Again, I would much appreciate it if you didn't mention Arthur or —any Weasley— when we are naked in the bath," he said as he sneered down at the ducks.

"They’re just ducks, Professor; nothing to fret about." Hermione giggled as she pushed them so that they would float towards him.

And to her surprise, he smiled down at them and splashed the water so that they would turn their direction back to her, and Hermione smiled as she did the same and pushed them back towards him.

They continued to push each other back and forth until he forcefully grabbed ahold of her wrist and pulled her towards him. They looked into one another's eyes, and Hermione's giggle died down as the tension in the room grew.

The ducks were completely forgotten.

"Turn around," he ordered, breaking the silence. And Hermione quickly obeyed.

She heard him as he opened her shampoo bottle and began to massage it into her hair. She closed her eyes, threw her head back, and enjoyed the feeling of his long, thin fingers gently digging into her scalp as he continued to massage the shampoo into her hair until it was completely lathered in shampoo.

"There, let's drain the bath and shower off," he said as he began to stand back on his feet.

Hermione quickly stood as all the bath water began to drain, and the shower head now began to run hot water.

She watched as he lathered shampoo into his own hair and began to wash it before grabbing her arms and rinsing out the shampoo from her hair. She then began to apply her special conditioner once all the shampoo was washed out.

Hermione couldn't suppress the many giggles that escaped her mouth as he now began to wash her with the sponge, as she was extremely ticklish.

But this time, he never once scolded her. Instead, he allowed her to continue her excessive giggles, and he himself wore a slight smile on his face as she turned around and began to wash him.

Once they finished, Professor Snape draped a towel over her head and completely dried her off in the same manner he had done the first time they showered, and he watched as Hermione rubbed lotion all over her body before they wrapped themselves in their robes and returned back into their bedroom and sat down on the floor in front of the fire he had made.

"What's in there?" Hermione asked as she pointed to the covered tray that lay on top of the coffee table.

"Birthday cake," he responded.

And Hermione perked up in her seat as he uncovered the tray to reveal a triple chocolate-covered cake with seventeen candles on top of it.

With a slight flick of his wand, all the candles lit up, and Hermione couldn't help the bright smile that formed on her face.

"Make a wish and blow out the candles," he said softly as he looked over at her.

Hermione quickly closed her eyes and clapped her hands together in front of her face before quickly opening them to scold him, "Don't look into my mind!" And he rolled his eyes at her demand.

Hermione quickly closed her eyes again and couldn't help but think of the first thought that came across her mind.

Hermione quickly closed her eyes and clapped her hands together in front of her face before quickly opening them to scold him, "Don't look into my mind!" And he rolled his eyes at her demand.

Hermione quickly closed her eyes again and couldn't help but think of the first thought that came across her mind.

I wish for my feelings for Professor Snape to one day be reciprocated. and for the marriage to maybe turn into something more.

Hermione slowly opened her eyes before closing them again. "Oh!" she squealed as she clapped her hands back together.

And for Harry to defeat Voldemort.

"Oh!" she squealed again.

And for my parents to be safe from harm.

"Oh!" she said again, clapping her hands once again to her face.

"Miss Granger, I'm sure you only get one birthday wish," he scolded, although he didn't appear to be angry.

Hermione smiled as she blew out the candles.

With another flick of his wand, the burned-out candles lifted out of the cake and flew into the burning fire.

"There's no need to cut it; we'll just eat it like this." Hermione said she dug her spoon into the cake and took the first bite. He watched as she enjoyed it before taking a bite himself.

"It's delicious," Hermione mumbled, taking another big bite.

"Slow yourself, Miss Granger, or else you'll have a stomach ache, and I don’t have anymore of those pain relief potions," he said, and Hermione couldn't help but smile at him with her cheeks full of cake.

Even though she was sure she could eat the entire cake herself, Hermione decided to take his advice and only have what would've been a slice or two of cake.

He lifted his wand again, and with another flick of his wand, the trays with the left-over cake disappeared.

They continued to sit in silence in front of the fire. Allowing their dessert to settle down. And Hermione's heart fluttered in her chest as she remembered it was Thursday and she would be getting what people called 'birthday sex.’

"Come here," he gestured, and Hermione‘s eyes widened as she looked over to him. She hadn’t expected him to be so forward.

"Don't be ridiculous; you have cake on your chin and mouth," he said as he lifted his napkin up from his lap.

Hermione quickly crawled over to where he sat and sat facing him as he lifted the napkin and began to gently wipe her mouth and chin clean.

"It seems the only food you seem to indulge in is sweets and pastries," he muttered, and Hermione let out a small giggle as he continued to wipe her mouth clean.

Hermione couldn’t help but look into his eyes as he lowered his hand back down into his lap. And for the first time in her life, she felt something in her heart that she had never felt there before.

She felt as if she were seeing herself in his eyes for the first time, and she felt her expression soften as she looked at him with pure adoration.

"Don't look at me like that," he scolded as he continued to look into her eyes.

I'm sorry, Hermione muttered as she turned her head towards the fire to distract herself from looking at him.

She wasn't sure exactly how she had been looking at him, but she was sure he was aware of whatever feelings had just run through her.

"Oh, before I forget," he said, flicking his wand again and conjuring a small black box.

"Here," he said as he handed her the box.

"What is it?" Hermione asked as she looked down at the small black box with a deep green bow tied around it.

"You'll see once you open it; don't think too much into it; I happened to come across it on my last trip to Hogsmeade and thought you might like it," he said as she continued to look down at the box.

Slowly, she began to unwrap the small bow and slowly open the box.

She let out a small gasp as she looked down and saw a small, thin gold necklace with a heart locket. Hermione quickly took it out of the box and began to examine it. The heart had two symmetrical red roses on either side of it and small, thin letters engraved in the back of it.

Ma femme bien-aimée

Hermione felt her eyes begin to tear up as she looked up at him.

"Thank you," Hermione said softly. "I love it." Hermione choked out as she flung herself at him.

She quickly wrapped both her arms around his neck and tightly embraced him. Professor Snape, however, did not return the hug. Instead, he kept both arms by his side.

"Miss Granger!" He scolded him, and Hermione gave him a last squeeze before releasing him and sitting back down.

"I'm sorry, it's just... no one has ever given me anything so romantic." Hermione said, wiping her eyes with the sleeves of her robe.

"It wasn't meant to be romantic, I told you; I came across it in Hogsmeade and remembered it was your birthday," he said, but Hermione still couldn't help but smile up at him.

"Put it on me, please." Hermione whispered as she turned her back to him and, with both hands, lifted her now completely dry hair to allow him access to put it on. He quickly put it on her and clasped it.

Still holding her hair up, she lowered her head down at the necklace and smiled down at it as it lay perfectly above her chest.

She let out a small whimper as she felt him place a small, gentle kiss on the back of her neck that sent unexpected goosebumps all over her body. Hermione let out a soft moan as she felt him slightly move her robe to expose her shoulder.

"It's Thursday, Miss Granger," he said softly as he now placed a kiss on the crook of her neck.

"I know," Hermione responded breathlessly as he continued his trail of kisses from the top of her neck to her shoulder.

"Should we move over to the bed?" He asked in a low whisper, and Hermione felt herself shuddering at his touch as he placed another kiss on her shoulder.

She gave him a small nod and watched as he sat up on his feet and extended a hand out to her, which Hermione took.

Not breaking eye contact, Hermione rose to her feet and let out a small gasp as he gently pulled her closer to him so that she was brushing gently against him.

Taking advantage of the closeness, Hermione stood on her tiptoes, wrapped her arms around his neck, and pulled him down so that their lips could meet.

Feeling his soft lips against her own, Hermione felt as her body melted into his as he placed both his arms around her waist and pulled her so that she pressed against him.

They had not shared a kiss in what seemed like forever; the last few times they were intimate, they hardly kissed as it hadn’t been needed and it didn’t take much to arouse her anymore.

But Hermione had wanted to kiss. She would kiss him every second of the day if she could. But she knew he wasn’t much of a kisser, so she refrained from doing so.

They continued to kiss, and Hermione lowered her heels back on the ground, causing him to lower his head down so as not to break away from their kiss.

Not once breaking the kiss, Professor Snape brought his hands to the front of her robe and began to undo the knot that held it shut, and she helped him undo it by shrugging herself out of it and allowing it to fall on the floor.

Hermione quickly brought her own hands up to his waist and began to undo his own robe. And Hermione let out a loud gasp into his mouth as he, in one quick motion, lowered himself slightly and lifted her off the ground.

Hermione quickly wrapped her legs around his waist, and he began to make his way towards their bed.

He broke the kiss as he gently placed her in the center of the bed and began to place gentle kisses down her jaw and neck. And began to leave trials of wet kisses until he reached her breast.

Hermione arched her back as he began to alternate taking the two nipples into his mouth. And let out a soft moan as he began to kiss her down to her abdomen. She gasped as he moved his head lower and began to kiss just below her belly button.

Was he going to kiss her down there?

Hermione felt embarrassed by the idea. She had heard numerous times that oral sex was a common practice during intercourse, but she doubted that they would ever engage in it since their sexual activities were more conventional.

Hermione wasn't sure if she wanted him to use his mouth on her or not. However, she instinctively curved her spine as he planted another kiss right beneath her navel. He then proceeded to move down the bed, positioning himself to start kissing the area between her thighs.

And Hermione could feel her desire for him burning within her with every kiss.

Hermione lifted her head and enjoyed the view. Seeing him with his head between her thighs, she was certain, right there and now, that she wanted him to do whatever it was he was going to do to her.

He looked up and met her gaze as he hooked both his hands under her thighs and began to place open-mouth wet kisses between her inner thighs, alternating between the two.

Hermione could feel the pressure beginning to build, and she wanted to cry in frustration. She didn’t think she had ever been as aroused as she was at that moment. And she was now extremely frustrated.

frustrated that he wasn't giving her what she wanted. Hermione rolled her hips to try to encourage him to kiss her in the exact spot she wanted. But he didn't seem to care, as he continued to kiss her everywhere but there.

Now, he began to place gentle kisses on the lips of her sex, but still not where she wanted. Not wanting to hide her frustration any longer, Hermione let out a deep sigh.

"Please, sir," Hermione whispered as she spread her legs wider to give him more access to her.

"Please what?" he asked.

"Kiss me there," Hermione moaned out as she rolled her hips up at him once again.

"Kiss you where?" He was clearly amused by her frustration.

"Here?" He asked as he placed a kiss right under the hood of her slit, right where her cl*toral area was, and gently flicked his tongue against it.

"Yes. Yes. Yes, please," Hermione whispered softly as she lifted her head to look down at him again.

She felt as he placed his hand over her leg and began to rub gentle circles around her cl*toral area, stimulating her but not adding enough pressure to relieve any of the pressure she had built up.

Hermione felt her eyes begin to fill with tears and let out a small sob of frustration, as he clearly was not going to give her what she wanted.

"There's no need to cry, Miss Granger," he scolded as he now applied a bit more pressure, but still not enough.

"I'm frustrated," she sobbed as she brought her hands up to cover her face.

"Tell me, what frustrates you?" He asked as he ran his hand down her slit and inserted his middle finger into her.

"Everything….Everything!" Hermione said as he began to thrust his finger in and out of her at an excruciatingly slow pace. "You like to tease me! And it frustrates me that you seem to know my body more than I do!" Hermione cried. She did hate that the most—that she only ever seemed to get immense pleasure from him, as whenever she did try and touch herself in the shower, it never felt as good as when he did.

"Is that so, Miss Granger?" he asked smugly as he inserted another finger into her.

"And it frustrates me that you call me that! Stop calling me that!" Hermione continued to cry out.

"That is your name, is it not?" He asked, picking up his pace as he continued to pump his fingers in and out of her.

"No, it's not! Not in private! So you can either call me Hermione or call me..." Hermione stopped herself as she remembered that she technically didn’t take his name either.

"Call you what?" He asked, lowering himself and placing a kiss on her inner thigh, "Mrs. Snape?"

"Is that what you want me to call you, Mrs. Snape?" He asked.

"Yes, please." Hermione felt her entire body flush. And Hermione let out a moan as he finally gave in and began to flick his tongue right where she needed him too.

Hermione couldn't believe that such action could bring her such pleasure as she continued to moan out as she arched her back.

Hermione let out an even louder moan as she felt him insert another long, thin finger inside her. And within just a few thrusts of his fingers, he curled them, which caused Hermione to squirm.

"Do you like that, Mrs. Snape?" He asked into her vagin*.

And Hermione could feel her heart leap out of her chest as he used his name to address her. She couldn't believe it.

"Mhmm," Hermione moaned out as she ran her fingers through his hair.

Hermione's org*sm was rapidly approaching as he continued to flick, suck, and move his fingers in and out of her.

"Oh god," Hermione let out in a small whimper as she felt waves and waves of pleasure run through her, and she arched her back and threw her head back into the mattress.

Rising to his knees, Hermione watched as he wiped his mouth and chin clean with his hands, and Hermione found the action utterly sexy.

Hermione felt him positioning himself above her, grasping his appendage and gliding it along her entrance, using her natural lubrication. Before he gradually, inserted himself into her, taking his time. He began planting gentle kisses on her jaw and neck as he sank inch by inch into her until he was deep inside her.

Hermione bit down on her lower lip as she relished the feeling of complete fullness, and she shuddered as he lowered himself and placed a soft and gentle kiss on the sensitive spot on the crook of her neck. And felt her entire body rupture into goosebumps as he began to slowly thrust himself in and out of her.

As if his kisses couldn't get any better, he began to gently tug and bite down at her neck, and Hermione let out a small whimper.

"You are so responsive, Mrs. Snape," he muttered into her neck, which caused her to moan again at his continued use of his name.

Now placing both his arms on either side of her head, he began to thrust in and out of her at a slow, almost agonizing pace.

Hermione slightly raised her head and began trailing kisses from his jaw down to his neck, and she nibbled on the crook of his neck, which they seemed to have in common as a sensitive spot, as she felt his own body rupture with goosebumps.

Hermione let out a few small whimpers as he continued his slow pace. She didn't know if she wanted him to continue to make love to her as he was doing or if she wanted him to pound her into the mattress as he had done in the past.

"You're so wet," Professor Snape gritted out as he slowed down even more. And Hermione wasn't sure if it was a good thing or a bad thing that she was as aroused as she was. Slightly embarrassed, she felt her stomach muscles clench involuntarily.

"Stop," he gritted out through a clenched jaw.

"I've been trying my best not to come, and if you keep doing that, all my efforts will be lost," he said, raising his head and resting his forehead against her own as he remained very still inside of her.

"Oh, sorry," Hermione muttered, trying to hold in her laugh.

"You think it's funny? We'll see who's laughing in the end," he said in a tone that caused Hermione to regain her composure. "Because of the previous times we've f*cked, you're always the one reduced to tears," he said as he now began to pick up his pace.

"Oh god, you're so tight," he muttered into her ear as he now began to thrust in and out of her at a much faster pace.

He now powered in and out of her with great ease. And Hermione couldn't help but bite into his shoulder as she ran her hands down his back and lowered her hands down to cup his bum. She wanted to feel him deeper inside her.

As if he knew what she wanted, he quickly sat up, hooked both her legs onto his arms, and began to ruthlessly thrust in and out of her in that position.

Hermione couldn't contain her screams any longer, as he was now thrusting deeper into her at angles that she had never felt before. She felt her eyes begin to roll back in pleasure, and her legs began to shake.

Hermione felt the pressure in her belly building and building until she couldn’t take it anymore, and she felt her entire body tensing as another org*sm washed over her. But he didn't seem to be done with her as he continued to pound into her, chasing his own climax.

Hermione tried to close her legs but failed, as they were still hooked in his arms.

"Please, Professor, slow down," Hermione moaned out.

But he didn't seem to care as he continued to f*ck into her. He let go of her legs and lowered himself back onto her, placing both his arms under her pillow and forcing her to bury her head into his neck. Hermione knew he was close, as he now began to tighten his hold around her head.

Hermione felt herself coming undone once again, as she was much too sensitive and her cl*toral system was easily triggered. And she felt as she began to tighten around him, causing him to grunt into her ear, and with one final thrust, he began to spill himself into her.

Hermione ran her hands up and down his back as they both fought to steady their breathing. But it wasn’t long until he pulled himself out of her, threw himself onto his side of the bed, and threw his arm over his head.

"Thank you, Professor, for a very special birthday," Hermione whispered as she rested her head against his chest.

"Happy birthday, Miss Granger," he muttered as he ran his hand up and down her back, and Hermione enjoyed his touch so much that it wasn’t long until she fell into a deep sleep.

____________

Severus’s POV

The storm from earlier that morning had once again resumed, and Severus, being a light sleeper, could not sleep through the heavy, bucketing rain that pounded against every surface of the castle.

Severus lay completely awake as he continued to gently stroke his fingers up and down the girl's back to help soothe her in her sleep as she lay with her head resting against his chest.

He once again had not scolded her after she made her way towards him; it felt wrong not to have her sleep in his arms after what they did.

He didn’t want the girl to feel cheap, as she had once expressed to him.

But he couldn’t help but berate himself for failing to keep the girl at arm’s length, as he had promised himself to do.

But it was proving to be more difficult than he had anticipated, as the girl was very persistent in making the marriage something it ought not to be.

He looked down at the girl, and although the room was dark, every time there was a lightning strike, it would light up the room, and Severus would catch a glimpse of the girl. And he couldn't help but smile at the sight of how easy it was for her to get such peaceful sleep.

But as he spoke, the girl began to gently stir into his chest, and her body gave a slight twitch.

And Severus ran his hand down her back to calm her. And the girl's eyes shot open. She lazily looked up at him, and a wide smile spread across her face.

Severus recognized that face; she was in a sleepy daze and was completely out of it. He was sure she was just sleeping as she mumbled into his chest.

"Pro…fessor?" The girl softly mumbled as she lifted her head to look up at him.

"What is it, Miss Granger?" Severus asked as he raised his head to look down at the girl.

"I love you," she softly murmured, while tilting her head and planting a tender kiss on his lips. However, the moment her lips made contact with his, the girl instantly went completely limp, collapsing onto the edge of his pillow.

And Severus felt his heart stop for a moment. Not sure if he had heard her correctly, he remained silent, gazing at the witch who was now peacefully asleep, her breathing back to its regular rhythm.

The girl was fast asleep again.

Severus didn’t know how long he had stayed rigid, staring down at the sleeping girl. He didn't understand her. He knew from the beginning that the girl seemed to be infatuated with him and had formed some kind of attachment to him. But he didn't think the girl loved him. How could she, after everything he had done?

I love you.

Chapter 19: Hermione’s Helping Hand

Chapter Text

October 4, 1996

The days began to pass by in a blur as Hermione’s homework began to mount but she wasn’t the only one being overworked, as Hermione was starting to see less and less of her friends who were also too busy with their homework and Quidditch Practice.

As Harry was desperate to make a big comeback, as he had been banned from playing Quidditch last year and Ron was also desperate to improve his keeper skills.

Hermione was also seeing less and less of Professor Snape. She had hoped that after everything that had transpired between them on her birthday that they had somehow managed to make progress but it didn't appear that way, as he seemed to become more and more distant from her.

He hardly spoke to her, ignored her in class, and avoided her gaze in the hallways or the Great Hall. Hermione couldn't help but feel as if maybe she had done something to upset him.

It seemed like every time they took a step forward, he took three steps back.

Hermione closed her eyes and took a deep breath in, as she tried to empty her head of all her thoughts and tried her best to concentrate on her assignment in hand but quickly shot them open as she listened in to Harry and Ron's conversation.

"It's not all about potion-making, there are some spells he made himself," said Harry to Ron as they sat in the common room Saturday evening.

"Or herself," said Hermione irritably, interfering in their conversation. "It might have been a girl. I think the handwriting looks more like a girl's than a boy's."

Oh, how Hermione hated the Half-Blood Prince.

She didn't understand why Harry didn't seem to understand how following instructions from an unknown book could potentially be dangerous.

Harry hated the Dark Arts, and although saying the book was a dark object was far-fetched, one couldn't deny that some of the instructions were sketchy.

"The Half-Blood Prince , he was called," Harry said. "How many girls have been Prince’s?"

Hermione seemed to have no answer to this. She merely scowled and twitched her essay on The Principles of Rematerialization away from Ron, who was trying to read it upside down.

Harry looked at his watch and hurriedly put the old copy of Advanced Potion-Making back into his bag.

"It's five to eight, I'd better go, I'll be late for Dumbledore."

"Ooooh!" gasped Hermione, looking up at once. "Good luck! We'll wait up, we want to hear what he teaches you!"

"Hope it goes okay," said Ron, and the pair of them watched Harry leave through the portrait hole.

Hermione was anxious to find out what extra lessons Dumbledore would be teaching Harry, perhaps they were extra Defensive Spells or perhaps it was more Occlumency lessons.

Hermione took in another deep breath as she turned her attention back down to her essay and heard as Ron stood from where he was sitting and walked over and sat down next to her.

"No, you are not going to copy off me!" Hermione scolded as she twitched the essay away from his view again.

"No! I'm not trying to copy! I just wanted to sit by you" he said avoiding her gaze as his face turned a bright shade of red.

"Oh," Hermione whispered, as she felt embarrassed for having scolded him.

"Listen Hermione...there's something I've been meaning to ask you," he said, still avoiding her gaze.

"What is it, Ron?" Hermione asked. "Are you still writing to Viktor Krum?" He asked shyly as he continued to avoid her gaze.

"Yes from time to time," Hermione said, turning her attention back to her essay.

"Oh," she heard him mutter as he stood to his feet and began to make his way to the boy's dormitories.

"Oh, you should know, Cormac McLaggen seems to have a thing for you," he said, "since you only seem to like quidditch players" she heard him mutter the last part harshly as he disappeared into the dormitory.

Hermione let out a huff of air as she continued to look towards the empty common room.

So he does like me,Hermione thought to herself.

She knew Cormac had been eyeing her up and down since the start of term, but she couldn't bring herself to be co*cky enough to think that he would pay any attention to her.

Ron likes me too, Hermione allowed herself to be even co*ckier and finally admit what she had always denied to herself.

What she wouldn't have given to have this information last year or the years prior to now. She had always carried a torch for Ron, since her second year when she realized that her feelings for Ron were completely different from her feelings for Harry.

She had always thought of Harry as more of a brother and when she spoke of him to her parents she made sure to always tell them that he was like a brother to her.

But Ron ...Ron was different, she never knew how to explain her feelings for him. She knew she didn't like him like a brother because the way her face would flush when he looked at her or the way her stomach would flutter whenever he accidentally touched her was different than when anyone else would do it.

But she had convinced herself that he would never reciprocate her feelings. After all, he always seemed to tease her and call her names or insinuate that he didn't find her to be pretty like other girls.

He always made it quite obvious that he only preferred the attention of girls who looked like Fleur Delacour and Lavender Brown.

She knew she should feel over the moon now that he had — in a way — confirmed his feelings for her. But she didn't.

Why is it that she didn't?

Hermione's gaze dropped to her hand where she wore her wedding band. Thankfully, no one had noticed that she was wearing it, of course, she was sure they all thought it was just a normal ring as it was just a simple thin band.

Could it be that she no longer cared for the attention of her longtime crush on Ron because now the only attention she seemed to want was Professor Snape's?

But Professor Snape doesn’t want you, Hermione thought to herself.

"Ugh," Hermione groaned as she gently slammed her forehead against the table.

Why must she always fall for the guys that want nothing to do with her? Hermione thought to herself.

October 5, 1996

As Hermione had predicted, the sixth year's free periods were not the hours of blissful relaxation Ron had anticipated, but times in which to attempt to keep up with the vast amount of homework they were being set.

Not only were they studying as though they had exams every day, but the lessons themselves had become more demanding than ever before.

Hermione even had to ask Professor McGonagall to repeat instructions once or twice. Incredibly, and to Hermione's increasing resentment, Harry's best subject had suddenly become Potions, thanks to the Half-Blood Prince.

Nonverbal spells were now expected, not only in Defense Against the Dark Arts but in Charms and Transfiguration too.

Hermione frequently looked over at her classmates in the common room or at mealtimes to see them purple in the face and straining as though they had overdosed on U-No-Poo, but she knew that they were struggling to make spells work without saying incantations aloud.

It was a relief to get outside into the greenhouses; they were dealing with more dangerous plants than ever in Herbology, but at least they were still allowed to swear loudly if the Venomous Tentacula seized them unexpectedly from behind.

One result of their enormous workload and the frantic hours of practicing nonverbal spells was that Harry, Ron, and Hermione had so far been unable to find time to go and visit Hagrid.

He had stopped coming to meals at the staff table, an ominous sign, and on the few occasions when they had passed him in the corridors or out in the grounds, he had mysteriously failed to notice them or hear their greetings.

"We've got to go and explain," said Hermione, looking up at Hagrid's huge empty chair at the staff table the following Saturday at breakfast.

"We've got Quidditch tryouts this morning!" said Ron. "And we're supposed to be practicing that Aguamenti Charm from Flitwick! Anyway, explain what? How are we going to tell him we hated his stupid subject?"

"We didn't hate it!" said Hermione.

"Speak for yourself, I haven't forgotten the skrewts," said Ron darkly. "And I'm telling you now, we've had a narrow escape. You didn't hear him going on about his gormless brother —we'd have been teaching Grawp how to tie his shoelaces if we'd stayed."

"I hate not talking to Hagrid," said Hermione, looking upset.

"We'll go down after Quidditch," Harry assured her. "But trials might take all morning, the number of people who have applied. I dunno why the team's this popular all of a sudden."

"Oh, come on, Harry, said Hermione, suddenly impatient. "It's not Quidditch that's popular, it's you! You've never been more interesting, and frankly, you've never been more fanciable."

Ron gagged on a large piece of kipper. Hermione spared him one look of disdain before turning back to Harry.

"Everyone knows you've been telling the truth now, don't they? The whole Wizarding world has had to admit that you were right about Voldemort being back and that you have fought him twice in the last two years and escaped both times. And now they're calling you 'the Chosen One' --well, come on, can't you see why people are fascinated by you?"

"And you've been through all that persecution from the Ministry when they were trying to make out you were unstable and a liar. You can still see the marks on the back of your hand where that evil woman made you write with your own blood, but you stuck to your story anyway...”

"You can still see where those brains got hold of me in the Ministry, look,” said Ron, shaking back his sleeves.

"And it doesn't hurt that you've grown about a foot over the summer either," Hermione finished, ignoring Ron.

"I'm tall," said Ron inconsequentially.

The post owls arrived, swooping down through rain-flecked windows, scattering everyone with droplets of water. Most people were receiving more posts than usual; anxious parents were keen to hear from their children and to reassure them, in turn, that all was well at home.

"Ha!" said Harry, unwrapping the parcel to reveal a new copy of Advanced Potion-Making, fresh from Flourish and Blotts.

"Oh good," said Hermione, delighted. "Now you can give that graffitied copy back?

"Are you mad? said Harry. "I'm keeping it! Look, I've thought it out—" He pulled the old copy of Advanced Potion-Making out of his bag and tapped the cover with his wand, muttering, "Diffindo!" The cover fell off. He did the same thing with the brand-new book (Hermione looked scandalized). He then swapped the covers, tapped each, and said, "Reparo!"

There sat the Prince's copy, disguised as a new book, and there sat the fresh copy from Flourish and Blotts, looking thoroughly secondhand."I'll give Slughorn back the new one, he can't complain, it cost nine Galleons."

Hermione pressed her lips together, looking angry and disapproving, but was distracted by a third owl landing in front of her carrying that day's copy of the Daily Prophet. She unfolded it hastily and scanned the front page.

"Anyone we know dead?" asked Ron in a determinedly casual voice; he posed the same question every time Hermione opened her paper.

"No, but there have been more dementor attacks," said Hermione. "And an arrest."

"Excellent, who?" said Harry.

"Stan Shunpike," said Hermione. "They probably want to look as though they're doing something," said Hermione, frowning.

"People are terrified —‘you know the Patil twins' parents want them to go home? And Eloise Midge has already been withdrawn. Her father picked her up last night"

"What!" said Ron, goggling at Hermione. "But Hogwarts is safer than their homes, bound to be! We've got Aurors, and all those extra protective spells, and we've got Dumbledore!"

"I don't think we've got him all the time," said Hermione very quietly, glancing toward the staff table over the top of the Prophet.

"Haven't you noticed? His seat’s been empty as often as Hagrid's this past week."

Harry and Ron looked up at the staff table. The headmaster's chair was indeed empty.

"I think he's left the school to do something with the Order," said Hermione in a low voice. "I mean...it's all looking serious, isn't it?"

Harry and Ron did not answer. There had been a horrible incident the day before, when Hannah Abbott had been taken out of Herbology to be told her mother had been found dead. They had not seen Hannah since.

After five minutes of finishing their breakfast Hermione, Ron, and Harry made their way to the Quidditch pitch, as they walked past the Parvati twins discussing their parent's plan to remove them from Hogwarts with Lavender Brown.

As they walked past them Hermione saw that Parvati nudged Lavender who looked around and gave Ron a wide smile. Ron blinked at her then returned the smile uncertainly. His walk instantly became more confident, something like a strut.

Hermione couldn't help but feel a rush of anger run through her and tried her best to ignore the feeling as she was sure she now appeared cold and distant to Harry who turned to look at her.

It wasn't that she was jealous that another girl liked Ron. It was that she was angry that he seemed to like it. After all the years that Hermione spent wishing for his attention he never seemed to notice or care whenever she looked at him the way lavender brown just did.

Hermione tried her best to smile at them as she made her way down to the stadium through the cool, misty drizzle, and departed to find a place in the stands without wishing Ron good luck. As she normally would have, had she not been angry.

Hermione was tired of just sitting at the stadium, as the trials took up most of the morning.

Half of Gryffindor House seemed to have turned up, from first years who were nervously clutching a selection of the dreadful old school brooms, to seventh years who towered over the rest, looking coolly intimidating.

But she had to stay there and show support to her friends. Although she much rather be in the warm comfort of her chambers with her ginger cat and husband. Even if he was in a grumpy mood.

The hours continued to go by and the stadium filled with each passing minute. Hermione looked around to see that all the rejected players and several people who had come down to watch after a lengthy breakfast had come to join the crowd by now so that it was larger than ever.

As each Keeper flew up to the goal hoops, the crowd roared and jeered in equal measure. Hermione glanced over at Ron, who had always had a problem with nerves; Hermione had hoped that winning their final match last term might have cured it, but apparently it had not: Ron was a delicate shade of green.

None of the first five applicants saved more than two goals apiece.

Hermione watched as Cormac McLaggen saved four penalties and she knew that he was going to make the last one. She knew that if Ron lost being Keeper for the Gryffindor team he would lose all, if not most, of the little confidence he had. And after his comment from a few nights ago…

Since you only seem to like quidditch players came racing through her head.

Do something Hermione!

Do something!

Before she could stop herself Hermione quickly turned her head to her side and muttered ' confoundo ' under her breath and Cormac quickly shot off in the wrong direction, causing him to miss the last penalty.

Although Hermione felt terrible for what she had done. She couldn't help but feel triumphant as she looked around and saw that no one had noticed, as they were all laughing and booing at him.

Ron however looked ready to pass out as he mounted his broomstick.

"Good luck!" cried a voice from the stands.

Hermione looked around to see that it had been Lavender Brown.

But this time it wasn't anger or jealousy that ran through her. Hermione couldn't help but smile at the girl as she watched her cover her face in her hands.

Hermione knew that feeling all too well.

The feeling of giddiness and silliness as you develop a crush on someone. She felt it for Ron her first year, for Professor Lockhart her second year, and well now....for Professor Snape.

There was no denying her feelings for him any longer. The wide smile she would get any time she caught sight of him. Or the way her stomach would flutter at the sound of his name or the way her body would tremble at his touch.

Hermione shook her head as she remembered why she was there. To support Ron. She looked over and watched as Ron saved not…

One, two, three, four, five!!! Penalties in a row.

"You did brilliantly, Ron!" Beamed Hermione as she ran towards them from the stands, from the corner of her eye she could see Lavender Brown walking off the pitch, arm in arm with Parvati, a rather grumpy expression on her face.

Ron looked extremely pleased with himself and even taller than usual as he grinned at the team and Hermione.

Hermione, Ron, and Harry bade their goodbyes to the team and headed off toward Hagrid.

A watery sun was trying to break through the clouds now and it had stopped drizzling at last.

"I thought I was going to miss that fourth penalty," Ron was saying happily. "Tricky shot from Demelza, did you see, had a bit of spin on it—"

"Yes, yes, you were magnificent," said Hermione, looking amused.

"I was better than that McLaggen anyway," said Ron in a highly satisfied voice. "Did you see him lumbering off in the wrong direction on his fifth? Looked like he'd been Confunded…."

Hermione felt herself turn a very deep shade of pink at these words. Ron noticed nothing; he was too busy describing each of his other penalties in loving detail. But she was sure Harry noticed as he looked at her with a questionable look.

The great gray hippogriff, Buckbeak, was tethered in front of Hagrid's cabin. He clicked his razor-sharp beak at their approach and turned his huge head toward them.

"Oh dear," said Hermione nervously. "He's still a bit scary, isn't he?"

"Come off it, you've ridden him, haven't you?" said Ron.

Harry stepped forward and bowed low to the hippogriff without breaking eye contact or blinking. After a few seconds, Buckbeak sank into a bow too.

"Oi!" said a loud voice.

Hagrid had come striding around the corner of his cabin wearing a large flowery apron and carrying a sack of potatoes. His enormous boarhound, Fang, was at his heels; Fang gave a booming bark and bounded forward.

"Git away from him! He'll have yer fingers —oh. It's yeh lot."

Fang was jumping up at Hermione and Ron, attempting to lick their ears. Hagrid stood and looked at them all for a split second, then turned and strode into his cabin, slamming the door behind him.

"Oh dear!" said Hermione, looking stricken.

"Don't worry about it," said Harry grimly. He walked over to the door and knocked loudly.

"Hagrid! Open up, we want to talk to you!"

There was no sound from within.

"If you don't open the door, we'll blast it open!" Harry said, pulling out his wand.

"Harry!" said Hermione, sounding shocked. "You can't possibly—"

"Yeah, I can!" said Harry. "Stand back—”

But before he could say anything else, the door flew open again, and there stood Hagrid, glowering down at him and looking, despite the flowery apron, positively alarming.

"I'm a teacher!" he roared at Harry. "A teacher, Potter! How dare yeh threaten ter break down my door!"

"I'm sorry, sir ," said Harry, emphasizing the last word as he stowed his wand inside his robes.

Hagrid looked stunned. "Since when have yeh called me 'sir?"

"Since when have you called me 'Potter?"

"Oh, very clever," growled Hagrid. "Very amusin'. That's me out-smarted, innit? All right, come in then, yeh ungrateful little.

Mumbling darkly, he stood back to let them pass. Hermione scurried in after Harry, looking rather frightened

Hermione, Harry, and Ron spent the entire evening trying to explain to Hagrid that the reason they hadn’t taken Care of Magical Creatures this year was that they couldn’t fit it into their schedule (A lie that was only partially true.)

But it took a lot of convincing to convince Hagrid, in which all three of them stated categorically and untruthfully that Professor Grubbly-Plank, who had substituted for Hagrid a few times, was a dreadful teacher, with the result that by the time Hagrid waved them off the premises at dusk, he looked quite cheerful.

“Barking. Does he not remember that raving arachnid tried to eat us?” Ron said astonished, once the door had closed behind them and they were hurrying through the dark and deserted grounds.

“Hagrid love’s Aragog,” Hermione said. She too didn’t quite understand Hagrid’s love for dangerous creatures but seeing him so broken and tearful for his long-time friend's health broke her heart.

“Yeah well, he also likes dragons and Blast-Ended Skrewts!” Said Ron.

"I'm starving," said Harry, changing the topic of conversation as they approached the castle. "And I've got that detention with Snape tonight, I haven't got much time for dinner...."

As they came into the castle they spotted Cormac Mclaggen entering the Great Hall. It took him two attempts to get through the doors; he ricocheted off the frame on the first attempt. Ron merely guffawed gloatingly and strode off into the Hall after him, but Harry caught Hermione's arm and held her back.

"What?" said Hermione defensively.

"If you ask me," said Harry quietly, "McLaggen looks like he was confunded this morning. And he was standing right in front of where you were sitting."

Hermione blushed.

"Oh, all right then, I did it," she whispered. "But you should have heard the way he was talking about Ron and Ginny! Anyway, he's got a nasty temper, you saw how he reacted when he didn't get in —you wouldn't have wanted someone like that on the team."

"No," said Harry. "No, I suppose that's true. But wasn't that dishonest, Hermione? I mean, you're a prefect, aren't you?"

"Oh, be quiet," she snapped, as he smirked.

"What are you two doing?" demanded Ron, reappearing in the doorway to the Great Hall and looking suspicious.

"Nothing," said Harry and Hermione together, and they hurried after Ron. The smell of roast beef made Hermione’s stomach ache with hunger, but they had barely taken three steps toward the Gryffindor table when Professor Slughorn appeared in front of them, blocking their path.

"Harry, Harry, just the man I was hoping to see!" he boomed genially, twiddling the ends of his walrus mustache and puffing out his enormous belly.

"I was hoping to catch you before dinner! What do you say to a spot of supper tonight in my room’s instead? We're having a little party, just a few rising stars, I've got McLaggen coming and Zabini, the charming Melinda Bobbin —I don't know whether you know her? Her family owns a large chain of aporia-caries - and, of course, I hope very much that Miss Granger will favor me by coming too."

Slughorn made Hermione a little bow as he finished speaking.

It was as though Ron was not present; Slughorn did not so much as look at him.

"I can't come, Professor," said Harry at once. "I've got a detention with Professor Snape."

"Oh dear!" said Slughorn, his face falling comically. "Dear, dear, I was counting on you, Harry! Well, now, I'll just have to have a word with Severus and explain the situation. I'm sure I'll be able to persuade him to postpone your detention. Yes, I'll see you both later!"

He bustled away out of the Hall.

"He's got no chance of persuading Snape," said Harry, the moment Slughorn was out of earshot.

"This detention has already been postponed once; Snape did it for Dumbledore, but he won't do it for anyone else."

"Oh, I wish you could come, I don't want to go on my own!" said Hermione anxiously. As she knew McLaggen would just be eyeing her as if she was the meal.

"I doubt you'll be alone, Ginny'll probably be invited" snapped Ron, who did not seem to have taken kindly to being ignored by Slughorn.

After dinner, they made their way back to the Gryffindor Tower (Hermione had not at all enjoyed Slughorn's party as it just consisted of him bombarding them with questions about relatives or any accomplishments they might have achieved.)

The common room was very crowded, as most people had finished dinner by now, but they managed to find a free table and sat down; Ron, who had been in a bad mood ever since the encounter with Slughorn, folded his arms and frowned at the ceiling.

Hermione reached out for a copy of the Evening Prophet, which somebody had left abandoned on a chair.

"Anything new?" said Harry.

"Not really…." Hermione had opened the newspaper and was scanning the inside pages.

“Oh, look, your dad's in here, Ron —he's all right" she added quickly, for Ron had looked around in alarm.

"It just says he's been to visit the Malfoys house. 'This second search of the Death Eater's residence does not seem to have yielded any results. Arthur Weasley of the Office for the Detection and Confiscation of Counterfeit Defensive Spells and Protective Objects said that his team had been acting upon a confidential rip-off."

"Yeah, mine!" said Harry. "I told him at King's Cross about Malfoy and that thing he was trying to get Borgin to fix! Well, if it's not at their house, he must have brought whatever it is to Hogwarts with him—"

"But how can he have done, Harry?" said Hermione, putting down the newspaper with a surprised look. "We were all searched when we arrived, weren't we?"

"Were you?" said Harry, taken aback. "I wasn't!"

"Oh no, of course, you weren't, I forgot you were late. Well, Filch ran over all of us with Secrecy Sensors when we got into the entrance hall. Any Dark object would have been found, I know for a fact Crabbe had a shrunken head confiscated. So you see, Malfoy can't have brought in anything dangerous!"

Momentarily stymied, Harry watched Ginny Weasley playing with Arnold the Pygmy Puff for a while before seeing a way around this objection.

"Someone's sent it to him by owl, then," he said. "His mother or someone."

"All the owls are being checked too," said Hermione. "Filch told us so when he was jabbing those Secrecy Sensors everywhere he could reach."

Stumped this time, Harry found nothing else to say.

There did not seem to be any way Malfoy could have brought a dangerous or Dark object into the school. He looked hopefully at Ron, who was sitting with his arms folded, staring over at Lavender Brown.

"Can you think of any way Malfoy—”

"Oh, drop it, Harry," said Ron.

"Listen, it's not my fault Slughorn invited Hermione and me to his stupid party, neither of us wanted to go, you know!" said Harry, firing up.

"Well, as I'm not invited to any parties," said Ron, getting to his feet again, "I think I'll go to bed."

He stomped off toward the door to the boys' dormitories, leaving Harry and Hermione staring after him.

"Well, I'm going to go! I have some homework to finish" Hermione said as she stood to make her way out of the common room.

"Where are you going? The girl’s dormitories are that way or are you confounded ?" Harry asked in a half-serious, half-teasing tone.

Hermione opened her mouth to say something but stopped as Demelza appeared at his shoulder and Harry completely turned his attention to her.

Finding it to be the perfect time to sneak out without being seen, Hermione quickly made her way out of the Gryffindor tower and quickly placed the tip of her wand to her charmed bracelet and placed the ‘ Don’t notice me ’ charm on herself and hastily made her way to their chambers.

Chapter 20: Draco Malfoy is a Death Eater

Chapter Text

October 19, 1996

Halfway through October came their first trip of the term to Hogsmeade. Hermione had wondered whether these trips would still be allowed, given the increasingly tight security measures around the school, but was pleased to know that they were going ahead; it was always good to get out of the castle grounds for a few hours.

Hermione woke early on the morning of the trip, which was proving stormy. And met with Harry and Ron in the common room, who before Hermione could even mutter good morning to them, began to discuss in full amusem*nt, that Harry had once again, used a spell from the damned Half-Blood Prince’s graffitied book.

"....and then there was another flash of light and I landed on the bed again!" Ron grinned, helping himself to sausages.

Hermione had not cracked a smile during this anecdote, and now turned an expression of wintry disapproval upon Harry.

"Was this spell, by any chance, another one from that potion book of yours?" she asked.

Harry frowned at her.

"Always jump to the worst conclusion, don't you?"

"Was it?"

"Well…yeah, it was, but so what?"

"So you just decided to try out an unknown, handwritten incantation to see what would happen?"

"Why does it matter if it's handwritten?" said Harry, preferring not to answer the rest of the question.

"Because it's probably not Ministry of Magic-approved," said Hermione. "And also," she added, as Harry and Ron rolled their eyes, "because I'm starting to think this Prince character was a bit dodgy."

Both Harry and Ron shouted her down at once.

"It was a laugh!" said Ron, upending a ketchup bottle over his sausages. "Just a laugh, Hermione, that's all!"

"Dangling people upside down by the ankle?" said Hermione. "Who puts their time and energy into making up spells like that?"

“Fred and George," said Ron, shrugging, "it’stheir kind of thing.”

"My dad," said Harry.

"What?" said Ron and Hermione together.

"My dad used this spell," said Harry. "L-Lupin told me."

"Maybe your dad did use it, Harry," said Hermione, "but he's not the only one. We've seen a whole bunch of people use it, in case you've forgotten. Dangling people in the air. Making them float along, asleep, helpless."

Harry stared at her. Hermione was sure the behavior of the Death Eaters at the Quidditch World Cup there fourth year was coming to mind and Ron quickly came to his aid.

"That was different," he said robustly. "They were abusing it. Harry and his dad were just having a laugh. You don't like the Prince, Hermione," he added, pointing a sausage at her sternly,"because he's better than you at Potions—"

"It's got nothing to do with that!" said Hermione, her cheeks reddening. "I just think it's very irresponsible to start performing spells when you don't even know what they're for, and stop talking about ' the Prince ' as if it's his title, I bet it's just a stupid nickname, and it doesn't seem as though he was a very nice person to me!"

"I don't see where you get that from," said Harry heatedly. "If he'd been a budding Death Eater he wouldn't have been boasting about being half-blood,' would he?"

"The Death Eaters can't all be pure-blood, there aren't enough pure-blood wizards left," said Hermione stubbornly.

"I expect most of them are half-bloods pretending to be pure. It's only Muggle-borns they hate, they'd be quite happy to let you and Ron join up."

"There is no way they'd let me be a Death Eater!" said Ron in-dignantly, a bit of sausage flying off the fork he was now brandishing at Hermione and hitting Ernie Macmillan on the head. "My whole family are blood traitors! That's as bad as Muggle-borns to Death Eaters!"

"And they'd love to have me," said Harry sarcastically. "We'd be best pals if they didn't keep trying to do me in."

This made Ron laugh; even Hermione gave a grudging smile, and a distraction arrived in the shape of Ginny.

The walk into Hogsmeade was not enjoyable. Hermione wrapped her scarf over her lower face; the exposed part soon felt both raw and numb. The road to the village was full of students bent double against the bitter wind. More than once Hermione wondered whether they might not have had a better time in the warm common room, and when they finally reached Hogsmeade and saw that Zonko's Joke Shop had been boarded up, Hermione took it as confirmation that this trip was not destined to be fun.

Ron pointed, with a thickly gloved hand, toward Honeydukes, which was mercifully open, and Harry and Hermione staggered in his wake into the crowded shop.

"Thank God," shivered Ron as they were enveloped by warm, toffee-scented air. "Let's stay here all afternoon."

But they didn't stay there all afternoon, after their interaction with Slughorn and Harry finding, yet another, excuse not to attend another one of his suppers Harry stood from his chair.

"Let's go to the Three Broomsticks," said Harry. "It'll be warm."

They bundled their scarves back over their faces and left the sweetshop. The bitter wind was like knives on their faces after the sugary warmth of Honeydukes. The street was not very busy; no-body was lingering to chat, just hurrying toward their destinations.

The trip however, proved to be pointless, as they only went in and managed to drink one butterbeer. Harry had been looking over at Ginny and Dean the entire time. And Ron had been too distracted, eyeing Madam Rosmerta up and down as she was a very curvy and beautiful barmaid.

The moment Harry drained the last of his butterbeer he said, "Shall we call it a day and go back to school, then?" The other two nodded; it had not been a fun trip and the weather was getting worse the longer they stayed. Once again they drew their cloaks tightly around them, rearranged their scarves, pulled on their gloves, then followed Katie Bell and a friend out of the pub and back up the High Street.

“Katie. You don’t know what it could be!” Hermione heard Leanne say and Hermione lifted her head and saw that up ahead, Katie Bell and Leanne stood in the drifting snow, arguing.

But before they could say anything, in that very instant, Katie Bell rose six feet into the air, her hair dancing violently in the wind, her face eerily placid and she let out a loud shrieking scream and Harry and Ron dashed forward and quickly seized her ankles. At their touch she fell down into the snow, thrashing and shrieking as her eyes rolled up in her skull.

“I warned her! I warned her not to touch it!” Leanne cried as she looked down at her friend.

Hermione looked down to see the package that Katie had been holding, laid on the snowy ground torn open.

“Harry, she’s swallowing her tongue—” Ron said looking down at Katie.

“I’ll get someone—” Hermione quickly said.

“There’s no time!” Harry said, stopping her.

But suddenly, a massive figure lurched out of the white and revealed itself to be Hagrid.

”Get back! All o’ yeh!” Hagrid said so forcefully the others instantly obeyed. Effortlessly, he scooped up Katie’s thrashing body and then, as if calming a terrified animal, he pressed his face close to hers and began to whisper with great tenderness.

”Now, now. Now, now...”

Over and over he repeated this, soothingly, the words like a mantra, until Katie’s lids fluttered and her body fell limp.

“Don’ go touchin’ tha’ but by the wrappin’s. Unnerstan’?” Hagrid said as he nodded darkly to the package in the snow.

Harry quickly kneeled and began to poke through the paper, inside it, was an ornate opal necklace. Taking off his scarf he carefully enfolded the package and rose to his feet as he, along with the others, watched as Hagrid lumbered off, with Katie cradled in his arms.

"Malfoy knows about this necklace. It was in a case at Borgin and Burkes four years ago, I saw him having a good look at it while I was hiding from him and his dad. This is what he was buying that day when we followed him! He remembered it and he went back for it." Harry said as he turned to look at Hermione.

"I- I dunno, Harry" said Ron hesitantly: "Loads of people go to Borgin and Burkes…”

“Yes but we saw him there! He was keeping something for him—“

“McGonagall!” Said Ron warningly.

Professor McGonagall came rushing in through the doors and Hermione, Harry, Ron and Leanne quickly followed her into her classroom with only their footsteps and Leanne’s loud sobs heard.

“You’re sure Katie did not have this in her possession when she entered the Three Broomsticks, Leanne?” Professor McGonagall asked as they entered her classroom.

“It’s like I said. She went to the loo and when she came back she had the package. She said it was important that she deliver it.”

“Did she say to whom?” Professor McGonagall asked.

Leanne shook her head as she continued to cry.

“All right, Leanne. You may go.” Professor McGonagall said and watched as Leanne exited the room before turning to look at the three of them.

“Why is it, when something happens, it’s always you three?” Professor McGonagall asked as she made sure to pierce her gaze at each one of them momentarily.

“Believe me, Professor, I’ve been asking myself the same question for six years,” Ron said.

Just then, Professor Snape appeared at the door, eyes on the trio, his gaze lingered for a second longer on Hermione before he walked over to where Professor McGonagall stood.

“Severus” Professor McGonagall said softly as Professor Snape began to approach the cursed item. And Hermione felt herself twitch in the spot. She wanted to reach out and stop him from examining it, as she did not want him anywhere near the cursed necklace after what it had done to Katie Bell.

“Is this it?” Professor Snape asked.

Professor McGonagall nodded and Professor Snape took his wand out from his robes and lifted the necklace a few inches off the table like a dead snake and began to examine it, his eyes filling with fascination.

Hermione slightly furrowed her eyebrows as she observed him, he truly does fancy the Dark Arts Hermione thought to herself, the thought sending a cold shiver down her back.

“What do you think?” Professor McGonagall asked as she looked down at the cursed necklace.

“I think Miss Bell is lucky to be alive” Professor Snape said, setting the necklace back down onto the table and Hermione let out a breath she hadn’t realized she had been holding.

“She was cursed, wasn’t she? I know Katie. Off the Quidditch pitch she wouldn’t hurt a fly. If she was bringing that to someone, she wasn’t doing it knowingly” Harry said, causing both Professor Snape and Professor McGonagall to turn their gaze back to them.

“Yes. She was cursed” Professor McGonagall said, wrapping her shawl more securely around herself.

“It was Malfoy,” Harry said abruptly. And Hermione and Ron both snapped their heads to look at him.

“That’s a very serious accusation, Potter,” Professor McGonagall said gravely.

”Indeed. Your evidence?” Professor Snape asked as he crossed his arms behind his back and raised a brow at Harry.

”I... just... know” Harry said and Hermione wished she could sink into the ground, as Harry did not have any evidence for his accusation.

“You... just... know. Once again you astonish with your gifts, Potter, gifts mere mortals could only dream of possessing. How grand it must be to be the Chosen One” Professor Snape said and Hermione and Ron both turned to look at one another.

Both clearly uncomfortable having to stand there and witness this moment.

“I suggest you return to your dormitory. All of you.” Professor McGonagall said sternly as she too looked uncomfortable with Professor Snape’s comment.

“I don’t know how he did it, there were Aurors stationed all around Hogsmeade—” Harry said as soon as they turned the corner.

"Harry, Malfoy wasn't in Hogsmeade!" said Hermione, actually stamping her foot in frustration.

"He must have used an accomplice, then," said Harry. "Crabbe or Goyle —or, come to think of it, another Death Eater, he'll have loads better cronies than Crabbe and Goyle now he's joined up—"

Ron and Hermione exchanged looks that plainly said There's no port arguing with him.

"Dilligrout," said Hermione firmly as they reached the Fat Lady.

The portrait swung open to admit them to the common room. It was quite fall and smelled of damp clothing; many people seemed to have returned from Hogsmeade early because of the bad weather. There was no buzz of fear or speculation, however: Clearly, the news of Katie's fate had not yet spread.

"It wasn't a very slick attack, really, when you stop and think about it," said Ron, casually turfing a first year out of one of the good armchairs by the fire so that he could sit down. "The curse didn't even make it into the castle. Not what you'd call foolproof."

"You're right," said Hermione, prodding Ron out of the chair with her foot and offering it to the first year again. "It wasn't very well thought-out at all."

"But since when has Malfoy been one of the world's great thinkers?" asked Harry.

Neither Ron nor Hermione answered him.

And Hermione waited until she watched them disappear into the boy's dormitory and bolted out the Gryffindor common room and made her way towards her own chambers.

Once in, she was not surprised to see that Professor Snape had warded off his office door but since she had access to them she was able to get in with no problem.

"Professor!" Hermione gasped as she walked into his office to see that he now had the necklace lying in front of his desk.

He straightened up as she walked over to where he had been hovering over the cursed necklace.

“Why is it when something happens, it’s always you three in the middle of it?” He asked, looking down at her.

“Funny, Professor McGonagall asked the same question” Hermione said as a small smile flickered across her lips but Professor Snape did not seem amused at all by her comment.

“I don’t know …trouble just always seems to find Harry” Hermione said.

Hermione watched as he lifted the necklace up in the air and wrapped it back up into its packaging.

"Was it malfoy?" Hermione asked in a low voice.

She watched as Professor Snape straightened himself again but didn't say anything.

"We are unsure of who it belonged to," he said after a few seconds of silence.

"But Harry thinks—"

"I know full well what Potter thinks,” Professor Snape snarled, “and I’ll advise you to warn Potter to not go around accusing people of such crimes as half the Wizarding World still have doubts about his credibility.”

As if Harry would ever listen to her, Harry didn’t listen to anyone once he made up his mind.

“I’ll have to take the necklace to Dumbledore, I’m sure by now he’s been informed of the situation,” he said.

Hermione gave him a small nod as she stepped aside to let him through. She watched as he left the office without another word and Hermione stood still looking down onto the floor until she averted her eyes down to her hand.

Luna’s Charm.

No Hermione, you can’t, Hermione thought to herself.

But if Hermione was being honest with herself, she too was now starting to feel as if Draco was involved in this somehow.

And although the whole wizarding world had doubted Harry many times throughout the years, Harry had proved time after time to be right about many things.

What if Harry’s accusations were true and it had been Malfoy who cursed Katie Bell?

She had to know if Professor Snape knew Malfoy was involved. She just had to know.

Quickly placing the tip of her wand against the charmed bracelet Luna gave her, Hermione quickly bolted out his office and began to quickly make her way towards Dumbledore’s office.

Thankfully, he had just arrived in front of the Gargoyle and Hermione heard him mutter the password before the gargoyle stepped aside and allowed him in.

Hermione quickly managed to slip inside the circular staircase before it closed and spun around.

Hermione however, did not have the chance to step inside as Professor Snape had only opened the door slightly to allow himself in before closing it in Hermione’s face.

So instead, Hermione stood outside the door and placed the side of her head against it and tried her best to listen in closely and tried to make some words out.

“The curse inflicted a lot of damage in Miss Bell, she is very lucky to be alive” Hermione heard the headmaster say. “Minerva tells me that Harry and Miss Granger, along with Mr. Weasley, were all there to witness the scene?”

“Naturally” Professor Snape said coldly.

“It was very poorly done, effective, but poorly thought out,” Professor Dumbledore said and Hermione could hear him pacing back and forth.

“It does raise the question how he managed to get past all levels of security. Do you know if he had any inside help?” Professor Dumbledore asked, and Hermione pressed her ear firmer against the door trying her best not to miss a single word.

Oh, How she wished in that moment she had one of Fred and George’s Extendable Ears.

“No, he refuses to listen to me, it seems the little power he’s now got has inflated his head even more then before” Professor Snape said and Hermione furrowed her eyebrows as she continued to listen in.

So it was Malfoy, Hermione thought to herself as her mouth fell open agape.

“Well we both know what his mission is, we just have to make sure he doesn’t Kill or injure anyone else in his journey to follow through his master's orders” Professor Dumbledore said. “Keep a closer eye on him, and continue to offer your help. Hopefully he’ll consider it, after all, you are his godfather.”

Hermione’s mouth fell open even wider at the headmaster’s confirmation that it was Malfoy who had cursed Katie Bell.

She didn’t hear Professor Snape respond and she was sure he had just simply nodded in agreement.

“How are things between you and Miss Granger coming along?” Professor Dumbledore asked.

“As I expected,” Professor Snape said and Hermione could hear the displeasure in his voice. “She’s a nuisance, expects far more than I can give.”

Hermione closed her eyes and bit down on her bottom lip to keep it from trembling.

So that’s why he’s been avoiding her, he thinks of her as a nuisance….three steps back.

“You say that because you have already made your mind up about her, I’m sure if you’d just see her for what she is and not just Harry’s friend, you might find that you have a lot more in common with her then you think.” Professor Dumbledore said and she could hear the sound of a chair scraping against the floor and she knew Professor Snape had risen from his seat.

“If we are done here, and it appears we are, I should bid you goodnight” she heard the voice of Professor Snape say and Hermione quickly stepped away from the door and she ran down the steps as she heard his footsteps approaching the door and the gargoyle quickly stepped aside to let her out and Hermione quickly darted down the empty corridor.

Once she was sure she had put a good distance between them Hermione placed a hand against the cold wall of the corridor and the other on her aching rib as she struggled to catch her breath.

Hundreds of thoughts racing through her mind.

Harry was right, it was Malfoy

Malfoy, is a death eater

Malfoy, really is working for Voldemort

And Professor Snape is somehow involved

Hermione continued to take in deep breaths and quickly spun around as she heard footsteps approaching her.

Oh no. Has she been caught?

Hermione quickly took a few steps backwards until her back met the stone wall and hid behind the shadows. As most of the corridor was completely pitched dark.

Hermione quickly took a deep breath in as she prepared herself to come face to face with Professor Snape but was taken back as Draco Malfoy turned the sharp corner and entered….

‘Moaning Myrtle’s Bathroom?’ Hermione furrowed her eyebrows in confusion as she realized where she was and what floor she was on.

What could Draco Malfoy be doing wandering the corridors this time of night and what could he possibly be doing inside Moaning Myrtle’s bathroom?

Hermione quickly took another deep breath in as she looked around her surroundings and very quietly made her way towards the bathroom.

If Professor Snape wasn't going to tell her what Malfoy was up to, then she was going to find out on her own.

Hermione slightly pushed the door open and cringed as the big wooden door let out a loud creaking sound.

Too late to turn back now, Hermione quickly opened the door a silver, to allow herself in and stood aside holding in her breath as to not be heard.

“Who’s there?” Hermione heard Malfoy call out, his voice shaking slightly.

“Myrtle?” He called out as he slowly turned the corner with his wand raised ready to attack.

Hermione didn’t know what to do, how was she going to get out of the bathroom without being heard again?

Hermione was trying her best not to breathe too loudly, as Malfoy kept his gaze around the door, as if he could feel her presence in the room. And for small moment their eyes met and Hermione’s heart stopped, what if he could see her?

But to Hermione’s relief, the door of the bathroom creaked open again and Hermione slowly turned her head to the side to see who had saved her.

Luna! Hermione internally groaned to herself. Why did she always have to appear at the worst times?

She watched as Luna walked into the bathroom, looking around the walls as if she had never seen them in her life before, as if she was new to the world.

Lost in thought in her own little world. Luna at first had not noticed Malfoy.

"Malfoy?" Luna said softly as she finally realized he was standing at the other end of the room with his wand raised towards her.

"Loony Lovegood" Malfoy sneered, as if she was worse than dirt on his shoe and he slightly lowered his wand as he realized she possessed little threat to him.

Luna however, did not correct him. But Hermione was sure he hadn't used her nickname as a mistake, as she had accidentally done the previous year.

“What are you doing here? Are you following me?” Malfoy asked as he lifted his wand up again towards her.

He really seemed to be paranoid and unhinged. Why would he suspect he was being followed?

Hermione quickly tightened her grip on her own wand, as she wanted to be prepared in case Malfoy hexed Luna.

If he was capable of cursing Katie Bell, Hermione definitely wouldn’t put it past him not to curse Luna.

“I’m not following you… I’m looking for Wrackspurt, they like to hide in cold, damp corners like—“

“I don’t care what you're looking for!” Malfoy snarled as he tightened his grip on the end of his wand so tight Hermione could see his fingers turning white.

And it was the first time Hermione could take a good close look at him. He truly did not seem to be his usual self. He appeared very pale and thin, almost malnourished. His skin was very gray and his under eyes seemed to bag as if he had been crying.

"Have you been crying?” Luna interrupted Hermione’s thoughts.

“Are you injured?" Luna asked in her monotone, dreamy voice. "If you are injured, I must admit, I won't be much help, as I'm not very good at healing spells. I’ve mended a few broken toes before, but I prefer to spend my time looking for Nargal’s."

And Hermione felt herself cringe at Luna's comment.

Why must she always say the stupidest things… in front of Draco Malfoy of all people!

"Wow," sneered Malfoy slightly lowering his wand again, "you really are Loony. I don't know why Dumbledore keeps you around. You would be much more at home at St. Mungos.”

Hermione felt a rush of anger flush through her at Malfoy's comment. But Luna seemed to be unaffected by it as she simply just gave him a small smile.

“I’m just as sane as you are,” Luna said before letting out a small gasp, “I think I hear some Wrackspurt outside in the corridor, a whole herd of them.” Luna said excitedly as she quickly turned to open the door.

“Wrackspurts. Your head’s full of them.” Luna said as she looked up at Malfoy’s platinum blonde hair.

“I have a nice hair gel that gets rid of them for you, if you’d like some…just let me know.” Luna said and without another word left the bathroom.

Hermione watched as Malfoy stood, completely taken back by Luna, with his wand still raised pointing at the spot that Luna had just been standing in and furrowed his eyebrows in anger.

“Like I’d need help from you” Malfoy sneered to himself as he lowered his wand back to his side.

“Stupid, f*cking, Loony Lovegood” Malfoy cursed as he walked over to the bathroom door and swung it open and Hermione jumped as the door slammed shut behind him.

That was close, Hermione thought to herself as she quickly made her way towards their chambers.

Hermione took a moment to catch her breath before she opened the door to his office to reveal an empty room.

Perhaps he’s in our chambers, Hermione thought to herself as she walked over to the book shelf and pulled the ledge but was once again taken by surprise as she stepped inside their empty chamber.

Hermione quickly looked down at her watch and furrowed her eyebrows in concern, as he should be in their chambers given the hour.

Unless, Dumbledore had called him back.

It was possible that their conversation had not ended when Hermione decided to run off, as to not have been caught.

But Hermione didn’t have much time to contemplate where he could be, as the door to their chambers opened abruptly.

“Professor!” Hermione said, relieved.

"Where are you going?" Hermione asked as she furrowed her eyebrows again in confusion and watched as he opened the small narrow closet and pulled out his coat quickly and put it on.

"I have some business to attend to, so don't wait for me. I want you in bed, sleeping, by the time I return" he said and before Hermione could say anything to him he apparated without another word.

And Hermione stood there stunned.

He must have been summoned, Hermione thought to herself as she bit down onto her bottom lip.

Hermione quickly walked over to his arm chair and plumped herself down onto it, trying her best not to panic.

Voldemort must have caught wind about what happened. And he must be furious that Malfoy had failed the task he had given him.

What if he hurts him? And punishes him for Malfoy’s failure? Hermione began to panic even more.

Since the beginning of their marriage there had only been a handful of times that he had been summoned.

But all the Death Eater meetings were always planned in advanced. Or at least they were given a warning via their Dark Marks.

And Professor Snape had assured her time after time that he was one of the few left unharmed, as Voldemort considered him his most valuable Death Eater.

But he’s never been summoned without warning before. What if his luck has run out? Hermione continued to panic.

The hours went by and Hermione grew more and more impatient by the second.

So to distract herself from her thoughts she took a long hot bath and tried her best to think of what kind of task Voldemort would assign Malfoy to do here at Hogwarts that could potentially kill or injure someone.

Stepping out of the bathroom, Hermione quickly changed into her pajamas and crawled into bed and lay wide awake looking up at the ceiling.

Hermione had been so lost in her thoughts that she hadn’t noticed that Crookshanks had also been in the room with her the whole time.

And it wasn’t until she heard his soft small meows that she sat up to look at him.

He stiffly sat on the bed and began to meow towards Professor Snape’s pillow, as if he was questioning her where he was. It seemed as if Crookshanks was also worried about him.

Back home, whenever Professor Snape left for his meetings Crookshanks would always sit on her lap and wait for him. To make sure he got home safe and unharmed.

“He’ll be home soon, don’t worry, daddy will be home soon” Hermione muttered more to herself than to the cat as she lifted him and placed him on her lap.

Hermione sat with her back against the headboard and waited. Waited, waited and waited for any signs of him.

Both Hermione and Crookshanks suddenly perked up as commotion could be heard coming from his office.

Quickly placing Crookshanks down and grabbing her pink fluffy robe, Hermione quickly covered herself and walked over to his office.

The shelf opened to reveal Professor Snape slumped in the armchair inside his office close by the unlit fireplace with his hand on the bridge of his nose. He looked up at her as she stepped out of their chambers.

"My apologies, I didn't mean to wake you" was all he said as he stood from the armchair.

"You didn't…I was waiting for you" Hermione said, walking over to him to examine if he was hurt.

"I've told you before, you don't need to worry...I'm one of the few that make it out unharmed" he said as he knew exactly what she was looking for but Hermione froze in the spot as she caught a whiff of him as he walked past her towards his desk.

His scent….it was different …it was now tampered with, Hermione quickly took in a deep breath and inhaled the strong lingering flowery fragrance that followed after him and it was then that Hermione began to put the pieces together.

He had not been wearing his death eater attire when he returned, in fact, he had not put it on when he left.

Therefore, Hermione was wrong, he had not just come from a death eater meeting, and he had also not been summoned.

So where had he gone? And most importantly, who had he gone to?

Chapter 21: The Other Woman

Chapter Text

"Where were you?" Hermione asked, eyeing him up and down trying to see if there were any visible signs on him that would give her the answers to her questions that she desperately needed.

"We agreed, you don't question me about my private business Miss Granger" he said, as he pulled out a Fire-whiskey bottle from his bottom desk drawer and took a large swig from it.

It was true, since the beginning of their marriage, they had agreed that she would not ask questions about his Death Eater meetings or ask him any question regarding any business to do with the order.

But this was different, as it was clear that he had not just come back from either one of those.

"Yes, but you were gone most of the night, and it's late" Hermione said as she looked over to the clock that hung in his office and saw that it was quarter past three.

"The meetings don't typically go on past this hour" Hermione said looking back at him. But he remained silent as he took another swig from the bottle.

"So where were you?" Hermione asked again, crossing her arms across her chest.

"What have I told you about demanding things from me Miss Granger?" He asked as he put the bottle down on top of his desk with a loud thud.

Had the situation been different, she might have been afraid. But all she could think about was where he had gone to, and who he had been with.

Having now memorized his scent by heart, as if it had been engraved into her senses, Hermione could smell that he reeked of another woman’s perfume. And she wasn’t going to stop until she knew who it belonged to.

"Where were you?" Hermione asked again, ignoring his attempt to intimidate her into backing down.

"I don't answer to you" he snarled as he walked past her again and Hermione felt a rush of anger run through her as she caught another whiff of the unfamiliar scent.

"I am your wife, and when you come home smelling of another woman, I am entitled to know where you were" Hermione said as she grabbed his arm and pulled him back to face her.

"Were you under the impression that I had no friends of the opposite sex? Or were you the only one in this marriage allowed that privilege?" he asked, pulling his arm back from her aggressively. "Because I don't demand explanations from you, every time I see you prancing around the castle arm in arm with Potter or Weasley" he said bitterly towards her.

"That is completely different!" Hermione said, her voice rising.

"How so?" He asked, his voice also rising to match hers.

"You were fully aware of my friendship with Harry and Ron before we even married!" she said "and I told you before, my relationship with them is purely — platonic —" Hermione struggled to find the right word to use to describe how she felt about Harry and Ron.

"Unlike you, who show up in the midst of the night, smelling of another woman, which means she had to have been within close proximity to you for her scent to have lingered onto you" Hermione said angrily.

Hermione watched as his face twisted in anger and his jaw clenched, as he took a few steps towards her and he quickly grabbed her arms and pulled her so close to him that their faces were now merely inches apart.

"Get it through that thick head of yours, that I don't answer to you! And when I'm out doing business for the order, or the Dark Lord or even personal matters, I. don't. Answer. To. You" he said angrily releasing both her arms causing her to go stumbling backwards.

Hermione remained quiet, as she watched him walk back over to his desk and once again grabbed the bottle of Fire-Whiskey before walking back over to his armchair and slumping himself back down onto it as he took another draft of it.

She had wanted to yell at him.

Tell him fine , that if that's the kind of marriage he wanted to have, with secrecy and infidelity then she would grant him that.

But her words failed her, as she stood frozen in place watching him for a moment, and she felt tears flooding in her eyes.

So she quickly, without another word to him, made her way back into their chambers and angrily crawled into bed and broke out into an uncontrollable sob as she hugged herself to sleep.

_______________

Severus’s POV

Severus lifted his head which had been resting on top of his desk and grimaced as the golden light of the morning sun invaded his office.

He quickly brought his arms up to rest against the desk top and brought his hand up to the bridge of his nose as he remembered the events of last night.

Severus quickly rose to his feet and walked over to a small shelf that hung in his office. And opened it, to reveal a few emergency potions he kept at the ready, and quickly drowned down a small vial that would help with his hangover.

Severus then walked into their chambers to find the girl rigid in her sleep. She was completely still and it was clear to him that she had not been in a deep slumber as she normally was while sleeping. She had fallen asleep on top of the covers with her robe on which must have been extremely uncomfortable to sleep in.

Prying chit. Serves her right. Severus thought to himself.

He tried his best to ignore the sleeping girl as he walked over to his dresser and grabbed a change of clothes before walking over to the bathroom and began to get ready for the day.

Having done everything he needed to do, Severus stepped out of the bathroom to find that the girl was still in bed sleeping.

Not wanting to be in her presence when she woke up, Severus quickly stepped out of their chambers and made his way into his classroom to prepare himself for his morning classes of the day.

Perhaps today he would take out a page from Dolores Umbridge’s book and just have them read from their books all class so that Severus could sit back and enjoy some peace and quiet.

Severus had allowed himself to look up at the girl in the Great hall during dinner that evening to see that she had her shoulders slumped down, playing around with the food on her plate.

_______________

Hermione’s POV

Hermione had woken up that morning restless and exhausted, and she had hoped that it had all been a dream.

A nightmare that she had woken up from.

But she realized it wasn't, as she sat up and looked over to see that the side of the bed in which Professor Snape usually slept on was in the same state it had been in before she had crawled into bed, the pillow was still fluffed as if nobody had rested their head on it and Hermione was still wrapped around her pink fluffy robe that she hadn't unbothered to take of in the midst of her anger.

So it wasn't a dream , Hermione thought to herself. It was a cruel reality.

Not being able to fall back asleep, Hermione quickly got up from the bed and began her usual morning routine, and prepared herself for the long day that was ahead of her.

The day, as Hermione had predicted, passed by deliberately slow and Harry and Ron were the first to notice her somber mood.

“Cheer up Hermione, I’m sure Katie will be okay,” Ron said as he took a spoonful of his mashed potatoes into his mouth and Hermione turned to look at him with an empty expression.

She had hardly spoken all day, afraid that her voice would fail her and she would break out into an uncontrollable sob, as she was sure once she started crying she wouldn’t be able to stop.

She looked like a mess and she felt a mess. But thankfully after the event of yesterday, Harry and Ron had assumed her sudden mood change had come from what had happened to Katie Bell.

Hermione could not bear the sight of him, she had been thankful that he had not been there when she woke up and she was thankful that today was Friday and she didn’t have to endure class with him.

After dinner, instead of retiring to the common room with her friends as she normally did, Hermione chose to spend the rest of the evening in the library, where she could be away from everyone.

But it was proving to be a bad idea, as Hermione was now alone in her thoughts, and whenever she tried her best to focus on the words of the pages of the book she was reading, mental images of unknown witches wrapped around him came flashing through her mind.

And Hermione let out a small sniffle as she felt the tears that she had been fighting all day to contain stream down her face.

She placed the book down onto the table and looked out the window to see that even more snow had fallen down and the entire grounds were now completely covered by inches and inches of snow.

She closed her eyes and once again another unwanted image of another unknown witch appeared.

She had been a fool, a fool.

Hermione quickly raised her hand up to the heart locket around her neck and quickly took it off as she opened it to reveal a small shrunken photo of their first kiss, that they had shared at the altar.

It hadn't even been three months since they married and Hermione was already so enamored by him.

In just two months he had made her feel things she had never felt in her seventeen years of life, he had made her feel seen, as if he truly knew her.

Hermione let out a small sob as she clutched the locket to her chest.

A nuisance , she remembered the word he had used when he spoke about her.

That was all she was to him.

“Ahem” she heard a cough behind her and Hermione quickly raised her head to look behind her.

“Library is closed” Madam Prince said, “oh dear girl are you okay?” She asked, concerned as she looked down at Hermione’s tear-stained face.

“Oh…yeah!” Hermione tried to say as she wiped her cheeks with the sleeve of her shirt and quickly sat up.

“Troubling times we are in” Madam Prince said as she shook her head.

Hermione gave the old witch a small forced smile before walking over to the shelf in which she had picked the book she had been reading from and placed it back into its place and quickly left the library.

She had nowhere else to go. Hermione stood in the empty corridor looking from side to side debating where to go. She couldn’t go back to the Gryffindor tower as those weren’t her dormitories anymore, but she also didn’t want to have to face him.

But she had no choice, she would eventually have to. Taking in a deep breath and wiping her eyes again Hermione quickly placed the charm on herself and slowly, very slowly, made her way to their chambers.

As soon as she stepped into his office she found that it was empty, which meant he was either inside the bedroom chamber or his classroom.

Quickly opening the shelf Hermione quickly stepped inside, without glancing around to see if he was inside (but given that the room was lit from the fire that he had made, she knew he was) and she walked straight into the bathroom and gently closed the door behind her.

She took an extra long bath as she spent most of it crying. Hermione blinked away her tears as she lifted the small yellow duck up and memories of their first bath came rushing through her head.

A fool, she had been a fool.

By the time Hermione finished getting ready for bed, she had stepped out of the bathroom to see that he was already in bed, with Crookshanks at the end of the bed already in deep sleep

He had turned her lamp on that sat on her nightstand, as he always did, to serve as a night light as he knew she was afraid of the pitch dark.

Angry that he had done that, Hermione quickly walked over to the bed and crawled in as she put the light out.

Hermione was very careful not to touch him as she stirred in bed trying to get comfortable.

And she wondered if he was awake, wondered how his day had gone, if it had been just as long as her’s had. Or if he had gone on about his day completely unbothered with the turmoil in their relationship.

She didn’t know when she had fallen asleep but when she woke up she knew she had not slept well again, she had woken up to see that he was already gone.

The hours of the days became long and tedious as the days passed by, Saturday, Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday had come and gone and before Hermione knew it it was Thursday.

They had not once spoken to each other or seen much of the other and Hermione wasn’t quite sure who was avoiding who.

But she knew they wouldn’t be able to avoid each other much longer, as not only did she have to see him in class for Defense Against the Dark Arts but it was the day of the week they had to copulate.

And for the first time since the start of their marriage, Hermione dreaded every second leading up to it.

And Hermione couldn’t help but wonder if perhaps this was how he felt every time they had to do it.

Perhaps now she understood him.

_______________

Severus’s POV

As the days passed by, Severus watched as the girl dragged her feet around the castle with her head hung low and her shoulders slumped down. And He couldn't stand the sight of her, not like this.

She had been restless in her sleep, tossing and turning as if she couldn’t get comfortable.

And Severus took notice that the girl seemed to lose her appetite at any minor inconvenience, as in just a few days her face was starting to look more defined, and he did not like the thought of her missing meals.

He watched her short interactions with her friends in the Great Hall and watched her blanked expression as she walked around the halls of the castle.

But he didn't understand why it bothered him so much to see her like that, she had brought it on herself. If she had just given him time to process everything that had happened and had not bombarded him with questions the minute she saw him he would have explained everything to her.

And they wouldn’t be in the situation they were in now.

He had seen that same look of despair and pain at the thought of their partner being unfaithful, he had seen it in his own mother.

And he had promised himself, that if he ever did marry, he would do everything in his power to never make his wife feel like his mother had.

He would never be the cause of such pain.

But this was different, the marriage wasn’t real. And just because the stupid girl couldn't come to terms with it didn't mean it was.

He should be happy that the girl was avoiding him, after all that's what he wanted, to be freed of her excessive staring and her countless questions and her emotional outbursts. But he wasn't, if anything, he himself was just as restless.

He lay awake every night, watching the girl toss and turn in her sleep waiting for the moment that she would roll over and wrap herself around him in the way she always had before but the moment would never come.

And Severus didn't know what angered him more, that she didn't or that she seemed to be upset with him even in her subconscious.

It was as if her body no longer yearned for him.

_______________

Severus stood at the door of the headmaster’s office and gently knocked on the door.

“Come in” he heard Dumbledore call out.

And Severus couldn’t help the sneer that appeared on his face, as he stepped in to see Potter hovering over the pensieve. Memories of the events of last year during their Occlumency lessons fresh in his mind.

“Ah, Severus perfect timing” Dumbledore said as he grabbed Potter’s arm and pulled him out of the pensieve.

And Severus wasn’t surprised to see that his hatred for the boy was still very much mutual, as the boy sneered at the first sight of him standing by the door.

Severus was fully aware of the boy's accusations about him, that he had been the one responsible for Black's death, that his taunts had been the reason Black felt the need to prove himself useful to the Order.

But truthfully, Severus could not find it in himself to care about the boys feelings towards him. If he needed someone to blame for the death of his godfather, he was more than happy to take the blame.

Severus had not wished for Black to die, but he also could not find it in himself to care that he had.

“You did well Harry, very well. I want you to really take in all this information I’m giving you” Dumbledore said and the boy simply nodded.

“Can I share everything I saw with Ron and Hermione Sir?” Potter asked looking up at the headmaster and Severus felt himself slightly twitch at the sound of her name.

And he did not like the sound of Potter’s voice being the one saying it, it caused him great anger already to have to see them together everyday, but to have to stand there and listen to him talk about her infuriated him.

“Yes, I believe they’ve proven to be trustworthy enough” Dumbledore responded, “have a good night Harry, I’ll let you know when our next meeting will take place.”

“Have a good day sir” Potter responded back as he began to walk towards the door, giving Severus another look of pure loathing before he closed the door behind him.

“Severus, what information have you brought for me?” Dumbledore asked as they heard the sound of the Gargoyle closing.

“The Dark Lord is aware of Draco’s failed attempt, but he was not furious at him for his failure, if anything surprised he got as far as he had.”

“As we all are,” Dumbledore said.

“Have you made any progress with the boy?” He asked, looking up from his chair at him.

“No, my attempts are futile as he thinks I’ve replaced his father’s rank among the Death Eaters” Severus said as he walked over and took a seat in front of the headmasters desk.

“Narcissa, how is she?” Dumbledore asked, but Severus knew he didn’t quite care about the well being of the boys mother.

“She’s not holding up to good, with Lucious in Azkaban and Draco’s failed attempt she’s completely bed-bound” Severus said as he remembered the witches wails as she clung to him, helpless and afraid for the repercussions of her sons failure.

“One would assume, when is the next Death Eater meeting?” Dumbledore asked.

“The 31st of the month,” Severus said.

“Oh, well, of course, the anniversary of his own failure,” Dumbledore muttered.

It was the first time that Severus noticed what everyone have been saying all along, Dumbledore truly did look weak and old.

But he also looked exhausted, Severus wondered what he did when he left the castle, of course he wouldn’t even tell him, as he was very secretive of his plans.

He wouldn’t even tell him what lessons he was teaching the boy or what memories he was showing him, in fear the Dark Lord would see it in his mind. But there he was granting Potter permission to discuss important information to his friends.

“And the Madam, how is she?” Dumbledore asked, breaking the silence that had fallen in the room.

"She's upset," Severus stated.

"Is she?" Dumbledore asked nonchalantly. “Why is that?”

"She thinks I was with another woman," Severus responded, "intimately."

"Is there a reason why she believes that?" Dumbledore asked, lifting his gaze towards him.

"It was from the night I received Narcissa's message, she tends to wear lingering perfume and she smelt it on me and assumed the worst of me” Severus said as he remembered the girls accusing gaze.

Just how broken she had looked when she thought he had been with another woman.

“Did you disclose with her the situation?” Dumbledore asked.

“No of course not, as it would've only confirmed Potter’s accusations about Draco’s involvement, in fact, we haven’t spoken since that night.” Severus said, he hated having to share his marital problems with the old man.

But it was proving necessary, as he would need his permission to share his whereabouts with the girl, as he didn’t know how much longer he would be able to keep his distance from her.

"Ah, I see and wouldn’t it be better if you just allowed her to believe that you are having an affair with another woman?" the headmaster said which caused Severus to shoot the man quite an angry look.

"And why would I do that?" Severus asked, furious that he would suggest such a thing.

"Well, you can't explain to her the situation, as you said it will only confirm Draco’s involvement, as there would be no other reason why narcissa needed comforting.”

Severus didn't respond as he was lost in thought. Dumbledore was right. If he explained to the girl who he was with, she would immediately know why Narcissa needed comforting.

"Besides, it certainly would help put a distance between the two of you, which will allow her to get closer to Harry, he will need all the help he can get processing all the information I have been giving him through our lessons."

"I thought that's what you wanted? For me to get close enough to the girl, so that she confides in me information that Potter keeps to himself?" He asked and Severus felt enraged at the old man’s words.

"Yes, yes, yes, that's exactly what I had wanted. But from what I can see, the girl is completely infatuated with you. In love , if you ask me, and what help will that be to us if she chooses to spend her time with you and not Harry?" Dumbledore asked which struck a nerve.

Severus felt his jaw clench and he was sure that if looks could kill, the old man would've been dead sooner than they had planned.

"She's aware of my friendship with the Malfoys, surely I can come up with a plausible explanation as to why I was with her,” Severus said to calm himself from losing his temper with the headmaster.

Dumbledore just continued to look at Severus in silence, as if he was reading him like an open book. And even Severus knew, that as powerful as Dumbledore was, if not even the Dark Lord was able to use legilimency to successfully access his mind, Dumbledore didn’t stand a chance.

But it did raise the question, what could Dumbledore possibly be looking for, that Severus wouldn’t be able to tell him himself?

And suddenly as if he had found what he was looking for, a small smile flickered across the old man’s face.

"I trust that you won't go against my wishes and will not reveal any important information to the girl," he said. “But you are free to give her any explanation that will put you once again in her favor.”

_______________

Allow her to believe you’re having an affair with another woman , Severus kept thinking of the headmaster‘s words as he applied pressure to the bridge of his nose to relieve the pressure that was building as he sat and waited for his next class that would be arriving any minute.

Severus didn't know why, but it bothered him so much to know that the girl thought of him so low, that she believed him capable of committing adultery.

Loyalty and honor were the two things Severus valued the most.

Even with those he hated most, he was able to acknowledge those traits if they possessed them, The Marauders for example, he was able to acknowledge, that of the many things they were, loyal friends they were to one another even through death. (Besides for Wormtail of course, who had no sense of morals.)

But he had bonded himself to the girl, had given her his word, had proved to her time after time that he was her’s and yet she still had not trusted him.

And although he knew the marriage was a sham and there were no deeper feelings on his part, he was fully aware of the girl's fast growing affections towards him.

I love you, Severus remembered the girl's slumbered declaration.

He hadn't given it much thought, in fact he tried not to think too much of it. As he tried his best to convince himself that he had heard her wrong.

But the more time that passed, he couldn't avoid the way her eyes would light up whenever he walked into the room or the way her smile would widen whenever she caught sight of him.

And as they continued being more intimate with one another, the more he could feel the girl feelings growing deeper and deeper.

The girl's feelings towards him were a nuisance, a mere inconvenience.

The last thing he needed in the midst of war was for the girl to develop a school girl crush on him, that he was sure would soon come to end once the war ended and she found another unfortunate man to ambush.

And it was clear he was failing miserably at his own self appointed task, keeping the girl at arm's length.

Perhaps Dumbledore was right and having the girl believe that he was having an affair with another woman would be the best thing to do.

_______________

Hermione’s POV

Hermione had not seen professor Snape all day, not at Breakfast in the Great Hall, not in the corridors. And not even in their chambers or his office when she had gone in to retrieve her books for her afternoon classes.

With each day that had passed by Hermione had slowly began to realize he had been right along, she had no right to demand anything from him.

Hermione now stood outside in the snow catching small snowflakes on her tongue. And for the first time in the last few days, she felt as if she could breathe normal again.

A long walk around the castle was all she had needed to come to her senses, as when she was walking around the castle Hermione realized just how much life the walls have seen, how much past.

And it was then that Hermione realized just how little of his life she knew, she knew he had been with other women in the past as he had shared with her, but Hermione didn’t know if perhaps there had been a woman in his life when she had selfishly forced him to marry her.

What if this woman had been in his life before her, the thought crossed her mind.

What if Hermione was the other woman all along, just because she was technically his wife, it didn’t automatically mean she was entitled to him, Hermione’s cruel thoughts haunted her.

Hermione wasn’t even sure he liked her.

How could he? After everything she had taken from him. She refused to take more.

If there was another woman who he wished to be with, then Hermione would just have to find a way to accept it.

Hermione took in a deep breath as she reached his classroom and gently knocked.

She had chosen to go to him now, in the middle of the day on her free period while classes were going on, as it would give her a couple hours to gather the pieces to her broken heart before they had to be intimate.

"Come in" she heard his voice call out.

She opened the door and awkwardly made her way in. He sat behind his desk grading papers and had not bothered to look up at her.

“Professor,” Hermione said softly and he quickly snapped his head up at the sound of her voice.

For a second he looked taken back, as if he hadn’t expected it to be her, before he cleared his face of all expression and just looked at her.

“Um…I wanted to talk to you, if you have a moment to spare.” Hermione said softly as she looked over to the stack of papers on his desk.

“I have ten minutes until my next class, make it quick,” he said as he stood from his desk and began to make his way towards his private office.

Hermione quickly stepped inside and looked up to see that he waiting for her to start talking.

"Well…I wanted to apologize to you for my behavior on Friday" Hermione mustered all her courage to say in one quick breath but kept her gaze at her feet.

But he didn’t respond.

After a few seconds of silence she brought herself to look up at him to see that he had been looking down at her with an odd expression as if he was confused.

Clearly, he had not been expecting an apology from her.

"I—um, well, I shouldn't have reacted the way I did, and well I've been avoiding you, I don't know if you've noticed or really…cared enough to notice" hermione added as he still remained silent, "And well, after a few days of thought, I've come to realize that I've been very selfish. I demanded that you marry me even after you expressed that you did not wish to marry me, and I went to the Headmaster and demanded to live with you even after you had expressed once again, that you did not wish to share living quarters with me.” Hermione looked up at him again to see that he still looked perplexed with what she was saying.

“When I did all those things, I had only been thinking about myself. Finding a way to protect myself to keep my parents safe from harm. And well...not wanting to be away from you.” Hermione felt her face flush at her confession as to why she had been so adamant about living with him.

“I never really thought about how I was disrupting your life. I never thought about any sacrifices or changes you would have to make to accommodate me into it…so I guess…what I'm trying to say is..." Hermione said as she took a deep breath in, as she prepared her heart for what she was about to say.

"Well, if there is another woman whom you wish to be with, I will try my best to not stand in the way of that" Hermione said trying to swallow the knot that had formed in her throat.

"Mmm, is that so?" He asked almost mockingly after a few seconds passed by, with both of them just standing in silence after her long speech.

Hermione slowly nodded and tried her best to blink away her tears that were threatening to spill.

"You don't seem so confident about that" he said, clearly seeing through her bluff.

"W-well I'm not, but I'll find a way to be okay with it" Hermione whispered.

And with that he let out a chuckle.

A chuckle.

Hermione quickly looked up at him and felt her face flush a mixture of anger and embarrassment; but mostly anger.

Here she was pouring her heart out to him and he was mocking her? Laughing at her?

"I don't know why I even bother," Hermione said, balling her hands into fists.

"You're mean and you're a bully. And you take great pleasure in belittling those around you any chance you get" Hermione felt her tears now streaming down her cheeks. She knew she shouldn't let his mocking get a reaction from her but she couldn't help it. This was not at all how she had intended things to go.

"Ah, and would you like to know what I think about you Miss Granger?" Professor Snape asked as he raised a brow at her.

And Hermione no longer wished to be in his presence, as she knew he would have nothing good to say about her and turned to leave his office but before she could open the door she was quickly spun around and pushed up against the door.

“No, I’m going to tell you what I think of you, or were you under the impression I didn't have any opinion of you?" Professor Snape asked as his face was now only a few inches away from her face.

"I think" he said leaning down closer so that his nose dug into hers and Hermione could see his anger very clearly as he spoke through gritted teeth, "that you are a bossy little chit, who walks around demanding and expecting to be accommodated with no regards for others.”

Hermione couldn't hold in the small whimper she let out as she broke out in a small cry. But it didn't seem to stop him.

"You walk around the castle with your head so inflated with the believe that you really are the brightest witch of your age....but I have yet to see any proof of that.” He snarled.

“You are just as much of a dunderhead as your friends. Immature and spoiled, and most of all, you are correct, you are incredibly selfish!” he said harshly.

"What? You can dish but you can't take Miss Granger?" He asked mockingly.

“I am not afraid to hurt your feelings” he said as Hermione let out another cry.

"P-please let me go" Hermione cried as she closed her eyes shut and now broke out into a sob.

"Why should I? You said it yourself, I take great pleasure in belittling those around me, and right now I'm taking great pleasure in belittling you.” he responded.

And Hermione continued to cry as she felt herself shaking against him as he continued to press her against the door.

"Stop your crying you insufferable girl and think back to our wedding" he finally spoke again.

Hermione sniffled out as she tried to think back to it, but was failing to do it at the moment.

“Clear your head and think back!” He said and Hermione tried her best to stop herself from crying.

It took a few minutes of her closing her eyes and sniffling to stop her tears and she suddenly remembered as she managed to clear her mind.

The bond.

"Of course" Hermione whispered as she sniffled again.

She felt a rush of embarrassment flood through her, he was right, even if he had wanted to be unfaithful to her, the bond wouldn't have allowed him too. Hermione wasn't sure what would happen if he did but she didn't want to find out.

She looked up at him, embarrassed for everything that she had caused and bit her bottom lip to stop it from further trembling. As she now wanted to cry for having doubted him.

"I'm sorry, I forgot about the bond" Hermione whispered softly.

"Stupid girl, it's much more then the bond, it was in my vows, vows that I chose!" He snapped.

"Recite them" he demanded.

And Hermione felt like a little girl getting lectured. She slowly released her bottom lip that she had been chewing on and slowly and softly began to recite.

"I, Severus Tobias Snape, take you, Hermione Jean Granger, to be my lawfully wedded wife.

To have, to hold
For better, for worse
For richer, for poorer
In sickness and in health
To honor, to protect
To be devoted and faithful
For as long as we both shall live"

Hermione closed her eyes once she finished, she was embarrassed and ashamed for having accused him, for even thinking that he was the kind of man to take another woman as a married man.

Hermione had always known he was a good man. There was no doubt in that, he had proved it time after time. Yet she had allowed her emotions and insecurities to get the best of her.

"I'm sorry" Hermione whispered as she felt her tears begin to fall again and she quickly raised her hands to cover her face as he finally took a step back and let go of her.

"I should have done a better job of explaining the situation better to you, but seeing as how you reacted, it was hard to reason with you, I wanted to wait until you came to me" Professor Snape responded.

There was a long silence that fell in the room as Hermione sniffled and tried her best to stop herself from crying.

“Who were you with…that night?” Hermione asked, now that she knew he wasn’t intimate with another woman she still wished to know who he had been with and the reason as to why he had came home smelling of her if nothing had happened.

She watched as he looked down at her, anger flashing across his face for a moment, but he didn’t seem to be angry towards her, as he took in a deep breath before answering her.

"I can't disclose the situation with you, as it pertains important information that I’m not allowed to discuss with anyone," he said.

And Hermione scrunched her eyebrows in confusion. She knew she shouldn’t be asking any more questions, but she couldn't help but wonder what kind of situation would have him coming home smelling of another woman.

And as if he had read her mind Professor Snape loudly huffed in annoyance.

"I was comforting a friend" Professor Snape responded. “Just comforting.”

"So there is no other woman?" Hermione asked, wiping her cheeks dry with her sleeves.

"I just told you, I was comforting a friend" Professor Snape responded.

"But...now that I have your blessing, I might just take you up on the offer" he said, taking a few steps back away from her.

"No! No! No! I take it back, I take it back" Hermione rushed to say, as it was her now who took a few steps closer to him.

And he let out a small laugh, a genuine laugh as he looked down at her.

"I thought you were done being selfish Miss Granger?" He asked with a smirk.

"I—um, well, I can't help it...not when it comes to you" Hermione said in a small whisper.

"Mm, the feeling is quite mutual" Professor Snape muttered so low Hermione wasn't sure she heard him right.

And before Hermione could see the look on his face he turned and began to walk back towards the door that separated his office and his classroom.

“Have a good rest of your day Miss Granger, I will see you in our chambers later this evening,” Professor Snape said as he turned to give her one last glance.

And Hermione couldn’t help the wide smile that spread across her face.

“Have a good day Professor, I look forward to tonight” Hermione said as she pursed her lips together to stop herself from smiling as she couldn’t contain her happiness. And she watched as he left his office without another glance.

Hermione quickly patted her eyes and cheeks dry with the sleeve of her shirt and brushed her hair down with her hands.

And Hermione couldn’t contain the happiness she felt as the day passed by, and Hermione began to count down the hours to when they would be alone in their chambers again, making up for all the lost time.

Chapter 22: Wise Men Say, Only Fools Rush in

Chapter Text

Standing behind the bathroom door, Hermione took in a deep breath as she tried her best to muster all her courage and step back out into their bedroom. But was failing to do so as she was extremely nervous.

The second she had stepped into their chambers she had quickly, without as much of a glance at him, made her way into the bathroom and began to freshen up.

She didn’t know why she was as nervous as she was, they had been intimate with one another plenty of times before now, but it was the first time they were going to be together again after many days of not speaking to one another. And Hermione wanted the night to be perfect so that it would make up for everything that had happened between them.

She wanted to prove to him that she was sorry for what she had done because she still felt terrible for questioning his loyalty.

Hermione had never really been a jealous person in the past, but she couldn't control the way she had responded, as now just the mere thought of another woman being within a few feet of him was enough to send her into a jealous rage.

Progress. Tonight, they would make progress. Hermione tried her best to reassure herself as she closed her eyes, took another deep breath, opened the bathroom door, and returned to their dimly lighted room. The lamp on her nightstand was the only source of light.

Standing in the doorway, Hermione saw that he was already in bed lying on his back with his hands folded behind his head, looking up at the ceiling deep in thought.

She quickly walked over to his side of the bed and gently pushed aside the bed covers that hardly covered him and slowly began to straddle him.

He didn’t say anything as she did, instead placed both his hands on her hips and helped her settle down onto him.

Hermione let out a small gasp as he slowly began to run his hands up her thighs, forcing her black nightgown to rise until he completely pulled it off her, her nipples quickly hardening at the sudden coldness of the air.

Hermione gently began to rock her hips against him and gently placed both her hands on his slightly exposed abdomen and began to run her hands up his chest until he abruptly sat up to allow her to pull his nightshirt off of him.

Taking advantage of the new position, Hermione quickly wrapped her arms around his neck and looked down into his eyes as she began to roll her hips against him until she could feel his erection through his trousers.

She let out a yelp of surprise as he tightened his arms around her waist and gently rolled her over, laying her on her back.

Hermione watched as he struggled to free his erect penis from its restraints and gasped at the warm contact as he began to lazily run it up and down her lips lubricating himself with her nectar, before gently placing himself against her anticipating opening.

He prolonged their joining as he lowered himself onto her and gently placed a soft open mouthed kiss on the crook of her neck, and Hermione felt as her entire body erupted with goosebumps as he placed another one before lifting his head and placing his forehead against hers.

“I’m sorry I doubted you” Hermione whispered low as she furrowed her eyebrows to stop herself from crying.

“I’m sorry I’m so selfish…” Hermione whispered as she looked up at him. “I just want you all to myself.” Hermione confessed, as she lifted her head from the pillow and placed a gentle kiss against his lips.

There was no point in hiding her feelings for him anymore, she had made it quite clear that she did not wish to share him with anyone.

“You’re all I can think of” Hermione said as she began to place gentle kisses against the side of his cheek and jaw “You quite literally consume me.”

“You have bewitched me, body and soul…” Hermione inhaled a deep breath as she realized what the next part of the quote was.

“And I…” Hermione looked up at him, no, she couldn’t…

“I never wish to be parted from you from this day on.” Hermione whispered. Hopefully, he wouldn’t know the part in the quote that she had skipped, after all he said so himself, he steered away from Jane Austen.

But for a small moment, it seemed as if he knew she had skipped that part, his eyes bored into hers as if searching for something that belonged to him, and Hermione let out a small gasp and her mouth slightly fell agape as he slowly, very slowly, began to impale her.

Oh god how Hermione had missed him, the few days that they had been apart had been extremely difficult. Living together, being in each other’s presence but not quite one…had been extremely distressing.

She had missed his touch, had even missed his scolding and bad moods.

Hermione quickly wrapped both her arms around his neck and let out a small whimper into his ear as he began to slowly pull out of her before quickly thrusting back into her.

Hermione let out a shaky breath as she lifted her head once again and pressed her lips against his and practically melted into him as he kissed her back with just as much passion and just as much desire.

Hermione gently placed her head back down onto the pillow and pulled his lower lip back with her and heard as he let out a pleasured groan as she released it.

“What have you done to me you insufferable witch?” he said harshly as he placed both his arms on either side of her head, trapping her head between them.

“What have you done to me” he grunted again as he began to quickly pick up his pace. Hermione quickly wrapped both her legs around his waist and began to dig her nails into his back, as he showed no mercy and began to pound into her at a much faster and harder pace than before.

Hermione let out a series of loud moans as he brushed against her most sensitive realm.

And he let out a strained grunt as he placed an arm under her neck to support her head as he grabbed a handful of her hair with the other.

“You drive me mad,” he said as he released a deep groan.

“I don’t know what to do with you,” he groaned again as he pulled her head back into the mattress.

“You don’t know what you do to me.” He growled out in a strained groan as he lowered his head and gently began to dig his teeth into the side of her neck and began to nibble down the crook of it, where he knew was her most sensitive spot.

Those were definitely not declarations that one would expect to have her coming undone, but Hermione couldn’t help the loud high-pitched cry she released as his words and actions brought her to the highest level of pleasure her body and mind could ever reach.

Hermione felt her muscles contract around him as she let out a gargled cry and dug her nails deeper into him. Professor Snape buried his face in her neck and with one final grunt, buried himself deep inside her and began to release himself inside her.

They both remained still as Hermione continued to cling onto him and he kept his hand behind her head as he lifted his head from her neck and pressed his sweaty beaded forehead against hers.

“That was….really good,” Hermione let out in a shaky breath as she looked up at him.

But he didn’t respond, instead, he pulled himself out of her and threw himself over to his side of the bed.

Both of them were damp; covered in sweat and smelled of sex but Hermione didn’t care as she wrapped herself around him and pressed a gentle kiss against his chest and tasted his salty musky flesh.

She felt whole again. As if the part of her that had been missing was back inside her.

Hermione’s thoughts couldn’t help but go back to the quote that she had recited to him. It was her favorite part of the book that she had read over the years but she never knew the true meaning behind the words until now.

You have bewitched me, body and soul, and I love… I love… I love you. And I never wish to be parted from you from this day on.

But she didn’t. She couldn’t be.…

She was aware of her strong feelings for him but she wasn’t in love…surely all those feelings she felt for him weren’t feelings of love.

But Hermione couldn’t deny that she was experiencing overwhelming new feelings and emotions that she hadn't been aware a person could feel all at once.

Comfort, warmth, pain, longing.

Hermione buried her face down into his chest as realization hit her.

Love

She's a fool in love. And it has only been three months since they married.

She supposed it was true; only fools rush in.

She knew he was awake, but she couldn’t face him, couldn’t look him in the eyes in fear that he would somehow know her revelation.

That he would somehow see it in her eyes, and she was sure that the moment he found out that she had foolishly fallen in love with him he would push her away, and they would go back to avoiding one another. And Hermione wasn’t sure her heart could handle being apart from him any longer.

So for now, she would just have to keep that to herself.

_______________

Severus’s POV

Severus woke up with the morning sun seeping through the small vertical narrow windows that he had placed in many years ago when he had first started his teaching post. As he had always been a nocturnal being, he would often get lost in his endless endeavors and he would often find that the days would start to blend together, and Severus had no way of knowing when a day ended and a new day began. But Severus regretted that he had done so, as the bright rays of the morning sun blinded him.

But his irritation for the bright sun quickly faded as he looked down at the sleeping witch who was pressed up against him with her hand draped over his waist and her face facing up at him. Severus could see the rapid flutter of her eyelashes and he knew she was in rem sleep.

Severus raised his hand without thinking, and with his pinky, gently pushed the strands of her unruly curls behind her ears as he was sure they were tickling her face. He let his hand linger, and with the back of his fingers lightly brushed her cheek as she let out a soft moan at his warm touch.

Severus had grown used to waking up with the girl pressed up against him, in the past he would often push her back onto her own side of the bed or would wake her up to scold her, but he couldn’t find it in himself to do so as he knew she must be sleep deprived from all those restless nights. So he allowed it, just this one time.

Severus continued to look down at the girl as he continued to lightly stroke her cheek with his hand until reality settled in and Severus quickly dropped his hand.

Oh how the girl bothered him. She truly was insufferable even in her sleep.

Severus slowly tried to get up from the bed so as not to wake her, but was unsuccessful as the girl moved in her sleep and tightened her hold on him.

It was like being caught in the devil's snare. The more he attempt to move, the more the girl held onto him.

Severus tried his best to relax his body as he wrapped his arm around the girl and pulled the girl into a tight embrace before slowly pulling her back onto her back.

He allowed himself one last final look at the girl before rising out of bed and walking over to the bathroom to shower and get ready for the day.

When he finished and stepped back out into the bedroom he saw the girl perched up on the bed with the cat on her lap, her hair twice as big as before.

But she appeared well rested and seemed to have woken up on the right side of the bed, as Muggles liked to say, and she greeted him with a broad smile.

“Good morning!” The girl said as she got up from the bed, walked to where he was standing, and put the cat down.

“Is it?” Severus asked, he truly did not understand how someone could wake up with as much energy that early in the morning.

“It appears to be, the sun is making an appearance” the girl said as she turned her head to the side and looked out the thin window.

And Severus felt his body stiffen as his gaze dropped to the girl's abused neck. He had left visible marks on the girl’s body, a few hickies and a few bites.

Thankfully, they were only visible towards the crook of her neck and her shoulder, so the collar of her school uniform would cover them, but it didn’t stop the twisted feeling his stomach felt at the sight of them. As it was evidence that he had allowed himself to get carried away, that he had allowed himself to enjoy her.

Severus grimaced at the sight and the girl's smile slightly faltered as she noticed the change in his face.

“I need to prepare for today's classes, don’t bother with the coffee.” Severus said coldly as he quickly began to make his way towards the door.

Her coffee was something Severus never turned down, as it was exceptionally good, but he was now starting to see the symbolism behind every cup of coffee she made him.

Even when she had been so angry and distant with him, she still always made sure to make him a cup in the morning, she would place a warning charm on it and would leave it on his desk inside his classroom so that it would be nice and warm when he returned from the Great Hall. And Severus would shamelessly take it every morning.

He took her coffee, took her kindness, took whatever love she had fooled herself into believing she had for him.

Took it all selfishly, knowing he would never be able to return it.

Oh how Severus hated the girl.

Hated everything about her, hated her untamable hair, hated her smile, hated just how spoiled she was, even hated that ginger cat she came with.

He walked into his classroom and slammed the door shut behind him and with one flick of his wand closed all the windows, not allowing not even a sliver of light from the sun to be seen.

He was sure he would be torturing all the students as they would have to miss out on the nice change of weather. But he didn’t care.

He flicked his wand once again and his chalkboard appeared at once and he quickly raised his wand again to clear it off and began to quickly write down instructions for today’s class. He would have them read all class again for the second time this week.

Stupid girl. Severus found himself muttering to himself over and over throughout the day.

Severus didn’t know why he hated the girl. He just knew that he did.

Having two masters to answer to, Severus was aware he was on borrowed time and the minute his true allegiance were revealed he was a dead man.

So the little control of his life he did have, he hated not being in control of it.

Hated not being in control of his mind or his body. And whenever the girl was around it seemed like he wasn’t the one in control of it.

He hated himself for the way in which his body reacted to her touch, her mere presence.

Hated the way his mind would often stray throughout the day and he would find himself wondering what the girl was thinking or how she was feeling throughout the day.

But most of all he hated just how clueless and oblivious she seemed to be to the effect she had on him.

Perhaps it was a good thing she wasn’t aware, as he was sure she would do what anyone in her position would; she would take advantage of the control she had on him to manipulate and use him to her advantage.

But there was a certain unfamiliar warmth he felt in his chest whenever she was around, a warmth he’d never felt before, a warmth he didn’t know existed.

A warmth he couldn’t seem to shake, but what scared him the most was that he didn’t understand what that feeling was.

_______________

After dinner, Severus chose to retire to their chambers instead of his classroom, as he usually did, to enjoy some peace before he had to leave to supervise a detention he had given to a couple of fourth-year boys who decided to blow up each other's cauldron as a way of getting back at one another.

But all thoughts of peace were lost as he heard the door to the chamber open and the girl walked in humming happily to herself. It appeared her good mood had not been spoiled by his behavior that morning.

“Oh hello,” the girl said as she took in his presence and looked taken back for a moment before she walked over to her school trunk and placed her book bag on top of it.

Severus watched as she pulled out a few books from it before walking over to the wooden desk that had come with the chamber that he had never bothered to get rid of even though he never used it. But it proved useful as the girl used it to do most of her schoolwork.

“How was your day?” The girl asked as she took a seat in front of the desk and turned to look at him.

“Extremely tiresome,” Severus said, not returning the question as he really did not care to know how the girl's day went, but given her good mood, it was safe to assume it was pleasant.

The room fell silent again, but not for long, as the girl began to hum to herself again as she opened one of the books in front of her and began to flip through it.

“Shouldn’t you be in the Gryffindor common room with your friends?” Severus asked, annoyed with her presence in their chambers. He had been looking forward to having them to himself.

“Yes, but I’m in such a good mood I didn’t want to spoil it by spending it with them.” The girl said as she let out a loud huff of air.

Which sparked his interest. She hardly ever spoke of her friendships with the Weasleys or Potter as she knew he didn’t like any of them. But he hadn’t known her to ever speak ill of them.

“Why is that?” Severus inquired.

“Because lately they’ve just been so annoyinggg ” the girl said as she dragged the word out.

“Ron with his obnoxious chewing and the way he just goes on and on about Quidditch as if it’s the only important thing to ever exist and Harry with his relentless conspiracies and his obsession with that stupid Prin—” the girl quickly stopped talking and turned to look at him, her eyes wide as if she had just revealed something she had not meant to.

“Obsession with what?” Severus asked as he raised a brow at her reaction.

The girl tried to play it off as a laugh as she looked down at her paperwork, red in the face.

“Nothing important really, just boy stuff” she tried to laugh again but Severus could hear the anxiety in her voice and he couldn’t help but wonder what the girl was going to say.

What has Potter been so obsessed with that the girl was scared to share with him.

“Anyway…and Ron defends him every chance he gets —which I think it’s only because he’s now quidditch captain and he wants to stay on his good side—” the girl continued.

“Anyway…what are you going to do for the rest of the evening?” The girl asked, clearly trying to change the topic of conversation.

Severus continued to look at the girl suspiciously as she was still red in the face and she cleared her throat to get his attention.

For now, he would just have to play it off as if he hadn’t caught on to what she had let slip. But he would soon have to try to get to the bottom of what Potter was up to, as he was sure it was not good and Dumbledore would want to be informed.

“I have some potions I need to brew and then I have detention with a couple of fourth years, so now will be the perfect time to brew them for extra work.”

“Ah—” the girl muttered and Severus could hear the disappointment in her voice. It was clear to him that the girl had been hoping to spend the evening with him. perhaps to make up for all those days that they had been apart.

“Can I help?” The girl asked.

And Severus looked up at the girl, he was going to turn her offer down as he did not wish to spend more time than needed with her but his words failed him as he watched her nibble on her bottom lip, hopeful that he would agree.

“If you don’t mind getting your hands dirty” Severus said as he stood from his chair.

The girl did a poor job in hiding her excitement as she quickly jumped from her seat and began to follow after him

Severus quickly opened the door to his private lab to reveal a small square room with walls that were lined with shelves upon shelves of large glass jars filled with slimy, revolting things, such as bits of animals and plants, floating in potions of varying colours.

And walked over to the small table that was in the center with a cauldron already sitting on top of it.

Severus turned to see that the girl was curiously looking around the room as if it were her first time inside the room as she had only briefly opened the door to look inside it when she first moved into his chambers and to his knowledge has never actually been inside.

Severus could see that she was trying her best not to look frightened at certain jars as she walked over to where he stood. She stood so close to him, almost as if she was scared the creatures inside the jars would jump out any second.

Severus reached inside his robes and pulled out the piece of parchment he had written down the names of the potions he had been requested by Septima Vector.

Severus wasn’t surprised she had come to him and asked him to brew a few potions for her as he had always brewed personal potions for his colleagues and acquaintances.

But what he had been surprised by was that she had come to him and not Slughorn, as he was now the new Potion Master at Hogwarts, but as he read down the line of potions she had requested he could see why she had not gone to him. As a few of them were sexual in nature.

Severus quickly flicked his wand and ignited the cauldron so it would preheat while he and the girl chopped all the ingredients that would be necessary.

“Here. Crush these and extract the juice from them” Severus said as he opened the glass jar of Sopophorous Beans and placed fourteen in front of the girl with a cutting board and a silver dagger.

The girl quickly lifted the dagger and sliced one of the beans in half and began to squeeze the juice out.

“No, don't cut, I said crush!” Severus couldn’t help but scold as he had given the girl clear instructions.

“But every recipe always says to cut the Sopophorous Bean in half to extract its juices” the girl tried to argue.

“How else will you improve your skills if you're not open to making changes?” Severus said.

“Here, like this” Severus said as he walked over to where the girl stood and quickly without thinking, placed both his hands on top of hers and forced her to take a hold of the silver dagger and placed it flat against the bean and began to crush it down until it released an excess amount of juice.

Severus felt as the girl stiffened and slowly turned her head to look up at him and Severus realized just how close he was to her.

He could feel her entire body pressed up against him and could feel the warmth of her breath as she looked up at him.

It was then that Severus realized he had never really touched her so intimately before, apart from when they had to copulate or the times they had shared a shower and bath. But that had been weeks ago.

Since then, Severus had made a conscious effort to avoid touching her as much as he could.

Severus quickly dropped her hands and took a step back as he cleared his throat and walked back over to the now steaming cauldron. Severus could feel his co*ck twitching in his trousers and tried his best to shift from foot to foot, as he didn’t want to have to reach over and adjust himself in front of her.

The girl however seemed to have gotten over the moment far quicker then he had, as she looked down at the silver dagger and crushed Sopophorous Bean deep in thought as if she was trying to make out some pieces to a puzzle, but quickly shook her head and began to crush the rest of the beans the same way Severus had shown her.

They worked in silence as the girl concentrated in extracting every ounce of juice she could from each bean and pouring it into a small glass vial. And Severus carefully sliced a few nutritional mushrooms.

And it wasn’t until she was almost done with half of them that she looked up at him.

“What potion are you making?” The girl asked as she watched him pour the cut up mushrooms into the cauldron.

“A hair replenishing potion,” Severus said as he began to stir the potion clockwise.

Severus watched as the girl looked up at his own hair and sneered at her for assuming he cared enough about his physical appearance to go the extra mile.

“It’s not for me,” Severus said coldly, and the girl turned pink in the face again as she averted her eyes back to the beans.

“Who is it for then?” The girl asked as she began to carefully crush another bean.

“Septima” Severus said calmly as he walked over to one of the shelves and pulled out a few dehydrated rose petals.

“Professor Vector?” The girl asked as she looked up again but Severus didn’t respond, as it had been obvious who he meant.

“Why?” The girl asked as he walked back over to the cauldron and began to pour three of the rose petals inside.

“She asked me for the favor” Severus said as he began to mentally count how many times he was stirring it.

“Why did she ask you?” The girl asked and it was then that Severus could hear the tightness in her voice. “Shouldn’t she have asked Professor Slughorn since he's the Potion Master?”

Severus didn’t respond as he now began to stir the potion counterclockwise.

The girl really was insufferable, he began to regret his decision in allowing her help. She had proved herself to be a jealous person after the last few days, but he had given her a reason to be suspicious, now, she was being unreasonable, the second she heard another woman's name in his mouth she was ready to jump on his neck.

“She might not be comfortable asking him given his age, and since he was once her Professor.” Severus said as he continued to stir to potion.

“And she’s comfortable asking you?” The girl asked, she had completely stopped her exertions and furrowed her eyebrows at him.

“She’s a long time colleague, I’ve brewed personal potions for the other Professors over the years as well.” Severus responded.

“Oh,” the girl muttered, Severus looked up and watched the girl take in a deep breath as she looked embarrassed for her jealousy and she smiled at him when she noticed he had been staring at her.

“That’s kind of you” the girl said as she gave him another smile, she seemed to have calmed down and came to her senses.

Severus let out a scoff as he looked back down at the potion which was now a deep shade of red.

Kind of him.

Those had not been his intentions when he had first agreed to, He had just started his teaching post and had not yet gotten to know any of the other Professors personally, outside of the fact that they had taught him.

But after the years went by he didn’t see any harm in brewing some personal potions for them from time to time as they often did favors for him as well.

Professor Sprout always made sure to keep his plant ingredients stocked, and Professor Flitwick was always happy to charm any cauldron to run for longer for potions that needed to be left on fire longer than a cauldron could provide.

They all seemed to look out for each other, but Severus viewed it more as he scratched their back they scratched his. Not that he was doing it from the kindness of his heart.

“It is very kind of you,” the girl said again as she had heard his scoff.

“Some of these potions are not easy to brew, they can be dangerous or take hours.” The girl said as she finished milking the last bean and walked over to where he stood.

“It was very kind of you to brew the Wolfsbane Potion for Professor Lupin—”

“Don’t!” Severus howled angrily, which startled the girl.

“Don’t call him your Professor, he’s not your Professor anymore,” Severus scolded enraged.

Severus hadn’t been aware of how angry he really was as he looked down at the girl who looked completely taken back.

It had suddenly struck a nerve to hear the girl call the wolf her Professor.

Severus was the girl's Professor, that’s what she always called him, in private, in class, in her sleep, that’s what she had called him when she had declared her love for him.

And he would be damned if he heard her address one of the Mauraduar’s that, he refused to let them take that from him.

“I-I’m sorry” she whispered low as her eyes filled with tears as they always did when he raised his voice at her.

Severus was sure she didn’t know what she was apologizing for, that she didn’t know why it angered him that she had called Lupin that.

But she didn’t have to know.

Just the same way he didn’t have to know why it bothered her that he was brewing potions for another woman.

Severus immediately felt a flush wash his own face as he understood the source of his rage. He had been just as jealous as the girl had been, but he hadn't been able to manage or contain it as effectively.

Quickly snatching the vial from her grasp, Severus added it to the prepared potion and began stirring. Making the potion's consistency thicker.

Despite his best efforts to control his rage, Severus continued to fume as the room fell silent.

The girl seemed to have taken notice, as she threw a couple of glances over at him, looking quite put down for having put him in such a bad mood.

“This one is finished, I’ll finish the rest when when I get back from detention this afternoon. Leave everything the way it is.They'll be responsible for cleaning things up.” Severus said as he waved his wand and vanished away everything that they had used.

“I’ll just wash my hands” the girl said as she looked down at her slimy hands and walked over to the sink.

“Oh no, Professor, scratch my nose, scratch my nose!” The girl rushed out as she turned her head to look at him as she couldn’t do it herself as she had both her hands under the running water.

Severus quickly complied and walked over to the girl and began to scratch the girl's scrunched up nose and she quickly relaxed her face as he relieved the itch.

And without her having to ask, as he had known the cause of where the tickle had come from, he raised both his hands and brushed the front strands of hairs away from her face and tucked them behind her ears. As her hair was now double in size due to the steam in the room from the potion.

“Thank you, Professor” the girl said softly as she looked up at him in that damn way she always did.

And Severus felt the tension on his shoulders relax at the sound of her voice calling him Professor again.

He had heard that title many times over the years and he never really cared for it, and at first when she would call him that, he felt sick to his stomach at the reminder that that was what he was. Her Professor. But he had grown used to it.

But there were times in which he longed to hear her call him by his name. Just to hear what it would sound like. To hear her call his name out in her sleep or as she org*smed, but that would be a step in the wrong direction. He would be allowing her to get too close.

Arms Length. Severus reminded himself as he dropped his hands back down to his side and took a step back from the girl.

“Close the door on your way out” Severus said before he turned and walked out of his lab.

_______________

Hermione’s POV

Hermione didn’t know how long she had been sitting at the wooden desk in their chambers finishing the homework she had cast aside, She looked down at her eight-inch essay and let out a loud breath of air as she still had another seven to go.

Hermione’s entire body felt stiff as she hovered over her quill trying to cram as many words as she could so she could fit in all the information she could manage.

She placed the parchment down in front of her and stretched both her arms back as she arched her back to relieve her back pain.

Hermione looked down at her watch and saw that it was still quite early, and she still had an hour until curfew.

Perhaps a walk around the castle would be enough to clear her head, Hermione thought to herself as she stood from her chair.

Hermione quickly stood and tapped the enchanted charm Luna had given her as she made her way out of his office unnoticed. Once she had placed a good distance between his office, she tapped the charm and once again became visible.

She walked around the corridors not surprised to find them empty as she was sure everyone else was in their common room trying to get through the mountains of homework they were all assigned.

She did, however, come across a couple of younger years running along the corridors jinxing each other for the fun of it, and as a prefect, she had to scold them and assign them detentions.

After about an hour of walking aimlessly around the castle, Hermione decided to turn back around and head back towards their chambers once again to finish the essay for ancient Runes that she had been working on. But as she took a sharp corner she bumped into what she would assume would be another sixth year.

"Merlin's balls I'm sorry!" Nymphadora's voice said as she sat up from the ground and looked up at her.

"Nymphadora!" Hermione said as she straightened herself, she had only stumbled backward. Unlike Nymphadora who had completely fallen backwards onto the ground.

"Hermione!" Nymphadora said as she took Hermione's extended hand and Hermione quickly pulled her up to her feet.

"I told you not to call me that!" she said as she patted the dust off her backside and thighs.

"I'm sorry" Hermione apologized, "what are you doing around the castle? I thought you were stationed at Hogsmeade?"

“I-I am…I just wanted to stop by to talk to Dumbledore, but he wasn't in his office" Tonks said and Hermione began to take in her appearance.

It had only been two months since the last time she saw her and she almost looked unrecognizable.

She appeared to be thinner than she last remembered, her hair was a shade lighter and her eyes appeared to be swollen as if she had been crying.

"Are you okay Dora?" Hermione asked softly before she could stop herself.

Tonk quickly looked down at her feet and Hermione could see that she had inhaled a deep breath.

"Um...yeah...of course...I was just—” Tonks stammered as she raised her head and started to look around the corridor, clearly trying to avoid Hermione's question.

“Come, talk to me,” Hermione said as she wrapped an arm around Tonks and walked them over to the side of the empty corridor so they could sit on the ledge.

"Tell me what's troubling you," Hermione said as they both sat down.

Tonks remained quiet for a moment. And Hermione could see that she was struggling to speak.

"It's...it's Remus," Tonks finally said softly as she looked up but avoided Hermione's gaze and Hermione could see that her eyes were now filled with tears.

"Ever since Hagrid's failed attempt to convince the giants to join our side, Dumbledore sent him to join the rest of the werewolves and try to get them to join...and I haven't heard from him since he left...I know it's ridiculous of me to bother Dumbledore with this…but I'm worried about him, the rest of his kind see him as a traitor for living among us...what if maybe something has happened to him?" Tonks said as her tears now ran down her cheeks.

"When did he leave?" Hermione asked as she patted her shoulder.

"At the start of summer, he has sent The Order a couple of updates since, but his last message was sent four weeks ago and we haven't heard from him since," Tonks said, her voice cracking as she lifted her hand to wipe her tears away with the sleeve of her coat.

"I know it's war...and we have to make sacrifices...but if something happens to him...I-I don't know what I'll do...I love him so much" Tonks said as she released a small sob.

"It's going to be okay Dora, you'll see..." Hermione said trying her best to comfort her but Hermione wasn't sure if it was going to be okay. She knew werewolves could be dangerous even amongst themselves, and just like giants, they kill their own kind.

“I just—I don’t know what to do, I can’t eat, sleep or think right. I just need to know that he’s okay, but Dumbledore has been busy. No one from The Order has heard from him since the start of term.” Tonks said, wiping her tears again.

Hermione remembered just how beside herself she was when she wasn’t speaking to Professor Snape, she wasn’t eating, sleeping or thinking straight either. But that had been different, this was a life or death situation. Professor Lupin could be in serious danger. And Hermione couldn’t imagine the heartache Tonks was experiencing at not knowing if the love of her life was alive or safe from harm.

Hermione didn’t know what to say, that would be of any comfort to Tonks, so instead she wrapped her arms around the crying witch and held her.

Held her for a long time until she pulled away, her entire face tearstained. Her nose red and congested, her eyes bloodshot red and completely swollen.

“I should go…it’s getting late and it should be past curfew for you now.” Tonks said as Hermione released her hold on her.

“Where are you staying?” Hermione asked.

“The Leaky Cauldron,” Tonks said, “the ministry is quite cheap; can’t complain though as it’s not coming from my own pockets.”

Hermione tried her best to laugh at Tonks comment as they both stood and began to make their way towards the entrance hall.

“Perhaps next time you could stop by for a drink, I share living quarters with Professor Snape.” Hermione whispered, very faintly so only Tonks would hear.

“You do?” Tonks asked shocked and Hermione simply nodded.

“Next time stop by for a cup of tea, okay? Don’t be a stranger” Hermione smiled and Tonks slightly returned her smile back as she wiped her tears away again.

“Okay, promise!” Tonks said as she began to walk towards the door.

Hermione stood and watched as she opened them and with a small wave stepped outside and they closed behind her.

Hermione quickly took in a deep breath of the cold air that had entered the castle when the door had opened and began to make her way back down towards their chambers.

Not afraid of being caught past curfew as she had placed the Don’t Notice Me charm on herself again.

When she entered their chambers she heard some commotion coming from inside his lab, and she assumed he was finishing the rest of Professor Vectors requested potions so she walked into the bathroom and began to get ready for bed.

When she finished she stepped out to see that he along with Crookshank were already in bed.

Hermione quickly walked over to the bed and put her lamp out before she crawled into bed.

“Where did you go?” Professor Snape asked as he turned his head towards her.

He had been lying on his back with his hands folded behind his head looking up at the ceiling like he always did.

“A walk around the castle, I needed to clear my mind.” Hermione said as she turned to her side to look at him.

“I ran into Nymphadora" Hermione said as she placed a hand under her pillow.

"What was she doing in the castle?" He asked as he turned his head back to look up at the ceiling.

"Looking for Dumbledore," Hermione said as she yawned out loud into her hand. "Poor thing, it makes me sad just looking at her and seeing how broken she looks."

Hermione felt her heart tighten in her chest as she remembered Nymphadora’s cries.

"I don't know why Dumbledore keeps her around, she's proven herself to be incompetent" Professor Snape said.

"She's an Auror, and she was very useful last year in the attack in the ministry" Hermione said in Tonks defense.

"She's weak. If anyone catches wind that she's a part of The Order and in love with the wolf they will use it against her to get information from her” he said. It didn’t surprise her that he knew Dora was in love with Professor Lupin, as most of The Order had been made aware.

“She’s not weak, she's just in love.” Hermione said.

“Love is a weakness, a weakness that could only be used against you” Professor Snape said. And Hermione furrowed her eyebrows as she looked over at him.

“I don’t think so, I think love is what makes us stronger,” Hermione said softly as she looked at him.

But he didn’t respond, instead, there was a loud silence that fell in the room.

“Has anyone heard from Pro—” Hermione quickly stopped herself as she remembered his anger from earlier that evening, “Lupin?” Hermione asked.

“No, and there is no way of us knowing where he is or if he even is alive.” Professor Snape said and Hermione felt horrified at the thought.

“He’s the only wolf in the Order,” Professor Snape continued. “Greyback is doing a much better job at convincing them than Lupin is.”

“What’s going to happen if something does happen to him?” Hermione asked. She couldn’t help but think of Harry, Nymphadora, and the Weasleys who had grown very fond of him.

“Same as when Black died, life goes on Miss Granger.” He said cruelly and Hermione felt her eyes begin to fill with tears at the thought.

“For some it doesn’t,” Hermione muttered as she remembered just how different Harry had been when Cedric died, and how different he’s now with Sirius gone.

Professor Snape seemed to have taken her words in as he looked deep in thought for a moment before clearing his throat.

“It’s late, let’s get some rest,” he said.

And Hermione quickly sat up and made her way towards him, she felt as his entire body stiffened as she gently placed her head against his chest and wrapped an arm around him.

She knew she was being selfish again and was taking liberties from him that he did not wish to extend but she couldn’t find it in herself to let him go, as the conversation of death had further dampened her mood.

Hermione wasn’t sure what she would do if she ever did lose him.

Hermione could hear his heart beating in his chest and she found comfort knowing that he was there with her .

I love you, I love you, I love you.

Hermione hadn’t realized she had been repeating those words over and over in her head to the beat of his heart.

How could she have fallen in love with him? Hermione asked herself as she ran a gentle hand up and down his chest.

How could she not have fallen in love with him?

He was a good man. Even if he didn’t agree, even if he had his walls so high up, no one could see past them.

He was good, kind (in his own way), but most of all, he was selfless.

He risks his life everyday for the benefit of others, and allows Dumbledore to use him to his advantage.

Although Hermione had greatly benefited from it, she couldn’t help but feel anger towards the Headmaster.

He was much more than just a pawn to his chess piece. He was a good man who deserved to be loved.

Hermione knew he was determined to put as much distance as he could between them but Hermione was just as determined to break down his walls and give him the love he deserved, but she knew it wasn’t going to be easy, so for now she would just have to keep her love a secret from him and start breaking his walls little by little.

After all, there was no harm in loving him… as long as he didn’t know.

Chapter 23: The Mirror of Erised

Chapter Text

Thursday, October 31, 1996

The days began to quickly fade away as Hermione struggled to get through the mountains upon mountains of homework they were being assigned daily. Hermione sat in the common room, reading through the eight chapters they had been assigned to read by Professor Sprout on the differences between poisonous and deadly plants.

Hermione, who had been sitting on an armchair by the fire in the Gryffindor common room, lowered the book she had been reading and peered over to Harry, who sat with his knees to his chest, looking out the window, lost in thought.

She knew what he was thinking and what today meant to him.

"Harry," Hermione said softly as she closed the book and placed it on the coffee table as she slowly made her way over to where he was sitting.

"Mmm," he hummed as he turned his attention toward her.

"Are you...okay?" Hermione asked in a low whisper as she sat down next to him.

"Yes, of course. Is it almost time for the Halloween feast?" He asked as he sat up and straightened his legs.

"Harry, it's not good to bottle all your feelings... I know things are changing, but we're still here; we aren't going anywhere," Hermione said. She wanted Harry to open up to her, to remind him that he still had Ron and her and that he wasn’t alone.

She wanted to be there for him when he needed her the most.

"I know..." Harry said softly as he looked down at his lap. "I just wish I could see them again, even if it was just for a moment," Harry said as he looked over to the fireplace.

"Perhaps there is a way," Hermione said softly as she bit the inside of her cheek.

She shouldn't. They could get into trouble.

"How?" Harry asked as he snapped his head towards her.

"The Mirror of Erised," Hermione whispered as she looked around to make sure there weren’t any listening ears.

"Dumbledore had it moved at the end of our first year, remember?" Harry said he was disappointed as he looked back over to the fire.

"Yes, Harry, but he had it moved back to Hogwarts now that Voldemort has returned," Hermione told him as she scooted closer to him so only he could hear what she was saying.

"I heard him telling—I heard him—he said he had it moved up in the mountain, in the cave, where Hagrid keeps Grawpy," Hermione said, and she could see Harry’s eyes light up as he straightened up.

A part of Hermione felt terrible for sharing this information with Harry; she knew she shouldn’t; she had heard Dumbledore telling Professor Snape when the Mirror had arrived to have Hagrid move it to the new location. She had not meant to listen in on his private conversation, but since she had discovered that Draco Malfoy was a death eater by listening in, Hermione couldn’t help it in hopes that they would reveal more important information.

Harry abruptly sat up from the ledge and quickly began to make his way toward the boys' dormitories.

"No, Harry, where are you going?" Hermione asked as she quickly followed after him.

"To get my dad's cloak," Harry said as he tried to get past Hermione, who had stood in front of him to stop him from disappearing into the boy's dormitories.

"No, Harry, you can’t!" Hermione demanded.

"You can’t stop me," Harry said as he tried to get past Hermione again, but she quickly stopped him.

"Harry, it could be dangerous!" Hermione insisted.

"Hermione, why did you tell me then?" Harry asked, annoyed.

"I shouldn’t have..." Hermione said, panicking. She should’ve kept quiet; she should’ve known Harry would want to go.

She had only revealed the whereabouts of the mirror to let Harry know that in the future there was a way of him seeing them again. Even if it was for just a brief moment, as he had said. But she hadn’t expected him to want to go there tonight; it was late, the Halloween feast was quickly approaching, and people would notice their absence if they didn’t show up.

"Hermione, you don’t understand... I have to see them...tonight of all days." Harry said as his expression softened and his eyes glistened.

Be a friend, Hermione. Hermione’s thoughts scolded her.

"Fine, but I’m coming with you —I won’t let you go alone." Hermione said as Harry opened his mouth to protest.

"Fine, I’ll go get my dad's cloak," Harry said as Hermione nodded and stepped aside to let him pass by, and he disappeared into the boy's dormitory.

When Harry returned, he was accompanied by Ron. And Hermione tried her best not to chastise Harry in front of Ron for fear he would take it, as she didn’t want to involve him.

"We’ll need to go through the hidden passage behind the mirror on the fourth floor. It will lead us into Hogsmeade undetected, and from there we’ll make our way toward the mountains without the cloak," Harry said in a hushed voice as they quickly made their way out of the common room.

They quickly looked around to make sure no one was looking before they threw the invisibility cloak over themselves and began to slowly make their way toward the fourth floor.

Hermione was surprised to see that all three of them still fit inside the cloak, as Harry and Ron had both increased in height over the years.

Hermione, however, was thankful she did not have to cram her head down for her feet to not be seen as she was sandwiched between them as they slightly squatted their feet not to be seen.

They were able to get through the mirror and quickly make their way through the hidden passage. As soon as they stepped out, Hermione wished she had brought along her heavier coat, scarf, and gloves, as the bitter wind felt like knives on her face and her cheeks quickly fell numb.

"I wonder why Dumbledore had it moved here?" Ron queried as they found their way into the cave.

The cave wasn’t as big as one would have expected, but it still gave off a certain eerie feeling, and Hermione quickly rushed over to stand next to Harry, as she always felt safe with him as he was exceptionally good in combat.

"He didn’t want it to fall into the wrong hands," Hermione said as she remembered Dumbledore saying he didn’t want Voldemort or any of the Death Eaters to hunt it down.

"Yeah, but why here? Isn’t he scared Grawpy will destroy it?" Ron said as they continued to make their way further into the cave.

"That’s exactly why he wanted it here, so Grawpy could guard it. And as for Grawpy destroying it, it can’t be destroyed; it has so much magical protection placed on it over the years that no fool would try to destroy it in fear of what might happen." Hermione said.

"Besides, Grawpy is a troll; I doubt he understands what it is," Hermione said as they continued to walk.

"He probably doesn’t even know it’s his reflection and thinks it’s another troll," Ron said, which earned a small laugh from both Harry and Hermione.

But their laughter was cut short as they reached the center of the cave.

"It’s not here," Harry said as he looked around.

"It should be," Hermione said as she too looked around.

The three of them began to look around for any signs of the mirror, and Hermione was starting to think Dumbledore may have moved it once again.

"It’s over here!" Ron’s voice echoed throughout the cave, and Hermione quickly rushed over to where his voice had come from.

Harry had gotten there first, and Hermione walked over to where they stood, staring inside what appeared to be another, much smaller cave.

"A cavern," Hermione said softly as the three of them now stood staring into the cave. Hermione could see a small shimmer of light being reflected by the mirror, and she knew it was in there.

"Who wants to go in first?" Ron asked as he looked over at them.

"I will," Harry said as he took a step forward.

"If you need anything, just give us a shout," Ron said as they watched Harry disappear into the darkness of the cavern.

Ron and Hermione stood in silence, waiting for Harry in case he did shout for help.

"How are you, Hermione?" Ron asked unexpectedly, and Hermione was taken aback as she looked over at him.

"Fine. Why do you ask?" Hermione asked.

"Just asking," Ron shrugged, "I feel like we hardly see you; you hardly make time for us."

"I do make time; it’s you guys who don’t make time for me. With all your Quidditch practices." Hermione said, angrily crossing her arms across her chest. She didn’t understand where this was coming from.

"Because it’s important to us, you wouldn’t understand. Besides, you’re the one always spending all your free time in the library; don’t you get tired of it?" Ron asked.

"No, I don't! And you could use picking up a book once or twice, as I’m sure your grades are evidence of your lack of studying since I haven’t been around to help you guys; that’s why you want me around, not because you guys miss having me around!" Hermione said it angrily.

"We’re getting through our assignments just fine without you!" Ron snapped back.

Hermione should be used to this by now—her constant bickering with Ronald. She had always made excuses for it in the past and tried to convince herself it was just playful banter between them, but now she realized just how annoying he could be.

"Let’s just stand here in silence and wait for Harry!" Hermione said.

"Fine!" Ron said as he, too, crossed his arms across his chest.

"Fine!" Hermione snapped.

They stood in silence, both fuming in anger waiting for Harry to come out. There was a moment in which Hermione was going to go into the cavern to make sure Harry was okay as he was spending a long time inside but didn’t as Harry appeared again.

He looked like he had been crying, but another part of him looked happy. The happiest she had seen him in a while.

“Who’s next?” Harry asked as he approached them.

“I’ll go” Hermione quickly said, not wanting to be polite, and offer for Ron to go next.

Hermione was still burning in anger from Ron’s comment implying she wasn’t making time for them, as if she was a terrible friend. But perhaps it was the guilty feeling that it was true that had made her so angry.

In the past, she had always spent whatever time she had (that she wasn’t in the library) doing schoolwork with them. But now she was spending most of her time with Professor Snape, trying to be in his presence as much as he would allow.

Hermione didn’t know how long she had been walking inside the cavern but came to a quick halt as she reached the end of it where the Mirror was leaning against a damp rock wall.

Hermione quickly took in a deep breath as she took a few steps toward the Mirror.

Since their first year, Hermione had always wondered what she would see if she ever did look into it. She wanted to know what her heart'sdeepest, most desperate desire was.

Unlike Harry, both of her parents were alive and unlike Ron, she didn’t have any siblings so she didn’t feel as if she had expectations to meet.

But she knew that her heart's deepest desire had always been to belong somewhere. loneliness was a feeling Hermione had always known far too well.

She had always felt alone when she was a child. She had known she was different, but she didn’t know why she was different from all the other children.

Neither did her parents and as much as they tried to hide it from her, Hermione knew they thought she was odd for all the unexplainable things she could do.

And when she had found out just how different she was and that there was a whole other world with other different people just like her, Hermione finally felt at home.

But the loneliness still followed her there, as she had no friends, and the friends she now had, she had worked so hard to get, as they also think she is different in the way she loves her studies and books.

And now with the ongoing war around them, reading the Daily Prophet on all the attacks on Muggles and Muggle-Borns, Hermione felt even more alone.

Hermione stepped into the center of the mirror and furrowed her eyebrows as her reflection looked back at her but nothing changed.

Perhaps that was her heart's deepest desire, to never change.

Hermione continued to look into the mirror until she let out a small gasp as she saw the reflection of Professor Snape appearing behind her.

Hermione quickly turned around, scared that they had been caught outside the castle, scared that he was there.

But he wasn’t.

Hermione quickly turned back around, only to find that her reflection had disappeared, and Professor Snape’s reflection now stoodlooking back at her.

He stood...alone.

Hermione took a step forward to get a closer look at him and quickly noticed that it wasn't Professor Snape she knew.

He appeared younger, much younger.

His eyes instead of appearing vacant and free of emotion like they typically did, now glistened as a wide smile spread across his face, a genuine smile as if he were happy.

Hermione took a deep breath at the sight and she felt her heart flutter at the reflection.

That’s what she wanted, for him to be happy. For him to be loved.

Hermione, though, raised an eyebrow when she noticed she wasn’t standing next to him as she would have expected herself to be.

That was what she wanted the most. For him to open his heart to her and fall in love with her just as much as she had fallen in love with him.

And Hermione realized that her heart’s deepest desire was not to be loved by him.

Her heart's deepest, most desperate desire was for him to be happy and loved.

Even if that happiness didn’t include her.

Hermione felt a tear begin to fall down her cheek as she smiled at the reflection in front of her, a small happy sob escaping her mouth as the reflection smiled back at her.

I love you, Hermione whispered to it.

She was determined to see that reflection a reality. To one day see him just as happy and full of life as he has appeared in the mirror.

She allowed herself one last glance before she stepped back and began to make her way out of the cavern.

Hermione quickly wiped her cheeks clean as she approached Harry and Ron who had been silently waiting for her. She assumed Harry must have been too deep in thought from what he had seen in the mirror to strike up a conversation with Ron.

Hermione didn’t say anything as she reached them, instead looked over at Ron and gave him a small smile that let him know it was his turn.

“No I’m good, I don’t need anything to sully my mood,” Ron said as he looked over at them.

Hermione and Harry both gave him a small humored smile as they began to make their way back out of the cave.

The walk back to the castle was completely silent between them as Harry and Hermione were both still deep in thought.

The reflection haunting Hermione’s mind.

“Come on, let’s get under the cloak” Harry finally broke the silence as they approached Hogsmeade.

“Great we didn’t miss the feast,” Ron said as they stepped out from the cloak and heard many footsteps approaching the Great Hall for dinner.

Hermione looked over at Harry and knew that like her, he had no appetite whatsoever.

“Come on!” Ron said and Harry and Hermione without saying a word to each other followed after him.

Hermione couldn’t help but look up at the head table as she always did and noticed that he was not there.

She was grateful that she had been completely distracted from their venture to ponder how his meeting had gone

He had warned her in the morning that there was a Death Eater meeting that afternoon before dinner but should be back before the feast.

What if he didn’t show up for the Halloween Feast? What if Voldemort kept them longer?

Hermione quickly lost the little appetite she had gained when she stepped into the Great Hall and smelt the delicious food that appeared in front of her.

He had assured her many times now that he was left unharmed. But Hermione still couldn’t help but wonder what went on in the meetings.

She had never dared ask as she had agreed to never ask questions.

“Go on without me,” Hermione said to Harry and Ron after the feast, as she looked over at the head table.

She gave them both a small smile before quickly making her way toward the other end of the Great Hall and quickly stopped as she reached Professor Dumbledore.

“Professor Dumbledore,” Hermione softly said to get his attention. He had been walking with Professor McGonagall lost in deep conversation about the nasty weather and he quickly turned around at the sound of his name being called.

“I’ll catch you later Minerva, it appears Miss Granger needs a moment of my time this afternoon.” Professor Dumbledore said kindly as he looked over to Professor McGonagall and she returned the smile and began to make her way toward the side of the staff doors.

“How can I be of service to you, Miss Granger” Professor Dumbledore said kindly as he looked down at her through his half-moon spectacles.

“It’s about him” Hermione whispered as she looked around to make sure the Great Hall was already cleared.

“Well of course,” Dumbledore said as he too raised his head to make sure there wasn't anyone present.

“I wanted to know if you have heard from him?” Hermione panicked as she shifted from foot to foot.

“There was a meeting, surely he would have informed you,” Professor Dumbledore said as he noticed her fidgeting.

“Y-yes of course, but he said he’d be back before the feast. I thought by now it would be over. they don’t usually go on for this long” Hermione said.

“Miss Granger, I’m sure you know what today is and the significance of it.”

“Yes, I do, that is exactly why I’m even more worried, what if he’s angry with all of them? What if he’s injured?” Hermione asked breathlessly, her voice panicking with every question.

“I can assure you, Miss Granger, he has never returned injured. He is much too valuable.” Dumbledore said.

Valuable. Valuable.

She had heard Professor Snape use that exact word to assure her he was left unharmed.

Hermione couldn’t help but give the headmaster a disgusted expression at his choice of words.

“He’s worth more than you think,” Hermione couldn’t help herself from saying. “He’s a good man.”

“Indeed, he is also a very powerful wizard himself, capable of taking care of himself,” Dumbledore said.

Hermione took a deep breath at the headmaster's words. Hermione knew he was capable of taking care of himself. But being able to take care of oneself sometimes required one to ask for help from others, which Professor Snape never did. He would much rather bleed out than call for help.

“But if he needed you or me how would we know?” Hermione asked and Hermione couldn’t help the anger that boiled inside her as the headmaster stood silent.

He didn’t know. He didn’t have a plan. He fully expected Professor Snape to fend for himself.

“He would send a patronus,” Dumbledore said.

It was clear to Hermione that he had just thought of that himself.

“Once again Miss Granger, you need not to worry,” Dumbledore said and Hermione wanted nothing more but for the conversation to end so she simply nodded.

“Thank you for your time,” Hermione said softly.

“Have a good night Miss Granger,” Professor Dumbledore said, giving her a small bow.

Hermione felt too angry with the headmaster to return his pleasantry so she quickly turned and made her way out of the Great Hall.

Hermione felt so furious, the headmaster's words had not at all been of any comfort to her, if anything just confirmed that she needed to worry more about his safety and well-being when he left for the meetings.

She continued to make her way down to the dungeons until she realized she hadn’t placed the Don’t Notice Me charm on herself and quickly rushed over to the dark side of the corridor and quickly placed the charm on herself.

Hermione stiffened as she heard loud footsteps quickly approaching her.

Hermione held her breath in fear of being heard and her eyes slightly widened as Draco Malfoy turned the corner.

But Hermione didn’t get the chance to take in his presence as she heard more footsteps approaching the other end of the corridor.

Hermione quickly snapped her head to look at who was coming and mentally groaned to herself as Luna appeared.

She was wearing her Spectrespecs as she looked around the corridor, clearly not seeing Malfoy or her as she continued walking in their direction.

Hermione, terrified that Luna would see her through her spectrespecs, quickly pressed herself even further into the wall.

The charm must be charmed for anyone wearing it not to appear on them. Hermione thought to herself as she watched Luna walk past her and quickly stop dead in her tracks as she noticed Malfoy standing at the end of the corridor.

“Draco Malfoy,” Luna said in the same dreamy voice she always spoke in as she lifted her glasses to get a better look at him.

“What are you doing down here in the dungeons, Loony?” Malfoy asked as he took a few steps closer to where Luna stood.

“Looking for Wrackspurts,” Luna said as she lowered her spectrespecs back down to her eyes. “Your head is still full of them.”

“You know, I’m starting to think this is all an act…no one could be as much of a lunatic. Not even you. So what are you playing at? Why are you following me around?” Malfoy asked.

With everything that had happened in the past week, Hermione had not had the chance to think of what Malfoy would have possibly been tasked to do.

Once she had come to her senses, she realized just who Professor Snape had gone to comfort the night that he had returned home smelling of another woman. He had returned from comforting Narcissa Malfoy.

But Hermione was now wondering what the task was, as she could hear the slight panic in Malfoys voice as he accused Luna of following him around.

“I’m not following you,” Luna said unbothered by his statement. “You just happen to be where I’m headed.”

There was an awkward silence that fell between them and Hermione wished she could sink further into the wall.

“You look like you’ve been crying again, are you injured?” Luna asked.

“I haven’t been crying!” Draco said defensively.

“Perhaps it’s all the Wrackspurt in your hair, they make your brain go all fuzzy.”

“Merlin,” Malfoy sneered at Luna, “you’re even more demented than I thought.”

Luna didn’t respond as she stood quietly smiling at him, clearly unbothered by his harsh words.

“Doesn't it bother you? That all anyone thinks of you, is some freak that walks around daydreaming about stupid creatures that only exist in that empty head of yours?"

"I don't let others' opinions of me affect me. Not that it takes great effort as I don't care much about what people think."

"That's obvious," Malfoy snarled.

"You know I reckon you would be happier if you stopped caring about what others thought of you"

"What? I don't care what others think of me!" Malfoy snarled again.

"Of course you do. You want others to see you like your father. Powerful, Influential, but as you see, you shouldn't make it a goal to follow up with your father as he's now in Azkaban. And the whole world knows what he is." Luna said softly, and Hermione knew Luna meant no harm. She had a certain way of always speaking what was on her mind no matter how it came out.

"Don't you dare talk about my father, you demented little girl! You don't know what you're talking about!" Malfoy spat as he took a few more steps closer to Luna but Luna didn’t appear to be scared as she simply shrugged.

"You think you and your crazy father are any better? Going around spreading false information about the ministry and Potter?” Malfoy sneered as he said Harry’s name.

But Luna didn’t respond, she once again appeared to be unaffected as she continued to smile kindly at Malfoy.

Malfoy seemed to have noticed her unbothered expression and he quickly seized her copy of the latest copy of the Quibbler.

"Give it back to me!" Luna demanded as she reached back for it.

"Give it back to me Malfoy!" Luna demanded once again.

"Why should I?” Malfoy asked as he lifted the Quibbler in the air, out of Luna’s reach.

"Give it back," Luna demanded again and it was the first time Hermione could hear any anger in Luna’s voice as she reached her hand out to try to get the copy back from him.

This only caused Malfoy to lift the magazine further up in the air and Luna tried to jump up and get it but failed.

"Give it!" Luna continued to demand and Hermione could hear the shaking in her voice.

Hermione quickly tightened her hand around her wand as she slowly raised it, but before she could do anything to help Luna, Luna stumbled backward and fell onto the ground.

Luna let out a small whimper as she looked down at her hands which were covered in dust particles from the dirty ground.

Malfoy didn't seem to care that it was his fault that she had fallen backward and roughly through her magazine down onto the floor next to her.

Luna quickly went to grab it but Malfoy in one quick motion stomped his foot down and prevented her from grabbing it.

"Stay away from me" Malfoy snarled down at her as he released the magazine from underneath his foot and quickly spun around and walked away from her.

Hermione couldn't see the expression on Luna's face as her back was turned to her, but Hermione saw that Luna's shoulder slightly started to shake as she looked down at her damaged magazine. And she could hear Luna’s sniffles as she stood up from the ground and began to make her way toward the Ravenclaw tower.

Although Hermione felt bad for what had happened to Luna, she couldn't help but feel relieved now that Luna would be keeping her distance from Malfoy, as she wouldn’t be a distraction anymore and Hermione would be able to follow him around and discover what he was up to.

Hermione quickly walked into his office to find that it was empty and showed no signs that he had been inside it.

Hermione quickly walked over to their chambers and opened the door and saw once again that they were empty.

He had not yet returned from the Death Eater meeting and panic rose inside her again as she walked back out into his office.

"He's going to be okay, he's going to be okay" she kept repeating to herself as she paced back and forth.

Hermione continued to pace around the chambers as she waited and waited and waited.

And she had to force herself to sit down on the armchair in front of the fireplace as the hours began to pass by.

She grew even more panicked with each passing minute.

She let out a huff of air and looked over at the clock that hung on the wall.

Only twelve minutes until midnight

Thursday, today was Thursday, Hermione’s thoughts reminded her.

What if he was injured and they couldn’t complete the bond? What would happen if they failed to complete the requirement?

But Hermione’s thoughts were cut short as she heard the loud pop of his apparition and she quickly stood up from her seat and quickly rushed over to him as he stumbled to his feet.

Hermione froze in place as she took in his Death Eater attire. He quickly tore the mask off and allowed the heavy hood to fall behind him and Hermione watched as he let out a small grimace and her heart stopped at the thought that he could be injured.

Hermione quickly took a few steps toward him and rushed over to assist him.

"Professor!" Hermione cried out as she attempted to free him of the heavy cloak.

"Let go of me, you stupid girl" he howled at her as he pushed her off of him.

"Are you injured?" Hermione asked.

"No, I don’t know how many times I have to tell you, he doesn’t harm me!” Professor Snape said as he staggered over to his desk.

"You’re intoxicated" Hermione observed as he took ahold of his desk to balance himself.

"What did he have you do?" Hermione asked as she walked over to him.

"That's none of your business!" He snapped.

"It's Thursday" Hermione reminded him softly, his eyes slightly widening as he snapped his head up to look over the clock.

Seven minutes til midnight.

"f*ck" he muttered as he began to try to remove the heavy cloak but failed to do so.

"Let me," Hermione said softly as she lifted her hands to assist him again but it only increased his anger as he grabbed her arm and forced her over his desk.

"Professor?" Hermione whispered as she heard him unbuckle his belt and heard as he began to help himself.

"Professor?" Hermione whispered again as she lifted her head to look behind her.

"Don't. Move" he growled out as he forced her head back down onto the desk.

Hermione's eyes immediately filled with tears as she felt him push her knickers to the side and thrust himself inside her without warning or without her being prepared. She let out a loud moan of pain.

And Hermione nowunderstood the importance of arousalas he abruptly shoved himself back into her after forcing himself out of her the first time, leaving her little time to adjust.

Hermione held onto the desk's edges for her life as he ruthlessly hammeredinto her. She could feel the side of her head rubbing against the wooden desk and Hermione tried her best to suppress her sobs as streams of tears fell onto the desk damaging the papers that her head rested on.

Hermione felt as if she was being sawed in half. It was very difficult for her to find pleasure in the rough way he was taking her. All she could do was cry into her arm and pray for the moment to be over soon.

Hermione heard him slam both of his hands on either side of the desk and with one last thrust pushed himself deep inside her and Hermione could feel him twitching and she knew he was finished.

Hermione winced from the pain as he pulled himself out of her, pulled his trousers up and slumped himself down onto the chair and threw his head back.

Hermione slowly and awkwardly sat up from the desk and turned to look at him. He had his eyes closed and had brought his hand up to rub the tension on his forehead.

She stood watching him for a moment and wondered if he was going to sleep there or go into their chambers. She didn't want him to sleep here as it would be uncomfortable for him. She wanted to help him undress and get into bed.

"Professor?" Hermione whispered as she straightened herself.

"Leave....go."

"Go Miss Granger!" he scolded as his eyes remained closed.

Not wanting to anger him any further, Hermione quickly complied and made her way into their chambers and tried her best to ignore the pain that shot through her with every step she took.

She quickly threw herself onto the bed and buried her face into the pillow as she began to sob into it.

Chapter 24: Imminent Danger

Chapter Text

Severus’s eyes shot open as his body gave a sudden jerk, waking him up from the hard surface his head was resting on. His heart was frantically beating in his chest as he looked around the room.

When he realized where he was, he raised his hand and ran it through the damp roots of his hair, as he had broken out in a cold sweat.

His head swam, and his stomach churned, threatening to empty itself, as he rose from his chair and walked over to the cabinet that hung in his office. He let out a frustrated groan as he struggled to find the right potion for his hangover.

Once he found the potion he had been looking for, he quickly threw his head back and grimaced as he swallowed it.

"Absolutely disgusting,"Severus thought to himself as he grabbed a couple of pain relief potions, walked back over to his desk, and sat back down on his chair as he waited for the potion to kick in.

Severus knew there were ingredients that he could use to help with the taste, but he didn't as he wanted to torture himself as punishment for his indulgence.

After a few minutes passed, the nausea started to fade away, but the throbbing pain in his head still lingered, so he took another pain potion.

Severus brought his hand to his forehead and began to massage his temple to ease the pressure as he waited for the potion to do its magic. Memories of last night came crashing through his mind.

He closed his eyes as he remembered the agonizing screams and pleas of those innocent muggles, witches, and wizards that had been openly displayed, hanging from the air using the spell he had created.

He could still hear the laughter and cheers as they were tortured under the Cruciatus Curse. He had wanted to help them but couldn't, as it would jeopardize his position.

He wasn’t forced to partake in the rampage, but Severus felt as if he had as he watched many of the spells he invented being used.

He was one of them. Just as evil and cruel.

But Severus never took pleasure in humiliating and torturing someone; he was no saint by any means, but he was not a sad*st.

The Dark Lord had been so angry that it was clear to everyone present that he was dissatisfied that they had made no progress. They had failed to acquire the prophecy, failed to infiltrate the ministry, and now Draco had failed to kill Dumbledore, which only furthered the Malfoys' disgrace with the Death Eater ranks.

The witch and wizard who had been tortured and killed were the parents of Susan Bones. Her father worked in the Department of Ministries and was one of the few who had heard the prophecy; thankfully, he was much stronger than he looked, was skilled at occlumency, and managed to close his mind through the torture until his body gave away and was fed to Nagini. How would he face Susan Bones knowing that he had witnessed her parents' terrible fate?

He had turned to alcohol to mask his disgust for his fellow man; he had wanted to forget the night and forget who he was.

He had succeeded as he had forgotten all about the girl, had forgotten just how meddlesome she was, and had forgotten that she would be waiting for him to return as she always did.

And had completely forgotten that the day was Thursday. Severus felt his heart tighten in his chest as he remembered the girl's soft voice over and over in his head.

He had used her in a way he swore he never would, had debased her, and had taken her like he would any of the whor*s or witches he had previously been with. But even then, they had been willing participants. The girl was gentle and tender and just wanted to help.

He would have her go to Dumbledore and allow her to show him the memory of what he had done.

Severus quickly straightened himself as he heard the door to their chambers open and watched as the girl slowly emerged from them.

She didn’t glance over at him as Severus would have expected her to; instead, she quickly strode past him over to the door and attempted to open it but failed as Severus quickly flicked his wand and locked it.

The girl didn’t turn around; instead, she stood frozen with her hand on the door, waiting for him to unlock it.

"I wanted to have a word with you," Severus said, breaking the silence in the room as he ascended from his chair.

The girl didn’t say anything as she continued to stand with her back turned to him, her hand still resting on the door handle.

"I want you to look at me when I talk to you," Severus said a bit more harshly than he had intended.

Severus didn’t know how to express his feelings. Although he had an abundance of skill when it came to magic and was a skilled wizard, he lacked emotional quotient and often failed to understand his own feelings and emotions.

He often suppressed them until they went away or ignored them until they overcame him, and he leashed them out in anger at a poor student in his vicinity. Preferably Longbottom, as he was spineless and was always too scared to defend himself.

He didn’t know how to apologize or make things right; that was what had caused him to lose Lily. He had apologized and begged for her forgiveness, but he had failed to understand why she had been so upset until it was much too late.

But the girl deserved an apology from him. And he would try his best to give her one.

The girl slowly, very slowly, turned around to face him but kept her gaze down at the floor, and Severus remained silent until she lifted her head to look at him.

And Severus wished she hadn’t.

Her eyes were swollen and raw; her cheeks flared as if irritated; and her nose was bright red as if she had been crying all night.

Severus inhaled a deep breath at the sight of the girl and felt his heart twist in agony.

He had done that, caused that pained look on her face.

"Take these; they should help with any pain or discomfort." Severus ordered as he tried to mask the pain he felt at her appearance.

Severus watched as the girl looked at the potion in his hand for a moment before walking over to take it from his hand, and Severus could see that she was trying her best to hide the limp in her walk.

"Thank you," the girl whispered softly before placing the potion between her lips and swallowing the entirety of it.

"I want to apologize to you for my actions last night," Severus said as he took the empty vial from her.

"You should know that, although it doesn't excuse my actions, playing into the role of a death eater is not one that is easy to step out of. It's not a switch you can turn on and off; there’s a transition process that I often use on difficult nights, and alcohol is one of them," Severus said.

"Last night was a more difficult night than usual, as it was the anniversary of when the Dark Lord failed to kill Potter." "He was exceptionally cruel."

"If I would've remembered it was Thursday, I wouldn’t have arrived intoxicated and wouldn't have forced myself onto you in the way that I did," Severus said softly as he looked over at the witch, only to see that she looked sympathetic.

Sympathetic, which only angered Severus.

She shouldn’t be sympathetic and understanding; she should be disgusted and resentful.

"I'm sure, once you go to Dumbledore and explain to him what happened, he will agree to release you from the marriage and find a safer alternative to protect your parents," Severus said as he turned his gaze from her.

"I don't want a different alternative. I want you." The girl finally spoke, and Severus snapped his head to look over at her again.

"You can't possibly be serious." Severus furrowed his eyebrows in disbelief. "After my actions from last night—"

"That wasn't you," the girl said, taking a step closer to him.

She was making excuses for him.Severus was completely taken back.

"I can assure you it was me, Miss Granger," Severus said as he took a step back from her, wanting to put a good amount of distance between them.

"It was a different side of you," the girl said, shaking her head.

"A side of you that you clearly are ashamed of.”

”What happened last night was nothing. You can't hold that against yourself, not when all of the previous times you have made sure I felt comfortable and safe." The girl said, taking another step closer to where he stood. The potion must have settled down, as she moved much more freely than before.

"I never stopped feeling safe," the girl said, and Severus took another step back.

Safe.The girl truly was more delusional than Severus had thought.

"If you won’t go to dumbledore, then I will," Severus warned, watching as the girl looked taken back for a moment.

"Dumbledore won’t care," the girl said, and now it was Severus who was taken back. He had never heard such contempt in the girl's voice before when speaking of someone, not even the Dark Lord.

"I accept your apology and forgive you," the girl said, her voice softening again as she took yet another step closer to him.

No, no, no, this was not going the way Severus had expected it to go. He had expected her to agree to go to Dumbledore; he had expected her to open her eyes and see what a monster he was. But she was making excuses for him. Forgiving him!

"You stupid girl!" Severus couldn’t hold in his anger. "This is your chance to be free!"

"Free?" The girl almost looked enraged. "Like I’m some kind of house-elf?" You’re forgetting, Professor, that I chose this! From the beginning, I chose this! I chose you!" The girl spoke, her voice rising with each word as she walked over to him, and Severus took a few steps back from the girl until his back hit the wall.

Severus didn’t say anything as he stood trapped between the wall and the girl. He was in total disbelief. He once again did not understand her.

"Is that why you did it?" The girl asked softly as her eyes welled with tears. "You were hoping I would go to Dumbledore and you would be freed from me?"

"Don’t be ridiculous; I wouldn’t go to that extent to be freed from you," Severus said, and he watched as the girl raised a hand to wipe away a tear that had fallen.

He had meant to assure her that his actions had not at all been influenced with the hope that he would inflict enough damage so that the girl would want to release him from the marriage, but clearly failed as she began to silently cry.

"I’ve accepted the marriage, Miss Granger," Severus said, and he watched as the girl’s eyebrows puckered together as she looked up at him.

Not with anger or sadness, but in the way she always did, with pure adoration.

And before Severus could process the situation, the girl launched herself towards him and wrapped both her arms around his neck, pulling him down towards her.

Severus furrowed his own eyebrows as he stood frozen with the witch wrapped around him. He didn’t understand what was happening.

"So you don’t want to be freed of me?" The girl asked into his shoulder as she sniffled.

And Severus realized why she had launched herself at him and was now crying. She had taken his comment as some kind of declaration.

Severus didn’t know what to say or how to feel as she slowly pulled away, but she kept her arms around him and looked up at him with her big brown doe eyes, and before he could stop himself, Severus slowly shook his head.

The girl let out a small squeal as she pulled him back into another tight embrace, but quickly released him as the sound of the bell was heard to announce that classes had started.

"I’m going to be late for Ancient Runes," the girl gasped as she pulled away. "I left your coffee on the kitchen counter!" The girl quickly turned to make her way back towards the door, but came to a full stop as she turned to look at him.

She slightly hesitated before she ran back to him and crashed her lips against his, pulling him down to her as she gave him a long, passionate kiss.

Severus stood frozen in place as she pulled away with a wide smile plastered across her face before she took off running again. And Severus didn’t know how long he had stood watching the door.

What just happened? Severus thought to himself as he walked over to his desk.

A situation that should have caused the end of their marriage somehow progressed it. And Severus felt that warmth inside his chest again as he brought his hand to his face and began to run his fingers across his lips.

What are you doing to me, you insufferable girl?" Severus thought to himself.

_______________
Hermione’s POV

Hermione ran down the corridors with the biggest smile on her face and was relieved to see that everyone was still queuing outside the classroom and that she had not been late at all.

"Hello, Hermione." Hermione slightly jumped at the sound of her name being called and turned to see that it was Luna.

"Oh, hi Luna," Hermione smiled at Luna as they stood waiting for Professor Babbling.

"Have you been crying? You look like you’ve been crying," Luna said in the same monotone voice she always spoke in, and Hermione couldn’t hold in the small laugh that escaped her mouth as she remembered that that was the exact question she always asked Malfoy.

"You don’t ask someone if they've been crying. "You ask if they’re okay." Hermione smiled, trying to subliminally give Luna advice.

"Are you okay?" Luna asked, taking her advice.

"Yes!" Hermione spoke as the door to the classroom opened.

Hermione couldn’t concentrate at all during all her classes as his words kept echoing through her mind, and she couldn’t help but feel extremely giddy. Harry and Ron kept asking her if she was okay, as her appearance did not match her attitude. She still looked a mess and appeared to have not gotten many hours of sleep.

She had cried all night, not because of what had happened but because she didn’t understand what had happened.

Everything seemed to be going in the right direction, but every time it felt as if their relationship was progressing, it seemed as if he did everything in his power to ruin it.

But he had apologized to her, and it was clear to Hermione that he was not used to being the one to apologize. She still wished it never would have happened but couldn’t help but be happy that it did, as it now brought them to where they were now.

"Hermione?" Harry asked, taking her out of her thoughts.

"Mmm?" Hermione hummed, turning to look at him.

"What did Professor McGonagall say to do?" Harry asked, and Hermione realized she had been zoning out and did not listen to what Professor McGonagall was saying.

"I don’t know... I wasn’t listening." Hermione whispered as she looked around to see what everyone was doing, and she was surprised to see that everyone was whispering to one another.

Professor McGonagall opened her mouth to address the class but quickly closed it as the door to the classroom opened and Professor Sprout stepped inside.

"Professor McGonagall, if you’ll excuse me, can I take Susan Bones out of your hands for the rest of the period?" Professor Sprout asked as she scanned the room to look for Susan Bones.

"Well, yes, of course," Professor McGonagall said, and everyone turned to watch Susan Bones gather all her belongings before she walked over and left the classroom with Professor Sprout.

Everyone looked concerned, as whispers as to why Susan Bones had been called out of class erupted all around the classroom.

"That’s enough! I expect all of you to turn your quill into a snake by the end of class!" Professor McGonagall’s voice rang out. "Remember, flick and swish!"

"Oh, that’s what she was saying; I thought she was saying flick the switch!" Ron muttered to himself, and it seemed that this was what had confused the class, as they all let out a synchronized 'ohh' and began to imitate the hand gestures Professor McGonagall had shown.

By the end of class, only Hermione and Romilda Vane had managed to transfigure their quill into a snake (to Hermione’s displeasure, as she would have preferred to be the only one).

By the time lunch arrived, the news of what had happened to Susan Bone's parents was spreading around like wildfire, and everywhere she turned, she heard whispers of Susan’s name.

Hermione couldn’t help but wonder if perhaps that had been the difficult night. She shuddered at the thought of what might have happened if it were true. All everyone knew was that they were missing, not that they had been found dead like Hannah Abbot's mother.

"I hope they find them soon; my parents keep threatening to pull me out if there are any more deaths." Parvati Patil was crying into Lavender Brown’s shoulder as Hermione stepped out of the bathroom stall.

"They're going to find them, Parvati, you'll see!" Lavender said as she soothed her back to comfort her.

Hermione tried her best not to make it known that she was there as she quickly washed her hands and made her way out of the bathroom. And Hermione let out a startled gasp as she almost came crashing into someone turning the corner at the same time.

"Hermione!" Nympadora Tonks beamed excitedly as she grabbed her arms to stop them from crashing.

"We have to stop meeting like this!" Tonks laughed. And Hermione could hear the happiness in her voice; she now appeared to be back to her normal self, lively and full of laughter.

"I have to go—I’m in a bit of a rush—Remus—he’s sent a message—he’s okay—he’s at Number Twelve, Grimmauld Place!" Tonks rushed out in one breath, and Hermione couldn’t help but let out a breath of relief at the news that Professor Lupin was alive. She had thought of him and Tonks a few times throughout the last few days and hoped she would hear from them soon.

"That’s good! Go! Don’t let me hold you back! Go!" Hermione was encouraged as she watched Tonks take off in a sprint.

Hermione continued on with her day and tried her best not to think too much about Susan Bones or if Professor Snape had been involved.

It’s okay Hermione, nowadays the Daily Prophet has been faking reports on missing people to look as if they are doing their jobs in finding them. Hermione tried to ease herself.

"What is the incantation, Hermione?" Ron whispered over his shoulder to her, and Hermione let out an annoyed sigh.

"I thought you guys were doing fine without my help?" Hermione asked.

"C'mon, Hermione, just this one time!" Ron begged.

"It’s always ‘just this one time’ with you!" Hermione snapped, but lucky for both of them, Hermione was in such a good mood that she had decided to be a good friend but a bad prefect and muttered the incantation over her shoulder so Professor Flitwick wouldn’t hear.

"You’re the best, Hermione!" Harry said, and Hermione couldn’t help but roll her eyes.

"What would we do without you!" Ron said as he let out a breath of relief.

But before Hermione could tell them they appeared to be doing just fine without her, the door to the classroom opened, and Professor McGonagall stepped inside.

"Professor Flitwick, excuse me, excuse me, can I borrow Miss Granger for the remainder of class, please?" Professor McGonagall asked as she scanned the room until her eyes met Hermione’s, and she pointed a finger at her and motioned her over.

Hermione quickly turned red in the face as the entire class turned to look at her. Both Harry and Ron looked at her as if they were asking the same question she wanted to know.

"Grab all your books, please," Professor McGonagall said, and Hermione quickly gathered all her books and walked over to Professor McGonagall.

"Follow me, please," Professor McGonagall said as she began to make her way down to the dungeons.

And Hermione’s heart pounded in her chest as millions of questions ran through her mind.

"Professor McGonagall, is everything okay?" Hermione asked as she struggled to keep up with her long strides.

"I don’t think that’s for me to answer," Professor McGonagall said, and Hermione could hear the seriousness in her voice. Hermione began to panic.

Hermione felt as if her legs were going to give out as they turned the corner and began to make their way towards Professor Snape’s office.

Hermione felt completely submerged in emotions as she stepped into his office to find that Professor Dumbledore and Professor Snape were both already inside, and both their voices died down as Hermione stepped inside the room.

Hermione's heart stopped beating for a moment as she looked over at Professor Snape, who refused to meet her eyes.

No, it couldn’t be; surely he hadn’t kept his word and gone to Dumbledore behind her back.

"Miss Granger," Professor Dumbledore kindly addressed her, and Hermione quickly turned to look at him.

"Professor Dumbledore," Hermione acknowledged.

"Please, take a seat," Professor Dumbledore said as he motioned for her to sit on Professor Snape’s armchair in front of the fireplace that had been made.

"I’m sure by now you are asking yourself why we have called for you." Professor Dumbledore broke the silence, and Hermione nodded her head.

"And I’m sure by now you are completely overwhelmed with what it could be, given the news of what happened to Susan Bones parents..." Dumbledore continued.

My god, could the old man get to the point? He had a way of dragging his feet.

"There was a break-in in your parents home in Hampstead," Professor Dumbledore said as if he had read her mind, and Hermione felt as if she was going to pass out.

"A-are… "Are they okay?" Hermione quickly asked as she looked over to Professor Snape, but he wasn’t the one to respond.

"They are perfectly fine; luckily they were not home when the break-in occurred. Kingsley had sent a message that the break-in had triggered one of the protection charms Arthur had placed around the house, and some members of the order were able to arrive just in time before they did any damage to the house."

"My parents—"

"They are fine; as I said before, they had not been home at the time the break-in took place. Kingsley was able to arrange things back in order as if nothing had been broken and was able to place a much stronger and more resilient charm around the house.

Hermione felt her heart racing in her chest as she looked over to Professor Snape.

"I don’t understand! We are married; they should be protected!" Hermione felt her voice shake as she looked back over to Dumbledore.

"They are; had they been home, any spell that would have been cast towards them would have rebounded." Dumbledore tried to explain, but Hermione was unwilling to listen.

"But the charm! The bond said the sacrifice would have been enough to protect the relatives and the relatives home!" Hermione said this as she remembered what the book had said.

"Yes, it should’ve been, but it was ancient magic... The charm would only be placed if the witch or wizard was living in the home. And seeing as you had given up residence there, the magic did not work."

Hermione felt pain in her chest as she listened to everything Professor Dumbledore was saying.

"However, we have found a way to prevent future attacks, as Professor Snape has now kindly agreed to be the secret keeper of your parents home. We have modified the address and location of their home, so now no witch or wizard but Severus knows the location of it," Professor Dumbledore said, and Hermione couldn’t help the small whimper that escaped her mouth as she buried her face into her hands.

Hermione knew he hadn’t had a choice in the matter. She was now taking more from him.

She wanted to go to him; she wanted him to hold her against his chest and tell her that everything was going to be okay. But didn’t as she began to violently cry into her hands.

She felt a pair of warm, gentle arms pull her into a tight embrace, and by the gentleness of the touch, she knew it was Professor McGonagall who was holding her.

"It’s okay, Miss Granger; everything will be okay," Professor McGonagall softly whispered as she held her closer to her chest.

"Perhaps we should give them some privacy, Minerva," Hermione heard the voice of Dumbledore say, and Hermione felt cold once again as Professor McGonagall released her.

"Comfort her!" She heard Professor McGonagall scold Professor Snape in a loud whisper before she heard the door to the room close.

_______________
Severus’s POV

Severus stood uncomfortably behind his desk as he watched the door to his office close. He hated whenever Minerva used that tone with him, as if he were a child that needed to be told what to do. But his thoughts were cut short as he heard the girl hyperventilating into her hands, and Severus slowly walked over to where she sat.

Comfort her. How was Severus supposed to comfort the girl? He wasn’t sure how to comfort someone who had just been given the news she had; he never had much love for his parents, and he hadn’t even cried as much when he had been told of their passing.

Severus could only think back to when he had been told of Lily's death. Which had been the only time he had broken out in a frantic cry, as the girl was now doing. And he had only wished to be left alone.

Alone, perhaps that was what the girl needed. To be left alone in her thoughts.