Regulations and Requests

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~o 21 o~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Regulations and Requests

~S~

Severus left his great-grandfather's house feeling disgruntled. He Apparated to the hillside overlooking the small village of Havenhold where he'd buried his mum years ago. He leaned against the tree that he'd planted beside her grave and stared at the lights of the village, thinking about his mother and her family.

His great-grandfather was quite ill, but the old codger had been as acerbic as ever. They had talked, briefly, mostly about the things his great-grandfather had read about Severus in the Prophet. He had wanted to know about his involvement with the Dark Lord, something Severus was uncomfortable talking about since he had no idea on which side his great-grandfather had stood. Talfryn Prince was a pure-blood, but he had no idea as to the wizard's ideology. Severus did know that his grandfather, Edgar Prince, was, in fact, a purist in the extreme and that he'd hated the fact that his daughter had married Tobias Snape. Talfryn had also been quite curious about Severus' teaching years and his term as Headmaster. Severus had answered the questions with as much neutrality as he could. However, when Talfryn had asked about 'that girl' he was Bonded to, Severus was loath to say much. He had told Talfryn that she was a past student with exceptional retention, avid researching skills, quite capable with her wand and demonstrated a remarkable talent following potions directions. It was the truth, it was how Severus saw her, but he wasn't sure if that was all there was. Nevertheless, it was all he would admit to.

Then had come the question.

"Are you going to marry the witch?" Talfryn asked, his fatigue starting to show.

Talfryn closed his eyes, made a grunt followed by a gargled sound, and then became silent. Severus watched Talfryn for a while, then walked over to the bedside table to examine the potions he was taking. He scoffed at the quality, making a mental note to brew a better supply, and then wondered if he should meddle. He hadn't been asked but felt impelled to help the old man anyway.

By the time Severus had returned to the Manor, the house had been dark. A house-elf had met him seconds after he'd arrived on the grounds with a candle to light his way. The next morning, he'd risen late, dressed, and gone downstairs.

Narcissa was embroidering in her sitting room. "Severus," she greeted him warmly.

"Narcissa, my apologies for last night," he said, smiling at the precision of her needlework.

"Are things settling down?" she asked, her eyes flicking from her craft to his face without missing a stitch. "You have the meeting with the governors today, do you not?"

"Yes, in an hour," he said. He knew he faced a meeting where he'd have to respond to questions he wasn't ready to answer, one in particular that had yet to be decided – his relationship with Hermione. He also knew that he'd be told if he'd be allowed relations with his own wife. Being dictated to was something he'd hoped was behind him, but apparently Fortuna wasn't so kind after all.

"The elves can bring you breakfast if you wish. They made lemon scones this morning," she said, her calm voice helping to ease his nervousness.

"Thank you, Narcissa," he replied, smiling as he sat down next to her. A house-elf appeared with a cup of breakfast tea and the mentioned scone, fidgeting nervously as Severus added, "But no. I'm fine."

Narcissa indicated the table and looked up at Severus. "Then do sit and keep me company," she requested.

He sat and chatted idly about all the normal pleasantries as he watched her sew and sipped the tea. He admired the grace of her hand and the way her hair stayed perfectly in place instead of falling in the way of her needle. Fifteen minutes after the clock chimed the half hour, he rose. "Narcissa, thank you."

"Things will be fine," she replied, setting her needlework on her lap. "But good luck to you."

Severus arrived at the Administrative Offices of the Hogwarts School Governors. Elaine Prevatt, a prim witch with pink, rhinestone-adorned, horn-rimmed glasses on a silver chain and beige business robes, led him up to the general meeting room. "May I introduce Elsa Deers and Roberto Delgado," she said, indicating a kind-faced black woman whose hair was pulled back a tight bun and a thin, wiry wizard with an extremely thick, handlebar mustache. "Marvin Boatright is due any minute. May I offer you something to drink?"

"Water would be nice," Severus said. He took the seat she indicated across the table from the two school governors.

A portly wizard in a green robes entered behind Miss Prevatt. "Sorry I'm late. Floo was stuck." He took the seat at the head of the long table and opened a thick folder before looking up. "You are Professor Snape. We've never met, but I've read a great deal about you. Interesting life you've had. I would love to talk to you about the Morganston Elixir sometime. Quite a feat, that," he said, although Severus was certain that the man wasn't the least bit interested in the elixir at all. "Now, shall we begin?"

"We were uncertain if you'd accept the post of Headmaster, so we had a meeting with Minerva McGonagall last month," Mrs. Deers stated. Severus wasn't the least bit surprised.

"We are deeply concerned regarding your position on punishments," Mr. Boatright said, coming right to the point.

A Gryffindor all right, Severus thought. "I can assure you that I agree with the approved methods of punishments."

"But while you were Headmaster there were a number of punishments allowed that were completely inexcusable," Mr. Delgado said, looking at several pages in his file. "Beatings, chains, being locked in closets... Unforgivables being used on students!"

"The Ministry had fallen to the Dark Lord, and thus the school was under his control as well," Severus pointed out the obvious. "Although I had to maintain certain pretenses, it was all I could do to keep the Carrows from torturing and killing the students. But the Dark Lord was dictating how the school should be run."

Mrs. Deers was looking at him with deeply concerned eyes. "And yet the students were tortured."

"Tortured, yes; killed, no. The Carrows grew increasingly difficult to control toward the end of term, claiming that they were under the Dark Lord's instructions," Severus said plainly. Somehow, he'd known he would face this topic, so he was somewhat prepared. "And Alecto and Amycus are in Azkaban for it – thank Merlin. Personally, I'd have preferred the Dementor's kiss for them, but they got off easy."

Mrs. Deers eyes grew large at the declaration, but Mr. Delgado grunted in agreement.

"And as Headmaster, how can we be assured that such methods will not be employed again?" Mrs. Deers asked, her concern still evident as she rolled her quill in her fingers in what was obviously a nervous habit of hers.

"Because although I was considered a harsh professor, the usual punishments I doled out were cleaning cauldrons, gutting and preparing potion ingredients such as insects, grubs, and other small critters, buffing rust off cauldron bottoms, and doing lines. It is a matter of record. Tedious, dirty, slimy, and demeaning work, but character-building, in my opinion. As Headmaster, I reenacted Dolores Umbridge's decree regarding the Headmaster's right to reassign detentions, and I assigned as many of them as I could to Professors Hagrid, Slughorn, Flitwick, and Vector, until Professor Hagrid was dismissed for hosting an illicit party."

"Yes, I recall the students at your trial claiming to have scrubbed the astronomy tower stairs with a toothbrush, or raking the pathways of the grounds, pulling weeds, shoveling snow, feeding thestrals... and trimming Hippogriff claws," Mr. Boatright said, reading off a sheet on the file. He looked up, and his eyes narrowed. "The school still has Hippogriffs?"

"Exactly," Severus replied. "And yes, Professor Hagrid is quite fond of his Hippogriffs. They are well-managed and, if approached properly, quite reasonable creatures. The only incident we've had with the beasts since Professor Hagrid took over the post was when young Draco Malfoy approached a Hippogriff without showing the animal the proper respect. His injuries were only minor abrasions and a cut to his right forearm, regardless of what you were told otherwise."

"So, you condone the use of dangerous beasts at Hogwarts?" Mr. Boatright stated as he made notation on his parchment.

"I recognize that Professor Hagrid is quite capable of handling the creatures in question and that he has the ability to assure the students safety as long as they follow his instructions. Does he need to be reminded of what is appropriate for certain age levels? Yes. However, he has remarkable skills with all manner of creatures." Severus looked at the other two sitting across from him. "However, as Headmaster, I did sit down with Professor Hagrid and made a course outline of which creatures should be covered in his curriculum according to the suitable year level that did include his more dangerous animals for the older students. As per our agreement, a few of the more common creatures are still introduced to the third-years so they will be prepared to protect themselves if faced with them in the wild."

Mrs. Deers smiled and nodded in understanding while Mr. Delgado looked appeased.

Mr. Boatright cleared his throat. "That's all fine, and we'll take that into consideration. Now, in regards to the other decrees set forth during your year as Headmaster," he said stiffly as he shuffled a few parchments.

"Gratefully rescinded," Severus said. "They were Dolores Umbridge's decrees, imposed upon the school through the Board of Governors. Thankfully, she has been removed from the board and imprisoned."

"Good to hear," Mr. Boatright said, apparently ignoring Severus' comments about Umbridge.

"Now about this Bonding with Miss – er, Mrs. Hermione Granger – er, Snape," Mr. Delgado stuttered. "She is returning to Hogwarts as a student to complete her N.E.W.T.s. Is that going to be a problem?"

"Yes, Hermione is returning, and, as of the moment, I don't foresee there being a problem," Severus said, forcing his tone to remain even and calm.

"You are remaining Bonded then?" Mrs. Deers asked, her expression anticipatory.

Severus smirked at the witch. "Yes, since it is a magical Bonding."

Mr. Boatright made a check on his parchment and then looked at Severus pointedly. "I heard that she is filing for an annulment?"

"We are not getting an annulment. She is going to finish her schooling since I see that as a priority," Severus said a bit more firmly than he intended. "I insist that she gets a proper education, which, I'm glad to say, she has indicated as her priority as well."

"Good to hear," Mr. Delgado said, nodding at Severus.

"And her living arrangements? Is she going to be in the dormitories, or do you anticipate having her live in your rooms?" Mr. Boatright asked.

Severus held his agitation in check. "The arrangements will be discussed with Minerva McGonagall as her Head of House and with my wife. However, our relationship will not impede on her studies in any way. I shall see to it."

"That's all well and good, but you did not answer the question – will she be living in the dormitory or in your quarters?" Mr. Boatright persisted.

"My wife and I haven't discussed it yet," Severus reasserted.

"According to the charter, a professor may not entice or coerce a student into any type of fraternization," Mr. Boatright said, slightly lowering his head so as to look down his pudgy nose at him, "or risk dismissal."

The tactic never worked well on Severus, and he resisted the urge to demonstrate the proper technique. "My wife conducted the Bonding spell that matched us. I did not pursue her."

Mr. Delgado's brow furrowed. "Current accepted arrangements for spouses are to have the household Floo connected with the professor's office or to utilize the Deputy Headmistress' Floo."

"If Hermione wishes to live in the Headmaster's tower or accepts my invitation to do so, then she shall," Severus said, knowing that was the only logical answer.

"So you do intend to have her stay with you in the Headmaster's suite?" Mr. Boatright asked, clearly affronted by his statement. "May I remind you that the faculty is prohibited from conducting illicit relations with a student? Students are not permitted in the professors' private quarters. You must at all times uphold the professor-student relationship..."

"There is, in fact, a seven hundred-year-old precedent for a student of legal age, who was properly married to a professor prior to the professor's hiring, to receive the special privilege of being provided quarters on the second floor of the west wing with their spouse," Severus stated smoothly, steepling his hands in front of him. "There is also a five hundred-year-old precedent for professors who are in an arranged marriage between two pure-blood families for the student involved to reside with their spouse in a house in Hogsmeade, or as you stated, have the Floo in the professor's family home connected to the school. Since I am to be Headmaster, I would not, of course, be relocating, nor will Hermione be living off school grounds, so these are not applicable. I will not have the Gryffindor Floo connected to the Floo in the Headmaster's office, so that option is not applicable either." He let his hands drop. "Since there are no other examples of precedence, the only choices I see are that either Hermione resides in the Gryffindor dormitory and has free access to the Headmaster's tower, or she resides with me. So, my wife and I will discuss this matter with her Head of House, and we will inform you of the decision." There, that is safe enough, Severus thought.

"But if she resides with you, there will be a scandal!" Mrs. Deers exclaimed.

"No more scandal than there already is over our Bonding, I assure you," Severus said with a smirk. "But I do believe that Hermione is a level-headed witch and that Minerva McGonagall will insist on what she believes will be in my wife's best interest. In regards to Hermione's lessons, I can assure you that as Deputy Headmistress, Professor McGonagall will oversee her marks and handle any complaints of favoritism."

Mrs. Deers looked concerned, and Mr. Delgado appeared appeased, but Mr. Boatright was affronted by his answer and had been writing furiously. He looked up at Severus with a stern expression. "We will, of course, be watching you."

"Naturally," Severus stated.

~H~

When Hermione came down to breakfast after having a brief lie in, there was a letter waiting for her, propped up on her glass of orange juice.

It was from George, asking her for help with some of his more complicated products.

Hermione,

Owl me as soon as you can.

Hermione smiled as she grabbed a slice of toast and then ran upstairs to change. Not having an owl, she decided to just take the Floo to Diagon Alley and see George.

The street was bustling. Inside, Weasleys' Wizarding Wheezes was bursting with kids of all ages and exasperated-looking parents. Ron was busily ringing up customers at the register, and Dean was assisting a group of teens over at the Snackboxes. Hermione touched Verity's arm to get her attention. "Hi, Verity. Could you tell me where George is?"

Verity shrugged and shook her head. "I don't think he's back from Gringotts."

Hermione waved at Ron and made her way back to the front of the shop. Taking a chance, she walked over toward the bank. She waved when she saw George making his way through the crowds. "Oi, George!"

George looked up and smiled, waving Hermione over to him. "I'm assuming you got my note since you're here," he said when she was in hearing range.

"Yep, this morning. So what exactly did you need help with? I'm not going to be a tester for anything," she said right off so there'd be no misunderstanding.

George started to laugh. "Nah, I have a few others on the payroll who help me with that – Angelina for one. No, what I need are your wand skills." He looked around. "Do you mind walking with me? I have to go to the Apothecary to pick up my order." He indicated the café a few doors down. "Let's get a cuppa and talk, shall we?" George took her hand and placed it on his arm. "So we don't get separated among this lot."

Hermione smiled and let him lead her to the café. "So you're still in touch with Angelina?"

"Yeah, we're kind of dating," he replied, pulling her out of the way of a witch and six kids. "It's unofficial, and we're keeping it quiet for now – don't want to get Mum's hopes up or anything. So, keep that to yourself. I'm only telling you because if you're going to work with me, you'll be seeing her. She's over a lot."

"I'll be the picture of discretion," Hermione said, laughing.

~S~

"I see you've had an irritating day," Lucius greeted Severus when he entered the library. "Come, sit, and relax with me. I'd ask, but you look as if some dunderhead has blown up your lab."

"It's always a pleasure being questioned by the board. At least they were less hostile towards me than they were last year," Severus said with a slight weariness to his tone.

A house-elf popped in and muttered something to Lucius. "Scotch." he replied dismissively to the elf and then turned to Severus. "I thought you could use something on the strong side."

"Thank you," Severus said as the house-elf offered him a drink. He wanted to down the drink but refrained. He didn't need to get drunk before seeing Hermione. "Narcissa really has a green touch – her herbs are doing well. I notice that the elvarians, garridelli, and sage are blooming nicely, and the delphiniums are bountiful this year. The lugwart is thriving and ready for harvesting."

"Always the Potions master," Lucius said with a chuckle. "You've only to ask. I'm sure Narcissa will be glad to let you harvest her plants." He sat down and regarded Severus thoughtfully, which meant he wanted something. "She was hoping you would brew a few potions for her."

Severus smiled. He turned and faced his friend. "I'll be busy most of tomorrow, but if you give me her list, I'll see what I can do," he said.

"She'll be pleased." Lucius crossed his legs on his knee, balancing his drink on his ankle. "So, you are seeing your wife again tonight?"

Severus turned back to the window. "Bonded mate, and yes, I am."

"Any place in particular?" Lucius asked. The clink of ice in a glass made Severus turn back to his friend. "I know we won't be seeing you here. Although we are having the Chantilly apples and stuffed pork you like so much."

"She won't come here. She made that perfectly clear our last evening together," Severus said, still annoyed that she didn't trust him. He'd understood her point, but he didn't like it. "She insists we go places that are neutral. I don't like eating out all the time. She refuses to go to my house, so I can't take her home and cook there. She is the most infuriating witch! I cannot understand why in the blazes the Moon-Song Curse matched us together. I have nothing in common with the girl." He downed his drink, and the house-elf returned to refill it. "I feel like I'm bloody well courting her."

"That's what dating is – unnecessary expense for little reward," Lucius teased him. "Don't tell me she insists on expensive dinners?"

"No, she hasn't said anything yet about the locations of our outings."

"Dates," Lucius said with a grin. "So, where to tonight?"

"Somewhere private, quiet, and without intrusive reporters." Severus shrugged. "and somewhere Dolohov won't be."

"Limits your possibilities," Lucius said with a smirk. "You can go anywhere you have to pay, and he won't be there."

"I saw Darthmyer leaving when I arrived," Severus said. "What did the Aurors want this time?"

"Information." Lucius sighed, the weariness of his house internment showing. "Either they come for more information, which I don't have, or they're checking to see if I've acquired a wand, to check the restraining wards, and the occasional request to examine my library. I know what they hope to find – my Dark Arts tomes, as if I'd have them lying around in plain view. Many of those old books are priceless."

"Frustrating for them, I'm sure. Lucky they have no idea where your hidden assets are, or you'd be back under investigation, regardless of your cooperation with them. You do know your best bet is to make copies of the tomes and give them to the Ministry. Then they cannot badger you about your priceless books. I'm sure the Unspeakables would love to have the copies in their possession. I know the spells Madam Pince used on the old Hogwarts tomes, if that would help."

"I'll consider it – but the timing," Lucius said and shrugged. "If I divulge them now, I would be seen as harboring dangerous items, and that goes against my parole. As if antique and ancient books are dangerous items." He paused to sip his drink. "Speaking of Dark items, have you had any more run-ins with past associates?

"No, thankfully," Severus said with a smirk. "But I'm ever vigilant. So, what are you going to do about the old books?"

Lucius looked at the ice in his glass. "Keep them safe for now until I decide."

~H~

Hermione hurried home after a fun day of learning the spell work Fred and George had invented for their products. It had been an exhausting afternoon, filling in for Fred's half of the charms, enchantments, and even a few hexes. Hermione developed a new respect for the twins' magical abilities and inventiveness.

She had just arrived back at the house and had slipped into the kitchen for a glass of water when Kreacher admitted Severus into the entry hall. She quickly Apparated up to her room to change her top, opting in her rushed state to grab the first thing she saw – one of the new jumpers from Harrods. She bit the tags off and slipped on the nice, lightweight cashmere jumper. She checked her image quickly. Her black jeans would have to do. At least they don't look dirty... Her hair was all right, a bit more curly than usual from the cauldron fumes in George's workroom, but decent enough, she supposed. She dabbed at her face with a tissue and applied a bit of powder to her nose and a dab of lip-gloss, tucking the gloss into her pocket. Okay, I don't look like I have just Apparated out of the shop after spending eight hours working on Charming objects and creating potions.

She kicked off her trainers and slipped on a pair of shoes, smirking at the two-inch heels. With one last stop in the loo to quickly brush her teeth, not a full brushing, she could only imagine Severus' scowl by now, but she wasn't going out with dragon's breath. She spit and hurried down the stairs.

"I'm sorry, I lost track of the time today," she said as she entered the foyer.

The look on Severus' face clearly told her that he was taken aback by her appearance. His gaze stopped on the green, sleeveless cashmere jumper she was wearing. She fought the urge to clasp at the neckline, knowing that it was somewhat low, but it did completely cover her bra – except if she bent forward, and she wasn't going to do that tonight. Besides, she thought he'd like her in green. Okay, that was a lie. Truth was that she loved cashmere, it had been on sale, and it was new. Ginny had talked her into the rich emerald shade instead of the blue or the black.

"Let's go." He turned and opened the door.

Hermione wanted to laugh. He offered her his arm, and as soon as she'd taken hold, he Disapparated. They landed in a wide alley between two brick buildings. The look on his face told her that he was getting his bearings. "This way," he said, heading for the street. He turned left, and they stopped in front of really cute pub.

"This is nice," she said, curious about the scowl on his face.

"They've remodeled," he said, looking at the pub.

Hermione suppressed a chuckle, pursing her lips as she turned her face. It was so obvious that the pub wasn't where he'd originally planned to take her. He opened the door and ushered her inside.

The pub was populated with small groups of regulars along the bar, a pair playing darts against the far wall, and several people eating. From what she could see, the food looked really good. "How did you find this place?" she asked.

"My father, who else?" Severus stated flatly. "He was a deft hand with darts." He indicated for her to walk toward the back wall where the booths were separated by the high backs of the bench seats and thick pillars of worn wood.

A few people looked up as they passed but returned to the conversations they were having.

"Don't you ever wear robes?" Severus asked when they'd sat down.

"So far you've taken me to Muggle places," she replied with a shrug. "Besides, you didn't specify, did you?"

"You expect me to tell you what to wear?" he asked incredulously.

Hermione was interrupted from responding by the approach of a portly woman in a white blouse. "Do you want to hear the specials, love?" she asked.

"Yes," Severus replied, setting down the menu.

"Our specials today are the Somerset pork chop, Frenched and grilled, served with a sage and sausage stuffed baked apple napped with a scrumpy cider sauce, or the braised corned beef and cabbage with, carrots, red bliss potatoes, and horseradish. We also have bangers and mash with our white cheddar and chive lumpy mash," she rattled off quickly. "So, what shall it be, then?"

"I'll have the pork," Severus said, "and a Newcastle brown."

"I'll have the bangers and mash, and a Coke if you have it," Hermione said. The waitress made a check and hurried off.

"I only have a few robes... well, my school robes and two dress robes," Hermione admitted. "One of them – well, it's seen much better days. I just haven't gotten rid of it."

Severus looked at her as if astonished. "So, you don't have any clothes."

"Oh, yeah, I run around starkers all the time!" Hermione laughed softly, ignoring his scowl at her comment. "I usually just wear my school robes over my clothes if I go to Diagon Alley. Harry and I both wear Muggle clothes around the house, and the Weasleys don't care what I wear. I suppose I just haven't gone shopping for robes – except, of course, school robes – not that I have loads of money for that. I will have to pay for my last years' tuition."

Severus's attention was diverted as the kitchen helper came with their drinks. "I will be covering your tuition," he said flatly when the boy left.

"I think it may have already been deducted from my account, but if not, the money's there," Hermione replied. "My parents put the money in the Gringotts account for me when I got my first letter and made regular..." She was interrupted by a burst of loud cheering over by the dartboard. "Before they left, they made sure I'd have enough to finish school."

"Before they left?" he asked.

Hermione waited until a party of four passed their table. "Yes, before they went to Australia." Hermione smiled as the waitress showed up with their food. "Oh, this looks good." She eagerly tried the lumpy mash. "You said your father used to come here. Do you play darts as well?"

The door opened, and a crowd of young men and women came in. Hermione counted nine young men in rowing suits and jackets that were apparently from a local team, several men and women in various shorts and jeans, and a few girls in skirts, apparently coming to the pub to celebrate a victory.

She turned her attention back to Severus, amused to see him scowling again. "My dad...to play. I don't... darts... more, it's too... with magic," was all Hermione could make out from the noise as the large party moved several of the tables in the middle of the pub together while two of them returned to the bar carrying four pitchers apiece, followed by two waiters with a tray of pints.

She leaned forward. "I'm sorry, I didn't catch that."

"To our coxswain," one of the rowers said loudly, holding up a pint of beer. The eight teammates and their friends raised their glasses and cheered.

Severus' expression reminded her so much of their days at Hogwarts that Hermione didn't know if she should leave him be and eat quietly or try to talk to him.

"I said, I do..." he started to say and was drowned out again. He fingered his sleeve, and for a minute she was certain that he was about to draw his wand. He withdrew his hand and picked up his fork instead.

When the waitress was serving the group another round of beers, Hermione tried again. "So you don't like darts?"

Severus looked up, his fork dropping back to his plate. "I didn't say I don't like darts. I'm quite good, but only because..."

He was drowned out again as one of the crew led the party in another rousing toast followed by loud cheers.

"Eat up," he growled.

Hermione suppressed a smile as she watched him. They ate in silence for a while, until Severus set his fork down and finished off his beer. Hermione contemplated whether she should continue eating or claim to be done as well. By the look on his face, she opted for telling him she was through. Severus tossed some notes on the table and led her outside.

"Well, that was... nice," she started to say, falling silent at his expression of disbelief. "If you didn't like the place, why'd we come here?"

"It's usually quieter," he said, his gaze on the street around them.

Always aware. "So, where to now?" she asked, trying not to sound too peppy.

His gaze snapped to hers, and his dark eyes narrowed. "We need to talk, Hermione, and the Manor seems to be out, you won't come to my house, and I won't go to the Black – Potter's."

"We could simply go for a walk," she suggested. He looked around, obviously uncomfortable with the idea. "Do you trust me?"

"Trust you to what?" he asked as if she'd lost her mind.

"Apparate us," she replied. She felt like taking control. If he wanted to talk, fine, but it would be somewhere safe.

"Where?"

Hermione held out her hand.

He looked at it as if she were handing him something obscene.

She waited and then softly laughed at him. "I did this many times with both Harry and Ron all last year." She stood there, waiting, her hand outstretched to him.

He stared at her as if contemplating her abilities.

She tilted her head and gave him an incredulous look. Finally, he took her hand. Hermione smiled and Disapparated, arriving beside a swimming pool in a back garden.

"Where are we?" he asked, looking around in confusion.

"A friend of my father's," she replied nonchalantly. "Don't worry, he's away on holiday." She let go of his hand and walked over to sit on one of the lounge chairs, picking up a cushion from a chair as she went. She sat down, and he sat facing her on the lounge chair next to hers.

His leaned forward, his arms on his legs with his hands clasped together, his head down as if he was staring at the ground, but she could feel his eyes upon her. She eyed him, a knot forming in her gut as the silence stretched. Finally he spoke. "We need to talk about our living arrangement. You are starting school, and I want to know what you expect regarding where you'll be staying."

"What do you mean, I'll be..." Hermione felt the knot tighten. "You expect me to stay with you!"

He raised his head to look directly at her. "Yes, I do. You and I are, for all intents and purposes, married."

"But spouses don't live together in the castle, do they?" she asked.

"Spouses don't, no. They either move to Hogsmeade or the professors can connect the Floo in their office to their Floo at home. The nights you are not on duty, you can go home, but that works out to about one to two nights a week at best. It's a different for Heads of House, but the rules essentially apply. However, there hasn't been a married Head of House for many years." He sighed and let his hands relax. "But what I want to know is if you – are you – what about living in the Headmaster's tower?"

She gasped and stared him in the eye. "But students aren't supposed to go to the professors' private quarters," she said when she could speak again.

"Under certain circumstances, special arrangements can be made," he replied, his expression controlled and hard to read.

Hermione looked at the water in the pool. She wasn't ready for this. She had believed that she would be in the Gryffindor tower with Ginny. She knew that Severus was watching her, trying to read her expression, but she had no idea what to tell him.

"I see," he said softly.

Her head snapped back to face him. "You see what?"

"You are still considering the annulment, aren't you?" he asked, sounding annoyed.

"No – yes – I don't know," she replied. "How exactly do you expect me to decide this? You and I don't talk. I mean, you never open up to me at all." She turned so that she faced him. "I don't even know you, well, except as my snarky professor."

His eyes narrowed and seemed to grow darker. "I see. So you prefer to remain separated."

"I would prefer to get to know you better, a lot better, before living with you!" She was now uncomfortable with him. "That's why we are spending every night together, isn't it? So we can get to know each other."

"This is hardly spending the night." He sat up and ran a hand through his hair. "What is it you want from me? I can't keep doing this – dating my wife."

Hermione inhaled at the snap of his tone. "Harry and Ginny aren't..."

"I'm not Harry Potter, and you are not Ginevra Weasley," he said sharply. "Look, you want to get to know me, fine, but I'm not going to keep this up. You will have to choose. We will be spending time together – not going out on dates every night."

"What are you implying?" she gasped.

"My house. Spinner's End. It is my home, Hermione, and yours. I can set the wards to recognize you, and you'll be able to come and go..."

She now felt nervous. "So, now you expect me to move in with you?"

"Damn it, witch, be reasonable," he spat.

"I am being reasonable. I'm only asking," she said, trying to sound calm.

His placed his hands on his knees and sat up straighter. "Yes, I expect you to move in with me."

She stood up and tried to control her emotions. "I'll consider it. Okay? I can't – not tonight."

"And why not?" he asked, his irritation showing.

"Because," she said, her mind devoid of any reasonable sounding reason. "Let me think on it."

"Tomorrow then," he said rising as well.

"I can't tomorrow," she said, trying to come up with a way to delay. She needed time to think.

"What?" he snapped.

"I have other plans," she said, her mind whirling. "I'm sorry. I'll owl you."

"What other plans?" he insisted.

"I'm having dinner Luna and Ginny at the Weasleys. So, unless you want to come over there and discuss bridesmaid robes, flowers, colors, hairstyles, and eat cake..." she lied. "I'll owl you."

He stood back and swept his arm as if indicating she should go. Hermione took that as her cue and Apparated home.

~ T B C ~>

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