Chapter Fourteen: A return to Hogwarts

(i) Thank you everyone for the kind reviews. Please do continue to let me know what you think.

(ii) The characters and world of Harry Potter belong to J.K. Rowling. I make no money from this.

(iii) And last but by no means least, a big thank you to my lovely, amazing beta, Queen_of_Stars.

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The next morning Severus woke before the dawn. Kissing his still sleeping Hermione gently, he slipped out of bed and went out on to the beach for a long, contemplative walk. He needed to think, to ensure that he reconciled what had happened the previous night before they left for Hogwarts. The physical manifestation of their mutual love had shaken him deeply, for although Severus had proposed, he had not really expected Hermione to accept. Neither had he thought that his feelings were really that of love. He had not thought himself truly capable of love, or indeed, of being loved completely in return. Lily's capricious affections and pseudo friendship had hurt him so deeply that the scars were beyond all possible ken. Severus had, of course, known that he was devoted to Hermione, that he cared for her and that he lusted after her body and her mind. But he had avoided speaking the words, "I love you," for so long that, now that the extent of his emotions were out in the open, he felt vulnerable. Even though Hermione had agreed to marry him, even though her love had been confirmed by the manifestation of the power imbued in the ring, he still felt that she could leave him at any moment.

Thus, he decided that he would bind Hermione to him in every possible sense of the word. Plotting once more, the Slytherin rationalised that it would be perfectly acceptable if he made her consent to a binding so permanent, so elemental that they would be bound for all the days of their lives. He could not agree to a simple, modern Muggle or even wizarding marriage ceremony that allowed for the possibility of divorce or separation.

No, he reasoned, if I am to be her husband, her mate, I will insist on the most traditional of ceremonies. I shall tie her to me until death do us part, with no possibility of her leaving me, of being without me. I shall not make myself vulnerable to her growing up and wanting someone else, something else. She is mine; I shall ensure that she is mine, forever. He was a possessive man, and he had already told Hermione this. She could not refuse him this; she knew of his Darker desires, of his appreciation of the old ways. She could not refuse, especially since he had already admitted to loving her. Feeling better about his admittance of love, and of the decision he had reached, he made his way back to the hotel.

When he quietly entered their room through the sliding doors that led out onto the beach, Hermione was still asleep. She had not even felt him slip away. Gently sliding in between the sheets, he woke her with a slow, sensual seduction that started with gentle, tender kisses to her eyes before moving to her cheeks and her lips. His clever hands meanwhile had begun stroking and exploring her soft and bountiful breasts before sliding down to part her thighs.

Hermione awoke to the feeling of fingers stroking her already moist folds and Severus suckling her right nipple while rolling and pinching her left.

"Mmmm..." she moaned. "What a fabulous way to wake up," she murmured with a sensuous smile before sliding her hands into Severus' slick locks.

Releasing her nipple with a gentle last nip, Severus moved up her body to kiss her possessively, his fingers still stroking her heat, forcing Hermione to arch into his touch as he ignited the fire within her. "Are you mine?" he demanded darkly as his fingers began thrusting into her.

"Yes," moaned Hermione. Her body seemed to be in a constant state of readiness for Severus' ministrations, and she was now desperate for him to satisfy the burning within her.

"Say it!" demanded her dark lover. His fingers were replaced with his tongue as he quickly and expertly drove Hermione to the brink of ecstasy.

"I am yours, Severus," gasped Hermione, undone by his possessive attentions.

"Louder, witch," urged Severus, slowing his thrusts to long, almost leisurely licks of her weeping core. He wanted to hear her declare her love for him.

"God Almighty," moaned Hermione. "Please don't stop, Severus, I'm so close."

"Say it. Say you belong to me. That you are mine," demanded her dark lover once more. He knew he was being weak in demanding that she tell him again and again of her devotion, but he needed her to say it. He had already made himself vulnerable. He needed to hear her say the words.

Even in her nearly mindless state, Hermione realised Severus' need for reassurance. She had come to understand the vulnerability that her dark wizard cloaked behind his demanding, harsh and taciturn persona. "I am yours, Severus. I am yours completely, heart, mind, body and soul," gasped Hermione. "Now for God's sake, fuck me before I die of bloody agony."

Smirking, Severus swiftly moved back up her body and plunged his hard cock into her needy, greedy core as he kissed her with all of his emotions and desires. "Bossy witch," he groaned as he began to move powerfully within her.

"Your bossy witch, and don't you forget it," responded Hermione as she locked her legs around his hips and moved just as forcefully to meet his urgent thrusts.

"Hmm..." grunted Severus. Hearing her repeat her affirmation of belonging had sent him hurtling towards completion. Hanging on to his sanity, he slipped his hand between their bodies. Deftly, he pinched her nub between his fingers and groaned, "Come for me, come for me now."

Hearing his urgent plea and feeling his repeated attack on her clit shattered the last of Hermione's control. With a shuddering gasp, she came, her cry of "Severus," captured by him in a kiss as he, too, shattered at the further tightening of her sex.

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On their return to Hogwarts, Minerva immediately spotted the engagement ring. "My, but that's a beauty," she commented with a twinkle in her eye.

Hermione smiled before sobering almost immediately. With a sigh, she narrated, "My parents have said they want nothing more to do with me or magic. So instead of spending our time in Australia with them, we went to Unawatuna in Sri Lanka to learn about an experimental technique to cure curse-induced nerve damage. It was there that Severus proposed." As she spoke of the proposal, her eyes once more filled with joy.

"Oh, my wee bonny lass," said Minerva, lapsing into her thick Scottish dialect in her happiness. "I am so pleased you have found each other."

Hermione and Severus spent the last few days of their Yule holiday time working on the potions and techniques that they had learnt in Sri Lanka. As their confidence in their mastery of the techniques grew, Hermione began to think of practical applications.

After some thought, she finally made the suggestion that was top-most in her mind. "My love, I'd really like to try out the technique on Neville's parents. I feel so much better since being treated in Unawatuna. If we can eradicate even a bit of their suffering, then it is worth it."

Severus nodded in agreement. The massages he had had in Sri Lanka had done much to ease his years of curse-induced painful joints and migraine headaches. "Testing the cure on the Longbottoms seems like a sound idea. But their minds have been affected, Hermione. We don't know if the potion will be of any use to them," cautioned Severus gently. He knew she wanted to help her friend's parents, but he was worried that she was expecting too much from a technique and treatment that was as yet only in its initial stages of experimentation.

Hermione's face showed her feelings so clearly that he could see that his words had disappointed her. Gentling his tone even further, Severus explained, "I'm not saying it won't be of any use, but we mustn't get our hopes up. They were tortured for hours when Bellatrix was at the height of her powers. You must realise that although the massages and the healing charms helped heal our damaged nerves we don't know how the potion will work on damaged minds. Even Gunananda hasn't really done much work with patients who've been mentally affected so severely."

Hermione nodded. She knew that Severus was being rational. "But we can try, can't we, Severus?" she asked softly. "Any help will make a difference surely?"

Severus sighed. He knew his tenacious Gryffindor Princess would not give up. "Do you think Longbottom will let his parents be the first British test subjects?" asked Severus. He was trying to be positive, but in his heart, he expected disappointment.

"I'm sure Neville will want what's best for his parents," replied Hermione confidently. "I'll write to him. If I explain how it has already helped me, I'm sure he'll be okay with us attempting to help his parents."

"Hmm..." said Severus disbelievingly. He was not convinced that Longbottom would give his consent.

The next morning, Hermione wrote to Neville and his grandmother. She spent a long time penning the missive. She was very conscious of how protective Neville was of his parents, and she wanted to reassure him that their intervention would not harm their condition in any way.

Once the letter had been sent, Hermione and Severus both tried to put the matter out of their minds. There was much to do in preparation for the students' arrival in a few days' time. The morning passed by swiftly, with Hermione double checking all the ingredient stores for the coming term while Severus worked with Bill on the DADA curriculum. Now that Severus had given the introduction to the Dark Arts, Bill was working on controlling, detection and defensive magic in general.

Thus, Hermione and Severus were both rather surprised when the Longbottoms responded to the missive with alacrity. Less than half a day had passed since Hermione had made her way to the owlery to send the letter. In his response, Neville stated that he and his grandmother were willing to let Hermione and Severus try their new skills on Frank and Alice. "Anything that can help my parents," wrote Neville, "is worth trying. I trust you, Hermione, and I know that Professor Snape is brilliant at what he does. Grandmum agrees and says she will meet you both at St Mungo's to sign any release forms that are required."

Hermione noticed that Neville's show of faith in Severus seemed to please him greatly. He had for so long been the hated and feared Potions master that any open acknowledgement of trust and belief made a big impact on him. Hermione was once again struck by Severus's vulnerability, and she vowed that she would do everything in her power to show him how much she loved him. She was going to make him realise how worthy he was of love, devotion and affection, not only from herself, but from others, too.

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New Year's Eve was spent quietly at the castle. All the students had gone home for the holidays. Even orphans who did not have a home to go to had been found suitable holiday accommodation. Minerva and Severus had both worked hard to ensure that no child was left feeling unwanted and unloved. Severus knew first-hand what it meant to be a lost boy of Hogwarts, and he had sworn to himself that no child would feel the way he had felt as a child. Given that all the students were away from the school, the staff, too, had taken the opportunity to visit friends and family. Only Minerva remained at her post.

Thus, after a lovely celebratory meal, the trio made their way to Severus' chambers. There, they saw in the dawn of the New Year together and toasted each other with fine, elf-made champagne. They spoke of inconsequential things and exchanged news of their time apart. Hermione blushingly narrating all the interesting things they had learnt from Gunananda and Kumarilata.

It did Minerva's heart glad to see the contentment and joy radiating off her two favourites for she knew how lonely they had been a few short months ago. Minerva had lost her one and only love in the first war against Grindlewald. She knew how precious love could be, and she had long thought of Hermione and Severus as the children she had never had. Their happiness and contentment was therefore her own, and she was touched that they had included her in their celebration.

Severus had never spent such a contented holiday. He usually spent the New Year alone, drinking and remembering all of his mistakes. The only times he had been forced to leave the confines of his chambers had been when he had been forced to endure a Malfoy or other Death Eater gathering, with the prerequisite Dark Revel. He shuddered to think of the things he had done in his youth with the misguided perception that he was demonstrating his superiority over hapless Muggles. This quiet celebration was to the dark man a revelation. Basking in the love radiating off Hermione and the sincere affection of Minerva, he felt as though he had finally found the home and family he had always dreamed of.

Others would have found the trio's quiet evening sad and pathetic. But for Hermione, who had spent last New Year's Eve on the run, this eve with the man she loved and the woman who had come to stand in for the mother she had lost meant the world. She felt truly loved, truly blessed.

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The first Saturday morning in January saw Severus and Hermione at St Mungo's, where they were met by a very worried but excited Augusta Longbottom and a pale but determined-looking Neville. Augusta shook Hermione and Severus' hands rather formally before signing off on the consent forms that allowed for Severus and Hermione to try out their experimentations.

While Augusta and Severus were in discussion with the Healers, Neville sat with Hermione. The two friends had not seen each other since the summer and had much to discuss.

"I was so amazed when I got your letter, Hermione," said Neville.

"Severus and I both benefited so much from the treatment," said Hermione. "I couldn't help but think that your parents were the best people to use as our first test cases."

"And you learned this technique in Sri Lanka?" asked Neville in verification.

"Yes," said Hermione with a smile. "We went there over the Yule break, and we learned the healing technique and the potion brewing methodology. We even brought most of the ingredients back from there."

"What were you doing in Sri Lanka with Snape?" asked Neville in wonder. He was still slightly in awe of the stern professor, and learning of Severus' duplicitous role in the war had only worked to strengthen both his respect and fear of the man who had been his childhood Boggart.

"We went on holiday," said Hermione with a smile. Then coming to a decision she went on, "You'll probably hear about it eventually anyway, Neville, but Severus and I are in a relationship."

Neville's eyes goggled in amazement. "A relationship, with Snape?"

"Yes," said Hermione with a grin. "He has even proposed, and I've said yes," she next said, extending her hand so she could show off her ring.

Neville was at a loss for words. Finally realising a response was required, he said in awe, "Blimey, Hermione. That's some ring."

Hermione just grinned before leaning over to give her friend a big squeeze. Other than Minerva they had not really told anyone of their engagement. The other staff members had been away on vacation, and if Bill Weasley had seen the ring on her hand when he had Flooed in to consult on the revisions he was making in his lesson plans, he had not thought it his place to comment or even to ask.

Once the Healers seemed satisfied, they all moved into a private room where Alice and Frank had been placed. With a final squeeze of Neville's shoulder, Hermione moved to Severus's side to begin the long, difficult process of massaging and reconnecting the nerves in Alice Longbottom's back, neck and head. They had decided that they would concentrate on those key areas before moving on to the rest of her body.

Hermione and Severus spent the entire day working on Alice. At the end of the long and arduous session, Alice did seem to be sleeping much better, and when she awoke at one point, her eyes seemed clearer than they had been in years. The Healers, who were monitoring the experimental technique with great interest, were quite pleased with the progress made, and they stated that they would not be opposed in allowing Severus and Hermione to return over the coming weekends to work on the Longbottoms. If the technique was proved to be a success, the Healers said that they were willing to send trainees to Sri Lanka to learn the skills first-hand. Any break-through would be a huge improvement to the merely palliative care they were currently giving their patients.

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The following Monday saw both the rest of the staff and students return from the winter break. Severus decided with Hermione to stem the flow of excited gossip by quietly informing the staff before the opening feast that he had asked for Hermione's hand and that she had consented to be his wife.

The announcement was met with uproarious delight by everyone in the staff room. Hermione was a firm favourite among the staff and Severus' status as the defender and protector of the staff and students during the previous year had won the admiration of his colleagues.

Bill, who was the first to come up to hug Hermione, said quietly, "I'm so glad for you, Hermione. Severus is a good man. I'm sure you'll be very happy in the future. I can already see how good the relocation to Hogwarts has been for you."

Hermione smiled brightly. Bill was like an older brother she had never had. "Thanks, Bill," she said with a grin. "I am blissfully happy, happier than I thought I could be, given the way things have worked out."

Bill understood her oblique reference to the distance between herself, Harry and Ron. "I tried to get the family to discuss the changes brought about by the use of Dark Magic but that they are still resistant to the idea of their auras and personalities having changed. The atmosphere at home was so oppressive that Fleur and I were really glad we had told mum we'd be spending most of the Yule break at Shell Cottage. I don't think she could have stood living at the Burrow over the holidays given the nature of her condition."

Hermione nodded in understanding.

"Enough hogging the bride to be," said Poppy, coming up to embrace Hermione.

Bill smiled once more before moving off to shake Severus's hand.

"Good luck to you both," continued Poppy sincerely. "You know, my dear, even when Severus was Headmaster under the regime of You-Know-Who, he would continue to brew in secret and supply the infirmary with potions. You couldn't do better. He is a very good man."

After Poppy came Fleur, who cooed over the ring, and said, "It iz very pretty."

Filius and Pomona were next in the queue to congratulate Hermione. They both were full of support, too. Pomona dried her eyes that were brimming over with tears and said, "You're well matched. It's like the prophecy is coming true already."

Hermione blushed and smiled. She did not want to deny or confirm the story of the prophecy. She and Severus had decided to downplay the prophecy's influence so that there were no outlandish rumours among the students.

Filius squeaked his congratulations gleefully and said, "This means we will have you with us at Hogwarts for a good long while."

Hermione laughed. It was lovely to have the support of people she had come to love and respect. She realised that since the age of eleven she has known no other home but Hogwarts, and she was content to spend the rest of her days there.

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During the opening feast, Ginny spotted the ring that was quite prominent on Hermione's finger. Ginny, of course, was gleefully vindictive when she saw the ring and raced back to her dorm after the meal to immediately write to Harry and Ron. She had heard Fleur telling Bill that the ring wasn't set with rubies but with much rarer red sapphires.

The next morning at breakfast, Hermione received a Howler from Ron. As the red missive exploded, it began screaming, "You're a Slytherin bitch and a slag, Hermione. You turned me down to sleep with the murderer of Dumbledore. How can you look yourself in the face, you traitor? Can't you remember what the Git said to you? How he made you cry? Our friendship is over. I never want to speak to you again."

Hermione put a brave face on in front of the gaping audience of the student body. She was furious and hurt at Ron's words and actions, but she had come to realise that her friend had changed beyond all recognition. Doing her best to mitigate the damage of the Howler, she said loudly to the angry and swearing Hagrid, "Don't be upset, Hagrid. It doesn't matter. Now Severus and I both know who our real friends are."

Even though Hermione's heart ached at the callous dismissal of their long-standing friendship, she hardened her heart. Had not Ron deserted her and Harry when they needed him the most? This was nothing new. She had Severus and the affections of the rest of the staff. All would be well.

The tender-hearted Hagrid seemed placated by her words, but he could still be heard to mutter, "It ain't right, Professor Snape and Hermione aren't traitors. We wouldn'ta won the war if it weren't for them."

Harry did not write. He, too, was angry, but he did not break off their friendship for which Hermione was glad.

Bill and Fleur were both appalled at Ron's behaviour. Fleur had never really warmed to her in-laws, and this behaviour just made her want to befriend Hermione more than ever.

The next few days saw the Frenchwoman do her best to engage Hermione in conversation at the High Table. Fleur was pregnant, and she had quit her job over the Yule break in preparation for her delivery. As their bond began to form, Hermione grew more comfortable in the sophisticated woman's company. Hermione had not had a true girlfriend, and having someone to discuss the change in her relationship was quite delightful. They would twitter and discuss Fleur's favourite topic, which happened to be sex. Fleur was very pragmatic about sex and sensuality. She made no bones about her sexual relationship with Bill and was keen to help Hermione go shopping for lingerie and even suggested Hermione surprise Severus with amazing wizarding chocolates and lotions designed for lovers. "We French witches have long been ahead of ze English when it comez to the art of love. Severus iz a man of dark passion; I am sure he will appreciate diversity. Bill and I love to experiment, and it helps heighten ze senses in so many wayz."

Hermione could only agree. Having Fleur introduce her to wizarding sex and the art of love was a revelation, for although her relationship with Severus was beyond amazing, she knew that she was still very new to intimacy. Anything that would please Severus was worthy of study and exploration. She loved him with all her heart, and she knew that everything she did to show him her devotion and love was an important step in assuring him of her commitment to staying with him forever. Despite her near constant reassurances, he still demanded that she tell him she was his during their intimate moments.

The following morning saw Molly send Hermione an angry letter. In it the Weasley matriarch denounced Hermione as a harlot for using and discarding Ronald and sullying the name of Hogwarts with her cheap Muggle behaviour. This was just too much for Hermione. With a sob, she excused herself from the table and made her way to her chambers under the pretext of collecting some books before lessons began.

Minerva had seen Hermione's reaction to the letter. She looked over to Severus and met his concerned gaze. Standing up, she placed her hand on his shoulder and said softly, "Don't worry. I shall go speak to her. If you leave now, the students will gossip and our acknowledgement of her distress will only fuel the flames."

Severus rubbed his temples tiredly and nodded. He had not really had time to speak to Hermione since the start of term. He had been deluged with correspondence and meetings with the Board of Governors.

Minerva stared furiously at Ginny Weasley before making her way out of the Great Hall. She was very disappointed in the behaviour of her cubs.

When she got to Hermione's rooms, she found the young woman in tears. Taking the crumpled missive from her hand, Minerva read Molly's words with mounting fury. When she was done reading, she looked at Hermione and said sternly, "No tears." Then, the older witch placed a comforting arm around Hermione's shoulders and said more gently, "They are not worth your tears."

As Hermione nodded, Minerva pulled out a handkerchief and passed it to the young woman. Hermione, who smiled brokenly at the older woman and took the offered handkerchief and wiped her eyes before blowing her nose.

"Ron's Howler was horrid, but this was kind of like the last straw. The students did nothing but stare all day yesterday and giggle and point as I walked past. I thought I could take the scrutiny but it is so hard, Minerva," said Hermione brokenly.

Minerva nodded in understanding. "It will pass, lass. Look at how Severus handles it. He just pretends it isn't there."

"I know," said Hermione in a resigned tone of voice. "But I haven't really spent much time with him since term began. He's been so busy."

"Well, we will work something out so you can spend more time with him now that your relationship has been formalised," said Minerva practically. "Now go wash your face and head off to class. We mustn't let them see that they are affecting you."

Hermione smiled tiredly. She really appreciated Minerva's motherly advice and affection.

Once Hermione was ready to face her day, Minerva also departed to begin her lessons. However, she decided that she would write to the misguided Molly and give her a piece of her mind. How dare the busy-body write such tripe and accuse her star-student of being a trollop.

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A.N. Love it or hate it, please to let me know what you think.