Débuted and Eluded

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~o 48 o~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Débuted and Eluded

After spending all of Sunday and most of her day Monday in the library, searching through piles of potion books for any mention of a seed not on her list, Hermione returned to Severus' room to find Mrs. Malfoy's house-elf, Elbee, waiting for her again, this time laying out the lovely gold dress robe on the bed. The thousands of tiny black crystals on hand-tatted black lace embellishments glittered in the candle light on the lightweight, gold silk brocade and gold taffeta. She picked up the robes and held them up to her as she stared at herself in the mirror on the wardrobe. The off the shoulder, sweetheart v-neck design bodice was very romantic, and the full skirt with its layers trimmed with the same beaded lace was beautiful. She held the skirt out with one hand and turned back and forth, watching the fabric sway. Yes, like a princess, she thought as she set the robes back on the bed. She wondered briefly why she was to wear the gold gown instead of the typical white usually worn by debutantes, assuming that it might be because she was already Bonded to Severus.

The house-elf looked nervously at Hermione. "Miss, Elbee is to helps miss dress," she squeaked, wringing her hands. "Does miss not wants Elbee to helps her?"

"No, I appreciate the help," Hermione said as she silently undressed, then donned the garments that the elf handed her. Mrs. Malfoy had sent cream knickers with ivory lace, a matching strapless brassiere that, despite appearances, was remarkably comfortable, a cream garter and silk stockings. Hermione glanced at herself in the mirror, thinking, Severus is going to simply love this, ruefully as the house-elf held the robes open for her. She lifted her arms again, and with a snap of the elf's fingers, the robes slid into place.

After the house-elf finished her makeup and hair, she helped Hermione don her elbow-length, black gloves and put on the jewelry.

Hermione turned to look at herself in the mirror. The robes fit her perfectly, as if custom tailored just for her. Her hair had been tamed into a perfect coif, an elegant but complicated upswept hairdo of curls and twists with dozens of black crystal pins. Mrs. Malfoy's antique, Victorian bohemian garnet necklace and earrings, with its clusters and dangles, were pretty but far more elaborate than she'd have chosen. The heavy makeup made her skin look flawlessly smooth, like porcelain, hiding even the light freckles on her nose and the tiny scars on her forehead and jaw. The house-elf had emphasized her eyes, bringing out the gold and amber hues, and her mouth... Elbee had once again transformed her into a living doll. Picture perfect. Cinderella made ready for the ball. Then why do I feel more like Narcissa's Barbie than Cinderella?

She sighed. Why is all this necessary, being paraded around the pure-blood elite? Just eight or nine months ago, none of these people would have accepted me. They'd have spat in my face and called me a Mudblood.

"Hermione?" Severus asked from the doorway. "Are you ready?"

She turned slowly to face him. He was dressed in his best black robes again, holding their traveling cloaks on one arm, and his posture and natural grace made him appear every bit the elegant gentleman. She squared her shoulders and straightened her posture so that she had the same air he did. "I'm ready," she replied.

"You look lovely," he said as he held her cloak open for her.

She smiled at him, hoping that it didn't appear forced. "Thank you," she replied, mentally sighing at the endearment as she turned to allow him to drape the heavy fabric on her shoulders. Of course she looked lovely; once again Elbee had done her best to make her so, but it was a mask, a façade. With the heavy makeup, ostentatious jewelry, elaborate robes and the intricate hair style, Hermione had never felt less like herself.

He stepped aside to allow her to leave first, and she led the way to his office. He opened his office door, allowing her to descend the stairs to the corridor, like a perfect gentleman, then held his arm so she could place her hand on it as they descended the stairs, but he was quiet. Hermione followed along, wondering to herself what her friends were doing: if Neville was home yet, if Harry and Ginny were at the Burrow tonight, if Veronica and Alestra were with their boyfriends...

She squared her shoulders when they arrived at the gates and allowed Severus to Apparate them to their destination.

*

The Moncrieff's home was a large brick, eighteenth century house with graceful, park-like gardens. The parlor she had been led to was a showcase of elegance and money: dark, rich red on the walls with golden-cream crown molding and wainscoting, huge Oriental rugs on the floor and gold brocade drapes. The elegant Chippendale and Hepplewhite furniture was upholstered in expensive Italian fabrics.

Mrs. Malfoy had written a lengthy letter to Hermione, explaining the events of the evening. Guests arrived at six-thirty for hors d'oeuvres; the debutants had been bustled upstairs upon arrival and gathered together until seven o'clock when the girls' sponsors would 'make her application for presentation' to 'the court.' It gave Hermione time to get a bit more acquainted with several of the other girls, including Astoria Greengrass, who was likewise being introduced to society by the Malfoys even though Astoria was already engaged to Draco. Hermione had been thrilled to see Luna among the girls to be presented and greatly appreciated Luna's calm, serene disposition. It seemed that Hermione's exploits were well known to the girls, and she and Luna both found themselves answering questions and retelling stories about their adventures.

At seven-fifteen when the girls were lined up for their formal introductions to the court, which were a collection of elderly matrons of the elite wizarding society, Hermione collected herself and prepared to meet each woman with as much politeness as she could. However, her fears of being snubbed by these witches proved to be unfounded. Only three were politely cool toward her. Mrs. Burke had a serene but accepting smile when Mrs. Malfoy reintroduced them, and Mrs. Moncrieff herself expressed a warm regard "for such a brave young lady to have taken on the Dark Lord and survived." Hermione avoided Mrs. Malfoy's eye when she thanked the lady.

Mrs. Tulloch, Mrs. Robards, Mrs. Lodwick, and Mrs. Burkwald asked her about her creation of the spell that had saved Severus' life and were delighted to hear that she and Ginny would be validating his other potion discoveries. Mrs. Gabnold, Mrs. Nordquist, Mrs. Oswald, and Mrs. Parish had been astounded that the stories they'd heard about Hermione's involvement in the Gringotts break in were true and that she'd actually ridden a dragon to Scotland.

Mrs. Hopkirk and Mrs. Gumboil asked Hermione if she had any interest in magical law after finishing school, and Mrs. Hammond inquired if she would possibly like to consider International Magical Cooperation under her husband and offered to make introductions if she did. Hermione thanked her and said that she'd think about it. Mrs. Longbottom, Mrs. Gottlieb, and Mrs. Donovan greeted Hermione warmly: Mrs. Donovan asking how she was getting along in school and Mrs. Longbottom asking how her situation with Severus was working out.

At eight o'clock, the girls were lined up to be escorted down the grand staircase into the grand ball room. "How are you holding up?" Severus asked as he handed Hermione a flute of sparkling greyish-peach... something while they waited to be introduced. "It has a few potions in it, to help with nerves as well as to keep you from getting inebriated, so it might taste a bit strange," he warned her.

"Thank you." Hermione drank the contents quickly, eliciting a chuckle from him.

"Not at all, but a word of caution, sip the champagne from now on," he said softly with a smirk.

"I promise," she replied, not wanting a repeat of her experience after her last party, and slightly irritated by his patronizing attitude. A wizard in a white coat took her glass and told to take her place at the top of the stairs.

Severus tucked her arm in his with a smile. "You'll be fine," he assured her. When it was her turn to descend the stairs, a wizard with a booming voice announced, "Hermione Jean Snape," complete with her titles and honors.

As they took their position on the dance floor, Hermione was grateful that Severus was such an assured lead, and she relaxed in his arms as they moved around the dance floor. Since she and Severus were Bonded, she was able to spend the first set of dances with him, instead of being passed around to all the eligible wizards, which was a comfort.

Mr. Malfoy approached them when Severus finally led Hermione off the dance floor. Mr. Malfoy handed Hermione a flute of blush-peach sparkling wine, saying, "Its Moncrieff's own vintage. It's renowned among the wizarding world."

Hermione accepted the glass and took a tiny sip. The delicate flavors that danced on her tongue were incredible.

"May I say that you look absolutely lovely, my dear," he said smoothly, and she forced herself from rolling her eyes. After all, his wife had chosen the ensemble, and he'd paid for it, but she still felt like she was gussied up on display for the Malfoys' benefit. Severus smirked slightly, standing proudly.

She had been about to thank him when he added, "I would love the pleasure of a dance."

Hermione took a sip as she watched the guests, wanting to decline, but knew that since he was technically one of her sponsors, she couldn't refuse. "Of course, Mr. Malfoy, I'd be delighted," she said as politely as she could. She accepted his hand and followed him to the dance floor.

"How are you enjoying the ball?" he asked.

Hermione forced a smile. "It's lovely," she replied.

"But not exactly your forte?" he asked. He was strong and assured, and Hermione found that she could relax and trust his lead.

"Only a year ago many of these people wouldn't have given me the time of day," she said honestly.

He smirked at her. "You don't give yourself much credit."

"But I'll never be one of them," she replied. Pure-bloods – the Death Eaters? He tilted his head. "It's that I'm from a middleclass Muggle family, not the social elite, and everyone here are pure-bloods, aren't they?"

He laughed softly. "Not all of them, but the vast majority are. Even though we behave much like the bourgeoisie, many of the higher Department Heads at the Ministry and many notable wizards in their fields are generally invited to most of our functions."

She was about to ask, 'which functions,' when he added, "Your accomplishments alone have gained you the respect of everyone here, Hermione, and as Narcissa and I have tried to tell you, your Bonding with Severus promotes your position, if not their approval. You really should spend some time with Narcissa; she can explain the intricacies of the pure-blood society to you."

"I'll consider it," Hermione said, looking past his shoulder at the couples dancing near them. So the Death Eaters were not all from the social elite? She thought of Alecto and Amycus Carrow, who Neville referred to as pikeys, or Antonin Dolohov with his long, pale, twisted face, or the brutal-faced Sherman Yaxley... Surely none of them would fit in with this crowd. She wondered briefly if the Lestranges ever did. "Maybe we can talk when I visit next... or after the holidays."

The music stopped. "You will be welcomed in my home anytime, Hermione," he said with a slight bow. He held her hand up in his as he led her in Severus' direction. He stopped and turned to face her. "I now regret the misfortune of our previous associations, and I know you have reservations toward me and my family. I well know they are deserved. However, please believe me when I say that I would like very much to set that behind us and begin anew."

Hermione regarded him, watching his eyes for any sign of Slytherin concealment or deceit and found his expression one of open sincerity. "Draco said something similar..." Maybe Ginny's right, she thought, still staring Mr. Malfoy in the eye. She saw Severus approach with a sense of relief. "I think... I'd like to try."

His lips started to curve into a smirk that widened into a smile, and Hermione turned to see what he was smiling at. A thin wizard with a thin twisted moustache and wearing a monocle approached whom Hermione remembered from the Burke's party. "Ah, Hermione, may I reintroduce you Mr. Byron Ingoldsby," Mr. Malfoy said.

Mr. Ingoldsby greeted both Severus and Mr. Malfoy and then asked Severus for the pleasure of a dance with Hermione. Severus responded for her, and Hermione found herself dancing with a man who was stiff as wood and seemed to thrust and push her around the dance floor instead of guiding her like either Severus or Mr. Malfoy had.

After dancing with Severus again, Mr. Malfoy introduced her to several men of the social elite, including many of the husbands of the women she'd met earlier and many of the higher department heads of the Ministry. Hermione had been amazed by the fluidity in which Severus socialized with these people. In many ways he blended in, indistinguishable from the pure-blood elite; his posture identical to the majority of the men at the party, his quiet and reserved nature, in these surroundings, coming across as confidence rather than indifference as he conversed politely.

It was very early in the morning when Severus and Hermione returned to the castle. As she predicted, Severus was very appreciative of the cream and ivory lingerie, although being as exhausted as she, he was too tired to do much but hold her once they climbed into bed.

They rose late and enjoyed a light breakfast in bed the next morning. "What are your plans today?" she asked as she plucked a cherry from her breakfast pastry.

"Unfortunately, I have staff meetings all day, one of which I am late for," he said, leaning over to lick a bit of jam from her lips that turned into a leisurely kiss. "Not that I have time for this."

Hermione giggled. "Who's stopping you?" she asked, grinning.

"Minx," he snapped, smiling in return.

"Severus, do you really associate with all those people?" she asked, exchanging her pastry for her teacup. At his questioning frown, she added, "From the party."

"Not socially, no, except when required to do so if it's related to the school somehow or if they want something from me," he said with a smirk. He set his plate aside and leaned over to kiss her again. "Introductions, Hermione, are never for 'nothing'. I suspect that you'll choose a field in which you are able to change the world or make great discoveries," he said, still smirking at her as he rose and walked to the wardrobe. "Your contacts with the social elite will help you with whatever endeavor you take on, if not just financially."

"I don't like using people for their money," she stated, affronted by his statement.

He turned to face her as he buttoned up his shirt. "Did you or did you not try to raise student awareness your fifth year to the plight of house-elves?" he asked. He was apparently using a nonverbal charm of some sort to do up his buttons, because they seemed to fasten themselves as he moved his fingers over them.

"You knew about that?" she asked, blushing at the example, watching him tuck his shirt into his trousers.

"Of course. As ignorant as your assumptions were, you wanted to right a wrong," he stated as he sat on the edge of the bed to put on his boots. "You've even tried to champion me. I'm sure there will be another cause you'll want to undertake."

"You make me sound like a crusader," she groaned.

He turned to look at her with his hand on his knee. "You stand up for what you believe in," he said and walked to the wardrobe to get his coat. "I'm late," he announced, pulling on his frockcoat. "What are your plans today?"

"I thought I'd work on your list," she replied, watching his fingers as he did up the buttons. He was so quick, so agile, it had to be a charm of some sort.

"How is that coming?" he asked.

Hermione set her cup aside, and Mispy appeared to remove the tray. "I haven't found anything to add to the list. I have been making notations on how they are prepared, cut, sliced, ground and such, and quantity, but I haven't seen any potion requiring one thousand seeds. You were right, they are generally measured if in large quantities, and I haven't seen any number larger than fifty mentioned."

He pulled on his robes. "If you've exhausted all the books in the Potions section, you may use your time for something else," he said. He came over and sat on the bed next to her.

She hadn't exhausted all the books yet, not all the ones in the Restricted Section.

"Or you may use our Floo to go visit your friends," he suggested.

Hermione smiled at the suggestion. She weighed her options. "No, I'll get started on my holiday homework. We'll be seeing my friends the day after tomorrow anyway."

"Don't remind me," he sneered halfheartedly.

Contrary to what she'd told Severus, Hermione spent her day poring through Potions books. At lunch, Severus sat with Professors Flitwick and McGonagall, deep in conversation about something apparently serious, and not altogether pleasant, considering the way Professor McGonagall kept pursing her lips, the way Professor Flitwick's brow creased as he shook his head, and the scowl on Severus' face. Hermione had sat with Hagrid and the few students remaining at Hogwarts. Hagrid, who absolutely loved dragons, led a fascinating discussion about the creatures.

After lunch Severus had parchmentwork he had to finish, so Hermione went to see Hagrid and was surprised to see Professors Flitwick and McGonagall sitting at his table. "Hermione!" Hagrid exclaimed with a huge smile. "I didn' know ya were going with us."

"Going with you?" she asked and greeted her professors.

"I have an order to pick up at the bookshop, and Filius needs to take the pillows for his lessons to be restuffed," Professor McGonagall said, indicating the huge box on Hagrid's bed.

"Oh, well, I would like to go," she said and glanced at Hagrid, "if you think it would be all right. I would like to get something for Severus. I haven't been able to shop without him, er..."

"...hovering over you," Professor Flitwick finished for her with a grin. "I'm sure that it would be fine if you came with us." He jumped down from his seat. "Well, shall we go?"

"My money," Hermione said, ready to run back up to the Headmaster's tower to get her wallet.

"I'm sure the merchants will accept a payment voucher," Professor McGonagall said, collecting her gloves and cloak. "If not, you may pay me back for anything you wish to buy – within reason, of course."

Hermione smiled and thanked her. On their last shopping trip, Severus had signed a payment voucher but, as far as she knew, students were seldom allowed to. She had a good idea how much money she had left in her trunk, so if she were frugal she'd be all right.

The walk down to the village and the leisurely stroll through the shops was delightful for Hermione. Hagrid wanted to look through the secondhand store, and Professor Flitwick required new quills and ink. In the secondhand shop, Hermione bought a pair of lovely butterfly hair combs for Luna, and in the window of Wise Wizard's Wear, gentleman's robes for all occasions, she found a nice pair of dragon hide gloves for Severus and two wizard traveling cases she purchased for Harry and Ron. The cases were the size of a cigar box with compartments for all sorts of items, which would be perfect if they had to travel as Aurors. By enhancing a few of the spells, she could make them hold as much as her beaded purse had. In the stationery shop, she bought pretty silver and crystal inkwells for Alestra, Wendlynne, Veronica, and Sunita. However, she hadn't wanted to get Severus nor Mr. Prince quills, ink, or stationery; Severus had plenty of that, and she didn't know if Mr. Prince needed any.

Professors Flitwick and McGonagall both wanted to spend some time in the bookshop, which made Hermione smile, so Hagrid went to the Magizoological Emporium. Hermione searched the shelves for something Mr. Prince might like, but she really didn't know him well enough to know his tastes in literature.

"I'm surprised you don't find him easy to shop for," Professor McGonagall said casually, levitating a book from a lower shelf so she didn't need to bend over.

"I'm not sure what he'd like," Hermione replied, putting Magical Transmutation of Common Metals by Arthur Helmont back on the shelf with a frown, then taking Exoteric Practical Applications In Magic And It's Esoteric Aspects by Abelard Ashmole out. "What do you get a man who seems to have everything he needs and requires so little?" She was staying away from the shelves that carried the older tomes and first editions since she was trying to watch her spending. She already had two books that she thought Severus might like; one on Chinese Herbology and another, The Alchemical Philosophy of Transmutation of Elements of the Hellenistic Greeks that she found fascinating. She was hard pressed to choose, really wanting to buy both, even if she kept the Alchemy book for herself.

"He has many interests, Hermione," Professor McGonagall said, sending the book she had looked at back to its place on the shelf.

Hermione looked at her quizzically, then smiled when she realized they were speaking of two different men. "Oh, not Severus; I mean Mr. Prince, Severus' great-grandfather." Professor McGonagall looked at her in surprise. "Severus and I are spending tomorrow with him. I want to get him something, but I have no idea what."

Professor McGonagall's expression turned contemplative. "Where does he live?"

"In the Yorkshire Dales," Hermione said while putting the book by Abelard Ashmole back on the shelf.

"I may have an idea," Professor McGonagall said with a thoughtful smile. "If you're ready to go, I'd like to show you one of my favorite shops."

Hermione nodded, smiling at the prospect as she scrambled to her feet, clutching her three books to her chest. "I'm ready."

After they made payment arrangements for their books, Professor McGonagall requested that they be sent to the castle under her name and told Professor Flitwick where they were going. She led Hermione out of the shop to a quaint Scottish shop. Professor McGonagall showed Hermione a display case holding several ornate, shallow cups made of stone, brass, wood, horn, and silver. Each cup had two or three small, flat handles projecting horizontally from opposite sides of the rim. "These are Scottish friendship cups – otherwise known as a quaiche. It has been given as a gift for hundreds of years by Scotts to signify a bond of friendship with dear friends or to represent love. It's sometimes called the loving cup," her professor explained as the shopkeeper walked over to them.

They were pretty, the Celtic carving and knot work designs made them look special and the significance of the cup was perfect. "I think I'd like that silver one," Hermione said, and the shopkeeper smiled as he removed it from the case. It was lovely and the price, while a bit more than she'd expected, was within her means.

Professor McGonagall paid for the cup Hermione chose and had it sent to the castle. "Pay me back when we return," she said, handing Hermione the receipt.

Out on the street, Professor McGonagall asked her about her and Severus' plans for the holiday. Hermione was surprised that her professor thought they would be staying at the Malfoys' until New Year; but then Severus had moved her things into the Headmaster's suite without so much as informing her. "No, we'll be spending most of our time in Manchester," she said, explaining that they were only staying at the Malfoys' for two nights and part of Boxing Day.

~M~

Maggie could hardly believe her eyes; Professor Minerva McGonagall and Hermione Granger-Snape were leaving the adorable Scottish shop owned by Gregor MacFergusen and his lovely wife, Igraine. Oh, of all the luck!

Just as Maggie was about to wave at Mrs. Granger-Snape to get her attention, and hopefully ask the girl if she and her Bonded mate would please reconsider signing her Bonding confirmations, Professor McGonagall turned to the girl and said, "Severus indicated that you would be staying at the Malfoys' until New Year."

Maggie inhaled in astonishment. The Malfoys – through New Years. Everyone knows they are hosting those Quidditch player alumni from Durmstrang! Oh, what were their names? Not that Maggie expected an invitation to either of the Malfoys' parties, but she knew that the famous international Quidditch player Viktor Krum would be there, as well as the Chudley Cannons new player from Portugal, Bartolomeu Gonçalves.

However, the girl turned her head before Maggie could catcher eye. "No, we'll be spending most of our time in Manchester," she said and waved at Professor Flitwick across the street.

No matter, Maggie thought, I'll simply ingratiate myself with the...

Suddenly, a sickly pale, grayish-lime-green streak of light hit the wall of the shop next to Maggie, and she pulled back against the shop in terror. Death Eaters! Maggie saw both Professor McGonagall and Mrs. Granger-Snape draw their wands as they backed into the space between the nearest shops as two more spell fire blasts hit the walls of the shops behind them.

"Did you see where it came from?" Mrs. Granger-Snape asked nervously as Maggie recoiled, screaming in fear. Maggie cowered, her panicked mind searching for a way out...

"There. Brown robes, by the goat sallow," Professor McGonagall said, pointing with her wand. Down the street from her, Maggie saw Professor Flitwick had his wand drawn and was firing a spell at the place Professor McGonagall pointed out.

"Stay behind me, Hermione; Filius and I will handle this," Professor McGonagall said.

"But I can help," Mrs. Granger-Snape replied while Maggie fought back tears of panic as she hurried through the nearest door, just as the cracks and explosions of spellfire filled the street and shattered the widow of the shop.

"Hermione, get back," Maggie heard Professor Hagrid bellow from the street, and Mrs. Granger-Snape turned, just in time to use her shield to deflect a jet of bright red aimed at her. Maggie watched in spellbound horror as the girl defended herself in the street. Never had Maggie believed how skilled a fighter the swot was until this very moment.

"He's aiming for you, Hermione," Professor McGonagall said as she and Mrs. Granger-Snape sent hexes at the space between the shops where the curses were coming from. At the same time, Professor Flitwick lunged forward and rolled so he ended up kneeling, facing the gap between the shops, then fired his own spell. The Death Eater jumped out from the cover of the shops, firing curses as branches from the goat sallow went flying into the street; he fired at Professor McGonagall and Hermione again, taking Professor Flitwick's spell in the chest.

"Hermione, get back," Hagrid bellowed from down the street.

"Ma'am, come away from the window," a shop assistant said, trying to pull Maggie back into the shop and away from the gaping hole that had once contained glass.

She couldn't move; her own memory of the night her home had been attacked by Death Eaters warred with the sight unfolding before her. Junior Aurors and Aurors-in-training in their sharp, blue tunic uniforms arrived, and other wizards, Aurors perhaps. Harry Potter appeared, his wand blazing with one spell fired after another. Between him and the girl, Mrs. Granger-Snape, they were an amazing and horrible sight to see. The fighting was over in minutes, but to Maggie it seemed an hour. Harry Potter approached Mrs. Granger-Snape, and they ran toward Professor Hagrid and another dark-haired Auror Trainee.

"Ma'am, I must insist," the young man said, gently guiding Maggie away from the broken windows.

She allowed him to guide her, her thoughts tormented by the scene she'd witnessed. Her hand shook so that she nearly spilled the tea in the teacup she hadn't realized she held – or recalled accepting. She could still recall the green, yellow, purple, and red spell lights, hear the screams of her family and the smells... so much like what had wafted in through the shop's window.

A wizard in a blue tunic uniform asked her if she was all right, and offered to escort her home. "My home?" she asked, remembering how the Death Eaters had demolished the side of her home as her mum pulled Maggie into the Vanishing cabinet to escape... Her father lying on the floor by the remains of the Floo... The green flames fading to light orange and yellow fire...

"Ma'am, are you all right?" the nice young shop assistant asked.

"No – yes. I'm... Home. My... da," Maggie muttered as she nervously wondered if the Dark Mark was floating in the sky above Hogsmeade. Another huge tear rolled down her cheek.

~H~

Hermione saw Cho Chang running a few paces behind him, and another man Hermione didn't know was running toward Cho, taking aim. Hermione fired a Leg-locker and a Stunner in lightening quick succession at the man chasing Cho, pleased that her Stunner hit its mark and the wizard went down before his curses hit her. Behind her, Hermione heard Professor McGonagall call out to Professor Flitwick to see if the man by the Goat sallow was incapacitated.

"He's immobilized and securely tied, Minerva," Professor Flitwick shouted back.

Down the street, Hermione saw Cho cast a binding spell at the wizard Hagrid was wrestling to the ground and then she pulled something from her pocket and spoke to it.

Beside her, Professor McGonagall said, "Periculum," aiming her wand at the sky. Red sparks shot into the air. The pops of Apparition filled the street, and shouts from the arriving Aurors and Auror trainees could be heard all around them.

More Aurors suddenly appeared. "Hermione, are you all right?" Harry asked, running up to her, his wand in hand.

"Yeah, I'm fine," she replied, pointing at the guy on the ground in the middle of the street. "I stunned him, and the professors captured someone back there, next to the Goat sallow."

Harry turned and groaned. "That's Auror Raphael Sparks; he's Cho's training instructor."

Hermione's shoulders slumped as she realized her mistake.

"It's all right; he's only stunned, right?" he asked as he tried to draw her aside, out of the middle of the street. "Let's get you back to the castle, shall we?"

"But who are they and why did they attack us?" she asked, moving quickly toward Hagrid and Cho instead. Cho and two other Auror trainees were pulling the tightly bound wizard into a sitting position.

Harry approached Cho. "The other one got away. But this is Gene Bulstrode, Harry," she replied when he asked. "He's on the suspect list. He's friends with Wallace Avery and Flavius Mulciber and the late Evander Pucey, but we've never been able to find any evidence that he was a Death Eater."

One of the trainees Hermione recognized, Imelda Drake, a Hufflepuff from Fred and George's year, pulled Bulstrode's sleeve up and cast a complicated revealing charm. "No Dark Mark. Possibly a supporter."

Aurors Hayward Blume and Ralph Lerman approached, followed by Professors Flitwick and McGonagall. "Wilmont Griswold," Blume said to the trainees, "and he had the Dark Mark."

Harry rubbed Hermione's arm when she inhaled sharply at the news. "His daughter is in Gryffindor... sixth year. They own an inn in Fort William by the Loch Linnhe. She invited me to go..."

"Well, I hope you've decided to decline," Cho said, her smile not concealing her concern. "You all right, Hermione?"

She nodded as Professor McGonagall said, "She's fine, but I'd best get her to the school. If you need us, please feel free to come to the castle. Miss Cho, Mr. Potter, Miss Drake, thank you very much for your assistance. It's good to see you. Hermione."

"Might be best if we get the account now while it's fresh in your minds," Auror Blume suggested. "Since Sparks is going to St. Mungo's to get checked out, I'll proctor Miss Chang."

Professor McGonagall nodded, giving her consent. Auror Blume walked back to the castle with Professors Flitwick and McGonagall as Hagrid and Hermione walked up the hill behind them, talking with Cho and Harry. They all went into a classroom on the ground floor, and Professor McGonagall transfigured the old desks into a table and chairs.

~S~

"What happened?" Severus demanded as he burst into the room, his robes billowing behind him.

Hermione jumped up and ran to him. "We were attacked in Hogsmeade, Severus."

He grabbed her by her arms, his gaze sweeping over her as he asked, "Are you hurt?"

"No. I'm fine," Hermione said to reassure him. "Professors McGonagall and Flitwick got one of them, and Hagrid and Cho got the other, but the third one escaped."

Harry quickly told Severus what had happened. Severus relaxed slightly, but put his arm around Hermione as he turned to face her friend. "Thank you, Po-Harry."

"You're welcome, Severus," Harry replied, then added, "We're going to take statements," as he turned to Cho. Hermione sat back down, knowing how thorough the trainees were in their investigations.

Cho was very professional and concise with her questions, taking down Professor Flitwick's, then Professor McGonagall's statements. When it was her turn, Hermione told Cho what she knew and precisely what she did and saw. Finally, Cho questioned Hagrid on his account of the attack and then wrapped up her questions. Blume checked everyone's wands with the Priori Incantato to verify what spells were used as Cho wrote them down.

Once Cho was done, Hagrid stood up, his chair scraping on the stone floor. "I'll see everyone to the gates, Headmaster," Hagrid said, looking hopefully at Harry.

Professor McGonagall leaned toward Hermione. "Come up to my office when you have a moment," she said softly and rose. Severus eyed her suspiciously as the elderly woman approached Cho and Auror Blume.

"Hermione," Severus growled softly as Hermione went to thank Hagrid for the afternoon and for helping to save her life.

In the Entrance Hall, Severus scowled as Hermione stopped to hug Harry. "Thank you for coming," she said in his ear.

"It's my job, but I'm glad you're okay," he said and then whispered, "Don't let him berate you too much; it wasn't your fault."

She hugged him tighter and then backed away. "Tell Ginny and Ron hello for me."

"I will. See you tomorrow," he said and left.

Hermione watched everyone leave and turned to walk up the stairs with Severus and Professor McGonagall, both women chatting away and ignoring his dark expression.

When Hermione and Severus entered his office, Severus turned on her. "What in the hell were you doing in Hogsmeade? You were supposed to be in the library!" he snarled.

"Hagrid and Professors McGonagall and Flitwick were going, and they invited me along." Hermione tried to pull out the chair in front of his desk to sit and realized that her arm felt strange... numb. "I thought it would be fine. Get some last minute gifts for Christmas... and something for Mr. Prince," she replied, staring at her hand as she flexed and extended her fingers and rolled her wrist.

"What's wrong with your hand?" he asked, his anger making his question sound sharp.

"It feels... asleep... and my fingers feel... thick," she said, trying to grip the chair again. Her hand responded as it should but her grip felt weak and her hand numb.

He walked over and gently took her hand in his. He drew his wand and then did a simple nerve conduction test. "Take your jumper off," he insisted.

"Not in here," she refused, rolling her eyes toward the portraits.

"Fine," he snapped, turning her forcefully so she faced the stairs. "Go up to the room and strip out of your top there."

She decided not to argue with him. As soon as she entered the bedroom, she pulled off her jumper and removed her blouse, fighting back her nervousness under his glare, and was surprised to see a huge red welt on her upper arm.

He cast a detection spell on the welt and shook his head. "Your arm was grazed by one of the curses," he stated.

Aideen cooed at them from her perch.

"Who hit you? Did you see the spell light?" Severus asked, examining her skin closely.

"I don't know. I only saw a few. Two a sickly green, two or three were a bright red, a purple and a yellow one," she said, watching him with concern, "but I deflected those easily enough."

Aideen fluffed her new plumage, her brilliant golds and reds so similar to her sire, and trilled.

Severus turned his head. "Quiet down," he admonished the bird softly, but there was little ire in his voice. "What other spell sign did you see other than the color?"

The young phoenix scooted closer to the edge of her nest and spread her wings as she trilled again.

Severus lowered his wand and approached the bird. "You have something to impart on the situation?" he asked the phoenix, and Aideen bobbed her head, stretching her neck toward Hermione. "You want to go to Hermione?" he asked, holding his arm for Aideen to mount. Hermione approached, and Aideen tried to reach out to her.

Hermione moved closer, intrigued that the young phoenix wanted to see the welt as well. As she turned so that the bird could see the welt on her arm, Aideen cooed, straining again for a closer look. Finally Hermione realized what the bird really wanted and moved closer. Aideen hopped up onto Hermione's shoulder, angled her head and small pearlescent tears fell from her eyes and dripped off her beak onto Hermione's arm. The sensation was both cool and warm at the same time as the tears absorbed into her skin. Her arm tingled, spreading up her shoulder as well as down her arm to her fingertips in seconds, and her whole arm felt stronger and warm.

Aideen reached out her foot to Severus, and he extended his arm for the young phoenix with a look of awed amazement. She settled back on Severus' arm and cooed softly, the sound of pure contentment. He gazed at her in dumfounded wonder.

"I didn't know she was mature enough to shed healing tears," Hermione said in amazement.

"Nor did I." Severus stroked Aideen lovingly, making the bird coo even more. He looked up at Hermione. "How does your arm feel?"

"Never better," she replied, testing the strength of her hand. Even the welt had disappeared. "Thank you, Aideen."

The young phoenix fluffed her feathers and looked longingly at her stand. Laughing softly, Severus returned her to her nest. "She hasn't even taken her first flight yet," he said in awe, his voice rich with emotion.

Hermione walked up and put her arms around him. "Severus, tell me about Aideen," she asked. "How did you come by her?"

"The nest and the stand were gifted to me as well as a few of Dumbledore's belongings in his will," he said, looking at the small phoenix. "I even have a set of the old man's robes."

He took Hermione's hand and sat on the bed, indicating she sit between his legs, and held her tight. "Fawkes knew his human familiar was dying; he tried using his tears several times on the old man's cursed hand, to no avail. The tears would help the pain and heal the hand and forearm temporarily, but never completely. As the curse spread up the Headmaster's arm, even the tears stopped helping – well, except for the pain. Finally, Fawkes began flying everyday to get the materials for his funeral nest. Dumbledore had planted the necessary Boswellia and Commiphora myrrha in one of the greenhouses. Boswellia resin, as you know, produces true frankincense. Fawkes also collected oak twigs, grasses, and strands of unicorn hairs from the Forbidden Forest. His last combustion created a deep layer of ashes in his nest for his entombment," he explained.

"So you added your tears to the nest and lit the ashes to bring forth the new bird," she said softly, hugging his arms around her middle. "That's why you were crying that day."

He nodded and rested his chin on her shoulder. After a long pause he said, "I don't want you leaving the castle without me. I don't want you hurt."

She twisted around so she could face him. "I thought that with Professors Flitwick and McGonagall with me that I had enough protection. Besides, except for the graze on my arm, everything went all right."

"Yes, but you were lucky. Professor Flitwick is still as agile as ever, but Professor McGonagall is not as spry as she once was. Umbridge's attack your fifth year and this war has taken its toll on her, and Hagrid hasn't got a proper wand." He tightened his arms and held her close. "You take too many risks. You let your guard down too easily. You must stop being so naïve and trusting." He leaned back to look her in the eyes. "Bloody hell, girl, you survived two battles and a war and you never learned to be aware of your surroundings?"

"Three battles of the same war," she said, trying to lighten the mood, but flinched at his scowl. She knew he was right, but she'd honestly believed she'd be fine.

Severus kissed her temple. "Even a graze on your arm can turn bad, Hermione. The magic of the curse made contact, and many curses can fester, spread and even gain strength by drawing from your own magic to consume you. Never assume a graze, indirect glance, or a rebounded curse's graze makes a difference. It still must be tended to."

"I know that, but I didn't feel the spell's contact at all." She laid her head on his shoulder. "I just don't want to live my life paranoid like Mad-Eye Moody did and blast at shadows or alley cats or anything I see moving."

He turned her face toward his with his fingertips. "You're too sensible to turn into someone like Alastor Moody," he said softly and kissed her.

The soft flutter of his lips on hers sent a tingle through her, and she shifted so that she could wrap one arm around his neck and kiss him back. His arms tightened, and he nipped softly on her lower lip, then gently caressed the soft flesh with his lips. She closed her eyes, allowing the strength of his lean body to support hers, and ran her fingers though his hair. She inhaled deeply, loving combination of spices and his scent.

The soft teasing turned sensual, and his breath tickled and warmed her cheek as his mouth melded with hers. She opened her mouth slightly, and his head shifted, his tongue seeking entrance. Hermione stroked his tongue with hers, turning in his arms so that her other arm could slide around his body, and she clung to him. He chuckled, guiding her to move her legs so that she now straddled his thighs.

With a wicked grin, she pushed him onto his back, never losing contact with those incredible lips. Her hair framed them both as she took over the kiss, enjoying having him lying beneath her. One of his hands tightened in her hair, holding her securely but not too tightly, and the other grasped her hips as he responded to her kisses, matching her movements with equal ardor.

She stroked his face, trailing her fingers down his cheek, jaw and down his neck, but he froze and hissed when her fingers grazed his scar. "Does it still hurt?" she asked, pulling back.

"No," he said, crushing her to him as he rolled on the bed so that they now lay facing each other. He leaned forward to kiss her, but she withdrew in concern. "Sometimes," he said, staring at her. "Sometimes when something touches it, it feels odd – tingles. It's nothing."

She pushed his hair from his face and slid one finger down his cheek to his chin as she stared at him.

"What?"

"Just looking," she replied, still staring at him as she slid her finger across his lower lip. He kissed her finger as it passed, which made her smile.

"Hermione, I hate being stared at," he said, twitching his head so that his hair fell freely again.

She tried to push his hair behind his ear, but he angled his head to prevent her. "Why don't you ever tie your hair back?" she asked.

"I hate my ears," he replied, leaning down to kiss her. She ran her hand through his hair, pushing it back again. "Hermione," he growled silkily.

"I love it when you do that," she replied, and Aideen cooed softly from her nest.

"Do what precisely," he growled out slowly, rolling each word so it came out like smooth velvet.

"Growl like that," she said, just the inflections of his voice made her breath hitch and her heartbeat speed up. Her leg slid up his so that her groin pressed on his thigh, and her arm tightened around him, pulling him closer as if on their own accord in response to his voice. "It's so sexy."

He smirked. "The sound of my voice is sexy?" he asked, melodically enunciating each word.

"Yes!" she said, leaning up to kiss him.

His mouth met hers, and he pressed her back into the mattress. "Good," he said and nipped at her lips. She tried to nip him back, but he sniped at her and caught her mouth with his, crushing her slightly in a sensual kiss that left her breathless. His kiss intensified, becoming firmer and consuming, until she was literally writhing beneath him. "Minx," he growled, his hand grasping her so that he pinned her down. "I still have work to finish before we can leave tomorrow."

"What's stopping you?" she asked cheekily, knowing full well she was having as much of an affect on him as he was on her.

He pushed himself up so he leaned over her. "You are." He kissed her nose. "Now be good, stay inside the castle and let me finish my work."

She sighed as he shoved himself off her and climbed off the bed.

~S~

Severus walked to his office with a smirk firmly in place. Things couldn't be better. He loved the fact that she had pushed him back onto the bed and kissed him. If he didn't honestly have a ton of work to finish before he could leave the castle, he'd have let her have her way to see how far she'd have taken things. Or he'd have undressed her and had her ride him, just to see her taking her pleasure from him. In fact he would, tonight. The idea made his already engorged penis twitch with anticipation.

But there was all the end-of-term parchmentwork to finish for the school governors, as well as the necessary papers from the Apparition Testing and Guidelines office for the Apparition lessons that would begin next term, and the inquiry sent from the Regulation and Control of Magical Creatures regarding the new regulations for the school's animal paddocks. That, and Madam Hooch still insisted that the schools brooms needed replacing. The joys of being Headmaster.

It was always one thing after another.

At least he didn't have imbeciles to teach or plagiarized papers full of grammatical and spelling errors to grade.

~ T B C ~>

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~o0o~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Author's notes: