Chapter Thirteen

Disclaimer: All characters belong to J.K. Rowling. I own nothing here except the plot. This is for entertainment purposes only. Happy reading!

A big thanks goes to my beta, Charmed Nay. Also, three cheers to GinnyW for going through this a second time and helping to catch any funkies!

Severus opened his eyes and had an uneasy feeling of deja vu. What the hell was going on? He was not in his chamber. Jasmine. He was in Hermione's bed, but something wasn't right. The fire in the grate was fairly low, but he could just make out the silhouette of a woman standing near it. The heavy draperies on her window were closed tightly, but there was definitely no sunlight out. It must be some time during the night. He reached out a hand uneasily to the empty bed beside him. Where was Hermione? Was this a dream? "Hello, Severusss," she hissed in a near whisper.

It sounded like Hermione, but he could not be sure. She seemed taller. The figure inched forward slowly, allowing the low flames to silhouette her. The long, thick, wavy hair seemed to be flowing about her head eerily. "Hermione?" he questioned.

"Ssshh," came the reply. She lifted her arms above her, and he could see that she was swaying slightly in time with the small blaze behind her. Sitting up and peering closer, he could see that her hands were gloved. In continuance with her seductive dance, she moved one gloved hand down her other arm. She peeled the glove off as her fingers made their way back up. The minx before him was only clad in something dark that snugly covered the essential portions on her body. She brought the ungloved hand to her other arm in the same manner, discarding the glove onto the floor near the other one. She turned to face the fire with her back to him.

"He-Hermione, what are you doing?" Severus was uneasy. He'd had too many experiences with that ruddy Succubus to be sure what was going on. He groaned slightly as she began lowering the clingy garment from her sexy derrière.

"I'm trying to seduce you," she said lightly.

A shocked expression passed over his face. His little witch was full of surprises, and to think that she had decided to do this for him, made him feel... wanted. As she lifted first one leg and then the other, he noted she had some spiky shoes resembling the ones she had worn to the Christmas party. He longed to go to her to firmly grasp her arse. Damn, but he would love to light some more candles. The only reason he didn't was because this was her attempt at seduction. If she had wanted more lighting, she would have lit some herself. Hermione turned back to face him, moving forward a little more before stopping. She reached her hands up to begin untying the laces holding the fabric covering her breasts. Shrugging first out of one strap and then the other, she pulled it away from her body.

Severus' mouth went dry as one hand gently circled her left breast only to pinch her nipple. Her other hand came up to mimic the movements on her right breast. Both hands palmed their way down her soft stomach to her thighs, and then they moved back up to the womanly juncture betwixt her legs. "You've not even touched me yet, and I am already wet for you. My body is on fire with anticipation."

"Good Lord, Hermione, come here," he said in a low voice. He was completely seduced. Did she not know that she didn't have to go through all of this to make him yearn to be within her? Kicking off one shoe and then the other, she crawled onto the foot of the bed. Slowly working her way to him on all fours, he was reminded of a cat crouched down stalking its prey. Now that she was only inches from him, she placed her palms on his shoulders to push him back down onto the pillows. She looked into his eyes for a long moment before slowly descending her lips to brush against his softly.

"I want this to be for you. You told me to show you how I felt; the way you show me. Let me," she murmured. With that said, she pressed her lips to his more firmly, sliding her tongue along his lower lip while grinding her naked body through the duvet against his. She had likely spelled off his underpants, as they were now missing. He welcomed her lips and tongue with a nearly inaudible sigh. He dared not close his eyes to lose the contact with hers. It was like seeing into her soul. My Hermione. Hermione Granger... Snape. At that thought, his solid erection jutted up firmly to meet her sensual grind. Her lips moved along his jawbone, trailing wet, open-mouthed kisses as they went. Finally reaching his ear, she whispered seductively, "Do you want me?"

"Woman," he growled, "you have no idea what you do to me. I want to slam into your flesh and possess you." She nibbled on his lobe and suckled his neck while her hand traced down his bare chest and disappeared between them. Was she frigging herself?

She pulled away from him for a moment to look into his eyes. "Severus, this is what only you can do to me." She placed her damp fingers onto his lips. His tongue eased out to lick his lower lip. He growled deeply with approval. She then placed her index finger into his mouth. He sucked and licked until it was clean. She placed her middle finger into his mouth, and he eagerly slurped it clean. Hermione removed her fingers and captured his lips in an equally arousing kiss. "Oh," she murmured into his mouth when he roughly pressed himself more firmly to her.

"You... little... Succubus," he whispered. Feeling a burst of confidence in herself, she began slowly licking a trail down his neck, across his chest, and over each of his flat nipples. One fingernail followed the path of hair down to his groin, giving him gooseflesh. He sucked in a shaky breath as it circled his length lazily. Not to be outdone, her mouth followed the same path, but it came to rest on his inner thigh. She nipped and sucked his flesh gently for the briefest of moments before moving to the other thigh to replicate her actions. He felt like pulling her lips to his aching element, but he knew he had to restrain himself... somehow. She's driving me insane. "Yesssss," he hissed finally as her lips lapped at the droplet of excitement working its way out of his tip. She took as much of him into her mouth as she could before slowly pulling back.

As if in slow motion, she moved above him, took him in her hands, and guided him into her. Ever so slowly she slid down, moaning softly as he filled her. He could see that her eyes were closed, and she was biting that luscious lip. Severus placed his hands on her waist to help steady her, allowing her to set her own pace. She leaned forward to place both hands on his chest and began moving. Her eyes were still closed, and he watched her shamelessly. He couldn't believe his good fortune of having found such a treasure. Her wild hair was moving in time with her. Her body was mesmerizing. Up and down, back and forth.

Severus felt the burning need to release, and to help things along, he helped her pick up the pace somewhat. His upward thrusts and the pulling of her body against him led them to a fast, frantic pace. He could feel that he was nearing climax. Wanting her to feel it with him, he dropped a hand down to caress her sensitive spot. "No," she breathed. "Don't wait. Just move with me."

"Hermione," he groaned as she slapped his hand away. "Come with me." This time as his fingers grazed her, she moved farther back. The change in position had him filling her more profoundly. Thrusting deeply into her tight folds, he began his climax. "Hermione... I... oh, God."

She began reducing her movements until she knew he was done. Panting, she looked down at him through heavy lidded eyes. Her legs were trembling, and she felt the odd sensation of fluids trickling down from her onto him. "Severus... that is how I feel."

He pulled her to him for a kiss. While she was distracted, a hand crept to her crux, and he began rolling his finger firmly to stimulate her. In no time at all, she began bucking against him and moaning cries into his mouth. After a final shudder passed through her body, he stilled his movements. Her clamping convulsions had brought his half hard cock back to life within her, but she slid off of him to fall into a contented sleep. He wanted nothing more than to flip her onto her back and pound into her, but she had earned her rest. Her plump legs were still trembling with overexertion. He pressed a kiss onto the top of her head that was pressed into his neck. Tightening one arm around her body, he brought his free hand down to his shaft to begin stroking himself. Drawing from the feel of her naked body crammed closely to his and the memory of what she had just done to him, he brought himself to a second climax.

Severus had never felt so complete before in his life. If the real Succubus hadn't been such a pain in the arse, he would have sent a silent thanks to her for opening his eyes where his Little One was concerned. Pulling his wand from the nightstand, he muttered a cleaning charm on both of them. Hermione mumbled slightly in her sleep as he moved her to reach for the duvet. He pulled tendrils of hair away from her face and smiled. Someone loved him. Extremely. He felt like he had touched her soul this night...his Hermione.

Everything that was Hermione belonged to him. His thoughts darkened as he imagined bashing a faceless foe over an attempt to harm her. They would find out exactly what was going on, who was behind it, and bring them to justice...one way or another.

~~~~~~~~ HG ~~~~~~~~~ SS ~~~~~~~~~~

"Potter! Weasley!" Draco called. "Have you read the paper?"

"We don't subscribe to that rubbish," Ron said. He was glad that Draco hadn't held what he'd said about his father against him. The day after had felt a little odd, and he could tell Draco wanted to say something, but he didn't. The bloke could have been putting up an act, what with someone spying and all.

"What's so important, Malfoy?" Harry asked, noting the worried expression on Malfoy's face. "The Friday edition has something we should know?"

"Hell, yes!" Draco said, looking around to see if anyone was about. "Bellatrix Lestrange! She's gone! They went to give her some early morning treatments this morning, and she wasn't there. They don't know what happened!"

"But, the wards... the guards...?" Ron couldn't believe it.

"It's as if she just vanished." Draco nodded. "This is bad. We should try to see Snape today at some point."

"Talk to him after double Potions," Harry said. Turning away from his friends, he made his way out of the front entrance onto the grounds.

"Where is he off to?" Draco questioned.

"They have a lot of history, Harry and Bellatrix," Ron said, feeling uneasy. Harry wouldn't leave the grounds, would he?

"Go get him. I'll go find Hermione."

"All right, mate," Ron said, making his way in Harry's direction. Instinctively, he went in the direction of Hagrid's hut. Sure enough, Harry was prodding down the path. "Wait, Harry!" Harry waited rigidly while his friend caught up.

"I just need to be alone," Harry said decisively. "I'll be all right."

"Look, mate. I know what you are feeling right now. I'd like a go at her meself for..."

"You have NO idea how I feel about her! I should have killed her!" Harry yelled. "I thought I would do one better and destroy her mind, but now look where it's got me. So much for that!"

"She's got a muddled mind still. Far as anyone knows. Who's to say that someone didn't take her to just kill her?" Ron's expression turned hopeful.

"How thick are you?" Harry asked hatefully. "The bastards have been up to something. They're to get Mione and the others. Think they were having tea with Percy, Fudge, and the others?"

"Now, hang on, Harry. There's no reason to go off like that on me. I've done nothing exce..."

"Shove off for now, Ron. I have to think about this."

"What for, Harry? You think you can find her on your own?" Ron asked hotly. "You need me, mate. You aren't a one man show."

Harry's rage distorted face eased some. "I'm not going after her. Not yet! I just have to be alone to calm myself! All right? Understand now? I have to get away from everyone! Just shove off!"

Ron shook his head sadly as his friend continued on his way. He'd better go find Mione. Maybe she could talk to him. She always seemed to calm him down some. The last time he'd seen Harry that upset was before he had killed Voldemort! On his way to the castle, he met up with Snape.

"Weasley," Snape snarled with disgust. "Where is he?"

"Doesn't pay to talk to that one. He's off to calm himself and doesn't want to be bothered," Ron said with a pointed glance behind him, stepping away from the angry man. What's he mad at me for? I've not done a thing! Snape brushed past him without another word. "Git," Ron muttered before continuing on.

~~~~~~~~ HG ~~~~~~~~~ SS ~~~~~~~~~~

"Look at her! The bitch!" Bradley spat venomously. "I'd like to shake Potter's hand for this, I would. I've a mind to leave her this way, and let her body starve to death, I do!"

Higgs looked over to his father, and he could see that the old man wanted to say something. If they didn't need the arse's potion to revive Bella, they would likely feed him to the snakes now. "Think you it shall work?" his father wheezed.

"Yes, I do. I'll start tonight. I'd say by this time Sunday, she'll be lucid." Bradley cackled excitedly. "And, then you can question her all you want. After that, I'll have my revenge."

Father and son exchanged smirks before the younger spoke. "Yes, vengeance will be ours to all that have wronged us. I think by this time on the next weekend, we can go ahead and lure the two we need to commence our grand plan."

Bradley nodded. "Our contact says that Potter is always glued to Granger. We need to make sure that he won't be about when our little Malfoy spirits her off. Are we prepared to make the sacrifice though?"

The old man spoke this time. "Yes, my contact says that the girl will be there. He'll see to it."

"Seems a pity to have to kill her," Terrence said softly, thinking of the petite girl.

"It was a pity that my girl had to die as well," Bradley spat.

Old man Higgs soured. "She is tied with Potter. That'll keep him away. As long as we sacrifice her, he'll be in no shape to watch Granger like a hawk. Snape can't be everywhere at once, can he? It's our only guarantee."

"Father, what if something goes wrong? If they suspect anything, then..."

"Terence," his father said as sternly as he could. "Our contact at Hogwarts tells us that the young Malfoy takes easily to the Imperius. Nothing can go wrong."

"Yes, father," the boy replied. Bastard. It all seemed too easy. Ginevra Weasley would likely be dead by next weekend to ensure that Potter was occupied enough to not watch his little right hand like a hawk. Snape would get an urgent owl from Malfoy, taking him from the castle, and then Draco would lead Granger away. It was simple enough, but things that were too easy didn't sit well with him. Who am I to question my father?

~~~~~~~~ HG ~~~~~~~~~ SS ~~~~~~~~~~

"Not now, Professor," Harry said, sitting near the edge of the forest on an old log.

"It's times like these that you need to talk, Harry," Severus said. To relax the boy, he added, "We are alone. You may call me Severus."

"I hate her," Harry bit out. "I should have KILLED her." The boy's explosion did not surprise Severus. He merely sat down waiting for the rest of it. "I never liked that I would have to be a murderer one day. It was kill, or be killed. Kill, and you may be killed anyway. Then things changed. I knew it had to be done. I had to defend us."

"And yourself."

"Yes, but that didn't matter near the end. So long as everyone was safe!" Harry shook his head. "I gave in to the desire to see Bellatrix suffer! I thought I did one better, and now she is out. There is no telling what they have planned now."

"Harry, what did you do to her exactly?" Severus asked cautiously. He didn't want to press him too much. Not yet.

"A Mind-Bewitching Confundus Charm," Harry said promptly. "The part of her mind that functions properly is locked away while another part of the subconscious takes over, leaving her in a catatonic state until her body dies. Unless there are people that force feed and treat her. It's only what she deserved, the batty bitch!"

Severus nodded. "I thought it was something to that effect. Harry, who taught you that?"

"Dumbledore gave me some books to read. I talked to him about it some, and he helped just a bit."

"This is Dark Magic, Harry," Severus said, trying to not sound as if he was reprimanding him. He privately wondered just how much more the boy knew. Weasley looked shaken up, but he'd had the sense to not provoke his friend further. Harry would not likely hurt his friend, but that didn't mean a row wouldn't occur. Harry needed his friends, especially after all that had happened.

"No shit, sir!" Harry said, jumping up to move away.

"Sit back here, boy," Severus chided. "I am not trying to lecture you. I am just trying to make a point. If you would have a seat." He motioned to the vacated spot on the log. Harry sat back down, looking as if he didn't know if he should yell or cry.

"I'll listen."

"How considerate." Severus put a hand on his shoulder. "Sometimes we do things without thinking of the consequences. I admit freely that sometimes we have no other choice but to do things that we may regret later. But, those circumstances occur few and far between." Severus thought for a moment. "When you hexed her, what went through your mind?"

Harry faced Severus squarely. "I remember thinking death was too good for her."

"So, there were choices: the hex, a murder, and binding her. She was wounded when you cast the final hex. I saw that much." Severus stood to pace. Why wouldn't he speak? "Explain."

Harry looked away for a moment. "Death was too easy. I wanted her to pay. If I had bound her, she may have gotten away. I chose punishment and the improbable chance that she would get away."

"Do you know the counter curse for this?"

"There isn't one." Harry sighed. "There is a potion. It was listed as well."

"All right. That doesn't matter for now." Severus sat back and pulled Harry to face him. "Your choice was justified by your feelings. You had the choices there, and that is what you picked. In the eyes of the Ministry, you should have bound or killed her. No one faults what you've done. It was war. These times, however, are not."

"I can see what you mean, Se-Severus, but not really. I mean to say, was that bad?"

"Yes and no. Each fork in the path will bring you to a choice. A few minutes ago, Weasley seemed disconcerted. What happened?"

"I... I yelled at him. I acted like a prat, I guess. I took it out on him," Harry admitted. "I just wanted to be left alone."

"Did your friend deserve this?"

"No, I don't think so." Harry smiled loosely. "So, I chose the wrong path. I should have realized that he was only being supportive. My... emotions have done it again. If I had an idea where she was... I would have gone. I need to learn to control my impulses and take a moment to relax."

"Name one thing that relaxes you, and tell me why," Severus prodded, smug about the progress he was gaining with the boy.

"The Phoenix song," Harry said promptly. "It's always makes me feel better. It reminds me of Dumbledore."

"What does Albus remind you of?"

"Everything that is good in the world. Hope for the future. Strength. The reason to fight and for the right reason."

Severus smirked. How like him Harry was! He'd had similar thoughts. One steady force for him had been Albus, as well. He hadn't needed a Phoenix song though. "In what instances has this helped?"

"When I was down in the Chamber, Fawkes came to me. He helped me. Later, when I heard the Phoenix song, it enchanted me. It was as if I could feel it inside of me." Harry stood up. "When Voldemort dueled with me back in fourth year, I heard that same song. I felt safe. I knew things would turn out. Well, I had hoped. Many things since then. That night with you and Mione...Fawkes came. I had thoughts. They... were not exactly proper. I think I would have hexed you."

Severus raised an eyebrow. He would have liked to hex himself as well. "And, Fawkes did what?"

"Every time I would feel angry or uncomfortable, he would sing for me. I calmed down. It made me think clearly."

Why would Fawkes have been there? "Did Albus know what you and Hermione were about? Did he send Fawkes to assist?"

"Fawkes did heal Hermione's slicing hex, but I think... I felt as if Dumbledore may have known that the song would calm me if I began thinking about intervening." Harry ran his hands through his hair. "He doesn't trust me fully, does he?"

"I don't think there is a question whether or not he trusts you. He does. I would stake my life on it." Severus wondered as well, but he would not tell Harry this. "Perhaps he knows of the urge you have to help others. He must know how you feel about the song. Hell, it will relax most anyone. The book you are reading now. It's much the same, I would say."

"What do you suggest?"

"I think we use this to help calm you when something gets to be too much. Try it. When you are upset, hear the song of the Phoenix. Think of Albus. Think of all things good. Think of choices." Severus could see that the boy was mulling it over. "What do you feel now?"

"Relaxed. I also owe Ron an apology." Harry smiled genuinely. "Thanks."

"It's nothing," Severus said. "Let's get back. I am missing my class right now. I sent Hermione to ask Albus to cover for me until I returned. I don't trust him to not give away too many undeserving points."

Harry laughed. "Er... sorry that I just took off without a thought to your class."

"I think for the moment it will do. However, in the future, you will lose points and face a possible detention." They made the rest of the way quietly. Severus had just been about to leave Hermione's chambers when he heard someone arguing with her portrait. He'd drawn his wand, not taking a chance that it was a friend on the other side. When he saw Draco, he was both relieved and annoyed. He chided him about entering her chambers alone before even listening to what he had to say. Perhaps it would be prudent to follow his own advice. He smirked.

They walked into the class. Albus was rambling on about some joke Hooch had told him the night before. Severus shook his head. "Thank you, Headmaster. I shall continue the lesson from here."

Albus smiled kindly. "Anytime, Severus." His old eyes sought out those of Harry for a moment. "I shall speak with you this evening."

"Very well," Severus commented. "Turn to page 410. Who can tell me the ingredients of an Invigoration Draught?" He looked around the class and noted that the students were searching for the answer. Shaking his head, he said, "Why am I not surprised? As an antidote to your lack of preparation for class, you will write two rolls of parchment on the uses of the ingredients in this particular potion. I want to know why they have to be used in precise order, and what happens if you place even a minute amount too much or too little. Turn this in on Monday!"

The students grumbled for a few moments, but none dared to speak out. That will teach them to not read their chapters! "As you can see, in the first paragraph it is explained that the Invigoration Draught is an extremely dangerous potion. This is not to be used in conjunction with any other potion, or the user may meet an untimely death. Bullstrode! Copy this down, girl!" His class proceeded on without a hitch. He could see that Draco was worried. Severus would have to contact Lucius...and soon. Maybe something else had slipped out about the disappearance that The Prophet hadn't printed for the public's prying eyes.

~~~~~~~~ HG ~~~~~~~~~ SS ~~~~~~~~~~

"Hi. Nice night, isn't it?" a feminine voice asked.

"It's fine," Draco replied. "I came out here to think in private. Do you mind?"

"Sorry, I guess you don't remember me," she said.

"Well, come where I can see you at least," he said moodily. "Ah, yes, Edgecombe, is it?"

She smiled warmly. "That's right. So, Malfoy, what brings you up here on a Friday night? No parties in your common room?"

"There are a few games in progress. I've other things on my mind," he said, trying to remember the exact sound of her voice. He would try to appear troubled. Perhaps she would talk to him more freely. Maybe even fall under the Malfoy charm. Know your enemy, his father always said.

"Anything you would like to talk about?" she asked sweetly.

Here is my chance. "Yes, actually, I have been thinking about a girl as of late. I always thought of her as unworthy of my attention, then I came to like her as a person, mostly, and now... well, I just don't know. I am confused." He tried to sound perplexed.

"Well, does this girl feel anything for you?"

"No. She has a lover, and she considers me to be a friend. It's as if the moment I noticed her, she was swept away by someone else." Draco tried to smile brokenly. "I suppose it's fine. My father wouldn't approve anyway."

"Can't you talk to him?" she questioned, seemingly sincere, moving closer.

"I suppose I could, but there are some things that he won't change his mind about. I guess if it would look good in the public's eye, he might think on it. I guess it's not really worth the trouble. It would just cause a row, and I can't guarantee she would have me," Draco said glumly.

"Her loss then," she purred.

"Ahem," a male voice said.

She rolled her eyes. "Hello, Professor Steward. Have you finished with your personal business then?"

"Why, yes, I have, Miss Edgecombe. Care to accompany me into town?" he asked with an air of arrogance.

She took his arm. "Good night, Draco."

"Good evening, young fellow," the man said.

Draco allowed them a long head start before he made his way down to Snape's chambers. He hated to show up again, but this was important. Their primary suspect had just tried to come on to him. Wait. Had she? Hell, yes. He'd seen the look in her eyes, the sound in her voice. Even bad girls were intrigued by the Malfoy charm it seemed. This could be an advantage. Yes, he had her feeling sorry for him already. As he entered the dungeons, a thought occurred to him. It was pretty late. They were probably going at it. This information could wait until morning. He decided instead to go to his common room. At least no jealous lover would be tempted to accost him for no reason. That would wait until forenoon.

~~~~~~~~ HG ~~~~~~~~~ SS ~~~~~~~~~~

"What did you talk with the Headmaster about?" she asked, rubbing his tense shoulders.

"Harry mostly. I told him about his reaction earlier, and we are discussing further training for him. I simply wanted to be sure that he approved of my ideas," Severus said, telling only a half-truth. She didn't need to know everything that they had talked about. She didn't need to know that each time he saw the old man now, he began to have a pang of loss despite the fact that the man hadn't left yet. He'll still be around, he told himself over and over. But, why did it feel like life would be changing forever once Albus' era at Hogwarts came to an end?

"He'll be fine," she said easily. "Harry has come a long way."

"He still has things to deal with. Something is burning just beneath the surface in him. I feel that I should attempt to point him in the right direction," Severus stated.

"Severus, what has made your attitude change where Harry is concerned?"

"A number of things." Lily. You. Albus. "Mostly because I see myself in him, as I had been in my youth. Also, I have come to respect him. I'd always seen him as the type to strut about the castle like he owned it. Like he owned the world for accidentally defeating the Dark Lord as a baby." Severus turned to smile. "I see now, thanks to you and real talks with him, that he is not that boy. He never asked for any of this. It's not his fault that James Potter sired him instead of...!" His voice trailed off, and he looked away guiltily.

Hermione saw the look of horror pass through his eyes before he tried to find the words to explain what he meant. "Instead of you."

"No." Yes. He smiled. "Instead of anyone." To lighten the mood, he tried to joke. "I guess it was better Potter than Black!"

She smiled and laughed, but she knew. Could she compete with a ghost? Well, hell yes. Why let a small slip of the tongue bother her? He had explained things to her thoroughly. She, not Lily, had made him feel things he'd never felt before. The next morning after she had seduced him in the middle of the night, they'd shared a long talk. He had said that he felt as though she was part of him somehow, and he would never be without her. Couldn't live without her. He lived without Lily, didn't he? She was sorry that the woman was dead, but a small part of her felt as though she had won something. "I'm a little nervous about Monday," she said, changing the subject.

"Well, that is understandable. What vexes you the most?"

"The students. What if they don't see me as an authority figure since I am so young?"

He took her hands in his. "The classes she has you starting on consist mostly of students not even in their teen years yet. To them, you are an adult. When I started teaching nearly sixteen years ago, I was only a few years older than some of my oldest students, but it didn't take long for them to see me as an authority figure." He kissed her nose. "By the time you are comfortable with these, she'll ease you into the next two years, and so on. Before you know it, you'll be handing out tests to Harry and the others."

"I suppose you're right. By the time I get to the older students, I will be more confident. I've read over her notes, lesson plans, and lectures enough this past week that I feel as though I am capable of adequately following in her footsteps." She grinned. "I'll still likely be nervous."

"You'll do fine. I'm sure Minerva will be bragging on you in the staff room by the end of the day," he said loyally. "She always has, you know. In fact, I used to get tired of hearing Miss Granger did this and Miss Granger did that."

She swatted his arm. "Severus, I would like to run in to Hogsmeade with Harry and Ron," sigh, "and, I guess, Draco. Would you mind terribly? I have a couple of things I need to pick up."

"Would you like for me to accompany you?" he asked, feeling excluded.

"Er... well, you can't. I have something to pick up that needs to be a surprise. All right?"

"A surprise, you say? Yet, those boys can see it?" His eyes narrowed slightly. "I think you had better explain."

She pulled away. "After the long talk that we had, you would dare have the gall to feel jealous about this? Can't you just trust me? I told you and showed you how I feel about you. How you make me feel as a... woman. I thought you understood completely that NO other man could do that to me?" She shook her head and went to their room. Sometimes he really aggravated her! Hell, if she could accept his one night fling with Hooch, his past feelings for Harry's mum, then he could understand this. "They are my friends," she grumbled, flinging herself onto the bed.

"I just don't see why you can't either allow me to accompany you, or explain what this is about. They are still classified as students and shouldn't be off the grounds without a member of the staff! Can you not see my point?" he asked, standing at the foot of the bed with his hands crossed in front of him. His lecture stance.

"I am a member of the staff. The Deputy Headmistress has given her approval!"

"It's not the same," he barked.

"Fine! Come then!" she blurted.

"This is ridiculous! You are behaving like a..." He stopped. "I have rounds to make."

"A what?" she goaded. "Go on, say it."

"A Slytherin!"

Her jaw dropped open. Trying hard not to laugh, she managed, "You are a liar! You were going to say a child, weren't you?"

"Never crossed my mind," he said blandly. "I'll be back later." He slammed out of their quarters in a pretended fury. After he made his way down the hall, he stopped. Laughter shook his body. She was very perceptive. He had been about to call her a child, but then he realized that he could nearly say the same for himself. It had suddenly dawned on him, as well, that she was probably trying to sneak into town for a gift. For him. He would be thirty-eight the following day. He had forgotten about his own birthday. No wonder she was trying to go without him. Feeling like a dolt, he began his patrol of the corridors. Pity the students he caught out of bed this night. They would have to pay for his serious lack of judgment. He smiled smugly. He'd just have to wake her up pleasantly when he got back if she happened to have gone to sleep.

~~~~~~~~ HG ~~~~~~~~~ SS ~~~~~~~~~~

"Sorry, I'm late," Draco said, walking in slowly. "It's too early on a Saturday to be getting up to go off into Hogsmeade."

"Didn't have to really come though, did you?" Ron asked saucily, moving over to make room for the boy on the couch.

"I've got to keep up appearances," Draco said through a yawn.

Harry had been quiet since he and Ron had come in. Severus was sipping on some coffee, lost in his own thoughts. Ron had been chattering about a song Luna had written about him. Hermione smiled at the unlikely band of collaborators. Before last year, she never would have believed that Draco would have turned out to be such a friend. It wasn't all that long ago that she would have thought the idea of Severus Snape willingly sitting in the same room with them to be preposterous. Some things changed for the best, didn't they?

"Severus, are you sure you don't want to come?" she asked, feeling guilty. He had come back to their rooms in a better temperament and kissed her until she smiled. Then he'd made love to her so gently that she thought she would float away.

"I believe I will seek out Lucius before long. We have things to discuss," he said quickly.

"Oi! That reminds me!" Draco said suddenly. "Last night, I made for the Astronomy Tower to get away from the common room for a bit. Guess who I ran into?" He looked around as they all shrugged. "Marietta Edgecombe!"

"What?" Hermione asked, completely surprised.

"That's right. Looked like she was interested in me. I accidentally-on-purpose led her to believe I was there pondering why a girl I used to hate would be so important to me," he glanced nervously at Severus, "and that it didn't matter anyway as she loved another. I even added that my father wouldn't likely approve unless she could bring something to the family name."

Severus sneered. "Well, I am sure that if she is their informant, she will relay the message, and I am sure they will know that you meant Hermione!'

"Wait!" Hermione said quickly. "She isn't supposed to be here. Stuart told me that they had extra work to do the other day because she would be leaving for a few days. Either he lied, or something changed her plans."

"That fat bloke came upon us as we were talking! He took her arm, and they said something about going into Hogsmeade." He squinted his eyes as if in thought. "She asked if he was finished attending to personal business. Wonder what that was about?"

"Odd," Ron commented.

"It's strange," Hermione said.

"Indeed," Severus agreed. "I'll see what Lucius and Albus think about it." He stood up and moved towards Hermione. For a moment, she thought he would kiss her, but he only squeezed her shoulder affectionately. Without a backwards glance, he Flooed to his quarters.

Southern's Notes: Moving right along. Next up, we'll have a bit of a set back, jealous Sev returns, and more info on Bella. We'll also see how 'others' are involved with the plot. Had a bit of lemon in the beginning here... Woohoo! It was time, I say.