Trying Romantic On

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~o 40 o~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Trying Romantic On

When Hermione arrived in the Headmaster's office, Severus had been waiting for her. True to his word, Severus had seven books on the Polyjuice Potion plus nine books on various examples of the interactions between the primary ingredients and their magical properties. Their discussion was unlike any they'd had before, and certainly unlike any lecture he'd given when he'd taught the subject.

He showed her the variations that Polyjuice had taken over the centuries. She already knew that, according to myth, Merlin brewed the potion and used it for his 'shape-shifting' into various human forms, then later gave it to Uther to allow him to impersonate Gorlois so he could lie with Ygerne, thus making Uther father to Arthur. In the twelfth century, Marconus of Boscastle claimed to have rediscovered Merlin's 'shape-shifting potion' and profited from its use, illicitly, by seducing women whose husbands were away at war.

Severus then told her about his version of the Polyjuice Potion which allowed him to remain transformed for almost two hours. "Two hours? How did you do it?" Hermione asked, amazed. "The books all say the potion only lasts for up to an hour."

Severus smirked at her slyly and said smugly, "By accident, of course."

Hermione was fascinated as Severus explained that the life cycle of the boomslang had an effect on the quality of the skin which could enhance the efficacy of the potion. "I read an article in my fifth year by Suel Foster Penny, who discovered that the skins of older specimens, being more brittle, were easier to shred but were also less potent than the skins of the first few sheddings. Most of his contemporaries discounted his premises, but I thought it made sense. Likewise, Niphus Moufett's Magicus Insectorum Theorartificium, chapter nine, suggests that lacewing flies caught during their first week were more desirable since all the magical essence was weakened the longer they survived as adults."

She already knew that the average lifespan of the bugs was twenty to forty days.

"When I applied these two theories in my lab, they alone increased the efficacy of the potion by another fifteen minutes," he said. "I sold my batch to my dorm mates for several Galleons, and they wanted more. I brewed another batch of my improved Polyjuice Potion in my private lab, but when Avery used it, he claimed that it lasted an hour and forty-five minutes, another twenty minutes longer than it should have. I went over the directions again to try and determine why it happened, and I tried to repeat the process. It wasn't until I was looking for my robes, the ones that I usually wore for Care of Magical Creatures because they were thicker than my other ones, when I realized what had happened; I found some remnants of Acromantula web stuck to the cuff of my robes. Then I remembered seeing some remnants of Acromantula web stuck to the rim of my cauldron when I had cleaned it – so I decided to experiment," he explained as she listened in rapt attention.

"Acromantula web? How did you get it?" Hermione asked, fascinated by his telling of his experiments. He made it all sound so easy.

"As you are well aware, Hagrid had released an Acromantula pair in the Forbidden Forest years ago." Severus toyed with a strand of her hair as he spoke. "I'd stumbled into an Acromantula web that afternoon, and I'd managed to escape the huge spider that day, but as I said, I still had remnants of the web on my robes. However, it wasn't until I returned to Hogwarts as a professor that I had opportunity to try again. After several unsuccessful attempts, I finally managed to reproduce the increased effect, but I also realized that it wasn't the web I needed so much as the secretions from the spinneret glands. So I knew I had to capture an Acromantula, and I found I could capture one easily enough with the Levicorpus but that I had to cut off its legs and head with my Sectumsempra."

"But that's barbaric!" she gasped at his description.

He chuckled at her, a deep, rich, amused chuckle. "You wouldn't think so if you'd ever come across one. They're extremely dangerous monsters, Hermione. There is a reason their venom is a Class A Non-tradable ingredient; few who face them survive. It's unfathomable to me how Potter and Weasley managed to escape their lair in their second year. One three year old has a leg span of two meters and can capture and kill a fully-grown mountain troll. I've seen it – not a pretty sight, I assure you. Fully grown, their leg span can reach over five meters, and they can capture and kill immature giants." He took a sip of his wine. "And one mated pair can produce thousands of offspring. The Centaurs have become quite adept at killing them, believe me."

Hermione nodded in understanding. Ron had said they'd barely escaped with their lives in her second year. She'd thought at the time he'd been exaggerating. She knew that even though Severus was relaxed, sipping on elf wine, he wouldn't really exaggerate about how dangerous the huge spiders were.

"Since they grow to be huge, it's easy to harvest the secretions from the spinneret glands located at the tip of their abdomen – well, once you cut off their legs, that is," he stated. "I collected the venom to sell and used the secretions to increase my potion's efficacy." He handed her a ceramic jar with a twist off lid. "For you, fresh from an Acromantula's abdomen."

She stared at the jar in her hands and then looked up at him amazed. "You went out there and caught an Acromantula just for me? When? How...? Okay, you said how, but why?"

"I thought that maybe you and Ginevra might brew my variation of the Polyjuice Potion – under my supervision, of course. If you and Ginevra can brew it three times, each time with the same efficacy and transformation duration periods, we will print your findings. In other words, you and Ginevra will validate my discovery and be published."

She smirked at him, her eyes narrowed in suspicion. "You mean you want us to prove you right?"

"I mean, you'll prove it's viable." He tipped her face up and kissed her briefly. "Even though I've brewed it and used it numerous times, it's not been verified. Each step of the process must be documented properly before a potion can be published. If you're interested, you may validate my discovery and publish your findings. Both you and Ginevra will be credited for proving the potion variation viable, but yes, I would be credited for its discovery. However, it will never be accepted unless properly verified, and I've never told a soul my secret. Until now. I will even provide you with the first sheddings of a bloomslang and freshly hatched lacewing flies."

Hermione sat in shock for a moment and then squealed, "Oh, Severus, thank you," as she flung herself at him when what he'd said sunk in.

His arms wrapped around her, and he pulled her onto his lap as he asked, "So, I take it you accept?" all too smugly.

"Yes, well, I'm sure I can convince Ginny, but yes," she said. "It will be fun to brew an improved version of the potion, even if your motive is to become famous."

He shook his head and chuckled at her. "Impertinent witch." One of his arms held her firmly as he leaned forward, making her body follow his as he set his wineglass on the table, and then pulled her back with him as he settled comfortably on the sofa. "Fine. Now, how about showing me your gratitude," he said silkily as he cupped her face and kissed her.

A half hour later, and a little disheveled, Hermione pulled away from him. "That was the bell for curfew!"

"Yes," he said drolly.

She shoved at him as she scrambled out from under him. "I'm late!"

"I'm Headmaster," he said.

She shook her head and exclaimed, "Filch!"

"What has he to do with anything?" he asked as she shoved a foot into one of her shoes.

"I don't want to be caught by him," she explained while bending over to find her other shoe under the sofa. When she caught sight of his scowl, she realized that she might not have conveyed her concern about being caught by Filch effectively enough; she knew that he would take one look at her and know she'd been snogging Severus. "I don't want detention with Filch for being out after curfew, especially if I have to explain why."

"You could simply stay here?"

She shook her head. "I..."

"Fine." He rose and pulled her to her feet. "Then, I shall escort you to your common room." She looked at the books and parchments. "Leave them. You and Ginevra meet with me and Professor Reynolds tomorrow night, and we'll work out your brewing schedule."

Hermione nodded and picked up her bag. "All right."

~*~

The next morning, as they dressed for breakfast, Hermione told Ginny what Severus had suggested.

"You're kidding me, right?" Ginny asked. "Oh, my gods – we'll be famous! Do you know what this means? We'll get royalties!"

"Royalties?" Hermione asked, confused. "No, Severus will. We will just get credit for validating his discovery."

Ginny shook her head. "I keep forgetting – you're Muggle-born – there are things you don't know. Look, no potion or spell can be published without proper validation. The creator cannot validate his or her own work – it has to be validated by someone with an expertise or mastery in the art or field. Otherwise every magical accident would be published – especially those no one can replicate. If Professor Reynolds supervises us and monitors our work, he can validate our research and give us accreditation... superior respondent academia. It's how it's done. We get credit for proving the potion works! Especially if Severus publishes his findings as well – he'll get credit for the discovery, but we'll be credited as well. See? Oh, this is so exciting!"

Ginny's excitement was certainly contagious, and Hermione now knew exactly what Severus was offering.

"When do we start?" Ginny asked.

"Tonight. You and I are to meet with Severus and Professor Reynolds to arrange our brewing schedule. Oh, and Gin, Severus made changes to the Verso-Quixotically Potion as well. Mostly just preparation techniques and his 'once clockwise' stir..."

"Both?! He improved both? We get credit for both?!"

Hermione had never seen Ginny so elated before – not even after any Quidditch victory. "Yes, he said that we could use his directions for both potions."

Ginny actually squealed as she spun around.

"One more thing, if we do this, I intend to push Severus and Professor Reynolds to let us help them on the Médousa Potion," Hermione stated. "I want that to be our N.E.W.T. project."

Ginny was, thankfully, serious again. "What's that – the Médousa Potion? You've mentioned it before."

Taking her hands and drawing her to sit on her bed with her, Hermione explained what she knew of the Médousa Potion. "It's dangerous, because the original versions are hidden by a variation of the Bedydrian Curse, and apparently, there are missing steps or ingredients... but think, Gin, what if we help uncover the missing pieces and help them brew it!"

Ginny lunged forward and hugged her. "I knew getting you to partner with me was a brilliant idea!" She sat back, grinning with her hands clasped tightly between her knees and her arms extended. "Do you think they'll let us?"

"I'm not taking no for an answer," Hermione stated.

~S~

Severus watched Ginevra and Hermione from his seat at the staff table. Judging by the elated expression on Ginevra's face, Hermione had told the redhead his proposal, and she'd accepted. Okay, Narcissa, if that isn't getting involved in what Hermione likes to do, I don't know what is. Telling Hermione about his discovery and his experiences with the Acromantula had been awkward, but he'd dropped his normal tendency of being guarded of what he said and tried being witty, even if he'd felt silly doing so.

He decided on which action he should try next. When Reginald rose to prepare for his first lesson, Severus rose too and intercepted him as he walked past the house tables. "Reginald, a word?" he asked smoothly.

"Of course, Headmaster," Reginald said with a quirk of his lip as they walked out of the Great Hall together. "I'll even allow you two."

Severus ignored the taunt. "I've agreed to supervise my wife and Mrs. Potter in experimenting with their assigned potions," he stated.

Reginald stopped and turned to face him. "You did what?!"

"I'll walk with you to your classroom," Severus stated.

Reginald nodded, and they crossed the Entrance Hall together. "All right, give?" Reginald finally insisted as they descended the stairs.

"During my apprenticeship, do you remember my mentioning that I'd improved the Polyjuice Potion?" Severus asked.

"So you claimed," Reginald stated with a smirk. "I've yet to see proof, but Master Ogden was frequently furious with you for your experiments, so I'm not all that surprised."

Severus nodded in affirmation.

"So, when do I get to know what variations my students will be doing and exactly how much experimenting will be involved?" Reginald asked, looking sideways at him.

Severus stopped and smiled. "Tonight. The young ladies will be meeting us in your office to work out their brewing schedule."

Reginald crossed his arms. "Well, thank you for informing me," he said with a curl of his lip.

"You're welcome," Severus stated, turning to leave. "Until lunch."

"Yeah, lunch," Reginald said and turned to leave in the direction of his classroom.

~2~

Hermione stepped out from her Transfiguration class and leaned against the wall as she checked through her essay folder. Although she had a free period now, she had Ancient Runes next, and she wanted to make sure that she had her translations ready to turn in. Satisfied, she shoved the folder back into her bag. She and Blake had finished the third set of translations, this time on ancient Egyptian cursive hieroglyphic script and hieratic.

Bill Weasley, working as a locum tenens professor assisting Professor Bocher for several weeks now, had been lecturing them on the cursive hieroglyphic script and the charms needed to break Egyptian curses the ancient Egyptian wizards used to protect their secrets. Today the students would be tested on their ability to successfully demonstrate the use of the charms before being given cursed documents to translate on their own.

She was looking forward to see Bill again.

Hermione hitched her bag on her shoulder and headed for the Revision Hall to meet up with Lawrence and his friends to work on their Arithmancy equations. She hoped that Jack Chen and Tadashi Takara, two other students in her class, would be there as well. She wanted to compare her multi-linear quadratic solutions with them.

She sidestepped some first-years running down the corridor toward her and turned, watching them turn the corner, one actually sliding on his feet. She grinned when she remembered doing the same to get to classes on time.

"Hermione."

Severus' silky voice made her jump and turn around quickly. "Oh, you startled me," she said, placing her hand on her beating heart.

"I'm sorry for that," he said smoothly. "But I'm glad to have run into you." He reached out his hand, placing it on her waist, and drew her closer to the wall. To her surprise the rock gave way, and she found herself in a dark archway. He leaned closer to her and nudged her cheek with his nose. "I believe you have a break in your schedule, do you not?" His fingers tipped her face upwards as his lips sought out hers in the dark.

"Yes, but I-I am me-meeting a few fr-friends in the R-revision Hall," she stammered against his insistent lips on hers. The man was insatiable!

"I only wanted to see you," he said, his fingers stroking her jaw as he placed feather-light kisses on her cheek, the corner of her mouth and lips.

"You can't see me, its pitch black here," she pointed out, tipping her head back as his mouth moved along her jaw.

His other hand moved around her and drew her body tightly against his. "Feel you, then, if you must be so literal." The back of his finger stroked her face as he kissed her neck. Hermione reached out and clasped his robes to keep from swaying on her feet, which only made them lean backwards against the rock behind her. "Hmm, much better," he purred just below her ear.

Even in the dark, she closed her eyes at the sensations he aroused in her. "Severus?"

"Yes," he drawled out slowly, his mouth capturing hers.

Unfortunately, whatever her thought had been, it was immediately erased from her mind. In the dark, her senses were on high alert, her sense of smell catching even the subtle hint of woods, oak leaves mixing with his familiar scent. She was acutely aware of him, every aspect of him, even though her mind was fogged with that lightheadedness he frequently evoked. Her skin tingled under the delicate touch of his fingers and the warmth of his body so close to hers. Even her hearing seemed overly attuned to every possible sound: her heartbeat and his breath that warmed her skin on each exhalation, the subtle taste of tea on his tongue...

His hand moved slowly down her neck and pulled open the front closure of her robe. She inhaled sharply when she felt his hand slip under it and trail lightly over her breast. "I – I..."

"You what?' he purred seductively, his voice seeming loud in her ears even though she knew it was only a soft drawl, one he'd used often with her.

She wrapped her arms around him. "I can't stay here," she protested.

He chuckled, a low, deep sound that sent shivers through her. "Those boys can wait," he said languidly, passionately deepening his kiss.

When he stopped, she was breathless, her heart pounding, and her equilibrium off. She leaned forward, clutching onto him for support. She suddenly realized her blouse was open. "You are soo impossible! I have to go face everyone now, and you're undressing me?!"

"I'm impossible?" He stood up and moved away. How far she couldn't tell, but she could sense that he was still in front of her.

She tried to see him in the dark.

"Lumos," he said, and his wand emitted a soft glow.

"Thank you," she said, buttoning her blouse. His gaze was transfixed on her hands as she made herself presentable.

"Will I see you tonight?" he asked, making a flick with his wand to increase the light.

"Of course you will; you're supervising Ginny and me, remember?" she replied and looked up at him, then smiled at his scowl. "And there is, of course, time afterwards, if you'd like."

He reached out and stroked her cheek. "Afterwards, then."

He opened the archway and Hermione gasped. They were standing in the short passageway through the thick stone wall that led to an old, unused room.

"This way, Hermione," he said as he led her out of the archway and into the corridor as casually as if they'd simply left the classroom together, instead of having just had a snog in the dark.

The light blinded her for a second as her eyes adjusted.

"So, what are you and Mr. Carlin working on during your revision period?"

She looked up at him amazed. "Linear probabilities and congruent variables," she replied. "How did you...?"

*

He simply raised one eyebrow as he smirked at her and started walking in the direction of the Revision Hall. She hurriedly caught up with him. Sweep her into a corner for a heated kiss – check, he thought with a satisfied smile. He'd restrained himself, even though she'd completely surrendered in his arms and swooned when he'd abruptly stopped. Soon, he told himself. Soon. It had been a very satisfactory twenty minutes.

Hermione looked up at him, and a soft blush colored her face and neck; however, he was already planning his next move.

"Do you have to look so smug?" she asked, hitching her bag higher on her shoulder.

He drew his wand and said, "Ameliorate mōres," with a minute flick of his wand at her bag, and it instantly became lighter.

"Thank you," she said, mentally categorizing that one for later use.

"Any time," he replied. He stopped at the conjuncture of the corridor. "I'll take my leave of you. Until tonight," he said with the quickest flicker of a wink. He turned on his heel and scowled at some girls lollygagging in the corridor. They immediately scurried away. Oh no, I'm not losing my touch. Not at all.

*

"What kept you?" Lawrence asked when Hermione dropped her things on the table and sat next to him.

"I was – I was detained," she replied.

"So, how is the Headmaster?" Lawrence asked nonchalantly, but he had a bemused smirk on his face.

How? Bugger. "He's fine," Hermione said as she pulled out her pages of equations, hoping he'd not seen her blush. She glanced around the room. "Where are Jack and Tadashi?"

"Oh, you know, they probably stopped on the way to have a snog," he said casually as he wrote on his parchment. "You know how lovers are."

Now, she knew she was blushing because her face suddenly felt like it was on fire.

*

"Good work today," Bill said as he approached Hermione's desk after class.

"Thank you," she replied, looking up at him after storing her book in her bag. "Your lecture was really fascinating."

"Thanks," he said, standing with his legs slightly parted and his arms crossed like some sailor on the deck of a ship. With his long hair tied back in a thong and his fang earring, it was almost comical. "So, how are things going with the ol' Bat?"

"He's not a bat," she snapped softly as if he were Harry or Ron and not her per diem, locum tenens professor. "And I'm sure he's fine."

He held up a hand in supplication. "Hey, just asking. Mum wanted to know."

She stood up and shouldered her bag. "What else does she want to know?"

"Oh, the usual. Is he treating you right? Are you adjusting to your Bonding? Are you doing all right in your studies? Are you sleeping – where are you sleeping? Is he nice to you? – that was Dad's, by the way. Kingsley wants to know if you've made your decision regarding the annulment or should he keep the hold on your file... That sort of thing." His cocky smile was contagious, and she smiled in return. "So, do you mind if I sit with you and my sister for dinner?"

"I'd be delighted," she replied. "And do assure your parents that Severus is treating me well enough, he's being nice, hasn't locked me away in his tower, and yes, I'm doing fine, eating and sleeping, and I'm keeping up on all my schoolwork."

"Touché," he said and chuckled at her sarcasm. "But I already knew that." He held up his hand. "Shall we go? I'm hungry, and I would like to see my sister."

3

The girls had left Reginald's office only twenty minutes ago, and Ginevra had indicated that she wanted to spend her evening with her brother, Bill, so Severus had granted her permission to fly in the pitch with him until the lower-years' curfew.

Severus sighed at his appearance. He'd opted to wear only black slacks and a lightweight, black turtleneck to appear casual. Muggle casual. He'd transfigured the coffee table into a huge Alpine lambskin rug, and Mispy had brought a tray with melted chocolate in a small pot that would keep it warm for hours and small bowls of strawberries, grapes, sliced bananas, marshmallows, cubes of brownies, and pound cake to dip into the chocolate. Two glasses and a pitcher of spiced cider sat on another tray on the floor. The fire in the grate danced on the ever-burning logs, and he'd selected a light, classical guitar on the magical play box – the equivalent of a wizards' cassette player.

Hopefully, Hermione wouldn't protest to curling up with him, eating the fruit and relaxing before the fire. He'd purposefully had the house-elves serve lemon tapioca for pudding at dinner, knowing that it wasn't something Hermione preferred.

When she arrived in his sitting room, her eyes widened slightly as she took in his appearance, then she looked around with a wary smirk on her face. "Let me guess, seduction one-o-one?"

"An evening without books or scholastic pursuits – to talk and get to know each other," he replied smoothly. "The pudding tonight left much to be desired, and I know how much you enjoy chocolate." He indicated the foods on the heavy pewter platter on the rug.

As expected, her eyes as well as her smile widened in delight. "Chocolate fondue?"

Severus lowered himself to the rug and watched with delight as she knelt beside him. He speared a banana slice on one of the forks, dipped it into the chocolate and held it out for her. He nearly choked, watching her lean forward with her hands on her knees as she accepted the morsel with her eyes half closed. He tried another, this one she pulled off the fork with her fingers and popped it in her mouth.

"Oh, heaven," she replied, licking her lip and then her fingers. The truly innocent display was surprisingly erotic.

Severus picked up a strawberry, dipped the tip in the chocolate and held it out for her. Smiling, Hermione took the offering, her lips barely grazing his fingertips. The shock he felt was both pleasant and unexpected. He repeated the move, watching as Hermione leaned forward, her eyes nearly closing as she ate from his fingers. He exhaled slowly, realizing that this exercise would really test his self-control. He sipped on his cider, smirking at the lingering taste of liquor, possibly the same that had been used in the chocolate.

Hermione picked up a cube of pound cake and, after coating one corner with the fondue, offered it to him. He mimicked her actions, his lips brushing her fingertips. He smirked at the not so faint taste of liquor in the melted chocolate.

He summoned a pillow and placed it beside her. "Why don't you relax?" he suggested, taking another bit of banana and coating one half with the chocolate. Hermione settled herself on her side and accepted his offering. He picked up a grape and held it out to her, watching her lips as she bit off half the fruit. He popped the other half in his mouth.

"How in the world did you know about fondue?" she asked, taking a drink from her own glass.

He wasn't about to tell her that the house-elves had thought of it; all he'd asked for was some delectable chocolate dessert for two to share. "Not to admit my age, but it was the rage in the seventies," he replied, holding a chocolate-covered strawberry above her mouth, just far enough that she had to strain her neck to reach it. She laughed as she wiped the bit of chocolate from the corner of her mouth. "You?"

"Christmas – it's a family tradition. Although," she said, preparing a strawberry for him, "this is much more fun than sitting at the table listening to Christmas carols."

He engulfed her offering with his mouth, his lips sliding on her fingers as he sucked in the fruit. Her inhalation was amusing, as was the way her eyes widened and her pupils dilated.

It almost became a game, teasing each other as they ate. Severus picked up a large grape, stuck it in his teeth and leaned forward. He cupped the back of her head and brought his mouth close to hers. She giggled softly and bit off the end of the grape. He took advantage of her nearness and kissed her, transferring his half of the grape to her mouth. He found that the taste of strawberries and chocolate on her tongue was tantalizing, and he shifted closer so he could kiss her properly.

Eventually Hermione rolled onto her back with her head on the pillow. He dipped another morsel and fed it to her, being sure to get some of the chocolate on her lips. She reached up, and he stilled her hand with his. "Allow me, please," he said softly before carefully licking the gooey bits off her lips with the tip of his tongue and then kissing her passionately. She sighed and turned toward him. Moving the tray with a wandless spell, he moved closer to her and deepened the kiss. He kissed her languidly: light, teasing kisses that turned more demanding and then backed off again. He kissed her nose and then her neck, nuzzling the spot by her ear that made her react so deliciously, almost wantonly. One of the erogenous spots he'd discovered.

He hated that she wore a sweater, because he knew she wouldn't allow him to take it off, and it didn't have any buttons to slyly pop open. Nevertheless, it was soft and luxurious to the touch. Slowly, he caressed and kneaded her body, exploring her with one hand, while ensuring she was properly distracted by what he was doing with his mouth and tongue. She undulated under him, her kisses sweet and tender when he was, fierce and unrelenting when he became the aggressor. Her hands sought out him as well, her delicate fingers tracing his abdomen muscles through his turtleneck jumper, and sliding her hand up his arms and down his back. He made sure that her explorations went unimpeded, lifting or shifting, all the while acutely aware of her touch.

His hand slipped under her sweater, and she inhaled sharply. "Relax, I'm not going any farther than you allow me to," he purred in her ear, smiling when she relaxed.

"All right," she murmured.

After a while, he summoned a pillow, rolled onto his back – taking Hermione with him so she now lay snuggled alongside him – and tucked the pillow behind his head. She rested her head on his shoulder, her hand making lazy circles and swirls on his person. "This is nice," she said dreamily.

"Yes, it is," he said, then grumbled to himself, Since this is all I'm allowed. He turned his head to kiss the top of hers. She looked up and lifted herself up, leaning down to kiss him. Automatically, his hand rose so he could slide his fingers in her hair. She kissed him for a while, even deepening the kiss hesitantly at first until he silently encouraged her to take more aggression by opening his mouth wider and guiding her with his tongue.

After a while she slumped back down and fitted herself against him comfortably.

The log crackled.

The damned upper-year's curfew bell tolled.

"I have to go," she said, sounding slightly dreamy as if she'd nearly fallen asleep.

He tilted her face up and kissed her one last time before rising with her and walking to the door. He escorted her to the portrait of the Fat Lady, kissed her tenderly and wished her a good night.

Frustrated, but knowing that he was at least succeeding in his seduction, he turned heel and headed for the battlements to go fly off some of his antsy feelings and clear his head.

Forty minutes later, he landed on the Astronomy tower, chilled, tired, but not the least bit clearheaded or less frustrated. He decided to walk his rounds on his way back to the Headmaster's tower.

There wasn't even a wayward student breaking curfew that night to appease his disquiet.

*

Hermione lay in bed, staring up at the canopy. Tonight had been the most romantic night of her life, just like out of a romantic movie or book. He couldn't have planned it more perfectly.

She rolled on her side and touched a finger to her lips. His kisses had been so amazing, soft and gentle one moment, deeply passionate and hungry without the desperation or crushing, demanding forcefulness like he'd been before. And this time, he'd let her kiss him.

She sighed, tucked her hand under her cheek and looked out the window at the night sky. The moon was out, and the stars looked like thousands of tiny dots of light, twinkling in the velvety black sky. Severus had been dropping his guard around her more often, allowing her to see his more human side. He had a witty, sarcastic sense of humor she was getting to know, and his intelligence – they could talk for hours about any subject; she was sure of it.

Sighing, she rolled back onto her back and put her hands on her face. Would it really be so hard just to give into him? It's not like he's impeding my school work or preventing me from seeing my friends. Sighing again, she lowered her hands to rest them on her chest.

I wonder how Larissa and Theodore are doing? Neville and Luna were writing to each other every other day it seemed, but Luna was feeling a strain from missing him so much. She was even more distracted and dreamy than ever before. Ginny and Harry were apparently doing fine. Ginny was sneaking out of the castle two nights a week to see Harry. She hoped that Severus never found out about that.

As she crawled into bed, she wondered about Ron. He'd only written her five times, and each letter had sounded the same: he was fine; Auror training was hard; he wished he had more time to play Quidditch or to attend a game; he hoped she was happy, that Snape was being good to her and hadn't hurt her. He'd ended each one with his parents sending her their best, and he'd signed each one:

I still love you,

Ron

~4~

Severus walked down the path beside Hermione as she chatted with Ginevra and Luna, talking about the articles in The Quibbler of all publications.

The students only had five hours in town as was arranged with the Minister, from ten in the morning to three in the afternoon, and they had to all stay on the main streets of shops and not wander away. Severus had insisted that each Head of House take the responsibility of not only informing the students of the restrictions but chaperoning as well. Even John Dawlish had been enlisted to stand guard at the school gates with Hagrid.

In the village, every Junior Auror and Auror trainee was present, with at least two posted at the entrance to every other shop. Severus spotted Mr. Potter and Mr. Weasley stationed outside of Honeydukes, Miss Chang and Auror Aaron Brodes guarding the Three Broomsticks, and Mr. Finnigan standing outside the stationery shop with Auror Fairley. All of them seemed to be wearing the same dark blue, belted robes. Severus shook his head. So much for having discreet, competent security detail; might as well put out a sign – Junior Aurors and Auror trainees on duty, inexperienced and inept security on duty. Don't they realize that seasoned Death Eaters could run havoc here and get away with murder? Junior Aurors are not trained to fight those who are ready to kill. Well, with the exception of Potter and Weasley... maybe Finnigan, but the rest? He scanned the street discreetly and forced himself not to frown.

Hermione looked up at him, and a worried crease formed between her brows. "The security," he voiced his concern softly and stopped.

She looked around, not as slyly as he'd done, and then shrugged when she looked back at him. "Harry and Ron are here."

Oh yes, that makes all the difference, he wanted to tell her but, again, refrained. "Yes," he started to say 'Potter' and bit back the formal addressment. Hermione wanted him to call her friends by their given names, a concession he'd acquiesced to but wasn't really ready to accept. "Harry Potter and Ronald Weasley are." There. That was as informal as he could get. Hermione smirked at him, and he sighed to himself. If it was that important to her, he supposed that he could at least try.

Ginevra ran up to Harry, but he held out a hand to stop her. "Gin, I can't, not today. I'm on duty and..." Hermione and Luna moved closer to them. "There have been threats. Just go inside and don't linger unnecessarily on the street today, okay?"

All right, so the boy is finally showing some common sense, a sense of duty and restraint. There is hope for him yet, Severus thought.

"Sure," Ginevra replied, and Severus refrained from rolling his eyes at the pouty look Ginevra had at the standoffish behavior.

Ronald stroked Ginevra's arm reassuringly, and Luna beamed at Ronald, her hands clasped behind her back. "The blue makes your eyes bluer," she said, and then turned to Harry. "Congratulations on leading your second raid."

Harry mumbled his thanks the same time Ronald so eloquently replied, "Er, thanks, Luna," and turned to his sister.

"Snape almost had to cancel all Hogsmeade weekends, but with the added security, things should be fine," Ronald stated and looked up over his sister's shoulder. "Headmaster."

"Mr. Weasley, Mr. Potter," Severus greeted them politely and turned to survey the street. "I'll wait here, Hermione." Hopefully, his past associates would also consider this 'added security,' although Severus doubted it.

"Sure, Severus," Hermione answered, a bit pointedly. "I won't be long."

Severus turned to look at her and smirked. Use their given names around her. "Take your time," he said smoothly.

"I'll see if I can get permission to visit after," Harry whispered to Ginevra, brushing his lips on her cheek.

"I'd like that," she whispered back, grinning up at him with joy.

Harry winked at her. "Get inside. And remember, don't dally on the streets."

Ronald tried to show the girls some modicum of courtesy and opened the door for them, which meant that his attention was focused on the girls – not on his duties. "It's good to see you," he said.

"Thank you, Ronald," Hermione replied, smiling at him.

The boy's ears flushed, and he looked away, far too telling for Severus' comfort. He'd hoped by now that the boy would have found other interests, but apparently he still harbored feelings for his wife. Severus retained his composure, watching both the street and the interaction with an appearance of cool detachment. Hermione entered the shop and looked back at him; Severus nodded politely to her and gave her a nonverbal indication with his eyes to go shop. She smiled and turned her attention to the confections.

"It's good to see you, too." Luna said as she passed Ronald and followed Hermione inside.

Severus turned to Harry and inquired about the threats. Either due to Severus' involvement with the Aurors or his position as Headmaster, Harry was openly forthcoming with the information. Nothing he said surprised Severus in the least. "So, general threats, nothing specific or directed to anyone individual in particular?" he asked.

"Nope," Ronald said, pausing as some students walked passed them to enter the shop. "There are, of course, the concerns for Hermione's safety and your own," he said, then paused as some students exited the shop, "but so far only a few letters sent by unbanded owls."

After the war it became common practice to have all personal and business-owned owls given a color-striped band on their left leg with a small silver, numerically stamped tag specifying the identity of the ownership.

"Maybe we should move a bit?" Harry suggested, backing a few steps so they now stood at the window, barely enough to give them complete privacy, but still close enough to their assigned post.

Severus nodded and took the few steps necessary to be close enough for a private conversation, but not too close as to block Harry's view, and stood with his back to the window. "I'd hardly think Dragen would make an overt gesture to make any plans he concocted known. He'll want the element of surprise and have a decoy of some kind to draw attention away from his intended target." Ronald stood next to him, facing Harry, angled to watch the other direction down the street.

"How well do you know him?" Harry asked.

Severus waited for the group leaving the shop to pass and then for a small cluster of students entering the shop. "Not as well as I'd like given the circumstances. Even though I knew his cousin well, I don't really know how similar they are. I can only make assumptions. However, I do know that Dragen used the same curses as his cousin and with the same efficiency. They were both raised by the same governess, but Dragen attended Durmstrang due to his mother's family's influence. Dragen is younger by five years, and he lost his wife in the war – she fell into disfavor with the Dark Lord." He searched his memory for any real relevant information. "Considering his recent actions, however, I believe that he was close to his cousin."

"What did his wife do?" Ronald asked.

Severus pursed his lips as he tried to remember. "I think it had to do with her failure to recruit significant numbers of the Durmstrang students." He turned his head to look Ronald in the eye. "Not as many of the Slavic pure-bloods rejoined when the Dark Lord returned. Some tried to hide; others simply made promises to do various..." He waited as a group of girls walked by, many of them ogling the Boy-Who-Lived-Twice and the Wonder-Boy-Sidekick and giggling. "They made promises to recruit and to pursue the Dark Lord's interests in the countries they were residing. Most failed and were considered deserters. No one who was Marked, and I mean no one, left the Dark Lord."

"Like Karkaroff," Harry said with a sigh, ignoring a gaggle of giggling sixth-years.

Severus nodded. "Like Karkaroff. Only the past associates and supporters who had remained unmarked were able to hide. Like Milos Klimnits, Kazimir Maschke, Boris and Miesha Garst, Anatol Schimke, and Dimitri and Ondrea Vondran, some of the parents of the Durmstrang students who were visiting during your fourth year." He could tell that the names meant nothing to the boys. "I suppose you never bothered to get to know the boys from Durmstrang that year. Pity."

"Harry and I had other things on our mind that year," Ronald said defensively.

"A missed opportunity," Severus said as Hermione and her friends exited the shop. "Konrad Vondran was Keeper for the Vratsa Vultures in Bulgaria, but he's made it known he'd like to play for the Ballymena Banshees in Ireland, and Kazimir Maschke III is going to be playing for the Chudley Cannons next season. He's asked to visit with Hermione." He's asked to visit with Hermione."

Hermione looked delighted. "Kazimir! In England?"

"Yes," he said with a smirk, "although, he's yet to confirm as to whether or not he'll accepted the Malfoys' invitation. I believe Viktor Krum and Konrad Vondran have also been invited to their home for Christmas through the New Year." Severus didn't bother to conceal his smirk at the look on Ronald's face at that announcement. "I believe, my dear wife, that you and I are invited to attend as well." Hermione looked skeptical as he took her arm with his.

"Are you serious? Kazimir Maschke is playing for the Cannons?" Ginevra asked in shock.

Ronald nodded. "They had to drop three players after this last season: two to injuries and one is quitting to have a family. I know they recruited a Beater from Portugal, Baltazar Bartholommeo Gonçalves. Plus, the team is under new management."

"It's Bartolomeu Gonçalves, Ron," Ginevra corrected him. "Baltazar Gonçalves is his brother. I'd heard that if Bartolomeu Gonçalves makes the team, Baltazar will attend Hogwarts for his last two years." She looked at Severus as if to silently inquire as to the validity of the rumor.

Severus shrugged. "I cannot confirm his transfer. Harry, Ronald, a pleasure. Please come up to the castle for dinner. I'd like to talk to you both in private," Severus said. It was a lie, but Ginevra looked pleased.

As they walked away, Severus leaned down to whisper in Hermione's ear, "If you like, I can make a veiled suggestion to Narcissa regarding your friends. They are famous, you know, and would add color to her guest list. Besides, Narcissa wants to throw us a Bonding reception." Luna smiled at him, even if Hermione appeared somewhat apprehensive at the idea, and Severus knew that, somehow, he'd see that it happened.

Severus guided Hermione and her friends to Scrivenshaft's to buy ink and then to Gladrags to buy Hermione new robes. When Hermione had stepped from the dressing room wearing a robe in a Mediterranean green color, Severus nodded approvingly, doing the same when she'd tried a golden copper one and then a garnet-colored robe as well. He held up a long, elegant, form-fitting, camel opera coat with fur trim at the collar for her to put on and smiled at the fit. "I'd like to have these sent to the school by owl," he stated to the shop assistant.

Hermione turned from where she'd been admiring the coat in the mirror and gaped at him. "Severus, why...?" she started to ask and was silenced by his smirk.

"First, it's nice to see you in robes. Secondly, this attire is more appropriate for a witch." He laughed at her suspicious expression, adding, "In case my great-grandfather wants to see you again, I can't have my wife wearing the same robes each visit." He turned to the assistant. "She'll require some formal robes."

Ginevra, who'd been fingering the sleeve to feel the butter softness of the wool, turned and stared at him, too. "You're serious about the Malfoys?"

"Yes, and it would behoove you to look at formal attire as well," he said with a smirk. "I'm certain that Harry can well afford it." Ginevra ran out of the shop, presumably to ask Harry's permission. Young people. It is the boy's duty after all.

When Ginevra returned, with Harry now standing guard at the shop entrance, the assistant had armfuls of robes for the girls to try on. In the end, Ginevra chose a lovely scooped-neck robe in Christmas green. Hermione chose an elegant black velvet gown with a wide neckline that left her shoulders bare. The open cutwork across the neckline also encompassed the sleeves and was decorated liberally with black crystals. Luna was longingly eyeing a lovely silver robe decorated with tiny aurora crystals. Severus asked the shop assistant to hold the silver robe. He'd personally send a message to Augusta Longbottom regarding the robes and the impending invitation.

"It's true? We'll be invited to the Malfoys' ball?" Ginevra asked Severus quietly as Hermione asked, "I thought you said you thought she would invite them – not that it had been confirmed."

He placed his hand on her lower back to guide her from the shop. "They're my friends, Hermione. Yes, Ginevra, I'm quite certain that you'll be invited, considering how your Bonded mate stood up for them at their trials. I was going to make it a surprise. Or don't you like surprises?" he asked as they exited the shop.

"I like surprises just fine, but I still wish you would've told me," Ginevra stated. Hermione turned to say something to Ginevra and Luna, but Luna was staring at the sky.

"They really are quite aerobatic, flying freely like that," Luna said dreamily, indicating the thestrals that were making loops in the air above the castle. "I love surprises. I've heard that the Malfoys throw very elaborate parties."

Severus lowered his head, mentally shaking it for looking upward at the thestrals. "Yes, Mrs. – Luna, they do," he replied. He still wasn't used to thinking of the girls by their given names, especially since technically they were still his students.

"Grandmother Longbottom wants to hold one," Luna stated. "She's already asked me who I want to invite." She looked at Hermione and Ginevra. "Of course it will be you, Harry and Ronald. I have few friends." She turned and looked at Severus as if just realizing he was standing there. The girl could be quite unnerving at times. "Of course, you're included, but please don't make Neville nervous. I'd hate for him to be unnerved."

Severus smirked at her. "I'll do my best – and I'm sure Hermione will keep me in line." Hermione said his name in shock over his comment, and he laughed softly. "How about an hour in the bookshop? There is one in Dove Town I've wanted to go to sometime," he said, his attention diverted to three fourth-years acting up outside of the apothecary. "They have an extensive classics section."

Ginevra, who'd been looking down the street, turned and stared at him, too. "You're leaving?"

"No, not today," Severus said as he indicated that they walk on. "If you like, I'll ask Auror Blume to have Harry and Ronald escort you back to the castle," he said and smirked at her.

"Would you? I mean, I'd appreciate it," Ginevra replied and exited the shop.

Hermione turned to Severus as soon as he'd closed the door to the shop, and asked, "When would we go? Or is this another surprise?"

He placed his hand on her lower back to guide her to the next shop. "I thought to make it a surprise, Hermione. Or don't you like surprises?" he asked again with a smirk. He spotted Harry and Cho talking to Reginald and wondered what about.

"It will be nice to spend some time with Harry and Ronald," Luna stated wistfully.

"So, how about lunch and a butterbeer?" Ginevra suggested, looping her arm with Hermione's. "Before Severus here absconds with you to the bookshop?" Hermione stared at Ginevra. "Oh, c'mon, you know you want to go – it's a bookshop! Besides, I now have permission to spend my evening with Harry at the castle!"

He rolled his eyes heavenward and followed the girls to the Three Broomsticks. Severus paid for her friends' drinks and leaned back in his chair, holding his ale as they talked. At least he had the bookshop to look forward to.

~ T B C ~>

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Author's notes:

For those of us who aren't familiar with the metric system, the sentence Severus said about the size of a Acromantula would read: "One three year old [Acromantula] has a leg span of six feet and can capture and kill a fully-grown mountain troll. I've seen it – not a pretty sight, I assure you. Fully grown, their leg span can reach over sixteen feet, and they can capture and kill immature giants."

I want to thank Arabellabloodgood, my alpha-reader, and my betas, WriterMerrin, EverMystique and DuchessOfArcadia, for giving this a read and helping me clean up all my mistakes. I really appreciate it very much.

Thank you also to Jay for my beautiful banner. I really love it!