Twenty-Six: Tête-à-tête

(i) The characters and world of Harry Potter are the property of the amazing J.K. Rowling. I make no money from this.

(ii) Thank you to all the readers who have stayed with me through the writing of this story. Your kind reviews have been enormously helpful. Please do continue to review and tell me what you think of the story.

(iii) And finally, much gratitude to my brilliant beta, Queen_of_Stars.

******************************************************************

Leaving Lucius to his thoughts, the two witches adjourned to Narcissa's personal sitting-room. An opulently decorated room, the walls were covered in watered, pale aquamarine blue silk. The ornate Luis XIV style furniture was covered in pale duck egg brocade upholstery with flamboyant mirrors with gilded, antique gold frames on many of the walls. However, the special feature of the room was that it, unlike most of the other rooms in the mansion, did not hold any portraits or paintings. This allowed for complete privacy. Once comfortably seated with a cup of Lady Earl Gray tea and a delectable slice of Sacher Torte, Hermione dived right in with the thoughts that were foremost in her mind.

"Cissy," she said with a deep breath. "I've been thinking and talking to Headmaster Black and a couple of other portraits about this thing that's between me and Severus. Severus is adamant that we can't be together until I'm out of school. He wants my final year to be about my NEWTs, to be about me, not about my relationship with him. And, well," she stopped to drink a sip of her tea before ploughing on with a non sequitur, "did you know that the castle will not allow for a secret relationship between a member of the staff and a student?"

Narcissa had been listening with rapt attention. At the unexpected question, she looked thoughtful for a moment before shaking her head to indicate, "No."

Hermione sighed. "Well, it does. It's meant to be a way of ensuring the protection of the student, so that he or she isn't taken advantage of. But, Cissy, I don't want to wait until the end of the school year. Severus insists that the gossip that we are together will destroy all credibility in my scholastic achievements, and he, therefore, says that he doesn't want us to continue our gradual courtship until I'm done with Hogwarts. But, I think it's sheer foolishness to put things off for a year. We are both quite sure we want to be together. I know I'm not being coerced or forced to be with him in any way, so it seems rather pointless to not carry on as we were in the summer. With that thought in mind, I spoke with the portraits of Headmaster Black, Arete of Cyrene and Morgan le Fey. They advised me to consider a long engagement, one that is known to a discreet few, so that the relationship is still known to people who matter, appeasing the castle requirements, but still keeping it a secret from busybodies who are of no importance and would do nothing but cause us difficulty in the present time."

"Hmm...," said Narcissa thoughtfully. "If my great grand-father has suggested this measure of getting around the castle enchantments, then it must be a plausible solution. What is the problem?"

"You know what the problem is," said Hermione tartly. Then with a sigh she carried on. "Sorry, Cissy. I shouldn't take out my fears and frustrations on you. But you know how Severus is; he's so hard to sway once he's made up his mind. He's never going to want to risk my reputation by agreeing to something like a discreet, long-term engagement. What if the news still gets out? I don't really care about my reputation, but what about his own name? He's spent too many years being hated by the general masses. Now that he finally has the respect and honour he deserves, I don't want to see that tarnished by stupid rumours suggesting that he took advantage of me or something. What if it affects the good name of Hogwarts?"

Narcissa sighed. "Hermione, my dear, you have to discuss these issues with Severus. I agree that you have some valid concerns, but long engagements have been a custom of the wizarding world for generations. Why Lucius and I had our formal engagement when I was sixteen. But we waited until I was nineteen to get married. I wanted to spend a year after Hogwarts at the magical finishing academy in Lucerne, so what you are proposing is nothing new."

Hermione nodded her head. But now her thoughts were focused on the magical finishing school that Narcissa had mentioned. "I've never heard of this institute, Cissy," she said eagerly. "From everything I've read, I've only discovered that you need to apprentice with Masters or Mistresses of specific subjects if you want to continue your education beyond Hogwarts. The other option is to work for the Ministry or St. Mungo's and gradually work your way up through the on-the-job method. Why aren't there more references to places like you mentioned? What do they teach?"

Narcissa laughed. "Trust you, Hermione, to be distracted by a mention of another institute of learning. The school at Lucerne, which is called Die Komplette Hexe, is not really attended by very many. They are a very small, private institute that caters to well-brought up witches from around the world. I learned most of my interior decorating transfiguration, beauty and fashion charms, entertaining and food magic at Lucerne. I was the only witch from the British Isles to attend from my generation, though I think Lucius' great-grandmother went there in her time. Most of the students are normally made up from continental European aristocracy and, of course, the Indian, Chinese and Middle-Eastern princesses, who are keen to learn European magical arts. But I knew that I was marrying into the Malfoy family, and attending the institute seemed like something that would come in use for my future as the next Lady Malfoy, both for the actual skills as well as the life-long friendships I would make. My family could easily afford the cost of sending me there, so when I told Lucius that it was something I wanted to do before we got married, he agreed immediately. He understood how important the knowledge I acquired would be for the Malfoy name."

"Hmm...," said Hermione, though she did not sound convinced. She realised that there were many disadvantages to being a Muggle-born, not least because people like Dumbledore had insisted that it was not important for half-blood and Muggle-born witches and wizards to learn and continue to participate in pureblood customs and society. It pained her to realise that if she had not made friends with the Malfoys that she would have never even heard or tried to understand what drove pureblood traditions, customs, history and institutions of learning. It seemed so unfair to the knowledge-seeking young woman. Nothing should be discarded just because it offered an alternative point of view to that which was deemed to be the correct one. Surely, people should be allowed to decide what was right and wrong for themselves. What Dumbledore had done was in his own way just as high-handed and as biased as that which was proposed by Dark Lords like Grindelwald and Voldemort. He may have supposedly worked for the 'Greater Good', but he had effectively helped further the divide between the old ways and the new. He had played the role of a demi-god and decided that one line of magical theory and thinking was acceptable knowledge and that another one wasn't, simply because it had caused him problems and he had been almost seduced by the Dark.

Hermione sighed. Yet again, speaking with Narcissa had given her much to think about. Forcing herself to focus on the most pressing topic of Severus, Hermione finished her slice of chocolate torte. "You're right, of course," she said presently, laying her now empty plate on the serving tray. "I do need to speak to Severus. The hard part will be finding the right moment to approach him. A part of me wants to rush right in and discuss it with him tonight, but another part of me knows it's best to study the whole subject with greater care before presenting my case. In truth, Cissy, I'm not really sure I'm even ready for the commitment of an engagement. And I do know Severus well enough to realise that he will want the most archaic of soul-bindings. He's not going to agree to a Muggle-style marriage ceremony like that entered into by people like Remus and Tonks, or indeed, Bill and Fleur Weasley."

Narcissa agreed. "True. No one in our circle really marries in that fashion, you know," she added gently. "Hardly any of those who practice pureblood customs marry in haste. It is only the more foolish who take marriage wows without careful thought; sometimes couples or at least their parents insist that there is a consultation of Divination and Arithmancy to ensure compatibility. Have you ever heard of scandals in pureblood circles with rumours of infidelity or even separation?"

Hermione shook her head to signify, "No," though one part of her mind began to work over-time with the implications being suggested.

Narcissa though seemed to understand what was going on in her younger friend's mind. With a smirk, the older woman said, "Hermione, my dear, you really need to read some of my old wizarding romances. Then, this wouldn't come as such a shock to you. You do realise that even your little Miss Brown would know about what I speak of."

Hermione blushed. She did realise that she had completely put aside wizarding fiction in her single-minded pursuit of knowledge. One look at Lavender and Parvati's romance covers with their almost shocking images of large breasted witches being embraced by broadly smirking, obscenely muscled wizards had been more than enough to put the intelligent teen off the idea of reading such sentimental tripe.

Narcissa laughed at the look that Hermione threw at her. "Oh, my dear girl! You are amusing," she said, still laughing. "You must realise that we all make sure we have found partners we can live with our whole life, for in the older forms of marriage, there is no divorce. It is until death us do part. Don't you think we would therefore use every ability at our disposal to make sure we and our children, when it is their turn, do not make unfavourable matches, either in terms of breeding or politics, but also in compatibility?"

Hermione winced. She couldn't believe how blind she had been, for the information had been before her very eyes for years. She had just chosen to ignore it, perhaps because most of the Gryffindors she had always associated with did not pay these skills any heed.

Finally, Hermione sighed and nodded. "I know. I did a bit of research into wizarding marriage practices when Bill and Fleur were getting married. It seemed barbaric at the time to read that the older wows allowed for no disillusion of the union. But now that I've read about the mingling of magic and the sharing of power, as well as the measures it offers for protection and healing, I do understand. It's still hard to grasp though. If it is so sacred and powerful, why is it not more common? Especially when there was a war, shouldn't this kind of union have been more in vogue, especially since it functions on the power of love?"

Narcissa looked sharply at Hermione. "Think, my dear, think. It was and is fear, plain and simple because most of the spells and charms, at least the more traditional ones, used for measuring true compatibility are done using blood magic. Albus Dumbledore and the so-called wizards of the Light were one of the primary reasons why all forms of blood magic, even if it was for something as harmless and beneficial as ensuring a successful marriage, were deemed to be dark and dangerous, taking away the power of true love. True love does grow in marriages that also have compatibility, trust, friendship and all the other qualities that a true union with long-standing pureblood custom decree. Do Lucius and I not support Draco's careful courting of Astoria? But if he was not taking the time to take things slowly, to get to know her in ways other than those of lust and desire, we would insist on a test to ensure that they don't go into the marriage blind."

Hermione had been listening to Narcissa speak silently, but with growing impatience. She was dying to go do more research, to learn more of these topics. "What did you and Lucius use?" asked the girl when Narcissa grew quiet.

"We fell in love when we were children," said Narcissa with a far-off smile. "I remember seeing him for the first time when I was but a little brat of ten, just before I entered Hogwarts, and thought I'd seen a prince, for he was everything I had read about in my books growing up. I was too young to be subtle in my adoration of him, and he always indulged my tendre for him with amusement. We took our blood test when I was fourteen. He had a habit of asking me what I wanted for my birthday and Yule presents each year, and that year, I thought I was old enough to ask him this for my birthday. You can imagine his smirk when he heard my foolish, romantic request. But he indulged me again, possibly because he knew how much I enjoyed reading silly romances at that age, and this was such a common theme in the books I used to read. We were both surprised when the results showed us to be soul-mates. However, I must admit that I felt like I had finally been vindicated, for I had felt like I belonged with him since the first time I saw him. Bella, of course, found it all very funny and teased me mercilessly, but I have never loved or wanted anyone other than Lucius, and I know that Lucius has never really been with anyone other than me either. He may have dabbled with other witches before our engagement, all men need to explore their sexuality, but since the day he formally took me to be his future, on the day of my sixteenth birthday, he has been true to me, and only me. We are so happy together. I think knowing that I was truly his soul-mate made everyone else a waste of time for him."

Hermione had listened to the story of the Malfoy romance with baited breath. "That's such a beautiful story," she said softly. "You're so lucky, Cissy, to have known from such a young age who you were meant to be with. I never thought of Severus as a man until the day we all met in London after the Battle of Hogwarts. But since that day, the way I see him in my mind has changed so drastically." Thoughtfully, she toyed with her new hair, "I suppose when I met him, he was my professor, and all the feelings of safety and security I felt in his presence seemed to be those attached to his station, not to him personally. Besides, he was so hateful to Harry and Ron that, as their best friend, I felt similarly disliked. I couldn't understand how he could be so vindictive. It never even struck me to imagine that he was skilfully playing a role, crafting a persona for when the Dark Lord returned."

Narcissa nodded her head in understanding. She worried about her two friends, and she wanted them to find happiness together. She truly hoped for Severus to bring a wife into his home and heart, and she knew Hermione well enough now to perceive that they would make each other splendidly happy. "I know, my dear," said Narcissa gently. Then, looking over to the clock that lay on the marble-topped table, she said briskly, "Goodness me, look at the time. I promised Severus that I would have you back by half past four, and it is already twenty past the hour. We must dash."

Hermione too had not noticed the time slipping away. Soon, Flitty had gathered all of Hermione's possessions together, along with her birthday presents, into a neat pile. Lucius made a quick Floo-call to Severus' office at Hogwarts to make sure it was safe and appropriate for her to turn up, and Hermione was given one final hug and kiss by her new surrogate parents before being handed a green velvet ribbon Port-key by Narcissa that would take her to the Headmaster's office.

When Hermione landed with a wobble on the Persian carpet in the Headmaster's office, she saw Severus' eyes widen with surprise and desire at her newly styled hair. "Hermione," he said shortly, inclining his head at her graciously.

"Severus," she said softly, pulling herself together while her eyes in turn allowed him to see her pleasure in being in his company.

"I trust you had a good time with Narcissa?" he asked, willing himself to not move away from his seat behind the table to take her in his arms.

"Yes, we had a lovely time. I had tea at the Manor," she said unnecessarily before allowing herself to approach his large table. She watched as Severus' eyebrow rose in warning and in question at her coming closer, especially since he knew she knew they were being watched by all of the past Heads with barely feigned disinterest.

"I wanted to show you this book," she said by way of explanation. "Lucius gave it to me as a birthday present, with the promise that if Draco ever has a daughter, or if there is ever a female of the Malfoy line, I would ensure that it made its way back to her."

This proved too interesting for Severus. Standing up, so that he towered over her, he took the book from her outstretched hand, allowing his fingers to linger against her own for the most fleeting of moments. His heart-beat sped up at their briefest of contacts, but he allowed no emotion to show on his face. Instead, he opened the volume to read the inscription on the front cover page. His eyes widened as he finished reading, and he asked in astonishment, "Do you know what this means? Hermione, did they explain what they have done by giving you this book?"

Hermione had thought she had understood, but she realised from Severus' reaction that it was much more important and significant than her previous assumption. "Not really," she said, "if your reaction is anything to go by."

Severus smirked. "Amazing. Well I'm pleased to see that you still are willing to acknowledge the limitedness of your understanding."

Hermione glared. "Insufferable man, I never said I knew everything; it was you who insisted on calling me a know-it-all and worse."

"Yes, well," said Severus with another smirk. Then, looking down at the book in his grasp, he turned serious once more. "The Malfoys have made you their daughter, not just in terms of the affection they hold for you in their heart, but also in terms of their name and magical standing. If you wanted, you could now call yourself Hermione Malfoy-Granger, or some such derivation, and the magical artefacts that ascertained your true lineage would accept that name as your true one. This book, Hermione, is an heirloom, a Malfoy inheritance. The value is not just monetary, for its importance is far more precious than something as trite as its worth in gold. This holds the familial magic of the Malfoys, passed down through the generations from mother to daughter-in-law. For generations, this magic has only been used and held by Malfoy women. You, as the only daughter, are the first female of that name being allowed to take the rich Malfoy magical heritage and use it for the benefit of a man who is not a Malfoy by birth. Do you understand? You have been given all of the magic of the Malfoy matrons for your own. You are now, in name and magic, a Malfoy."

Hermione was stunned. She had realised that she had been given an heirloom and a very precious magical gift. However, she had not known the greater significance of such a magical token. The blood rushed to her head, and she felt like she was about to fall down.

Severus realised that Hermione was close to swooning. Rushing around his large table, he helped the dizzy young woman into the armchair close to the large marble fireplace. "Winky," he called sharply.

With a pop, Winky the house-elf appeared. Since the start of the new term, she had been formally accepted into service by Severus, and she now reported and served him primarily as both her personal master and the Headmaster of Hogwarts. "Winky, some tea for Miss Granger if you will, please. And perhaps some for me as well."

"Yes, Headmaster," said Winky, bowing low before popping out again.

Not a moment later, Winky reappeared with a tray of tea and scones laid out neatly. Severus nodded in appreciation before pouring Hermione a cup the way he knew she liked it. A dash of milk and one teaspoon of sugar. Then, he walked over to the side-board and added a splash of brandy to her tea. "I've added a bit of brandy, it will help warm you up. You've had quite a shock."

Hermione nodded, gratefully taking the cup of tea. She wrapped her hands around the delicate cup before taking a bracing gulp and then turning to look up at Severus, who had moved to stand leaning against the fireplace. "Why didn't they tell me what they were doing?" she asked in confusion. "I know Lucius seemed lost in thought after I had accepted the book and promised them both to make sure it made its way back to the next Malfoy female child, but they didn't make this meaning explicit. Will this affect Draco in any way? We've just become friends; I don't want this to affect his inheritance or anything."

Severus shook his head. "You would never make a true Slytherin," he said with a snort. "A Hufflepuff perhaps, but not a Slytherin."

In spite of her shock, Hermione giggled. Only a Slytherin could manage to make the word Hufflepuff sound like the dirtiest of swear words.

Severus smirked. He was glad to see the colour returning to Hermione's pale cheeks. "I do not think Draco would mind. Besides which, I doubt Lucius and Narcissa made this decision without consulting Draco. You are not entitled to his share of the property, but you are now able to access the wealth of knowledge the Malfoys have gathered over the years. But I think more importantly, you now have the ability to use their name if you ever wanted to pursue a more prominent place in pureblood society."

"What does it mean though?" asked Hermione in confusion. She still could not understand the full implications of the so-called adoption, especially in terms of the pureblood creed which Hermione admitted to herself seemed extremely convoluted and complex.

"It means, my dear," said Severus with a sigh, "that if you were to enter any establishment of magical standing that required membership, you would find yourself welcomed with open arms since the Malfoys are members of everything money and power can get them into. You may have been born to Muggles, but you've been formally claimed by the Malfoys. This kind of thing used to happen in the old days, when feudal lords took into their homes and families especially gifted children of Muggle birth. This allows the strengthening of the pureblood bloodlines, and it ensures that the old ways and traditions continue because you are no longer merely a dependent or an ally, you are part of the family. Their concerns are now yours, and your future achievements can count as theirs."

Severus walked over until he was towering over Hermione. Massaging the bridge of his nose, he finally shook his head. "This is a clever move, Hermione, and I'm sure Lucius has given it a lot of thought. The political and social implications of this act will not probably be fully understood until many years into the future. But I can assure you this, you are most fortunate. Even if you gain nothing more than the book that is now in your possession, your access to secretive feminine magic that has been in the Malfoy line through the ages makes you a formidable witch. Learn all it contains and share it with no-one. Keep it safe, and for goodness sakes, do not tell anyone what you have been given. The news that you are now officially a Malfoy will eventually leak out, but allow it to happen organically."

"Of course," said Hermione, slightly annoyed at Severus' overly cautious manner. "I'm not going to go blab about something this personal and important. I will tell Harry, he is like a brother, and he deserves to know, but I won't put it in a letter or anything foolish like that. I'll tell him when I see him. He's sure to come see me one of these weekends when he's not so busy with Auror training."

Severus sighed. He realised he had upset Hermione, but he did not apologise. This was too important to not make it explicit. "Potter you may tell. Even, if I may be so bold to suggest it, Miss Lovegood. She knows how to keep her wits about her. Astoria will probably hear about it from Draco anyway, so I think she is safe enough as well. But no one else." Then, as if realising that Hermione didn't really associate with any other people in the castle, he gentled his tone. "I don't mean to be harsh, but we do not want you to have more trouble than necessary. It will make the Daily Prophet eventually anyway, so give yourself time to start understanding some of the implications of this move."

Hermione now sighed. She realised that Severus was right, as usual. Nodding her head, she said softly, "You're absolutely right, of course. Don't worry, I won't tell anyone just yet. I'll let it sink in, study the book and then perhaps talk to Luna and Astoria."

Severus gave her a tiny smile. "Right, then. Off with you. I've got work to finish before this evening. I shall see you by the front doors at six o'clock."

Hermione smiled brightly at him, collected the precious book that lay on Severus' table and left. Slipping the book into her beaded purse which she had taken with her, she made her way thoughtfully to the Gryffindor Common room. The first person she encountered as she stepped through the portrait hole was Ginny, who was once again holding court with Romilda Vane and her friends. As their gazes met, Ginny glared jealously at Hermione's new look and whispered in a carrying tone to Romilda, "And here comes our very own Slytherin tart." This caused the girls surrounding Ginny to break into peals of laughter.

Hermione just smiled at them before making her way to her solitary chamber. If only they knew, thought Hermione in amusement. She realised that Ginny and her friends would be flabbergasted to know that Hermione was now officially a Malfoy with all of the political and social standing that entailed.

Once in her room, she placed her heirloom in her bedside table drawer for safekeeping. Once it was placed inside the drawer, Hermione cast a few strong, yet obscure, spells to ward the drawer from pilfering or tampering. These were followed by some clever charms to make the table itself look uninteresting and benign. Hermione realised that she had no friends in Gryffindor tower, so she was taking no chances with her precious possession. Then, Hermione finally looked at the time. She was startled to realise that it was nearly a quarter past five. She was supposed to meet Severus at six. Grateful for the fact that she did not have to do anything complicated to ready herself, she simply slipped into the simple dress she had worn to Draco's dinner party. Hermione knew that Severus loved seeing her in this dress. However, once she had put it on, she felt she needed to do something more. She clearly remembered Narcissa explaining that she should not get into a rut by wearing her favourites time and time again. Thinking for a moment, she Transfigured it into a becoming shade of emerald green that made her look youthful but very sexy. Smiling at herself for her almost Slytherinesque choice of colours, she pulled her school robes over the dress and wrapped her new scarf around her neck. A lick of lip gloss, a smear of mascara and she was ready.

Once she was dressed, she carefully prepared to make her way through the Common Room. Even though she was not doing anything wrong, she didn't want a confrontation with Ginny. She wanted to leave in a good mood. Thus, she cast a Disillusion Charm over herself, as well as a Silencing Charm on her feet to disguise her footfalls. Slowly, carefully, she made her way down the staircase and across the Common Room floor before slipping out of the portrait hole. Once outside, she removed the spells from her person and made her way to the Entrance Hall. Here, she found Severus looming just as he had been in the morning. She tried to smile brightly at him, but he just raised his eyebrow in warning and set off without a greeting. Realising that something must be up, she followed him without a word.

Soon, they were moving swiftly through the grounds towards the Gates. Hermione was nearly jogging to keep up with his long strides and brisk pace. She was really glad that she had worn her magically charmed golden stiletto shoes from Antonio's since she knew she would have suffered a sprain at the fast pace Severus was setting. She tried to get him to stop by reaching for his arm, but he just shrugged it off. He didn't say a word or let up until they finally, at long last, reached the main Gates. By this time, Hermione was panting and had a stitch in her side. Once outside the Gates, Severus took hold of Hermione by pulling her roughly to his side and Apparating away.

They landed with a crack in what appeared to be a grotty side street. Before Hermione could even open her mouth to ask what was going on, Severus began casting charms to ensure their privacy and absolute silence. It was only then that he pulled her back roughly into his arms and kissed her.

Hermione was stunned at Severus' actions, but feeling his lips ravage her made her almost insensate with need. Giving in to her own desperate desire for him, she kissed him back passionately.

Feeling Hermione return his passion was Severus' undoing. Groaning with desire, he ground himself against her before plundering the warm depths of her mouth repeatedly. Their tongues met and duelled as they tried to convey how much they had both missed the other. Finally, with a gasp, Severus wrenched his mouth away from hers and peppered her face with gentle kisses.

Hermione allowed her frantically racing heart to slow down and stroked her hands soothingly against Severus' back. Feeling more in control, she asked softly, "What was all that about?"

Severus grunted. "I've been dying to kiss you since our last meeting on Tuesday night. I've not been able to think of anything but your mouth, your kisses. Speaking to you within Hogwarts today was torture. I wanted to rip your clothes off and just take you against the nearest wall or surface. I could hardly think straight."

"Oh, Severus," said Hermione tenderly. Stroking his cheek gently, she said lovingly, "I could feel it."

He raised his head to look at her and raised his eyebrow in enquiry.

Hermione smiled. "This morning at breakfast, you were staring at me so intently. I could almost feel you sliding into me." She blushed furiously before continuing honestly. "I loved it. I thought I was going to come just by the intensity of your gaze."

Severus shuddered. Tightening his hold around her waist, he murmured, "You are a vision of loveliness. I seem incapable of rational thought when I see you, and it only gets worse when I come close to you."

Hermione blushed deeply at his compliment.

Severus smirked in amusement. He wondered if anyone had bothered to tell her how very lovely she was. Lowering his head, he spoke seductively into her ear, "You are utterly delectable, Hermione. You drive me mad with desire, even when you do absolutely nothing at all."

Hermione moaned softly as his voice caressed her heated flesh. She could feel his hard erection pressing into her, and she wanted nothing more than to have him take her. All her fears of not being ready for a commitment vanished in the face of her sheer desire for him. Now she realised why Cissy had spoken of the need to take time. Lust could and probably often did cloud the brain and did not help ensure long-term compatibility of a relationship.

Severus slowly released his hold on Hermione. "Come," he said tenderly, stroking her cheek with the back of his hand. "I've got a reservation for dinner at seven, and I thought a stroll along the Thames would be ideal to give you a bit of an appetite."

Hermione beamed at him. She loved visiting London. She and her parents had come here for many of their celebratory dinners since Strood, Rochester, where she had lived, was not too far away from the metropolis.

Away from Hogwarts and the wizarding world, Severus seemed a different man. After a quick Transfiguration of their cloaks and robes into suitable Muggle attire, Hermione's into a warm autumn coat to complement her dress, and Severus' into a Muggle-style evening suit and trench coat, the couple made their way to London Bridge. The September evening was warm. The city seemed peaceful and calm, as though it were having a bit of a rest before the hectic night out began for its inhabitants.

Hermione enjoyed being able to slip her arm through Severus' and walk along the embankment without a care about who they might see or meet. Severus too seemed more relaxed away from the constant gaze of curious folk. They walked in companionable silence, enjoying each others' company. Soon, however, their steps began to slow, and Severus led Hermione to a secluded bench. Once seated, he again cast a few spells to ensure their privacy before pulling her onto his lap and holding her close. He loved having her in his arms. He realised he was going to find being without her extraordinarily difficult if he could hardly go a few short days without savaging her with his kiss.

Hermione snuggled into Severus' embrace. She loved the feeling of security she got when she was wrapped in his arms. She allowed her fingers to slide into his slick locks that felt like the softest of silk. She smiled to herself when Severus seemed to unconsciously incline his head so that her fingers caressed his head where he seemed to need it the most. They sat like that in peaceful silence for a long while, merely soaking in their physical proximity. Finally, Severus seemed to rouse himself and pulled out his pocket watch to look at the time. "I hope you are hungry," he said with a smirk. "I've made reservations at a tiny Muggle restaurant. I thought you might enjoy being away from the Magical world for an evening."

Hermione smiled happily at him before allowing her face to grow pensive. "My parents used to bring me to London every May so that we could go out and explore a different type of exotic cuisine on my mother's birthday. We've done all kinds of restaurants from the more common, like Sushi and Lebanese, to Sri Lankan and our last, Vietnamese."

Severus inclined his head. He did not know what to say.

Hermione did not seem to require a response. "We never could do anything special for my birthdays since it always fell once school had started. I think I've only ever had one birthday party, and that was when I was seven. It was a disaster. My cousin threw up after eating too much chocolate cake, and my grandfather got drunk on my dad's best whiskey. We never tried that again."

Severus smirked. "I'm sure tonight will be an improvement then."

Hermione giggled. "It's already an improvement, Severus. In truth, this birthday has been one of the happiest of my life, though this morning I thought I was going to feel melancholy and alone."

"Good," said Severus decisively. "Now, it is time we left for our meal." Standing up, he kept his hold on Hermione's waist and with a swift spin, Apparated them to a side street in Camden.

Hermione gasped at the unexpected location. She had not thought that Severus would take her to such a place. Beaming with happiness, she allowed him to escort her to a very small family run Italian Restaurant.

Once they were seated at a secluded corner table with the bottle of champagne he had pre-ordered, Severus toasted her graciously. "Let me wish you happy birthday once again, my dear," he said teasingly.

Hermione blushed at his teasing. "Thank you, kind sir," she said in reply.

Severus smirked. He was about to tease her some more when their food arrived. The sight and aroma of the food drove all thoughts of teasing from both of their minds. Conversation was limited as they did justice to the excellent cuisine. Once dinner was over, they lingered over their pudding, enjoying the wonderful tiramisu.

After their wonderful meal, Severus took Hermione for a late night cruise along the Thames. She was enchanted with his surprise. She had known that Severus was courting her, but this utterly romantic evening was unlike any she had thought she would encounter with Severus. She had always seen him as her dark lover. This sophisticated and urbane man who was so comfortable in the Muggle world was another facet to his personality that she had not envisioned. She realised now how truly diverse he was.

"I've had a wonderful time, Severus," said Hermione tenderly. Leaning over she kissed him softly on his mouth.

Severus smirked but he did not push her away. However, he seemed to have gained control of his emotions after his outburst of passion earlier in the evening and did not do too much to pull her to him either. Hermione decided to take the initiative. Had she not been told by him previously that he liked being claimed by her? She was determined to move their sexual relationship forward. She was tired of tip toeing around their mutual desire. Remembering the passion that he ignited within her on her first visit to Lestrange Manor, she deepened the kiss and slid her hands into his hair.

Severus groaned. He had wanted to take things slow now that they were both back to being pupil and Headmaster. But Hermione's untutored yet determined assault was driving him wild. Unable to stop himself, he drew her to him so that she was almost straddling him. Sliding his hands under her bottom, he drew her even closer to where he needed her most. As their kisses deepened, he thrust his erection against her waiting heat. Hermione moaned at the intimate contact. Even through the many layers that separated them, she could feel the heat, the need radiating off him.

Severus pulled out his wand that was tucked into his sleeve and cast a Notice-Me-Not and Muffliato spell. He did not want them to be disturbed by some curious Muggles. Then, he slid his hands up to cup her breasts. Hermione arched into his touch, wanting, needed more. Hesitant but determined, she parted his coat and began to unbutton his jacket.

Severus took that as a sign that he too could begin to explore her body further. With expert skill, he reached around her back and began to unbutton the row of tiny buttons that held up the strapless dress.

Soon, Hermione had undone his jacket and had begun working on the buttons of his waist coat. She paused though, when Severus pushed down her bodice to feast his eyes on her finally bared breasts. Hermione knew she should perhaps feel some sense of embarrassment, for this was the first time that a man had looked upon her nakedness in this manner. But all she felt was womanly pride at the blatant lust that was so openly displayed on Severus' face. She was so very glad that she wore no bra, for the dress was designed so that it needed no undergarments.

"You're so lovely," groaned Severus as he lowered his mouth to kiss and worship her breasts.

Hermione moaned at the sensual contact. She had never been touched so intimately, but with Severus, it felt right. She slid her hands into his hair and held his head close to her breasts as he continued to suckle, to nip and lave her nipples. Finally, he drew his head away from her now rigid peaks and kissed her ravenously on the mouth.

"We can't do this here," said Severus gruffly. "However strong my spells, I do not want to expose us accidentally." He knew he was very close to losing all control over himself. He wanted her desperately, and he was almost at the point of no return.

Hermione nodded. She had not planned on this happening. She had only wanted to kiss him a little, to once again feel like a woman in his arms.

******************************************************************

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