The Truth

Disclaimer: It's not my creation, but I do enjoy manipulating things. No money for me though. Enjoy.

A big thanks goes to my lovely beta, Charmed_Nay, and cheers go to my friends over at Potter_Place.

Lupin left the castle as soon as he was able to the next day. He went to the home he shared with Tonks and sat in the living area in wait for her to return. The hours ticked by as he sat in shock. So many things had occurred in the previous day and that morning that he couldn't think straight.

First and foremost on his mind was that his lover had been lying to him. This was something that he wouldn't have believed of her had someone told him. He'd detected her scent near and in the cave that Draco and Ginevra had inhabited. She was there at least twice...once some time earlier and once recently. There were signs all through the cave that it had been inhabited. She had reported it to no one. What was she trying to hide? Even worse, if she had gone there before they moved on to the abandoned little flat in Hogsmeade, then she knew where they were. Knew where to find Ginevra. Yes, Nymphadora had much explaining to do. The weeks of agony endured by both the Weasley family and he could have been spared had she spoken up. Why keep it from me? He was uncertain if their relationship could withstand such betrayal.

He loved her dearly. That was the truth. He'd decided to get over his fascination with Ginevra and build a life with her. When he'd learnt that the time at school hadn't lessened the young witch's feelings for him and that she was in a bad way over it, it brought out numerous feelings...the guilt, the fascination, and the regret. Her parents would never approve. There was an age difference. He was a fucking werewolf. Why would he be good for her? It had taken enough of Nymphadora's pleading to accept the idea that he and she truly could have a life together with her receiving no ill treatment or being burdened thanks to what he was. He would never have been able to convince himself that he was worthy of someone as young and impressionable as Ginevra. Not that she was more precious than Nymphadora, but his lover had been around and knew the ways of the world. She was an Auror. Of course she could handle herself. No, he would never have been worthy of Ginevra, especially in her family's eyes. No matter how much the Weasleys loved him, they never would have allowed anything more to develop even if he'd waited to voice his feelings until Ginevra was of age.

The second thing troubling him was none other than Dumbledore. He'd been used. Why couldn't he have been told that Snape and he had worked out a plan to trick Lucius Malfoy and the pair of runaways? It wasn't like he couldn't have simply acted angry with Snape. Dumbledore claimed that they'd needed nothing to influence him that night and needed a natural reaction, but it didn't seem like a good excuse to him. If something had gone wrong, he could have truly hurt someone. In fact, Severus had almost been gashed by his claws from what he could remember. If Malfoy hadn't issued that curse at that moment, he would have sliced into the man's face.

"Snape," he whispered bitterly, recalling the conversation they'd had earlier. He'd gone to see him just after Dumbledore had left not long after the sun had risen. The man looked worn and tired, as if he'd stayed up all night, but he'd claimed to want to talk to Lupin to be certain that he'd understood all that had gone on and would harbor no hard feelings. This alone was very odd for Severus. Always weak after a transformation, senses mixed, he hadn't felt like arguing. He'd already been reeling from Dumbledore's admission and minor betrayal...for that is what it felt like...that he cared not what Severus had to say. He simply wanted to get home and think of what his witch had done, think of where Ginevra might be, and wonder if she'd fallen in love with the young Malfoy.

Something about Severus had made him pause. He'd realized something that shocked him. The following conversation had left him gobsmacked. It had started when...

Remus said in a shocked voice, "You've been with Hermione!"

Suddenly, Snape pulled his wand from his pocket. "You will not cause problems for Hermione or me. Do you understand? I will not allow it, Lupin." He poked the wand against his neck. "Do you think I would partake in a relationship with an ex-student if the headmaster did not approve? If I didn't have good reason? Do not meddle in my affairs, and I shall not meddle in yours."

"That, dear Lupin, is my business. Do have a good day." Without allowing him to say anything, Snape tread from the room quickly.

Confusion rooted in Remus' mind. Dumbledore approves of Severus and Hermione. Well, Snape did say that she was his ex-student, so he knew there would be no retaliation from any school officials. She was no longer a student in his class. Perhaps that gained the headmaster's approval. He wondered who else knew of this? Would those that didn't know approve after it came out? What did he mean by having a reason to be with her? He knew she wasn't pregnant or hadn't been the last he'd been around her. Something was afoot here. He dared not meddle in it for fear of the man telling the Weasleys about the one time that he'd allowed his guard down with the girl.

He supposed that what was between them was their business, but he hated to see a girl like Hermione getting mixed up with someone like Snape. Dumbledore trusted him and that was good enough for him, but sometimes Snape just seemed to be on the other side by his words, deeds, and mannerisms. When he'd briefly thought him to have betrayed them all to Lucius Malfoy the previous night, it seemed to fit, seemed as though he'd known it all along.

Shaking his head, he looked over to the mantle and saw the picture that he and Tonks had taken at a Ministry party. They were dancing about and kissing, each happily oblivious to all else. "I do love you," he said to the girl in the photograph. Then he thought of the young redhead that had bewitched him, touched his soul, and called to him like no other. Was Snape right? Did Draco Malfoy care for her? How did she feel for him? As far as he could tell, there had been no sexual release of any kind in the cave. If the boy truly cared enough to not take advantage of her and to protect her, even against Snape...at this Remus chuckled...then maybe he should back away gracefully.

If he talked to Ginevra now about his feelings, most of which he didn't understand, it would only confuse her. Why not let her be happy if she could be? Though the Malfoy name wasn't as reputable as it had been, the young boy could change that. He could use his money and name to give her the life she deserved. Lupin knew he could never give her those things. He would only hurt Nymphadora and everyone else if he talked to the girl about his feelings. Part of him wanted to roar with indignation. If Severus Snape could enter a relationship with someone Hermione's age, why couldn't he? Why shouldn't he be allowed to have some happiness too? All of his true friends had died before him, and he'd watched helplessly, unable to save them. Shouldn't he be able to have what he wanted for once?

His eyes were drawn to the mantle again. Their photograph was dancing to some slow rhythm, tightly pressed together. His head was on Nymphadora's shoulder, and she was looking at him with such adoration that he had to actually take a deep breath to calm himself. "I can't hurt her," he said aloud. More confused than ever, he put his head in his hands. He loved her, could see himself with her for as long as he lived, but part of him wanted to talk to the girl. He rose and made his way to his bed, decision made. He would see if Ginevra was happy with the way things were. He would see if her weeks with Malfoy had changed her feelings for him. If she was truly happy, he would concede and never speak of his feelings. It would take time, but he'd right his emotions. In fact, a suspicious part of him wondered if perhaps he was only mistaking his protectiveness of her for something more. Being uncertain, he should just keep quiet.

He would have a word with Nymphadora, however, on her part in things. He needed to know what she'd known and why she hadn't told him. It wasn't just that she hadn't told him of their location. She hadn't told her family or friends either. Molly and Arthur had taken her disappearance especially hard. It was only right that he find out exactly what she knew. He'd wait for the right time, watching her actions, and when he felt the time right, he'd ask her about her visits to the cave.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

"Well, it's about time you woke up," Harry said. "Look about last night..."

"I shouldn't have let your words get to me," Hermione said, shoving his map and his Invisibility Cloak into his hands.

"What were you doing with these in your room?"

"Oh, I don't know. Just making sure you didn't wander off, I suppose," she lied. "I think I'm going to call for lunch. I'm starved."

"You've missed breakfast and lunch since you've been having a lie in," Harry said. "Listen to me, Mione. I didn't mean to hurt you last night, but what I said about Snape makes sense. If I'd had a chance, I would have talked to Dumbledore about it. He hasn't been round just yet."

Hermione faced him. "We misunderstood things."

Shaking his head, he said, "Please don't deny what we heard. It's you that I'm looking out for here."

"Either we misunderstood things or Draco and Ginny did. Whichever case it may be, Severus is loyal to Dumbledore... and to me," she said softly.

Harry snorted. "Yeah?" He opened his map, whispered the spell to enable him to read it, and browsed through its pages. "Where is he then? Why is he not in his rooms?" He shoved the map at her.

"That's because," she began, turning the page, "he's here with Dumbledore."

"What?" Harry asked incredulously. He looked at it twice before asking, "How'd you know last night was a misunderstanding? Been to see him, have you?"

Hermione blushed guiltily. "Yes, if you must know, I did go to see him. I had to know for myself, so when I got up and saw him leaving McGonagall's office... Well, I knew all was well and went to him."

"I really think that you are making a mistake, Hermione. What say we talk to Dumbledore first?"

"No. Severus' word is good enough for me."

"Yeah? What really happened then?"

"Well, I don't know exactly, but he's going to tell me everything today when he has time. He had some other place to be last night, so I didn't get to... er... talk to him long." They hadn't really talked much, so it was true...sort of.

"Mischief managed," Harry said angrily. "You'll not be using my stuff to go off and see him! You could have asked. I've been worrying about you all morning, and it was for nothing. You just always have to have the answers."

"You're just jealous!" Hermione shot.

"Jealous?" Harry asked incredulously before laughing. "I don't care about Snape one bit! He can rot for all I care!"

"No, I mean you are jealous that I can see my lover, and you can't see yours," she taunted. "Jealous that Gabrielle is off with Ron and Pansy while you're landed here with me." She strode away and sat down. "It's not fair that you would ruin things for me just because you can't have your way!"

"Lover now, is he?"

"Oh, shut it, Harry. You know what I mean. You just don't want anyone to be able to get away with the things that you normally get away with!"

"What is that supposed to mean?" he asked hotly.

"Well, you know how you get away with everything. You don't want someone else to do the same... unless you're right there with them." Hermione knew she sounded ridiculous, but she couldn't stop herself. She wanted to take out her frustration on Harry since he was the one to get her so worked up in the first place.

"Shove off, Hermione," Harry said, storming off into his room.

"Good grief," Hermione muttered. She felt like a fool. Harry had been her friend for years, and here she was having a go at him for voicing his opinion. If their roles were reversed, she knew that she'd do the same thing...give her opinion on things. She always had in the past. She sighed in frustration, appetite gone. Truth be known, she'd been up most of the night worrying about Severus and checking the map every few minutes to see if he'd returned. When he finally had, he'd gone to his office for some time and then went off to see Lupin. Only after that did he return to his chambers and settle down. It was then that she'd fallen asleep.

No wonder she'd slept the day away. Not only had she been up worrying about him coming back to her, she'd been wishing that they'd had only a few more minutes and had been able to make love. What if something would have happened, causing him to never return? She would have never known what it was like to make love to him. She very much wanted to experience that. Her mind was whirling. She'd gone from being curious to not being ready to needing him.

Hermione was still embarrassed by what had passed between them the night before. What if he'd thought on it and thought her too naïve? She felt ridiculous for assuming he'd meant that she was burning him from within. Giggling, she summoned a house-elf and ordered tea and biscuits. There was no need for a full meal, as it would soon be time to eat again anyway. No, she needed time to think about how she would approach him in their next meeting. When he'd come to see her, how should she act? She could either act as if nothing had happened, bypassing any conversation of it, or she could simply tell him that she wished things had progressed further and make plans for something more.

She ate quickly and settled herself back to stare at the fire. What did he think of her? She'd seen the appreciation in his eyes when he'd gazed at her naked body. Hermione smiled to herself, feeling a blush grace her cheeks even though she was alone.

"I wonder," a silky voice began, sliding down her spine and causing it to tingle, "what would make you smile and blush in such a way."

Sitting up right quickly, Hermione looked up to see him towering over her. How had he done that? She hadn't heard him enter. "Hi," she said in embarrassment. It felt as if she'd been caught doing something naughty. Biting her lip, she lowered her eyes.

His hands moved down to grasp her arms and pull her up to stand before him. They slid down to her waist. Still she dared not look up at him. Being shy and acting embarrassed hadn't been one of the options she'd thought on. Damn it! I'm going to ruin everything! Look at him. Look at him. Come on, Hermione. You can do it.

"Look at me, Hermione."

Cheeks still flushed, her eyes rose to meet his. His eyes were dark and glinting, filled with a predatory gleam that set her heart racing. He'd looked upon her with desire before, but it was never anything like she was seeing in his eyes in that moment. Of their own volition, her hands moved up to clutch his shoulders. Ever so slowly his face lowered towards hers, eyes penetrating hers. He said, "Are you upset about last night?" His voice was a mere whisper, but it vibrated through her body nonetheless.

She swallowed and mustered her courage. "Only that you had to leave before..." She couldn't voice it, but at that moment, his eyes narrowed slightly, as if appraising her. Then his mouth crushed hers in a searing kiss. Teasing her deeply and stealing her breath away, his kiss left her dizzy, and when he gathered her to him, resting his chin atop her head, she said, "I still want to be with you. I regret not doing so."

"No regrets, Hermione. Our time will come." He pulled back to look down into her eyes. "The next time I have you truly alone, I will take you."

"Where to?" she asked curiously. He threw his head back and laughed unlike she'd ever heard him laugh before. It was beautiful. She hadn't imagined he could laugh so richly, so deeply. It was... horrifying. It was then that she realized her folly. "Shite," she muttered, feeling mortified and trying to pull away from him completely. He must think her an idiot.

Severus pulled her back to him, turned, and sat with her on his lap. In a silkily seductive voice, he said, "I'm going to take you to my bed, show you pleasure unlike I've given you before, and take you to a place we've never been to together." He kissed her cheek and moved back to whisper in her ear. "Having been so close to having you, you're all I can think of. Just knowing that I was several inches away from being completely buried within you sets my blood to boil." He blew into her ear and then said, "I can still feel your wet heat calling to me, begging me to slowly sink in."

Hermione involuntarily leaned more into him and closed her eyes, imagining the things of which he spoke. She could feel his hard length twitching beneath her arse and knew that he wanted her even then. In return, she realized she wanted him just as much. She could feel her arousal building, body suddenly warming with his nearness. It was as if his presence consumed her or threatened to set her afire.

"Would you like that?" he asked quietly.

"Yes," she hissed in answer, boldly rubbing her bottom against his groin and bringing her lips to kiss his neck. "I wish I'd not wasted all that time we had together at your house."

Eyes closed, head resting back, he corrected, "Our house, and that time was not wasted. You weren't ready. Now that you are, it will only be better for us."

"H-Harry won't let me use his cloak again. He was angry I took it without asking," she said. "How will I come to you? We can't be together here. Not like that."

His head popped up, and his eyes narrowed. "I wouldn't want to owe Potter for anything anyway. You stay in these rooms. No wandering about the halls. Do I make myself clear?"

"Yes, but..."

"No, Hermione, I am serious." He brushed his lips against hers. "We will find a way, and when the time comes for us, I can promise you that you will never regret it."

She blushed slightly. "I don't regret last night or any of the things we've done together."

"I'm glad," he said. "Why were you embarrassed?"

"Well, I thought you'd think that I was too innocent for you, and then just now when I said... well, you get the idea."

He smirked slightly and pushed her hair from her face. "I believe I've taken your innocence already."

"You know what I mean."

"I do," he said with a slight nod. "It's just a new step in our relationship. Soon enough, you'll be comfortable enough with me and with the things we will do together." He lowered his voice. "And make no mistake, Hermione, there are many things we will be doing together. There are so many things that I will teach you and explore with you."

Knowing that if this talk kept up, Harry would walk out and catch them in a snog, she changed the subject. "Now, Severus, would you tell me what went on last night?"

"Certainly," he said, giving her a final kiss before moving her to sit next to him.

A quiet click on Harry's door told them that they were not alone. "You're here, are you?" Harry asked, moving to sit at the table.

"I am certain that you can see for yourself that I am indeed here, Potter," Severus said snidely. "If you don't mind, we were having a private conversation."

"These are my rooms as well, Snape. I've a right to use them as I wish." He opened a book and looked down at it. After a few moments, he looked up. "Look, if it's that private, put a Silencing Charm up. I'll try not to look."

"It's about last night," Hermione offered, hoping Severus would let Harry hear it.

Harry shrugged. "So what."

"So? But you should listen to what he has to say. You were so quick to believe Draco about him being a traitor. Why not hear his side?" Hermione retorted hotly.

"I don't remember inviting him to hear my side," Severus interjected.

"What's wrong, Snape? Don't want to give your side while I'm listening in case Dumbledore tells me something contradicting? Something that makes you seem less the hero to Hermione?"

Snarling, Severus said, "Come sit over here, boy, and listen if you will. However, I will not be badgered by your questions. Do I make myself clear?"

Harry nodded. Quickly moving to sit in the chair across from them, Harry listened to Snape's story. It went along with the very little they'd heard from Malfoy, and he had to admit to himself that it had worked well. They'd found the missing pair, captured Death Eaters, and forced Lucius Malfoy to help them.

"Are Draco and Ginny at headquarters or still here?"

"They have been brought to Grimmauld Place," Snape replied sourly. "For how long, I don't know. I suppose there or here would be the best place for them."

"Is Lupin all right?"

"Didn't I say no questions, Potter?"

"Right then," Harry said.

"Not that it's any of your concern, I suppose he'll live to become a werewolf again." Snape stood. "I have to show a presence in the Great Hall this evening, as I've missed the first two meals. The students may wonder why I would miss all three." This was directed to Hermione.

Harry bounced up and went to his room, claiming the need to use the loo in order to give them privacy. As much as he hated to admit it, Snape and Hermione seemed all right together. He shook his head. She was so young though. How did she know she wanted to be landed with his sort for the rest of her life? He looked into the mirror on his wardrobe. "How do I know that I want to be landed with Gabrielle?" he asked himself quietly. He realized that he didn't know for certain, but he'd like to give it a try. That was likely how Hermione felt about Snape. If and when they finally did break apart, he'd be there for her to pick up the pieces. He and Ron would both be there. Always. Although, if they remained together... nah, surely they wouldn't. He shrugged. Time would tell.

After he felt enough time passed, he ventured out of his room to catch Hermione going into hers. "Mione?" he called to stop her. She turned to face him uncertainly. "Look, about earlier, I'm sorry. If you want to use my cloak, you need only let me know." When she smiled, he added, "The map as well."

Surprising him, she padded over to him and threw her arms about him for a fierce hug. "Thank you, Harry. You'll never know what it meant to me that you came out to talk with us even though you were angry and felt him untrustworthy." She kissed his cheek and went to her room. Feeling proud that he'd made her happy, he puffed out his chest and walked back to the table to read the latest book about Quidditch that Professor Dumbledore had brought him. He figured he would be about sometime soon to talk to him, so he might as well get comfortable while waiting.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Hermione couldn't believe how quickly the days passed. Christmas was right around the corner. The students would be leaving the castle the next day. She hoped that she and Severus would have time alone over the holidays. Not having his classes would enable him to spend more time with her, but with Harry about, it wasn't really any private time. They'd asked to visit their friends, but the headmaster was still undecided.

Even though she'd told Severus that Harry didn't mind if she used his cloak, he wouldn't allow her to come to him. Each night, however, he'd come to her after the evening meal to read and sit with her. Some nights Harry would talk with them, and some nights even Dumbledore would happen by for a visit. The more the headmaster saw them together, the more accepting he seemed of their relationship. There were still things that Severus was keeping from her. She could see it in his eyes or hear it when he nearly slipped and told her things. The whispered exchanges between the headmaster and her wizard did not go unnoticed by her.

"You've got a letter," Harry said, drawing her from her thoughts. "Two." He tossed both to her.

"Thanks," she said, opening the first. "It's from Mum. Oh, blast. She's really disappointed that I won't be able to go home for the holidays."

"What excuse did you give her?"

"Told her I had lots of preparing to do for my N.E.W.T.s. It's sort of true. I do plan on making my outlines and then revising them."

Harry looked at her incredulously. "Well, I'm not doing anything. Not yet. There's still time for that. It's not like we really have homework or classes. If anyone had told me that my seventh year would be so easy, I'd have never believed it."

"I know. I hated giving up Head Girl, but I think this," she gestured around them, "is more important than some school title that won't really make a difference in the real world."

"Thanks, Hermione. I know how much that meant to you," Harry said. "What's that other letter?"

"Oh, good grief! It's from Fleur. It's actually for the both of us. We are cordially invited to a Christmas party at headquarters."

"Well, what did she send that for? Aren't we going to be there anyway?"

"You know how she is. Probably just trying to make it all the more... fun, I suppose. That or trying to take charge," Hermione said, giggling slightly.

"Yeah, real fun. With her and Bill both there watching over Gabrielle, I'll not have a moment alone with her at all," Harry groused. "The last time I saw her... well, you know how it was. She was in bed sick most of the day."

"Did Dumbledore say that we could go? I thought he was undecided on it."

Harry slapped his forehead. "I forgot to tell you. Last night, after you'd gone to bed, he came here and said that we could spend all the holidays there. He is going to go with us, needing to stay near me, but he can't be there all the time. So... well, he's invited Snape to come, but he said that he wasn't given an answer yet."

"Really?" Hermione asked, leaning forward. "Oh, I hope Severus agrees. I could really do with getting out of this room, and even though we wouldn't really be together, we'd still be together. Know what I mean?"

"Uh-huh," Harry said, laughing lightly. "Talk to him. Who knows? Maybe you two can have a bit of privacy."

"I doubt it. Everyone will be sharing rooms!"

Harry grinned. "Maybe you could ask to share with Gabrielle. During the night, I could use my cloak to slip off to your room. You can then use it to slip off to Snape's after I get there. A few hours later, we could switch back. Eh?"

Hermione smiled wickedly. "Harry, you just might be onto something! I will definitely talk to Severus. When are we leaving?"

"Brilliant! Tomorrow after the students at some point, I guess. He never really said."

"Excellent," she replied, scurrying off to her room to pack. Oh, she'd convince him to join them. She'd let him know that they'd finally have a bit of time together. Alone.

Southern's Notes: The next couple of chapters will be all about the Christmas holidays. I'm smiling as I write this. I've some fun stuff planned. We'll catch up with everyone involved and see how things are going. Putting all those people together for the holidays should prove an interesting way to go about it.

So... Lupin...confusing enough for you? Poor guy. He's so confused. He'll be all right though. More on him soon. Harry and Hermione do need to get out of those chambers before they go mental or nag each other to death. I'm the same way and get restless at times (like right now, as I'm writing this while my Internet is still down).

More up in a few days. I need to send the next part to my beta. I had to work through the second part of it, wanting to change our couple's coupling about a little. I decided to push it back to the next one.